U.S. patent application number 17/376407 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-04 for paper-towel apparatus for reusing non-structured paperless paper-towels.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kitchens.com. Invention is credited to James Dangora, Marianne Grisdale, Steven Krengel, Hyung Seok Lee.
Application Number | 20210338019 17/376407 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005712471 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210338019 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krengel; Steven ; et
al. |
November 4, 2021 |
Paper-Towel Apparatus for Reusing Non-Structured Paperless
Paper-Towels
Abstract
A reusable towel dispenser includes a reusable towel holding
compartment including multiple reusable towels stored in a
non-structured manner. The dispenser also includes a reusable towel
output of the reusable towel holding compartment, the reusable
towel output being configured to enable a reusable towel of a group
of non-structured reusable towels to be accessed and pulled, from
the reusable towel holding compartment, out of the reusable towel
dispenser. The dispenser further includes a reusable towel input of
the reusable towel holding compartment, the reusable towel input
being configured to allow a group of non-structured reusable towels
to be concurrently loaded in the reusable towel holding
compartment.
Inventors: |
Krengel; Steven; (Chicago,
IL) ; Lee; Hyung Seok; (Chicago, IL) ;
Grisdale; Marianne; (Chicago, IL) ; Dangora;
James; (Chicago, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kitchens.com |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005712471 |
Appl. No.: |
17/376407 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16139920 |
Sep 24, 2018 |
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17376407 |
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12885942 |
Sep 20, 2010 |
10080470 |
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16139920 |
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61243695 |
Sep 18, 2009 |
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61243705 |
Sep 18, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/46 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/46 20060101
A47K010/46 |
Claims
1. A towel apparatus comprising: a housing having (i) a surface
extending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal
axis, (ii) a first flat surface adjacent to the first end, and
(iii) a second flat surface adjacent to the second end, wherein the
housing defines a holding compartment that is configured to store
reusable towels in a non-structured manner; one or more output
openings on the surface of the housing that are each sized and
shaped to: enable a first reusable towel from among the reusable
towels stored in the holding compartment in the non-structured
manner to be accessed and pulled out of the holding compartment,
and prevent other reusable towels from among the reusable towels
stored in the holding compartment in the non-structured manner that
are not the first reusable towel from falling out of the holding
compartment while the towel apparatus rotates in a mounted
position; and wherein the housing configured to be fully rotatable
along the longitudinal axis.
2. The towel apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more
output openings have a different shape.
3. The towel apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more
output openings have the same shape.
4. The towel apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first
lateral opening on the first flat surface; a second lateral opening
on the first flat surface; and wherein the first lateral opening
and the second lateral opening are configured to be sized and
shaped to enable the towel apparatus to be mounted on a holding
apparatus.
5. The towel apparatus of claim 4, wherein the holding apparatus
comprises an ear-muff holder that is configured to mount a
paper-towel roll.
6. A method comprising: loading, in a non-structured manner, a
towel apparatus with multiple reusable towels, wherein the towel
apparatus comprises: a housing having (i) a surface extending from
a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis, (ii) a first
flat surface adjacent to the first end, and (iii) a second flat
surface adjacent to the second end, wherein the housing defines a
holding compartment that is configured to store reusable towels in
a non-structured manner, one or more output openings on the surface
of the housing that are each sized and shaped to: enable a first
reusable towel from among the reusable towels stored in the holding
compartment in the non-structured manner to be accessed and pulled,
from the towel apparatus, out of the holding compartment, and
prevent other reusable towels from among the reusable towels stored
in the holding compartment in the non-structured manner that are
not the first reusable towel from falling out of the holding
compartment while the towel apparatus rotates in a mounted
position, and wherein the housing is configured to be fully
rotatable along the longitudinal axis; and removing the first
reusable towel from the holding compartment by pulling the first
reusable towel out of an output opening included in the one or more
output openings.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the one or more output
openings have a different shape.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the one or more output
openings have the same shape.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/139,920, filed Sep. 24, 2018, which is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 12/885,942, filed Sep. 20, 2010, now U.S.
Pat. No. 10,080,470, issued Sep. 25, 2018, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/243,695 filed Sep. 18, 2009,
which is titled "Paper-Towel Apparatus for Reusing Non-Structured
Paperless Paper-Towels" and from U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/243,705 filed Sep. 18, 2009, which is titled "Paper-Towel
Apparatus for Reusing Non-Structured Paperless Paper-Towels," the
entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This document relates to an apparatus configured to enable
reuse of paperless paper-towels.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Disposable paper-towels are commonly found in households and
commercial businesses. For example, a long flat paper sheet is
stamped into numerous loosely connected tissue paper sections (or
tissues) and wrapped around the circumference of a cardboard tube
to form a traditional paper-towel roll. The tissues of a
traditional paper-towel roll are structured in that they are
organized as a circumferential wrapping which spirals around the
cardboard tube. Each tissue can be unwrapped and detached from the
next tissue by a slight physical force.
[0004] Also, tissue paper sections can be separated and structured
in an enclosed container with a thin opening during manufacturing
so as to enable removal of tissues one at a time. In particular,
the tissues can be stacked in a box, one directly on top of
another, such that removal of the final tissue pulls the next
tissue to expose a flap of the tissue for ease of handling through
the thin opening. In this configuration, the tissues are not
connected after manufacture.
SUMMARY
[0005] In general, in some aspects, a dispenser includes a reusable
towel holding compartment including multiple reusable towels stored
in a non-structured manner. The dispenser also includes a reusable
towel output of the reusable towel holding compartment, the
reusable towel output being configured to enable a reusable towel
of a group of non-structured reusable towels to be accessed and
pulled, from the reusable towel holding compartment, out of the
reusable towel dispenser. The dispenser further includes a reusable
towel input of the reusable towel holding compartment, the reusable
towel input being configured to allow a group of non-structured
reusable towels to be concurrently loaded in the reusable towel
holding compartment. In addition, the dispenser includes an outer
circumferential casing of the reusable towel dispenser and an inner
circumferential casing of the reusable towel dispenser. The
reusable towel holding compartment is defined between the inner
circumferential casing and the outer circumferential casing. The
inner circumferential casing defines an inner hollow space which is
open at either end of the reusable towel dispenser and which is
configured to accommodate passage of a paper-towel holding rod
configured to mount a paper-towel roll.
