Method and apparatus for dispensing multifold towels

Abstract

Throughout the years there have been a number of different designs for dispensing paper towels. One of the more popular ways is through the paper towel roll. However, paper towels on rolls and utilizing other dispensing apparatuses usually require the use of two hands. A multifold towel dispenser that is both inexpensive and aesthetically pleasing is provided that allows for the easy removal of interleaved towels with a single hand. Thus, a long felt need for having a paper dispenser that requires only a single hand to utilize is fulfilled.

1 . An apparatus for dispensing single multifold towels from a stack of multifold towels in a folded condition comprising: 
 a base adapted to receive said stack of multifold towels on an upper surface of said base, said upper surface being dimensioned to support said stack of multifold towels;    a plurality of support members extending upwardly from said upper surface of said base, said support members being arranged on said base at the periphery of said stack of multifold towels, wherein said support members confine said stack of towels upon said base;    a generally cylindrical retaining member removably retained between said support members and positioned by said support members to engage an uppermost multifold towel atop said stack of multifold towels, said retaining member movable relative to said base and said support members to accommodate variation in height of said stack of multifold towels on said base as towels are dispensed and replenished.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said base and upper surface are rectangular.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of support members further comprises four support members, each support member being disposed at a corner of said base, wherein said stack of multifold towels is disposed within the perimeter of said base and said support members.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the retaining member comprises a pair of ends, each of the ends being removably engaged with an elongate aperture formed by the support members.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the support members are formed separately from and secured to the base.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said retaining member is made of a material comprised of wood, plastic, metal, porcelain, ceramic, glass, leather, or any combination thereof.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said retaining rod further comprises a pair of end caps that are each wider than the distance between each of said pairs of said retaining support members.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said retaining rod is substantially cylindrical.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said retaining rod is a substantially polygonal shape.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one retaining plate is secured to each of said pairs of said retaining support members.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said retaining plate and said pair of retaining support members are integral.