Patent Publication Number: US-2005126942-A1

Title: Designer toilet tissue storage holder

Description:
This invention claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application, 60/461,291, filed on Apr. 4, 2003. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates to the field of toilet tissue roll holders to store extra rolls of toilet tissue. Typically a toilet tissue dispenser is made to hold one roll of toilet tissue at a time and once that roll is used up, it must be replaced. It is with frequency that a person is left in an embarrassing situation when the roll of toilet tissue has been used up and there are no means of finding a replacement roll of toilet tissue without the aid of a person outside the bathroom. There is a well-known need for a holder that provides both advantageous and attractive means of storing toilet tissue while offering design flexibility as described below in Summary of The Invention.  
      Prior art toilet tissue roll holders are either made of wood, ceramic or metal. The styles and designs possible with these materials are limited and it is desirable to have a holder that is made of materials such as fabric, leather or other flexible material which offer more possibilities. This is feasible provided the surface coverings can be removed for replacement or cleaning purposes. The present invention addresses this need.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The object of the present invention is to provide a toilet tissue roll holder that can be located in a bathroom to provide easy access to extra toilet tissue rolls. This invention meets the need to be decorative and functional. As we demand design coordination in the home, this invention is highly desirable.  
      The toilet tissue roll holder according to the present invention differs from the prior art by providing removable, reuseable and replaceable surface coverings. An elongated hollow rigid tube which forms an inner structure of cross-sectional size and shape suitable for storing toilet tissue rolls is covered on the outside with a decorative sleeve that can be made of any flexible material such as leather or fabric. The decorative sleeve can be interchanged or replaced with different designs. The sleeve provides the option of changing the design, style or colour of the holder without having to purchase a new holder. Optionally the holder can be lined on the inside with a lining made of flexible material. The sleeve and lining can both be removed for cleaning or replacement.  
      A cover removably attached to the sleeve covers the open end of the holder. The cover is fixed to the sleeve by fasteners designed to engage with mating components fixed to the sleeve. An integral handle facilitates opening and closing of the cover.  
      The cover can be disassembled for ease of cleaning or replacement of the covering material. The cover is optionally provided with an inspection window through which the user can inspect the contents of the holder.  
      A pocket attached to the sleeve conveniently stores air freshener or natural herbs to neutralize odours.  
      For use as a freestanding holder, this invention provides feet attached to the bottom of the sleeve to prevent direct contact with the floor.  
      For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,098,469 issued to McCarthy on Jul. 4, 1978 discloses a toilet tissue roll holder; U.S. Pat. No. 4,192,561 issued to Gunn on Mar. 11, 1980 discloses a storage container for roll tissue paper; U.S. Pat. No. D372,823 issued to Kerschreiter on Aug. 20, 1996 discloses a three-roll decorative toilet tissue holder; U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,938 issued to Butler on Nov. 5, 1996 discloses a toilet tissue roll holder; U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,679 issued to Paul, et al. on Feb. 9, 1982 discloses a roll holder and dispenser; U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,392 issued to Stinson on Jun. 16, 1981 discloses a tissue roll holder; U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,818 issued to Kelly discloses a device for storing multiple rolls of tissue and dispensing therefrom; U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,809 issued to Sineni on Aug. 26, 1986 discloses a toilet tissue holder and dispenser; U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,475 issued to Kaysserian on Aug. 23, 1988 discloses a holder and dispenser for multiple rolls of tissue.  
      While the holders in the prior art fulfill their respective, requirements and specific objectives, the holders do not describe the following: 
          a) removable sleeve which provides means of interchanging, replacement or removal of parts for cleaning purposes;     b) a removable lining;     c) a removable cover which can be disassembled for interchanging, replacement or removal of parts for cleaning;     d) a window in the cover for inspection purposes;     e) pocket in the rear to house air freshener;     f) feet at the bottom of the holder to prevent direct contact with the floor.        

      There are numerous styles, types of combinations skin, leather, textile and embellishment that can be used to give each holder a unique look.  
      While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the open holder with removably fixed cover.  
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the disassembled cover showing the removable jacket and parts.  
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the fully assembled holder with toilet tissue therein.  
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the rear of the holder.  
       FIG. 5  shows perspective front views of two of the numerous tailored designs of the removable sleeve. 
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS  
      inner structure  10   
      inspection window  12   
      cover  11   
      integral handle  13   
      fastening means  14   
      pocket  15   
      removable sleeve  16   
      feet  17   
      circular base  18   
      ring  19   
      disk  20   
      removable jacket  21   
      downward side extension  22   
      hinge  23   
      press and snap fastener  24   
      toilet tissue  25   
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       FIG. 1  shows the perspective view of the open toilet tissue holder. A toilet tissue storage holder for storing multiple rolls of toilet tissue  25 . An elongated hollow tube which forms the inner structure  10  whose circular cross-sectional shape and size having sufficient dimensions to accommodate large rolls of toilet tissue  25  but leaving extra room for the user to easily grip and remove rolls. A circular base  18  is secured to the closed end of the inner structure  10  whereby leaving the distal end open to receive rolls of toilet tissue  25 . Lining covers the surfaces of the inner structure  10 .  
      The removable sleeve  16  with reusable fastening means  14  has a circular cross-sectional shape and size to house the inner structure  10 . The removable sleeve  16  has a single opening directed towards the distal open end of the inner structure  10 . The removable sleeve  16  is extended to fold over the edge of the inner structure  10  at the open end and covers part of the inner surface of the inner structure  10  and is connected by fastening means  14  that is located inside the inner structure  10 . The part of the removable sleeve  16  which covers the closed end of the inner structure  10  forms a flat surface that is normal to the long axis of said inner structure  10  allowing the toilet tissue holder to stand on the ground in a stable upright position.  
      Feet  17  are attached to the bottom end of the removable sleeve  16  enabling the toilet tissue holder to stand on the ground in a stable upright position and being of sufficient length to prevent the removable sleeve  16  from touching the floor.  
      The fully assembled cover  11  is removably fixed to the removable sleeve  16  of the toilet tissue holder by means of hinge  23 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , having at least one press and snap fastener  24  designed to engage with mating components fixed to the removable sleeve  16  in order to allow for easy removal or replacement of the cover  11 .  
      An inspection window  12 , located centrally, on the top of the cover  11 .  
      The cover  11  has an integral handle  13 , a piece of desired material extending upwardly from the top front edge of the cover  11  to facilitate ease of gripping for the purposes of selectively opening and closing the holder.  
      The pocket  15  at the rear of the removable sleeve  16  stores air freshening material.  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the disassembled cover  11 . The removable jacket  21  has a downward side extension  22  with fastening means and said downward side extension  22  is extended sufficiently to fold under inwardly to fully enclose and integrate the disk member  20  and the ring member  19 .  
      Means of affixing and removing the cover from the removable sleeve  16  consists of a hinge  23  fixed at one end to said removable jacket  21  and having at least one press and snap fastener  24  designed to engage with mating components fixed to said removable sleeve  16 .  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective front view of two of the endless designs possible with the removable sleeve  16 .  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application, 60/461,291, filed on Apr. 4, 2003.  
      This invention relates to the field of toilet tissue holders to store extra rolls of toilet tissue. The toilet tissue dispenser is made to hold one roll of toilet tissue at a time and once that roll on the dispenser is used up, it must be replaced so that the next person would have adequate toilet tissue. It is with frequency that a person is left in an embarrassing situation when the roll of toilet tissue has been used up and there are no means of finding a replacement roll of toilet tissue without the aid a person outside the bathroom. There is still a need for a holder that provides both advantageous and attractive means of storing toilet tissue while offering design flexibility as described below in Summary of The Invention.  
      Holders are either made of wood, ceramic or metal. The styles and designs of the wood, ceramic or metal holders are quite limited and so interchanging these holders with a vast array of designs and colors would be impossible. It is desirable to have a holder that provides means of disassembly in order to interchange the holder with a vast array of different tailored designs or to provide means of disassembly for cleaning purposes. Once one acquires one of the prior art holders, one has to accept that particular style for as long as one has the holder, without the option of changing the design, style or color of that particular holder. Interchangeability and design flexibility are lacking in prior art of toilet tissue holders.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The object of the present invention is to provide a toilet tissue storage holder that is interchangeable. This toilet tissue holder according to the present invention substantially differs from the other designs of the prior art, and in that respect provides an interchangeable toilet tissue holder. The holder can be stationed anywhere in the bathroom to provide accessibility to stored toilet tissue on demand.  
      The removable sleeve housed a tubular inner structure with a closed bottom end and an open top end and the said tubular inner structure is large enough in dimensions to store up to six rolls of toilet tissue in a vertically stacked configuration. The removable sleeve is constructed in such a manner to provide means of interchanging different designs by simply removing and replacing the stylish removable sleeve or just removing it for cleaning or dry cleaning. The advantage of this present invention is to provide a holder that the removable sleeve can be replaced with as many designs as is desired without having to purchase a complete holder every time a change in design is desired. The design on the removable sleeve will be the same design found on the towel and mat that complete the set. As our culture demand more design flexibility and design coordination in the home, this invention addresses that need.  
      The object of this present invention is to provide the option of acquiring just the removable sleeve or the removable outer covering for the cover, if all that is required is a design change.  
      It is another object of the present invention to provide an enclosed holder with means to permit ease of identifying the contents without physically opening the holder but rather by looking through the partially transparent cover.  
      The fixed removable cover is made to be collapsible to facilitate interchanging. The cover is fixed to the body of the holder by “press and snap” buttons. Simply collapsing the cover and replacing the outer covering is all that is required to change the color or design of the cover. The numerous advantages of this invention in relation to the prior art holders set this invention apart from the prior art.  
      The holder provides a removable hinged cover for selectively opening and closing the toilet tissue storage holder and also to free one from simultaneously having to hold the cover while removing or replenishing rolls of toilet tissue.  
      This invention meets the need for both design and functionality especially in small spaces where space constraints do not allow for a mounted unit or cupboard space. The novelty features and design changeability is highly desirable.  
      The holder provides a cover grip to permit ease of gripping for selectively opening or closing the cover while the cover remains attached to the body of the holder by buttons or other means.  
      The pocket in the rear conveniently stores air freshener or natural herbs to neutralize odours.  
      While the bottom end of holders of prior art are placed on and make direct contact with the floor, this invention provides a holder with feet attached to the bottom of the holder to prevent the bottom end of the holder from making direct contact with the floor.  
      For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,098,469 issued to McCarthy on Jul. 4, 1978 discloses a toilet tissue roll holder; U.S. Pat. No. 4,192,561 issued to Gunn on Mar. 11, 1980 discloses a storage container for roll tissue paper; U.S. Pat. No. D372,823 issued to Kerschreiter on Aug. 20, 1996 discloses a three-roll decorative toilet tissue holder; U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,938 issued to Butler on Nov. 5, 1996 discloses a toilet tissue roll holder; U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,679 issued to Paul, et al. on Feb. 9, 1982 discloses a roll holder and dispenser; U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,392 issued to Stinson on Jun. 16, 1981 discloses a tissue roll holder; U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,818 issued to Kelly discloses a device for storing multiple rolls of tissue and dispensing therefrom; U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,809 issued to Sineni on Aug. 26, 1986 discloses a toilet tissue holder and dispenser; U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,475 issued to Kaysserian on Aug. 23, 1988 discloses a holder and dispenser for multiple rolls of tissue.  
      While the holders in the prior art fulfill their respective, requirements and specific objectives, the holders do not describe the following:  
      removable sleeve which provides means of interchanging different designs of the sleeve or removal of parts for cleaning or dry cleaning purposes;  
      collapsible and interchangeable cover and removable sleeve;  
      the option to acquire just the removable sleeve and cover, if all that is required is a change of design;  
      pocket in the rear to house air freshener;  
      partially transparent cover to permit identification; and  
      feet at the bottom of the holder to prevent direct contact with the floor.  
      There are numerous styles, types and combinations of leather/textile and embellishments that can be used to give each holder a unique look.  
      While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the open holder and hinged protective cover.  
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the unassembled cover shell and components.  
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the fully assembled holder with toilet tissue therein.  
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the rear of the holder.  
       FIG. 5  shows perspective front views of two of the numerous tailored designs of the removable sleeve.  
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS  
      hollow tube  10   
      transparent cut-out  12   
      protective cover  11   
      cover grip  13   
      fastening means  14   
      pocket  15   
      removable sleeve  16   
      feet  17   
      circular bottom base for hollow tube  18   
      inner side ring support  19   
      circular top support  20   
      side shield  21   
      side shield extension  22   
      hinge strip  23   
      press and snap buttons  24   
      toilet tissue  25   
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       FIG. 1  shows the perspective view of the open toilet tissue storage holder. A toilet tissue storage holder for storing multiple rolls of toilet tissue  25 , but leaving extra room for the user to easily grip and remove rolls. A hollow tube  10  made of suitably flexible material which hollow tube having sufficient dimensions to accommodate large rolls of toilet tissue  25 . A circular bottom base  18  likewise of suitable material is secured to the bottom end of the hollow tube  10  whereby leaving the top end open to receive rolls of toilet tissue  25 . Fastening means  14  is provided inwardly on the top open end of the hollow tube  10 .  
      The removable sleeve  16  is likewise generally of a cylindrical form with a closed bottom and an open top end with corresponding fastening means  14 , or other means, to attach the top edge of the removable sleeve  16  inwardly to the edge of the hollow tube  10  and which removable sleeve  16  having sufficient dimensions to house the hollow tube  10 . The hollow tube  10  serves a dual purpose of storing toilet tissue  25  and also from which the stylish removable sleeve  16  is attached inwardly by fastening means  14  or by other attaching means. The removable sleeve  16  is easily removable by reusable fastening means  14  to allow replacing the current design with new and different designs or for removing and cleaning the current removable sleeve  16 . Interchangeability provides the option of acquiring a complete holder or to acquire just the parts to be replaced, such as acquiring only the outer covering for the protective cover  11  and the removable sleeve  16  for the body of the holder, if all that is required is a change of design.  
      Feet  17  are attached to the bottom end of the removable sleeve  16  to prevent direct contact of the bottom of the toilet tissue storage holder with the floor.  
      The protective cover  11  provides means of collapsing, as shown in  FIG. 2 , in order that the outer covering of the protective cover  11  could be replaced to coordinate with the removable sleeve  16  of the body of the holder when the design of the removable sleeve  16  of the body of the holder is replaced.  
      The fully assembled protective cover  11  is removably fixed to the removable sleeve of the toilet tissue storage holder by means of hinge strip  23 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , having press and snap button members  24  at the bottom end of the hinge strip  23  and corresponding press and snap components  24  on the removable sleeve of the holder in order to allow for easy removal or replacement of the protective cover  11 . When the protective cover  11  is hinged  23  to the removable sleeve of the toilet tissue storage holder, one is free from simultaneously having to hold the protective cover  11  while removing or replenishing rolls of toilet tissue.  
      A cut-out  12  of any shape, located centrally, on the top of the protective cover  11  is replaced with transparent material to permit ease of identifying the contents without physically lifting the protective cover  11 .  
      The cover grip  13 , a piece of desired material extending upwardly from the top front edge of the protective cover  11  to facilitate ease of gripping for the purposes of selectively opening and closing the holder.  
      The perforated pocket  15  at the rear of the removable sleeve  16  stores air freshener. A flap is positioned over the pocket to conceal the contents.  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the protective cover in collapsible form. The protective cover  11  having two supporting members, one being the circular top support member  20  for the top of the cover and the other being the inner side ring support member  19 , thus adding form to the protective cover  11  when inserted and secured by Velcro or other means.  
      The side shield  21  of the protective cover  11 , being approximately two inches, is extended vertically to an additional two inches, for a total length of approximately four inches, thus allowing the side shield extension  22 , being the extra two inches, to fold under inwardly to fully enclose the inner side ring support member  19  and adequately be secured to the edge of the circular top support member  20  to hold in place both support members when the support members are positioned in the cover.  
      Method of affixing and removing the protective cover  11  to and from the removable sleeve of the toilet tissue storage holder, wherein said means consist of a hinge strip  23  with “press and snap” buttons  24 , or other means, permitting easy assembly or removal of the protective cover  11  from the removable sleeve of the holder.