Patent Publication Number: US-6908007-B2

Title: Portable paper dispenser apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims priority based upon my now abandoned Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/390,105; filed Jun. 21, 2002. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to dispensers of paper from a roll and, more particularly, to a paper dispenser especially adapted for cutting off sheets of paper from the roll. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Dispensing of paper from a roll of paper to obtain a sheet of paper is well known in the art. Throughout the years, a number of innovations have been developed relating to dispensing sheets of paper from a paper roll, and the following U.S. patents are representative of some of those innovations: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,881,675, 6,003,668, 6,068,118, and 6,213,424. More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,675 discloses a portable paper dispenser apparatus which has a top portion and a bottom portion. The paper that is dispensed is dispensed from the top portion of the apparatus. Once the paper is dispensed, if it is not immediately removed from the area, the paper can fall to the floor, and, in the process of falling, can become folded or crumpled. In this respect, it would be desirable if a portable paper dispenser apparatus were provided in which paper is dispensed near the floor to prevent crumpling or folding of the dispensed paper. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,668 discloses a portable paper dispenser apparatus which include two side handles, each one being located at a respective end of the apparatus. As a result, two hands are needed for carrying the apparatus. For convenience and efficiency in carrying a portable paper dispenser apparatus, it would be desirable if the apparatus included a single handle, extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, so that the apparatus can easily be carried with one hand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,118 discloses a portable paper dispenser apparatus wherein the paper is toilet paper which is generally perforated along predetermined lines of paper sheet separation. No provision is made for use of a cutting implement for cutting the paper off of the roll. In many environments, the paper on the roll is not perforated, so it is necessary to use a cutting implement to cut a sheet of paper off of the roll. In this respect, it would be desirable if a portable paper dispenser apparatus were provided which included a guide for a cutting implement. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,424 discloses a towelette dispensing apparatus which includes an electric motor and a complex arrangement of rollers for guiding the paper off of the roll. For purposes of simplicity and economy, it would be desirable if a portable paper dispenser apparatus were provided which need not employ an electric motor and need not employ an arrangement of rollers for guiding the paper off of the roll. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,362 may be of interest for its disclosure of a cutting apparatus in which an cutting implement is used to cut a sheet of paper. It does not appear that this apparatus is used for cutting paper off of a roll. 
   Still other features would be desirable in a portable paper dispenser apparatus. The current method for a contractor to dispense paper is to roll it on the floor and cut it. This can be cumbersome, as the roll or paper has a tendency to roll around on the floor. In this respect, it would be desirable if a portable paper dispenser apparatus were provided that avoids the need for a contractor to roll paper on the floor and cut it on the floor. Moreover, when the roll of paper is cut by free hand, the cut isn&#39;t always straight. In this respect, it would be desirable if a portable paper dispenser apparatus were provided which has a cutting guide, thereby avoiding the need to cut paper by free hand. In addition, currently, the cutting edge of the knife can come into contact with the floor, or a person, thereby damaging the floor or injuring the person. In this respect, it would be desirable if a portable paper dispenser apparatus were provided which prevents the cutting knife from contacting the floor or a person when the paper is cut. 
   Often, when cutting paper, two implements are essential to be at hand: a cutting implement; and a tape measure for measuring the paper to be cut. In this respect, it would be desirable if a portable paper dispenser apparatus were provided which included provisions for carrying a cutting implement and a tape measure on the apparatus. 
   Currently, a contractor often employs loose rolls of paper on the floor. Such loose rolls of paper can roll around on the floor, causing a safety hazard. In this respect, it would be desirable if a portable paper dispenser apparatus were provided which prevents a roll of paper from rolling around on the floor. 
   Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to be well known to use portable paper dispenser apparatuses, the prior art described above does not teach or suggest a portable paper dispenser apparatus which has the following combination of desirable features: (1) dispenses paper near the floor; (2) includes a single handle, extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, so that the apparatus can easily be carried with one hand; (3) includes a guide for a cutting implement; (4) does not need the use of an electric motor or an arrangement of rollers for guiding the paper off of the roll; (5) avoids the need for a contractor to roll paper on the floor and cut it on the floor; (6) has a cutting guide, thereby avoiding the need to cut paper by free hand; (7) prevents the cutting knife from contacting the floor or a person when the paper is cut; (8) includes provisions for carrying a cutting implement and a tape measure on the apparatus; and (9) prevents a roll of paper from rolling around on the floor. 
   The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the unique portable paper dispenser apparatus of the present invention as will be made apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention, briefly described, provides a portable paper dispenser apparatus for dispensing a layer of paper from a roll of paper and includes a base member. A first side support is attached to a first end of the base member and projects upward therefrom. The first side support includes first support rod reception means. A second side support is attached to a second end of the base member and projects upward therefrom. The second side support includes second support rod reception means. A roll support rod is received in the first support rod reception means and the second support rod reception means, whereby the roll support rod is supported by the first side support and the second side support. A handle is connected between the first side support and the second side support. The handle is located above the roll support rod. A paper guide assembly extends from the first end to the second end of the base member. The paper guide assembly is positioned in front of the first side support and the second side support. A blade guide channel member is attached to the base member. The blade guide channel member extends from the first end to the second end of the base member. The blade guide channel member is positioned below the top surface of the base member, and the blade guide channel member is positioned in front of the paper guide assembly. 
   Preferably, the handle extends longitudinally from the first side support to the second side support. 
   In one embodiment of the invention, the first support rod reception means include a first support rod reception slot, and the second support rod reception means include a second support rod reception slot. The first support rod reception slot extends downward from an outer edge of the first side support to an inner portion of the first side support. The second support rod reception slot extends downward from an outer edge of the second side support to an inner portion of the second side support. 
   The paper guide assembly includes a hinge pin connected to the first side support, a paper guide member connected to the hinge pin, and guide member retention means for securing a free end of the paper guide member. 
   With one embodiment, the guide member retention means include a lock bolt at the second end of the base member, and a lock nut for attaching to the lock bolt. 
   With another embodiment, a free end of the paper guide member is ferromagnetic. In this respect, the guide member retention means include a magnet member retained in the second side support, and a guide post spaced away from the magnet member by a suitable distance permitting reception of the free end of the paper guide member therebetween. 
   A first leg is attached to the underside of the base member at the first end thereof, and a second leg is attached to the underside of the base member at the second end thereof. 
   In another embodiment, the first support rod reception means include a first support rod reception bracket, and the second support rod reception means include a second support rod reception bracket. The first support rod reception bracket includes a first base portion connected to the first side support, and a first rod-reception portion extends out from the first base portion. The second support rod reception bracket includes a second base portion connected to the second side support, and a second rod-reception portion extends out from the second base portion. The first rod-reception portion has an open top. 
   In another embodiment, the first leg includes a pair of first non-slip legs, and the second leg includes a pair of second non-slip legs. 
   In another embodiment, the handle includes an upwardly extending grasping portion. 
   Preferably, a first article reception bracket and a second article reception bracket are attached to one or the other of the first side support or the second side support. A cutting implement having a cutting implement blade is retained in the first article reception bracket when the cutting implement is not in use. A tape dispenser is retained in the second article reception bracket when the tape dispenser is not in use. 
   The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will be for the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
   In this respect, before explaining at least two preferred embodiments of the invention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus which has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus which is of durable and reliable construction. 
   An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such portable paper dispenser apparatus available to the buying public. 
   Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus which dispenses paper near the floor. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus that includes a single handle, extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, so that the apparatus can easily be carried with one hand. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus which includes a guide for a cutting implement. 
   Even another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus that does not need the use of an electric motor or an arrangement of rollers for guiding the paper off of the roll. 
   Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus which avoids the need for a contractor to roll paper on the floor and cut it on the floor. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus that has a cutting guide, thereby avoiding the need to cut paper by free hand. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus which prevents the cutting knife from contacting the floor or a person when the paper is cut. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus that includes provisions for carrying a cutting implement and a tape measure on the apparatus. 
   Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus that prevents a roll of paper from rolling around on the floor. 
   These together with still other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and the above objects as well as objects other than those set forth above will become more apparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a front view showing a first embodiment of the portable paper dispenser apparatus of the invention, wherein a roll of paper is installed therein. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the embodiment of the portable paper dispenser apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 — 2  of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the portable paper dispenser apparatus of  FIG. 1  taken along line  3 — 3  thereof. 
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged side view of the portion of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 3  that is contained in circled region  4  thereof. 
       FIG. 5  is a partially exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , with the roll of paper removed. 
       FIG. 6  is a front view showing a second embodiment of the portable paper dispenser apparatus of the invention, wherein a roll of paper is installed therein. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the embodiment of the portable paper dispenser apparatus shown in  FIG. 7  taken along line  7 — 7  of FIG.  6 . 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  taken along line  8 — 8  thereof. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  taken along line  9 — 9  thereof. 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged partial front view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 9  taken along line  10 — 10  thereof. 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 10  taken along line  11 — 11  thereof. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   With reference to the drawings, a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described. 
   With respect to the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , a portable paper dispenser apparatus  10  is provided for dispensing a layer of paper  13  from a roll of paper  11  and includes a base member  12 . A first side support  14  is attached to a first end of the base member  12  and projects upward therefrom. The first side support  14  includes first support rod reception means. A second side support  16  is attached to a second end of the base member  12  and projects upward therefrom. The second side support  16  includes second support rod reception means. A roll support rod  18  is received in the first support rod reception means and the second support rod reception means, whereby the roll support rod  18  is supported by the first side support  14  and the second side support  16 . A handle  24  is connected between the first side support  14  and the second side support  16 . The handle  24  is located above the roll support rod  18 . A paper guide assembly extends from the first end to the second end of the base member  12 . The paper guide assembly is positioned in front of the first side support  14  and the second side support  16 . A blade guide channel member  26  is attached to the base member  12 . The blade guide channel member  26  extends from the first end to the second end of the base member  12 . The blade guide channel member  26  is positioned below the top surface of the base member  12 , and the blade guide channel member  26  is positioned in front of the paper guide assembly. 
   Preferably, the handle  24  extends longitudinally from the first side support  14  to the second side support  16 . 
   With the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the first support rod reception means include a first support rod reception slot  20 , and the second support rod reception means include a second support rod reception slot  22 . The first support rod reception slot  20  extends downward from an outer edge of the first side support  14  to an inner portion of the first side support  14 . The second support rod reception slot  22  extends downward from an outer edge of the second side support  16  to an inner portion of the second side support  16 . 
   The paper guide assembly includes a hinge pin  30  connected to the first side support  14 , a paper guide member  28  connected to the hinge pin  30 , and guide member retention means for securing a free end of the paper guide member  28 . 
   With the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the guide member retention means include a lock bolt  32  at the second end of the base member  12 , and a lock nut  34  for attaching to the lock bolt  32 . 
   In contrast, with the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , wherein a free end of the paper guide member  28  is ferromagnetic. The guide member retention means include a magnet member  66  retained in the second side support  16 , and a guide post  68  spaced away from the magnet member  66  by a suitable distance  70  permitting reception of the free end of the paper guide member  28  therebetween. 
   To use the portable paper dispenser apparatus  10  of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the roll support rod  18  is installed into the core of a roll of paper  11 . Then, the roll of paper  11 , containing the roll support rod  18  installed therein, is carried to the first side support  14  and the second side support  16  so that ends of the roll support rod  18  are received in the first support rod reception slot  20  and the second support rod reception slot  22 . Then, the roll of paper  11  is released, and the ends of the roll support rod  18  slide down the first support rod reception slot  20  and the second support rod reception slot  22 , respectively, until the respective ends of the rod reception slots are reached. 
