Tamper-Proof Hygiene Dispenser

Abstract

A tamper-proof hygiene dispenser for holding disposable items includes a housing having at least one peripheral wall, at least one cover pivotably connected to the housing and a tamperproof arrangement configured to prevent unauthorized opening of the at least one cover. The tamperproof arrangement comprises a plurality of tamperproof ribs disposed along the at least one peripheral wall of the housing. Each of the plurality of tamperproof ribs is structured to withstand application of force, thereby restricting access to an interior of the housing when the at least one cover is in a closed position. Such a design enhances security by preventing unauthorized access while maintaining ease of use for authorized users.20 25 20 15 45 03 M ar 2 02 5 T A M P E R - P R O O F H Y G I E N E D I S P E N S E R M a r 2 0 2 5 A B S T R A C T 2 0 2 5 2 0 1 5 4 5 0 3 2 / 6 FIG. 2 100 108A 110A108B 106B 110B 112B 202B 200B 202A 200A 2 / 6 100 108A 110B 108B 110A 106B LIVE U O112B 202A 200A 202B 200B FIG. 2 20 25 20 15 45 03 M ar 2 02 5 M a r 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 5 2 0 1 5 4 5 0 3 1 0 8 A 1 1 0 B 1 0 8 B 1 1 0 A 0 0 1 1 2 B 2 0 2 A 2 0 2 B 2 0 0 B

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [1] The present disclosure generally relates to a tamper-proof hygiene dispenser for holding disposable items, more specifically, to a dispenser comprising tamperproof ribs to prevent unauthorized access, theft or accidental removal of the disposable items from the dispenser. BACKGROUND [2] The traditional dispenser systems for consumable materials are critical in public and private settings, providing convenience, hygiene and controlled usage. Such dispensers cater to a wide variety of materials, including tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, wet wipes, diapers and other consumables. However, despite significant advancements in dispenser designs, the technical challenges persist in preventing unauthorized access to stored rolls and ensuring compatibility with a broad range of materials and roll configurations. [3] United States Patent US6161795A describes a surface unwind jumbo roll tissue dispenser comprising a housing designed to accommodate a jumbo roll of material. The dispenser comprises a channel formed by a first and second drive assembly. The channel retains the material in a dispensing position and ensures controlled release. However, the disclosed design lacks tamperproofing mechanisms, leaving the roll susceptible to unauthorized access or removal. Such a vulnerability significantly compromises the utility of the dispenser in high-traffic or public environments where security of the stored materials is critical. [4] United States Patent US4984530A discloses a hand wash towel dispenser configured to deliver wet and dry towels simultaneously using two separate rolls of paper. The dispenser incorporates a bar mechanism to release and dispense towels through an antiseptic solution, providing a hygienic and sequential delivery system. The design prioritizes functionality in improving hygiene over tamperproofing. Additionally, a specialized focus of the disclosed dispenser on wet and dry towels limits adaptability thereof for dispensing other types of rolled materials, reducing versatility in broader applications. 2025201545   03 Mar 2025 [5] United States Patent Application US20090031952A1 describes an on-demand customized moist tissue dispenser equipped with a liquid applicator assembly for adding a liquid composition to sheet material. The disclosed system integrates a feed mechanism and a drive mechanism to displace an applicator assembly along a defined path, enabling precise liquid application. The design emphasizes customization and user-friendly replacement of components but lacks tamperproof features or mechanisms to secure the rolls. Such a deficiency restricts a suitability thereof for environments where theft or unauthorized access to the stored materials could occur. [6] Thus, there exists a technical problem of addressing the critical need for tamperproof mechanisms in storage and dispensers for disposable items. In public or high-traffic settings, such dispensers often become targets for unauthorized access, vandalism or forceful attempts to open the covers and retrieve stored materials. Without robust tamperproofing, users may apply force to pry open covers, leading to security breaches, damage to the dispenser and disruption of intended functionality. Existing solutions often lack structural reinforcements to prevent such unauthorized access, making them susceptible to misuse. Additionally, many conventional designs focus on securing specific types of consumables rather than providing a general-purpose storage solution adaptable to various hygiene and disposable products. This limitation reduces their effectiveness in diverse settings, such as restrooms, healthcare facilities and commercial spaces, where both security and controlled access are necessary. [7] Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a pressing need for an improved dispenser that not only incorporates robust tamperproofing features but also ensures compatibility with a wide range of rolled materials. Such a system should balance security, usability and versatility, offering a solution that can withstand the challenges posed by public and high-traffic environments while catering to diverse user needs. SUMMARY

[10] The present disclosure provides a tamper-proof hygiene dispenser for holding disposable items, specifically a dispenser designed to prevent unauthorized access, theft or accidental removal of stored items. The tamper-proof hygiene dispenser comprises a housing having at least one peripheral wall, at least one cover pivotably connected to the housing and a tamperproof arrangement configured to prevent access to an interior 2025201545   03 Mar 2025 of the housing when the at least one cover is in a closed position. The tamperproof arrangement comprises a plurality of tamperproof ribs disposed along the at least one peripheral wall of the housing.

