US20050247816A1

US20050247816A1 - Towel holder and dispenser

Info

Publication number: US20050247816A1
Application number: US10/842,205
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul Feuerstein; Lance Liljeqvist; Robert Tiedemann
Original assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Current assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Priority date: 2004-05-10
Filing date: 2004-05-10
Publication date: 2005-11-10
Also published as: WO2005110175A3; WO2005110175A2

Abstract

A dispenser has a base which includes an open connecting end positioned at one end of the base. The open connecting end is configured to permit the dispenser to be releasably coupled to an object. The base may include one or more arms, one or more legs, and one or more feet. The dispenser is configured to hold a roll of sheet material.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sheet materials, such as towels having cellulosic material and/or nonwoven materials, are frequently used in industrial and commercial environments. Such towels permit a user's hands and other items, such as, for example, tools, paint brushes, and so forth, to be quickly and easily wiped off. These towels are usually perforated and wound onto a roll.
It is difficult, however, for a user to hold a roll of towels and dispense individual towels from the roll. Such action usually takes both hands; one hand to hold the roll and the other hand to remove a sheet from the roll. A roll can be inadvertently knocked over from the location it is placed, if it is not properly secured.
Present dispensers for such sheet materials often must be permanently fastened to a stationary object. Alternatively, dispensers which are not fastened, but hold a roll via a base having a rod positioned through an opening in the roll, are also easily inadvertently knocked over when a sheet material is pulled too vigorously by a user, and so forth.
Therefore, is desirable to have a dispenser for sheet materials, such as a roll of towels, which may easily connect and disconnect to an object while securely holding a roll in place in the dispenser. Such a dispenser desirably permits easy and rapid loading of a roll of towels. Further, such a dispenser is desirably a unitary piece which includes at least one movable part formed from a resilient material. Further, it is desirable that such a dispenser has few if any separately connected parts. Such a dispenser is desirably inexpensive to manufacture, lightweight, and permits a user to easily remove a sheet material from the roll without causing waste by causing too many sheets to be removed, or by inadvertently knocking over the dispenser.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the term “sheet material” means a material that is thin in comparison to its length and breadth. Generally speaking, sheet materials should exhibit a relatively flat planar configuration and be flexible to permit folding, rolling, stacking, and the like. Exemplary sheet materials include, but are not limited to, paper tissue, paper towels, label rolls, or other fibrous, film, polymers, nonwovens and/or filamentary products.
As used herein, the term “fasteners” means devices that fasten, join, connect, secure, hold, or clamp components together. Fasteners include, but are not limited to, screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, snap-fits, tacks, nails, loop fasteners, and interlocking male/female connectors, such as fishhook connectors, a fish hook connector includes a male portion with a protrusion on its circumference. Inserting the male portion into the female portion substantially permanently locks the two portions together.
As used herein, the term “hinge” refers to a jointed or flexible device that connects and permits pivoting or turning of a part to a stationary component. Hinges include, but are not limited to, metal pivotable connectors, such as those used to fasten a door to frame, and living hinges. Living hinges may be constructed from plastic and formed integrally between two members. A living hinge permits pivotable movement of one member in relation to another connected member.
As user herein, the terms “couple” and “connect” include, but are not limited to, joining, connecting, fastening, linking, or associating two things integrally or interstitially together.
These terms may be defined with additional language in the remaining portions of the specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above, a dispenser is provided which comprises a base. The base includes a central portion having an edge, as well as a first arm positioned at one end of the base and a second arm positioned at an opposite end of the base. Each first and second arm extend a distance from the base and carrying a boss. Each boss is positioned in a spaced-apart and confronting relationship. At least one of the first and second arms are configured to move. The base further includes an open connecting end having an apex. The open connecting end is positioned opposite the first arm at one end of the base. The open connecting end is configured to permit the dispenser to be releasably coupled to an object. When at least the one arm is moved, a roll of sheets is positioned between the first and second arm. The boss on each first and second arm is positioned against at least a portion of a flat face of a roll. The edge of the central portion is positioned adjacent a cylindrical body of the roll to permit a roll to rotate to allow sheets to be withdrawn but to prevent sheets from unwinding from a rolled position. An axis extends through the apex of the open connecting end and through each boss.
