Abstract:
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for dispensing toilet roll and disposing used paper, the apparatus including an open end element and a closed end element, wherein the open end element and the closed end element are introduced to a first end and a second end of a paper roll core, respectively, thereby forming the apparatus.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to toilet paper rolls and more specifically to methods and apparatus for disposal of used toilet paper. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    There are many toilet paper roll dispensers, known in the art. However, normally after use, the used toilet paper is either flushed away or thrown into a waste-paper basket or bin. KR20120086638A describes a semi-permanent toilet roll core is provided to reduce the waste of resources and to contribute to natural environment conservation. A semi-permanent toilet roll core comprises a supporting board, a support, a control handle, a support handle, and a fixing groove. The support is connected to the supporting board. The support handle is attached to the inner wall of the supporting board. The fixing groove is able to fix the control handle. The control handle is able to be folded and is inserted into the fixing groove of the supporting board. 
         [0003]    CN201236079Y discloses a reel toilet paper cylinder core which comprises a cylinder body, and has the main points of the technical proposal that the cylinder body if formed by two semi cylinder bodies, the outer ends of the semi cylinder bodies are respectively provided with an end plug. The utility model aims to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, and provides the reel toilet paper cylinder core which automatically detaches off without needing to be changed by hands after handkerchiefs are used up. When the reel toilet paper cylinder core is divided into two sections, and the cylinder core is wrapped by toilet papers to use, the utility model causes a toilet paper cylinder to be installed in the toilet paper cylinder with both ends provided with sliding grooves, the reel toilet paper cylinder core automatically detaches off after the toilet papers are used up, and prepared toilet papers can automatically slide down to the using position without needing to be changed by hands, therefore, the utility model has simple structure and low manufacture cost, and is convenient to use. 
         [0004]    There thus remains a need for a hygienic toilet paper disposal apparatus. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is an object of some aspects of the present invention to provide a combined toilet paper roll dispenser and disposal receptacle. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments of the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for disposing of used toilet paper. 
         [0007]    There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for dispensing a material roll and receiving used material, the apparatus including;
       a) an open end element; and   b) a closed end element,       
 
         [0010]    wherein the open end element and the closed end element are introduced to a first end and a second end of a material roll core, respectively, thereby forming the apparatus. 
         [0011]    Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the material roll is a paper roll. 
         [0012]    Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the paper roll is a toilet paper roll. 
         [0013]    Alternatively, according to an embodiment of the present invention the paper roll is a kitchen paper roll. 
         [0014]    Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the material roll includes pieces of a material selected from the group consisting of a fine tissue paper, toilet paper, kitchen towel, hygienic wipes, cleansing wipes, fabric cloths, soft tissue with a fragrance. 
         [0015]    Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the material roll is dry. 
         [0016]    Alternatively, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the material roll is wet or damp. 
         [0017]    Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the open end element includes
       a. an end cap including a plurality of flexible tabs forming an inner opening; and   b. an annular hollow section.       
 
         [0020]    Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the annular hollow section includes at least one strengthening vane. 
         [0021]    Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the closed end element includes
       a. an end cap cover; and   b. an annular hollow section.       
 
         [0024]    Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the annular hollow section includes at least one strengthening vane. 
         [0025]    Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes at least one of an organic polymer, a cellulose-based material, a metallic material and combinations thereof. 
         [0026]    Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention the apparatus is biodegradable. 
         [0027]    Preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is disposable. 
         [0028]    Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is re-usable. 
         [0029]    There is thus provided according to another embodiment of the present invention, a kit for dispensing a material roll and receiving used material, the kit including
       a. an apparatus as described herein; and   b. a material roll.       
 
         [0032]    Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the kit includes material roll having pieces of a material selected from the group consisting of a fine tissue paper, toilet paper, kitchen towel, hygienic wipes, cleansing wipes, fabric cloths, soft tissue with a fragrance. 
         [0033]    Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention the pieces of the material are joined by perforations. 
         [0034]    Alternatively or additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention the pieces of the material are disposed in close contact without being joined. 
         [0035]    There is thus provided according to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming an apparatus for dispensing a paper roll and receiving used paper, the method including introducing an open end element to a first end of the paper roll and a closed end element to a second end of the paper roll thereby forming the apparatus. 
         [0036]    There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for dispensing a paper roll and receiving used paper, the apparatus including; 
         [0037]    a) an open end element; and 
         [0038]    b) a closed end element, 
         [0039]    wherein the open end element and the closed end element are introduced to a first end and a second end of a paper roll core, respectively, thereby forming the apparatus. 
         [0040]    Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the paper roll is a toilet roll. 
         [0041]    Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the paper roll is a kitchen paper roll. 
         [0042]    Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the open end element includes
       a) an end cap including a plurality of flexible tabs forming an inner opening; and   b) an annular hollow section.       
 
         [0045]    Yet further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the annular hollow section includes at least one strengthening vane. 
         [0046]    Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the closed end element includes
       a) an end cap cover; and   b) an annular hollow section.       
 
