Sheet Product Dispenser

Abstract

A nozzle for dispensing sheet product is disclosed. The nozzle includes a base portion having an inner periphery and an outer periphery and oriented substantially perpendicular to a dispense direction of the sheet product. A sloping portion of the nozzle is disposed proximate a center of the base portion. The sloping portion extends from the inner periphery of the base portion toward the center in the dispense direction and terminates at an edge defining an opening of the nozzle. The nozzle further includes a lip portion disposed about the outer periphery of the base portion, and a retention feature extending from the lip portion.

1 . A nozzle for dispensing sheet product therethrough, the nozzle comprising:
 a base portion having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, the base portion oriented substantially perpendicular to a dispense direction of the sheet product;   a sloping portion disposed proximate a center of the base portion and extending from the inner periphery of the base portion toward the center in the dispense direction, the sloping portion terminating at an edge defining an opening of the nozzle;   a lip portion disposed about the outer periphery of the base portion;   a retention feature extending from the lip portion, the retention feature having a leg portion and a latch portion, the leg portion oriented substantially parallel to the dispense direction, the latch portion extending from a free end of the leg portion substantially perpendicular to the dispense direction.   
   
   
       2 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , further comprising a wall portion disposed about the outer periphery of the base portion and extending from the base portion in the dispense direction, wherein the lip portion is disposed outboard of the wall portion. 
   
   
       3 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , wherein the retention feature comprises more than one retention feature, each of the more than one retention features being disposed at a discrete circumferential position on the lip portion. 
   
   
       4 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , wherein the sloping portion comprises a slit. 
   
   
       5 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , wherein the latch portion extends toward the center of the base portion. 
   
   
       6 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a hinge integrally arranged with the lip portion; and   a cover integrally arranged with the hinge and in pivotal communication with the nozzle via the hinge;   wherein the cover comprises a cap portion and a wall portion, the wall portion of the cover disposed proximate an outer periphery of the cap portion and oriented perpendicular to the cap portion;   wherein in response to the cover being pivotally coupled with the nozzle via the hinge, the wall portion of the cover interfaces with the wall portion of the nozzle, thereby sealing the nozzle.   
   
   
       7 . The nozzle of  claim 6 , wherein material of the nozzle, material of the hinge, and material of the cover are merged together such that the hinge is a living hinge. 
   
   
       8 . A sheet product dispenser comprising:
 a main body having a bottom and side walls that define a top opening and an interior of the main body;   a lid removably disposed upon the top opening, the lid comprising a nozzle, the nozzle comprising:
 a base portion having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, the base portion oriented substantially perpendicular to a dispense direction of the sheet product; 
 a sloping portion disposed proximate a center of the base portion and extending from the inner periphery of the base portion toward the center in the dispense direction, the sloping portion terminating at an edge defining an opening of the nozzle; 
 a lip portion disposed about the outer periphery of the base portion; and 
 a retention feature extending from the lip portion, the retention feature having a leg portion and a latch portion, the leg portion oriented substantially parallel to the dispense direction, the latch portion extending from a free end of the leg portion substantially perpendicular to the dispense direction. 
   
   
   
       9 . The dispenser of  claim 8 , further comprising a wall portion disposed about the outer periphery of the base portion and extending from the base portion in the dispense direction, wherein the lip portion is disposed outboard of the wall portion. 
   
   
       10 . The dispenser of  claim 8 , wherein the retention feature comprises more than one retention feature, each of the more than one retention features being disposed at a discrete circumferential position on the lip portion. 
   
   
       11 . The dispenser of  claim 8 , wherein the sloping portion comprises a slit. 
   
   
       12 . The dispenser of  claim 8 , wherein the latch portion extends toward the center of the base portion. 
   
   
       13 . The dispenser of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a hinge integrally attached with the lip portion; and   a cover integrally arranged with the hinge and in pivotal communication with the nozzle via the hinge;   wherein the cover comprises a cap portion and a wall portion, the wall portion of the cover disposed proximate an outer periphery of the cap portion and oriented perpendicular to the cap portion; and   wherein in response to the cover being pivotally coupled with the nozzle via the hinge, the wall portion of the cover interfaces with the wall portion of the nozzle, thereby sealing the nozzle.   
   
   
       14 . The dispenser of  claim 13 , wherein material of the nozzle, material of the hinge, and material of the cover are merged together such that the hinge is a living hinge. 
   
   
       15 . The dispenser of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the nozzle is removably attachable to the lid via the retention feature.   
   
   
       16 . The dispenser of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the nozzle is attachable to an underside of the lid, the underside of the lid disposed proximate the interior of the main body.   
   
   
       17 . The dispenser of  claim 16 , wherein the nozzle is removably attachable to the underside of the lid. 
   
   
       18 . The dispenser of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 sheet product disposed within the interior of the main body.   
   
   
       19 . The dispenser of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the sheet product comprises at least one of double re-creped material, carded material, hydroentangled material, and paper towel material.