Wrapping Material Roll Storage and Dispensing Device

The present invention relates to a wrapping material storage and dispensing device. The device has a plurality of containers, wherein each container is configured to store a wrapping material roll and has a sliding cutter to dispense and tear a fixed and desired length of the wrapping material sheet from each roll. Each container has a pair of rollers that enable rolling of the wrapping material roll when the wrapping material is dispensed. The device includes suction cups at the base and/or rear to secure the container(s) on a counter surface or mount to a wall. The device easily stores, organizes, conserves and enables single-handed pulling out or dispensing of specific lengths of wrapping material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of dispenser units. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved wrapping material storage and dispensing device that enables the users to easily store and organize wax paper, paper towels, aluminum foil, plastic wrap and more, and dispense a required or desired amount of product type as per the needs of the user. The wrapping product storage and dispensing device features one or more storage compartments for storing rolls of different kinds of rolling material or multiple rolls of the same rolling material.

The storage compartments comprise double doors on each front surface for accessing the wrapping material, and a slider cutting mechanism to allow the user to cut the required material sheet of a desired length. Additionally, the wrapping product storage and dispensing device utilizes keyholes or locking suction cups on the rear surface and/or bottom surface of the device, that allow the device to be easily secured to a flat countertop surface, wall or any other desired areas. Furthermore, the wrapping product storage and dispensing device may further comprise one or more rollers on its side to retract materials when too much material has been pulled. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By way of background, various kinds of rolling materials such as wax paper, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, parchment paper, paper towels, etc., are commonly used in the kitchen for cooking, storing food and more. Owning multiple different types of wrappings requires that users properly store these products and organize them. However, it may be difficult to find storage space for storing too many rolling material products. Improper storage can lead to cluttered and unorganized drawers and countertops. Also, in case the rolling material products/wrappings are stored in cabinets, drawers and other locations with kitchen tools, utensils, or the like, individuals may be unable to quickly locate the desired wrapping product. Without a specific storage location for the wrappings, a lot of the user's time can be wasted.

Additionally, with the standard wrappings/rolling material products, individuals may find it difficult to tear/cut off or retract a specific amount of product from the roll. Individuals may lose the edge of the wrap and be forced to search for it (potentially cutting a finger on the metal cutting teeth on standard packages) each time they want to obtain a new section of wrapping. Further, cutting away a desired length of wax paper, aluminum foil, etc., can be difficult with the standard cutter mechanisms installed on the packaging. With the standard cutter mechanisms, uneven cutting can occur, forcing individuals to throw away the uneven length and obtain a new piece. Therefore, the wrapping material is not properly used and may be wasted. Further, with conventional wrapping material rolls, pulling out the required amount of the wrapping product may cause individuals to inadvertently pull-out unneeded wrapping product, and may end up rolling back the additional product length to the roll. This may be a frustrating task for the user and can be a waste of time. In addition, current methods to remove a desired amount of product include a two-handed operation, wherein one hand pulls on the product while the other hand holds the carton or container.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a storage device that allows users to store one or more wrappings or rolling material products. There is also a long felt need in the art for a device that ensures the wrappings are properly stored and organized, and enables the users to locate the required wrapping material easily and quickly for cooking, storing food or other purposes. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a wrapping material storage device that prevents drawers and countertops from being cluttered and unorganized, and maintains a neat and clean kitchen environment. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a wrapping material storage and dispensing device that allows the users dispense desired amounts of the wrapping material without wasting the product. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a wrapping product dispensing device that prevents users from getting injured while using the cutter mechanisms for cutting off the wrapping product. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a wrapping product dispensing device that features easy retraction when too much wrapping material is pulled out of the roll. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a wrapping material storage and dispensing device that makes it much easier to store, organize, conserve and pull-out specific lengths of wrapping in the kitchen.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one potential embodiment thereof, comprises a multi-tier wrapping product storage and dispenser unit. The multi-tier wrapping product storage and dispensing device stores a plurality of wrapping material rolls and independently dispenses material from one or more rolls. The multi-tier storage and dispensing device includes a plurality of tiered storage containers disposed adjacent to each other and vertically disposed one above another. Each storage container individually includes a cavity to store a wrapping material roll, a pair of rollers disposed on the side surfaces for rolling the wrapping material roll, a front surface having an upper flap, and a bottom portion wherein the upper flap is configured to create an opening for accessing the wrapping material rolled on the roll by flipping back onto a lid and a sliding cutter having serrated metal teeth disposed on a top edge of the bottom portion, to slide along the top edge to tear or cut a sheet of wrapping material extending from the opening.

