Tissue Box Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/708,004, which was filed on Oct. 16, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of tissue dispensing and collection devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an outer box that stores fresh tissues with a dispensing slot at the top and an inner box nested within to collect used tissues. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals frequently carry portable tissue packs to address common needs such as managing allergies, colds, or other health-related situations that require frequent nose-blowing or hygiene maintenance. However, one persistent problem arises when a trash receptacle is unavailable, leaving users to hold used tissues until disposal is possible. This practice poses a significant hygiene concern, as used tissues can harbor germs and bacteria, creating a risk of contamination. Moreover, the inconvenience of storing soiled tissues in personal bags or pockets often deters users from managing their waste properly, potentially increasing the spread of harmful bacteria in public and shared spaces. Existing portable tissue storage solutions generally focus on dispensing fresh tissues but fail to address the need for secure and hygienic storage of used tissues. There is also a demand for a system that can be conveniently transported or mounted in various locations, ensuring consistent access to both fresh tissues and a sanitary means of disposal.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a tissue box device that provides a dedicated compartment for the hygienic storage of used tissues, preventing direct contact and contamination. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a tissue box device that combines both fresh tissue dispensing and used tissue storage within a compact, portable design suitable for transport or wall-mounted use. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a tissue box device that enables hands-free disposal of stored tissues through a secure, easy-to-use mechanism, promoting user convenience and hygiene during disposal.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a tissue box device. The device is comprised of an outer box that stores fresh tissues and an inner box nested within the outer box to collect used tissues until disposal. The inner box wraps around three sides of the outer box wall and is secured by a tether to prevent full detachment during operation. The outer box features a top compartment with a dispensing slot designed to release a single tissue at a time. The inner box includes a bottom door with a hinge for hands-free disposal of used tissues, secured by a latch or locking mechanism. A method of using the device involves loading fresh tissues, inserting the inner box, dispensing tissues as needed, placing used tissues in the inner compartment, and releasing them through the bottom door for hygienic disposal.

In this manner, the tissue box device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a device for dispensing fresh tissues and temporarily storing used tissues prior to permanent disposal. In addition, the bottom door allows for hands-free disposal of used tissues from the inner box, promoting hygiene.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a tissue box device designed as a dispensing and storage solution designed for convenience and hygiene. The device is comprised of an outer box for storing and dispensing fresh tissues and an inner box nested within the outer box for storing used tissues until disposal.

The inner box is configured to slide horizontally out of the outer box and wraps around the left, right, and bottom sides of a side wall when fully inserted for a secure fit. The inner box is tethered to the outer box by at least one flexible strap, cord, or molded extension to prevent complete separation.

A fresh tissue compartment is positioned at the top of the outer box and includes a dispensing slot designed to release single tissues at a time. In one embodiment, the slot is comprised of a flexible plastic film that provides slight resistance to separate individual tissues during removal and minimizes tearing or bunching.

The tissues may be single-ply, double-ply, or triple-ply and made from materials such as cellulose fiber blends, biodegradable plant-based fibers, or hypoallergenic synthetic fibers. In some embodiments, tissues may be infused with additives such as lotion, essential oils, or antimicrobial agents for enhanced comfort and hygiene.

The used tissue compartment becomes accessible by pulling the inner box partially out of the outer box. The inner box includes a removable bottom door attached by an integrated hinge or fold and designed to open outward for hands-free disposal of used tissues. The door is secured closed by a fastener, such as a latch, friction-fit mechanism, or rotating lock, to ensure secure closure during transport and use.

The device may also be comprised of a handle, which may be an elastic loop that doubles as a hanging loop. For stationary use, the device can be mounted to walls using fasteners such as adhesive strips, brackets, or hooks, making it adaptable to various environments like homes, offices, and travel settings.

The method of using the device involves placing fresh tissues into the fresh tissue compartment, inserting the inner box into the outer box, and pulling tissues through the dispensing slot for use. Used tissues are placed into the used tissue compartment by sliding the inner box partially out. When full, the bottom door is opened to dispose of used tissues hands-free. After disposal, the door is re-secured, and the inner box is reinserted for continued use.