   Then, a layer of paper  13  is unrolled from the roll of paper  11 . The lock nut  34  is unscrewed from the lock bolt  32 , and the paper guide member  28  is lifted upward around the hinge pin  30 . Then, a portion of the layer of paper  13  is placed on the top surface of the base member  12 , with a portion of the paper layer  13  extending past the location of the paper guide member  28 . Then, the paper guide member  28  is lowered over the layer of paper  13 , the lock bolt  32  is allowed to pass through a lock bolt reception channel  44  in the paper guide member  28 , and the lock nut  34  is installed on the lock bolt  32 . In this way, the paper guide member  28  is locked in a position above the layer of paper  13  without clamping down on the layer of paper  13 . 
   Then, the free end of the layer of paper  13  is pulled in a direction away from the roll of paper  11  so that paper is dispensed from the roll of paper  11 . As the layer of paper  13  is dispensed, the dispensed paper is threaded under the paper guide member  28 , between the paper guide member  28  and the top of the base member  12 . 
   The layer of paper  13  also passes over the blade guide channel member  26 . The portion of paper to be cut off from the roll of paper  11  is passed beyond the blade guide channel member  26 . For a measured piece of paper to be cut off of the roll of paper  11 , the measurement is made on the paper from the blade guide channel member  26  out to a free end of the paper that is in front of the blade guide channel member  26 . 
   To cut off a portion of paper  15  from the layer of paper  13 , the layer of paper  13  is laid over the top of the blade guide channel member  26 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . Then, the utility knife  17  is handled by a user, and the utility knife blade  19  is caused to cut through the layer of paper  13 . Then, the utility knife  17  is moved from the first end to the second end of the blade guide channel member  26 , or vice versa, to as to cut the layer of paper  13  to provide a cut off portion of paper  15 . 
   After the cut off portion of paper  15  is separated from the layer of paper  13 , the leading edge of the layer of paper  13  is retained under the paper guide member  28 . In this respect, the free end of the layer of paper  13  is ready to be grasped by a user to pull more paper off of the roll of paper  11  to be dispensed and cut. 
   The basic use of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , is very similar to the use of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , with the exceptions as noted below. 
   In using the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , with the guide member retention means shown therein, when the paper guide member  28  is lowered around the hinge pin  30  to the base member  12 , between the magnet member  66  and the guide post  68 , the magnet member  66  attracts the free end of the paper guide member  28  and retains that free end against the magnet member  66 . 
   As shown in the embodiment of the invention in  FIGS. 1-5 , first leg  40  is attached to the underside of the base member  12  at the first end thereof, and a second leg  42  is attached to the underside of the base member  12  at the second end thereof. 
   Further with respect to the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , a second embodiment of the portable paper dispenser apparatus  46  is shown. Reference numerals are shown that correspond to like reference numerals that designate like elements shown in the other figures. In addition, the first support rod reception means include a first support rod reception bracket  48 , and the second support rod reception means include a second support rod reception bracket  50 . 
   The first support rod reception bracket  48  includes a first base portion  52  is connected to the first side support  14  and a first rod-reception portion  54  extending out from the first base portion  52 . The second support rod reception bracket  50  includes a second base portion  56  is connected to the second side support  16  and a second rod-reception portion  58  extending out from the second base portion  56 . The first rod-reception portion  54  has an open top. 
   To use the first support rod reception bracket  48  and the second support rod reception bracket  50 , one end of the roll support rod  18  is placed in the second rod-reception portion  58 . Then, the other end of the roll support rod  18  is passed through the open top of the first rod-reception portion  54  to rest on the bottom of the first rod-reception portion  54 . The first leg includes a pair of first non-slip legs  60 , and the second leg includes a pair of second non-slip legs  62 . 
   The handle includes an upwardly extending grasping portion  64 . The handle with the upwardly extending grasping portion  64  is built-in to the first side support  14  and the second side support  16  a first article reception bracket  36  and a second article reception bracket  38  attached to one or the other of the first side support  14  or the second side support  16 . 
   A cutting implement  17  having a cutting implement blade  19  is retained in the first article reception bracket  36  when the cutting implement  17  is not in use. As shown in the drawings, the cutting implement  17  can be a utility knife  17 . A tape dispenser  21  retained in the second article reception bracket  38  when the tape dispenser  21  is not in use. 
   For users in the fields of painting and construction, the roll of paper  11  includes painter and contractor construction paper. The paper can vary in diameter and widths. Although the portable paper dispenser apparatus  10  of the invention can be made in any suitable dimensions. A generally suitable apparatus is provided when the portable paper dispenser apparatus of the invention can be 38.5 inches wide, 9.25 inches deep at the base with 8.75 inches by 7.25 inches wide side supports. The legs can be 0.75 inches by 1.5 inches by 9.25 inches, and the legs are positioned under two ends of the base member  12 . The aluminum blade guide channel member  26  can be located 1.25 inches in front of the paper guide member  28 . The legs can be 0.75 inches by 1.5 inches by 9.25 inches, and the legs are positioned under two ends of the base member  12 . In this respect, the portable paper dispenser apparatus of the invention can accommodate rolls of paper up to 6 inches in diameter and up to 36 inches in width. The portable paper dispenser apparatus of the invention can be constructed of wood, plastic pipe. An aluminum blade guide channel member  26 . A galvanized steel handle, and a galvanized steel paper guide member  28 . 
   As stated above, the current method for a contractor to dispense paper is to roll it on the floor and cut it. This can be cumbersome, as the roll or paper has a tendency to roll around on the floor. Moreover, when the roll of paper is cut by free hand, the cut isn&#39;t always straight. In addition, the cutting edge of the knife can come into contact with the floor, or a person, thereby damaging the floor or injuring the person. The portable paper dispenser apparatus of the invention can help the contractor in a number of ways. It eliminates the need for loose rolls of paper on the floor, thereby assuring that the roll of paper that is used will not roll around on the floor. Also, not leaving a roll of paper on the floor will reduce a safety hazard of a roll of paper that can be tripped over. It enables the contractor to easily carry a roll of paper and transport it to a desired location. It enables the making straight cuts and protects from cutting the base of the dispenser and floors, in a work environment, under the dispenser. It also reduces potential injuries to persons using a knife free hand. Also, with the presence of a tape measure. A utility knife, and a tape dispenser, all the tools needed to measure and cut the paper are readily at hand. 
   The components of the portable paper dispenser apparatus of the invention can be made from inexpensive and durable metal and plastic materials. 
   As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need be provided. 
   In addition, it is apparent from the above that the present invention accomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new and improved portable paper dispenser apparatus that is low in cost, relatively simple in design and operation, and which may advantageously be used to dispense paper near the floor. With the invention, a portable paper dispenser apparatus is provided which includes a single handle, extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, so that the apparatus can easily be carried with one hand. With the invention, a portable paper dispenser apparatus is provided which includes a guide for a cutting implement. With the invention, a portable paper dispenser apparatus is provided which does not need the use of an electric motor or an arrangement of rollers for guiding the paper off of the roll. 
   In addition, with the invention, a portable paper dispenser apparatus is provided which avoids the need for a contractor to roll paper on the floor and cut it on the floor. With the invention, a portable paper dispenser apparatus is provided which has a cutting guide, thereby avoiding the need to cut paper by free hand. With the invention, a portable paper dispenser apparatus is provided which prevents the cutting knife from contacting the floor or a person when the paper is cut. With the invention, a portable paper dispenser apparatus is provided which includes provisions for carrying a cutting implement and a tape measure on the apparatus. With the invention, a portable paper dispenser apparatus is provided which prevents a roll of paper from rolling around on the floor. 
   Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use. 
   Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.