Paper towel holder
US6776368B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47K10/3836
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A paper towel holder includes a base with a central aperture and a hollow spindle extending up from the base. A flexible disc is secured to the underside of the base and has a substantially flat bottom surface. A central aperture extends through the disc and communicates with the hollow interior of the spindle. A valve stem is slidably mounted in the spindle. The value stem will fall gravitationally into sealing engagement with portions of the disc surrounding the central aperture so that the central aperture is sealed. In this condition, any attempt to tilt or lift the paper towel holder will create a partial vacuum beneath the disc that will resist such lifting or tilting. However, the valve stem can be lifted up relative to the remainder of the towel holder to open the aperture in the disc. No partial vacuum will exist below the disc and the paper towel holder can be moved easily.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.