Wrap dispenser with flat rim cap

A dispenser includes a rotating member including a first end and a second end, the rotating member having an inner surface and defining an axis of rotation that extends from the first end to the second end, a holding member having an inner surface, an outer holding surface, and a collar at a first end of the holding member, the inner surface enclosing an engaging portion of the rotating member, the holding member configured to rotate relative to the rotating member, and a cap attached to the first end of the rotating member and retaining the holding member on the rotating member, the collar of the holding member positioned at least partially directly between an end surface at the first end of the rotating member and a stop surface of the cap, an end gap between the end surface and the stop surface providing clearance for the collar.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to wrap dispensers. More specifically, this disclosure relates to wrap dispensers that allow an operator to dispense rolls of film or other wrap while holding onto the wrap dispenser.

BACKGROUND

Plastic or other sheets of material are sometimes used to wrap items for transport, storage, or other various reasons. For one example among others, wraps include thin plastic films, membranes, or sheets of any suitable material and are often rolled around a cylindrical paperboard core or other similar devices such as a spool made of another material that allows the wrap to be dispensed to facilitate the wrapping of items. This can protect the items from dust, water, and other contaminants found in the environment and can hold the items together. Types of plastic wraps may include plastic stretch wrap, which is commonly rolled around a paperboard core and used to secure and protect items during a move, such as wrapping furniture or bundling objects together. In many situations, this dispensing is done manually. Accordingly, it is desirable that the method of dispensing wrap is done in a safe but efficient manner.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a dispenser comprising a rotating member including a first end and a second end, the rotating member having an inner surface and defining an axis of rotation that extends from the first end to the second end, a holding member having an inner surface, an outer holding surface, and a collar at a first end of the holding member, the inner surface enclosing an engaging portion of the rotating member, the holding member configured to rotate relative to the rotating member, and a cap attached to the first end of the rotating member and retaining the holding member on the rotating member, the collar of the holding member positioned at least partially directly between an end surface at the first end of the rotating member and a stop surface of the cap within an end gap between the end surface and the stop surface providing clearance for the collar.

Also disclosed is a method of assembling a wrap dispenser comprising sliding a holding member onto the engaging portion of a rotating member, and inserting an insertion portion of a cap through a collar of the holding member and into a first end of the rotating member, the insertion portion frictionally engaging an inner surface of the rotating member, at least a portion of the collar retained between an end surface at the first end of the rotating member and a stop surface of a rim of the cap.

Also disclosed is a method of dispensing wrap from a roll using a dispenser, the method comprising gripping onto an outer holding surface of a holding member of the dispenser, the holding member enclosing an engaging portion of a rotating member of the dispenser, the dispenser further including wrap wrapped around a roll-holding portion of the rotating member, and a cap attached to the first end of the rotating member and holding the holding member with a collar of the holding member positioned at least partially directly between an end surface at the first end of the rotating member and a stop surface of the cap within an end gap between the end surface and the stop surface providing clearance for the collar, and dispensing the wrap by rotating the rotating member relative to the holding member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in their best, currently known embodiments. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can comprise two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Disclosed is a wrap dispenser and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. In various embodiments, the dispenser includes at least one holding member and one rotating member that are joined in a rotatable fashion so that the rotating member may rotate while wrapped with wrap while the user holds the holding member. The terms “holding member” and “rotating member” may include any member that allows a user to, respectively, hold the holding member in the user's hand and allow the rotating member to freely rotate relative to the holding member. Furthermore, the term “wrap” should be interpreted broadly and should be applied to any material that is used to cover or protect objects, including but not limited to stretch wrap, film, bubble wrap, tape, foil, tissue paper, or wrapping paper. While it is particularly useful in applications for dispensing plastic film, sheets, or other wraps, it should not be so limited as it could be used with other dispensing operations or with other materials of any desired thickness that is used to cover, enclose, enwrap, or otherwise protect articles. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed dispenser is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

One embodiment of a wrap dispenser100is shown inFIG. 1. The wrap dispenser100includes a holding member102, a rotating member104having a roll of wrap106positioned over at least a part of the rotating member104, and a cap108. In various embodiments, the wrap106is typically rolled around the rotating member104to create the roll of wrap106shown inFIG. 1. The rotating member104is thereby a spool around which the wrap106is rolled. In various embodiments, the rotating member104and holding member102are substantially annular or tubular and are separate components, though other shapes may be present in various embodiments. In the current embodiment, the rotating member104and holding member102are both right cylinders having circular ends. As shown inFIG. 1, the holding member102includes a flange110.

