U.S. patent application number 11/576428 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-01 for paper roll holder.
This patent application is currently assigned to SYMRISE GMBH & CO. KG. Invention is credited to Jan Looft.
Application Number | 20090001213 11/576428 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35448039 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090001213 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Looft; Jan |
January 1, 2009 |
Paper Roll Holder
Abstract
The invention relates to a paper roll support for use as a room
air freshener, in particular for toilet paper rolls, with an
internal space and a longitudinal axis (14) extending horizontally
in the operating state. It is proposed according to the invention
that a movable membrane element (54) extending along the
longitudinal axis of the paper roll support (10) be arranged in the
internal space (50), said membrane element subdividing the internal
space into two chambers (72, 74), wherein the membrane element (54)
is arranged in such a way that it moves about the longitudinal axis
of the paper roll support (10) in the operating state on rotation
of the latter in such a way that the volumes of the chambers
defined by the membrane element (54) vary inversely, and wherein
the chambers (72, 74) optionally have closable connection openings
(82) for air exchange with the surrounding environment. The
invention additionally relates to a system consisting of a paper
roll support and a paper roll mounted thereon, a paper roll holder
and use of a paper roll support.
Inventors: |
Looft; Jan; (Holzminden,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROYLANCE, ABRAMS, BERDO & GOODMAN, L.L.P.
1300 19TH STREET, N.W., SUITE 600
WASHINGTON,
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
SYMRISE GMBH & CO. KG
Holzminden
DE
|
Family ID: |
35448039 |
Appl. No.: |
11/576428 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
October 6, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2005/055059 |
371 Date: |
March 30, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/599 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 9/12 20130101; A47K
2010/322 20130101; A61L 9/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/599 |
International
Class: |
B65H 16/06 20060101
B65H016/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 7, 2004 |
DE |
10 2004 048 827.4 |
Jan 13, 2005 |
DE |
10 2005 001 795.9 |
Claims
1. A room air freshener in the form of a paper roll support with an
internal space and a longitudinal axis (14), which extends
horizontally in the operating state, characterised in that a
movable membrane element (54) extending along said longitudinal
axis of he said paper roll support (10) is arranged in the internal
space (50), said membrane element subdividing the internal space
into two chambers (72, 74), wherein said membrane element (54) is
arranged in such a way that it moves about said longitudinal axis
of he said paper roll support (10) in the operating state on
rotation of said paper roll support in such a way that the volumes
of the chambers defined by the membrane element (54) vary
inversely, and wherein said chambers (72, 74) optionally have
closable connection openings (82) for air exchange with the
environment.
2. A paper roll support according to claim 1, wherein said paper
roll support (10) takes the outer form of a right prism, whose base
face is a regular polygon or a circle.
3. A paper roll support according to claim 1 further comprising a
main body (12), which comprises: (a) paperboard coated with
thermoplastics and/or (b) solid thermoplastic film, which
optionally comprises a welded-in paper layer, and/or (c)
injection-moulded half-shells.
4. A paper roll support according to claim 1 wherein said membrane
element (54) has two longitudinal sides (56a, 56b) extending, along
mutually opposing portions of the wall (52) of the internal space
(50) and resting thereagainst.
5. A paper roll support according to claim 4, wherein said membrane
element (54) has two longitudinal sides (56a, 56b), rests with
these longitudinal sides (56a, 56b) at least partially against the
wall (52) of the internal space (50) and is attached to the wall
(52) at contact points (60a, 60b, 60c, 62a, 62b, 62c) in such a way
that the contact points (60a, 60b, 60c, 62a, 62b, 62c) lie on two
parallel straight lines (64, 66), which are spaced maximally from
one another.
6. A paper roll support according to claim 4 wherein said membrane
element (54) is trapezoidal and the distance between the
longitudinal sides (56a, 56b) of the trapezium is between 1.2 times
and 1.5 times, the maximum inner width of the main body (10).
7. A paper roll support according to claim 4 wherein said membrane
element (54) is rectangular and is of a length which corresponds to
0.8-1 times the clear length of the internal space (50).
8. A paper roll support according to claim 4 wherein said membrane
element (54) comprises (a) a flexible plastics film and/or (b) a
flexible textile and/or (c) paper and/or (d) paperboard.
