PATENT ABSTRACT
A paper roll holder and dispenser having the ability to lock the roll in a non-rotating condition to allow the tear-off of individual sheets is described. The dispenser utilizes a tear bar coupled to a locking mechanism within the roll support to frictionally prevent rotation of the roll from the interior. An alternative dispenser utilizes a container with an inclined surface for retaining a paper roll at a feed opening during use. A pivotable tear bar positioned proximate the feed opening alternately allows dispensing of the paper from the feed opening and blocks dispensing from the feed opening when a tearing motion is applied to the tear bar.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present device relates to a dispenser for paper towels. Particularly, the present device relates to a dispenser for paper towels with a tear feature to prevent unraveling of the roll during tear-off. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The various uses for the paper towel in homes, offices, restaurants and the like are far too numerous to list. The liquid-absorbent paper towels come in varying lengths, each sheet joined to another at perforated edges and packaged and sold in multi-sheet rolls under trademark names such as BOUNTY® (Proctor &amp; Gamble Company), BRAWNY® (Fort James Corp.) and VIVA® (Kimberly-Clark Company). Paper towels are used to clean every imaginable mess in any imaginable place. The size of the mess determines the number of sheets to be used. 
         [0003]    Dispensing of the individual sheets from a standard roll dispenser—where rolls are allowed to rotate about a spindle with little resistance—has been problematic at best. Unlike toilet paper, for example, the long tear length of paper towels requires a long steady motion to avoid unraveling the roll. Further, as paper towels continue to be made from sturdier paper stock or in multi-ply sheets, the tear perforations require greater force to separate each sheet from a roll. Without careful effort by the user, the result of a strong pull to tear the perforations may be the withdrawal of numerous unneeded sheets. 
         [0004]    Some towel dispensing devices have been designed utilizing a spring-biased mechanism to ride against the roll. However, these mechanisms go too far. When applied, the mechanisms almost completely inhibit the paper towel roll from rotating, and the need for a greater number of sheets can be deterred. What is needed is a dispensing device which can dispense paper towels freely to a desired length and then permit easy tear off by inhibiting further movement of the towels. 
         [0005]    Other prior art paper towel dispensing devices allow the user to halt the roll rotation with one hand while tearing sheets with the other hand. This solves the problem of controlling the length of towels dispensed, but it creates a potential bigger problem by requiring the use of two hands. Often the user may have only the use of a couple clean fingertips by which to grab the roll of towels. 
         [0006]    The present invention solves these and other problems associated with prior art devices. Multiple embodiments of a paper towel dispenser are presented which have additional design and manufacturing advantages over such prior art devices. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A number of embodiments of a paper roll holder and dispenser are herein described. The dispenser is generally comprised of the ability to restrict rotation of a roll of material to allow the tear-off of a desired length of individual sheets with the use of one hand. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, in one embodiment of the disclosed device, the dispenser comprises a base, a roll support extending from the base and positioned to retain a roll of material on the base in a rotatable state, a tear bar attached to the base, extending substantially parallel to the roll support, and movable along and between a first position and a second position, and a braking member coupled to the tear bar and responsive to the movement of the tear bar. The braking member preferably inhibits rotation of the roll of material when the tear bar is in one of either the first position or the second position. Additionally, the braking member is preferably positioned within the roll support. 
         [0009]    The disclosed dispenser may further comprise a pivot attached to the base and about which the tear bar and the braking member move. The pivot is preferably positioned on a bottom-side of the base so as not to detract from the aesthetics of the device. The braking member of the disclosed embodiment frictionally engages an interior of the roll of material when the tear bar is in either of the first position and the second position. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the disclosed dispenser comprises a base having a support surface and a retaining surface, and a material feed opening defined between an edge of each of the support surface and the retaining surface. The support surface is positioned on the base at an angle such that a roll of material placed onto the support surface rolls, as a result of gravity, toward the retaining surface until it abuts the surface. In an addition to this embodiment, a tear bar is detachably connected via a pivot at the material feed opening. 
         [0011]    These and other aspects of the invention may be understood more readily from the following description and the appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. Certain features, work pieces and environment of some figures have been omitted or shown in broken lines so as not to obscure other features of the figures. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an upright dispenser loaded with a roll of paper towels; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  without the roll of paper towels; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a partial side view showing the base of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a cross-section of the base of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a partial detail view showing a pivot for the embodiment of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a base underside of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  illustrating the use of a biasing mechanism; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a horizontal paper towel dispenser; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a tear bar used with the dispenser of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the dispenser of  FIG. 9  assembled with the tear bar of  FIG. 10  in a closed position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the dispenser of  FIG. 9  assembled with the tear bar of  FIG. 10  in an open position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a close up of the tear bar of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a perspective of another embodiment of a horizontal paper towel dispenser illustrating a top feed opening; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  including a pivoting face plate; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 16-18  illustrate details of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 19-22  illustrate still another embodiment of a horizontal towel dispenser; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 23  is a detailed view of one possible embodiment of the dispenser cutting bar. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. While the invention is described in combination with a roll of common paper towels, it should be understood that the features of the invention could be applied to the dispensing of other tearable, not necessarily perforated, materials as well. 
         [0032]    For purposes of the description, the various components of the invention are commonly numbered through the illustrated embodiments, with the exception that the first digit between common elements reflects the embodiment to which the element pertains—for example, element  21  would be element  121  in a second embodiment and element  221  in a third embodiment. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-23 , there is illustrated several embodiments of a paper towel dispenser, generally designated by the numerals  10  (vertical dispenser of  FIGS. 1-8 ) and  110  (horizontal dispenser of  FIGS. 9-23 ). The dispenser of  FIGS. 1-8  is intended to be placed on a surface, such as a kitchen counter top, desk, work bench or the like, and retain a roll of paper towels in a vertical orientation. The dispenser  110  of  FIGS. 9-23  may also be positioned on a surface, as above, as well as attached, for example, to a wall or under a cabinet, but with the roll being retained in a horizontal orientation. 
         [0034]    Generally speaking, the dispenser  10  includes a base  12 , a roll support  16  extending from the base  12 , a tear bar  18  also attached to the base  12 , and a braking member  20 . The individual components can be manufactured from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, metal, composites and any combination of these materials. The material of the components is best for determining the manner in which they are to be connected to one another. Such manufacturing choices are well within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. 
         [0035]    Referring first to  FIGS. 1-5 , one embodiment of a vertical or upright towel dispenser  10  is illustrated. The dispenser  10  includes a square base  12  having dimensions approximately equal the diameter of a roll of paper towels, though other shapes and sizes are possible. Padded feet  22  may be used on an underside of the base  12  to facilitate gripping of a surface (not shown) onto which the dispenser  10  is placed. The base  12  is preferably of a thickness to support an internal cavity  24  to enclose mechanisms described in detail below. 
         [0036]    The roll support  16  is basically comprised of a rod about which a roll of towels can be placed to be retained on the base  12  in a rotatable state. The roll support  16  is shown to be centered on the base  12 , but alternate positioning is possible. The dimensions (i.e., height and width) of the support  16  must be sufficient to allow insertion into a center opening on a roll of paper towels, and then retain the roll thereon. Preferably, the support  16  is fixed to the base  12  without the ability to rotate. A passage  26  is shown in the support  16  to permit travel of a braking member  20  described below. 
         [0037]    The tear bar  18  is preferably attached to an underside surface of the base  12 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The attachment of the bar  18  is achieved by a pivot  30  on the underside of the base  12 . The pivot  30  allows the bar  18  freedom to move through and between a first position and a second position, where the base  12  acts as a stop to this motion. After turning toward an upper surface of the base  12 , the tear bar  18  extends substantially parallel to the roll support  16 . As illustrated, the tear bar  18  is a rigid strip intended to extend the approximate height of a standard roll of paper towels. The bar  18  may include serrated edges, for example, which facilitate tearing of the paper at desired lengths. 
         [0038]    The braking member  20  is coupled to the tear bar  18 , preferably as a single piece, and is therefore responsive to the movement of the tear bar  18 . The braking member  20  pivots opposite the tear bar  18  as a result of the connection. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the braking member resides within the roll support  16 , but is capable of pivoting to extend out at least one side of the support  16 , and preferably, alternately, out both sides. When extended in this manner, the braking member  20  inhibits rotation of the roll of material by frictionally engaging the paper roll from its interior surface. As the movement of the braking member  20  is coupled to that of the tear bar  18 , the braking member  20  moves to bear against the roll when the tear bar  18  is in one of either the first position or the second position. 
         [0039]    The braking member  20 , or at least an end or edge of the braking member  20 , may comprise a material having a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber or a soft polymer, or the edge may have small teeth (not shown) to create stopping friction. 
         [0040]    As an alternate configuration, though not shown, the braking member  20  may be outside and adjacent the roll support  16  so as to still frictionally engage the interior of the roll when the tear bar  18  is moved. The braking member  20  would have to be positioned close enough to the roll support  16  such that a roll would fit over both components. 
         [0041]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6-8 , the dispenser  10  is manufactured in four pieces (not including screws). The dispenser  10  includes a round base  12 , a tear bar  16  integrally coupled, via connecting member  19 , to a braking member  20 , a roll support  18 , and a cover plate  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the noted components is preferably made of a molded-plastic material to simplify manufacture and construction. The molded construction is also economical, as parts can be mass produced for quick assembly. To strength the molded parts, longitudinal or concentric ribs, such as the ribs  42  used on base  12 , can be added. 
         [0042]    Of particular significance in the molded dispenser  10  of  FIGS. 6-8  is pivot  30 , which is constructed by the mating of a first conical protuberance  44  on the underside of the base  12  and a second conical protuberance  46  on the connecting member  19 . The outer surface of the first conical protuberance  44  is tapered to match the taper of the interior wall of the second conical protuberance  46 . Smooth mating surfaces allow the first conical protuberance  44  to move within the second protuberance  46 . The unique pivot  30  construction facilitates connection between the two protuberances, but also provides a more stable element, over a nut and bolt pivot point for example, as the braking member  20  and the tear bar  18  move back and forth. 
         [0043]    To better accommodate movement of the tear bar  18  and prevent it from being inadvertently blocked, a recess area  48  is provided in base  12 . The recess area  48  allows the tear bar  18  to remain within the peripheral bounds of the base  12 , while still operating in either direction as described above. Similarly, the passage  26  of the support  16  is tightly toleranced to the dimensions of the braking member  20  in the molded embodiment. 
         [0044]    A compression spring  50  may be used in the present embodiment to provide greater stability in the movement of the tear bar  18 . The spring  50  preferably has one end attached to the underside of the base  12  and the other end to a point on the tear bar  18 /braking member  20  component. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the compression spring  50  biases the braking member  20 , and therefore the tear bar  18 , to one side or the other. A certain amount of force is required to compress the spring  50  as the tear bar  18  moves from a first position to a mid-point, and then the spring  50  biases the bar  18  in the other direction. The mechanism helps prevents the tear bar  18  from wobbling and from freely bouncing back and forth. 
         [0045]    Finally, the cover plate  40  connects to the base  12  to protect the spring  50  and pivot  30  features from dust, dirt and the like. Six (6) screw holes align between the base  12  and the cover plate  40  to facilitate the connection. The cover plate  40  may also keep the second protuberance  46  from becoming unseated with the first conical protuberance  44  by supporting the connecting member  19  at the pivot point  30 . The cover plate  40  may include, for example, rubber feet (not shown) or a rubber layer—or most any other suitable high-friction material, including many synthetics—to prevent sliding on counter surfaces. 
         [0046]    With reference to  FIGS. 9-13 , an embodiment of a horizontal paper towel dispenser  110  is illustrated. The dispenser  110  generally comprises a housing  114  constructed from a series of surfaces including a base  112 , a retaining surface  113 , and adjoining surface(s)  115 . A material feed opening  117 , through which the paper towel is dispensed, is defined between an edge of each of the base  112  and the retaining surface  113 . The dispenser  110 , preferably open on at least one side, and most preferably on both sides, is preferably constructed to be mounted to a surface (e.g., a wall) via suitable mounting hardware (not shown). 
         [0047]    The housing  114  is preferably made from one of either a metal or plastic material, though other materials such as wood, a laminate or composite may also be suitable. The surfaces of the housing  114  may be formed from a single piece of material—for example, stamped from a metal blank—or they may be formed of multiple pieces which are joined to one another by any known technique. 
         [0048]    In use, a roll of paper towels can be placed within the housing  114  through an open side with a lead paper sheet being fed through the opening  117  to start the roll. Side flange(s)  121  may be used to keep the paper roll from accidentally exiting the housing  114  on an open side. The roll is supported on the base  112 , which is preferably set at an incline. The incline biases, by gravity, a seated roll toward and into an abutting relationship with the retaining surface  113 . The angle (A) of the inclined surface is preferably within the range of 5 to 30°, inclusive. As paper from the roll is pulled through the opening  117 , the diminishing roll would still sit toward the opening  117 . 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , the dispenser  110  may further comprise a tear bar  118  attached to the base  112  at the material feed opening  117 . A small lip  125  extending from the base  112  provides an attachment point—via a snap fit connection—and acts as a pivot for the tear bar  118 . Preferably, the tear bar  118  extends the length of the feed opening  117  and includes a snap groove  127  along a middle of an underside surface which connects to the lip  125 . As shown, the bar  118  is also detachable from the lip  125 , if desired. 
         [0050]    The groove  127  divides the bar  118  into opposing ends and serves as the pivot point when attached to the lip  125 . A first end  133  of the bar  118  pivots upward to abut the retaining surface  113  and pinches the paper towel feed there between. This prevents paper from advancing from the feed opening  117 . A second end  135  of the bar  118  pivots downward, as a result of force applied by a user attempting to tear a sheet of paper from the roll, and may include an edge to facilitate the tearing of the paper. The two ends  133 ,  135  of the bar  118  may be balanced such that the paper is pinched or the feed opening blocked to prevent inadvertent dispensing. By pulling the paper feed horizontally from the opening  117 , the paper pivots the first end  133  of the bar  118  downward to release the paper for dispensing. 
         [0051]      FIG. 14  illustrates another embodiment of the horizontal dispenser  110 . The illustrated dispenser  110  is substantially identical to the dispenser  110  of  FIGS. 9-13 , except that the feed opening  117  is positioned at an upper end of the retaining surface  113 . The base  112 , though angled as previously discussed, does not form an edge of the opening  117 . Instead, an adjoining surface  115  of the housing  114  forms the opening  117  with the retaining surface  113 . A lip  125 , therefore, extends from the retaining surface  113  to provide a pivot point for the tear bar  118 . The action of the tear bar  118  is as described above. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 15-18  illustrate yet another variation on the horizontal dispenser  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser  110  includes a pivoting face plate  160  attached to the retaining surface  113 . The pivoting face plate  160  serves a couple purposes. First, the width of opening  117  is typically fixed, so the pivoting face plate  160  may allow a certain amount of variation in that feature to accommodate varied material thicknesses and stiffnesses. Second, manufacturing anomalies and typical wear-and-tear from use might result in an uneven opening width (see phantom line of  FIGS. 16-18 ). The uneven opening would cause the tear bar  118  to abut at less than all points of the retaining surface  113  resulting in a more difficult tear of the paper. The pivoting face plate  160  would guarantee that the discharging paper would be engaged consistently at the opening  117  along its full width. 
         [0053]    Still another variation of the horizontal dispenser  110  is shown in  FIGS. 19-23 . This design includes a horizontal upper lip  162  attached to the retaining surface  113 . The upper lip  162  replaces lip  125  in previous embodiments. The upper lip  162 , which could also be used on the embodiment of  FIG. 14  having an upper opening  117 , comprises a short extension having a strip, coating, layer or laminate of a higher friction material, such as a neoprene rubber or the like, on the surface facing opening  117 . The friction material “grabs and holds” the paper when it is pulled upward against the lip  162 , preventing further advancement. This facilitates tearing of the paper. Conceivably, the friction material may be continuous or intermittent on the surface of the lip  162 . 
         [0054]    Finally, as an added feature to the described embodiments, the edge along which the paper is tore may be serrated or toothed. For example, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the lip  162  includes serrations  164  to tear paper as it is pulled upwards. Such an edge is most effective where the paper is not already perforated for tearing or where a smaller sheet of paper is suitable for a particular need. 
         [0055]    The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants&#39; contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.