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Patent 2551716 Summary

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2551716
(54) English Title: SOLID ROLL PROVIDED WITH AT LEAST ONE ADAPTER AND ADAPTER FOR A SOLID ROLL
(54) French Title: ROULEAU PLEIN POURVU D'AU MOINS UN ADAPTATEUR ET ADAPTATEUR POUR UN TEL ROULEAU PLEIN
Status: Deemed expired
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • A47K 10/34 (2006.01)
  • B65H 16/06 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • ANDERSSON, ANDERS (Sweden)
(73) Owners :
  • SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB (Sweden)
(71) Applicants :
  • SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB (Sweden)
(74) Agent: FETHERSTONHAUGH & CO.
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2012-02-14
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2004-12-30
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2005-07-14
Examination requested: 2009-10-14
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/SE2004/002053
(87) International Publication Number: WO2005/063103
(85) National Entry: 2006-06-27

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
0303586-2 Sweden 2003-12-30

Abstracts

English Abstract




The present invention relates to a solid roll (1) of flexible web-shaped
material, such as paper or nonwoven material, being provided with at least one
adapter (6). The adapter (6) comprises first attachment means (7) for
attachment to the solid roll (1) and second attachment means (8) for
attachment to a dispenser. The first attachment means (7) comprises at least
one elongated attachment member (9), which is adapted to be arranged extending
in or near the centre line (5) of the solid roll (1). Furthermore, the at
least one elongated attachment member (9) is arranged to fixate the adapter
(6) to the flexible web-shaped material of the solid roll (1) through
frictional engagement.


French Abstract

Cette invention se rapporte à un rouleau plein (1) de matériau en bande souple, par exemple de papier ou de matériau non tissé, pourvu d'au moins un adaptateur (6). Cet adaptateur (6) comprend un premier moyen de fixation (7) destiné à être fixé au rouleau plein (1) et un second moyen de fixation (8) destiné à être fixé à un distributeur. Le premier moyen de fixation (7) comporte au moins un élément de fixation allongé (9), qui est conçu pour être disposé de façon à s'étendre sur ou près de l'axe central (5) du rouleau plein (1). En outre, le ou les éléments de fixation allongés (9) sont conçus pour fixer l'adaptateur (6) au matériau en bande souple du rouleau plein (1) par contact par friction.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.





23

CLAIMS:


1. A solid roll of flexible web-shaped material, such as paper or
non-woven material, which solid roll has two opposite sides, an envelope
surface
between the two sides and a centre line, and which solid roll is provided with
at
least one adapter comprising:

first attachment means for attachment to the solid roll, the first
attachment means being adapted to be arranged extending into the solid roll
from
one of the sides, and

second attachment means for attachment to a dispenser, the second
attachment means being adapted to be arranged enabling attachment to a
dispenser,

wherein the first attachment means comprises at least one
elongated attachment member being adapted to be arranged extending in or near
the centre line of the solid roll and to fixate the adapter to the flexible
web-shaped
material of the solid roll through frictional engagement, and

wherein said at least one elongated attachment member comprises
a portion with a tapered shape ending in a pointed distal end, said pointed
distal
end being arranged to be positioned within said solid roll.


2. A solid roll according to claim 1, wherein

the adapter further comprises restriction means for restricting
insertion of the adapter into the solid roll, the restriction means comprising
a first
side being adapted to be arranged facing and adjacent to said one side of the
solid roll and an opposite second side adapted to be arranged facing away from

said one side of the solid roll, whereby the first attachment means for
attachment
to the solid roll is arranged extending from the first side of the restriction
means
and whereby the second attachment means for attachment to a dispenser is
arranged extending from the second side of the restriction means.


3. A solid roll according to claim 1 or 2, wherein




24


it is provided with one adapter on each of the two sides.


4. A solid roll according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein

the first attachment means comprises one elongated attachment
member adapted to be arranged extending in or near the centre line of the
solid
roll and that the elongated attachment member comprises a helical winding.


5. A solid roll according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein

the first attachment means comprises at least three elongated
attachment members extending parallel to each other, which at least three
elongated attachment members are arranged circumferentially and are adapted to

be arranged extending near the centre line of the solid roll to encircle the
centre
line of the solid roll.


6. A solid roll according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein

the first attachment means comprises one centred elongated
attachment member and at least two elongated attachment members extending
parallel to the centred elongated attachment member and at a distance from the

centred elongated attachment member.


7. A solid roll according to claim 3, wherein

the first attachment means of the two adapters, respectively,
comprises different numbers of elongated attachment members.


8. A solid roll according to claim 3, wherein

it is provided with a first adapter on one side and a second adapter
on the opposite side, whereby the first attachment means of the first adapter
comprises one elongated attachment member adapted to be arranged in or near
the centre line of the solid roll and whereby the first attachment means of
the
second adapter comprises at least three elongated attachment members
extending parallel to each other, which at least three elongated attachment
members are arranged circumferentially and are adapted to be arranged near the

centre line of the solid roll to encircle the centre line of the solid roll,
and that




25


the first adapter and the second adapter are adapted to be arranged such that
the
elongated attachment members of the second adapter encircle the elongated
attachment member of the first adapter in at least a centre area of the solid
roll.


9. A solid roll according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein

the second attachment means is adapted to be arranged extending
in the direction of the centre line of the solid roll.


10. A solid roll according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein

the second attachment means comprises a shaft, which is adapted
to be arranged extending away from the solid roll and to be rotatably mounted
to a
dispenser.


11. A solid roll according to claim 2, wherein

the second attachment means is a recess extending into the
restriction means, which recess is adapted to be arranged to receive a shaft
affixed to a dispenser or rotatably mounted to a dispenser.


12. A solid roll according to any one of claims 1-9 and 11, wherein

the second attachment means is a recess extending from an end of
the adapter being arranged to face a dispenser and in the direction of the
first
attachment means, which recess is adapted to be arranged to receive a shaft
affixed to a dispenser or rotatably mounted to a dispenser.


13. A solid roll according to claim 10, wherein

the second attachment means further comprises an attachment
member attached to an end of the shaft adapted to be arranged adjacent or in a

dispenser, which attachment member is adapted to be arranged running parallel
to said one side of the solid roll.


14. A solid roll according to claim 13, wherein

said attachment member is a plate-like member.





26


15. A solid roll according to claim 3, wherein

it is provided with a first adapter on one side and a second adapter
on the opposite side, whereby the second attachment means of the first adapter
is
a recess extending into the first attachment means, which recess is adapted to
be
arranged to receive a shaft affixed to a dispenser or rotatably mounted to a
dispenser, and whereby the second attachment means of the second adapter is a
shaft, which is adapted to be arranged extending away from the solid roll and
to
be rotatably mounted to a dispenser.


16. A solid roll according to claim 4, wherein
the adapter is a screw.


17. A solid roll according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein

it is a jumbo roll, weighing at least 500 g and preferably at
least 800 g.


18. A solid roll according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein
it is a jumbo roll, weighing at least 1000 g.


19. A dispenser arranged to hold a solid roll according to any one of
claims 1-18 by having complementary means being complementary to the second
attachment means.


20. An adapter for a solid roll of flexible web-shaped material, such as
paper or non-woven material, which solid roll has two opposite sides, an
envelope
surface between the two sides and a centre line, the adapter comprising:

first attachment means for attachment to the solid roll, the first
attachment means being adapted to be arranged extending into the solid roll
from
one of the sides, and

second attachment means for attachment to a dispenser, the second




27


attachment means being adapted to be arranged enabling attachment to a
dispenser, wherein

the first attachment means comprises at least one elongated
attachment member being adapted to be arranged extending in or near the centre

line of the solid roll and to fixate the adapter to the flexible web-shaped
material of
the solid roll through frictional engagement, and

wherein said at least one elongated attachment member comprises
a portion with a tapered shape ending in a pointed distal end, said pointed
distal
end being arranged to be positioned within said solid roll.


21. An adapter according to claim 20,

the adapter further comprises restriction means for restricting
insertion of the adapter into the solid roll, the restriction means comprising
a first
side being adapted to be arranged facing and adjacent to said one side of the
solid roll and an opposite second side adapted to be arranged facing away from

said one side of the solid roll, whereby the first attachment means for
attachment
to the solid roll is arranged extending from the first side of the restriction
means
and whereby the second attachment means for attachment to a dispenser is
arranged extending from the second side of the restriction means.


22. An adapter according to claim 20 or 21, wherein

the first attachment means comprises one elongated attachment
member adapted to be arranged extending in or near the centre line of the
solid
roll and that the elongated attachment member comprises a helical winding.


23. An adapter according to claim 20 or 21, wherein

the first attachment means comprises at least three elongated
attachment members extending parallel to each other, which at least three
elongated attachment members are arranged circumferentially and are adapted to

be arranged extending near the centre line of the solid roll to encircle the
centre
line of the solid roll.





28


24. An adapter according to claim 20 or 21, wherein

the first attachment means comprises one centred elongated
attachment member and at least two elongated attachment members extending
parallel to the centred elongated attachment member and at a distance from the

centred elongated attachment member.


25. An adapter according to any one of claims 20-24, wherein

the second attachment means is adapted to be arranged extending
in the direction of the centre line of the solid roll.


26. An adapter according to any one of claims 20-25, wherein

the second attachment means comprises a shaft, which is adapted
to be arranged extending away from the solid roll and to be rotatably mounted
to a
dispenser.


27. An adapter according to claim 21, wherein

the second attachment means is a recess extending into the
restriction means, which recess is adapted to be arranged to receive a shaft
affixed to a dispenser or rotatably mounted to a dispenser.


28. An adapter according to any one of claims 20-25 and 27, wherein
the second attachment means is a recess extending from an end of
the adapter being arranged to face a dispenser and in the direction of the
first
attachment means, which recess is adapted to be arranged to receive a shaft
affixed to a dispenser or rotatably mounted to a dispenser.


29. An adapter according to claim 26, wherein

the second attachment means further comprises an attachment
member attached to an end of the shaft adapted to be arranged adjacent or in a

dispenser, which attachment member is adapted to be arranged running parallel
to said one side of the solid roll.





29


30. An adapter according to claim 29, wherein

said attachment member is a plate-like member.

31. An adapter according to claim 22, wherein

the adapter is a screw.


32. An adapter according to any one of claims 20-31, wherein

it is used for jumbo rolls, weighing at least 500 g and preferably at
least 800 g.


33. An adapter according to any one of claims 20-32, wherein
it is used for jumbo rolls, weighing at least 1000 g.


34. An adapter combination, comprising

a first adapter and a second adapter according to any one of claims
20-33, whereby the first attachment means of the first adapter and the second
adapter, respectively, comprises different numbers of elongated attachment
members.


35. An adapter combination, comprising

a first adapter according to claim 20 comprising one elongated
attachment member and a second adapter according to claim 23, and that the
first
adapter and the second adapter are adapted to be arranged such that the
elongated attachment members of the second adapter encircle the elongated
attachment member of the first adapter in at least a centre area of the solid
roll.

36. An adapter combination, comprising

a first adapter according to claim 26 and a second adapter according
to claim 28.


Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CA 02551716 2006-06-27
WO 2005/063103 PCT/SE2004/002053
1
Solid roll provided with at least one adapter and adapter for a solid roll
Technical field
The present invention relates to a solid roll of flexible web-shaped material,
such as
paper or non-woven material, provided with at least one adapter, which solid
roll is
suited for installation and holding in various types of conventional
dispensers and is
ready to be loaded in a dispenser at delivery to the end consumer without the
need of
adding and fitting any extra adaptation parts. Furthermore, the invention
relates to an
adapter for a solid roll, an adapter combination for a solid roll and a
dispenser for holding
a solid roll according to the invention.

Background of the invention
Commercial and consumer products of flexible web-shaped material, such as
toilet paper,
hand towel paper, kitchen towel paper, industrial wiping paper and nonwoven
wiping
material, are typically distributed and dispensed in roll form. Small rolls
with a diameter
of 100 to 150 mm are normally used in households, whereas larger rolls, which
often are
called jumbo rolls and which can have a diameter of 200 to 400 mm, are
utilized in
commercial uses, i.e. in offices and in public washrooms etc. The jumbo rolls
carry much
more flexible web-shaped material than the small household rolls and are
correspondingly much heavier. The small household rolls weigh 0,1 - 0,2 kg and
the
jumbo rolls weigh from 0,2 to 8,0 kg or even 10 kg and can carry 1500 m of
flexible
web-shaped material.

Today there are different types of rolls, such as cored rolls, coreless rolls
and solid rolls,
on the market. These types of rolls have different characteristics, which will
be further
described below. Traditionally, the cored roll has been predominant on the
market,
whereas new market trends have introduced the coreless roll as well as the
solid roll.
The cored roll, which traditionally has been utilized, is typically produced
on a hollow
cylindrical core, around which the flexible web-shaped material is rolled up.
For example,
the hollow cylindrical core may be made of some type of cardboard or plastic
material.
After finished production, the hollow cylindrical core remains in the cored
roll. Thus, the
cored roll intended for the end consumer comprises the hollow cylindrical core
defining a
hollow space at the centre of the roll.
The coreless roll, which has been introduced by new market trends, does not
comprise
any hollow cylindrical core around which the flexible web-shaped material is
wound.
However, the coreless roll comprises an opening extending through the centre
of the roll.
The coreless roll is produced on some type of mandrel belonging to the
production
equipment. The flexible web-shaped material is rolled up around the mandrel to
form the
roll and the mandrel is subsequently extracted and recycled after finished up-
rolling.
During extraction of the mandrel from the roll, an opening is created through
the roll.
The opening may collapse and assume a deformed shape, such as oval, flattened
or star-
shaped, during or after withdrawal of the mandrel, but the coreless roll
intended for the


CA 02551716 2006-06-27
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2
end consumer still comprises an opening at the centre of the roll. The
innermost windings
of web-shaped material are normally attached to each other by addition of some
water in
order to act like a core. However, the central opening of the coreless roll is
much smaller
in diameter than the diameter of the core of the cored roll. One consequence
thereof is,
for example, that the coreless roll may comprise more flexible web-shaped
material than
the cored roll for a given outer diameter. A machine and method for the
production of
coreless rolls are, for example, described in EP 1268330.

The solid roll, which has been introduced recently on the market, does not
comprise any
hollow cylindrical core and neither any opening extending through the centre
of the roll.
The solid roll is not produced on any core, mandrel or the like, but even the
innermost
part of the roll is filled with flexible web-shaped material during production
of the roll.
The finished solid roll takes on the appearance of a compact cylinder
completely filled
with flexible web-shaped material and is essentially homogenous in a cross-
section
viewed from the side. The density range of the solid roll is 140 -380 kg/m3.
However,
there may be some deviation from the homogenous characteristic due to, for
example,
technical reasons during manufacturing or due to that a deviation is desired
in the centre
area. The density range of a centre part having a diameter of 10 mm may, for
example,
be between 20 kg/m3 less than the other parts of the roll and 20 kg/m3 more
than the
other parts of the roll. The density of the centre part having a diameter of
10 mm may be
measured by unwinding a solid roll such that the remaining part of the solid
roll has a
diameter of 10 mm and thereafter measuring the volume and weight of the
remaining
part of the solid roll. Since the solid roll does not have any core or opening
at the centre
of the roll, the solid roll may comprise more meters of flexible web-shaped
material for a
given outer diameter compared to the cored and coreless rolls. A machine and
method
for the production of solid rolls are, for example, described in EP 0580561.

The core of cored rolls has to be taken away and discarded when all flexible
web-shaped
material has been used. The coreless and solid rolls are more environment
friendly than
the cored roll since all flexible web-shaped material of the coreless or solid
rolls may be
used and since they have no core that has to be discarded. In addition, cored
rolls are
more expensive to manufacture than coreless and solid rolls because of the
expense of
producing the cores and joining the product to the core.

However, since cored rolls traditionally have been utilized, conventional
dispensers used
by consumers today are generally suited for cored rolls only. Many
conventional
dispensers comprise, for example, a spindle or the like on which the roll is
to be mounted
in a manner similar to ubiquitous bathroom toilet roll dispensers. Such a
spindle is
arranged to pass through or otherwise penetrate the inner space of the core of
the cored
roll such that the cored roll may rotate around the spindle. For example, the
spindle may
be a member of the dispenser being affixed to the dispenser at one end or may
be a
releasable member of the dispenser being adapted to be inserted into slots,
pathways or
the like defined in the sides of the dispenser.


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3
Since solid rolls have no opening extending through the roll, a solid roll is
not suited for
loading in dispensers for cored rolls comprising a spindle or the like to be
inserted
through the roll. Furthermore, since the central opening in coreless rolls
might have
assumed a deformed shape, since the diameter of the central opening is less
than the
diameter of the core of cored rolls and since the diameter of the central
opening can vary
with air moisture content, it may be difficult to fit a coreless roll into
such dispensers.
Furthermore, there is a risk that a coreless roll wobbles in such dispensers
as material is
drawn from the roll.

One way to enable installation and holding in a dispenser of a coreless roll
or a solid roll,
respectively, is to utilize a dispenser that is specifically configured during
its manufacture
for loading coreless and/or solid rolls.

One example of a type of dispenser that is specifically configured for holding
coreless or
solid rolls, respectively, is a disperser having the shape of a trough in
which the roll is
put. The flexible web-shaped material is fed over the upper edge of the trough
or
through a slit in the lower part. However, when there is only a few windings
left of the
solid roll, it might be difficult to get hold of the end of the flexible web-
shaped material in
such a dispenser and the user may have to pick up the solid roll to find the
end of the
flexible web-shaped material.

Another example of a type of dispenser that is specifically configured for
holding solid
rolls is a dispenser that comprises a projection part on at least one
dispenser side. Such
a dispenser is, for example, disclosed in WO 2004056250. The projection part
may be a
pin or the like. When a new solid roll is loaded in such a dispenser, the
projection part is
forced to penetrate between windings of the solid roll. However, in order to
be able to
use as much as possible of the material of the solid roll, the projection part
must be
forced to penetrate at or near the innermost winding. Thus, the user has to
try to fit the
solid roll to the projection part such that it penetrates at or near the
innermost winding.
Furthermore, it is required that some force is applied for the penetration.

Another way to enable installation and holding in a dispenser of a coreless
roll or a solid
roll, respectively, is to adapt an existing dispenser for cored rolls for
loading coreless or
solid rolls, respectively, and/or to adapt coreless or solid rolls,
respectively, to fit to such
a dispenser.

One way, which is well-known in the art, of adapting a coreless or solid roll
for
installation and holding in a dispenser for cored rolls comprises creation of
a depression
in each vertical side of a coreless roll or a solid roll, respectively, at the
time of
production and provision of an adapter that fits both into the depression and
to a
mounting structure of the dispenser. A method of producing a depression in a
vertical
side of a roll is, for example, disclosed in US 5,620,148.


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4
WO 99/60909 discloses an adapter for converting a dispenser for a small cored
roll into a dispenser for a small coreless roll. The adapter comprises a
plunger
arranged to extend from one of the sides of the dispenser and fit into a
depression
in a side of a coreless roll. Furthermore, the adapter comprises attachment
means for securing the adapter to a core roll product dispenser. A depression
is
preferably provided in each side of the coreless roll at the time of
production.

US 6,082,664 discloses an adapter for small solid or coreless rolls of paper
material, in which rolls there are recesses or divots defined in the vertical
sides of
the rolls. The adapter is to be placed in a dispenser for cored rolls, in
which
dispenser there are slots defined in the sides of the dispenser. The recesses,
which should be formed at the time of production, define a rotating axis for
the
coreless or solid roll and a protrusion extending from the adapter is arranged
to be
pressed into one of the recesses. An engaging member may extend substantially
transverse from the adapter and may be insertable into and slidable along the
slots in the sides of the dispenser. A pair of adapters may engage and hold
the
roll therebetween within the dispenser.

US 6,592,068 discloses an adapter for small solid or coreless rolls of paper
material, in which rolls there are recesses or divots defined in the vertical
sides of
the rolls. The adapter is to be placed in a dispenser for cored rolls, in
which
dispenser there are slots defined in the sides of the dispenser. The adapter
includes a carriage having opposite side members attached to a transverse
support arm. A protrusion is formed on one side of each side member, which
protrusion is intended to at least partially engage into the recess in a
vertical side
of the solid or coreless roll. A pin is disposed on the other side of each
side
member and is intended to engage in one of the slots in the sides of the
dispenser.

However, in order to enable installation and holding of coreless or solid
rolls,
respectively, in a dispenser for cored rolls by use of the adapters according
to
WO 99/60909, US 6,082,664 and US 6,592,068, respectively, the rolls must be
provided with a depression in each of their vertical sides. In use, the user
has to
fit those adapters, respectively, into both the depressions in the sides of
the rolls
and to the dispensers and ensure that reliable fitting is achieved to both the
roll


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and the dispenser. Thus, some workload is then put on the user. Furthermore,
the
adapters according to US 6,082,664 and US 6,592,068, respectively, are only
possible to use in dispensers having slots or the like defined in their side
walls.
Another way, which is known in the art, of adapting a coreless roll having a
central
5 aperture for loading in a dispenser for cored rolls comprises utilization of
an
adapter that is intended to be inserted into the aperture and to be attached
to such
a dispenser.

US 5,495,997 discloses a support spindle apparatus, which is intended to be
inserted into the central aperture of a coreless toilet tissue roll to support
the
coreless roll in a toilet tissue dispenser cabinet of the type having opposed,
elongated, generally vertically oriented guide slots. The support spindle
apparatus
comprises an elongated spindle body having a generally cruciform cross-section
over most of its length. In use, the spindle apparatus is inserted into the
aperture
of a coreless roll such that one end is positioned outside the roll on one
side of the
roll and the other end is positioned outside the roll on the opposite side of
the roll.
Thereafter, one end of the spindle apparatus may be inserted into a slot at
one
side of a dispenser and the other end of the spindle apparatus may be inserted
into a slot in the opposite side of the dispenser. The support spindle
apparatus
further comprises a roll stop element fixedly attached to the elongated
spindle
body to prevent movement of the roll relative to the spindle apparatus in a
single
direction.

US 5,868,342 describes a roll spindle intended to be used in modification of a
multi-roil dispenser normally used to dispense tissue from rolls of toilet
tissue
having centre cores to dispense tissue from coreless rolls. One spindle is
inserted
into each roll in the multi-roll dispenser. The spindle comprises a spindle
shaft
and a plurality of roll engagement elements rotatably journaled on the spindle
shaft. Furthermore, the spindle has a tapered distal end and the spindle is
inserted into a roll with the tapered end first. At the other end of the
spindle, a
mounting member is provided for affixing the spindle to the dispenser. During
use, the coreless roll may be rotated around the spindle shaft by means of the
rotatably journaled roll engagement members, whereas the spindle shaft is
fixed in
position, i.e. not rotated.


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6
However, in order to enable installation and holding of coreless rolls in a
dispenser
for cored rolls by use of the spindles according to US 5,495,997 and
US 5,868,342, respectively, the user has to fit those spindles, respectively,
to the
aperture of a coreless roll. Since the aperture in a coreless roll may have
collapsed and assumed a deformed shape, as mentioned above, it might be tricky
and time-consuming to fit such a spindle to the aperture and to avoid that
windings
of web-material are penetrated during insertion of such a spindle.
Furthermore,
the spindles according to US 5,495,997 and US 5,868,342, respectively, are
only
suited for rolls having a central aperture, such as coreless rolls, whereby
they are
not suited for solid rolls. Furthermore, the spindle apparatus according to US
5,868,342 may only be used in a special type of dispenser.

Therefore, there is still a need for a simple and reliable way of achieving
the
possibility to install and hold solid rolls of flexible web-shaped material in
a
dispenser such that flexible web-shaped material may be dispensed in a
reliable
and user-friendly way. Furthermore, there is a need for the possibility to
achieve
solid rolls of flexible web-shaped material that are adapted for enabling
installation
and holding in various types of dispensers that hold a roll in its central
line. There
is also a need for the possibility to achieve solid rolls that are adapted
such that
they are ready to be used in a dispenser at delivery, i.e. without the user
having to
add any adaptation parts.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly, some aspects of the present invention may provide an improved and
simplified way of enabling use of solid rolls.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solid
roll of
flexible web-shaped material, such as paper or non-woven material, which solid
roll has two opposite sides, an envelope surface between the two sides and a
centre line, and which solid roll is provided with at least one adapter
comprising:
first attachment means for attachment to the solid roll, the first attachment
means
being adapted to be arranged extending into the solid roll from one of the
sides,
and


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7
second attachment means for attachment to a dispenser, the second attachment
means being adapted to be arranged enabling attachment to a dispenser, wherein
the first attachment means comprises at least one elongated attachment member
being adapted to be arranged extending in or near the centre line of the solid
roll
and to fixate the adapter to the flexible web-shaped material of the solid
roll
through frictional engagement and wherein the at least one elongated
attachment
member comprises a portion with a tapered shape ending in a pointed distal
end,
said pointed distal end being arranged to be positioned within said solid
roll.

In one aspect of the present invention, the solid roll is provided with one
adapter
on each of the two sides.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the solid roll is provided with
two
adapters, whereby the first attachment means of the two adapters,
respectively,
comprises different numbers of elongated attachment members.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the solid roll is
provided with
a first adapter on one side and a second adapter on the opposite side, whereby
the first attachment means of the first adapter comprises one elongated
attachment member adapted to be arranged in or near the centre line of the
solid
roll and whereby the first attachment means of the second adapter comprises at
least three elongated attachment members extending parallel to each other,
which
at least three elongated attachment members are arranged circumferentially and
are adapted to be arranged near the centre line of the solid roll to encircle
the
centre line of the solid roll, and whereby the first adapter and the second
adapter
are adapted to be arranged such that the elongated attachment members of the
second adapter encircle the elongated attachment member of the first adapter
in
at least a centre area of the solid roll.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the solid roll is
provided
with a first adapter on one side and a second adapter on the opposite side,


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7a
whereby the second attachment means of the first adapter is a recess extending
into the first attachment means, which recess is adapted to be arranged to
receive
a shaft affixed to a dispenser or rotatably mounted to a dispenser, and
whereby
the second attachment means of the second adapter is a shaft, which is adapted
to be arranged extending away from the solid roll and to be rotatably mounted
to a
dispenser.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the solid roll is a
jumbo roll,
weighing at least 500 g and preferably at least 800 g.

According to still a further aspect of the present invention, the solid roll
is a jumbo
roll, weighing at least 1000 g.

Some aspects of the present invention may provide an adapter for a solid roil
for
simplifying and improving the installation and holding of a solid roll in a
dispenser.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
adapter
for a solid roll of flexible web-shaped material, such as paper or non-woven
material, which solid roll has two opposite sides, an envelope surface between
the
two sides and a centre line, the adapter comprising: first attachment means
for
attachment to the solid roll, the first attachment means being adapted to be
arranged extending into the solid roll from one of the sides, and second
attachment means for attachment to a dispenser, the second attachment means
being adapted to be arranged enabling attachment to a dispenser, wherein the
first attachment means comprises at least one elongated attachment being
adapted to be arranged extending in or near the centre line of the solid roll
and to
fixate the adapter to the flexible web-shaped material of the solid roll
through
frictional engagement and wherein the at least one elongated attachment member
comprises a portion with a tapered shape ending in a pointed distal end, said
pointed distal end being arranged to be positioned within said solid roll.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the adapter is used for
jumbo
rolls, weighing at least 500 g and preferably at least 800 g.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the adapter is used
for
jumbo rolls, weighing at least 1000 g.


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7b
In further embodiments of the solid roll and the adapter according to the
present
invention, the adapter further comprises restriction means for restricting
insertion
of the adapter into the solid roll, the restriction means comprising a first
side being
adapted to be arranged facing and adjacent to one side of the solid roll and
an
opposite second side adapted to be arranged facing away from the one side of
the
solid roll, whereby the first attachment means for attachment to the solid
roll is
arranged extending from the first side of the restriction means and whereby
the
second attachment means for attachment to a dispenser is arranged extending
from the second side of the restriction means.

In other embodiments of the solid roll and the adapter according to the
present
invention, the first attachment means comprises one elongated attachment
member adapted to be arranged extending in or near the centre line of the
solid
roll, whereby the elongated attachment member comprises a helical winding.


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8
In further embodiments of the solid roll and the adapter according to the
present
invention, the first attachment means comprises at least three elongated
attachment
members extending parallel to each other, which at least three elongated
attachment
members are arranged circumferentially and are adapted to be arranged
extending near
the centre line of the solid roll to encircle the centre line of the solid
roll.

In other embodiments of the solid roll and the adapter according to the
present
invention, the first attachment means comprises one centred elongated
attachment
member and at least two elongated attachment members extending parallel to the
centred elongated attachment member and at a distance from the centred
elongated
attachment member.

Preferably, the second attachment means is adapted to be arranged extending in
the
direction of the centre line of the solid roll.
In further embodiments of the solid roll and the adapter according to the
present
invention, the second attachment means comprises a shaft, which is adapted to
be
arranged extending away from the solid roll and to be rotatably mounted to a
dispenser.

In still further embodiments of the solid roll and the adapter according to
the present
invention, the adapter further comprises restriction means for restricting
insertion of the
adapter into the solid roll, the restriction means comprising a first side
being adapted to
be arranged facing and adjacent to one side of the solid roll and an opposite
second side
adapted to be arranged facing away from the one side of the solid roll,
whereby the
second attachment means is a recess extending into the restriction means,
which recess
is adapted to be arranged to receive a shaft affixed to a dispenser or
rotatably mounted
to a dispenser.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the second attachment means is
a recess
extending from an end of the adapter being arranged to face a dispenser and in
the
direction of the first attachment means, which recess is adapted to be
arranged to
receive a shaft affixed to a dispenser or rotatably mounted to a dispenser.

In further embodiments of the solid roll and the adapter according to the
present
invention, the second attachment means comprises a shaft, which is adapted to
be
arranged extending away from the solid roll and to be rotatably mounted to a
dispenser,
and an attachment member attached to an end of the shaft adapted to be
arranged
adjacent or in a dispenser, which attachment member is adapted to be arranged
running
parallel to said one side of the solid roll.
in still further embodiments of the solid roll and the adapter according to
the present
invention, the second attachment means comprises an attachment member adapted
to
be arranged running parallel to said one side of the solid roll, whereby said
attachment
member is a plate-like member.


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9
In other embodiments of the solid roll and the adapter according to the
present
invention, the adapter is a screw.

The present invention further refers to a dispenser, which is arranged to hold
a
solid roll according to the invention by having complementary means being
complementary to the second attachment means.

The present invention also refers to an adapter combination comprising a first
adapter and a second adapter according to the invention, whereby the first
attachment means of the first adapter and the second adapter, respectively,
comprises different numbers of elongated attachment members.

Some aspects of the present invention further refer to an adapter combination
comprising a first adapter according to the invention in which the first
attachment
means comprises one elongated attachment member adapted to be arranged
extending in or near the centre line of the solid roll and a second adapter
according to the invention in which the first attachment means comprises at
least
three elongated attachment members extending parallel to each other, which at
least three elongated attachment members are arranged circumferentially and
are
adapted to be arranged extending near the centre line of the solid roll to
encircle
the centre line of the solid roil, wherein the first adapter and the second
adapter
are adapted to be arranged such that the elongated attachment members of the
second adapter encircle the elongated attachment member of the first adapter
in
at least a centre area of the solid roll.

Some aspects of the present invention also refer to an adapter combination
comprising a first adapter in which the second attachment means is a shaft,
which
is adapted to be arranged extending away from the solid roll and to be
rotatably
mounted to a dispenser, and a second adapter in which the second attachment
means is a recess extending into the first attachment means, which recess is
adapted to be arranged to receive a shaft affixed to a dispenser or rotatably
mounted to a dispenser.


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9a
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
dispenser, arranged to hold a solid roll as described above or below by having
complementary means being complementary to the second attachment means.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
adapter combination, comprising a first adapter and a second adapter as
described above or below, whereby the first attachment means of the first
adapter
and the second adapter, respectively, comprises different numbers of elongated
attachment members.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
adapter
combination, comprising a first adapter as described above or below comprising
one elongated attachment member and a second adapter as described above or
below, and that the first adapter and the second adapter are adapted to be
arranged such that the elongated attachment members of the second adapter
encircle the elongated attachment member of the first adapter in at least a
centre
area of the solid roll.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided
an
adapter combination, comprising a first adapter as described above or below
and
a second adapter as described above or below.

Still other features of some aspects of the present invention will become
apparent
from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.

It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for
purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the
invention, for
which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further
understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that,
unless
otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the
structures and procedures described herein.


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9b
Brief description of the drawings

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote similar elements
throughout the several views:


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Fig. la shows a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of a solid roll
according to
the invention.

5 Fig. 1b shows a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the solid
roll according
to the invention.

Fig. 1c shows a first end view of an adapter in the first and second
embodiments of the
solid roll according to the invention.
Fig. 1d shows a second end view of the adapter in the first and second
embodiments of
the solid roll according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the adapter in the third and
fourth
embodiments of the solid roll according to the invention.

Fig. 3a shows a side view of the adapter in the fifth and sixth embodiments of
the solid
roll according to the invention.

Fig. 3b shows a first end view of the adapter according to fig. 3a.
Fig. 3c shows a second end view of the adapter according to fig. 3a.

Fig. 3d shows a cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment of the solid roll
according
to the invention.

Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to
the invention
holding the solid roll according to the sixth embodiment.

Fig. 5a shows a cross-sectional side view of the adapter in the seventh and
eighth
embodiments of the solid roll according to the invention.

Fig. 5b shows a first end view of the adapter according to fig. 5a.
Fig. 5c shows a second end view of the adapter according to fig. 5a.

Fig. 6a shows a side view of the adapter in the ninth and tenth embodiments of
the solid
roll according to the invention.

Fig. 6b shows a first end view of the adapter according to fig. 6a.
Fig. 6c shows a second end view of the adapter according to fig. 6a.


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11

Fig. 6d shows a cross-sectional view of the ninth embodiment of the solid roll
according
to the invention.

Fig. 7a shows a side view of an alternative adapter.
Fig. 7b shows a first end view of the adapter according to fig. 7a.
Fig. 7c shows a second end view of the adapter according to fig. 7a.
Fig. 8 shows a side view of another alternative adapter.

Fig. 9a shows a side view of a further alternative adapter.

Fig. 9b shows a first end view of the adapter according to fig. 9a.
Fig. 9c shows a second end view of the adapter according to fig. 9a.
Fig. 10a shows a side view of yet an alternative adapter.

Fig. 10b shows a first end view of the adapter according to fig. 10a.
Fig. 10c shows a second end view of the adapter according to fig. 10a.

Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a solid roll being provided with a
first adapter and
a second adapter.

Detailed description of the invention
Figures la and lb show a simplified cross-sectional view of a first embodiment
and a
second embodiment, respectively, of a solid roll 1 of flexible web-shaped
material
according to the present invention, in which views the outline of the solid
rolls 1 is shown
with dashed lines. As mentioned above, solid rolls of flexible web-shaped
material do not
comprise any hollow cylindrical core as cored rolls and neither any aperture
extending
through the centre of the roll as coreless rolls. Instead, the innermost part
of solid rolls is
filled with flexible web-shaped material. The solid roll 1 according to the
invention may
be of any types and sizes, including jumbo rolls.

The solid roll 1, being cylinder-shaped, has two opposite sides 2, 3, an
envelope surface
4 between the two sides 2, 3 and a centre line 5. If the solid roll 1 is wound
properly and
essentially evenly of flexible web-shaped material, the innermost winding is
essentially
located at the centre line 5. Usually, solid rolls are properly and
essentially evenly wound
of flexible web-shaped material and therefore the innermost winding is
essentially
located at the centre line 5 or at least near the centre line 5.


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12
In accordance with the invention, the solid roll 1 is provided with at least
one adapter 6,
which adapter 6 is adapted to be arranged on one of the sides 2, 3. The solid
roll 1 may
be provided with one adapter 6 only, i.e. one adapter 6 on one of the sides 2,
3, or with
two adapters 6, i.e. with one adapter 6 on each of the two sides 2, 3. In the
first
embodiment, which is shown in fig. la, the solid roll 1 is provided with one
adapter 6
only. In the second embodiment, which is shown in fig. 1b, the solid roll 1 is
provided
with two adapters 6. The adapter 6 in the first embodiment and the adapters 6
in the
second embodiment all have the same configuration. A first and second end view
of the
adapter 6 in the first and second embodiments are, respectively, shown in fig.
is and fig.
1d. In other embodiments, the solid roll 1 is, however, provided with two
adapters 6
having different configurations. This will be further described below.

The adapter 6 is adapted to be partly inserted into the solid roll 1 and
comprises first
attachment means 7 for attachment to the solid roll 1 and second attachment
means 8
for attachment to a dispenser.

The first attachment means 7 for attachment of the adapter 6 to the solid roll
1 is
adapted to be arranged extending into the solid roll from one side 2, 3 of the
solid roll 1
and is adapted to engage the solid roll 1 in or near its centre line 5.
The second attachment means 8 for attachment of the adapter 6 to a dispenser
is
adapted to be arranged enabling attachment to a dispenser. Preferably, the
second
attachment means 8 is adapted to be arranged extending in the direction of the
centre
line 5 of the solid roll 1. The second attachment means 8 is adapted to allow
attachment
of the adapter 6 to various types of conventional dispensers including
conventional
dispensers for cored rolls as well as dispensers intended for solid and
coreless rolls being
provided with depressions in their sides. In the first and second embodiments
of the solid
roll 1, the second attachment means 8 comprises a shaft 13, which is adapted
to be
arranged extending away from the solid roll 1 and to be rotatably mounted to
complementary means in a dispenser. Examples of complementary means in a
dispenser
to which the shaft 13 may be mounted are different types of bearings. However,
as will
be further described below, the shape of the second attachment means 8 may be
varied
in further embodiments in order to fit to different complementary means in
different
types of conventional dispensers. In some cases it might also be possible to
change the
complementary means in a conventional dispenser in order to fit to the second
attachment means 8.

Furthermore, the first attachment means 7 of the adapter 6 in the first and
second
embodiments comprises one elongated attachment member 9, which for example has
the
shape of a pin, tube or the like and which is adapted to be arranged extending
in or near
the centre line 5 of the solid roll 1. The elongated attachment member 9 is
adapted to
fixate the adapter 6 to the flexible web-shaped material of the solid roll 1
through
frictional engagement. Even if the first attachment means 7 of the adapter 6
in the first
and second embodiments of the solid roll 1 comprises one elongated attachment
member


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13
9, the adapter 6 may in other embodiments of the solid roll 1 comprise more
than one
elongated attachment member 9. Other embodiments of the present invention, in
which
the adapter 6 comprises more than one elongated attachment member 9 adapted to
be
arranged to extend in or near the centre line of the solid roll 1 will be
further described
below.

The elongated attachment member 9 is adapted to be inserted into the solid
roll 1
between windings of flexible web-shaped material since even the innermost part
of the
solid roll 1 is filled with material. If the solid roll 1 is essentially
evenly wound with
flexible web-shaped material, which it usually is, then the centre line 5 of
the solid roll 1
coincides at least essentially with the rotational axis of the solid roll 1.
However, after
insertion of the elongated attachment member 9 into the solid roll 1, the
second
attachment means 8 defines a rotational centre line 10 for the solid roll 1,
around which
the solid roll 1 will rotate when held in a dispenser.
In order to be able to unwind and use all or essentially all flexible web-
shaped material of
the solid roll 1, it is important that the elongated attachment member 9 is
inserted in or
near the innermost winding. Since solid rolls usually are properly and
essentially evenly
wound of flexible web-shaped material, and the innermost winding therefore is
essentially located at the centre line 5 or at least near the centre line 5,
it is important
that the elongated attachment member 9 is inserted in or near the centre line
5 of the
solid roll 1. In the first and second embodiments, the elongated attachment
member 9 is
preferably inserted essentially along the centre line 5 of the solid roll 1
and most
preferably along the centre line 5 of the solid roll 1.
Since even the innermost part of the solid roll 1 is filled with material, the
elongated
attachment member 9 must be forced to penetrate into the solid roll 1. In the
first and
second embodiments, the elongated attachment member 9 comprises a portion 12
with a
tapered shape ending in a pointed distal end 11 in order to facilitate the
penetration of
the elongated attachment member 9 into the solid roll 1. The portion 12 having
a tapered
shape may constitute only a part of the elongated attachment member 9 or the
complete
elongated attachment member 9. The tapering of the portion 12 having a tapered
shape
may be gradual or stepwise to the pointed distal end 11. The adapter 6 is
inserted with
the pointed distal end 11 first, which may be sharply pointed. However, in
other
embodiments the elongated attachment member 9 does not comprise a tapered
portion
12 nor a pointed distal end 11. Furthermore, in still other embodiments
comprising more
than one elongated attachment member 9, only one or some of the elongated
attachment members 9 comprise a tapered portion 12 and a pointed distal end
11.

The pointed distal end 11 and the tapered portion 12 ease insertion of the
elongated
attachment member 9 and reduce the force required for insertion. Nevertheless,
the
insertion of the elongated attachment member 9 requires that a relatively high
pressure
is applied. Furthermore, at insertion of the elongated attachment member 9 of
the
adapter 6 into the solid roll 1 it is important, as above described, that the
elongated


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14
attachment member 9 is inserted near or in the centre line of the solid roll 1
in order to
be able to unwind and use essentially all flexible web-shaped material. If two
adapters 6
are to be inserted into the solid roll 1, it is also important that the
elongated attachment
members 9 of the two adapters 6, respectively, are essentially aligned such
that the
rotational centre line 10 that the second attachment means 8 of the two
adapters 6,
respectively, defines will be essentially the same line in the solid roll 1.
Therefore, the
insertion of the adapter 6 is preferably performed at the time of manufacture
of the solid
roll 1 or at least before the solid roll 1 reaches the end consumer. By
performing the
insertion of the adapter 6 at a factory, the insertion may be performed under
controlled
circumstances. For example, a force that is high enough, but not too high, may
then be
applied for the insertion of the adapter 6 into the solid roll 1, suitable
means may be
applied for the insertion and the insertion may be controlled to be performed
such that
the elongated attachment member 9 is inserted in or near the centre line of
the solid roll
1. Furthermore, by performing the insertion of the adapter 6 into the solid
roll 1 before
the solid roll 1 reaches the end consumer, a kit with the solid roll 1
provided with one or
two adapters 6 may be delivered to the end consumer. This implies that the
solid roll 1 is
ready for use at delivery, i.e. that the user does not have to apply any
adapter(s) before
loading in a dispenser. Thereby, the end consumer does not have to deal with
the
difficulties concerning insertion of the adapter(s) 6 into the solid roll 1,
concerning fitting
of the adapter(s) 6 such that the adapter(s) 6 is/are inserted in or near the
centre line of
the solid roll and, if two adapters 6 are to be used, concerning alignment of
the two
adapters 6.

Preferably, the elongated attachment member 9 has a circular cross-section,
but the
cross-section may also have other shapes, such as for example oval,
triangular,
rectangular or star-shaped. The elongated attachment member 9 could also have
a
central body with a plurality of pins protruding from it. The length and the
diameter of
the elongated attachment member 9 must be suited for holding the solid roll 1
securely
and for delaying collapse when there are only a few windings left of material
of the solid
roll 1.

Preferably, the adapter 6 is produced of a metal, such as steel, aluminium
alloys etc.
However, other materials like for example plastic materials or pressed wood
may also be
used. The adapter 6 is relatively easy to produce and may be produced at a
relatively low
material cost. Furthermore, the adapter 6 is preferably disposable, but may
also be non-
disposable.

The adapter 6 in the first and the second embodiments of the solid roll 1 has,
as may be
seen in figs. la-1d, the shape of a pin or the like, whereby one end part
constitutes the
first attachment means 7 and the other end part constitutes the second
attachment
means 8. In order to enable reliable attachment of the adapter 6 to the solid
roll 1, the
end part constituting the first attachment means 7 must then be positioned
within the
solid roll 1 such that reliable attachment of the adapter 6 to the solid roll
1 is achieved.
Furthermore, the end part constituting the second attachment means 8 must then
be


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positioned outside the solid roll 1 such that reliable attachment to a
dispenser may be
achieved.

A third embodiment of the solid roll 1 according to the invention is similar
to the first
5 embodiment of the solid roll 1 except concerning the second attachment means
8 of the
adapter 6. In the third embodiment of the solid roll 1, the second attachment
means 8 is
a recess 14, which extends from an end 22 of the adapter 6 being adapted to
face a
dispenser and in the direction of the first attachment means 7. In the third
embodiment,
the recess 14 extends into the first attachment means 7. However, in other
ernbodiments
10 the recess does not extend into the first attachment means 7. The recess 14
is adapted
to be arranged to receive a shaft 15 rotatably mounted to a dispenser. The
adapter 6 of
the solid roll 1 in the third embodiment is shown in fig. 2 in a cross-
sectional side view
together with the shaft 15. In the third embodiment, the solid roll 1 is
provided with one
adapter 6 having the configuration shown in fig. 2, whereas in a fourth
embodiment, the
15 solid roll 1 is provided with two adapters 6 having the configuration shown
in fig. 2.
A fifth embodiment of the solid roll 1 according to the invention is similar
to the first
embodiment of the solid roll 1 except concerning that the adapter 6 further
comprises
restriction means 16 for restricting the insertion of the adapter 6 into the
solid roll 1. The
adapter 6 in the fifth embodiment is shown in a side view in fig. 3a, a first
end view in
fig. 3b and a second end view in fig. 3c. The restriction means 16 is arranged
to restrict
the insertion of the adapter 6 into the solid roll 1 above all in order to
enable a reliable
attachment of the adapter 6 to a dispenser by the second attachment means 8.
Thus, as
will be described further below, the restriction means 16 prevents the adapter
6 from
being inserted into the solid roll 1 to such an extent that the second
attachment means 8
is located at a position in which attachment to a dispenser can not be
achieved or can not
be achieved in a reliable way. Therefore, the restriction means 16 has a size
and a
shape, which prevent the restriction means 16 from being inserted into the
solid roll 1
and the adapter 6 is thus permitted to be inserted into the solid roll 1 until
the restriction
means 16 is located adjacent one side 2, 3 of the solid roll 1. For example, a
plate having
a form that is circular, oval, triangular or rectangular may constitute the
restriction
means 16.

The restriction means 16 comprises a first side 16a, which is adapted to be
arranged
facing one side 2, 3 of the solid roll 1 and to be adjacent that side 2, 3 of
the solid roll 1,
and an opposite second side 16b, which is adapted to be arranged facing away
from the
side 2, 3, which the first side 16a is arranged to face. Thus, the second side
16b is
adapted to be arranged facing a dispenser when the solid roll 1 is installed
and held in
the dispenser.
In the adapter 6 in the fifth embodiment of the solid roll 1, the first
attachment means 7
for attachment to the solid roll 1 is arranged extending from the first side
16a of the
restriction means 16 and the second attachment means 8 for attachment to a
dispenser
is arranged extending from the second side 16b of the restriction means 16.
The first


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16
attachment means 7 is essentially centred on the first side 16a of the
restriction means
16 and extends essentially from the centre of the first side 16a of the
restriction means
16. In order to enable smooth rotation of the solid roll 1 around the
rotational centre line
10, which as mentioned above is defined by the second attachment means 8, the
second
attachment means 8 is essentially aligned with the first attachment means 7.
Therefore,
the second attachment means 8 is, in accordance with the first attachment
means 7,
preferably centred on the restriction means 16 and extends preferably
essentially from
the centre of the second side 16b of the restriction means 16. Furthermore,
the first and
second attachment means are, respectively, fixedly attached to the restriction
means 16.
In the fifth embodiment, the solid roll 1 is provided with one adapter 6
having the
configuration shown in fig. 3a-c, whereas in a sixth embodiment, the solid
roll 1 is
provided with two adapters 6 having the configuration shown in fig. 3a-c. A
simplified
cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment of the solid roll 1 is shown in
fig. 3d, in
which view the outline of the solid roll 1 is shown with dashed lines.

A dispenser 17 according to the invention is arranged to hold the solid roll 1
according to
the invention by having complementary means 18 that are complementary to the
second
attachment means 8. Thus, the dispenser 17 according to the invention can
either be
arranged to hold a solid roll 1 being provided with only one adapter 6 on one
side 2, 3 or
to hold a solid roll 1 being provided with one adapter 6 on each side 2, 3.
The adapter 6
according to the invention is arranged to adapt the solid roll 1 to be
dispensed in various
types of conventional dispensers having different configurations. However, a
detailed
explanation of the frame and other components of dispensers in which the solid
1
according to the present invention may be dispensed, is not necessary for the
purpose of
the present disclosure.

Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispenser 17 according to
the
invention holding the solid roll 1 of the sixth embodiment according to the
invention.
Thus, the solid roll 1 in fig. 4 is provided with one adapter 6 on each side
2, 3. The
dispenser 17 is provided with complementary means 18 that are complementary to
the
second attachment means 8 of the adapter 6. In order to suit for the second
attachment
means 8 of the adapter 6 in the sixth embodiment of the solid roll 1, which is
one shaft
13, the complementary means 18 is, for example, a bearing 19 provided on each
side of
the dispenser 17 adapted to face the solid roll 1 held in the dispenser 17.
The shaft 13 is
then rotatably mounted in the bearing 19. When the solid roll 1 is installed
in the
dispenser 17 it is held securely in the dispenser 17 by the elongated
attachment member
9 and the shaft 13 of each of the two adapters 6 and is able to rotate freely
in the two
bearings 19.
The bearing 19 is preferably a roller bearing, but different kinds of bearings
can be used,
such as ball bearings, needle bearings and plain bearings of the self-
lubricating type for
example produced of nylon. Preferred are the types of bearings that will give
a certain
stability to the first and second attachment means 7, 8, such as roller,
needle and plain


CA 02551716 2006-06-27
WO 2005/063103 PCT/SE2004/002053
17
bearings. In a dispenser 17 according to the invention being adapted to hold
one solid
roll 1 with only one adapter 6 provided on one side 2, 3, the bearing 19 will
have to
withstand the momentum from the solid roll 1 on the first attachment means 7
and
second attachment means 8. Furthermore, in a dispenser 17 according to the
invention
being adapted to hold one solid roll 1 with one adapter 6 provided on each
side 2, 3 of
the solid roll 1 and thus being provided with two bearings 19, the bearings 19
will have
to withstand momentum from the solid roll 1 on the first attachment means 7
and the
second attachment means 8 during the installation of the solid roll 1 when the
solid roll 1
might for a while only be mounted to one of the bearings 19.
A dispenser 17 according to the invention arranged to hold the solid roll 1
according to
the invention provided with one or two adapters 6 having a recess 14 as second
attachment means 8 comprises one or two shafts 15 as the complementary means
18.

A seventh embodiment of the solid roll 1 is similar to the fifth embodiment
except for
concerning the second attachment means 8 of the adapter 6. The second
attachment
means 8 in the seventh embodiment is similar to the second attachment means 8
in the
third embodiment, i.e. it is a recess 14. In the seventh embodiment, the
recess 14
extends from the end 22 of the adapter 6 being adapted to face a dispenser
through the
restriction means 16 and into the first attachment means 7. The adapter 6 in
the seventh
embodiment is shown in a cross-sectional side view in fig. 5a, a first end
view in fig. 5b
and a second end view in fig. Sc. In the seventh embodiment, the solid roll 1
is provided
with one adapter 6 having the configuration shown in fig. 5a-c, whereas in an
eighth
embodiment, the solid roll 1 is provided with two adapters 6 having the
configuration
shown in fig. 5a-c.

A ninth embodiment of the solid roll 1 is similar to the fifth embodiment
except for
concerning the first attachment means 7 of the adapter 6. In the ninth
embodiment the
first attachment means 7 comprises three elongated attachment members 9, which
are
extending essentially parallel to each other. The three elongated attachment
members 9
are arranged circumferentially and are adapted to be arranged extending near
the centre
line 5 of the solid roll 1 to encircle the centre line 5 of the solid roll 1.
The adapter 6 in
the ninth embodiment is shown in a side view in fig. 6a, a first end view in
fig. 6b and a
second end view in fig. 6c. The ninth embodiment of the solid roll 1 is shown
in a cross-
sectional view in fig. 6d, whereby the solid roll 1 is provided with one
adapter 6 having
the configuration shown in fig. 6a-c. In a tenth embodiment, the solid roll 1
is provided
with two adapters 6 having the configuration shown in fig. 6a-c.

An eleventh embodiment and a twelfth embodiment of the solid roll 1 (not
shown) are
respectively similar to the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the
solid roll
1 except for concerning the first attachment means 7 of the adapter 6. In the
eleventh
and twelfth embodiment, the first attachment means 7 is similar to the first
attachment
means 7 in the ninth and tenth embodiment, respectively.


CA 02551716 2006-06-27
WO 2005/063103 PCT/SE2004/002053
18
in other embodiments of the solid roll 1, the adapter 6 may comprise more than
three
elongated attachment members 9 arranged circumferentially and adapted to be
arranged
near the centre line 5 of the solid roll 1 to encircle the centre line 5 of
the solid roll 1.
One example of such an adapter 6, which has six elongated attachment members
9, is
shown in a side view in fig. 7a; a first end view in fig. 7b and a second end
view in fig.
7c.

In alternatives (not shown) of embodiments in which the adapter 6 comprises
more than
one elongated attachment member 9, the first attachment means 7 further
comprises a
central body 20, whereby the elongated attachment members 9 protrude from the
central body 20. The second attachment means may be a recess 14, which extends
into
the central body 20 of the first attachment means 7.

Further alternatives of embodiments of the solid roll 1 are similar to any of
the above
described embodiments except for concerning the first attachment means 7. In
the
further alternatives, the first attachment means 7 comprises one centred
elongated
attachment member 9 and at least two elongated attachment members 9 extending
parallel to the centred elongated attachment member 9 and at a distance from
the
centred elongated attachment member 9. The elongated attachment members 9
extending parallel with the centred elongated attachment member 9 may be
arranged,
for example, in a row together with the centred elongated attachment member 9,
in a
circle around the centred elongated attachment member 9, at corners of a
triangle, at
corners of a square etc. However, other arrangements of the elongated members
9 are
also possible. Furthermore, the elongated attachment members 9 may have
different
lengths, whereby, for example, the centred elongated attachment member 9 may
be
longer than the other elongated attachment members 9.

One example of an embodiment in which the first attachment means 7 comprises
one
centred elongated attachment member 9 and two elongated attachment members 9
extending parallel to the centred elongated attachment member 9 and arranged
in a row
together with the centred elongated attachment member 9, in which restriction
means 16
is comprised and in which the second attachment means 8 is a recess 14
extending into
the restriction means 16 is shown in a side view in fig. 8.

Still further alternatives of embodiments of the solid roll 1 are similar to
any of the above
described first, second, fifth or sixth embodiments except for concerning the
second
attachment means 8. In the still further embodiments, the second attachment
means 8
further comprises, except for the shaft 13, an attachment member 21 attached
at an end
28 of the shaft 13 being adapted to be arranged adjacent or in a dispenser.
The
attachment member 21 is adapted to be arranged running parallel to the side 2,
3 of the
solid roll 1 and may be adapted to be arranged at a distance from the side 2,
3 of the
solid roll 1 or near or adjacent the side 2, 3. Preferably, the attachment
member 21 is a
plate-like member, which, for example, is circular. The solid roll 1 according
to any of the
still further embodiments may, for example, be inserted into a dispenser
having an inner


CA 02551716 2006-06-27
WO 2005/063103 PCT/SE2004/002053
19
wall and an outer wall on each dispenser side to which the solid roll 1 is to
be attached
and a notch in the inner wall. The shaft 13 is then inserted into the notch in
the inner
wall and the attachment member 21 is positioned between the inner wall and the
outer
wall. If the adapter 6 in such a still further embodiment also comprises a
restriction
means 16, the restriction means 16 and the attachment member 21 run parallel
to each
other.

One example of an embodiment in which the second attachment means 8 comprises
a
shaft 13 and an attachment member 21 being a circular plate and in which the
first
attachment means 7 comprises one centred elongated attachment member 9 and two
elongated attachment members 9 extending parallel to the centred elongated
attachment
member 9 and at a distance from the centred elongated attachment member 9 is
shown
in a side view in fig. 9a, a first end view in fig. 9b and a second end view
in fig. 9c.

Yet further alternatives of embodiments of the solid roll 1 are similar to any
of the first
through eighth embodiments, i.e. similar to embodiments in which the adapter 6
comprises one elongated attachment member 9, except for concerning that the
elongated attachment member 9 further comprises a helical winding 23 on its
outer
surface. The helical winding 23 may be wound in a right or left direction and
may have
any suitable pitch. If an adapter 6 comprises a helical winding 23, it is
inserted into the
solid roll 1 by a screwing process.

If a solid roll 1 comprises two adapters 6 having one elongated attachment
member 9
comprising a helical winding 23, the direction of the helical winding 23 of
the two
adapters 6, respectively, may be the same or different. Thus, a solid roll 1
may comprise
one adapter 6 with a helical winding 23 in a left direction and one adapter 6
with a helical
winding 23 in a right direction. Preferably, but not necessarily, the adapter
6 has such a
helical winding 23 that it may be screwed into the solid roll 1 against the
direction of the
winding of the flexible web-shaped material of the solid roll 1.
In additional embodiments of the solid roll 1, the adapter 6 is a screw 24.
Then the
second attachment means 8 comprises the head 25 of the screw 24 and the first
attachment means 7 comprises the part of the screw with a helical winding 23.
The screw
24 may be any type of standard screw, but is preferably a specially designed
screw
having, for example, a specially designed head 25 such that mounting to a
dispenser is
enabled and facilitated. Furthermore, the screw 24 may comprise engagement
means 26
for advancement into the solid roll 1. The engagement means 26 for advancement
into
the solid roll 1 may, for example, be a star-shaped or cross-shaped recess in
the head of
the screw. The helical winding 23 may be wound in a right or left direction
and may have
any suitable pitch.

In some of the additional embodiments of the solid roll 1, in which the
adapter 6 is a
screw 24, the second attachment means 8 of the screw 24 further comprises a
recess 14
that extends through the engagement means 26 and at least partially into the
head 25 of


CA 02551716 2006-06-27
WO 2005/063103 PCT/SE2004/002053
the screw 24 in the direction of the first attachment means 7. Optionally, the
recess 14
may also extend into the first attachment means 7. An example of an adapter 6,
which is
a screw 24 and which is provided with a recess 14, is shown in a side view in
fig. 10a, in
a first end view in fig. 10b and in a second end view in fig. 10c.
5
In some other of the additional embodiments of the solid roll 1, in which the
adapter 6 is
a screw 24, the second attachment means 8 of the screw 24 further comprises a
shaft
attached to the screw head 25 and adapted to be mounted to a dispenser.

10 The solid roll 1 may be a compact type of solid roll having a density of
about 250-380
kg/m3 or a more loosely wound type of solid roll having a density of about 140-
250
kg/m3. If the adapter 6 comprises one elongated attachment member 9, the
length of
the elongated attachment member 9 is preferably about 5-20 mm if the solid
roll 1 is a
compact type of solid roll and about 5-50 mm if the solid roll 1 is a more
loosely wound
15 type of solid roll. However, if the adapter 6 comprises more than one
elongated
attachment member 9, the length of the elongated attachment members 9 may be
about
2-5 mm if the solid roll 1 is a compact type of solid roll and about 5-8 mm if
the solid roll
1 is a more loosely wound type of solid roll.

20 If the adapter 6 of the solid roll 1 according to the invention comprises
more than one
elongated attachment member 9, they may have different lengths.

Even if the above described embodiments in which the solid roll 1 is provided
with two
adapters 6, all are embodiments in which the solid roll 1 is provided with two
adapters 6
having the same configuration, the solid roll 1 according to the invention may
also be
provided with two adapters 6 having different configurations. Then any
combinations of
the above mentioned adapters 6 are possible. For example, the solid roll 1 may
be
provided with two adapters 6 that comprises different numbers of elongated
attachment
members 9, with one adapter 6 comprising the restriction means 16 and one
adapter 6
without the restriction means 16 or with one adapter 6 in which the elongated
attachment member 9 comprises a helical winding 23 and one adapter 6 in which
the
elongated attachment member 9 does not comprise a helical winding 23.

When a solid roll 1 according to the invention is provided with one adapter 6
on each side
2, 3, the two adapters 6 have usually the same type of second attachment means
8. For
example, the two adapters 6 have both recesses 14 as second attachment means 8
or
the two adapters 6 have both shafts 13 as second attachment means 8. However,
a solid
roll 1 according to the invention may also be provided with one adapter 6
having a recess
14 as second attachment means 8 and one adapter 6 having a shaft 13 as second
attachment means 8. Then the stacking of the solid rolls 1 for transport or
storage in a
packaging box is facilitated, since the shaft 13 of one solid roll 1 may be
fitted into the
recess 14 of another solid roll 1.


CA 02551716 2006-06-27
WO 2005/063103 PCT/SE2004/002053
21
Furthermore, since solid rolls have no core there might be a risk that a solid
roll collapses
when there are only a few windings of material left of the solid roll. In
order to avoid
collapse, it might therefore be desirable or necessary that the solid roll 1
is provided with
one adapter 6 on each side 2, 3, which adapters 6 have elongated attachment
members
9 overlapping each other in at least the centre area of the solid roll 1. For
example, the
solid roll 1 may, which is shown in a cross-sectional view in fig. 11, be
provided with a
first adapter 6 wherein the first attachment means 7 comprises one elongated
attachment member 9 and a second adapter 6 wherein the first attachment means
7
comprises at least three elongated attachment members 9, whereby the first
adapter 6
and the second adapter 6 are adapted to be arranged such that the elongated
attachment members 9 of the second adapter 6 encircle the elongated attachment
member 9 of the first adapter 6 in at least a centre area of the solid roll 1.
A combination
of a first adapter 6 and a second adapter 6 may of course also comprise
adapters 6
having other numbers of elongated attachment members than those numbers
mentioned. For example, the first adapter 6 may comprise three elongated
attachment
members 9 and the second adapter 6 may comprise six elongated attachment
members
9. Furthermore, the second attachment means 8 of the adapters 6 in such a
combination
may be similar or different.

The solid roll 1 may, for example, be a jumbo roll. The jumbo roll may, for
example,
weigh at least 500 g, preferably at least 800 g and most preferably at least
1000 g.
The present invention also relates to an adapter 6 for a solid roll, which
adapter 6 is the
adapter that has been described above in the kit of the solid roll 1 and at
least one
adapter 6.

Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental
novel
features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be
understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form
and details
of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those
skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the first
attachment
means may comprise other numbers of elongated attachment members than those
mentioned. The first attachment means may also comprise further structures
than only
elongated attachment members. The shape of the second attachment means may
also be
varied in order to allow for attachment to various types of dispensers.
Accordingly, the
complementary means of the dispenser may also be varied in order to be suited
for the
second attachment means.
Furthermore, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements
which
perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to
achieve the
same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be
recognized
that structures and/or elements shown and/or described in connection with any
disclosed
form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed
or
described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design
choice. It is


CA 02551716 2006-06-27
WO 2005/063103 PCT/SE2004/002053
22
the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the
claims
appended hereto.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date 2012-02-14
(86) PCT Filing Date 2004-12-30
(87) PCT Publication Date 2005-07-14
(85) National Entry 2006-06-27
Examination Requested 2009-10-14
(45) Issued 2012-02-14
Deemed Expired 2015-12-30

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $400.00 2006-06-27
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2006-09-29
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2007-01-02 $100.00 2006-12-18
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2007-12-31 $100.00 2007-12-19
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2008-12-30 $100.00 2008-12-17
Request for Examination $800.00 2009-10-14
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2009-12-30 $200.00 2009-12-04
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 6 2010-12-30 $200.00 2010-11-19
Final Fee $300.00 2011-11-25
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 7 2011-12-30 $200.00 2011-12-02
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 8 2012-12-31 $200.00 2012-12-13
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 9 2013-12-30 $200.00 2013-12-18
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
Past Owners on Record
ANDERSSON, ANDERS
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Claims 2011-02-09 7 284
Description 2011-02-09 26 1,464
Abstract 2006-06-27 2 64
Claims 2006-06-27 7 292
Drawings 2006-06-27 6 89
Description 2006-06-27 22 1,372
Representative Drawing 2006-06-27 1 5
Cover Page 2006-09-07 1 38
Representative Drawing 2012-01-18 1 5
Cover Page 2012-01-18 1 39
Fees 2009-12-04 1 35
Fees 2006-12-18 1 35
PCT 2006-06-27 4 157
Assignment 2006-06-27 2 80
Correspondence 2006-08-31 1 27
Assignment 2006-09-29 2 78
Fees 2008-12-17 1 35
Prosecution-Amendment 2009-10-14 1 49
Prosecution-Amendment 2009-11-13 1 40
Prosecution-Amendment 2010-08-09 2 55
Fees 2010-11-19 1 35
Prosecution-Amendment 2011-02-09 30 1,361
Correspondence 2011-11-25 2 60
Fees 2012-12-13 1 31