As shown inFIG. 2, in the current embodiment, the wrap dispenser100includes the holding member102, the rotating member104having a roll of wrap106, and the cap108. In the embodiment shown, the cap108is a flat rim cap. The wrap dispenser100defines a central axis200along which the various components of the wrap dispenser100are substantially aligned.

The rotating member104defines a first end202and a second end204as well as an engaging portion206and a roll-holding portion208. In various embodiments, the first end202defines a continuous unbroken circle and the second end204defines a continuous unbroken circle. In various embodiments, the rotating member104is a continuous cylinder such that the cross-section of the rotating member104is consistently circular and unbroken from end-to-end with no cuts, slots, or holes therethrough. As shown inFIG. 2, the roll of wrap106is positioned on the roll-holding portion208of the rotating member104. The rotating member104will be described in greater detail below with reference toFIG. 3.

The wrap dispenser100also includes the holding member102, which is configured to slide onto the engaging portion206of the rotating member104in the assembled dispenser100. The holding member102has a first end210and a second end212and defines an outer holding surface214that a user may hold, grab, or clench when using the wrap dispenser100to dispense wrap106such as film. In various embodiments, the first end210defines a continuous unbroken circle and the second end212defines a continuous unbroken circle. As shown inFIG. 2, in various embodiments the flange110is positioned on the holding member102at the second end212. In various other embodiments, the flange110may be positioned at an intermediary position between the first end210and the second end212. The flange110may have an annular shape with a thickness along the axis of rotation200and may extend radially in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation200to give the flange110a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the first end210. The holding member102will be described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7. In various other embodiments the flange110may be a separate component from the holding member102, such as an enlarged washer between the holding member102and the wrap106.

The dispenser100further includes the cap108. The cap108defines a rim portion224, a shoulder portion230, and an insertion portion218. As shown inFIG. 2, the cap108has a first end220and a second end222. The cap108will be described below in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5.

As shown inFIG. 3, the rotating member104has a substantially annular or tubular configuration in the current embodiment. Consequently, in the current embodiment, the rotating member104has an outer diameter D1and an inner diameter D7. The rotating member104also has a longitudinal axis which is the axis of rotation300that extends from its first end202to its second end204. The rotating member104also includes an outer surface302, an inner surface304(shown inFIGS. 9A-B), a first end surface308, and a second end surface310. In various embodiments, the inner surface304and the outer surface302are smooth surfaces that are substantially cylindrical. In various embodiments, the outer surface302defines the outer diameter D1and the inner surface304defines the inner diameter D7.

As shownFIG. 3, the rotating member104includes the engaging portion206and the roll-holding portion208. The engaging portion206is generally the area of the outer surface302from the first end202to some intermediary position306on the outer surface302of the rotating member104over which the holding member102will be positioned and a user can grasp the dispenser100. The roll-holding portion208is generally the area of the outer surface302from the second end204to the intermediary position306on the outer surface302of the rotating member104over which the roll of wrap106will be positioned on the rotating member104. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal length of the roll-holding portion208is greater than the longitudinal length of the engaging portion206. However, in various other embodiments, the longitudinal length of the engaging portion206may be equal to or greater than the longitudinal length of the roll-holding portion208.

In various embodiments, the outer surface302of the rotating member104in the engaging portion206interacts with an inner surface216(shown inFIG. 7) of the holding member102, which will be described in further detail below. In the current embodiment, the roll-holding portion208of the rotating member104is substantially cylindrical and the outer surface302in the roll-holding portion208is a smooth surface. In various other embodiments, the roll-holding portion208of the rotating member104includes at least one roll grip on the outer surface302. In these embodiments, the at least one roll grip is a rib or a raised surface protruding radially outward from the outer surface302on the roll-holding portion208of the rotating member104. In these embodiments, the at least one roll grip engages the inside of the roll of wrap106in a frictionally desirable manner to help keep the roll of wrap106from falling off the dispenser100.

