EP2202086A1

EP2202086A1 - Multi-facet pop-up dispenser of self-stick note papers

Info

Publication number: EP2202086A1
Application number: EP08022309A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David C. T. Jour
Original assignee: Kudos Finder Trading Co Ltd
Current assignee: Kudos Finder Trading Co Ltd
Priority date: 2008-12-23
Filing date: 2008-12-23
Publication date: 2010-06-30

Abstract

The proposed multi-facet pop-up dispenser for sequential delivery of rectangular self-stick removable notes from fan-folded pads of such notes comprises an outer box with oblong slots in its side walls for the free unattached ends of the topmost note sheet of fan-folded pads of such papers to stick out and, inserted into this outer box, an inner box (3) with corresponding slots (34), behind which the pads of note paper sheets (4) are urged against the side walls of the inner box (3) by compression springs (33), wherein the inner box (3) comprises a base (30) and a top cover (31), the slots (34) extend vertically in the side walls of the boxes and a fixing column (32) extends vertically from the bottom of the base (30) and braces the rear ends of the compression springs (33), the forward ends of which push against the pads (4) of note papers.

Description

This invention relates to a pop-up dispenser for sequential delivery of rectangular self-stick removable note papers ("memos") from a fan-folded pad of such notes. Self-stick removable notes are sheets of paper having a narrow band of a relatively lightly adhering pressure sensitive adhesive along one edge of the back surface of the paper. Fan-folded notes have the adhesive strip applied to alternate parallel edges of the stacked note paper sheets comprising the pad, and such fan-folded pads are readily available for use with pop-up dispensers.
In workplaces, such memo notes are frequently used for urgent communications, messages, replies, reminders, etc. Users can withdraw the topmost note paper from the dispenser and write their message and stick it on a conspicuous place, or, attach the note papers to the edges of various document folders to record and classify different document types. Such self-stick removable notes in many sizes, colors and configurations are widely distributed and almost universally available in thousands of stationary stores, drug stores, supermarkets, office supply stores, by mail order, and the like throughout the world such that they are one of the best known consumer products available on the market.
Most dispensers have a transverse slot in the center of the top of the box. The free unattached end of the topmost note sheet extends through that slot and permits the pad sheets to be grasped and withdrawn sequentially as needed. However, this dispenser structure allows only one user and makes only one sort of note papers available.
German utility model DE 20 2007 011 708 discloses a dispenser with a pluralitiy of note pads with pertaining slots so that several users can avail themselves of the note papers and these can be of different colours, forms and/or preprinted schemes. This multi-facet pop-up dispenser for sequential delivery of rectangular self-stick removable notes from fan-folded pads of such notes comprises an outer box with oblong slots in its side walls for the free unattached ends of the topmost note sheet of fan-folded pads of such papers to stick out and an inner box inserted in the outer box with corresponding slots, behind which the note paper pads are urged against the side walls of the inner box by compression springs.
The inner box of this dispenser has no base and consists of five panels in cross form, the central panel of which forms the top of the inner box. There is no bottom to the inner box. All panels are provided with removable yokes supporting the springs to urge the note pads towards their slots which, in the side wall panels, are horizontally oriented.
The present invention aims to further improve this multi-facet dispenser, especially in view of easier operation for the user. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a dispenser which has longer lifecycle and higher practical value and stability.
To realize the above purposes, the inner box in the dispenser according to the present invention comprises a base and a top cover, the slots extend vertically in the side walls of both boxes and a fixing column extends vertically from the bottom of the base to brace the rear ends of the compression springs, the forward ends of which push against the note paper pads. Also, the compression springs have a rear end of smaller diameter with which they can be attached to the fixing column, and a forward end of larger diameter with which they push against the note paper pads.
Preferrably the outer box is made of cardboard and the inner box is made of PVC or soft plastic. The top cover stabilizes the base and prevents the the top of the outer box from sinking and maintains the aesthetic appearance of the dispenser.
In this way, one or more users can tear a piece of self-adhesive note paper from any facet of the note paper dispenser at any time. It is simple, easy, effortless, convenient and flexible.
In addition, the self-adhesive note papers can be made in different colors, which can not only enhance the overall decorative aesthetics and visual effect, but also provide users with the convenience for differentiation and classification, and in turn promote the versatility and value of the product.
The features and the advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood upon a thoughtful deliberation of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external view of the note paper dispenser of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the main parts of the note paper dispenser of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the inner box of the note paper dispenser of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the inner box of the note paper dispenser of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an outside view of the note paper dispenser of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The note paper dispenser 1 is in a rectangular shape, and on each facet of the outer box 2 self-adhesive note paper sheets 4 stick out that can be conveniently extracted and used at any time.
As shown in FIG. 2, the note paper dispenser 1 comprises:

an outer box 2, rectangular and hollow, with a vertically oriented strip-shaped slot 20 perforated in a proper place on each of the outer facets;
an inner box 3, which is inserted into the outer box 2; as shown in FIG. 3, the inner box 3 comprises a base 30 and a top cover 31; on the base 30, a fixing column 32 is configured corresponding to each peripheral facet, and a compression spring 33 is fixed on each fixing column.

On each peripheral facet, a strip-shaped slot 34 is perforated. Pads of self-adhesive note paper sheets 4 are placed on the inner surface of each peripheral facet (i.e., in the space between the fixing column and the peripheral facet), and are supported by the spring 33. The first sheet of the self-adhesive note papers 4 is led out of the strip-shaped slot 34. The upper cover 31 covers the base 30 to prevent the top of the outer box 2 from sinking and maintain the aesthetic appearance.
With the note paper dispenser 1 shown in FIG. 4, a single user can extract the self-adhesive note paper sheets 4 exposed outside the strip-shaped slot 34 on any peripheral facet of the note paper dispenser 1, and attach the note paper sheet onto a specific article. Similarly, multiple users can choose to extract a piece of note paper from any facet. There will never be a situation when several people grab at the same piece of note paper.
The multi-facet self-adhesive note papers 4 provided by the note paper dispenser 1 of the present invention can also integrate four different colors, which can not only enhance the overall decorative aesthetics and visual effect, but also provide users with the convenience for differentiation and classification, and in turn promote the versatility and value of the product.

Claims

Multi-facet pop-up dispenser for sequential delivery of rectangular self-stick removable notes from fan-folded pads of such notes, comprising
- an outer box (2) with oblong slots (20) in its side walls for the free unattached ends of the topmost note sheet of fan-folded pads of such papers to stick out and

- an inner box (3) inserted in the outer box with corresponding slots (34), behind which the note paper pads (4) are urged against the side walls of the inner box (3) by compression springs (33),
characterized in that
- the inner box (3) comprises a base (30) and a top cover (31),

- the slots (20, 34) extend vertically in the side walls of the boxes (2, 3) and

- a fixing column (32) extends vertically from the bottom of the base (30) and braces the rear ends of the compression springs (33), the forward ends of which push against the note paper pads (4).
Multi-facet dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the compression springs (33) have a rear end of smaller diameter with which they are fixed on the fixing column (32), and a forward end of larger diameter with which they push against the note paper pads (4).
Multi-facet dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer box (2) is made of cardboard.
Multi-facet dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner box is made of PVC or soft plastic.