In another aspect of the invention, a dispenser is provided which comprises a base. The base includes an open connecting end positioned at one end of the base. The open connecting end has an apex, and the open connecting end is configured to permit the dispenser to be releasably coupled to an object. The base also includes a pair of legs connected to a portion of the open connecting end. The legs extend a distance from the open connecting end and each leg includes a free end. At least one leg is configured to be movable. The base further includes a pair of feet. Each foot is positioned at a free end of each leg. The feet are positioned in a spaced apart and opposing relationship. When at least one leg is moved, the position of the legs permit them to be moved into and through an opening in a roll of sheets. The at least one movable leg moves to its previous position after emerging from an opening such that a portion of a flat face of a roll is positioned over a portion of each foot and held in a dispensing position.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a dispenser is provided which comprises a base. The base includes an open connecting end. The open connecting end is positioned at one end of the base. The open connecting end is configured to permit the dispenser to be releasably coupled to an object. The base also includes an elongated bar connected to one end of the open connecting end. The elongated bar extends downward a distance from the one end to a free end. A foot is carried by the bar at the free end thereof. At least a portion of the foot is configured to be movable. When at least a portion of the foot is moved, the foot and bar are positioned to pass into and through an opening in a roll of sheets. The foot is configured to move to its previous position after emerging from an opening in a roll. At least a portion of the foot is positioned adjacent a portion of a flat face of a roll to hold it in a dispensing position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a towel holder and dispenser of the present invention, a roll of sheet material (shown in phantom lines) mounted in the dispenser and supported for dispensing;
FIG. 2 is a side view of a lateral side of the towel holder and dispenser of FIG. 1, showing lateral surfaces;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a right side of the towel holder and dispenser of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing a narrow width and side profile of the dispenser;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a top side of the towel holder and dispenser of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the narrow profile of the dispenser;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a towel holder and dispenser of the present invention, a roll of sheet material (shown in phantom lines) mounted in the dispenser and supported for dispensing;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the towel holder and dispenser of FIG. 5, showing a pair of legs;
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a right side of the towel holder and dispenser of FIGS. 5 and 6, showing a narrow width and side profile of the dispenser;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a bottom side of the towel holder and dispenser of FIGS. 5 and 6, showing the narrow side profile of the dispenser;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a towel holder and dispenser of the present invention, a roll of sheet material (shown in phantom lines) mounted in the dispenser and supported for dispensing;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the towel holder and dispenser of FIG. 9, showing a controlling arm and a foot;
FIG. 11 is a plan view of a right side of the towel holder and dispenser of FIGS. 9 and 10, showing a narrow width and side profile of the dispenser; and
FIG. 12 is a plan view of a top side of the towel holder and dispenser of FIGS. 9 and 10, showing the narrow side profile of the dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to one or more embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example and embodiment is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and is not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. It is intended that the invention include these and other modifications and variations as coming within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Referring to the figures in general, a dispenser for a roll of sheet material is provided. It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to any particular type of sheets. That is, the dispenser may also dispense dry sheets and/or premoistened sheets. Such configurations for dry sheets and/or premoistened sheets are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and need not be described in great detail herein. If premoistened sheets are dispensed, such sheets will generally have a wrapper positioned around the roll; a slit may be made in the wrapper to permit sheets of material to be withdrawn from the roll (not shown).