In this manner, the novel multitier wrapping product storage and dispensing device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provides a relatively safe, easy and convenient solution to store and organize wax paper, paper towels, aluminum foil, plastic wrap and more. The device is easy to store and position, and utilizes keyholes, locking suction cups or similar structures on the rear side and/or bottom side to secure the device to a flat countertop surface or mount to a wall. The invention eliminates the need to use the metal cutting teeth on standard wrapping packages that are often inefficient and difficult to utilize.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one potential embodiment thereof, comprises a wrapping material storage and dispensing device. The device is configured to store a roll(s) of wrapping material and dispense a desired length of wrapping material sheet. The device further comprises: a cuboidal container having a front surface, a rear surface, a base, a top lid, a left side surface and a right-side surface; a cavity created by the front surface, the rear surface, the base, the top lid, the left side surface and the right-side surface; the left side surface having a first roller and the right side surface having a second roller; the cavity is configured to receive a roll of a wrapping material wherein the roll is engaged to the first roller and the second roller; the front surface having an upper flap and a bottom portion; the upper flap is configured to create an opening for accessing the wrapping material rolled on the roll by flipping back onto the lid; and, a sliding cutter including serrated metal teeth disposed on a top edge of the bottom portion, wherein the sliding cutter is configured to slide along the top edge to tear or cut a sheet of wrapping material extending from the opening.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the rollers are configured to roll the wrapping material roll when a free edge of the material is pulled. Further, the wrapping material roll is replaceable, and the top lid can be rotated along a hinged edge to remove an existing or depleted wrapping material roll and insert a new roll.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the base includes a pair of suction cups enabling the wrapping material storage and dispensing device to be securely placed on a counter surface or wall surface, wherein a lever can be disposed on a rear surface and actuated to lock and unlock the suction cups. Alternatively, the device may comprise keyholes on its back surface for hanging the device on a wall.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sliding cutter includes a plurality of serrated teeth, for example, three, four, five or more serrated teeth. The sliding cutter includes a cavity on which the sliding cutter sits on the top edge of the bottom portion, and is configured to slide across the top edge of the bottom portion.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of cutting precise or desired lengths of wrapping material sheet is described. The method comprises: providing a wrapping material roll storage and dispensing device; placing a wrapping material roll inside a cavity of the device; creating an opening on a front surface of the device by lifting the upper portion of the front surface and placing the upper portion onto the lid; pulling a free end of the wrapping material rolled on the roll from the created opening once a desired length of the sheet is pulled; and, sliding a sliding cutter along a top edge of bottom portion of the front surface, wherein the sliding cutter includes a plurality of teeth to tear or cut the sheet. In yet another embodiment, the method further includes removing a lid of the device to remove an existing or depleted roll and replace it with a new roll of wrapping material.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a multi-tier wrapping product storage and dispensing device is disclosed. The multitier wrapping product storage and dispensing device is designed to store a plurality of wrapping material rolls and independently dispense material from one or more rolls. The multi-tier storage and dispensing device includes: a plurality of tiered storage containers disposed adjacent to each other and vertically disposed one above another; each storage container individually includes a cavity to store a wrapping material roll; a pair of rollers disposed on the side surfaces for rolling and unrolling the wrapping material roll; a front surface having an upper flap and a bottom portion; the upper flap is configured to create an opening for accessing the wrapping material rolled on the roll by flipping back onto a lid; a sliding cutter having serrated metal teeth disposed on a top edge of the bottom portion, wherein the sliding cutter is configured to slide along the top edge to tear or cut a sheet of wrapping material extending from the opening; the multi-tier storage and dispensing device includes a plurality of suction cups and hanging holes (such as keyholes) for mounting the multitier storage and dispensing device to a wall; and a pair of holder arms attached to a bottom surface of the multi-tier storage and dispensing device configured to detachably attach a paper towel roll.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, each cavity of the multitier storage and dispensing device stores a separate wrapping material roll and includes a separate sliding cutter, thereby enabling a precise length of the sheet to be torn off from the individual container. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the number of containers in the multitier storage and dispensing device can be in the range of two to five. A storage space can be disposed at the top of the multitier storage and dispensing device for storing at least one roll and any other personal items.

Advantageously, the device of the present invention allows quick and effective storage and dispensing of precise lengths of wrapping material in kitchens in both home and commercial settings, thereby saving extensive time and effort by precisely cutting the wrapping material. The invention can be used for storing and dispensing aluminum foil, plastic wrap, wax paper and more, and provides even and uniform cutting of the material sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a storage device that allows the users to store one or more wrappings or rolling material products. There is also a long felt need in the art for a device that ensures the wrappings are properly stored and organized, and enables users to locate the required wrapping material easily and quickly for cooking, storing food or other purposes. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a wrapping material storage device that prevents drawers and countertops from being cluttered and unorganized, and maintains a neat and clean kitchen environment. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a wrapping material storage and dispensing device that allows the users dispense desired amounts of the wrapping material without wasting the product. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a wrapping product dispensing device that prevents the users from getting injured while using the cutter mechanisms for cutting the wrapping product. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a wrapping product dispensing device that features easy retraction when too much wrapping material is pulled out of the roll. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a wrapping material storage and dispensing device that makes it much easier to store, organize, conserve and pull-out specific lengths of wrapping in the kitchen.

The present invention, in one potential embodiment, is a wrapping material storage and dispensing device. The device stores a roll of wrapping material and dispenses a desired length of wrapping material sheet. The device includes: a cuboidal container having a front surface, a rear surface, a base, a top lid, a left side surface and a right-side surface; a cavity created by the front surface, the rear surface, the base, the top lid, the left-side surface and the right-side surface; the left-side surface includes a first roller and the right-side surface includes a second roller; the cavity is configured to receive a roll of a wrapping material wherein the roll is engaged to the first roller and the second roller; the front surface having an upper flap and a bottom portion; the upper flap is configured to create an opening for accessing the wrapping material rolled on the roll by flipping back a top portion or upper flap; and, a sliding cutter having serrated metal teeth disposed and actuated along a top edge of the bottom portion, wherein the sliding cutter is configured to slide along the top edge to tear or cut a sheet of wrapping material extending from the opening.

Referring initially to the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a wrapping material storage and dispensing device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The wrapping material storage and dispensing device100, in one exemplary configuration, can be designed to hold a single cylindrical wrap of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or other similar wrapping materials. The wrapping material can be dispensed by pulling out a precise length of the wrapping material. More specifically, the wrapping material storage and dispensing device100includes a cuboidal container102that includes a front surface104, a rear surface106, a base108, a top lid110, a left-side surface112and a right-side surface114. The container102can be constructed of materials including plastic, metals and/or polymers. The aforementioned surfaces create a cavity116to accommodate a wrapping material cylindrical roll. The front surface104includes an upper flap1040at the top half that can be lifted up and flipped back onto lid110, enabling a user to access the wrapping material stored within the cavity116. The bottom edge132of the upper flap1040is used for lifting the upper flap1040to access the wrapping material. The bottom portion1042of the front surface104is fixed and stationary, and a sliding cutter118configured to slide along the bottom portion1042is positioned on the top edge120of the bottom portion1042.

The left-side surface112includes a first roller122and the right-side surface114includes a second roller124, on which a cylindrical wrapping foil can be detachably attached. When the wrapping material is pulled by a user from the upper flap1040, the rollers122,124rotate in a first or clockwise direction, thereby enabling a user to get a desired length of the wrapping material in the form of a wrapping sheet. The rollers122,124are integrated to the side surfaces112,114, respectively, and can be integrally molded with the side surfaces. For enabling the wrapping material storage and dispensing device100to be securely positioned on a surface, the bottom surface108can include a pair of locking suction cups126,128. The suction cups126,128keep the container102stable and affixed while dispensing the wrapping material. A lever130can be positioned on the rear surface106and used for locking and unlocking the suction cups126,128.

The wrapping material storage and dispensing device100allows a user to store, organize, conserve and dispense specific lengths of wrapping material in the kitchen or other areas without any wastage or unwanted length of the material being inadvertently dispensed. The designated length of wrapping material can be dispensed with one hand, and then subsequently cut to length using the sliding cutter. Both actions can be conducted with the same hand.

The cuboidal container102can be made of a rigid and/or non-deformable material, such as ABS or molded plastic, metal, wood, etc. Plastics can be low-density or high-density polyethylene, polystyrene, poly vinyl chloride, polypropylene or similar plastics. Metals can comprise steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, etc. The container102is lightweight and easily portable.

FIG. 2illustrates a perspective view showing how a roll of a wrapping material is stored within cavity of one potential embodiment of the wrapping material storage and dispensing device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. For storing a wrapping material roll200in the cavity116of the container102, the lid110can be opened along the hinged edge1100to access the cavity116. Once the cavity116is accessed, the wrapping material roll200, that is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a central axial opening202, can be inserted through the opening created by the lid110. The axial opening202can be aligned and engaged around the rollers124(and122as shown inFIG. 1). The roll200can be configured to roll in a direction from the rear surface106towards the front surface104when the wrapping material is pulled. The roll200can roll in a direction from the front surface104towards the rear surface106when the material is retracted on the roll200. Once the roll200is securely placed on the rollers, the lid110can be closed to cover the cavity116. The method of replacing an existing or depleted roll200, with a new roll follows the same principle, where the top lid110is opened along the hinged edge1100for accessing the cavity116.

FIG. 3illustrates a perspective view showing how the wrapping material is accessed for use from an opening created by an upper flap of the wrapping material storage and dispensing device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown inFIG. 3, for accessing a desired length of wrapping material from the wrapping material roll200, the upper flap1040can be lifted and flipped back onto the lid110to create an opening302from which the material sheet304is accessed. Once a desired length of sheet304is pulled by a user using the free edge3042, the sliding cutter118is slid along the bottom edge120of the bottom portion1042to tear or cut the desired sheet304along the edge3040. Once the desired sheet length304is accessed and cut, the upper flap1040can be pulled downward to position the upper flap1040to cover the opening302.

When the sheet304is pulled, the roll200is rolled using the rollers124(and122as shown inFIG. 1) towards the opening302, and the presence of finger indents assists with starting the wrapping material from where it was left off in the preceding use. It should be appreciated that the container102does not have metal cutting teeth along the top edge120, as found in standard wrapping packages and potentially injure the fingers of a user. Further, a specific length of the wrapping material from the roll200can be pulled and then cut using the sliding cutter118.

FIG. 4illustrates a perspective view of a sliding cutter used for cutting a desired length of wrapping material in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The sliding cutter118is designed to slide along top edge120of the bottom portion1042of the front surface104of the container102. The sliding cutter118includes a plurality of serrated metal teeth402configured to tear or cut through the wrapping material smoothly and uniformly along the top edge120. In one potential embodiment, the number of serrated metal teeth402can be two, three or four, or alternatively, the number of serrated metal teeth402can be five or more. A slot404is configured to actuate along the top edge120, and allows the sliding of the sliding cutter118along the top edge120. During a wrapping material cutting operation, the serrated metal teeth402smoothly tear or cut the wrapping material along the lateral length of the wrapping material. A rear surface406of the sliding cutter118actuates along an inner surface of the bottom portion1042, and helps in secure and smooth movement of the sliding cutter118along the top edge120.

