SANITARY DISPENSING APPARATUS

Abstract

A sanitary dispensing apparatus for completely enclosing a paper roll, allowing for the paper roll to be easily dispensed, and allowing for the cover to he personalized. The cover also allows for the paper roll to be easily replaced. The cover can be used in any bathroom.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/072,675, entitled “Sanitary Dispensing Apparatus,” filed on Oct. 30, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated here in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of invention

The present invention relates generally to a sanitary paper-dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that can be personalized, that dispenses paper, and that fully encloses a roll of paper, such as toilet paper. The present invention can also be used to cover paper towels.

2. Discussion of the Background

A typical bathroom is exposed to all kinds of germs and bacteria, resulting in an unsanitary and potentially unhealthy environment. When the toilet is flushed, germs and bacteria may be spread throughout the room contacting any objects in proximity to the toilet. Although most people periodically clean their bathroom, they do not clean rolls of paper in their bathrooms, such as toilet paper or paper towels, which are usually exposed to a continual cornucopia of germs and bacteria. Because the paper is exposed to these germs and bacteria, a person using the bathroom may also become exposed through contact with the exposed paper.

Devices are known in the art that provide covers for toilet paper. These devices, however, typically are not fully covered, or lack a dispenser slot, and may be difficult to use or personalize.

Thus, there is presently a need in the art for a fully-covered paper-dispenser apparatus that provides sanitary storage for paper in a bathroom environment, and which is easy to reload and customize.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for the sanitary dispensing of as roll of toilet paper. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a dispensable cover to a roll of toilet paper. In one embodiment, the cover is configured to fully enclose the toilet paper. The cover includes a front section and a back section, which are affixed via a hinge in one embodiment such that in one configuration the front section and back section are configured to fully enclose a roll of toilet paper. hi another configuration, the front section can be pivoted such that the cover is open allowing one to replace a roll of paper.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus also includes a flap in the front section. The flap may be opened by pushing the flap inwards. When open, the flap reveals a slot through which the toilet paper is dispensed. In one embodiment, the slot contains jagged teeth along one or more edges for easy dispensing of the toilet paper.

In another embodiment, the toilet paper is supported by a shaft that is attached to the inside surface of the back section. The shaft extends out and goes parallel to the inside surface of at least a portion of the back section. The shaft also includes a piece which extends perpendicular relative to the parallel section of the shaft in order to stabilize the roll of toilet paper.

In another aspect of the invention, the cover contains a pivot whereby the front section can be lowered for easy replacement of the roll of toilet paper, in another embodiment, the front section may he raised or pivoted to the side for easy replacement of toilet paper.

In another aspect of the invention, the cover is adapted to dispense a roll of paper towels.

In another aspect of the invention, the cover is plastic. In other embodiments, the cover is metal or a composite of materials. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is a material with antimicrobial properties.

In another aspect of the invention, there is additionally a cover enclosure which is configured to be placed over the cover, allowing for a custom, personalized appearance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate various, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the sanitary dispensing cover while in the closed state.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of the dispensing unit including a flap in the open state.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the sanitary dispensing cover while in a reloading state allowing for reloading of the paper roll.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the paper roll holder.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the personalized second enclosure.

FIGS. 6-12 are photographs of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made to the figures to illustrate selected embodiments and preferred modes of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the invention is not hereby limited to those aspects depicted in the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the sanitary dispensing cover 100 in its closed state,

In one embodiment, the cover 100 resembles a U-shape, having a top side 101, a bottom side 105, a back side 104, and left 106 and right 103 sides. The front 102 side, which corresponds to the curved portion of the U-shape, includes a flap 110. In one embodiment, top side 101, bottom side 105, and left 106 and right 103 sides comprise a front section 107. Back side 104 may comprise a back section 108. The back side 104 may be configured to be mounted on a wall in one embodiment, The cover 100 may be made of plastic, metal or other composite materials. In one embodiment, the material of the cover 100 has antimicrobial properties.

In one embodiment, the front section 107 and back section 108 may be pivotally connected such that in one configuration the cover may be opened for the easy reloading of paper, and in another configuration the cover may be closed, fully enclosing the paper and forming a barrier to germs and bacteria that may be spread, for example, by the flushing of an adjacent toilet. In another embodiment, the front section 107 and back section 108 may comprise other sides. For example, in one embodiment, front section 107 comprises top side 101, front side 102. right side 103, bottom side 105, and left side 106, while the back section 108 comprises the the back side 104 of cover 100. In yet another embodiment, top side 101, front side 102 and bottom side 105 are one continuous U-shape or curved surface. In a similar embodiment, the U-shape or curved surface and optionally the right side 103 and/or left side 106 comprise the front section 107.

In one embodiment, the pivotal connection between the front section 107 and back section 108 allows the front section to pivot sideways. In another embodiment, the pivotal. connection allows the front section to pivot upwards. In still another embodiment, the pivotal connection allows the front section to pivot downwards.

In one embodiment, the front side 102 includes a flap 110. Flap 110 can be opened by a variety of methods including pressing the top flap cover 201 (shown in FIG. 2) inward. The flap 110 then opens by means of a hinge 210, revealing the dispensing section 202. Flap 110 can also include a tab that may be pulled to open the flap. When flap 110 is in the open state, it reveals dispensing section 202. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing section 202 comprises a dispensing slot 220 with jagged or toothed edges, through which the toilet paper passes and can easily be torn. In other embodiments, dispensing slot 220 has smooth edges. In another embodiment, dispensing slot 220 has jagged or toothed edges on only one side of the slot. In other preferred embodiments, the flap 110 and dispensing section 202 may be located on the bottom side 105, the right side 1.03, the left side 106, or top side 101, or on the above-referenced U-shape or curved surface.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the sanitary dispensing cover 100 in its reloading state allowing for reloading of the paper roll. In one embodiment, when the cover 100 is in its closed state, a user can pull the front section 107 down, along a pivot joint 310, revealing the paper roll and holder 301. Alternatively, in another embodiment a user can lift the front section 107 of the cover 100 up, along pivot joint 310. In another embodiment, the front section 108 may be pivoted to the side allowing for the easy replacement of the paper roll. Pivot joint 310 can be one or more hinges, or deformable material, allowing one to open and close the cover 100. This allows the user to easily replace the toilet paper roll.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the toilet paper holder 301. The holder 301 is a shaft, attached to the inside surface of back side 104 of the cover 100 by holder section 401, which extends outward by holder section 402, and then runs parallel to the inside surface of back side 104 of the cover 100 by holder section 403.

The holder 301 also, in a preferred embodiment, comprises holder section 404 that is perpendicular to the parallel section of the shaft, which stabilizes the paper roll. Holder 301 may be attached to different sides of the cover 100 in other embodiments of the present invention. Holder 301 may also be formed as an integral piece of one of the sides of the cover 100, or may be manufactured separately and affixed to one of the sides of cover 100. Holder 301 may be formed of plastic, metal or other suitable materials. In one embodiment, the material of the holder 301 has antimicrobial properties.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a custom cover enclosure 500. In one embodiment, the cover enclosure 500 slides over the cover 100, permitting the user to easily personalize the cover 100 to match any particular bathroom design desired. In another embodiment, the cover enclosure 500 can be affixed to the cover 100 through another means, such as adhesive. Velcro, buttons, etc. In one embodiment, the personalized appearance can match the design (e.g. wallpaper) in a bathroom. In another embodiment, the personalized appearance can be a pleasing pattern (e.g. a children's cartoon character in assorted positions). The cover enclosure 500 may be made of plastic, metal or other composite materials. In one embodiment, the material of the cover enclosure 500 has antimicrobial properties. Cover enclosure 500 includes an opening 501 allowing access to flap 110 for dispensing the toilet paper.

During regular use, the sanitary dispensing cover 100 will normally be in its closed position, as indicated in FIG. 1. In this position the paper roll is completely enclosed, and consequently protected from the germs and bacteria found in a normal bathroom. In a preferred embodiment, when a user desires a piece of the paper roll, all that is required is to press the flap 110 inwards, which results in the top flap cover 201 opening by means of the flap hinge 210. The user can then tear a piece of the paper roll, which is protruding from the dispensing slot 220. The optional jagged or teethed edges of the dispensing slot 220 may facilitate the user in tearing a piece of the paper roll in a preferred embodiment. When the paper roll is empty or near empty, the user may want to reload a new roll. A user can do this by pulling down on the top 101 of the cover 100 (in one embodiment), or lifting up on the bottom 105 of the cover 100 (in another embodiment). This will cause the front section 107 of cover 100 to pivot along the pivot joint 310, revealing the toilet paper holder 301 and the toilet paper roll, When done reloading the toilet paper roll, the user can return the front section 107 of cover 100 to its closed position,

Additionally, the user may choose to customize the sanitary dispensing cover 100. This can be accomplished by sliding a custom cover enclosure 500 over the dispensing cover 100.

FIGS. 6-12 are photographs of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A sanitary dispensing apparatus for dispensing a paper roll, comprising:

a first enclosure configured to completely cover the paper roll;

a flap attached to the enclosure, whereby the flap is configured to be displaced so that the paper roll can be revealed;

a slot on the first enclosure, under the flap, configured such that a piece of the paper roll can be pulled out and torn off from the paper roll; and

a pivot attached to the first enclosure whereby the first enclosure can be moved to reveal the paper roll and allow for the paper roll to be replaced.

2. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first enclosure comprises:

a front section comprising one or more sides of the first enclosure;

a back section comprising one or more sides of the first enclosure configured to be mounted on a wall;

wherein the front section and back section are connected by the pivot and configured to fully enclose the roll of paper in a first closed position and to allow a user access to replace the roll of paper in a second reloading position.

3. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, where the paper roll comprises a roll of toilet paper.

4. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, where the paper roll comprises a roll of paper towels.

5. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, where the flap is configured to be opened by inward depression of the flap.

6. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, where the first enclosure is plastic.

7. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, where the first enclosure is metal.

8. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, where the first enclosure is a composite material.

9. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, where the first enclosure is an antimicrobial material.

10. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, where the pivot connecting the front and back sections pivots sideways.

11. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, where the pivot connecting the front and back sections pivots upwards.

12. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, where the first enclosure consists of a continuous U-shaped design.

13. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, where the slot on the first enclosure consists of jagged edges on at least one of a plurality of sides.

14. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second enclosure, where the second enclosure covers the first enclosure resulting in a personalized appearance.

15. The sanitary dispensing apparatus according to claim 14, where the second enclosure is an antimicrobial material.

16. A sanitary dispensing apparatus for dispensing a paper roll, comprising:

a first enclosing means configured to completely cover the paper roll;

a holding means attached to the enclosing means configured to hold the paper roll;

a dispensing means attached to the enclosing means configured to allow a piece of the paper roll to be pulled out and torn off the paper roll; and

a refilling means attached to the enclosing means configured to allow the paper roll to be replaced.

17. A sanitary dispensing apparatus for dispensing a paper roll, comprising:

a back cover;

a thin shaft attached to the back cover configured to hold the paper roll;

a first enclosure attached to the back cover along a pivotable axis, where the first enclosure is configured to cover the paper roll and to pivot to allow the paper roll to be replaced;

a flap attached to the first enclosure, whereby the flap is configured to be displaced to reveal the paper roll; and

a slot on the first enclosure, under the flap, configured such that a piece of the paper roll can be pulled out and torn off the paper roll.