PAPER HOLDER ACCESSORY SYSTEMS AND METHODS
20250275653 ยท 2025-09-04
Inventors
Cpc classification
A47K2010/389
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A47K10/426
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
Abstract
Accessories for toilet paper holder and dispenser systems and methods of their use are disclosed herein. Exemplary accessories include shelf mechanisms, superior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder boxes, inferior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder boxes, and extra toilet paper roll holders.
Claims
1. A toilet paper holder system for holding a roll of toilet paper, the system comprising: a first arm coupled with a wall mount via a first bearing mechanism; a second arm coupled with the first arm via a second bearing mechanism; a third arm coupled with the second arm via a third bearing mechanism; a holder arm coupled with the third arm via a fourth bearing mechanism, the holder arm having a proximal section and a distal section, wherein the distal section is configured to hold a roll of toilet paper; and a shelf mechanism, wherein the first bearing mechanism enables the first arm to pivot about a first axis relative to the wall mount, wherein the second bearing mechanism enables the second arm to pivot about a second axis relative to the first arm, wherein the third bearing mechanism enables the third arm to pivot about a third axis relative to the third bearing mechanism.
2. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 1, wherein the shelf mechanism comprises a backing plate.
3. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 2, wherein the backing plate is inclined relative to a horizontal plane at an angle of about 60 degrees.
4. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 1, wherein the shelf mechanism comprises a cradle.
5. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 4, wherein the cradle is inclined relative to a horizontal plane at an angle of about 30 degrees.
6. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 1, wherein the shelf mechanism is attached with the third bearing mechanism.
7. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 6, wherein the shelf mechanism is attached with the third bearing mechanism via an attachment arm.
8. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 6, wherein the shelf mechanism is attached with the third bearing mechanism via a snap rivet.
9. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 6, wherein the shelf mechanism is attached with the third bearing mechanism via an attachment arm and a snap rivet.
10. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 1, wherein the shelf mechanism is configured to rotate relative to the third axis.
11. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 1, wherein the shelf mechanism comprises a window cutout configured to receive at least a portion of the first bearing mechanism.
12. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 1, wherein the shelf mechanism comprises an outer drawer cabinet box and a drawer unit.
13. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 12, wherein the outer drawer cabinet box comprises a cabinet box top surface shelf.
14. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 12, wherein the outer drawer cabinet box comprises one or more drawer guide slots.
15. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 12, wherein the outer drawer cabinet box is attached with the wall mount via a Z bend mounting structure.
16. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 12, wherein the outer drawer cabinet box is attached with the wall via a mounting hardware mechanism.
17. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 12, wherein the drawer unit comprises a friction control pad.
18. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 12, wherein the drawer unit comprises a drawer pull.
19. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 12, wherein the drawer unit comprises one or more wipes packet retention slots.
20. A toilet paper holder system according to claim 12, further comprising a sanitary wipe packet secured within the drawer unit via one or more elastic bands.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the provided system and methods will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0061] All illustrations of the drawings are to be describing selected embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. All references of user or users pertain to either individual or individuals who would utilize embodiments of the present invention.
[0062] Many people bring their cell phones and other media devices into the bathroom while using the toilet. Cell phones located in pant or skirt pockets have a tendency to fall out either on the floor or potentially in the toilet while garments are being removed for toilet use. Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide a convenient, stable, and safe place to set down their media devices while using the toilet, which can benefit many people. A certain portion of the population has the desire to view the video screen of their cell phone or other similar portable media device in a hands-free manner while sitting on the toilet. A desired position for the cell phone to be in for this purpose can be directly above the user's feet at a height just above the top of the users knees allowing an unobstructed view of the video screen. This is a position that mimics the position that most people view and use their phone in while they are sitting down.