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, a dispenser 10 according to the invention is provided for dispensing sheets of material or sheets 12, such as, but not by way of limitation, towels, from a roll 14. The sheets 12 may be constructed from any material or combination of materials, and may be partially separated by perforations formed in the roll, or, alternatively, the roll may be continuous without perforations.
As shown in FIG. 1, the dispenser 10 includes an elongated base 16. The base 16 includes a first arm 18 which is spaced away and extends from one end thereof. The first arm 18 provides a hook or open connecting end 20 on one side of the first arm 18. The open connecting end 20 includes an apex 22. The configuration of the open connecting end 20 may include “C”, “J”, “U”, or “V” configurations, or any configuration or combination of configurations which permits the open connecting end 20 to operate in the manner shown and/or described herein. The open connecting end 20 is desirably sized larger than an opening in a roll, so that the open connecting end 20 will not pass through such an opening.
The base also includes a second arm 24 which is spaced away and extends from an opposite end of the base 16. An inner edge 26 of the first arm 18 and the second arm 24 are desirably positioned in a parallel alignment relative to each other. Each first and second arm 18, 24 desirably extend, for example, but not by way of limitation, at about a 90 degree angle from the base 16.
The base 16 also includes a central portion 27 having an edge 28, which is positioned adjacent to the roll 14 of sheets 12 (FIG. 1). The base includes an outer curved edge 29, which extends around the outer edges of the base 16. Together, the edges 26, 28 and the curved edge 29 cooperate to provide a perimeter edge 30 which provides a narrow side profile or width 31 for the base 16 when the dispenser 10 is viewed along its perimeter edge 30, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. That is, the profile or width 31 of the base 16 is desirably in a range of about 0.1 inch to about 1.0 inches. Even more desirably, the profile or width 31 is in a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.75 inch. More desirably, the profile or width 31 is in a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch. The base 16 has a broader profile when its lateral surfaces 32 are viewed in a side view (FIG. 2). The lateral surfaces 32 are positioned between the edge 28 and the outer curved edge 29. The outer curved edge 29 extends over an outer portion of the dispenser and provides a smooth surface for a user to carry the dispenser 10, so that no sharp edges are presented to cause inadvertent injury to a user.
An opening 34 is formed through the central area 27 of the lateral surfaces 32. The opening 34 is sized to cooperate with the lateral surfaces 32 and the outer curved edge 29 to provide a handle 38 through which a user may desirably position at least some, and desirably, most of his/her fingers to permit a user to easily carry the dispenser 10. A perimeter 40 of the opening 34 provides no slot or access to the opening 34 through the central portion 27 and edge 28 or through the outer curved edge 29.
The first arm 18 also includes, opposite to the open connecting end 20, a first boss 42. A second boss 44 is positioned in a spaced-apart and confronting position relative to the first boss 42 on the second arm 24. Each first and second boss 42, 44 includes an apex 46. The first and second bosses 42, 44 are positioned to extend into a flat face 48 of a roll 14 of sheets 12, or, alternatively, into an opening 50 formed in or through the roll 14 of sheets 12. Each first and second boss 42, 44 are desirably, but not by way of limitation, generally “D” shaped. It will be understood, however, that any shape, or combination of shapes, including, but not limited to spikes, spokes, prongs, hemispheres, and so forth, may be used as either a first and/or second boss 42, 44. The first and second bosses may include supports 52 which assist in holding the first and second bosses 42, 44 in a position to receive a roll 14 of sheets 12. The first and second bosses 42, 44 and/or the supports 52 may be integrally formed with the base 16, or, alternatively, separately coupled thereto.
The first and second bosses 42, 44 are desirably, but not by way of limitation, positioned in longitudinal alignment with the first and second arms 18, 24. A first axis 54 extends through the apex 46 of the first and second bosses 42, 44 as well as through the apex 22 of the open connecting end 20. The first axis 54 is positioned in a parallel alignment relative to the edge 28 of the central portion 27 of the base 16. Such positioning of the open connecting end 20 and the bosses 42, 44 permit the dispenser 10 to properly balance and dispense sheets 14 from the roll 14 from a generally vertical, horizontal, or oblique angle.
