ROLL DISPENSER

Abstract

In an example embodiment, there is described herein a dispenser for rolled materials, such as, including but not limited to, paper products, such as toilet paper or paper towels, or any other rolled material. The dispenser comprises first and second brackets configured to retain a roll holder rod operable to supports a core of the rolled material. A weight rod is inserted into the core to inhibit rotational motion of the roller. In another example embodiment, a top rod is employed to inhibit rotation of the rolled material. In yet another embodiment, both a weight rod and top rod are employed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to dispensers that distribute materials such as paper.

BACKGROUND

Dispenser systems are used for dispensing paper products (such has paper towels or toilet paper) from rolls. In some cases the paper product is comprised of individual segments separated by perforated tear lines. In others the paper product has no perforated tear lines, where the user severing or cutting individual sheets from the paper product uses a suitable means, such as a cutter, incorporated in the dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification illustrate the example embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the external components of a roll dispenser configured in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the roll dispenser mounted horizontally.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the roll dispenser mounted horizontally.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the roll dispenser in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of the roll dispenser in FIG. 4 along line A-A.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of the roll dispenser illustrated in FIG. 5 along line B-B.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a roll holder rod.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a roll holder rod that is tapered and has notches.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a cutaway view along the side bracket of the roll dispenser illustrating a position of the notch in the roll holder rod for installing the roll holder rod when the roll dispenser is mounted in a vertical position.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a cutaway view along the side bracket of the roll dispenser illustrating a position of the notch in the roll holder rod for operating the roll dispenser when mounted in a vertical position.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a cutaway view along the side bracket of the roll dispenser illustrating a position of the notch in the roll holder rod for operating the roll dispenser when mounted in a vertical position.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a cutaway view along the side bracket of the roll dispenser illustrating a position of the notch in the roll holder rod for operating the roll dispenser when mounted in a horizontal position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the external components of a roll dispenser configured with slots for receiving a top rod.

FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of the roll dispenser of FIG. 13 with a top rod.

FIG. 15 is a cutaway view of the roll dispenser of FIG. 13 with a top rod and a weight rod.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of an alternate configuration for the top rod where the protrusions that engage the slots in the bracket are offset from the center of the rod.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of an alternate configuration for the top rod where the protrusions that engage the slots in the bracket are located at the center of the rod.

OVERVIEW OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following presents a simplified overview of the example embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the example embodiments. This overview is not an extensive overview of the example embodiments. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the example embodiments nor delineate the scope of the appended claims. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the example embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein a dispenser for rolled materials, such as, including but not limited to, paper products, such as toilet paper or paper towels, or any other rolled material. The dispenser comprises first and second brackets configured to retain a roll holder rod operable to supports a core of the rolled material. A weight rod is inserted into the core to inhibit rotational motion of the roller. In another example embodiment, a top rod is employed instead of the weight rod to inhibit rotation of the rolled material. In yet another embodiment, both a weight rod and top rod are employed.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

This description provides examples not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. The figures generally indicate the features of the examples, where it is understood and appreciated that like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an example embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described is included in at least one embodiment described herein and does not imply that the feature, structure, or characteristic is present in all embodiments described herein.

Described in example embodiments herein is a dispenser for rolled material that comprises first and second brackets suitable for mounting on a surface, such as a wall. As will be described in more detail herein, the brackets are configured to hold a rolled material, such as, including but not limited to, paper products, such as, for example, paper towels or toilet paper. The brackets are further configured to receive a rod that rests upon the rolled material to prevent the rolled material from unrolling when a force is no longer applied to the rolled material (e.g., after user released cuts, tears, or otherwise removes a sheet of the rolled material).

Referring to FIGS. 1 -12 there is illustrated an example embodiment of a roll dispenser 10. The roll dispenser comprises a first bracket 12 and a second bracket 14. The first bracket 12 comprises an aperture 16. The second bracket comprises an aperture 18. As will be described in more detail herein, the apertures 16 and 18 are operable to receive a roll holder rod that supports a core with the rolled material mounted thereon.

In an example embodiment, the roll dispenser 10 further comprises a mounting surface 20. Mounting holes 22 and 24 in the second bracket 14 can be employed for mounting the second bracket onto the mounting surface 20. Mounting holes 26 and 28 can be employed for mounting the first bracket 12 onto the mounting surface 20.

In an example embodiment, the ends 38 of roll holder rod 32 engages the apertures 16, 18 of the first and second brackets respectively and are operable to support a core 30 for the rolled material to be dispensed 36. A weight rod is inserted inside the core 30 of the rolled material to be dispensed 36. The weight rod inhibits rotational motion of the roller, such as for example, when a sheet of rolled material is ripped (e.g., for perforated rolled material) or cut. As those skilled in the art can readily appreciate, the weight of the weight rod may vary based on the size and strength of the rolled material to be dispensed 36. Consequently, the weight rod is selectively weighted to inhibit (or stop) the rolled material from rolling when a force on the rolled material is released. This can prevent the unwanted rolling of sheets of rolled material once a sheet (or sheets) have been removed from the roll.

The roll dispenser 10 is operable to be mounted either horizontally or vertically. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the roll dispenser 10 mounted horizontally and FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the roll dispenser 10 mounted vertically.

In an example embodiment, the ends 42, 44 of the roll holder rod 32 are tapered. This can allow for easier installation of the roll holder rod 32 into apertures 16, 18.

In an example embodiment, the roll holder rod 32 comprises at least one notch 40 for engaging at least one of the first bracket 12 and second bracket 14. This prevents the roll holder rod 32 falling out of the roll dispenser 10. For example, a notch (or notches) 40 can prevent the weight rod, and/or the roll holder rod from sliding out of either aperture 16 of first bracket 12 or aperture 18 of the second bracket 14).

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the roll holder rod 32 supports core 30 of the rolled material to be dispensed 36. Although in the illustrated example the weight rod 34 is not in contact with the roll holder rod 32, in other embodiments, or at particular times, the weight rod 34 may contact the roll holder rod 32. In the illustrated example, the aperture 16 is smaller than the size of core 30 so that the weight rod 34 does not fall out. To install the rolled material 36 into the roll dispenser 10, the weight rod 34 is inserted into core 30. Core 30 is then aligned with apertures 16, 18 of first and second brackets 12, 14 respectively. While core 30 is aligned with apertures 16 and 18, the roll holder rod 32 is inserted through one of apertures 16 and 18, the core 30, and the other of apertures 16 and 18. Ends 38, or in particular embodiments notches 40, engage the edge of the apertures 16, 18.

In an example embodiment, the notches may be rotated for installation or holding the roll holder rod 32. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates a position for a notch 40 when installing the roll holder rod 32 when the roll dispenser is mounted in a vertical orientation (see e.g., FIG. 3). FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate positions for the notch 40 for operating the roll dispenser 10 after the roll holder rod is installed into the roll dispenser 10 when mounted in a vertical orientation, which are ninety degrees from the position of the notch 40 when installing the roll holder rod 32. FIG. 12 illustrates an example for the operational position of a notch 40 when the roll holder rod 32 is installed in a horizontal orientation (see e.g., FIG. 2).

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an example of a roll dispenser 50 where the first and second brackets 12, 14 further comprise slots 52, 54 respectively, for receiving a top rod 56. The top rod 56 comprises protrusions 58, 60. The protrusions 58,60 engage the slots 52, 54 to hold the top rod 56 into position. The top rod 56 contacts the rolled material 36 and prevents unwanted rolling of the rolled material 36, such as for example, after a sheet of the rolled material has been removed. As those skilled in the art can readily appreciate, the top rod is selectively weighted to inhibit (or stop) the rolled material 36 from rolling when a force on the rolled material 36 is released. FIG. 15 illustrates an example embodiment that employs both a wegith rod 34 and a top rod 56 to inhibit (or stop) the rotational motion of core 30 or rolled material 36.

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the protrusions 58, 60 of the top rod 56 are mounted on the surface of the top rod. For example, the protrusions 58, 60 may be rods that are sized to fit into the slots 52, 54. The rods may be spot welded onto the surface of top rod 56. This can allow the top rod to remain in contact with the rolled material until the core is empty, in which case the top rod 56 can be in contact with core 30. For example, when the rolled material 34 is first installed, the top rod 56 is located farther away from core 30 than when core 30 is empty. As rolled material 36 is removed from core 30, the top rod 56 moves along slots 52, 54 (e.g., by gravity) to remain in contact with rolled material 36 until core 30 is empty. However those skilled in the art can readily appreciate that other configurations for the top rod 56 are available. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16 the protrusions may be offset from the center of the top rod 56. As another example, the protrusions 58, 60 of the top rod 56 may be located at the center of the top rod 56.

Described above are example embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the example embodiments are possible. Accordingly, this application is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a first bracket with an aperture;

second bracket with aperture;

a roll holder rod operable to engage the apertures of the first and second brackets to support a core for the rolled material; and

a weight rod operable to be inserted inside the core of the rolled material;

wherein the weight rod inhibits rotational motion of the roller.

2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein the ends of the roll holder rod are tapered.

3. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein the roll holder rod comprises at least one notch for engaging at least one of the first bracket and second bracket to prevent the roll holder rod from sliding through an aperture of one of a group consisting of the first bracket and the second bracket.

4. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein the first bracket and second bracket are coupled with a mounting surface.

5. The apparatus set forth in claim 4, wherein the roll holder comprises notches for engaging the first and second brackets.

6. The apparatus set forth in claim 5, wherein the notches are operable to be oriented in a first position when the roll holder rod is inserted into the apertures of the first and second brackets.

7. The apparatus set forth in claim 6, wherein the notches are operable to be rotated to a second position after the roll holder rod is inserted into the apertures of the first and second brackets.

8. The apparatus set forth in claim 6, wherein an angle between the first and second positions is ninety degrees.

9. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a top rod that comprises protrusions;

the first and second brackets further comprise a slot; and

wherein the protrusions engage the slots on the first and second brackets.

10. The apparatus set forth in claim 9, wherein the protrusions are coupled with a surface of the top roller.

11. The apparatus set forth in claim 9, wherein the protrusions are offset from a center surface of the top roller.

12. The apparatus set forth in claim 9, wherein the protrusions are at a center of the top roller.

13. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein the top rod is selectively weighted to stop the rolled material from rolling when a force on the rolled material is released and to prevent the roll holder rod from falling out of one of a group consisting of the first bracket and the second bracket.

14. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein the rolled material is toilet paper.

15. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein the rolled material is paper towels.

16. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein the weight rod is selectively weighted to stop the rolled material from rolling when a force on the rolled material is released and to prevent the roll holder rod from falling out of one of a group consisting of the first bracket and the second bracket.

17. An apparatus, comprising:

a first bracket with an aperture and a slot;

second bracket with an aperture and a slot;

a roll holder rod operable to engage the apertures of the first and second brackets to support a core for the rolled material; and

a top rod that comprises protrusions;

wherein the protrusions engage the slots on the first and second brackets.

18. The apparatus set forth in claim 17, wherein the protrusions are coupled with a surface of the top rod.

19. The apparatus set forth in claim 18, wherein the protrusions are rods that are spot welded onto the surface of the top rod.

20. The apparatus set forth in claim 18, wherein the top rod is sized so that when the top rod is at a position in the slot that is closest to the aperture, the top rod is in contact with the roll holder rod.