U.S. patent application number 15/185251 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-28 for toilet paper dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to HANDY TISSUE, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is CANDICE B. YOCOM, DAVID C. YOCOM. Invention is credited to CANDICE B. YOCOM, DAVID C. YOCOM.
Application Number | 20180177349 15/185251 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60660940 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180177349 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
YOCOM; DAVID C. ; et
al. |
June 28, 2018 |
TOILET PAPER DISPENSER
Abstract
A toilet paper dispenser is disclosed in which the dispenser
does not need to be mounted to the wall or placed on the floor. The
dispenser is typically made of a one-piece construction that
installs easily to any existing toilet by way of the mounting bolt
for the toilet seat. The toilet paper dispenser adjustably rotates
between an extended position alongside the toilet seat and a
storage position behind the toilet seat and under the toilet tank.
The inventive toilet paper dispenser can receive any size roll of
toilet paper, and loads by sliding the roll over the open end of
the dispenser. A modified bolt hole can allow the dispenser to be
installed and secured in place on the mounting bolt without the
need of a retaining nut.
Inventors: |
YOCOM; DAVID C.; (LIBERTY
TOWNSHIP, OH) ; YOCOM; CANDICE B.; (LIBERTY TOWNSHIP,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
YOCOM; DAVID C.
YOCOM; CANDICE B. |
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP |
OH
OH |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HANDY TISSUE, LLC
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP
OH
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20170360265 A1 |
December 21, 2017 |
|
|
Family ID: |
60660940 |
Appl. No.: |
15/185251 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/3836
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/38 20060101
A47K010/38 |
Claims
1. A toilet paper dispenser which is rotatable for storage behind
the toilet seat when not in use, the dispenser comprising: a) a
proximal horizontal segment for mounting to a toilet bowl fixture
via a mounting bolt of a toilet seat, the proximal horizontal
segment including a bolt hole for receiving the mounting bolt, the
bolt hole comprising: i) an upper ledge; ii) a lower ledge; iii) an
upper transverse wall; iv) a lower transverse wall; v) an upper
straight wall; and vi) a lower straight wall, wherein the upper
transverse wall and the lower transverse wall form a transverse
cylinder centered about an axis A of the bolt hole, wherein the
upper straight wall and a lower straight wall form a straight
cylinder centered about an axis B of the bolt hole, wherein each
ledge engages the screw threads of the mounting bolt when the
mounting bolt is aligned with axis B, and wherein the bolt hole
allows the dispenser to be installed and secured in place on the
mounting bolt without the need of a retaining nut; b) a descending
segment; and c) a distal horizontal segment for receiving a roll of
toilet paper, wherein segments (a)-(c) are made of a single piece
construction.
2. The toilet paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: d) a
distal ascending segment for retaining the roll of toilet paper on
the distal horizontal segment, wherein segments (a)-(d) are made of
a single piece construction.
3. In an apparatus to be secured to the threaded shaft of a
mounting bolt, a bolt hole for securing the apparatus to the
mounting bolt without the need of a retaining nut, the bolt hole
comprising: i) an upper ledge; ii) a lower ledge; iii) an upper
transverse wall; iv) a lower transverse wall; v) an upper straight
wall; and vi) a lower straight wall, wherein the upper transverse
wall and the lower transverse wall form a transverse cylinder
centered about an axis A of the bolt hole, wherein the upper
straight wall and a lower straight wall form a straight cylinder
centered about an axis B of the bolt hole, wherein each ledge
engages the screw threads of the mounting bolt when the mounting
bolt is aligned with axis B, and wherein the bolt hole allows the
apparatus to be installed and secured in place on the mounting bolt
without the need of a retaining nut.
4. The bolt hole of claim 3, wherein the apparatus is an insert for
placement within a cavity of a conventional bolt hole.
5. The bolt hole of claim 3, wherein the apparatus is
pre-manufactured to include the bolt hole.
6. A method of mounting an apparatus to a mounting bolt without the
need of a retaining nut, the apparatus including a bolt hole
comprising an upper transverse wall and a lower transverse wall
forming a transverse cylinder centered about an axis A of the bolt
hole, an upper straight wall and a lower straight wall forming a
straight cylinder centered about an axis B of the bolt hole, an
upper ledge, and a lower ledge, the method comprising the steps of:
a) aligning axis A of the transverse cylinder of the bolt hole with
the shaft of the mounting bolt; b) sliding the transverse cylinder
over the shaft of the mounting bolt so that the shaft travels along
axis A of the transverse cylinder; and c) adjusting the apparatus
to align axis B of the straight cylinder of the bolt hole with the
shaft of the mounting bolt, thereby engaging the upper and lower
ledges with the screw threads of the bolt shaft to secure the
apparatus in place on the mounting bolt without the need of a
retaining nut.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of sliding the
transverse cylinder over the shaft of the mounting bolt is
continued at least until the end of the bolt shaft exits the bolt
hole.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein after being mounted via steps
(a)-(c), the apparatus can be removed from the bolt shaft by the
steps of: d) adjusting the apparatus to align the transverse
cylinder of the bolt hole with the shaft of the mounting bolt,
thereby causing the upper and lower ledges to disengage from the
bolt shaft; and e) slipping the apparatus off of the bolt shaft
along axis A of the transverse cylinder.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/083,642 filed Mar. 29, 2016, the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates in general to toilet paper
dispensers, and in particular to a one-piece toilet paper dispenser
that can be mounted to a toilet bowl fixture.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Most toilet paper dispensers are mounted on a wall found
adjacent to a toilet. Typically these dispensers have two short
"arms" which extend from the wall and support a mandrel between
them. The toilet paper roll is rotatably supported by the mandrel
and toilet paper is dispensed by rotating the toilet paper roll.
