Container and dispensing system for extended slit paper

Abstract

A dispensing system includes a container, a roll of slit paper, and a passive tensioning mechanism. The container includes a number of panels, and one of the panels includes a dispensing aperture. The slit paper on the roll is in an unexpanded state. The slit paper can be transitioned from the unexpanded state to an expanded state by applying a longitudinal tensile force to the slit paper. The passive tensioning mechanism is in the container and is arranged such that a path of the slit paper from the roll to the dispensing aperture passes through the passive tensioning mechanism. The passive tensioning mechanism is configured to induce a tension in the slit paper along the path between the roll of the slit paper and the dispensing aperture such that the slit paper is transitioned from the unexpanded state to the expanded state along the path between the roll of the slit paper and the dispensing aperture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to the technical field of dispensers for slit paper. More specifically, this disclosure relates to dispensers for slit paper having a passive tensioning mechanism that induces tension in the slit paper during dispensing to expand the slit paper. Background Technology

[0002] Consumers frequently purchase goods from mail-order or internet retailers, who then package the goods and ship them to the consumers via postal services or other carriers. Millions of such packages are shipped every day. These items are typically packed in small containers such as boxes or envelopes. To protect the items during transit, they are usually packaged with some form of protective padding, which can be rolled around the item or stuffed into the container to prevent movement and protect it from impact.

[0003] Various forms of cushioning and / or gap-filling materials have been developed, including pre-sealed air-porous materials (e.g., BUBBLEWRAP air-porous material sold by Sealed Air), inflatable air-porous materials (e.g., NEWAIR IB air-porous material sold by Sealed Air), low-density paper cushioning materials (e.g., paper pads formed by the PROPAD paper cushioning system sold by Sealed Air), and so on. It would be advantageous for packers to provide dispensers of cushioning and / or gap-filling materials for use when packaging containers for shipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, the selection of concepts further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In a first embodiment, a dispensing system includes a container, a roll of slit paper, and a passive tensioning mechanism. The container has multiple panels, and a first panel of the multiple panels includes a dispensing orifice. The slit paper on the roll is in an unexpanded state. By applying a longitudinal tension force to the slit paper, the slit paper can transition from the unexpanded state to an expanded state. The passive tensioning mechanism is located within the container and is arranged such that the path of the slit paper from the roll of the slit paper to the dispensing orifice passes through the passive tensioning mechanism. The passive tensioning mechanism is configured to induce tension in the slit paper along the path between the roll of the slit paper and the dispensing orifice, causing the slit paper to transition from the unexpanded state to the expanded state along the path between the roll of the slit paper and the dispensing orifice.

[0006] In the second embodiment, the passive tensioning mechanism of the first embodiment is configured to induce a substantially constant amount of tension in the slit paper, regardless of the amount of slit paper remaining on the roll of slit paper.

[0007] In the third embodiment, the passive tensioning mechanism of any of the embodiments in the foregoing embodiments is a tortuous path tensioning mechanism.

[0008] In the fourth embodiment, the passive tensioning mechanism of any of the preceding embodiments includes a first rod and a second rod. The first rod is arranged such that the path of the slit paper passes around the first rod in a first direction. The second rod is arranged such that the path of the slit paper, after passing around the first rod, passes around the second rod in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0009] In the fifth embodiment, the first and second rods of the fourth embodiment are static rods that do not rotate relative to the container.

[0010] In the sixth embodiment, the first and second rods of the fourth embodiment are rollers configured to rotate relative to the container.

[0011] In the seventh embodiment, the dispensing system of any of the embodiments in the fourth to sixth embodiments is configured such that the distance between the axis of the first rod and the first panel of the container is less than or equal to the distance between the axis of the second rod and the first panel of the container.

[0012] In an eighth embodiment, the dispensing system of any of the foregoing embodiments further includes an insertion component configured to be inserted into the container. The insertion component is configured to hold the roll of the slit paper within the container.

[0013] In the ninth embodiment, the insertion assembly of the eighth embodiment includes first and second paper roll guides configured to retain the sides of the core of the paper roll wound with the slit paper.

[0014] In the tenth embodiment, the insertion assembly of the ninth embodiment includes an end cap that is inserted through a hole in the first and second paper roll guides and into the side portion of the core of the slit paper roll.

[0015] In the eleventh embodiment, each of the end caps of the tenth embodiment includes: a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a collar located at the proximal end of the shaft; and a plurality of slits parallel to the axis of the shaft and circumferentially spaced around the distal end of the shaft. The distal end has a larger diameter than the proximal end. The distal end is configured to be inserted into one of the ends of the core of the paper roll of the slit paper. The collar is configured to abut one of the first and second paper roll guides.

[0016] In the twelfth embodiment, the dispensing system of any of the tenth to eleventh embodiments is configured such that the outer diameter of the shaft of the end cap and the inner diameter of the core of the slit paper roll are sized such that the end cap and the core of the slit paper roll have an interference fit.

