Coffee filters and dispenser container therefor

Claim 1

Coffee filters adapted for use in coffee making machines requiring a filter, comprising: a. a continuous strip of filter paper in the form of an elongated tape shaped to form a series of longitudinally spaced, generally circular segments each configurated to serve as a single filter, said segments being severably connected by relatively narrow connecting strips of filter paper left intact adjacent the center line of the tape, said tape being longitudinally rolled whereby to permit the storage of a large number of said segments in a very small space, said tape being extendable from said roll to enable separation of said segments therefrom one at a time, b. a dispenser container for said roll of filter paper tape, said roll being carried in said container for axial rotation therein, said container having a narrow exit opening through which tap led from said roll exits said container, said container also having a cutting edge against which the connecting strips between the segments of said tape may be severed, and, c. a filler member comprising a thin sheet of resiliently flexible material mounted in said container, the plane of said sheet extending the full length of said paper roll and being parallel with but spaced from said roll, and having a cross-section contour including a smoothly curved portion bounding said exit opening and extending away from said opening toward the interior of said container, over the convex side of which paper leaving said roll must pass, and an extension projecting interiorly into said container and operable by its resilience to engage and press said roll against an opposite wall of said container, whereby to apply a braking force resisting rotation of said roll within said container.