US3237827A - Flexible web dispenser - Google Patents

Description

March 1966 J. Dl DOMENICO ETAL 3,237,827

FLEXIBLE WEB DISPENSER Filed Oct. 12, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 fizz/anions: rfosgvh fliflamerzico, Bank MeZZz'on, J M Y W Att,

United States Patent 3,237,827 FLEXIBLE WEB DISPENSER Joseph Di Domenico and Frank Mellion, Providence,

R.I., assignors to Jo-Dee Corp., Warwick, R.I., a corporation of Rhode Island Filed Oct. 12, 1964, Ser. No. 403,169 9 Claims. (Cl. 22542) The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a flexible web. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flexible web dispenser that includes an enclosed container in which a roll on which the web is wound is located, the container being received in mounting brackets in the dispensing position thereof, but being readily removable from the mounting brackets for replacement or insertion of a roll therein as required.

The present invention has particular application in the dispensing of a flexible web in predetermined sheets and is contemplated for use in the home or wherever dispensing of Web materials such as waxed paper, aluminum foil, plastic Wrapping, or the like is required. The dispensing device of the present invention includes a container that is defined by a pair of complementary sections that are hingedly joined along a longitudinal edge thereof. The edges of the sections opposite to the hinged edges thereof define a slot through which the web of material extends for the dispensing thereof. In order to mount the container in position, a pair of mounting brackets are provided, each of which is formed with a non-circular opening therein. The container sections are formed with extensions on the end walls thereof, the adjacent extensions formed on each section end wall cooperating to define non-circular projections that are received within the non-circular openings in the brackets. Since a part of each projection is joined to the end wall of a section, the container is mounted between the brackets in closed position wherein the sections thereof are located in interlocked relation.

The web dispenser of the present invention further includes an outwardly extending shelf on which a serrated edge is formed, the serrated edge defining a cutting edge for severing the web in sheets of predetermined lengths as it is dispensed from the container. In order to properly position the web for the severing thereof, a guide strip is joined to the shelf adjacent to the dispensing slot and guides the web from the slot over the serrated edge. The guide strip thus cooperates with the serrated edge to enable the person removing the web from the dispensing device to easily sever the web to the required length.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for dispensing a flexible web that includes an enclosed container that is mounted in position between spaced brackets, the brackets cooperating to mount the container in a closed position for retaining the web in rolled form therein.

Still another object is to provide a web dispenser that includes a pair of complementary sections that are hingedly connected together to define a container for a roll on which the web is wound.

Still another object is to provide a web dispenser that includes a container defined by complementary sections, the sections being formed with extensions that cooperate to define non-circular projections that interfit in non-circular openings formed in mounting brackets.

Still another object is to provide a dispensing device for a flexible web that includes means for severing the web as it is dispensed from the container therefor, and that further includes means for positioning the web during the severing operation.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings. 7

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the dispensing device embodied in the present invention showing one position of the use thereof;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the web dispensing device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side eelvational view of the dispensing device;

FIG. 4 is a sectional View taken along lines 44 in FIG. 2, one of the sections of the container of the device being shown in dotted lines in the open position thereof; and

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines S5 but showing only a fragment of the container illustrated.

Referring now to the drawings, the dispensing device embodied in the present invention is illustrated and is generally indicated at 10. As will be described, the dispensing device is shown mounted in a particular position for use; however it will be understood that the dispensing device may be mounted in various ways, the position of mounting depending upon the manner of use thereof. It is further contemplated that the materials from which the dispensing device 10 is fabricated may be of a transparent plastic or of a plastic material provided with a suitable pigment that adds ornamentation to the device. As illustrated in the drawings, the materials are indicated as being of a plastic material, although the transparency thereof is not so indicated.

For purposes of the description of the invention as illustrated in the drawing, the dispensing device10 is mounted on a mounting plate 12 that is disposed in a generally vertical position. The mounting plate 12 is provided with spaced slots that are located at the lowermost ends thereof and adjacent the side edges thereof, the spaced slots interfitting with similar slots formed in spaced apart feet 14. The feet 14 thus cooperate with the vertical mounting plate 12 to locate the dispensing device 10 in a position of use as will now be described.

Fixed to the mounting plate 12 are a pair of spaced brackets 16 each of which is formed with an inturned flange 18. The flanges 18 abut the adjacent surface of the mounting plate 12 and are secured thereto by suitable bolts or the like. Formed in each of mounting brackets 16 is an opening 20 that is non-circular in configuration, this configuration being square as illustrated, although it is understood that other non-circular shapes may be utilized. Mounted in the brackets 16 and located therebetween is a holder or container generally indicated at 22 that is adapted to contain therein a roll of flexible web material. As seen in FIG. 4, the container 22 is defined by complementary sections 24 and 26 that in interfitted relation define a closed cylinder of hexagonal configura tion when viewed in cross section. The sections 24 and 26 are substantially identically formed, each including three equal sides and cooperating with the other section to form the hexagonal shaped cylinder. Since the sections 24 and 26 must necessarily be movable to an open position for the depositing or replacing of a roll of web material therein, the longitudinal edge thereof located adjacent to the mounting plate 12 are joined to a plurality of hinges indicated at 28. By providing the hinge axis of the container in the manner as illustrated, the section 24 may be pivotally moved to the position as illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. 4 for replacing a roll of web material therein, such roll being indicated at in FIG. 4. It is understood, of course, that the hinge members 28 are only illustrative of hinge means that may be attached to the sections 24 and 26; other types of hinge members being capable of use with the container without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

