Collapsible paper roll storage device

Abstract

A collapsible paper roll storage device having an opening for inserting paper rolls therein, and a lower securing member that provides support and access to the lower paper roll, allowing a user to draw a paper roll when needed. As the lower paper roll is drawn, the stored paper rolls automatically shift down, replenishing the lower most position for subsequent paper roll withdrawal. The collapsible paper roll storage device has at least one suspension device, facilitating easy suspension and removal of the device. The collapsible paper roll storage device is made from pliable material or incorporates crease lines such that when it is empty, it can be collapsed down to a small rectangular shape and transported or stowed away until subsequent use.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to multiple paper roll storage and, more specifically, to collapsible paper towel or toilet paper storage that is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] There are numerous fixtures on the market for storing paper towels and toilet paper. Some are designed to store paper rolls, others are designed to store and dispense paper, yet they are typically rigid and are permanently placed on or affixed to structure such as walls or cabinet doors. [0005] Known art in the field includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,965 (Reaves), U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,475 (Kaysserian), U.S. Pat. No. 4,098,469 (McCarthy), and U.S. Pat No. 5,197,611 (Walton). Although all of these inventions store either paper towel or toilet paper rolls, none are collapsible nor can they be easily suspended or moved from one location to another. These prior art devices are made of rigid material, s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention is directed toward collapsible paper roll storage devices that are inexpensive, flexible, can store numerous paper rolls of various types, and can be suspended when in use or collapsed and easily stowed when empty. In particular embodiments, the chamber of the collapsible paper roll storage device can be accessed through an opening in a panel, for example, to insert paper rolls. The lower most paper roll rests in a lower securing member, with at least one open side, allowing access to and removal of that paper roll. As the lower paper roll is drawn, the stored paper rolls automatically shift down, replenishing the lower most position for subsequent paper roll withdrawal. A suspension device can suspend the collapsible paper roll storage device in a desired manner such as against the wall, on or inside a door, or from a ceiling away from walls. When empty, the collapsible paper roll storage device can be easily taken down, collapsed down to a thin form, and stowed away for shipment or until future use.

Problems solved by technology

Although all of these inventions store either paper towel or toilet paper rolls, none are collapsible nor can they be easily suspended or moved from one location to another.

Therefore, they consume the same amount of space when they are empty as they do when they are in use.

Additionally, the materials from which these devices are made are relatively expensive and their manufacturing complicated, subjecting their sale to limited retail outlets.

Furthermore, since these devices are rigid and some use a specific length spool, they are fit for either paper towels or toilet paper, but not both.

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