Allocator

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a dispenser for dispensing plastic film for vehicle repair, the dispenser comprising: a first support adapted to rotatably support a roll of plastic film; and an aperture, wherein the plastic film can be pulled out from the roll through the aperture and can be retracted toward the roll through the aperture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser. The invention has a particular but not exclusive application to a dispenser for dispensing plastic film for vehicle repair. This patent specification describes such a use, but it is only by way of example and the invention is not limited to such use. Background Art

[0002] When a vehicle is damaged, it is often necessary to repair the damage and apply paint to the affected areas. Typically, the repair involves spraying paint over the affected areas, and covering other areas of the vehicle to avoid overspray.

[0003] Typically, the vehicle is covered with a plastic film or paper, and then a portion of the plastic film or paper covering the area to be painted is cut off. After the repair is completed, the entire plastic film or paper is discarded.

[0004] The problem with using plastic film is that plastic is harmful to the environment and is not easily recyclable. The problem with using paper is that it costs a lot more and paper with paint on it is not easily recyclable.

[0005] Purpose of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above mentioned vehicle repair problems and / or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. Summary of the invention

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention is broadly directed to a dispenser for dispensing a plastic film for vehicle repair, the dispenser comprising:

[0008] a first support adapted to rotatably support a web of plastic film; and

[0009] An aperture, wherein the plastic film can be pulled from the web through the aperture and can be retracted through the aperture toward the web.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first support is a rod.Preferably, the first support is operable to support a web of plastic film.Preferably, the first support is positionable through a central opening of the web of plastic film.

[0011] Preferably, the first support member is longer than the plastic film roll. Alternatively, the first support member can be two short rods to operably support the end of the plastic film roll.

[0012] Preferably, the first support is rotatable relative to the aperture.Preferably, rotation of the first support in a first direction causes the plastic film to be retracted through the aperture.Preferably, rotation of the first support in the first direction causes the plastic film to be wrapped around the first support.

[0013] Preferably, the dispenser further comprises one or more handles. Preferably, each of these handles is operably coupled to the first support. Preferably, in use, rotation of the one or more handles causes rotation of the first support. Preferably, rotation of the one or more handles in a first direction causes the plastic film to retract through the orifice. Preferably, rotation of the one or more handles in a first direction causes the plastic film to wrap around the first support.

[0014] In another embodiment, the first support is a first bracket. The first bracket is preferably adapted to operably support the plastic film roll by supporting the end of the plastic film roll. Preferably, the first bracket has one or more recesses to support the plastic film roll or a portion coupled to the plastic film roll.

[0015] Preferably, the dispenser further comprises a second support. The second support is preferably adapted to operably support the plastic film roll by supporting the opposite ends of the plastic film roll. Preferably, the second support has one or more recesses to support the plastic film roll or a portion coupled to the plastic film roll.

[0016] Preferably, the dispenser further comprises a guide portion.The guide portion preferably defines an orifice.

[0017] Preferably, the dispenser further comprises a base member.The base member is preferably adapted to support the first bracket and the second bracket.

[0018] Preferably, the shape of the orifice is circular. Alternatively, the orifice can be other shapes that are easy to pull the plastic film through, for example, the shape of the orifice can be oval, rectangular, etc.

[0019] Preferably, the first support member is substantially made of metal material. Alternatively, the first support member can be made of other materials (such as plastic or composite materials).

[0020] Preferably, each of these handles is made of metal material substantially. Alternatively, each of these handles can be made of other materials (such as plastics or composite materials etc.).

[0021] Preferably, the first bracket and the second bracket are substantially made of metal material. Alternatively, the first bracket and the second bracket can be made of other materials (such as plastic or composite materials).

[0022] Preferably, the guide part is substantially made of metal material. Alternatively, the guide part can be made of other materials (such as plastic or composite materials).

[0023] Preferably, the base member is substantially made of metal material. Alternatively, the base member can be made of other materials (such as plastic or composite materials).

[0024] Preferably, the dispenser further comprises a plastic film protection member.Preferably, the plastic film protection member is located adjacent to the edge of the aperture to prevent the plastic film from being damaged when moving through the aperture.

[0025] Preferably, the plastic film protection member has a circular cross-section or an arcuate portion to prevent the plastic film from being damaged when moving through the aperture. Alternatively, the plastic film protection member may be any other suitable shape that prevents contact between the plastic film and a sharp edge.

[0026] Preferably, the plastic film protection member further comprises one or more protrusions. Preferably, the one or more protrusions attach the plastic film protection member to a portion of the dispenser. Preferably, the one or more protrusions attach the plastic film protection member to a portion of the guide member.

[0027] In another aspect, the present invention is broadly directed to a dispenser for dispensing a plastic film for vehicle repair, the dispenser comprising:

[0028] a first support member adapted to rotatably support a web of plastic film;

[0029] an aperture through which the plastic film can be pulled from the web and retracted through the aperture toward the web; and

[0030] A housing wherein the web of plastic film is rotatably positioned within the housing.

[0031] Preferably, the dispenser further comprises a cover.The cover preferably defines an aperture.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first support is rotatable relative to the aperture. Preferably, rotation of the first support in a first direction causes the plastic film to be retracted through the aperture. Preferably, rotation of the first support in a first direction causes the plastic film to be wrapped around the first support.

[0033] Preferably, the first support at least partially surrounds the plastic film coil. Preferably, the first support has an inner space. Preferably, the first support has a lid that can be opened to insert the plastic film coil into the inner space. Preferably, the first support comprises an opening through which the plastic film can be pulled out. Preferably, in the closed position, the lid defines an opening through which the plastic film can be pulled out. In one embodiment, a cardboard box containing the plastic film coil is used as the first support.

[0034] Preferably, the first support is rotatable relative to the housing. Preferably, the housing further comprises one or more holes in the side wall. Each of these holes is preferably adapted to support the first support. Preferably, the first support is removably mounted to the one or more holes to support the plastic film web.

[0035] Preferably, the cover is adapted to cover an opening of the housing. Preferably, the cover is movably attached to the housing. Alternatively, the cover and the housing may be integrally formed with a flexible portion between the cover and the housing.

[0036] Preferably, the dispenser further comprises one or more handles. Preferably, each of these handles is operably coupled to the first support. Preferably, in use, rotation of the one or more handles causes rotation of the first support. Preferably, rotation of the one or more handles in a first direction causes the plastic film to retract through the orifice. Preferably, rotation of the one or more handles in a first direction causes the plastic film to wrap around the first support.

[0037] In another embodiment, the first support member is a rod.Preferably, the first support member is operative to support the web of plastic film by being positioned through a central opening of the web of plastic film.

[0038] Preferably, the first support member is longer than the plastic film roll. Alternatively, the first support member can be two short rods to operably support the end of the plastic film roll.

[0039] Preferably, the first support is rotatable relative to the aperture.Preferably, rotation of the first support in a first direction causes the plastic film to be retracted through the aperture.Preferably, rotation of the first support in the first direction causes the plastic film to be wrapped around the first support.

[0040] Preferably, the dispenser further comprises one or more handles. Preferably, each of these handles is operably coupled to the first support. Preferably, in use, rotation of the one or more handles causes rotation of the first support. Preferably, rotation of the one or more handles in a first direction causes the plastic film to retract through the orifice. Preferably, rotation of the one or more handles in a first direction causes the plastic film to wrap around the first support.

[0041] Preferably, the shape of the orifice is circular. Alternatively, the orifice can be other shapes that are easy to pull the plastic film through, for example, the shape of the orifice can be oval, rectangular, etc.

[0042] Preferably, the first support member is substantially made of metal material. Alternatively, the first support member can be made of other materials (such as plastic or composite materials).

[0043] Preferably, the cover and the housing are substantially made of metal material. Alternatively, the cover and the housing can be made of other materials (such as plastic or composite materials, etc.).

[0044] Preferably, each of these handles is made of metal material substantially. Alternatively, each of these handles can be made of other materials (such as plastics or composite materials etc.).

[0045] Preferably, the dispenser further comprises a plastic film protection member.Preferably, the plastic film protection member is located adjacent to the edge of the aperture to prevent the plastic film from being damaged when moving through the aperture.

[0046] Preferably, the plastic film protection member has a circular cross-section or an arcuate portion to prevent the plastic film from being damaged when moving through the aperture. Alternatively, the plastic film protection member may be any other suitable shape that prevents contact between the plastic film and a sharp edge.

[0047] Preferably, the plastic film protection member further comprises one or more protrusions. Preferably, the one or more protrusions attach the plastic film protection member to a portion of the dispenser. Preferably, the one or more protrusions attach the plastic film protection member to a portion of the guide member.

[0048] In one embodiment, the plastic film protection member is molded into the cover. Preferably, the plastic film protection member is made of a plastic material. Preferably, the cover is made of a plastic material.

[0049] In another aspect, the present invention is broadly directed to a method of dispensing a plastic film for vehicle repair, the method comprising the steps of:

[0050] A plastic film web is rotatably mounted relative to the orifice;

[0051] pulling the plastic film from the web through the orifice, and

[0052] The plastic film is retracted through the orifice toward the web.

[0053] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of supporting the plastic film web with a first support member.

[0054] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of positioning the web of plastic film in the housing.

[0055] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of rotating one or more handles to rotate the first support.

[0056] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of shearing the used portion of the plastic film from the plastic film web. Preferably, the used portion comprises an opening preventing the used portion from being reused. Preferably, the plastic film without the opening can be reused.

[0057] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of rotating the one or more handles in a first direction to retract the plastic film through the aperture.Preferably, the method further comprises the step of rotating the one or more handles in a first direction to wrap the plastic film around the first support.

[0058] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of rotating the one or more handles in a first direction to retract the plastic film through the aperture into the housing.

[0059] Preferably, the plastic film is dispensed using a dispenser as described herein.

[0060] Features described with respect to one aspect may also be applied to all other aspects of the invention where applicable. Furthermore, different combinations of the described features are described and claimed herein, even if not explicitly stated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and in which:

[0062] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the dispenser;

[0064] Figure 3 Shows the use of Figure 1 Vehicle repairs performed by distributors;

[0065] Figure 4 Shows the use of Figure 1 Retraction of the plastic film by the dispenser;

[0066] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a protective member of a dispenser; and

[0067] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] refer to Figure 1 to Figure 2 , shows a dispenser 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The dispenser 10 includes a housing 12 and a cover 14. The cover 14 defines an orifice 16. The dispenser 10 also includes a first support in the form of a container 18. The container 18 is rotatably positioned in the housing 12 to rotatably support a plastic film web (not shown).

[0069] The container 18 comprises two parts 22, 24. The two parts 22, 24 are adapted to rotatably support the container 18 within the housing 12.

[0070] In use, plastic film may be pulled from the web of plastic film through the aperture 16 , and plastic film may be retracted through the aperture 16 towards the web of plastic film.

[0071] The housing 12 comprises mounting means in the form of mounting holes 26, 28. The mounting holes 26, 28 are adapted to support the two parts 22,24.

[0072] The dispenser 10 also includes handles 30, 32. The handles 30, 32 are operably coupled to the two portions 22, 24. In use, rotation of one of the handles 30, 32 in a first direction causes the container 18 to rotate in the first direction. The rotation of the container 18 in the first direction causes the plastic film to retract through the orifice 16 and wrap around the container 18.

[0073] The container 18 further comprises a body 34 and a lid 36. The body 34 and the lid 36 define an interior space for accommodating a roll of plastic film. The lid 36 is adapted to partially cover an opening of the body 34. In the closed position, the body 34 and the lid 36 define an opening through which the plastic film can be pulled out.

[0074] refer to Figure 3 , shows a vehicle repair using dispenser 10. Plastic film 42 is pulled from dispenser 10 through aperture 16 to cover the entire vehicle body 40. A portion of plastic film 42 covering area 38 to be repaired is cut away. After the repair is completed, plastic film 42 is cut along line 44 and the portion of plastic film 42 containing the cutout for repair area 38 is discarded. Figure 4 As shown, the remaining portion of the plastic film 42 is retracted through the aperture 16 into the dispenser 10. This avoids excessive waste and allows the plastic film 42 to be reused.

[0075] refer to Figure 5 , showing a plastic film protection member 46. The plastic film protection member 46 is positioned adjacent to the edge of the orifice 16 (eg Figure 2 The plastic film protection member 46 has a circular cross-section to prevent the plastic film from being damaged when it moves through the orifice 16.

[0076] The plastic film protection member 46 also includes a protrusion 48. The protrusion 48 attaches the plastic film protection member 46 to the cover 14 (eg, Figure 2 shown).

[0077] refer to Figure 6 , shows a dispenser 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The dispenser 110 comprises a guide portion 112 and a first support in the form of a first bracket 116. The guide portion 112 defines an aperture 114. The dispenser 110 further comprises a second support in the form of a second bracket 118.

[0079] The first bracket 116 is adapted to support an end of a plastic film web (not shown). The second bracket 118 is adapted to support an opposite end of the plastic film web.

[0080] The first bracket 116 and the second bracket 118 further include recessed portions 122 and 124, respectively. The recessed portions 122 and 124 are suitable for supporting the plastic film roll.

[0081] The dispenser 110 further includes a base member 120. The first bracket 116 and the second bracket 118 extend from the base member 120. The guide portion 112 extends from the base member 120.

[0082] advantage

[0083] Advantages of preferred embodiments of the dispenser include that the plastic film can be recycled to avoid waste. Another advantage of preferred embodiments of the dispenser includes that the used plastic film can be retracted and wrapped around the first support so that the unused plastic film is not affected by the used plastic film. Yet another advantage of the preferred embodiment is that people can easily retract the plastic film by rotating the first support.

[0084] Variants

[0085] While the foregoing has been presented by way of illustrative examples of the invention, all such and other modifications and variations as would be apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as set forth herein.

[0086] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of the word such as "include" and "have" are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A dispenser for dispensing a plastic film for vehicle repair, the dispenser comprising: housing, and a container rotatably positioned in the housing, the container being adapted to contain a plastic film roll and rotatably support the plastic film roll; and an aperture in the housing, wherein the plastic film can be pulled from the web through the aperture out of the container and can be retracted through the aperture toward the web within the container; In use, the plastics film is wrapped around the container when retracted through the aperture.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing is provided with a cover, the cover defining the aperture.

3. The dispenser of claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more handles operably coupled to the container, and wherein rotation of the one or more handles results in rotation of the container. The dispenser of claim 1 , further comprising a plastic film protective member.

5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the plastic film protection member is positioned adjacent an edge of the aperture to prevent the plastic film from being damaged when moving through the aperture.

6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the container includes a rod, and wherein the rod is positioned through a central opening of the plastic film web to support the plastic film web.

7. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising one or more handles.

8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the container includes a first support adapted to operably support the plastic film web by supporting an end of the plastic film web.

9. The dispenser of claim 8, further comprising a second bracket adapted to operably support the plastic film web by supporting opposite ends of the plastic film web.

10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the container at least partially surrounds the web of plastic film and has an opening through which the plastic film can be pulled.

11. A method of dispensing a plastic film for vehicle repair, the method comprising the steps of: Positioning a roll of plastic film in a container; positioning the container in the housing; A plastic film web is rotatably mounted relative to the opening of the housing; pulling the plastic film from the web through the orifice; as well as The step of rotating one or more handles to rotate the container, wherein the one or more handles are rotated in a first direction to retract the plastic film through the aperture toward the web and wrap the plastic film around the container.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of positioning the web of plastic film in a housing.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, further comprising the step of cutting the used portion of the plastic film from the plastic film roll.

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