PAPER DISPENSER AND METHOD OF USING SAME

Abstract

A paper dispenser for dispensing paper provided on a roll may include a cylindrical housing having a compartment dimensioned to receive the roll and a slot provided between an inner and an outer surface of the cylindrical housing to dispense paper from the roll. End walls may be removably provided proximate to longitudinal ends of the cylindrical housing. The paper dispenser may also include a decorative layer and a layer of absorptive material for dispensing fragrance.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/342,118 filed May 26, 2016, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of paper dispensers.

BACKGROUND

In many homes and other environments, paper rolls—such as rolls of toilet paper, power towels, and the like—are kept on horizontal or vertical rods to be dispensed. Unprotected, these rolls are susceptible to being damaged from pets, children, and the elements. Current commercial solutions to store paper rolls in an enclosed environment tend to be stand-alone units, bulky and may not be able to be used in conjunction with existing structure in a bathroom or kitchen, for example, in residential applications.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides paper dispensers for dispensing paper provided on a roll that may be used in conjunction with currently existing toilet paper and paper towel holders, and a method of using same.

In accordance with one aspect, the present disclosure provides a paper dispenser for dispensing paper provided on a roll that comprises a cylindrical housing. The cylindrical housing comprises an inner surface defining a compartment therein, the compartment dimensioned to receive the roll, an outer surface defined at an opposing surface to the inner surface, first and second longitudinal ends, the roll insertable into the compartment through either the first or second longitudinal end, and a slot provided between the inner and outer surface and extending longitudinally towards the first and second longitudinal ends. The paper dispenser also comprises first and second end walls, each end wall removably provided proximate to one of the first and second longitudinal ends.

In accordance with another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods of dispensing paper provided on a roll from a paper dispenser. The methods comprise the steps of inserting the roll into a cylindrical housing having first and second longitudinal ends, an inner surface defining a compartment therein, the compartment dimensioned to receive the roll, an outer surface defined at an opposing surface to the inner surface, and a slot provided between the inner and outer surface and extending longitudinally towards the first and second longitudinal ends; securing first and second end walls to the cylindrical housing proximate the first and second longitudinal ends; and dispensing paper from the roll through the slot in the cylindrical housing.

This Brief Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Brief Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, or is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a paper dispenser of the present disclosure and a paper roll.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the paper dispenser of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the paper dispenser of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the paper dispenser of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the paper dispenser of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the paper dispenser of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several aspects of the disclosure are described below. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the disclosure. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the invention disclosed can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or practiced with other methods/protocols. The present disclosure is not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts, steps, or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present disclosure. Many of the techniques and procedures described, or referenced herein, are well understood and commonly employed using conventional methodology by those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the meanings commonly understood by those of skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should not necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally understood in the art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or as otherwise defined herein.

The following detailed description and the appended drawings describe and illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure solely for the purpose of enabling one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and use the invention. As such, the detailed description and illustration of these embodiments are purely exemplary in nature and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, or its protection, in any manner. It should also be understood that the drawings are not to scale and in certain instances details have been omitted, which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly.

Embodiments of a paper dispenser for dispensing paper provided on a roll (e.g., a paper roll), in accordance with the disclosure, may include a cylindrical housing. The cylindrical housing may have an inner surface defining a compartment therein, the compartment dimensioned to receive the roll, an outer surface defined at an opposing surface to the inner surface, first and second longitudinal ends, the roll insertable into the compartment through either the first or second longitudinal end, and a slot provided between the inner and outer surface and extending longitudinally towards the first and second longitudinal ends. The cylindrical housing may also have first and second end walls, each end wall removably provided proximate to one of the first and second longitudinal ends.

In one embodiment, the slot may begin at the first longitudinal end and terminate at the second longitudinal end. The end walls may have an outer end wall surface and an inner end wall surface, and an aperture extending between the outer end wall surface and inner end wall surface to receive a rod to support the roll. The first and second end walls may be press fit to one of the first and second longitudinal ends. The end walls may include a lip protruding from the inner end wall surface. The lip may have approximately the same diameter as the inner surface of the cylindrical housing and the outer end wall surface may have approximately the same diameter as the outer surface of the cylindrical housing. The paper dispenser may have at least one layer of absorptive material to absorb and disperse a fragrance, the layer of absorptive material provided on at least one of the end walls. In another embodiment, the layer of absorptive material is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing. The paper dispenser may have at least one decorative layer provided on the outer surface of the housing. In another embodiment, the at least one decorative layer is provided on at least one end wall.

In a method embodiment for dispensing paper provided on a roll from a paper dispenser, the method may include the step of inserting the roll into a cylindrical housing having first and second longitudinal ends, an inner surface defining a compartment therein, the compartment dimensioned to receive the roll, an outer surface defined at an opposing surface to the inner surface, and a slot provided between the inner and outer surface and extending longitudinally towards the first and second longitudinal ends. The method may also include the steps of securing the first and second end walls to the cylindrical housing proximate the first and second longitudinal ends, and dispensing paper from the roll through the slot in the cylindrical housing.

In one method embodiment, the first and second end walls may be press fit to one of the first or second longitudinal ends. The roll may be inserted into the compartment through either the first or second longitudinal ends. A rod to support the roll may be inserted thorough an aperture in one of the first or second end walls. In one method embodiment, a decorative surface may be provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing. In another method embodiment the decorative surface may be provided on at least one of the end walls. The method may also include the step of storing a fragrance in at least one layer of absorptive material provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing. In another method embodiment, the fragrance is stored in at least one layer of absorptive material provided on at least one of the end walls.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-5, an embodiment of a paper dispenser for dispensing paper provided on a roll 10 is provided in accordance with the disclosure. The paper dispenser 10 may include a cylindrical housing 100 and first and second end walls 200.

The cylindrical housing 100 has an outer surface 110, an inner surface 120, a first longitudinal end 140, and a second longitudinal end 150. The inner surface 120 defines a compartment 130 dimensioned to receive a roll, such as a roll of toilet paper or paper towels. However, it may be appreciated that the compartment 130 may receive other types of paper not on a roll, such as tissue paper. Accordingly, the cylindrical housing 100 may be of different diameters and lengths to support the size of the paper product to be dispensed. The cylindrical housing 100 may be substantially constructed from metal, plastic, or any other known or to be developed material suitable for protecting the roll. The first and second longitudinal ends 140, 150 are open such that the roll may be inserted into the compartment 130 through one of the longitudinal ends. The cylindrical housing also has a slot 160 between the outer surface 110 and the inner surface 120. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, paper may be dispensed through the slot 160 from the roll that is housed in the compartment 130. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot 160 extends longitudinally from the first longitudinal end 140 to the second longitudinal end 150. However, in another embodiment, shown in FIG. 2A, the slot 160A extends only a portion of the length of the outer surface. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the slot may be longer or shorter to allow the dispensing of various sizes of paper while minimizing the amount of exposure to the roll. As may be appreciated, the cylindrical housing 100 may be operated in a vertical or horizontal position and may hold one or more rolls of toilet paper.

A decorative layer 170 may be provided on the cylindrical housing 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the decorative layer 170 is an image provided on the outer surface 110. However, in another embodiment, the decorative layer 170 is a separate layer, such as a wrap, covering the entire outer surface 110. In yet another embodiment, the decorative layer 170 may be provided on the end walls 200. The decorative layer 170 may be substantially constructed from a fabric, polymers, metal, or any other known or to be developed material suitable for displaying a design. The decorative layer 170 may also incorporate other decorative objects, such as beads, jewels, appliques, stickers, and the like. The decorative layer 170 may be adhered to the outer surface using glue, hook and loop fasteners, or other methods known to those skilled in the art or to be developed. The decorative layer 170 may be removable from the outer surface 110 or end walls 200 to allow a user to change the decorations by adhering other types of wraps (e.g., holiday, personalized, photo, themed etc.) In yet another embodiment, the decorative layer 170 may also be printed onto the outer surface 110 or end walls 200.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second end walls 200 have an outer end wall surface 210, an inner end wall surface 220 and the first and second end walls 200 may be removably provided proximate to the first and second longitudinal ends 140, 150, respectively. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the end walls can be removed to allow the roll to be inserted into the compartment 130 and attached afterwards to enclose the openings at the first and second longitudinal ends 140, 150. The end walls 200 may be cylindrical and have substantially the same diameter as the outer surface 110 of the cylindrical housing 100. However, other dimensions and geometries are contemplated.

In one embodiment, a lip 230 may protrude from the inner end wall surface 220 of at least one of the first and second end walls. The lip 230 may have approximately the same diameter as the inner surface 120 of the cylindrical housing 110 such that the end walls 200 may be press fit to the cylindrical housing 110. However, in other embodiments, the end walls 200 are connected to the cylindrical housing 110 using other connection methods and devices, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, latches, nuts and bolts, ball joints, and the like. At least one of the first and second end walls 200 may also include an aperture 240. A conventional paper rod or holder may be inserted into the roll in the compartment 130 through the aperture 240. As shown in FIG. 1, the aperture is cylindrical in shape to accommodate a cylindrical paper rod or holder. However, the aperture 240 may be provided in other dimensions and geometries. In another embodiment, paper, such as tissues, may be dispensed through the aperture 240.

The paper dispenser 10, may also include a layer of absorptive material 250 to absorb and dispense fragrance. The layer of absorptive material 250 may be a porous material such as felt, cotton, wool, or other fabric capable of absorbing a scented liquid. As shown in FIG. 1, the layer of absorptive material 250 is provided on the outer end wall surface 210. In another embodiment, the layer of absorptive material 250 is provided on the outer surface 100 of the cylindrical housing 100.

A method for dispensing paper provided on a roll from a paper dispenser is now described. In one embodiment, the method may include the step of inserting the roll into the compartment 130 of the cylindrical housing 110 through one of the longitudinal ends 140, 150. If attached, the end walls 200 may first be removed. The method may also include attaching the first and second end walls 200 to the cylindrical housing 100 proximate the first and second longitudinal ends 140,150. The paper from the roll may be dispensed the slot 160 in the cylindrical housing 100. In one embodiment, the first and second end walls 200 may be press fit into one of the first and second longitudinal ends. However, other methods of attachment are possible. A rod or holder to support the roll may be inserted thorough the aperture 240 in one of the first or second end walls. The decorative layer 170 may be provided on the outer surface 110 of the cylindrical housing 100. However, in another method embodiment, the decorative layer 170 may be provided on at least one of the end walls 200. Fragrance may be stored in the least one layer of absorptive material 250. The at least one layer of absorptive material 250 may be provided on the outer surface 110 of the cylindrical housing 100. In another embodiment, fragrance is stored in the layer of absorptive material 250 provided on at least one of the end walls 200.

The descriptions set forth above are meant to be illustrative and not limiting, and persons of skill in the art will recognize that various common and known deviations from the above described structures are considered to be within the scope of the disclosed concepts described herein.

The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may also be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein and that does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A paper dispenser for dispensing paper provided on a roll, the dispenser comprising:

a cylindrical housing comprising an inner surface defining a compartment therein, the compartment dimensioned to receive the roll, an outer surface defined at an opposing surface to the inner surface, first and second longitudinal ends, the roll insertable into the compartment through either the first or second longitudinal end, and a slot provided between the inner and outer surface and extending longitudinally towards the first and second longitudinal ends; and

first and second end walls, each end wall removably provided proximate to one of the first and second longitudinal ends.

2. The paper dispenser of claim 1, wherein the slot begins at the first longitudinal end and terminates at the second longitudinal end.

3. The paper dispenser of claim 1, wherein the end walls have an outer end wall surface and an inner end wall surface, and an aperture extending between the outer end wall surface and inner end wall surface to receive a rod to support the roll.

4. The paper dispenser of claim 3, wherein the first and second end walls are press fit to one of the first and second longitudinal ends.

5. The paper dispenser of claim 4, wherein the end walls include a lip protruding from the inner end wall surface, the lip having approximately the same diameter as the inner surface of the cylindrical housing and the outer end wall surface having approximately the same diameter as the outer surface of the cylindrical housing.

6. The paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising at least one layer of absorptive material to absorb and disperse a fragrance, the layer of absorptive material provided on at least one of the end walls.

7. The paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising at least one layer of absorptive material to absorb and disperse a fragrance, the layer of absorptive material provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing.

8. The paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising of at least one decorative layer provided on the outer surface of the housing.

9. The paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising of at least one decorative layer provided on at least one end wall.

10. A method of dispensing paper provided on a roll from a paper dispenser comprising the steps of:

inserting the roll into a cylindrical housing having first and second longitudinal ends, an inner surface defining a compartment therein, the compartment dimensioned to receive the roll, an outer surface defined at an opposing surface to the inner surface, and a slot provided between the inner and outer surface and extending longitudinally towards the first and second longitudinal ends;

securing first and second end walls to the cylindrical housing proximate the first and second longitudinal ends; and

dispensing paper from the roll through the slot in the cylindrical housing.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second end walls are press fit to one of the first or second longitudinal ends.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the roll is inserted into the compartment through either the first or second longitudinal ends.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of inserting a rod to support the roll thorough an aperture in one of the first or second end walls.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of providing a decorative layer on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of providing a decorative layer on at least one of the end walls.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of storing a fragrance in at least one layer of absorptive material provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of storing a fragrance in at least one layer of absorptive material provided on at least one of the end walls.