Adjustable Tissue Dispenser and Method for Using the Same

The invention relates to the field of personal hygiene products, specifically dispensers for toilet tissue.

Tissue holders or tissue dispensers have long been used to accommodate, house, and store toilet tissue in both public and private bathrooms. Tissue holders typically include two end pieces which project outward from a wall, door, or other flat surface on either side of a horizontal bar or crosspiece that is held in place by the end pieces. The horizontal bar is cylindrical and may be inserted into a center portion of a roll of toilet tissue and rotates along with the roll when tissue is being dispensed. The horizontal bar may be fixed in length or in alternative embodiments may be retractable or telescopic so as to more easily be removed from the corresponding end pieces.

Other tissue holders comprise an additional storage compartment or hopper which is disposed above or otherwise coupled to the toilet tissue dispenser. When one roll of toilet tissue is depleted, a subsequent roll may be taken from the hopper in order to replace the first roll. The storage compartment or hopper may be mechanical or automated, or alternatively, may exist so that a user may manually replace a depleted tissue roll when needed.

Regardless of what type of tissue paper dispenser is used however, the dispenser is itself permanently attached or coupled to the mounting surface in a static position relative to both the user and a toilet. For example, the tissue paper dispenser may be coupled to the mounting surface via a plurality of screws, adhesives, other fasteners, or alternatively, molded or built into the mounting surface itself, thereby making the dispenser a permanent feature and impossible to move or displace. This can make dispensing toilet tissue more difficult for users who have difficulty reaching to their side or even behind them, particularly for users who may be disabled. For example, a user with a shoulder or arm injury trying to take tissue from the dispenser may find it too painful or too difficult to effectively reach the dispenser. Additionally, if the dispenser is mounted in a fixed position too far behind the user, even if the user is able to comfortably reach the tissue, the tissue may frequently and inadvertently tear due to the relative angle that the user is pulling the tissue from the roll.

What is needed is an adjustable or movable toilet tissue dispenser which allows users to adjust the relative location of the dispenser when needed so as to more comfortably gain access to the roll, as well as to ensure that the user may dispense tissue in a direction that is orthogonal to the mounting surface that the dispenser is disposed on.

The current invention provides an apparatus for adjusting a lateral position of a roll of tissue paper. According to certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a track comprising a distal lateral end and a proximal lateral end, at least one end piece coupled to the track, and a mandrel coupled to the at least one end piece, where the mandrel is configured to accommodate the tissue roll. In certain embodiments, the apparatus also includes means for selectively displacing the at least one end piece across a longitudinal length of the track.

In certain embodiments, the means for selectively displacing the at least one end piece across the longitudinal length of the track comprises a base coupled to the at least one end piece, where the base is configured to slidably engage with the track. The base comprises at least one rounded edge configured to accommodate a correspondingly shaped flange disposed along the longitudinal length of the track.

In certain embodiments, the means for selectively displacing the at least one end piece across the longitudinal length of the track comprises at least one wheel coupled to the at least one end piece. The track comprises a pathway disposed along its longitudinal length, where the pathway is configured to accommodate the at least one wheel therein. Additionally, the means for selectively displacing the at least one end piece across the longitudinal length of the track comprises a motor coupled to the at least one end piece, where the motor is configured to drive the at least one wheel. The motor comprises a Wi-Fi adapter configured to receive a wireless signal to activate and/or deactivate the motor. In a related embodiment, a remote push button is wirelessly communicated to the Wi-Fi adapter.

In certain embodiments, the means for selectively displacing the at least one end piece across the longitudinal length of the track comprises a spring coupled between the at least one end piece and at least one side wall of the track. A hook is coupled to the at least one end piece, where the hook is configured to engage a pin disposed adjacent to the track.

The invention further provides an apparatus for adjusting a lateral position of a roll of tissue paper. According to certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a first panel coupled to a second panel, at least one end piece coupled to the first panel, a mandrel coupled to the at least one end piece, where the mandrel is configured to accommodate the tissue roll, and a spring disposed between the first panel and the second panel, where the spring is configured to maintain the first panel at a fixed angle relative to the second panel.

The current invention further provides a method for adjusting a lateral position of a roll of tissue paper relative to a toilet. The method includes providing a mount that is configured to accommodate the roll of tissue paper at a first position relative to the toilet, moving the mount from the first position to a second position relative to the toilet, and maintaining the mount at the second position.

In one embodiment, moving the mount from the first position to the second position specifically includes rotating at least one wheel disposed on the mount.

In another embodiment, the method also includes retracting the mount from the second position back to the first position.

According to one embodiment, moving the mount from the first position to the second position comprises sliding a base portion of the mount along a longitudinal length of a track. According to some embodiments, maintaining the mount at the second position specifically includes extending the base portion of the mount beyond a lateral edge of the track.

In another embodiment, moving the mount from the first position to the second position relative to the toilet includes moving a first panel coupled to the mount away from a second panel coupled to a vertical surface adjacent to the toilet. According to certain embodiments, maintaining the mount at the second position includes compressing a spring that is disposed between the first panel and the second panel.

In another embodiment, moving the mount from the first position to the second position relative to the toilet includes extending an extension mechanism that is disposed between the mount and a vertical surface adjacent to the toilet.

According to another embodiment, moving the mount from the first position to the second position relative to the toilet comprises rotating a board coupled to the mount from the first position to the second position. According to certain embodiments, maintaining the mount at the second position includes engaging a lock that is defined through the board in order to maintain the board in the second position. In a further embodiment, the method also includes disposing the mount in a vertical orientation and a supplemental mount in a horizontal orientation when the board is in the first position, and then disposing the mount in a horizontal orientation and the supplemental mount in a vertical orientation when the board is in the second position.

While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The disclosure can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.

The disclosure and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are presented as illustrated examples of the embodiments defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the embodiments as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below.

According to certain embodiments, the current invention comprises a slidable or moveable toilet tissue dispenser mount, denoted generally by reference numeralas seen in. The dispenser mountcomprises a first end pieceand a second end piececoupled to a base, with a rotatable crosspiece or mandrelremovably coupled there between. The mandrelis telescopic or otherwise adjustable so as to have either lateral end of the mandrelremovably inserted into a respective aperture defined within the first and second end pieces,. In an alternative embodiment, either one or both of the first and second end pieces,are adjustable relative to the baseso as to remove or insert the mandreland/or a roll of toilet tissueto or from the movable mount. The first and second end pieces,, base, and/or the mandrelare comprised of metal, plastic, wood, or any combination thereof.

According to certain embodiments, the movable mountcomprises a trackas seen in. The basecomprises a shape or form which is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the track, for example as seen in, the basecomprises a pair of rounded edgeswhich wrap or are otherwise disposed around a corresponding pair of flangesdisposed on the track. The trackis coupled to a wall, door, a side of a cabinet or vanity, or other flat vertical surface via a plurality of screws, other fasteners, adhesives, or the like so as to remain in a fixed position on the vertical surface. The first and second end pieces,project outward from the baseand the trackso as to maintain a roll of toilet tissuea fixed distance from the vertical surface on which the trackis coupled to.

According to certain embodiments and as best seen in, the back surface of the baseand the outward facing surface of the trackare configured to easily and repeatedly slide against each other with a low coefficient of friction. The materials comprising the trackand the baseare selectively chosen so that a low amount of friction is created, however according to certain embodiments, an additive or lubricant is disposed therebetween so as facilitate movement between the trackand the base. In a related embodiment seen in, the trackcomprises a plurality of rollerscoupled along the longitudinal length of the track. Each of the plurality of rollersis configured to rotate about an axis that is perpendicular relative to the longitudinal length of the trackand is disposed so as to fit beneath the baseof the movable mount, specifically within the inside surface of the rounded edgesseen in. As the basemoves relative to the track, each of the rollersrotates in turn so as to move the baseaccordingly with a low amount of friction or resistance.

To use the movable mount, the user grips or makes contact with the mountfrom an initial starting position as seen for example inwhere the movable mountis disposed at a distal lateral endof the track. The user then pushes or applies a sufficient force to the moveable mount, for example by applying positive pressure to the first end piece, begins to move or slide the basealong the trackin a proximal direction indicated by arrowseen in. As further seen inand according to certain embodiments, the user continues to slide the moveable mountuntil approaching or making contact with a proximal lateral endof the trackas denoted by the broken line portion of the figure where the base′, tissue roll′, and first end piece′ represent the maximum displacement distance of the moveable mountrelative to the initial position of the moveable mountseen in. According to other embodiments, the user may slide the moveable mountto any lateral position along the trackbetween the distal lateral endand the proximal lateral endby simply breaking contact with the moveable mount, thereby allowing the moveable mountto come to rest at a new position along the track, for example the position denoted by the solid line portion ofwhere the base, tissue roll, and first end piecerepresent a substantially mid of half way point along the lateral length of the track.

According to certain embodiments, the moveable mountcomprises an extended portioncoupled to or integrated with the baseas seen in. The extended portioncomprises a corresponding distal edgeand effectively increases the overall length of the base, with the tissue rollbeing suspended over the baseportion via the first and second end pieces,. The distal edgeof the extended portioncomprises a stopwhich protrudes or extends from a rear surface of the extended portion. The stopcomprises a substantially rectangular or square shape is disposed along the entire length of the distal edge, however in other related embodiments, the stopcomprises a rounded or other angular shape and is disposed at or along only a portion of the distal edge.

An example of how the movable mountis used within an example of a real world environment can be seen by turning to. According to certain embodiments, the movable mountis disposed in a first position seen inon the side of a vanitythat is disposed next to a toilet. The vanitymay comprise a sinkin certain embodiments along with a vertical edgethe defines a junction or corner between a first vertical surfaceof the vanityand a second vertical surfaceof the vanity. The track(not seen) is coupled to the first vertical surfacewith the basein turn coupled to the track. In the first position, the basecomprising the tissue rollsits over the trackwith the extended portionbeing disposed over or in front of a portion of the first vertical surfacethat is adjacent to the track. During use, the movable mountslides along the trackin the direction indicated by arrowin. The baseslides past the proximal lateral endof the trackand continues to slide towards and then past the vertical edge, thereby extending past the first vertical surfaceof the vanityand into the space beyond. The baseextends past the vertical edgeof the first vertical surfaceuntil the stopmakes contact with the distal lateral endof the track, thereby stopping all further lateral movement of the movable mountand disposing the mountin a second position. According to certain embodiments, the extended portionof the basecompletely covers the trackwhen the movable mount is the second position seen in. The user dispenses tissue from the tissue rollwhile the tissue rollis suspended in the space beyond the vertical edgeof the vanity. Because the movable mountis disposed in an extended position which is closer to the front portion of the toilet, the user may more easily reach the tissue rollas well as ensure that when the tissue is dispensed, it is dispensed perpendicular relative to the orientation of the mandreland thus less likely to prematurely rip or tear. When the user is finished with the tissue roll, the movable mountis slid back in the opposing direction until it once again reaches the first position, namely with the basecomprising the tissue rolldisposed over the track.

In, an alternative embodiment of the movable mountis seen. According to certain embodiments, the movable mountcomprises a first panelrotatably coupled to a second panel. The first panelis coupled to the second panelthrough a hingewhich comprises a torsion springor other biasing means. The hingejoins the first panelto the second panelat their respective lower or bottom lateral edges so that the first panelis rotatable about the hingerelative to the second panelas detailed further below. The first and second panels,are preferably comprised of lightweight plastic or plastic composites, however other materials such as wood, metal, glass, or other appropriate materials now known or later devised may be used without departing from the original spirit and scope of the current invention. In certain embodiments, the first and second panels,are substantially rectangular in shape and each comprise a corresponding solid or continuous front surface,and a back surface,,, respectively. However in other embodiments, the first and second panels,are substantially hollow or otherwise comprise corresponding frames or other alternative shapes. The first end pieceand the second end pieceare each coupled to the front surfaceof the first panel, and in certain embodiments, are each coupled near or adjacent to a top or upper lateral edge of the first panel, the upper lateral edge opposing the lower lateral edge which comprises the hingeand spring. The mandrelis removably disposed between the first end pieceand the second end pieceand accommodates the tissue rollthereon. The second panelis in turn coupled to a wall, a side portion of a piece of furniture or vanity, or other vertical surfaceadjacent to a toiletas seen for example in.

During use and according to certain embodiments, the user pulls on the first panelof movable mountso that the first panelbegins to rotate about the hinge, thereby moving the first paneland the tissue rollaway from the vertical surfaceand separating the back surface ofof the first panelfrom the front surfaceof the second panel. As the first panelrotates about the hinge, the springbegins to contract and apply a reactive spring force in the direction opposing the user's movement. When the first panelreaches a desired position as determined by the user, for example closer or parallel to the toilet, the user releases the first panel. The biasing force provided by the springmaintains the first panelin a static position relative to the second paneland the vertical surface, with the first panelbeing disposed in an expanded configuration or at an angle relative to the second panelas seen in. Once finished with the tissue roll, the user pushes the first panelback in the opposing direction towards the second paneland allows the springto expand, thereby assisting the user to pull the first panelin the opposing direction until it once again returns to an original or starting position with the back surfaceof the front paneladjacent to or in contact with the front surfaceof the second panelin a contracted configuration seen in.

In, an alternative embodiment of the movable mountis seen. According to certain embodiments, the movable mountcomprises a first platecoupled to a second platevia an extension. According to certain embodiments, the extensionis a scissor-type extension mechanism comprised of a plurality of linkages which are configured to move between a first or contracted configuration seen inand a second or extended configuration seen inas detailed further below. The first and second plates,are preferably comprised of lightweight plastic or plastic composites, however other materials such as wood, metal, glass, or other appropriate materials now known or later devised may be used without departing from the original spirit and scope of the current invention. In certain embodiments, the first and second plates,are substantially rectangular in shape and each comprise a corresponding solid or continuous front surface and back surface, respectively. However, in other embodiments, the first and second plates,are substantially hollow or otherwise comprise corresponding frames or other alternative shapes. The first end pieceand the second end pieceare each coupled to the first plate. The mandrelis removably disposed between the first end pieceand the second end pieceand accommodates the tissue rollthereon. The second plateis in turn coupled to a wall, a side portion of a piece of furniture or vanity, or other vertical surfaceadjacent to a toiletas seen for example in.

During use and according to certain embodiments, the user reaches behind them while seated on the toiletpulls on the first plate, the tissue roll, or either the first or second end pieces,of the movable mountso that the first platebegins to move away from the second plate, thereby moving the first plateand the tissue rollaway from the vertical surface. As the first plateis pulled toward the user, the extensionbegins to expand and apply a reactive spring force in the direction opposing the user's movement. When the first platereaches a desired position as determined by the user, for example closer or parallel to the toilet, the user releases the first plate. The biasing force provided by the extensionmaintains the first platein a static position relative to the second plateand the vertical surface, with the first platebeing disposed in an expanded configuration as seen in. Once finished with the tissue roll, the user pushes the first plateback in the opposing direction towards the second plate, thereby contracting the extensionand pulling the first platein the opposing direction until it once again returns to an original or starting position with the first plateadjacent to or in contact with the second platein a contracted configuration seen in.

In, an alternative embodiment of the movable mountis seen. According to certain embodiments, the movable mountcomprises a rotatable boardcoupled to a first vertical surfaceof a vanityor other object comprising a cornervia a lock. According to certain embodiments, the lockis a manually adjustable lock, for example a wing nut disposed on a threaded bolt defined through the board, however in other embodiments, the lockis a mechanical lock, an electromagnetic lock, a spring loaded lock, or any other equivalent locking means now known or later devised. The boardis preferably comprised of lightweight plastic or plastic composites, however other materials such as wood, metal, glass, or other appropriate materials now known or later devised may be used without departing from the original spirit and scope of the current invention. In certain embodiments, the boardis substantially rectangular in shape with rounded or curved edges and comprises a corresponding solid or continuous front surface and back surface. However, in other embodiments, the boardis substantially hollow or otherwise comprises a frame or other alternative shapes. A first tissue dispenserand a second tissue dispenserare coupled to respective lateral ends of the board. Each of the first and second tissue dispensers,comprise the end pieces,and mandrelas is disclosed above with the mandrelbeing removably disposed between the first end pieceand the second end pieceand accommodating a corresponding tissue rollthereon. According to certain embodiments, the first tissue dispenseris disposed on the boardat an orientation that is orthogonal or perpendicular relative to the second tissue dispenser. For example, as seen inwhen the board is in a first or vertical configuration, the first tissue dispenseris disposed so as to maintain the corresponding tissue roll in a horizontal position while the second tissue dispensermaintains its tissue roll in a vertical position. The orientation of the first and second tissue dispensers,invert upon actuation of the boardas is discussed in further detail below.

During use and according to certain embodiments, the user reaches behind them while seated on the toiletand rotates the boardabout the lockso that the boardbegins to move in the rotational direction denoted by arrowseen in. The boardis rotated from a first or vertical orientation through a variety of angled positions seen in broken line inuntil reaching a second or substantially horizontal orientation seen in. When the boardreaches a desired position as determined by the user, for example the second or substantially horizontal orientation of, the user engages the lockso as to fix the board into a static position. When the boardis in the second or horizontal orientation, the respective orientations of the first and second tissue dispensers,are reversed from the first or vertical orientation of, specifically with the first tissue dispensernow disposed in a vertical position and the second tissue dispensernow in a horizontal position. In addition to reversing the orientations of the first and second tissue dispensers,, rotation of the boardalso moves the second tissue dispenserupward and outward past the vertical edge or cornerof the vanity, thereby suspending the second tissue dispenserand the tissue roll disposed thereon closer to front portion of the toilet. The user may then more easily reach the second tissue dispenserto dispense toilet tissue therefrom. Once finished with the tissue roll, the user unlocks or actuates the lockthereby allowing the boardto rotate back in the opposing direction denoted by arrowtowards the original or starting position seen inwith the boardin a substantially vertical orientation. In this manner, the boardmay provide service both to users who wish to keep the tissue roll in a traditional or standard position when the boardis disposed in a vertical configuration, and to users requiring greater accessibility when a horizontal configuration.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following embodiments and its various embodiments.

Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiments includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. A teaching that two elements are combined in a claimed combination is further to be understood as also allowing for a claimed combination in which the two elements are not combined with each other, but may be used alone or combined in other combinations. The excision of any disclosed element of the embodiments is explicitly contemplated as within the scope of the embodiments.

The words used in this specification to describe the various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the embodiments.