Accordingly, the tissue box device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device for dispensing fresh tissues and temporarily storing used tissues prior to permanent disposal. In addition, the bottom door allows for hands-free disposal of used tissues from the inner box, promoting hygiene.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a tissue box device of the present invention with the inner box nested within the outer box in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a tissue box device of the present invention with the inner box pulled out from the outer box in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a face-on view of a sidewall of an outer box of potential embodiment of a tissue box device of the present invention wherein the inner box is nested in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a tissue box device of the present invention with the inner box pulled out from the outer box and the bottom door open in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a tissue box device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a tissue box device that provides a dedicated compartment for the hygienic storage of used tissues, preventing direct contact and contamination. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a tissue box device that combines both fresh tissue dispensing and used tissue storage within a compact, portable design suitable for transport or wall-mounted use. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a tissue box device that enables hands-free disposal of stored tissues through a secure, easy-to-use mechanism, promoting user convenience and hygiene during disposal.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a tissue box device designed for convenient tissue dispensing and storage to promote hygiene. The device is comprised of an outer box for storing and dispensing fresh tissues and an inner box nested within the outer box for storing used tissues until disposal.

The inner box is configured to slide horizontally out of the outer box and wraps around the left, right, and bottom sides of a side wall when fully inserted to provide a secure fit. At least one flexible strap, cord, or molded extension tethers the inner box to the outer box to prevent complete separation.

A fresh tissue compartment is positioned at the top of the outer box and includes a dispensing slot designed to release single tissues at a time. In one embodiment, the slot is comprised of a flexible plastic film that provides slight resistance to help separate individual tissues during removal and minimize tearing or bunching.

The tissues may be single-ply, double-ply, or triple-ply and made from materials such as cellulose fiber blends, biodegradable plant-based fibers, or hypoallergenic synthetic fibers. In some embodiments, the tissues may be infused with additives such as lotion, essential oils, or antimicrobial agents to enhance comfort and hygiene.

The used tissue compartment is accessible by pulling the inner box partially out of the outer box. The inner box includes a removable bottom door attached by an integrated hinge or fold and designed to open outward for hands-free disposal of used tissues. The door is secured closed by a fastener, such as a latch, friction-fit mechanism, or rotating lock, to ensure it remains closed during transport and use.

The device may also be comprised of a handle, which may be an elastic loop that doubles as a hanging loop. For stationary use, the device can be mounted to walls using fasteners such as adhesive strips, brackets, or hooks, making it suitable for various environments, including homes, offices, and travel settings.

The method of using the device involves placing fresh tissues into the fresh tissue compartment, inserting the inner box into the outer box, and pulling tissues through the dispensing slot for use. Used tissues are placed into the used tissue compartment by sliding the inner box partially out. When the compartment is full, the bottom door is opened to dispose of the used tissues hands-free. After disposal, the door is re-secured, and the inner box is reinserted for continued use.

Accordingly, the tissue box device provides a convenient solution for dispensing fresh tissues and temporarily storing used tissues before disposal. The bottom door enables hands-free disposal, enhancing hygiene.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a tissue box device 100 of the present invention with the inner box 104 nested within the outer box 102 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The tissue box device 100 is a portable tissue dispensing and storage solution designed for convenience and hygiene. More specifically, the device 100 is comprised of an outer box 102 that stores and dispenses fresh tissues and an inner box 104 nested within the outer box 102 that stores used tissues for temporary storage until disposal is convenient.

More specifically, the inner box 104 is configured to slide horizontally out of the outer box 102 (assisted by grabbing at least one cutout 105) and wraps around three edges 111—the left, right, and bottom edges 111 (as seen in FIG. 3)—of a side wall 106 of the outer box 102 when fully inserted, providing a secure fit. In one embodiment, the inner box 104 is secured to the outer box 102 via at least one tether 107 to prevent the inner box 104 from fully sliding out of the outer box 102 during operation or transport. The tether 107 may be a flexible strap, cord, or molded extension that ensures extension and retraction of the inner box 104 without complete separation from the outer box 102.

The fresh tissue compartment 108, positioned at the top of the outer box 102, features a slot 110 for dispensing tissues 112. The slot 110 is dimensioned to ensure that only a single tissue 112 is dispensed at a time, preventing multiple tissues from being unintentionally pulled out. In one embodiment, the slot 110 is comprised of a flexible plastic film material designed to provide slight resistance during tissue removal, thereby helping to separate individual tissues more effectively. The slot 110 allows tissues 112 to pass through while minimizing the possibility of tearing or bunching.

The tissues 112 may include single-ply, double-ply, or triple-ply types made from materials such as cellulose fiber blends, biodegradable plant-based fibers, or hypoallergenic synthetic fibers. In one embodiment, the tissues 112 may be infused with additives 114, such as lotion to provide softness and reduce irritation, essential oils to deliver calming or refreshing scents, or antimicrobial agents for added hygiene.

The used tissue compartment 116 of the inner box 104 becomes accessible by pulling the inner box 104 out from the outer box 102, as seen in FIG. 2. To assist with this motion, the inner box 104 may be comprised of a pull tab 118. The inner box 104 also comprises a bottom door 120 equipped with an integrated hinge or fold 122 that attaches the door 120 to the remainder of the inner box 104. The bottom door 120 opens outward from the inner box 104 to release used tissues from the compartment 116 into a trash receptacle (as seen in FIG. 4), providing a hands-free disposal method that avoids the need for shaking or manually extracting tissues from the inner box 104. The hinge or fold 122 is preferably made of the same material as the inner box 104. The door 120 may be secured closed via a fastener 123, such as a simple latch, a friction-fit mechanism, or a rotating locking member that keeps the door 120 securely shut during transport or regular use.

The outer box 102 and the inner box 104 can be comprised of a variety of durable and hygienic materials. These materials may include recycled plastic, bamboo fiber composite for a biodegradable, biodegradable biopolymers, cardboard, paperboard, etc. The inner box 104 and outer box 102 may also be comprised of a water-resistant coating 140 to prevent damage.

The device 100 is also comprised of a handle 142, preferably made from an elastic loop. The handle 142 can also function as a hanging loop for suspended use when required. For stationary use, the device 100 can be mounted on walls using a fastener 150, such as adhesive strips, brackets, or hooks, which allows secure attachment to a variety of surfaces and enables the tissue box device 100 to adapt to diverse environments, such as home bathrooms, office spaces, and travel scenarios.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the tissue box device 100, as seen in FIG. 5. First, a tissue box device 100 is provided, comprising an outer box 102, an inner box 104, a fresh tissue compartment 108 with a dispensing slot 110, and a used tissue compartment 116 [Step 202]. Next, the user places a stack of fresh tissues 112 into the fresh tissue compartment 108 through the open top of the outer box 102, ensuring that the top sheet of the stack aligns with the dispensing slot 110 [Step 204]. Then, the inner box 104 is inserted into the outer box 102 until it is securely nested, wrapping around the left, right, and bottom sides of a side wall 106 of the outer box 102 [Step 206]. Subsequently, a tissue 112 can be pulled through the dispensing slot 110 for use [Step 208]. After using the tissue 112, the used tissue can be placed into the used tissue compartment 116 by opening the inner box 104, which is slid partially out of the outer box 102 [Step 210]. When the used tissue compartment 116 is full, the bottom door 120 of the inner box 104 is opened by releasing the fastener 123, allowing the used tissues to be disposed of hands-free into a trash receptacle [Step 212]. Finally, the bottom door 120 is closed and secured again using the fastener 123, and the inner box 104 is fully reinserted into the outer box 102 for continued use [Step 214].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “tissue box device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the tissue box device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the tissue box device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the tissue box device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the tissue box device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the tissue box device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the tissue box device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.