It is noted that the configuration of the container 22 as defined by the complementary sections 24 and 26 is such as to receive the roll 30 therein with suflicient room to provide for rotation of the roll during the dispensing of the web material therefrom. It has been found that the hexagon-a1 configuration of the container 22, as illustrated, is the most practical configuration since suflicient surface area is provided against which the roll 30 engages as it rotates during the dispensing of the web therefrom. In order to remove the web material from the container 22, the adjacent edges of the sections 24 and 26 that are opposite to the hinge axis are formed with cut out portions 32 and 34, as seen in FIG. 2, to define a dispensing slot 36. As will be further described hereinafter, additional means are provided for guiding the web outwardly of the container 22 for the severing of the web during the dispensing operation.

When the container 22 is located in the dispensing position thereof, the sections 24 and 26 must necessarily be closed and locked together. For this purpose, the container is provided with end projections that have a configuration generally corresponding to the configuration of the openings 20 formed in the mounting brackets 16. Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, both ends of the container sections 24 and 26 are shown including end walls 38 and 40 respectively. Joined to the end walls 38 of the section 24 are extensions 42 while similar extensions 44 are joined to the end walls 40 of the section 26. The extensions 42 and 44 are located at the abutting edges of the end walls 38 and 40. Thus, when the sections 24 and 26 are disposed in the closed position thereof, the extensions 42 and 44 are located in abutting relation and define projections that extend outwardly of the end walls of the container. These projections as defined by extensions 42 and 44, as previously described, have a configuration that corresponds to the configuration of the openings 20 formed in the mounting brackets 16. Hence, the container 22 may be easily mounted in position between the brackets 16 by inserting the projections formed by the extensions 42 and 44 into the openings 20. The brackets 16 are spaced apart such that they will be disposed in close fitting relation with respect to the end walls of the container 22 when the container 22 is mounted therebetween. Therefore, one or both of the brackets 16 may be sprung outwardly to enable the container 22 to be interfitted between the brackets, the brackets then being released for snapping to the locked posit-ion thereof, wherein the projections interfit in the openings 20. Referring to FIG. 1, the technique of the mounting of the container 22 is illustrated by the location of the brackets 16 in dotted lines. Thus as described, when the container 22 is to be mounted between the brackets 16, the brackets are sprung outwardly to receive the container 22 therebetween. It is understood that once the container 22 is located in the mounted position thereof and the projections defined by the extensions 42 and 44 are disposed in the openings 20, the sections 24 and 26 will be located in locked position, thereby securing the roll 30 within the container 22. Relative movement of the container 22 with respect to the brackets 16 is also prevented because of the inter-fitting of the non-circular projections into the similarly formed non-circular openings 20.

In order to properly dispense the web material wound on the roll 30, a shelf 46 is provided and extends outwardly of the section 26 and adjacent to the slot 36. The shelf 46 extends substantially the length of the container 22 and is supported in position by a plurality of triangular web sections 48 that are also joined to the section 26. Formed on the outermost edge of the shelf 46 are a plurality of serartions 50 that define a cutting edge for severing the web when a shearing force is applied thereto. As further shown in FIG, 4, a guide strip 52 i j ined to the shelf 46 and extends in perpendicu ar relation with respect thereto so as to guide the web toward the serrated edge 50 at the proper angle for serrating the web. It is seen that the web may be dispensed from the container 22 by exerting a pulling action thereon so as to obtain the required length of material needed. The web may then be forced over the serrated edge 50 and a shearing force applied thereto to cut the web as required. When it is necessary to replace the roll 30 after the complete dispensing of the web material therefrom, the container 22 is removed from the mounted position thereof by springing the brackets 16 outwardly so as to release the projections from the openings 20 therein. The sections 24 and 26 may then be parted or hingedly moved to an open position to expose the roll 30 for the removal thereof from the container.