[0017] In the thirteenth embodiment, the dispensing system of any of the embodiments in the ninth to eleventh embodiments further includes a roll of interleaf paper located in the container.

[0018] In the fourteenth embodiment, the insertion assembly of the thirteenth embodiment includes a slot in the first and second paper roll guides. The slot is configured to receive and retain the end of the core wound with the liner paper. The slot is further configured to allow the core of the liner paper to rotate relative to the paper roll guide.

[0019] In the fifteenth embodiment, the liner paper of any of the thirteenth to fourteenth embodiments is narrower than the slit paper. The insertion assembly further includes at least one spacer located on the roll of the liner paper and positioned between the liner paper and one of the first and second roll guides.

[0020] In the sixteenth embodiment, the at least one spacer of the fifteenth embodiment positions the backing paper such that the backing paper is substantially centered relative to the slit paper.

[0021] In the seventeenth embodiment, the insertion assembly of the thirteenth embodiment includes slots in the first and second paper roll guides and a shaft extending between the slots in the first and second paper roll guides. The core of the paper roll of the liner is positioned about the shaft, and the core of the paper roll of the liner is configured to rotate relative to the shaft.

[0022] In the eighteenth embodiment, the insertion assembly further includes at least one spacer located on the shaft and positioned between the paper roll of the liner and one of the first and second paper roll guides.

[0023] In the nineteenth embodiment, each of the first and second paper roll guides in any of the ninth to eighteenth embodiments, as well as the container, is made of a fiber-based material.

[0024] In the twentieth embodiment, the dispensing system of any of the foregoing embodiments further includes a roll of liner paper located in the container. The path of the liner paper from the roll of the slit paper to the dispensing orifice passes around the passive tensioning mechanism.

[0025] In the twenty-first embodiment, the backing paper and the slit paper of the twenty-first embodiment are configured to be pulled through the dispensing orifice to simultaneously dispense the backing paper and the slit paper in the extended state.

[0026] In the twenty-second embodiment, the dispensing system of any of the preceding embodiments is configured such that: (i) the first panel is the front panel of the container, and (ii) the plurality of panels further include a bottom panel, a rear panel, two side panels, and a top panel.

[0027] In the 23rd embodiment, the front panel of the 22nd embodiment includes a distribution fold, the distribution fold being formed by perforated lines along the bottom and sides of the distribution fold, and wherein the distribution fold is configured to be pulled out to open the distribution opening.

[0028] The front panel of the twenty-third and twenty-second embodiments includes a distribution fold, the distribution fold being formed by perforated lines around the perimeter of the distribution fold, and wherein the distribution fold is configured to be removed to open the distribution opening. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The foregoing aspects and numerous accompanying advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily understood, as they are better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, by referring to the following specific embodiments, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1An example of slit paper material in an unexpanded state is illustrated;

[0031] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Draw the figures in the expanded state respectively. Figure 1 Front and side views of an embodiment of the slotted paper material shown;

[0032] Figure 3 A perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a dispensing system capable of dispensing extended slit paper according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0033] Figure 4 Illustrations based on embodiments disclosed herein Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the allocation system shown;

[0034] Figure 5A The illustrations depict embodiments that can be used according to the embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 3 and Figure 4 An embodiment of the end cap in the distribution system shown;

[0035] Figure 5B The illustrations depict embodiments that can be used according to the embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Another embodiment of the end cap in the distribution system shown;

[0036] Figure 6A Illustrations based on embodiments disclosed herein Figure 3 and Figure 4 The front cross-sectional view of the dispensing system shown includes an insertion component that has been inserted into the container.

[0037] Figure 6B Illustrations based on embodiments disclosed herein Figure 6A A partial front section view of the insertion component shown;

[0038] Figure 6C A partial front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the insertion component according to the embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated;

[0039] Figure 7 Illustrations based on embodiments disclosed herein Figure 3 and Figure 4 The side cross-sectional view of the dispensing system shown, and an embodiment of the path of the slit paper and liner paper from their respective paper rolls to the dispensing slot;

[0040] Figure 8 Illustrations based on embodiments disclosed herein Figure 3 and Figure 4A side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the dispensing system shown, and another embodiment of the path of the slit paper and backing paper from their respective paper rolls to the dispensing slot;

[0041] Figure 9 Illustrations based on embodiments disclosed herein Figure 3 and Figure 4 The dispensing system shown is a perspective view of the slit paper and backing paper being dispensed through the dispensing slots;

[0042] Figure 10 Illustrations based on embodiments disclosed herein Figure 3 and Figure 4 The dispensing system shown is partially hidden in perspective as the slit paper and backing paper are dispensed through the dispensing slots;

[0043] Figure 11 A perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a dispensing system capable of dispensing extended slit paper according to embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the dispensing system is in a closed state; and

[0044] Figure 12 Illustrations based on embodiments disclosed herein Figure 11 The diagram shows a perspective view of the distribution system, which is in the open state. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 An embodiment of slotted paper material 10 in its unexpanded state is illustrated. Slotted paper material 10 comprises a web 12 of paper or other fiber-based material. In some embodiments, the web 12 is a sheet of kraft paper. Slotted paper material 10 includes a plurality of rows of slots 14. The slots 14 are generally along a transverse direction (labeled as direction in the drawings). t The slits 14 extend in a row, and are arranged to extend generally in the lateral direction. In the illustrated embodiment, each row of slits 14 is offset from the adjacent row to form a generally longitudinal direction (labeled as direction in the figures). l The pattern is a repeating row on the paper. In its unexpanded state, the slit paper material 10 is generally flat and can be stored in a compact configuration. For example, the slit paper material 10 can be rolled into a roll (e.g., around the core), fan-folded into a fan-folded stack, and so on.

