DEVICE AND METHOD FOR STORING AND DISPENSING ROLLED MATERIAL

A device and method for storing and dispensing rolled material are disclosed. The device for storing and dispensing rolled material supports one or more rolls of material, such as wrapping paper. The rolls may be rotated to select a desired roll. A desired roll may have a desired length of material extended from the device without removing the roll from its support within the device. The desired length of material may be cut using a hand tool or using an attached cutting component, which may rotate into position for cutting or may slide along the material as it cuts it. The device may also be enclosed in a storage container, which may be partially or completely opened to access a desired roll of material. The container may also include additional compartments for supplies, such as ribbons.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a device and method for storing and dispensing rolled material. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for storing, dispensing, and cutting material such as one or more rolls of wrapping paper.

Rolled materials are used for a wide range of applications. Such materials, such as wrapping paper, are often stored and dispensed as single rolls. The use of single rolls allows for feeding one roll at a time into further processing, such as cutting to length or width. However, it is beneficial to be able to store multiple rolls in a single device or storage container, and then selectively dispense rolled material as needed. The ability to store more than one roll of material and selectively dispense the material may enable the user to keep a variety of different rolls, such as those of different colors, thicknesses, widths, textures, or material compositions, in a single container or in a single set up or work station. It may also enable the user to keep a larger supply of material, such as multiple similar or identical rolls, in a single device or container, selecting a new roll when a different one is desired or one runs out, without necessitating set up times for transferring to a new roll to a dispensing or cutting device. Required storage and floor space may also be minimized.

Current means for storing and dispensing rolled materials do not allow for the use of or selection between multiple rolls or are inconvenient to switch between one roll and another, especially when the rolled material is to be dispensed and cut to length or width. Current means also require significant space when accommodating multiple rolls and offer limited and often inconvenient options for cutting the material to desired sizes.

SUMMARY

The disclosure relates to an improved device and method of storing and dispensing rolled material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to an improved device and method of storing, dispensing, and cutting one or more rolls of material such as wrapping paper.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes an elongated body that may be rotatable along a central axis. The elongated body is connected to a retention feature which may support a roll of rolled material, or, preferably, multiple rolls. The retention feature may support rolls of material on multiple sides of the elongated body, along a circumference, or just on one side. The retention element may be connected to the elongated body in a rotatable manner, such as through the use of a bearing, bushing, or bearing surface, allowing the retention element to rotate relative to the elongated body. The elongated body may also be rotatable, such as along a central axis, and the retention element may be connected to the elongated body so as to rotate with the elongated body. In such an embodiment, the elongated body is rotated, rotating the retention element and rolls of rolled material along with it, enabling a user to select a desired roll. In one embodiment, the elongated body may be approximately 30″ in length, but it should be understood that it may be shorter or longer, depending on the types of rolled materials to be stored or dispensed. The elongated body or the retention body may also be assembled from multiple smaller sections so as to create the desired length of support for the elongated body or for rolls of material.

The device may also include a second retention feature. One or both retention features may be located at either end of the elongated body, or along the length of it. A retention feature may also extend substantially along the length of the elongated body, including extending along the full length of the elongated body. If there is more than one retention element, it is preferable for all retention elements to rotate in unison, so that rolls of material are kept relatively straight and parallel to the axis of rotation.

In one embodiment, the retention element includes one or more elongated recesses which are sized and configured to support a roll of rolled material. It may be preferable to have the elongated recessed substantially cylindrical so as to aid in rotation of rolled material within the elongated recesses. The roll of material may be inserted into a recess at one end, along the length of the roll, at both ends of the roll, or in any combination thereof. Length and depth of cylindrical recesses may vary depending on the size, weight, and rigidity of the rolls to be supported.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical recesses include openings which extend radially away from the axis of rotation. The openings may be a portion of the circular cross-section of the cylinder, leaving a semi-circle, or may be slots cut into the retention element. The openings allow rolled material to be dispensed from the retention element, at least partially unrolling the rolled material.

In another embodiment, the retention element may include one or more projections which are configured to extend within a roll of rolled material to support it. The projections may extend from one or both retention elements towards the opposite end of the elongated body. The projections may also be substantially rigid, or may be entirely or partially flexible, such as through slots in the projections, to more easily load a roll of rolled material onto a projection or to hold it more securely.

