James H Jarrell

US Patent:

57998957, Sep 1, 1998

Filed:

Dec 27, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/579117

Inventors:

William C. Michaud - Dubach LA
James B. Jarrell - Dallas TX
James A. Michaud - Jonesboro LA

Assignee:

Providence Products, Inc. - Dallas TX

International Classification:

B65H 2306
B65H 1604
B65H 1804

US Classification:

242423

Abstract:

A rolled paper dispensing apparatus for securing a paper roll on a surface, which apparatus includes a base plate fitted with a friction-inducing area or areas and at least one roll spindle projecting from the base plate for receiving a roll of paper towels, toilet paper or like rolled paper product, and dispensing paper in selected lengths by rotation of the roll on the roll spindle. The rolled paper product or paper roll is placed on the roll spindle, resting lightly on the base plate friction-inducing area(s). The dispensing mode is initiated by grasping the leading sheet edge of the paper roll and pulling the leading sheet edge in a controlled unwinding of the paper roll while maintaining the paper roll in a position of least rotational resistance by disengaging the paper roll from the friction-inducing area(s), thus allowing controlled rotation of the paper roll on smooth surfaces of the base plate and smooth edges of the roll spindle. The tearing mode is initiated by directing user force to position the paper roll in a tilted position of greatest resistance to rotation and engage the bottom edge of the paper roll with friction-inducing edges of the roll spindle and the bottom edge of the paper roll with the friction-inducing area(s) to impede rotation of the paper roll and facilitate tearing of the selected paper sheet from the paper roll, typically along a perforated line.