[0046] The slit paper material 10 can also be in an extended state. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Front and side views of an embodiment of slit paper material 10 in an expanded state are shown, respectively. In some embodiments, the expanded slit paper material 10 is transformed from an unexpanded state to an expanded state by applying a longitudinal force 16 to the slit paper material 10. The longitudinal force 16 causes the slit 14 to expand to form an open cell 18. Figure 2B As seen, the expansion of slit 14 into opening 18 causes the web 12 to buckle and take on a three-dimensional shape. The expansion of slit 14 into opening 18 also causes the length of the web 12 to expand in the longitudinal direction and the width of the web 12 to contract in the transverse direction.

[0047] After the slotted paper material 10 is in an expanded state, it can be wrapped around the object. When wrapped around the object, the slotted paper material 10 tends to remain in the expanded state because wrapping the object causes at least some portions of the slotted paper material 10 to interlock and resist retraction back into the unexpanded state. In some embodiments, a backing paper material is stacked on top of the slotted paper material 10, and the slotted paper material 10 is wrapped around the object to prevent retraction. As used herein, "object" can include a single item or a group of several different items. Further, an object can include any accompanying information items, such as packing lists, tracking codes, invoices, invoices, machine-readable identifiers (e.g., barcodes or quick response (QR) codes) that can be sensed by a reader (e.g., a barcode scanner or camera), or any other information items.

[0048] The use of expandable slotted paper as a cushioning material is well-known. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,667,871, issued September 16, 1997, describes the use of slotted paper to wrap an object. Specifically, the slotted paper is rolled into a roll in its unexpanded state, the roll is placed in a container, and the slotted paper is pulled out of the container. As the slotted paper is pulled out of the container, the longitudinal force pulling the slotted paper causes it to transition from its unexpanded state to its expanded state, allowing the expanded slotted paper to act as a cushioning material to wrap the object.

[0049] When slit paper is pulled from a roll of paper in a container, the tension in the slit paper affects its expansion. In one instance, too little tension in the slit paper will allow it to be pulled from an unexpanded roll. In another instance, too much tension will prevent it from being pulled from the roll without tearing. Using a roll to hold the slit paper exacerbates this problem. The amount of resistance required to provide adequate tension in the slit paper within the roll will vary depending on the radius of the roll. However, the radius of the roll varies based on the amount of slit paper remaining on the roll. To address this problem, variable tensioning devices have been developed to alter the tension in the roll. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0193366 A1 provides an example of such a variable tensioning device.

[0050] Using variable tension devices in slotted paper dispensers can be problematic. First, such devices typically require the user to manually adjust the resistance level appropriately based on the amount of slotted paper remaining on the roll. This necessitates user training and experience to achieve the proper skill level for setting the resistance correctly, and any such manual operation is prone to user error. Second, the manufacture and installation of variable tension on the dispenser can be complex. This complexity can be costly and increase the chance of failure. Third, the materials used in variable tension devices are often not easily recyclable (e.g., roadside recyclables). Having such materials on the dispenser may make the dispenser itself less recyclable. It would be advantageous to have slotted paper dispensers that avoid the problems associated with variable tension devices in slotted paper dispensers.

[0051] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Perspective views and exploded perspective views of embodiments of a dispensing system 100 capable of dispensing extended slit paper are shown. The dispensing system 100 includes a container 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 110 is a box including a front panel 112, a rear panel 114, left and right side panels 116 and 118, a bottom panel 119, and a top panel 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the top panel 120 includes a flap 122 such that when the top panel 120 is closed, the flap 122 can slide behind the front panel 112 to close the container 110. The front panel 112 also includes a protrusion 124 that, when the top panel 120 is closed, can be inserted into a slot between the top panel 120 and the flap 122 to prevent the top panel 120 from opening. The front panel 112 also includes a dispensing flap 126. In some embodiments, the dispensing flap 126 is defined by perforated lines in the front panel 112, and the end user pulls the dispensing flap 126 to break the perforated lines (e.g., to...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 (The open position shown). When the distributing fold 126 is in Figure 3 and Figure 4 When in the open position shown, the front panel 112 has a dispensing aperture 128 through which web material (e.g., a slit sheet) can be dispensed from the inside of the container 110 to the outside of the container 110.

