Patent Publication Number: US-8113383-B2

Title: Biased paper dispensing device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/059,923, filed on Jun. 9, 2008, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated into the present application by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention is generally related to a method and device for dispensing paper. More specifically, the present invention is related to a paper dispensing device with a lift system. 
     2. Background 
     Generally, devices for dispensing paper in the form of paper sheets or printed articles are known. Paper is provided on a tray for lifting paper in a vertical direction towards a dispensing or feeding area, and the paper sheets may be withdrawn from the device as needed. In order to lift or move the tray to dispense paper, several prior art solutions use springs which provide a limited range of displacement. Examples of such prior art devices include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,889,221, 5,165,571, 5,305,996, 5,411,246, 6,250,500 B1, and 6,270,072 B1 and Japanese Publication 1321594. However, if those springs are used for a larger range of displacement, the extension of the springs may be substantial enough such that the springs are stretched beyond their elastic limits, and, thus, cause the springs to lose resiliency. An improved lift system in such paper dispensing devices, therefore, would be beneficial. 
     Additionally, some prior art devices are not designed for easy loading and unloading of paper. A device that allows one to load and unload paper more quickly and easily is desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the invention provides a biased paper dispensing device for dispensing reams of paper. The dispensing device has a housing with an elongated body for containing the paper. The housing has an upwardly facing opening for receiving the paper therein. The opening is provided in the upper part thereof and has a generally horizontal orientation. A lift system is provided in the housing including a tray and elastic tubing. The lift system is configured to move the tray vertically within the elongated body of the housing to allow access to the paper through the opening. The tray is configured to hold the paper horizontally in the housing, and is coupled to the elastic tubing. The elastic tubing extends upwardly from the tray, and is trained over a structure within the housing and extends downwardly to a connection below the structure. The elastic tubing is also configured to apply a biasing force to the tray such that the tray is biased toward the opening of the housing. 
     Another aspect of the invention provides a biased paper dispensing device for dispensing reams of paper, the device having a housing with an elongated body for containing the paper. The housing has an upwardly facing opening for receiving the paper therein. A lift system is provided in the housing and is configured to apply a biasing force to the paper such that the paper is biased upwardly toward and through the upwardly facing opening of the housing. The device also has flanges movable between (a) a paper retaining position extending inwardly with respect to the upwardly facing opening and in spaced relation above the upwardly facing opening to enable the flanges to contact an upper surface of paper in the housing to keep the paper in place against the bias of the lift system, and (b) a paper loading positioning extending downwardly to permit paper to be inserted downwardly between the flanges through the upwardly facing opening. The flanges are biased to the paper retaining position. Also, at least one lateral opening permits paper exposed above the upwardly facing opening to be withdrawn laterally from beneath the flanges in the paper retaining position. 
     Yet another aspect of the invention provides a biased paper dispensing device for dispensing paper. The dispensing device has a housing with an elongated body for containing the paper. The housing has an upwardly facing opening for receiving the paper. A lift system provided in the housing has a tray configured to hold the paper horizontally in the housing, and is further configured to apply a biasing force to the paper such that the paper is biased toward and through the upwardly facing opening of the housing, and configured to move the paper vertically within the elongated body of the housing to allow access to the paper through the upwardly facing opening. A paper guide device is positioned below the upwardly facing opening. The paper guide device is configured to engage paper on the tray and guide the paper into alignment with the upwardly facing opening. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a biased paper dispensing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  illustrate bottom and detail views of wheels on a bottom of the biased paper dispensing device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  shows an internal view of parts of a lift system within the biased paper dispensing device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  illustrates a detailed view of a connection for elastic tubing used with the lift system of  FIG. 3   a;    
         FIG. 4   a  illustrates a detailed view of flanges used with a top of the biased paper dispensing device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  illustrates an underside view of the flanges of  FIG. 4   a;    
         FIG. 4   c  illustrates a perspective view of the flanges of  FIG. 4   a  attached to a lid of the biased paper dispensing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a paper guide device to be used with the biased paper dispensing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a limitation device to be used with the biased paper dispensing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     The paper dispensing device as herein described is such that the lift tray has a larger range of displacement and, thus, assists in providing a more stable operating lift device. The paper dispensing device is designed such that the paper housed therein is generally biased in an upward direction toward an upwardly facing opening to allow one to access or withdraw paper as needed. A paper guide device for guiding paper into alignment with the opening is also disclosed. Additionally, the opening may include at least one lateral opening portion permitting paper exposed in the opening to be withdrawn laterally therefrom, thereby easing unloading of paper. Flanges for holding the paper may also be provided within the opening, which allow for easy insertion or loading of paper into the housing. The system used to bias the paper in the device is also less expensive, and provides additional benefits as noted throughout the description below. 
