Toilet-paper roll centralizer

Abstract

A device centralizes a roll of toilet tissue onto a rod or spindle. Assuming the roll of tissue has an inner diameter D and a width W, and that the rod or spindle has an outer diameter d 1 , the invention comprises a pair of disks and a plurality of flexible elements interconnecting the disks and maintaining the disks in spaced-apart relation. The disks are separated by a distance corresponding to W, thereby defining a cylindrical volume having a central longitudinal axis. Each disk has an outer diameter D′ slightly less than D, and an inner diameter d 1 ′ slightly greater than d 1 . Each flexible element has a central section extending outwardly beyond the cylindrical volume, such that when a roll of toilet tissue is inserted over the device the elements flex inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis and achieve a frictional coupling to the roll.

1 . A device for centralizing a roll of toilet tissue having an inner diameter D, and a width W, on a rod or spindle having an outer diameter d 1 , the device comprising:
 a pair of circular disks spaced apart by a distance corresponding to W, the two disks defining a cylindrical volume with a central longitudinal axis, each disk having an outer diameter less than D, and a circular hole formed through each disc, each hole having an inner diameter greater than d 1 , thereby enabling the rod or spindle to be positioned through both holes of the disks;   a plurality of flexible elements interconnecting the disks and maintaining the disks in spaced-apart relation, each flexible element having a central section extending outwardly beyond the cylindrical volume, such that when a roll of toilet tissue is inserted over the device the elements flex inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis and achieve a frictional coupling to the roll; and   wherein the disks are interconnected only by the plurality of flexible elements.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein D is on the order of 1¼ to 1½ inches. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein d 1  is on the order of ¾ inch or greater. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein W is on the order of 4½ inches. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the rod or spindle is a spring-biased unit having a first section with an outer diameter d 1  and a second section with an outer diameter d 2  which is greater than d 1 ; and   the holes through the disks have different inner diameters corresponding to d 1  and d 2 .   
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein:
 d 1  is on the order of ¾ inch or greater; and   d 2  is on the order of 13/16 to ⅞ inches or greater.   
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , including three equally spaced springy metal flexible elements.