[0052] Container 110 is configured to hold a supply of slit paper 130 in an unexpanded state. In the illustrated embodiment, container 110 holds a supply of slit paper 130 in the form of rolls. In other embodiments, this supply of slit paper 130 may be in other forms, such as a stack of fan-folded slit paper 130. In some cases, it may be advantageous for container 110 to hold another sheet that can be dispensed along with the slit paper 130. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, container 110 is configured to hold a supply of backing paper 132. As discussed in more detail below, container 110 can be used to dispense both slit paper 130 and backing paper 132 simultaneously. In the illustrated embodiment, rolls of slit paper 130 are located on core 134, and rolls of backing paper 132 are located on core 136. In some embodiments, backing paper 132 may have information printed thereon, such as custom-printed information (e.g., advertisements, messages, logos, etc.).

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing system 100 includes an insertion assembly 140 configured to insert into a container 110. The insertion assembly 140 is configured to hold the batch of slotted paper 130. In embodiments where the dispensing system 100 is also used to dispense liners 132, the insertion assembly 140 is also configured to hold the batch of liners 132, as in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the insertion assembly 140 includes a roll guide 142. The roll guide 142 is configured to hold the sides of cores 134 and 136. In the illustrated embodiment, each roll guide 142 includes a hole through which an end cap 144 is inserted to engage an end of core 134. The end cap 144 is configured to rotate relative to the roll guide 142 and / or allow core 134 to rotate relative to the end cap 144, such that the slotted paper 130 can be withdrawn from the roll by rotating the roll relative to the roll guide 142 and the container 110. In some embodiments, the end cap 144 is configured to provide resistance (e.g., frictional resistance) to rotation of the core 134, such that the roll of the slit paper 130 does not rotate completely freely. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the roll guide 142 includes a slot 146 configured to receive an end of the core 136. The slot 146 in the roll guide 142 is configured to allow rotation of the core 136 relative to the roll guide 142, such that the liner 132 can be extracted from the roll by rotating the roll relative to the roll guide 142 and the container 110.

[0054] In some embodiments, the backing paper 132 is narrower than the slotted paper 130. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous for the backing paper 132 to be centered relative to the slotted paper 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert assembly 140 includes spacers 148 positioned around the core 136. Each of the spacers 148 is located between the roll of the backing paper 132 and one of the roll guides 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacers 148 have substantially the same width, such that the roll of the backing paper 132 is centered relative to the slotted paper 130. It will be apparent that the spacers 148 may have different widths, such that the backing paper 132 is not centered relative to the slotted paper 130. It will also be understood that only one spacer may be used, such that the roll of the backing paper 132 is side-justified relative to the slotted paper 130.

[0055] Figure 5A An embodiment of one of the end caps 144 that can be used in the dispensing system 100 is illustrated. The end cap 144 includes a collar 150 and a shaft 152 extending from the collar 150. In use, the shaft 152 of the end cap 144 can be pushed through a hole in the roll guide 142 until the collar abuts the roll guide 142, and the shaft 152 of the end cap 144 can be inserted into the core 134 of the roll of slit paper 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end of the shaft 152 (i.e., the end opposite the collar 150) is larger in diameter than the proximal end of the shaft 152 (i.e., the end at the collar 150). The proximal end of the shaft 152 includes a ridge 153 configured to engage a hole in the roll guide 142 after the end cap 144 is inserted into a retainer in the roll guide 142, thereby preventing rotational movement of the end cap 144 relative to the roll guide 142. The distal end of shaft 152 also has slits 154 parallel to the axis of shaft 152 and circumferentially spaced around the distal end of shaft 152. The portion of shaft 152 between slits 154 is a tensioning finger 156. When the tensioning finger 156 engages the inner surface of core 134, it applies tension to core 134 to prevent corresponding movement of core 134 and end cap 144 and to increase friction between core 134 and end cap 144. In some cases, the outer diameter of shaft 152 and the inner diameter of core 134 of end cap 144 are dimensioned such that end cap 144 and core 134 have an interference fit.

[0056] Figure 5BAnother embodiment of an end cap 144' that can be used in a dispensing system 100 is illustrated. The end cap 144' includes a collar 150' and a shaft 152' extending from the collar 150'. In use, the shaft 152' of the end cap 144' can be pushed through a hole in the roll guide 142 until the collar abuts the roll guide 142, and the shaft 152' of the end cap 144' can be inserted into the core 134 of the roll of slit paper 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end of the shaft 152' (i.e., the end opposite the collar 150') is larger in diameter than the proximal end of the shaft 152' (i.e., the end at the collar 150'). The proximal end of shaft 152' includes a ridge 153', which is configured to engage a hole in the roll guide 142' after the end cap 144' is inserted into a retainer in the roll guide 142', thereby preventing rotational movement of the end cap 144' relative to the roll guide 142'. The distal end of shaft 152' also has slits 154' parallel to the axis of shaft 152' and circumferentially spaced around the distal end of shaft 152'. The portion of shaft 152' between slits 154' is a tension finger 156'. When the tension finger 156' engages the inner surface of core 134', the tension finger 156' applies tension to core 134 to prevent corresponding movement of core 134 and end cap 144' and to increase friction between core 134 and end cap 144'.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, shaft 152' includes a narrow section 158' configured to increase the tension applied to core 134 by tension fingers 156'. In some cases, the core 134 into which end cap 144' is inserted has a defect in shape (e.g., a dent). In some cases, having a greater number of tension fingers 156' (e.g., eight tension fingers 156' instead of six tension fingers 156' in end cap 144) allows end cap 144' to be inserted into core 134, and a greater number of tension fingers 156' allows tension fingers 156' to adjust independently to accommodate defects in core 134.