One or both ends of the elongated body may also include a substantially disc-like, planar component, or other retention surface, which may be used to retain the rolls of rolled material and prevent them from sliding off of the device. The retention surface may be configured so as to allow for storing the dispenser on one end while preventing rolls of rolled material from falling out of the dispenser when lifted. The retention surface may also include an opening, notch, or other feature to allow for selective insertion of a roll of rolled material into the device and onto a retention element.

In another embodiment, the retention element, which may include cut-outs, projections, or other retention features, may extend over a substantial axial length of the elongated body, including over the full length. The edge of an opening in a retention element, such as in one with a cylindrical cut that extends the full length of the elongated body, may feature a sharp edge, serrated edge, or other cutting surface. This may allow a user to cut desired sections of rolled material without requiring any separate tools or components.

In one embodiment, the elongated body may have a central open compartment which may be substantially empty and may be closed on one end or closeable on one or both ends. This compartment may be used for storing other supplies, or for storing additional rolls of rolled material which may be used less frequently or which may not fit on the retention elements when they are otherwise fully loaded.

The device may also include a cutting component or assembly. The cutting component may be mounted rigidly to the device, or may be mounted in a fashion where it is able to rotate into position to cut dispensed rolled material. The cutting component may have an upper or lower serrated edge or other cutting edge, such as for cutting dispensed rolled material with a generally upward or downward motion. The cutting component may also include a sliding feature, such as one or more blades which may slide along a rail or in a channel in order to cut dispensed material to desired lengths or widths.

In one embodiment, the rotational feature of the elongated body or of a retention element may be locked in position, so that retention elements may not rotate when a user does not desire them to, such as when cutting dispensed rolled material. The rotation may be locked through the use of a ball plunger, spring plunger, or other methods known in the art.

In other embodiments, the dispenser may not include an elongated body. In such embodiments, the retention element may rotate about a stationary component, such as a rod or a circular feature, such as a ring, bearing, or bushing. There may be one rod or circular feature at one end, one at each end, or the rod or circular feature may extend along all or a substantial portion of the length of the retention element.

The retention element may also be formed of multiple shorter retention elements which may be arranged substantially in axial alignment. The multiple retention elements may be connected directly, may be connected by means of one or more keying features, or may be connected by means of separate connection components which may optionally also include one or more keying features. The one or more retention elements may also have a, end component at one or both ends which may aid in connection to supports, bearings or bushings, or may reduce manufacturing time or costs. The rod, bearing, bushing, or other circular features which enable rotation of the retention element may be in contact with and support the retention element, the connection components, or the end component.

The device for storing and dispensing rolled material may also be part of a storage system, such as where it is used in conjunction with or is attached to a substantially flat platform. The platform may be configured to aid with cutting of dispensed rolled material, or may provide a surface upon which to dispense, measure, and/or cut the material. The platform may provide a large footprint, or may be small, such as a base for supporting the device or to act as the bottom of an enclosure or carrying case for the device.

A cutting component, such as those already described, may be mounted to the platform, to the device, to a case, or may be separate from all of them. The cutting component may be fixed to the platform, allowing dispensed material to be inserted below the cutting component, or it may be rotatably mounted, so as to rotate into a cutting position. The cutting component may be fixedly or rotatably mounted to the cutting platform or to the device itself, and may also include a sliding blade or cutting edge feature which may slide along or through the dispensed rolled material when cutting it.

The cutting platform may also unfold from the device. It may also include one or more grooves which are sized to aid in directing a cutting component along a substantially straight line while cutting dispensed rolled material, whether cutting it to length or to width. The grooves may also be configured to aid in measuring of dispensed rolled material. A blade of a cutting component may slide within a groove while cutting, or the cutting component may have a projection, such as a fin, which is configured to fit within a groove and slide along it as a guide during cutting. This may be a cutting component which is connected to the platform or to the device, or may be a separate instrument, such as a cutting hand-held tool.

The platform may also be a base component of an enclosure, such as one which substantially encloses at least part of the device, such as on at least three sides. The enclosure may be used to create a more readily storable and transportable storage system, and may include one or more wheels to aid in pulling or otherwise transporting the storage system. It may also include a stand for standing the storage system upright when not in use. The enclosure or dispenser itself may also include one or more handles to aid in carrying, pulling, or otherwise moving the enclosure or device. If the dispenser is used with an enclosure, then the dispenser may be connected to one or more walls or other features of the enclosure, and thus may not require legs or another form of stand for support. The retention element may also rotate about features, such as a rod or circular feature associated with one or more walls of the enclosure. The dispenser may be connected to one or more features of an enclosure directly or by means of one or more bearings, bushings, or bearing surfaces, enabling rotation of the dispenser relative to the enclosure. A substantially or partially hollow elongated body, or a substantially solid elongated body, such as a rod, may be used with an enclosure.

In one embodiment, the storage system may include at least one face or panel which may be opened to provide access to the dispenser or at least one roll of rolled material within. The storage system may also have additional panels or portions which may open to provide access to storage compartments within the storage system, such as for ribbons, a cutting tool, gift bags, bows, adhesive tape, or other additional supplies.

In another embodiment, the storage system may include multiple compartments which may be independently rotated open or may be opened together, substantially opening the enclosure and providing access to multiple compartments within the storage system. Storage compartments may contain supplemental items, racks or rods for supplemental items, or may contain additional containers, such as zippered pouches, mesh bags, or sliding drawers, for items a variety of items. An additional container, such as a zipper pouch or mesh bag, may also be attached to a surface of a storage compartment, and may be rectangular or any number of other shapes which may fit within a storage compartment in a desirable way. Storage compartments may also include doors, drawers, or flaps, which may close using hinges, sliders, slam latches, light press fits, rotatable or interlocking features, or through other means known in the art.

In other embodiments, the storage system may include a measuring device, such as a ruler, which may be fixed in position, or may be rotatable along one or more axes.

In another embodiment, the storage system may include a base which is configured to support the dispenser. It may also include a cover which may attach to the base through a variety of means, such as through the use of latches or other means known in the art. The cover may be opaque, or it may be at least partially translucent or transparent, such as when the cover is formed of clear plastic. The cover may also have one or more handles to aid in transporting the system.

It should be understood that the storage system of the present disclosure may also be implemented to store and dispense various wrapping-related items even if the system does not include a rolled material dispenser. The storage system may also be configured to contain the dispenser while having no additional storage compartments.

The disclosure relates to a method of storing and dispensing rolled material, such as through the use of the described invention. The method may include storing one or more rolls of rolled material on a dispenser and rotating the supports of the one or more rolls such that a user may select a desired roll of rolled material. The dispenser may be free-standing, may be connected to a platform, or may be housed within or otherwise connected to an enclosure. At least one surface or portion of the enclosure may optionally be opened so as to provide access to the dispenser or to one roll of rolled material. A desired length of a selected roll of rolled material may be dispensed. The desired length of dispensed rolled material may be cut to a further desired length or width.

It is to be understood that the above mentioned features and the features yet to be explained hereinafter can be used not only in the respectively mentioned combinations but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the context of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the Figures and are explained in the following description in more detail, wherein identical reference numbers refer to identical, or similar, or functionally identical components.

FIG. 1shows a front isometric view of an embodiment of the device for storing and dispensing rolled material100of the present disclosure, generally referred to herein as a dispenser100. In one embodiment, the dispenser100may be part of a station10which may include a base170. The dispenser100or the base170may include a cutter assembly150.

In one embodiment, the dispenser100may include one or more elongated bodies120. The elongated body120may be substantially cylindrical and may be rotatable along a substantially longitudinal axis. The elongated body120may be at least partially hollow or define an inner chamber130, though it is understood that the elongated body120may also be substantially solid or may include subcomponents, such as within or proximate to the inner chamber130. The inner chamber130within the elongated body120may also be configured to accommodate rolls of rolled material or for other supplemental storage, if present. The inner chamber130may be open at one or both ends, or may be closed, such as through the use of removable end caps.

The elongated body120may include one or more roll retention elements110, such as at one or both ends of the elongated body120, or along the length of the elongated body120. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the elongated body120includes one roll retention element110at each end and one near the middle of the dispenser100. The roll retention element110, in this embodiment, includes a plurality of openings111which are configured to receive at least one roll of rolled material. It is understood that the roll retention element110may removably retain one roll of material, or a plurality of rolls, depending on user preferences and on desired sizing of the dispenser100. Environments or customers where more rolls of materials are desired to be stored may use a larger dispenser100, while environments where a smaller dispenser100is preferable may use a dispenser100which includes roll retention elements110configured to retain a smaller number of rolls or may omit the inner chamber130.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the roll retention elements110are configured to removably retain rolls of material of different diameters. The roll retention elements110fit portions of a roll of material within a substantially circular or semi-circular cut-out, retaining the rolls by externally contacting them. In this embodiment, each cut-out includes an opening which permits a portion of the roll of rolled material to be unrolled and extended outside of the cut-out, allowing desired rolled material to be dispensed. Rolls of rolled material may be slid out axially to be removed or replaced, though it is understood the rolls may be retained through other means, such as through deformable members, allowing for other removal options. One or more of the roll retention elements110may include a backstop feature113to prevent a roll of material from sliding out of a roll retention element110or its opening111when not desired.

