Dispenser with table clamp

Abstract

A dispenser for disposable hygienic articles such as wipes or towels in stacks or rolls, or soap, includes a clamp suitable for securing the dispenser to a supporting structure such as the edge of a shelf or a table. The clamp includes a stationary clamping part for engaging one side of the supporting structure, a movable clamping part for engaging an opposite side of the supporting structure, and a device for urging the clamping parts towards each other so as to tighten the clamp about the supporting structure. The stationary and the movable clamping part each have a clamping face. Spacing between the clamping faces of the stationary clamping part and the movable clamping part is variable so as to adapt the clamp to supporting structures of different thicknesses.

1 . A dispenser for disposable hygienic articles comprising a dispenser housing for accommodating the hygienic articles, and a clamp suitable for securing the dispenser to a supporting structure,
 the clamp including a stationary clamping part that engages one side of the supporting structure, and a movable clamping part that engages an opposite side of the supporting structure,   wherein the movable clamping part is urged towards the stationary clamping part so as to tighten the clamp about the supporting structure,   wherein the stationary and the movable clamping part each have a clamping face,   wherein spacing between the clamping faces of the stationary clamping part and the movable clamping part is variable so as to adapt the clamp to supporting structures of different thicknesses, and   wherein either the stationary clamping part or the movable clamping part is formed integral with the dispenser housing.   
     
     
         2 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the clamping faces are arranged in a spaced parallel relationship. 
     
     
         3 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the spacing between the clamping faces of the stationary clamping part and the movable clamping part is variable in a direction which is essentially perpendicular to the clamping faces. 
     
     
         4 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein each of the clamping faces is at least partly covered by a protective layer. 
     
     
         5 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp is essentially C- or G-shaped and includes a slot for being disposed about the supporting structure, and wherein one leg of the slot constitutes the stationary clamping part, and the movable clamping part is supported on the opposite leg of the slot so as to face the stationary clamping part. 
     
     
         6 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the movable clamping part is a threaded rod having a head, and a rotation of the threaded rod results in a translation of the head for tightening the clamp. 
     
     
         7 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the movable clamping part includes a cam surface and a lever, and the clamp is tightened by pivoting the cam surface with the lever. 
     
     
         8 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the position of the movable clamping part is also adjustable in the direction parallel to the clamping faces. 
     
     
         9 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the movable clamping part is slidably supported relative to the stationary clamping part by a rod, and the spacing between the stationary and movable clamping parts is variable in the longitudinal direction of the rod. 
     
     
         10 . The dispenser of  claim 9 , wherein at least a part of the rod extends essentially at right angles with respect to the clamping faces of the stationary and movable clamping parts. 
     
     
         11 . The dispenser of  claim 9 , wherein a first end of the rod is attached to one of the stationary or movable clamping parts, a second end of the rod extends through the other of the stationary or movable clamping parts, and a nut is in threaded engagement with the second end of the rod and operable for urging the movable clamping part towards the stationary clamping part. 
     
     
         12 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp further comprises a spring that urges the the movable clamping part towards the stationary clamping part. 
     
     
         13 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the movable clamping part is provided in the form of a clamping block. 
     
     
         14 . The dispenser of  claim 13 , further comprising a guide that guides the movable clamping block in its sliding movement towards and away from the stationary clamping part. 
     
     
         15 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the movable clamping part is so arranged and constructed as to be located at a certain distance from the edge of the supporting structure, when the clamp is mounted to the supporting structure, wherein the distance is at least one third of a width of the dispenser housing, measured along the said edge and between the farthest contact points between the dispenser housing and the edge. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the dispenser further comprises a bracket for being releasably secured to the dispenser housing. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . The dispenser of  claim 17 , wherein the bracket includes a plate structure for being releasably secured to the dispenser housing. 
     
     
         20 . The dispenser of  claim 17 , wherein the bracket includes a framework for being releasably secured to the dispenser housing. 
     
     
         21 . The dispenser of  claim 17 , wherein the bracket is integral with either the stationary clamping part or the movable clamping part, and the respective other clamping part is movably supported relative thereto. 
     
     
         22 . The dispenser of  claim 17 , wherein the bracket is so arranged and constructed that dispenser housings of different types and/or sizes can be releasably secured thereto. 
     
     
         23 . The dispenser of  claim 15 , wherein the distance is at least half of the width of the dispenser housing.