The dispenser 10 may be formed as a unitary, integral unit from a resilient material. Alternatively, at least one of the first and second arms 18, 24 are desirably formed from a resilient material which permits some deflection, movement, or bending of one of the first and second arms 18, 24 to permit a roll 14 to be mounted on the first and second bosses 42, 44. The resilient material may include one or more of materials such as plastic, polymer, nylon, and so forth. The dispenser may be constructed from more than one material. The dispenser 10 may be made from wood, metal, plastic, rubber, fiber, and any combination thereof.
A roll 14 of sheets 12 generally has a cylindrical body 56 and opposite ends 58 having flat faces 48. The sheets 12 may be wound around a cylindrical core (not shown) which provides the opening 50, or may be wound to provide the opening 50 without a core, or may be wound continuously such that no opening or core is provided (not shown). The opening 50 may be formed in one flat face 48 of the roll 14 which extends through the cylindrical body 56 of the roll 14 to the opposite flat face 48. Alternatively, the roll may have only an indentation in each flat face, without having an opening which extends through the roll (not shown). In yet another alternative, the roll may be provided without any indentation or any opening therein (not shown). In all or these instances, the first and second bosses 42, 44 are provided to connect to a portion of the flat faces 48 of the roll 14; any opening 50 or indentation shown and/or described herein is deemed a portion of the flat faces 48 as well. A portion of the base 16, namely, the first and second arms 18, 24 and the central portion 27 and edge 28 are positioned around the roll 14 such that each first and second arms 18, 24 desirably extend from a center of each flat face 48 of the roll 14 and the central portion 27 and edge 28 extends along the length of the cylindrical body 54, supporting the roll 14 to permit sheets 12 to be withdrawn but limiting the roll 14 from unwinding as a result of wind, motion, and so forth.
The open connecting end 20 permits the dispenser 10 to be connected to poles, bars, hooks, and so forth, such as a rung of a ladder, and so forth. An end surface 64 of the open connecting end 20 may include a plurality of ridges or ribs 66. In addition, an opposite surface 68 spaced-apart from the end surface 64 may also, but not by way of limitation, include a plurality of ridges or ribs as well (not shown). Such ribs 66 desirably grip a surface of an object to permit the dispenser 10 to more firmly and/or securely connect to such an object. The first and second arms 18, 24 and the central portion 27 and edge 28 of the base 16 are spaced to permit the roll 14 to be easily inserted, and are spaced from the roll 14 to permit the roll 14 to easily rotate about the first axis 54 on the bosses 42, 44 on each first and second arm 18, 24.
The handle 38 is positioned such that the perimeter 40 includes a straight portion 70 which assists in defining the opening 34 of the handle 38, and which is aligned with a first axis 54 via a second axis 72. The first axis 54 and the second axis 72 are positioned in parallel alignment. The edge 28 of the base 16 is positioned in parallel alignment with the first and second axis 54, 72; the roll edge 28 is also generally parallel to the first axis 54, the second axis 72 and the cylindrical roll body 54 of the roll 14.
In a method of use of the dispenser 10, a roll 14 of sheets 12 is releasably positioned on the dispenser 10 and held for dispensing by the dispenser 10 when at least one arm 18, 24 is moved, deflected or bent outward in a direction 74 (FIG. 2) such that the roll 14 may be positioned between the first and second arms 18, 24. The flat faces 48 on each end 58 of the roll 14 are positioned such that each boss 42, 44, of the first and second arms 18, 24, respectively are positioned in the center of each flat face 48. In the example shown, each boss 42 is positioned in an opening 50 which is formed through the center of one flat face 48, the opening desirably extends through the cylindrical body 56 and through the center of the opposite flat face 48. Desirably, the edge 28 of the central portion 27 controls the unwinding and removal of the sheets 12 from the roll 14.
In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, a dispenser 110 is provided for dispensing sheets 12 from a roll 14. The dispenser 110 includes a base 116.
The base 116 includes a hook or an open connecting end 118 formed at an upper end thereof. The open connecting end 118 includes an apex 120. The configuration of the open connecting end 118 may include any configuration shown and/or described herein. In the present embodiment, but not by way of limitation, the open connecting end 118 provides a generally “C” shape, to permit easy connection and release by a user.
As shown in FIG. 1, the base 116 includes a bar 122 which extends across the lower end of the “C” of the open connecting end 118 and a mid-portion 124. The bar 122 has a flat surface 125 which is positioned adjacent the flat face 48 of the roll 14. The mid-portion 124 includes, as illustrated in a side view (FIGS. 5 and 6) lateral surfaces 126 (FIGS. 7 and 8). Two elongated legs 128,130 connect to and extend downward from the mid-portion 124.
