U.S. patent application number 11/650830 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-10 for core for roll paper products.
Invention is credited to Olufemi Adelakun.
Application Number | 20080164369 11/650830 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39593438 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080164369 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adelakun; Olufemi |
July 10, 2008 |
Core for roll paper products
Abstract
A tubular core supports a paper sheet product that is wound
about the core to form a roll paper package for placement in a
dispenser, wherein the tubular core is rotatably held in the
dispenser to allow the paper sheet product to be pulled and
separated from the roll paper package. The tubular core is defined
by a firm cylindrical wall structure that extends between opposite
first and second open ends. The diameter of the second open end is
reduced relative to the diameter of the first open end and is sized
for axial receipt of a smaller dowel peg that is unique to the
dispenser. Numerous embodiments for providing the reduced diameter
are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Adelakun; Olufemi; (Hialeah,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT M. DOWNEY, P.A.
6751 N. FEDERAL HWY., SUITE 300
BOCA RATON
FL
33487
US
|
Family ID: |
39593438 |
Appl. No.: |
11/650830 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/579 ;
242/601 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 75/185 20130101;
A47K 10/16 20130101; A47K 10/38 20130101; A47K 2010/3266
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/579 ;
242/601 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/32 20060101
A47K010/32; B65H 75/28 20060101 B65H075/28 |
Claims
1. A core for holding sheet paper products in a roll package, said
core comprising: a tubular main body having a cylindrical wall
structure extending between a first end and an opposite second end;
said first end having a first opening and said second end having a
second opening; and said second opening being reduced in size
relative to said first opening, and said first and second openings
being concentrically aligned on a common central longitudinal axis
of said tubular main body.
2. The core as recited in claim 1 wherein said core is structured
and disposed to be rotatably supported within a dispenser, and
wherein the sheet paper products can be pulled and separated from
the roll package as the roll package rotates about the central
longitudinal axis of said tubular main body of said core.
3. The core as recited in claim 1 wherein said first open end of
said core is sized for axial receipt of a first dowel member of the
dispenser and said second open end is sized for axial receipt of a
second dowel member of the dispenser, and further wherein the
second dowel member is reduced in size relative to said first dowel
member.
4. The core as recited in claim 3 further comprising a cap that is
sized and configured for attachment to said second end of said
tubular main body and said cap including said second opening.
5. The core as recited in claim 4 wherein said cap includes a flat
outer face surrounding said second opening.
6. The core as recited in claim 5 wherein said cap includes a
beveled annular surface surrounding said second opening.
7. The core as recited in claim 6 wherein said cap includes a
tubular member extending inwardly from said second opening and said
tubular member including a hollow interior passage communicating
with said second opening, and said tubular member terminating at an
inner end within said tubular main body of said core.
8. The core as recited in claim 7 wherein said inner end of said
tubular member is open.
9. The core as recited in claim 7 wherein said inner end of said
tubular member is closed.
10. The core as recited in claim 3 wherein said second end of said
tubular main body includes an integrally formed flat end face
surrounding said second opening.
11. The core as recited in claim 10 wherein said second end of said
tubular main body further includes a beveled annular surface
integrally formed with said flat end face and surrounding said
second opening.
12. The core as recited in claim 11 further including a tubular
member extending inwardly from said second opening and including a
hollow interior passage communicating with said second opening, and
said tubular member terminating at an inner end within said tubular
main body of said core.
13. The core as recited in claim 12 wherein said inner and of said
tubular member is open.
14. The core as recited in claim 12 wherein said inner end of said
tubular member is closed.
15. An adapter for attachment to a tubular core used for holding
sheet paper products in a roll package, and wherein said core
includes a first open end and a second open end, said adapter
comprising: a main circular body sized and configured for covering
said second open end of said core; and a central opening positioned
and disposed for axial, concentric alignment with said first open
end of said core on a common central longitudinal axis of said
core, and said central opening of said adapter being reduced in
size relative to said first open end of said core.
16. The adapter as recited in claim 15 further comprising a flat
end face surrounding said central opening.
17. The adapter as recited in claim 16 further comprising a beveled
annular surface surrounding said central opening.
18. The adapter as recited in claim 17 further including a tubular
member extending inwardly from said second opening and including a
hollow interior passage communicating with said second opening, and
said tubular member terminating at an inner end within said tubular
main body of said core.
19. The adapter as recited in claim 18 wherein said inner end of
said tubular member is open.
20. The adapter as recited in claim 18 wherein said inner end of
said tubular member is closed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to roll paper packages
and, more particularly, to a central tubular core in a packaged
roll of a sheet paper product such as, but not limited to, toilet
tissue, paper towels, facial tissue, medicated wipes and
pre-moistened toilet tissue, baby wipes and hand wipes.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0004] Holders for rotatably supporting rolled paper products, such
as toilet tissue and paper towels, are well known in the art. For
instance, virtually all bathrooms are fitted with a roll holding
fixture that is specifically structured to rotatably support a roll
of toilet tissue. The conventional roll of toilet tissue is
provided with a tubular core that is adapted to receive a spring
loaded dowel axially therethrough so that opposite ends of the
dowel are urged within opposing recesses of the toilet paper roll
holder fixture. The fixture, with the roll of conventional toilet
paper rotatably supported thereon, facilitates dispensing of select
lengths of sheet paper from the roll for hygienic purposes,
particularly when using a commode.
[0005] Paper towels are conventionally wound onto a hollow tubular
core that is very similar to the tubular core used for roll
packaging of toilet tissue. In both instances, the tubular core is
formed of a cardboard composition to provide suitable firmness. The
opposite ends of the cardboard tubular core are open and are of the
same diameter, thereby providing a uniform diameter tubular passage
through the entire length of the core, from one open end to the
opposite open end. This allows for free rotating support of the
core and roll of paper on the dowel that extends through the
tubular passage and beyond the opposite open ends of the hollow
tubular core.
[0006] While roll paper packages of sheet paper products of the
type described above are well known and used by millions of
consumers, the package design is generic and, therefore, fails to
capture consumer loyalty. Specifically, roll paper products from
any manufacturer can be used in any holder for that type of
product. For instance, a roll of toilet tissue from any
manufacturing source can be placed in virtually any toilet tissue
holder. Thus, if a company produces both roll paper products and
dispensers, there is no assurance that the purchaser of the
dispenser will continue to buy roll paper products from the maker
of the dispenser.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to a tubular core that
supports a paper sheet product. More particularly, the tubular core
of the present invention is adapted for supporting a paper sheet
product wound about the core to form a roll package. The roll
package is adapted for placement in a dispenser, wherein the
tubular core is rotatably held in the dispenser on dowel pegs, to
allow the paper sheet product to be pulled from the roll package as
the roll package rotates. Specifically, the roll paper package
containing the tubular core of the present invention is intended
for use in a dispenser of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,536,707 B2, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference. The tubular core is defined by a substantially firm
cylindrical wall structure extending between opposite first and
second open ends that receive the dowel pegs therein. The diameter
of the second open end is smaller than the diameter of the first
open end to allow for axial, free rotating supported receipt of a
smaller size dowel peg that is unique to the dispenser, thereby
preventing use of competitive paper products in the dispenser.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Considering the foregoing, it is a primary object of the
present invention to provide a tubular core for a roll paper
package containing a sheet paper product wound on the core, and
wherein the tubular core is uniquely adapted for use in a
corresponding dispenser device.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
tubular core for use in a roll paper package consisting of a sheet
paper product wound onto the core, and wherein the core is uniquely
structured for rotatable support on specifically sized dowel
members in a unique dispenser device;
[0010] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a tubular core in a roll paper package containing a sheet
paper product wound onto the core and wherein the core is
specifically adapted for use in a unique dispenser device, and
further wherein the sheet paper product includes, but is not
limited to, toilet tissue, paper towels, facial tissue, medicated
wipes and pre-moistened toilet tissue, baby wipes and hand
wipes;
[0011] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a tubular core in a roll paper package, and wherein the
tubular core includes a reduced diameter hole at one end for
receipt of a correspondingly sized dowel peg on a roll paper
holder, thereby preventing use of conventional and/or competitive
roll paper products in the holder and/or dispenser that is uniquely
adapted for use in conjunction with the tubular core of the present
invention.
[0012] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention are more readily apparent with reference to the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be made to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0014] FIG. 1 an isolated perspective view of an end reducer cap
that fits to one end of the tubular core of the present invention
to provide a reduced diameter beveled opening and a tubular dowel
receptacle at the one end of the tubular core in accordance with a
first embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 1A is an exploded view showing the end reducer cap of
the embodiment of FIG. 1 separated from the one open end of the
tubular core;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the end reducer cap of
FIG. 1 fitted to the tubular core in accordance with the first
embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a
paper sheet product, such as toilet tissue or pre-moistened toilet
tissue, wound onto the tubular core of the first embodiment of the
invention, to provide a roll paper package, and wherein the end
reducer cap of FIG. 1 with the reduced diameter opening is shown
separated from the end of the tubular core;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the end cap of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the large diameter open
end of the tubular core;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view, shown in partial
cut-away due to size limitations, showing the end reducer cap
separated from the one end of the tubular core in accordance with
the first embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an exploded rear perspective view, seen from the
opposite direction as FIG. 1A, showing the end cap of FIG. 1
separated from the one open end of the tubular core, and wherein
the inner facing side of the end reducer cap is shown;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the end reducer cap in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the inner end of the tubular dowel receptacle is
closed;
[0023] FIG. 9 is an end elevational view of the larger diameter
open and of the tubular core;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view showing the end reducer
cap of the second embodiment separated from the tubular core;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a front exploded perspective view showing the
roll paper package wound on the tubular core of the invention and a
dispenser housing for receiving the roll paper package for use in
conjunction with a holder portion of the dispenser;
[0026] FIG. 11A is a partially exploded front perspective view
showing the roll paper package and tubular core of the present
invention received within the dispenser housing of FIG. 11 with an
end cover of the housing separated;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view, shown partially
exploded, illustrating the roll paper package, including the
tubular core of the present invention, received within the holder
of FIG. 11;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view showing the roll paper
package, including the tubular core of the present invention, in a
dispenser including the housing of FIGS. 11-12 and a holder;
[0029] FIG. 14 is an end elevational view of the tubular core in
accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the
one end of the tubular core is integrally formed with a reduced
diameter beveled opening and a tubular dowel receptacle extending
inwardly from the reduced diameter opening;
[0030] FIG. 15 is front elevational view of the tubular core of the
third embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the tubular core
according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a sheet paper product
wound about the tubular core of the third embodiment of the
invention to provide a roll paper package;
[0033] FIG. 18 is an end elevational view of the tubular core in
accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein the
one end of the tubular core is provided with an integrally formed
reduced diameter beveled opening and a tubular dowel receptacle
having a closed inner end;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the tubular core in
accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 20 is an end elevational view of the tubular core in
accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the one end of the tubular core is integrally formed with a
flat face and a concentric reduced diameter opening;
[0036] FIG. 21 is front elevational view, partially cut-away for
purposes of size limitations, showing the tubular core of the fifth
embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the tubular core in
accordance with the fifth embodiment thereof;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a front perspective view showing a sheet paper
product wound onto the tubular core in accordance with the fifth
embodiment of the present invention to provide a roll paper
package;
[0039] FIG. 24 is an end elevational view of the tubular core in
accordance with a sixth embodiment thereof, wherein the one end of
the tubular core includes a flat face with a concentric reduced
diameter opening having a tubular dowel receptacle with an inner
closed end;
[0040] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the tubular core in
accordance with the sixth embodiment of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 26 is an end elevational view of the tubular core in
accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention, wherein one
end of the tubular core includes an integral flat face with a
concentric, reduced diameter hole;
[0042] FIG. 27 is a front elevational view, shown in partial
cut-away due to size limitations, illustrating the tubular core in
accordance with the seventh embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the tubular core in
accordance with the seventh embodiment of the invention; and
[0044] FIG. 29 is a front perspective view showing a sheet paper
product wound about the tubular core of the seventh embodiment of
the invention to provide a roll paper package.
[0045] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] The tubular core is shown throughout the drawings according
to numerous embodiments thereof and is generally indicated as 10
throughout the drawings. In each of the embodiments, the tubular
core 10 includes a cylindrical wall structure 12 that extends
between a first open end 14 and an opposite second end 16. The
cylindrical wall structure 12 is formed of a relatively firm
composition, such as plastic, to provide a supporting inner core
for a roll paper package 20. The tubular core 10 may be
manufactured of any suitable material, such as plastic, cardboard,
metal or any other material that provides a firm, relatively rigid
core skeletal structure about which a paper sheet product 22 can be
wound. The core 10, and particularly the cylindrical wall structure
12, should be of sufficient rigidity to maintain the cylindrical
shape of the roll paper package 20. In a preferred embodiment, the
tubular core 10 is formed of a disposable material, such as
cardboard or plastic, so that the core 10 can be discarded when the
paper sheet product 22 has been fully used and emptied from the
core 10. It is contemplated that a wide variety of sheet paper
products will be packaged in a roll configuration about the tubular
core 10 of the present invention including, but not limited to, dry
toilet tissue, dry paper towels, facial tissue, medicated wipes,
and pre-moistened toilet tissue, baby wipes, hand wipes, and
towelettes.
[0047] Referring initially to FIGS. 11-13, the tubular core 10
carrying the sheet paper product 22 wound about the core 10 to form
a roll paper package 20 is intended for use within a dispenser 30
that allows the sheet paper products to be pulled from the roll and
separated therefrom for use. The dispenser 30 is particularly
suited for containing a pre-moistened sheet paper product 22 in a
manner that prevents pre-mature drying of the pre-moistened paper
product before use. The dispenser 30 includes a housing 32 that is
adapted to be removably received within a holder 40. The holder 40
secures and maintains the housing 32 in an operative, fixed
position. As seen in FIGS. 11-12, the housing 32 includes a first
end wall 33, an opposite second end wall 34, and a generally
cylindrical side wall 35 extending between the opposite end walls.
The second end wall 34, defining a cover, is preferably removable
from the open end 36 of the cylindrical wall structure 35 to reveal
and open end 36 of the housing 32. In a preferred embodiment, a
seal is provided for sealed engagement of the second end wall 34
with the cylindrical housing wall 35 in order to provide an air
tight seal when the end wall is attached to the housing.
[0048] When the cover 34 of the housing is removed, a roll 20 of
sheet paper product 22 packaged on the tubular core 10 of the
present invention can be placed within the interior chamber of the
housing 32 so that a first dowel member 37 extending axially
through a portion of the chamber from the first end wall 33 is
received through the open first end 14 of the tubular core 10.
[0049] The cover 34 of the housing includes a second dowel member
38 that is of a smaller diameter compared to the first dowel member
37. The second dowel member 38 is specifically sized, positioned
and configured for free rotating supporting axial receipt within a
reduced diameter opening 50 on the second end 16 of the tubular
core 10. Accordingly, with the roll package received within the
interior chamber of the housing, as seen in FIG. 11A, the cover 34
can then be secured onto to the open end 36 of the housing 32 so
that the reduced diameter dowel member 38 is axially received
within the reduced diameter opening 50 at the second end 16 of the
tubular core 10. With the roll paper package 20 operatively
received within the housing 32 and the cover 34 attached, the
housing 32 can be placed within the holder 40, as seen in FIG. 13.
An access door 39 is hinged to the front of the housing 32 and be
opened to allow the paper sheet product 22 to be pulled from the
roll 20, as the roll paper package 20 rotates on the first and
second dowel members 37,38 within the housing. When the desired
amount of paper sheet product 22 has been pulled from the roll 20
and out through the front opening of the housing 32, the paper
sheet product 22 can be torn and separated from the roll 20,
preferably along a perforated seam. Thereafter, the access door 39
can be lowered to close the housing. A seal is provided about the
opening for seal engagement with the access door 39 so that when
the door 39 is closed, the interior chamber of the housing 32 is
maintained in an air tight, sealed compartment to preserve the
wetness of the pre-moistened paper product.
[0050] The reduced diameter dowel member 38 and correspondingly
sized opening 50 on the second end 16 of the tubular core 10 of the
present invention are unique to the paper roll package and
dispenser combination to prevent use of conventional paper roll
products in the dispenser 30, and, further, to prevent use of the
tubular core 10 and roll paper product packaged thereon to be used
in conventional dispensers. In each embodiment of the invention the
first open end 14 and the opening 50 at the second end 16 are
concentrically aligned along a common central longitudinal axis of
the tubular core 10. The various embodiments of tubular core 10,
and particularly the reduced diameter opening 50 of the second end
16 of the tubular core are described below.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, a first embodiment of the
tubular core 10 is shown, wherein the second end 16 of the
cylindrical wall structure 12 is fitted with a reducer cap 60. In
this particular embodiment, the first and second opposite ends
14,16 of the cylindrical wall structure 12 are of uniform diameter.
The reducer cap 60 is fitted within the second open end 16 to
effectively reduce the diameter of the opening 50 of the second
end. The reducer cap 60 includes a circular body 62 with an annular
rim 64 that is specifically sized to fit snuggly within the inside
diameter of the second open end 16 of the cylindrical wall
structure 12 of the tubular core 10 so that the annular rim 64
engages an inner surface of the cylindrical wall structure 12. The
reducer cap 60 can be fixed in place, as shown in FIG. 2, by
gluing, friction, or other suitable and well-known means of
attachment.
[0052] The reducer cap 60 further includes an outer face 66
including a flat circular peripheral surface 67 and a beveled
annular surface 68 surrounding the reduced diameter opening 50 that
is concentrically positioned about the longitudinal rotational axis
of the tubular core 10 extending through the length of the
cylindrical wall structure. The reducer cap 60 further includes a
tubular extension 70 communicating with the reduced diameter open
end 50 and extending inwardly therefrom. The tubular extension 70
has an inner diameter equal to the diameter of the reduced diameter
open end and provides a receptacle for loose, free rotating receipt
of the second dowel member therein when the tubular core 10 is held
within the housing 32 of the dispenser 30, as described above. The
beveled annular surface 68 surrounding the reduced diameter opening
50 helps to guide and direct the second dowel member 38 on the
cover 34 of the housing 32 into the reduced diameter opening 50 on
the end 16 of the tubular core 10. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, an
inner end 72 of the tubular dowel receiving extension 70 on the
reducer cap 60 is open to allow passage of the second dowel member
38 of the dispenser housing therethrough in the event the second
dowel member 38 happens to be longer than the overall depth of the
reducer cap 60, as measured from the flat annular face 66 to the
inner open end 72 of the tubular wall extension 70.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, a second embodiment of the reducer
cap is shown and is generally indicated as 60a. The reducer cap 60a
in this embodiment is very similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7
with the exception of the tubular extension that provides a
receptacle for the reduced sized second dowel member 38. In this
embodiment, the tubular extension 70a includes a closed inner end
74.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 14-17, a third embodiment of the
invention is shown wherein the second end 16 of the tubular core 10
is integrally formed with a flat circular peripheral surface 80
surrounding the beveled annular surface 68a and the reduced
diameter opening 50. A tubular extension 70b extends inwardly from
the reduced diameter opening 50 to an inner open end 72b. The
beveled annular surface 68a, reduced diameter opening 50, tubular
extension 70b and inner open end 72b serve the same function as
described with the corresponding like structural elements described
in connection with the first embodiment.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 18-19, a fourth embodiment of the
invention is shown. The fourth embodiment is virtually identical to
the third embodiment, with the exception of a closed inner end 74c
on the end of tubular extension 70c.
[0056] FIGS. 20-23 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the invention
wherein the second end 16 of the tubular core 10 includes an
integrally formed outer face 66d including a flat circular
peripheral surface 67d surrounding a concentrically positioned
reduced diameter opening 50. Tubular extension 70d extends inwardly
from the opening 50 and terminates at an inner open end 72d. The
reduced diameter opening 50, tubular extension 70d and an inner
open end 72d serve the same function as the like structural
elements described in connection with the first embodiment.
[0057] FIGS. 24-25 illustrate a sixth embodiment of the invention
which is virtually identical to the fifth embodiment with the
exception of a closed end 74e at the inner end of tubular extension
70e. The open end 50 tubular extension 70e and closed end 74e serve
the same function as the like structural elements describe in
connection with the second embodiment.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 26-29, a seventh embodiment of the
invention is shown wherein the second end 16 of the tubular core 10
includes an integrally formed flat outer face 66f surrounding a
concentrically position reduced diameter opening 50. Much like each
of the embodiments described above, the reduced diameter 50 is
sized, positioned and disposed for loose fitting receipt of the
reduced diameter second dowel member 38 therein to allow rotation
of the tubular core on the first and second dowel members 37, 38.
The reduced diameter opening 50 in each of the embodiments is
specifically sized to be unique to the dispenser 30, thereby
preventing use of other role paper products in the dispenser
30.
[0059] While the present invention has been shown and described in
accordance with several embodiments, it is recognized that
departures from the instant disclosure are contemplated within the
spirit and scope of the present invention which is not to be
limited except as defined in the accompanying claims, as
interpreted under the doctrine of equivalence.
* * * * *