However, occasionally there is no wall along, the side of the
toilet, and even if there, is a wall along the side of a toilet,
ceramic-type toilet paper dispensers are difficult for a homeowner
to install on their own and typically require a lot of skill and
expense to replace if they break. Further, when no side wall is
present, toilet paper holders and dispensers are often placed in a
position where it is difficult to access when sitting upon a
toilet, thus requiring undue twisting, turning and reaching.
[0004] Solutions for difficult to install, difficult to reach,
and/or distantly located toilet paper dispensers can be complex in
construction and typically employ telescopic components, hinges,
or, pivot joints. These devices generally permit only limited and
awkward adjustment, and are unsuitable for a wide variety of
situations. U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,185 to Miller, U.S. Pat. No.
3,228,618 to Bracken and U.S. Pat. No. 2,518,328 to Janonis each
discloses a toilet paper holder for attachment to the toilet tank.
These devices generally do not increase the ease with W hick the
toilet roll can be accessed, and may present an undesirable
obstruction. U.S. Pat. No. 1,226,453 to Boyle discloses a dispenser
which is mounted onto a toilet seat. The dispenser generally
comprises a couple of pieces of thick metal wire hinged together,
with one end being attached to the toilet seat and the other end
supporting a mandrel for receiving a toilet paper roll. Although
this toilet paper dispenser can be positioned where a user can more
easily access the toilet paper, it is unwieldy, does not retract so
as to be out of the way when not in use, and projects above the
level of the toilet seat creating a potentially undesirable
obstruction.
[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a toilet paper
dispenser which can be mounted without the benefit of an adjacent
side wall extending alongside the toilet, yet which can be easily
accessed for use and then placed into a storage position where it
will not interfere with other uses of a restroom. It would also be
advantageous to provide a toilet paper dispenser that is simple in
construction, easy to install, and does not employ telescopic
components, hinges Or pivot joints.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a toilet paper dispenser
which can be mounted beneath the rear deck of a toilet bowl fixture
where it can easily be accessed, yet retracted quickly and easily
to be stored behind the toilet bowl. It is a one-piece design that
loads by sliding a toilet paper roll over the distal end of the
dispenser. A plastic cover for protecting the loaded roll of toilet
paper can be fitted to the dispenser, and the dispenser can include
one or more compartments for a fragrance cartridge and/or a night
light. The inventive dispenser can be sized to receive any size
roll of toilet paper.
[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a toilet paper
dispenser comprising: (a) a proximal horizontal segment for
mounting to a toilet bowl fixture via a mounting bolt for a toilet
seat; (b) a descending segment; and (c) a distal horizontal segment
or receiving a roll of toilet paper, wherein segments (a)-(c) are
made of a single piece construction.
[0008] A second aspect of the invention is a toilet paper dispenser
which is rotatable for storage behind the toilet seat when not in
use, the dispenser comprising: (a) a proximal horizontal segment
for mounting to a toilet bowl fixture via a mounting bolt for a
toilet seat, the proximal segment including a bolt hole for
receiving the mounting bolt (b) a descending segment; (c) a distal
horizontal segment for receiving a roll of toilet paper; and (d) a
distal ascending segment for retaining the roll of toilet paper on
the distal horizontal segment, wherein segments (a)-(d) are made of
a single piece construction.
[0009] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method of
providing easy access to a toilet paper roll, comprising: (a)
mounting a toilet paper dispenser to a toilet seat via a mounting
bolt for a toilet seat; (b) attaching a roll of toilet paper to the
toilet paper dispenser; and (c) adjustably rotating the dispenser
about the mounting bolt between: (i) an extended position,
alongside the toilet seat for access to the roll of toilet paper;
and (ii) a storage position behind the toilet seat when not in
use.
[0010] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a toilet paper
dispenser that can be installed and secured in place on a mounting
bolt without the need of a retaining nut, the dispenser comprising:
(a) a proximal horizontal segment for mounting to a toilet bowl
fixture via a mounting bolt of a toilet seat, the proximal
horizontal segment including a bolt hole for receiving the mounting
bolt, the bolt hole, comprising: (i) an upper ledge; (ii) a lower
ledge; (iii) an upper transverse wall; (iv) a lower transverse
wall; (v) an upper straight wall; and (vi) a lower straight wall,
wherein the upper transverse wall and the lower transverse wall
form a transverse cylinder centered about an axis A of the bolt
hole, wherein the upper straight wall and a lower straight wall
form a straight cylinder centered about an axis B of the bolt hole,
wherein each ledge engages the screw threads of the mounting bolt
when the mounting bolt is aligned with axis B, and wherein the bolt
hole allows the dispenser to be installed and secured in place on
the mounting bolt without the need of a retaining nut; (b) a
descending segment; and (c) a distal horizontal segment for
receiving a roll of toilet paper, wherein segments (a)-(c) are made
of a single piece construction.
[0011] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to the following: In
an apparatus to be secured to the threaded shaft of a mounting
bolt, a bolt hole for securing the apparatus to the mounting bolt
without the need of a retaining nut, the bolt hole comprising: (i)
an upper ledge; (ii) a lower ledge; (iii) an upper transverse wall;
(iv) a lower transverse wall; (v) an upper straight wall; and (vi)
a lower straight wall, wherein the upper transverse wall and the
lower transverse wall form a transverse cylinder centered about an
axis A of the bolt hole, wherein the upper straight wall and a
lower straight wall form a straight cylinder centered about an axis
B of the bolt hole, wherein each ledge engages the screw threads of
the mounting bolt when the mounting bolt is aligned with axis B,
and wherein the bolt hole allows the apparatus to be installed and
secured in place on the mounting bolt without the need of a
retaining nut.
[0012] A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a method of
mounting an apparatus to a mounting bolt without the need of a
retaining nut, the apparatus including a bolt hole comprising an
upper transverse wall and a lower transverse wall forming a
transverse cylinder centered about an axis A of the bolt hole, an
upper straight wall and a lower straight wall forming a straight
cylinder centered about an axis B of the bolt hole, an upper ledge,
and a lower ledge, the method comprising the steps of: (a) aligning
the transverse cylinder of the bolt hole with the shaft of the
mounting bolt; (b) sliding the transverse cylinder over the shaft
of the mounting bolt so that the shaft travels along axis A of the
transverse cylinder until the end of the bolt shaft exits the bolt
hole; and (c) adjusting the apparatus to align the straight
cylinder of the bolt hole with the shaft of the mounting bolt,
thereby engaging the upper and lower ledges with the screw threads
of the bolt shaft to secure the apparatus in place on the mounting
bolt without the need of a retaining nut.
[0013] While the nature and advantages of the present invention
will be mare fully appreciated from the following drawings and
detailed description, showing the contemplated novel combinations
and elements as herein described, and more particularly defined by
the appended claims, it is understood that changes in the precise
embodiments of the present invention are meant to be included
within the scope of the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the
invention and, together with a general description given above and
the detailed description given below, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
one-piece toilet paper dispenser of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a typical sanitary toilet bowl
fixture equipped with the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1
attached to a toilet bowl fixture and rotated to an extended
position;
[0018] FIG. 3B shows the dispenser of FIG. 3A rotated to a storage
position;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing how the dispenser is
attached to the underside of a toilet seat fixture;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of the inventive
dispenser having an attached fragrance bar and night light
compartment;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the underside of the
dispenser in FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an optional plastic cover
attached to the dispenser;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of
the inventive dispenser having a modified bolt hole;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a blown up side view of the proximal dispenser of
FIG. 8;
[0025] FIG. 10A is a top view of the proximal dispenser and bolt
hole of FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 10B is a bottom view of the proximal dispenser and bolt
hole of FIG. 9;
[0027] FIG. 11A is a side cross-sectional view showing a bolt in an
installation and/or removal position, passing through the
transverse, cylinder of the inventive bolt hole;
[0028] FIG. 11B is a side cross-sectional view showing the bolt of
FIG. 11A in a locked position, sitting in the straight cylinder of
the inventive bolt hole;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of an insert having a
modified bolt hole of FIG. 8 inserted into the conventional bolt
hole of the dispenser of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] This invention provides an improved attachment means for a
one-piece toilet paper dispenser. The dispenser is initially
disclosed in the parent application for this invention, U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/083,642 filed Mar. 29, 2016, the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIGS.
1-7 from the parent application are described in detail below,
followed by the description of FIGS. 8-12 relating to the
improvement. The improvement is to the bolt hole located in the
proximal segment of the dispenser, and allows a user to quickly yet
securely install the dispenser without the need of a retaining
nut.
[0031] With reference to the drawings wherein like elements are
designated by like numerals, FIGS. 1-7 generally illustrate a
toilet paper dispenser 10 which can be mounted to the underside of
the rear deck 50 of a toilet bowl fixture via the existing mounting
bolt 20 for the toilet seat, where it can quickly and easily be
rotated by a user between an extended "use" position (FIGS. 2, 3A)
and a storage position (FIG. 3B) behind the toilet seat when not in
use.
[0032] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the one-piece toilet paper
dispenser 10 having a proximal horizontal segment 12 including an
eye or bolt hole 11 for receiving a mounting bolt for a toilet
seat. A first bend 13 transitions the proximal segment 12 to a
descending segment 14, which directs the dispenser in an outwards
and downwards direction prior to transitioning via bend 15 to a
distal horizontal segment 16. The distal horizontal segment 16
receives a roll of toilet paper, and a distal ascending segment 18
can be included to prevent the roll from falling off the distal
horizontal segment 16 of the dispenser 10. Bends 13, 15 and I 7 aid
in transitioning between the various segments 12, 14, 16 and 18 of
the dispenser, and all bends and segments are made of a single
piece construction. A wing nut 22 which includes an extension or
bushing 24 that fits within the inside circumference of the bolt
hole 11 can be included for quick mounting.
[0033] FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B illustrate a toilet bowl fixture
designated by the letter T which includes a toilet bowl 40 having a
rear deck 50 and a water tank 52. A toilet seat 30 is secured to
the top of the bowl 40 by means of two mounting bolts 20. Two
mounting plates 32 are hinged to the seat 30 and secured by the
bolts 20 to the rear deck 50. The bolts 20 each pass through
aligned bolt holes in a corresponding one of the mounting plates 32
and in the rear deck 50 of the toilet fixture T. Each mounting bolt
20 typically has a bolt head above the plate and a threaded shaft
which passes through the aligned openings and engages a threaded
retaining nut underneath the rear deck 50. Retaining nuts for
toilet seat mounting bolts are well-known in the art, and typically
mate With the mounting bolt 20 via threaded ridges that seal and
tighten against the underside of deck 50 to secure the toilet
plates 32 in place against the top side of the deck 50, and thus
the seat 30 to the top side of the bowl 40.
[0034] The dispenser 10 can be quickly and easily mounted to the
toilet bowl fixture T by first finding the shaft of one of the two
mounting bolts 20 which have been previously installed, as
described above, as it projects downward beneath the rear deck 50
of the toilet bowl 40. See FIG. 4. The user then aligns the bolt
hole 11 of the proximal horizontal segment 12 with the threaded
shaft of the bolt 20, and slides the proximal horizontal segment 12
up the shaft of the bolt 20, through the bolt hole 11. A threaded
retaining nut, shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 in the form of a threaded
wing nut 22, is then threaded and tightened onto the mounting bolt
20 to secure the dispenser 10 beneath the rear deck 50 of the
fixture T. The mounting bolt 20 and its associated retaining nut 26
typically do not need to be removed from the T in order to install
the inventive dispenser 10. Since the threaded shaft of a
conventional mounting bolt 20 is typically between 0.5 inches and
1.0 inches in length, a user can simply slide the dispenser 10 over
the end of the bolt shall as it projects downwardly beneath the
toilet deck 50, and then screw a second retaining nut, such as wing
nut 22 having and extension or bushing 24, onto the end of the bolt
20 to secure the dispenser 10 to the toilet fixture T.
[0035] If the user finds that the shaft of the mounting bolt 20 is
not long enough to accommodate the thicknesses of: (1) the existing
retaining nut securing the toilet seat bolt, (2) the proximal
horizontal segment 12, and (3) a second retaining nut, then the
dispenser can be Installed by first removing the existing retaining
nut 26 prior to sliding the proximal horizontal segment 12 of the
dispenser onto the shaft of the mounting bolt 20, and then securing
the dispenser 10 with either of the first or second retaining nuts
26, 22 to securely affix the dispenser 10 to the underside of the
rear deck 50 of the toilet bowl fixture T. The "second" retaining
nut or wing nut 22 can be pre-manufactured and sold to go along
with the dispenser 10. The bushing 24 is an extension of the wing
nut 22, and sealingly fits between the shaft of the bolt 20 and the
inside circumference of the bolt hole 11 so that the dispenser 10
is secured to yet rotatable about the axis of the mounting bolt
20.
[0036] Once the proximal horizontal segment 12 is secured by the
mounting bolt 20 as described above, a user can adjustably rotate
the one-piece dispenser 10 between an extended position alongside
the toilet seat 30 as shown, e.g., in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A, and a
storage position behind the toilet seat, as shown in FIG. 3B. The
dispenser's descending segment 14 makes a downward turn at bend 13,
in order to offset the distal horizontal segment 16 laterally
alongside the toilet seat 30 when in the extended position (see,
e.g., FIG. 3A). The descending segment 14 proceeds for a certain
length to bend 15, which levels out the one-piece dispenser 10 to a
substantially horizontal position throughout the length of the
distal horizontal segment 16. The distal horizontal segment 16 is
intended to receive and secure a conventional roll 44 of toilet
paper along its length, this length being sufficient to pass
entirely through the hollow core of a conventional roll of toilet
tissue 44. Further, segment 16 is typically of a width that allows
the user to unroll the toilet roll 44 by pulling on the final/end
tissue 45 of the roll 44, yet does not allow the roll 44 to unravel
unassisted, i.e. the roll stops rotating when the user stops
pulling end tissue 45. As best appreciated by viewing FIG. 1 and
FIG. 7, the top surface and edges of the distal horizontal segment
16 can be rounded, to allow for easier rotation of the roll 44.
[0037] The toilet paper roll 44 is inserted onto the dispenser 10
by sliding the roll over the open end of the dispenser. The open
end of the dispenser can include the distal ascending segment 18,
bend 17, and the distal horizontal segment 16. The upward, turn of
the dispenser at bend 17 is intended to help retain the toilet roll
44 in position and/or prevent the roll 44 from sliding off the end
of the dispenser 10. Both the distal ascending segment 18 and the
distal horizontal segment 16 are dimensioned to pass conveniently
through the hollow core of the roll 44, and as noted above can have
rounded top surfaces to assist with easy rotation of the roll about
the dispenser. In one embodiment, the distal ascending segment 18
can be slightly wider than the inner circumference of a
conventional toilet paper roll and/or have ridges extending outward
that are wider than the circumference of the hollow core of the
roll, such that the toilet paper roll 44 may have to be slightly
pinched or compressed by the user to allow the hollow core of the
roll 44 to fit over the distal end 18 during insertion.
[0038] As a non-limiting example, the distal ascending segment 18
can be between 1.7 inches and 1.85 inches wide, the distal
horizontal segment 16 can be between 1.5 inches and 1.7 inches
wide, and the descending segment 14 can be between 0.5 inches and
1.5 inches wide. The descending segment 14 typically tapers in
width from bend 15 at its connection to the distal segment 16 back
to bend 13 at the connection to the proximal horizontal segment 12.
For example, the descending segment can be about 1.5 inches wide at
bend 15 and taper to between about 0.75 inches to about 1.0 inches
in width at bend 13. The proximal horizontal segment 12 can be
between 0.5 inches and 0.75 inches wide, and can be rounded at its
end to assist in rotation about the seat bolt 20. While these
dimensions are preferred, it is noted that the dispenser 10 can
also be manufactured such that all segments are of the same
width.
[0039] The amount of vertical drop and horizontal clearance
provided the descending segment 14 between bends 13 and 15 should
be enough to allow the distal horizontal segment 16 to fit behind
the toilet seat 30 and beneath the toilet tank 52 when in the
storage position (see FIG. 3B). As a non-limiting example, this can
be preferentially accomplished when the proximal horizontal segment
12 from its end to the bend 13 is between 1.0 inches and 2.0 inches
in length, the angle of bends 13 and 15 are between 40 degrees and
50 degrees, the horizontal clearance length of the descending
segment 14 from bend 13 to bend 15 is between 2.5 inches and 3.0
inches, and the vertical drop of the descending segment 14 from
bend 13 to bend 15 is between 1.0 inches and 2.5 inches. The length
of segment 16, which begins following bend 15, should be long
enough to receive a conventional toilet paper roll, or between 4.0
inches and 5.0 inches; however, it can have dimensions to accept
any size roll. As a non-limiting example, the length of the distal
ascending segment 18, which begins following bend 17, can be
between 0.5 inches and 1.0 inches in length, and the angle of bend
17 can be between zero (0) degrees and 50 degrees. Total length of
the dispenser is generally between 8.5 inches and 11.0 inches.
[0040] The above non-limiting dimensions are generally sufficient
to retain a roll of toilet paper and prevent it from sliding off of
the end of the dispenser 10, while keeping the roll of toilet paper
within easy reach of the user. Further, while bends 13 and 15 are
preferably between 40 degrees and 50 degrees, and while bend 17 is
preferably between zero (0) degrees and 50 degrees, all bends can
be between zero (0) degrees and 90 degrees; however, the angles and
dimensions listed above arc most useful for nesting of multiple
dispensers together for shipment.
[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, concealed
compartments 46, 48 located on the underside of the dispenser 10
can be, or can provide a location for, a fragrance cartridge 46
and/or a motion sensing LED battery-powered night light 48. FIG. 5
also illustrates an embodiment in which the proximal segment 12
includes a raised ridge 25 which is an extension of the edges of
the bolt hole 11 (see also FIG. 1). This raised ridge 25 fits
snugly with the bushing extension 24 of the threaded retaining nut
or wing nut 22, and assists the dispenser to be smoothly and easily
rotated between the extended position and the storage position.
Though not necessary for installing the dispenser 10, because the
existing retaining nut 26 (see FIG. 4) on the bolt 20 can be
removed first and then replaced after sliding the dispenser on to
the shaft of the mounting bolt 20, the wing nut 22 having the
illustrated bushing extension 24 can be included and sold with the
dispenser to allow the user to install the dispenser without having
to remove the existing mounting bolt 26. The bushing 24 ensures a
proper fit with the bolt hole 11 of the dispenser, guaranteeing a
smooth rotation between use and storage positions.
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates the underside of the dispenser 10. with
the descending segment 14 including notches or tracks 60 for
securing the fragrance bar 46 and night light 48. As shown, the
fragrance bar 46 can be a curved deodorizing clip or hood 46 having
edges that fit within the tracks 60 on the underside of the
descending segment 14. In another embodiment (not shown), the
fragrance bar 46 can be designed to clip to the sides of the
descending segment 14. In another embodiment (not shown), a portion
of, or even the entire dispenser 10 can be a fragrance bar.
Fragrance clips and/or bars are known in the art and come in a
variety of choices made of recyclable materials that release scents
over an extended period of time.
[0043] FIGS. 5 and 6 also show a night light assembly 48 attached
to the distal ascending segment 18 of the dispenser. The night
light 48 can include a motion sensor which can be set to turn on
when a user needs to use the bathroom at night. The night light can
include a housing or enclosure 48, an electric current supply such
as a battery, a motion sensor, and an electrically operated light
source 49 such as a light emitting diode (LED) or incandescent
light bulb. Such components are well-known in the art and are
commercially available. For example, the housing 48 for the night
light may be molded from plastic or other suitable material to hold
the wiring and connections for one or more batteries, a motion
sensor, and an LED light.
[0044] Wires or other electrical coupling may be included with the
night light 48 to supply power from the batteries within the
housing to the light, motion sensor and/or a control circuit. The
motion sensor can include a switch, that opens the connection
between the light and the motion sensor when it gets dark (so that
the light is normally off), and closes the connection (i.e. turns
the light on) upon sensing motion in its field of view. The sensor
switch could be a thermal, an infrared, or a sonic activated type,
so that a person disturbing the field of view will trigger the
motion sensor. Appropriate threshold conditions for triggering the
motion sensor may be established as is known in the art. Once
activated, the light can also be controlled by a control circuit to
stay lighted for a predetermined period of time before turning
off.
[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the dispenser that
includes an attachable cover 60. A fastener 62 of the cover 60 is
shaped in the form of a "C" having open. curved ends. A user can
hook a first curved end of the fastener 62 around the underside of
the dispenser. The fastener 62 can then be rotated until the second
end of the "C" hooks around the other underside of the dispenser.
The user can then slide the fastener 62 down the tapered descending
segment 14 until it becomes wedged into place or otherwise secured
at the wider, distal portion of the descending segment 14, near
bend 15. The curved ends of the fastener 62 can be designed to fit
within the tracks 60 (shown in FIG. 6) on the underside of the
descending segment 14. A large rib 64 projects from the fastener 62
and supports a hood portion 66 of the cover, which can envelope and
protect a roll of toilet paper inserted onto the dispenser. The
fastener 62, rib 64 and hood 66 are of a one-piece construction,
and typically of the same material as the dispenser 10.
[0046] The dispenser 10 can be quickly and easily mounted to the
toilet bowl fixture T by first finding the shaft of one of the two
mounting bolts 20 which have been previously installed, as
described above, as it projects downward beneath the rear deck 50
of the toilet bowl 40. See FIG. 4. The user then aligns the bolt
hole 11 of the proximal horizontal segment 12 with the threaded
shaft of the bolt 20, and slides the proximal horizontal segment 12
up the shaft of the bolt 20, through the bolt hole 11. A threaded
retaining nut, shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 in the form of a threaded
wing nut 22, is then threaded and tightened onto the mounting bolt
20 to secure the dispenser 10 beneath the rear deck 50 of the
fixture E The mounting bolt 20 and its associated retaining nut 26
typically do not need to be removed from the fixture T in order to
install the inventive dispenser 10. Since the threaded shaft of a
conventional mounting bolt 20 is typically between 0.5 inches and
1.0 inches in length, a user can simply slide the dispenser 10 over
the end of the bolt shaft as it projects downwardly beneath the
toilet deck 50, and then screw a second retaining nut, such as wing
nut 22 having and extension or bushing 24, onto the end of the bolt
20 to secure the dispenser 10 to the toilet fixture T.
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment 110 of the dispenser of the
present invention which includes a modified bolt hole 111 for the
proximal horizontal segment 112 that allows the dispenser 110 to be
installed without the need of a second retaining nut (such as wing
nut 22 seen in FIG. 4 and described above). An upper ledge 170 and
a lower edge 174 can be seen projecting into the modified bolt hole
111. As described in more detail below, the dispenser 110 is
secured by the contact made between the upper and lower ledges 170,
174 and the screw threads of the mounting bolt. The remainder of
the dispenser 110 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-7, in which a
first bend transitions the proximal segment 112 to a descending
segment 114, which directs the dispenser in an outwards and
downwards direction prior to transitioning to a distal horizontal
segment 116. The distal horizontal segment 116 receives a roll of
toilet paper, and a distal ascending segment 118 can be included to
prevent the roll from falling off the dispenser.
[0048] As can best be appreciated from viewing a close up view of
the proximal horizontal segment 112 illustrated in FIG. 9, the
upper ledge 170 and lower edge 174 can be seen within the modified
bolt hole 111. An upper transverse wall 176 and a lower transverse
wall 178 forma. transverse cylinder centered about an axis A of the
bolt hole 111. An upper straight wall 180 and a lower straight wall
182 form a straight cylinder centered about an axis B of the bolt
hole 111. Axis B is substantially parallel to the straight walls
180, 182 and perpendicular to the proximal horizontal segment 112,
and is the axis along which an inserted bolt will ultimately be
seated after insertion. The transverse cylinder centered about axis
A is not perpendicular to the proximal horizontal segment 112, but
rather sits at an angle in relation to axis B. If axis B is
considered to be perpendicular to the proximal horizontal segment
112 (i.e. straight up and down), then axis A is greater than zero
degrees but less than ninety degrees in relation to axis B, and
preferably between about 20 degrees to about 50 degrees in relation
to axis B. The transverse cylinder, bounded by transverse walls 176
and 178 and centered about axis A, is useful for quickly and easily
slipping the modified bolt hole 111 over the mounting bolt shaft.
The bolt is easily movable between being positioned in the
transverse cylinder to being positioned in the straight cylinder,
that is, after insertion of the dispenser over the bolt shaft via
the transverse cylinder, the dispenser can then be easily
maneuvered by the user to align the bolt shaft into a position
passing through the straight cylinder, i.e. bounded by straight
walls 180 and 182 and centered about axis B. When this is done, the
upper ledge 170 and the lower ledge 174 can catch, mate with
engage, or otherwise be secured within the screw threads 123 of the
bolt shaft, to securely lock the dispenser into position (see FIG.
11B) so that the dispenser cannot be removed if the user tries to
pull the dispenser downward along the straight cylinder's path.
[0049] FIG. 10A is a view looking down into the modified bolt hole
111 from above the tap surface of the proximal horizontal segment
112 of the dispenser. It can be appreciated that, rather than
having the circular cavity of a conventional bolt hole, the outer
circumference of the inventive modified bolt hole 111 is generally
oval-shaped. The upper ledge 170, opening 172, the lower ledge 174,
and the upper transverse wall 176 can be seen within the bolt hole
111 in this view. Looking now at FIG. 10B, which illustrates a view
of the oval shaped modified bolt hole 111 while looking up from
beneath, the bottom surface of the proximal horizontal segment 112,
the lower transverse wall 178, the upper ledge 170, the opening 172
and the lower ledge 174 are all visible. When the bolt is aligned
with axis B of the bolt hole (see FIG. 9), the bolt passes through
the opening 172 along axis B, and the dispenser 110 is secured to
the bolt by the contact made between the upper and lower ledges
170, 174 and the threading of the bolt shaft.
[0050] It is noteworthy that the opening 172 is the actual "void"
in the bolt hole 111, through which the mounting bolt shaft will
pass. The term "bolt hole" as used herein does not refer to this
void, but rather is a term that encompasses elements not present in
the cavity of a conventional nut or other mounting means intended
to be mounted to a bolt. These elements include the upper ledge
170, the lower ledge 174, the upper transverse wall 176, the lower
transverse wall 178, the upper straight wall 180 and the lower
straight wall 182.
[0051] FIG. 11A illustrates a bolt 20 in an installation and/or
removal position, passing through the transverse cylinder along
axis A (see FIG. 9) of the inventive bolt hole 111. During
installation or removal, the proximal horizontal segment 112 of the
dispenser is tilted at an angle and slipped over the screw threads
123 of the bolt 20. By grasping the dispenser at a distal portion
(e.g. the distal horizontal segment 116, see FIG. 8) and tilting it
up at an angle as shown, the bolt can be caused to travel through
the transverse cylinder along axis A of the bolt hole (111, see
FIG. 9) in a direction parallel to the transverse walls 176, 178.
This angled position allows the user to direct, slip or otherwise
slide the proximal horizontal segment 112 of the dispenser up the
shaft 123 of an existing seat bolt 20 at least until the end of the
bolt shaft 123 passes through, exits, or otherwise extends beyond
the cavity of the bolt hole. The user can then adjust the angle
and/or otherwise level out the dispenser, so that the bolt shaft
123 is caused to travel through the straight cylinder along axis B
of the bolt hole, i.e. in a direction parallel to the straight
walls 180, 182. When this is done, the upper ledge 170 and the
lower ledge 174 catch, engage and/or are otherwise secured by the
screw threads of the shaft 123 to securely lock the dispenser 110
into position.
[0052] To remove the dispenser 110, a user can simply perform the
reverse operation as described above, i.e. by grasping the level
distal end of the dispenser and lifting up, thereby tilting the
proximal horizontal segment 112 of the dispenser and causing the
bolt shaft 123 to once again align with the transverse cylinder
along axis A of the bolt hole 111. This causes the ledges 170 and
174 to disengage from the threads of the bolt shaft 123, so that
the user can remove the dispenser from the bolt shaft along axis A
of the bolt hole.
[0053] As with the earlier disclosed embodiments, the pre-existing
toilet mounting bolt and its associated retaining nut typically do
not need to be removed in order to install the inventive dispenser
110 having a modified bolt hole 111. The bolt hole 111 can simply
be slipped onto the shaft 123 of the mounting bolt 20 along axis A.
To secure the dispenser into position after slipping it onto the
shaft, the angle of the bolt hole 111 is adjusted so that the bolt
shaft aligns with the straight cylinder along axis B of the bolt
hole, thus engaging the screw threads 123 of the bolt with the
ledges 170, 174 and securing the dispenser in place on the bolt 20.
The lodges 170, 174 are designed to engage, fit, mate, etc. with
the screw threads 123 of the bolt in a manner similar to how the
threads of a conventional nut mate with the screw threads of a
conventional bolt; however, the ledges 170, 174 do not create a
"pitch" because the ledges are in effect "single threads", one at
one end of the bolt hole 111 and the other at the other end. The
ledges 170, 174 thus mate with the bolt threads 123 but are
discontinuous and do not complete a full turn about the bolt hole.
Since the threaded shaft 123 of a conventional mounting bolt 20 is
typically between 0.5 inches and 1.0 inches in length, a user can
slip the dispenser 111 onto the bolt 20 until the shall 123 has
traversed the opening 172 of the bolt hole 111 far enough to allow
both the upper and lower ledges 170, 174 to engage the screw
threads of the bolt when the bolt shaft is caused to align with the
straight cylinder along axis B.
[0054] An embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 12 is an insert
200 having the modified bolt hole 111 of FIG. 8. This insert 200
can be placed within the cavity of a conventional bolt hole, such
as the bolt hole 11 of the dispenser embodiments shown in FIGS.
1-7. Like the bolt hole 111 of FIG. 8, the bolt hole 111 of the
insert 200 also includes an upper ledge 170 and a lower edge 474,
an upper transverse wall 176 and a lower transverse wall 178
forming a transverse cylinder centered about an axis A of the bolt
hole 111, and an upper straight wall 180 and a lower straight wall
182 forming a straight cylinder centered. about an axis B. When the
insert is in place, the straight cylinder bounded by straight walls
180, 182 and centered about axis B is substantially perpendicular
to the proximal horizontal segment 12 of the dispenser 10. The
insert 200 can include axial flanges 210 which engage the end
surface of the bolt hole and frictionally hold the insert in
position within the bolt hole, or it can include any other means
known in the art for securing an insert within a cavity.
[0055] In addition to placement within the conventional bolt hole
11 of the dispenser embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7, the insert 200
illustrated in FIG. 12 can be useful for placement within any
conventional bolt hole, such as the bolt hole of a conventional
nut, or generally into the bolt hole of any device or apparatus to
be secured to the threaded shaft of a mounting bolt. For example,
should the user desire to mount a board, plank or other apparatus
having a bolt hole to a pre-existing mounting bolt without the need
of a retaining nut to secure it to the mounting bolt, this insert
200 can be used. Further, should the user encounter a bolt shaft
diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the original
bolt hole, this insert can be inserted and secured within the
original bolt hole of the device in order to fit the device to the
bolt shaft having the smaller diameter. In one embodiment of the
invention, a dispenser kit or package can include the inventive
dispenser of FIGS. 1-7 having a conventional bolt hole (11) along
with a pack of 3 or more inserts that fit within the conventional
bolt hole. Each insert can be configured to lit a different size of
bolt thread diameter. The user can match the insert diameter to fit
the thread diameter of the bolt, fit the selected insert 200 into
place within the cavity of the original bolt hole, and then slip on
and secure the device in place on the bolt shaft. The insert can be
made of any materials known in the art for fitting a bolt shaft,
such as stainless steel, high-strength steel, brass, aluminum and
plastic.
[0056] In addition to providing an insert 200 including the
inventive modified bolt hole, it can be appreciated by one of skill
in the art that the modified bolt hole 111, illustrated in FIGS.
8-12 and described in detail above, can be pre-manufactured or
incorporated into a conventional nut or other apparatus intended to
be secured to the threaded shaft of a mounting bolt. Such a nut or
other mounting apparatus could then be secured to the mounting bolt
without the need of a retaining nut. More specifically, with the
inventive bolt hole 111 described in detail above, a user can
secure any apparatus intended to be secured to a mounting bolt,
without having to also secure a retaining nut, by the following
steps: 1) aligning the transverse cylinder (i.e. the cylinder
bounded by transverse walls 176, 178 and aligned with axis A) of
the bolt hole 111 with the shaft of the mounting bolt, 2) sliding
the transverse cylinder over the shaft of the mounting bolt so that
the end of the bolt shall exits the bolt hole; and 3) adjusting the
apparatus to align the straight cylinder (i.e. the cylinder bounded
by straight walls 180, 182 and aligned with axis B) of the bolt
hole 111 with the shaft of the mounting bolt, thereby engaging the
upper and lower ledges 170, 174 of the bolt hole 111 with the screw
threads 123 of the bolt shaft to secure the apparatus in place on
the mounting bolt without the need of a retaining nut. The
apparatus can be removed from the bolt shaft by the steps of:
(re-)adjusting the apparatus to align the transverse cylinder of
the bolt hole with the shall of the mounting bolt, thereby causing
the upper and lower ledges to disengage from the bolt shaft; and
slipping the apparatus off of the bolt.
[0057] The toilet paper dispenser described in its various
embodiments above, as well as the optional cover 60, wing nut 22,
and compartments 46, 48 for a fragrance and/or night light, can be
made of any rigid construction materials, such as plastics and
metals, of sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand the modest
forces required for their operation. Plastics can be formulated to
be rigid and exhibit relatively low thermal conductivity compared
to other materials. Useful plastics include styrene, acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, and polycarbonates. Useful
metals include stainless steel, aluminum and polished brass, and
can be formed from a metal sheet having a thickness such that it
can be stamped and/or bonded to form the desired configuration.
Plastic components can be formed by any process known in the art,
such as injection molding, stamping, or 3-dimensional printing. In
one embodiment, the plastic can be infused with a fragrant
material, such that the entire dispenser emits a fragrance.
[0058] It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that
the claimed dispenser is simple in construction and can be quickly
and easily installed in most conventional toilet bowl fixtures
without modification to either the toilet fixture or the toilet
seat. The installation does not require any special tools or
skills, and is readily reversible without damage to the toilet bowl
fixture so that the dispenser can be taken and reinstalled by
someone moving to another residence. The dispenser may be easily
moved and repositioned from one side of the toilet bowl fixture to
the other to suit the convenience of the homeowner and/or to fit
the particular toilet installation. It can also be easily moved out
of the way when cleaning the bathroom, and can be used as storage
for spare or backup rolls of toilet paper. The dispenser is of
simple construction and its surfaces are generally accessible for
cleaning.
[0059] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of embodiments and examples thereof, it is not intended
to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to
such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly,
departures may be made from such details without departing from the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *