Portable absorbent wipe support apparatus

A portable absorbent wipe support apparatus (apparatus) including at least a main body portion with a mounting clip support, a mounting clip in sliding communication with said clip support, and an article retention portion hinged to an article retention catch of the main body portion is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the article retention portion preferably includes a dowel support supporting a hinge dowel, wherein said dowel interacts with the article retention catch to secure the article retention portion to the main body portion. Preferably, the mounting clip alone maintains the main body portion positioned relative to and in contacting adjacency with a mounting surface by steps for installing said apparatus. The steps preferably include; guiding an extension portion of a mounting clip through a mounting clip aperture of said clip support, and sliding a retention portion of said mounting clip into pressing contact with the mounting surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to apparatuses used to support household goods. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a portable absorbent wipe support apparatus, an example of which includes a portable paper towel presentation apparatus for supporting a paper towel roll.

BACKGROUND

Absorbent wipe presentation apparatuses for household goods such as paper towels are typically fixed-in-place to cabinetry or occupy countertop space within a home, business, or recreational vehicle. To make household goods more accessible, people are known to set a roll of paper towels on countertops, toilet tank tops, work benches, or to stand the paper towel roll on end upon shelving just inside a cabinet door.

Generally speaking, it would be desirable for individuals to determine at will a preferred location for absorbent wipe presentation apparatuses, and the ability to alter at will their preferred location of absorbent wipe presentation apparatuses in response to changing desires and needs for placement of absorbent wipe presentation apparatuses by the individual. For example, during times when working at a workbench it may be desirable to place a roll of paper towels conveniently positioned and easily accessible adjacent the work surface, while leaving the top of the workbench free, uncluttered, and fully available for the work project.

Having a roll of paper towels lying on the bench top may result in a number of drawbacks while trying to complete the work project. The roll of paper towels can roll off the bench top and onto the floor, making it quite inconvenient to retrieve a towel when desired. If stood on end, the roll can be inadvertently knocked over, and interfere with the work project. With the roll of paper towels in a free state atop the workbench, it typically takes two free hands to secure a paper towel, and at times it is difficult to come up with that second free hand. As such, challenges remain and a need persists for improvements in devices and methods for conveniently and adaptively positioning and repositioning article support apparatuses for household goods in response to an individual's changing desires and needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention preferably provides a surface mountable portable absorbent wipe support apparatus, which includes at least a main body portion with a mounting clip support, and a mounting clip in sliding communication with the mounting clip support, wherein the mounting clip alone maintains the main body portion positioned and contactingly adjacent a mounting surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the main body portion further includes at least: an end support on each a proximal end and a distal end; a top surface and a bottom surface interposed between the end supports; a stiffening rib interposed between the end supports and projecting from the bottom surface; an article retention retainer adjacent the stiffening rib and projecting from the mounting clip support, the retainer preferably in a form of a ball catch; and an article retention catch extending from said end support.

The preferred embodiment further preferentially includes an article retention portion hinged to the main body portion. The article retention portion preferably includes an external surface and a corresponding internal surface, a periphery stiffening member adjacent the external surface while projecting from the internal surface, and a dowel support projecting from a proximal end of the internal surface, the dowel support supporting a hinge dowel, wherein the hinge dowel interacts with the article retention catch to secure the article retention portion to the main body portion.

In an alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention preferably provides a method of installing the portable absorbent wipe support apparatus by steps that include guiding an extension portion of a mounting clip through a mounting clip aperture of a mounting clip support of a main body portion of said apparatus, and sliding a retention portion of said mounting clip into pressing contact with a mounting surface. With the mounting clip slid into pressing contact with the mounting surface, the alternate preferred embodiment preferably further includes the steps of: pushing said retention portion into full contact with said mounting surface; maintaining the main body portion positioned and contactingly adjacent said mounting surface; and positioning an article retention portion of said apparatus substantially perpendicular to said main body portion in preparation for receipt of an absorbent wipe core.

These and various other features and advantages, which characterize the present invention, will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is important to understand that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction illustrated and the steps described herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It will be further understood that the introduction, numerical sequencing, and use of terms such as first and second in the labeling of elements of the present invention is done for the convenience of disclosure and not for the imposition of limitations on the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate the same parts throughout the several views, surface mountable portable absorbent wipe support apparatus (apparatus)100ofFIG. 1includes a main body portion102, which provides a mounting clip support104, and a first preferred mounting clip106configured for interaction with the mounting clip support104.

The first preferred mounting clip106preferably includes a retention portion108and an extension portion110. A second preferred mounting clip112also includes a retention portion114and an extension portion116. Further discussion of the respective mounting clips,106and112shall be postponed and discussed in greater detail during the discussion ofFIG. 8. The apparatus100further includes a first article retention portion118, and a second article retention portion120, at least one retention spring122, and an article retention catch124.

In a preferred embodiment, each article retention portion118,120includes at least an external surface126and a corresponding internal surface128, and a periphery stiffening member130adjacent the external surface126while projecting from the internal surface128. Preferably each article retention portion118,120further include a dowel support132projecting from a proximal end134of the internal surface128. The dowel support132supports a hinge dowel136, such that the hinge dowel interacts with the article retention catch124to secure the article retention portion118to the main body portion102. In a preferred embodiment, a core support member138projecting from a distal end140of the internal surface128provides support to a core portion of a roll of absorbent wipes when each article retention portion118,120are positioned substantially perpendicular to the main body portion102. Further included in a preferred embodiment of each article retention portion118,120, is at least one stiffening rib142interposed between the dowel support132and the core support member138.

In a preferred embodiment, the retention spring122is a pair of retention springs122, and each retention spring122is secured to, and interposed between, each article retention portion118,120, and the main body portion102. When each article retention portion118,120are positioned substantially perpendicular to the main body portion102, each retention spring122imparts a holding force against a core portion of a roll of absorbent wipes that have been interposed between the article retention portion118and the article retention portion120. In the absence of a roll of absorbent wipes between the article retention portion118and the article retention portion120, each retention spring122retains its corresponding each article retention portion118,120, adjacent the mounting clip support104.

Turning toFIG. 2, shown therein is a roll of absorbent wipes144supported by an absorbent wipe core146. Also shown therein, the main body portion102preferably includes an end support148on each a proximal end150and a distal end152. Interposed between each end support148of a preferred embodiment, is a top surface154and a bottom surface156. Preferably, the main body portion further includes a stiffening rib158interposed between each end support148, and projecting from the bottom surface156, and an article retention retainer160adjacent the stiffening rib158and projecting from each mounting clip support104. Each article retention retainer160preferably interacts with an article retention catch162projecting from corresponding internal surfaces128of each article retention portion118,120. In a preferred embodiment, when each article retention retainer160interacts with its corresponding article retention catch162, each article retention portion118,120is confined adjacent their corresponding mounting clip supports104, and are each maintained in a position substantially parallel to the main body portion102.

FIG. 2further shows that in a preferred embodiment each article retention portion118,120, further includes a core support spring164attached to and projecting from the internal surface128and confined by each core support member138. Each core support spring164is preferably formed from spring stainless steel and attached to their respective article retention portions118and120by swaging spring retention standoffs166provided by each article retention portion118,120. In operation, the roll of absorbent wipes144is positioned between the respective article retention portions118and120. After positioning the roll of absorbent wipes144between the respective article retention portions118and120, a seating force is applied to the roll of absorbent wipes144to move the absorbent wipe core146into supporting contact with each core support member138.

During the movement of the absorbent wipe core146into supporting contact with each core support member138, each core support spring164yields to allow passage of a leading edge of the absorbent wipe core146. For purposes of discussion, the absorbent wipe core146is a hollow core, and once the leading edge of the hollow core of the roll of absorbent wipes144has passed each core support spring164, each core support spring164extends into the hollow core and applies an interference force to the hollow core. The interference force provides tension to the roll of absorbent wipes144, which serves to meter the velocity at which an individual absorbent wipe may be removed from the roll of absorbent wipes144.

