U.S. patent application number 09/818240 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-10 for roll goods dispenser system and methods of use.
Invention is credited to Pilosi, Paul A., Somers, Micah T., Swanson, Mark D., Windorski, David C..
Application Number | 20020145073 09/818240 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25225037 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020145073 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Swanson, Mark D. ; et
al. |
October 10, 2002 |
Roll goods dispenser system and methods of use
Abstract
A roll goods dispenser system is disclosed. The roll goods
dispenser system includes a roll of continuous length product and
first and second dispenser guards that protect the roll from
damage. Methods of using the roll goods dispenser system to
dispense roll goods are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Swanson, Mark D.; (River
Falls, WI) ; Windorski, David C.; (Woodbury, MN)
; Pilosi, Paul A.; (Minnetonka, MN) ; Somers,
Micah T.; (Minneapolis, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MUETING, RAASCH & GEBHARDT, P.A.
P.O. BOX 581415
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55458
US
|
Family ID: |
25225037 |
Appl. No.: |
09/818240 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/588.3 ;
242/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2701/5122 20130101;
B65H 75/143 20130101; B65H 2701/512 20130101; A61F 15/002 20130101;
B65H 2701/513 20130101; B65H 2701/5136 20130101; B65H 2701/377
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/588.3 ;
242/129 |
International
Class: |
B65H 016/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A roll goods dispenser system comprising: a roll of continuous
length product comprising opposing first and second side surfaces
defining a roll diameter and a core defining a central void within
the roll; and a first dispenser guard comprising a retaining plug
protruding from a side shield, wherein the side shield covers the
entire first side surface of the roll when the retaining plug is
located within the central void, wherein the side shield is movable
between a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein
the side shield in the closed configuration forms a concave shape
facing the roll, the concave shape defining a volume, wherein the
roll occupies at least a portion of the volume, and further wherein
the side shield in the open configuration forms a convex shape
facing the roll.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the side shield is biased
in either the open configuration or the closed configuration,
whereby a force is required to move the side shield between the
open configuration and the closed configuration.
3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the retaining plug is
friction fit within the central void.
4. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a second
dispenser guard comprising a retaining plug protruding from a side
shield, wherein the side shield of the second dispenser guard
covers the entire second side surface of the roll when the
retaining plug of the second dispenser guard is located within the
central void.
5. A system according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the
retaining plug of the first dispenser guard and the retaining plug
of the second dispenser guard is friction fit within the central
void.
6. A system according to claim 4, wherein the retaining plug of the
first dispenser guard is attached to the retaining plug of the
second dispenser guard.
7. A system according to claim 4, wherein the side shield of the
first dispenser guard and the side shield of the second dispenser
guard form an enclosed volume containing the roll.
8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the side shield of the
first dispenser guard is movable between a closed configuration and
an open configuration, wherein the side shield forms a concave
shape facing the first side surface of the roll when in the closed
configuration, the concave shape defining a volume, wherein the
roll occupies at least a portion of the volume.
9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the side shield of the
first dispenser guard forms a convex shape facing the first side
surface of the roll when the side shield of the first dispenser
guard is in the open configuration.
10. A system according to claim 1, wherein the continuous length
product comprises adhesive tape.
11. A roll goods dispenser system comprising: a roll of continuous
length product comprising opposing first and second side surfaces
defining a roll diameter and a core defining a central void within
the roll; and a first dispenser guard comprising a first retaining
plug protruding from a first side shield, wherein the first side
shield covers the first side surface of the roll when the first
retaining plug is located within the central void, wherein the
first side shield is movable between a closed configuration and an
open configuration, wherein the first side shield forms a concave
shape facing the first side surface of the roll when in the closed
configuration, the concave shape defining a volume, and further
wherein the roll occupies at least a portion of the volume; and a
second dispenser guard comprising a second retaining plug
protruding from a second side shield, wherein the second side
shield covers the second side surface of the roll when the second
retaining plug is located within the central void, wherein the
second side shield is movable between a closed configuration and an
open configuration, wherein the second side shield forms a concave
shape facing the second side surface of the roll when in the closed
configuration, the concave shape defining a volume, and further
wherein the roll occupies at least a portion of the volume.
12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the first side shield
is biased in either the open configuration or the closed
configuration, whereby a force is required to move the first side
shield between the open configuration and the closed configuration,
and further wherein the second side shield is biased in either the
open configuration or the closed configuration, whereby a force is
required to move the second side shield between the open
configuration and the closed configuration.
13. A system according to claim 11, wherein the first side shield
forms a convex shape facing the first side surface of the roll when
in the open configuration, and further wherein the second side
shield forms a convex shape facing the second side surface of the
roll when in the open configuration.
14. A system according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the
first retaining plug and the second retaining plug is friction fit
within the central void.
15. A system according to claim 11, wherein the first retaining
plug is attached to the second retaining plug.
16. A system according to claim 11, wherein the first side shield
and the second side shield form an enclosed volume containing the
roll when both the first side shield and the second side shield are
in their respective closed configurations.
17. A system according to claim 11, wherein the continuous length
product comprises adhesive tape.
18. A method of dispensing continuous length product from a roll,
the method comprising: providing a roll of continuous length
product comprising opposing first and second side surfaces defining
a roll diameter and a core defining a central void within the roll;
providing a first dispenser guard comprising a retaining plug
protruding from a side shield, the retaining plug being located
within the central void of the roll, wherein the side shield covers
the entire first side surface of the roll, wherein the side shield
is movable between a closed configuration and an open
configuration, wherein the side shield forms a concave shape facing
the roll when in the closed configuration, the concave shape
defining a volume and the roll occupying at least a portion of the
volume, and further wherein the side shield forms a convex shape
facing the roll when in the open configuration; moving the side
shield from the closed configuration to the open configuration;
unrolling a selected portion of the continuous length product from
the roll; and separating the selected portion of the continuous
length product from the roll.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the side shield is
biased in either the open configuration or the closed
configuration, whereby a force is required when moving the side
shield from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
20. A method according to claim 18, wherein the retaining plug is
friction fit within the central void and wherein the method further
comprises pushing the retaining plug into the central void.
21. A method according to claim 18, further comprising providing a
second dispenser guard comprising a retaining plug protruding from
a side shield, wherein the side shield of the second dispenser
guard covers the entire second side surface of the roll when the
retaining plug of the second dispenser guard is located within the
central void.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the
retaining plug of the first dispenser guard and the retaining plug
of the second dispenser guard is friction fit within the central
void, and wherein the method further comprises pushing the friction
fit retaining plug into the central void.
23. A method according to claim 21, further comprising attaching
the retaining plug of the first dispenser guard to the retaining
plug of the second dispenser guard.
24. A method according to claim 21, wherein the side shield of the
first dispenser guard and the side shield of the second dispenser
guard form an enclosed volume containing the roll.
25. A method according to claim 18, wherein the continuous length
product comprises adhesive tape.
26. A method of dispensing continuous length product from a roll,
the method comprising: providing a roll of continuous length
product comprising opposing first and second side surfaces defining
a roll diameter and a core defining a central void within the roll;
and providing a first dispenser guard comprising a first retaining
plug protruding from a first side shield, wherein the first side
shield covers the first side surface of the roll when the first
retaining plug is located within the central void, wherein the
first side shield is movable between a closed configuration and an
open configuration, wherein the first side shield forms a concave
shape facing the first side surface of the roll when in the closed
configuration, the concave shape defining a volume, and further
wherein the roll occupies at least a portion of the volume; and
providing a second dispenser guard comprising a second retaining
plug protruding from a second side shield, wherein the second side
shield covers the second side surface of the roll when the second
retaining plug is located within the central void, wherein the
second side shield is movable between a closed configuration and an
open configuration, wherein the second side shield forms a concave
shape facing the second side surface of the roll when in the closed
configuration, the concave shape defining a volume, and further
wherein the roll occupies at least a portion of the volume; moving
the first side shield from the closed configuration to the open
configuration; moving the second side shield from the closed
configuration to the open configuration; unrolling a selected
portion of the continuous length product from the roll; and
separating the selected portion of the continuous length product
from the roll.
27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the first side shield
is biased in either the open configuration or the closed
configuration, whereby a force is required when moving the first
side shield from the closed configuration to the open
configuration, and further wherein the second side shield is biased
in either the open configuration or the closed configuration,
whereby a force is required when moving the second side shield from
the closed configuration to the open configuration.
28. A method according to claim 26, wherein the first side shield
forms a convex shape facing the first side surface of the roll when
in the open configuration, and further wherein the second side
shield forms a convex shape facing the second side surface of the
roll when in the open configuration.
29. A method according to claim 26, wherein at least one of the
first retaining plug and the second retaining plug is friction fit
within the central void, and wherein the method further comprises
pushing the friction fit retaining plug into the central void.
30. A method according to claim 26, further comprising attaching
the first retaining plug to the second retaining plug.
31. A method according to claim 26, wherein the first side shield
and the second side shield form an enclosed volume containing the
roll when both the first side shield and the second side shield are
in their respective closed configurations.
32. A method according to claim 26, wherein the continuous length
product comprises adhesive tape.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a roll goods dispenser
system, and more particularly to a two-piece roll goods dispenser
system for a roll of manually tearable tape.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The art is replete with different types of tape rolls
designed for a multitude of uses. One type of tape is known in the
art as medical tape. As used herein, the phrase "medical tape"
means a tape that is designed for use in the health care field.
Examples of medical tapes include a) TRANSPORE Surgical Tape that
is a transparent, easy-to-tear, perforated plastic tape for
securing dressings or devices, b) MICROPORE Surgical Tape that is a
gentle, general purpose paper tape, c) DURAPORE Surgical Tape that
is a cloth tape with strong adhesion for securing dressings or
devices, d) MICROFOAM Surgical Tape that is a highly conformable
elastic foam tape for compression applications or securing
dressings on difficult or challenging areas, and e) BLENDERM
Surgical Tape that is an occlusive, transparent plastic tape that
protects wounds from fluids and contaminants. Each of these
particular examples of medical tapes is available from Minnesota
Mining and Manufacturing Co. (3M) of St. Paul, Minn.
[0003] A number of problems are associated with the use of a roll
of tape. It may be difficult or inconvenient to locate a leading
end portion of a tape. This is particularly a problem for rolls of
medical tape that should be kept as clean as possible. The leading
end portion of the tape is often wasted when a user elects to
simply dispose of the exposed leading end portion in favor of a
more pristine portion of the tape. Exposed adhesive along the
leading end portion and adhesive along the sides of the tape tend
to stick to clothing or other surfaces that may contaminate the
surface and make use of a tape roll inconvenient.
[0004] Another problem associated with the use of a roll of tape is
that some tape rolls may become easily damaged or altered. It is
generally desirable to protect the tape roll (particularly the
edges) from scuffs, mars, indentations, or other deformations as
such deformations may adversely affect the performance of the
tape.
[0005] Dispensers have been developed over the years to address the
problems associated with the use of tape rolls. Many of these
dispensers are complex, relatively expensive devices that can be
difficult to manufacture.
[0006] Further, the art is replete with tape roll dispensers or
other devices that include serrations, teeth, blades, tearing
edges, or other cutting devices designed to help separate a leading
end portion of a roll of tape from the remaining tape on the
roll.
[0007] For a roll of manual or hand tearable tape, a cutting device
may be unnecessary. A dispenser with a cutting device may also be
undesirable in some situations. Cutting devices have the potential
to scratch or otherwise damage surfaces (e.g., clothing). Cutting
devices may also cause the dispenser to snag on surfaces, which may
reduce the convenience for the user. Generally, cutting devices
also add cost to the dispenser and complicate the manufacturing
process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a roll goods dispenser
system. The present invention also provides methods of using the
roll goods dispenser system. The dispenser system includes a
dispenser guard that protects roll goods from damage.
[0009] Among the advantages provided by the present invention is
the ability to protect roll goods, e.g., tapes, from dirt and
damage. Because of its larger shape, the invention may also make it
easier to locate roll goods. Use of the invention may also be
encouraged because of its appealing, tactile feel. Further, the
invention enables a user to place roll goods in the user's pocket
without contaminating the roll goods with dirt, lint, etc. Also,
roll goods may be protected from damage that would normally be
caused by impacts between the roll and other objects, e.g.,
accidentally dropping the roll goods.
[0010] In one aspect, the present invention provides a roll goods
dispenser system that includes a roll of continuous length product
with opposing first and second side surfaces defining a roll
diameter and a core defining a central void within the roll; a
first dispenser guard including a retaining plug protruding from a
side shield, wherein the side shield covers the entire first side
surface of the roll when the retaining plug is located within the
central void, wherein the side shield is movable between a closed
configuration and an open configuration, wherein the side shield in
the closed configuration forms a concave shape facing the roll, the
concave shape defining a volume, wherein the roll occupies at least
a portion of the volume, and further wherein the side shield in the
open configuration forms a convex shape facing the roll.
[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a roll
goods dispenser system including a roll of continuous length
product including opposing first and second side surfaces defining
a roll diameter and a core defining a central void within the roll;
and a first dispenser guard including a first retaining plug
protruding from a first side shield, wherein the first side shield
covers the first side surface of the roll when the first retaining
plug is located within the central void, wherein the first side
shield is movable between a closed configuration and an open
configuration, wherein the first side shield forms a concave shape
facing the first side surface of the roll when in the closed
configuration, the concave shape defining a volume, and further
wherein the roll occupies at least a portion of the volume. This
aspect of the present invention further provides a second dispenser
guard including a second retaining plug protruding from a second
side shield, wherein the second side shield covers the second side
surface of the roll when the second retaining plug is located
within the central void, wherein the second side shield is movable
between a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein
the second side shield forms a concave shape facing the second side
surface of the roll when in the closed configuration, the concave
shape defining a volume, and further wherein the roll occupies at
least a portion of the volume.
[0012] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method
of dispensing continuous length product from a roll by providing a
roll of continuous length product including first and second side
surfaces defining a roll diameter and a core defining a central
void within the roll. The method further includes providing a first
dispenser guard including a retaining plug protruding from a side
shield, the retaining plug being located within the central void of
the roll, wherein the side shield covers the entire first side
surface of the roll, wherein the side shield is movable between a
closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the side
shield forms a concave shape facing the roll when in the closed
configuration, the concave shape defining a volume and the roll
occupying at least a portion of the volume, and further wherein the
side shield forms a convex shape facing the roll when in the open
configuration. The method further includes moving the side shield
from the closed configuration to the open configuration; unrolling
a selected portion of the continuous length product from the roll;
and separating the selected portion of the continuous length
product from the roll.
[0013] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method
of dispensing continuous length product from a roll by providing a
roll of continuous length product including opposing first and
second side surfaces defining a roll diameter and a core defining a
central void within the roll. The method further includes providing
a first dispenser guard including a first retaining plug protruding
from a first side shield, wherein the first side shield covers the
first side surface of the roll when the first retaining plug is
located within the central void, wherein the first side shield is
movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration,
wherein the first side shield forms a concave shape facing the
first side surface of the roll when in the closed configuration,
the concave shape defining a volume, and further wherein the roll
occupies at least a portion of the volume. The method further
includes providing a second dispenser guard including a second
retaining plug protruding from a second side shield, wherein the
second side shield covers the second side surface of the roll when
the second retaining plug is located within the central void,
wherein the second side shield is movable between a closed
configuration and an open configuration, wherein the second side
shield forms a concave shape facing the second side surface of the
roll when in the closed configuration, the concave shape defining a
volume, and further wherein the roll occupies at least a portion of
the volume. The method further includes moving the first side
shield from the closed configuration to the open configuration;
moving the second side shield from the closed configuration to the
open configuration; unrolling a selected portion of the continuous
length product from the roll; and separating the selected portion
of the continuous length product from the roll.
[0014] These and other features and advantages of the devices and
methods of the present invention may be discussed in more detail
below in connection with various illustrative embodiments of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one dispenser system
according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dispenser system of FIG.
1 in the open configuration, wherein the roll of continuous length
material is removed.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser system of
FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another dispenser system
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0019] FIGS. 1-3 depict one illustrative embodiment of a roll goods
dispenser system according to the present invention. The roll goods
dispenser system 10 may include a first dispenser guard 20 and a
second dispenser guard 30, and a roll of continuous length product
50 that includes continuous length product 51, opposing first and
second side surfaces 52 and 54 that define a roll diameter, and a
core 56 that defines a central void 58 within the roll 50.
[0020] The continuous length product 51 may include any suitable
material such as, e.g., medical tapes, electrical tapes, hand
tearable tapes, duct tapes, cloth tapes, correction/cover-up tapes,
masking tapes, and paper tapes. The continuous length product 51
may preferably be a tearable medical tape, such as TRANSPORE
Surgical Tape, MICROPORE Surgical Tape, DURAPORE Surgical Tape,
MICROFOAM Surgical Tape, MEDIPORE Surgical Tape, and BLENDERM
Surgical Tape, each of which is available from Minnesota Mining and
Manufacturing Co. (3M) of St. Paul, Minn. As used herein, the
phrases "hand tearable tape" or "manually tearable tape" mean a
tape that may be separated or torn apart without scissors, knives,
or other devices by a person of ordinary strength and coordination.
A variety of factors may render a tape manually or hand tearable.
For example, the tape backing may be constructed from a readily
tearable material such as paper, cloth, or a nonwoven material such
as rayon. Perforations, edge geometries, or other alterations of
the tape backing may also render the tape manually or hand
tearable.
[0021] The continuous length product 51 may be wound around a core
56. The core 56 defines a central void 58 within the roll. The core
may be manufactured using any suitable material, including paper,
metal, polymers, etc.
[0022] The first and second dispenser guards 20 and 30 include side
shields 22 and 32 respectively. The side shields may be made of any
suitable material, including SANTOPRENE, made by Advanced Elastomer
Systems, L.P. of Akron, Ohio; rubber; ULTRATHANE UE 630 Nat., made
by Futura Coatings, Inc. of St. Louis, Mo.; DOWLEX 2517 Nat., made
by Dow Chemical Co. of Midland, Mich.; SARLINK 3180 Nat., made by
DSM Thermoplastic Elastomers, Inc. of Leominster, Mass.; and
urethane. The side shields preferably cover the entire first and
second sides 52 and 54 of the roll of continuous length product
50.
[0023] Although FIGS. 1-3 depict both a first and a second
dispenser guard, 20 and 30 respectively, an alternative embodiment
may include only a first dispenser guard that may preferably cover
the entire first side 52 of the roll of continuous length product
50 while leaving the opposite side of the roll so exposed. This
embodiment may be preferable for tapes that have adhesive on only
one half of the tape backing, e.g., certain masking tapes. Such
tapes may not require protection on more than one side of the roll
because the side lacking adhesive would not tend to attract dirt
and other foreign matter.
[0024] It may be preferred that the side shields 22 and 32 are
movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration.
FIGS. 1 and 3 depict the side shields in a closed configuration,
and FIG. 2 depicts the side shields in an open configuration. When
in a closed configuration, the side shields 22 and 32 form concave
shapes that face the roll 50. The concave shapes of the side
shields 22 and 32 define an enclosed volume 12, wherein the roll
occupies at least a portion of the volume (see FIG. 3). In the open
configuration, the side shields 22 and 32 form a convex shape
facing the roll 50 (see FIG. 2). The side shields 22 and 32 may be
biased in either the closed or open configuration, whereby a force
is required to move the side shields 22 and 32 between the open
configuration and the closed configuration.
[0025] The first and second dispenser guards 20 and 30 further
include retaining plugs 24 and 34, which protrude from the side
shields 22 and 32. The retaining plugs 24 and 34 may be located
within the central void 58 of the core 56 of roll 50. None, one, or
both of the retaining plugs 24 and 34 may be friction fit within
the core 56. As used herein, the phrase "friction fit" means that
the retaining plugs 24 and 34 have an outside circumference that is
slightly larger than the inside circumference of the core 56, such
that friction is generated when any friction fit retaining plugs
are inserted within the void 58 of core 56. Also, the retaining
plug 24 of the first dispenser guard 20 may be attached to the
retaining plug 34 of the second dispenser guard 30 when the
dispenser 10 is assembled.
[0026] Although depicted as round, the core 56 and/or retaining
plugs 24 and 34 could be any complementary shape, such as, e.g.,
triangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. The shapes of the
void 58 and retaining plugs 24 and 34 may be the same or different.
For example, the central void 58 may be circular while the
retaining plugs 24 and 34 are, e.g., hexagonal or some other shape
that can be friction fit within the void 58.
[0027] The retaining plugs 24 and 34 may be manufactured by any
suitable technique. For example, it may be desirable to manufacture
the plugs from a molded polymeric material. The plugs 24 and 34 may
be molded as a part of the side shields 22 and 32 so that a side
shield and plug form one continuous, completely integral, piece.
Alternatively, the plugs 24 and 34 may be separate pieces that are
attached to the side shields 22 and 32. Any suitable technique may
be utilized to attach the plugs 24 and 34 to the side shields 22
and 32, e.g., adhesives, mechanical fasteners, chemical or thermal
welding, ultrasonic energy, etc. Further, the retaining plugs may
be friction fit into holes in the side shields. In the embodiment
depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the side shields 22 and 32 are insert molded
with the retaining plugs 24 and 34.
[0028] Preferably, the core 56 is separate and distinct from the
dispenser guards 20 and 30. In other words, the continuous length
product 51 is wound onto the core 56, not onto the retaining plugs
24 and 34. Further, the dispenser guards 20 and 30, along with
retaining plugs 24 and 34, may be removed from the core 56 and
reused if desired.
[0029] FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of a roll goods dispensing
system according to the present invention. In many respects, the
dispensing system 110 is similar to the dispensing system 10 of
FIGS. 1-3. The dispensing system 110 includes a first dispenser
guard 120 and a second dispenser guard 130, a roll of continuous
length product 150 that includes continuous length product 151,
opposing first and second side surfaces 152 and 154 that define a
roll diameter, and a core 156 that defines a central void 158
within the roll 150. It also includes retaining plugs 124 and 134
that protrude from side shields 122 and 124. The side shields may
cover the entire first and second side surfaces 152 and 154 of the
roll 150.
[0030] Among the differences between the dispensing system 110 and
10 is the shape of the side shield 122 of the first dispenser guard
120, which is of a generally planar shape. The second dispenser
guard 130 includes a side shield 132 that may be moved between an
open and closed configuration, as was the case with dispensing
system 10. When closed, the side shield 132 forms a concave shape
facing the roll 150. In the open configuration, the side shield 132
forms a convex shape facing the roll 150. The first and second
dispenser guards 120 and 130 may preferably form an enclosed volume
112 when the second dispenser guard's side shield 132 is in the
closed position.
[0031] The present invention also may be viewed as a method of
dispensing continuous length product from a roll. In reference to
the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the roll goods dispenser
system 10 is placed in the open configuration by moving the side
shields 22 and 32 from their closed configurations (see FIG. 1) by
exerting a force on the side shields. Placing the system 10 in the
open configuration (see FIG. 2) may include exerting a force on
side shield 22 first, followed by exerting a force on side shield
32; or a force may be exerted on both side shields 22 and 32
simultaneously.
[0032] A selected portion of the continuous length product 51 may
then be unrolled from the roll 50. The selected portion of the
continuous length product 51 is then separated from the roll.
Separation may include hand tearing or cutting with scissors,
knives, or other such devices. The side shields may then be
returned to the closed configuration by closing the first side
shield 22 followed by the second side shield 32, or both side
shields may be closed simultaneously. In some instances, the side
shields 22 and 32 may be closed by first placing the roll goods
dispenser system 10 on a flat surface with side shield 22 laid flat
on the surface, and then exerting a force on the side shield 32
such that the force returns the side shield 32 directly to the
closed position, and returns the side shield 22 to the closed
position by compressing the system 10 against the flat surface.
[0033] The dispenser system of FIG. 4 may be used in a similar
method, although only side shield 132 must be manipulated between
the open and closed configurations.
[0034] Illustrative embodiments of this invention are discussed and
reference has been made to possible variations within the scope of
this invention. These and other variations and modifications in the
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope of this invention, and it should be
understood that this invention is not limited to the illustrative
embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the invention is to be
limited only by the claims provided below.
* * * * *