US20150001238A1 - Tissue Dispenser With Integral Waste Receptacle - Google Patents

Abstract

A tissue dispenser includes a tissue container having a plurality of walls forming a rectangular-shaped hollow interior space for holding clean tissues and a dispensing opening for removing the clean tissues from the interior space, and a plastic bag having an interior cavity separate from the interior space and an access opening for inserting soiled tissues into the interior cavity. The plastic bag is secured to the container and lays flat against an exterior surface of the container when the plastic bag is empty. At least a portion of the plastic bag is stretchable so that the plastic bag elastically expands when the soiled tissues are inserted into the plastic bag to hold and retain the soiled tissues within the plastic bag.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
• Not Applicable
PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
• Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO APPENDIX
• Not Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The field of the present invention generally relates to tissue dispensers, and more particularly, to tissue dispensers having integral waste receptacles for soiled tissues and other debris.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Standard tissue dispensers such as disposable boxes are portable and can be taken anywhere including locations outdoors, in motor vehicles, and on public transportation, etc. However, unless there is a waste receptacle nearby, you cannot promptly dispose the tissues once they are soiled. Even when a waste receptacle is present, it can be difficult to timely reach the waste receptacle or to get the soiled tissues into it. This is especially true when outdoors, in an automobile, or bed ridden, or at any time for a young child.
• Many attempts have been made to combine tissue dispensers with waste receptacles. Some of these attempts have failed because they create containers that are bulky even when the waste receptacle is empty and/or that are difficult or troublesome to insert soiled tissues into or remove soiled tissues from. Others of these attempts have failed because the waste receptacle does not adequately retain the soiled tissues, particularly when the tissue dispenser is to be carried or otherwise mobile. Yet others of these attempts have failed because they are overly complex and/or are too expensive to produce. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved tissue dispenser with an integral waste receptacle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Disclosed herein are tissue dispensers and waste receptacles which overcome at least one of the deficiencies of the prior art. Disclosed is a tissue dispenser comprising, in combination, a container having a plurality of walls forming a rectangular-shaped hollow interior space for holding clean tissues and a dispensing opening for removing clean tissues from the interior space, and a plastic bag having an interior cavity and an access opening for inserting soiled tissues into the interior cavity. The plastic bag is secured to the container and lays flat against an exterior surface of the container when the plastic bag is empty. At least a portion of the plastic bag is stretchable so that the plastic bag elastically expands when soiled tissues are inserted into the plastic bag.
• Also disclosed is a tissue dispenser comprising, in combination, a container having a plurality of walls forming a rectangular-shaped hollow interior space for holding clean tissues and a dispensing opening for removing clean tissues from the interior space, a cover over the container and having an open bottom so that the cover can be slid onto and off of the box, and a plastic bag having an interior cavity and an access opening for inserting soiled tissues into the interior cavity. The plastic bag is secured to the cover and lays flat against an exterior surface of the cover when the plastic bag is empty. At least a portion of the plastic bag is stretchable so that the plastic bag elastically expands when soiled tissues are inserted into the plastic bag.
• Also disclosed is a waste receptacle for holding soiled tissues to be secured to a tissue container comprising, in combination, a plastic bag having a plurality of rectangular-shaped walls secured together to form an interior cavity and an access opening for inserting soiled tissues into the interior cavity, pressure-sensitive adhesive located on at least a portion of one of the wall for securing the plastic bag to the tissue container; and a release liner temporarily covering the pressure-sensitive adhesive. At least a portion of the plastic bag is stretchable so that the plastic bag elastically expands when soiled tissues are inserted into the plastic bag.
• From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology and art of tissue dispensers. Particularly significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for providing an easy to use and effective waste receptacle for a tissue dispenser that is relatively inexpensive and simple in design. Additional features and advantages of various preferred embodiments will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and drawings, wherein:
