Patent Grant
12115752
This invention relates to the use of a tensioning device that fits onto a bar and yoke for dispensing expanded slit sheet material.
There have been a number of devices to dispense expanded slit sheet material that are motorized for powered dispensing and manual devices that must provide a tensioning method. For example, Geami WrapPak® ExBox is a self-contained, disposable, and recyclable combination of die cut kraft paper and tissue interleaf that in combination is used to cushion and protect fragile items during shipment.
The preferred embodiments overcome problems in the above and/or other background art.
Another notable object of some preferred embodiments of the present invention is to create a lightweight expanded slit sheet made from paper using a paper dispenser that provides for the expansion of a slit sheet of paper.
In accordance with a broad embodiment of the invention, provides a dispenser for expanding slit paper in which a roll of slit sheet material can be installed without removing any parts during each roll change.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a device is provided for expanding and dispensing expandable slit sheet paper. The device comprises:
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention an expanding and dispensing apparatus has a first core support member. A roll of expandable slit sheet paper has an interior core member and a roll of expandable slit sheet paper wound on the interior core member. The interior core member has an axial length that is greater than the width of the slit sheet paper and has a first interior core member end region that extends beyond the roll of expandable slit sheet paper. The first core support member is attached to a first side wall member and is positioned internally of the first end region of the first interior core member. The interior core member is preferably hollow. A rotational resistance member can be supported by the first side wall member and extend from the first side wall member to a position in which it contacts the surface of the first interior core member end region that extends beyond the roll of expandable slit sheet paper.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention an expanding and dispensing apparatus has a first core support member. A roll of expandable slit sheet paper has an interior core member and a roll of expandable slit sheet paper wound on the interior core member. The interior core member has an axial length that is greater than the width of the slit sheet paper and has a first interior core member end region that extends beyond the roll of expandable slit sheet paper. The first core support member is attached to a first side wall member and is positioned externally of the first end region of the first interior core member. A rotational resistance member is advantageously supported by the first side wall member and extends from the first side wall member to a position in which it contacts the surface of the first interior core member end region that extends beyond the roll of expandable slit sheet paper. Preferably the first core support member has a first surface in contact with the surface of the first interior core member end region and has an arcuate configuration.
Advantageously, the arcuate configuration has a curvature that cooperates with the curvature of the outer surface of the first interior core member end region. The first core support member first surface has a radius greater than the radius of the first interior core member an arc of less than 240° in order to enable the tension rod to contact the first interior core member. Preferably, the arcuate configuration has an arc of at least 180°.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention an expanding and dispensing apparatus has a first core support member and a second core support member. A roll of expandable slit sheet paper has an interior core member and a roll of expandable slit sheet paper wound on the interior core member. The interior core member has an axial length that is greater than the width of the slit sheet paper and has a first interior core member end region and a second interior core member end region that extends beyond the roll of expandable slit sheet paper. The first core support member is attached to a first side wall member and is positioned externally of the first end region of the first interior core member. A rotational resistance member is advantageously supported by the first side wall member and extends from the first side wall member to a position in which it contacts the surface of the first interior core member end region that extends beyond the roll of expandable slit sheet paper. Preferably the first core support member has a first surface in contact with the surface of the first interior core member end region and has an arcuate configuration. Advantageously, the arcuate configuration has a curvature that cooperates with the curvature of the outer surface of the first interior core member end region. The first core support member first surface has a radius greater than the radius of the first interior core member and an arc that provides an open region that is sufficient for a friction means to contact the first interior core member end region. The radius of the first core support member is sufficiently greater than the radius of the first interior core member in order to enable the first interior core member to be inserted into the first core support member. Further the arc is less than about 300° and preferably no greater than 240° in order to enable the tension rod to contact the first interior core member and to facilitate loading of the slit sheet material on the expander-dispensing apparatus. Preferably the second core support member has a first surface in contact with the surface of the second interior core member end region and has an arcuate or circular configuration. Advantageously, the arcuate configuration has a curvature that cooperates with the curvature of the outer surface of the second interior core member end region. The second core support member first surface has a radius greater than the radius of the second interior core member and an arc of less than 180°. Preferably, the arcuate configuration has an arc of between 180° and 110°. In embodiments in which the second core support member has an arcuate configuration of no greater than about 180°, the second interior core member can be lifted off the second core support member and the roll of expandable slit sheet paper rotated about the first core support member and separated from the expanding and dispensing apparatus. Conversely, the roll of expandable slit sheet paper rotated about the first core support member and separated from the expanding and dispensing apparatus by inserting the first interior core member into the first core support member, the roll of expandable slit sheet paper is rotated about the first core support member and the second interior core member is positioned on the second core support member. When second interior core member is positioned on the second core support member it is in contact with and resting upon the second interior core member.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention an expanding and dispensing apparatus is provided with friction means for variably applying a frictional resistance to the rotation of the core member. The apparatus includes a first wall member and a first core support member fixed to the first wall member. The core support member supports the end region of an interior core member of a roll of expandable slit sheet paper wound on the interior core member. The end of the interior core member extends axially beyond the roll of expandable slit paper. The friction means can variably applying a frictional resistance to the rotation of the interior core member by applying a variable pressure to the surface of the end region of the interior core member. The first wall member is preferably sheet metal, and most preferably, aluminum or steel. A second wall member is preferably sheet metal, and most preferably, steel. The first and second wall members can be secured together, in a spaced relationship, by a plurality of bars or rods. Preferably the interior core member extends beyond the width of the roll of slit sheet paper, an amount of at least one inch from the roll of slit sheet paper. Most preferably, both end regions of the interior core member extend beyond the width of the roll of slit sheet paper, by an amount of at least one inch. Advantageously, both end regions of the interior core member extend beyond the width of the roll of slit sheet paper, by an amount at least about one and one half inches from the roll of slit sheet paper.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a device is provided for expanding and dispensing expandable slit sheet paper. The device includes a roll of expandable slit sheet paper that has an interior core member and a roll of expandable slit sheet paper wound on the interior core member. The interior core member has an axial length that is greater than the width of the slit sheet paper that is wound on the interior core member and has at least a first interior core member end region that extends beyond the roll of expandable slit sheet paper. The device further includes an expanding and dispensing apparatus having a first core support member, a second core support member, first means for pressing the first interior core member end region against the first core support member and second means for variably applying a frictional rotation resistance to the first interior core member end region. A first end region of the interior core member is mounted on the first core support member. The expanding and dispensing apparatus can have a second end region of the interior core member mounted on a second support member.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention an expanding and dispensing apparatus has a first core support member and a roll of expandable slit sheet paper having an interior core member and a roll of expandable slit sheet paper wound on the interior core member. The interior core member has an axial length that is greater than the width of the slit sheet paper and has a first interior core member end region that extends beyond the roll of expandable slit sheet paper. The first core support member is attached to a first side wall member and is positioned externally of the first end region of the first interior core member and at least partially encompassing the first interior core member end region. A tensioning member applies a force against the first end region of the first interior core member and presses the first end region of the first interior core member against the first core support member.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention in the means for variably applying a frictional resistance to the rotation of the core member is fixed to a first wall member. A first core support member is fixed to the first wall member and an elongated member is hingedly coupled to the first wall member.
In accordance with a still another embodiment of the present invention the invention comprises a method of mounting a roll of expandable slit sheet paper on an apparatus for expanding and dispensing expanded slit sheet paper, wherein the expanding and dispensing apparatus has a first core support member attached to a first side wall member and a second side wall member. A roll of expandable slit sheet paper has an interior core member and a roll of expandable slit sheet paper wound on the interior core member. The interior core member has an axial length that is greater than the width of the slit sheet paper and has a first interior core member end region that extends beyond the roll of expandable slit sheet paper. The first core support member is positioned internally of the first interior core member end region of the first interior core member by bringing the first interior core member end region into contact with the first core support member, inserting the first core support member into the first interior core member first interior core member end region while a second interior core member end region that extends beyond the roll of expandable slit sheet paper is rotated about the first core support member and into contact with and resting upon a second core support member region in the second side wall member.
In accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention the invention comprises a method of mounting a roll of expandable slit sheet paper on an apparatus for expanding and dispensing expanded slit sheet paper. The expanding and dispensing apparatus has a first core support member attached to a first side wall member and a second side wall member attached to the first side wall member. A roll of expandable slit sheet paper has an interior core member and a roll of expandable slit sheet paper wound on the interior core member. The interior core member has an axial length that is greater than the width of the slit sheet paper and has a first interior core member end region and a second interior core member end region, each of which extends beyond the roll of expandable slit sheet paper. The first core support member is positioned externally of the first interior core member end region of the first interior core member by bringing the first interior core member end region into contact with the first core support member and inserting the first interior core member first interior core member end region into the first core support member and resting upon the first core support member of the first side wall member while the second interior core member end region is rotated about said first core support member from a position spaced from the second core support member and into contact with and resting upon the second core support member of the second side wall member.
In accordance with a still another embodiment of the present invention the invention comprises a method of mounting a roll of expandable slit sheet paper on an apparatus for expanding and dispensing expanded slit sheet paper, wherein the expanding and dispensing apparatus has a first core support member attached to a first side wall member and a second side wall member. A roll of expandable slit sheet paper has an interior core member and a roll of expandable slit sheet paper wound on the interior core member. The interior core member has an axial length that is greater than the width of the slit sheet paper and has a first interior core member end region and a second interior core member end region that extend beyond the roll of expandable slit sheet paper. The apparatus includes an elongated frictional resistance member hingedly coupled to a side wall support member. The first interior core member end region of the first interior core member is positioned in a supporting relationship with the first core support member of the attached to a first side wall member by bringing the first interior core member end region under the elongated frictional resistance member and into supported contact with the first core support member while the second interior core member end region is rotated into contact with and resting upon a second core support member region in the second side wall member. Dispensing the slit sheet paper by drawing the slit sheet paper against the resistance of the elongated frictional resistance member, and expanding the expandable slit sheet paper.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described by a way of example, and not limitation, in relation to the accompanying Figures, in which:
For the purposes of the present invention the term “paper roll” describes the slit sheet material wound around a paper core that is wider than the slit sheet material.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term “hingedly coupled” means a structure such as a piece of metal that is fastened to another structure such that its end opposite to its hinged end, is enabled to move between varying degrees of positions and is inclusive of a cantilevered member that is sufficiently flexible for its unsupported end to move between varying degrees of positions.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term “yoke” means a structure contoured or shaped to carry a load.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term “rod” means an a straight piece (as metal) that is longer than it is wide and is sufficiently rigid to span an opening such as in a yoke and function as a lever for applying a force against the outer surface of the exterior section of the interior core of a roll of expandable slit paper. The term “rod” is inclusive of a slender bar, a pole, rod, shaft, strut, and a beam.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term “core support member” means a structure that contacts the exterior end of a core member and bears the weight of a roll of paper that is wound around the core member by having the weight borne from below or interior of a hollow core member.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term “paper core” means the round paper tube around which the expandable slit sheet paper is wound.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term “curvature” means an essentially circular or arcuate configuration that is shaped or curved like an arc or bow.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term “tensioning mechanism” means a pressure assembly that applies pressure to an exterior end of a paper core to variably increase or decree friction.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term “attached” means securely fixing one part to another as in the art of assembling wood, wood composites, metals, or plastics in order to create a bolted, screwed, secured, fastened, or sealed assembly and is inclusive of permanent assemblies and configurations that can be disassembled.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term “extend beyond the ends of the paper roll” means the ends of an elongated core member that protrude beyond the ends of the paper roll.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term “horizontal” means parallel to the plane of the horizon.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term “inclined means forming an angle with respect to a horizontal plane, due to its slope or tilt.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term “biased’ means a steady weight factor applied to a roll of expandable slit paper to cause it to lean toward the tensioning mechanism first core member.
A purpose of the design of the present invention is to eliminate the loss of these parts due to their constant removal and the labor savings associated with their removal and reattachment
The tensioning device in its preferred embodiment is to be made from aluminum but, can be made from wood and steel. The tensioning device and specifically the tension rod, spring and thumbscrew are of the same design as found in nonprovisional patent Ser. No. 15/428,144, (publication, US 2018/0222665, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein, as though recited in full). The new art utilizes a short bar on the tensioning side and a yoke on the opposite side. This combination enables the paper to be loaded without the need for removing the tensioning rod, thumbscrew, and spring.
Tensioning assemblies 103,104 and 105 of
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Preferably the second core support member 900 has a first surface in contact with the surface of the second interior core member end region 201 and has an arcuate configuration as shown in
The use of individual numerical values is stated as approximations as though the values were preceded by the word “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately.” Similarly, the numerical values in the various ranges specified in this application, unless expressly indicated otherwise, are stated as approximations as though the minimum and maximum values within the stated ranges were both preceded by the word “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately.” In this manner, variations above and below the stated ranges can be used to achieve substantially the same results as values within the ranges. As used herein, the terms “about”, “substantially”, and “approximately” when referring to a numerical value shall have their plain and ordinary meanings to a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed subject matter is most closely related or the art relevant to the range or element at issue. The amount of broadening from the strict numerical boundary depends upon many factors. For example, some of the factors which may be considered include the criticality of the element and/or the effect a given amount of variation will have on the performance of the claimed subject matter, as well as other considerations known to those of skill in the art. As used herein, the use of differing amounts of significant digits for different numerical values is not meant to limit how the use of the words “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately” will serve to broaden a particular numerical value or range. Thus, as a general matter, “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately” broaden the numerical value. Also, the disclosure of ranges is intended as a continuous range including every value between the minimum and maximum values plus the broadening of the range afforded by the use of the term “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately”. Thus, recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. To the extent that determining a given amount of variation of some the factors such as the criticality of the slit patterns, paper width differential pre- and post-expansion, paper weights and type, as well as other considerations known to those of skill in the art to which the disclosed subject matter is most closely related or the art relevant to the range or element at issue will have on the performance of the claimed subject matter, is not considered to be within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art, or is not explicitly stated in the claims, then the terms “about”, “substantially”, and “approximately” should be understood to mean the numerical value, plus or minus 15%.
It is to be understood that any ranges, ratios and ranges of ratios that can be formed by, or derived from, any of the data disclosed herein represent further embodiments of the present disclosure and are included as part of the disclosure as though they were explicitly set forth. This includes ranges that can be formed that do or do not include a finite upper and/or lower boundary. Accordingly, a person of ordinary skill in the art most closely related to a particular range, ratio or range of ratios will appreciate that such values are unambiguously derivable from the data presented herein.
Further information relating to the paper which can be used in the present invention, slit patterns, and the expansion process is found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,538,778; 5,667,871; 5,688,578; and 5,782,735; 3,908,071; Ser. No. 14/901,977; WO1984002936A1; US20020060034; US 2007/0240841 A1; U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,104,197; 3,220,116; 3,266,972; 3,269,393; 3,908,071; 6,024,832; 6,458,447 B1; and 6,712,930 B2; the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein, as though recited in full. This application claims the benefit of provisional application 62/664,698 filed Apr. 30, 2018 the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein, as though recited in full. This application is a CIP of Ser. No. 15/428,144 filed, Feb. 8, 2017, publication No. US 2018/0222665, a CIP of Ser. No. 15/820,514 filed Nov. 22, 2017, publication No. US 2018-0127197-A1, and a CIP of Ser. No. 16/290,016 filed Mar. 1, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein, as though recited in full.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3503567 | Casey | Mar 1970 | A |
| 6024832 | Trani et al. | Feb 2000 | A |
| 6458447 | Cabell et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
| 20010034998 | Yamaai | Nov 2001 | A1 |
| 20020060034 | Hollmark et al. | May 2002 | A1 |
| 20070240841 | Trani et al. | Oct 2007 | A1 |
| 20120223179 | Galindo Gonzalez et al. | Sep 2012 | A1 |
| 20130240657 | Kuchar et al. | Sep 2013 | A1 |
| 20140027553 | Page et al. | Jan 2014 | A1 |
| 20150165717 | Page | Jun 2015 | A1 |
| 20160130104 | Page et al. | May 2016 | A1 |
| 20180222665 | Goodrich | Aug 2018 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 107921724 | Apr 2018 | CN |
| 2069457 | Aug 1981 | GB |
| H05-008483 | Jan 1993 | JP |
| H06-210918 | Aug 1994 | JP |
| 2010-254367 | Nov 2010 | JP |
| 2017074535 | May 2017 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| Notification of Transmittal of The International Search Report and The Written Opinion of the International Seaching Authority, or the Declaration (Form PCT/ISA/220) issued in counterpart International Application No. PCT/US19/29684 dated Oct. 17, 2019 with Forms PCT/ISA/210 and PCT/ISA/237(10 pages). |
| First Examination Report issued in IN 202017047236; mailed by the Intellectual Property India dated Jun. 1, 2022. |
| An Office Action mailed by China National Intellectual Property Administration dated Jan. 6, 2022, which corresponds to Chinese Patent Application No. 201980043174.7; with English language translation (23 pages). |
| The extended European search report issued by the European Patent Office dated Jan. 4, 2022, which corresponds to European Patent Application No. 19795837.4-1017 (9 pages). |
| Office Action dated Oct. 26, 2021, issued in counterpart JP Application No. 2021-509726, with English Translation. (8 pages). |
| A Notice of Reasons for Refusal issued by the Japanese Patent Office dated Aug. 23, 2022, which corresponds to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-509726 and is related to U.S. Appl. No. 16/397,503. |
| Office Action issued by IP Australia on Mar. 15, 2024, which corresponds to Australian Patent Application No. 2019262968 and is related to U.S. Appl. No. 16/397,503. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20190248092 A1 | Aug 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62664698 | Apr 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16290016 | Mar 2019 | US |
| Child | 16397503 | US | |
| Parent | 15820514 | Nov 2017 | US |
| Child | 16290016 | US | |
| Parent | 15428144 | Feb 2017 | US |
| Child | 16290016 | US |