FIG. 5illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a wrapping material storage and dispensing device having space for a plurality of wrapping material rolls in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment the wrapping material storage and dispensing device500includes a tiered structure, containing a plurality of individual tiered containers connected longitudinally to hold a plurality of rolls for use. As shown, the multiple roll storage and dispensing device500includes three tiered containers502,504,506connected to each other in a longitudinal manner. The top tiered container502includes a pair of rollers5020to receive a roll of a wrapping material such as aluminum foil, plastic wrap or wax paper. Similarly, the middle container504includes a pair of rollers5040to receive a wrapping material roll. The bottom container506also includes a corresponding pair of rollers5060for receiving a wrapping material roll.

The device500includes removable paper towel holder arms510,512permanently attached to the bottom surface514. The first arm510includes a first holder5100and the second arm512includes a second holder5120enabling a roll of paper towels to selectively detach and attach to the holders5100,5120. The first arm510and the second arm512are movable, and can be oriented as per the preferences of the user. The device500includes a storage space508disposed on the top of the top tiered container502for storing a new wrapping material roll or any other small item.

Each tiered container502,504,506includes a front surface similar to that as shown inFIG. 1. The upper flap of the front surface of each container502,504,506can be pivoted upward, enabling an opening to access the wrapping material from each container as best illustrated inFIG. 7. Each individual container502,504,506can be operated individually, thereby enabling a user to store three rolls in total, wherein each roll can be operated and used individually. Each container includes a sliding cutter516, enabling a sheet of wrapping material to tear or cut easily and uniformly. The sliding cutter516can have a plurality of teeth, thereby enabling the cutter516to tear or cut the wrapping material sheet.

FIG. 6illustrates a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the wrapping material storage and dispensing device having space for a plurality of wrapping material rolls, in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The multiple-roll storage and dispensing device500includes a wall-mounted device, wherein the rear wall602includes a plurality of suction cups604to adhere to a wall. The rear wall602also includes a plurality of small keyholes606to hang the device500to a wall. At the top of the device500, the storage space508is used for storing rolls of the wrapping material.

When the device500is mounted to a wall, the paper towel holder arms510,512are oriented away from the rear wall602, thereby enabling a user to easily access the paper towel roll engaged to the holders5100,5120. For locking the suction cups604, a lever610is disposed at the bottom surface514, which can be pulled or pushed to activate or deactivate the suction cups604.

FIG. 7illustrates a perspective view showing a sheet of wrapping material being pulled from a wrapping material roll stored in a middle-tiered container of the wrapping material storage and dispensing device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the middle-tiered container504stores a wrapping material roll710and accesses a sheet716from the wrapping material roll710. The upper flap706can be lifted to creating an opening to pull the sheet712, thereby enabling the sliding cutter516to slide along the bottom portion708to tear or cut a desired and uniform length of the sheet712. A similar operation of accessing and cutting the wrapping material sheet712from the stored wrapping material rolls in each container is followed.

In use, the upper flap of each container is flipped back onto a corresponding lid to create an opening to access the stored roll and tear or cut a uniform sheet of the wrapping material. Once the sheet of a desired length is torn, the upper flap is positioned to close the opening for securing the wrapping material roll. The paper towel roll702is rolled using the holders5100,5120, and can be torn along the perforated lines704. Furthermore, the wrapping product storage and dispensing device may further comprise one or more rollers on its side (not shown) to retract materials when too much material has been pulled.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “wrapping material storage and dispensing device”, “multitier wrapping product storage and dispenser unit”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the wrapping material storage and dispensing device100,500of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the wrapping material storage and dispensing device100,500of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the wrapping material storage and dispensing device100,500as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the multipurpose plate with the wrapping material storage and dispensing device100,500are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multipurpose plate with the wrapping material storage and dispensing device100,500are important design parameters for user convenience, the wrapping material storage and dispensing device100,500may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.