     Referring now more particularly to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a biased paper dispensing device  10 . Biased paper dispensing device  10  comprises a housing  12  with an elongated, upright body. Generally, the elongated body of housing  12  is designed to store a plurality of material(s) such as paper in individual bound stacks or reams  11 . Conventionally, a ream is defined as a stack of 500 sheets of standard boxed or offset paper. However, stacks of a greater or lesser size may be used. For example, a stack of 1000 sheets may also be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Each stack or ream  11  may be held together by any type of binder, such as an encircling band or a fully encasing wrapper. The housing  12  may comprise four sides which meet at corners  13  to form a substantially square or rectangular shape. However, the shape and size of housing  12  should not be limited. For example, the housing  12  may be designed such that it holds paper of a standard size (e.g., 8½×11, A4, legal, etc.) or any number of sizes and shapes. In an embodiment, the corners  13  of the housing  12  may be rounded or flattened. 
     The elongated body of housing  12  comprises an upper part  14  and a bottom or lower part  16 . The upper part  14  of the housing  12  comprises a lid  18 . Lid  18  may be removable from the upper part  14  of the housing  12 . Lid  18  may be securely fastened to an upper edge  19  on the upper part  14  of housing  12 . Lid  18  may be contoured to fit a perimeter of the upper edge  19  so as to provide a flush and tight fit. Lid  18  also comprises an opening  20  for access to the material or paper that is biased upwardly by a lift system  38  within the housing  12  (further described below). Methods of attaching lids are generally known and therefore will not be described in detail. The opening  20  is an upwardly facing opening for receiving paper therein, and is generally provided in the upper part of the housing  12 . 
       FIG. 1  shows lid  18  and upper edge  19  with generally horizontal or straight side sections  24 . Straight sections  24  are provided on opposite sides of the lid  18 , upper edge  19  of housing  12 , and opening  20 , for example. Sloped or angled side sections  25   a  may extend at an upward angle from each end of the straight side sections  24 . Sloped sections  25   a  of lid  18  are connected via a straight top section  25   b  to enclose the upwardly facing opening  20 . The sections  24 ,  25   a , and  25   b  allow for sheets or reams  11  of paper to be accessed from the opening  20 . In an embodiment, a user may access and withdraw an entire ream of paper from the opening  20  in the lid  18 . Additionally or alternatively, the opening  20  may be configured to allow for access to add one or more reams of paper into the housing  12 . 
     The opening  20  may have a generally horizontal orientation. The opening  20  allows access to paper in the housing  12 , such as by pulling or sliding paper from the housing  12 . More specifically, in an embodiment, the configuration of the sloped and straight sections ( 24 ,  25   a , and  25   b ) may provide the capability of pulling paper from the device  10  in a horizontal or lateral direction (i.e., in a direction that is perpendicular to movement of the stack(s) in the housing  12 ). That is, for example, the device  10  may comprise at least one lateral opening portion  20   a . The at least one lateral opening portion  20   a  permits paper exposed via upwardly facing opening  20  to be withdrawn laterally therefrom. 
     As shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 1 and 3   a , for example, the lid may have a top portion and a front portion. The top portion may have a generally horizontal configuration, and the front portion may extend downwardly from the top portion on at least one side, so as to form a lateral opening  20   a  to expose an amount of paper (e.g., one or more reams) for dispensing therefrom. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the sloped sections  25   a  and straight section  24  on a side of the device  10  help form the at least one lateral opening portion  20   a . A similar lateral portion may be formed on the opposite side of the device (shown partially in  FIG. 3   a , for example). With this configuration, at least an uppermost portion or amount of paper may be dispensed or slid out from the at least one lateral opening portion  20   a  in a generally horizontal or lateral direction, as indicated by arrow A in  FIG. 1  (arrow A indicates that the paper may be dispensed laterally through a lateral opening  20   a  on either side of the device  10 ). Thus, a vertical extent V of the opening  20   a  may be configured such that it exposes an amount of paper and at least allows access to an uppermost portion of a stack of paper within housing  12 . In some embodiments, the sections  24 - 25   b  of the lid may be designed such that the vertical extent V of the opening  20   a  is at least a height of a thickness of at least one ream of paper  11  (as defined above). In some embodiments, the vertical extent V of the lateral opening  20   a  may be configured to be greater than the thickness of one ream of paper. Additionally, the shape of the lid  18 , upper edge  19 , and openings  20 ,  20   a  are designed such that they not only assist a user accessing reams of paper, but also to provide a housing or compartment for at least a part of the lift system  38 , as further described below in  FIG. 3   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 1  and in detail in  FIG. 4 , the straight top sections  25   b  of the lid  18  are designed such that they can accommodate and provide attachment for one or more flanges  22 . Flanges  22  may be provided to keep paper in place against the bias of the lift system  38  within the elongated body of housing  12 . The flanges  22  may be connected by hinges  23  such that they pivot with respect to the lid  18  and opening  20 . Additional description with respect to the flanges  22  is further provided below in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c.    
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the elongated body of housing  12  may comprise a viewing section  26  along at least one of the sides of the housing  12 . Viewing section  26  may extend approximately the entire height of a side of the housing  12 . Viewing section  26  may include elongated slots or openings  28  so as to provide a window of visibility to the material or paper within the housing  12 . For example, the location of the paper in relation to the height of the housing  12  may indicate the amount of paper provided within the housing  12 . Openings  28  may have a substantially transparent material  29  therein, or, alternatively may be generally open slots. The location and orientation of viewing section  26  and/or elongated slots  28  should not be limited to those shown. For example, in some embodiments, viewing section  26  may be provided on two or more sides of the housing  12 . Additionally, although three openings  28  are shown positioned along the housing  12 , viewing section  26  may comprise one uniform opening or any number of openings or windows that show or allow for viewing the amount of paper within the elongated body of the housing  12 . In an embodiment, openings  28  or viewing section  26  need not be provided. 