An outer edge 132 of each leg 128,130 is generally parallel relative to the other. An inner edge 134 of each leg 128, 130 cooperates to define a generally “V” shape between each leg 128,130. The outer edge 132 extends from the bar 122 and downward along each leg 128, 130. The legs 128, 130 includes a pair of feet 136. That is, legs 128, 130 each has a foot 136 formed at a free end 138 of each leg 128, 130. Each foot 136 includes, but not by way of limitation, a rounded portion 140 and flat lip 142. Each foot 136 extends outward at about a 90 degree angle with respect to the outer edge 132 of each leg 128, 130, such that each foot 136 is positioned in a spaced-apart and opposing relationship relative to the other foot 136. The flat lip 142 of each foot 136 is desirably positioned adjacent the flat face 48 of the roll 14. It will be understood that other configurations of the foot 136 may be used, so long as the configurations operates as shown and/or described herein.
The base 116 includes a perimeter edge 143. The perimeter edge 143 extends about the open connecting end 118 and the bar 122, and cooperates with the outer edge 132 of each leg 128, 132, each foot 136, and the inner edge 134 each leg to provide a narrow side profile or width 144 of the dispenser 110 when the side edges are viewed in a plan view (FIGS. 7 and 8). The profile or width 144 of the base 116 is desirably in a range of about 0.1 inch to about 1.0 inches. Even more desirably, the profile or width 144 is in a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.75 inch. More desirably, the profile is in a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch.
A first axis 145 is positioned through the apex 120 of the open connecting end 118 and extends downward, between the legs 128, 130, which are equally spaced from each inward edge 146 of each foot 136 to the first axis 145. The positioning of the apex 120 of the open connecting end 118 relative to each leg 128,130 and each foot 136 thereof permits the roll 14 to be properly and securely held by the base 116 of the dispenser 110 for proper dispensing therefrom at a generally vertical, horizontal, or oblique angle. Each outer edge 132 of each leg 128, 130 is positioned generally parallel to the first axis 145. The position of each flat lip 142 of each foot 136 is generally at a 90 degree angle or transverse relative to the first axis 145.
The dispenser 10 may be formed as a unitary, integral unit from a resilient material. Alternatively, at least one of the legs 128, 130 are desirably formed from a resilient material which permits some movement, deflection or bending of the leg 128 or 130, while one or more portions of the dispenser 10 are formed from one or more additional materials.
In a method of use of the dispenser 110, a roll 14 of sheets 12 is releasably positioned on the dispenser 110 and held for dispensing by the dispenser 110 when at least one leg 128, 130 is deflected or moved or bent inward in a direction 148 (FIG. 6). The roll 14 is positioned such that each foot 136 and the legs 128, 130 are introduced into the opening 50 of the roll 14. The roll 14 is moved upward until one flat face 48 on one end 58 of the roll 14 is positioned adjacent the flat portion 125 of the bar 122 and the opposite flat face 48 on the opposite end 58 of the roll 14 is positioned adjacent each flat lip 142 of each foot 136. When the roll is moved past each foot 136, the moved, bent or deflected leg(s) 128, 130 move outward to its/their previous position and the flat lip of each foot desirably supports the end 58 of the roll 14 and prevents the roll 14 from falling off of the base 116 while holding the sheets 12 in a wound position in the roll 14. In an alternative, the dispenser 110 may include a controlling arm, described below, to assist in controlling the sheets 12.
In yet another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 9-12, a dispenser 210 is provided for dispensing sheets 12 from a roll 14. The dispenser 210 includes a base 216.
The base 116 includes a hook or an open connecting end 218 formed at an upper end thereof. The open connecting end 218 includes a flat upper portion 220, which is offset from a longitudinal alignment with an elongated bar 222. The flat upper potion 220 is configured to be wider than the opening 50 in a roll 14. The configuration of the open connecting end 218 may include any configuration shown and/or described herein. In the present embodiment, the open connecting end provides a generally “J” shape, to permit easy connection and release by a user.
As shown in FIG. 1, the base 216 includes an elongated bar 222 which extends longitudinally between the open connecting end 218 and an end 224. The bar 222 includes a controlling arm 225 which extends outward transversely at generally 90 degree angle therefrom. The controlling arm 225 is desirably positioned adjacent the flat face 48 of the roll 14 when a roll 14 is mounted on the base 216. In the present embodiment, the controlling arm 225 is in a fixed position at about a 90 degree angle relative to the bar 222. Alternatively, the controlling arm 225 may be coupled by a pin, hinge, fastener, and so forth such that the controlling arm 225 is movable from its extended generally perpendicular position away from the bar 222 into a longitudinal alignment with the bar 222.
