Multi-roll paper towel dispenser

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/872,810.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to kitchen accessories and in particular to a multi-roll paper towel dispenser. Busy kitchens whether in a restaurant or a home can use up multiple rolls of paper towels in an hour, but standard paper towel dispensers only hold one roll of paper towels. Convenience is often at the forefront of many user's minds and retrieving another roll of paper towels represents time and money wasted and is often times inconvenient. A multi-roll paper towel dispenser, which holds one or two rolls of paper towels in reserve above the roll that is currently being dispensed will save time and money, it also provides convenience to users who may not be able to retrieve a second roll of paper towels easily when the first roll runs out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a multi-roll paper towel dispenser, which holds one or two reserve rolls of paper towels above the dispensing roll. When the dispensing roll run out, the user removes the empty dispensing roll, and a reserve roll will immediately drop downward or forward into position, ready to use. The dispenser may be mounted in a convenient, space-saving configuration under a cabinet or shelf, or against a wall.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of the first exemplary embodiment in the vertical configuration, displaying the side panel 10, and the dispensing roll 11, the mounting surface 16.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the first exemplary embodiment in the horizontal configuration, displaying the side panel 10, the dispensing roll 11, and the mounting surface 16.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the first exemplary embodiment in the vertical configuration, displaying the side panel 10, the dispensing roll 11, the reserve rolls 12, the dispensing spindle 13, and the reserve spindles 14, and the rear panel 15.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the first exemplary embodiment in the horizontal configuration, displaying the side panel 10, the dispensing roll 11, the reserve rolls 12, the dispensing spindle 13, the reserve spindles 14, and the rear panel 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a multi-roll paper towel dispenser, which holds one or two reserve rolls 12 of paper towels above the dispensing roll 11. When the dispensing roll 11 run out, the user removes the empty dispensing roll 12, and a reserve roll 12 will immediately drop downward or forward into position, ready to use. The dispenser may be mounted in a convenient, space-saving configuration under a cabinet or shelf (the horizontal configuration of FIGS. 2 and 4), or against a wall (in the vertical configuration of FIGS. 1 and 3).

The first exemplary embodiment consists of two side panels 10 joined rigidly by a rear panel 15 and two or three spindles therebetween: a dispensing spindle 13 for the dispensing roll 11, and one or two reserve spindles 14 for the reserve rolls 12. Alternatively, the dispenser is to be wall-mounted, or mounted under a cabinet or shelf (generically, the rear panel 15 may be affixed to a mounting surface 16, which may be oriented vertically or horizontally). The reserve spindles 14 will be rollably mounted so as to easily slide downward or forward if unobstructed, urged downward in a straight line by channels in the interior surfaces of the side panels 10. The dispensing spindle 13 may be manually removed (e.g. by compressing an internal tension spring to contract the spindle) and replaced as a reserve spindle 14, or may be returned via channels on the interior surface of the side panels 10 to a rear or upper position as a reserve spindle 14. The dispensing spindle 13 may be understood as that spindle which is forwardmost (in a horizontal configuration) or downwardmost (in a vertical configuration), the position of the dispensing spindle may be understood as the dispensing position. The reserve spindles 14 are understood as the spindle or spindles which are positioned rearward or upward of the dispensing position, and these positions may collectively be understood as the reserve position. The dispenser is permanently affixed via the rear panel 15 to a mounting surface, for example the surface of a wall, or the lower surface of a cabinet or shelf with mounting hardware, which is provided.

To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user stocks the dispenser with a dispensing roll 11 on the dispensing spindle 13, and one or two reserve rolls 12 on the reserve spindle or spindles 14, prior to anticipated use. When the dispensing roll 11 runs out removes empty dispensing roll 11 (for example by removing or opening a breach in the dispensing spindle 11). The reserve spindle 14 of a reserve roll 12 will then be unobstructed and will slide downward or forward. The reserve roll 12 immediately drops into position, ready to use.

The device is preferably available in multiple finishes to suit any decor. The side panels 10 are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials that are easily cleaned, such as wood, steel, and aluminum. The spindles are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials, such as steel and aluminum. Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.