Core for roll paper products

Abstract

A tubular core supports a paper sheet product that is wound about the core to form a roll paper package for placement in a dispenser, wherein the tubular core is rotatably held in the dispenser to allow the paper sheet product to be pulled and separated from the roll paper package. The tubular core is defined by a firm cylindrical wall structure that extends between opposite first and second open ends. The diameter of the second open end is reduced relative to the diameter of the first open end and is sized for axial receipt of a smaller dowel peg that is unique to the dispenser. Numerous embodiments for providing the reduced diameter are disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to roll paper packages and, more particularly, to a central tubular core in a packaged roll of a sheet paper product such as, but not limited to, toilet tissue, paper towels, facial tissue, medicated wipes and pre-moistened toilet tissue, baby wipes and hand wipes.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Holders for rotatably supporting rolled paper products, such as toilet tissue and paper towels, are well known in the art. For instance, virtually all bathrooms are fitted with a roll holding fixture that is specifically structured to rotatably support a roll of toilet tissue. The conventional roll of toilet tissue is provided with a tubular core that is adapted to receive a spring loaded dowel axially therethrough so that opposite ends of the dowel are urged within opposing recesses of the toilet paper roll holder fixture. The fixture, with the roll of conventional toilet paper rotatably supported thereon, facilitates dispensing of select lengths of sheet paper from the roll for hygienic purposes, particularly when using a commode.

Paper towels are conventionally wound onto a hollow tubular core that is very similar to the tubular core used for roll packaging of toilet tissue. In both instances, the tubular core is formed of a cardboard composition to provide suitable firmness. The opposite ends of the cardboard tubular core are open and are of the same diameter, thereby providing a uniform diameter tubular passage through the entire length of the core, from one open end to the opposite open end. This allows for free rotating support of the core and roll of paper on the dowel that extends through the tubular passage and beyond the opposite open ends of the hollow tubular core.

While roll paper packages of sheet paper products of the type described above are well known and used by millions of consumers, the package design is generic and, therefore, fails to capture consumer loyalty. Specifically, roll paper products from any manufacturer can be used in any holder for that type of product. For instance, a roll of toilet tissue from any manufacturing source can be placed in virtually any toilet tissue holder. Thus, if a company produces both roll paper products and dispensers, there is no assurance that the purchaser of the dispenser will continue to buy roll paper products from the maker of the dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a tubular core that supports a paper sheet product. More particularly, the tubular core of the present invention is adapted for supporting a paper sheet product wound about the core to form a roll package. The roll package is adapted for placement in a dispenser, wherein the tubular core is rotatably held in the dispenser on dowel pegs, to allow the paper sheet product to be pulled from the roll package as the roll package rotates. Specifically, the roll paper package containing the tubular core of the present invention is intended for use in a dispenser of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,707 B2, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The tubular core is defined by a substantially firm cylindrical wall structure extending between opposite first and second open ends that receive the dowel pegs therein. The diameter of the second open end is smaller than the diameter of the first open end to allow for axial, free rotating supported receipt of a smaller size dowel peg that is unique to the dispenser, thereby preventing use of competitive paper products in the dispenser.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Considering the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a tubular core for a roll paper package containing a sheet paper product wound on the core, and wherein the tubular core is uniquely adapted for use in a corresponding dispenser device.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tubular core for use in a roll paper package consisting of a sheet paper product wound onto the core, and wherein the core is uniquely structured for rotatable support on specifically sized dowel members in a unique dispenser device;

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a tubular core in a roll paper package containing a sheet paper product wound onto the core and wherein the core is specifically adapted for use in a unique dispenser device, and further wherein the sheet paper product includes, but is not limited to, toilet tissue, paper towels, facial tissue, medicated wipes and pre-moistened toilet tissue, baby wipes and hand wipes;

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a tubular core in a roll paper package, and wherein the tubular core includes a reduced diameter hole at one end for receipt of a correspondingly sized dowel peg on a roll paper holder, thereby preventing use of conventional and/or competitive roll paper products in the holder and/or dispenser that is uniquely adapted for use in conjunction with the tubular core of the present invention.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are more readily apparent with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 an isolated perspective view of an end reducer cap that fits to one end of the tubular core of the present invention to provide a reduced diameter beveled opening and a tubular dowel receptacle at the one end of the tubular core in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1A is an exploded view showing the end reducer cap of the embodiment of FIG. 1 separated from the one open end of the tubular core;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the end reducer cap of FIG. 1 fitted to the tubular core in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a paper sheet product, such as toilet tissue or pre-moistened toilet tissue, wound onto the tubular core of the first embodiment of the invention, to provide a roll paper package, and wherein the end reducer cap of FIG. 1 with the reduced diameter opening is shown separated from the end of the tubular core;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the end cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the large diameter open end of the tubular core;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view, shown in partial cut-away due to size limitations, showing the end reducer cap separated from the one end of the tubular core in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded rear perspective view, seen from the opposite direction as FIG. 1A, showing the end cap of FIG. 1 separated from the one open end of the tubular core, and wherein the inner facing side of the end reducer cap is shown;

FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the end reducer cap in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the inner end of the tubular dowel receptacle is closed;

FIG. 9 is an end elevational view of the larger diameter open and of the tubular core;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view showing the end reducer cap of the second embodiment separated from the tubular core;

FIG. 11 is a front exploded perspective view showing the roll paper package wound on the tubular core of the invention and a dispenser housing for receiving the roll paper package for use in conjunction with a holder portion of the dispenser;

FIG. 11A is a partially exploded front perspective view showing the roll paper package and tubular core of the present invention received within the dispenser housing of FIG. 11 with an end cover of the housing separated;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view, shown partially exploded, illustrating the roll paper package, including the tubular core of the present invention, received within the holder of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view showing the roll paper package, including the tubular core of the present invention, in a dispenser including the housing of FIGS. 11-12 and a holder;

FIG. 14 is an end elevational view of the tubular core in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the one end of the tubular core is integrally formed with a reduced diameter beveled opening and a tubular dowel receptacle extending inwardly from the reduced diameter opening;

FIG. 15 is front elevational view of the tubular core of the third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the tubular core according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a sheet paper product wound about the tubular core of the third embodiment of the invention to provide a roll paper package;

FIG. 18 is an end elevational view of the tubular core in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein the one end of the tubular core is provided with an integrally formed reduced diameter beveled opening and a tubular dowel receptacle having a closed inner end;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the tubular core in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an end elevational view of the tubular core in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the one end of the tubular core is integrally formed with a flat face and a concentric reduced diameter opening;

FIG. 21 is front elevational view, partially cut-away for purposes of size limitations, showing the tubular core of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the tubular core in accordance with the fifth embodiment thereof;

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view showing a sheet paper product wound onto the tubular core in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention to provide a roll paper package;

FIG. 24 is an end elevational view of the tubular core in accordance with a sixth embodiment thereof, wherein the one end of the tubular core includes a flat face with a concentric reduced diameter opening having a tubular dowel receptacle with an inner closed end;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the tubular core in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 is an end elevational view of the tubular core in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention, wherein one end of the tubular core includes an integral flat face with a concentric, reduced diameter hole;

