Abstract:
A compressible axle has first portion that telescopically interfaces within a cavity of a second portion. An end of the first portion has a well containing a lubricant with a side wall having orifice(s) for emitting lubricant and an open end sealed by a movable plunger. A compression spring within the cavity urges the first portion away from the second portion such that a closing force applied to compress the first portion further into the cavity compresses the compression spring and thereby applying force onto the plunger and expelling a portion of the lubricant at an area where the first portion telescopically interfaces with the cavity in the second portion. Nubs at ends of the compressible axle are sized and shaped to fit within corresponding depressions of the depressions in the frame.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/327,829, filed Jul. 10, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This invention relates to the field of hubs and more particularly to a system for simplified removal of toilet paper axles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are many existing designs for toilet paper holders. Common designs include a hinged arm mounted horizontally on a wall, a thick axle either recessed into a wall or mounted on a frame, a vertical pole on a base, etc. Often, the axle designs include an axle suspended between two members, such as frame members. The axle is somewhat free to spin and the roll of toilet paper is free to spin around the axle, permitting dispensing of the toilet paper by pulling on the first, exposed sheet of toilet paper. 
     In these toilet paper holders having axel designs, there typically is a mechanism to release the axle from the toilet paper holder frame. This facilitates removal of the disposable toilet paper roll core (cardboard tube) from a spent toilet paper role and enables replacement of the disposable toilet paper roll core with a new roll of toilet paper. After the new roll of toilet paper is placed on the axle, the axle is then re-engaged into the toilet paper holder frame. 
     Many such release mechanisms include a compressible axle having end nubs that fit within depressions in the toilet paper holder frame. To remove the compressible axle, force is exerted inwardly from one end of the compressible axle, or both ends, shortening the compressible axle sufficiently as to clear one or both of the depressions, thereby releasing the compressible axle from the depressions. Unfortunately, it is often difficult for many to compress the compressible axle, especially for those individuals having reduced dexterity. The ends of the compressible axle are often held very close to the toilet paper holder frame, making it difficult for the average person to position a finger between and end of the compressible axle and the wall of the toilet paper holder frame. This is further inhibited by the cardboard, toilet paper roll core, which remains on the compressible axle after the toilet paper is spent, making it even more difficult to reach in and compress the compressible axle. People with reduced dexterity, for example, those with arthritis, often have extreme difficulty changing toilet paper rolls. 
     What is needed is a system that will facilitate removal of the compressible axle for improved ease of changing toilet paper rolls. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a compressible axle for installing between two depressions in a frame of a toilet paper holder is disclosed. The compressible axle has a first portion that telescopically interfaces with a cavity in a second portion. A first end of the first portion has a nub and a first end of the second portion also has a nub. A second end of the first portion has a well containing a lubricant. The well is sealed by a plunger except for at least one orifice formed through a side of the well. A compression spring is positioned within the cavity between an inside surface of the cavity and the plunger. The compression spring urges the first portion away from the second portion such that a closing force applied to compress the first portion further into the cavity compresses the compression spring and applies force to the plunger, thereby expelling a portion of the lubricant from the at least one orifice to lubricate an area where the first portion telescopically interfaces with the cavity in the second portion. The nubs are sized and shaped to fit within corresponding depressions of the depressions in the frame. 
     In another embodiment, a compressible axle for installing between two depressions in a frame of a toilet paper holder is disclosed. A first portion of the compressible axle telescopically interfaces within a cavity in a second portion and a first end of the first portion has a nub. A second end of the first portion has a well containing a lubricant. A side wall of the well has at least one orifice for emitting the lubricant and an open end of the well is sealed by a movable plunger. A first end of the second portion also has a nub. A compression spring is within the cavity between an inside surface of the cavity towards the first end of the second portion and the plunger. The compression spring urges the first portion away from the second portion such that a closing force applied to compress the first portion further into the cavity compresses the compression spring and thereby the compression spring applies force onto the plunger, thereby expelling a portion of the lubricant from the at least one orifice to lubricate an area where the first portion telescopically interfaces with the cavity in the second portion. The nubs are sized and shaped to fit within corresponding depressions of the depressions in the frame. 
     In another embodiment, compressible axle for installing between two depressions in a frame is disclosed. A first portion of the compressible axle telescopically interfaces within a cavity in a second portion. A first end of the first portion has a and a second end of the first portion has a device for automatically emitting a lubricant into an interface where the first portion telescopically interfaces within the cavity in the second portion. The first end of the second portion also has a nub. A device such as a spring urges the first portion away from the second portion is within the cavity between an inside surface of the cavity towards the first end of the second portion and the device for lubricating. This device (e.g., a spring) pushes the first portion away from the second portion such that a closing force applied to compress the first portion further into the cavity compresses the device (e.g., spring) and thereby applies force onto the device for lubricating, thereby expelling a portion of a lubricant from the device for lubricating to lubricate an area where the first portion telescopically interfaces with the cavity of the second portion. The nubs are sized and shaped to fit within corresponding depressions of the depressions in the frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a compressible axle of the prior art. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a compressible axle with a pull-tab, ready for insertion into a toilet paper holder frame. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a sectional view of a compressible axle with a first add-on pull-tab. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a sectional view of a compressible axle with a second add-on pull-tab. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a sectional view of a compressible axle with a third add-on pull-tab. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of a modified compressible axle inserted into a toilet paper holder frame, partially hidden by the core of a toilet paper roll. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of an alternate, modified compressible axle inserted into a toilet paper holder frame, partially hidden by the core of a toilet paper roll. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a detailed side view of the alternate, modified compressible axle inserted into a toilet paper holder frame, partially hidden by the core of a toilet paper roll. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a compressible axle  10  of the prior art is shown. Although there are many known types of compressible axles  10 , the typical compressible axle  10  includes two generally cylindrical tubes, a first end of one tube  15  sliding/telescoping into a first end of the second tube  14  and having a spring  16  within the second tube  14 , urging the first tube  15  away from the second tube  14 . Often, the opposite ends of each of the tubes  14 / 15  have nubs  12  that have reduced diameters that fit within depressions  3  in the toilet paper holder frame  5  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     Although shown using a spring  16  to urge apart the sections  14 / 15  of the compressible axle  10 , there is no limitation or requirement that the compressible axle  10  include a spring  16 , and any known or future compressible axle  10  is anticipated. 
     When the compressible axle  10  is secured within the depressions  3  of a toilet paper holder frame  5  (see  FIG. 2 ), removal of the compressible axle  10  is facilitated by exerting a force inwardly from one end of the compressible axle  10  or simultaneously from both ends, shortening the compressible axle  10  sufficiently as to clear one or both of the depressions  3 , thereby releasing the compressible axle  10  from the toilet paper holder frame  5 . This is often accomplished by positioning of a finger between an end of the compressible axle and the frame  5  of the toilet paper holder frame  5 , but this operation is often inhibited by the cardboard toilet paper roll core (not shown for clarity reasons, see  FIG. 6  for example), which remains on the compressible axle  10  after the toilet paper is spent. The cardboard toilet paper roll core makes it difficult to reach the ends of the compressible axle  10  and, therefore, difficult to compress the compressible axle  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of a compressible axle  10  with a pull-tab assembly  40 , ready for insertion into a toilet paper holder frame  5  is shown. The compressible axle  10  is similar to that previously described, but it is to be noted that, although a specific compressible axle  10  is shown, any type and shape of compressible axle  10  is anticipated, as well as any type and shape of corresponding toilet paper holder frame  5 . 
     To alleviate the issues of such toilet paper holders as noted above, a pull-tab assembly  40  is added to one end, the other end, or both ends of the compressible axle  10 . A base  44  of the pull-tab assembly  40  has a receiving portion  41  for receiving the nub  12  of the end of the compressible axle  10 , a pull-tab nub  42  that fits within the depression  3  of the toilet paper holder frame  5 , and a pull-tab  46  that extends far enough from the pull-tab assembly  40  to enable griping of the pull-tab  46  after the toilet paper is spent. In operation, to remove the compressible axle  10  from the depressions  3  in the toilet paper frame  5 , force is placed on the pull-tab  46  in a direction toward the opposite side of the compressible axle  10 , thereby compressing the compressible axle  10  and enabling the removal of the pull-tab nub  42  from the depression  3 . It is anticipated that the pull-tab  46  be made of any suitable material, either a stiff material or a flexible material, including, but not limited to, the same material that the pull-tab base  44 . 
     The inner diameter of the receiving portion  41  is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the nub  12  of the compressible axle  10 , providing a compact and tight fit around the nub  12 . The outer diameter of the pull-tab nub  42  is preferably substantially the same as the outer diameter of the nub  12  of the compressible axle  10 , though any diameter is anticipated as long as the outer diameter of the pull-tab nub  42  is less than the inner diameter of the depression  3  of the toilet paper frame  5 . By making the outer diameter of the pull-tab nub  42  be less than the inner diameter of the depression  3  of the toilet paper frame  5 , the compressible axle  10  freely rotates within the depression  3  of the toilet paper frame  5 . 
     In some embodiments, the pull tab  40  is integrated or manufactured as part of the compressible axle  10 , while in other embodiments; the pull tab  40  is manufactured as an independent component for later affixing to the nub  12  of a compressible axle  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 , sectional views of a compressible axle  10  with add-on pull-tabs  40 / 40 A/ 40 B are shown. Although it is anticipated that the pull-tab assembly  40  be integrated into the compressible axle  10 , in some embodiments, the pull-tab assembly  40  is a separate component  40 / 40 A/ 40 B that is added to existing compressible axles  10 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , the pull-tab assembly  40  is shown with a compression fit, being pushed onto the nub  12  of a compressible axle  10 . In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the receiving portion  41  is very close to the outer diameter of the nub  12 , thereby creating a press-fit. 
     In  FIG. 4 , the pull-tab assembly  40 A with a toothed retaining mechanism is shown being pushed onto the nub  12  of a compressible axle  10 . In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the receiving portion  41  has inwardly pointed teeth  50 . Once pushed onto to the outer diameter of the nub  12 , the teeth  50  dig into the nub  12  and hold the pull-tab assembly  40 A onto the nub  12 . 
     In  FIG. 5 , the pull-tab assembly  40 B is shown with an adhesive  52 , being pushed onto the nub  12  of a compressible axle  10 . In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the receiving portion  41  is held to the outer diameter of the nub  12  by an adhesive  52 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a cut-away view of a modified compressible axle  10 B inserted into a toilet paper holder frame  5  is shown. In this example, the pull-tab assembly is manufactured/formed as part of the compressible axle  10   b . Most of the compressible axle  10   b  is similar to a standard compressible axle  10  as previously described, having a nub  12  (shown fit within a depression  3  of the toilet paper holder  5 ), a first, slightly larger tube  14 , a compression spring  16  and a slightly smaller tube  15  that telescopes within the slightly larger tube  14 , biased outwardly by the spring  16 . In this example, a pull-tab  46  is affixed to an end of the smaller tube  15 , extending around the toilet paper roll core  4  to facilitate removal of the toilet paper roll core  4  after the toilet paper (not shown for clarity reasons) is spent. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , views of the alternate, modified compressible axle  10   c  inserted into a toilet paper holder frame  5  are shown. As discussed prior, many individuals with various ailments such as arthritis find it difficult to remove the spent toilet paper roll  4  from the toilet paper frame  5 . There are at least two issues addressed by the alternate, modified compressible axle  10   c ; helping such individuals compress and remove the spent toilet paper roll  4  from the toilet paper frame  5  by use of a pull-tab  46 , and periodically lubricating the interface between the two sections  14 / 15  of the telescoping compressible axle  10   c.    
     In such, a pull-tab  46  is manufactured/formed as part of the compressible axle  10   c . The compressible axle  10   c  has a nub  12  (shown within a depression  3  of the toilet paper holder  5 ), a first, slightly larger tube  14 , a compression spring  16 , and a slightly smaller tube  15  that telescopes within the slightly larger tube  14 . The telescoping tubes  14 / 15  are biased outwardly by the spring  16 . In this example, the pull-tab  46  is affixed to an end of the smaller tube  15 , extending out from beneath the toilet paper roll core  4 . The pull-tab  46  facilitates removal of the toilet paper roll core  4  after the toilet paper (not shown for clarity reasons) is spent. In use, after the toilet paper is spent, the user pulls the pull-tab  46  overcoming some of the force of the spring  16 , forcing the slightly smaller tube  15  to telescope slightly within the slightly larger tube  14 . 
     Being that the telescoping tubes  14 / 15  are typically made by various manufacturing practices from plastic at various tolerances, there is often varying amounts of friction between the telescoping tubes  14 / 15  that is often dependent upon temperature, humidity, dust, etc. Therefore, at times, the resistance makes it difficult to compress the telescoping tubes  14 / 15 , especially by those with reduced dexterity. To reduce friction and improve sliding movement between the telescoping tubes  14 / 15 , the alternate, modified compressible axle  10   c  includes an automatic lubrication dispensing mechanism  50 / 52 / 54 / 60 . The lubrication dispensing mechanism  50 / 52 / 54 / 60  includes a well  52  formed at an inner end of the smaller tube  15  (opposite end from the nub). The well  52  contains a lubricant  60  (e.g., petroleum jelly, dielectric silicon grease, silicon grease, etc.). The well  52  is capped by a plunger  50  (e.g., a flat disc) that snuggly fits within a diameter of the well  52 , reducing leakage of the lubricant  60  from the interface between the plunger  50  and the well  52 . The plunger  50  is positioned between the spring  16  and the lubricant  60 . There are one or more orifices  54  on the sides of the well  52 , preferably close to the inner end of the smaller tube  15 . Basically, the well  52  is sealed by the plunger  50  except for the one or more orifices  54 . 
     When the compressible axle  10   c  is expanded, either when removed from the toilet paper holder  5  or after expanding within the depressions  3  of the toilet paper holder  5 , tension on the spring  16  is relaxed and, consequently, little or no force is exerted by the spring  16  onto the plunger  50 , resulting in little or no lubricant  60  escaping from the orifice(s)  54 . Each time the compressible axle  10   c  is compressed (e.g. during removal from and insertion into the toilet paper holder  5 ), the spring  16  exerts pressure on the plunger  50 , thereby expelling a small amount of lubricant  60  from the orifice(s)  54 , thereby reducing the resistance between the telescoping tubes  14 / 15  and making it easier for those with limited dexterity to remove and replace the toilet paper roll  4 . 
     Note that, in some embodiments, the pull-tab  46  is provided. In some such embodiments, the pull-tab  46  includes advertisements such as the manufacturer or advertisements for a particular brand of toilet paper, etc. 
     Note also that, although toilet paper holders are used in the above descriptions, the disclosed compressible axles are also anticipated in other household uses such as paper towel holders, etc. 
     Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
     It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.