SINGLE HAND PAPER TOWEL HOLDER

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a holding device and, more particularly, to a single hand paper towel holder.

INTRODUCTION

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Paper towels are routinely used in kitchens, restaurants, and other settings where food is prepared and served. Paper towel dispensers are known devices that dispense paper towel segments for frequent cleanup of appliances, tables, and other surfaces in the kitchen. Paper towel dispensers are also frequently used in bathrooms, garages, schools, auto or wood working shops, and many other residential and commercial locations where people need to absorb or wipe-up spills, dry surfaces, or simply clean and/or dry their hands.

Paper towels and similar products are usually sold in a roll on a paper towel core. Paper towels are formed from one or two ply sheets of absorbent paper material fashioned into a continuous web and wound into a roll. Perforations define sheets connected together end-to-end by perforated tear lines. The paper towel web is wound upon the paper core and can be quite long in overall length. Similar products include, but are not limited to, toilet paper rolls, wrapping paper rolls, fabric rolls, and any other rolled product that may be dispensed by unrolling the product during use.

Known manual paper towel holders often have a singular, central rod extending from the center of a base. The paper towel core is slid over the central rod and one or both of the paper towel roll and the central rod is able to rotate with respect to the base. These traditional paper towel holders are often poorly designed and lack stability. They also do not secure the end of the paper towel roll in place when not in use which can cause the paper towels to unravel. Additionally, without a stable base and a means for holding the end of the paper towel roll, the user needs two hands to tear off a paper towel, and often leaves a stain on remaining unused paper towels from the hand securing the holder. The user must select a size of paper towel to dispense based upon a perforation location, hold the roll with one hand, and tear off the paper towel sheet with the other hand. If the user were to tear off a sheet with one hand, the paper towel holder may fall over and/or an excess amount of the paper towel web may unwind from the roll.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a holder that is stable and secure during the dispensing of a product, and that allows a user to tear the product off in any direction and using only one hand. Desirably, the holder would also allow the user to grasp the product at any location on the product and tear the product at any desired area rather than only along the perforations.

SUMMARY

In concordance with the instant disclosure, a holder that is stable and secure during the dispensing of a product and that allows a user to tear a portion the product off while grasping the product anywhere using only one hand and pulling in any direction at any desired area of the product, has surprisingly been discovered.

In certain embodiments, a holder includes a holding member having a first edge and a second edge. The first edge and the second edge define an opening. A base is coupled to the holding member, and a central rod is coupled to the base. The holding member changes position with respect to the base, or is stationary relative to the base, and the base includes a stability member adapted to secure the holder to a surface.

In certain embodiments, a holding member includes a first edge and a second edge. The first edge and the second edge define an opening. A connecting mechanism couples the holding member to a wall, and the holding member rotates with respect to one or both of the connecting mechanism and the wall. The holding member is configured to work with an existing paper towel roll holder coupled to the wall.

In certain embodiments, a method of using a holder includes a first step of providing a holding member having a first edge and a second edge. The first edge and the second edge define an opening. A base is coupled to the holding member, and a central rod is coupled to the base. The holding member rotates with respect to the base, and the base includes a stability member adapted to secure the holder to a surface. A second step includes providing a paper towel. Additional steps include placing the paper towel roll on the central rod of the holder, pulling a desired number and configuration of paper towels through the opening of the holding member, and using one or both of the first edge and the second edge to easily and precisely separate the paper towels from the paper towel roll.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of a holding member according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a front elevational view of a holding member according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C is a front elevational view of a holding member according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3D is a front elevational view of a holding member according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3E is a front elevational view of a holding member according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is perspective view of the holder of FIG. 1 shown holding a paper towel roll being pulled in a first direction;

FIG. 5 is perspective view of the holder of FIG. 1 shown holding a paper towel roll being pulled in a second direction;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the holder of FIG. 1, where a rotating mechanism has rotated the holding member from a first position, as shown in FIGS. 4-5, to a second position as a diameter of the paper towel roll decreases during use;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a suction cup according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the suction cup of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, exploded view of call out E in FIG. 1, showing the suction cup and the cut out;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of an attachment means according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a holder according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the holder shown in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a method of using a holder, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps may be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps may be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “coupled to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, coupled or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly coupled to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

As shown in FIGS. 1-10, the present disclosure includes a holder 100 that may be used to hold a paper towel roll 102, as one non-limiting example, or any other item that may be used or dispensed by unrolling. In certain embodiments, the holder 100 may include a holding member 104, a base 106, and a central rod 108. The central rod 108 may be removably attached to, permanently disposed on, or integral with the base 106 and configured to hold the paper towel roll 102. The holding member 104 may be removably attached to, permanently disposed on, or integral with the base 106. In certain embodiments, one or both of the central rod 108 and the holding member 104 may be rotatably connected to the base 106 and/or to one another, as selected by one of skill in the art. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may use the holder 100 with other items such as toilet paper rolls (not shown), as one non-limiting example.

The holding member 104 may be configured to secure the paper towel roll 102 with respect to one or both of the central rod 108 and the base 106 during use, thereby allowing a user to quickly, easily, and precisely remove a desired number and configuration of paper towels 110 from the paper towel roll 102. The holding member 104 may be fabricated using any rigid or semi-rigid, durable material or combination of materials capable of securing and/or applying a desired pressure to the paper towel roll 102 during use. Any shape, size, and configuration suitable for securing the paper towel roll 102 with respect to the central rod 108 and/or the base 106 may be used for the holding member 104, as desired.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the holding member 104 may include a first end 112 adjacent, disposed on, or permanently or removably connected to the base 106 and a second end 114 having an opening 116 that is configured to receive the paper towels 110 from the paper towel roll 102 during use. In certain embodiments, the holding member 104 may include a first edge 118 and a second edge 120. Each of the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 may be positioned at or adjacent to the second end 114 of the holding member 104. In certain alternative embodiments, the first edge 118 may be disposed centrally between the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the holding member 104 and the second edge 120 may be disposed at or adjacent to the second end 114 of the holding member 104. One or both of the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 may define a portion or all of the opening 116 through which the paper towels 110 extend during use. The opening 116 may be any suitable shape, size, and configuration for receiving the paper towels 110, as determined by a skilled artisan.

In certain embodiments, the first edge 118 may be corrugated, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The first edge 118 may include one or more ridges 122. In certain embodiments, each ridge 122 may include a sharp edge or point 124 adjacent to a desired area 126 of the paper towels 110 and adapted to apply pressure as the paper towels 110 are pulled through the opening 116. In certain more particular embodiments, with reference to FIG. 4, the first edge 118 may include a top ridge 128, a bottom ridge 130, and a central ridge 132 positioned between the top ridge 128 and the bottom ridge 130. Advantageously, the corrugated first edge 118 may allow the user to use minimal force when tearing off the paper towels 110 by providing increased friction and location specific pressure between the holding member 104 and the desired area 126 of the paper towels 110. Additionally, the entirety of holding member 104 may be configured to apply an overall pressure to the paper towel roll 102, thereby securing the paper towel roll 102 in place relative to the base 106, the central rod 108, and the user.

As shown in FIG. 5, the corrugated first edge 118 is adapted to allow the user to tear off one or more of the paper towels 110 easily and precisely when pulling the paper towels 110 backward toward the first edge 118 of the holding member 104 and away from the second edge 120. The first edge 118 may prevent movement of the paper towel roll 102 in any direction such as up, down, and forward through the opening 116, as non-limiting examples. Likewise, the corrugated first edge 118 is adapted to allow the user to tear off one or more of the paper towels 110 easily and precisely when pulling the paper towels 110 forward through the opening 116 toward the second edge 120 of the holding member 104 by securing an outermost remaining paper towel 146 in place and preventing movement of the outermost remaining paper towel 146 and the paper towel roll 102 in any direction, as shown in FIG. 4.

In certain more particular embodiments, the top ridge 128, the bottom ridge 130, and the central ridge 132 may provide pressure that impacts the desired area 126 of the paper towels 110 and secures the paper towel roll 102 with respect to one or both of the central rod 108 and the base 106 as the paper towels 110 are pulled through the opening 116 of the holding member 104 by the user. The paper towels 110 may be separated from the paper towel roll 102 using predefined perforations 134 located on the paper towels 110 that are positioned at one or both of the first edge 118 and the opening 116 or pulled through the opening 116 during use. Advantageously, the user may also separate the paper towels 110 from the paper towel roll 102 at a location that is not defined by the predefined perforations 134.

The second edge 120 may include a sloped platform 136 extending outwardly away from the holding member 104 and/or the paper towel roll 102 and the central rod 108. The sloped platform 136 may be adapted to allow the user to easily tear off the paper towels 110 using the second edge 120 of the holding member 104. The sloped platform 136 may have any slope, size, shape, and configuration, as desired, and may be integral with or permanently or removably coupled to the holding member 104. The sloped platform 136 may be fixed or movable with respect to the holding member 104, according to various embodiments.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the sloped platform 136 may include one or more protrusions 138 extending outwardly from the sloped platform 136 and adapted to contact the paper towels 110 extending through the opening 116 during use. One or both of the sloped platform 136 and the protrusions 138 may be adapted to allow the user to use less force when tearing off the paper towels 110 extending through the opening 116. More specifically, one or both of the sloped platform 136 and the protrusions 138 may be adapted to allow the user to easily and precisely tear off the paper towels 110 when the desired paper towels 110 are pulled through the opening 116, toward the second edge 120 of the holding member 104, and away from the first edge 118 of the holding member 104. The protrusions 138 may have any shape, size, and configuration, as determined by one of skill in the art, and may be integral with or permanently or removably coupled to one or more of the sloped platform 136, the second edge 120, and the holding member 104.

In one more particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the second edge 120 may include a plurality of protrusions 138, such as a top protrusion 140, a bottom protrusion 142, and a central protrusion 144 disposed on the sloped platform 136. Each of the top protrusion 140, the bottom protrusion 142, and the central protrusion 144 may impact the paper towels 110 as they are pulled through the opening 116 and toward the second edge 120 of the holding member 104. The paper towels 110 may be separated from the paper towel roll 102 using the predefined perforations 134 in the paper towels 110 as they are pulled through the opening 116 and toward the second edge 120. The paper towels 110 may be separated from the paper towel roll 102 using the predefined perforations 134 when they are positioned at one of the second edge 120, extending just beyond the second edge 120, and extending beyond the protrusions 138 during use. Advantageously, the user may also separate the paper towels 110 from the paper towel roll 102 at a location that is not defined by the predefined perforations 134. In certain embodiments, the second edge 120 may include one of the sloped platform 136 and the protrusions 138. One or both of the second edge 120 and the sloped platform 136 may include any number of protrusions 138 or other elements adapted to contact the paper towels 110 after the paper towels 110 extend through the opening 116.

In certain alternative embodiments, the second edge 120 may not include one or both of the sloped platform 136 and the protrusions 138. In one non-limiting example, a skilled artisan may include a corrugated second edge 121 as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. The corrugated second edge 121 may extend inwardly toward the first edge 118, as shown in FIG. 3B, or outwardly away from the first edge 118, as shown in FIG. 3C, or both inwardly and outwardly (not shown). A skilled artisan may fabricate the second edge 120 and include one or more of the sloped platform 136, the protrusions 138, ridges 122, as shown in FIG. 3D, and any combination thereof, as desired.

Advantageously, each of the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 of the holding member 104 allows the user to tear the paper towels 110 off easily and precisely using only one hand. The user may tear a desired number of the paper towels 110 off of the paper towel roll 102 by pulling the paper towels 110 through the opening 116 and pulling backward toward the first edge 118, as shown in FIG. 5, or by pulling forward toward the second edge 120, as shown in FIG. 4, during use. Both the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 allow for an easy and precise tear no matter the size and number of the paper towels 110. The holding member 104 is adapted to apply an overall pressure to the paper towel roll 102, and the first edge 118 is adapted to apply a location specific pressure on the desired area 126 where the first edge 118 contacts the paper towels 110. As a result, the paper towel roll 102 is secured in place with respect to one or both of the base 106 and the central rod 108, and the outermost remaining paper towel 146 is gripped by the first edge 118 in the desired area 126 allowing the user to separate the desired number and configuration of the paper towels 110 from the outermost remaining paper towel 146 and the paper towel roll 102 as a whole.

Advantageously, one or both of the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 may also allow the paper towels 110 to tear no matter which direction the user pulls and regardless of whether the tear is at or on one of the predefined perforations 134. The user may select any desirable size for the paper towels 110 by pulling any number of lines of the predefined perforations 134 through the opening 116. Advantageously, if the user desires a longer sheet of paper towels 110, the user may pull more than one line of the predefined perforations 134 through the opening 116. One or both of the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 allows the user to tear the paper towels 110 only at the line of predefined perforations 134 located adjacent to one or both of the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 even if the user pulls multiple lines of the predefined perforations 134 through the opening 116.

Alternatively, As non-limiting examples, the user may pull forward or backward in combination with up or down to tear or otherwise release one or more of the paper towels 110 from the paper towel roll 102. Additionally, the user may hold the paper towels 110 that are being torn or separated from the paper towel roll 102 at any location on the paper towels 110 and still easily and precisely tear the paper towels 110. With reference to FIG. 4, the user may grip the desired paper towels 110 from a top section 148, a middle section 150, or a bottom section 152 of the paper towels 110, as non-limiting examples, and still easily and precisely tear the paper towels 110 using the first edge 118, the second edge 120, or a combination of the first edge 118 and second edge 120.

It should be appreciated that one or both of the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 may have any suitable edge shape and configuration. In one non-limiting example, one or both of the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 may have a smooth edge 154, as shown in FIG. 3A. In another alternative embodiment, one or both of the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 may include a plurality of teeth 156, as shown in FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 3E. The teeth 156 may extend inwardly from the second edge 120 toward the first edge 118 and/or outwardly from the second edge 120 away from the opening 116. Any number and formation of ridges 122, protrusions 138, and teeth 156, or any other suitable edge shape and configuration adapted to contact and/or apply pressure on the paper towel roll 102 and/or the paper towels 110 at or extending through the opening 116 may be used, as desired.

In certain embodiments, the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 may be integral with one another or permanently or removably connected to one another using a top segment 158 disposed between and connecting the first edge 118 and the second edge 120. In certain embodiments, the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 may be integral with one another or permanently or removably connected to one another using a bottom segment 160, as shown in FIG. 2. Advantageously, one or both of the top segment 158 and the bottom segment 160 may further secure the paper towels 110 in place as the paper towels 110 extend through the opening 116 with respect to the holding member 104, the central rod 108, and the base 106.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3E, a first vertical member 162 including the first edge 118 and a second vertical member 164 including the second edge 120 may be integral with one another or permanently or removably connected to one another. The first vertical member 162 may connect to the second vertical member 164 at the bottom segment 160, as one non-limiting example. Alternatively, each of the first vertical member 162 and the second vertical member 164 may be disposed on or connected to one or both of the holding member 104 and the base 106 but remain separate from one another. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3E, no top segment 158 connects the first vertical member 162 and second vertical member 164.

In certain embodiments, at least the first end 112 of the holding member 104 may be integral with or permanently or removably connected to the base 106. Any suitable means for connecting the first end 112 of the holding member 104 to the base 106 may be employed, as determined by a skilled artisan. In one non-limiting example, a connecting element 166 may be disposed at the first end 112 of the holding member 104 adjacent to the base 106 and may extend toward and be received by a receiving element 168 that is adapted to receive the connecting element 166 and housed in, disposed on, or integral with the base 106 as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. In certain embodiments, the means for connecting the holding member 104 to the base 106 may be configured to facilitate rotation of the holding member 104 with respect to the base 106. A skilled artisan may employ any suitable means for connecting any part of the holding member 104 to the base 106. In certain embodiments, a protective cover 170 may be disposed on the holding member 104 to house or otherwise protect the holding member 104 and/or the user. The protective cover may be adapted to allow the user to rotate the holding member while installing paper towel roll 102 on the central rod 108.

In certain more particular embodiments, the holding member 104 may be secured to the base 106 in more than one location. In one non-limiting example, the first end 112 of the holding member 104 may be integral with or permanently or removably connected to the base 106 at a first location 172, and the second end 114 of the holding member 104 may be integral with or permanently or removably connected to the base 106 at a second location 174. One or both of the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the holding member 104 may be rotatably connected to the base 106, according to various embodiments. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may select any suitable shape, material or combination of materials, and configuration for the holding member 104 and components of the holding member 104 including but not limited to the first edge 118, the second edge 120, the ridges 122, the sloped platform 136, and the protrusions 138, as desired.

The base 106, as shown in FIG. 2, may include a main body 176 and a cover section 178. The main body 176 and the cover section 178 may be integral with one another or permanently or removably connected to one another, as determined by one of skill in the art. Any suitable means for connecting the cover section 178 to the main body 176 may be employed. The base 106 may be fabricated using any suitable material or combination or materials such as metal or plastic, as non-limiting examples. A skilled artisan may select any desirable shape, size, and configuration for the base 106.

In certain embodiments, the base 106 may include or house a rotating mechanism 180 for rotating the holding member 104 with respect to the base 106. In one non-limiting example, the rotating mechanism 180 may include a mechanism for transferring mechanical energy to the holding member 104, such as a torsional spring (not shown), that is housed in a housing 182. The housing 182 may be positioned or housed in a cavity 184 defined by the main body 176 and the cover section 178 of the base 106. The rotating mechanism 180 may be rotatably connected to one or more of the base 106, the central rod 108, and the holding member 104 using any suitable means, as determined by one of skill in the art.

The rotating mechanism 180 may be adapted to rotate the holding member 104 from a first position 186 (see FIGS. 4-5) adjacent an outer perimeter of the base 106 inwardly to a second position 188 (see FIG. 6) adjacent the central rod 108 as a diameter of the paper towel roll 102 decreases during use. It should be appreciated that the holding member 104 may change positions relative to the base 106 by translating, rotating, or moving relative to the base 106 in any other suitable way. Advantageously, the inward rotation of the holding member 104 allows the holding member 104 to apply an overall pressure on the paper towel roll 102 and the first edge 118 of the holding member 104 to apply a location specific pressure to the desired area 126 of the paper towels 110 where the first edge 118 is in contact with the paper towel roll 102. As a result, when the user tears off the desired size and configuration of the paper towels 110, the paper towel roll 102 does not unroll and make a mess, and the paper towels 110 are torn easily and precisely. It should be appreciated that, according to certain embodiments, the holding member 104 may be stationary relative to the base 106 but still capable of securing the paper towels 110 and the paper towel roll 102. In one non-limiting example, the central rod 108 may be configured to change position relative to the base 106 and the holding member 104.

In a more particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the housing 182 may have an arm 190 extending outwardly from the housing 182. The arm 190 may be integral with or permanently or removably connected to the housing 182. The housing 182 may include the receiving element 168 adapted to receive the connecting element 166 disposed on the holding member 104. The receiving element 168 may receive the connecting element 166 at the first location 172. The arm 190 may have a first end 192 adjacent the housing 182 and a second end 194 opposite the first end 192 of the arm 190. According to certain embodiments, the second end 114 of the holding member 104 may be connected to the second end 194 of the arm 190 at the second location 174. Any suitable means for permanently or removably connecting the second end 114 of the holding member 104 to the second end 194 of the arm 190 may be employed. In certain alternative embodiments, the holding member 104, the housing 182, and the arm 190 may be integral with one another and permanently or removably connected to the base 106 using any suitable means. Any suitable means for connecting the holding member 104 to the base 106, the mechanism for transferring mechanical energy, the housing 182, and the arm 190 may be employed by a person skilled in the art.

According to certain embodiments, at least one aperture 196 may be disposed in the base 106 and configured to allow the holding member 104 to pass through the aperture 196 into the cavity 184 of the base 106. In a more particular embodiment, a first aperture 198 may be disposed in the cover section 178 of the base 106 and configured to allow one or both of the second end 114 of the holding member 104 and the second end 194 of the arm 190 to pass through the first aperture 198 disposed in the cover section 178. A second aperture 200 may be disposed in the cover section 178 of the base 106 and configured to allow one or both of the first end 112 of the holding member 104 and the housing 182 and/or the receiving element 168 to pass through the second aperture 200 disposed in the cover section 178. The aperture 196 may have any suitable size and shape that allows for the rotational movement of the holding member 104 relative to the base 106.

In certain more particular embodiments, a track 202, as shown in FIG. 2, may be configured to receive and guide the holding member 104 as it rotates from the first position 186 to the second position 188. In one non-limiting example, the holding member 104 may be slidingly engaged with the track 202. The track 202 may be disposed on, integral with, or permanently or removably connected to one or both of the base 106 and the holding member 104, as determined by one of skill in the art.

It should be appreciated that one or more of the mechanism for transferring mechanical energy, the housing 182, the arm 190, and the track 202 may be partially or entirely disposed outside of the base 106. Each of the mechanism for transferring mechanical energy, the housing 182, the arm 190, and the track 202 may be integral with or permanently or removably coupled to one or both of the base 106 and the holding member 104 and may be any shape, size, and configuration suitable for easily rotating the holding member 104 with respect to the base 106.

As shown in FIG. 2, the holder 100 may include a stability member 204 disposed on or housed in the base 106. The stability member 204 may be integral with the base 106 or permanently or removably connected to the base 106. As non-limiting examples, the stability member 204 may include a weighted element integral with or connected to the base 106, a surface of the base 106 having an adhesive or a non-slip surface, or any other suitable component, surface, or material adapted to secure the holder 100 to a planar surface (not shown) on which the holder 100 is placed by the user.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7-8 the stability member 204 may include a suction cup 206 used to secure the holder 100 to the surface using a vacuum created when the suction cup 206 is pressed against the surface during installation of the holder 100 on the surface. The suction cup 206 may be fabricated using any suitable material such as rubber, plastic, or neoprene, as non-limiting examples. A skilled artisan may select any size, shape, and configuration for the suction cup 206. In certain embodiments, the base 106 may include more than one suction cup 206.

The suction cup 206 may include at least one tab 208 disposed on the suction cup 206 and configured to release the vacuum created by the suction cup 206 when the tab 208 is pushed or otherwise contacted directly or indirectly by the user. The tab 208 may be fabricated using the same material as the suction cup 206 or a different material. The tab 208 may be integral with the suction cup 206 or permanently or removably connected to the suction cup 206. In certain more particular embodiments, the tab 208 may extend upwardly from a portion of a side wall 210 of the suction cup 206. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the tab 208 may extend all the way around a perimeter of the side wall 210 of the tab 208.

In certain embodiments, the stability member 204 may be coupled directly to the base 106 using a friction fit, a screw fit, or any other suitable connecting mechanism. In one non-limiting example, the stability member 204 may include an externally threaded portion 212, as shown in FIG. 7, configured to be received by an internally threaded portion (not shown) coupled to or integral with the base 106.

In certain more particular embodiments, the stability member 204 may be coupled to an attachment means 214, as shown in FIG. 10, that is coupled to the base 106 or housed in the cavity 184 of the base 106. The attachment means 214 may be integral with or permanently or removably attached to one or both of the stability member 204 and the base 106 and may be configured to permanently or removably couple the stability member 204 to the base 106. Any suitable shape, size, and configuration may be used for the attachment means 214, as determined by one of skill in the art. In one non-limiting example, the suction cup 206 may be inserted into the attachment means 214 and secured to the attachment means 214 such that the suction cup 206 is positioned having a desirable orientation with respect to the base 106.

In one more particular embodiment, the suction cup 206 may have a rotating member 216, as shown in FIG. 9, configured to be received by the attachment means 214. The rotating member 216 may be rotated to secure the suction cup 206 to the attachment means 214 in a desired orientation relative to the attachment means 214 and the base 106. In one non-limiting example, the attachment means 214 may include a slot 218 at a first end 219 of the attachment means 214 configured to receive the rotating member 216 of the suction cup 206. The attachment means 214 may also include a groove 220 disposed at a second end (not shown) of the attachment means 214 having a similar or identical shape as the slot 218 but an orientation relative to the attachment means 214 that is different than the slot 218. The rotating member 216 of the suction cup 206 may be inserted through the slot 218 of the attachment means 214, rotated in a cavity 222 of the attachment means 214, and inserted or otherwise secured in the groove 220 of the attachment means 214, thereby securing the suction cup 206 in place with respect to the attachment means 214 and the base 106. Advantageously, the groove 220 may hold the suction cup 206 securely and allow for the stability member 204 to keep the holder 100 stable while in use. The suction cup 206 may be removed from the attachment means 214 by removing the rotating member 216 from the groove 220, rotating the rotating member 216 in the cavity 222 of the attachment means 214, and pulling the rotating member 216 through the slot 218 in the attachment means 214. In certain embodiments, the suction cup 206 may be grasped by the user to insert and remove the rotating member 216, as needed.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 10, one or both of the attachment means 214 and the base 106 may have a cut out 224 that allows the user access to the tab 208 of the suction cup 206. In a more particular embodiment, the tab 208 of the stability member 204 may be positioned adjacent the cut out 224, thereby allowing the user to press or otherwise contact the tab 208 of the suction cup 206 either directly or indirectly to break the vacuum and release the holder 100 from the surface. In certain embodiments, the base 106 may include a flexible or movable sidewall portion (not shown) disposed adjacent the tab 208 of the suction cup 206 that may be pressed or otherwise flexed such that the user may indirectly contact the tab 208 of the suction cup 206. In certain embodiments, the attachment means 214 may include a flexible or movable sidewall portion (not shown) disposed adjacent the tab 208 of the suction cup 206 that may be pressed or otherwise flexed such that the user may indirectly contact the tab 208 of the suction cup 206. Advantageously, the user can easily move the holder 100 from one location to another by unsealing and resealing the suction cup 206 to release and secure the holder 100. This feature allows the user to easily move the holder 100 while maintaining stability for an easy and precise removal of the paper towels 110 from the paper towel roll 102.

The stability member 204, advantageously, allows the user to secure the holder 100 to the surface during use. The user is able to tear the desired number and configuration of the paper towels 110 from the paper towel roll 102 while the stability member 204 militates against the holder 100 moving or falling over. Easy access to the tab 208 of the suction cup 206 allows the user to easily release the vacuum created by the suction cup 206, remove the holder 100 from the planar surface, and relocate the holder 100, as needed.

The central rod 108 of the holder 100 may be integral with or permanently, removably, and/or rotationally connected to the base 106 of the holder 100. Any durable material or combination of materials such as plastic, wood, and metal, as non-limiting examples, may be used to fabricate the central rod 108. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the central rod 108 may have extensions 226 adapted to contact the paper towel roll 102 and/or secure the paper towel roll 102 with respect to the central rod 108. The paper towel roll 102 may rotate with respect to the central rod 108 and the central rod 108 may not rotate with respect to the base 106, according to certain embodiments. In certain other embodiments, the central rod 108 and the paper towel roll 102 may rotate with respect to the base 106. A skilled artisan may employ any central rod 108 having any suitable shape, size, and configuration, that is adapted to support the paper towel roll 102 with respect to the base 106 and the holding member 104.

In yet another embodiment (not shown), the base 106 may be configured to be coupled to a wall. The base 106 may be coupled to the wall using any suitable connecting mechanism such as a screw, adhesive, or suction mechanism, as non-limiting examples. The holding member 104 may be rotatingly coupled to the base 106 and positioned directly above the central rod 108 such that the holding member 104 extends outwardly from the base 106 and downwardly toward the central rod 108 and the paper towel roll 102. One or both of the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 of the holding member 104 may rest on the paper towel roll 102 during use. Advantageously, gravity pulls the holding member 104 onto the paper towel roll 102. As a result, the holding member 104 applies an overall pressure on the paper towel roll 102 and the first edge 118 applies a location specific pressure to the paper towel roll 102 where the first edge 118 contacts the paper towels 110. It should be appreciated that one or both of the base 106 and the holding member 104 may include a rotating mechanism 180 for rotating the holding member 104 with respect to the base 106.

With reference now to FIGS. 11-12, the present disclosure further contemplates certain embodiments where the holder 300 includes a holding member 304 that may be coupled to a wall and used with an existing paper towel roll holder 328 that is also coupled to the wall. The holding member 304 may be coupled to the wall at the first end 312 using any suitable connecting mechanism such as one or more screws, an adhesive, or a suction mechanism, as non-limiting examples. In a more particular embodiment, the holding member 304 may be rotatingly coupled to the wall at the first end 312. The second end 314 of the holding member 304 may include the second edge 320, and the first edge 318 may be disposed between the first end 312 and the second end 314 of the holding member 304. In one non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 11, a mounting bracket 330 may have a pin 332 configured to extend through at least one channel 334 disposed at the first end 312 of the holding member 304. The mounting bracket 330, pin 332, and channel 334 may be used to movably couple the holding member 304 to the wall. It should be appreciated that any suitable connecting means may be used to secure the holding member 304 to the wall in a position above the existing paper towel roll holder 328 such that the holding member 304, using gravity, is able to apply an overall pressure on the paper towel roll 302 and the first edge 318 is able to apply a location specific pressure to the desired area 326 of the paper towel roll 302 where the first edge 318 contacts the paper towels 310.

It should be appreciated that the holder 100 may include other handheld kitchen tools (not shown), as determined by one of skill in the art. In one non-limiting example, the holder 100 may include a can opener, a bottle opener, and/or a wine opener. Advantageously, these common kitchen tools allow the user to open an object and use the paper towels 110 easily torn from paper towel roll 102 disposed on the holder 100 to clean any resulting spills. Certain embodiments may include other attachments (not shown) for cleaning tools or other items that may be specific to a particular room type or activity. In certain embodiments, the holder 100 may include a cover (not shown). Desirably, the cover provides protection to the paper towel roll 102 and militates against liquid and other contaminants from coming in contact with the paper towel roll 102. One of ordinary skill in the art may include any desirable attachments for protecting the paper towel roll 102 and enhancing the holder 100, within the scope of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIG. 13, a method 400 for using the holder 100 may include providing the holder 100 including the holding member 104, the base 106, and the central rod 108, as described hereinabove, in a first step 402. A second step 404 may include providing the paper towel roll 102. A third step 406 may include placing the paper towel roll 102 on the holder 100, and a fourth step 408 may include pulling a desired number and configuration of the paper towels 110 through the opening 116. A fifth step may include using one or both of the first edge 118 and the second edge 120 to easily and precisely separate the paper towels 110 from the paper towel roll 102.

It should be appreciated that additional steps may be included, as determined by one of skill in the art. As non-limiting examples, various steps relating to the setup of the holder 100, as well as adjusting and customizing various components and features of the holder 100 may be included. Steps relating to securing and moving the holder 100 may also be included. The method 400 for using the holder 100 may also include repeating or omitting various steps, as needed. Advantageously, the holder 100 may be utilized using only one hand and the user may easily and precisely pull the paper towels 110 in any direction and using any portion of the paper towels 110. Advantageously, the holder 100 and the method 400 of using the holder 100 may be utilized in a multitude of settings, as desired.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be through and fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, components and methods may be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

SINGLE HAND PAPER TOWEL HOLDER

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