     The lower part  16  of the housing  12  comprises a base  30 . Base  30  may be provided to assist in providing stability on a surface, for example. A bottom edge.  17  on the lower part  16  of the housing  12  may be attached to base  30 . In an embodiment, base  30  may be formed with a channel  88  that is designed to receive at least a portion of the bottom edge  17  of housing  12 , for example. A channel  88  may be provided between an inner wall  66  and outer wall  68  (better shown in  FIG. 3   a ), for example. However, channel  88  is not required for connecting housing  12  to base  30 . Bottom edge  17  or lower part  16  of housing  12  and base  30  may be securely fastened to each other using known methods in the art, such as a snap-fit construction or using fasteners or bolts. 
     In an embodiment, base  30  may also include a device for allowing movement with respect to a surface.  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  illustrate a bottom and detailed views, respectively, of wheels  32  on a base  30  of the biased paper dispensing device  10  in accordance with an embodiment. The base  30  may be designed or formed such that it holds wheels  32  therein Preferably at least one wheel  32  is provided with the dispensing device  10 .  FIG. 2A  shows that four wheels  32  may be provided near the corners or edges of the base  30 , for example. 
     As shown in detail in  FIG. 2   b , each wheel  32  is provided within an opening  33  in base  30 . Openings  33  may be provided in the bottom of the outer wall  68  of the base  30 , for example. Wheel  32  is provided on an axle  34  which is designed to fit into opening  33 . Opening  33  assists in at least partially hiding the wheel  32  such that when biased paper dispensing device  10  is upright, dispensing device  10  provides little visible showing of the wheels. In an embodiment, wheels  32  may be designed such that they lift the dispenser approximately 0.25 inches (0.6 centimeters) off the ground or floor surface for which it is positioned thereon. In an embodiment, wheels  32  are provided on molded axles. The slots  36  of base  30 , as seen in  FIG. 1 , therefore, may be provided to assist in or as a result of the process of molding features for the axle to mount wheels  32  into the base  30 . However, such slots  36  need not be provided. 
     Wheels  32  may provide at least a forward and backward movement on a surface. However, in an embodiment, the wheels  32  may be designed such that they incorporate 360 degree movement in any direction. For example, swivel, ball, rollers, or other known devices may be provided on the base  30 . In an embodiment, the wheels  32  may comprise materials such that they are assembled together such as a two-part snap together wheel. 
       FIG. 3   a  illustrates an internal view of parts of a lift system  38  within the biased paper dispensing device  10  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment.  FIG. 3   a  shows elements of a first part  39  of the lift system  38  on a first side. However, it should be noted that lift system  38  incorporates the same elements (not shown) on a second side to assist in lifting paper reams or stacks  11 . Specifically, the elements of the lift system  38  on the other side will be essentially a mirror image of first part  39 , and will apply essentially the same upward force as first part  39  through the range of movement. The lift system  38  moves in a generally vertical direction (i.e., up and/or down) as indicated by arrow B, such that the paper reams or stacks  11  may be displaced upwardly under bias when paper is removed or displaced downwardly against the bias as paper is added to the housing  12 . 
     The lift system  38  is designed such that it comprises at least a lift tray  40  and elastic tubing  46 . The lift system  38  is provided within the housing  12  and is configured to move the lift tray  40  vertically within the elongated body of the housing  12  to allow access to the paper through the openings  20 ,  20   a . A structure is used with the elastic tubing in the housing  12 . In all embodiment, the structure may comprise a plurality of pulleys, such as a first pulley  42  and a second pulley  44 . In the illustrated example embodiment, the pulleys  42 ,  44  and tubing  46  constitute the first part  39  of the lift system  38 , mentioned above, and the same parts will also be on the other side as mentioned above to constitute the second part. 
     Lift tray  40  is configured to hold the paper horizontally in the housing  12  and is coupled to the elastic tubing  46 . Lift tray  40  comprises four sides  51 ,  53 ,  55 , and  57  and a base  50  which includes edges  52 , corners  54 , and at least one channel  56  that runs along edges  52  of the tray  40 . The lift tray  40  may be generally square in shape as shown in  FIG. 3   a . In an embodiment, at least the base  50  of tray  40  may be designed such that it comprises a similar or substantially similar shape to that of the interior of the housing&#39;s  12  elongated body. In an embodiment the edges  52  and corners  54  on the sides  51 - 57  of the tray  40  are contoured such that they also comprise a similar shape with respect to the housing  12 . For example, the corners  13  of housing  12  are generally angled or flattened with respect to the sides of the housing  12 . Similarly, the corners  54  of tray  50  may also comprise an angled or flattened shape with respect to the sides  51 ,  53 ,  55 , and  57  of the tray. 
     The edges  52  of the tray, as noted above, may be designed in an embodiment such that they have at least one channel  56  on a first side  51  and a second side  53  of the tray  40 . The channel(s)  56  may be provided in a separate configuration on each side or as a single channel along the perimeter or edge(s) of the tray  40 . The channel(s)  56  in the edge  52  of the tray  40  are designed to receive at least a part of the elastic tubing  46  of the lift system  38  therein. In an embodiment, the channel(s)  56  run on the underside of the tray  40  along edges  52 . Also, at least one opening  62  is provided in the tray  40  to allow the tubing  46  to pass therethrough. In an embodiment, two openings  62  may be provided in or near the ends of the channel(s)  56 . In an embodiment, openings  62  are provided within the ends of the channel(s)  56 , so that the tubing  46  may be inserted or directed downwardly through the openings  62  and inserted into the channel(s)  56  running along the sides  51 ,  53 . 
     Cutouts  58  are provided on opposing sides  55 ,  57  of the tray  40  such that when the lift system  38  is assembled, elastic tubing  46  may run or pass through sides  55  and  57 . 
     The elastic tubing  46  extends generally upwardly from the tray  40 , and is trained over a structure within the housing  12  and extends downwardly to a connection below the structure. As noted above and further described below, in an embodiment, the structure comprises a plurality of pulleys  42 ,  44  configured to receive at least part of the elastic tubing  46  around their perimeters to assist in moving the tray vertically. The elastic tubing  46  is configured to apply a biasing force to the tray  40  such that the tray  40  is biased toward the opening  20  and/or  20   a  of the housing  12 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 3   a  on first side and second sides  51 ,  53  of tray  40  are extension guides  60  or inserts extending from the tray that may be used to assist in guiding tray  40  during lifting and/or lowering operations. Extension guides  60  may be guided vertically in the device  10  with respect to viewing section  26 , for example. That is, in an embodiment, viewing section  26  may include guide slots  27  on opposite sides therein that are designed to receive at least a part of the extension guides  60  of the lift tray  40 . In an embodiment, the guide slots  27  may designed such that they are provided on or substantially near or adjacent the inner wall of the viewing section  26  as shown, or, in the alternative, along another part of the inner wall of the housing  12  such as along or substantially near the corners  13 , for example. The guide slots  27  may be provided on one or more inner sides of the housing  12  and their location should not be limiting. In an embodiment, the guide slots  27  may be substantially the same length as the viewing section  26 , for example, such that the tray  40  may move the vertical extent of the housing  12 . 
     In an embodiment, the viewing section  26  and/or guide slots  27  may be provided with a limitation device  100 , as shown in detail in  FIG. 6 . Limitation device  100  may limit the displacement of guiding tray  40  within the guide slots  27 . For example, limitation device  100  prevents a user from lowering a guide tray  40  to a position lower than the top of the limitation device  100 . One benefit of the limitation device  100  is that it prevents a user from overloading the biased paper dispensing device  10  with paper reams  11 , and, thus, prevents overextension of elastic tubing  46  (e.g., stretching beyond its elastic limits). 
     In an embodiment, the limitation device  100  may be designed or configured such that it determines the maximum number of paper  11  (or reams) that may be placed within the device  10 . For example, assuming a standard ream of paper  11  comprises approximately 500 sheets and has a paper weight (also referred to as basis weight or ream weight) of approximately five (5) pounds (lbs), the limitation device  100  may be designed to comprise a height that limits the biased paper dispensing device  10  to accepting no more than approximately ten (10) reams of paper  11  (i.e., a total paper weight of all reams being approximately 50-60 pounds), so that the tubing  46  is not overextended. 
     In another embodiment, limitation device  100  may comprise any number of sizes or shapes. For example, the limitation device  100  as shown in  FIG. 6  may be a structure designed to fit within the guide slots  27 . Also, the location of limitation device  100  within the viewing section  26  or guide slots  27  should not be limiting. For example,  FIG. 1  illustrates 3 elongated slots  28  provided in viewing section  26 . A bottom elongated slot  28  may be removed and/or concealed by limitation device  100  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ). Alternatively, the limitation device  100  may be provided in an intermediate section along the viewing section  26  or guide slots  27 . The limitation device  100  may also be attached to the base  30  of the device in an embodiment. Generally, the size, shape, configuration, or design of the limitation device  100  should not be limiting, and the limitation device  100  may be designed and/or provided in a location anywhere within, around, or along the housing  12  that is sufficient enough to limit the displacement or lowering of the guiding tray  40  with respect to the elongated body of the housing  12 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3   a , as noted above, first and second pulleys  42 ,  44  may also be included on the first side  39  of the lift system  38  as shown (and are likewise replicated on the other side of the system  38 , which is not shown). First and second pulleys  42 ,  44  are structures that may be designed such that they cooperate with the tubing  46  provided in first side  51  of the tray  40 , for example. First pulley  42  is provided on first axle  62  and second pulley  44  is provided on the second axle  64 . Also, openings provided for the axles of the other set of pulleys can be seen at  61  and  63 , on the other side of the system  38 , in  FIG. 3   a . First axle  62  and second axle  64  are designed such that they horizontally align pulleys  42  and  44 . First and second pulleys  42 ,  44  are mounted on axles  62 ,  64  and receive at least a part of the elastic tubing  46  around their perimeters. The first and second pulleys  42 ,  44  assist in allowing movement of tubing  46  as the tray  40  is lifted or lowered, for example. However, it should be noted that the use of the first and second sets of pulleys in the lift system  38  is optional. Additionally, the use of elongated elastic tubing  46  is also optional, further described below. 
     As previously noted, lid  18  may further comprise extension walls  25   c  on opposing sides. Extension walls  25   c  extend generally downwardly from the sloped and straight top sections  25   a  and  25   b  on either side of the lid  18 . Extension walls  25   c  are designed to be received or insert into openings (not shown) provided in the upper edge  19  of the housing  12 . As previously noted, extension walls  25   c  may also be designed to assist in housing and hiding at least a part of the lift system  38 . First and second pulleys  42  and  44 , for example, may be mounted or housed within the extension wall  25 C such that they are hidden from plain sight with the housing  12 . Extension walls  25   c  may also provide additional support for mounting the pulleys  42 ,  44  on the axles  62 ,  64 . In an embodiment, extension walls  25   c  may include an attachment section  90  for at least a part of a paper guide device  92  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) which may assist in directing or guiding paper within the elongated body of housing  12 . Additional description of guide device  92  is further provided below. 
       FIG. 3   a  also illustrates further details of the inner wall  66  and the outer wall  68  of the base  30 . At least one mounting area  48  may be provided on the inner walls  66  of the base  30 . In an embodiment, a mounting area  48  is provided on opposing sides of the base  30 . For example, a mounting area  48  may be provided on the sides of the base  30  that are parallel with the cutouts  58  of opposing sides  55 ,  57  of the lift tray  40 . In an embodiment, the mounting area  48  is vertically aligned with the cutouts  58  in the tray  40 . 
     The mounting area  48  may comprise a first set of openings  70  and a corresponding set of slots  72  that cooperate or are connected to the first set of openings  70 . The openings  70  and slots  72  are designed such that they may receive an end or part of the tubing  46  therein. That is, after an end of the tubing  46  is insert into opening  70  and fit within slot  72 , the slot  72  is used to assist in hooking or locking end of tubing  46  to the base  30 . In an embodiment, the elastic tubing  46  is hooked, fastened, locked or secured underneath the base  30 .  FIG. 3   b  illustrates a detailed view of a connection of the tubing  46  through the mounting area  48  of the base  30 . Specifically, a bottom or underside view of the base  30  is shown. Devices such as a fastener, a knot in the tubing, a hook, washers, or other device(s) may be use to hold an end of the tubing  46 . As shown in  FIG. 3   b , for example, a stopper  47  may be provided on the underside of the opening  70  and/or slot  72  and the tubing  46  may be crimped  49  and tied with a cable tie  57  to secure the tubing  46  in the base  30  at a correct length to provide appropriate tension for the lift system  38 . The stopper  47  may be designed to encase or contain the crimp  49  and/or the cable tie  57  at the end of the tubing  46 . Generally, however, any known methods or devices for securing the end of the tubing  46  may be used. For example, the tubing may be knotted without the use of a tie  57  or stopper  47 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 3   a  is a second set of openings  74  and second pair of slots  76  designed to cooperate with a second half (not shown) of the lift system  38  (e.g., a second piece of tubing  46  extending from a second side  53  of the tray  40  and over a second set of pulleys (on axles  61  and  63 ). The tubing  46  is placed and secured in the mounting area  48  and/or underneath the base  30  in a similar manner as described above, i.e., by inserting an end of the tubing  46  into opening  74  and within slot  76 , and crimping  49  the end to be tied with a tie  57  and held in stopper  47 . 
     Generally the lift system  38  is assembled and manipulated as follows: After securing the elastic tubing  46  within or under the base  30 , the tubing  46  is directly upwardly through a cutout  58  of the tray and around one of the pulleys  42 ,  44 . The tubing  46  is then directed through an opening  62  in the tray  40  and along the channel  56  underneath it. The tubing  46  may then be pulled and directed upwardly through an opposite opening near the opposing side of the tray  40 , such that the tubing  46  is run substantially along an underside of side  51 , for example. The tubing  46  is then directed upward and around the other of the pulleys  42 ,  44  and downwardly toward the base  30  where it will be secured within or under. The same is repeated on the other side with essentially the same components. After both sides of the tray  40  are supported by the tubing, pulleys, and base of the lift system  38 , the lift tray  40  may receive reams or stacks  11  of paper. As the reams  11  of paper are insert on the tray  40  in the housing  12 , the lift tray  40  is guided (e.g., using lift system  38  and guides  60 ) in a vertical direction downwardly by manual force on the tray  40  or reams  11  (if present). The pulleys  42 ,  44  may rotate on the axles  62 ,  64  and the tubing  46  may move, resiliently stretch, and/or vary as needed to accommodate for the reams  11  of paper placed on the tray  40 . As paper is lifted from tray  40 , the lift tray  40  is guided in a vertically upward direction due to the bias of the tubing  46 . 
     One non-limiting advantage of using the elongated elastic tubing  46  (or any other relatively long and resilient member) together with the routing path illustrated is that the ratio of displacement versus overall length can be decreased over the tray&#39;s range of motion. This in turn means that the range of bias force applied to the tray will not vary as significantly as would be the case if the routing were shorter (e.g., such as with the tubing merely suspended from the top part and connected at its bottom to the tray). 
       FIGS. 4   a  and  4   c  illustrate a detailed and a perspective view, respectively, of flanges  22  used with the lid  18  of the bias paper dispensing device  10  to keep paper in place against the bias of the lift system  38 .  FIG. 4   b  illustrates an underside view of the flanges  22  of  FIG. 4   a . The flanges  22  may comprise a flap  82  or other device and are configured to be in contact with an upper surface the reams  11  of paper in the housing  12  to keep the paper in place against the bias of the lift system  38 . The flanges  22  or flaps  82  may take the form of any size, shape, or dimension. The flanges  22  may be hingedly attached to the straight edge  25   b  of the lid  18 . More specifically, the straight edge  25   b  of the lid  18  may comprise a receiving portion  78 . The flange  22  may comprise corresponding edge  84  that is designed to extend from the flap  82  and into receiving portions  78 . The hinge  23  may be formed by connecting the receiving portion  78  and edge  84  with an axle  80 . The axle  80  as shown is rotatable about a horizontal axis. Axle  80  may be mounted through openings in the receiving portion  78  of the lid  18  and openings in the edge  84  of the flange  22 . Axles  80  may be secured with respect to ends of the receiving portion  78 , for example. The flaps  82  or flanges  22  may lie horizontally along the horizontal axis and in direct contact with the uppermost paper or ream  11 . 
     In an embodiment, one or more torsion springs  86  may be provided on axle  80  as shown in  FIG. 4   b . The spring(s)  86  may be provided to keep the flanges  22  biased to a paper retaining position. That is, the flanges may be biased in a position extending inwardly with respect to the upwardly facing opening  20  (and also with respect to the straight sections  25   b  of the lid  18 ) and in spaced relation above the opening  20 . Thus, the spring  86  may assist in forcing the flaps  82  upwardly so that the flanges  22  contact or engage an upper surface of paper in the stack  11  or uppermost ream  11  to keep the paper in place against the bias of the lift system  38 . In an embodiment, two or more springs may be provided about the axle  80 . As paper is removed from the housing  12  via opening  20 / 20   a , the paper and tray  40  is biased or moved vertically upwardly against the flanges  22  or flaps  82 , so that the next uppermost portion of the stack or ream of paper  11  is positioned for dispensing. 
     In an embodiment, reams  11  of paper may be added by moving flanges  22  from the paper retaining position to a paper loading position. For example, paper may be added by pushing flanges  22  downwardly into the top portion of the opening  20  of lid  18 . The flanges  22  or flaps  82  may be moved to a position extending downwardly to permit paper to be inserted downwardly between the flanges  22  and through the upwardly facing opening  20 . More specifically, a user may stack an amount of paper adjacent the top portion of the lid  18  and opening  20  and on flanges  22 /flaps  82 . Then, a user may provide enough force to the flaps  82  of the flanges  22  so as to rotate the flanges  22  using axle  80  about the horizontal axis (and thus the flaps  82 ) downwardly in a direction as indicated by arrow C toward an inner wall of the lid  18  against the bias of spring  86  (see  FIG. 5 ). For example, the flaps  82  may be rotated about their horizontal axis toward a depression  67  in an inner wall of the lid  18  (as shown in detail in  FIGS. 4   b  and  5 ). The depression  67  under flange  22  enables it to be flush with the inside extension wall  25   c  when the flange  22  is rotated about axle  80  to a vertical position. Thus, the paper may be added downwardly into the housing  12  and onto the tray  40  for dispensing. One non-limiting advantage of this construction is that a new stack or ream  11  of paper may be seated atop the flanges  22  or flaps  82  and then pushed downwardly so as to pivot the flanges  22  or flaps  82  out of the way, thereby providing an easy method for loading the paper onto the tray  40  and into housing  12 . Also, no disassembly or reassembly of one or more of the parts of the device  10  is required for reloading the device with paper (or for dispensing paper therefrom). The resiliency of the tubing  46  of the lift system  38 , for example, farther allows for ease in loading paper via movement of the tray  40  in a downward direction. Once the paper is pushed down beyond the flanges  22 , the flanges  22  will return to their normal horizontal and biased inwardly extending positions for retaining the paper (i.e., by rotating about the horizontal axis of axle  80  in a direction opposite of arrow C). 
     Additionally or alternatively, it is also envisioned that in an embodiment the flanges  22  may be rotated about axle  80  away from opening  20 , i.e., in a direction opposite of arrow C, such that they extend vertically or diagonally in a position toward straight edge  25   b  of the lid  15 , also allowing for the insertion of reams of paper. Furthermore, it is noted that the flanges  22  may be configured to be pushed or pulled (or both) in one or more/either direction for the removal or retrieval or paper/reams  11  from the housing  12 . 
     Further, it should be noted that, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the at least one lateral opening  20   a  permits paper exposed above the upwardly facing opening  20  to be withdrawn laterally from beneath the flanges  22  in the paper retaining position. 
     The pulleys  42  and  44  as described may be any type of pulley. For example, the pulleys may be drive pulleys, round belt pulleys, or any other type of pulley, and should not be limiting. Generally the pulleys  42  and  44  may take any size or dimension as needed to lift and lower the tray  40 . As a specific example, in an embodiment, the belt diameter of the pulleys  42 ,  44  may be approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 centimeters), the outer diameter of the pulleys  42 ,  44  may be approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters), and their pinch diameter may be approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters). The pulleys may also be made out of any known materials, such as plastics. 
     The elastic tubing  46  may be any known tubing that provides resiliency or elasticity for accommodating lengthening or stretching when reams of paper are added, resiliency when paper is removed to lift the tray  40 , as well as substantial tension to bias the tray  40  upwardly (e.g., toward the lid  18  or opening  20 ). For example, latex rubber tubing may be used. Generally, as shown in  FIG. 3   a , tubing  46  is a single line tubing. In an embodiment, the elastic tubing  46  may be a soft tubing. In an embodiment, the tubing  46  may comprise a Shore A durometer of approximately 35. 
     In an embodiment, tubing  46  may comprise material(s) or configuration(s) such that it may hold tray  40  statically when loaded with paper reams  11  and thus counteract the amount of force for the weight load of the reams  11  provided on the tray  40 . For example, the tubing  46  may be designed to provide counteracting forces around approximately forty (40) force-lbs. In an embodiment, tubing  46  may be such that it is sufficient for holding the weight of approximately ten (10) reams of paper  11 . For example, the tubing  46  may be configured such that it is able to hold approximately ten paper reams  11  of five hundred (500) count sheet paper, with a paper weight of approximately five (5) pounds. In an embodiment, the tubing  46  may be designed to hold a weight (of paper) of up to approximately sixty (60) pounds. 
     In an embodiment, the elastic tubing  46  is designed to stretch up to three times its original length (or length while in a resting state) while still providing a resiliency to allow it to conform back to its original shape. Generally, any length of tubing that is required to connect the base  30 , tray  40 , and pulleys  42 ,  44  while still providing an bias toward the opening  20  may be used. For example, in an embodiment, the tubing  46  may be designed such that comprises a length within the range of approximately 50-60 inches (127-152.4 centimeters) while in its resting state. In an embodiment, the total length of the tubing  46  in its resting states is approximately 57 inches. 
     The biased paper dispensing device  10  as described above uses the elastic tubing  46  to bias the paper reams  11  on the lift tray  40  towards the lid  18  or opening  20  for dispensing. However, as noted previously, other, alternative mechanical devices may be used alone or in combination with tubing  46  to provide the required bias and variance needed for the lift tray  40  in the dispensing device  10 . For example, in an embodiment, cords, such as bungee cords, may be used in place of (or in combination with) tubing  46 . In an embodiment, springs may be also be used to assist or provide bias to the lift tray  40 . Generally other known resilient devices that provide bias (and/or variance) to lift the paper reams  11  may be used. 
     The biased paper dispensing device  10  does not require use of a motor, electro-mechanical device, controller and/or sensors to lift the tray  40 . Thus, the bias paper dispensing device  10  does not provide the user with the need to worry about replacement of substantial parts when broken. 
     The elastic tubing  46  is also advantageous because the tubing  46  itself a resilient mechanism. When the tray  40  is displaced (e.g., so as to extend or stretch the tubing  46 ), the force applied to the tubing  46  remains substantially more constant through the range of displacement. The displacement of the tubing  46  is spread out over more length and, thus, provides a larger displacement of the tray  40  in the vertical direction with respect to the housing  12 . Additionally, because the elastic tubing  46  of tie dispensing device  10  provides its own tension and/or resilience, there is no need for additional resilient mechanisms or springs to be provided with the system. This, in combination with the lack of motor or other devices as noted above, provides all additional advantage in that there are less parts required by the dispensing device  10 , and, therefore, a decrease in costs to produce and/or maintain. 
     It is envisioned that the above biased paper dispensing device  10  may be used to work in correlation with machines such as a printer, copier, facsimile or other multi-function device (MFD). In an embodiment, biased paper dispensing device  10  may be used such that stacks  11  or individual sheets may be withdrawn from the stacks  11  manually or mechanically, for example. 
     In an embodiment, the channels  56  provided in lift tray  40  may include a clip mechanism (not shown) therein that assist in holding and preventing the elastic tubing  46  from falling out of the channel  56  or being removed therefrom. For example, clip mechanisms may be designed to hold tubing  46  in the tray  40  with respect to its top; however, the clip mechanisms should be designed so as to not inhibit elastic movement or displacement of the tubing  46 . 
     Additionally, in an embodiment, as previously noted above with respect to  FIG. 3   a , a paper guide device  92  as shown in  FIG. 5  may be used with the biased paper dispensing device  10 . Paper guide device  92  may be used to assist in directing or guiding paper within the elongated body of housing  12 , for example. The paper guide device  92  is positioned below the upwardly facing opening  20  and is configured to engage paper on the tray  40  and guide the paper into alignment with the upwardly facing opening  20 . More specifically, paper guide device  92  may direct or guide paper (or ream(s))  11  toward a center of the housing  12  and/or upwardly facing opening  20  in the lid  18  as the paper is pushed or pulled (e.g., in an upward and/or downward direction) in the body of the housing  12  (e.g., due to the addition and/or removal of paper or reams  11 ). The paper guide device  92  may also assist in directing paper into a center of the tray  40 . Thus, paper guide device  92  assists in preventing the paper from catching or sticking to an underside of lid  18 , as will become further evident. 
     Paper guide device  92  may be positioned or mounted with respect to opening  20 . Paper guide device  92  may be removably attached to lid  18 . For example, vertical extension wall  25   c  of lid  18  may comprise an attachment section  90  for attachment of at least a portion  94  of guide device  92 . In an embodiment, attachment section  90  may be in the form of an opening or slot (as shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  5 ). In an embodiment, the attachment section  90  may be an opening provided in a horizontal configuration (as shown), or, alternatively, section  90  may be provided in a vertical, diagonal or other configurations. In an embodiment, a plurality of attachment sections  90  or openings may be provided as a connection for guide device  92 . In another embodiment, attachment section(s)  90  may be extensions or protrusions for connecting with paper guide device  92 . Nonetheless, the orientation, shape, and configuration of the attachment section(s) for connecting or attaching the guide device  92  should not be limiting. Additionally, the location (e.g., on the extension  25   c  of lid  18 ) of the attachment section(s)  90  should not be limiting. For example, the attachment section  90  may be provided in any suitable location for assisting in aligning the paper within the elongated body of housing  12 , on the tray  40 , or within the opening  20 . 
     In an embodiment, guide device  92  may be permanently attached. In an embodiment, the paper guide device  92  maybe manufactured with the lid  18  (e.g., such as by molding) or formed separately from the lid and later attached (e.g., such as by using adhesive or other products). 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , paper guide device  92  may generally comprises an extension  94  which may be easily insert into attachment section  90  (or opening or slot) thus attaching guide device  92  to the extension wall  25   c  or lid  18 . Paper guide device  92  also comprises a wall  96  extending vertically downward from attachment portion  94 . The wall  96  is designed to lie substantially along or in line with the extension wall  25   c . Paper guide device  92  also includes an angled wall  98 . Angled wall  98  has a top end  98   b  and a bottom end  98   a , and generally slopes in a substantially diagonal direction. In some cases, the angled wall  98  generally slopes in a downward direction that is substantially away from the upwardly facing opening  20  of lid  18 . That is, the angled wall  98  is positioned such that it extends below the lid  18  and toward the walls of the housing  12 . In some cases, the angled wall  98  may be described as sloping upwardly toward the upwardly facing opening  20  (sloping from the inner walls of the housing  12 ). In any case, the angled wall  98  of the paper guide device  92  assists in directing or guiding the paper into alignment with the opening  20  of the device  10 . For example, as paper is raised in an upward direction, the paper  11  may contact bottom end  98   a  and move along the angled wall  98  toward the top end  98   b , and, therefore, toward a center of the lid  18 . Angled wall  98  may be part of a wedge portion  99 , also part of the paper guide device  92 . Wedge portion  99  may be provided and secured substantially underneath the lid portion  18  and within housing  12  and provide additional stability or guidance of paper reams  11 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a paper guide device  92 . As noted above, the orientation, shape, configuration, attachment, or manufacturing of the device should not be limiting. 
     While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the illustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the structure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention. For example, the biased paper dispensing device  10  and its parts may be formed any number of ways, such by molding, for example. The device  10  and its parts may also be formed from any number of materials, such as plastics, for example. 
     Alternatively, in an embodiment, a separate or distinct lid  18  as described above need not be provided. That is, the upper end  14  may be formed or molded such that it provides a substantially similar shape with the ability to house the lift system  38 , and/or the ability to attach flanges  22  thereto. Additionally, in some embodiments, base  30  and/or flanges  22  need not be provided. 
     Though a plurality of pulleys  42 ,  44  are described as part of the lift system  38 , it is noted that any type of structure (such as rods, for example) may be used in the device  10  and for allowing the elastic tubing  46  to be trained thereover and extend downwardly to a connection therebelow. As such, the use of pulleys  42 , 44  in the lift system  38  should not be limiting. 
     In some embodiments, the wheels  32  or roller devices may provide directly on the lower part  16  of the housing  12 , for example. In an embodiment, the size, location, or angle of the opening  20  in the lid  18  may be altered. 
     Also, the measurements and weights associated with a ream of paper should not be limited to the examples discussed herein. For example, if the device holds stacks comprising 1000 sheets, it is to be understood that the device, lift system, lid, and opening as described herein may be configured to accommodate the stack (as well as its weight). That is, in some embodiments, the amounts of the stacks and total weight capable of being held by the lift system and tubing, for example, may be adjusted based on the materials/paper to be held in the device. As such, it is to be understood that the size and dimensions of the device, lift system, lid, and opening—and their associated elements—may be adjusted according to the ream or stack of paper to be held therein. Furthermore, the reams and/or stacks of paper to be dispensed and lifted should not be limiting. For example, it is to be understood that it is within the scope of this disclosure that paper of different types, weights, grades, or densities (e.g., bond, cardboard, newsprint, paperboard, etc.), and/or sizes may be used in accordance with one or more embodiments as described herein. 
     It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiments have been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principles of this invention and are subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the above description.