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of tissue dispenser with an integral waste receptacle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plastic bag is secured to a sidewall of an upright-type tissue container.
• FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 1, wherein the plastic bag is empty.
• FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 1 similar toFIG. 2, but wherein soiled tissues are retained within the plastic bag.
• FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of first variation of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 1, wherein the plastic bag is located on a bottom wall of the tissue container rather than on a side wail of the tissue container.
• FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the first variation of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 1 similar toFIG. 4, but wherein soiled tissues are retained within the plastic bag.
• FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of second variation of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 1, wherein a plurality of the plastic bags are secured to the tissue container.
• FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the second variation of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 1 similar toFIG. 6, but wherein soiled tissues are retained within the plastic bag.
• FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of third variation of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 1, wherein the tissue container is located within the plastic bag.
• FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the third variation of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 1 similar toFIG. 8, but wherein soiled tissues are retained within the plastic bag.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tissue dispenser with an integral waste receptacle according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plastic bag is secured to a sidewall of an flat-type tissue container.
• FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 10, wherein the plastic bag is empty.
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a tissue dispenser with an integral waste receptacle according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plastic bag is secured to a sidewall of an family size flat-type tissue container.
• FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 1, wherein the plastic bag is empty.
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a first variation of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 12, wherein the plastic bag has a height less than the height of the tissue container and the tissue container is located within the plastic bag.
• FIG. 14A is a cross sectional view of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 14.
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a tissue dispenser with an integral waste receptacle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plastic bag is secured to a cover located on a tissue container.
• FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 15, wherein the plastic bag is empty.
• FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a waste receptacle to be secured to a tissue container according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plastic bag is configured to be secured to an exterior wall of a tissue container.
• FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of a waste receptacle to be secured to a tissue container according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plastic bag is configured to receive a tissue container therein.
• FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of a waste receptacle to be secured to a tissue container according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a tissue dispenser with an integral waste receptacle according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plastic bag is secured to a sidewall of an pocket-pack type tissue container.
• FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 20, wherein the plastic bag is empty.
• FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a tissue dispenser with an integral waste receptacle according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plastic bag is secured to a sidewall of an travel-pack type tissue container.
• FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of the tissue dispenser ofFIG. 22, wherein the plastic bag is empty.
• It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the tissue dispensers and the waste receptacles as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes of the various components, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or illustration. All references to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the tissue dispensers and the waste receptacles illustrated in the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology, that many uses and design variations are possible for the improved tissue dispensers and waste receptacles disclosed herein. The following detailed discussion of various alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the general principles of the invention with regard to disposable box-type tissue containers. Other embodiments suitable for other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.
