Dispenser apparatus and method of using same

Abstract

A dispensing apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical housing, and attachment means adapted for attaching the housing to a support structure, such as an intravenous tubing line. The housing can contain a plurality of planar, interconnected items that are rolled up into a single roll. The interconnected items can be a plurality of individually packaged items, such as sanitizing wipes, which the each individual package is attached to another individual package along a line of perforation. A rolling mechanism can be mounted in the housing that supports the roll of wipes thereon and facilitates rotation of the roll.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of applicator wipes comprising:
 (a) a generally cylindrical housing adapted for containing a roll of applicator wipes, the housing having a dispensing opening formed therein whereby an applicator wipe contained in the housing can be grasped and pulled out of the housing; and   (b) attachment means for attaching the housing to a support structure.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a rolling mechanism positioned within an interior space of the housing and adapted for facilitating rotation of the roll of applicator wipes. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the housing defines first and second opposed longitudinal ends, and the rolling mechanism comprises a rod positioned in a first cavity positioned proximate the first end of the housing and a second cavity positioned proximate the second end of the housing. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing opening is defined by a dispensing lip extending outwardly from the housing, the dispensing lip comprising a first edge section and a second edge section in spaced apart relation and substantially parallel to the first edge section, the first and second edge sections defining a slit sized to receive a single applicator wipe there through. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the dispensing opening is further defined by a first cut away section formed in the housing, the first cut away section in communication with the first edge section and defining a first exposed area of the housing adapted for receiving a first finger of a user. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the dispensing opening is further defined by a second cut away section formed in the housing, the second cut away section in communication with the second edge section and defining a second exposed area of the housing adapted for receiving a second finger of a user. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of an intravenous tubing line, a cord, a string, a snap fastener, and a wall. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the attachment means comprises at least one attachment member extending outwardly from the housing and defining an arcuate cavity adapted for receiving and releasably engaging an intravenous tubing line. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the attachment means comprises at least one eyelet positioned on the housing. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the attachment means comprises at least one attachment member extending outwardly from the housing and adapted for engaging a complimentary fastener attached to a wall. 
     
     
         11 . A dispensing apparatus comprising:
 (a) a generally cylindrical housing;   (b) a roll comprising a plurality of connected individual packages contained within the housing, wherein each individual package is connected to another individual package along a line of perforation;   (c) a dispensing opening formed in the housing and adapted for dispensing one of the individual packages; and   (d) at least one attachment member adapted for attaching the housing to a support structure.   
     
     
         12 . The dispensing apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the housing defines first and second opposed longitudinal ends, and further comprising a rotatable rod positioned in a first cavity positioned proximate the first end of the housing and a second cavity positioned proximate the second end of the housing, wherein the rotatable rod supports the roll and facilitates rotation of the roll. 
     
     
         13 . The dispensing apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein each individual package contains at least one applicator wipe. 
     
     
         14 . The dispensing apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the dispensing opening is defined by a dispensing lip extending outwardly from the housing, the dispensing lip comprising a first edge section and a second edge section in spaced apart relation and substantially parallel to the first edge section, the first and second edge sections defining a slit sized to receive one of the individual packages there through and facilitating tearing of the individual package along the line of perforation. 
     
     
         15 . The dispensing apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the dispensing opening is further defined by a first cut away section formed in the housing, the first cut away section in communication with the first edge section and defining a first exposed area exposing one of the individual packages contained within the housing, whereby a user can place a first finger on said one of the individual packages. 
     
     
         16 . The dispensing apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein the dispensing opening is further defined by a second cut away section formed in the housing, the second cut away section in communication with the second edge section and defining a second exposed area exposing said one of the individual packages contained within the housing, whereby a user can place a second finger on said one of the individual packages. 
     
     
         17 . The dispensing apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the at least one attachment member comprises first and second attachment members positioned on the housing about 180 degrees from the dispensing opening, each of the first and second attachment members defining an arcuate cavity adapted for receiving and releasably engaging an intravenous tubing line. 
     
     
         18 . The dispensing apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the housing defines first and second opposed longitudinal ends, and the attachment means further comprises a first eyelet positioned on the housing proximate the first longitudinal end and a second eyelet positioned on the housing proximate the second longitudinal end. 
     
     
         19 . The dispensing apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the at least one attachment member comprises an eyelet positioned on the housing, and further comprising a fastening device containing a retractable cord, wherein the retractable cord is attached to the eyelet. 
     
     
         20 . A dispensing apparatus comprising:
 (a) a generally cylindrical housing comprising first and second body sections, the first and second body sections releasably attached to each other;   (b) a roll contained within an interior space of the housing, the roll comprising a plurality of connected individual packages;   (c) a dispensing opening formed in the housing and adapted for dispensing one of the individual packages; and   (d) wherein the interior space of the housing can be accessed by disengaging the first and second body sections.