[0063] Embodiments of the present invention may include or be used in conjunction with various paper holder systems or components thereof, including paper holder systems such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,529,027 and 11,793,367, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Shelf System
[0064] Turning now to the drawings,
[0065] As shown here, toilet paper holder system 1100 can include a first arm 1120, a second arm 1130, a third arm 1140, and a holder arm 1150. The first arm 1120 is coupled with a first bearing mechanism 1115. The second arm 1130 is coupled with the first arm 1120 via a second bearing mechanism 1125. The third arm 1140 is coupled with the second arm 1130 via a third bearing mechanism 1135. The holder arm 1150 is coupled with the third arm 1140 via a fourth bearing mechanism 1145. The holder arm 1150 has a proximal section 1152 and a distal section 1154. The distal section 1154 of the holder arm 1150 is configured to support a roll of toilet paper (not shown). In some cases, distal section 1154 includes a hook 1155.
[0066] A mount 1110 can include an inner nesting wall mount plate 1110A and an outer nesting wall mount plate 1110B. Wall mount 1100 can be secured to a wall 200 via one or more screw anchors 230.
[0067] As shown here, the first bearing mechanism 1115 enables the first arm 1120 to pivot about a first axis 1117 throughout a range of motion. The second bearing mechanism 1125 enables the second arm 1130 to pivot about a second axis 1127, throughout a range of motion, relative to the first arm 1120. As shown here, the first bearing mechanism 1115 includes an upper mount knuckle 1115A and a lower mount knuckle 1115B. The first bearing mechanism 1115 also includes a proximal first arm knuckle 1123, disposed between the upper mount knuckle 1115A and the lower mount knuckle 1115B. In operation, the proximal first arm knuckle 1123 can rotate relative to the upper mount knuckle 1115A and the lower mount knuckle 1115B. In some cases, the upper mount knuckle 1115A and the lower mount knuckle 1115B remain fixed, while the proximal first arm knuckle 1123 swings or pivots. The first bearing mechanism 1115 enables the first arm 1120 to pivot about a first axis 1117 throughout a range of motion.
[0068] As shown here, the second bearing mechanism 1125 includes a distal first arm knuckle 1125A and a proximal second arm knuckle 1125B. In operation, the distal first arm knuckle 1125A and the proximal second arm knuckle 1125B can rotate relative to one another. The second bearing mechanism 1125 enables the second arm 1130 to pivot about a second axis 1127, throughout a range of motion, relative to the first arm 1120. According to some embodiments, the second bearing mechanism 1125 can be provided as a hinge. In some cases, second bearing mechanism 1125 also includes a snap top 1126.
[0069] The toilet paper holder system 1100 includes a third arm 1140 pivotably coupled with the second arm 1130 via a third bearing mechanism 1135. The third bearing mechanism 1135 can include a distal second arm knuckle 1135A. In some cases, a distal portion of the second arm 1130 can be pivotably attached with a proximal portion of the third arm 1140 via the third bearing mechanism 1135. The third bearing mechanism 1135 can enable the third arm 1140 to pivot about a third axis 1137, throughout a range of motion, relative to the second arm 1130. The third axis 1137 can also be parallel with the first axis 1117 and/or the second axis 1127. According to some embodiments, the third bearing mechanism 1135 can be provided as a hinge.
[0070] The toilet paper holder system 1100 can include a third arm 1140 pivotably coupled with a second arm 1130 via a third bearing mechanism 1135, and a holder arm 1150 coupled with the third arm 1140 via a fourth bearing mechanism 1145. In some cases, a portion of the third arm 1140 can be pivotably attached with a proximal portion 1152 of the holder arm 1150 via the fourth bearing mechanism 1145. According to some embodiments, the fourth bearing mechanism 1145 can be provided as a hinge.
[0071] As shown in
[0072] As shown in
[0073] In some embodiments, shelf mechanism 2100 can be configured to be used in conjunction with to a paper holder system 1100, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021/0307568, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference, to hold a portable media device such as a cell phone (e.g. phone 2200 depicted in
[0074] With continuing reference to
[0075] Shelf mechanism 2100 can rotate (e.g. 360 degrees) about third axis 1137 and this movement is independent of any movement of any parts of paper holder system 1100 about first axis (e.g. first axis 1117, second axis 1127, or third axis 1137 depicted in
[0076] The shelf mechanism (e.g. cell phone/media device holder/shelf) 2100 can be made out of any suitable material including metal, plastic, resin, and wood and its individual elements can vary in size depending upon the size of the portable media device that the shelf system 2100 is designed to hold. Style and finish can be made to match existing bath hardware.