It is understood that the mounting plate 12 may be eliminated if so desired and the mounting brackets 16 secured to the underside of a horizontal plate such as the bottom shelf of a kitchen cabinet. This positioning of the brackets 16 would place the dispensing device such that the shelf 46 would extend in a vertical direction. However, the web would still be removed from the container through the slot 36 in the manner as just described, and severed on the serrations 50 of the shelf 46 as required.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept, and that the same is not limited to the particular form-s herein shown and described, except, insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device for dispensing a flexible web, a base, a pair of mounting brackets joined to said base in spaced apart relation thereon, said brackets having non-circular openings formed therein, and a container secured between said brackets for retaining a roll of the flexible web to be dispensed, said container including a pair of complementary sections that are hingedly connected together to define an enclosed chamber therebetween in which said roll is received, the edges of said sections opposite to the hinge axis thereof being separated to define a slot through which the web extends for the dispensing thereof, the end walls of each of said sections having extensions formed thereon that cooperate to define non-circular projections having a configuration similar to said noncircular openings, said projections extending into said non-circular openings for securing said sections together and for mounting said container on said brackets in nonrotating relation.

2. In a device for dispensing a flexible web, a container for a roll on which the web is wound, said container including a pair of elongated sections that are hingedly joined together along an adjoining elongated edge thereof, and that cooperate to define an enclosure for said roll, the edges of said sections that are opposite to the hinge axis thereof being separated to define a slot through which the web extends for the dispensing thereof, said sections being formed with abutting end walls to which extensions are joined, the extensions at each end of said container cooperating to define a non-circular projection, and brackets for mounting said container in a dispensing position, each of said brackets having a non-circular opening formed therein into which a projection extends for mounting said container on said brackets and for locking said sections in the closed position thereof.

3. In a device for dispensing a flexible web from a roll, a housing for receiving said roll therein, said housing being defined by complementary sections that are hinged along longitudinal edges thereof and that are located in edge-to-edge abutting relation, said sections including end walls to which extensions are joined, the extensions cooperating to define non-circular projections, and braclc,

ets between which said housing is mounted, said brackets having non-circular openings formed therein through which the non-circular projections extend for mounting said housing in position and for locking the sections of the housing together in the closed position thereof.

4. In a device for dispensing a flexible web from a roll, an elongated, enclosed container for receiving said roll therein, said container including a pair of complementary sections that are hingedly connected along one longitudinal edge and that define a slot on the other longitudinal edge opposed to the hinged edge and through which said web extends, said sections including end walls to which extensions are joined that define mounting elements for said container, and mounting brackets between which said container is mounted and including means for receiving said mounting elements therein, wherein said container is mounted in fixed closed position with the sections thereof being disposed in interlocked relation.

5. In a device as set forth in claim 4, the extension on the end wall of each section cooperating with an adjacent extension to define a non-circular projection therewith, each of said brackets having a non-circular opening formed therein that receives a projection therein, wherein said sections are located in interlocked relation in said brackets.

6. In a device as set forth in claim 5, a shelf joined to one of said sections adjacent to said slot and extending substantially the length of said container, the outermost edge of said shelf being serrated to define a cutting edge for severing the web in predetermined lengths as it is dispensed from said container.

7. In a device as set forth in claim 6, a guide strip joined to said shelf and extending in perpendicular relation with respect thereto, said guide strip being located adjacent to said slot for guiding the web as it is removed from the container to the serrated edge of said shelf, wherein the web is properly positioned for severing by said serrated edge when a shearing force is applied thereto.

8. In a device for dispensing a flexible Web from a roll, an elongated container for receiving said roll therein, said container including a pair of complementary sections that interengage to define an enclosure for said roll, a slot being formed in said container through which said Web extends for the dispensing thereof, said sections including end walls to which extensions are joined that define mounting elements for said container, and mounting brackets between which said container is mounted and including means for receiving said mounting elements therein, said receiving means being defined by noncircular openings that have a configuration similar to the cross-sectional configuration of said mounting elements, wherein said container is mounted in fixed closed position, the sections thereof being disposed in interlocked relation.

9. In a device as set forth in claim 8, a shelf joined to one of said sections adjacent to said slot and extending substantially the length of said container, the outermost edge of said shelf being serrated to define a cutting edge, and a guide strip joined to said shelf and being located adjacent to said slot for guiding the web as it is removed from the container to the serrated edge of said shelf, wherein the web is properly positioned for severing by said serrated edge into predetermined lengths when a shearing force is applied thereto.

No references cited.

WILLIAM W. DYER, 1a., Primary Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. IN A DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A FLEXIBLE WEB, A BASE, A PAIR OF MOUNTING BRACKETS JOINED TO SAID BASE IN SPACED APART RELATION THEREON, SAID BRACKETS HAVING NON-CIRCULAR OPENINGS FORMED THEREIN, AND A CONTAINER SECURED BETWEEN SAID BRACKETS FOR RETAINING A ROLL OF THE FLEXIBLE WEB TO BE DISPENSED, SAID CONTAINER INCLUDING A PAIR OF COMPLEMENTARY SECTIONS THAT ARE HINGEDLY CONNECTED TOGETHER TO DEFINE AN ENCLOSED CHAMBER THEREBETWEEN IN WHICH SAID ROLL IS RECEIVED, THE EDGES OF SAID SECTIONS OPPOSITE TO THE HINGE AXIS THEREROF BEING SEPARATED TO DEFINE A SLOT THROUGH

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