Patent Grant
RE49676
The example embodiments in general are directed to a system which facilitates the wrapping and taping of articles such as packages and gifts with wrapping materials such as a roll of wrapping paper wound around an elongate tube.
Gift wrapping oft times is experienced as a time consuming chore. Typically, the evolution requires a number of steps. Initially, the wrapping materials (wrapping paper, scissors, ribbons/bows, small note cards, and tape, etc.) are gathered. Next, the gift/present and wrapping materials must be assembled on a clear, flat, planar surface such as a table that usually must be cleared in advance. If the present is fragile, it must be secured; wrapped securely so it won't move around or become damaged.
Next, one must measure out how much paper to cut. Typically this is done by rolling out the roll of wrapping paper, which may be cumbersome as it can (and often will) move along the table and even fall off the edge. The present is typically placed in the center of the unfurled paper, and the wrapping paper is brought up one side and over the top of the present to the opposite edge, while either holding the roll of wrapping paper or placing an object in its way to prevent roll away from the gift. The wrapper must then estimate how much additional paper they will need to cover the side of the present that's not yet covered, then cut the paper and proceed with wrapping and then taping the gift. For each subsequent present to wrap, the above must be repeated using the cumbersome, loose and free moving roll of wrapping paper.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,749 to White is submitted by Applicant as representing material prior art relevant to the example embodiment. Taken from the '749 patent,
A first semi-cylindrical resilient insert 21 is mounted coextensively within the first jaw semi-cylindrical recess 19, with a second semi-cylindrical resilient insert 22 positioned coextensively within the second jaw semi-cylindrical recess 20. The first and second semi-cylindrical resilient inserts 21 and 22 each include engaging ribs (not shown) coextensively about a facing surface of each of the inserts 21, 22 to enhance engagement with the rail tube.
A vertically-extending mounting cylinder 27 is attached to first jaw 17 and includes an externally threaded top end arranged for receiving a threaded cylindrical cap 31 thereon. The cylindrical cap 31 includes a plurality of cap rods 32 orthogonally oriented relative to an axis through cylinder 27 and project radially to secure the tissue roll “T” between the rods 32 and the top of first jaw 17. Thus, roll T is mounted and secured relative to the spring clip structure, where the cap 31 is merely removed relative to the mounting cylinder 27 to permit ease of replenishment of the tissue roll T.
Applicant, in their co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/045,790, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein, introduced an initial apparatus conceived for wrapping of articles and as such represents conventional art.
Referring now to
Each apparatus 100 includes a body 110 with a corresponding holding member 130 adapted for insertion into a hollow interior of an elongate tube of a roll of wrapping material. A clamp assembly 120 is attached to the body 110, and in general is adapted so as to be actuated by the user to removably attach the apparatus 100 to the ledge 150 of a planar surface (such as a table) so that the holding member 130 is oriented parallel to the surface of the table. Body 110 includes an integral flange 114 on which is formed a pair of posts 116 in spaced relation to each other.
The clamping assembly 120 includes an elongate; pivotable arm 121 which has a flange end 121A, and an articulating foot 125 attached thereto via a pair of spaced mandrils 129 formed at the terminal end on arm 121, each mandril 129 extending through a corresponding hole in foot 125. The flange end 121A supports a pair of integrally molded posts 123. The posts 123 cooperate and align with posts 116 (see
To actuate arm 121 and its attached foot 125, a user grasps the two flanges 114 and, bringing them together to overcome a spring counterforce of a metal or hard plastic spring 127 (which acts to maintain arm 121 “closed” up against a contact surface 118 of the body 110). Spring 127 is attached to barrel 122 and has arms bearing against respective surfaces of flanges 114, 121A, as best seen in
An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system for facilitating the wrapping and taping of articles with wrapping materials. The system include a pair of distinct and separate apparatuses with no physical connective structure connecting them together as an integral unit, one apparatus adapted to be secured in opposed, facing spaced relation to the other apparatus against a vertical side ledge of a table, each apparatus adapted to engage a respective end of a wrapping paper roll so as to support the wrapping paper roll therebetween. Each apparatus further includes an upper frame member adapted to contact a horizontal table top surface with bearing pressure and including an elongate spindle formed on an inner facing side surface thereof which extends from the inner facing side surface in a direction transverse thereto and which is adapted for insertion into a hollow interior end of the wrapping paper roll. The upper frame member further includes a recessed cavity formed therein on a side opposite that of spindle, the cavity adapted to retain a tape roll therein to access desired tape lengths in the taping of the articles with wrapping paper, and a rear upper flange member providing a grip surface for grasping by the thumb of a user. Each apparatus further includes a pivotable clamp member attached to the upper frame member at a hinge axle, the clamp member adapted to be actuated against spring pressure so as to open relative to the upper frame member and attach the apparatus to the vertical side ledge of the table, with the clamp member and the upper planar member contacting respective table top and underside surfaces of the table with bearing pressure so that the spindle is parallel to the table top.
Another example embodiment is directed to a system for facilitating the wrapping and taping of articles with wrapping materials. The system includes a pair of distinct and separate apparatuses, each adapted to be secured in opposed, facing spaced relation to the other apparatus against a vertical side ledge of a table for securing a wrapping paper roll therebetween. Each apparatus further includes a fixed upper frame member adapted to contact a horizontal table top surface with bearing pressure and including an elongate spindle which extends from an inner facing side surface thereof toward its opposite spindle of the other apparatus. The upper frame member further includes a cavity adapted to retain a tape roll therein accessible for the taping of the articles with wrapping paper. Each apparatus further includes a pivotable clamp member attached to the upper frame member at a hinge axle, the clamp member adapted to be actuated against spring pressure so as to open relative to the upper frame member and attach the apparatus to the vertical side ledge of the table.
Another example embodiment is directed to a system for facilitating the wrapping and taping of articles with wrapping materials, two or more apparatuses adapted to be secured in adjacent spaced relation on a planar surface are provided so as to support a roll of wrapping material therebetween. Each apparatus has an upper frame member which supports an end of the roll thereon and which includes a cavity for dispensing desired lengths of tape therefrom, and a clamp member adapted to be actuated by a user to removably attach its corresponding apparatus to a ledge of the planar surface so that the supported roll is parallel to and above the planar surface.
Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.
In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various example embodiments of the disclosure. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures associated with manufacturing techniques have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the descriptions of the example embodiments of the present disclosure.
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising,” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”
Reference throughout this specification to “one example embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one example embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
As used in the specification and appended claims, the terms “correspond,” “corresponds,” and “corresponding” are intended to describe a ratio of or a similarity between referenced objects. The use of “correspond” or one of its forms should not be construed to mean the exact shape or size. In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The size and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
The example embodiments hereafter describe a system for facilitating the wrapping and taping of articles with wrapping materials.
Additionally, a clamp member 220 is attached to the upper frame member 210. In general, the clamp member 220 is pivotable relative to the fixed upper frame member 210 so that when actuated by the user to attach the apparatus 200 to a ledge 252 of a planar surface (such as table 250), an elongate planar contacting surface 226 of the upper frame member 210 contacts the horizontal surface of the table 250 top, and a semi-circular contacting element 228 at a distal end 225 (foot) of the clamp member 220 engages with bearing pressure to an underside surface of the table 250, securing apparatus to the ledge 252 so that the spindle 230 is oriented parallel to the surface of table 250. Thus, the system 1000 includes two (2) apparatuses 200 in spaced facing relation to one another, each adapted to be removably attached to the ledge 252 so as to support the roll 260 of wrapping material therebetween.
Upper frame member 210 may be formed by an injection molding process as a single molded piece or from two halves. Upper frame member 210 additionally includes an integral upper rear flange end 214 and a pair of posts 216 in spaced relation to each other and extending downward from upper rear flange end 214. A ribbed thumb grip surface 219 is provided on a top side of upper rear flange end 214. The upper frame member 210 also includes a semi-circular or curved trough 211 formed therein, located forward of spindle 230, and which terminates in an island element 212. On a front facing surface of the island element 212 is provided a serrated blade 213 which may be bonded thereto by an epoxy and the like.
Upper frame member 210 further includes a recessed or hollowed cavity 215 on a side opposite that of spindle 230 which is designed to receive a tape roll 240 therein. Namely, cavity 215 includes a pair of spaced tines 217 which extend outward therefrom and which are adapted to be inserted into the hollow middle of the tape roll 240 to secure tape roll 240 to the upper frame member 210 of apparatus 200. With the formation of trough 211, a user's fingers has access to pull tape from the tape roll 240 and cut at any desires length using the serrated blade 213 at the top of island element 212.
The clamp member 220 includes an elongate arm 224 extending between a lower rear flange end 221 and a foot or distal end 225 with the semi-circular contacting element 228 formed thereon. The lower rear flange end 221 includes a ribbed finger grip surface 221A on an underside thereof. A hinge axle 222 connects the upper frame member 210 to the clamp member 220. Specifically, the upper rear flange end 214 supports a pair of integrally molded posts 216. As shown, posts 216 cooperate and align with posts 223 that are integrally formed into the arm 224 of clamp member 220. Central holes in these posts 216, 223 are aligned and the posts 216, 223 are secured to the hinge axle 222 interposed therebetween. The hinge axle 222 serves as the pivoting axis for the arm 224 of clamp member 220 so that clamp member 220 can be pivoted to an open or closed position relative to the fixed upper frame member 210 and its fixed upper rear flange end 214.
To actuate arm 224, a user grasps the two flange ends 214 (thumb) and 221 (finger), bringing them together to overcome a spring counterforce of a metal or hard plastic spring 260 between posts 216, 223 (see
Accordingly, in overcoming spring pressure, the arm 224 and its attached foot 225 pivot away from upper frame member 210 about the axis of hinge axle 222. The user positions apparatus 200 around a table ledge 252 (inserted in the spaced opening between upper frame member 210 and clamp member 220), and the releases the flange ends 214, 221 so that the force of the spring 260 enables the contacting element 228 at foot 225 to bear against and engage an underside surface of the table 250, thereby applying pressure to the elongate planar contacting surface 226 of the upper frame member 210, which is in contact with the horizontal surface of the table 250 top. This secures apparatus 220 to the ledge 252 so that the spindle 230 is oriented parallel to the surface of table 250.
With the apparatus 200 secured and the roll 260 in place on the opposing spindles, the user simply grasps paper off the fixed but rotatable roll 260 and pulls it out to the desired length for cutting. During the wrapping procedure, the user additionally may access desired lengths of tape off the roll 240 secured in cavity 215 by using the cutting blade 213 on apparatus 200. As such, system 1000 is anticipated to significantly reduce the amount of time required to wrap and tape one or more articles such as a gift or present, for example.
In one example, the upper frame member 210 (inclusive of its island element 212, upper rear flange end 214 and posts 216), clamp member 220 and its constituent elements may be constructed primarily from lightweight moldable plastic materials such as moldable plastic, e.g., as a single or multiple parts formed by an injection molding process using a high impact plastic such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). ABS is an easily machined, tough, low cost rigid thermoplastic material with high impact strength, and may be a desirable material for turning, drilling, milling, sawing, die-cutting, shearing, etc. Virgin ABS may be mixed with a plastic regrind of ABS or another lightweight, durable plastic material. ABS is merely an example material, equivalent materials may include various thermoplastic and thermoset materials, such as talc-filled polypropylene, high strength polycarbonates such as LEXAN, available from GE, or blended plastics. There are many known injection molding machines for forming plastic injection molds, other plastic molding processes such as vacuum forming may be used.
In another example, one or more of the above constituent parts may be formed of a metal such as steel, Al and/or alloys of steel or aluminum using various know metalworking processes. These processes include but are not limited to CNC machining, sand casting, permanent mold casting, die casting, investment casting, ablation casting, closed-die forging, by extrusion, by cold heading, by stamping and deep drawing, via a screw machine, and through powder metallurgy, for example. The elongate planar contacting surface 226 ribbed elastomeric insert or covering 227. Similarly, the contacting element 228 on foot 225 may include a ribbed elastomeric insert or covering 229. As shown, these coverings 227, 229 serve as the bearing contact surfaces to the respective top and underside surfaces of table 250. These coverings 227, 229 may be composed of any of a rubber, urethane or like material, one example being silicon, and/or as a silicon or elastomeric-type material with or without UV inhibitors, combinations of these materials, etc.
The example embodiments having been described, it is apparent that such have many varied applications. For example, the example embodiments may be applicable but not limited to connection to various devices, structures and articles. Additionally, ganged systems of apparatus pairs 200 may be employed along a length of table. Here, and in a scenario where the wrapping evolution might be performed in a commercial setting, a number “n” of systems 1000 may be arranged in adjacent spaced relation and secured to a ledge of a planar surface. Thus, systems 1000 may be “chained” or “ganged” together in side-by-side, spaced relation, so as to be configured to support n rolls of material by using n+1 systems.
Further, the hinge axle 222 and arm 224 of the clamp member 220 have been shown herein as being two separate components, it being understood that these could be modularly formed through injection molding and the like as a single, integral component. Moreover, each apparatus 200 in system 1000 may be constructed so as to include multiple, removable lengths of the clamp member 220 so as to accommodate different-sized overhangs on a tabletop or other planar surface.
In yet another variation, the upper frame member 210 may include a slot or recess on a front facing surface or side of the island element 212 for fixedly but removably supporting one end of a cutting implement therein for facilitating cutting of the wrapping material, such as a serrated-edged cutter common on household wrapping containers (e.g., SARAN® Wrap), or alternatively merely a sharpened metal edge to tear against. In this respect, reference is made to applicant's co-pending '790 application which details various examples of how this may be effected. In general, a facing edge of serrated teeth of a cutting element (extending between the two apparatuses 200) is exposed to the paper on roll 260.
The present invention, in its various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, may include components, systems and/or apparatuses substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present invention, in its various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing devices in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.
The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the invention may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.
Moreover, though the description of the invention has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.
This application is a Broadening Reissue application of U.S. Pat. No. 10,472,114, issued Nov. 12, 2019, from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/892,437, filed Feb. 9, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/045,790, filed Feb. 17, 2016, now abandoned. The complete contents of all the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
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| Child | 15892437 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15892437 | Feb 2018 | US |
| Child | 17519230 | US |