Extra Paper Roll Holder
[0077]
[0078] Many people can benefit from having extra or spare rolls of toilet paper within easy/convenient reach of their toilet in the event that their primary roll runs out while sitting on the toilet.
[0079] Extra toilet paper roll holder 3100 is designed to be used in conjunction with a paper holder system, such as paper holder system 1100 disclosed herein, or a paper holder system disclosed in previously incorporated U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021/0307568, to hold one or more extra toilet paper roll(s) (e.g. roll 500 shown in
[0080] The combination of vertical arm 3110A joined with a horizontal arm 3110B form an L shaped apparatus 3110 that is designed as a shelf to hold a roll of toilet paper (e.g. roll 500 shown in
[0081] Extra toilet paper roll holder 3100 can be made out of any suitable material including metal, sheet metal, plastic, resin, and wood and its individual elements can vary in size depending upon the size and number of the extra rolls that a paper holder system (e.g. holder system 1100 shown in
Multiple Extra Paper Roll Holder
[0082]
[0083] While in use and attached to a paper holder system (e.g. paper holder system 1100 shown in
Storage Drawer Box Shelf Mechanism
[0084]
[0085] Many people can benefit from having a conveniently located storage shelf and/or drawer to store items within reach while sitting on the toilet. For certain items such as medicines and feminine hygiene products some people desire to store these items in a discrete manner hidden from view. The use of disposable sanitary wipes in conjunction with or as a replacement for toilet paper is growing in popularity. These wipes are commonly dispensed out of a commercially available portable, disposable packet. These disposable wipes packets commonly have a small flip up lid that can be opened when one desires to retrieve a wipe from the packet but can also be flipped down and snapped closed in between uses to maintain moisture in the remaining unused wipes. As disposable sanitary wipes have gained in popularity, many people can benefit from having a convenient place to store and dispense these wipes while sitting on the toilet. A problem often arises when one uses the packet of disposable sanitary wipes, especially as the packet becomes lighter as the wipes are being used up and the packet becomes emptier. At some point the packet of wipes becomes so light that the amount of gravitational force holding it in place becomes less than the frictional force of pulling a wipe out of the packet for use and the packet instead is lifted up with the wipe being pulled. This can be an annoying problem and necessitate additional downward force on the packet such as from a second hand to hold the packet down while a wipes is being withdrawn from the packet. There are many different versions of wall mounted flip lid boxes and drawer boxes that can hold these items and sanitary wipes packets. Many commercially available boxes have wipes packet retention structures to mitigate the wipes packet lifting problem but they require that the wipes packet remain open between uses. This leads to the unused wipes eventually drying out which negates part of their intended purpose. None of the existing embodiments of wall mounted flip lid boxes and drawer boxes are designed specifically to attach to and be used in conjunction with and take advantage of the articulation and versatility of the double swing arm function of toilet paper holder system 1100. And none are designed with disposable sanitary wipes packet retention structures to mitigate the wipes packet lifting problem yet allow continuous one-handed retrieval of wipes from the packet and also allow for easy closing of the lid of the wipes packet to maintain moisture in the remaining unused wipes between uses.
[0086] A storage drawer box with shelf mechanism 4100 can be designed to be used in conjunction with, and attached to, a toilet paper holder system, such as paper holder system 1100 disclosed herein. While in use and attached with paper holder system 1100, a storage drawer box with shelf mechanism 4100 can be configured to function as a storage shelf and storage drawer conveniently located within reach for people while seated on the toilet. Items such as cell phones, keys, decorative items, and deodorizers can be stored on the cabinet box top surface shelf 4110A that can be indented as shown or flat. Items such as medicines and feminine hygiene products can be stored discretely out of site in the drawer unit 4120 closed within the outer drawer cabinet box 4110 and accessed by opening the drawer unit 4120 by pulling on drawer pull 4150 attached to drawer unit 4120 by drawer pull attachment hardware 4160 that includes drawer pull attachment screw 4160A and a drawer pull attachment washer 4160B, through drawer pull attachment hole 4120C. Drawer guide hardware 4140 attaches to drawer unit 4120 and guides the drawer unit's path while being opened by sliding along the drawer guide slots 4110B and limits the extent to which the drawer can be opened thus preventing the drawer unit 4120 from falling out of the drawer cabinet box 4110 while being used. Wipes packet retention structure/slots 4120A can be designed to be used in conjunction with an elastic band loop or rubber band (e.g. loop or band 7180 depicted in
[0087] A storage drawer box with shelf 4100 can be made out of any suitable material including metal, sheet metal, plastic, resin, and wood and its individual elements can vary in size depending upon the size and number of items to be stored on the shelf or in the drawer. Style and finish can be made to match existing bath hardware.
