Tabletop Protective Covering Disposal Systems and Related Methods

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for improved retrieval, storage and disposal of soiled protective covering material from a table, bench or bed. In one embodiment, an assembly is provided that includes a roller receptacle engaged with a mounting assembly that is configured to attach to a table, bench or bed and allow retrieval, storage and disposal of soiled material within the roller receptacle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for retrieval and storage of tabletop protective covering material, the apparatus comprising:
 a roller receptacle that attaches to a table, bench, or bed, the roller receptacle comprising an elongated sleeve and a roller, the roller coaxially disposed and axially rotatable within the sleeve, the sleeve having an aperture through which protective covering material is received for wrapping around the roller.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the roller receptacle is removably attachable to the table, bench, or bed. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a guiding rod disposed exteriorly of the elongated sleeve for guiding the covering material into the roller receptacle. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one material engagement portion extending from the roller. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein at least one material engagement portion comprises spikes. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more inner guides on an interior surface of the elongated sleeve that guides the covering material towards the roller. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a rotator assembly in communication with the roller to actuate the roller. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the rotator assembly comprises a handle and crank. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the rotator assembly comprises a motor. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the elongated sleeve and the roller has a cylindrical shape. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the roller receptacle is disposable. 
     
     
         12 . A retrieval and storage assembly for a tabletop protective covering material, the assembly comprising:
 a roller receptacle comprising an elongated sleeve and a roller, the roller coaxially disposed and axially rotatable within the sleeve, wherein the elongated sleeve comprises an aperture for receiving a used protective covering material such that the used protective covering material may be transferred onto the roller, wherein the roller is actuated to capture and roll the protective covering material from a surface of the tabletop; and   a mounting assembly configured for attaching to a table, bench, or bed, wherein the mounting assembly supportively receives the roller receptacle.   
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 12 , further comprising a guiding rod disposed exteriorly of the elongated sleeve for guiding the protective covering material into the roller receptacle. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 12 , further comprising at least one material engagement portion extending from the roller. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 12 , further comprising one or more inner guides on the inner side of the elongated sleeve for directing the protective covering material towards the roller. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 12 , further comprising a door portion covering the aperture of the elongated sleeve. 
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the door portion is hingeably attached to the elongated sleeve. 
     
     
         18 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the door portion is removably attached to the elongated sleeve. 
     
     
         19 . The assembly of  claim 12 , further comprising a rotor assembly in communication with the roller to actuate the roller. 
     
     
         20 . The assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the rotor assembly comprises a handle and crank. 
     
     
         21 . The assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the rotor assembly comprises a motor. 
     
     
         22 . The assembly of  claim 12 , further comprising at least one rail configured to slideably attach the mounting assembly to the table. 
     
     
         23 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the mounting assembly comprises a first and second mount for correspondingly engaging opposite ends of the roller receptacle. 
     
     
         24 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein at least one of the elongated sleeve and the roller has a cylindrical shape. 
     
     
         25 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the roller receptacle is disposable. 
     
     
         26 . A method of retrieving and storing soiled tabletop protective covering material, comprising:
 providing a retrieval and storage apparatus comprising a roller receptacle, the roller receptacle configured for receiving and storing a used protective covering material; and   retrieving the used protective covering material through actuation of a roller of the roller receptacle.