[11] In one implementation form, each rib of the plurality of tamperproof ribs is a knife-shaped element having a curved top edge that aligns with a curved portion of the at least one cover, with a lower portion of each rib resting on a surface of the at least one peripheral wall. This arrangement enhances tamper resistance by reinforcing the structural integrity of the housing.

[12] In a further implementation form, the plurality of tamperproof ribs is arranged along a peripheral wall of the at least one cover. Each rib of the plurality of tamperproof ribs is provided with either a textured surface or a reinforced edge to further deter unauthorized access.

[13] In a further implementation form, the at least one cover is an L-shaped structure having a horizontal portion, a vertical portion and a curved portion connecting the horizontal portion with the vertical portion.

[14] It is to be appreciated that all the aforementioned implementation forms can be combined. All steps which are performed by the various entities described in the present disclosure as well as the functionalities described to be performed by the various entities are intended to mean that the respective entity is adapted to or configured to perform the respective steps and functionalities. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Additional aspects, advantages, features, and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative implementations construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[15] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. 2025201545   03 Mar 2025 Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[16] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: to the drawings, in which:

[17] Fig. 1 illustrates a front side perspective view of a tamper-proof hygiene dispenser for holding disposable items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[18] Fig. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the tamper-proof hygiene dispenser of Fig. 1, showing the tamperproof arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[19] Fig. 3 illustrates a right-hand side view of the tamper-proof hygiene dispenser of Figs. 1-2, showing the L-shaped structure of the covers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[20] Fig. 4 illustrate a zoomed in view of the tamperproof ribs with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[21] Fig. 5 illustrates a detailed view of the top of the tamper-proof hygiene dispenser of Figs. 1-3 with the covers removed, showing the arrangement of the tamperproof ribs along the peripheral wall, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[22] Fig. 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the tamper-proof hygiene dispenser of Figs. 1-4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[23] The example embodiments described herein, along with their various features and advantages, are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted to avoid unnecessary repetition. This description is intended to facilitate an understanding of how the example embodiments may be implemented and to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the example embodiments. 2025201545   03 Mar 2025

[24] Referring to Fig. 1, a front-side perspective view of a tamper-proof hygiene dispenser 100 for holding disposable items 500 (shown in Fig. 5) is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The term "tamper-proof hygiene dispenser" as used herein refers to a structure configured to store and provide controlled access to various hygiene or disposable products, including but not limited to soap, sanitizer, paper products such as paper towels and toilet paper, chemicals, tissues, and other consumable materials.

[25] The tamper-proof hygiene dispenser 100 comprises a housing 102 with at least one peripheral wall 104. The term "housing" as used herein refers to a structural enclosure forming the main body of the tamper-proof hygiene dispenser 100, providing containment and support for its components and stored disposable items. The housing 102 is made from materials such as high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), ABS plastic, or stainless steel to ensure durability and resistance to environmental factors. It may be manufactured in various shapes, such as cubical or cuboidal, based on functional and aesthetic considerations.

[26] The tamper-proof hygiene dispenser 100 further includes at least one cover 108A, 108B, pivotably connected to the housing 102. The term "cover" as used herein refers to a movable structure designed to enclose and protect the disposable items within the housing 102 while allowing selective access for retrieval or maintenance. The covers 108A, 108B may be constructed from the same material as the housing 102 or may include transparent or translucent sections for visibility of stored items without opening. These covers function as barriers against contaminants such as dust, moisture, and airborne particles, ensuring hygiene and controlled access while also preventing unauthorized use.

[27] The tamper-proof hygiene dispenser 100 also includes a tamperproof arrangement (shown in Fig. 2) to prevent unauthorized opening of the covers 108A, 108B. This arrangement comprises a plurality of tamperproof ribs 200A, 200B disposed along at least one peripheral wall 104 of the covers 108A, 108B. The term "tamperproof arrangement" as used herein refers to a structural configuration that restricts improper access to the interior of the housing 102. Each tamperproof rib is designed to withstand applied force, thereby preventing unauthorized access when the covers 108A, 108B are closed.

[28] In one embodiment, each cover 108A, 108B is an L-shaped structure comprising a horizontal portion, a vertical portion, and a curved portion connecting 2025201545   03 Mar 2025 them. This design facilitates ease of use while maintaining structural stability. The curved portion ensures proper alignment of the tamperproof ribs to obstruct unauthorized access while allowing authorized personnel to operate the tamper-proof hygiene dispenser 100 as intended.

[29] Referring to Fig. 2, a top perspective view of the tamper-proof hygiene dispenser 100 of Fig. 1 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The tamperproof arrangement includes a first set of tamperproof ribs 200A along the peripheral wall 104 of cover 108A and a second set of tamperproof ribs 200B along the peripheral wall 104 of cover 108B. These ribs prevent unauthorized access by resisting applied force when the covers are in a closed position. A rearward portion of each set of tamperproof ribs rests against the peripheral wall 104, reinforcing the security of the tamper-proof hygiene dispenser 100.