[0058] Figure 6A and Figure 7 Front and side cross-sectional views of a dispensing system 100 are shown, the dispensing system including an insertion assembly 140 after being inserted into a container 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion assembly 140 is arranged such that the rolls of slit paper 130 and liner paper 132 are generally aligned in the front-to-back direction (i.e., when observing...). Figure 7(As shown in the direction from right to left) Alignment. For example, the axes of the paper rolls of slit paper 130 and liner paper 132 are equidistant from the front panel 112, and the axes of the paper rolls of slit paper 130 and liner paper 132 are equidistant from the rear panel 114. It will be understood that the axes of the paper rolls of slit paper 130 and liner paper 132 can be offset from each other in the front-rear direction. For example, the axis of the paper roll of liner paper 132 can be farther from the rear panel 114 and closer to the front panel 112 than the axis of the paper roll of slit paper 130.

[0059] Figure 6B A partial front cross-sectional view of the insert assembly 140 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the core 136 is wider than the liner 132 and extends into the slot 146 of the roll guide 142. A spacer 148 is positioned around the core 136 of the liner 132. In this embodiment, the liner 132 is unfolded by pulling the liner 132 such that the core 136 rotates relative to the slot 146 and the roll guide. Figure 6C A partial front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the insert assembly 140' is shown. The insert assembly 140' is similar to the insert assembly 140, except that the insert assembly 140' includes a core 136' of the liner 132 having a width similar to that of the liner 132 itself. The insert assembly 140' also includes a shaft 137 extending into a slot 146 of the roll guide 142. The core 136' of the liner 132 is positioned about the shaft 137 and is configured to rotate relative to the shaft 137. The spacer 148 is also positioned about the shaft 137. In this embodiment, the liner 132 is unfolded by pulling the liner 132 such that the core 136' rotates relative to the shaft 137. In some cases, the arrangement of the insert component 140' may be preferred because it is easier to correctly align the insert 132 on the core 136' than to align the insert 132 on the core 136 when the insert 132 and the core 136 have approximately different widths, since the core 136' and the insert 132 have approximately similar widths.

[0060] exist Figure 7The diagram illustrates an embodiment of the path of slit paper 130 and liner paper 132 from their respective paper rolls to the dispensing orifice 128. In the illustrated embodiment, slit paper 130 is drawn from the bottom of the paper roll and passes through a passive tensioning mechanism 160 before passing through the dispensing orifice 128. The passive tensioning mechanism 160 is arranged to induce tension in slit paper 130 as it passes through. In some embodiments, the passive tensioning mechanism 160 is configured to induce a substantially constant amount of tension in slit paper 130, regardless of the amount of slit paper 130 remaining on the paper roll. In some embodiments, the term "passive" is used to mean one or more of a non-powered tensioning mechanism, a non-variable tensioning mechanism, and / or a tensioning mechanism that cannot be adjusted by the end user of the dispensing system.

[0061] In some embodiments, the passive tensioning mechanism 160 is a zigzag path tensioning mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the passive tensioning mechanism 160 includes rods 162 and 164. The slit paper 130 extends from the bottom of the roll of paper along a first direction (e.g., when viewed from above). Figure 7 At that time, in a clockwise direction, it is fed around the rear, top, and front of the rod 162. Then, before the slit paper 130 is passed to and through the dispensing orifice 128, it is fed in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., when observing). Figure 7 The slit paper 130 is fed around the rear and bottom of the rod 164 (counterclockwise). The tortuous path of the passive tensioning mechanism 160 induces tension in the slit paper 130, causing it to expand from a non-expanded state to an expanded state during and / or after passing through the passive tensioning mechanism 160. In this way, the slit paper 130 is in an expanded state when it passes through the dispensing orifice 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the profile of the tortuous path is "S"-shaped.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, rods 162 and 164 of the passive tensioning mechanism 160 are formed as part of the insertion assembly 140. In this way, when the insertion assembly 140 is inserted into the container 110, the passive tensioning mechanism 160 is also inserted into the container 110. In other embodiments, rods 162 and 164 of the passive tensioning mechanism 160 may be formed as part of the container 110, such that the passive tensioning mechanism 160 is not inserted into or removed from the container 110 when the insertion assembly 140 is inserted into or removed from the container 110. In some embodiments, rods 162 and 164 may be hollow paper core structures, such as roadside recyclable hollow paper core structures.