Continuing withFIG. 2, the mounting clip support104of a preferred embodiment includes an upper surface168offset from the bottom surface156by a mounting clip aperture170, wherein the mounting clip aperture170accommodates a slip fit tolerance passageway for insertion of the mounting clip106adjacent the bottom surface156of the main body portion102and the upper surface168of the mounting clip support104.

FIG. 3, shows both the first preferred mounting clip106and the second preferred mounting clip112each interacting with the surface mountable portable absorbent wipe support apparatus100. Both the first and second mounting clips106and112are shown for the convenience of disclosure and not as a limitation to the invention. During the discussion ofFIGS. 5-12a plurality of mounting clip configurations will be compared and contrasted. It will be noted that although certain features of each mounting clip may deviate, one from the other, each embodiment of the mounting clip interacts with the mounting clip support104.FIG. 3also shows the interaction between the hinge dowel136, and the article retention catch124, which in the assembled form as shown byFIG. 3, forms a hinge system172.

FIG. 4is provided to enhance an understanding of the relationship between various features of a cabinet, such as174, and the various features of the cabinet174interacting with the present inventive surface mountable portable absorbent wipe support apparatus100. In a preferred embodiment, the cabinet174includes a plurality of mounting surfaces that include: an interior shelf176; an exterior wall178; an interior wall180; and a bottom shelf182. In a preferred embodiment, the cabinet174includes a rail184(shown in dotted lines) secured to the bottom shelf182, and the apparatus100is attached to the bottom shelf182by use of a pair of the second preferred mounting clips112, which are preferably configured to accommodate the rail184.

In another preferred embodiment, the cabinet174includes a stile186(shown in dotted lines) secured to the exterior wall178, and the apparatus100is attached to the exterior wall178by use of a pair of the second preferred mounting clips112, which are preferably configured to accommodate the stile186. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the cabinet174includes a mull188(shown in dotted lines) secured to the interior wall180, and the apparatus100is attached to the interior wall180by use of a pair of further alternative preferred mounting clips214, ofFIG. 12, which are preferably configured to accommodate the mull188. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the apparatus100is attached to the interior shelf176of the cabinet174by use of a pair of alternate preferred mounting clips198, ofFIG. 6. In an alternate alternative preferred embodiment, the mounting surface is provided by a retractable window of a vehicle, such as a rear passenger window of a car (not shown), and the apparatus100is attached to said window by a pair of the alternative preferred mounting clip208, ofFIG. 10, which are preferably configured to accommodate said window.

Referring next toFIGS. 5 through 12collectively, as characterized by the mounting clip106ofFIG. 5, each mounting clip shown byFIGS. 5 through 12preferably include at least a retention portion190, an extension portion192, and a mounting clip restraint194protruding from a distal end196of the extension portion192. Each retention portion190preferably imparts a compressive force on a corresponding mounting surface to maintain the main body portion102, ofFIG. 1, positioned relative to its corresponding mounting surface. Each extension portion192protrudes through a corresponding mounting clip aperture170of the mounting clip support104, each ofFIG. 2, to maintain the main body portion102positioned in contacting adjacency with its corresponding mounting surface.

Mounting clip198ofFIG. 6, differs from mounting clip106ofFIG. 5by providing an elongated extension portion200, and a mounting clip stop202. The elongated extension portion200accommodates positioning of the apparatus100, and most particularly, the positioning of the roll of absorbent wipes144supported by the apparatus100ofFIG. 4. That is, the elongated extension portion200accommodates positioning of the roll of absorbent wipes144adjacent the interior shelf176of the cabinet174, ofFIG. 4, and recessed away from a cabinet door (not shown) of the cabinet174to promote closure of the cabinet door.

Mounting clip204ofFIGS. 7,8, and9differs from mounting clip106ofFIG. 5by providing an expanded retention portion206. The expanded retention portion206is provided to accommodate a greater surface area of contact of the mounting clip204adjacent its corresponding mounting surface. By providing an expanded retention portion206, the mounting clip204attains additional holding strength for confining the main body portion102positioned more securely adjacent its corresponding mounting surface.

Mounting clip208ofFIG. 10, differs from mounting clip106ofFIG. 5by providing the elongated extension portion200, the mounting clip stop202, and a retention portion210configured for interaction with a window of a vehicle, such as a rear passenger window of an automobile. The elongated extension portion200accommodates positioning of the apparatus100ofFIG. 4, and most particularly, the positioning of the roll of absorbent wipes144ofFIG. 4, supported by the apparatus100. That is, the elongated extension portion200accommodates positioning of the roll of absorbent wipes144in a position offset from immediate contact with the passenger window.

Mounting clip112ofFIG. 11, differs from mounting clip106ofFIG. 5by providing a retention portion212configured for interaction with the rail184secured to the bottom shelf182ofFIG. 4. The mounting clip214ofFIG. 12differs from mounting clip112ofFIG. 1by providing a retention portion216configured for interaction with the mull188secured to the interior wall180ofFIG. 4, and a gusset218interposed between the extension portion192and the retention portion216. By providing the gusset218, the mounting clip214attains additional holding strength for confining the main body portion102positioned more securely adjacent its corresponding mounting surface.

In preferred embodiments, the main body portion102and the respective article retention portions118and120of the apparatus100ofFIG. 1are molded polymer components. One such suitable polymer for use in providing the main body portion102, and the respective article retention portions118and120is ABS-Poly, a copolymer of Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, and Styrene. Another suitable material for use in providing the main body portion102, and the respective article retention portions118and120is glass filled nylon. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, other materials such as a metallic component (for example stainless-steel), carbon fiber composites, fiberglass and resin combinations, polypropylene, PVC and other comparable materials may be substituted and used to provide the main body portion102, and the respective article retention portions118,120.

Preferably, the mounting clips shown byFIGS. 5 through 12are molded polymer components. One such suitable polymer for use in molding said mounting clips is ABS-Poly, a copolymer of Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, and Styrene. Another suitable material for use in providing the mounting clips shown byFIGS. 5 through 12is glass filled nylon. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, said mounting clips could be formed or cast as metallic components, such as formed from stainless-steel. The mounting clips shown byFIGS. 5 through 12, can also be formed from carbon fiber composites, fiberglass and resin combinations, or could be produced by insert molding a metallic spine within a polymer. It will be understood that the materials cited herein above as materials useful in providing the apparatus100do not impose limitations on the present invention, and that any selection of material is a design choice and falls within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 13shows a method300of installing an inventive surface mountable portable absorbent wipe support apparatus (apparatus), such as100. The method commences at start process step302, and continues with process step304. At process step304, an extension portion, such as192, of a mounting clip, such as106, is guided through a mounting clip aperture, such as170, of a mounting clip support, such as104, of a main body portion, such as102, of the apparatus. By guiding the mounting clip through the mounting clip aperture, a mounting clip restraint, such as194, protruding from a distal end, such as196, of the extension portion catches the mounting clip support to maintain the mounting clip in alignment with the main body portion. At process step306, a retention portion, such as190, of the mounting clip is slid into pressing contact with a corresponding mounting surface, such as176, and at process step308, a retention portion of the mounting clip is pushed into full contact with the mounting surface.

At process step310, the main body portion is maintained in a predetermined position and compactly adjacent the mounting surface by the mounting clip. At process step312, a pair of article retention portions, such as118and120, are folded down from contact with the main body portion, and aligned into a position substantially perpendicular to the main body portion. At process step314, an absorbent wipe core, such as146, of a roll of absorbent wipes, such as144, is aligned into position adjacent the pair of corresponding core support members, such as138. At process step316, the absorbent wipe core is advanced into confining support between corresponding core support members, and the method of installing the inventive surface mountable portable absorbent wipe support apparatus concludes at end process step318.

Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims.