Patent Publication Number: US-11040845-B2

Title: Braking film dispenser with lobes

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/454,415, filed Mar. 9, 2017, which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Field of Use 
     This disclosure relates to film dispensers. More specifically, this disclosure relates to braking film dispensers that allow rolls of material to be ergonomically dispensed with adjustable tension. 
     Related Art 
     Just as a plastic film can be rolled up on a cardboard or paperboard core member and then dispensed as a moisture-proof wrapping for food by unrolling the material onto food placed on or inside a dish, sheets of material can be used to wrap goods. For example, the plastic film, membrane, or sheet of any suitable material is often rolled up on cylindrical cardboard or paperboard core member or other similar device such as a spool or roll made of another material that allows the film or sheet to be dispensed to facilitate the wrapping of goods. This can protect the goods from dust, water, and other contaminants found in their environment. In many situations, the dispensing from such a film roll is done manually. Especially for one-time or disposable use by a consumer, the spools or tools conventionally used to dispense the film or sheet can been prohibitively expensive and can be heavy and therefore difficult to handle, and the mechanism used to create tension in the film can be difficult to use and adjust. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description. 
     Disclosed is a film dispenser comprising a holding member, the holding member comprising: a first end comprising a handle, the handle comprising a plurality of lobes; and a second end defining a brake portion defined by a slot, the holding member defining a longitudinal axis that extends from the first end to the second end, the slot comprising a first portion extending in a circumferential direction across a full width of the brake portion and two opposing portions extending at an angle from the first portion. 
     Also disclosed is a film dispenser comprising a holding member, the holding member comprising: a first end comprising a handle, the handle comprising a plurality of lobes; a second end defining a brake portion defining a slot, the holding member defining a longitudinal axis that extends from the first end to the second end, a center of the brake portion positioned circumferentially between a pair of adjacent lobes of the plurality of lobes relative to the longitudinal axis; and a connecting portion extending radially inward from the brake portion. 
     Also disclosed is a method of dispensing material from a film roll using a film dispenser, the method comprising: holding onto an interior holding surface and an exterior holding surface of a holding member of the film dispenser with one hand such that a portion of the hand is positioned between a pair of adjacent lobes of a plurality of lobes of the holding member, the holding member comprising a first end comprising the interior holding surface and the plurality of lobes defining the exterior holding surface; and a second end comprising a brake portion; wherein the second end of the holding member is inserted into an opening defined in the first end of the film roll; dispensing the material by rotating the film roll relative to the holding member; and pressing onto the brake portion to increase the tension in or stretch the material being dispensed. 
     Also disclosed is a film dispenser comprising: a holding member comprising: a first end comprising a handle, the handle comprising a plurality of lobes and a plurality of web portions, each web portion extending between a pair of adjacent lobes of the plurality of lobes; and a second end defining a brake portion defined by a slot, the holding member defining a longitudinal axis that extends from the first end to the second end, the slot comprising a first portion extending in a circumferential direction across a full width of the brake portion and two opposing portions extending at an angle from the first portion; and a rotating member, each of the plurality of web portions extending outward beyond an outermost edge of the rotating member relative to the longitudinal axis. 
     Also disclosed is a film dispenser comprising: a holding member comprising: a first end comprising a handle, the handle comprising a plurality of lobes and a plurality of web portions, each web portion extending between a pair of adjacent lobes of the plurality of lobes; a second end defining a brake portion defining a slot, the holding member defining a longitudinal axis that extends from the first end to the second end; and a connecting portion extending radially inward from the brake portion; and a rotating member, each of the plurality of web portions extending outward beyond an outermost edge of the rotating member relative to the longitudinal axis. 
     Also disclosed is a method of dispensing material from a film roll using a film dispenser, the method comprising: holding onto an interior holding surface and an exterior holding surface of a first holding member of the film dispenser with a first hand, the first holding member comprising a first end comprising the interior holding surface, a plurality of lobes and a plurality of web portions, each web portion extending between a pair of adjacent lobes of the plurality of lobes, the plurality of lobes and the plurality of web portions defining the exterior holding surface; and a second end comprising a brake portion; wherein the second end of the first holding member is inserted into a first rotating member inserted into an opening defined in the first end of the film roll; holding onto an interior holding surface and an exterior holding surface of a second holding member of the film dispenser with a second hand, the second holding member comprising a first end comprising the interior holding surface of the second holding member, a plurality of lobes and a plurality of web portions, each web portion of the second holding member extending between a pair of adjacent lobes of the plurality of lobes of the second holding member, the plurality of lobes of the second holding member and the plurality of web portions of the second holding member defining the exterior holding surface of the second holding member; and a second end comprising a brake portion; wherein the second end of the second holding member is inserted into a second rotating member inserted into an opening defined in the second end of the film roll; dispensing the material by rotating the film roll relative to the first holding member and the second holding member; and pressing onto the brake portion of one of the first holding member and the second holding member such that the brake portion brakes movement of the one of the first holding member and the second holding member into the corresponding rotating member to increase the tension in or stretch the material being dispensed. 
     Various implementations described in the present disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain various principles of the disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a film dispenser according to a first aspect of the present disclosure including a holding member and a rotating member. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the holding member of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional rear view of the holding member of  FIG. 2  showing a brake portion of the holding member. 
         FIG. 4  is a right-side elevation view of the holding member of  FIG. 2  showing a snap. 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the holding member of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the holding member of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the holding member of  FIG. 2  taken from line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the holding member of  FIG. 2  taken from line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the rotating member of the film dispenser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional side view of the rotating member of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective exploded assembly view of the film dispenser of  FIG. 1  showing how the holding member and rotating member can be assembled. 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective exploded assembly view of the film dispenser of  FIG. 1  being assembled together with a film roll. 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom plan view of the film dispenser and the film roll of  FIG. 12  after all three components (the film dispenser holding member, the film dispenser rotating member, and the film roll) have been assembled. 
         FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of the film roll in use, with each of two film dispensers attached to the film roll at either end. 
         FIG. 14B  is an enlarged view of a film dispenser and the film roll of  FIG. 14A  depicting how the film dispenser can be held in the hand of a user. 
         FIG. 14C  is an enlarged view of a film dispenser and the film roll of  FIG. 14A  depicting how the film dispenser can be held in the hand of the user in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. 
     The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in their best, currently known aspect. 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 a quantity of one of a particular element can comprise two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise. 
     Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect comprises from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about” or “substantially,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. 
     For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances. 
     As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description comprises instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. 
     The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also comprises any combination of members of that list. 
     In one aspect, a film dispenser and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatuses are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the film dispenser can comprise a holding member. In another aspect, a rotating member can be joined to the holding member in a rotatable fashion along a common longitudinal axis so that the rotating member may rotate with a spool of wrap or film while the user comfortable holds the holding member. The term “holding member” should be interpreted broadly and should be applied to any member that can be held in a user&#39;s hand and that can allow rotation of the rotating member or a film roll about the longitudinal axis of the holding member. The term “rotating member” should be interpreted broadly and should be applied to any member that can rotate relative to the holding member and thereby facilitate dispensing of the film. While the film dispenser can be particularly useful in applications for dispensing plastic film, sheets, or wrap, it can be used with any other dispensable material, such as cloth or metal, of any desired thickness that is used to enclose, enwrap, cover, or otherwise protect articles. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed film dispenser is described in but a few exemplary aspects among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a film dispenser  100  can comprise a holding member  102 . The film dispenser  100  can also comprise a rotating member  104 . The holding member  102  and the rotating member  104  can be of a substantially annular or tubular configuration and can be formed as separate components. The holding member  102  can define a longitudinal axis A 102  extending from its first end  106  to its second end  108 . The holding member  102  can also define a radial direction R 102  extending from and about the longitudinal axis A 102 . 
     The rotating member  104  can comprise a sleeve  115  and define an axis of rotation A 104  extending from its first end  110  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) to its second end  112 . The rotating member  104  can comprise a plurality of ridges or ribs  114 . Nine ridges  114   a  thru  114   i  are shown in  FIG. 1 . In various aspects, as many as eighteen ridges  114  can be used, each of which can be evenly spaced around the periphery. In yet another aspect, any number of ribs  114  can be used including a single rib or a plurality of ribs—including more than eighteen in total, each of which need not be evenly placed about the periphery of the rotating member. Each of the ribs  114  can be placed on an exterior surface  116  of the second end  112  of the rotating member  104  and can be configured to engage an inner bore of a film roll  902  (shown in  FIG. 12 ), which can be a spool or hollow cardboard core of stretch wrap film, other film, or other material  910  (shown in  FIG. 13 ). 
     The rotating member  104  can also comprise an annular flange  118  (shown in  FIG. 7 ), which can contact the holding member  102  at its first end  106  or nearly so when the holding member  102  is assembled to the rotating member  104 . The flange  118  can define a thickness along the axis of rotation A 104  and can extend annularly in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation A 104 . The rotating member  104  can thus be trapped or captured between a snap  120   a,b  ( 120   a  shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the holding member  102 , which can be a lever arm, and the first end  106  of the holding member  102 , allowing the rotating member  104  to rotate freely about but not move by any significant amount lengthwise along the longitudinal axis A 102  of the holding member  102 . The rotating member  104  also can define a radial direction R 104  extending from and about the axis of rotation A 104 . 
     When assembled as shown, the axis of rotation A 104  of the rotating member  104  and the longitudinal axis A 102  of the holding member  102  can be aligned or made coextensive, or nearly so, allowing the user to hold onto the holding member  102  while the film roll  902  and the rotating member  104  turn, allowing the material  910  to be dispensed. It should be noted that some clearance can be provided between the holding member  102  and the rotating member  104  in both the radial and longitudinal directions so that that the rotating member  104  can freely rotate. The amount of clearance can range from, for example and without limitation, 0.005 to 0.025 inches on a side. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 1 , the holding member  102  can comprise a brake portion  302 , a rail  124 , and a connecting portion  320  connecting the brake portion  302  and the rail  124 . In one aspect, a transition portion  322  can join the rail  124  and the connecting portion  320 . In another aspect, the rail  124  and the connecting portion  320  can be joined directly to one another. The brake portion can at least in part be defined by a slot  308 . The first end  106  of the holding member  102  can define an exterior holding surface  122 . A one of the first end  106  and the second end  108  of the holding member  102  can define an interior holding surface  300 , which more specifically can be defined on a back side of the rail  124 . The holding member  102  can be configured such that a portion of the palm of the hand of a user as well as a portion of the thumb as desired can be placed against the exterior holding surface  122  while the interior of the fingers can be placed against the interior holding surface  300  (as shown in  FIG. 14B ). Thus, the holding member  102  can provide an ergonomic handle for the user to hold onto as the film dispenser  100  is used to dispense the material  910 . The interior holding surface  300  can comprise a concave surface facing the longitudinal axis A 102  of the holding member  102 . 
     As shown, the first end  106  of the holding member  102  can comprise a handle  200  comprising a plurality of lobes  202   a,b,c,d . Each of the plurality of lobes  202   a,b,c,d  can extend outward in a radial direction along the radial direction R 102  of the holding member  102 . Each of the plurality of lobes  202   a,b,c,d  can be positioned between an outside extremity  304  and an inside extremity  306  of the holding member  102  along a direction of the longitudinal axis A 102 . In one aspect, the holding member  102  can comprise four lobes  202   a,b,c,d . In another aspect, the holding member  102  can comprise only one, two, or three lobes  202 . In yet another aspect, the holding member  102  can comprise more than four lobes  202 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , each of the plurality of lobes  202  can extend outward beyond a radially outermost edge of the rotating member  104  relative to the longitudinal axis A 102 . A handle edge  402  can be defined by an intersection between the exterior holding surface  122  and the inside extremity  306  of the holding member  102 . 
     The holding member  102  can further comprise a plurality of web portions  206   a,b,c,d . Each web portion  206   a,b,c,d  can extend between a pair of adjacent lobes  202   a,b,c,d  of the plurality of lobes  202   a,b,c,d . In one aspect, the holding member  102  can comprise four web portion  206   a,b,c,d . In another aspect, the holding member  102  can comprise only one, two, or three web portions  206 ; or the holding member  102  can comprise more than four web portions  206 . As shown, the web portions  206   a,b,c,d  can together define a round or circular, cylindrical, or other shape that is concentric with the longitudinal axis A 102 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , each of the plurality of web portions  206  can extend outward beyond a radially outermost edge of the rotating member  104  relative to the longitudinal axis A 102 . In one aspect, the number of lobes  202  can be equal to the number of web portions  206 . 
     In one aspect, the first end  106  of the holding member  102  can comprise a blend  126 , which can be a chamfered or radiused edge, extending along a portion of the circumference or a full circumference of a central hole  128  of the holding member  102 . The blend  126  can help provide a lead-in as a user inserts a hand into the central hole  128  for grasping onto or gripping the holding member  102 . 
       FIG. 2  shows the holding member  102  without the rotating member  104  and from a different perspective than shown in  FIG. 1 . The snap  120   a , which can be diametrically opposite from the snap  120   b  as shown in  FIG. 3 , is shown in  FIG. 2 . Each of the snaps  120   a,b  can be defined by a slot  310   a,b  ( 310   b  shown in  FIG. 3 ) and can be configured to flex radially inward along the radial direction R 102  of the holding member  102  when the second end  108  of the holding member  102  is inserted into the rotating member  104 . More specifically, each of the snaps  120   a,b  can define a snap diameter of D 120  (shown in  FIG. 6 ), and each of the snaps  120   a,b  can be configured to flex radially inward along the radial direction R 102  of the holding member  102  from a diameter value greater than a diameter D 108  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the second end  108  to a diameter value less than or equal to the diameter D 108 . 
     Each of the snaps  120   a,b  can comprise a first snap side surface  334   a,b  ( 334   b  shown in  FIG. 12 ), a second snap side surface  335   a,b  ( 335   a  shown in  FIG. 3, 335   b  shown in  FIG. 11 ), and a snap end surface  336   a,b  ( 336   a  shown in  FIG. 4 ;  336   b  shown in  FIG. 3 ). Each snap  120   a,b  can comprise a ramp surface  312   a,b  (both shown in  FIG. 4 ), which can be angled with respect to the longitudinal direction A 102  to provide a camming motion to the snap  120   a,b  as it is inserted into the rotating member  104  until an outside circumferential surface  314   a,b  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of each respective snap  120   a,b  faces the inside surface of the rotating member  104  (as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) and each snap  120   a,b  clears the rotating member  104  and “snaps” back. Each of the snaps  120   a,b  can comprise a catch surface  316   a,b  ( 316   b  shown in  FIG. 3 ), which can be substantially flat and can face in a direction toward the inside of the holding member  102  along the longitudinal axis A 102 . Each of the snaps  120   a,b  can be positioned proximate to an outside extremity  318  of the second end  108  of the holding member  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the holding member  102  can comprise a wall defining a wall thickness  400  that can vary within prescribed ranges. In one aspect, the wall thickness  400  can range from 0.045 to 0.085 inches but more specifically can average about 0.065 inches. In another aspect, the wall thickness  400  can vary outside of this range. In one aspect, each of the holding member  102  and the rotating member  104  can comprise a wall maintaining a consistent wall thickness  400 , particularly if each is formed from plastic using an injection molding process. In such a case, it can be advantageous to maintain a consistent wall thickness  400  to avoid potential processing defects such as sink marks or voids. The general design rule is that the variation in the wall thickness of an injection-molded part should be between ±15% to ±25% depending on the shrinkage factor of the material. In another aspect, these components can be made of other suitable materials using other suitable processes, in which case a consistent wall thickness is not necessary. 
     The outside extremity  304  can be spaced away from the inside extremity  306  or surface, which defines the portion of the first end  106  of the holding member  102  that is nearest the second end  108  of the holding member  102 , by a distance L 122 . In one aspect, the distance L 122  can be at least 0.250 inches. 
     In yet another aspect, the exterior holding surface  122  can be of sufficient length L 122  along the longitudinal axis A 102  of the holding member  102  that the rotating film roll  902  and the material  910  that is wrapped around the film roll  902  are spaced away from the hand of the user by a desired distance. Increasing this distance can protect the hand from the film roll  902  as the film roll  902  rotates during the film dispensing process. In this aspect, this distance can be as much as 0.75 inches or more, but it is contemplated that the distance could be less, including the aforementioned 0.250 inch for reasons explained later herein. In one aspect, this distance is equal to the length L 122  of the exterior holding surface  122 , but it is contemplated that the distance could be split into a portion that includes the length L 122  of the exterior holding surface  122  and another distance that separates the first end  106  of the holding member  102  from the first end  110  of the rotating member  104  as would be the case if another stop member or flange was added to the holding member  102  and spaced therefrom along the longitudinal axis A 102  for contacting the annular flange  118  of the rotating member  104 . A gap distance  950  (shown in  FIG. 14B ) can separate the inside extremity  306  of the holding member  102  from the film roll  902 . 
     A front side of the brake portion  302  of the holding member  102  can be seen in its entirety in  FIG. 3 . The brake portion  302  can be formed by a cutout in the wall of the second end  108  of the holding member  102  and specifically by the slot  308 . The slot  308  can comprise three radial portions  308   a ,  308   b ,  308   c  that can extend in the radial direction R 102  of the holding member  102  from an interior surface that defines the hole  128  of the holding member  102  defining an inner diameter D 128  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) to the exterior surface  116  defining the outer diameter D 108  of the holding member  102 . Each of the inner diameter D 128  and the outer diameter D 108  are measured in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A 102  of the holding member  102 . The radial portions  308   a,b,c  can also be described as extending in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis A 102  of the holding member  102 . The first radial portion  308   a  of these radial slot portions can define a topmost extent of the brake portion  302  and can be defined in the holding member  102  at or proximate to the intersection of the first and second ends  106 , 108  of the holding member  102  and can extend completely across and above the brake portion  302 . Each of the second radial portion  308   b  and the third radial portion  308   c  can be positioned distal from the first radial portion  308   a  along the longitudinal axis A 102 . The second radial portion  308   b  and the third radial portion  308   c  can extend partially across the brake portion  302  on either side of the brake portion  302  near or proximate to where the brake portion connects to the wall of the second end  108  of the holding member  102 . The slot  308  can also comprise two longitudinal portions  308   d,e  that extend in the longitudinal direction A 102  and connect the first radial portion  308   a  with the second radial portion  308   b  and the third radial portion  308   c , respectively. 
     As will be described below, the slot  308  can provide the brake portion  302  with enough flexibility so that it can be made to move and contact the rotating member  104  when it is desired to tense the film or other material  910  being unrolled by the film dispenser  100 . The brake portion  302  can thus be configured to engage the rotating member  104 . In one aspect, a width of the slot  308  can vary from 0.05 to 0.125 inches. In another aspect, widths outside of this range are contemplated. The slot  308  can define two longitudinal extending exterior surfaces  330   a , 330   b  and three radial extending exterior surfaces  332   a,b,c  of the brake portion  302 . In one aspect, as shown, a longitudinal center axis A 302  and a radial center axis A 303  of the brake portion  302  can be positioned halfway circumferentially between the lobe  202   c  and the lobe  202   d  of the handle  200  of the holding member  102 . In such an arrangement, the longitudinal center axis A 302  and the radial center axis A 303  of the brake portion  302  can be positioned halfway circumferentially between any pair of a plurality of radial centerlines  602   a,b,c,d  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). In another aspect, the longitudinal center axis A 302  and the radial center axis A 303  of the brake portion  302  can be positioned anywhere circumferentially between any pair of adjacent lobes  202   a,b,c,d  relative to the longitudinal axis A 102 . In another aspect, the longitudinal center axis A 302  and the radial center axis A 303  of the brake portion  302  can be made to intersect or can be substantially aligned with any of the plurality of the radial centerlines  602   a,b,c,d.    
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the snap  120   a  can be defined by the slot  310   a . Each of the snaps  120   a,b  can comprise a first longitudinal portions  411   a , a second longitudinal portion  412   a , and a radial or circumferential portion  413   a . The circumferential portion  413   a  is so named because it extends in a circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis A 102  of the holding member  102 . A distance L 102  can be measured from the inside extremity  306  to the respective catch surfaces  316   a,b  of the snaps  120   a,b . As mentioned above and will be described in more detail herein, the overall length of the rotating member  104  can be less than the distance from the inside extremity  306  of the first end  106  of the holding member  102  to the catch surface  316  of the snap  120   a,b , as measured in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis A 102  of the holding member  102 . It is contemplated that the number, placement, and configuration of the snaps may be altered in various aspects of the present disclosure. For example and without limitation, more than two snaps  120  or only a single snap  120  may be used as well as other variations. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the plurality of lobes  202   a,b,c,d  of the holding member  102  can define an overall lobe diameter D 202  and the radial centerlines  602   a,b,c,d , respectively. Likewise, the plurality of web portions  206   a,b,c,d  of the holding member  102  can define a web portion diameter D 206  and a web portion radius R 122  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). Also, each of the plurality of lobes  202   a,b,c,d  can define portions that extend radially outward past the plurality of web portions  206 , a,b,c,d  and can define a variable distance R 502  measured in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis A 102  of the holding member  102  to the handle edge  402 . The distance R 502  can be greater at the radial centerlines  602   a,b,c,d  than at an angular position that is not aligned with the radial centerlines  602 , a,b,c,d . Each of the plurality of lobes  202   a,b,c,d  can define a convex or rounded portion  511   a,b,c,d  extending along each respective radial centerline  602   a,b,c,d , whereas the exterior holding surface  122  can define a concave or recessed portion  512   a,b,c,d  extending between adjacent rounded portions  511   a,b,c,d . Each of the rounded portions  511   a,b,c,d  and the recessed portions  512   a,b,c,d  can be smoothly shaped, including with a constant radius as desired, to facilitate an ergonomic grip by the user. An intersection between adjoining pairs of each of the rounded portion  511   a,b,c,d  and each of the recessed portion  512   a,b,c,d  can comprise an inflection point or an inflection curve at which point or along which curve a center of a radius of the surface or edge on the handle changes position—for example and without limitation, from a center outside the handle for the recessed portions  512   a,b,c,d  to a center outside the handle for the rounded portions  511   a,b,c,d , at least as viewed from the perspective of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Although any one of a number of different shapes could accomplish this including the shape of the holding member  102  as shown, each lobe  202   a,b,c,d , and in particular the rounded portions  511   a,b,c,d  and the recessed portions  512   a,b,c,d  can be designed to ergonomically fit the shape of the hand of the user depending on whether the brake portion  302  is positioned between adjacent lobes  202   a,b,c,d  or in another position instead. 
     As shown, in one aspect, the interior holding surface  300  can comprise a concave surface facing the longitudinal axis A 102  of the holding member  102  and defining a radius of curvature R 300 . In other aspects, the interior holding surface  300  be flat or convex. In one aspect, a center of the radius of curvature R 300  can be offset from the longitudinal axis A 102  radially outward toward the exterior of the holding member  102  and in such case is not coincident with the longitudinal axis A 102  of the holding member  102  or concentric with the central hole  128 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the holding member  102  can comprise a plurality of stops  910   a,b,c,d , each of which can be a rib or a gusset or flange, extending radially outward from an outer surface  702  of a cylindrical portion  700  of the holding member  102  and axially inward from an inner surface  201  of the handle  200 . In one aspect, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , each of the stops  910   a,b,c,d  can extend in a longitudinal direction from the inner surface  201  of the handle  200  to the inside extremity  306 , which as shown can also be where the first end  106  and the second end  108  intersect. In another aspect, each of the stops  910   a,b,c,d  can extend in a longitudinal direction past the inside extremity  306 . In one aspect, when the rotating member  104  slides towards the first end of the holding member  102 , the stops  910   a,b,c,d  can be configured to contact the rotating member  104  of the film dispenser  100  axially at or outward from the inside extremity  306  relative to the longitudinal axis A 102  to prevent the film roll  902  and the rotating member  104  from contacting or sliding underneath the lobes  202   a,b,c,d  and the web portions  206   a,b,c,d  of the first end  106 . 
     Opposing stops of the plurality of stops  910   a,b,c,d  can define a stop diameter D 910 . By making the stop diameter D 910  greater than a diameter D 628  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) of a central hole  628  (also shown in  FIG. 9 ) of the rotating member  104 , an axial end of each of the stops  910   a,b,c,d  can be made to contact the annular flange  118  of the rotating member  104 . By contacting the annular flange  118  of the rotating member  104 , the holding member  102  can be held at a desired distance relative to the rotating member  104 . At each position of the stops  910   a,b,c,d , the holding member  102  can comprise a pair of stops  910   a,b,c,d . By increasing the number of stops  910   a,b,c,d , an axial load each stop  910   a,b,c,d  and the stresses (including mechanical stress and heat) experienced inside each stop  910   a,b,c,d  can be kept at a minimum. In one aspect, each of the stops  910   a,b,c,d  can be centered between adjacent radial centerlines  602   a,b,c,d . In another aspect, the stops  910   a,b,c,d  can be positioned in a different circumferential position. In yet another aspect, additional stops or fewer stops can be used. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the rotating member  104  can define an overall length L 104 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , each of the lobes  202   a,b,c,d  can comprise a blend  1202 , which can define a blend radius R 1202 , and each of the web portions  206   a,b,c,d  can comprise a blend  1206 , which can define a blend radius R 1206 . Either of the blend radius R 1202  or the blend radius R 1206  can be decreased or increased from that shown. In one aspect, as shown, the blend  1202  and the blend  1206  can define less than a full radius (i.e., the blend  1202  and the blend  1206  can be sized to not fill or cover the entire outside edge of the handle  200  between the outside extremity  304  and the inside extremity  306 ). In another aspect, the blend  1202  and the blend  1206  can define a full radius along at least a portion of the handle  200  for a different look and/or feel. Also as shown, an edge—or a plurality of edges—of the annular flange  118  of the rotating member  104  can comprise a blend defining a blend radius R 118 . In yet another aspect, either the blend  1202  or the blend  1206  can vary around the perimeter of the handle  200  or can otherwise have a more complex shape that is not necessarily constant in radius or even curved. 
     In one aspect, as shown, a diameter D 118  of the annular flange  118  can be less than the diameter D 206  defined by the web portions  206   a,b,c,d . This construction can help keep the rotating annular flange  118  away from the user&#39;s hand during use of the film dispenser  100 . 
     Also as shown in  FIG. 8 , portions of the rail  124  and interior holding surface  300  can be considered to be part of the first end  106  of the holding member  102 , even though portions of each directly extend from the second end  108  and are otherwise not connected directly to other portions of the first end  106  of the holding member  102 . In one aspect, because the rail  124  and its interior holding surface  300  can be connected to the brake portion  302  by the transition portion  322  and the connecting portion  320  of the second end  108  of the holding member  102 , the rail  124  and its interior holding surface  300  can thereby be operatively associated with the brake portion  302 , as any force directed in an outward direction along the radius R 102  of the holding member  102  against the rail  124  moves the brake portion  302 . In another aspect, this operative association can be achieved in other ways such as, for example and without limitation, by having the rail  124  connected directly to the brake portion  302 . Also, the rail  124  and the interior holding surface  300  can both be incorporated into the second end  108  of the holding member  102  by positioning both below the intersection of the first end  106  and the second end  108  of the holding member  102 , which coincides with an edge of the slot  308   a  defining in part the brake portion  302 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show the detailed structure of the rotating member  104 , which as noted above can define a substantially annular or tubular shape and can comprise the features noted. The first end  110  can comprise an abutment portion in the form of the annular flange  118 . The annular flange  118  can define a wall thickness  610  measured in the direction of the axis of rotation A 104  and a wall thickness  620  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) measured along the radial direction R 104  of the rotating member  104 . The second end  108  can comprise a tube or sleeve portion such as the sleeve  115 , which can comprise the cylindrical exterior surface  116  with the ribs  114 . The ribs can be configured to engage the inside of the film roll  902  in a frictionally desirable manner, helping to keep the film roll  902  from falling off the film dispenser  100 . The cross section of one of the ribs  114  can comprise a semi-circular shape. For example and without limitation, each of the ribs can define an outside radius of 0.156 inches when looking at a cross-section taken along the radial direction R 104  of the rotating member  104 . In one aspect, ends  624   a - j  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of the ribs  114  adjacent to an outside extremity  626  of the second end  112  of the rotating member  104  can be angled at 45 degrees from the axis of rotation A 104 , providing a lead-in for inserting the rotating member  104  into the film roll  902 . In another aspect, the ends  624   a - j  of the ribs  114  adjacent to an outside extremity  626  of the second end  112  of the rotating member  104  can be angled at more than 45 degrees or less than 45 degrees from the axis of rotation A 104 . Either of the wall thicknesses  610 , 620  of the rotating member  104  can vary from 0.045 to 0.085 inches and can average 0.65 inches. Again, the rotating member  104  can measure the overall length L 104 . 
     The central hole  628  of the rotating member  104  can define a diameter D 628  and can be sized to receive the second end  108  of the holding member  102 . Specifically, the diameter D 628  of the central hole  628  can be made slightly greater than the outside diameter D 108  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the second end  108  of the holding member  102 . A blend  630  can be defined at the entry of the central hole  628  proximate to the first end  110  of the rotating member  104  to provide a lead-in for inserting the holding member  102  into the rotating member  104 . The outer diameter D 118  of the annular flange  118  can be substantially the same as the outer diameter D 206  of the first end  106  of the holding member  102 . It is contemplated that the dimensions associated with various features of the rotating member  104  can be changed to adapt to a smaller or larger film roll  902  and a smaller or larger holding member  102 . 
       FIGS. 11, 12, and 13  show further how the holding member  102  and the rotating member  104  can be assembled and how the film dispenser  100  can be coupled to the film roll  902 . First, the rotating member  104  can be inserted into an opening defined in an end of the film roll  902  until its abutment portion or the annular flange  118  of the first end  110  contacts the end of the film roll  902 . At this point, the ridges or ribs  114  can be completely enveloped in or received within the film roll  902  and can be configured to frictionally hold the rotating member  104  inside the film roll  902  (as shown in  FIG. 13 ). Next, the second end  108  of the holding member  102  can be inserted into the central hole  628  of the rotating member  104 . As the holding member  102  is inserted into the rotating member  104 , the snaps  120   a,b  can be pushed radially inward by the sleeve  115  of the rotating member  104  until the second end  108  of the holding member  102  extends past the second end  112  of the rotating member  104 , at which time the snaps  120   a,b  can be configured to “snap” back and return to their original position and the catch surfaces  316   a,b  of the snaps  120   a,b  can capture the outside extremity  626  of the second end  112  of the rotating member  104 . At about the same time, in one aspect, the annular flange  118  can contact or nearly contact the inside extremity  306  of the first end  106  of the holding member  102 . In other aspects, the annular flange  118  can contact the stops  901   a,b,c,d  of the holding member  102  with the inside extremity  306  or before the annular flange  118  contacts the inside extremity  306 . In either aspect, the first end  106  of the holding member  102  can be spaced away or offset from an edge of the material  910  that is dispensed from the film roll  902  during dispensing. Because the overall length L 104  of the rotating member  104  can be less than the distance L 102  from the inside extremity  306  to the catch surfaces  316   a,b  of the snaps  120   a,b  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ), the rotating member  104  can fit between the snaps  102   a,b  and the inside extremity  306  of the first end  106  of the holding member  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the stops  910   a,b,c,d  ( 910   a  and  910   b  shown in  FIG. 6 ) can prevent the rotating member  104 , and the annular flange  118  in particular, from riding up inside the handle  200  or inside the first end  106  of the holding member  102 . 
       FIG. 13  shows the film roll  902 , rotating member  104 , and holding member  102  in a completely assembled state. In one aspect, the rotating member  104  can be held in place relative to the film roll  902  by friction alone. The rotating member  104  can be held inside the film roll  902  be an interference fit between the rotating member  104 —and specifically the ribs  114  (shown in  FIG. 1 )—that can cause the ribs  114  to dig into and bear against the walls of the core of the film roll  902 . 
     In another aspect, the rotating member  104  is held in place with an adhesive placed in a radial gap  1300  defined between the rotating member  104  and the film roll  902 . In various aspects, the film dispenser  100  can be removable from the film roll  902 , though in other aspects the film dispenser  100  may not be removable from the film roll  902 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14A , the aforementioned process of assembling the film dispenser  100  can be repeated at the other end of the film roll  902  so that two film dispensers  100   a,b  (shown in  FIG. 14A ) are positioned at opposite ends of the film roll  902 . The user can then use the film dispensers  100   a,b  to unroll the material  910  from the film roll  902 .  FIGS. 14A through 14C  show how the film dispenser  100  can be used to dispense the material  910  and how a film dispenser  100  can be held in the hand of the user. 
       FIG. 14B  in particular show how, for example and without limitation, a film dispenser  100  can fit into the hand of the user, allowing the fingers to fit within the central hole  128  of the holding member  102  and the thumb and a portion of the palm to be placed on the exterior holding surface  122  of the holding member  102 . As the material  910  is being dispensed, a clenching of the hand will cause the brake portion  302  of the holding member  102  to move radially outward and impinge on the rotating member  104 , causing the rotating member  104  to slow down or stop rotating altogether, causing tensioning or even stretching of the film as the user continues to move the film roll  902  about the item to be wrapped or covered, all as has been previously described. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14C , a holding member  102  can be installed in the film roll  902  without a rotating member  104 . In order to fit and function properly, the diameter D 108  of the holding member  102  can be increased so that clenching of the hand about the holding member  102  to engage the brake portion  302  causes the brake portion  302  to move radially outward and impinge on an inner bore of the film roll  902 , causing the film roll  902  to slow down or stop rotating altogether, causing tensioning or even stretching of the material  910  as the user continues to move the film roll  902  about the item to be wrapped or covered. With or without use of the rotating member  104 , any surface of the holding member, the rotating member  104 , or the inner bore of the film roll  902  can be roughened or textured or supplemented with an additional polymeric or other material (held in place, for example and without limitation, by adhesive or by an overmolding process) to increase the friction between adjacent components and in particular, for example and without limitation, increase the grip of the brake portion  302  against the surface it is configured to slow down or stop. 
     The slots  308  that can define the brake portion  302  and the slots  310  that can define the snaps  120   a,b  can result in “undercuts” on the part to be considered when a molding or casting process is used to make the holding member  102 . As a result of these undercuts, a “side action” or multiple side actions can be used to form these structures as the holding member  102  is being molded. These side actions can then retracted, allowing the ejection of the holding member  102  from the mold. For example and without limitation, each of two side actions can be used to make one snap  120  and half of the slots  308  that define the brake portion  302 . With such a design, the side actions would move in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A 102  and parallel to the radial direction R 102 . 
     The brake portion  302  can be operatively associated with the rail  124  and the interior holding surface  300 . Movement of the brake portion  302  relative to the other portions of the holding member  102  can be made possible by the slot  308  defined in the holding member  102 , which can be defined in the second end  108 . More specifically, if sufficient force is exerted by the fingers of a user, the brake portion  302  can be deflected outwardly along the radial direction R 102  of the holding member  102  until the brake portion  302  contacts the rotating member  104 , creating enough friction to stop or at least retard the rotation of the rotating member  104 . Because the rotating member  104  is held tight inside an inner bore of the film roll  902  by, for example and without limitation, friction or an adhesive material between the rotating member  104  and the film roll  902 , stopping or retarding the motion of the rotating member  104  can stop or retard the motion of the film roll  902 . This, in turn, can cause any stretch wrap or film being dispensed to be tensed and, to the degree desired, stretched a certain amount. When these effects are no longer desired, the user simply releases the brake portion  302  by removing enough force from the interior holding surface  300  of the rail  124  so that the brake portion  302  springs back inwardly along the radial direction R 102  of the holding member  102  and no longer contacts the rotating member  104 . Although the operative association between the rotating member  104  and the brake portion  302  may be direct, such as when the brake portion  302  is able to engage the rotating member  104  directly or contact it directly, the operative association may also be indirect as may be the case when other components are found between the brake portion  302  and the rotating member  104 . 
     As desired, the length of the rail  124  in the direction of the longitudinal axis A 102  including a lever distance  801  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) measured from an axial end  805  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) of the rail  124  to where the connecting portion  320  intersects with the brake portion  302  or a lever distance  802  (also shown in  FIG. 8 ) measured to the point where the brake portion  302  contacts the rotating member  104  or the inside bore of the film roll  902  can be adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of leverage created by the hand of the user or to adjust the ergonomic feel of the holding member  102  in the hand of the user. For example and without limitation, increasing a distance from where the hand contacts the rail to where the connecting portion  320  intersects with the brake portion  302  or where the brake portion  302  contacts the rotating member  104  or the inside bore of the film roll  902  can reduce the amount of force required to engage the brake portion  302  and thereby slow the rotating member  104  and/or the film roll  902 . 
     As mentioned above with respect to  FIG. 1 , the first end  106  of the holding member  102  can comprise the blend  126  for guiding the insertion of a hand into the central hole  128  of the holding member  102 . Once a hand is positioned inside the holding member  102 , it can press onto the interior holding surface  300  found on the rail  124  that is operatively associated with the brake portion  302  of the holding member  102 . An example of how this operative association can be created will now be explained with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 11 . As already stated, the top radial portion of the slot  308   a  that defines the brake portion  302  can be positioned at the division of the holding member  102  into its first and second ends  106 ,  108  (see  FIG. 4 ). Therefore, any structure found above this top longitudinal portion of the slot  308   a  can be considered part of the first end  106  of the holding member  102 . As already explained, the connecting portion  320  can be located toward the interior of the holding member  102  along the longitudinal axis A 102  and away from the outside extremity  304  of the first end  106  of the holding member  102 , the connecting portion  320  extending in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A 102  of the holding member  102 . Also, the connecting portion  320  or member can be located below the top radial portion of the slot  308   a  and can extends in an inner radial direction R 102  toward the rail  124 , which can extend above the top radial portion of the slot  308   a . The transition portion  322  can connect or attach the connecting portion  320  to the rail  124  and its associated interior holding surface  300  and can be angled with respect to the longitudinal direction A 102  and with respect to the connecting portion  320  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The connecting portion  320  can be located toward an interior of the holding member  102  along the longitudinal axis A 102  and away from an outside extremity  304  of the first end  106  of the holding member  102 . The connecting portion  320  can extend radially inward from any portion of the brake portion  302  and can extend in a plane that is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis A 102  of the holding member  102 . 
     A method of dispensing the material  910  from the film roll  902  using the film dispenser  100  can comprise holding onto the interior holding surface  300  and the exterior holding surface  122  of a holding member  102  of the film dispenser  100  with one hand such that a portion of the hand is positioned between a pair of the adjacent lobes  202   a,b,c,d  of the plurality of lobes  202   a,b,c,d  of the holding member  102 , the holding member  102  comprising the first end  106  comprising the interior holding surface  300  and the plurality of lobes  202   a,b,c,d  defining the exterior holding surface  122 ; and the second end  108  comprising a brake portion  302 ; wherein the second end  108  of the holding member  102  is inserted into an opening defined in the first end of the film roll  902 ; dispensing the material  910  by rotating the film roll  902  relative to the holding member  102 ; and pressing onto the brake portion  302  to increase the tension in the material  910  being dispensed. The method of pressing onto the brake portion  302  can comprise contacting a rotating member  104  of the film dispenser  100  with the brake portion  302  to create friction between the brake portion  302  and the rotating member  104  of the film dispenser  100 . The method can further comprise preventing movement of a one of the film roll  902  and a rotating member  104  of the film dispenser  100  past an intersection of the first end  106  and the second end  108  of the holding member  102 . 
     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. Similarly, the steps of inserting the holding member  102  into the rotating member  104  and inserting the rotating member  104  into the film roll  902  can be done in any order as both effectuate the same end result, that is to say, the film dispenser  100  is operatively engaged with the film roll  902 . The same principle can be applied to any step of any method disclosed herein. Additional steps may also be added. For example and without limitation, the holding member  102  can be assembled to the rotating member  104  before both are inserted into the film roll  902 . 
     The assembly configurations described herein represent some of many possible assembly configurations. One skilled in the art will understand 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, rubber, metal, and plastic—similar material choices may also be used and would be obvious to one in the art. The rotating member  104  and/or the holding member  102  may be made of cast iron, steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, brass, various plastics, polymers, resins, or any material. In one aspect, the rotating member  104  and/or the holding member  102  can be made of a material of sufficient strength to withstand the loads placed on them when the material  910  or other materials from the film roll  902  and yet be resilient enough to allow snapping of the holding member  102  and the rotating member  104  together as well as movement of the brake portion  302 . In another aspect, the brake portion  302  and/or the snaps  120   a,b  can be formed separately from and assembled to the holding member  102 . It is contemplated that many of the features that have been described herein as being part of either the holding member  102  or the rotating member  104  could be switched to the other of the holding member  102  or the rotating member  104  including the snaps  120   a,b  and that features found completely in one member could be split in some cases between the two members. Furthermore, the configuration of either member need not be annular but could be otherwise depending on the application. Finally, additional members may be added to the film dispenser  100  and various components may be split into other components. For example, an elastomeric component may be applied to the handle portion of the holding member  102  or the surface texture of the holding member  102  otherwise configured to aid in grip and ergonomics. In such a case, the elastomeric component could be considered a portion of the holding member  102 . This elastomeric component could be added to a plastic holding member  102  using two-shot molding or overmolding technology or by other methods known or that will be devised in the art. 
     The material  910  can be formed from any conceivable stretchable or non-stretchable material including, for example, film, foil, cloth, paper, or a polymer material such as linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is not uncommon for a stretchable material such as these to be stretched between 100% and 500% or more of its original length during use. The film dispenser can be used for any use including, for example and without limitation, any commercial or residential application requiring the wrapping or covering of an item with a material  910  such as the aforementioned stretch wrap film. 
     One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects comprise, while other aspects do not comprise, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily comprise logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect. 
     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. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which comprise one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described aspect(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. 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. 
     Various implementations described in the present disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.