Retractable Spindle Patents (Class 242/596.4)
  • Patent number: 11825993
    Abstract: Spindles and cover assemblies for dispensing sheet product for use with coreless sheet product rolls. The spindle may include a hollow cylindrical body, which may have an elongated channel in a sidewall; a rod which extends partially out of the body; and a spring disposed within the body in biasing contact with the rod. The rod may include a flexible tab matingly engaged within the channel, permitting the rod to translate within the hollow cylindrical body without falling out. The hollow cylindrical body may have an end with an opening bounded by an inward facing ledge, and the rod may include a radial ledge, such that the rod can translate within the body but cannot fall out due to interference between the inward facing ledge and the radial ledge. The spindle may include a friction hub disposed about and rotatable around the hollow cylindrical body between ends of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Robertson, Aaron Sinclair, Steven Mattheeussen, Todd Schuelke, Samuel Bruenger, John Grosz
  • Patent number: 10772476
    Abstract: A multiple toilet paper roll holder and dispenser holding a plurality of toilet paper rolls. The invention may be inserted into and secured within a hole cut into a wall. A sliding front window may provide access to restock the device. To restock the device a user may slide a front sliding window to access the interior, and then use two roll holder guides and a toilet roll bump to stock more toilet paper rolls into the interior of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventors: Karen Isabel Hunt, Robert Wesley Hunt, Ryan Wesley Hunt
  • Patent number: 10463206
    Abstract: A paper roll assembly is provided with first and second plates and first and second arm assemblies. Each of the first and second plates defines a through-hole and includes two plate tabs spaced from one another and located on a plate inner surface. Each of the first and second arm assemblies is arranged with one of the first and second plates for rotation independent of the plate. Each arm assembly includes an arm secured to an internal shaft extending through the through-hole. Each internal shaft includes a first shaft tab and a second shaft tab extending from the internal shaft. One of the internal shafts is arranged with one of the plates so rotation of the internal shaft is constrained to facilitate mount or removal of the paper roll by contact between one of the two plate tabs and one of the first shaft tab and the second shaft tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: LIBERTY HARDWARE MFG. CORP.
    Inventor: Neil Thomas Edwards
  • Patent number: 10028627
    Abstract: An assembly is provided. The assembly is configured to be disposed within a wall having an outer surface and an aperture formed in the outer surface. The assembly includes a housing and a lateral support assembly. The housing includes a lateral wall and a medial wall. The lateral wall includes a lateral outer surface, a lateral inner surface, and a lateral aperture extending through the lateral outer surface and the lateral inner surface. The lateral support assembly includes a retainer, a support housing, a button, and a biasing member. The retainer is disposed within the lateral aperture. The support housing is coupled to the retainer. The button is at least partially disposed within the passage of the retainer and within the passage of the support housing. The biasing member is at least partially disposed within the passage of the retainer and within the passage of the support housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Acorn Engineering Company
    Inventor: Darryl Boeltl
  • Patent number: 9994406
    Abstract: A rolled material dispensing apparatus including a housing, a frame, first and second retention structure, first and second ball bearings, first and second biasing components, and mounting structure. Sides of the frame form an open-front dispensing chamber and include first and second apertures for at least partially receiving the ball bearings therethrough. The retention structure retain the ball bearings and biasing components therein. The ball bearings may be urged out of the way of the roll of material when the roll is loaded into the apparatus. The biasing components urge the ball bearings at least partially through the apertures into ends of the roll when the roll is in a loaded position for retaining the roll in the dispensing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Toilet Technologies Company, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Joseph Ryan
  • Patent number: 9648994
    Abstract: A dispenser assembly for dispensing a sheet from a roll of sheet material, which defines a cavity extending longitudinally, includes: a roll holder for removably holding the roll of sheet material being free to rotate relative to the roll holder; a base for supporting the roll holder and for coupling the dispenser assembly with an environment structure; and a pair of coupling elements including a first element coupled to the roll of sheet material and a second element integral to the roll holder. The first element is coupled in a free to rotate and removable manner relative to the second element by magnetic coupling. The first element includes a longitudinally extending engaging portion which is arranged to at least partially engage with an end portion of the cavity of the roll of sheet material so that the first element is fixedly secured to the roll of sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SCA TISSUE FRANCE
    Inventors: Gilles Cattacin, Julien Marietta-Tondin
  • Patent number: 9475665
    Abstract: A paper roll holding structure for use in a printer includes two side plates to guide a paper roll. Each side plate has a guide surface opposing an opposite side surface of the paper roll. Holding members are arranged in the paper roll holding structure to hold the paper roll. Each holding member has a first end to be inserted into an axial hole of the paper roll and a second end formed at the opposite side of the first end. Also, support members are arranged on the guide surfaces of the side plates to restrain the holding members from moving downwards from a substantially vertical position. The support members are further configured to support the second ends of the holding members in such a manner as to allow the holding members to swing upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takuya Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9087414
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a spindle assembly for a ticket printer which permits the paper roll to be changed without removing the spindle assembly from the ticket printer. The spindle assembly consists of two arms mounted on the printer, on the upper portion of each respective arm is mounted a backing plate from which a spindle protrudes. The spindle may be retracted for loading paper by rotating a spindle actuator which is elevated by two ramps mounted thereon. The elevation of the actuator, which is connected to the spindle, retracts the spindle from the backing plate. An anti-theft ticket bezel is also disclosed, which has teeth incorporated into the ceiling within the opening of the bezel, so that if a ticket is pulled from outside the teeth tear the ticket or cuts it into strips, rendering the ticket useless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: NANOPTIX INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Vienneau, Denis Daigle, Talina Bourgeois
  • Publication number: 20140158810
    Abstract: A dispenser assembly for dispensing a sheet from a roll of sheet material, which defines a cavity extending longitudinally, includes: a roll holder for removably holding the roll of sheet material being free to rotate relative to the roll holder; a base for supporting the roll holder and for coupling the dispenser assembly with an environment structure; and a pair of coupling elements including a first element coupled to the roll of sheet material and a second element integral to the roll holder. The first element is coupled in a free to rotate and removable manner relative to the second element by magnetic coupling. The first element includes a longitudinally extending engaging portion which is arranged to at least partially engage with an end portion of the cavity of the roll of sheet material so that the first element is fixedly secured to the roll of sheet material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SCA TISSUE FRANCE
    Inventors: Gilles Cattacin, Julien Marietta-Tondin
  • Publication number: 20140158811
    Abstract: A dispenser assembly for dispensing a sheet from a roll of sheet material having a longitudinal axis, including: a roll holder for removably holding the roll of sheet material, which is free to rotate relative to the roll holder; a base for supporting the roll holder and for coupling the dispenser assembly with an environment structure; and a pair of coupling elements including a first element coupled to the roll of sheet material and a second element integral to the roll holder, the first element being coupled in a free to rotate and removable manner relative to the second element by magnetic coupling. The first element includes a contacting portion extending transversally relative to the longitudinal axis, which is adhered to a lateral edge of the roll of sheet material and arranged to at least partially recover the lateral edge so that the first element is fixedly secured to the roll of sheet material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SCA TISSUE FRANCE
    Inventors: Gilles Cattacin, Julien Marietta-Tondin
  • Patent number: 8746610
    Abstract: A paper roll setting structure includes a paper roll receiving section (120), a setting shaft structure (130), and a receiving frame (140). The receiving frame (140) includes a shaft position guide (150). The shaft position guide (150) includes a pair of guide pieces (151) and a loading recess (152). The setting shaft structure (130) includes shaft portions (131) so as to rotatably support a paper roll (200). Viewing the positions of the pair of guide pieces (151) enables an operator to recognize the positions of the shaft portions (131). Using the loading recess (152) enables the operator to insert his/her finger in the paper roll receiving section (120) to a deep side (Z2) in a roll loading direction. As a result, the operator can easily and reliably load the roll (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Infrontia Corporation
    Inventor: Akihisa Iwata
  • Patent number: 8727361
    Abstract: A dolly for supporting a spool carrying a windable material, such as rope, utilizes a wheeled frame including an elongated section having two opposite ends, a pair of wheels, and at least one floor-engaging for supporting, in conjunction with the wheels, the dolly upon a floor. A U-shaped bracket assembly having two legs and a base which extends between the two legs is secured to the elongated section of the frame, and a first tipped member is journaled to one leg of the U-shaped bracket for acceptance by a centrally-disposed hole provided in one end of the spool. A second tipped member is journaled to a threaded rod mounted in the other leg of the bracket for acceptance by a centrally-disposed hole provided in the other end of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: iTool Equipment Holding LLC
    Inventors: David S. Jordan, Michael C. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8616491
    Abstract: A paper roll holder formed of a base plate for mounting to a vertical or horizontal surface; two-spaced apart side plates mounted perpendicularly to the base plate; each comprising a slot for mounting a pivoting peg therein and two mounting holes penetrating by a dowel pin; the pivoting peg further comprising a sloped, elongated groove formed in a top surface of the peg to allow the mounting of a torsion spring therein, and a mounting hole in the end with the deep groove, and a dowel pin penetration the two mounting holes in the side plate, the mounting in the pivoting peg and an aperture through a center of the torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Lance B. Smith
  • Patent number: 8292213
    Abstract: A transport device for transporting a roll-shaped recording medium includes: a pair of roll retainers that are attached to both sides of a roll portion of the roll-shaped recording medium; a pair of spindles that are engaged with the roll retainers to support the roll portion; a transport roller that transports the roll-shaped recording medium drawn out from the roll portion while pinching the roll-shaped recording medium; and a positioning mechanism that rotates the roll portion supported by the spindles in a direction in which tension is applied to the drawn roll-shaped recording medium to move the roll portion to one side in a longitudinal direction such that a reference edge of the roll-shaped recording medium comes into contact with a reference position, thereby positioning the reference edge of the roll-shaped recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Kobayashi, Kiyoto Komuro
  • Publication number: 20120104143
    Abstract: An adapter for a recessed dispenser is disclosed. The adapter includes a frame configured to fit into a cavity of the dispenser. The adapter also includes a fastener for securing the frame to the dispenser. The frame includes two arms extending away from the cavity. The two arms are configured to removeably couple with a reduced-core diameter spindle. The spindle can expand/contract and is configured for use with a reduced-core roll of paper product. The adapter described herein allows for rolled product to be dispensed from an existing recessed dispenser where the rolls being dispensed have a larger outer diameter and a smaller inner core diameter than allowed by the original design of the recessed dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: OASIS BRANDS, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen Lawrence PHELPS
  • Publication number: 20120104142
    Abstract: An expandable and contractible spindle for dispensing rolled paper product, such as toilet paper, is described. The spindle comprises two elongated housings slideably coupled together, and a spring disposed there between. The first housing has a hallow interior portion and a side opening that provides access to the interior. The second housing has at least three sections with different diameters. The first section has a diameter that fits into the hollow interior of the first housing, but is too large to exit the side opening. The second section has a diameter smaller than the side opening. The third section has a diameter larger than the side opening. In this manner, first housing slides with respect to second housing along the length of the second section of second housing. The spring is disposed in the hallow interior, causing the spindle to expand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: OASIS BRANDS, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen Lawrence PHELPS
  • Publication number: 20120091251
    Abstract: A paper roll holder formed of a base plate for mounting to a vertical surface; two-spaced apart side plates mounted perpendicularly to the base plate; each comprising a slot for mounting a pivoting peg therein and two mounting holes penetrating by a dowel pin; the pivoting peg further comprising a slated, elongated grove formed in a top surface of the peg to allow the mounting of a torsion spring therein, and a mounting hole in the end with the deep grove, and a dowel pin penetration the two mounting holes in the side plate, the mounting in the pivoting peg and an aperture through a center of the torsion spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Lance B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110215189
    Abstract: A roll holder unit for a printer includes a regulating wall, a movable arm, and a lock arm. The regulating wall is located on the same axial side of the roll as the regulating wall to prevent axial movement of a roll. The movable arm moves between an adjacent position in which the axle is contact with a shaft and a spaced-apart position in which the axle is apart from the shaft. The movable arm is biased toward the adjacent position from the spaced-apart position. The lock arm moves between a regulating position in which the lock arm regulates the movable arm from moving from the adjacent position to the spaced-apart position and a release position in which the lock arm allows the movable arm to move from the adjacent position to the spaced-apart position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshinori Asai
  • Patent number: 7976233
    Abstract: A winding apparatus for use in a copier, a printer, and other devices for ejecting a printed sheet in a rolled form of a cylinder without having a core includes a gripping mechanism for gripping the leading end of a sheet when the sheet is rolled into cylindrical form. The gripping mechanism is disposed on a cylindrical member provided to each of both ends of the sheet in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the sheet and moving with the conveyance of the sheet. The on and off states of gripping to the leading end of the sheet can be controlled. The gripping mechanism is turned to the off state, and the cylindrical member is retracted from the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Onuki
  • Patent number: 7841557
    Abstract: A roll of material is unloaded from a roll changer of a web-processing machine. The roll changer includes a first arm having a first axle journal and a second arm having a second axle journal. The roll of material is rotatably supported between these two spaced axle journals. The first arm is moved axially outwardly until the first end of the roll is stripped off the first axle journal. The second arm is then also moved axially outwardly until the roll of material is stripped off the second axle journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Herbert Olbort, Johannes Matthias Rudolf Repp, Hartwig Horst Trutschel
  • Patent number: 7802750
    Abstract: A rolled sheet support mechanism has two spaced-apart guide plates for accommodating therebetween a rolled sheet. A displacement member carries a pair of opposed, axially slidable bobbins and pivots between an attachment position wherein the rolled sheet can be inserted between and held by the bobbins and an accommodation position wherein the rolled sheet is ready for use. A pair of biasing members compressed between the guide plates and bobbins elastically press the bobbins to the rolled sheet. The spacing between the guide plates is larger in the region of the attachment position than in the region of the accommodation position so that when the displacement member pivots from the attachment position to the accommodation position, the biasing members slide along the guide plates and further compress to increase the force at which the bobbins press against the rolled sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Kiyokazu Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20090212152
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: a recording unit that performs recording on a recording medium wound on a roll, the roll including a first flange that is attached to one end and has a shaft hole and a first receiving portion, and a second flange that is attached to the other end and has a shaft hole; a first holder movable along a rotation axis of the roll, the first holder including a first shaft insertable into the shaft hole in the first flange, and a first flange-support surface that is in contact with an outer periphery of the first flange to support the first flange when the first shaft is not fitted in the shaft hole in the first flange and that has a first engaging portion; a second holder including a second shaft insertable into the shaft hole in the second flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuma OZAKI, Takuya YASUE, Kiyoto KOMURO, Yasuharu HARADA
  • Patent number: 7503520
    Abstract: A reel shaft for reeling a paper web in a reel-up, which reel-up includes at least one unit that is mobile in the longitudinal direction of the paper machine and supports a pair of opposite engagement members each of which includes an engagement part, which engagement parts are arranged for rotatably carrying and detachably engaging the reel shaft during reeling. In accordance with the invention, the reel shaft is free of a support shaft and has a self-supporting, tubular sleeve substantially formed of fiber-reinforced plastic, which sleeve has an envelope surface on which the initial wrapping of the paper web shall be performed, and also an internal surface defining an axial channel terminating in axial openings at the ends of the reel shaft. The invention also relates to a reel-up for such reel shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Metso Paper Karlstad AB
    Inventors: Sören Sven Eriksson, Tord Gustav Gustavsson, Anders Tommy Lindén
  • Publication number: 20080283658
    Abstract: A tissue roll mount is conformed for convenient assembly by providing internal pivot seats subjacent the lower interior edges of each one of two opposed openings formed in the roll supporting arms. Each one of the pivot seats forming a pair is spaced relative the other by a dimension that is smaller than the spacing between the pivots at the ends of cantilevered pivot arms aligned along the vertical edges of a set of opposed pivotal mounts to capture the ends of the arms therein. A block of open-celled resilient foam is then inserted in each arm for capture in compression against the corresponding pivot mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Reilly
  • Patent number: 7360740
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing and dispensing portions from a bulk roll of carpet. The apparatus is portably mounted in a vehicle or the like and telescopically extends from the vehicle in position for the dispensing measured portions of the carpet from the roll, following which the apparatus is telescopically returnable to the vehicle for storage, transport or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventors: Scott A. Reagan, Barney T. Giddens
  • Patent number: 7316369
    Abstract: An adapter for dispensing coreless or solid rolled product from an existing recessed roll product dispenser is disclosed. The adapter also allows for rolled product to be dispensed from the existing recessed dispenser where the rolls being dispensed may have a larger diameter than allowed by the recessed dispenser without the adapter. A system for dispensing coreless or solid rolled product from an existing recessed dispenser is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Phelps
  • Patent number: 7284725
    Abstract: A paper holder is attachable to a recording paper storage chamber of a printer. The paper holder has a loading lid to cover a part of the recording paper storage chamber. And a press mechanism to press the rolled recording paper to a paper-supply roller is incorporated. The press mechanism consists of a first press plate and a second press plate. In receipt of a slight urge by a torsion coil spring, the first press plate presses the rolled recording paper to the paper-supply roller. On closing the loading lid of the recording paper storage chamber, the hold-down section of the loading lid presses the second press plate, which compresses a compression spring with the first press plate, to apply its counterforce to the first press plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuya Inana
  • Patent number: 7216665
    Abstract: A retractable reel includes a housing having a front cover and a rear cover, the rear cover including a first opening and the front cover including a second opening, a trough extending radially inward from the second opening to a center of the front cover, the trough including at least one tab and at least one dimple and a resiliently deflectable latch arm. A spool includes a wall that extends axially outward from a front surface of the spool, the spool is rotatably supported within the housing and is positioned such that the front surface, the wall and the front cover cooperatively define a chamber therebetween. The spool further includes at least one ratchet member selectively engaged by the resiliently deflectable latch arm to prevent rotation of the spool in a winding direction. The retractable reel includes a spring having a first end engaging the rear cover and a second end engaging the spool for rotatively biasing the spool in the winding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Sub-Q, LLC
    Inventor: Dewey Sims, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7185843
    Abstract: A two high bathroom tissue dispenser is designed to provide users with a bathroom tissue dispenser that holds two rolls at a time. It is simply comprised of a housing, a pair of opposing side supports, and a cover. The housing has front, rear, side, and bottom walls, an empty core holder, and a discharge opening. Each support consists of a plate hingedly secured to the sidewalls, roll hanger to pick up and hold a bottom bathroom tissue roll, a snap, and a block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Wayne W. Li
  • Patent number: 6920742
    Abstract: A portable membrane packing apparatus includes a holding-and-drawing rod, two reel connecting units, a first roller unit, a swaying plate, a connecting plate, a second roller unit, and four elastic compressing units. The first roller unit is axially assembled at the ends of the opposite combing rods, and the swaying plate and the connecting plate are respectively provided between the first roller unit and the combining rods, with the swaying plate restricted to sway biasly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 6837455
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for quickly inserting or removing and holding a roll of toilet paper along with its method of use which provides rollmounts which flex when a toilet paper or paper towel roll is pushed into the rollholder onto which each rollmount is installed. The rollmounts retract into the cylinder of the paper roll during use and flex out of the cylinder when the roll is removed. The apparatus and method allows for easy and convenient installation and removal of a roll with the use of one hand. The apparatus is usable in conjunction with existing toilet paper or paper towel roll dispensers or may be used apart with its own “U” shaped form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventors: John L. Eckhard, Arthur L. Loeffelman
  • Patent number: 6824091
    Abstract: A pair of support members provided in a feeding part may selectively contain plural types of recording sheet rolls having different widths. In order to mount the recording sheet roll, the first and the second holders are attached to both ends of the recording sheet roll. Each holder is provided with positioning grooves to decide the position of the recording sheet roll in the axial direction. A support member of the first holder is provided with one groove, while the support member of the second holder is provided with two grooves corresponding to the width of recording sheet rolls. The support member is provided to be able to expand and contract in the direction of the width of the recording sheet roll, and by the expansion and contraction, the groove is adjusted so as to meet the support member in accordance with the widths of recording sheet rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuya Inana
  • Patent number: 6820835
    Abstract: A device for rotating a web material roll supported on a reel shaft having a pair of ends. The rotating device includes a female drive member coupled to one end of the reel shaft and defining an opening having a non-circular perimeter, such as a square opening. Also included is a male drive device having a rotatably powered drive shaft having an end that is congruent to the non-circular perimeter of the opening in the female drive member. The non-circular perimeter allows the reel shaft, and web material roll, to be positively rotated during unwinding. A telescoping assembly of the male drive device is capable of extending the drive shaft into the opening so as to allow co-rotation of the shaft and female member. An optional roll supporting cart may be employed to rotatably support the web material roll when aligning the male and female drive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Vinny Cavaliere, Alex Shafir, Tim Dennison
  • Publication number: 20040211853
    Abstract: A roll holder device is for use with a recording paper roll including a tubular spool shaft and continuous recording paper wound about the tubular spool shaft in a roll form. In the roll holder device, first and second holder cores are inserted in respectively first and second ends of the tubular spool shaft. A holder frame supports the first and second holder cores in a rotatable manner. Anti-dropping levers prevent the tubular spool shaft from dropping from the first and second holder cores by pushing a shaft inner surface of the tubular spool shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Inana, Tomohiko Kono
  • Publication number: 20030230666
    Abstract: A device used to hold a roll of material, such as toilet paper, by means of two cooperating oppositely mounted assemblies each comprising of a hinged bracket, consisting of an engagement arm, actuator leg and hinge mount secured to a supporting base. Upon roll insertion, the edge of the roll contacts the actuator legs which in turn pivot the engagement arms into the central core of the toilet roll. The engagement arms provide a means of mating, retaining, centering and unwinding of the roll and facilitate removal of the spent core. The disclosed device is superior to the standard spring-loaded spindle or peg design by allowing easy one-handed roll changing from above with no blind mating or loose parts as well as upgrading standard roll holders to accommodate various sized rolls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Rafael Chlipalski
  • Publication number: 20030189126
    Abstract: A toilet paper holder that utilizes two appendages between the two supporting arms in lieu of the rods or bars. The appendages are positioned in the front portions of the supporting arms and face each other creating a void area between them The appendages rotate upward approximately 90 degrees, held in tension by a coil spring, as a roll of toilet paper is placed beneath and between the tip ends of the appendages and moved upward. To remove or replace, the roll of paper is moved upward as the appendages snap back to their horizontal positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph E. Hale
  • Publication number: 20030146339
    Abstract: A shaft device used for tape dispenser stands so that a roll of tape may be retained and dispensed. The shaft device comprises two shaft casings, two springs and two covers. Each of the two shaft casings is a hollow body. The closed end of each shaft casing has an angled upper surface and an angled lower surface. The flange of each shaft casing is provided with a transverse groove. Each cover is positioned at the end opposing the corresponding casing, and each spring is retained in the space between a shaft casing and the corresponding cover. Each of the two covers is disposed at an outer end, and each of the two shaft casings is fixedly disposed into the corresponding inner surface of the space between the two supports. With the two springs and the two covers in place, each shaft casing can compress outwards towards the corresponding cover to allow a user to insert a roll of tape into or remove it from the dispenser stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Shanghai Polar Bear Stationery Adhesive Tape Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Liu
  • Patent number: 6557797
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing an integral toilet paper roll and mounting spindle. The integral toilet paper roll and spindle includes a guide tube with the strip disposed around a longitudinal axis of the guide tube and a mounting peg moveably disposed within the guide tube and resiliently urged towards an engaged position. The integral toilet paper roll and spindle further includes a detent within the guide tube adapted to secure the mounting peg in a retracted position until the toilet paper roll is inserted into a toilet paper holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen J. Bonamarte
  • Patent number: 6536696
    Abstract: A point of sale printer includes a paper supply mechanism rotatably mounting a paper supply roll within a frame through a resiliently mounted bearing member extending into each end of a central hole in the roll. The frame is manually pivoted between an open position, in which the roll is installed and removed by moving the bearing members outward with movement of the roll, and a closed position, in which the roll is rotatably held in place, with outward movement of the bearing members being prevented by stops within the printer. With the frame in its closed position, a paper web is pulled from the roll for printing. An alternate configuration allows the printer to use a narrow paper roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Melissa Ann Fiutak, Richard Hunter Harris, Robert Andrew Myers, Kevin Hunter Vorhees
  • Patent number: 6503008
    Abstract: A print media roll holder includes a multi-diameter core adapter for mounting print media rolls of different core sizes. The roll holder comprises a ring-shaped frame having a base portion provided with a guide rack which is used for positional adjustment. The multi-diameter core adapter is pivotally mounted inside the ring-shaped frame on two opposing lateral pins inserted through the frame and through the core adapter for 180 degree rotation in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction depending on the size of core being used. The guide rack is part of a rack and pinion gear system used to vary the spacing between the roll holders in a reciprocal linear fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Zevin, Joe Dufrain Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6491252
    Abstract: A winding core holding mechanism is described for holding at least one end portion of a winding core on which a thin medium such as paper, film, or cloth is wound. The mechanism comprises a base fixed in the axial direction of the winding core. A larger diameter reference portion is included, which is capable of axially moving in and out of the base and abuts an end face of the winding core. The mechanism also comprises a tapered larger diameter centering portion which is capable of axially moving in and out of the larger diameter reference portion and fits into the winding core of larger diameter. Also included is a smaller diameter reference portion, which is capable of axially moving in and out of the base and abuts an end face of the winding core of smaller diameter. A tapered smaller diameter centering portion is further included, which is capable of axially moving in and out of the smaller diameter reference portion and fits into the winding core of smaller diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignees: Sankyo Seiki Mfg, Co., Ltd., Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumito Komatsu, Noboru Ueno, Kiyotsugu Takasawa
  • Patent number: 6481661
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for winding a cable or the like on and off a reel with a center hole, which arrangement comprises two movable, substantially vertical support arms (1), which are supported by a frame structure and the free arm ends of which are provided with spindles (2) arranged to be inserted to the center holes of the reel (3) between the support arms, when the support arms (1) are being moved towards one another, whereby the reel can be raised from the foundation by means of vertical adjustment of the support arms (1) to enable the winding. To achieve a simple structure, the spindles (2) are arranged floatably to the ends of the support arms (1) allowing the spindles (2) to move freely in different directions. As a result of the support arms moving towards one another and resting against the center hole of the reel (3), the spindles (2) are arranged to move axially with respect to the support arms (1) into a position in which the spindles (2) are locked to the support arms (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Nextrom Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Mika Lauhde
  • Publication number: 20020145074
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for quickly inserting or removing and holding a roll of toilet paper along with its method of use which provides rollmounts which flex when a toilet paper or paper towel roll is pushed into the rollholder onto which each rollmount is installed. The rollmounts retract into the cylinder of the paper roll during use and flex out of the cylinder when the roll is removed. The apparatus and method allows for easy and convenient installation and removal of a roll with the use of one hand. The apparatus is usable in conjunction with existing toilet paper or paper towel roll dispensers or may be used apart with its own “U” shaped form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: John L. Eckhard, Arthur L. Loeffelman
  • Patent number: 6450439
    Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser for use in connection with conventional mounting brackets. The dispenser includes a U-shaped bracket having mounting points extending horizontally outwardly from each end which are configured to engage conventional toilet paper dispenser mounting brackets. Extending upwardly from the base portion of the U-shaped bracket is a cylindrical spindle configured to engage a hollow cylindrical toilet paper roll. During use, the mounting brackets are engaged in conventional mounting brackets so that the center of gravity of the dispenser lies below the horizontal plane of the mounting brackets. The hollow tube of a toilet paper roll is inserted over the spindle so that the toilet paper roll is oriented vertically with respect to the mounting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Dirk van Rees
  • Publication number: 20020121566
    Abstract: A point of sale printer includes a paper supply mechanism rotatably mounting a paper supply roll within a frame through a resiliently mounted bearing member extending into each end of a central hole in the roll. The frame is manually pivoted between an open position, in which the roll is installed and removed by moving the bearing members outward with movement of the roll, and a closed position, in which the roll is rotatably held in place, with outward movement of the bearing members being prevented by stops within the printer. With the frame in its closed position, a paper web is pulled from the roll for printing. An alternate configuration allows the printer to use a narrow paper roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Melissa Ann Fiutak, Richard Hunter Harris, Robert Andrew Myers, Kevin Hunter Vorhees
  • Patent number: 6439501
    Abstract: Device that enables a person to separate from a roll any length of flexible sheet material, typically toilet paper or paper kitchen towel. The moving parts of the device consist of a rotor, to which the roll is firmly attached, and an L-shaped braking arm that has a limited freedom of movement around a peg that can be added to any conventional roll-holding device. The free end of the roll is slid through a slit in one leg of the L. Directing the pull on the roll's free end up or down, the arm will bend slightly upward or downward. When bent upward, a smooth section of an opening in the other leg of the L becomes engaged with a section of the rotor consisting of a sprocket or gear (Variant A), or with a cylindrical surface of the rotor (Variant B), and thus the rotor/roll assembly is allowed to turn unimpeded under the effect of pull on the end of the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Tibor Zoltan Harmathy
  • Patent number: 6409120
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for more efficiently and easily dispensing paper products, such as toilet tissue, from commercial wall mounted dispensers. The invention may comprise spring loaded projections on the interior of the housing that are adapted to receive and suspend within the housing rolls of paper tissue. Doors within the housing are configured to allow insertion of a new roll of paper into the dispenser when located in the open position; further, such doors suspend the tail of the paper roll for easy access to the tissue user when the doors are in the closed position. An accessory feature facilitates the dispensing of a stub roll or partially consumed roll, as well as a new roll, upon reloading of the dispenser. One or more windows are provided to enable maintenance personnel to determine when reloading the dispenser is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Tramontina, Stephen L. Phelps
  • Patent number: 6386478
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a roll of paper having a mounting section with two arms extending outward therefrom. Each arm is hollow and includes an aperture on the inner surface of the arms. Pivoting members are mounted within the arms and are spring biased into a first position where the pivoting members support the roll of paper. The pivoting members includes cavity shields that prevent the entry of debris into the arms and the springs are secured to the pivoting members and the arms so as to inhibit the springs from being dislodged. The pivoting members are further biased such that the pivoting members can be retracted into a second position as a result of a user moving the roll of paper against the pivoting members in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Robert E. Reilly
  • Patent number: 6360985
    Abstract: An adapter for converting a core roll product dispenser into a dispenser for a coreless roll product having a pair of depressions defined in the ends of the coreless roll. The adapter includes: (1) a mounting structure defining a central opening, the mounting structure having a thickness so the central opening has a depth, the mounting structure attachable to a core roll product dispenser; (2) a plunger having a distal end, a central shaft, and a base; and (3) a resilient device connecting the plunger and the mounting structure so that the base of the plunger is located in the central opening and the central shaft and distal end of the plunger protrude from the central opening, the resilient device being configured so that the plunger is adapted to retract into the depth of the central opening when a force is applied against the distal end of the plunger and extend from the central opening when the force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Lawrence Phelps, Arthur J. Garcia
  • Patent number: 6328253
    Abstract: A rollerless device is disclosed for supporting a roll of material, such as toilet paper, within a recess within a wall, for example. The device comprises a shell having a semi-cylindrical cavity for receiving the roll and rotatable pegs mounted at opposite ends of the shell. Each peg includes a hub which is rotatable relative to a base secured to the shell at approximately the midpoint of the shell. Each base and hub includes cooperating members for limiting the movement of the hub from a first position in which the core of the roll is rotatably mounted in the center of the cylindrical cavity, and a second position in which the core can be removed or a new roll inserted into the cavity. The second position is such that when the pegs are not constrained, they will fall under the influence of gravity to the first or roll supporting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Paul Decorative Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Alan Paul