The bar 222 includes, at the end 224, a cross bar or foot 226 which extends at about a 90 degree angle or perpendicular angle relative to the bar 222 when in the dispensing position. The foot 226 may include a single movable, bendable or deflectable foot 226 which may be coupled via a pin 228 to the end 224 of the bar 222 (FIGS. 9 and 10), or, alternatively, the foot 226 may be integrally formed therewith (not shown). Alternatively, the foot 226 may be coupled to the bar 222 to permit the foot 226 to be moved into a longitudinal alignment with the bar 222 when a roll 14 is mounted thereon and into a transverse alignment generally perpendicular to the bar 222 when positioned in a dispensing position to hold the roll 14 in a dispensing position. In another alternative, the foot 226 may include a first foot and a second foot, each of which are movable out of the transverse position either upward or downward into a generally longitudinal alignment with the bar 222 to permit loading a roll 14 on the bar 222 (not shown). It will be understood that other configurations for one foot or two feet may be used, so long as the configuration(s) operate(s) as shown and/or described herein.
The base 216 includes lateral surfaces 226, as shown in FIGS. 9-12. The base 216 also includes a perimeter side edge 230. The perimeter side edge 230 provides a narrow side profile or width 231 of the dispenser 110 when it is viewed in a plan view of the narrow profile or width 231 (FIGS. 11 and 12). The profile or width 231 of the base 216 at the perimeter side edge 230 is desirably in a range of about 0.1 inch to about 1.0 inches. Even more desirably, the profile or width 231 is in a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.75 inch. More desirably, the profile or width 231 is in a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch.
A first axis 234 is positioned through the bar 222 of the base 216. Desirably, each free end 236 of the foot 226 is equally spaced outward from the first axis 234. Each free end 236 of the foot 226 may be generally positioned parallel to the first axis 234. The base 216 is configured to balance and permit securely hold a roll 14 of sheets 12 for proper dispensing from the dispenser 210 at a generally vertical, horizontal, or oblique angle.
The dispenser 210 may be formed from a resilient material. Alternatively, at least the foot 226 is desirably formed from a resilient material which permits some movement, bending or deflection thereof to permit a roll 14 to be mounted on the bar 222. It will be understood that one or more portions of the dispenser 210 may be formed from one or more materials.
In a method of use of the dispenser 210, a roll 14 of sheets 12 is releasably positioned on the dispenser 110 and held for dispensing by the dispenser 110 when each free end 236 of the foot 226 is moved, bent or deflected upward in a direction 238 (FIG. 10) when the end 224 of the dispenser 210 is moved into the opening 50 of the roll 14. The roll 14 is moved upward until the flat face 48 of one end 50 of the roll 14 is positioned adjacent the controlling arm 225. The foot 226 remains deflected, bent or moved until it emerges from the opposite end 58 of the roll 14, when it moves back to its generally transverse position relative to the bar 222 and it is positioned adjacent the flat face 48 on the opposite end 58 of the roll 14. The controlling arm 225 as well as the foot 226 act to control and limit unwinding of sheets 12 from the roll 14, so that waste is reduced or prevented.
It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, certain structures, such as one or more arms, one or more legs and/or one or more bars may facilitate holding a roll and limit undesired unwinding of the roll by at least a degree of frictional engagement or frictional contact. It will also be understood that, in some embodiments, these same structures may facilitate rotation of the roll to permit desired unwinding of the roll. Similarly, devices provided alongside the roll, such as an edge, may include a serrated surface (not shown) to permit separating the roll into separate sheets.
The embodiments shown and/or described herein desirably provide a dispenser which is a single unit, which has only or two movable elements. Further, the embodiment shown and/or described herein desirably provide a dispenser which can be easily carried in one hand by a user, and easily and releasably coupled to any number of objects.
It will be appreciated that any dispenser shown and/or described herein may use any structure, element, feature and/or characteristic shown and/or described herein. All structures, elements, features and/or characteristics, alone or in any combination, are deemed within the scope of the invention.
While the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments it is to be understood that the subject matter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for the subject matter of the invention to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A dispenser, comprising:

