APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING WRAPPING OF ARTICLES WITH WRAPPING MATERIALS

Abstract

An apparatus and a system for facilitating the wrapping of articles with wrapping materials is described. In one example, the system includes two or more apparatuses adapted to be secured in adjacent spaced relation to one another on a planar surface so as to support a roll of wrapping material above the planar surface so as to freely rotate between a pair of apparatuses. Each apparatus includes a clamp assembly 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.

Claims

1. An apparatus for facilitating the wrapping of articles with wrapping materials, comprising: a body, an elongate holding member attached to the body and adapted for insertion into a hollow interior of an elongate tube of a roll of wrapping material, and a clamp assembly attached to the body, the clamp assembly adapted so as to be actuated by a user to removably attach the apparatus to a ledge of a planar surface so that the holding member is parallel to the planar surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a second apparatus is adapted to be removably attached to the ledge in spaced relation so as to support the roll of wrapping material therebetween.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body includes a recess formed therein and which is configured to fixedly support a removable cutting element therein.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cutting element is a singular elongate piece with one lengthwise edge thereof having a plurality of serrated teeth adapted to cut wrapping material on the roll.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cutting element is a singular elongate piece with a central lengthwise slot for receiving wrapping material off the roll, one lengthwise edge of the slot having a plurality of serrated teeth.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamping assembly further includes: an elongate arm pivotable at one end relative to the body, an articulating foot attached to the arm at the other end thereof, the arm pivotable via a user action to enable the foot to engage a surface of the ledge so at to secure the apparatus to the planar surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a ledge of the planar surface is secured between a contact surface of the body and the foot, the foot biased under spring pressure.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamping assembly further includes: a projection formed on one side of the body and having a slot therethreough, a generally L-shaped member comprising an arm portion which slides up and down through the slot and a foot portion perpendicular to the arm portion and adapted to engage a surface of the ledge to secure the apparatus to the planar surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the projection includes a tapped hole adapted to receive a fastener therein to bear against the arm portion so as to fix the L-shaped member in place to secure the ledge between the foot portion and a contact surface of the body.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the L-shaped member is fixed to the body, and the foot portion includes a tapped hole adapted to receive a fastener therein to bear against a surface of the ledge so as to secure the ledge between the foot and a contact surface of the body.

11. A system for facilitating the wrapping of articles with wrapping materials, comprising: two or more apparatuses adapted to be secured in adjacent spaced relation on a planar surface so as to support a roll of wrapping material therebetween, each apparatus including: a body, an elongate holding member attached to the body and adapted for insertion into a corresponding end through a hollow interior of the roll, and a clamp assembly attached to the body, the clamp assembly adapted so as to be actuated by a user to removably attach the apparatus to a ledge of the planar surface so that the holding member is parallel to the planar surface.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein each body includes a recess formed therein that is configured to fixedly support one end of a removable cutting element therein.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the cutting element arranged between a spaced pair of apparatuses is a singular elongate piece with one lengthwise edge thereof having a plurality of serrated teeth adapted to cut wrapping material on the roll.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the cutting element arranged between a spaced pair of apparatuses is a singular elongate piece with a central lengthwise slot for receiving wrapping material off the roll, one lengthwise edge of the slot having a plurality of serrated teeth.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the clamping assembly of each apparatus further includes: an elongate arm pivotable at one end relative to the body, an articulating foot attached to the aim at the other end thereof, the arm pivotable via a user action to enable the foot to engage a surface of the ledge so at to secure its corresponding apparatus to the planar surface.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein a ledge of the planar surface is secured between a contact surface of the body and the foot, the foot biased under spring pressure.

17. The system of claim 11, wherein the clamping assembly of each apparatus further includes: a projection formed on one side of the body and having a slot therethrough, a generally L-shaped member comprising an arm portion which slides up and down through the slot and a foot portion perpendicular to the arm portion and adapted to engage a surface of the ledge to secure its corresponding apparatus to the planar surface.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the projection includes a tapped hole adapted to receive a fastener therein to bear against the arm portion so as to fix the L-shaped member in place to secure the ledge between the foot portion and a contact surface of the body.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the L-shaped member is fixed to the body, and the foot portion includes a tapped hole adapted to receive a fastener therein to bear against a surface of the ledge so as to secure the ledge between the foot and a contact surface of the body.

20. A system for facilitating the wrapping of articles with wrapping materials, the system comprising two or more apparatuses adapted to be secured in adjacent spaced relation on a planar surface so as to support a roll of wrapping material between a pair of apparatuses, the roll above the planar surface so as to freely rotate each apparatus including a clamp assembly 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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] 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 (imitative of the example embodiments herein.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for facilitating the wrapping of articles with wrapping materials in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded parts view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 to illustrate the clamping assembly in more detail.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a front plan view of a system for facilitating the wrapping of articles with wrapping materials.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective right-side view of an apparatus for facilitating the wrapping of articles with wrapping materials according to another example embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 to illustrate the clamping assembly in more detail.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 with the thumbscrew located in the foot.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a front plan view illustrating a ganged variation of apparatuses along a ledge according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 5.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of an apparatus according to the previous embodiments configured with a cutting element according to one configuration.

[0019] FIG. 10 is top perspective view of the cutting element of FIG. 9.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a front plan view illustrating a system arranged along a ledge including the cutting element of FIG. 9.

[0021] FIG. 12 is top perspective view of a cutting element applicable to the previous embodiments according to another configuration.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a front plan view illustrating a system arranged along a ledge including the cutting element of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.”

[0025] 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 he combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The example embodiments hereafter describe an apparatus and system for facilitating the wrapping of articles with wrapping materials. FIGS. 1 through 4 are provided to describe the apparatus and system according to one example embodiment. As shown, apparatus 100 includes a body 110 having an elongate holding member 130 removably attached to the body 110 and adapted for insertion into a hollow interior of an elongate tube of a roll 200 of wrapping material. Additionally, a clamp assembly 120 is attached to the body 110. In general, the clamp assembly 120 is adapted so as to be actuated by the wrapper to removably attach the apparatus 100 to a ledge 150 of a planar surface (such as a table) so that the holding member 130 is oriented parallel to the surface. The system includes two (2) or more apparatuses 100 in spaced relation, each adapted to be removably attached to the ledge 150 in spaced so as to support the roil 200 of wrapping material therebetween.

[0029] Body 110 may be composed in one example of two attached halves 111A, 111B, each of which being formed by an injection molding process. Alternatively, body 110 may be formed as a single molded piece. Body 110 additionally includes an integral flange 114 on which is formed a pair of posts 116 in spaced relation to each other. Body 110 further includes a recessed, threaded bore 113 that is adapted to receive a threaded end 132 of the holding member 130.

[0030] 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 128 in foot 125. The flange end 121A supports a pair of integrally molded posts 123. As shown, posts 123 cooperate and align with posts 116 (see FIG. 3), and are secured to a barrel 122 interposed therebetween. Namely, barrel 122 includes a mandril 126 formed integral therewith at either end of the barrel 122, each mandril 126 adapted to extend through aligned holes 117, 124 formed in the respective posts 116, 123. The barrel 122 serves as the pivoting axis for the arm 121 of clamp assembly 120.

[0031] To actuate arm 121 and its attached foot 125, a user or wrapper grasps the two flanges 114 and 121, 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 FIG. 3 Accordingly, the arm 121 and its attached foot 125 pivot away from body 110 about the axis of barrel 122. The wrapper releases the flanges 114, 121A so that the force of a metal or hard plastic spring 127 enables the foot 125 on arm 121 to contact a ledge 150 of a planar surface such as a table, securing apparatus 100 thereto with the ledge 150 interposed between body 110 and foot 125 (FIG.

[0032] As best shown in FIG. 4, the example system for facilitating the wrapping of articles with wrapping materials includes two (2) or more apparatuses 100 secured (via corresponding clamp assemblies 120) to the ledge 150 in adjacent, spaced relation, with each holding member 130 oriented parallel to the planar surface and configured for insertion into each end of a roll 200 of wrapping material. Once the roll 200 is secured, the wrapper simply grasps paper off the fixed roll 200 and pulls it out to the desired length for cutting. This is anticipated to significantly reduce the amount of time required to wrap one or more articles such as a gift or present, for example. Namely, this is because that since roll 200 is fixed by the system but freely rotates on holding members 130, the ease at which the wrapper removes paper therefrom is believed to be enhanced.

[0033] In one example, the body 110 (inclusive of its bore 113, ledge 114 and posts 116), arm 121 and foot 125 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 GE Lexan®, 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.

[0034] In another example, body 110, arm 121 and foot 125 and any 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 & deep drawing, via a screw machine, and through powder metallurgy, for example. The contact surface 118 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.

[0035] FIGS. 5-7 are provided to describe an apparatus for facilitating the wrapping of articles with wrapping materials according to another example embodiment. In these figures, an example apparatus 100′ functions identically to that described in FIGS. 1-4; only difference here is in the construction of the clamping assembly. In one variation and as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the clamping assembly 140 of apparatus 100′ includes a generally L-shaped arm 141 terminating in a perpendicular foot 143. The arm 141 slidable along a side surface of body 110 and is secured by a projection 144 enter fully formed as part of body 110 so as to form a slot 145 through which the arm 141 may travel up and down. Projection 144 includes a tapped or threaded hole 147 adapted to receive a fastener 146 such as a thumbscrew and the like. Once the position of the arm 141 and foot 143 is satisfactory so as to receive a ledge 150 therein, the arm 141 is fixed in place and fastener 146 is tightened to bear against the arm and secure apparatus 100′ in place on the planar surface. Optionally, and as shown by FIG. 8, the L-shaped arm 141 and foot 143 are fixed to or otherwise integrally molded into body 110. Here, the tapped hole 147 is formed in the foot 143, with the fastener 146 brought to bear on an underside surface of ledge 150 the secure apparatus 100′ thereto.

[0036] 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 may be employed. FIG. 8 is a front plan view illustrating a ganged variation of apparatuses along a ledge according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 5. Here, and in a scenario where the wrapping evolution might be performed in a commercial setting, a number “n” of apparatuses 100/100′ may be arranged in adjacent spaced relation and secured to a ledge of a planar surface. Thus, apparatuses 100 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, since each system has two holding members 130 per roll 200, one on either side thereof.

[0037] Further, the barrel 122 and arm 121 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, and in another example, each holding member 130 may be threaded at both ends thereof, and a cap may be added to trap smaller rolls of ribbon or tape. Moreover, apparatus 100 may be constructed so as to include multiple, removable lengths of the arm 121 so as to accommodate different-sized overhangs on a tabletop or other planar surface.

[0038] In yet another variation, the body 110 of each example apparatus 100/100′ may include a slot or recess adapted to fixedly but removably support a cutting implement 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, FIGS. 9 through 13 are provided to describe this variation whereby a cutting element 160 or 160′ is included therein. For purposes of convenience only, FIG. 9 omits the example clamp assemblies 120 or 140 on body 110, it being understood that the apparatus 100/100′ includes one of the clamp assemblies 120, 140. FIGS. 9-11 specifically show a cutting element 160 according to one configuration. Referring to these figures, the body 110 of apparatus 100/100′ may include a recess 119 adapted to support and fix a removable cutting element 160 therein. Cutting element 160 includes a body 161 with a rear edge being straight and an end portion of which is adapted to be captured corresponding recesses 119 of two spaced apparatuses 100/100′ of the system. A facing edge of serrated teeth 162 is exposed to the paper on roll 200, with the cutting element 160 extending in a fixed position between the two spaced apparatuses 100/100′ secured on a ledge 150 (FIG. 11).

[0039] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a cutting element 160′ in a different configuration. Here, the cutting element 160′ (with rear or side ends thereof secured in recesses 119 of adjacent spaced bodies 110 of the respective apparatuses 100/100′) includes a body 161 with a central slot 163 formed therein to receive paper off the roll 200 therethrough. One lengthwise edge includes the serrated teeth 162, in position to cut the paper as needed.

[0040] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an example apparatus 100″ according to another example. For purposes of brevity, only the clamping assembly 140′ is shown in FIG, 14, it being understood that the apparatus 100′ may include any of clamping assemblies 120, 140 or 140′. FIG. 14 shows an outer surface of body 110 opposite that the surface where holding member 130 is attached thereto.

[0041] Here, an additional holding member 170 is provided on the surface of body 110 opposite that of holding member 130. Holding member 170 is threaded at both ends, with an end 172a adapted to engage a corresponding threaded bore 173 formed in body 110, and the other end 172b capturing a removable cap 180 within its corresponding internally threaded bore 182. Although not shown for purposes of brevity but in a variation, apparatus 100″ may also include one of the example cutting elements 160 or 160′ attached thereto. The double threaded holding member 170 therefore provides an apparatus 100″ configured to additionally support a one or more freely rotating spools 210 of ribbon thereon.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 riot such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.