SHEET MATERIAL DISPENSER

Abstract

A sheet material dispenser which may be coupled magnetically or with a clamp to an object such as a refrigerator, a vehicle, shelf, counter, barbeque grill or other suitable surface is provided. The dispenser comprises a generally tubular canister comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and ends. The back of the canister may comprise a horizontal member extending between said ends. The horizontal portion further comprises a magnetic strip which permits the canister to be mounted to a ferrous object such as a refrigerator, vehicle, or barbeque grill. An end of the canister comprises a clamp adapted to permit the canister to be mounted to ferromagnetic surfaces as well as non-ferrous surfaces. Another end comprises a magnetic portion adapted to permit the dispenser to be mounted in alternative positions on various surfaces. A caddy for receiving a roll of sheet material is provided, the caddy comprising one or more hooks and a generally U-shaped base, the base being adapted to receive the roll of sheet material such that said roll may be nested within the caddy.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a dispenser and specifically to a sheet material dispenser.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Paper materials or “paper towels” and other semi-disposable sheet material products such as garbage bags are found in virtually every home in the United States. Paper towels are made from an absorbent material and may be used for an almost unlimited number of tasks. For example paper towels may be used to dry hands, clean dishes, wipe counter tops, dust surfaces, and clean up a variety of spills. Because they are made of inexpensive, biodegradable materials of limited strength, paper towels are generally intended to be used for a short period of time and are, therefore, disposable. Garbage bags made from soft and flexible Low Density Polyethylene, Linear Low Density Polyethylene, or High Density Polyethylene, are, of course, generally used only one time. However, such bags may also be used as a convenient and inexpensive temporary storage device.

Although paper towels and garbage bags are often distributed as part of a roll with sheets separated by perforations, they can also be stacked or arranged individually. Sheet material products, whether rolled, stacked, or otherwise arranged individually, are commonly used in kitchen and dining areas. For example, many residential users of sheet material products have some sort of dispensing mechanism that allows the paper towel roll to be stored in a convenient and accessible area (such as under a sink or in a pantry) so that a paper towel may be easily and conveniently retrieved. Although found less often in residential applications, some users may also have a dispenser that allows them to easily retrieve a plastic garbage bag.

There are a number of sheet material dispensers that have been developed or are in the marketplace. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,160,361 to Monahan teaches a paper towel rack with foldable arm portions. U.S. Pat. No. 3,508,559 to Wolfe teaches a paper towel holding tube that may be affixed to a surface such as a vehicle dashboard. U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,658 to Tschudin teaches a paper towel dispenser comprising a T shaped base having a plurality of magnets and support arms, the roll being suspended between support members. U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,616 to Cooper teaches a universal utensil bar which may be secured to a metallic surface by magnets. U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,377 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,271 to Holden teach a paper towel dispenser comprising a base and a U shaped heavy gauge wire core holder. U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,292 to Cain teaches a paper towel dispensing apparatus comprising magnets which may be used to affix the apparatus to a surface. U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,106 to Holden teaches a paper towel dispensing apparatus comprising a base, a U shaped bar, and a frictional bar. U.S. Pat. No. 7,316,369 to Phelps teaches an adapter for dispensing paper from a paper towel roll. U.S. Pat. No. 7,354,598 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,434 to Masting teach a combination paper towel roll dispenser and wet wipe dispenser. Kuhn, U.S. Pat. No. 20090200441 teaches a support arm affixed to a magnetic surface. Briggs US 20100163696 teaches an elongated bracket that may be mounted to a metallic surface with magnets. Hutson U.S. D621189 is a design patent teaching a cantilevered paper roll dispenser. Snell U.S. D532228 is a design patent teaching an elongated cantilevered paper roll dispenser.