• Referring now to the drawings,FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate atissue dispenser10 according to a first illustrated embodiment of the present invention. Theillustrated tissue dispenser10 includes atissue container12 having a rectangular-shaped hollowinterior space14 for holding cleanfacial tissues16 and a dispensingopening18 for removing the cleanfacial tissues16 from theinterior space14, and awaste receptacle20 including aplastic bag22 having aninterior cavity24 and an access opening26 for inserting soiledfacial tissues28 into theinterior cavity24. Theplastic bag22 is secured to thetissue container12 and lays flat against an exterior surface of thetissue container12 when theplastic bag22 is empty. At least a portion of theplastic bag22 is stretchable so that theplastic bag22 elastically expands when the soiledfacial tissues28 are inserted into theplastic bag22.
• The illustratedtissue container12 has a plurality ofwalls30a,30b,30cincluding a planar and rectangular-shapedtop wall30a,a planar and rectangular shapedbottom wall30bopposed and parallel to thetop wall30a,and tow planar and rectangular-shapedside walls30cperpendicularly extending between edges of thetop wall30aand thebottom wall30b.The plurality ofwalls30a,30b,30cform the rectangular-shaped hollowinterior space14 in which a stack of the cleanfacial tissues16 is stored. The illustratedtop wall30ais provided with theentire dispensing opening18. It is noted that the dispensing opening19 can alternatively be provided in any other one of thewalls30b,30cand/or can extend between more than one of thewalls30a,30b,30c.The dispensingopening18 is sized and shaped so that the cleanfacial tissues16 are retained within theinterior space14 but can be withdrawn through the dispensingopening18 one by one when desired from the top of the stack. The illustrated dispensingopening18 is oval shaped but any other suitable shape can alternatively be utilized. The cleanfacial tissues16 are typically stacked folded in an interlocking manner so that the withdrawal of the top cleanfacial tissue16 partially withdraws the next cleanfacial tissue16 in the stack but thefacial tissues16 can be stored in any suitable manner. The cleanfacial tissues16 are typically stacked flat when stored in a flat-type tissue container (seeFIGS. 10 to 14). The illustratedtissue container12 holdsfacial tissues16 are standard paper facial tissues but it is noted that any other type of facial tissue or any other type of disposable tissue can alternatively be utilized.
• The illustratedtissue container12 is an upright or cube-style disposable container but thetissue container12 can alternatively be of any other suitable style or configuration such as, for example, a disposable flat box, a family size disposable flat box, a travel pack, a pocket pack, a non-disposable container, and the like. The illustratedtissue container12 has a size of about 4½ inches wide by about 4½ inches deep by about 5 inches tall but it is noted that any other suitable size can be utilized. The illustratedtissue container12 in constructed of paperboard that has been folded and secured together with adhesive. It is noted however that thetissue container12 can comprise any other material such as, for example, plastic or other films, rigid plastic and the like and/or can be constructed in any other suitable manner such as, for example, molding.
• The illustratedplastic bag22 has a plurality ofwalls32a,32bincluding opposed inner and outer planar and rectangular-shapedwalls32a,32bsecured together along three edges of the inner andouter walls32a,32bto form theinterior cavity24 between the inner andouter walls32a,32b.The remaining fourth edge of the inner andouter walls32a,32bis not secured together to form the access opening26 to theinterior cavity24. Constructed in this manner, theplastic bag22 lays flat against an outer planar surface thetissue container12 with the opposedouter wall32blaying generally flat against theinner wall32awhen theinterior cavity24 is empty. It is noted that the plastic22 bag can alternatively have any other suitable configuration such as, for example, the alternative configurations described herein below.
• The illustratedwalls32a,32bof theplastic bag22 comprise a light weight plastic material such as, for example, Low Density Poly Ethylene (LDPE) or the like, but any other suitable material can alternatively be utilized. The illustratedwalls32a,32bare plastic film having a thickness of about 0.7 mils to about 1.5 mils and more preferably about 1.1 mills but any other suitable thickness can alternatively be utilized. At least a portion of thewalls32a,32bof theplastic bag22 is stretchable so that theplastic bag22 elastically expands when the soiledfacial tissues28 are inserted into theplastic bag22. Both of the illustrated inner andouter walls32a,32 are entirely stretchable. However, only the illustratedouter wall32b,either entirely or partially, needs to be stretchable (because theinner wall32acannot stretch once entirely secured to thetissue container12 with adhesive as described below).