[0063] In embodiments where the passive tensioning mechanism 160 includes rods 162 and 164, rods 162 and 164 can take various forms. In some embodiments, rods 162 and 164 are static rods that do not rotate relative to the container 110 and / or the insertion assembly 140. When rods 162 and 164 are static rods, movement of the slit paper 130 above rods 162 and 164 induces friction between the slit paper 130 and rods 162 and 164. This friction induces tension in the slit paper 130 when it is pulled. In some embodiments, rods 162 and 164 are rollers that rotate relative to the container 110 and / or the insertion assembly 140. In some instances, these rollers are substantially free to rotate relative to the container 110 and / or the insertion assembly 140. When rods 162 and 164 are rollers, there will be less friction between the slit paper 130 and rods 162 and 164 when the slit paper 130 is pulled through the passive tensioning mechanism 160. However, when the slit paper 130 is pulled through the passive tensioning mechanism 160, the tortuous path of the passive tensioning mechanism 160 still induces tension in the slit paper 130.

[0064] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the axes of rods 162 and 164 are generally along the front-to-back direction (when observing). Figure 7 (At the time, from right to left) Alignment. For example, the axes of the rolls of rods 162 and 164 are at the same distance from the front panel 112, and the axes of the rolls of rods 162 and 164 are at the same distance from the rear panel 114. This arrangement can provide sufficient tension in the slit paper 130 to cause the slit paper to expand into an expanded state before the slit paper 130 passes through the dispensing orifice 128.

[0065] The liner 132 is fed into the dispensing orifice 128 without inducing a significant amount of tension within it. In the illustrated embodiment, the liner 132 exits from the bottom of the paper roll and advances along a path around the paper roll of the slit paper 130 and around the passive tensioning mechanism 160 before passing through the dispensing orifice 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the liner 132 contacts the paper roll of the slit paper 130 and the portion of the slit paper 130 that passes over the lever 162 on its path from the paper roll of the liner 132 to the dispensing orifice 128. The path of the liner 132 allows the slit paper 130 and the liner 132 to be pulled together through the dispensing orifice 128 while inducing sufficient tension in the slit paper 130 to expand it, while the liner 132 does not receive sufficient tension to tear or damage itself.

[0066] Figure 8 A side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the distribution system 100 is shown. Figure 8 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 7The embodiment shown, apart from the positioning of rods 162 and 164 and the path of the liner 132 from the paper roll of the liner 132 to the dispensing orifice 128. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, rods 162 and 164 are not generally aligned in the front-rear direction. Specifically, rod 162 is positioned closer to the front panel 112 relative to the front panel than rod 164. The arrangement of rods 162 and 164 in this embodiment (compared to...) Figure 7 Compared to the arrangement of rods 162 and 164 in the illustrated embodiment, this arrangement provides an even more tortuous path for the slit paper 130 via the passive tensioning mechanism 160. This arrangement can increase the tension induced in the slit paper 130 and / or provide greater consistency in the tension induced in the slit paper 130.

[0067] exist Figure 8 In this process, the liner 132 is fed away from the top of the roll of paper. The liner 132 is fed into the dispensing orifice 128 around the passive tensioning mechanism 160. On the path from the roll of paper to the dispensing orifice 128, the liner 132 contacts the portion of the slit paper 130 that passes over the lever 162, but the liner 132 does not contact the roll of the slit paper. This path of the liner 132 also causes the rolls of the slit paper 130 and the liner 132 to rotate in opposite directions when the slit paper 130 and the liner 132 are withdrawn from the roll.

[0068] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Perspective views and partially hidden perspective views of the dispensing system 100 as the slit paper 130 and backing paper 132 are dispensed through the dispensing orifice 128 are shown, respectively. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, using Figure 7 The embodiment of the passive tensioning mechanism 160 shown and Figure 8 An embodiment of the passive tensioning mechanism 160 shown dispenses slotted paper 130 and liner paper 132 via a dispensing orifice 128. To dispense slotted paper 130 and liner paper 132, a user can grasp the ends of slotted paper 130 and liner paper 132 and pull them through the dispensing orifice 128. When this pulling force is applied, the combination of this force and the tension generated by the passive tensioning mechanism 160 causes the slotted paper 130 leaving the container 110 through the dispensing orifice 128 to be in an expanded state. This pulling force can also pull the liner paper 132 without tearing or ripping it. When the user determines that sufficient amount of slotted paper 130 and liner paper 132 has been pulled out to package the object, the user can tear or cut the slotted paper 130 and liner paper 132 to detach them from their webs.

[0069] The embodiments of the dispensing system illustrated herein include a roll of slit paper and a roll of liner paper. It will be understood that while including liner paper may be advantageous in certain situations, slit paper can be used without liner paper. Therefore, in all embodiments illustrated and discussed herein, liner paper will be understood as an optional feature of the dispensing system. It will also be understood that any dispensing system described herein can be modified such that the only roll of paper maintained within the dispensing system is a roll of slit paper.