[0006] In other implementations, some aspects include a reusable
towel dispenser including a reusable towel holding compartment
including multiple reusable towels stored in a non-structured
manner. The dispenser also includes a reusable towel output of the
reusable towel holding compartment, the reusable towel output being
configured to enable a reusable towel of a group of non-structured
reusable towels to be accessed and pulled, from the reusable towel
holding compartment, out of the reusable towel dispenser. The
dispenser further includes a reusable towel input of the reusable
towel holding compartment, the reusable towel input being
configured to allow a group of non-structured reusable towels to be
concurrently loaded in the reusable towel holding compartment.
[0007] This and other implementations can optionally include one or
more of the following features, which also may optionally be in any
combination. For example, the reusable towel input can be an
opening created by movement of an outer circumferential case
relative to the reusable towel dispenser. The movement of the outer
circumferential case relative to the reusable towel dispenser can
be a rotation of the outer circumferential case relative to the
rest of the reusable towel dispenser. Also, the dispenser can
include an outer circumferential casing of the reusable towel
dispenser and an inner circumferential casing of the reusable towel
dispenser, wherein the reusable towel holding compartment is
defined between the inner circumferential casing and the outer
circumferential casing.
[0008] In addition, the inner circumferential casing can define an
inner hollow space which is open at either end of the reusable
towel dispenser and which is configured to accommodate passage of a
paper-towel holding rod configured to mount a paper-towel roll. The
inner circumferential casing can define an inner hollow space which
is open at either end of the reusable towel dispenser and which is
configured to accommodate an ear-muff holder which is configured to
mount a paper-towel roll. The dispenser may also include a middle
circumferential casing such that the reusable towel holding
compartment is defined by the inner circumferential casing and the
middle circumferential casing. The reusable towel input can be an
opening created by sliding the middle circumferential casing out of
the outer circumferential case to expose an open portion of the
middle circumferential casing.
[0009] Also, the reusable towel input can be an opening created by
removal of a cap of the reusable towel dispenser. The dispenser can
further include a portion which protrudes from the shape of the
reusable towel dispenser. The portion of the reusable towel
dispenser which protrudes from the shape of the reusable towel
dispenser can protrude from a substantially cylindrical body of the
reusable towel dispenser. The reusable towel output can be located
on the portion which protrudes from the shape of the reusable towel
dispenser. The reusable towel output can be configured to be angled
such that an opening of the reusable towel output is open upward
when the reusable towel dispenser is mounted for use. The reusable
towel output can be configured to be angled such that an opening of
the reusable towel output is open downward when the reusable towel
dispenser is mounted for use.
[0010] Moreover, the reusable towel dispenser can be configured to
be mounted on a rod which is configured to mount a paper-towel
roll. The reusable towel dispenser can be configured to be mounted
with an ear-muff holder which is configured to mount a paper-towel
roll. The reusable towel output can include a first reusable towel
output and a second reusable towel output of the reusable towel
holding compartment. The second reusable towel output can be
configured to enable a reusable towel of a group of non-structured
reusable towels to be accessed and pulled, from the reusable towel
holding compartment, out of the reusable towel dispenser.
[0011] Finally, the multiple reusable towels can be cotton towels.
The reusable towel dispenser can be shaped substantially as a
cylinder. The dispenser can additionally include a third reusable
towel output of the reusable towel holding compartment, the third
reusable towel output being configured to enable a reusable towel
of a group of non-structured reusable towels to be accessed and
pulled, from the reusable towel holding compartment, out of the
reusable towel dispenser. The dispenser can also additionally
include a fourth reusable towel output of the reusable towel
holding compartment, the fourth reusable towel output being
configured to enable a reusable towel of a group of non-structured
reusable towels to be accessed and pulled, from the reusable towel
holding compartment, out of the reusable towel dispenser. The
first, second, third, and fourth reusable towel outputs can be
spaced radially from one another.
[0012] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in
the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus with a protruding portion.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus without a protruding portion.
[0015] FIGS. 3A-3B are example illustrations of reusable
paper-towel holding apparatuses configured to allow reuse of
paper-towels while functioning as conventional paper-towel
rolls.
[0016] FIGS. 4A-4C are example illustrations of loading mechanisms
for a reusable paper-towel holding apparatus.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus which is configured to be mounted on a
paper-towel holding-rod through use of a fitted center.
[0018] FIG. 6A & 6B are example illustrations of reusable
paper-towel holding apparatuses which are configured to be mounted
on a paper-towel holding-rod through use of a holding-rod
clamp.
[0019] FIG. 7A-7C are example illustrations of reusable paper-towel
holding apparatuses which are configured to be mounted on a
paper-towel holding-rod through use of a holding-rod fastener.
[0020] FIGS. 8A & 8B are example illustrations of reusable
paper-towel holding apparatuses which are configured to be mounted
on a paper-towel holding-rod through use of a holding-rod
clasp.
[0021] FIGS. 9A-9D are example illustrations of reusable
paper-towel holding apparatuses which are configured to be mounted
on an ear-muff style paper-towel holder.
[0022] FIGS. 10A & 10B are example illustrations of reusable
paper-towel holding apparatuses with reusable paper-towel hanging
structures.
[0023] FIGS. 11A & 11B are example illustrations of reusable
paper-towel holding apparatuses with dual internal compartments
individually tailored for used and unused reusable paper-towels,
respectively.
[0024] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in
the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the
claims.
