IL95191A

IL95191A - Thread storage and dispensing system

Info

Publication number: IL95191A
Application number: IL9519190A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Shimon Ran
Priority date: 1990-07-25
Filing date: 1990-07-25
Publication date: 1994-08-26
Also published as: IL95191A0

Description

o» nn nvjvnm "porw!? JiDiya THREAD STORAGE AND DISPENSING SYSTEM 95191/4 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a modular holder/dispenser for spools of thread, particularly for dental floss.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various holders of spools of thread, particularly of dental floss, are known. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,141,519 discloses a holder in which the thread or floss is wound on a bobbin having a hollow cylindrical hub area. The holder comprises a clutch for controlling bobbin rotation in the form of a split post having an enlarged cross section near the center thereof. The split post fits into the hollow cylindrical hub area of the bobbin, by slightly squeezing the post, to provide friction between the central post and the cylindrical hub. The friction keeps the bobbin from unwinding, but is not so great as to prevent smooth and even pulling out of the thread from the bobbin. U.S. Patent No. 4,050,648 also discloses a thread holding and dispensing device also having an integral central post on which the bobbin is mounted, with means for maintaining a desired friction between the hollow part of the bobbin and the post, to prevent undesired random unwinding of the thread from said bobbin, yet without precluding any substantial opposition upon withdrawal of the thread from the holder.

These known devices are, as stated, intended mainly for thread or floss wound on hollow bobbins. Modern spools of thread are manufacured by novel spooling techniques, without a bobbin. These modern spools do not have the drawback of undesired random unwinding. In view of the fact that the new spools of thread are bobbin-less, there is no need for a 95191/4 post, or other mounting means within the holder/dispenser. However, the new spools of thread are manufactured with different core sizes, floss types and height/diameter dimensions. There is therefore a need to provides for a modular, practically universal holder, which would be suitable for accomodating and dispensing any spool of thread.

The holder/dispenser according to the present invention is intended to solve the above problem, and also has other advantages, which will be described in detail.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a holder/dispenser for a spool of thread comprising at least one hollow segment, the lowermost of said segments having a closed bottom, at least one of said segments having an opening at a side wall thereof; said segments being releasably mounted on each other, accomodating the spool of thread, the loose end of said thread extending out through said opening; a cover releasably mounted on top of the uppermost of said segments; and thread cutting means mounted on said cover, which cutting means also serve as anchoring means for the loose end of said thread.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1, 1A and IB are perspective views of a three- ,two- and one-segment holders according to the invention, respectively; Figures 2 and 2B are cross-sectional views of a three- and one-segment holders according to 95191/4 the invention having an insert for mounting a bobbin; Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a two- segment holder according to the invention without an insert; Figures 3, 3A and 3B are top views of different spools of thread within their holder; Figures 4A and 4B are exploded views of the holders according to the invention depicted in Figs. 1 and 1A, respectively; Figure 4C shows, in a perspective view, the optional additional cover, which may comprise a mirror; Figures 5 and 5B are perspective views of spools with different core size winding; Figure 5A is a perspective view of a coreless spool of thread.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread comprising at least one hollow segment, the lowermost of said segments having a closed bottom, at least one of said segments having an opening at a side wall thereof; said segments being releasably mounted on each other, accomodating the spool of thread, the loose end of said thread extending out through said opening; a cover releasably mounted on top of the uppermost of said segments; and thread cutting means mounted on said cover, which cutting means also serve as anchoring means for the loose end of said thread. 95191/4 The holder/dispenser according to the present invention can be modularly designed for spools of thread of different core sizes and of different configurations, i.e., different height/diameter ratio.

The term thread as used herein designates any suitable thread, string, twine, rope or the like. Preferably, the holder of the present invention is intended for storing and dispensing dental floss spools of dental floss carry a very large amount of floss relative to the volume of the holders thereof.

Characteristically, holders of the type of the invention provide for the removal of any selected length of thread, and comprises cutting means for cutting the thread. Typical cutting means also comprises means for anchoring the loose end of the thread, until next use.

It is desirable for holders of the kind of the invention to be as small as possible, while still capable of accomodating a large amount of floss, so that they can be comfortably carried in the pocket or purse of the user, with minimal inconvenience. The holder can be attractively designed in shape and size, and easy to use. It is also desirable for the holder to have the lowest possible center of gravity, for stability in storage or display on shelves. In addition, the holder should preferably be of light weight and as compact as possible a design, to save transporting and storaging expenses. 95191/4 It is further desirable that the holder can be used with spools of thread having cores, particularly flangeless cores, as well as with coreless spools of thread. Such spools of thread, and particularly of dental floss are available on the market.

It is also desirable for the cover to snap off easily, in order to change spent spool or fix any random unwinding of the thread.

The holder of the invention may optionally have an insert at the bottom thereof, on which the spool of thread is mounted. The invention provides for inserts of different diameters or cross-section dimensions, to fit spools of thread with different core sizes. The different inserts can be interchanged, according to the spool to be used.

Random unwinding and friction problems can be avoided by precise spool and holder tolerances.

The present invention is intended to solve the above problems and relates to a holder/dispenser for a spool of thread comprising at least one hollow segment, the lowermost of said segments having a closed bottom, at least one of said segments having an opening at a side wall thereof; said segments being releasably mounted on each other, accomodating the spool of thread, the loose end of said thread extending out through said opening; a cover releasably mounted on top of the uppermost of said segments; and thread cutting means mounted on said cover, which cutting means 95191/4 also serve as anchoring means for the loose end of said thread.

The said segments and cover, are preferably made from suitable plastics material. The outer faces of the cover and, if desired, the bottom, may be of colours different from the colour of the whole holder, for coding purposes, i.e., different threads may be sold in holders with different coding colours, or other indications.

The segments are preferably essentially round, but other configuration, such as polygonal, are also possible.

The cover preferably has an extending circumferential upper edge, for easy handling.

The said cutting means may be any suitable cutting means, preferably also providing for anchoring the loose end of the thread. The cutting means are preferably so designed and mounted so that they are lower than or flush with said upper edge of the cover, so that they do protrude above the upper edge of the cover. This provides for safety in use and enables stable stacking of holders one on top of the other. The cutting means may be made from any suitable material. Preferably the cutting means are made from metal , for example stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, bronze or any other suitable metals. The1 cutting means can be permanently affixed to the cover by mechanical means, welding, riveting and like techniques, or can be releasably affixed to the cover by suitable adhesive means. The cutting means may be of different colours, each colour specifically 95191/¾ allotted to code for a particular type or particular size of floss. Both dealers and customers can thus easily identify the product.

The cover preferably has the same cross-section as the holder segments, but may have a different cross-section. For example, an essentially round holder can be equipped with a poylgonal cover, etc.

The said segments are mounted one on top of the other, with the lowermost segment having a closed bottom. The segments can be affixed to each other by any suitable connecting means, for example male and female members integrally provided therein. When fastened together, the segments resist separation. Alternatively, or additionally, the segments may be welded sonically.

By changing the numbers of the segments, and optionally the sizes of the inserts, any spool of thread with flangeless core can be accomodated within the holder and dispensed therefrom. It is also possible to use the holder with coreless spools of thread.

It may be explained that the term modular as used herein refers to manufacture, rather than use. The possibility of producing holders of different sizes from standard units, as well as fitting them with inserts for mounting spools of thread with hollow cores if desired, facilitates the production and also makes it cheaper. 95191/4 The thread article may be any filament yarn such as cotton, silk and wool, as well as synthetic yarns such as polyester, R nylon, Rayon , Dacron , acetate polymers and the like.

With spools of thread having a core, the core may be made from anu suitable material, such as plastic, metal or cardboard.

The thread holder/dispenser according to the invention may optionally have an additional top cover, fixedly or releas-. ably attached to said cover. This additional top cover would protect the said cover, cutting means and loose end of the thread from collecting dirt, dust, etc. The additional top cover may have a mirror mounted on the inner side thereof, for convenience of the user.

As may be seen in Fig. IB, the thread holder/dispenser according to the invention comprises at least one hollow segment (28), but may comprise multiple segments, e.g., as in Fig. 1A, two segments (27,28) or as in Fig. 1, three segments (2,27,28). The lowermost of the segments (28) has a closed bottom ((90) in Figs. 4). At least one of said segments has an opening (95) at a side wall thereof, through which the thread to be dispensed extends. Preferably said opening is at a wall of the lowermost of said segments, but it can also be made in any other of the segments. In the illustrated embodiment the segments are essentially cylindrical, but other shapes, for example, polygonal may also be suitable. 95191/i As may be seen in Figs. 2 and 2B, the lowermost of said segments may optionally comprise an integral or removable insert (91), on which the spool of thread (60) is mounted. The insert may be of an X-shaped or round cross-section. Inserts of different sizes may be fitted into holders of same size. Thus, for example, a small diameter insert is illustrated in Fig. 3, an a larger diameter insert in Fig. 3B, both for holders of equal sizes. This of course facilitates the production of the holders according to the invention and makes it cheaper.

