APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING PLASTICS STRETCH FILM

Abstract: This invention relates to the manual dispensing of elongate flexible material which material is wrapped as a roll about a hollow core (9). More particularly, this invention relates to a handheld dispenser comprising a handle (1), a spindle (3) projecting from the handle so that the core can be rotatably mounted thereon and a resilient skirt (4) defining with the spindle a groove (5) into which a projecting end of the core (9) is received and against which core the skirt may be manually urged to provide braking means for the core.

Description: This invention relates to the manual dispensing of elongate flexible material; more particularly, this invention relates to a manually-operated device for dispensing elongate flexible material such as plastics films, especially stretchable pastics film, as known from GB-A-2 065 070. In accordance with one aspect of this invention, there is provided a hand-held dispenser for elongate flexible material, which material is wrapped as a roll about a hollow core and is rotatable therewith and wherein at least one end of the core projects from the roll, the dispenser comprising a handle; a spindle projecting from the handle so that the core can, in use, be rotatably mounted thereon; a resilient skirt defining with the spindle a groove into which, in use, the projecting end of the core is received and against which core the skirt may be manually urged to provide braking means particularly external radial braking means, for the core. It is desirable, for ease of manufacture, that the spindle is formed integrally with the skirt. Likewise, it is desirable that the handle is formed integrally with the skirt. It is preferred that the handle, spindle and the skirt are integrally formed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a dispenser as herein defined which additionally comprises releasable latching means at the free, opposed end of the spindle to prevent disengagement of the core from the dispenser. This invention also provides a dispenser as herein defined which is loaded with a roll of flexible material, for example plastics film especially stretchable plastics film preferably comprising polypropylene. In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, there is provided, optionally as a kit of parts, a hand-held dispenser, for example of elongate flexible material, which comprises a handle; a spindle mountable thereon; and a resilient skirt defining with.the spindle a groove, preferably a radial groove, which skirt is manually deformable against the spindle. The invention will now be particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 represents a side elevation, partially broken away to reveal cross-sectional detail, of a dispenser of the invention; and Fig. 2 represents an end elevation, taken in the direction A, of the dispenser shown in Fig. 1. In the drawings, the dispenser 20 comprises a handle 1 formed from filled PVC and comrising axially extending ribs 2 to facilitate manual gripping thereof. The handle is integrally formed both with a coaxial spindle 3 and with a coaxial resilient skirt 4 which together define a radial groove 5. The opposed end of the spindle 6 is externally threaded to receive a screw-threaded cap 7. In use, the dispenser 20, without cap 7, is loaded with a dimensionally apt roll of stretchable plastics film 8 wrapped rotatable therewith about a hollow core 9. One end 10 of the core projects from the roll and is received in radial groove 5. Cap 7 is then screwed into position. The free end of the film 8 is next affixed to an object (not shown) to be wrapped and, by relative movement of the handle to the object, the roll is unwound and the object wrapped with film. The speed of wrapping and the tension in the film are varied by manually urging the skirt against the core to provide a braking action. On exhaustion of the film supply the cap is unscrewed; the spent core discarded, and a fresh core is inserted and latched in place.

Claims: A hand-held dispenser for elongate flexible material (8), which material is wrapped as a roll about a hollow core (9) and is rotatable therewith, the dispenser comprising a handle (1); a spindle (6) projecting from the handle so that the core can, in use, be rotatably mounted thereon; characterized by a resilient skirt (4) defining with the spindle a groove (5) into which, in use, a projecting end of the core is received and against which core the skirt may be manually urged to provide braking means for the core. A dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the spindle is formed integrally with the skirt. A dispenser according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the handle is formed integrally with the skirt. A dispenser according to any preceding claim which additionally copmrises releasable latching means (7) at the free, opposed end of the spindle to prevent disengagement of the core from the dispenser. A dispenser according to any preceding claim which is loaded with a roll of flexible material. A dispenser according to claim 5 wherein the flexible material comprises plastics film. A dispenser according to claim 6 wherein the flexible material comprises stretchable plastics film. A dispenser according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the plastics film comprises polypropylene. A hand-held dispenser, for example for elongate flexible material, which comprises a handle (1); a spindle (3) mountable thereon, characterized by a resilient skirt (4) defining with the spindle a groove (5) which skirt is manually deformable against the spindle. A hand-held dispenser according to claim 9 wherein the handle, spindle and the skirt are integrally formed.

Inventors: WIESE, VOLKER
Applicants: MOBIL OIL CORPORATION
Application year: 1988
Main classification: B65B67
IPC codes: B65H16, B65B67