However, there is a need for a sheet material dispenser that is portable and which can easily be used in kitchen and non-kitchen settings such as a tailgate party or an outdoor barbeque, and which comprises a coupling mechanism that permits the user to mount the apparatus to a variety of surfaces, such as, for example, a barbeque or outdoor grill.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, a sheet material dispenser which may be coupled magnetically or with a clamp to an object such as a refrigerator, a vehicle, shelf, counter, barbeque grill or other suitable surface is provided. The dispenser of the preferred embodiment comprises a generally tubular canister comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and ends. The back of the canister comprises a flat horizontal member extending between and coupled to said ends. In the preferred embodiment, this horizontal portion further comprises a magnetic strip which permits the canister to be mounted to a ferrous object such as a refrigerator, vehicle, or barbeque grill. This magnetic strip extends along a portion of the horizontal member. An end of the canister comprises a clamp which permits the canister to be mounted to such ferromagnetic surfaces as well as non-ferrous surfaces such as counter tops, shelves, cabinets, and the like. Another end comprises a magnetic portion which permits the dispenser to be mounted in alternative positions on various surfaces.

In one embodiment, the horizontal member is hingedly coupled to a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion and bottom portions may be pivoted about the respective hinges such that the canister may be placed in an open position. In such open position, a paper towel or other product roll may easily be placed within the canister. In the preferred embodiment, the hinges are “piano” type hinges which extend along the length of horizontal member and corresponding surfaces of the top and bottom portions. When the top and bottom portions are in a closed position, a top leading edge and a bottom leading edge form a dispenser opening or feeder through which a paper towel or other material such as a garbage bag may be dispensed.

In the preferred embodiment, the left and right sides of the canister comprise generally flat, circular pieces of material. Each end is coupled to the horizontal member so that the ends and horizontal member are held in a generally fixed position relative to one another. In other embodiments, the dispenser comprises one or more magnets structured and arranged to allow the dispenser to be releasably attached to a ferromagnetic surface is provided. In these embodiments, the dispenser comprises one or more bar portions adapted to be received within a longitudinal axial opening in a tube or opening of a paper towel, garbage bag, or other sheet material roll. In other embodiments, the dispenser comprises a towel/product bar spanning between two magnets. The magnets permit the bar to be positioned firmly on a metallic surface. The surface can be generally vertical, as with the side of a refrigerator, or generally horizontal, as with a hood of a motor vehicle. The towel/product bar may be inserted through the tube or opening or may extend in such tube or opening a short distance to allow the roll to be suspended between the arms. The towel/product bar may comprise two pieces, curved “hooks”, or a single, relatively straight bar. The magnets may comprise a plurality of magnets or a single magnet.

In other embodiments, a holding rack or “caddy” may be used to suspend a roll of sheet material or the dispenser from an outdoor grill or other object. The caddy comprises a wire-like structure comprising a plurality of curved cylindrical lower support portions, a horizontal portion, side retaining portions, a reinforced portion, and hooks. Lower support portions are bow shaped or rounded such that they generally conform to the rounded outside configuration of canister bottom portion. Bowed portions are coupled to horizontal portion at an upper outside end of the bowed portions The bowed portions are coupled at an inside upper end to the reinforced portion.

In other embodiments, the dispenser comprises holding brackets. In this embodiment, a pair of holding brackets is coupled to the dispenser at ends of the brackets. At an opposite end of each bracket an “L” shaped assembly comprising a clamping arrangement permits the brackets to be clamped to the grill. In this embodiment, the clamping arrangement comprises a threaded rod such as a screw or bolt, which, when tightened, compresses a clamping member against a portion of the grill lodged between the clamping member and bracket leg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers designate like parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front and right side isometric view of the sheet material dispenser in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front and left side isometric view of the dispenser in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a rear and left side isometric view of the dispenser in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a top and left side isometric view of the dispenser of FIG. 3A with a sheet material roll in place and a portion of said material extending through the dispenser opening.

FIG. 3C is a side isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the sheet material dispenser of FIGS. 3A and 3B with roll of sheet material in place and a portion of said material extending through the dispenser opening.

FIG. 3D is a top and left side isometric view of the dispenser of FIG. 3C with a mounting surface shown.

FIG. 4 is a front and left side isometric view of the dispenser in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front and left side isometric view of the dispenser in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front and left side isometric view of the dispenser in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front and top side isometric view of the dispenser in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front and left side isometric view of the dispenser in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front and right side isometric view of the dispenser coupled to an outdoor grill in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a right side end view of the holding rack which may be used to suspend the dispenser from an outdoor grill.