[0025] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Traditional paper-towels are paper-based tissues which are
briefly used and then discarded. Therefore, all of the energy and
resources used to manufacture, transport, sell, and dispose of each
tissue goes towards a single use. In the aggregate, the
environmental impact of a society reliant on disposable
paper-towels is massive. Reusable paper-towels, however, can be
manufactured out of various materials which can be washed without
being destroyed. A paper-towel system allowing for the reuse of
paper-towels could cut this environmental impact to a small
fraction of its current state.
[0027] Paper-towels wrapped around a paper-towel roll are
structured as a loosely connected number of sections which are
tightly spiraled around a cylindrical center. This spiral
structuring is put in place during manufacturing. Because the
paper-towel roll requires each separate tissue to be connected in
series, a consumer could not reuse the paper-towel roll as a
dispenser for reusable paper-towels. Therefore, once the
paper-towels are used, the paper-towels and the paper-towel roll
are not reusable by the consumer and are all discarded.
[0028] Products like Kleenex' tissues are sold in a container with
the tissues disconnected and stacked on top of each other. The
structure of the stacked tissues enables the tissues to be removed
from a small opening without being replaced. The small opening is
wide enough to allow passage of a tissue vertically with respect to
the small opening, though not its length. Tissues can only be
removed if directly pulled. As structured, each tissue is placed
flat atop the preceding tissue and a portion of each tissue is
folded into the proceeding tissue. As the tissue closest to the
opening is removed, the next available tissue is pulled to expose
an end which can also be easily removed through the small
opening.
[0029] This structuring of Kleenex.TM. tissues is directed to a
one-time use of disposable tissues. The small opening enables
tissues to be removed but does not enable a consumer to replace a
tissue once removed. Moreover, even if a consumer could somehow
replace the tissue, the consumer would be forced to replicate the
stacked and folded structure to be able to again easily remove the
tissues through the small opening. It is not practical to expect
consumers to fold small tissues in this manner. Therefore, these
containers are not suitable for a reusable paper-towel system using
conventional tissues.
[0030] In order to enable a consumer to easily use and reuse a
reusable a paper-towel, a paper-towel container can be used which
allows reusable paper-towels to be refilled without a particular
structuring of the paper-towels. That is, a consumer can place an
unorganized mass of cleaned paper-towels in the container even if
the reusable paper-towels are not attached to each other in a
spiral formation and are not placed flat on top of each other or
interlaced. By not requiring a structuring of refilled
paper-towels, the paper-towel container aids consumer adoption of
reusable paper-towels.
[0031] Various materials can be used to construct the reusable
paper-towels. For example, non-woven cotton can be manufactured
relatively cheaply with various properties advantageous for use as
a reusable paper-towel. In particular, non-woven cotton can be made
to dry relatively quickly to prevent or limit development of mold
after use. Also, non-woven cotton can be manufactured to be
relatively coarse for scrubbing or relatively soft for comfort.
Microfiber can also be used. Microfiber can be useful to avoid
staining and for longevity. Reusable paper-towels can be color
coded based on properties, such as materials, size, or shape.
However, the size of the reusable paper-towel can be used to
control the ease with which the reusable paper-towels are unloaded.
For example, a towel size that is too large can promote a group of
towels to wrap together such that a single towel is not easily
separated. Moreover, a towel size that is too large can inhibit the
ease with which a towel is removed from an opening of a reusable
paper-towel apparatus. In contrast, a towel size that is too small
can increase the likelihood that towels fall out or are otherwise
accidentally removed from an opening of a reusable paper-towel
apparatus. Therefore, a consumer can you use color identification
to select one or multiple non-structured reusable paper-towels from
a paper-towel container for a given situation.
[0032] One example of such a paper-towel container is the reusable
paper-towel holding apparatus 100 with a protruding portion shown
in FIG. 1. The apparatus 100 is configured to be loaded and
reloaded with reusable paper-towels in a non-structured manner. In
particular, the apparatus 100 can be loaded with reusable
paper-towels that are not organized, folded, wrapped, or otherwise
structured. The apparatus 100 includes an inner circumferential
casing 111, an outer circumferential casing 112, a reusable
paper-towel holding compartment 113, and a protruding portion
116.
[0033] The inner circumferential casing 111 can be configured to
allow passage of a paper-towel roll holding-rod (not shown). In
particular, the inner circumferential casing 111 can define an
inner hollow space 114 which is open at either end. By being open
at either end, a paper-towel roll holding-rod can pass through the
inner hollow space 114 such that the apparatus 100 can be mounted
on a paper-towel roll holder. The outer circumferential casing 112
largely surrounds the inner circumferential casing to define the
paper-towel holding compartment 113.
[0034] The apparatus 100 enables reusable paper-towels to be
reloaded with a front loading mechanism. In particular, the outer
circumferential casing 112 is able to move with respect to the
inner circumferential casing 111 to provide a large input opening
115 with which reusable paper-towels can be loaded into the
paper-towel holding compartment 113. By using a front loading
mechanism, the apparatus 100 may be easily reloaded without being
removed from a mounting with a paper-towel holding-rod. To enable
convenient loading when non-structured, the input opening 115
created by the front loading mechanism must be of a substantial
size relative to the side-length of the reusable paper-towel. By
being a substantial size, a group of reusable paper-towels can be
conveniently loaded at the same time, even when clumped or
otherwise disorganized. In some implementations, to enable ease of
loading, the span of the input opening 115 created by the front
loading mechanism should be large enough so that at least three
clumped reusable paper-towels can be loaded. Particularly flexible
or thin reusable paper-towels may be loaded with less span of the
input opening 115 while particularly inflexible or thick reusable
paper-towels may load easily only with more span of the input
opening 115.