Additional roll retention elements110may offer more support for rolls of rolled material, and may also make it easier for a user to load new or replacement rolls of rolled material into the dispenser100, offering a guide structure when using longer rolls of rolled material. Additional roll retention elements110may also be configured to allow for the use and storage of both shorter and longer rolls of rolled material. It should be understood that one or all of the roll retention elements110may also be slidable or otherwise adjustable along the length of the elongated body120, improving support or centralizing placement of shorter rolls of rolled material. Lengths of roll retention elements110may also be varied for different applications and rolls of rolled materials

The dispenser100may include detents112or other features design to at least partially lock the elongated body120in position so that it does not rotate when not desired.

In one embodiment, the elongated body110is rotatable substantially along its axis. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the dispenser100includes legs140at each end of the elongated body120, which the elongated body120may rotate relative to. The legs140may further include mounting features, such as one or more openings for fasteners, to mount the legs to a surface170or to a container. It should be understood that, depending on mounting, container, or storage needs, a different number or different shapes of legs140may be used, and it may be sufficient to mount the elongated body120at only one end. It should also be understood that one or more legs140may extend beyond the length of the elongated body120, so as to maximize stability and accessibility of fastening elements, may include features which extend below the elongated body120, so as to minimize the footprint of the dispenser100, may be even with the length of the elongated body120, or may be absent if the dispenser100is being mounted in another way, such as at its sides.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the dispenser100is mounted to a cutting board170. A cutting assembly150is shown. The cutting assembly150may be connected to the dispenser100, to the cutting board170, or may be separate. The cutting assembly150may be fixed attached, such as where dispensed material is slid under the cutting assembly150, or may be rotatably mounted, such as with cutting arms151, so that dispensed rolled material may be slid under the cutting assembly150, which may then be rotated over the dispensed material in order to enable cutting of the dispensed material. The cutting assembly150shown inFIG. 1includes a slideable cutter180. The slideable cutter180may slide along an optional cutting slot174in the cutting board170. The cutting assembly150may optionally include a second cutting guide160, which may be a ruler and may also support a second cutter173. The cutting board170may include markings to aid in measuring dispensed material. The cutting board170may also include features172to aid in aligning the second cutting guide160. The cutting board170may also include one or more slots172which may guide the second cutter173or a hand-held cutter190. A slot174may also guide the slideable cutter180, such as by providing a path for a blade181or for a locating feature such as a fin182. The slideable cutter180may also be guided by a rail152on the cutting assembly150.

FIG. 2shows detail view of the cutting assembly150ofFIG. 1. The slidable cutter180may include a pushing surface180which a user can use to more easily slide the slideable cutter180. The cutting assembly150or the second cutting guide160may optionally include markings161to aid in measuring cutting locations. The second cutting guide160may include a second slideable cutter173which may include a second blade164.

FIG. 3shows a side view of the slideable cutter180. The slideable cutter180may include one or more blades181. A single blade181may be used, or multiple blades181may be used. By using two blades181mounted in opposing directions, it may be possible to use a variety of standard blades181in the slideable cutter180. The slideable cutter180may also include a fin182to slide within an associated slot174in the cutting board170. The slideable cutter180may also include one or more directing surfaces184which may direct dispensed material towards the blades181as it is being cut.

FIG. 4shows an isometric view of a cutting hand-held tool190which may be used to cut at least partially dispensed rolled material. The tool190may be used in addition to a cutting assembly150, or in place of one. The tool190may include a projection192extending substantially from a bottom surface of the tool190. The projection192may be configured to slide within one or more grooves171within a cutting platform170. If a hand-held cutting tool190is used, it may not be necessary to include a second cutting component160in a cutting assembly150. The tool190may also include a handle195, and may include a material feed feature194, which may extend at least partially beyond the lengthwise extension of an upper surface of the cutting hand-held tool190so as to more easily guide dispensed rolled material towards one or more blades191. The tool190may also include a surface193which may aid in pressing the tool190down during use.

FIG. 5shows a side view of an embodiment of the dispenser200where the cutting element250is mounted substantially closer to the axis of rotation of the elongated body. The cutting element250is also shown not mounted to a leg240, but to an end piece at an end of the elongated body, though the end piece does not rotate with the elongated body. The cutting element250is shown in an upward configuration. The cutting edge253is shown on an upper side of the cutting element250. However, if the cutting edge253on the cutting element250is on an underside of the cutting element250, then dispensed rolled material may be cut by pulling the dispensed rolled material in a generally upward direction. A cutting edge253on the bottom of the cutting element250may also reduce the likelihood of a user unintentionally cutting themselves while using the dispenser.

The cutting element250may include an arm251and may also lock into an upward or downward position through the use of retention elements, such as spring plungers and detents212.FIG. 6shows a side view of the embodiment of the dispenser200ofFIG. 5, with the cutting element250in a substantially downward configuration.

FIG. 7andFIG. 8show an exploded view and a detail of the exploded view, respectively, of an alternate embodiment of the dispenser300. One or more roll holders310may be used, such as where greater lengths are desired. The use of multiple assembled roll holders310may also reduce costs, such as when rolls holders310need to be molded or machined and longer parts may be more difficult or more expensive to fabricate. Sections of roll holders310may be connected directly to each other, or may be connected by intermediate components, such as connectors320. The connectors320may sit within recessed features321at least partially within one or more roll holders310. The connectors320may also include keying features or surfaces323which may align with complementary keying features or surfaces322on the roll holders310.The outsides ends of one or more roll holders310may connect to one or more end pieces325, which may also include keying features or surfaces326. The keying features323may aid in ensuring that multiple roll holders310rotate together when one is rotated by a user.

The dispenser300may be supported by one or more stands340, or may be connected to an enclosure or other surface. One or more of the stands340may bear the dispenser300through a bearing341, such as a low friction ring, such as nylon, or other bearing or bushing. The end piece325may be supported by the bearing341directly, or a bearing support342may connect through the bearing341to the end piece325, such as by welding or a threaded connection327. Locking elements, such as spring plungers314, may be used to lock the end piece325or roll holder310in position relative to the stand340.

If the roll holder310includes a cavity330, such as for storing supplies of additional rolls of material, a cap343may be used to close off the cavity330. In an alternate embodiment, a rod with a bushing may be used to rotatably connect the stand340to the end piece325, one or more connectors320, or one or more roll holders310.

FIG. 9andFIG. 10show an isometric view and a detail view, respectively, of an alternated embodiment of a dispenser system40, which includes a dispenser400which may be attached to a base470. The system40may also include a cover500, which may be opaque, or may be made of a translucent or transparent material, such as clear or partially clear plastic. The cover500may include a handle510and may also include means of removably attach the cover500to the base470, such as latches520or other means known in the art. The dispenser400may include a cutting assembly450, which may be rotatably connected to the dispenser400so that it may be folded up to fit within the cover500, and may fold or rotate down for cutting dispensed material. In the embodiment shown, the cutting assembly450includes a sliding cutter480. In one embodiment, the sliding cutter450slides along a single rail452. The sliding cutter450may be able to be pressed down to expose the blade464when cutting is desired. By exposing the blade464, a user may be able to cut dispensed material along an edge474of the base470. It may be easier for a user to see what is being cut in this way.

FIG. 11shows a cross-sectional view of the cutting assembly450of the embodiment ofFIG. 9. A push surface483may be pushed down by a user, exposing the blade464for cutting. Return features, such as springs484, may retract the blade464when not in use.

It should be understood that various components, elements, and features of the cutting assemblies discussed in this disclosure may be combined to achieve desired effects without deviating from the spirit or intent of the disclosure

FIG. 12shows an embodiment of the dispenser600that includes a storage container including a flap670which may be opened when the dispenser600is in an open configuration. The flap670may include a groove671to aid in cutting of dispensed rolled material. A cutting hand tool190may be used along the groove671, or the dispenser600may optionally include a cutting assembly650. A ruler660may also optionally be included, and the ruler660may be rotatably connected or otherwise configured to fold out when it is desirable to measure an amount of dispensed material.

FIG. 13shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a cutter680ofFIG. 12. In this embodiment, the push feature683rests substantially externally to the main body of the cutter680when the one or more springs684are not compressed.

FIG. 14shows a dispenser700which includes an enclosure with multiple storage compartments. The enclosure may include one or more flaps770which may be opened to dispense material from the dispenser700. The flaps770may include markings or grooves771to aid in measuring and cutting dispensed material. The dispenser700may include one or more ribbon storage compartments707for storing rolls of ribbon703. Ribbon storage lids701may be opened to gain access to the ribbon storage compartments707. The ribbon storage compartments707may include one or more rods704to support rolls of ribbon703. The rods704may be optionally removable and may also optionally pivot towards the opening of the ribbon storage lids701to allow for replacement of rolls of ribbon703. The ribbon storage compartments707may also include one or more ribbon dispensing slots708.

The dispenser700may also include an additional storage compartment730, such as for storing gift bags. An additional compartment lid735may be openable to gain access to the additional storage compartment730. The dispenser700may also include one or more drawers720for additional storage of other accessories, such as bows. The dispenser may also include one or more handles705to aid in transporting the dispenser700.

FIG. 15shows a front detail view of a ribbon dispensing slot708included in a multi-purpose storage container, such as the one shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 14. The slot708may include an opening709for feeding ribbon through prior to inserting it into the slot708. The opening709may be sized at a common size, such as ⅜″, or any other size which may be desirable. The slot708may further include one or more flexible portions725along an upper portion, lower portion, or both an upper and a lower portion of the slot708. The one or more flexible portions725may retain a ribbon so that it does not slide back inside of the storage container and may also retain a ribbon in a desired location along the length of the ribbon slot. The flexible portions725may be made of plastic, rubber, leather, or other suitable flexible material, and may be attached to the inside or outside of the storage container, such as through the use of adhesive or fasteners such as rivets

FIG. 16shows another alternate embodiment of the dispenser800, including an end piece810with roll retention projections811on both ends of an elongated body820. The roll retention projections811may be substantially cylindrical or may be any shaped configured to accept a roll of rolled material, either from inside or from outside of the roll. The roll retention projections811may be tapered, at least partially made of flexible material, or may be slotted so as to aid in flexion and easier connection with or insertion into a roll of rolled material.

FIG. 17shows an embodiment of the dispenser900where one or more rolls of rolled material may be loaded into receiving elements911which extend substantially along the axial length of the elongated body910. The receiving elements911may be open at one or both ends. In the embodiment shown, at least one edge912of the slot opening circumferentially from a receiving element911includes a cutting surface, shown here as a substantially serrated edge. Having at least one cutting edge912where the rolled material exits the elongated body910when being dispensed may eliminate the need for a separate cutting component or assembly. It is understood that the cutting edge912may be straight or serrated and may be unitary with the elongated body910, or may be a separate component.

FIG. 18shows an alternate embodiment of the dispenser1000as a dispensing device and storage container in combination. A rotatably connected cutting assembly1080is shown, against which dispensed rolled material may be cut by applying substantially upward force to the dispensed rolled material. An optional ruler1060is shown in an open configuration. The ruler1060may be rotatably connect to the dispenser1000directly, to a wall or base, or to a flap1070. The dispenser1000is shown with a lid1001in an open configuration, though it should be understand that the lid1001could alternately be removable.

FIG. 19shows an alternate embodiment of the dispenser1100as a dispensing device and storage container combination, in a configuration with the lid1101open. The lid1101may rotate to open, such as through the use of a hinge. In the embodiment shown, the dispenser1100includes a wall with a cutting edge1180. Dispensed material may be cut through the use of the cutting edge1180when the dispenser1100is in an open configuration. When the lid1101is closed on the dispenser1100, the cutting edge1180is not exposed.

FIG. 20shows a front isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the dispenser1200in an open configuration. The dispenser1200may include a handle1205and may also include a removable end cap1243which can provide access to an optional internal storage chamber. The dispenser1200may also include one or more flaps1225,1201to provide access to additional internal compartments1230for storing assorted supplies. The dispenser may also include one or more wheels1250to aid in transporting the dispenser1200, such as when it is in a closed configuration.

A top portion1235of the dispenser1200, shown here open, may be rotated into an open position, providing access to one or more storage compartments1230. A cutting edge, not shown, may be included along a surface of the open dispenser1200.

It should be understood that the various components, subassemblies, assemblies, and features discussed can be combined or removed in different combinations so as to achieve desired qualities and usability without deviating from the spirit or intent of the disclosure. It should also be understood that, depending upon the intended application and types of rolls of rolled material to be used with the device, the elongated body may also directly rotate upon a substantially arcuate surface and may not require the use of one or more bearings, or may utilize other load support means known in the art.

While the present invention has been related in terms of the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described. The present invention can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive on the present invention. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the claimed coverage.