9. A paper roll support according to claim 4 wherein said membrane
element (54) comprises from individual segments connected together
in an articulated manner.
10. A paper roll support according to claim 4 wherein said membrane
element is weighted that it sags downwards when said paper roll
support (10) is in the operating state.
11. A paper roll support according to claim 10, wherein membrane
element (54) is weighted by a rod (68), which extends in the middle
of the membrane element (54) parallel to the longitudinal axis
(14).
12. A paper roll support according to claim 1 wherein connection
openings (82) for air exchange are provided in end faces of said
paper roll support (10), wherein each chamber (72, 74) has one
connection opening (82) and the respective connection openings (82)
of the two chambers (72, 74) are in opposing end faces of said
paper roll support (10).
13. A paper roll support according to claim 1 further comprises
fragrance (120), (a) in or on said membrane element (54) and/or (b)
in or on the wall (52) of the internal space (50) and/or (c) in
absorbent material arranged in the chambers (72, 74) and/or (d) in
a cavity (114, 118).
14. A paper roll support according to claim 1 comprising two end
caps (78; 94).
15. A paper roll holder, comprising a paper roll support (10)
according to claim 1 and a bracket (30) for said paper roll support
(10) for attaching it to a wall.
16. A system comprising a paper roll support (10) according to
claim 1 and a paper roll (22) mounted thereon.
17. A system according to claim 16, wherein said paper roll support
(10) provides a fit, with said paper roll (22) mounted thereon.
18. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a paper roll support for use as a
room air freshener, in particular for toilet paper rolls, with an
internal space and a longitudinal axis extending horizontally in
the operating state. According to a further aspect, the invention
relates to a paper roll holder. According to a further aspect, the
invention relates to a system consisting of a paper roll support
and a paper roll mounted thereon. Finally, the invention relates to
use of a paper roll support.
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,218 discloses a cylindrical paper roll
support for supporting a toilet paper roll and for dispensing
fragrance from opposing ends of the paper roll support. A toilet
paper roll is mounted on the paper roll support, which is fitted in
a mount by pegs. By pressing on the toilet paper roll, the paper
roll support made of resilient material is deformed, fragrance thus
escaping from mutually opposed openings in the end walls. The
fragrance, such as for example powder, is deposited inside the
cylindrical body of the paper roll support.
[0003] European patent application 0 152 722 describes a paper roll
holder comprising a mount and a substantially hollow-cylindrical
paper roll support, which contains fragrance and carrier material
for the fragrance. The carrier material consists of a plastics
composition and at least some of the fragrance is distributed in
virtually molecularly disperse manner in the plastics composition.
The paper roll to be supported by the paper roll holder comprises a
tube onto which the paper is wound. The paper roll support is
inserted through the tube and thus supports the paper roll. If
paper is removed, the paper roll rotates about its longitudinal
axis, wherein the tube rubs against the outer wall of the paper
roll support. In this way, fragrance is released and imparted to
the surrounding air.
[0004] A toilet paper roll support is known from U.S. Pat. No.
2,639,939 which comprises a cylindrical body, which is inserted
into a tube onto which the toilet paper is wound. Inside the toilet
paper roll support are located crystals, which release a fragrance.
This fragrance escapes through openings provided in the end walls
of the paper roll support, so freshening the room air.
[0005] A disadvantage of the paper roll supports according to the
prior art is that, when paper is removed from the paper roll, which
is mounted on the paper roll support, although an increased amount
of fragrance is released by the paper roll support, the additional
fragrance is concentrated in the vicinity of the paper roll
support. The fragrance passes only by diffusion or convection from
there into the surrounding room air, in order to reach users some
distance away; actuation of the paper roll support itself does not
contribute significantly to transport of the fragrance. The paper
roll supports according to the prior art are additionally often
complex to produce and therefore relatively expensive.
[0006] It is the object of the present invention to propose a paper
roll support, a paper roll holder, a system and a use which
overcome this disadvantage of the prior art.
[0007] The object is achieved by the invention for a paper roll
support of the above-stated type in that a movable membrane element
extending along the longitudinal axis of the paper roll support is
arranged in the internal space, said membrane element subdividing
the internal space into two chambers, wherein the membrane element
is arranged in such a way that it moves about the longitudinal axis
of the paper roll support in the operating state on rotation of the
latter in such a way that the volumes of the chambers defined by
the membrane element vary inversely, and wherein the chambers
optionally have closable connection openings for air exchange with
the environment.
[0008] The object is additionally achieved by the invention by the
provision of a paper roll holder, which comprises a paper roll
support according to the invention (preferably in a preferred
embodiment, see below) and a bracket for the paper roll support for
fastening it to a wall.
[0009] The object is additionally achieved by the invention by a
system consisting of a paper roll support according to the
invention (preferably in a preferred embodiment) and a paper roll
mounted thereon.
[0010] Finally, the object is achieved by the invention by the use
of a paper roll support according to the invention, a paper roll
holder according to the invention or a system according to the
invention as a dispensing means for fragrance-containing air.
[0011] The term membrane element should be taken to mean a flexible
component whose air permeability is so low that, when an air
pressure difference of 1 kPas is applied to the membrane element,
the air flow through the membrane element is less than 10 l per
square metre and per second. Inversely varying volumes in the two
chambers should be understood to mean that the sum of the volumes
of the two chambers is constant in operation, i.e. the volume of
the one chamber reduces as the other increases, and vice versa. It
is not necessary for the two chambers to be sealed off from one
another.
[0012] An advantage of the invention (in its various aspects) is
that fragrance may be delivered by an active pumping process. In
this way, in comparison with the prior art solutions referred to
above, this fragrance quickly passes from the area of the paper
roll support into the surrounding room air. The pumping capacity,
i.e. the volume dispensed per unit time, increases as the
rotational speed of the paper roll support rises.
[0013] A further advantage is that the pumping action is achieved
by structurally simple means. This allows simple and thus cheap
production of the paper roll support according to the invention,
such that it may be manufactured as a disposable item.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the paper roll support (or the
main body thereof) takes the outer form of a right prism, whose
base face is preferably a regular polygon or a circle. A right
prism consists of two mutually parallel base faces and side faces
extending perpendicularly to these base faces or an outer
circumferential surface extending perpendicularly to these base
faces, if the base face is a circle or an ellipse. Conventional
paper rolls, in particular toilet paper rolls, are sold as a rule
on a hollow-cylindrical tube. A paper roll support, the outer form
of which is that of a right prism, is particularly easy to
introduce into such a tube. In addition, such a tube rolls smoothly
over such a paper roll support, if the external diameter of the
paper roll support is smaller then the internal diameter of the
tube. Prisms are particularly advantageous whose base faces are
hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal or circular.
[0015] A paper roll support is preferred which comprises a main
body which is made from (a) paperboard coated with thermoplastics
and/or (b) solid thermoplastic film, which optionally comprises a
welded-in paper layer, and/or (c) injection-moulded half-shells.
According to a further alternative, the main body comprises
paperboard with a thermoplastic coating on both sides or sheet
metal. The stated materials are cheap to mass-produce. A paper roll
support produced using these materials may also be used as a
disposable item. The materials are, moreover, environmentally
friendly and readily disposed of.
[0016] Preferably, the membrane element has two longitudinal sides,
with which it extends in each case along mutually opposing portions
of the wall of the internal space and rests thereagainst at least
in places. By fitting the membrane element in this way in the
internal space of the paper roll support, two chambers are defined.
It is advantageous for the membrane element to rest with its
longitudinal sides completely (i.e. without interruption) against
the wall of the internal space and to be attached thereto. This may
be effected for example by welding or adhesive bonding. In a
further preferred embodiment, the main body of the paper roll
support is constructed from half-shells, which rest against one
another in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll support.
The membrane element is clamped between the half-shells. In this
case too, it may be said that the membrane element rests against
the wall.
[0017] In one advantageous development, provision is made then in
particular for the membrane element to have two longitudinal sides,
to rest with these longitudinal sides at least partially against
the wall of the internal space and to be attached to the wall at
contact points in such a way that the contact points lie on two
parallel straight lines, which are spaced maximally from one
another. Contact points are understood to mean, for example,
contact spots, contact tracks or contact lines. In this way it is
ensured that the membrane element makes full use of the available
width of the internal space of the paper roll support. If the
internal space is bounded by a hollow cylinder, for example, the
contact points extend in a plane with the longitudinal axis of the
hollow cylinder. In this advantageous embodiment, the membrane
element divides the internal space into two (at least
approximately) equal-sized chambers when the plane in which the
contact points lie extends vertically (cf. FIG. 7c below). This
makes possible a particularly high pumping capacity.
[0018] Then in particular, it is preferable for the membrane
element to be trapezoidal and the distance between the longitudinal
sides of the trapezium to be between 1.2 times and 1.5 times,
preferably 1.25 times and 1.41 times the maximum outer width of the
main body of the paper roll support. Sides of the trapezium
extending in parallel form the longitudinal sides of the membrane.
If (a) the paper roll support takes the inner form of a hollow
cylinder, (b) the membrane element is fastened by its longitudinal
sides to the wall of the internal space in such a way that the
contact points lie on two parallel straight lines maximally spaced
from one another, and (c) the plane in which the contact points lie
extends horizontally, a membrane element whose width is less than
1.41 times the maximum external width of the paper roll support
just does not touch the wall of the internal space. A membrane
element selected accordingly with regard to width results in a
particularly elevated pumping capacity.
[0019] It is preferable for the membrane element to be rectangular
and to be of a length which corresponds to 0.8-1 times the clear
length of the internal space. In this case, the width of the gap
which connects the two chambers and extends past the membrane
element is at most 0.2 times the clear length of the internal
space, provided that the membrane element extends with two
longitudinal sides in each case along mutually opposing portions of
the wall of the internal space of the main body and at least rests
thereagainst. In this way, the leakage flow is minimised and it is
ensured that, on rotation of the paper roll support about its
longitudinal axis, a sufficiently high pressure builds up to blow a
significant stream of fragrance-containing air out of the paper
roll support into the surrounding environment.
[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the membrane element is
hexagonal. The two longest sides are preferably parallel to one
another and of equal length and display a length of between 0.9 and
1 times the clear length of the internal space. The other sides are
preferably parallel to one another in pairs and the maximum
diameter of the membrane element amounts to 0.9 times to 1.2 times
the clear length of the internal space. In this development, the
four narrow sides, i.e. the sides which are not the two longest
sides, are preferably attached to the end faces of the paper roll
support, such that air cannot pass out of the one chamber defined
by the membrane element through between the membrane element and
the inner surface of the internal space into the other chamber. In
this way, leakage air flows are suppressed.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the membrane element comprises
(a) a flexible plastics film and/or (b) a flexible textile and/or
(c) paper and/or (d) paperboard.
[0022] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the membrane element
is made from individual segments connected together in articulated
manner.
[0023] Preferably, the membrane element is so heavy or so weighted
that it sags downwards when the paper roll support is in the
operating state. The membrane element sags downwards in particular
when the stroke corresponds to more than one fifth of the internal
diameter of the internal space. The stroke is the maximum spatial
distance between the positions of a point on the membrane element,
which this on rotation of the paper roll support by 360.degree.
relative to a co-rotating reference system.
[0024] Particular preference is given to an embodiment of a paper
roll support according to the invention in which the membrane
element is weighted by a weight, in particular a rod, in particular
a metal rod, which extends in the middle of the membrane element
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the paper roll support. This
measure results in a particularly effective pumping mechanism.
[0025] Preferably, the connection openings for air exchange are
provided in end faces of the paper roll support, wherein each
chamber has preferably precisely one connection opening and the
respective connection openings of the two chambers are preferably
provided in each case in opposing end faces of the paper roll
support. If the volumes of the two chambers vary on rotation of the
paper roll support about its longitudinal axis, in this case
fragrance-containing air flows out of the connection opening in in
each case one end face, while ambient air is sucked in through the
connection opening on the in each case opposing end face. This
prevents the air flowing out of the one chamber from being sucked
directly into the second chamber, without reaching the surrounding
environment.
[0026] It is particularly favourable to make the connection
openings semicircular or annular. In this way, a particularly large
cross-section is achieved for the connection openings. Irrespective
of the arrangement of the connection openings, it is favourable for
the connection openings to be covered for example by plastics films
or papers when the paper roll support is not in use. In this way it
is possible to store fragrance in the paper roll support for a long
time, without said fragrance escaping.
[0027] It is favourable to line the connection openings with gauze
or a fine-mesh net on the side which is on the inside during
operation. This prevents people from gripping the paper roll
support with their finger inside it. Furthermore, particles which
may be located inside the paper roll support, such as for example
particles of a dried-out fragrance-containing preparation, cannot
get out.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the paper roll support comprises
fragrance, wherein the fragrance is deposited preferably (a) in or
on the membrane element, for example in the or as a weight, and/or
(b) in or on the wall of the internal space and/or (c) in absorbent
material arranged in the chambers and/or (d) in a cavity,
preferably adjoining a chamber, which is in open connection with
that chamber. To this end, the fragrance may for example be
prepared in the form of a paste, a gel (preferably as a thin film),
a granular product, a fragrance-containing paste or a film. In one
embodiment this fragrance preparation is applied wholly or
partially to walls of the internal space. Alternatively, the
fragrance may be deposited in shallow tanks on the walls of the
internal space. The fragrance flows out of these tanks via openings
or wicks into the internal space. Alternatively, the fragrance is
introduced directly into the chambers in one of the above-stated
preparations, in particular as a thin gel film or as a granular
product. If granular product is introduced directly into the
chambers, it is ensured, for example by gauze or netting, that the
granular product cannot fall out of the chamber.
[0029] Even when the paper roll support is not rotating, fragrance
is constantly released into the air in the internal space of the
paper roll support by diffusion. Provided that the connection
openings are not closed, the fragrance-containing air passes
through the connection openings into the surrounding environment.
This partial release serves as background perfuming for general
room air improvement. When the paper roll support rotates about its
longitudinal axis, the air flow through the paper roll support
increases as a result of the active pumping caused thereby, such
that a markedly increased air flow and thus also a markedly
increased flow of fragrance enters the surrounding environment.
[0030] According to the invention, fragrances which may preferably
be used are selected from the group comprising isobornyl acetate,
limonene, ylanate, eucalyptol, dihydromyrcenol, amyl salicylate,
benzyl acetate, geranyl nitrile, nerol, 2-methylundecanal and
phenylethyl alcohol.
[0031] Preferably, the fragrance is present in the form of a
fragrance mixture (perfume oil) which comprises two, three or a
plurality of fragrances from the stated group.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, two fixedly connected or
removable end caps are provided, which form the end faces. For
reliable, preferably permanent connection of the end cap to the
main body of the paper roll support, the end cap may (a) be
positioned with a protruding rim on the for example
hollow-cylindrical main body and/or (b) fastened with flanged rim
in the for example hollow-cylindrical main body preferably by
welding and/or adhesive bonding and/or (c) comprise tabs for
fastening to the for example hollow-cylindrical main body. Such
tabs preferably engage in corresponding openings in the main body.
The end caps preferably comprise removable closing tabs, which
close connection openings. By removing the closing tabs, a
connection is produced between the internal space of the paper roll
support and the surrounding environment.
[0033] The end cap may comprise for example plastics, coated
paperboard or metal and is firmly connected to the main body, for
example, in that the end cap is welded or adhesively bonded to the
wall of the internal space preferably over the entire
circumference.
[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the paper roll support
according to the invention comprises, optionally in addition to the
optionally fixedly arranged end cap, two retaining elements which
are fastened to the main body (optionally provided with end caps),
in particular positioned over the main body. Each retaining element
comprises a preferably circular base plate, from which tabs
protrude. The tabs are preferably provided for engaging through
slots which are provided in the end caps and/or the main body
and/or for gripping round at least part of the main body on the
outside thereof. A connection opening is preferably provided in
each case in the retaining element and in the end cap. Both
connection openings preferably take the same shape. The connection
opening in the retaining element is then preferably so positioned
that it lies opposite the connection opening in the end cap when
the retaining element is positioned on the main body provided with
end caps.
[0035] Preferably, a peg projects perpendicularly from the centre
of the circle forming the base plate of the retaining element in
the opposite direction from the tabs. The peg is preferably mounted
in such a way in a spring housing by means of a compression spring
that it may be pressed in in the direction of the centre of gravity
of the paper roll support.
[0036] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the end cap and the
retaining element form a single component. The end cap then
preferably has a circular base plate. Preferably, a peg projects
perpendicularly from the base plate and is arranged at the centre
of the circle forming the base plate. The peg is preferably mounted
in such a way in a spring housing by means of a compression spring
that it may be pressed in in the direction of the centre of gravity
of the paper roll support. This ensures that the paper roll support
according to the invention may be inserted both into fork-shaped
brackets, such as two-point suspension devices, as well as into
two-point clamping devices.
[0037] Preference is given to a system according to the invention
in which the paper roll support provides a fit, preferably a
clearance fit, with the paper roll mounted thereon. To this end,
the external diameter of the paper roll support is selected to be
the same size as or slightly smaller than the internal diameter of
the paper roll mounted thereon. Providing a clearance fit ensures
on the one hand that the paper roll support may be easily inserted
into the paper roll to be mounted while on the other hand the
friction between the paper roll support and the paper roll to be
mounted is sufficient for a rotational movement of the paper roll
to be transmitted to the paper roll support.
[0038] The invention is explained below with reference to the
drawings, some of which are only schematic. In the Figures
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a paper roll support according to the invention
and a paper roll to be supported thereby,
[0040] FIG. 2 shows a system according to the invention consisting
of a paper roll support according to the invention and a paper roll
mounted thereon, together with a bracket for the paper roll
support,
[0041] FIG. 3 shows an alternative bracket for a system as in FIG.
2,
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a main body of the paper roll support according
to the invention as in FIG. 1 with membrane element arranged
therein,
[0043] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a weighted membrane element for use
in a paper roll support according to the invention,
[0044] FIG. 6 shows a main body of a paper roll support according
to the invention with a weighted membrane arranged therein,
[0045] FIG. 7 shows five schematic cross sections through a main
body according to FIG. 6, in each case in different rotational
positions about the longitudinal axis of the main body,
[0046] FIG. 8 shows an end cap for use in a paper roll support
according to the invention,
[0047] FIG. 9 shows the arrangement of the end caps relative to the
main body,
[0048] FIG. 10 shows a main body provided with end caps (in partial
view) and an associated closing tab,
[0049] FIG. 11a is a front view of a retaining element for
positioning on a cylindrical main body,
[0050] FIG. 11b is a rear view of the retaining element shown in
FIG. 11a,
[0051] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an arrangement of a peg in
the retaining element of FIGS. 11a and 11b,
[0052] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an arrangement of retaining
element, end cap and main body of a paper roll support according to
the invention,
[0053] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of areas in which fragrance is
deposited in the main body of a paper roll support according to the
invention and
[0054] FIG. 15 shows an arrangement of cavities for fragrances
(Front view and perspective view).
[0055] FIG. 1 shows a paper roll support 10 with a
hollow-cylindrical main body 12 with a longitudinal axis 14 and
with end faces 16a, 16b, wherein the end face 16b is not visible in
this view. The paper roll support 10 additionally comprises two
pegs 18a, 18b, which project perpendicularly from the end faces
16a, 16b and are arranged at the centres thereof. In the end face
16a there is provided an annular connection opening 20a which, in
the view shown in FIG. 1, wholly extends above the horizontal plane
through the longitudinal axis 14. Not visible in the view of FIG. 1
is a connection opening 20b in the end face 16b, which has the same
shape as the connection opening 20b and extends below the
horizontal plane through the longitudinal axis 14.
[0056] A paper roll 22 shown in FIG. 1 to the right of the paper
roll support 10 comprises a reel 24 of toilet paper, which is wound
onto a tube 26 of paperboard. The external diameter of the main
body 12 is so selected that the paper roll support 10 may be
inserted into the tube 26 and brings about a clearance fit with the
tube 26. The diameter of the main body 12 is additionally so
selected that a rotational movement of the paper roll is
transmitted directly to the paper roll support 10 by frictional
engagement. The paper roll support 10 and the paper roll 22 form a
system 28 (FIG. 2).
[0057] FIG. 2 shows the system 28 which is mounted in a bracket 30.
The bracket 30 comprises a base plate 32, by which the bracket 30
may be attached to a wall. The bracket 30 additionally comprises
two supporting arms, wherein just one supporting arm 34a is visible
in the view of FIG. 2; the second supporting arm is concealed by
the system 28. The supporting arms project perpendicularly from the
base plate 32 and in each case comprise a recess into which the
respective peg 18a, 18b may be inserted; the recess in the
supporting arm 34a is designated 36a. In this way, the system 28 is
mounted rotatably in the bracket 30. If paper is taken from the
paper roll 22 in the direction of arrow 38, the system 28 rotates
in the direction of arrow 40 about its longitudinal axis 14.
[0058] FIG. 3 shows an alternative bracket 30 for a system 28. The
bracket 30 consists of a bracket element 42, which substantially
takes the form of half a hollow cylinder. On the inside of its end
face 44a the bracket element 42 comprises an orifice 46a; the end
face 44b accordingly comprises an orifice 46b. The orifices 46a,
46b are so designed as regards diameter and position that the two
pegs 18a, 18b of the system 28 may engage therein when the system
28 is inserted into the bracket element 42 in the direction of
arrow 48. The two pegs 18a, 18b are so attached to the paper roll
support 10 that they may be displaced axially inwards by pressure
in the direction of arrows 50a, 50b. When inserting the system 28,
the pegs 18a, 18b are displaced radially inwards, then the system
is inserted into the bracket element 42, wherein the pegs 18a, 18b
snap outwards when they are in the area of the orifices 46a, 46b,
so producing a firm connection between the system 28 and the
bracket element 42.
[0059] FIG. 4 shows the cylindrical main body 12 of FIG. 1, which
comprises an internal space 50. A membrane element 54 is arranged
on a wall 52 surrounding the internal space 50. The membrane
element 54 is rectangular and comprises two longitudinal sides 56a,
56b and two widthwise sides 58a, 58b (cf. FIG. 5).
[0060] The membrane element 54 rests with its longitudinal side 56a
against the wall 52 of the internal space 50 (FIG. 4) and is
attached to the wall 52 at the contact points 60a, 60b, 60c etc.
With its second longitudinal side 56b the membrane element 54
likewise rests against the wall 52 of the internal space 50 and is
attached thereto at the contact points 62a, 62b, 62c etc. The
contact points 60a, 60b, 60c lie along a straight line 64 and the
contact points 62a, 62b, 62c lie along a straight line 66. The
straight lines 64 and 66 are spaced maximally from one another,
such that the straight lines 64 and 66 and the longitudinal axis 14
extend parallel to one another and in coplanar manner. Due to its
intrinsic weight, the membrane element 54 sags downwards.
[0061] FIG. 5 shows a membrane element 54, which consists of a
thermoplastic and comprises a metal rod 68, which is attached by
means of a welded-on film 70 forming a pocket. The metal rod
consists of steel. Alternatively, other metals or non-metals may be
used. As an alternative to attachment by means of a film, the metal
rod 68 may also be attached by adhesive bonding, stitching or the
like.
[0062] FIG. 6 shows the main body 12 with the membrane element 54
of FIG. 5. As a result of the force due to weight of the metal rod
68, the membrane element 54 sags downwards. The membrane element 54
divides the internal space 50 of the paper roll support into a
first chamber 72 and a second chamber 74. The sum of the volumes of
the first chamber 72 and the second chamber 74 is constant on
rotation of the main body about its longitudinal axis, such that
the volumes vary inversely (cf. FIG. 7). The clear length of the
main body is in this case the distance between the two base
faces.
[0063] FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of the main body 12 of FIG. 6
at five different stages (a) to (e) of a half rotation about the
longitudinal axis 14. Sub-figure (a) shows the situation
corresponding to the situation in FIG. 6. The volume of the first
chamber 72 is less than the volume of the second chamber 74. On
rotation in the direction of arrow 76a about the longitudinal axis
14, the volumes of first chamber 72 and second 74 do not initially
change substantially (sub-figure (b)). On further rotation in
accordance with arrow 76b the situation is reached which is shown
in sub-figure (c). Even here the membrane element 54 sags downwards
but, in comparison with sub-figure (b), the volume of the second
chamber 74 has reduced, while the volume of the first chamber 72
has increased. The two volumes are now equal. On further rotation
in the direction of arrow 76c the volume of the first chamber 72
increases further, the volume of the second chamber 74 diminishing
in each case by the same amount.
[0064] At a position as in FIG. 7, sub-figure (a), the bottom edge
of the metal rod 68 constitutes the point which forms the lowest
point of the membrane element. In comparison with the position
shown in FIG. 7, sub-figure (a), after rotation of the paper roll
support by 180.degree. the paper roll support is located in a
position shown by solid lines in FIG. 7, sub-figure (e). A
non-flexible membrane element would be located in the position
shown by dotted lines. Because the membrane element is flexible,
the above-stated point is lower by a stroke X, however. The greater
the stroke X, the better is the pumping capacity of the paper roll
support.
[0065] If the membrane element 54, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, is
attached in such a way that the contact points with the wall of the
internal space lie on two parallel straight lines, which are
maximally spaced from one another, the membrane element divides the
internal space into two equal-sized volumes when the paper roll
support is in the position shown in sub-figure (c), in which the
plane extends vertically through the two parallel straight lines.
If the membrane element is attached accordingly, simple geometric
considerations mean that the membrane element does not touch the
wall of the internal space in the vicinity of the metal rod 68 if
the width of the membrane element 54 does not exceed 1.41 times the
internal diameter of the main body. In this advantageous case, the
membrane element 54 does not rub against the wall 52 and has the
greatest possible stroke X.
[0066] FIG. 8 shows an end cap 78, which consists of a circular
base plate 80 and comprises a semicircular connection opening 82.
The connection opening 82 is arranged in such a way that it does
not include the central point 84 of the circular base plate 80. Two
slots 86, 88 are provided in the base plate 80 adjacent to the
outer edge thereof and extending along it. As is clear from FIG. 9,
the end cap 78 additionally comprises a protruding rim 90. With
this, the end cap 78 grips round the main body 12 when the end cap
is positioned on the main body 12 for fitting as indicated by arrow
92. Alternatively, the end cap is inserted into the main body 12
with a flanged rim. The end cap 78 and the main body 12 are
connected fixedly together for example by welding or adhesive
bonding. The paper roll support 10 comprises two end caps 78 of
identical construction, which are offset by 180.degree. when
attached to the main body 12.
[0067] FIG. 10 shows a closing tab 92 for closing the connection
opening 82. The closing tab 92 prevents unwanted air exchange
between the internal space 50 and the surrounding environment
during storage of the paper roll support 10.
[0068] FIG. 11a shows a retaining element 94, which comprises a
circular base plate 95, in which an annular connection opening 96
is provided. A cylindrical spring housing 98 projects
concentrically from the base plate 95 (cf. FIG. 12). In the spring
housing the peg 18 is mounted and so pretensioned by means of a
spring 102 that it projects through a hole 100 beyond the end face
of the spring housing 98. The spring 102 rests with its one end
against the peg 18 and with its other end against a closing plate
104, which is fixedly connected to the base plate 95.
[0069] As shown in the schematic FIG. 13, which is not to scale,
the retaining element 94 is positioned over the main body 12
provided with end caps 78, the connection openings 82 and 96 being
substantially superimposed on one another. To this end, a tab 106
grips the main body 12 from the outside or penetrates through the
connection opening 82 into the main body, whereas two tabs 108 and
110 penetrate through the slots 88 and 86 in the base plate 80. On
the opposing end face, not shown, there is attached a corresponding
retaining element.
[0070] In an alternative embodiment, the retaining element 94 is
positioned directly on the main body, which is not provided with
separate end caps. In this case, the retaining elements form the
end caps on the two end faces.
[0071] FIG. 14 shows strands 112 of fragrance-containing paste,
which are deposited on the wall 52 on the inside of the main body
12.
[0072] In an alternative embodiment, connection openings are
provided in the outer circumferential surface of the main body and
the fragrance is deposited on the inside of the tube of the paper
roll.
[0073] FIG. 15 shows a main body with a cavity 114, which is
connected to the first chamber 72 via openings 116a, 116b, 116c. A
second cavity 118 is connected to the second chamber 74 via
openings which are not shown here. Through the connections
fragrance 120 deposited in the cavities 114, 118 diffuses into the
respective chamber 72 or 74. Alternatively, for example,
fragrance-containing flakes, fragrance-containing granular product
or perforated containers with fragrance are introduced into the
cavities. According to a further alternative, fragrance-containing
gel is applied in the form of a thin film directly onto the wall of
the internal space.
[0074] If the paper roll support 10 is then rotated about its
longitudinal axis 14, the volumes of the chambers 72, 74 vary as
shown in FIG. 6. If, for example, the volume of the chamber 74
decreases, fragrance-containing air contained therein flows
outwards through the connection opening 82 in the end cap 78 (cf.
FIG. 13) and the connection opening 96 in the retaining element 94.
At the same time, air flows into the chamber 72 through the
corresponding openings on the opposing side.
* * * * *