FIG. 11 is a left side end view of the dispenser with holding brackets in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a right, top, and rear side isometric exploded view of the dispenser in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a left, top, and front side isometric exploded view of the dispenser of FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1-3C, the present invention provides a sheet material dispenser 14 which may be coupled magnetically or with a clamp 32 to an object 45 such as a refrigerator, a vehicle, shelf, counter, barbeque grill or other suitable surface. In describing the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, it being understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents operating in similar manner to accomplish similar purpose. It is understood that the drawings are not drawn exactly to scale. In the drawings, similar reference numbers are used for designating similar elements throughout the several drawings.

The following describes particular embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood, based on this disclosure, that the invention is not limited to the embodiments detailed herein. As used herein, the terms “a” or “an” shall mean one or more than one. The term “plurality” shall mean two or more than two. The term “another” is defined as a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having” are open ended (e.g., comprising). The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” “an embodiment,” or similar term means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner on one or more embodiments without limitation. The detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.

The examples and illustrations of the sheet material dispenser 14 is described herein as being coupled to a refrigerator, a vehicle, or a barbeque grill. However, the inventive device is equally applicable for use with other structures. Moreover, while certain materials are discussed herein with respect to the components of the dispenser 14, caddy, accessories, etc., the device and other elements are not limited to such materials. In the preferred embodiment of the sheet material dispenser 14, certain components and elements are formed from steel. However, the components and elements of the dispenser, caddy, and accessories may comprise any suitable materials without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Referring to the figures, the sheet material dispenser 14 in accordance with a preferred embodiment is shown. The dispenser 14 of the preferred embodiment comprises a generally tubular canister 12 comprising a top portion 20, a bottom portion 22, and ends 16, 18. A rear side of the canister 12 comprises a horizontal member 26 extending between and coupled to said ends 16, 18. In the preferred embodiment, this horizontal portion 26 further comprises a magnetic strip 30 which permits the canister 12 to be mounted to a ferrous object 45 such as a refrigerator, a vehicle, or a barbeque grill 45. This magnetic strip 30 extends along a portion of the horizontal member 26. One end 16 of the canister 12 comprises a clamp 32 which permits the canister 12 to be mounted to such ferrous surfaces as well as non-ferrous surfaces such as counter tops, shelves etc. Another end 18 comprises a magnetic portion 38 which permits the dispenser 14 to be mounted in alternative positions on various surfaces.

The horizontal member 26 is hingedly coupled to the top portion 20 and the bottom portion 22. The top portion 20 and bottom portion 22 may be pivoted about one or more hinges 28, 29 such that the canister 12 may be placed in an open position, as shown in FIG. 9, or in a closed position as shown in FIG. 11. In such open position, a sheet material roll 34 may easily be placed within the canister 12. In the preferred embodiment, the hinges 28, 29 are “piano” type hinges 28, 29 which extend along the length, or a portion of the length, of horizontal member 26 and corresponding surfaces of the top 20 and bottom portions 22. When the top 20 and bottom 22 portions are in a closed position, a top leading edge 36 and a bottom leading edge 38 form a dispenser opening 24 or feeder 24 through which material 34 may be dispensed. Such material 34 may comprise a paper towel, a garbage bag, and lawn bag or any other material 34 that may be rolled and placed within said canister 12, or sheet material 34 that may be stacked within the canister 12.

Although in the preferred embodiment, the dispenser 14 and canister 12 are adapted for use with sheet material 34, the dispenser 12 and the canister 12 are not limited in their use to just sheet material 34. Rather, the dispenser 14 and canister 12 may be used to hold other materials, objects and/or substances. For example, the canister 12 may be used to place food which is to be cooked or has been cooked on a grill 45. The canister 12 may be used to hold cooking utensils, bowls, ingredient jars, and the like.

Although the top portion 20 and bottom 22 portions are both hingedly attached to the horizontal member 26 in the preferred embodiment they need not be so attached. The dispenser 14 may be structured and arranged such that only one of the top 20 and bottom 22 portions move and is attached to the hinge 28, 29. For example, the bottom 22 and sides 16, 18 can be fixed to one another and the horizontal member 26 such that only the top portion 20 moves about the hinge 28. In such an embodiment, the lower hinge 29 would not be present.

In the preferred embodiment, the back of the canister 12 has a flat portion comprising the horizontal member 26. Therefore, the canister 12 need not comprise a perfectly cylindrical outside configuration. However, the canister 12, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, can be cylindrical in outside configuration, and the horizontal member 26 can be coupled to the back. Or, alternatively, the horizontal member 26 can be eliminated and the magnetic strip 30 may be placed directly on the rear of the otherwise cylindrically shaped tubular canister 12.

In the preferred embodiment, the left 18 and right sides 16 of the canister 12 comprise generally flat, circular pieces of material. Each end 16, 18 is coupled to the horizontal member 26 so that the ends 16, 18 and horizontal member 26 are held in a generally fixed position relative to one another.

Referring to FIGS. 3C and 3D, an alternative embodiment of the dispenser 14 is shown. In this embodiment, the clamp 32 is modified to extend along the length of the canister 12 and permits the canister 12 to be mounted to an undersurface 45 of, for example, a barbeque grill 45. An arm portion 44 of the clamp 26 has an adjustable length and a mechanism 39 for adjusting same. At one end of the clamp 26 assembly is a hook portion 41 which is adapted to permit the dispenser 14 to be suspended or “hooked” over a surface 45. The arm portion 44 comprises a magnet 38 at a distal end 43 which is adapted to permit the dispenser 14 to be stabilized. Although the distal end 43 of the preferred embodiment comprises a magnet 38, the distal end 43 need not comprise a magnet 38. Since the arm 44 is adjustable, the distal end 43 can simply be clamped against a suitable surface 45.

Referring to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of the dispenser 14 is shown. In this embodiment, the dispenser 14 further comprises a stabilizing mechanism 47. The mechanism 47 is an elongated rectangular portion that projects tangentially from an outer surface of the dispenser 14 along a portion of the length of the bottom portion 22 of the canister 12. This stabilizing mechanism 47 allows the dispenser to be placed flat on a surface 45 and permits the user to retrieve the material 34 without having the canister 12 roll along a horizontal surface 45 an undesirable amount. Instead, when the user retrieves the material 34, the canister 12 will tilt forward until the mechanism 47 contacts the surface 45.

Referring to the FIGS. 4-7, the dispenser 14 is shown in several other embodiments. In these embodiments, the dispenser 14 comprises one or more magnets 38 structured and arranged to allow the dispenser 14 to be releasably attached to a ferromagnetic surface. In these embodiments, the dispenser 14 comprises one or more bar portions 40 adapted to be received by the opening 42 in the material roll 34. The magnets 38 are adapted to permit the bar 30 to be positioned firmly on a ferromagnetic surface 45. The surface 45 can be generally vertical, as with the side of a refrigerator, or generally horizontal, as with a hood of a motor vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 4, the dispenser 14 of an alternative embodiment is shown and comprises two separate magnets 38, each of which is coupled to an individual arm 44. Two truncated towel bars 40 are attached to the respective arm 44 such that a paper towel roll 34 may be suspended between the two arms 44 with the towel bars 40 inserted within each end of the rolled material opening 42.

Referring to FIG. 5, the dispenser 14 of an alternative embodiment is shown and comprises a single magnet 38, which is coupled to two arms 44. Two truncated bars 40 are coupled to the respective arm 44 such that the rolled material 34 may be suspended between the two arms 44 with the bars 40 inserted within each end of the rolled material opening 42.

Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the dispenser 14 is shown. The dispenser 14 comprises a single magnet 38 coupled directly to the towel/material bar 40. The towel/material bar 40 is structured and arranged to be capable of being inserted through the rolled material opening 42.

As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the bar 40 may comprise two pieces as shown in FIG. 4, curved “hooks” 46 as shown in FIG. 5, or a single, relatively straight bar 40, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The magnets 38 may comprise a plurality of magnets 38 as shown in FIG. 4, or a single magnet 38 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Referring to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of the dispenser 14 comprising an offset arm 44 and magnet 38 is shown. In this embodiment, the dispenser 14, for example, may be suspended from the under surface 45 of a metallic material, such as a tailgate or a barbeque grill 45, such that the magnet 38 magnetically couples the dispenser 14 to the desired surface 45.

Referring to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment of the dispenser 14 is shown. In this embodiment, the canister 12 top portion 20 and the bottom portion 22 are hingedly coupled to one another. The top portion 20 and bottom portion 22 may be pivoted about the respective hinges 28, 29 such that the canister 12 may be placed in an open position as shown in FIG. 9. In such open position, a sheet material roll 34 may easily be placed within the canister 12. In the preferred embodiment, the hinges 28, 29 are “piano” type hinges 28, 29 which extend along a portion of an edge of the top 20 and bottom portions 22. However, the one or more hinges 28, 29 need not be piano hinges 28, 29. Rather any suitable conventional and commercially available hinging arrangement 28, 29 may be used. When the top 20 and bottom 22 portions are in a closed position, a top leading edge 36 and a bottom leading edge 38 form a dispenser opening 24 or feeder 24 through which material 34 may be dispensed. Such material 34 may comprise a paper towel, a garbage bag, and lawn bag or any other material 34 that may be rolled and placed within said canister 12, or may comprise material 34 that is stacked within the canister 12.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternative embodiment of the dispenser 14 is shown. In this embodiment, the canister 12, when viewed from the end has a rounded square outside configuration. The top portion 20 comprises three pieces 20a, 20b, and 20c. The bottom portion 22, when viewed from the end, has a truncated “U” configuration such that two legs 22a, 22b extend upwards from a lower portion 22c. Top portions 20a, 20b have an inverted “U” configuration such that two legs 22d, 22e extend downward from the top portions 20a, 20b to each of the legs 22a, 22b of bottom portion 22. Top piece 20c spans between top portions 20a, 20b such that said top portions 20a, 20b are coupled to one another. Top piece 20c further comprises one or more hinges 28, 29 which, in this embodiment, are “piano” type hinges 28, 29 which extend along a portion of an edge of the top portions 22a, 22b. However, the one or more hinges 28, 29 need not be piano hinges 28, 29. Rather any suitable conventional and commercially available hinging arrangement 28, 29 may be used. In this arrangement, top portions 20a, 20b are hingedly coupled to top piece 22c such that either element 20a, 20b may be rotated so as to permit material 34 to be placed within canister 12. Such material 34 is dispensed from an opening between leg 20d and leg 22a. Such material 34 may comprise a paper towel, a garbage bag, lawn bag or any other material 34 that may be rolled and placed within said canister 12, or may comprise material 34 that is stacked within the canister 12. At each end of the canister are sides 16, 18. One or both of these sides 16, 18 are slideably and removably coupled to the top 20 and bottom portion 22 such that the material 34 may be placed within the canister 12.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a holding rack 48, or “caddy” 48 which may be used to suspend a roll of sheet material 34, or the dispenser 14 from an outdoor grill 45. The caddy 48 comprises a wire-like structure comprising a plurality of curved cylindrical lower support portions 54, a horizontal portion 52, side retaining portions 60, a reinforced portion 58, and hooks 50. The hooks 50 are adapted to permit the caddy 48 to be suspended or “hooked” over an edge surface of a grill 45 or other object. Lower support portions 54 are bow shaped or rounded such that they generally conform to the rounded outside configuration of canister 12 bottom portion 22. Bowed portions 54 are coupled to horizontal portion 62 at an upper outside end of said bowed portions 54. The bowed portions 54 are coupled at an inside upper end to the reinforced portion 58. In this arrangement, bowed portions 54 are generally oriented perpendicular to horizontal portions 62 and reinforced portion 58. Horizontal portion 62 and reinforced portion 58 are aligned generally perpendicular to one another. Although in the preferred embodiment, the caddy 14 comprises a wire-like structure comprising a plurality of curved cylindrical lower support portions 54, the rack 14 may be of solid construction such that there are no lower openings. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9, the caddy 48 need not comprise side retaining portions 60.

In the preferred embodiment, the dispenser 14 and caddy 48 are made from metal. However, the dispenser 14 and caddy 48 need not be made from metal. Rather, the non-magnet portions of the dispenser 14 and the caddy 48 may be formed from polycarbonate, wood, fire-resistant resins and ceramics, or other suitable materials. The dispenser 14 and caddy 48 can easily be made of a combination of materials. For example, the canister 12 can be formed from metal, and the remaining components formed from polycarbonate. Also, the canister 12 arms 44 may be adjustable in length (such as through conventional and commercially available tubular telescopic components) and the one or more hinges 28, 29 may be provided to make the various components flexible during use or so that the dispenser 14 may be folded when not in use.

Referring to FIG. 11, the dispenser 14 is shown with holding brackets 72 in accordance with another embodiment. In this embodiment, one or more holding brackets 72, 72 are coupled to the dispenser 14 at ends 64 of the brackets 72. At an opposite end of each bracket 72, an “L” shaped assembly 70 comprising a clamping arrangement is adapted to permit the brackets 72 to be clamped or otherwise coupled to the grill 45 or other object 45. In this embodiment, the clamping arrangement comprises a threaded rod 68, such as a screw 68 or bolt 68, which, when tightened, compresses a clamping member 66 against a portion of the grill 45 or other object 45 lodged between the clamping member 66 and bracket leg 74. In one embodiment, a light 10 is coupled to an outside surface of canister 12. Light can be affixed to the canister 12 by tape, glue, magnets, or other conventional methods. In the preferred embodiment, the light 10 is an LED strip coupled to a lower surface of the canister 12 by tape.

The foregoing disclosure and showings made in the drawing are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. While the invention is shown in only a few forms, it is not just limited to the forms shown, but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be adapted for use in a number of environments.

The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention in accordance with the breadth of this disclosure, and the appending claims, to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled to be interpreted.

Claims

1. A sheet material dispenser comprising a tubular canister, said canister comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, said top and bottom portions being hingedly coupled to a coupling portion; the dispenser further comprising a magnetic portion adapted to permit the dispenser to be mounted to a ferrous object.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, said canister further comprising ends, the top and bottom portions extending between said ends.

3. The dispenser of claim 2 further comprising a clamp.

4. The dispenser of claim 2, said magnetic portion being positioned on an outside surface of at least one of said ends.

5. The dispenser of claim 1, said coupling portion further comprising a horizontal member, said top and bottom portions being hingedly coupled to said horizontal member.

6. The dispenser of claim 5, said magnetic portion being positioned on an outside surface of said horizontal member.

7. The dispenser of claim 1, said dispenser further comprising one or more hooks adapted to suspend said dispenser from an object.

8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein said object is an outdoor grill.

9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said top and bottom portions are hingedly coupled to one another.

10. A sheet material dispenser comprising a tubular portion, one or more hooks, and a magnetic portion, said tubular portion being adapted to receive sheet material, said magnetic portion being adapted to permit the dispenser to be mounted to a ferrous object, and said one or more hooks being adapted to permit the dispenser to be suspended from an object.

11. The dispenser of claim 10 further comprising one or more arm portions, said arm portions comprising first and second ends, said first ends being coupled to the tubular portion; at least one of said second ends comprising said magnetic portion.

12. The dispenser of claim 11 wherein at least one of said arm portions comprises a hinge.

13. A caddy for receiving sheet material, said caddy comprising one or more hooks, a generally arcuate base, and upwardly extending sides, the base and sides being adapted to receive the sheet material such that said sheet material may be nested within said caddy, said hooks being adapted to permit the caddy to be suspended from an object.

14. The caddy of claim 13, wherein said base and sides are further adapted to receive a canister comprising said sheet material.

15. The caddy of claim 13, wherein said object is an outdoor grill.