         [0049]    Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the annular hollow section includes at least one strengthening vane. 
         [0050]    Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes at least one of an organic polymer, a cellulose-based material, a metallic material and combinations thereof. 
         [0051]    Preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is biodegradable. 
         [0052]    Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is disposable. 
         [0053]    Additionally or alternatively, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is re-usable. 
         [0054]    There is thus provided according to an additional embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming an apparatus for dispensing a paper roll and receiving used paper, the method including introducing an open end element to a first end of the paper roll and a closed end element to a second end of the paper roll thereby forming the apparatus. 
         [0055]    The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0056]    The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood. 
           [0057]    With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the drawings: 
           [0058]      FIG. 1A  is a simplified image showing an apparatus for forming a toilet paper roll receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 1B  is a simplified schematic expanded illustration showing an apparatus for forming a toilet paper roll receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 2  is a simplified schematic illustration of an open end element of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 3  is a simplified image of an apparatus of a toilet paper roll receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 4  is a simplified schematic illustration of a closed end element of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 5  is another simplified schematic illustration of an open end element of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0064]      FIG. 6  is a simplified pictorial illustration showing a kit for paper dispensing and disposal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0065]      FIG. 7  is a side view of an apparatus toilet paper roll receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0066]    In all the figures similar reference numerals identify similar parts. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0067]    In the detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these are specific embodiments and that the present invention may be practiced also in different ways that embody the characterizing features of the invention as described and claimed herein. 
         [0068]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 1A , which is a simplified image showing an apparatus  100  for forming a paper roll receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus  100  comprises an open end element  101  and a closed end element  103 . The open end element  101  and closed end element  103  are introduced to two opposing ends  162 ,  164  of a toilet roll  160 , ( FIG. 1B ) respectively. 
         [0069]    Though the open end element  101  and closed end element  103  are shown as being of a circular cross section, they may be made in any other suitable geometric shape, such as, but not limited to, a square, rectangle, oval, polygon or other shape. The drawings are not meant to be limiting. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus may comprise two open end elements  101 , for example. 
         [0070]    Additionally, the apparatus may comprise a paper or plastic bin liner (not shown), as is known in the art, suitable for attaching under one open end element and lining the toilet roll core. 
         [0071]    Open end element  101  comprises a number of flexible tabs  104 , which may be pressed down. Open end element  101  comprises an annular hollow section  102  forming hollow  112  (not seen), and an end cap  105 . The flexible tabs  104  form an inner opening  106  disposed centrally for introduction of waste matter. 
         [0072]    Closed end element  103  comprises an annular hollow section  110  forming hollow  114  (not seen), and an end cap cover  108 . 
         [0073]    Elements  101 ,  103  may be made of any suitable material, such as an organic polymer, a cellulose-based material, a metallic material and combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, the organic polymer is a plastic material. In some cases, the material may be used in 3D-printing, molding, casting, blow-molding or any other suitable product method or combinations thereof. The elements may be of made in a colored material and may further comprises stickers or labels with a price, trademark, emblem and/or other additional writing (not shown). 
         [0074]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 1B , which is a simplified schematic expanded illustration showing an apparatus  150 , which is a toilet paper roll receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0075]    Apparatus  150  comprises an open end element  101 , a closed end element  103  and a toilet roll core  160 . Typically, toilet roll core is made out of cardboard or a similar material, but may also be of any other suitable material. For the sake of simplicity the toilet role core is shown without a toilet paper roll  155  and perforated pieces  156 , shown in full. The perforated pieces may be a fine tissue paper, toilet paper, kitchen towel, hygienic wipes, cleansing wipes, fabric cloths, soft tissue with a fragrance, or any other suitable tearable material, known in the art. 
         [0076]    A user may introduce a soiled piece of toilet paper  153 , comprising body waste  154  (such as snot) via opening  106  into a hollow  161  of the core. When the apparatus is fully assembled by inserting elements  101 ,  103  firmly into the core, many small items (not shown) and pieces of used/soiled paper  153  may be hygienically stored in the apparatus. 
         [0077]    According to some embodiments, the apparatus is biodegradable, such as being constructed from a cellulose-based material such as paper or cardboard. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus may be made from a biodegradable plastic material, as is known in the art. 
         [0078]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 2 , which is a simplified schematic illustration of an open end element  200  of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0079]    Open end element  200  comprises a plurality of tabs  204 , forming an inner opening  206 . The tabs are approximately perpendicular to a cylindrical annular section  202 . Section  202  may comprises one or more vanes or vertical outer elements  214  for strengthening the section. The section may, according to some embodiments be at a slight incline angle to the cap section such as being ½-1 degree less than 90 degrees, to enable easy entry to the toilet paper core. 
         [0080]    Additionally or alternatively the open end element  101  and closed end element  103  and toilet paper core may be formed in one piece or in two pieces. The apparatus of the present invention may be of different shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of rolls of paper/wipes/tissues/cloths. The examples shown in the drawings should not be deemed limiting. 
         [0081]    Moreover, the apparatus may be designed to accommodate 1-100% of the paper on the roll, preferably 20-80% of the paper on the roll, alternatively 30-70% of the paper on the roll, or further alternatively 40-60% of the paper on the roll. Thus, for a standard toilet paper roll comprising 150 perforated sheets, the apparatus (such as apparatus  150 ,  FIG. 1B ) may be constructed and configured to hold 1-150 perforated sheets, 30-125 perforated sheets, alternatively 45-95 perforated sheets, or further alternatively 60-90 perforated sheets, whether used, soiled or unused. 
         [0082]    According to some embodiments, the apparatus may be used a toilet roll/paper roll stand and it may be designed to stand vertically on either of the open end element  101  or the closed end element  103 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 3  shows a simplified image of a toilet paper roll receptacle  300  on a toilet paper roll  301 , showing an open end element  302 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0084]      FIG. 4  is shows a simplified image of a toilet paper roll receptacle  400  on a toilet paper roll  401 , showing a closed end element  403 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0085]    The open end element  101  and closed end element  103  of the present invention may be made in a decorative form, such as being a head and tail end of an animal, each element having two legs (not shown), according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0086]      FIG. 5  is another simplified schematic illustration of an open end element  500  of apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Open end element  500  comprises a plurality of tabs  504 , forming an inner opening  506 . Open end element  500  further comprises an outer ledge  508 . The tabs are approximately perpendicular to a cylindrical annular section  502 . Section  502  may comprises one or more vanes or vertical outer elements  510  for strengthening the section. The section may, according to some embodiments be at a slight incline angle to the cap section such as being ½-1 degree less than 90 degrees, to enable easy entry to the toilet paper core. 
         [0087]      FIG. 6  is a simplified pictorial illustration showing a kit  600  for paper dispensing and disposal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The kit typically comprises a toilet paper roll (or other disposal wipe/tissue), one or more open end elements  500  and one or more closed end elements. 
         [0088]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a toilet paper roll apparatus  700 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus  700  comprises a cardboard core  160  and pieces of disposable material  702  which are closely packed to enable retrieval of individual pieces without needing to tear/perforate a perforation (per standard toilet rolls). 
         [0089]    The disposable material may be selected from the group consisting of a fine tissue paper, toilet paper, kitchen towel, hygienic wipes, cleansing wipes, fabric cloths, soft tissue with a fragrance, or any other suitable disposable material, known in the art. 
         [0090]    It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the description contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes can be applied to the embodiments of the invention as hereinbefore described without departing from its scope, defined in and by the appended claims.