a base including

a central portion having an edge, the base including a first arm positioned at one end of the base and a second arm positioned at an opposite end of the base, each first and second arm extending a distance from the base and carrying a boss, each boss positioned in a spaced-apart and confronting relationship, at least one of the first and second arms configured to move; and

an open connecting end having an apex, the open connecting end positioned opposite the first arm at one end of the base, the open connecting end configured to permit the dispenser to be releasably coupled to an object,

wherein when at least the one arm is moved, a roll of sheets is positioned between the first and second arm and the boss on each first and second arm is positioned against at least a portion of a flat face of a roll, the edge of the central portion positioned adjacent a cylindrical body of the roll to permit a roll to rotate to allow sheets to be withdrawn but to prevent sheets from unwinding from a rolled position, and

wherein an axis extends through the apex of the open connecting end and through each boss.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the central area includes an opening formed therein having a perimeter, the opening sized to permit a user's hand to extend at least partially therethrough thereby providing a handle for carrying the dispenser.

3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the opening in the handle is parallel to the axis.

4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the edge of the central area is parallel to the axis.

5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein at least one arm is constructed from a resilient material.

6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the at least one arm is configured to bend to permit a roll to be mounted in the dispenser.

7. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the resilient material comprises plastic.

8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is constructed of wood, metal, plastic, rubber, fiber, and any combination thereof.

9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a width of the dispenser is within a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.75 inch.

10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein a width of the dispenser is within a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch.

11. A dispenser, comprising:

a base including

an open connecting end positioned at one end of the base, the open connecting end having an apex, the open connecting end configured to permit the dispenser to be releasably coupled to an object;

a pair of legs connected to a portion of the open connecting end, the legs extending a distance from the open connecting end and including a free end, at least one leg configured to be movable; and

a pair of feet, each foot positioned at a free end of each leg, the feet positioned in a spaced apart and opposing relationship,

wherein when at least one leg is moved, the position of the legs permit them to be moved into and through an opening in a roll of sheets, the at least one movable leg moving to its previous position after emerging from an opening such that a portion of a flat face of a roll is positioned over a portion of each foot and held in a dispensing position.

12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein a holding bar is carried by the opening connecting end, the holding bar configured to be positioned adjacent a flat face of a roll.

13. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the legs are joined together near the bar.

14. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein an axis extends through the apex of the open connecting end and between the legs, the legs configured to be generally equally spaced from the axis.

15. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein at least one leg is constructed from a resilient material.

16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the at least one leg is configured to bend to permit a roll to be mounted in the dispenser.

17. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the resilient material comprises plastic.

18. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the dispenser is constructed from wood, metal, plastic, rubber, fiber, and any combination thereof.

19. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein a width of the dispenser is within a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.75 inch.

20. The dispenser of claim 19, wherein a width of the dispenser is within a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch.

21. A dispenser, comprising:

a base including

an open connecting end, the open connecting end positioned at one end of the base, the open connecting end configured to permit the dispenser to be releasably coupled to an object;

an elongated bar connected to one end of the open connecting end and extending downward a distance therefrom to a free end; and

a foot carried by the bar at the free end thereof, at least a portion of the foot configured to be movable;

wherein when at least a portion of the foot is moved, the foot and bar are positioned to pass into and through an opening in a roll of sheets, the foot configured to move to its previous position after emerging from an opening in a roll, at least a portion of the foot positioned adjacent a portion of a flat face of a roll to hold it in a dispensing position.

22. The dispenser of claim 21, wherein the elongated bar includes a controlling arm.

23. The dispenser of claim 22, wherein the controlling arm controls unwinding of a roll.

24. The dispenser of claim 21, wherein the foot is constructed from a resilient material.

25. The dispenser of claim 24, wherein the foot is configured to bend to permit a roll to be mounted in the dispenser.

26. The dispenser of claim 24, wherein the resilient material comprises plastic.

27. The dispenser of claim 21, wherein the dispenser is constructed from wood, metal, plastic, rubber, fiber, and any combination thereof.

28. The dispenser of claim 21, wherein a width of the dispenser is within a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.75 inch.

29. The dispenser of claim 28, wherein a width of the dispenser is within a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch.