My livelihood for the most part has been in the construction industry, which is a large consumer of roll sheet products. Originally, my idea was based on the use of polyethylene roll sheeting, also referred to as polyfilm, polyscrim or visqueen which is primarily used for material, area, and personal protection, as well as for vegetation control and water containment. Basically, we utilize it in almost every aspect of the construction world.
Often, when we use polyfilm, the rolls are somewhat awkward and difficult to handle. An uncontained roll can easily telescope out of control due to the weight and slickness of the material. The manufacturers package the polyfilm rolls for sale either in a plastic bag or in a corrugated box. The larger rolls, which are the most popular with contractors, are mainly purchased in a corrugated box. Most workers try to preserve the box as long as possible for storing the roll of polyfilm. However, the box eventually dilapidates either thru use or due to exposure to the elements leaving the roll exposed and uncontained. An exposed roll becomes unmanageable and is vulnerable to outside hazards such as sharp objects, heat and the elements.
Currently a roll of polyfilm is removed from its packaging and is then rolled across a horizontal surface to the desired length. It is then cut to the approximate length and the cut piece is used for its intended purpose. This “rolling of the roll” across a horizontal surface is OK in an open clear area, however, most job sites are not always open and clear and the roll has to be lifted over and around obstacles while it is being unrolled in order to obtain the desired length.
My idea was for a dispenser that allows the user to place the roll at a fixed location and simply pull the leading edge out to the desired length just as you would with a roll of aluminum foil. Once the desired length is exposed, the user precisely cuts the piece from the roll with a knife at the cutting guide. The heavy roll stays fixed and is not rolled across the horizontal surface. In addition, the dispenser would protect the polyfilm from physical damages as well as environmental damages such as UV rays, ultimately eliminating waste.
After continually struggling with various rolls at the job, I began to develop prototypes to address this need. Since that time, I have refined and manufactured the Ypod Polyfilm Dispenser to accommodate a variety of roll sizes made of various materials for use in numerous industries.
- Kevin Joyce