• The illustrated stretchable portion of theplastic bag22 comprises a plastic film that was mechanically treated by a process SELFing (Structurally Elastic-Like Film) to increase elasticity of the plastic film. It is noted however that the stretchable portion can alternatively be formed by mechanically treating plastic form by any other suitable process such as for example, ring rolling, corrugating, mechanically straining, heating and deforming, and the like and/or can comprise any other suitable elastic material. The SELFing process subjects the plastic film to compression between mating plates to form a network of distinct regions therein to provide properties of a SELF film material. The plastic film is deeply embossed with a pattern, such as a diamond-like pattern or the like, that gives the plastic film elasticity so that pressure is diverted away from a point of impact and the plastic film stretches around objects instead of puncturing or tearing. The SELFing process is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,518,801, 5,691,035, 5,723,087, 5,891,544, 5,916,663, 5,968,029, and 6,027,483, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
• The illustratedplastic bag22 also includes a strip of resilientlyelastic material34 encircling the access opening26 to resiliently close the access opening26 to retain the soiledfacial tissues28 within theplastic bag22. Theelastic material34 can be of any suitable type and is sized so that when relaxed or nearly relaxed, the access opening26 is closed, even when the soiledfacial tissues28 are within theinterior cavity24 but can be resiliently expanded in order to open the access opening26 to insert the soiledfacial tissues28 through theaccess opening26. The illustratedelastic material34 extends entirely about the access opening26 but it is noted that theelastic material34 can alternatively be provided only on theouter wall32b(because theinner wall32acannot stretch once theinner wall32ais fully secured to thetissue container12 with adhesive as described below). It is noted that theelastic material34 can alternatively be eliminated so that the soiledfacial tissues28 are retained within theplastic bag22 solely by the stretchable portion of theplastic bag22 or other means of securing the access opening26 closed.
• The illustratedinner wall32aof theplastic bag22 is secured to one of theside walls30cof thetissue container12 with the access opening26 facing in an upward direction. Theplastic bag22 can alternatively be secured to any other one of theside walls30cof thetissue container12, to any other one of thewalls30a,30bof thetissue container12, to more than onewall30a,30b,30cof thetissue container12, and/or in any other suitable orientation such as sideways or downward. The illustratedplastic bag22 is sized so that it is substantially the same size as theside wall30cof thetissue container12 but theplastic bag22 can alternatively have any other suitable size such as, for example, theplastic bag22 can have a height and/or length that is less than the height and/or length of thetissue container12. Substantially the entire outer surface of illustratedinner wall32aof theplastic bag22 is secured to the planer outer surface of thetissue container12 with an adhesive such as, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive. Theplastic bag22 can alternatively be secured to thetissue container12 with any other suitable adhesive and/or in any other suitable manner. With substantially the entireinner wall32aof theplastic bag22 adhered to theside wall30cof thetissue container12, the illustratedplastic bag22 lays flat against the exterior surface of the tissuecontainer side wall30cwhen theplastic bag22 is empty (best shown inFIG. 2). When the soiledfacial tissues28 are inserted through the access opening26 and into theinterior cavity24, theouter wail32bstretches to generally conform to the shape of the contents of theplastic bag22 and resiliently holds the soiledfacial tissues28 within theplastic bag22.
• FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a first variation of the tissue dispenser10awhich is substantially the same as the first embodiment described above except that theplastic bag22 is secured to an exterior surface of thebottom wall30bof thetissue container12. This first variation illustrates that theplastic bag22 can be alternatively secured to any of thewalls30a,30b,30cof thetissue container12.
• FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a second variation of thetissue dispenser10bwhich is substantially the same as the first embodiment described above except that a plurality of theplastic bags22 is secured to thetissue container12. This second variation illustrates that any quantity of theplastic bag22 can be alternatively secured to thetissue container12. For example, 1 to 6 of theplastic bags22 can be utilized if a single one of theplastic bags22 is secured to one or more of thewalls30a,30b,30cof thetissue container12 and more if more than one plastic bag is secured to each of thewalls30a,30b,30cof thetissue container12.
• FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a third variation of thetissue dispenser10cwhich is substantially the same as the first embodiment described above except that thetissue container12 is located within theplastic bag22aand an interior surface of theplastic bag22ais secured to thetissue container12. This third variation illustrates that theplastic bag22 can have alternative configurations within the scope of the present invention.
• The illustratedplastic bag22ahas a plurality ofwalls32a,32b,32c32dincluding a planar and rectangular-shapedinner wall32a,an outer planar and rectangular-shapedouter wall32bparallel and opposed to theinner wall32a,a pair of planar, rectangular-shaped, parallel and spaced-apartside walls32cperpendicularly extending from side edges of the inner andouter walls32a,32bto connect the inner andouter walls32a,32btogether, and a planar, rectangular-shapedbottom wall32dconnecting bottom edges of the inner, outer andside walls32a,32b32ctogether to form a closed bottom of theplastic bag22a.Configured in this manner, thewalls32a,32b,32c,32dform theinterior cavity24 between the inner andouter walls32a,32b.The upper edge of the inner, outer andside walls32a,32b,32cform the access opening26 to theinterior cavity24. The illustratedplastic bag22ais sized to closely receive thetissue container12 therein with the exterior surface of thebottom wall30bof thetissue container12 engaging the exterior surface of thebottom wall32dof theplastic bag22aand the exterior surfaces of theside walls30cof thetissue container12 adjacent the interior surfaces of the inner, outer, andside walls32a,32b,32cof theplastic bag22a.Constructed in this manner, theplastic bag22alays flat against the outer surface thetissue container12 when theinterior cavity24 is empty of debris (but contains the closely conforming tissue container12).
• The illustratedplastic bag22aalso includes the strip of resilientlyelastic material34 encircling the access opening26 to resiliently close the access opening26 to retain the soiledfacial tissues28 within theplastic bag22. Theelastic material34 can be of any suitable type and is sized so that when relaxed or nearly relaxed, the access opening26 is closed, even when the soiledfacial tissues28 are within theinterior cavity24. The illustratedelastic material34 extends entirely about the access opening26 by extending about the entire upper edge of the inner, outer, andside walls32a,32b,and32cso that theelastic material34 resiliently engages the side walls of thetissue container12 to close theaccess opening26. Theelastic material34 is preferably sized substantially equal to or less than the size of the perimeter of thetissue container12 so that even in its relaxed state it is at or near the perimeter ofside walls30cof the issue container to close the access opening26 but can be resiliently expanded in order to open the access opening26 to insert the soiledfacial tissues28 through theaccess opening26. It is noted that theelastic material34 can alternatively be eliminated so that the soiledfacial tissues28 are retained Within theplastic bag22 solely by the stretchable portion of theplastic bag22 or other means of securing the access opening26 closed.
• The illustrated inner, outer, andside walls32a,32b,32cof theplastic bag22aare stretchable but it is noted that all or any other portions of theplastic bag22acan alternatively he stretchable. The inner surface of thebottom wall32dthe illustratedplastic bag22ais secured to the exterior surface of thebottom wall30bof thetissue container12 with adhesive. It is noted, however, that theplastic bag22acan alternatively be secured to thetissue container12 in any other suitable manner such as for example, one or more (but not all) of the inner, outer, andside walls32a,32b,32cof the plastic bag can be adhered to thetissue container12. Configured in the manner, soiledfacial tissues28 can be inserted into theplastic bag22aalong the entire perimeter of the tissue container at the upper edge of theplastic bag22a.
• FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate atissue dispenser10daccording to a second embodiment of the present invention. Thetissue dispenser10dwhich is substantially the same as the first embodiment described above except that the tissue container12ais of a different type or style. The illustrated tissue container12ais a flat-style disposable container or box. The illustrated container has a size of about 9⅛ inches long by about 4¾ inches wide by about 4 inches tall but it is noted that any other suitable dimensions can be utilized. The size of theplastic bag22 can be adjusted accordingly.
• FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate atissue dispenser10eaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention. Thetissue dispenser10ewhich is substantially the same as the first and second embodiments described above except that thetissue container12bis of a different type or style. The illustratedtissue container12bis a family size flat-style disposable container or box. The illustrated container has a size of about 9⅛ inches long by about 4¾ inches wide by about 5 inches tall but it is noted that any other suitable dimensions can be utilized. The size of theplastic bag22 can be adjusted accordingly.
• FIG. 14 illustrates a variation of thetissue dispenser10fwhich is substantially the same as the third embodiment described above except that thetissue container12 is located within theplastic bag22a,an interior surface of theplastic bag22ais secured to thetissue container12, and the plastic bag has a height that is less than the height of thetissue container12b.This variation illustrates that theplastic bag22acan alternatively have any suitable size such as, for example a height smaller than the height of thetissue container12b.
• FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate atissue dispenser10gaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention which is substantially the same as the first embodiment described above except that thewaste receptacle20 includes acontainer cover38 for securing theplastic bag22 to thetissue container12.
• The illustratedcontainer cover38 is generally rectangular-shaped and sized to slide over thetissue container12 such that thetissue container12 is closely received within thecontainer cover12. The illustratedcontainer cover38 has a plurality of walls including a planar rectangular-shapedtop wall40a,and four planar and rectangular-shapedside walls40bperpendicularly extending downward form edges of thetop wall40ato form a hollowinterior space42 sized and shaped for closely receiving thetissue container12 therein. The container cover can comprise any suitable material such as, for example, a HDPE plastic film, a LDPE plastic film, or the like. The illustratedtop wall40ais provided with aclearance opening44 sized, shaped, and located so that thetop wall40adoes not interfere with the dispensingopening18 of thetissue container12. Theplastic bag22 is secured to aside wall40bof thetissue cover38 rather than directly to thetissue container12. If desired thecontainer cover38 can be attached to thetissue container12 with heat welding, adhesive, or any other suitable means configured in this manner, thecontainer cover38 secures theplastic bag22 to thetissue container12.
• FIG. 17 illustrates a waste receptacle20A for attachment to a tissue dispenser according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated waste receptacle20A is substantially the same as thewaste receptacle20 described above with regard to the first embodiment of the tissue dispenser10 (best seen inFIG. 2) except that the waste receptacle20A is unattached to thetissue container12 and configured to be sold as a stand-alone product that can be secured to thetissue container12 by the consumer. This embodiment illustrates that the waste receptacle of the present invention can be sold as a stand-alone product instead of or in addition to integrated products described above. The layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive36 is temporarily covered by a release layer orliner46 to protect the adhesive36. When the consumer desires to attached the waste receptacle20A to thetissue dispenser12, therelease layer46 is peeled off of the adhesive36 and the adhesive36 is pressed onto the exterior surface of thetissue container12 where it is desired to secure the waste receptacle20A.
• FIG. 18 illustrates a waste receptacle20B for attachment to a tissue dispenser according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated waste receptacle20B is substantially the same as thewaste receptacle20 described above with regard to the third variation of the first embodiment of the tissue dispenser10 (best seen inFIG. 8) except that the waste receptacle20B is unattached to thetissue container12 and configured to be sold as a stand-alone product that can be secured to thetissue container12 by the consumer. This embodiment further illustrates that the waste receptacle of the present invention can be sold as a stand-alone product instead of or in addition to integrated products described above. The layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive36 is temporarily covered by a release layer orliner46 to protect the adhesive36. When the consumer desires to attached the waste receptacle2013 to thetissue dispenser12, therelease layer46 is peeled off of the adhesive36 and the adhesive36 is pressed onto the exterior surface of thetissue container12 where it is desired to secure the waste receptacle20B.
• FIG. 19 illustrates a waste receptacle20C for attachment to a tissue dispenser according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated waste receptacle20B is substantially the same as thewaste receptacle20 described above with regard to the fourth embodiment of thetissue dispenser10f(best seen inFIG. 16) except that the waste receptacle20C is unattached to thetissue container12 and configured to be sold as a stand-alone product that can be secured to thetissue container12 by the consumer. This embodiment further illustrates that the waste receptacle of the present invention can be sold as a stand-alone product instead of or in addition to integrated products described above. Pressure-sensitive adhesive36 is provided on an interior surface of thecontainer cover38 and is temporarily covered by a release layer orliner46 to protect the adhesive36. When the consumer desires to attached the waste receptacle20C to thetissue dispenser12, thecontainer cover38 is slid over thetissue container12, the bottom edge of thecontainer cover38 is bent up to peel therelease layer46 off of the adhesive36 and the adhesive36 is pressed onto the exterior surface of thetissue container12. It is noted that thecontainer cover38 can be secured in other manners such as for example extensions can be provided at the lower end of the container side wails40bthat have the adhesive36 thereon and bend to engage the adhesive with the bottom wall of thetissue container12, or the adhesive36 can be eliminated.
• This embodiment further illustrates that theplastic bag22 and thecontainer cover38 can have a common wall. The illustrated waste receptacle utilizes the inner wall of theplastic bag22 as theside wall40bof thecontainer cover38. In this configuration, the plastic bagouter wall32bcan be secured to the plastic baginner wall32ain any suitable manner such as heat welding, adhesive, and the like. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments not having a container cover, theplastic bag22 and thetissue container12 can share a common wall in a similar manner.
• FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate atissue dispenser10haccording to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Thetissue dispenser10hwhich is substantially the same as the that second, and third embodiments described above except that thetissue container12cis of a different type or style. The illustratedtissue container12cis a “pocket pack” type package such as, for example, the Kleenex-On the Go™ Go Pack available from the Kimberly Clark Corporation. It is noted, however, that any other pocket pack container can be utilized such as, for example, the Kleenex-On the Go™ Slim Pack available from the Kimberly Clark Corporation which is sized to fit in a back pack or other suitable locations. The illustratedcontainer12chas a size and shape to hold a relatively small quantity of thefacial tissues16 such as, for example, a quantity of about 10 so that thecontainer12ccan be carried almost anywhere in a pocket, purse, backpack and the like. The illustratedcontainer12cis formed with transparent plastic film but any other suitable type of film and/or any other suitable type of material can alternatively be utilized. The size of theplastic bag22 is adjusted accordingly to cooperate with thecontainer12c.
• FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a tissue dispenser10iaccording to an ninth embodiment of the present invention. The tissue dispenser10iwhich is substantially the same as the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments described above except that thetissue container12dis of a different type or style. The illustratedtissue container12dis a “travel pack” type package that has a size and shape to hold a relatively small quantity of the facial tissues such as, for example, a quantity of about 15 to about 50 so that the container can be placed almost anywhere such as in a purse, backpack, car or the like. The illustratedcontainer12dis formed of transparent plastic film but any other suitable film and/or any other suitable material can alternatively be utilized. For example, thecontainer12dcan alternatively be formed of paperboard such as the Kleenex-On the Go™ Car Wedge available from the Kimberly Clark Corporation. The size of theplastic bag22 is adjusted accordingly to cooperate with thecontainer12d.
• It is noted that each of the features and variations of the above disclosed embodiments can be used in any combination which each of the other embodiments.
• From the foregoing disclosure it is apparent that the present invention addresses the previously mentioned needs in the art by providing tissue dispensers and waste receptacles that do not substantially change the size and weight of the tissue containers, particularly when the plastic bags are empty. Additionally, they permit easy insertion and removal of soiled tissues, and effectively retain the soiled tissues within the plastic bag regardless of the orientation of the plastic bag, without the use of zip locks, snaps, or any other fasteners that would decrease case of use. Furthermore, the disclosed tissue dispensers and waste receptacles are relatively inexpensive to produce so they can be used in conjunction with disposable tissue containers. It should also be appreciated that when the tissue container® is disposable, the waste receptacle can be disposed along with the tissue container so that the soiled tissues do not need to be removed from the plastic bag or otherwise directly handled once they are inserted into the plastic bags.
• From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, it is also apparent that various modifications, additions and other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the present invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the benefit to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A tissue dispenser comprising, in combination:

a container having a plurality of walls forming a rectangular-shaped hollow interior space for holding clean tissues and a dispensing opening for removing clean tissues from the interior space;

a plastic bag having an interior cavity and an access opening for inserting soiled tissues into the interior cavity;

wherein the plastic bag is secured to the container and lays flat against an exterior surface of the container when the plastic bag is empty; and

wherein at least a portion of the plastic bag is stretchable so that the plastic bag elastically expands when soiled tissues are inserted into the plastic bag.

2. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 1, wherein the stretchable portion of the plastic bag is mechanically treated plastic film.

3. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 2, wherein the wherein the stretchable portion of the plastic bag comprises SELF (Structurally Elastic-Like Film).

4. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 1, wherein the plastic bag includes elastic material at the access opening that resiliently closes the access opening to retain soiled tissues within the plastic bag.

5. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 1, wherein the plastic bag is secured to the container with adhesive.

6. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 1, wherein the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

7. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 1, wherein the plastic bag includes opposed inner and outer rectangular-shaped walls secured together along three edges of the inner and outer walls to form the interior cavity between the inner and outer walls, and the inner wall engages and is secured to the exterior of the container so that the plastic bag lays flat against the container with the opposed outer wall lays generally against the inner wall when the interior cavity is empty.

8. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 7, wherein, the plurality of walls of the container includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposed to the top wall, and four side walls perpendicularly extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, and the inner wall of the plastic bag is secured to one of the side walls of the container.

9. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 1, wherein the container is located within the plastic bag.

10. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 9, wherein the plurality of walls of the container includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposed to the top wall, and four side walls perpendicularly extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, and wherein the plastic bag is secured to the bottom wall of the container.

11. A tissue dispenser comprising, in combination:

a container having a plurality of walls forming a rectangular-shaped hollow interior space for holding clean tissues and a dispensing opening for removing clean tissues from the interior space;

a cover over the container and having an open bottom so that the cover can be slid onto and off of the box;

a plastic bag having an interior cavity and an access opening for inserting soiled tissues into the interior cavity;

wherein the plastic bag is secured to the cover and lays flat against an exterior surface of the cover when the plastic bag is empty; and

wherein at least a portion of the plastic bag is stretchable so that the plastic bag elastically expands when soiled tissues are inserted into the plastic bag.

12. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 11, wherein the stretchable portion of the plastic bag is mechanically treated plastic film.

13. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 12, wherein the wherein the stretchable portion of the plastic bag comprises SELF (Structurally Elastic-Like Film).

14. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 11, wherein the plastic bag includes elastic material at the access opening that resiliently closes the access opening to retain soiled tissues within the plastic bag.

15. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 11, wherein the plastic bag includes opposed inner and outer rectangular-shaped walls secured together along three edges of the inner and outer walls to form the interior cavity between the inner and outer walls, and the inner wall engages and is secured to the exterior of the cover so that the plastic bag lays flat against the cover with the opposed outer wall lays generally against the inner wall when the interior cavity is empty.

16. A waste receptacle for holding soiled tissues to be secured to a tissue container comprising, in combination:

a plastic bag having a plurality of rectangular-shaped walls secured together to form an interior cavity and an access opening for inserting soiled tissues into the interior cavity;

wherein at least a portion of the plastic bag is stretchable so that the plastic bag elastically expands when soiled tissues are inserted into the plastic bag;

pressure-sensitive adhesive located on at least a portion of one of the wall for securing the plastic bag to the tissue container; and

a release liner temporarily covering the pressure-sensitive adhesive.

17. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 16, wherein the stretchable portion of the plastic bag is mechanically treated plastic film.

18. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 16, wherein the plastic bag includes elastic material at the access opening that resiliently closes the access opening to retain soiled tissues within the plastic bag.

19. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 16, wherein the plurality of rectangular-shaped walls includes opposed inner and outer rectangular-shaped walls secured together along three edges of the inner and outer walls to form the interior cavity between the inner and outer walls and the access opening along a fourth edge of the inner and outer walls, and wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive located on at least a portion of an exterior side of the inner wall.

20. The tissue dispenser according toclaim 16, wherein the wherein the plurality of rectangular-shaped walls includes a rectangular-shaped bottom wall and four rectangular-shaped side walls perpendicularly and upwardly extending from four edges of the bottom wall, and wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive located on at least a portion of an interior side of the bottom wall.

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