[0035] The outer circumferential casing 112 includes a protruding
portion 116 which defines an output opening 117 to the reusable
paper-towel holding compartment 113 which allows access to reusable
paper-towels stored in the reusable paper-towel holding compartment
113. The output opening 117 serves as the primary mechanism from
which reusable paper-towels are removed from the apparatus 100 for
each use. Since the reusable paper-towels are pulled out of the
apparatus 100 rather then being pushed in, the size required of the
opening 117 is smaller than that required for the input opening 115
created by the front loading mechanism to load the apparatus 100.
However, because the reusable paper-towels in the reusable
paper-towel holding compartment 113 are not structured, the user
may need to reach partially inside the apparatus 100 to grab on to
a portion of a reusable paper-towel and remove it from the
apparatus 100. Therefore, the output opening 117 can be made wide
enough to allow a portion of a thumb and finger to pass, such as a
span of one to two inches. The output opening 117, however, is
generally not made significantly larger than required to prevent
reusable paper-towels from unintentionally falling or sliding out
of the apparatus 100.
[0036] The output opening 117 is located on the bottom of the
apparatus 100, as mounted. This location allows gravity to
progressively move reusable papers towards the output opening 117
as the reusable paper-towels are withdrawn. In particular, when
filled, reusable paper-towels fill much of the volume of the
reusable paper-towel compartment 113. As reusable paper-towels are
removed from the apparatus 100, an empty space is made at the
bottom of the apparatus 100. Due to gravity, the reusable
paper-towels fall toward the bottom of the apparatus 100, filling
the empty space and placing additional reusable paper-towels close
to the output opening 117 for ease of removal. As shown, the output
opening 117 is located at the bottom of the apparatus 100 but does
not open to expose the underside of the apparatus 100. Also, the
output opening 117 is not oriented vertically as mounted. Rather,
the output opening is positioned at approximately a 45 degree angle
above a horizontal planar direction. This non-vertical and
non-horizontal positioning of the output opening 117 further
minimizes the unintentional removal of reusable paper-towels. Also,
this non-horizontal position of the output opening 117 enables a
somewhat larger width of the output opening 117 while minimizing
unintentional removal than would be enabled if the output opening
117 exposed the underside of the apparatus 100.
[0037] The above description of the apparatus 100 as well as the
below description of additional features are examples. Other
implementations may be configured differently and with different
features. For example, other implementations of the apparatus 100
may include a substantially cone shape with the output opening 117
at the bottom of the apparatus 100 to emphasize the use of gravity
in bringing towels closer to the output opening 117.
[0038] FIG. 2 is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus 200 without a protruding portion 116. In
particular, the apparatus 200 includes an exit opening 227 with a
near vertical orientation and not protruding from the apparatus
200. Also, the apparatus 200 includes an outer circumferential
casing 222 that defines mounting openings 224 which, as shown, are
covered by ear-muff holders 229. The apparatus 200 includes a top
loading mechanism by allowing a top piece of the outer
circumferential casing 222 to be removed, providing a large input
opening (not shown) with which reusable paper-towels can be loaded
into the paper-towel holding compartment.
[0039] The apparatus 200 is configured to be mounted using ear-muff
holders 229 without necessarily passing a paper-towel holding-rod
228 through the apparatus 200. In particular, the outer
circumferential casing 222 defines mounting openings 224 which can
be used to allow passage of a paper-towel holding-rod 228 (similar
to the inner circumferential casing 111 of FIG. 1), to allow
locking by ear-muff holder 229, or both. Locking by ear-muff
holders 229 can include placing a short indented knob onto the
mounting openings 224 at either end of the apparatus 200 and
holding the knobs into the mounting openings 224 with a constant
inward pressure. The apparatus 200 enables reusable paper-towels to
be reloaded with a top loading mechanism which creates a large
input opening with which reusable paper-towels can be loaded into
the paper-towel holding compartment (not shown).
[0040] The outer circumferential casing 222 defines an output
opening 227 to the reusable paper-towel holding compartment which
allows access to reusable paper-towels stored in the reusable
paper-towel holding compartment, but does not include a protruding
portion 116. Similar to FIG. 1, the output opening 227 is located
on the bottom of the apparatus 200, as mounted, to allow gravity to
progressively move reusable papers towards the output opening 227
as the reusable paper-towels are withdrawn. Also, the output
opening 227 is angled substantially vertically as mounted. This
substantially vertical, not on a protruding portion, positioning
can allow convenient access to the reusable paper-towels if the
apparatus 200 is mounted at a significant vertical height. For
example, if a paper-towel holder with ear-muffs is mounted on the
underside of a kitchen counter or at chest level on a public
bathroom wall, the height of the apparatus 200 may result in easier
access to reusable paper-towels with the positioning of the output
opening 227 than with the positioning of the output opening 117.
However, the span of the output opening 227 may be somewhat smaller
than the span out output opening 117 to have a more substantial
effect on preventing unintentional removal of reusable
paper-towels.
[0041] FIGS. 3A-3B are example illustrations of reusable
paper-towel holding apparatuses configured to allow reuse of
paper-towels while functioning as conventional paper-towel
rolls.
[0042] FIG. 3A is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus 300A horizontally 310A and vertically 320A which
is configured to allow reuse of paper-towels while functioning as a
conventional paper-towel roll. The apparatus 300A has an outer
circumferential casing 322A which is substantially cylindrical in
shape so as to mimic the size of a conventional paper-towel roll.
As such, the apparatus 300A is able to be mounted with many devices
configured to mount conventional paper-towel rolls. The ends 322A
of the cylinder can have flattened portions or ridges to increase
stability when placed vertically. As shown, the vertically placed
apparatus 320A is filled with reusable paper-towels 325A. The
reusable paper-towels 325A are not structured, but, rather, are
placed in the apparatus 320A in a disorganized fashion. As
discussed above, an output opening 327A is configured to minimize
occurrence of the paper-towels unintentionally falling or sliding
out of the apparatus 320A.
[0043] FIG. 3B is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus 300B with multiple output openings 332B-338B to
allow for reuse of paper-towels while functioning as a conventional
paper-towel roll. In particular, the apparatus 300B include four
output openings 332B-338B which are equally spaced along a radius
of the apparatus 300B. Other implementations can include a greater
or fewer number of output openings. A larger number of output
openings may enhance the functionality described below, while a
smaller number of output openings may be used to simplify
manufacturing and design. The multiple output openings 332B-338B
can allow for ease of extraction of reusable paper-towels from the
paper-towel holding apparatus 300B.
[0044] In some implementations, the mounted apparatus 300B is able
to be rotated, similar to a conventional paper-towel role.
Therefore, including only a single output opening would require the
user to rotate the apparatus 300B such that the single output
opening is in front of the user in order to extract a reusable
paper-towel. However, the multiple output-openings 332B-338B shown
in FIG. 3B allow for minimal (e.g., less than 90 degrees) rotation
of the apparatus 300B to extract a reusable paper-towel. In this
manner, various implementations of the apparatus 300B are more
convenient to a user than a conventional paper-towel roll, as only
minimal rotation of the apparatus 300B is required.
[0045] Also, regardless of whether the apparatus 300B can be
rotated, the multiple output openings 332B-338B can allow for the
user to extract reusable paper-towel from multiple directions, as
mounted. Therefore, in any given situation, extraction of a
reusable paper-towel is more likely to be convenient to a user than
extraction with an apparatus with only a single output opening.
This feature can be particularly useful for reusable paper-towel
mounts which do not allow for rotation of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus after mounting. The apparatus 300B can also be
mounted with a paper-towel holding rod, ear-muffs, or other
mounting styles discussed above and below.
[0046] FIGS. 4A-4C are example illustrations of loading mechanisms
for a reusable paper-towel holding apparatus. The loading
mechanisms of FIGS. 4A-4C can be used with the apparatuses of FIGS.
1-3.
[0047] FIG. 4A shows an apparatus 410A configured to enable loading
of reusable paper-towels by lifting the outer circumferential
casing 412A. In particular, the outer circumferential casing 412A
is initially held in place through frication or a locking mechanism
(not shown) to provide an enclosed reusable paper-towel holding
compartment 413A. To reload the apparatus 410A, the consumer opens
the outer circumferential casing 412A to expose the reusable
paper-towel holding compartment 413A and then places the reusable
paper-towels in the apparatus 410A. This loading mechanism can
allow for particularly quick loading as compared to various other
mechanisms as it exposes the majority of the reusable paper-towel
holding compartment 413A for loading. Also, this loading mechanism
can enable loading of the apparatus 410A while the apparatus is
mounted with both ends in a paper-towel holding-rod or with
ear-muff holders.
[0048] FIG. 4B shows an apparatus 420B configured to enable loading
of reusable paper-towels by sliding. In the apparatus 420B, a
middle circumferential casing 426B is initially held in place
through friction or a locking mechanism (not shown) to provide an
enclosed reusable paper-towel holding compartment 423B. The middle
circumferential casing 426B is not a fully enclosed cylinder as it
includes an open face. To reload the apparatus 420B, the consumer
slides the middle circumferential casing 426B with respect to an
outer circumference casing 412B and out of the end of the apparatus
420B. As the middle circumferential casing 426B slides out of the
apparatus 420B, the open face is exposed. The consumer then inserts
the reusable paper-towels through the open face and into the middle
circumferential casing 426B and slides the middle circumferential
casing 426B back into the apparatus 420B. This loading mechanism
can allow for ease of loading the apparatus 420B without requiring
significant additional space with respect to the radius of the
apparatus 420B. For example, if mounted under a surface such as the
bottom of a cabinet, space may not be available to lift the outer
circumferential casing 422B without fully removing the apparatus
420B from its mount (i.e., without removing mounting attachments at
both ends of the apparatus 420B).
[0049] FIG. 4C shows an apparatus 430C configured to enable loading
of reusable paper-towels by use of an end-cap 438C. The end-cap
438C is initially held in place closing off the end of the
apparatus 430C through friction or a locking mechanism (not shown).
To reload the apparatus 430C, the consumer removes the end-cap 438C
to expose a reusable paper-towel holding compartment. The consumer
then inserts the reusable paper-towels in the reusable paper-towel
holding compartment and replaces the end-cap 438C. This loading
mechanism can also allow for ease of loading the apparatus 430C
without requiring significant additional space with respect to the
radius of the apparatus 430C. Also, this loading mechanism can
allow for increased efficiency in reloading. In particular, by only
opening an end of the cylinder, it can be easier for a consumer to
more completely fill the space of the reusable paper-towel holding
compartment when loading a group of reusable paper-towels.
[0050] As discussed above, a reusable paper-towel holding apparatus
may not be shaped identically to a conventional paper-towel roll.
Nevertheless, it may be convenient for a user to mount the reusable
paper-towel holding apparatus on a conventional paper-towel
holding-rod. FIGS. 5-9D are example illustrations of mounting
mechanisms for mounting a reusable paper-towel holding apparatus to
a conventional paper-towel holding-rod. The mounting mechanisms may
be used in conjunction with the apparatuses of, for example, FIGS.
1-4C. Reusable paper-towel holding apparatuses that are able to be
mounted like conventional paper-towel rolls can be easily replaced
like conventional paper-towel rolls. In some cases, reusable
paper-towel apparatus may be designed with the intention that the
apparatus will be removed from a holder once emptied of reusable
paper-towels and replaced with a second reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus which is loaded with further reusable
paper-towels. In this manner, a removed reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus can be later refilled at a user's convenience
while the second reusable paper-towel holding apparatus includes
further reusable paper-towels that are immediately available.
[0051] The mounting mechanisms of FIGS. 5-9D can be placed at
opposing ends of the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus, either
inside or outside of the apparatus. In one implementation, the
mounting mechanisms are placed on end caps. The mounting mechanisms
can be configured to be operated through, for example, twisting of
a cap, pressing of a lever or button, applying force directly on
the mechanism, or through other means.