In the current embodiment, rotating member104is constructed from paperboard and the inner surface304is a smooth cylindrical surface. In various embodiments where the dispenser100includes the cap108, when assembled, the cap108is biased against the inner surface304of the rotating member104such that the cap108provides an interference fit with the inner surface304of the rotating member104. In the current embodiment, the cap108is rotationally fixed to the rotating member104. In various other embodiments, the cap108includes attachment mechanisms or connecting mechanisms such as ribs, threading, grooves, fasteners, adhesives, or various other connecting mechanisms to engage the inner surface304. In various other embodiments, the inner surface304includes attachment mechanisms or connecting mechanisms positioned on the inner surface304proximate to the first end110, on the outer surface302proximate to the first end110, or on both the inner surface304and outer surface302proximate to the first end110to engage the cap108.

FIG. 4shows a side view of the cap108. In this embodiment, the cap108is a flat rim cap. The cap108defines a center axis400and includes the rim portion224, the shoulder portion230, and the insertion portion218. The rim portion224is defined by a rim402positioned at the first end220. The rim402has a thickness along the center axis400and extends radially outward from the center axis400. In the embodiment shown, the rim402is a substantially flat rim. The rim402defines an outer surface408distal from the second end222, a side surface404on the circumference of the rim402, and a stop surface410facing the second end222. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, the intersections between the outer surface408and the side surface404defines a curved transition430, and the intersection between side surface404and the stop surface410defines a curved transition432. In some other embodiments, the transitions between the surfaces may define by a sharp corner, a rounded corner, or a chamfer.

The shoulder portion230of the cap108is defined by a shoulder416which is positioned between the rim portion224and the insertion portion218. The shoulder416may be annular and extend around the entire circumference of the cap108; however, in other embodiments, the shoulder416may not be annular and may not extend around the entire circumference of the cap108. The axially-outer surface of the shoulder416defines a vertical surface420which is coaxial with the side surface404of the rim402. The shoulder416additionally defines a horizontal surface422which lies in a plane normal to the center axis400. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, an intersection between the vertical surface420and the horizontal surface422forms a corner, though in other embodiments, the intersection between these surfaces may define a rounded or chamfered transition surface. With the cap108installed in the rotating member104, a portion of the horizontal surface422abuts a portion of a first end surface308of the first end202.

As shown inFIG. 4, the insertion portion218comprises a circumferential wall414extending from the shoulder416to the second end222. The circumferential wall414defines an outer surface424. In various embodiments, as shown inFIG. 4, the inner circumferential wall414also has a tapered surface418defined by a chamfer between the second end222and the outer surface424. In other embodiments, the tapered surface418may be defined by a bevel or a rounded transition surface. The tapered surface418is configured to aid in insertion of the cap108into an opening defined by the first end202of the rotating member104. In other embodiments, the insertion portion218may be substantially longer or shorter than the embodiment shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 5shows a cross-sectional view of cap108taken along line5-5inFIG. 4. As shown inFIG. 5, in various embodiments, the inner circumferential wall414defines a cavity500extending inward from the second end222into the insertion portion218and the shoulder portion230. In various embodiments, cavity500extends partially into the rim portion224or the shoulder portion230. In various embodiments, the cavity500includes a bottom surface502and a cylindrical inner surface504extending from the bottom surface502to the second end222. As shown inFIG. 5, in various embodiments, the cap108includes a dimple512on the bottom surface502and protruding into the cavity500. In embodiments where the cap108includes the dimple512, the outer surface408of the cap108may define a recessed surface514corresponding to the location of the dimple512. In other embodiments, the cap108may be solid in cross-section without defining a cavity.

In various embodiments, the cap108has a generally circular shape with an outermost diameter D2of the rim402defined by the side surface404. In the embodiment shown, the outermost diameter D2is sized to be slightly smaller than a diameter D4of the holding member102(seeFIG. 6). This can be desirable to prevent substantial contact between the rim402and a user's hand since the cap108rotates with the rotating member104relative to the holding member102. In other embodiments, the diameter D2may be equal to or greater than the diameter D4. The cap108also has a diameter D3defined by the outer surface424of the circumferential wall414. The diameter D3of the cap108is sized relative to inner diameter D7of the rotating member104(seeFIG. 3) to provide an interference fit which secures the cap108to the rotating member104. The shape of the cap108should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other embodiments, the cap108may be square, oval, angled, or have any other desired shape.

As shown inFIG. 6, the holding member102has a substantially annular or tubular configuration with a longitudinal axis600that extends from its first end210to its second end212. The holding member102includes the outer holding surface214and an inner surface216(shown inFIG. 7). As shown inFIG. 6, the outer holding surface214defines the diameter D4. In various embodiments, the first end210defines a continuous unbroken circle and the second end212defines a continuous unbroken circle.

The holding member102also includes the flange110. When a user is holding the holding member102, the flange110may protect the user's hand from the roll of wrap106. In various embodiments, the flange110is integrally formed with the holding member102; however in various other embodiments, the flange110is attached or otherwise connected to the holding member102with mechanisms including, but not limited to, welding, adhesives, glues, fasteners, or various other attachment mechanisms. In the present embodiment, the flange110has an annular shape. In various embodiments, the flange110defines a continuous unbroken circle. In various other embodiments, the flange110may have a shape that is square, oval, angled, or have any other desired shape. The shape of the flange110should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. In various embodiments, the flange110is positioned at the second end212of the holding member102; however, the location of the flange110should not be considered limiting as in various other embodiments, the flange is positioned at some intermediary position between the second end212and the first end210.

The flange110has a thickness along the axis600and extends radially outwards from the outer holding surface214in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis600to give the flange110an outer diameter D5that is greater than the diameter D4of the outer holding surface214. As shown inFIG. 6, the flange110defines a side flange surface602and an end flange surface608. In various embodiments, the end flange surface608defines the roll-side surface of the second end212of the holding member102. In various embodiments, the holding member102defines an edge surface604between the side flange surface602and an intermediary position606on the outer holding surface214. In various embodiments, the edge surface604is curved or rounded; however, in various other embodiments, the edge surface604is square, angled, rounded, or have any other desired edge shape. The shape of the edge surface604should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. As previously described, the user may hold, grab, or clench the outer holding surface214when using the wrap dispenser100to dispense wrap such as film.

As shown inFIG. 7, the inner surface216defines a diameter D8, which is greater than rotating member diameter D1and less than the diameter D4of the outer holding surface214. In the current embodiment, the inner surface216is substantially cylindrical. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 7, the inner surface216defines a pair of circumferential ribs710a,bwhich extend radially inward. The radially innermost edge of the circumferential ribs710a,bhas diameter D9. In the embodiment shown, diameter D9is sized larger than the outer diameter D1of the outer surface302of the rotating member104which provides clearance for the rotating member104to smoothly rotate relative to the holding member102. In other embodiments, the inner surface may define greater or fewer than two circumferential ribs710. The circumferential ribs710a,bare positioned proximate the first end210. The circumferential ribs710a,baid in centering the first end202of the rotating member104relative to the first end210of the holding member102. The embodiment shown inFIG. 7has circumferential ribs710a,bwith a triangular cross-section; however, in other embodiments, the circumferential ribs710a,bmay have a cross-section that is rectangular, semi-circular, or any other shape. In the embodiment shown, the circumferential ribs710a,bextend around the entire circumference of the inner surface216, but in other embodiments, the circumferential ribs710a,bmay only extend partially around the circumference of the inner surface216. In some embodiments, a plurality of protuberances such as nubs or tabs may be used in place of circumferential ribs.

As described below, in various embodiments, the inner surface216can frictionally engage the engaging portion206of the rotating member104upon compression of the holding member102. In various other embodiments, the inner surface216can define additional structures protruding radially inwardly from the inner surface216. These structures may include nubs, circumferential ridges, longitudinal ridges, teeth, or similar protrusions configured to enhance the friction produced when compressing the holding member102to engage the engaging portion206of the rotating member104.

In various embodiments, the inner surface216defines a second end opening700at the second end212through which the rotating member104is positioned such that the outer surface302of the engaging portion206of the rotating member104faces the inner surface216. In various embodiments, the second end opening700has a diameter of D8.

In various embodiments, holding member102includes a collar702at the first end210. In various embodiments, the collar702defines a continuous unbroken circle. The collar702has a thickness along the axis600and extends radially inwards from the inner surface216in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis600. The collar702has an inner surface706and an outer surface708. When the wrap dispenser100is assembled, the outer surface708faces the rim402of the cap108while the inner surface706faces the first end202of the rotating member104(shown inFIGS. 9A-9B). In various embodiments, the collar702is integrally formed with the holding member102; however, in various other embodiments, the collar702is attached to the holding member102with attachment mechanisms including, but not limited to, welding, adhesives, glues, fasteners, or various other attachment mechanisms.

As shown inFIG. 7, the collar702defines a first end opening704with a diameter D6that is less than the diameter D8of the inner surface216. In various embodiments, the diameter D6of the first end opening704is greater than the inner diameter D7of the rotating member104but less than the outer diameter D1of the rotating member104(seeFIG. 3). The diameter D6of the first end opening704of the holding member102is also greater than the diameter D3of the outer surface424of the cap108but less than the outermost diameter D2of the rim402(seeFIG. 5). As will be described below, when the dispenser100is assembled, at least a portion of the insertion portion218of the cap108is inserted through the first end opening704.

FIG. 8shows the wrap dispenser100with the holding member102, the rotating member104having the roll of wrap106, and the cap108. As shown inFIG. 8, in various embodiments, the holding member102is positioned on the rotating member104such that the flange110is positioned adjacent to the roll of wrap106. In these embodiments, the end flange surface608(shown inFIGS. 6 and 7) abuts the roll of wrap106when the dispenser100is fully assembled. The circumferential ribs710a,bcan be seen through the first end opening704.

As shown inFIGS. 9A-B, when the circumferential wall414of the insertion portion218of the cap108is inserted through the first end opening704of the holding member102and into the rotating member104, the outer surface424of the circumferential wall414is positioned adjacent to and in contact with the inner surface304of the rotating member104such that the outer surface424frictionally engages the inner surface304upon insertion of the cap108and provides an interference fit. In various embodiments, this is accomplished by sizing the circumferential wall414such that the circumferential wall414is biased against and presses into the inner surface304of the rotating member104but is not too tight to pull the cap108away from the rotating member104with sufficient force by hand. In various embodiments, diameter D3of the cap108is approximately equal to or greater than diameter D7of the inner surface304such that the cap108stays attached to the rotating member104. In various other embodiments, the cap108is permanently engaged or attached to the rotating member104. The cap108may also engage the rotating member104through various attachment mechanisms such as those in the group including, but not limited to, threading, ribs, adhesives, fasteners, or various other attachment mechanisms.

In various embodiments, once the cap108is attached to the rotating member104, the cap108prevents or resists removal of the holding member102from the rotating member104over the first end202of the rotating member104. In various embodiments, tapered surface418aids in introducing circumferential wall414of the insertion portion218into the rotating member104. In various embodiments where diameter D3of the cap108is greater than diameter D7of the inner surface304, tapered surface418makes it possible to insert the insertion portion218of the cap108into the rotating member104. Interference between the horizontal surface422of the shoulder416and the first end surface308of the rotating member104limit how far the plug108can be inserted into the first end202of rotating member104. With the insertion portion218fully inserted into the first end202of the rotating member104, the shoulder416rests against the first end surface308.

In various embodiments, when the cap108is attached to the rotating member104, the cap108abuts the holding member102and, in combination with the wrap106, captures and holds the holding member102on the rotating member104between the cap108and the wrap106. In the current embodiment, the cap108retains the holding member102on the rotating member104by capturing the collar702between the rim402of the cap108and the first end202of the rotating member104. The holding member102is configured to rotate relative to the rotating member104. As shown inFIG. 9A, interference between the inner surface706of the collar702of the holding member102with the first end surface308of the rotating member104prevents the holding member102from sliding completely over the first end202of the rotating member104. In some embodiments, this interference between the collar702and the first end202of the rotating member104allows clearance to be maintained between the flange110of the holding member and the wrap106. Clearance between the flange110and the wrap106can be desirable to allow the rotating member104to rotate more easily relative to the holding member102. In some embodiments, slidably positioning the holding member102on the rotating member104allows the inner surface706to frictionally engage the first end surface308by directly contacting and engaging the first end surface308, thereby increasing friction between the surfaces706,308. In various embodiments, the inner surface706can contact the first end surface308of the rotating member104such that the holding member102is slidable against the rotating member104.

As shown inFIG. 9B, interference between the outer surface708of the collar702and the stop surface410of the rim402prevents the holding member102from sliding off of the rotating member104. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 9A-9B, the sizing of the vertical surface420of the shoulder416relative to the axial thickness of the collar702provides an end gap902to ensure free rotation and prevent binding of the rotating member104relative to the holding member102. InFIG. 9A, the end gap902is shown between the stop surface410of the rim402and the outer surface708of the collar702. InFIG. 9B, the end gap902is shown between the inner surface706of the collar702and the first end surface308of the rotating member104.FIG. 9AandFIG. 9Brepresent the extreme positions of the holding member102relative to the cap108and the rotating member104. In use, the holding member102can freely slide between these extremes and frequently will be disposed between these positions with end gaps902on both the inner surface706and outer surface708of the collar702.

As shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, a clearance gap900exists between the inner surface216of the holding member102and the outer surface302of the rotating member104. This clearance gap900prevents binding and allows smooth rotation of the rotating member104relative to the holding member102. In the embodiment shown, the circumferential ribs710a,bprotrude radially inwards from the inner surface216, thereby reducing the clearance gap900at the circumferential ribs710a,b. However, the circumferential ribs710a,bdo not eliminate the clearance gap900as clearance still exists between the circumferential ribs710a,band the outer surface302. The diameter D9of the innermost edge of the circumferential ribs710a,bis sized to be larger than the outer diameter D1of the outer surface302to provide clearance and maintain the clearance gap900. The circumferential ribs710a,baid in axially centering the first end210of the holding member102on the first end202of the rotating member104. In other embodiments, an axial-centering effect can be provided by sizing a diameter of the vertical surface420of the shoulder416of the cap108relative to the diameter D6of the first opening704of the collar702to provide minimal clearance. In other embodiments, the holding member102may be axially-centered on the rotating member104by sizing the diameter D8of the inner surface216of the holding member102to closely match the outer diameter D1of the outer surface302of the rotating member104.

Referring back toFIGS. 2-8, a method of assembling the dispenser100is described in further detail. It should be noted that any of the steps of any of the methods described herein may be performed in any order or could be performed in sub-steps that are done in any order or that are separated in time from each other by other steps or sub-steps, and the disclosure of a particular order of steps should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. A rotating member104with a roll-holding portion208, an engaging portion206, an axis of rotation300, and a roll of wrap106positioned on the roll-holding portion208is initially provided. The wrap106is typically wrapped around the rotating member104during the manufacturing process to form the roll of wrap106positioned on the rotating member104.

A holding member102with a longitudinal axis600is positioned on the rotating member104. The holding member102and rotating member104both have substantially cylindrical shapes, which gives the user ease of rotating the wrap dispenser100when assembled, ease of rotating contact between the holding member102and rotating member104, ease of insertion of the rotating member104into the holding member102, ease of gripping the holding member102, ease of construction of the wrap dispenser100, and various other benefits.

The holding member102encloses the engaging portion206of the rotating member104and the longitudinal axis600is substantially aligned with the axis of rotation300. In particular, in the current embodiment, when the holding member102encloses the rotating member104, the inner surface216of the holding member102is positioned adjacent to the outer surface302of the rotating member104. Furthermore, when the holding member102is fully positioned onto the rotating member104, the second end212is positioned adjacent to roll of wrap106. In various embodiments where the holding member102includes the flange110at the second end212, the holding member102is positioned with the end flange surface608adjacent to the roll of wrap106. In various embodiments where the holding member102includes the collar702at the first end210, the holding member102is positioned on the rotating member104with at least a part of the inner surface706of the collar702at least adjacent to the first end surface308of the rotating member104. In various embodiments, the inner surface706contacts and engages the first end surface308and the collar702may rest on the first end surface308.

The cap108is attached proximate to the first end202of the rotating member104. In various embodiments, the cap108is attached with the center axis400of the cap108substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis600and axis of rotation300. In various embodiments, the axis300,400,600are substantially aligned to form the center axis200of the wrap dispenser100. Attaching the cap108prevents removal of the holding member102from the rotating member104over the first end202of the rotating member108. In particular, attaching the cap108captures and holds the holding member102on the engaging portion206of the rotating member104between the roll of wrap106positioned on a roll-holding portion208of the rotating member104and the first end202of the rotating member104. This may prevent the holding member102from coming off the dispenser100during use. In various embodiments, the cap108is detachably attached to the first end202of the rotating member104and abuts the holding member102. In these embodiments, the cap108includes an attachment mechanism for detachably engaging the rotating member104.

When the cap108is attached to the dispenser100, at least a part of the insertion portion218is inserted through the first end opening704defined by the collar702of the holding member102and into the rotating member104. When attached, the stop surface410of the cap108is adjacent to the first end210and outer surface708of the holding member102. In various embodiments, when the cap108is attached to the dispenser100, the end gap902is formed between the stop surface410and the first end surface308of the rotating member104. The end gap is maintained by the shoulder416. This end gap allows for free rotation of the rotating member104relative to the holding member102while a user holds the holding member102without generating any significant friction with the cap108, which will rotate with the rotating member104, and the holding member102.

Focusing now onFIG. 10, a method of dispensing wrap106using a dispenser100will be described in further detail. It should be noted that any of the steps of any of the methods described herein may be performed in any order or could be performed in sub-steps that are done in any order or that are separated in time from each other by other steps or sub-steps, and the disclosure of a particular order of steps should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. A user1000first obtains a wrap dispenser100which includes the rotating member104with wrap106wrapped around the rotating member104, the holding member102on the engaging portion206of the rotating member104, and the cap108attached to the rotating member104such that the cap108and wrap106capture the holding member102on the engaging portion206of the rotating member104.

The user1000holds and grips the outer holding surface214of the holding member102and begins dispensing the wrap106with the flange110separating the user from the wrap106. Although the user1000is holding the holding member102, the rotating member104freely rotates around its axis of rotation300to dispense the wrap106because the inner surface216of the holding member102is not compressed against the outer surface302of the engaging portion206of the rotating member104. The inner surface216and outer surface302are sufficiently smooth in the current embodiment such that the friction between the inner surface216and outer surface302is not sufficient to significantly resist rotation of the rotating member104.

As the wrap106is being dispensed, the user1000may increase tension in the film by clenching his or her hand and applying pressure to the holding member102. In particular, frictional engagement occurs when the inner surface216of the holding member102directly engage the outer surface302of the rotating member104after the inner surface216collapses during compression. In various embodiments, the holding member102directly engages the rotating member104when compressed to stop rotation of the rotating member104. This frictional engagement increases friction between the rotating member104and the holding member102due to the increased surface contact and pressure between the inner surface216and the outer surface302and causes the rotating member104to slow down or stop rotating altogether. This allows the user1000to tension or stretch the wrap when the user1000holds the dispenser100in place or continues to move the dispenser100with the roll of wrap106, as previously described. Thus the dispenser100holds the wrap taut around the object or objects being wrapped, preventing the unrolled wrap from becoming loose around the object or objects or during the dispensing.

In various other embodiments, the user1000may also slide the holding member102along the rotating member104while clenching the holding member102such that the outer surface708of the holding member102frictionally engages the stop surface410of the cap108. In various embodiments, the inner surface706of the collar702of the holding member102may also contact and frictionally engage the first end surface308of the rotating member104. In these embodiments, the frictional engagement between any the compressed holding member102and the rotating member104, between the collar702and the rotating member104, and between the holding member102and the cap108, either individually or in any desired combination, causes the rotating member104to slow down or stop rotating altogether. This results in tensioning or even stretching of the wrap to occur when the user holds the dispenser100in place or continues to move the dispenser100with the roll of wrap106, as previously described.

As shown inFIG. 11andFIG. 12, in another embodiment of the cap108′, the insertion portion218of the cap108′ can be extended in length along axis1100. In other embodiments, the cap108′ can be substantially longer or shorter than the embodiment shown. The cap108′ can also comprise a plurality of vertical ribs1300defined by the outer surface424of the inner circumferential wall414. The plurality of vertical ribs1300can be radially spaced around an outer circumference of the inner circumferential wall414. In the current embodiment, four vertical ribs1300are radially spaced around the outer circumference of the inner circumferential wall414at 90 degrees from each other, though greater or fewer vertical ribs1300can be spaced around the outer circumference of the inner circumferential wall414at different angles, and the vertical ribs1300can be spaced equally or at varying angles in other embodiments. Each vertical rib1300defines a tapered surface1302, a shoulder surface1304, and two side surfaces. Each vertical rib1300extends radially outwardly from the outer surface424of the inner circumferential wall414. Because the tapered surface1302tapers in a downward direction away from the rim portion224and the shoulder portion230, the tapered surface1302can aid in the insertion of the insertion portion218of the cap108′ into the first end202of the rotating member104. The shoulder surface1304can be sized to dig into the inner surface304of the rotating member104in order to secure the cap108′ to the rotating member104and resist the withdrawal of the insertion portion218from the first end202of the rotating member104.

In the embodiment shown, an outermost diameter D10of the vertical ribs1300is larger than the diameter D3of the outer surface424of the inner circumferential wall414. The outermost diameter D10is also larger than the inner diameter D7of the inner surface304of the rotating member104in order for the vertical ribs1300to dig into the inner surface304upon insertion. In the embodiment shown, the outermost diameter D10of the vertical ribs is smaller than the diameter defined by the vertical surface420of the shoulder416. The shape and the size of the vertical ribs1300should not be considered limiting, however. In some embodiments, the cap can comprise an unbroken circumferential ring defining the tapered surface1302and the shoulder surface1304in place of separate vertical ribs1300.

FIG. 13depicts a bottom view of another embodiment of the cap108″ facing the second end222. The embodiment shown comprises five vertical ribs1300evenly radially distributed around the outer circumference of the inner circumferential wall414, but is otherwise identical to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 11-12. Each pair of vertical ribs1300is separated by an angle1310which is equal to 72 degrees in the embodiment shown. The cap108″ can comprise greater or fewer vertical ribs1300in other embodiments, and the vertical ribs1300can be distributed in any axially- or radially-spread pattern. As shown inFIGS. 11, 12, and 13, the vertical ribs1300are positioned radially-inward from the vertical surface420of the shoulder416, and the outermost diameter of vertical ribs1300is smaller than the diameter defined by the vertical surface420of the shoulder416.

This assembly configuration represents one of many possible assembly configurations. One skilled in the art will understand that obvious variations of this assembly configuration are included within this disclosure, including variations of steps, combinations of steps, and dissections of steps, among others. Where materials are chosen for the elements of this assembly, particularly corrugated or uncorrugated paperboard, rubber, metal, and plastic, similar material choices may also be used and would be obvious to one in the art. In particular, the rotating member104and/or holding member102is constructed from the group including, but not limited to, corrugated or uncorrugated paperboard, cast iron, steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, brass, various plastics, resins, composites, or any material of sufficient strength to withstand the loads placed on them when dispensing film or other wrap materials from a roll but resilient enough to allow compression of the holding member102to frictionally engage the rotating member104, or any combination of the foregoing materials. In particular, in various embodiments, the holding member102and the rotating member104are made from a corrugated paperboard. In various other embodiments, the holding member102may be made from polyethylene foam and the rotating member is made from plastic or corrugated paperboard. The cap108is constructed from the group including, but not limited to, flexible and resilient material that may be selectively compressed or deformed to allow detachable engagement with the rotating member104such as a plastic or rubber-like material. In various other embodiments, only a portion of the cap108is constructed from plastic or rubber-like material. Another portion may be constructed from various other metals, plastics, resins, composites, or other material that need not be flexible and resilient. Furthermore, the configuration of either member need not be annular but could be another configuration depending on the application. Finally, additional members may be added to the wrap dispenser100and various components may be split into other components. For one example among others, an elastomeric component may be applied to the outer holding surface214of the holding member102to aid in grip. In such a case, the elastomeric component would be considered a portion of the holding member102. This elastomeric component could be added to a plastic holding member102using molding technology or methods known in the art.

It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.