U.S. patent application number 11/252375 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for collapsible paper roll storage device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Neulines Corp.. Invention is credited to Matt Kaplan, Jason Neubauer.
Application Number | 20070084873 11/252375 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37947218 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070084873 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Neubauer; Jason ; et
al. |
April 19, 2007 |
Collapsible paper roll storage device
Abstract
A collapsible paper roll storage device having an opening for
inserting paper rolls therein, and a lower securing member that
provides support and access to the lower paper roll, allowing a
user to draw a paper roll when needed. As the lower paper roll is
drawn, the stored paper rolls automatically shift down,
replenishing the lower most position for subsequent paper roll
withdrawal. The collapsible paper roll storage device has at least
one suspension device, facilitating easy suspension and removal of
the device. The collapsible paper roll storage device is made from
pliable material or incorporates crease lines such that when it is
empty, it can be collapsed down to a small rectangular shape and
transported or stowed away until subsequent use.
Inventors: |
Neubauer; Jason; (Redmond,
WA) ; Kaplan; Matt; (Beverly Hills, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP PLLC
701 FIFTH AVE
SUITE 5400
SEATTLE
WA
98104
US
|
Assignee: |
Neulines Corp.
Redmond
WA
|
Family ID: |
37947218 |
Appl. No.: |
11/252375 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/065 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00 |
Claims
1. A collapsible paper roll storage device, comprising: a rear
panel; a front panel coupled to the rear panel to remain a fixed
distance therefrom during use, the front and rear panel combining
to form a cavity sized and shaped to retain a plurality of rolls of
paper during use; a lower securing member coupled to the front and
rear panels, the lower securing member being adapted to support the
plurality of rolls, and having an opening in at least one end
thereof through which a roll of paper can pass; and at least one
suspension device coupled to one of the front and rear panels and
configured for hanging the device from a structure.
2. The collapsible paper roll storage device according to claim 1
wherein the front and rear panels are made from a pliable
material.
3. The collapsible paper roll storage device according to claim 1
wherein at least one panel has an opening therein.
4. The collapsible paper roll storage device according to claim 1,
further comprising a pair of opposing side panels extending between
the front and rear panels.
5. The collapsible paper roll storage device according to claim 4,
further comprising a top panel extending between the front and rear
and side panels.
6. The collapsible paper roll storage device according to claim 1
wherein the suspension device is comprised of at least one
hook.
7. The collapsible paper roll storage device according to claim 1
wherein the suspension device is comprised of VELCRO.
8. A device for storing and dispensing a plurality of rolls of
paper, the device comprising: a collapsible body having at least a
front portion, a rear portion, and a bottom portion, the front and
rear portions being coupled together to remain a fixed distance
from each other during use and to define a cavity therebetween
sized and shaped to hold a plurality of rolls of paper, the lower
portion being configured to retain one of the rolls and to support
all of the rolls, and having an opening therein sized to allow a
roll of paper to be withdrawn from the device therethrough, the
body being sufficiently collapsible to be manipulated between an
operating configuration for use and a collapsed configuration
facilitating storage and transport of the device; and a fastener
coupled to an upper portion of the collapsible body, the fastener
being adapted to removably couple the device to a structure during
use.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein the opening is in the front
portion.
10. The device of claim 8, further comprising at least one side
portion, and wherein the opening is in the side portion of the
collapsible body.
11. The device of claim 8 wherein the lower portion comprises a
base and at least one stiffening member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to multiple paper roll storage
and, more specifically, to collapsible paper towel or toilet paper
storage that is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] There are numerous fixtures on the market for storing paper
towels and toilet paper. Some are designed to store paper rolls,
others are designed to store and dispense paper, yet they are
typically rigid and are permanently placed on or affixed to
structure such as walls or cabinet doors.
[0005] Known art in the field includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,965
(Reaves), U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,475 (Kaysserian), U.S. Pat. No.
4,098,469 (McCarthy), and U.S. Pat No. 5,197,611 (Walton). Although
all of these inventions store either paper towel or toilet paper
rolls, none are collapsible nor can they be easily suspended or
moved from one location to another. These prior art devices are
made of rigid material, some with moving parts, and they have to be
permanently affixed or placed in position in order to serve their
intended use. Therefore, they consume the same amount of space when
they are empty as they do when they are in use. Additionally, the
materials from which these devices are made are relatively
expensive and their manufacturing complicated, subjecting their
sale to limited retail outlets. Furthermore, since these devices
are rigid and some use a specific length spool, they are fit for
either paper towels or toilet paper, but not both.
[0006] In light of bulk consuming habits in today's marketplace,
desire for flexibility, and limited space, consumers continuously
demand more flexible storage devices that have more capacity and
are less expensive. Furthermore, manufacturers and suppliers
increasingly seek to sell their products at multiple retail outlets
or to provide as promotional gifts, products that are inexpensive
and easy to manufacture.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed toward collapsible paper
roll storage devices that are inexpensive, flexible, can store
numerous paper rolls of various types, and can be suspended when in
use or collapsed and easily stowed when empty. In particular
embodiments, the chamber of the collapsible paper roll storage
device can be accessed through an opening in a panel, for example,
to insert paper rolls. The lower most paper roll rests in a lower
securing member, with at least one open side, allowing access to
and removal of that paper roll. As the lower paper roll is drawn,
the stored paper rolls automatically shift down, replenishing the
lower most position for subsequent paper roll withdrawal. A
suspension device can suspend the collapsible paper roll storage
device in a desired manner such as against the wall, on or inside a
door, or from a ceiling away from walls. When empty, the
collapsible paper roll storage device can be easily taken down,
collapsed down to a thin form, and stowed away for shipment or
until future use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a collapsible paper roll
storage device according to one embodiment of the invention, which
comprises an opening in a front panel and hooks for suspending the
device and a lower securing member supporting an accessible paper
towel roll.
[0009] FIG. 2a is a front view of the collapsible paper roll
storage device of FIG. 1, illustrating its use for storing and
accessing paper towel rolls from the lower securing member.
[0010] FIG. 2b is a front view of the lower portion of the
collapsible paper roll storage device of FIG. 1, illustrating its
use for storing and accessing toilet paper rolls from the lower
securing member.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the collapsible paper roll storage
device of FIG. 1, illustrating several stored paper rolls and a
lower accessible paper roll secured by the lower securing
member.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the collapsible paper roll
storage device of FIG. 1 in its collapsed form.
[0013] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a portion of another
embodiment of a collapsible paper roll storage device, with an
opening in the front panel, sealable by a zipper.
[0014] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a portion of still another
embodiment of a collapsible paper roll storage device, with an
opening in the front panel, sealable by VELCRO.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a rear isometric view of a collapsible paper roll
storage device, according to yet another embodiment of the
invention and illustrating the use of VELCRO for the suspension
device.
[0016] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a collapsible paper roll
storage device, according to yet another embodiment of the
invention and illustrating a top panel suspension device.
[0017] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of still another embodiment of a
paper roll storage device.
[0018] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of still another embodiment of
a paper roll storage device.
[0019] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a lower portion of the
device of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present detailed description is directed toward
embodiments of a collapsible paper roll storage device. One
particular embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, with some of
the possible alternate embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 through 9.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a collapsible paper roll storage device 10,
according to one embodiment of the invention, with a flexible
rectangular chamber that comprises a top panel 11, two side panels
12, a rear panel 13, and a front panel 14. According to one
embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the front panel 14
has an opening 15. Opening 15 can be used to insert paper rolls
inside the chamber of the collapsible paper roll storage device or
to manipulate them after they are inserted. In one embodiment of
the invention as shown in FIG. 1, overlapping portions of the front
panel can close the opening. Although FIG. 1 shows opening 15 in
front panel 14, the opening 15 can be incorporated in any of the
panels, or none at all.
[0022] The inventor envisions embodiments that do not incorporate
one or more panels. For example, the device 10 could be fabricated
without top panel 11. In such embodiments, stiffening elements may
be incorporated into the upper edge of the device 10 to help it
maintain its shape. In addition, or instead, the device 10 could be
fabricated without one or both of the side panels 12. In such
embodiments, straps or other elements extending between the front
panel 14 and the rear panel 13 can be used to maintain the proper
shape during use. An individual of ordinary skill in the art,
having reviewed this disclosure, will appreciate these and other
variations that can be made to the device 10 without deviating from
the spirit of the invention.
[0023] Moreover, the collapsible paper roll storage device can be
suspended by one or more suspension device 16, attached to a panel.
In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the suspension device 16 can
be a hook attached to rear panel 13, for suspending the collapsible
paper roll storage device from various structures. The suspension
device 16 can be thin, allowing a door to close while the
collapsible paper roll storage device is suspended from that
door.
[0024] A lower securing member 17 can be attached to at least two
panels, supporting a lower paper roll 18. In one embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 1, the lower securing member 17 can be attached to
the rear panel 13 and front panel 14 with at least one open side
that provides access to the lower paper roll 18.
[0025] FIG. 2a better illustrates the lower securing member 17,
providing access to a lower paper roll 18 such as a paper towel
roll. FIG. 2b illustrates a variable use for the present invention,
namely, to store paper rolls of shorter length 19, such as toilet
paper rolls, in a side-by-side fashion. As shown in FIG. 2b, the
securing member 17 can provide access to more than one toilet paper
roll in the lower position. One or more vertical dividers could be
incorporated into the body of the device to create vertical
chambers for each stack of toilet paper rolls. An individual of
ordinary skill in the art, having reviewed this disclosure, will
appreciate that the chamber can be divided into two or more
sub-chambers, sized to correspond to the particular rolls being
stored, and that the rolls could be stored in either a vertical or
horizontal orientation.
[0026] Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows the manner in which the paper
rolls may be stored inside the chamber of the collapsible paper
roll storage device 10. The stored paper rolls 20 can rest on top
of the paper roll below them while the lower paper roll 18 rests on
the supporting member 17. Regardless of the type of paper roll
stored, when the user draws the lower most paper roll 18, the paper
roll immediately above the drawn roll automatically shifts down to
the lower position for subsequent use.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates the collapsible paper roll storage device
10 in its collapsed state. The collapsible paper roll storage
device 10 can be made of a pliable material, such as cloth, other
fabrics, foils or films, or can incorporate crease lines such that
when it is empty it can be collapsed down to a thin form and be
stowed for transport or until future use.
[0028] The flexible nature of the collapsible paper roll storage
device 10 has several advantages. One advantage is that consumers
can easily position it where they desire when it is in use and
easily collapse and store it when it is not in use. Another
advantage is that suppliers can easily and inexpensively
manufacture a collapsible paper roll storage device 10 and sell it
at a profit at a variety of outlets, from grocery stores to retail
stores. Still another advantage is the fact that the device can be
packaged, shipped, stored and displayed in its collapsed state,
minimizing the cost of shipping and retail spaced occupied. Yet
another advantage is that suppliers of paper roll products can
include the collapsible paper roll storage device as a promotional
gift to consumers because the present invention is inexpensive,
easy to manufacture, and can fit inside existing product
packaging.
[0029] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
FIG. 5, a zipper 21 can be used to seal the opening 15 after
placing the paper rolls inside the collapsible paper roll storage
device 10. In yet another embodiment of the present invention as
shown in FIG. 6, VELCRO 22 can be used to seal the opening 15. In
embodiments without a top panel, the paper rolls can be loaded into
the device 10 from above, and the consumer can use the opening 15
to access the paper rolls and move them into a desired
orientation.
[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
FIG. 7, the rear panel 13 can have at least one VELCRO suspension
device 23 to suspend the collapsible paper roll storage device 10.
The collapsible paper roll storage device 10 can be attached to its
desired position using VELCRO or other similar attaching mechanisms
because the present invention is made from pliable or otherwise
lightweight material. One advantage of attaching mechanisms such as
VELCRO is that they allow the collapsible paper roll storage device
10 to attach inside of doors with no visibility of a suspension
device from the outside.
[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
FIG. 8, at least one top panel suspension device 24 can be attached
to the top panel 11. In this embodiment, a suspension device 24 can
be a hook, as shown in FIG. 8, or be comprised of VELCRO or other
similar attaching mechanisms. An added advantage of this embodiment
is that multiple users can access the collapsible paper roll
storage device from all sides because a top panel suspension device
24 connects the collapsible paper roll storage device 10 to a
ceiling or closet rod, suspended remote from any walls. Such a use
may be preferred in commercial applications, such as automobile
repair shops, or in some home applications, such as in garages.
[0032] In still another embodiment of the present invention 110, as
shown in FIG. 9, a collapsible paper roll storage device can be
fabricated without a top panel. Moreover, the rear portion 113,
lower portion 117, and front portion 114 can be formed from one
piece of pliable material, such as cloth, other fabrics, foils or
films. The rear portion 113 and front portion 114 can be coupled
with straps 125 to maintain a fixed distance between the two
portions, sized to retain paper rolls. The lower portion 117 can
support all of the rolls and retain one of the rolls, which can be
withdrawn from an opening on a side of the lower portion 117.
[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment in which a
collapsible paper roll storage device 210 may be fabricated without
a top panel. The collapsible paper roll storage device 210 may have
a first opening 215 in front panel 214. A zipper 221 can be used to
seal the front panel 214 when in use to retain loaded paper rolls
220. The zipper 221 can be unzipped to allow loading new paper
rolls 226 through the first opening 215. While loading, the zipper
221 can be incrementally sealed to secure the loaded paper rolls
220 while additional paper rolls 226 are stacked on the loaded
paper rolls 220. The collapsible paper roll storage device 210 may
also have a second opening 227, formed by a lower portion 217 and
allowing access to the lower paper roll 218. At least a first
stiffening member 228 may support the lower portion 217, allowing
the lower portion 217 to support the loaded paper rolls 220 and the
lower paper roll 218. As shown in FIG. 10, the first stiffening
member 228 can be positioned on an edge of the rear panel 213.
[0034] An individual of ordinary skill in the art, having reviewed
this disclosure, will appreciate other manners in which the lower
portion 217 can be supported. For example, a second stiffening
member 229 can be positioned on a periphery of the second opening
227 in place of or in addition to the first stiffening member 228.
The stiffening member can be fabricated from plastic, metal,
cardboard, composites, or other material that can maintain a shape
of the pliable lower portion 217 to support the stored paper rolls
220 and lower paper roll 218. Furthermore, the first stiffening
member 228 and second stiffening member 229 may be in the shape of
a rod that is attached to an edge or inserted through an edge
hemming. A stiffening member (not shown) can also be a flat piece
configured to extend from an edge of the rear panel 213 to a
periphery of the second opening 227.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 10, collapsible paper roll storage
device 210 can have at least one suspension device 216 that may be
removably coupled to various structures. In at least one embodiment
as illustrated in FIG. 10, suspension device 216 can be removably
secured in a hook 230, supplied with the collapsible paper roll
storage device 210 or existing in a structure. Suspension device
216 can also be removably secured around protrusions and structure
such as nails, hangers, rods, beams, and other structure suitable
to couple to the suspension device 216. The suspension device 216
can be fabricated from material, such as cloth, other fabrics,
foils or films, plastic, metals, canvas, composites, or other
material capable of supporting the collapsible paper roll storage
device 210, when suspended. The suspension device 216 may also be
made of two straps that can be connected by attaching mechanisms
such as VELCRO for applications where the collapsible paper roll
storage device 210 is suspended from structures without a free end,
such as beams inside garages or rods inside closets.
[0036] FIG. 11 is another illustrated embodiment of the collapsible
paper roll storage device 210 that includes a base 217, fabricated
from a material that is stiffer than the material from which front
panel 214 and rear panel 213 are fabricated. For example, the base
217 can be fabricated from plastic, cardboard, hard or soft wood,
metal, foam, composites, or any other material that is not
excessively pliable. The rear panel 213 can support the rear end of
the base 217 while the second stiffening member 229, attached to a
periphery of the second opening 227, can support the front end of
the base 217. The base 217 can support the stored paper rolls 220
and lower paper roll 218 during use. When empty, the collapsible
paper roll storage device 210 can collapse onto the base 217 in a
thin form and be stowed for transport or until future use.
[0037] All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application
publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign
patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this
specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are
incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
[0038] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although
specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made
without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended
claims.
* * * * *