[0052] FIG. 5 is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus 500 which is configured to be mounted on a
paper-towel holding-rod through use of a fitted center. The fitted
center includes a flexible circumference 510 which surrounds a
hollow cylinder 520. This flexible circumference 510 can be made
out of plastic, rubber, or another elastomer formed to have a
hollow center in which a paper-towel holding-rod can slide
through.
[0053] The flexible circumference 510 may be formed with such
dimensions that the paper-towel holding-rod presses against the
flexible circumference 510 when slid through the hollow cylinder
520. In general, the diameter of the hollow cylinder 520 may be
slightly larger to slightly smaller than the diameter of a
paper-towel holding-rod. A diameter of the hollow cylinder 520
which is about the same size or slightly smaller than the diameter
of a paper-towel holding-rod can be used to create a pressure from
the flexible circumference 510 on the paper-towel holding-rod. The
pressure on the paper-towel holding-rod can create friction which
keeps the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 500 in place on a
paper-towel holding-rod. Moreover, the surface of the flexible
circumference 510 may be uneven or ruff to augment the amount of
friction.
[0054] FIG. 6A is example illustration of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus 610A which is configured to be mounted on a
paper-towel holding-rod through use of a holding-rod clamp 612A.
The holding-rod clamp 612A can be made out of plastic, rubber, or
another elastomer formed to maintain a permanent semi-flexible
shape with a protruding portion 614A adjacent to a crevice
613A.
[0055] When a paper-towel holding-rod is pushed into the protruding
portion 614A, the semi-flexible shape responds by opening slightly,
enabling the rod to be mounted securely inside the crevice 613A. A
further force is required to pull the paper-towel holding-rod out
of the mounting in the crevice 613A. The holding-rod clamp 612A can
be placed at the ends of the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus
610A. In one implementation, the holding-rod clamp 612A is
configured to be mounted on the paper-towel holding-rod by being
pushed inward towards the center of the device. Once pushed inward,
the holding-rod clamp 612A is even with the surface 616A of the
reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 610A such that the
holding-rod clamp 612A exhibits no profile.
[0056] FIG. 6B is example illustration of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus 620B which is configured to be mounted on a
paper-towel holding-rod through use of a holding-rod clamp 622B
with teeth 624B and end-pieces 626B. The holding-rod clamp 622B is
configured such that the end-pieces 626B can be pushed inward while
their position is incrementally locked by the teeth 624B. The end
pieces 626B can be pushed inward by, for example, turning of a cap,
pressing of a leveler, or through other means. Also, as they are
pushed inward, the end-pieces 626B can be pushed around a
paper-towel-holding-rod.
[0057] The teeth 624B can then be used to lock the end-pieces 626B
in the pressed inward position such that they are pressed around
the paper-towel-holding-rod. When locked by the teeth 624B, the
end-pieces 626B can apply a pressure to the paper-towel
holding-rod. In this manner, a reusable paper-towel holding
apparatus 620B can be mounted on a paper-towel holding-rod. The
locking by the teeth 624B can later be reversed through a further
user manipulation of, for example, a cap or lever. In some
implementations, the end-pieces 626B are made out of a flexible
material and flex partly around the paper-towel holding-rod when
forced.
[0058] FIG. 7A is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus 710A which is configured to be mounted on a
paper-towel holding-rod through use of a holding-rod fastener 712A.
In particular, the holding-rod fastener 712A includes arm pieces
714A adjacent to round pieces 716A. The arm pieces 714A and round
pieces 716A can be made out of various metals, plastics, or rubber.
In one implementation, however, the arm pieces 714A are made out of
plastic while the round pieces 716A are made out of plastic and
coated with rubber.
[0059] User manipulation by, for example, the twisting of a cap or
pressing of a button or lever is used to create a pressure on the
arm pieces 714A. This pressure on the arm pieces 714A presses the
adjacent round pieces 716A inward. As the round pieces 716A are
pressed inward, the round pieces 716A are pushed against a
paper-towel holding-rod which has been slid through the hollow
center of the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 710A. The
pressure between the round pieces 716A and the paper-towel
holding-rod is used to mount the reusable paper-towel holding
apparatus 710A on the paper-towel holding-rod. FIG. 7B is an
example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holding apparatus
720B which is configured to be mounted on a paper-towel holding-rod
through use of a holding-rod fastener 722B. In particular, the
holding-rod fastener 722B includes arm pieces 724B adjacent to
spring pieces 726B. As a pressure is created on the arm pieces
724B, the adjacent spring pieces 726B are pushed inward. As they
move inward, the spring pieces 726B are pushed against a
paper-towel holding-rod, thereby creating friction. The further in
they are pushed, the greater the responsive pressure from the
spring pieces 726B. In some implementations, a cap (not shown) is
placed over the arm pieces 724B. As the cap is turned, pressure is
applied to the arm pieces 724B which, in turn, applies inward
pressure to the spring pieces 726B. The pressure between the spring
pieces 726B and a paper-towel holding-rod is used to mount the
reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 720B on the paper-towel
holding-rod. A locking mechanism, such as teeth (not shown), can be
used to latch the holding-rod fastener 722B such that the spring
pieces 726B place pressure on a paper-towel holding-rod.
[0060] FIG. 7C is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus 730C which is configured to be mounted on a
paper-towel holding-rod through use of a holding-rod fastener 732C.
In particular, the holding-rod fastener 732C includes arm pieces
734C with inner fixed ends 736C and outer ends 738C. The inner
fixed ends 736C are fixed to a portion at or near the inner surface
of the hollow cylinder in which the paper-towel hold-rod slides
through. The outer ends 738C can rotate with respect to an outer
rotatable structure, such as an inner surface of a cap (not shown).
As the outer rotatable structure, or cap, is rotated, the outer
ends 738C are rotated circumferentially around the hollow cylinder.
This rotation moves the arm pieces 734C inwards against a
paper-towel holding-rod, thereby creating pressure between the
paper-towel holding-rod and the arm pieces 734C. This pressure is
used to mount the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 730C on
the paper-towel holding-rod. Reversible locking teeth, such as
those shown in FIG. 6B can be used to lock the arm pieces 734C in
place. In one implementation, the arm pieces 734C are formed as
rubber. In another implementation, the arm pieces 734C are formed
as a metal bar surrounded by rubber.
[0061] FIG. 8A is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus 810A which is configured to be mounted on a
paper-towel holding-rod through use of a holding-rod clasp 812A.
The holding-rod clasp 812A includes two opposing arms 813A and 814A
and a common spring 815A. In some implementations, the opposing
arms 813A and 814A each comprise a set of several arms 816A. The
use of a set of several arms 816A as the arm 813A and as arm 814A
can provide additional strength and security to the mount.
[0062] The spring 815A is configured to continuously apply pressure
forcing the opposing arms 813A and 814A together. In some
implementations, the opposing arms 813A and 814A are metal so as to
ensure strength. In other implementations, the opposing arms 813A
and 814A are rubber or plastic, so as to maintain flexibility.
[0063] To operate the holding-rod clasp 812A, the opposing arms
813A and 814A are pulled apart to create an opening in which the
paper-towel holding-rod can slide through. The opposing arms 813A
and 814A can be pulled apart through, for example, turning of a
cap, pressing of a leveler, direct user manipulation, or through
other means. Once the paper-towel holding-rod is slid through, the
opposing arms 813A and 814A are released. Thereafter, the pressure
created by the spring 815A forces the opposing arms 813A and 814A
to wrap around and place pressure on the paper-towel holding-rod.
This pressure is used to mount the reusable paper-towel holding
apparatus 810A on the paper-towel holding-rod.
[0064] FIG. 8B is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus 820B which is configured to be mounted on a
paper-towel holding-rod through use of a holding-rod clasp 822B.
The holding-rod clasp 822B is formed with a flexible cable 824B,
such as a metal spring or rubber line. In general, the flexible
cable is operated to create a loop that is within or over the
outside of a hollow cylinder 826B through the reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus 820B. As a paper-towel holding-rod is slid
through the hollow cylinder 826B, it is also passed through the
loop. Thereafter, the loop is tightened such that the loop shrinks
and squeezes the paper-towel holding-rod.
[0065] In one implementation, the holding-rod clasp 822B is formed
with a metal spring that includes a rubber grip. The metal spring
is formed to continuously apply pressure to shrink the loop. To
insert the paper-towel holding-rod through the loop, the user must
first operate a cap or lever to force open the spring, increasing
the size of the loop. Thereafter, the user releases the cap or
lever and the metal spring returns to its original shape, squeezing
the paper-towel holding-rod.
[0066] In another implementation, the holding-rod clasp 822B is
formed with a rubber line. As mounted on the reusable paper-towel
holding-rod apparatus, the rubber line maintains a loop larger than
a paper-towel holding-rod, enabling a user to simply insert the
paper-towel holding-rod through the loop. Thereafter, the user must
operate a cap or lever connected to locking teeth to tighten the
loop. The tightened loop squeezes the paper-towel holding-rod.
[0067] FIGS. 9A-9D are example illustrations of reusable
paper-towel holding apparatuses which are configured to be mounted
on an ear-muff style paper-towel holder. The reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus 910A of FIG. 9A includes a flexible cable 912A.
Initially, the flexible cable 912A can be tucked into the cap or
otherwise maintained internally 914A. The flexible cable 912A is
connected to a spring loaded rod (not shown) which pulls the
flexible cable 912A into the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus
910A. When pulled outward, the flexible cable 912A can be wrapped
around the end 916A of an ear-muff style paper-towel holder 915A.
Thereafter, a spring-loaded rod reclaims the slack of the flexible
cable 912A.
[0068] The reusable paper-towel holding-rod then hangs from the
ear-muff style paper-towel holder 915A.
[0069] The reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 920B of FIG. 9B
includes tabs 922A which are used to attach the reusable
paper-towel holding apparatus 920B to an ear-muff style paper-towel
holder 925B. The tabs 922A can be configured to be spring loaded,
such that the springs push the tabs into ends 926B of an ear-muff
style paper-towel holder 925B when mounted. In other
implementations, tabs 922A can be made from a material which
provides some inherent flexibility while maintaining a permanent
shape, such as, for example, plastic or rubber. In this manner, the
tabs 922A can be attached to the ends 926B of the ear-muff style
paper-towel holder 925B.
[0070] The reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 930C of FIG. 9C
uses a rigid cable 932C which can be manipulated. The rigid cable
932C can be made of a chain of plastic pieces connected by
connectors that allow the individual plastic pieces to move and
rotate but still stay steady after manipulation. In one
implementation, the rigid cable 932C is made up of Gorillapod.TM.
flexible connector. In particular, the rigid cable 932C can be
wrapped over or around an ear-muff style paper-towel holder (not
shown). When released from user manipulation, the rigid cable 932C
retains its shape. In this manner, the reusable paper-towel holding
apparatus 930C can be hung or otherwise attached to an ear-muff
style paper-towel holder.
[0071] The reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 940D of FIG. 9D
includes a wrap-around grip 942D. The grip 942D has a rigid shape
that can be pulled open slightly to allow the ends of the grip to
be slipped over the ends 946D of an ear-muff style paper-towel
holder 945D. When released, the grip 942D squeezes the ends 946D of
the ear-muff style paper-towel holder 945D, thereby creating a
pressure. From this pressure, the reusable paper-towel holding
apparatus is mounted on the ear-muff style paper-towel holder 945D.
The grip 942D can be made from a material which provides some
inherent flexibility while maintaining a permanent shape, such as,
for example, plastic or rubber. In some implementations, rather
than be flexible, the grip 942D includes a mechanism to shrink its
length. For example, after placing the grip 942D around the ends
946D, a cap can be operated to shrink the length of the grip 942D.
By shrinking the length of the grip 942D, the grip 942D can be made
to apply pressure to the ends 946D.
[0072] In various implementations, the reusable paper-towel holding
apparatus can use flexible end-caps along with, or in lieu of, the
features described with respect to FIGS. 9A-9D to enable mounting
on an ear-muff style paper-towel holder. In particular, the
opposing ends of the cylindrical body of a reusable paper-towel
holding apparatus (such as, for example end caps 322A of FIGS. 3A)
can be made of a flexible material that is able to temporarily
compress when under a compressing force, such as rubber or a
flexible plastic. In order to mount such implementations, the end
caps of the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus are pressed
inward before placing the apparatus between the ear-muffs.
Thereafter, the end-caps resume their shape against the ear-muffs.
In this manner, a reusable paper-towel holding apparatus is able to
be mounted on rigid ear-muffs. Also, in some implementations, the
end-caps employ a metal spring.
[0073] Depending upon the circumstance, a reusable paper-towel may
be used multiple times before being cleaned. For instance, while a
reusable paper-towel used to wipe food parts may not remain
sanitary after a single use, a reusable paper-towel used to dry a
washed dish may remain sanitary after multiple uses. For various
reasons, however it may not be practical for the user to simply
reinsert a used but sanitary reusable paper-towel into a reusable
paper-towel holding apparatus.
[0074] As discussed above, many implementations of reusable
paper-towel holding apparatus are configured to maintain
non-structured paper-towels which can be removed through an opening
which is configured to allow ease of removal but not ease of
insertion.
[0075] As such, to easily reinsert a used reusable paper-towel, a
user may be required to open a separate loading mechanism and/or
dismount the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus. Such a
requirement may not facilitate using a reusable paper-towel
multiple times before washing.
[0076] Moreover, after a use, a reusable paper-towel may be wet.
Reinserting a wet reusable paper-towel into an enclosed compartment
may facilitate the growth of mold or otherwise lead to non-sanitary
conditions. Therefore, a user may wish to dry the towel before
placing the towel in the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus of
reusing.
[0077] Accordingly, in order to enable a user to use a reusable
paper-towel multiple times before cleaning, external reusable
paper-towel holding structures may be used. FIGS. 10A & 10B are
example illustrations of reusable paper-towel holding apparatuses
1010A & 1020B with external reusable paper-towel holding
structures. The reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 1010A of
FIG. 10A includes an external hook 1012A. The external hook 1012A
can be used to hook a reusable paper-towel along the outside of the
device to facilitate ease of reuse and drying. The external hook
1012A can be configured to be able to be placed in a retracted
position 1014A inside the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus
1010A. When in the retracted position 1014A, an internal latch (not
shown) locks the external hook 1012A in its retracted state. If the
internal latch is released by a user action on a button 1016A, the
external hook 1012A is forced downward to its external position by
a spring loaded mechanism (not shown). In other implementations,
the external hook 1012A of FIG. 10A can be replaced with a spring
loaded clip.
[0078] The reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 1020B of FIG. 10B
includes an external bar 1022B. The external bar 1022B can be used
to drape a reusable paper-towel along the outside of the device to
facilitate ease of reuse and drying. The external bar 1022B can be
configured to be able to be placed in a retracted position 1024B
inside the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 1020B. In some
implementations, the external bar 1022B is free to slide in and out
of the device from the retracted position 1024B to an external
position. In other implementations, an internal latch (not shown)
can be used to lock the external bar 1022B in its retracted
position 1024B. If the internal latch is released by a user action
on a button 1026B (not shown), the external bar 1022B is forced
outward to its external position by a spring loaded mechanism (not
shown).
[0079] In some implementations, the reusable paper-towel holding
apparatus is configured to hold both used (i.e., soiled) and unused
(i.e., cleaned) reusable paper-towels internally. Such
implementations can be convenient in that they can allow for
reusable paper-towels to be kept together, both before and after
they are used. Moreover, such implementations can be particularly
useful for portable reusable paper-towel apparatus. FIGS. 11A &
11B are example illustrations of reusable paper-towel holding
apparatuses 1110A and 1120B with dual internal compartments
individually tailored for used and unused reusable paper-towels,
respectively.
[0080] The reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 1110A of FIG. 11A
includes a used compartment 1112A and a unused compartment 1114A.
Each of the used and unused compartments 1112A and 1114A are
adapted to promote sanitary condition with respect to the type of
reusable paper-towel they hold. In particular, the used compartment
1112A includes a mesh covering. Because a used reusable paper-towel
may be wet and susceptible to mold or bacterial growth, the mesh
covering includes numerous holes allowing for the stored reusable
paper-towels to dry. In this manner, the used compartment 1112A is
adapted to promote sanitary condition of used reusable
paper-towels. On the other hand, the unused compartment 1114A
includes a continuous covering which does not include holes. The
continuous covering shields unused reusable paper-towels from
contamination originating outside reusable paper-towel holder. In
this manner, the unused compartment 1114A is adapted to protect the
existing sanitation of cleaned reusable paper-towels.
[0081] The reusable paper-towel apparatus 1120B of FIG. 11B
includes a further feature with respect to the used compartment
1122B and unused compartment 1124B. In particular, the used
compartment 1122B of the reusable paper-towel apparatus 1120B is
able to be removed from its attachment to the used compartment
1124B. Removal of the used compartment 1122B can provide
convenience for cleaning of the used reusable paper-towels.
Moreover, in some implementations, the used compartment 1122B can
be closed (not shown). In these implementations, the used
compartment can be washed (such as in a conventional washing
machine) with the used reusable paper-towels stored inside. In this
manner, the used reusable paper-towels can be cleaned without being
removed from the used compartment 1122B.
[0082] A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless,
it will be understood that various modifications may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *