U.S. patent application number 11/326174 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for ribbon dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Berwick Offray LLC. Invention is credited to Yi-Ling Yip.
Application Number | 20070152090 11/326174 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38223381 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070152090 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yip; Yi-Ling |
July 5, 2007 |
Ribbon dispenser
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a device for containing a center-pull roll
that has a central core and an elongated material, such as ribbon,
wound about the central core. The device has a peripheral wall with
a first end and a second end opposite the first end, as well as a
first end wall positioned proximal the first end and having a
dispensing outlet formed substantially centrally therein. The
device also includes a second end wall positioned proximal the
second end. The central core is axially aligned with the dispensing
outlet, such that the central core may be removed through the
dispensing outlet and the elongated material may be dispensed
through the dispensing outlet. The peripheral wall can have a
portal formed therein for passage of a finger at least partially
therethrough to touch the elongated material.
Inventors: |
Yip; Yi-Ling; (Kearny,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCCARTER & ENGLISH, LLP
FOUR GATEWAY CENTER
100 MULBERRY STREET
NEWARK
NJ
07102
US
|
Assignee: |
Berwick Offray LLC
|
Family ID: |
38223381 |
Appl. No.: |
11/326174 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/160.1 ;
206/409; 242/170; 242/588.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/672 20130101;
B65H 20/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/160.1 ;
242/170; 242/588.3; 206/409 |
International
Class: |
B65H 75/16 20060101
B65H075/16; B65D 85/672 20060101 B65D085/672 |
Claims
1. A dispenser for elongated material, comprising a peripheral wall
having a portal formed therein for passage of a finger at least
partially therethrough; a first end wall positioned proximal a
first end of said peripheral wall and having a dispensing outlet
formed substantially centrally therein; and a second end wall
positioned proximal a second end of said peripheral wall opposite
the first end.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said peripheral wall, said first
end wall, and said second end wall define a chamber therebetween
and said dispensing outlet extends through said first end wall to
said chamber.
3. The device of claim 2, including closing means for closing said
dispensing outlet.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein said closing means includes an
adhesive layer removably attached to said first end wall to cover
said dispensing outlet.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein said peripheral wall is
substantially cylindrical.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said dispenser is at least
partially defined about a central axis thereof.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein said peripheral wall extends
about said central axis.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein said dispensing outlet is
substantially aligned with said central axis.
9. In combination, a center-pull roll having a central core and an
elongated material wound thereabout, and a device for dispensing
said elongated material, said device comprising a peripheral wall,
a first end wall positioned proximal a first end of said peripheral
wall and having a dispensing outlet formed substantially centrally
therein, and a second end wall positioned proximal a second end of
said peripheral wall opposite said first end wall.
10. The combination of claim 9, wherein said peripheral wall
extends about a central axis.
11. The combination of claim 10, wherein said dispensing outlet is
substantially aligned with said central axis.
12. The combination of claim 11, wherein said central core is
substantially aligned with said central axis.
13. The combination of claim 9, wherein said peripheral wall, said
first end wall, and said second end wall define a chamber
therebetween and said dispensing outlet extends through said first
end wall to said chamber.
14. The combination of claim 13, wherein said center-pull roll is
positioned within said chamber.
15. The combination of claim 14, wherein said central core and said
dispensing outlet are sized and shaped such that said central core
may be removed from said chamber through said dispensing
outlet.
16. The combination of claim 9, including closing means for closing
said dispensing outlet.
17. The combination of claim 16, wherein said closing means
includes an adhesive layer removably attached to said first end
wall to cover said dispensing outlet.
18. The combination of claim 9, wherein said elongated material is
ribbon.
19. The combination of claim 9, wherein said peripheral wall has a
portal formed therein for passage of a finger at least partially
therethrough to touch said elongated material.
20. The combination of claim 9, wherein said peripheral wall is
substantially cylindrical.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for packaging and
dispensing elongated material, such as ribbon, which is wound into
a center-pull roll.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is known in the art to provide means for dispensing
elongated material, such as yarn, ribbon and the like. U.S. Pat.
No. 3,310,167 to Knox (the "Knox '167 Patent"), for example,
discloses a ribbon dispenser including a bottom wall, a top wall
having a hole formed therein, an outer cylindrical wall, and a
plurality of partitions disposed within the outer cylindrical wall
to form a plurality of compartments. Many of the partitions have an
aperture formed therethrough in alignment with the hole, and the
ribbon dispenser includes ribbon positioned within the compartments
to be dispensed through the hole and corresponding aperture. As
another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,763,785 to Bradley et al. (the
"Bradley '785 Patent") discloses a center-pull structure having a
center core, release paper wrapped about the center core, and a
fibrous material wound about the release paper.
[0003] What is needed in the art, however, is a device for
packaging, dispensing, and displaying elongated material from a
center-pull roll. What is also needed in the art, is a device for
packaging, dispensing, and displaying elongated material in such a
manner as to facilitate tactile evaluation of the material prior to
purchase thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Preferred embodiments of the present invention overcome the
disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art by providing a
device for containing a center-pull roll that has an elongated
material and for dispensing the elongated material. In accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device
includes a peripheral wall, a first end wall, and a second end. The
peripheral wall includes a portal formed therein for passage of a
finger at least partially therethrough. The first end wall has a
dispensing outlet formed substantially centrally therein. The
device includes closing means, such as a sticker positioned on the
first wall, for closing the dispensing outlet.
[0005] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the device is used in combination with a center-pull
roll having a central core and an elongated material, such as
ribbon, wound thereabout. The center-pull roll is in axial
alignment with the dispensing outlet, such that the central core
can be removed from the dispensing outlet after the closing means
have been removed. The ribbon can then be dispensed through the
dispensing outlet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description of an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention considered in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ribbon dispenser
constructed in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional center-pull
roll of ribbon;
[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the ribbon dispenser of FIG. 1
in combination with the center-pull roll of FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ribbon dispenser of FIG.
1 in combination with the center-pull roll of FIG. 2, the
combination being shown prior to a ribbon-dispensing operation by a
user whose hand is visible in FIG. 4;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the ribbon dispenser of FIG. 1
in combination with the center-pull roll of FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the ribbon dispenser of
FIG. 1 in combination with the center-pull roll of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the ribbon dispenser of FIG.
1 in combination with the center-pull roll of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the ribbon dispenser of FIG.
1 in combination with the center-pull roll of FIG. 2, the
combination being shown as a user, whose hand is visible in FIG. 8,
removes a central core of the roll from the dispenser; and
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 8,
except that the central core has been removed from the dispenser
and detached from the roll.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, a ribbon dispenser 10 is shown in
combination with a center-pull roll 12, which includes a central
core 14 and an elongated material, such as a ribbon 16, wound
thereabout in a conventional manner. The ribbon dispenser 10
includes a peripheral wall 18, a lid 20, and a base 22, each of
which shall be discussed below in further detail.
[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 6, the peripheral wall 18 is
substantially cylindrical and extends about a central axis Ac
(designated in FIG. 3). The peripheral wall 18 is preferably formed
from an acetate that is transparent, it being understood that the
peripheral wall 18 can be formed from any transparent, translucent,
and/or opaque material. An opening, referenced herein as a finger
portal 24, is formed in the peripheral wall 18 and sized and shaped
to allow passage of a finger at least partially therethrough. The
peripheral wall 18 forms a chamber 26 that is sized and dimensioned
to receive and contain the center-pull roll 12 such that a user of
the ribbon dispenser 10 may view the ribbon 16 through the
transparent peripheral wall 18 and touch the ribbon 16 through the
finger portal 24 for tactile evaluation thereof (e.g., sensing the
texture of the ribbon 16).
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7, the base 22 of the
ribbon dispenser 10 includes a round end wall 28 and a circular
flange 30. Although the base 22 is shown to be formed from an
acetate that is opaque, the base 22 can be formed from any
transparent, translucent, and/or opaque material. The end wall 28
is substantially round, and the center thereof is in substantial
alignment with the central axis A.sub.C (designated in FIG. 3). The
flange 30, which is preferably formed monolithically with the end
wall 28, extends perpendicularly from the plane of the end wall 28,
such that the flange 30 extends annularly about the central axis
A.sub.C. The radius of the flange 30, as measured from an inside
surface thereof to the central axis A.sub.C, is slightly larger
than the radius of the peripheral wall 18, as measured from the
outside surface thereof to the central axis A.sub.C, whereby the
base 22 is adapted to removably receive the peripheral wall 18 when
they are arranged concentrically about the central axis A.sub.C.
The flange 30 forms a friction fit with the peripheral wall 18.
Although not required, an adhesive (not shown) can be used to
attach the flange 30 to the peripheral wall 18. It is also
contemplated that the end wall 28 and/or the flange 30 could be
attached to the peripheral wall 18 by any suitable means
appreciated by one skilled in the art.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3-6, the lid 20, which is round,
includes an end wall 32 and a circular flange 34. Although the lid
20 is shown to be formed from an acetate that is opaque, it could
be formed from any transparent, translucent, and/or opaque
material. The end wall 32 is substantially round, and the center
thereof is in substantial alignment with the central axis A.sub.C
(designated in FIG. 3). The flange 34, which is preferably formed
monolithically with the end wall 32, extends perpendicularly from
the plane of the end wall 32, such that the flange 34 extends
annularly about the central axis A.sub.C. The radius of the flange
34, as measured from an inside surface thereof to the central axis
A.sub.C, is slightly larger than the radius of the peripheral wall
18, as measured from the outside surface thereof to the central
axis A.sub.C, whereby the lid 20 is adapted to removably receive
the peripheral wall 18 when they are arranged concentrically about
the central axis A.sub.C. The flange 34 forms a friction fit with
the peripheral wall 18. Although not required, an adhesive (not
shown) can be used to attach the flange 34 to the peripheral wall
18. It is also contemplated that the end wall 32 and/or the flange
34 could be attached to the peripheral wall 18 by any suitable
means appreciated by one skilled in the art.
[0020] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3-6, the end wall
32 has an outlet, referenced herein as a dispensing outlet 36,
formed centrally therein about the central axis A.sub.C (designated
in FIG. 3). The outlet 36, which extends through the end wall 32 to
the chamber 26, is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter,
referenced herein as diameter D.sub.DO (designated in FIG. 3), that
is selected for a purpose to be described hereinafter. The ribbon
dispenser 10 further includes closing means, such as an adhesive
sticker 38 or the like, that can adhere to a surface of the end
wall 32 opposite the chamber 26 so as to removably close off the
outlet 36.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 2-6, the roll 12 is positioned within the
chamber 26 of the dispenser 10 and, as indicated above, includes
the central core 14 and the ribbon 16, which is wound about the
core 14. The ribbon 16, which could be replaced by any other
suitable elongated material (e.g., cord, twine, rope, tape, etc.),
is visually perceptible through the transparent peripheral wall 18,
while being accessible for touching by a finger of a user that is
inserted through the portal 24. The ribbon 16 has a first end,
referenced herein as an interior end 40, that is at least
temporarily attached to the central core 14 by an adhesive or other
suitable means appreciated by one skilled in the art. The ribbon 16
is wound about the central core 14 and terminates at an end
opposite the interior end 40, which is referenced herein as an
exterior end 42.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 3, the central core 14 is preferably a
hollow tube formed from cardboard and arranged in substantial
alignment with the central axis A.sub.C and the dispensing outlet
36, whereby the core 14 can be removed from the chamber 26 through
the outlet 36. In this regard, the central core 14 preferably has a
diameter, referenced herein as diameter D.sub.CC, that is less than
the diameter D.sub.DO of the dispensing outlet 36, so as to permit
passage of the central core 14 therethrough.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 8-9, an exemplary method of using
the ribbon dispenser 10 in combination with the center-pull roll 12
shall now be discussed. As shown in FIG. 4, the roll 12 is
positioned within the chamber 26 of the dispenser 10 for display at
a retail store. A consumer, for example, can evaluate the tactile
qualities of the ribbon 16 by inserting his or her finger through
the portal 24 to touch the ribbon 16. During transportation of the
ribbon dispenser 10 and the center-pull roll 12 positioned therein,
the sticker 38 adheres to the lid 20 of the ribbon dispenser 10,
thereby preventing the central core 14 of the center-pull roll 12
from inadvertently exiting the ribbon dispenser 10 through the
dispensing outlet 36 thereof.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 8-9, after having removed the sticker 38,
the consumer pulls the central core 14 through the dispensing
outlet 36 with the interior end 40 of the ribbon 16. The user then
pulls the interior end 40 of the ribbon 16 from the ribbon
dispenser 10 to dispense a desired length of the ribbon 16 from the
ribbon dispenser 10 and detaches the desired length of the ribbon
16 from the remaining length of the ribbon 16.
[0025] It will be understood that the embodiment of the present
invention described herein is merely exemplary and that a person
skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications
without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present
invention. For example, the dispenser 10 can be used to package,
display, and/or dispense items other than the ribbon 16, such as
textiles, textured gift wrap, etc. In embodiments of the present
invention having the finger portal 24, such items can be positioned
within the chamber 26, whereby a user of the dispenser 10 can
evaluate the tactile qualities of the items by inserting a finger
through the portal 24 and touching the items. All such variations
and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to
be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in
the appended claims.
* * * * *