TOILET-PAPER ROLL CENTRALIZER
A device centralizes a roll of toilet tissue onto a rod or spindle. Assuming the roll of tissue has an inner diameter D and a width W, and that the rod or spindle has an outer diameter d1, the invention comprises a pair of disks and a plurality of flexible elements interconnecting the disks and maintaining the disks in spaced-apart relation. The disks are separated by a distance corresponding to W, thereby defining a cylindrical volume having a central longitudinal axis. Each disk has an outer diameter D′ slightly less than D, and an inner diameter d1′ slightly greater than d1. Each flexible element has a central section extending outwardly beyond the cylindrical volume, such that when a roll of toilet tissue is inserted over the device the elements flex inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis and achieve a frictional coupling to the roll.
This invention relates generally to bathroom tissue and, in particular, to apparatus that allows a roll of toilet tissue to be centered on a spindle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONWhile there may have been a time when the inside diameter of a roll of toilet paper corresponded to the outside diameter of the rod or spindle onto which it is placed, that is no longer the case. Reference is made to
This invention solves problems of the type just described by providing a device for centralizing a roll of toilet tissue onto a rod or spindle. Assuming the roll of tissue has an inner diameter D and a width W, and that the rod or spindle has an outer diameter d1, the invention comprises a pair of disks and a plurality of flexible elements interconnecting the disks and maintaining the disks in spaced-apart relation.
The disks are separated by a distance corresponding to W, thereby defining a cylindrical volume having a central longitudinal axis. Each disk has an outer diameter D′ slightly less than D, and an inner diameter d1′ slightly greater than d1. Each flexible element has a central section extending outwardly beyond the cylindrical volume, such that when a roll of toilet tissue is inserted over the device the elements flex inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis and achieve a frictional coupling to the roll.
In the preferred embodiment, D is on the order of 1½ to 1⅝ inches, d1 is on the order of ¾ inch or greater, and W is on the order of 4½ inches. In the case where the rod or spindle is a spring-biased unit having a first section with an outer diameter d1 and a second section with an outer diameter d2 which is greater than d1, the disks have different inner diameters. In particular, one of the disks has an inner diameter d2′ slightly greater than d2, wherein d2 is on the order of 13/16 to ⅞ inches or greater. The preferred embodiment uses three equally spaced springy metal flexible elements.
Having discussed the prior art and the limitations thereof, the reader's attention is directed to
Continuing the reference to
However, in the case of a spring-loaded spindle of the type shown in
The end disks 102, 104 are spaced apart by flexible elements 105, 106, 107. While three such flexible elements are shown, a greater plurality may be used and, for that matter, two opposing flexible elements may alternatively be used in some cases, depending upon construction. The disks 102, 104, as well as the flexible elements, regardless of number, may be constructed of plastic or metal, and may be joined through a frictional fit (as shown), or gluing or other bonding techniques may be used. In addition to metal or plastic, disks 102, 104 may be constructed of other materials, such as wood or even cardboard.
Claims
1. A device for centralizing a roll of toilet tissue having an inner diameter D, and a width W, on a rod or spindle having an outer diameter d1, the device comprising:
- a pair of circular disks spaced apart by a distance corresponding to W, the two disks defining a cylindrical volume with a central longitudinal axis, each disk having an outer diameter less than D, and a circular hole formed through each disc, each hole having an inner diameter greater than d1, thereby enabling the rod or spindle to be positioned through both holes of the disks;
- a plurality of flexible elements interconnecting the disks and maintaining the disks in spaced-apart relation, each flexible element having a central section extending outwardly beyond the cylindrical volume, such that when a roll of toilet tissue is inserted over the device the elements flex inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis and achieve a frictional coupling to the roll; and
- wherein the disks are interconnected only by the plurality of flexible elements.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein D is on the order of 1¼ to 1½ inches.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein d1 is on the order of ¾ inch or greater.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein W is on the order of 4½ inches.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein:
- the rod or spindle is a spring-biased unit having a first section with an outer diameter d1 and a second section with an outer diameter d2 which is greater than d1; and
- the holes through the disks have different inner diameters corresponding to d1 and d2.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein:
- d1 is on the order of ¾ inch or greater; and
- d2 is on the order of 13/16 to ⅞ inches or greater.
7. The device of claim 1, including three equally spaced springy metal flexible elements.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 26, 2009
Publication Date: Aug 26, 2010
Inventor: George Sanders (Chelsea, MI)
Application Number: 12/393,290
International Classification: B65H 75/24 (20060101); A47K 10/38 (20060101); B65H 16/06 (20060101);