[30] The tamperproof ribs 200A, 200B act as barriers to unauthorized access, ensuring continuous coverage along the peripheral wall 104 without gaps for potential tampering. They may be fabricated from durable materials such as ABS plastic, polycarbonate, or metal alloys to resist external force and unauthorized access attempts.

[31] The lower portion of each set of tamperproof ribs 200A, 200B rests on the back wall surface. If force is applied to open at least one cover from the front, the tamperproof ribs compress against the back wall while maintaining structural integrity, preventing unauthorized opening. Referring to fig. 4, the tamperproof ribs 200A and 200B are shown in greater details. Each tamperproof rib 200A, 200B further comprises a resting surface 201, which rests on the front surface of the back wall and an extension surface 202. When a person attempts to push the covers from the opening end of the disposable items, the resting surface 201 of the tamperproof ribs engages with the back wall surface, providing additional support to prevent unauthorized access.

[32] The lower portion of each set of tamperproof ribs rests on the back wall surface. If force is applied to open at least one cover from the front, the tamperproof ribs compress against the back wall resulting in opposition to the applied force while maintaining structural integrity, preventing unauthorized opening.

[33] The tamperproof ribs 200A, 200B provide multiple technical advantages, including enhanced security, reinforcement of the housing 102, and maintenance of hygiene by preventing improper handling of stored disposable items.

[34] Optionally, the tamperproof ribs 200A, 200B may feature textured surfaces or reinforced edges to increase tamper resistance. The spacing between individual ribs can 2025201545   03 Mar 2025 be customized for different applications, ensuring adaptability for commercial, public, and professional settings.

[35] Referring to Fig. 3, a right-hand side view of the tamper-proof hygiene dispenser 100 of Figs. 1-2 is shown. Each cover 108A, 108B has a horizontal portion 300, a vertical portion 302, and a curved portion connecting them.

[36] The L-shaped structure provides both functional and structural benefits. The horizontal portion 300 extends over the top of the housing 102, preventing contaminants from entering. The vertical portion 302 serves as a protective barrier for stored disposable items, while the curved portion ensures smooth operation.

[37] The L-shaped design facilitates easy operation, allowing smooth lifting and lowering of the covers 108A, 108B. The curved portion enables controlled movement, reducing operational effort while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[38] The compact L-shaped covers 108A, 108B contribute to space efficiency, making the tamper-proof hygiene dispenser 100 suitable for confined spaces such as small restrooms, kitchen counters, or office settings.

[39] Referring to Fig. 5, a detailed top view of the tamper-proof hygiene dispenser 100 with covers 108A, 108B hidden is shown. The tamperproof arrangement includes first and second sets of tamperproof ribs 200A, 200B, positioned to obstruct unauthorized access.

[40] Each tamperproof rib is structured to resist applied force, ensuring comprehensive coverage along access points and eliminating weak areas vulnerable to tampering.

[41] In one embodiment, each tamperproof rib is a knife-shaped element with a curved top edge, enhancing security by making it difficult to pry open the covers 108A, 108B while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

[42] The tamperproof ribs are fabricated from durable materials such as ABS plastic, polycarbonate, or stainless steel, with optional textured surfaces or reinforced edges for added security.

[43] Referring to Fig. 6, a bottom perspective view of the tamper-proof hygiene dispenser 100 is shown. This view illustrates the structural design of the housing 102 and the positioning of the covers 108A, 108B in their closed state.

[44] The tamperproof ribs 200A, 200B reinforce security by preventing unauthorized attempts to pry open the covers 108A, 108B from below. 2025201545   03 Mar 2025

[45] The compact, streamlined design of the tamper-proof hygiene dispenser 100 ensures efficient installation in various environments, including public, commercial, and professional settings.

[46] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[47] The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[48] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

[49] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to” and indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components. Such terms encompass the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

[50] The phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and / or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and / or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the composition or method.

[51] As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” may include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a 2025201545   03 Mar 2025 compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

[52] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

[53] The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the disclosure may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict.

[54] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[55] Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the disclosure.

[56] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present disclosure. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A tamper-proof hygiene dispenser for holding disposable items, comprising:a housing;a back wall for mounting the device on a wall, whereinthe backwall comprises a front surface and back surface;at least one cover pivotably connected to the housing; anda tamperproof arrangement configured to prevent unauthorized opening of the at least one cover, wherein:the tamperproof arrangement comprises a plurality of tamperproof ribs disposed along the at least one peripheral wall of at least one cover, andeach of the plurality of tamperproof ribs is structured to withstand application of force to restrict unauthorized access to an interior of the housing when the at least one cover is in a closed position.

2. The tamper-proof hygiene dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein each rib of theplurality of tamperproof ribs is a knife-shaped element having a curved top edge.

3. The tamper-proof hygiene dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein a lower portion ofeach rib of the plurality of tamperproof ribs rests against the front surface of the back wall.

4. The tamper-proof hygiene dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein each rib of theplurality of tamperproof ribs is provided with at least one of a textured surface or a reinforced edge.

5. The tamper-proof hygiene dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least onecover is an L-shaped structure having a horizontal portion, a vertical portion and a curved portion connecting the horizontal portion with the vertical portion.

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