PLIABLE SHEET DISPENSERS

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

[001] All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Partially used rolls of wrapping paper are usually put into a drawer, closet, or box for storage until the next time they are needed. This frequently creates a problem, however, as the paper may get torn and wrinkled which makes it undesirable or impossible to use next time it is needed. [003] Currently known solutions to the problem include the use of large containers for storing multiple rolls of wrapping paper. Such solutions are not tailored to accommodate a single roll of wrapping paper. Instead, large containers exist that still allow a roll of paper to be tossed about within and ruined before the roll is needed again.

[004] Furthermore, wrapping paper is typically unrolled to a desired length and then is either cut using scissors or a straight edge blade. This is often imprecise and results in an uneven edge at the separation of the sheet from the roll.

[005] As will be apparent, needs for improvement in the field of wrapping paper exist including better solutions to storing wrapping paper and better solutions for separation sheets of wrapping paper from the wrapping paper rolls.

[006] At least one of these two problems is addressed by one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention and, in at least some preferred embodiments both problems are addressed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of a pliable sheet dispenser and container for wrapping paper, the present invention is not limited to use only with wrapping paper. As will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention, the dispensers and container of the present invention may be used with, for example, wrapping paper as well as wax paper, aluminum foil, and paper towels. [008] Accordingly, the present invention generally relates to dispensers of pliable sheets ("pliable sheet dispensers"), and more particularly, to pliable sheet dispensers in which sheets of pliable material are cut or torn from rolls of the pliable material.

[009] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a pliable sheet dispenser that includes a tube having two distal ends and a generally elliptical cross-section with a circumferential gap, said circumferential gap defining two edges of the tube.

[010] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the tube is dimensioned to receive a generally oval roll of a pliable material.

[Oil] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the material is wrapping paper.

[012] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the material is tin foil.

[013] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the material is aluminum foil.

[014] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the material is saran wrap.

[015] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the material is absorbent paper.

[016] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the material is cling wrap.

[017] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the material is wax paper.

[018] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the pliable sheet is rolled around a core member.

[019] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the edges of the tube are rounded proximate each distal end of the tube.

[020] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the pliable material is removably and rotatably retained within the tube.

[021] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, a portion of the tube is transparent.

[022] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the entire tube is transparent.

[023] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the tube is translucent.

[024] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the circumferential gap has an axial length generally equal to a length of the tube.

[025] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the circumferential gap has an axial length less than a length of the tube.

[026] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the tube comprises plastic.

[027] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the tube comprises aluminum.

[028] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the tube comprises bamboo.

[029] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the tube comprises a semirigid, resilient material; the tube may transition from a relaxed configuration to an expanded configuration; said expanded configuration is defined by the edges being a greater distance apart than in the relaxed configuration, thus enabling the tube to receive a larger diameter roll of a pliable material therein; and the edges generally tend to return to the relaxed configuration, thereby retaining the pliable material in a rolled configuration within the tube.

[030] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, one or both edges are serrated.

[031] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, one or more portions of one or both edges are serrated, and one or more portions of one or both edges are not serrated.

[032] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, one or both edges are bladed.

[033] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, one or more portions of one or both edges are bladed, and one or more portions of one or both edges are not bladed.

[034] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, one or both edges are bladed in the manner of children's safety scissors.

[035] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the circumferential gap subtends an angle of less than ninety degrees.

[036] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the circumferential gap subtends an angle of less than sixty degrees.

[037] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the circumferential gap subtends an angle of less than forty-five degrees.

[038] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the circumferential gap subtends an angle of less than thirty degrees.

[039] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the circumferential gap subtends an angle of less than fifteen degrees.

[040] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of dispensing a sheet of pliable material using a tube having two distal ends and a generally elliptical cross-section with a circumferential gap, said circumferential gap defining two edges of the tube. The method includes the steps of securing a rolled up pliable material within the tube; withdrawing a loose edge of the pliable material from within the tube between the two edges of the tube until a desired length of the pliable material has been withdrawn from the tube; separating the desired length of the pliable material from a remainder of the rolled up pliable sheet using one of the two edges of the tube.

[041] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the step of separating the desired length of the pliable material from a remainder of the rolled up pliable sheet using one of the two edges of the tube comprises shearing the desired length of the pliable material from a remainder of the rolled up pliable sheet using one of the two edges of the tube.

[042] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the step of separating the desired length of the pliable material from a remainder of the rolled up pliable sheet using one of the two edges of the tube comprises cutting the desired length of the pliable material from a remainder of the rolled up pliable sheet using one of the two edges of the tube.

[043] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the step of separating the desired length of the pliable material from a remainder of the rolled up pliable sheet using one of the two edges of the tube

comprises tearing the desired length of the pliable material from a remainder of the rolled up pliable sheet using one of the two edges of the tube.

[044] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using a pliable sheet dispenser. The pliable sheet dispenser includes a tube having two distal ends and a generally elliptical cross- section with a circumferential gap, said circumferential gap defining two edges of the tube, and rolled up pliable material secured within the tube. The method includes the steps of withdrawing a loose edge of the pliable material from within the tube between the two edges of the tube until a desired length of the pliable material has been withdrawn from the tube; separating the desired length of the pliable material from a remainder of the rolled up pliable sheet using one of the two edges of the tube. [045] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of making a pliable sheet dispenser. The method includes the step of forming a tube having two distal ends and a generally elliptical cross-section with a circumferential gap, said circumferential gap defining two edges of the tube.

[046] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the step of forming comprises thermoforming. [047] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the step of forming comprises injection molding. [048] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of making a pliable sheet dispenser. The method includes the steps of providing a tube having two distal ends; and removing a lengthwise section of the tube such that two edges are defined that extend at least a majority of the overall length of the tube.

[049] In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations of such aspects and features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[050] One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein,

[051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pliable sheet dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[052] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a tube of the pliable sheet dispenser of FIG. 1; [053] FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of a distal end of the tube of the pliable sheet dispenser of FIG. 1;

[054] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pliable material rolled around a core member; [055] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tube of the pliable sheet dispenser of FIG. 1 , wherein two arrows (one nested in the other) are illustrated on an outer surface of the tube;

[056] FIGS. 7A-7B are fragmented perspective views of the tube of FIG. 6.

[057] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tube of FIG. 6 illustrating how a desired length of pliable material may be withdrawn from the tube for separation from the roll;

[058] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tube of FIG. 6, illustrating how the desired length of FIG. 8 may be separated by being sheared off from the roll using a straight edge of the tube for performing the cutting or tearing;

[059] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pliable sheet dispenser of another embodiment of the invention;

[060] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pliable sheet dispenser of another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[061] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan") that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being "preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

[062] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

[063] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope

of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

[064] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein — as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term — differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

[065] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, "a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one apple."

[066] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese."

[067] Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses. [068] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pliable sheet dispenser 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pliable sheet dispenser 10 includes a tube 12 having distal ends 14,16.

[069] The tube 12 is generally tubular in shape, as can be seen in FIG. 1. However, as can also be seen in FIG. 1, the tube 12 is not a traditional tube in every respect. Whereas a cross-section of a traditional tube generally constitutes a complete circle, a cross-section of the tube 12 generally constitutes a circle having a circumferential gap 13, as illustrated in FIG. 2, which figure is a cross- sectional view of the tube 12 of FIG. 1. In this respect, the tube 12 includes a "C-shaped" cross- sectional profile.

[070] It further should be noted that although the cross-section of the tube 12 is generally circular with a circumferential gap 13, the cross-section must not be perfectly circular, and in fact may more closely resemble an oval, or may deviate from a perfectly circular shape in one or more other ways. In at least some embodiments, the tube 12 may have a rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, or other cross-sectional shape.

[071] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the circumferential gap 13 preferably runs a majority of the overall length of the tube 12 and defines two edges 22,24. In at least one preferred embodiment, the circumferential gap 13 runs the entire overall length of the tube 12. The circumferential gap 13 may subtend a wide variety of angles, but preferably the circumferential gap 13 subtends an angle of less than ninety degrees. In some preferred embodiments, the circumferential gap 13 subtends an angle of less than forty- five degrees, and in still more preferred embodiments, the circumferential gap subtends an angle of less than thirty degrees.

[072] In at least some embodiments, the circumferential gap 13 is of uniform arc length throughout the length of the tube 12, and thus the edges 22,24 are straight edges throughout the length of the tube 12. In at least some preferred embodiments, however, the arc length of the circumferential gap 13 is generally uniform for a majority of the length of the tube 12, but has increasingly greater magnitude proximate each distal end 14,16 of the tube 12. Thus in at least one preferred embodiment, the edges 22,24 constitute straight edges for a majority of the length of the tube 12, but are generally rounded proximate each distal end 14,16, as can perhaps best be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, which are perspective views of the distal end 14 of the tube 12 of the pliable sheet dispenser 10 of FIG. 1. In at least some embodiments, this rounding may be of generally uniform curvature, while in at least some other embodiments this rounding may vary in curvature along the length of the rounding. [073] The tube 12 of FIG. 1 is preferably sized and dimensioned to receive and hold a core member 30 having a pliable material 32 wrapped around it, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and which core member 30 and pliable material 32 can be more clearly seen in FIG. 5. In at least some embodiments, the tube 12 may be sized and dimensioned to receive a pliable material 32 rolled up without a core member 30. The material may be any of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, wrapping paper, wax paper, or other paper, aluminum foil, tin foil, cloth, silk or other fabrics or textiles, cellophane, cling wrap, or saran wrap. It will be appreciated that the material may comprise any pliable material that may be torn, sheared, or cut using one or more embodiments of the present invention. [074] Preferably, the tube 12 is longer along its length than the core member 30 or rolled pliable material 32 it is sized and dimensioned to receive, as can be seen in FIG. 1. However, in at least some embodiments, the tube 12 may be the same general length as, or even slightly shorter than, the core member 30.

[075] The tube 12 may be made up of any of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, plastic, aluminum or other metals, bamboo or other woods, vinyl, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the tube 12 is made of a resilient, semi-rigid material such that the tube 12 may transition from a relaxed configuration to an expanded configuration, such that in said expanded configuration the edges 22,24 are a greater distance apart than in the relaxed configuration, and thus may receive a larger core member 30 and/or rolled up pliable material 32, and such that the edges 22,24 will generally tend to return to the relaxed configuration when the larger core member 30 and/or rolled up pliable material 32 is removed.

[076] In at least some embodiments, the larger core member 30 may have a greater cross-sectional radius than the tube 12 in its relaxed configuration. When the larger core member 30 is received within the semi-tube, this resilient tendency to return to the relaxed configuration will exert force upon the larger core member 30, thereby holding it in place. Preferably, the tube 12 may firmly hold in place a core member 30 with a pliable material 32 wrapped around it having a large diameter, and also may firmly hold in place a core member 30 with a pliable material 32 wrapped around it having a smaller diameter. It will be appreciated that the diameter of a core member 30 with a pliable material 32 wrapped around it may decrease as portions of the pliable material 32 are removed from around the core member 30.

[077] In at least one preferred embodiment, the tube 12 is made of transparent plastic. In at least some other embodiments, one or more portions of the tube 12, or the entire tube 12, may be opaque. [078] In at least some embodiments, the tube 12 may display one or more logos, symbols, pictures, letters, numbers, or insignia. These one or more logos, symbols, pictures, letters, numbers, or insignia may be painted, imprinted, or attached to or on an interior or exterior of the tube 12. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tube 12 of the pliable sheet dispenser 10 of FIG. 1 having two arrows illustrated on its outer surface. This picture can be better seen in FIGS. 7A-7C, which figures are fragmented perspective views of the tube 12 of FIG. 6 from various rotational perspectives. [079] In use, a user may pull a length of the pliable material 32 out from within the tube 12 between the edges 22,24 until a desired length 36 of the pliable material 32 has been exposed, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Preferably, this will include pulling a loose edge 31 of the pliable material 32 such that a length of the pliable material 32 is unrolled from the core member 30. A user may then section the desired length 36 from the pliable material 32 by abutting the pliable material 32 with one of the edges 22,24 of the tube 12 and applying force in an appropriate direction such that the pliable material 32 is sheared off at the one of the edges 22,24 that the pliable material 32 abutted, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[080] In at least some embodiments, one or both of the edges 22,24 of the tube 12 may be serrated, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Additionally, in at least some embodiments, one or both of the edges 22,24 of the tube 12 may include one or more serrated portions 50, as illustrated in FIG. 11. The serrated edges or serrated portions 50 may be an integral part of the tube 12, or they may be attached to the tube 12. In at least some embodiments, the serrated edges or serrated portions 50 are metal. In at least some embodiments, one or both of the edges 22,24 of the tube 12 may be bladed. In at least one embodiment, one or both of the edges 22,24 are bladed in the manner of children's safety scissors. [081] In at least some embodiments, one or both of the edges 22,24 define a guide. In at least some embodiments, one or both of the edges 22,24 may be used as a guide for scissors, a blade, or other cutting utensil.

[082] A tube 12 may be made in any of a variety of ways. A tube 12 may be injection molded, thermoformed, or manufactured in any other well known manufacturing process. Additionally, a tube 12 may be made from a generally circular tube by removing a lengthwise section of the generally circular tube such that two edges are defined.

[083] In at least some embodiments, a pliable sheet dispenser 10 is sold either separate from, or together with, pliable material 32 and/or pliable material 32 wrapped around a core member 30. Furthermore, the combination is sold in shrink-wrapping to seal the pliable material with the tube. It furthermore will be appreciated that in such retail packaging, the tube 12 defines a support structure of a retail package and, moreover, serves as an outer shell protecting the pliable material. [084] Additionally, in at least some embodiments, the pliable material is perforated at predetermined lengths such that, when unrolled through the circumferential gap of the tube, sheets of the pliable material may be more easily separated with each sheet having a generally uniform length. [085] In brief summary, with respect to a particular preferred embodiment of the invention utilized for wrapping paper, the wrapping paper dispenser includes a tube having two distal ends and a generally rounded cross-section with a circumferential gap. The circumferential gap defines two edges of the tube. The tube includes a semirigid and resilient material, which enables the tube to transition from a relaxed configuration to an expanded configuration, wherein the expanded configuration is defined by the edges being a greater distance apart than in the relaxed configuration such that the tube may receive a roll of wrapping paper therein having a larger diameter than the diameter of the tube in the relaxed configuration. The edges are biased toward the relaxed configuration, whereby the tube grips and retains the wrapping paper in its rolled configuration. The loose end of the wrapping paper may be withdrawn through the circumferential gap and separated from the roll using an edge of the tub defined by the circumferential gap.

[086] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

[087] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.