BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retractable toilet paper holder in a collapsed configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a retractable toilet paper holder in an expanded configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a retractable toilet paper holder in an expanded configuration in proximity to a toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a retractable toilet paper holder using an extendable telescopic arm according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a retractable toilet paper holder using a floor mount means according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is intended to enable one skilled in the prior art to make and use this invention, but is not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments.
Now referring to FIG. 1A, the invention described herein is a retractable toilet paper holder 100 comprising a wall mount means 102 to which an extendable expansion arm 104 is attached via a swivel arm 106. The swivel arm 106 allows the extendable expansion arm to be rotated axially through a range of approximately zero (0) degrees to approximately one-hundred twenty (120) degrees relative to the wall mount means 102. The wall mount means 102 includes two or more sockets for receiving screws for the mounting of the wall mount means 102 onto a vertical wall and at least two post mounts 108a, 108b for receiving and securing the swivel arm 106.
The extendable expansion arm 104 is preferably rotatably coupled to the swivel arm 106 using at least two connectors 110a and 110b, each connector having sufficient connection strength for establishing a rotatable connection between the extendable expansion arm 104 and the swivel arm 106. In one embodiment, the extendable expansion arm 104 is comprised of a plurality of expansion elements in a scissor-like arrangement that can be collapsed and expanded over a horizontal range of from three (3) inches to twenty (20) inches wherein each element in the expansion arm 104 has a length of at least five (5) inches, and preferably 5.625 inches, and wherein each element is coupled in successive fashion using at least three fused metal connections that enable ease of expansion and contraction of the extendable expansion arm 104. In alternative embodiments, the extendable expansion arm 104 is comprised of a plurality of elements in a telescoping arrangement in which element slides outward when extending the extendable expansion arm 104 or inward when collapsing the extendable expansion 104.
The extendable expansion arm 104 further includes a terminal post 116 at its distal end on which a holder mounting means 112 for a toilet roll holder 114 is placed. Preferably, the holder mounting means 112 is a metallic extension extending from the terminal post 116 onto which the toilet roll holder 114 is fused. Alternatively, a holder mounting means 112 is a clasp or other similar means for securely snapping or attaching the toilet roll holder 114 onto the terminal post 116 of the extendable expansion arm 104. In an embodiment, the toilet roll holder 114 is comprised of stainless steel and arranged to receive and permit ease of installation and use of a roll of toilet paper. In the illustrated embodiment, the toilet roll holder 114 is formed into a semi-rectangular structure having an inner side-to-side spatial separation of 2.5 inches. The shape and spatial arrangement of the holder 114 is not to be limited to such structure, shape or dimension and alternative structural shapes can be used to enable quick and convenient installation, replacement and use of a toilet paper roll on an extendable expansion arm 104.
FIG. 2A is an illustration of the extendable expansion arm 104 in an expanded configuration extending vertically from a side wall. Preferably, the wall mount means 102, swivel arm 106, extendable expansion arm 104, the toilet roll holder 114 and the holder mounting means 112 are formed from stainless steel. However, other suitable materials can also be used with material strength that is comparable to that provide by steel such as various metallic composite materials or durable plastic compounds. Although the vertical length of the assembly comprising the swivel arm 106, the extendable expansion arm 104 and the terminal post 116 is seven (7) inches in the illustrated embodiment, the lengths of these elements can vary depending on the spatial limitations of each location and the function of this apparatus is not to be limited strictly to such dimensions. FIG. 2B depicts the expanded configuration of the retractable toilet paper holder 100 placed adjacent to a toilet with a roll of toilet paper placed on a toilet roll holder 114 connected to the expanded expansion arm 104.
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the retractable toilet paper holder having an extendable telescopic expansion arm 302 comprised of a plurality of interconnected elements 304a, 304b, 304c for expanding and collapsing the expansion arm 302. The plurality of interconnected elements 304a, 304b, 304c comprising the telescopic expansion arm 302 are made from metal and include a plurality of grooves and securing bolts in a housing to enable the arrangement to be attached to the swivel arm 106 and supported by a wall mount means 102 for rotatable access by a user. In alternative embodiments the interconnecting elements are formed from plastic or other durable polymer compounds suitable for use near water and the variable temperature conditions in most commercial restrooms and household bathrooms. The telescopic arrangement in the illustrated embodiment expands over a horizontal range of from three (3) inches to twenty (20) inches and can be axially rotated over a range of approximately zero (0) degrees to one-hundred twenty (120) degrees.
FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a retractable toilet paper holder coupled to a floor mount means 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the floor mount means 410 is comprised of a plurality of sockets for receiving screws that secure the floor mount means 410 to a spatial location on the floor adjacent to a toilet and a base plate 412 for receiving a rotatable swivel arm 414 onto which an extendable expansion arm 416 is coupled. In alternative embodiments, the floor mount means 410 can be secured to a location on the floor using a durable polymer bond or other suitable base mounting mechanism. The expansion arm can be extended or collapsed by a user and rotated in a circular manner three-hundred sixty (360) degrees about the central swivel arm 414. In a preferred embodiment, the extendable expansion arm 416 is comprised of a plurality of metallic elements in a scissor-like arrangement as described previously with respect to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B. A roll holder mount means 418 is provided on a terminal post 420 for securely receiving and holding a toilet roll holder 422. The lengths, heights and material composition of this embodiment of the retractable toilet roll holder are comparable to those described and illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.
Patent Grant
10743725