[0070] One advantage of using slotted paper 130 as a cushioning material is that it is easily recyclable for the end consumer. In many jurisdictions (e.g., cities, counties, etc.), slotted paper can be recycled by the end user simply by placing it in a roadside recycling bin. This ease of recycling is attractive to suppliers and consumers who want to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging materials. In some cases, it will also be attractive that not only is the slotted paper itself easily recyclable, but the dispenser itself is made of easily recyclable materials. For example, in embodiments of the dispensing system 100, each of the container 110, cores 134 and 136, roll guide 142, and spacer 148 can be made of fiber-based materials such as cardboard, paperboard, kraft paper, cardstock, etc. Cardboard materials may include corrugated cardboard, such as single-wall B-flute, C-flute and / or E-flute corrugated cardboard, B / C double-wall corrugated cardboard, E / B double-wall corrugated cardboard, or any combination thereof. In this way, when the rolls of slit paper 130 and liner paper 132 are depleted, most parts of the dispensing system 100 can be recycled in the same way as recycled paper products. While most parts of the dispensing system 100 can be made of fiber-based materials, some parts can be made of other materials. For example, one or more parts (e.g., end cap 144) can be formed from another material. In some embodiments, end cap 144 is made of plastic. In some embodiments, rods 162 and 164 are made of one of fiber-based materials, wood materials, and / or metal materials. In some embodiments, not all components of the dispensing system 100 can be made of fiber-based materials. For example, if end cap 144 is made of a fiber-based material, end cap 144 may not function as intended. In those cases, it may be advantageous to use polymeric materials such as polypropylene that are easily recyclable and / or formed from recycled materials. In other cases, the end cap 144 may be omitted, such as when the core 134 of the slit paper 130 extends beyond the end of the slit paper 130 to directly engage the roll guide 142 (e.g., in a manner similar to how the core 136 of the liner paper 132 directly engages the roll guide 142).

[0071] In some embodiments, this can also reduce waste of the container 110 used for transporting and / or dispensing the slotted paper 130 and liner paper 132 (when included). For example, the container 110 may be made of cardboard and form a cardboard box. The container can be closed for transporting and / or dispensing the dispensing system 100. The dispensing fold 126 may be formed in the front panel by perforations along the bottom and sides of the dispensing fold 126. When the end user receives the dispensing system, the user can disconnect the perforations of the dispensing fold 126 and pull the dispensing slot to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The position shown is for opening the dispensing aperture 128. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous that the ends of the slit paper 130 (and the ends of the backing paper 132, when included) are releasably attached (e.g., with tape) to the interior of the dispensing fold 126. In this way, when the user opens the dispensing aperture 128, the ends of the slit paper 130 and / or the backing paper 132 can be easily released and pulled through the dispensing aperture 128 to begin dispensing the slit paper 130 and / or the backing paper 132. The user can then dispense the slit paper 130 until the roll is exhausted, at which point any recyclable material from the dispensing system 100 can be recovered.

[0072] Figure 11 and Figure 12 The illustration shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a dispensing system 100' capable of dispensing extended slit paper, in both a closed and open state. The dispensing system 100' includes a container 110', which is a variation of container 110. In the illustrated embodiment, container 110' is a box including a front panel 112, a rear panel 114, left and right side panels 116 and 118, a bottom panel 119, a top panel 120, and a folding panel 122. Figure 11 In the middle, container 110' is in the closed state, with top panel 120 closed. Figure 12 In the case of the container 110' being in the open state, with the top panel 120 open, the front panel 112 also includes a protrusion 124' that, when the top panel 120 is closed, inserts into a slot between the top panel 120 and the flap 122 to prevent the top panel 120 from opening. It will be apparent that any number of protrusions 124' may be used in any embodiment described herein.

[0073] The front panel 112 also includes a distribution flap 126'. In some embodiments, the distribution flap 126' is defined by a perforated line in the front panel 112, and the end user removes the distribution flap 126' from the front panel 112 by tearing the perforated line. Figure 11 A distribution fold 126' is shown, wherein perforated lines are present around the perimeter of the distribution fold 126'. Figure 12The diagram illustrates the dispensing flap 126' during removal from the front panel 112. When the dispensing flap 126' is fully removed from the front panel 112, the front panel 112 has a dispensing orifice 128' through which the web of the slotted paper and / or the web of the backing paper can be dispensed from the interior of the container 110' to the exterior of the container 110'. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing system 100' includes the batch of slotted paper 130, the batch of backing paper 132, and the insertion assembly 140.

[0074] For the purposes of this disclosure, terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inward,” “outward,” “internal,” “external,” “front,” “rear,” etc., should be interpreted as descriptive and do not limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variations thereof herein, is intended to include the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional items. Unless otherwise limited, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “installed,” and variations thereof, are used extensively herein and include direct and indirect connections, couplings, and installations. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” etc., are used to mean within 5% of the target value.

[0075] The principles, representative embodiments, and operating modes of this disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, the aspects of this disclosure intended to be protected should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be understood that others may make variations and modifications, and adopt equivalents, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, it is expressly intended that all such variations, modifications, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure.

Claims

1. An allocation system comprising: A container having multiple panels, wherein a first panel of the multiple panels includes a dispensing orifice; A roll of slit paper, wherein the slit paper on the roll is in an unexpanded state, and wherein the slit paper can be transformed from the unexpanded state to an expanded state by applying a longitudinal tension to the slit paper; as well as A passive tensioning mechanism is located in the container and is arranged such that the path of the slit paper from the roll of the slit paper to the dispensing orifice passes through the passive tensioning mechanism; The passive tensioning mechanism is configured to induce tension in the slit paper along the path between the paper roll and the dispensing orifice, causing the slit paper to transition from the unexpanded state to the expanded state along the path between the paper roll and the dispensing orifice. The passive tensioning mechanism includes: A first rod, the first rod being arranged such that the path of the slit paper passes around the first rod in a first direction; as well as The second rod is arranged such that the path of the slit paper, after passing around the first rod, passes around the second rod in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first and second rods are static rods that do not rotate relative to the container.

2. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the passive tensioning mechanism is configured to induce a constant amount of tension in the slit paper, regardless of the amount of slit paper remaining on the roll of the slit paper.

3. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the passive tensioning mechanism is a tortuous path tensioning mechanism.

4. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the first rod and the second rod are rollers configured to rotate relative to the container.

5. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the distance between the axis of the first rod and the first panel of the container is less than or equal to the distance between the axis of the second rod and the first panel of the container.

6. The distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising: An insertion component configured to be inserted into the container, wherein the insertion component is configured to hold the roll of the slit paper in the container.

7. The distribution system of claim 6, wherein the insertion component comprises: A first paper roll guide and a second paper roll guide are configured to hold the sides of the core of the paper roll wound with the slit paper.

8. The distribution system of claim 7, wherein the insertion component comprises: An end cap, which is inserted through holes in the first and second roll guides and into the side portion of the core of the slit paper roll.

9. The dispensing system of claim 8, wherein each of the end caps comprises: A shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end has a larger diameter than the proximal end; A collar located at the proximal end of the shaft; as well as A plurality of slits, the plurality of slits being parallel to the axis of the shaft and circumferentially spaced around the distal end of the shaft; The distal end is configured to be inserted into one of the ends of the core of the slit paper roll; and The collar is configured to be adjacent to one of the first paper roll guide and the second paper roll guide.

10. The dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the outer diameter of the shaft of the end cap and the inner diameter of the core of the slit paper roll are sized such that the end cap and the core of the slit paper roll have an interference fit.

11. The distribution system according to claim 7, further comprising: A roll of liner paper located in the container.

12. The distribution system of claim 11, wherein the insertion component comprises: The slots in the first and second paper roll guides, wherein the slots are configured to receive and retain the end of the core wound with the liner paper; The slots are configured to allow the core of the liner paper to rotate relative to these paper roll guides.

13. The dispensing system of claim 12, wherein the backing paper is narrower than the slit paper, and wherein the insertion assembly further comprises: At least one spacer is located on the roll of the liner and positioned between the liner and one of the first roll guide and the second roll guide.

14. The dispensing system of claim 13, wherein the at least one spacer positions the liner paper such that the liner paper is centered relative to the slit paper.

15. The distribution system of claim 11, wherein the insertion component comprises: The slots in the first and second paper roll guides; as well as A shaft extending between the slots in the first and second paper roll guides; The core of the paper roll of the liner is positioned about the axis, and the core of the paper roll of the liner is configured to rotate relative to the axis.

16. The dispensing system of claim 15, wherein the insertion component further comprises: At least one spacer is located on the shaft and positioned between the paper roll of the liner and one of the first paper roll guide and the second paper roll guide.

17. The dispensing system of claim 7, wherein each of the first and second paper roll guides and the container is made of a fiber-based material.

18. The distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising: The paper roll of liner paper located in the container; The path of the liner paper from the roll of the slit paper to the dispensing orifice passes around the passive tensioning mechanism.

19. The dispensing system of claim 18, wherein the backing paper and the slit paper are configured to be pulled through the dispensing orifice to simultaneously dispense the backing paper and the slit paper in the extended state.

20. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein: The first panel is the front panel of the container; and The plurality of panels further includes a bottom panel, a rear panel, two side panels, and a top panel.

21. The dispensing system of claim 20, wherein the front panel includes a dispensing fold formed by perforated lines along the bottom and sides of the dispensing fold, and wherein the dispensing fold is configured to be pulled out to open the dispensing orifice.

22. The dispensing system of claim 20, wherein the front panel includes a dispensing fold formed by perforated lines around the perimeter of the dispensing fold, and wherein the dispensing fold is configured to be removed to open the dispensing orifice.

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