Including Special Support For Wound Supply Package Patents (Class 225/46)
  • Publication number: 20020117529
    Abstract: A dispenser for rolls of wound film is disclosed, as well as a method of manufacturing such a dispenser. The dispenser includes a trunk to which a lid is hingedly attached. First and second end walls of the trunk include retainers adapted to penetrate into hollow ends of a roll of wound film disposed within the trunk. The first and second retainers include multiple flaps which are locked into a penetrating position. The multiple flaps may include first and second parallel wing flaps which are pushed inwardly by a locking flap. The combined flaps may be locked into position by frictional engagement of the locking flap in notches provided in the first and second wing flaps. By penetrating the first and second ends of the roll, the roll is reliably held within the trunk, and less susceptible to being inadvertently pulled from the carton during dispensing of the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Kristopher W. Gerulski, Alan John Linder
  • Publication number: 20020100786
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a toilet paper holder, which can uniformly and sufficiently hold a paper portion by a self weight of holding plate for cutting a roll paper so that a user can readily cut off the paper by his one hand, and can achieve the effect regardless of an amount of remaining paper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: ORIHARA SEISAKUSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seiichi Orihara
  • Patent number: 6412678
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method are disclosed for dispensing sheet material from at least one roll of the sheet material. Dispensing is transferred from a stub roll to a reserve roll automatically in response to sensing a predetermined quantity of the stub roll. An isolating element is provided to lift the reserve roll out of contact with dispensing rollers during dispensing of sheet material from the stub roll, and a nipping element is provided to nip sheet material of the reserve roll when dispensing is transferred from the stub roll to the reserve roll. A cam controls movement of both the isolating element and the nipping element. Structure is also provided for sensing the diameter of the reserve roll of sheet material and providing an indication when the reserve roll is a predetermined diameter. The dispenser is quiet and capacity efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Dale T. Gracyalny, David Carpenter, Kamala Grasso, Douglas W. Johnson, Peter D. Johnson, John E. Longan, John R. Moody, Hugh L. Smith, Ronald J. Vish
  • Patent number: 6321963
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method are disclosed for dispensing sheet material from at least one roll of the sheet material. Dispensing is transferred from a stub roll to a reserve roll automatically in response to sensing a predetermined quantity of the stub roll. An isolating element is provided to lift the reserve roll out of contact with dispensing rollers during dispensing of sheet material from the stub roll, and a nipping element is provided to nip sheet material of the reserve roll when dispensing is transferred from the stub roll to the reserve roll. A cam controls movement of both the isolating element and the nipping element. Structure is also provided for sensing the diameter of the reserve roll of sheet material and providing an indication when the reserve roll is a predetermined diameter. The dispenser is quiet and capacity efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Dale T. Gracyalny, David Carpenter, Kamala Grasso, Douglas W. Johnson, Peter D. Johnson, John E. Longan, John R. Moody, Hugh L. Smith, Ronald J. Vish
  • Patent number: 6230953
    Abstract: A plastic bag dispenser holds a continuous roll of bags, connected by perforated separation lines. The dispenser is provided with a tongue, which the bags are dispensed over, that engages the separation line between the bag at the end of the roll and the next bag. This begins the separation of the separation line, as well as holds the next bag behind the tongue. A finger is provided on the upstream side of the tongue, with a gap between the finger and tongue. As a bag is separated, a portion of the front edge of the next bag is held in the gap, holding the bag in position for the next user. The roll of bags rests in curved grooves in the dispenser that cause the roll to abut and frictionally engage an interior surface of the dispenser, preventing free-wheeling of the roll. The curvature of the grooves causes the component of force which creates the frictional engagement to increase as the size of the roll decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Ebrahim Simhaee
  • Patent number: 6199788
    Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed for dispensing and separating plastic bags from a roll of bags rolled on an axle which projects beyond the ends of the roll. The dispenser comprises a container which includes a surface which frictionally engages the roll to apply a braking force thereto. The braking surface includes an upper section and a lower sloped section which engages the roll when its diameter has decreased to a value which is such that the roll does not engage the upper section. The container includes opposing tracks extending from the upper portion of the container to a lower portion for supporting the projecting ends of the axle so that the roll will fall gradually in the tracks to the lower portion of the container as the articles are dispensed. The container also includes spring biased surfaces for applying an additional braking force to the ends of said roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Ebrahim Simhaee
  • Patent number: 6158192
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing and applying flexible sheet material, such as house wrap, from an elongate roll in a substantially continuous manner to the planar surface of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Gregory P. Gardner
  • Patent number: 5927173
    Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for holding, dispensing, and severing lengths of flexible duct connector material from side-by-side coils thereof includes a guide station and a cut-off station shiftable laterally of the apparatus and into alignment with a selected one of the coils. The coils are supported on an anti-friction cradle which includes anti-friction rollers extending laterally of the device, the ends of the rollers being supported on chains hung in catenary fashion. Since the rollers are capable of moving toward and away from each other, they are free to define a cradle which conforms to the periphery of the specific coil which is being fed to assure that the connector material may be withdrawn for processing with the lowest possible force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventors: John Lyons, Allan A. Angerer
  • Patent number: 5813585
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for serially dispensing plastic bags from a wound roll of continuous flexible plastic bags joined along perforated severance lines. A container is provided which is adapted to receive the wound roll of plastic bags. The container has a bottom, a pair of opposed sides having an inwardly facing flange extending therefrom, and a separating tongue projecting outward from the bottom. The flanges define a self-threading slide for threading the plastic bags from the wound roll along a predetermined path onto the separating tongue. The separating tongue separates the plastic bags from the wound roll as the plastic bags engage the separation tongue along a predetermined path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Charles P. Kannankeril, Bruce A. Cruikshank, German Gavronsky, Brian K. Farison
  • Patent number: 5765740
    Abstract: A suture-material-dispenser system for a supply of dry or wet suture material includes the supply of such material and a housing which defines a cavity for containing the supply. The housing includes a top region that has an opening formed in it, and a bottom region with a semi-circular bearing positioned in it. A reel fits within the cavity on the bearing, and has wound on it the supply. An anti-contaminant, flip-top cover is pivotably attached to the top region, and is constructed for releasable closure over the top region substantially to prevent contaminants from entering the cavity. A gas-permeable, resilient member is also included and has a body that fits sealingly within the opening, which body has formed in it a suture-material-dispensing port to allow dispensing of suture material therethrough. The body is preferably formed from a substance with a hardness in the range of about 40-80 on a Shore A durometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Patrick J. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5759341
    Abstract: A supply reel collar from which a transfer tape for an adhesive, or correction coating can be unwound in an applicator is fitted on a supply gear and about its hollow cylindrical shaft portion having an upwardly facing shoulder on its outer surface and a downwardly facing shoulder on its inner surface. A retainer has an upper portion engaging the collar and a lower portion engaging the downwardly facing shoulder. A coiled spring is held in a compressed shape between the upwardly facing shoulder and the upper portion of the retainer to ensure tight engagement between the shaft portion and the retainer and thereby between the supply gear and the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5727721
    Abstract: A dispenser for web articles such as plastic bags which are torn from the web includes a support for the webbing, pivotally mounted in a frame. The support and frame each include jaws defining a nozzle through which the webbing passes. The weight of the support and of the webbing draws the jaws together in a clamping action, so as to frictionally engage the webbing, preparatory to tearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventors: Joseph Jerome Guido, deceased, by Marguerite McGrath Guido, trustee, Robert Joseph Guido
  • Patent number: 5676297
    Abstract: A film dispenser includes a housing having bottom, front, rear and side walls and a pivotally mounted top cover. The front wall defines a substantially elongate opening. Film or wrap severing means are provided at or adjacent said opening. An elongate and transversely extending support recess is provided within said housing and rearwardly of the opening, so as to allow for an elongate roll of film or wrap to be located therewithin. A pivotally mounted pressure flap is provided within the housing and is positioned above and apart from said support recess. A roll of film or wrap is adapted to be located within said support recess, with said pressure flap providing a downward pressure thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Microwrap International Pty Limited
    Inventors: Graeme Sawyer, David Fulton Francis
  • Patent number: 5605265
    Abstract: An adapter for enabling a single sheet towel dispenser to dispense towels from a roll. The single sheet towel dispenser has a housing with an access opening and a towel support tray within the housing, the tray having a dispenser slot for movement of a towel resting on the tray downward through the slot and outward to the access opening. The adapter has a first member and a second member, each having a lower section and an upper section, with the members joined together at the lower sections to define a towel passage therebetween, with the towel passage of a size to slide downward through the dispenser slot of the tray, and with the upper sections of the members curving away from each other and each terminating in a support section for resting on the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Emmanuel A. Hanna
  • Patent number: 5573168
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for serially dispensing plastic bags from a wound roll of continuous flexible plastic bags joined along perforated severance lines. A box like container is provided which is adapted to receive the wound roll of plastic bags. The container has a bottom panel, a top panel, a rear panel, a front panel, and a pair of opposed side panels. The front panel defines a guide slot for guiding the plastic bags from the wound roll along a predetermined path and further defining a threading slide for threading the plastic bags from the wound roll into the guide slot. A separation tongue is located on the front panel for separating the plastic bags from the wound roll as the plastic bags engage the separation tongue along a predetermined path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Charles P. Kannankeril, Bruce A. Cruikshank
  • Patent number: 5566873
    Abstract: A dispenser for flexible webbing includes a dispensing nozzle formed by generally parallel wires bent along tortuous paths. The wires are spaced apart to provide a dispensing opening through which the webbing passes. The wires of the dispensing nozzle frictionally engage the webbing to limit the amount of webbing withdrawn, and to support the webbing during a tearing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Marguerite Guido, Trustee for Joseph J. Guido
    Inventor: Joseph J. Guido
  • Patent number: 5565253
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly adapted to be mounted on a backboard that may be supported on an easel or other support structure. The dispensing assembly includes a cylindrical core; a length of sheet material in a roll coaxially around the core; and a molded plastic enclosure including an elongate front portion defining an elongate chamber having an open side, and a rear portion adapted to be mounted on a backboard. The front and rear portions include journal surface portions at their ends that journal projecting end portions of the core with the roll in the chamber, which journal surface portions are separated when the front and rear portions of the closure are separated. Edges of the portions are spaced to define an elongate opening through which lengths of sheet material can be pulled from the roll, and the sheet can be cut against a sharp edge at the opening on the front portion of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Dennis L. Crawford, George J. Kluzak, Jeffrey S. Weinfurter
  • Patent number: 5549232
    Abstract: A roll paper note taking device that is capable of effectively utilizing roll paper in either a horizontal or vertical fashion because the paper roll housing defines a seat for the paper roll so that the paper is tensioned irrespective of the remaining paper supply. The device also employs a rotatable bin for holding writing utensils that is capable of being oriented either vertically or horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Richard P. Scholfield
  • Patent number: 5509593
    Abstract: A combined dry sanitary tissue and prewetted personal hygiene wipes dispenser including a rear housing and a front housing, the front housing being movable from an open position to a closed position with the rear housing, the front and rear housings forming a first compartment for a roll of dry sanitary tissue, the compartment having an opening through which the roll of dry sanitary tissue is dispensed. A second compartment is provided inside the first compartment from which a roll of prewetted personal hygiene wipes is dispensed. The second compartment includes a lid having a dispensing port therethrough. There is an orifice through the front housing allowing access to the dispensing port in the lid when the front housing section is in the closed position. The lid is not removable from the second compartment when the front housing is in the closed position. A lock is included for locking the front housing in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Scott Paper Company
    Inventors: Nathan D. Bloch, Edward J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5490722
    Abstract: A manually powered hygienic dental floss dispenser enclosed in a housing. A user pulls a lever connected to a first drive belt engaging a free wheel and an inner ratchet wheel, causing the wheels to rotate clockwise. When the user releases the lever, a spring pushes the lever back toward its original position, causing the inner ratchet wheel to engage an outer ratchet wheel engaged with a second drive belt and a daisy wheel. Counterclockwise rotations of the wheels cause the daisy wheel to engage and advance a string of dental floss at pairs of opposing radial extensions of the daisy wheel. When the lever reaches its original position it activates a cutting mechanism that severs the string of dental floss at a measured length. The measured length of dental floss passes from the interior to the exterior of the housing through a feed tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Sprouse and Sonnett, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Sonnett, Frederick V. Sprouse, David L. Hector, Robert G. Lowry, Bradley M. Woodworth
  • Patent number: 5480084
    Abstract: A rack for dispensing plastic bags from a roll of bags joined end-to-end and separated by a line of perforations and either an opening or a rupturable central area between the bags along the perforation line, comprising a rectangular cradle to hold the roll for removal of bags by unrolling them over a horizontal side element and past a pair of snagging elements which intercept the rupturable central area to restrain each ensuing bag as the preceding bag is pulled away from the roll so as to enable the preceding bag to be separated from the ensuing bag along the perforated and open or rupturable central area line. Provision is made to enable the cradle to be mounted either on or under a store counter, or against a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: The Avantage Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5454500
    Abstract: A toilet-paper holder has a casing with a pan. The pan has a base, a peripheral wall extending from the base and an open end. The peripheral wall has an exit opening. The casing further has a cover which is pivoted to the pan and which covers openably the open end of the pan. The cover has a base wall opposite to the base of the pan. A stationary shaft is provided in the casing and has a first end fixed to the base of the pan and a second end extending toward the base wall of the cover. A sleeve member is mounted coaxially and rotatably to the stationary shaft and has an end which extends toward the base wall of the cover. A rotary knob is mounted movably on the base wall of the cover and is operable to rotate the sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Cheng-Feng Chen
    Inventor: Cheng-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 5425486
    Abstract: A portable dispenser for a roll of sheet material comprising an enclosure of rectangular shape having a rear wall, bottom wall, having a free forward edge and a cover having a rear edge hingedly mounted to the rear wall being movable between an open position and a closed position for an open position for insertion of a roll of dispensing sheet material and a closed position for dispensing sheet material including a front cutting edge and including a compressible support for supporting the roll of sheet material by compressing when the full roll is inserted and gradually expanding when the material is utilized thereby raising the roll upward and frontward toward the dispensing area of the box, including the cutting edge, said compressible support being fixed to the interior of the box, whereby frictional resistance of the sponge also diminishes reverse rolling of the roll and the resultant pulling back of the leading edge of the sheet material wherein the cutting edge is held close to the parting segment of th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: George K. Kurker
  • Patent number: 5305937
    Abstract: Dispensably different supplies, such as plastic wrap, wax paper, metal foil or sandwich bags can be stored in a common cylindrical dispenser, having an inner wall dividing the interior into a plurality of individual compartments. A curved door gives access to each compartment, and an opening in one door allows bulk items to be withdrawn from the dispenser. Rolled material is drawn through a gap, and torn off by pulling the material against a serrated cutter. Plastic wrap can be cut off using a blade cutter mounted on the side of the dispenser. The dispenser can be mounted vertically on a turntable, or horizontally from a bracket or cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Sharon R. Barnett
  • Patent number: 5292046
    Abstract: A roll film dispenser is disclosed which utilizes a switch-retractable serrated blade to cut film being dispensed. In one embodiment of the invention, the roll film dispenser contains a roll of film which is arranged so that the end of the roll exits the dispenser through a slot at the top. Severance of the film is accomplished by tearing the sheet over the serrated blade. When not in use, the serrated blade may be manually retracted. Optionally, an acrylic sheet may be interposed between the slot and the blade to aid in stabilizing PVC-type films prior to cutting. A conforming weight is provided at the lower rear of the dispenser to resist rollover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Allen Reed Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ian R. Kaiser, Michael C. Kaiser, Sean A. Neiberger
  • Patent number: 5282563
    Abstract: A floss dispenser according to one embodiment has a base with a spool housing provided on one end thereof and a cutting member provided on the other end. The spool housing holds a spool of dental floss and dispenses an exposed portion of floss through an output port above the base. The cutting member has a friction element (which includes a blade for cutting the floss) positioned on an upper end thereof across from the output port. The friction element holds a distal end of the exposed portion of floss a spaced distance from the output port so that the exposed portion of floss extends above the base and through a gap region between the output port and the cutting member. The gap region is sized such that a user can grasp the exposed portion of floss without contacting any part of the floss dispenser. In this manner, the user avoids contaminating the floss dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: De Voe G. Quinton
    Inventors: Darcy D. Oliver, Ross D. Thurber, Terrance R. Folsom
  • Patent number: 5207367
    Abstract: A dispensing container for containing a roll of sheet material and dispensing sheets from the roll is disclosed. The dispensing container includes a container body with integrally formed front, rear, bottom and side walls and an open top. A top cover is flexibly connected to the rear wall of the container body and is movable between an open and a substantially closed position. The cover is biased in a substantially closed position adjacent the top of the container body for maintaining the roll of sheet material in the container body. Serrations are integrally formed in the container body for cutting sheet material dispensed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Sonoco Products Company
    Inventors: Martin T. Dunn, Dennis R. Taylor, Troy W. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5207368
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for serially dispensing flexible plastic bags from a wound package of bags which are joined along perforated severance lines, including a panel, and at least one elongate dispensing slot extending through the panel. The slot includes relatively narrow and linearly aligned outer edge portions, and a laterally extending tongue positioned between the outer edge portions. Also, an opening is located on one side of the tongue. In use, the opening is used to facilitate thread-up of the initial bag through the slot, and the two outer edge portions serve to engage and hold the bag in the slot. During withdrawal, the tongue engages the central portion of the bag, and when the tongue engages the next perforated severance line, or the bottom of the cut out in the case of T-shirt bags, a significant resistance is imparted which causes the severance line to rupture, with the next bag positioned in the slot and ready to be engaged and withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Sonoco Products Company
    Inventors: Harry B. Wilfong, Jr., Richard A. Brown
  • Patent number: 5065924
    Abstract: A dispenser comprising a casing (1) of a general internal cylindrical form with a bottom wall (1a) for fixing (1b) to any support surface and a front wall forming a loading door (2), the latter being provided with an axial opening (2f) for the passage and outlet of a strip (R) of material unwound from the inside and separated by a cutting device (12) associated to the opening, the strip coming from a roll of material (R) positioned in the casing with its horizontal axis of symmetry, the roll of material, regardless of its degree of use, being retained without any risk of deformation and collapsing at the end of unwinding, by one or several devices associated to the casing acting by applying pressure to all or part of the sides of the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: Maurice Granger
  • Patent number: 5022577
    Abstract: A disposable, cord dispensing cartridge comprised of a rigid, shatterproof plastic housing including first and second housing sections having inner and outer surfaces which are ultrasonically secured to each other. The housing includes an internal cord-holding cavity of cylindrical shape dimensioned to receive a spool having two circular flange portions connected by a stem portion. The spool is dimensioned to retain a predetermined length of high strength, small diameter cord which is machine-wound in dense-packed fashion thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Richard A. Fike
  • Patent number: 4979617
    Abstract: A dispensing system for a package of a continuous, severable sheet material comprising a number of individual severable members, such as plastic bags, separated by transverse pre-weakened regions, such as perforations, is composed of a storage container holding the package and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is separate from and is located at a location remote from the storage container. The continuous severable sheet material is conducted to the dispensing device and is threaded therethrough until the pre-weakened separating two consecutive members emerges through the exit of the device. A sufficient force is then applied to the continuous, severable sheet material to separate the two consecutive members from each other at the pre-weakened region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Gordon L. Benoit
  • Patent number: 4934575
    Abstract: A dispenser for multiple rolls of sheet material has a housing with a pair of end body portions held in spaced relationship by longitudinal bracing members, and hubs on the end body portions for retaining the rolls. The hubs are aligned in pairs about the axis and each pair is adapted to receive and rotatably support a roll of sheet material. The dispenser has a semi-cylindrical cover for each pair of hubs with each cover having a cutting edge and bearings adapted for engaging with the pair of hubs to support the cover so that the cover is rotatable from an open position in which the pair of hubs are exposed to a closed position covering the pair of hubs. The dispenser has brackets which rotatably support the housing. One of the brackets and the housing are connected by spring loaded manually operable locking means so that the housing can be rotated to and then locked in a position allowing removal of sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Shefqet Mustafa
  • Patent number: 4925073
    Abstract: A dental floss holder is in the form of a box with a drawer in it. The bottom of the drawer includes a hub which is spring biased to push a bobbin mounted thereon toward an opposite side of the box. The bias is such that the bobbin drags with a predetermined force on an opposite side of the box to maintain tension in the floss. A result is that the bobbin does not unwind while in the holder, thereby precluding a snarled floss line. Also, the tension gives a smooth "pull" which adds a "feel" of quality to the floss. The "feel" does not change as the diameter of the bobbin changes with either an exhaustion of floss or changes in the diameter of a full bobbin. The hub is mounted on a dome having sides with a shape which guides and directs any floss falling off the bobbin back onto it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: John O. Butler Company
    Inventors: Emanuel B. Tarrson, Dane Maric
  • Patent number: 4913364
    Abstract: A toilet paper case includes a generally U-shaped housing which has a base mounting segment and two side segments. The housing is opened at the top, front and bottom sides thereof. The side segments are formed in the upper end portions thereof with open-ended vertical slide slots in which two ends of a reel are received slidably. A generally L-shaped cover plate is hinged to the front end portions of the side segments and has a generally horizontal portion covering the top side of the housing, and a generally vertical portion covering the front side of the housing. The rear end of the cover plate rests on the upper end of the base mounting segment and cannot be turned down. The cover plate has a forked lower end which includes serrated outer and inner edges for cutting a roll of toilet paper single handedly while mounted rotatably in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventor: Dye-Chung Hu
  • Patent number: 4884734
    Abstract: A small, lightweight ornamental tape dispenser is adapted for hand held, desk top, or wall mounted use, and accomodates both right and left handed withdrawal of tape while remaining in a wall mounted position. A wall mounting means, a tape roll holding means, and a free standing base means are disposed at the rear side of an ornamental planar front wall member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Manco, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Kahl, Jr., Brian A. Vulpitta, Thomas A. Corbo, Craig M. Saunders, John R. Nottingham
  • Patent number: 4875609
    Abstract: A dispenser for concatenated pressure sensitive adhesive coated abrasive discs disposed in a supply roll comprising a container having opposite side walls each having inner and outer layers with their inner layers having aligned slots extending from top edges of the side walls to inner ends positioned generally central of said side walls, and a shaft rotatably supporting the supply roll having ends supported on support edges defining the inner ends of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jerome E. Elder, Nancy L. Mosman
  • Patent number: 4848201
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing strip material and the like from a source of the material, the apparatus having a frame; a mount borne by the frame for receiving a source of the material; a drive member mounted on the frame for feeding a strip of material from the source of the material; and a control member mounted on the frame for movement toward and from the drive member and selectively positionable to carry a strip of the material extended between the control member and the drive member into engagement with the drive member selectively to feed the strip of material from the source of material. A cartridge assembly operable with the apparatus to serve as a source of the material and having portions cooperating with the apparatus to feed the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Simtek Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Urwyler, John W. Toor, James E. Sacherman
  • Patent number: 4846415
    Abstract: A holder, e.g., for rolls of paper is configured such as to dispense a paper web from the holder via a web braking element (14, 15, 17), which may have alternative forms. The web braking (14, 15, 17) prevents paper from being dispensed uncontrollably from the holder as a result of inertia forces or some other circumstance. The holder is comprised preferably of two major parts, namely a back plate (1) and a causing (2), which houses the roll (4) and roll support means (8, 9). When the roll (4) is placed horizontally in the casing the roll is supported on two shafts (8). When the roll extends vertically in the casing, it is supported by a shelf (9). The shelf has formed therein an aperture (10) through which the paper web passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Holmens Bruk Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Marita Jernberg, Mikael Kall
  • Patent number: 4844368
    Abstract: A toilet paper case comprises a U-shaped housing, a curved cover plate hinged to the housing and a shaft for carrying a reel of toilet paper. The curved cover plate is provided with a forked end which has an inner toothed edge and an outer toothed edge. The inner toothed edge may be an edge with a series of sharp teeth, needles, or bumps or a rough edge face to engage with the paper so as to limit the unreeling of the paper, and the outer toothed edge includes sharp teeth to cut the paper. The cover plate is normally biased to an open position and a tongue-and-hole engagement means is provided to lock the cover plate in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: Dye-Chung Hu
  • Patent number: 4844310
    Abstract: A dispenser for a roll of sheet material has a body that defines an elongate chamber open at the front. Baffle and closure members are pivotally mounted to the body for movement between open and closed positions. The baffle member can be mounted at a lower edge, while the closure member is mounted at an upper edge. A closure member includes a cutting edge for a sheet of material. In the closed positions of the baffle and closure members, material from a roll passes through a gap formed between the baffle and closure members. A piece of the sheet of material can then be torn off by one hand, by pulling it against the cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: Rimas J. Geleziunas
  • Patent number: 4811878
    Abstract: The present invention provides a towel cradle particularly useful with any one of standard C-fold, multi-fold, single fold and rolled paper towel to be dispensed from a paper towel dispenser. The towel cradle comprises a hopper-like cradle body having an apertured towel support surface provided with a dispensing opening and a substantially solid towel support surface each of which is set at a downward inward angle continuing to a centrally positioned throat formed by downward extensions on each of the surfaces. The downward extension on the solid support surface is additionally provided with a paper cutting edge integral to said towel cradle. The cradle body is reversible within the towel dispenser such that in a first dispensing position the apertured support surface is positioned forwardly in the dispenser which is fitted with a towel guide for dispensing C-fold and multi-fold towels through the dispensing opening with the paper cutting edge being generally hidden to the rear of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Twin-Cee Limited
    Inventor: Yutaka Horinchi
  • Patent number: 4796832
    Abstract: A jumbo roll of toilet tissue wherein the initial section of the roll is perforated and the remainder is unperforated is dispensed from a dispenser having, in addition to a first spindle for supporting the jumbo roll, a second spindle for receiving the preceding roll of tissue after most of the tissue has been consumed. The spindles are secured by means that discourage pilferage of the rolls but permit access to them by an attendant when the rolls are changed. The second spindle is readily detachable and can be mounted on either side of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: James River II, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph W. Schutz, William Schultz
  • Patent number: 4790490
    Abstract: Described is a device designed to dispense tissue paper or cloth web by a self-locking dispenser system. The dispenser system consists of a release mechanism which is activated by hands-on mechanical or hands-free electo-mechanical means. The gear train in the dispenser mechanism is connected to the tissue or towel roll axle and thus regulates the motion of the roll. The dispensing system, in activated mode, allows free passage of the tissue or towel web out of the dispenser through an opening in the dispenser housing but, in the released position, itself locks up the tissue or towel web in this opening with a tight prong device thus prohibiting the web from further movement. This is accomplished without locking up the roll axle. The whole system including the roll is installed inside an air-tight housing which allows usage of dry as well as moistened tissue or towel. The dispenser housing is provided with a movable, transparent front cover to provide visibility to the extent of roll usuage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Shyamal Chakravorty
  • Patent number: 4441642
    Abstract: The disclosure teaches a dispensing package for elongated strands, such as cord, thread, yarn or the like, wound on a spool. The package is made of a rigid but flexible material, and preferably, an oleofin plastic material. The package includes a floor member and a parallel ceiling member spaced from the floor member by a wall structure. The wall structure includes a two-walled arrangement consisting of two walls at an angle to each other and connected to each other at a common edge thereof. A third wall is opposite to the two-wall arrangement and consists of tab members extending from both the floor and ceiling members. Attachment means are included on the tab so that the third wall can be either fastened or unfastened. An opening in the two-walled arrangement includes a blade holder which extends into the opening. Side notches in the side edges of the two-walled arrangement comprise retaining means for retaining the free end of the strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Stanbel Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Finkel
  • Patent number: 4432482
    Abstract: Cabinet useable for dispensing any tear-off length of a variety of rolled sheet material ranging from paper towels or toilet tissue to bandages or wrapping material. Following each selected withdrawal/severance from outlet mouth, sheet advance mechanism comprising gear driven contact roller is manually activated by reciprocation of thrust-inserted row of rack teeth so as to effect advance of fresh leading edge of sheet between it and supporting free roller. Latter includes fixed tangential fingers to insure non-clinging of sheet to free roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Inventor: Armand S. Beausoleil
  • Patent number: 4424926
    Abstract: A roll dispenser 1, preferably one piece having no moving parts, has a rear aperture 8 for insertion of a roll and a front aperture 7 for extraction of material from the roll. A cutter 2 is provided adjacent to the front aperture 7 and a cling surface 3 close to the cutter ensures proper disposition of the material during the retraction. The dispenser is conveniently made by injection moulding, or by compression moulding in which case it is desirable that the top surface 11 and bottom surface 12 are mutually parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Inventor: Douglas K. Gatward
  • Patent number: 4422585
    Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser employs two cantilevered mandrels movable in a track. In one track position the lower mandrel is in a dispensing position and, when exhausted, can be moved rearwardly to enable the other cantilevered mandrel to be dropped into a dispensing position. When the lower mandrel is in the dispensing position the guide block which supports the lower mandrel in the track supports the guide block for the second mandrel in an elevated storage, non-access position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Alwin Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur N. Schultz, James A. Diring, Donald G. Krueger
  • Patent number: 4383657
    Abstract: This invention concerns a dispenser for products in sheet form, of the type containing a reserve of material, comprising a casing formed with a loading aperture and a dispensing slot at the base, said casing being adapted to contain at least two superimposed reels of sheet material wound on tubular members separated from one another by stop means comprising a rocking lever provided with a lug supporting the top reel and a press-button to retract said lug and release the top reel when the bottom reel is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1983
    Inventor: Pierre K. S. Suh
  • Patent number: 4294389
    Abstract: A dispenser for a column of rolls of paper or the like. The rolls of paper are disposed in the dispenser one above the other. The dispensable roll of paper has the free end thereof disposed in the paper exit opening to be torn for removing the free end of the roll of paper from the remainder of the roll of paper. The dispenser includes a gate disposed between the dispensable roll of paper and the succeeding roll of paper thereabove for maintaining a spaced relation therebetween so that the dispensable roll of paper can be rotated without being in contact with the succeeding roll of paper. When the supply of paper of the dispensable roll of paper has been exhausted, the succeeding roll of paper is urged downwardly to displace the gate for advancing the succeeding roll of paper to the position of a dispensable roll of paper. The gate returns to its initial position to retain the roll of paper next in succession in spaced relation thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1981
    Inventors: Filip Falk, Lennart Falk
  • Patent number: RE34392
    Abstract: A dispensing system for a package of a continuous, severable sheet material comprising a number of individual severable members, such as plastic bags, separated by transverse pre-weakened regions, such as perforations, is composed of a storage container holding the package and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is separate from and is located at a location remote from the storage container. The continuous severable sheet material is conducted to the dispensing device and is threaded therethrough until the pre-weakened separating two consecutive members emerges through the exit of the device. A sufficient force is then applied to the continuous, severable sheet material to separate the two consecutive members from each other at the pre-weakened regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Gordon L. Benoit