Back-Mount Mounting System
[0088]
[0089] In many situations, the desired place to mount a toilet paper holder/dispenser is not on a wall or floor but on a vanity. Open design vanities are growing in popularity in residential settings but most especially in commercial hospitality settings such as chain hotels. Open design vanities have exterior cabinet boxes but instead of having drawers or cabinet doors they have open-front box cavities or shelves where things like towels, small bath appliances, extra toilet paper rolls and the like can be stored. Certain open design vanities have cabinet face rails. Cabinet face rails are horizontal structural and design elements or boards that are typically shaped like right rectangular prisms and run the full length of the front of the vanity and sit just below the countertop slab. Typically they are made of similar materials to the main cabinet boxes which are commonly made of wood, plywood, melamine, particle board, MDF or plastic. Many of these cabinet face rails are substantial enough to mount toilet paper holders thereto. Sometimes mounting a toilet paper holder on a vanity becomes more desirable if the toilet paper holder has the ability to move and articulate in a manner that allows the toilet paper holder to position the toilet paper roll in a variety of positions relative to the user sitting on the toilet and if the toilet paper holder can be moved and stowed out of the way when not in use.
[0090] According to some embodiments, a back-mount mounting system 5100, which can be provided as an optional mounting system for a toilet paper holder system such as paper holder system 1100 disclosed herein, or as described in previously incorporated U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021/0307568, can be designed to mount the paper holder system to the back lateral face of a cabinet face rail of an open design vanity or similar structural element. Rear mounting plate 5110A attaches to the back vertically-oriented lateral face of cabinet face rail 5160B and front mounting plate 5110B attaches to the front vertically-oriented lateral face of cabinet face rail 5160F via mounting bolts 5130A which pass through holes in rear mounting plate 5110A, front mounting plate 5110B, and drilled holes in vanity cabinet face rail 5160 and are secured to the cabinet face rail 5160 by mounting nuts 5130B in a vice or clamp like manner. Shoulder nut or barrel nut 5115A and shoulder bolt 5115B screw together and along with spacer sleeve 5120, double-sided shoulder washers 5140A, and single-sided shoulder washers 5140B form bearing mechanism 5115 that secures the paper holder system (e.g. paper holder system 1100) to rear mounting plate 5110A via the proximal first arm knuckle 1123. If the layout of the vanity cabinet allows, bearing mechanism 5115 enables the paper holder system (e.g. paper holder system 1100) to rotate 360 degrees around first axis 1117 while attached to typical vanity cabinet face rail 5160. Such embodiments can also allow for the entire combined unit of back-mount mounting system 5100 and paper holder system (e.g. paper holder system 1100) with the exception of front mounting plate 5110B and front portions of mounting bolts 5130A to be stowed within the interior of the vanity cabinet box when not in use.
[0091] Back-mount mounting system 5100 can be made out of any suitable material including metal, plastic, or resin. Style and finish can be made to match existing bath hardware.
Bottom-Mount Mounting System
[0092]
[0093] In many situations, the desired place to mount a toilet paper holder/dispenser is not on a wall or floor but on a vanity. Open design vanities are growing in popularity in residential settings but most especially in commercial hospitality settings such as chain hotels. Open design vanities have exterior cabinet boxes but instead of having drawers or cabinet doors they have open-front box cavities or shelves where things like towels, small bath appliances, extra toilet paper rolls and the like can be stored. Certain open design vanities have horizontal oriented structural elements. Typically they are made of similar materials to the main cabinet boxes which are commonly made of wood, plywood, melamine, particle board, MDF or plastic. Horizontal oriented structural elements are substantial enough to mount toilet paper holders thereto. Sometimes mounting a toilet paper holder on a vanity becomes more desirable if the toilet paper holder has the ability to move and articulate in a manner that allows the toilet paper holder to position the toilet paper roll in a variety of positions relative to the user sitting on the toilet and if the toilet paper holder can be moved and stowed out of the way when not in use.
[0094] Bottom-mount mounting system 6100, which may be used as a mounting system for a toilet paper holder system, such as a paper holder system disclosed in previously incorporated U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021/0307568, or a paper holder system as disclosed herein, can be configured to mount a paper holder system 1100 to the base of a vanity cabinet horizontal structural element 6160B or similar structural element. Bottom mounting plate 6110 attaches to the base of a vanity cabinet horizontal structural element 6160B via mounting screws 6130. Shoulder nut or barrel nut 6115A and shoulder bolt 6115B screw together and along with double-sided shoulder washer 6140A, and single-sided shoulder washers 6140B form bearing mechanism 6115 that secures paper holder system 1100 to bottom mounting plate 6110A via the proximal first arm knuckle 1123. If the layout of the vanity cabinet allows, bearing mechanism 6115 enables the paper holder system 1100 to rotate 360 degrees around first axis 1117 while attached to typical vanity cabinet horizontal structural element 6160. This embodiment also allows for the entire combined unit of bottom-mount mounting system 6100 and paper holder system 1100 to be stowed within the interior of the vanity cabinet box when not in use.
[0095] Bottom-mount mounting system 6100 can be made out of any suitable material including metal, plastic, or resin. Style and finish can be made to match existing bath hardware.
Superior Disposable Sanitary Wipes Packet Holder Box
[0096]
[0097] The use of disposable sanitary wipes in conjunction with or as a replacement for toilet paper is growing in popularity. These wipes are commonly dispensed out of a commercially available portable, disposable packet. These disposable wipes packets commonly have a small flip-up lid that can be opened when one desires to retrieve a wipe from the packet but can also be flipped down and snapped closed in between uses to maintain moisture in the remaining unused wipes. As disposable sanitary wipes have gained in popularity, many people desire to have a convenient place to store and dispense these wipes packets while sitting on the toilet. A problem often arises when one uses the packet of disposable sanitary wipes especially as the packet becomes lighter as the wipes are being used up and the packet becomes more empty. At some point the packet of wipes becomes so light that the amount of gravitational force holding the packet in place becomes less than the frictional force of pulling a wipe out of the packet for use and the packet instead is lifted up with the wipe being pulled. This can be an annoying problem and necessitate additional downward force on the packet such as from a second hand to hold the packet down while a wipes is being withdrawn from the packet. There are many different commercially available versions of wall mounted flip lid boxes and drawer boxes that can hold these items and sanitary wipes packets. Many commercially available boxes have wipes packet retention structures to mitigate the wipes packet lifting problem but they require that the wipes packet remain open between uses. This leads to the unused wipes eventually drying out which negates part of their intended purpose. None of the existing embodiments of wall mounted flip lid boxes and drawer boxes are designed specifically to attach to and be used in conjunction with and take advantage of the articulation and versatility of the double swing arm function of a paper holder system disclosed herein, such as toilet paper holder system 1100. And none are designed with a disposable sanitary wipes packet retention structures to mitigate the wipes packet lifting problem yet allow continuous one-handed retrieval of wipes from the packet and also allow for easy closing of the lid of the wipes packet to maintain moisture in the remaining unused wipes between uses. Many people bring their cell phones and other media devices into the bathroom while using the toilet. Cell phones located in pant or skirt pockets have a tendency to fall out either on the floor or potentially in the toilet while garments are being removed for toilet use. Therefore, many people look for a convenient, stable, and safe place to set down their media devices while using the toilet. A certain portion of the population has the desire to view the video screen of their cell phone or other similar portable media device in a hands-free manner while sitting on the toilet.
[0098] According to some embodiments, superior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100S is designed to be used in conjunction with, and attached to, a toilet paper holder system, such as toilet paper holder system 1100. Superior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100S can be attached with toilet paper holder system 1100 at the distal end of and superior to second arm 1130 via the superior box attachment hole 7110S. The shaft of snap rivet 1136 passes through the superior box attachment hole 7110S and snaps into arm 1140. The wider head of snap rivet 1136 secures superior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100S to third bearing mechanism 1135 of paper holder system 1100 while still allowing superior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100S to independently rotate 360 degrees about the vertically oriented third axis 1137. Superior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100S can rotate 360 degrees about third axis 1137 and this movement is independent of any movement of any parts of paper holder system 1100 about first axis 1117, second axis 2117, or third axis 1137. While in use and attached to toilet paper holder system 1100, superior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100S can be designed to act as a storage container for a disposable sanitary wipes packet and take advantage of the maneuverability and versatility of the paper holder system 1100 to position a disposable sanitary wipes packet in a convenient location within reach for people to use while seated on the toilet. The superior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100S and the disposable sanitary wipes packet can then also be moved and stowed out of the way against the mounting wall when not in use. The flip down lid 7120 can be flipped down by rotating the flip down lid 7120 via lid hinge assembly 7130 about lid hinge pivot axis 7137 when the user requires access to the disposable sanitary wipes packet and then be flipped up and closed to conceal the disposable sanitary wipes packet from view when not in use. The flip down lid 7120 is then held in a closed position with the magnetic latch assembly 7140, and lid latch piece 7140B. The magnetically susceptible lid latch piece 7140B that is attached to the flip down lid 7120 is magnetically attracted to magnetic elements in the magnetic latch assembly 7140 that are attached to the main box body 7110.
[0099] The wipes packet retention structure/slots 7110A are designed to be used in conjunction with an elastic band loop or rubber band (e.g. loop or band 7180 depicted in
[0100] Superior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100S can be made out of any suitable material including metal, sheet metal, plastic, resin, and wood and its individual elements can vary in size depending upon the size of the disposable sanitary wipes packet to be used and stored. Style and finish can be made to match existing bath hardware. Embodiments of the superior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100S can include those that come with the superior cell phone/other portable media device holder/shelf 7160 like the one shown here or without. For circumstances where the disposable sanitary wipes are meant as a complete substitute for toilet paper, embodiments of superior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100S can attach to a paper holder system that lacks elements 1140 and 1150, used to accommodate a toilet paper roll 500.
[0101] Although the embodiment of superior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100S that is shown is designed to store the disposable wipes packet in a vertical position that dispenses out of the front side of the box, other embodiments are contemplated and encompassed herein which are configured to enable the superior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100S to be rotated 90 degrees from the embodiment shown so that the disposable wipes packet in a horizontal position that dispenses out of the top of the box. A multitude of existing latch and lid systems could be used in place of those shown.
Inferior Disposable Sanitary Wipes Packet Holder Box
[0102]
[0103] The use of disposable sanitary wipes in conjunction with or as a replacement for toilet paper is growing in popularity. These wipes are commonly dispensed out of a commercially available portable, disposable packet. These disposable wipes packets commonly have a small flip-up lid that can be opened when one desires to retrieve a wipe from the packet but can also be flipped down and snapped closed in between uses to maintain moisture in the remaining unused wipes. As disposable sanitary wipes have gained in popularity, many people desire to have a convenient place to store and dispense these wipes packets while sitting on the toilet. A problem often arises when one uses the packet of disposable sanitary wipes especially as the packet becomes lighter as the wipes are being used up and the packet becomes more empty. At some point the packet of wipes becomes so light that the amount of gravitational force holding the packet in place becomes less than the frictional force of pulling a wipe out of the packet for use and the packet instead is lifted up with the wipe being pulled. This can be an annoying problem and necessitate additional downward force on the packet such as from a second hand to hold the packet down while a wipe is being withdrawn from the packet. There are many different commercially available versions of wall mounted flip lid boxes and drawer boxes that can hold these items and sanitary wipes packets. Many commercially available boxes have wipes packet retention structures to mitigate the wipes packet lifting problem but they require that the wipes packet remain open between uses. This leads to the unused wipes eventually drying out which negates part of their intended purpose. None of the existing embodiments of wall mounted flip lid boxes and drawer boxes are designed specifically to attach to and be used in conjunction with and take advantage of the articulation and versatility of the double swing arm function of a toilet paper holder system, such as toilet paper holder system 1100. And none are designed with a disposable sanitary wipes packet retention structures to mitigate the wipes packet lifting problem yet allow continuous one-handed retrieval of wipes from the packet and also allow for easy closing of the lid of the wipes packet to maintain moisture in the remaining unused wipes between uses.
[0104] According to some embodiments, inferior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100I can be designed to be used in conjunction with, and attached to, a toilet paper holder system, such as toilet paper holder system 1100. Exemplary embodiments of an inferior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100I can be designed for circumstances in which the disposable sanitary wipes are meant as a complete substitute for toilet paper. In some cases, inferior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100I can be attached with toilet paper holder system 1100 at the distal end of an inferior to second arm 1130 via the inferior box attachment hole 7110I. The shaft of snap rivet 1136 passes through the inferior box attachment hole 7110I and snaps into arm 1140) The wider head of snap rivet 1136 secures inferior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100I to third bearing mechanism 1135 of toilet paper holder system 1100 while still allowing inferior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100I to independently rotate 360 degrees about the vertically oriented third axis 1137. Inferior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100I can rotate 360 degrees about third axis 1137 and this movement is independent of any movement of any parts of toilet paper holder system about first axis 1117, second axis 2117, or third axis 1137. While in use and attached to toilet paper holder system 1100, inferior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100I is designed to act as a storage container for a disposable sanitary wipes packet and take advantage of the maneuverability and versatility of the toilet paper holder system 1100 to position a disposable sanitary wipes packet in a convenient location within reach for people to use while seated on the toilet. The inferior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100I and the disposable sanitary wipes packet can then also be moved and stowed out of the way against the mounting wall when not in use. The flip down lid 7120 can be flipped down by rotating the flip down lid 7120 via lid hinge assembly 7130 about lid hinge pivot axis 7137 when the user requires access to the disposable sanitary wipes packet and then be flipped up and closed to conceal the disposable sanitary wipes packet from view when not in use. The flip down lid 7120 is then held in a closed position with the magnetic latch assembly 7140, and lid latch piece 7140B. The magnetically susceptible lid latch piece 7140B that is attached to the flip down lid 7120 is magnetically attracted to magnetic elements in the magnetic latch assembly 7140 that are attached to the main box body 7110. The wipes packet retention structure/slots 7110A are designed to be used in conjunction with an elastic band loop or rubber band (e.g. loop or band 7180 depicted in
[0105] For circumstances where the disposable sanitary wipes are meant as a complete substitute for toilet paper, embodiments of inferior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100I can attach to embodiments of a toilet paper holder system that lacks elements 1140 and 1150, used to accommodate a toilet paper roll 500. Inferior disposable sanitary wipes packet holder box 7100I can be made out of any suitable material including metal, sheet metal, plastic, resin, and wood and its individual elements can vary in size depending upon the size of the disposable sanitary wipes packet to be used and stored. Style and finish can be made to match existing bath hardware. A multitude of existing latch and lid systems could be used in place of those shown.
ADDITIONAL CONFIGURATIONS
[0106]
[0107] Although embodiments of the present invention have been explained in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0108] All features of the described systems and devices are applicable to the described methods mutatis mutandis, and vice versa. Embodiments of the present invention encompass kits having systems for holding and toilet paper roll as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the kit includes one or more systems for holding and dispensing a toilet paper roll, along with instructions for using the system for example according to any of the methods disclosed herein.
[0109] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, one of skill in the art will appreciate that certain changes, modifications, alternate constructions, and/or equivalents may be practiced or employed as desired, and within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, each reference provided herein is incorporated by reference in its entirety to the same extent as if each reference was individually incorporated by reference. Relatedly, all publications, patents, patent applications, journal articles, books, technical references, and the like mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, patent application, journal article, book, technical reference, or the like was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.