Abstract:
A toilet paper dispenser is disclosed in which the dispenser does not need to be mounted to the wall or placed on the floor. The dispenser is typically made of a one-piece construction that installs easily to any existing toilet by way of the mounting bolt for the toilet seat. The toilet paper dispenser adjustably rotates between an extended position alongside the toilet seat and a storage position behind the toilet seat and under the toilet tank. The inventive toilet paper dispenser can receive any size roil of toilet paper, and loads by sliding the roil over the open end of the dispenser. A plastic cover for protecting a loaded roil of toilet paper can be fitted to the dispenser, and one or more concealed compartments on the dispenser can provide a location for a removable fragrance cartridge and/or motion sensing LED battery-powered night light

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates in general to toilet paper dispensers, and in particular to a one-piece toilet paper dispenser that can be mounted to a toilet bowl fixture. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Most toilet paper dispensers are mounted on a wall found adjacent to a toilet. Typically these dispensers have two short “arms” which extend from the wall and support a mandrel between them. The toilet paper roll is rotatably supported by the mandrel and toilet paper is dispensed by rotating the toilet paper roll. However, occasionally there is no wall along the side of the toilet, and even if there is a wall along the side of a toilet, ceramic-type toilet paper dispensers are difficult for a homeowner to install on their own and typically require a lot of skill and expense to replace if they break. Further, when no side wall is present, toilet paper holders and dispensers are often placed in a position where it is difficult to access when sitting upon a toilet, thus requiring undue twisting, turning and reaching. 
         [0003]    Solutions for difficult to install, difficult to reach, and/or distantly located toilet paper dispensers can be complex in construction and typically employ telescopic components, hinges, or pivot joints. These devices generally permit only limited and awkward adjustment, and are unsuitable for a wide variety of situations. U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,185 to Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 3,228,618 to Bracken and U.S. Pat. No. 2,518,328 to Janonis each discloses a toilet paper holder for attachment to the toilet tank. These devices generally do not increase the ease with which the toilet roll can be accessed, and may present an undesirable obstruction. U.S. Pat. No. 1,226,453 to Boyle discloses a dispenser which is mounted onto a toilet seat. The dispenser generally comprises a couple of pieces of thick metal wire hinged together, with one end being attached to the toilet seat and the other end supporting a mandrel for receiving a toilet paper roll. Although this toilet paper dispenser can be positioned where a user can more easily access the toilet paper, it is unwieldy, does not retract so as to be out of the way when not in use, and projects above the level of the toilet seat creating a potentially undesirable obstruction. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a toilet paper dispenser which can be mounted without the benefit of an adjacent side wall extending alongside the toilet, yet which can be easily accessed for use and then placed into a storage position where it will not interfere with other uses of a restroom. It would also be advantageous to provide a toilet paper dispenser that is simple in construction, easy to install, and does not employ telescopic components, hinges or pivot joints. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides a toilet paper dispenser which can be mounted beneath the rear deck of a toilet bowl fixture where it can easily be accessed, yet retracted quickly and easily to be stored behind the toilet bowl. It is a one-piece design that loads by sliding a toilet paper roll over the distal end of the dispenser. A plastic cover for protecting the loaded roll of toilet paper can be fitted to the dispenser, and the dispenser can include one or more compartments for a fragrance cartridge and/or a night light. The inventive dispenser can be sized to receive any size roll of toilet paper. 
         [0006]    A first aspect of the invention relates to a toilet paper dispenser comprising: (a) a proximal horizontal segment for mounting to a toilet bowl fixture via a mounting bolt for a toilet seat; (b) a descending segment; and (c) a distal horizontal segment for receiving a roll of toilet paper, wherein segments (a)-(c) are made of a single piece construction. 
         [0007]    A second aspect of the invention is a toilet paper dispenser which is rotatable fix storage behind the toilet seat when not in use, the dispenser comprising: (a) a proximal horizontal segment for mounting to a toilet bowl fixture via a mounting bolt for a toilet seat, the proximal segment including a bolt hole for receiving the mounting bolt; (b) a descending segment; (c) distal horizontal segment for receiving a roll of toilet paper; and (d) a distal ascending segment for retaining the roll of toilet paper on the distal horizontal segment, wherein segments (a)-(d) are made of a single piece construction. 
         [0008]    A third aspect of the invention relates to a method of providing easy access to a toilet paper roll, comprising: (a) mounting a toilet paper dispenser to a toilet seat via a mounting bolt for a toilet seat; (b) attaching a roll of toilet paper to the toilet paper dispenser; and (c) adjustably rotating the dispenser about the mounting bolt between: (i) an extended position alongside the toilet seat for access to the roll of toilet paper; and (ii) a storage position behind the toilet seat when not in use. The dispenser can be easily installed by first aligning the bolt hole of the proximal horizontal segment with the end of a previously-installed toilet seat bolt, sliding the proximal horizontal segment up the shaft of the mounting bolt through the bolt hole, and then threading and tightening a retaining nut onto the end of the mounting bolt to secure the proximal segment of the dispenser beneath the rear deck of the fixture. 
         [0009]    While the nature and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated from the following drawings and detailed description, showing the contemplated novel combinations and elements as herein described, and more particularly defined by the appended claims, it is understood that changes in the precise embodiments of the present invention are meant to be included within the scope of the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the one-piece toilet paper dispenser of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a typical sanitary toilet bowl fixture equipped with the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  attached to a toilet bowl fixture and rotated to an extended position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3B  shows the dispenser of  FIG. 3A  rotated to a storage position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing how the dispenser is attached to the underside of a toilet seat fixture; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side view of one embodiment of the inventive dispenser having an attached fragrance bar and night light compartment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the underside of the dispenser in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an optional plastic cover attached to the dispenser. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    With reference to the drawings wherein like elements are designated by like numerals,  FIGS. 1-7  generally illustrate a toilet paper dispenser  10  which can be mounted to the underside of the rear deck  50  of a toilet bowl fixture via the existing mounting bolt  20  for the toilet seat, where it can quickly and easily be rotated by a user between an extended “use” position ( FIGS. 2, 3A ) and a storage position ( FIG. 3B ) behind the toilet seat when not in use. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of the one-piece toilet paper dispenser  10  having a proximal horizontal segment  12  including an eye or bolt hole  11  for receiving a mounting bolt for a toilet seat. A first bend  13  transitions the proximal segment  12  to a descending segment  14 , which directs the dispenser in an outwards and downwards direction prior to transitioning via bend  15  to a distal horizontal segment  16 . The distal horizontal segment  16  receives a roll of toilet paper, and a distal ascending segment  18  can be included to prevent the roll from falling off the distal horizontal segment  16  of the dispenser  10 . Bends  13 ,  15  and  17  aid in transitioning between the various segments  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18  of the dispenser, and all bends and segments are made of a single piece construction. A wing nut  22  which includes an extension or bushing  24  that fits within the inside circumference of the bolt hole  11  can be included for quick mounting. 
         [0021]      FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B  illustrate a toilet bowl fixture designated by the letter T which includes a toilet howl  40  having a rear deck  50  and a water tank  52 . A toilet seat  30  is secured to the top of the bowl  40  by means of two mounting bolts  20 , Two mounting plates  32  are hinged to the seat  30  and secured by the bolts  20  to the rear deck  50 . The bolts  20  each pass through aligned bolt holes in a corresponding one of the mounting plates  32  and in the rear deck  50  of the toilet fixture T. Each mounting bolt  20  typically has a bolt head above the plate and a threaded shaft which passes through the aligned openings and engages a threaded retaining nut underneath the rear deck  50 . Retaining nuts for toilet seat mounting bolts are well-known in the art, and typically mate with the mounting bolt  20  via threaded ridges that seal and tighten against the underside of deck  50  to secure the toilet plates  32  in place against the top side of the deck  50 , and thus the seat  30  to the top side of the bowl  40 . 
         [0022]    The dispenser  10  can be quickly and easily mounted to the toilet bowl fixture T by first finding the shaft of one of the two mounting bolts  20  which have been previously installed, as described above, as it projects downward beneath the rear deck  50  of the toilet bowl  40 . See  FIG. 4 . The user then aligns the bolt hole  11  of the proximal horizontal segment  12  with the threaded shaft of the bolt  20 , and slides the proximal horizontal segment  12  up the shaft of the bolt  20 , through the bolt hole  11 . A threaded retaining nut, shown in  FIGS. 1, 4 and 5  in the form of a threaded wing nut  22 , is then threaded and tightened onto the mounting bolt  20  to secure the dispenser  10  beneath the rear deck  50  of the fixture T. The mounting bolt  20  and its associated retaining nut  26  typically do not need to be removed from the fixture T in order to install the inventive dispenser  10 , Since the threaded shaft of a conventional mounting bolt  20  is typically between 0.5 inches and 1.0 inches in length, a user can simply slide the dispenser  10  over the end of the bolt shaft as it projects downwardly beneath the toilet deck  50 , and then screw a second retaining nut, such as wing nut  22  having and extension or bushing  24 , onto the end of the bolt  20  to secure the dispenser  10  to the toilet fixture T. 
         [0023]    If the user finds that the shaft of the mounting bolt  20  is not long enough to accommodate the thicknesses of: (1) the existing retaining nut securing the toilet seat bolt, (2) the proximal horizontal segment  12 , and (3) a second retaining nut, then the dispenser can be installed by first removing the existing retaining nut  26  prior to sliding the proximal horizontal segment  12  of the dispenser onto the shaft of the mounting bolt  20 , and then securing the dispenser  10  with either of the first or second retaining nuts  26 ,  22  to securely affix the dispenser  10  to the underside of the rear deck  50  of the toilet bowl fixture T. The “second” retaining nut or wing nut  22  can be pre-manufactured and sold to go along with the dispenser  10 . The bushing  24  is an extension of the wing nut  22 , and sealingly fits between the shaft of the bolt  20  and the inside circumference of the bolt hole  11  so that the dispenser  10  is secured to yet rotatable about the axis of the mounting bolt  20 . 
         [0024]    Once the proximal horizontal segment  12  is secured by the mounting bolt  20  as described above, a user can adjustably rotate the one-piece dispenser  10  between an extended position alongside the toilet seat  30  as shown, e.g., in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3A , and a storage position behind the toilet seat, as shown in  FIG. 3B . The dispenser&#39;s descending segment  14  makes a downward turn at bend  13 , in order to offset the distal horizontal segment  16  laterally alongside the toilet seat  30  when in the extended position (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3A ). The descending segment  14  proceeds for a certain length to bend  15 , which levels out the one-piece dispenser  10  to a substantially horizontal position throughout the length of the distal horizontal segment  16 , The distal horizontal segment  16  is intended to receive and secure a conventional roll  44  of toilet paper along its length, this length being sufficient to pass entirely through the hollow core of a conventional roll of toilet tissue  44 . Further, segment  16  is typically of a width that allows the user to unroll the toilet roll  44  by pulling on the final/end tissue  45  of the roll  44 , yet does not allow the roll  44  to unravel unassisted, i.e. the roll stops rotating when the user stops pulling end tissue  45 . As best appreciated by viewing  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 7 , the top surface and edges of the distal horizontal segment  16  can be rounded, to allow for easier rotation of the roll  44 . 
         [0025]    The toilet paper roll  44  is inserted onto the dispenser  10  by sliding the roll over the open end of the dispenser. The open end of the dispenser can include the distal ascending segment  18 , bend  17 , and the distal horizontal segment  16 . The upward turn of the dispenser at bend  17  is intended to help retain the toilet roll  44  in position and/or prevent the roll  44  from sliding off the end of the dispenser  10 . Both the distal ascending segment  18  and the distal horizontal segment  16  are dimensioned to pass conveniently through the hollow core of the roll  44 , and as noted above can have rounded top surfaces to assist with easy rotation of the roll about the dispenser. In one embodiment, the distal ascending segment  18  can be slightly wider than the inner circumference of a conventional toilet paper roll and/or have ridges extending outward that are wider than the circumference of the hollow core of the roll, such that the toilet paper roll  44  may have to be slightly pinched or compressed by the user to allow the hollow core of the roll  44  to fit over the distal end  18  during insertion. 
         [0026]    As a non-limiting example, the distal ascending segment  18  can be between 1.7 inches and 1.85 inches wide, the distal horizontal segment  16  can be between 1.5 inches and 1.7 inches wide, and the descending segment  14  can be between 0.5 inches and 1.5 inches wide. The descending segment  14  typically tapers in width from bend  15  at its connection to the distal segment  16  back to bend  13  at the connection to the proximal horizontal segment  12 . For example, the descending segment can be about 1.5 inches wide at bend  15  and taper to between about 0.75 inches to about 1.0 inches in width at bend  13 . The proximal horizontal segment  12  can be between 0.5 inches and 0.75 inches wide, and can be rounded at its end to assist in rotation about the seat bolt  20 . While these dimensions are preferred, it is noted that the dispenser  10  can also be manufactured such that all segments are of the same width. 
         [0027]    The amount of vertical drop and horizontal clearance provided the descending segment  14  between bends  13  and  15  should he enough to allow the distal horizontal segment  16  to fit behind the toilet seat  30  and beneath the toilet tank  52  when in the storage position (see  FIG. 3B ). As a non-limiting example, this can be preferentially accomplished when the proximal horizontal segment  12  from its end to the bend  13  is between 1.0 inches and 2.0 inches in length, the angle of bends  13  and  15  are between 40 degrees and 50 degrees, the horizontal clearance length of the descending segment  14  from bend  13  to bend  15  is between 2.5 inches and 3.0 inches, and the vertical drop of the descending segment  14  from bend  13  to bend  15  is between 1.0 inches and 2.5 inches. The length of segment  16 , which begins following bend  15 , should be long enough to receive a conventional toilet paper roll, or between 4.0 inches and 5.0 inches; however, it can have dimensions to accept any size roll. As a non-limiting example, the length of the distal ascending segment  18 , which begins following bend  17 , can be between 0.5 inches and 1.0 inches in length, and the angle of bend  17  can be between zero (0) degrees and 50 degrees. Total length of the dispenser is generally between 8.5 inches and 11.0 inches. 
         [0028]    The above non-limiting dimensions are generally sufficient to retain a roll of toilet paper and prevent it from sliding off of the end of the dispenser  10 , while keeping the roil of toilet paper within easy reach of the user. Further, while bends  13  and  15  are preferably between 40 degrees and 50 degrees, and while bend  17  is preferably between zero (0) degrees and 50 degrees, all bends can be between zero (0) degrees and 90 degrees; however, the angles and dimensions listed above are most useful for nesting of multiple dispensers together for shipment.. 
         [0029]    In the embodiment shown in FIGS,  5  and  6 , concealed compartments  46 ,  48  located on the underside of the dispenser  10  can be, or can provide a location for, a fragrance cartridge  46  and/or a motion sensing LED battery-powered night light  48 .  FIG. 5  also illustrates an embodiment in which the proximal segment  12  includes a raised ridge  25  which is an extension of the edges of the bolt hole  11  (see also  FIG. 1 ). This raised ridge  25  fits snugly with the bushing extension  24  of the threaded retaining nut or wing nut  22 , and assists the dispenser to be smoothly and easily rotated between the extended position and the storage position. Though not necessary for installing the dispenser  10 , because the existing retaining nut  26  (see  FIG. 4 ) on the bolt  20  can be removed first and then replaced after sliding the dispenser on to the shaft of the mounting bolt  20 , the wing nut  22  having the illustrated bushing extension  24  can be included and sold with the dispenser to allow the user to install the dispenser without having to remove the existing mounting bolt  26 . The bushing  24  ensures a proper fit with the bolt hole  11  of the dispenser, guaranteeing a smooth rotation between use and storage positions. 
         [0030]      FIG. 6  illustrates the underside of the dispenser  10 , with the descending segment  14  including notches or tracks  60  for securing the fragrance bar  46  and night light  48 . As shown, the fragrance bar  46  can be a curved deodorizing clip or hood  46  having edges that fit within the tracks  60  on the underside of the descending segment  14 . In another embodiment (not shown), the fragrance bar  46  can be designed to clip to the sides of the descending segment  14 . In another embodiment (not shown), a portion of, or even the entire dispenser  10  can be a fragrance bar. Fragrance clips and/or bars are known in the art and come in a variety of choices made of recyclable materials that release scents over an extended period of time. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 5 and 6  also show a night light assembly  48  attached to the distal ascending segment  18  of the dispenser. The night light  48  can include a motion sensor which can be set to turn on when a user needs to use the bathroom at night. The night light can include a housing or enclosure  48 , an electric current supply such as a battery, a motion sensor, and an electrically operated light source  49  such as a light emitting diode (LED) or incandescent light bulb. Such components are well-known in the art and are commercially available. For example, the housing  48  for the night light may be molded from plastic or other suitable material to hold the wiring and connections for one or mom batteries, a motion sensor, and an LED light. 
         [0032]    Wires or other electrical coupling may be included with the night light  48  to supply power from the batteries within the housing to the light, motion sensor and/or a control circuit. The motion sensor can include a switch that opens the connection between the light and the motion sensor when it gets dark (so that the light is normally off), and closes the connection (i.e. turns the light on) upon sensing motion in its field of view. The sensor switch could be a thermal, an infrared, or a sonic activated type, so that a person disturbing the field of view will trigger the motion sensor. Appropriate threshold conditions for triggering the motion sensor may be established as is known in the art. Once activated, the light can also be controlled by a control circuit to stay lighted for a predetermined period of time before turning off. 
         [0033]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of the dispenser that includes an attachable cover  60 . A fastener  62  of the cover  60  is shaped in the form of a “C” having open, curved ends. A user can hook a first curved end of the fastener  62  around the underside of the dispenser. The fastener  62  can then be rotated until the second end of the “C” hooks around the other underside of the dispenser. The user can then slide the fastener  62  down the tapered descending segment  14  until it becomes wedged into place or otherwise secured at the wider, distal portion of the descending segment  14 , near bend  15 . The curved ends of the fastener  62  can be designed to fit within the tracks  60  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) on the underside of the descending segment  14 . A large rib  64  projects from the fastener  62  and supports a hood portion  66  of the cover, which can envelope and protect a roll of toilet paper inserted onto the dispenser. The fastener  62 , rib  64  and hood  66  are of a one-piece construction, and typically of the same material as the dispenser  10 . 
         [0034]    The inventive toilet paper dispenser, as well as the optional cover  60 , wing nut  22 , and compartments  46 ,  48  for a fragrance and/or night light, can be made of any rigid construction materials, such as plastics and metals, of sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand the modest forces required for their operation. Plastics can be formulated to be rigid and exhibit relatively low thermal conductivity compared to other materials. Useful plastics include styrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, and polycarbonates. Useful metals include stainless steel, aluminum and polished brass, and can be formed from a metal sheet having a thickness such that it can be stamped and/or betided to form the desired configuration. Plastic components can be formed by any process known in the art, such as injection molding, stamping, or 3-dimensional printing. In one embodiment, the plastic can be infused with a fragrant material, such that the entire dispenser emits a fragrance. 
         [0035]    It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that the claimed dispenser is simple in construction and can be quickly and easily installed in most conventional toilet bowl fixtures without modification to either the toilet fixture or the toilet seat. The installation does not require any special tools or skills, and is readily reversible without damage to the toilet bowl fixture so that the dispenser can be taken and reinstalled by someone moving to another residence. The dispenser may be easily moved and repositioned from one side of the toilet bowl fixture to the other to suit the convenience of the homeowner and/or to fit the particular toilet installation. It can also be easily moved out of the way when cleaning the bathroom, and can be used as storage for spare or backup rolls of toilet paper. The dispenser is of simple construction and its surfaces are generally accessible for cleaning. 
         [0036]    While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments and examples thereof, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope of the invention.