Patent attributes
An expandable and contractible spindle for dispensing rolled paper product, such as toilet paper, is described. The spindle comprises two elongated housings slideably coupled together, and a spring disposed there between. The first housing has a hallow interior portion and a side opening that provides access to the interior. The second housing has at least three sections with different diameters. The first section has a diameter that fits into the hollow interior of the first housing, but is too large to exit the side opening. The second section has a diameter smaller than the side opening. The third section has a diameter larger than the side opening. In this manner, first housing slides with respect to second housing along the length of the second section of second housing. The spring is disposed in the hallow interior, causing the spindle to expand.
