Paper Roll Stabilizing Holder

Abstract

The present invention is a toilet paper adapter device designed to stabilize toilet paper and paper towel rolls on non-spring-loaded holders. The adapter includes a pair of arcuate members forming symmetrical halves, each member is equipped with at least two restrictors to provide frictional resistance against the interior surface of a paper roll core. A spring is connected to each restrictor, enabling flexibility and adaptability to different roll diameters. Adjustable screws are provided on each arcuate member to modify the spacing between the arcuate members, thereby modifying a diameter of the paper adapter device to accommodate varying diameters of paper holder arms. In another embodiment, a central tubular spacer aligns the arcuate members and facilitates mounting on a free-standing holder. The adapter is versatile, easy to use, and compatible with existing holder systems and offers a secure and efficient paper roll stabilization solution.

Claims

1. A paper roll holder device comprising: a paper roll adapter having a first arcuate member and a second arcuate member; a first pair of restrictors and a second pair of restrictors; and a plurality of springs; wherein said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member are symmetrical; wherein said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member integrated along a length between said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member; wherein said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member form equal halves of said paper roll adapter; and further wherein each restrictor of said first pair of restrictors and each restrictor of said second pair of restrictors having a connected spring for selectively compressing and expanding a distance between said first pair of restrictors and said first arcuate member and a distance between said second pair of restrictors and said second arcuate member.

2. The paper roll holder device of claim 1, wherein said paper roll is selected from the group consisting of a toilet paper roll and a paper towel roll.

3. The paper roll holder device of claim 2, wherein said first arcuate member having said first pair of restrictors disposed thereon.

4. The paper roll holder device of claim 3, wherein said second arcuate member having said second pair of restrictors disposed thereon.

5. The paper roll holder device of claim 4, wherein a first restrictor of said first pair of restrictors proximal to a first end of said first arcuate member and a second restrictor of said first pair of restrictors proximal to an opposing second end of said first arcuate member.

6. The paper roll holder device of claim 5, wherein a first restrictor of said second pair of restrictors proximal to a first end of said second arcuate member and a second restrictor of said second pair of restrictors proximal to an opposing second end of said second arcuate member.

7. The paper roll holder device of claim 6, wherein said first restrictor of said second arcuate member is in coaxial alignment with said first restrictor of said first arcuate member.

8. The paper roll holder device of claim 7, wherein said second restrictor of said second arcuate member is in coaxial alignment with said second restrictor of said first arcuate member.

9. The paper roll holder device of claim 8, wherein said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member are selectively integrated along said length for forming a unitary structure.

10. A paper roll holder device comprising: a paper roll adapter having a first arcuate member and a second arcuate member; a first pair of restrictors and a second pair of restrictors; a plurality of springs; and a pair of adjusting screws; wherein said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member are symmetrical; wherein said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member integrated along a length between said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member; wherein said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member form equal halves of said paper roll adapter; wherein each restrictor of said first pair of restrictors and each restrictor of said second pair of restrictors having a connected spring for selectively compressing and expanding a distance between each restrictor of said first pair of restrictors and said first arcuate member and a distance between each restrictor of said second pair of restrictors and said second arcuate member; wherein a first adjusting screw of said pair of adjusting screws mounted to said first arcuate member and a second adjusting screw of said pair of adjusting screws mounted to said second arcuate member; and further wherein said first adjusting screw and said second adjusting screw selectively movable for adjusting a spacing between said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member and an overall diameter of said paper roll adapter.

11. The paper roll holder device of claim 10, wherein said paper roll is selected from the group consisting of a toilet paper roll and a paper towel roll.

12. The paper roll holder device of claim 10, wherein said first arcuate member having said first pair of restrictors disposed thereon.

13. The paper roll holder device of claim 12, wherein said second arcuate member having said second pair of restrictors disposed thereon.

14. The paper roll holder device of claim 10, wherein a first restrictor of said first pair of restrictors proximal to a first end of said first arcuate member and a second restrictor of said first pair of restrictors proximal to an opposing second end of said first arcuate member.

15. The paper roll holder device of claim 14, wherein a first restrictor of said second pair of restrictors proximal to a first end of said second arcuate member and a second restrictor of said second pair of restrictors proximal to an opposing second end of said second arcuate member.

16. The paper roll holder device of claim 15, wherein said first restrictor of said second arcuate member is in coaxial alignment with said first restrictor of said first arcuate member.

17. The paper roll holder device of claim 16, wherein said second restrictor of said second arcuate member is in coaxial alignment with said second restrictor of said first arcuate member.

18. The paper roll holder device of claim 17, wherein said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member are selectively integrated along said length for forming a unitary structure.

19. A paper roll holder device comprising: a paper roll adapter having a first arcuate member and a second arcuate member; a first pair of restrictors and a second pair of restrictors; a plurality of springs; and a pair of adjusting screws; wherein said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member are symmetrical; wherein said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member integrated along a length between said first arcuate member and said second arcuate member; wherein each restrictor of said first pair of restrictors and each restrictor of said second pair of restrictors having a connected spring for selectively compressing and expanding a distance between each restrictor of said first pair of restrictors and said first arcuate member and a distance between each restrictor of said second pair of restrictors and said second arcuate member; wherein a first adjusting screw of said pair of adjusting screws mounted to said first arcuate member and a second adjusting screw of said pair of adjusting screws mounted to said second arcuate member; and further wherein said first adjusting screw and said second adjusting screw selectively movable for adjusting an overall diameter of said paper roll adapter.

20. The paper roll holder device of claim 19 further comprising a central connecting tube between said first arcuate arm and said second arcuate member, wherein said central connecting tube mountable around a paper holder arm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of toilet paper device adapter of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing the toilet paper adapter device of the present invention mounted on a free-standing toilet paper device in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing a toilet paper roll being supported on the adapter device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of using the toilet paper roll adapter device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of toilet paper device adapter of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0022] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0023] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an adapter device that addresses the challenges of stabilizing toilet paper and paper towel rolls on non-spring-loaded holders. There is a long-felt need for a solution that prevents excessive movement or unintentional unrolling of the paper. Additionally, there is a long-felt need for a device that can restrict the overuse of toilet paper, reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability. Further, there is a long-felt need for a device that is versatile, compatible with existing holders, and adjustable to accommodate rolls of different sizes. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need for an adapter that is durable, cost-effective, and easy to install, ensuring a practical solution for both household and commercial users. Finally, there is a long-felt need for an adapter device that minimizes toilet paper wastage while enhancing convenience and functionality for the user.

[0024] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a toilet paper adapter device for use with a free-standing toilet paper holder. The toilet paper adapter device includes a pair of arcuate members forming a unitary structure that encloses a central holder arm of the toilet paper holder, a plurality of restrictors are disposed near the ends of the arcuate members, the restrictors are configured to provide frictional resistance to the interior surface of a paper roll core, a tubular connecting structure links the arcuate members, and a plurality of torsional springs are operatively connected to the restrictors, wherein the springs facilitate the flexibility of the restrictors to adapt to paper roll dimensions.

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0026] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of toilet paper device adapter of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The toilet paper device adapter 100 of the present invention is designed to stabilize toilet paper and paper towel rolls on a non-spring-loaded holder. More specifically, the adapter device 100 prevents excessive movement or unrolling of the paper from a toilet paper roll. The device 100 includes a pair of symmetrical and identical arcuate members or discs 102, 104. The first arcuate member or disc or arcuate member 102 and the second arcuate member/disc or arcuate member 104 can be integrated along the length thereof or can be joined at one or more common points for providing a unitary, single piece structure to the adapter device 100. The arcuate members 102, 104 form the two longitudinal and equal halves of the adapter device 100.

[0027] The first arcuate member 102 has at least a pair of restrictors 106, 108 disposed thereon. The first restrictor 106 is disposed near the first end 110 of the first arcuate member 102 and the second restrictor 108 is disposed near the opposite second end 112 of the first arcuate member 102. Similarly, the second arcuate member 104 has at least a pair of restrictors 114, 116 disposed thereon. The first restrictor 114 of the second arcuate member 104 is in coaxial alignment with the first restrictor 106 of the first arcuate member 102 and is near the first end 118 of the second arcuate member 104. Similarly, the second restrictor 116 of the second arcuate member 104 is in coaxial alignment with the second restrictor 108 of the first arcuate member 102. The pair of restrictors 106, 108 and 114, 116 are configured to limit the side-to-side or rotational movement of a toilet paper roll.

[0028] Each restrictor included in the device 100 is attached to the corresponding arcuate member using a spring. As illustrated, the restrictors 106, 108, 114, 116 have corresponding springs 120, 122, 124, 126 respectively, wherein each spring is adapted to be compressed and expanded, thereby enabling the adapter device 100 to fit to paper roll cores of different diameters. All the springs are identical and torsional and preferably, can be replaced with a new spring to enhance lifespan and utility of the adapter device 100. The restrictors 106, 114 can be pushed, compressed, and/or rotated along the axis A to operate the corresponding springs. The restrictors 108, 116 can be pushed, compressed, and/or rotated along the axis B to operate the corresponding springs.

[0029] A pair of adjustable screws 128, 130 are disposed in the adapter device 100 wherein a first adjustable screw 128 is disposed on the first disc or arcuate member 102 and a second adjustable screw 130 is disposed on the second disc or arcuate member 104. The adjustable screws 128, 130 are used for adjusting the spacing between the arcuate members 102, 104 and thereby adjusting the overall diameter of the combined or integrated arcuate members 102, 104 to fit different sizes/diameters of the toilet paper rolls. It should be noted that the arcuate halves/discs 102, 104 can clamp around a free-standing toilet paper holder arm and help to secure a toilet paper roll for preventing unrolling due to accidental tugging or gravity.

[0030] The half or arcuate members 102, 104 can be made of durable, lightweight, and cost-effective material such as ABS plastic, Aluminum alloy, and Stainless Steel. The springs used in the adapter device 100 are preferably made of Stainless Steel or High-Carbon Steel. The restrictors are non-slip, soft, and prevents damage to a toilet paper roll. The length of the device 100 extending between the opposite ends thereof can range from 100 mm to 150 mm to fit different roll widths. The adapter device 100 can come in different colors and designs and may include an anti-microbial or non-stick coating for enhanced hygiene and durability of the toilet paper rolls.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing the toilet paper adapter device of the present invention mounted on a free-standing toilet paper device in accordance with the disclosed structure. The adapter device 100 can be mounted to any conventional free-standing toilet paper device 200 wherein the discs 102, 104 are positioned around the toilet paper holder arm 202 and the arm 202 is accommodated between the discs 102, 104. When the adapter device 100 is in the mounted state, the restrictors 106, 108, 114, 116 are easily accessible to a user and a toilet paper roll is placed on the device 100 such that paper roll core 304 encloses or surrounds the adapter device 100.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing a toilet paper roll being supported on the adapter device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The adapter device 100 can be used with any free-standing holder enabling users to use the adapter device 100 with any existing paper holder system. As illustrated as an example, the restrictors 106, 108 and 114, 116 abut against the interior surface 302 of the core 304 of the roll 300 such that the restrictors 106, 108, 114, 116 provide restriction and friction to free flowing and loose movement of the paper roll 300 as performed by conventional spindle and paper holders. When the roll 300 is to be replaced, the roll 300 can be removed from the adapter device 100 and a new roll can be mounted to the adapter device 100.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of using the toilet paper roll adapter device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. For using the adapter device 100, initially, the adapter device 100 is mounted to a freestanding paper holder with the holder arm accommodated between the discs 102, 104 (Step 402). Then, the roll 300 is positioned on the device 100 such that the adapter device 100 is enclosed by the roll 300 (Step 404). Thereafter, the restrictors 106, 108, 114, 116 provide restriction and friction to movement of the roll 300 and enables a user to easily pull the paper from the roll without unintentional unrolling of the paper off of the roll 300 (Step 406). It should be noted that the discs or arcuate members 102, 104 can be adjusted to adjust the size therebetween for accommodating paper roll holder arms 202 of different sizes (i.e., diameters).

[0034] In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 5, a central connecting tube 502 links the two halves 102, 104, providing alignment and stability. The tube 502 also acts as a spacer between the two halves and is hollow. The tube 502 can be used for mounting the device 100 to any paper roll holder with the tube 502 accommodating the paper holder arm.

[0035] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein adapter device for stabilizing toilet paper, toilet paper roll stabilizing adapter, toilet paper roll adapter device, adapter device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the toilet paper roll stabilizing adapter device 100 of the present invention.

[0036] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the toilet paper roll stabilizing adapter device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the toilet paper roll stabilizing adapter device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the toilet paper roll stabilizing adapter device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the toilet paper roll stabilizing adapter device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the toilet paper roll stabilizing adapter device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0037] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0038] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.