The said segments are mounted one on top of the other and can be permanently or releasably fastened to each other by known fastening means. In the illustrated embodiments the segments are fastened to each other by male and female members (grooves and ridges 75,76,85,86), which are snapped together to form a smooth inner face. In the preferred illustrated embodiments the segments may be optionally further fastened and anchored by an additional male member (25), which fits into grooves (75,76), which additional male member, after being so fitted, prevents rotation of the segments about the central axis of the holder. When fastened together, the segments resist separation. Alternatively, or additionally, the segments may be welded sonically.

The uppermost of said segments is covered with a cover (45). The cover (45) may preferably have an extending circumferential edge (40), which provides for easy and comfortable handling of the holder. The cover (45) comprises, permanently or releasably affixed to the top outer face thereof, cutting means (12). In the illustrated embodiment, cutting 95191/i means (12) are in the form of a flat plate, preferably of metal, having at least one detent (9 or 10), for cutting and anchoring the loose end (T) of the thread.

The holder is suitable for spool of thread, and particularly for dental floss, in which the thread or floss is wound on a hollow core as well as for coreless spools of thread or floss. The spool of thread or floss is accomodated within the mounted and covered segments, and the loose end of the thread or floss extends out of the holder through the. opening (95) in the wall of one of the segments. Floss jamming is prevented by adequate modern spooling techniques. In case the loose end of the thread or floss slips into the holder, it can be easily reached by snapping cover (45) open, to be fixed and re-anchored. Examples of different spools of thread are illustrated in Figs. 5, 5A and 5B. Figs. 5 and 5B show spools of thread with hollow cores. The thred is wound on the core inside outside, with its loose end (T) on the outside. When in use, the bobbin rotates about the insert. Fig. 5A shows a coreless spool of thread, for use with holders without an insert. The thread is wound outside inside, with its loose end (T) at the inside. When in use, the thread is pulled out without actual movement of the spool .

As may be seen in Fig. 4C, the holder/dispenser according to the invention may comprise an additional top cover (47). In the illustrated embodiment the additional top cover (47) is hingedly attached to said cover (45), and comprises a mirror (48) mounted on the inner side thereof. The additional top cover (47) may also be a loose cover, to be removed during use. The additional top cover protects the cover (45), the cutting means (12) and loose end of the thread (T) from collecting dirt, dust, etc. The optional mirror is intended for the convenience of the user.

Claims

1. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread comprising: - at least one hollow segment, the lowermost of said segments having a closed bottom, at least one of said segments having an opening at a side wall thereof; - said segments being releasably or permanently mounted on each other, accomodating the spool of thread, the loose end of said thread extending out through said opening; - a cover releasably mounted on top of the uppermost of said segments; - thread cutting means mounted on said cover, which cutting means also serve as anchoring means for the loose end of said thread.

2. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to claim l, further comprising an insert, which may be releasably or fixedly attached to said lowermost segment, said spool of thread being mounted on said insert.

3. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said opening is at a side wall of said lowermost segment.

4. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said segments are releasably mounted on each other and are fastened one to another by suitable fastening means.

5. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to claim 4, wherein said fastening means are male and female members formed on said segments.

6. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to claim 4 or claim 5, further comprising means for preventing the rotation of said segments about the central longitudinal axis of the holder.

7. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to claim 6, wherein said means for preventing the rotation of said segments is a male member on each of said segments fitting into grooves in an adjacent segment.

8. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said segments are permanently mounted on each other .

9. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to claim 8, wherein said segments are permanently sonically welded one to another.

10. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cover has an extending circumferential upper edge.

11. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cutting means are essentially flat and comprises at least one indent for cutting said thread and anchoring the loose end thereof. 95191/f

12. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein said cutting means are lower than or flush with said upper edge.

13. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cutting means are of · a particular colour or bear other particular indications.

14. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to. any one of the preceding claims, wherein said thread is a filament yarn.

15. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to claim 14, wherein said thread is a yarn of cotton, silk, wool, or a synthetic yarn.

16. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said thread is dental tape or floss.

17. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cutting means are made of metal.

18. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to claim 17, wherein said cutting means are made of stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, bronze or any other suitable metal. 95191/4

19. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said segments are of a circular, rectangular or other polygonal cross- section.

20. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to claim 19, wherein said cross-section is circular.

21. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to any one of the preceding claims, optionally further, comprising an additional top cover.

22. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to claim 21, wherein said additional top cover is a loose cover .

23. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to claim 21, wherein said additional top cover is hingedly attached to said cover of the holder/dispenser.

24. A holder/dispenser for a spool of thread according to any one of claim 21 to 23, wherein said additional top cover has a mirror mounted on the inner side thereof.