FIG. 27 is a front elevational view, shown in partial cut-away due to size limitations, illustrating the tubular core in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the tubular core in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 29 is a front perspective view showing a sheet paper product wound about the tubular core of the seventh embodiment of the invention to provide a roll paper package.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The tubular core is shown throughout the drawings according to numerous embodiments thereof and is generally indicated as 10 throughout the drawings. In each of the embodiments, the tubular core 10 includes a cylindrical wall structure 12 that extends between a first open end 14 and an opposite second end 16. The cylindrical wall structure 12 is formed of a relatively firm composition, such as plastic, to provide a supporting inner core for a roll paper package 20. The tubular core 10 may be manufactured of any suitable material, such as plastic, cardboard, metal or any other material that provides a firm, relatively rigid core skeletal structure about which a paper sheet product 22 can be wound. The core 10, and particularly the cylindrical wall structure 12, should be of sufficient rigidity to maintain the cylindrical shape of the roll paper package 20. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular core 10 is formed of a disposable material, such as cardboard or plastic, so that the core 10 can be discarded when the paper sheet product 22 has been fully used and emptied from the core 10. It is contemplated that a wide variety of sheet paper products will be packaged in a roll configuration about the tubular core 10 of the present invention including, but not limited to, dry toilet tissue, dry paper towels, facial tissue, medicated wipes, and pre-moistened toilet tissue, baby wipes, hand wipes, and towelettes.

Referring initially to FIGS. 11-13, the tubular core 10 carrying the sheet paper product 22 wound about the core 10 to form a roll paper package 20 is intended for use within a dispenser 30 that allows the sheet paper products to be pulled from the roll and separated therefrom for use. The dispenser 30 is particularly suited for containing a pre-moistened sheet paper product 22 in a manner that prevents pre-mature drying of the pre-moistened paper product before use. The dispenser 30 includes a housing 32 that is adapted to be removably received within a holder 40. The holder 40 secures and maintains the housing 32 in an operative, fixed position. As seen in FIGS. 11-12, the housing 32 includes a first end wall 33, an opposite second end wall 34, and a generally cylindrical side wall 35 extending between the opposite end walls. The second end wall 34, defining a cover, is preferably removable from the open end 36 of the cylindrical wall structure 35 to reveal and open end 36 of the housing 32. In a preferred embodiment, a seal is provided for sealed engagement of the second end wall 34 with the cylindrical housing wall 35 in order to provide an air tight seal when the end wall is attached to the housing.

When the cover 34 of the housing is removed, a roll 20 of sheet paper product 22 packaged on the tubular core 10 of the present invention can be placed within the interior chamber of the housing 32 so that a first dowel member 37 extending axially through a portion of the chamber from the first end wall 33 is received through the open first end 14 of the tubular core 10.

The cover 34 of the housing includes a second dowel member 38 that is of a smaller diameter compared to the first dowel member 37. The second dowel member 38 is specifically sized, positioned and configured for free rotating supporting axial receipt within a reduced diameter opening 50 on the second end 16 of the tubular core 10. Accordingly, with the roll package received within the interior chamber of the housing, as seen in FIG. 11A, the cover 34 can then be secured onto to the open end 36 of the housing 32 so that the reduced diameter dowel member 38 is axially received within the reduced diameter opening 50 at the second end 16 of the tubular core 10. With the roll paper package 20 operatively received within the housing 32 and the cover 34 attached, the housing 32 can be placed within the holder 40, as seen in FIG. 13. An access door 39 is hinged to the front of the housing 32 and be opened to allow the paper sheet product 22 to be pulled from the roll 20, as the roll paper package 20 rotates on the first and second dowel members 37,38 within the housing. When the desired amount of paper sheet product 22 has been pulled from the roll 20 and out through the front opening of the housing 32, the paper sheet product 22 can be torn and separated from the roll 20, preferably along a perforated seam. Thereafter, the access door 39 can be lowered to close the housing. A seal is provided about the opening for seal engagement with the access door 39 so that when the door 39 is closed, the interior chamber of the housing 32 is maintained in an air tight, sealed compartment to preserve the wetness of the pre-moistened paper product.

The reduced diameter dowel member 38 and correspondingly sized opening 50 on the second end 16 of the tubular core 10 of the present invention are unique to the paper roll package and dispenser combination to prevent use of conventional paper roll products in the dispenser 30, and, further, to prevent use of the tubular core 10 and roll paper product packaged thereon to be used in conventional dispensers. In each embodiment of the invention the first open end 14 and the opening 50 at the second end 16 are concentrically aligned along a common central longitudinal axis of the tubular core 10. The various embodiments of tubular core 10, and particularly the reduced diameter opening 50 of the second end 16 of the tubular core are described below.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, a first embodiment of the tubular core 10 is shown, wherein the second end 16 of the cylindrical wall structure 12 is fitted with a reducer cap 60. In this particular embodiment, the first and second opposite ends 14,16 of the cylindrical wall structure 12 are of uniform diameter. The reducer cap 60 is fitted within the second open end 16 to effectively reduce the diameter of the opening 50 of the second end. The reducer cap 60 includes a circular body 62 with an annular rim 64 that is specifically sized to fit snuggly within the inside diameter of the second open end 16 of the cylindrical wall structure 12 of the tubular core 10 so that the annular rim 64 engages an inner surface of the cylindrical wall structure 12. The reducer cap 60 can be fixed in place, as shown in FIG. 2, by gluing, friction, or other suitable and well-known means of attachment.

The reducer cap 60 further includes an outer face 66 including a flat circular peripheral surface 67 and a beveled annular surface 68 surrounding the reduced diameter opening 50 that is concentrically positioned about the longitudinal rotational axis of the tubular core 10 extending through the length of the cylindrical wall structure. The reducer cap 60 further includes a tubular extension 70 communicating with the reduced diameter open end 50 and extending inwardly therefrom. The tubular extension 70 has an inner diameter equal to the diameter of the reduced diameter open end and provides a receptacle for loose, free rotating receipt of the second dowel member therein when the tubular core 10 is held within the housing 32 of the dispenser 30, as described above. The beveled annular surface 68 surrounding the reduced diameter opening 50 helps to guide and direct the second dowel member 38 on the cover 34 of the housing 32 into the reduced diameter opening 50 on the end 16 of the tubular core 10. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, an inner end 72 of the tubular dowel receiving extension 70 on the reducer cap 60 is open to allow passage of the second dowel member 38 of the dispenser housing therethrough in the event the second dowel member 38 happens to be longer than the overall depth of the reducer cap 60, as measured from the flat annular face 66 to the inner open end 72 of the tubular wall extension 70.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, a second embodiment of the reducer cap is shown and is generally indicated as 60a. The reducer cap 60a in this embodiment is very similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 with the exception of the tubular extension that provides a receptacle for the reduced sized second dowel member 38. In this embodiment, the tubular extension 70a includes a closed inner end 74.

Referring to FIGS. 14-17, a third embodiment of the invention is shown wherein the second end 16 of the tubular core 10 is integrally formed with a flat circular peripheral surface 80 surrounding the beveled annular surface 68a and the reduced diameter opening 50. A tubular extension 70b extends inwardly from the reduced diameter opening 50 to an inner open end 72b. The beveled annular surface 68a, reduced diameter opening 50, tubular extension 70b and inner open end 72b serve the same function as described with the corresponding like structural elements described in connection with the first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 18-19, a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown. The fourth embodiment is virtually identical to the third embodiment, with the exception of a closed inner end 74c on the end of tubular extension 70c.

FIGS. 20-23 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the invention wherein the second end 16 of the tubular core 10 includes an integrally formed outer face 66d including a flat circular peripheral surface 67d surrounding a concentrically positioned reduced diameter opening 50. Tubular extension 70d extends inwardly from the opening 50 and terminates at an inner open end 72d. The reduced diameter opening 50, tubular extension 70d and an inner open end 72d serve the same function as the like structural elements described in connection with the first embodiment.

FIGS. 24-25 illustrate a sixth embodiment of the invention which is virtually identical to the fifth embodiment with the exception of a closed end 74e at the inner end of tubular extension 70e. The open end 50 tubular extension 70e and closed end 74e serve the same function as the like structural elements describe in connection with the second embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 26-29, a seventh embodiment of the invention is shown wherein the second end 16 of the tubular core 10 includes an integrally formed flat outer face 66f surrounding a concentrically position reduced diameter opening 50. Much like each of the embodiments described above, the reduced diameter 50 is sized, positioned and disposed for loose fitting receipt of the reduced diameter second dowel member 38 therein to allow rotation of the tubular core on the first and second dowel members 37, 38. The reduced diameter opening 50 in each of the embodiments is specifically sized to be unique to the dispenser 30, thereby preventing use of other role paper products in the dispenser 30.

While the present invention has been shown and described in accordance with several embodiments, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention which is not to be limited except as defined in the accompanying claims, as interpreted under the doctrine of equivalence.

Claims

1. A core for holding sheet paper products in a roll package, said core comprising:

a tubular main body having a cylindrical wall structure extending between a first end and an opposite second end;

said first end having a first opening and said second end having a second opening; and

said second opening being reduced in size relative to said first opening, and said first and second openings being concentrically aligned on a common central longitudinal axis of said tubular main body.

2. The core as recited in claim 1 wherein said core is structured and disposed to be rotatably supported within a dispenser, and wherein the sheet paper products can be pulled and separated from the roll package as the roll package rotates about the central longitudinal axis of said tubular main body of said core.

3. The core as recited in claim 1 wherein said first open end of said core is sized for axial receipt of a first dowel member of the dispenser and said second open end is sized for axial receipt of a second dowel member of the dispenser, and further wherein the second dowel member is reduced in size relative to said first dowel member.

4. The core as recited in claim 3 further comprising a cap that is sized and configured for attachment to said second end of said tubular main body and said cap including said second opening.

5. The core as recited in claim 4 wherein said cap includes a flat outer face surrounding said second opening.

6. The core as recited in claim 5 wherein said cap includes a beveled annular surface surrounding said second opening.

7. The core as recited in claim 6 wherein said cap includes a tubular member extending inwardly from said second opening and said tubular member including a hollow interior passage communicating with said second opening, and said tubular member terminating at an inner end within said tubular main body of said core.

8. The core as recited in claim 7 wherein said inner end of said tubular member is open.

9. The core as recited in claim 7 wherein said inner end of said tubular member is closed.

10. The core as recited in claim 3 wherein said second end of said tubular main body includes an integrally formed flat end face surrounding said second opening.

11. The core as recited in claim 10 wherein said second end of said tubular main body further includes a beveled annular surface integrally formed with said flat end face and surrounding said second opening.

12. The core as recited in claim 11 further including a tubular member extending inwardly from said second opening and including a hollow interior passage communicating with said second opening, and said tubular member terminating at an inner end within said tubular main body of said core.

13. The core as recited in claim 12 wherein said inner and of said tubular member is open.

14. The core as recited in claim 12 wherein said inner end of said tubular member is closed.

15. An adapter for attachment to a tubular core used for holding sheet paper products in a roll package, and wherein said core includes a first open end and a second open end, said adapter comprising:

a main circular body sized and configured for covering said second open end of said core; and

a central opening positioned and disposed for axial, concentric alignment with said first open end of said core on a common central longitudinal axis of said core, and said central opening of said adapter being reduced in size relative to said first open end of said core.

16. The adapter as recited in claim 15 further comprising a flat end face surrounding said central opening.

17. The adapter as recited in claim 16 further comprising a beveled annular surface surrounding said central opening.

18. The adapter as recited in claim 17 further including a tubular member extending inwardly from said second opening and including a hollow interior passage communicating with said second opening, and said tubular member terminating at an inner end within said tubular main body of said core.

19. The adapter as recited in claim 18 wherein said inner end of said tubular member is open.

20. The adapter as recited in claim 18 wherein said inner end of said tubular member is closed.