U.S. patent application number 11/189136 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for modular paper towel dispenser.
Invention is credited to Dikran Babikian.
Application Number | 20070023565 11/189136 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37669406 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070023565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Babikian; Dikran |
February 1, 2007 |
Modular paper towel dispenser
Abstract
A system for dispensing paper hand towels comprises a universal
frame installed in a fixed location, a first modular paper towel
dispenser detachably mounted on the universal frame, and a second
modular paper towel dispenser having a dispensing mechanism
distinct from a dispensing mechanism of the first modular paper
towel dispenser. The second modular paper towel dispenser may be
detachably mounted on the universal frame in place of the first
modular paper towel dispenser. In another embodiment, a damaged
modular paper towel dispenser may be replaced with another modular
paper towel dispenser.
Inventors: |
Babikian; Dikran; (Glendale,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP
PO BOX 7068
PASADENA
CA
91109-7068
US
|
Family ID: |
37669406 |
Appl. No.: |
11/189136 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/598.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 2010/3233 20130101;
A47K 10/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/598.6 |
International
Class: |
B65H 16/06 20060101
B65H016/06 |
Claims
1. A system for dispensing paper hand towels comprising: a
universal frame installed in a fixed location; a first modular
paper towel dispenser detachably mounted on the universal frame;
and a second modular paper towel dispenser having a dispensing
mechanism distinct from a dispensing mechanism of the first modular
paper towel dispenser, wherein the second modular paper towel
dispenser may be detachably mounted on the universal frame in place
of the first modular paper towel dispenser.
2. The system for dispensing paper hand towels of claim 1, wherein
the universal frame comprises two pairs of walls meeting at
approximately orthogonal angles to form a rectangular enclosure for
receiving the first modular paper towel dispenser.
3. The system for dispensing paper hand towels of claim 1, wherein
the first modular paper towel dispenser is removably mounted on the
universal frame using screws accessible from an interior of the
first modular paper towel dispenser.
4. The system for dispensing paper hand towels of claim 1, wherein
the first modular paper towel dispenser is removably mounted on the
universal frame using a locking assembly and one or more tabs
extending from the universal frame to engage with the first modular
paper towel dispenser.
5. The system for dispensing paper hand towels of claim 1, wherein
the first modular paper towel dispenser mounted on the universal
frame using a slide rail assembly.
6. The system for dispensing paper hand towels of claim 5, further
comprising a locking assembly mounted on the first modular paper
towel dispenser and engaging with the slide rail assembly to
prevent removal of the first modular paper towel dispenser from the
universal frame.
7. The system for dispensing paper hand towels of claim 5, further
comprising an elastically deformable spring latch mounted on the
first modular paper towel dispenser and engaging with the slide
rail assembly to prevent removal of the first modular paper towel
dispenser from the universal frame.
8. The system for dispensing paper hand towels of claim 1, wherein
the universal frame is constructed of at least one of folded or
stamped satin finish stainless steel.
9. The system for dispensing paper hand towels of claim 8, wherein
the universal frame includes one or more frame edges.
10. A method of assembling a paper hand towel dispenser and frame
assembly, the method comprising: a first step of fixably attaching
a universal frame to a support surface; a second step of detachably
mounting a first modular paper towel dispenser on the universal
frame; and a third step of detachably mounting a second modular
paper towel dispenser on the universal frame in place of the first
modular paper towel dispenser, the second modular paper towel
dispenser having a dispensing mechanism distinct from a dispensing
mechanism of the first modular paper towel dispenser.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising an additional step
carried out between the first step and second step of finishing a
border of the universal frame with the support surface.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of finishing comprises
at least one of the application of plaster or a trim piece.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the first modular paper towel
dispenser is removably mounted on the universal frame.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first modular paper towel
dispenser is removably mounted on the universal frame using screws
accessible from an interior of the first modular paper towel
dispenser.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the support surface is a wall
having a recessed opening in which the universal frame is fixably
attached.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the universal frame comprises
two pairs of walls meeting at approximately orthogonal angles to
form a rectangular enclosure for receiving the first modular paper
towel dispenser.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the universal frame is
constructed of at least one of folded or stamped satin finish
stainless steel.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the universal frame includes
one or more frame edges.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for
mounting a modular hand towel dispensing unit.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Wall mounted dispensers for paper or hand toweling have long
been known. They find their widest application in institutional
settings such as schools, airports, movie theaters, stadiums, and
recreation parks, as well as in office buildings, restaurants and
other public areas. The dispensers may be provided as individual
surface mounted units, or they may be recessed into wall openings.
In the latter case, a complete dispenser assembly usually comprises
both the towel dispenser itself as well as a frame fixed in place
in the wall opening for receiving the dispenser. It is common to
rivet, spot weld or otherwise permanently attach the towel
dispenser to the frame during construction of the dispenser
assembly. At present, such assemblies may be factory pre-assembled,
crated, and shipped to a job site for installation of the complete
dispenser assembly as a single unit in a recessed opening in a
wall.
[0003] Because these towel dispenser assemblies are generally
installed in high traffic areas and may be used up to several
hundred times a day, it is possible that the dispenser could become
damaged or vandalized and need to be replaced. Alternately, it may
be desirable to switch from one type of dispenser to another to
provide a different type of towel (folded, rolled or center pulled
or another method known to one skilled in the art), a different
mode of operation (manual to semi manual and/or to electronic), or
due to a change in the work environment.
[0004] Currently, because the frame and dispenser assembly are
permanently attached to one another and installed together in a
recessed opening as a completed assembly, such a change usually
requires the costly replacement of the entire dispenser and frame
assembly. This at least requires the additional expense of
providing a new frame assembly in addition to providing a new
dispenser, and may also necessitate refinishing work be done around
the frame. As an alterative to this approach, the dispenser only
may be replaced. However, since the dispenser fixedly assembles to
the frame such that it becomes an integral part of the frame, this
requires forcibly separating the towel dispenser from the frame by
cutting through portions of the frame. While this may achieve the
desired end and functionality, with this approach the new assembly
has an undesirable aesthetic look.
SUMMARY
[0005] A system for dispensing paper hand towels comprises a
universal frame installed in a fixed location, a first modular
paper towel dispenser detachably mounted on the universal frame,
and a second modular paper towel dispenser having a dispensing
mechanism distinct from a dispensing mechanism of the first modular
paper towel dispenser. The second modular paper towel dispenser may
be detachably mounted on the universal frame in place of the first
modular paper towel dispenser. In an alternative embodiment, a
method of assembling a paper hand towel dispenser and frame
assembly comprises a first step of fixably attaching a universal
frame to a support surface, a second step of mounting a first
modular paper towel dispenser on the universal frame, and a third
step of replacing the first modular paper towel dispenser with a
second modular paper towel dispenser having a dispensing mechanism
distinct from a dispensing mechanism of the first modular paper
towel dispenser.
[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, a system for providing
toiletries to a user comprises both a universal frame installed in
a fixed location and at least one user module removably mounted in
the universal frame using a fastener assembly accessible from an
interior of the user module. In a further embodiment, the user
module dispenses paper products, and the fastener assembly includes
at least one nut and screw pair. In yet another embodiment, a
damaged modular paper towel dispenser may be replaced with another
modular paper towel dispenser.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a modular paper towel
dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 shows the isometric view of FIG. 1 wherein the user
module is mounted within the frame to form a completed
assembly;
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a detailed isometric view of the point of
attachment between the user module and the frame of FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 4 shows the detailed isometric view of FIG. 3 wherein
the fastener assembly is used to join the user module and the
frame;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a simplified overhead schematic view of a user
module mounted within a frame, the frame in turn being mounted in a
recessed wall opening;
[0012] FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment
of a modular paper towel dispenser wherein a slide-lock assembly is
used to join a user module and a frame;
[0013] FIG. 7 shows a side view of yet another alternative
embodiment of a modular paper towel dispenser wherein a retaining
tab and lock assembly are used to join a user module and a
frame;
[0014] FIG. 8 shows a top view of yet another alternative
embodiment of a modular paper towel dispenser wherein a slide and
snap assembly are used to join a user module and a frame;
[0015] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8;
and
[0016] FIG. 10 is a flowchart detailing the assembly and
installation process of the modular paper towel dispenser according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and arrangements of
components set forth in the following description, or illustrated
in the drawings. The invention is capable of alternative
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. For example, numerical dimensions and other specified
numerical limitations, where they appear on the following drawings
represent those of exemplary embodiments only and may be modified
by one skilled in the art as conditions warrant. Also, it is to be
understood, that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
illustrative description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the present modular paper
towel dispenser, a towel dispensing unit is provided as a separate
module to be removably mounted on a frame after the installation of
the frame in a recessed wall opening. The frame may be a
"universal" frame, designed to receive various types of towel
dispensers each having a standard profile which may be compatibly
received by the frame. With this embodiment, a fast, convenient and
economically viable solution may be provided for replacement of the
towel dispenser unit. In addition this embodiment is a highly
configurable system which allows a greater ease of customization of
the completed assembly.
[0019] In another exemplary embodiment, a unit is providing for
dispensing various types of toiletries to a user. The toiletry
dispensing unit may also be provided as a separate module removably
mounted on a "universal" frame, designed to receive various types
of toiletry dispensers including but not limited to paper towel
dispensers, each dispenser having a standard profile to be received
by the frame. In this embodiment, the toiletry dispensing unit is
removably mounted in the frame using a fastener assembly which may
include at least one nut and screw pair, and may be accessible from
an interior of the dispensing unit.
[0020] Furthermore, developers may install the universal frame
before a choice is made as to which dispenser module will be used
at a particular location, nor need they wait for delivery of the
module to do any required aesthetic finishing work around the
frame. Moreover with the present embodiment, replacing the
dispenser unit becomes an economical and viable possibility.
Because in an exemplary embodiment of the present modular paper
towel dispenser the universal frame is a common part which can work
with a variety of dispenser modules, manufacturers of the frame
benefit from an increased economy of scale and a minimized
inventory which comes from needing to construct and keep on hand
supplies of a single frame design.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a completed modular paper towel
dispenser 100 is constructed by assembling a user module 120, which
may be a towel dispensing unit, together with a universal frame
110. The frame 110 is provided with a pair of vertical frame walls
111 at the sides of the frame 110, which walls 111 intersect
orthogonally with a pair of horizontal frame walls 112 to form a
rectangular recess or enclosure for receiving the user module
120.
[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the frame 110
may be constructed of folded or stamped sheet metal, and more
specifically satin finish stainless steel. The frame 110 may be
installed recessed into a wall opening, and may be provided with
dedicated mounting slots or openings to allow the frame 110 to be
mounted on framing members within the wall using known fastening
means. Alternately, the frame 110 may be mounted in a recessed wall
opening using rivets, welds, construction adhesives, or another
method known to one skilled in the art.
[0023] The frame 110 may be provided with edges 114 at the
periphery of the frame 110 for overlapping the edges of an opening
in which the frame 110 is installed to present a more finished
exterior appearance. The additional folds in the material of the
frame 110 at the frame edges 114 also serve to reinforce and add
rigidity to the frame 110. The frame is also provided with mounting
apertures 115 to allow the mounting of the user module 120. As
shown in FIG. 1, other modules in addition to the user module 120,
such as a waste receptacle 119, may be attached to the frame
110.
[0024] A variety of user modules 120 may be provided for use with
the frame 110. These units may be of modular construction so that
many different units may be installed in the same universal frame.
As such, the mode of operation of a particular user module in use
on a frame can be changed by simply exchanging it for a new module.
In an exemplary embodiment, it is envisioned that the user module
120 will be a paper towel dispensing module for use in a public
restroom or other similar facility, although any module useful in a
large scale institutional setting such as a school, airport or
stadium may be substituted. In an alternative embodiment, the use
of a universal frame system with modules which may be removably
mounted thereon need not be limited to washroom facilities. For
example, the frame may be installed in a hallway or other
thoroughfare, and modules may be provided thereon for drinking
fountains, ashtrays, fire alarms, etc.
[0025] Returning now to towel dispensing units, multiple designs
exist for these systems including folded towel and roll towel
units, among others. The type and the design of the towel
dispensing unit depends on the type of the paper towels used and
the way the unit is operated. For example, in two contrasting
methods, towels may be provided in either single folded form or in
a roll, and the dispenser module may be operated by manually
pulling the folded towel, manually pulling the rolled towel which
is in horizontal or in vertical position, or by using a crank
(metered or otherwise) or lever which the user operates to dispense
toweling. The crank and lever mechanisms are continuously operable
so that the user can withdraw any length of towel, whereas the
metered crank mechanism allows the user to withdraw only a
predetermined length of towel and thereby conserves paper. The
dispenser module may also be operated by an electronic dispensing
mechanism having an electronic sensor activated by the motion of a
hand or other object in the field of the sensor.
[0026] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the user module
120 is a manual pull horizontal roll towel unit having a body 128
housing a dispenser mechanism 121 and a module door 129. In a
further embodiment both the body 128 and module door 129 may be
constructed of folded or stamped satin finish stainless steel to
match the frame 110 on which the user module 120 will be mounted,
although other materials such as injection molded ABS plastic are
also possible for the user module 120. The dispensing mechanism 121
may have a metered crank and paper feed rollers, as well as a
cutting element to sever a dispensed length of paper toweling.
Hinge elements may also be provided to connect a module door 129 to
the body 128, as well as a lock for the module door 129 to inhibit
unauthorized entry. Each of these parts may be mechanically
fastened to the body 128, such as by riveting. The user module 120
may also be provided with one or more mounting apertures 125 to
provide for the mounting of the module to the frame 110.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows the completed assembly of FIG. 1 wherein the
user module 120 is mounted within the frame 110 to form a completed
assembly. As with FIG. 1, the frame 110 comprises pairs of frame
walls 111 and frame walls 112. Frame edges 114 are provided to
allowed the frame 110 to sit flush in the opening in which it is
placed. To install, the user module 120 is placed in the frame 110
such that mounting apertures 125 provided on the user module 120
align with mounting apertures 115 provided on the frame 110, after
which the user module 120 may be attached to the frame 110 as shown
in further detail in FIG. 3.
[0028] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the point of attachment
between the user module 120 and the frame 110 of FIG. 2, showing a
fastener assembly 130 which may be passed through the mounting
aperture 125 provided on the body 128 of the user module to
communicate with a mounting aperture provided on the frame behind
(not shown). The mounting aperture 125 and the mounting aperture
provided on the frame may be of a matching keyhole type so that the
fastener assembly 130 may be passed through the apertures and
maneuvered into the slotted portion as shown before tightening to
securely join the body 128 of the user module and the frame
assembly together. The door 129 may be attached to the body 128
using a hinge 127, and as mentioned above a lock may be provided
for the module door 129 to inhibit unauthorized opening. Given this
and given that the fastener assemblies 130 are normally only
accessible through the interior of the user module 120, this
prevents unwanted tampering with components in the interior of the
user module, including the fastener assemblies themselves.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows the detailed isometric view of FIG. 3 wherein
the fastener assembly has been tightened accordingly to detachably
mount the user module on the frame assembly (not shown). Although
FIGS. 3 and 4 shows the fastener assembly 130 as a nut and machine
screw pair, alternative embodiments such as sheet metal screws or
other appropriate fasteners will be apparent to one skilled in the
art to allow a user module to be detachably mounted to a frame
assembly. In other alternative embodiments, slide or snap-on
connectors may be used, as well as other detachable fastener
methods known to those skilled in the art. In this manner one user
module may be exchanged for another on a frame assembly using only
simple tools, in the case of the nut and machine screw pair, or
without tools, in the case of the slide or snap-on connectors.
Furthermore, the user module may be exchanged for another without
structural damage to either the module itself or the frame on which
it is mounted.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a simplified overhead schematic view of a user
module mounted within a frame, the frame in turn being mounted in a
recessed wall opening. As shown, a completed assembly 500 consists
of a frame 510 having a user module 520 mounted therein using at
least one fastener assembly 530. The recessed opening provided in
the wall 550 allows the frame to remain flush with the surface of
the wall 550 after installation. In the arrangement shown, the
frame 510 is secured to the wall 550. Because the fastener
assemblies 530 are accessible from the interior of the user module
520, it is possible to mount the module to the frame after the
frame 510 has been permanently and fixably installed in the
recessed wall opening so that neither its exterior nor its interior
will be easily accessible once the user module 520 has been put in
place for mounting. This is done simply by manipulating the
fastener assemblies 530 as described above, which process may be
reversed and repeated when a replacement user module is to be
installed. In an alternative embodiment, the frame 510 need not be
recessed into a wall opening, rather it need only be fixedly
attached in a location to provide an easily accessible mounting
platform for the user module 520 detachably mounted thereon.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment
of a modular paper towel dispenser wherein a slide-lock assembly is
used to join a user module and a frame. In this embodiment, a frame
660 is provided having frame edges 662. The frame 660 receives a
user module 661, which user module 661 is supported in the frame
660 using the rails 665 and 667, the former of which is attached to
a side of the user module 661 in the vicinity of the joggled or
indented area 663 and the latter is attached to the frame 660.
Rails 665 and 667 together provide an interlocking assembly
allowing the user module 661 to slide into the frame 660. The rail
667 is positioned along a side wall of the frame 660 such that a
gap is left between the rail 667 and a rear wall 690 of the frame
660. Accordingly, a lock assembly 664 is provided on the rear of
the user module 661 such that after the module is slid into the
frame 660, the lock assembly 664 may be rotated so that a portion
moves behind the joggled area 663 and into position in the gap
between the rail 667, fixing the user module 661 in position within
the frame 660 and preventing removal except to those with access to
the interior of the user module 661. The lock assembly 664
comprises in one embodiment a cam tumbler lock.
[0032] FIG. 7 shows a side view of yet another alternative
embodiment of a modular paper towel dispenser wherein a retaining
tab and lock assembly are used to join a user module and a frame.
In this embodiment, the user module 761 is attached to the frame
760 at two points, a tab 772 extending through a slot in the top of
the user module 761, and by a lock assembly 770, mounted to the
frame 760 in a bracket 773 and also having a tab 771 extending
through a slot in the user module 761. In alternative embodiments,
the lock assembly 770 may be positioned within the user module 761
so that the tab 771 extends through a slot in the user module 761
to engage with a bracket or other mounting point located exteriorly
to the module. In this way the lock assembly 770 is protected
within the body of the user module 761 itself, which may be
provided with a separate lock assembly 770 to prevent entry.
Alternately, a spring latch may be provided within the user module
761 in place of this interiorly mounted lock assembly.
[0033] FIG. 8 shows a top view of yet another alternative
embodiment of a modular paper towel dispenser wherein a slide and
snap assembly are used to join a user module and a frame. Rails 866
are provided within a joggled area 863 of the user module 861 as an
interlocking assembly mounted to both the user module 861 and the
frame 860, allowing the former to slide into the latter. A spring
latch 880 is provided mounted to the interior of the user module
861, and having a deflecting tab 891 extending through a cutout in
the module to engage behind a rail mounted on the frame 860. In
this way the user module 861 may be slid into the frame 860 and
automatically lock therein when the spring latch 880 snaps into
position behind the rail mounted on the frame 860. A user wishing
to exchange the user module 861 need only access the interior of
the module and deflect the deflecting tab 891 of the spring latch
880 to free the user module 861 from the frame 860. FIG. 9 shows a
side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8. The rails 866 allowing the
frame 860 to receive the user module 861 are shown in outline
within the joggled area 863. The spring latch 880 is also shown
having a deflecting tab 891 extending through the cutout 881 to
engage behind one of the rails 966.
[0034] Finally, in FIG. 10 a flowchart is shown detailing the
assembly and installation process of the modular paper towel
dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. A
recessed wall opening is prepared to receive a universal frame as
shown in box 610. In box 620, the frame is installed in the
opening. Box 630 shows the optional step of finishing the opening
around the frame with the application of a layer of plaster,
specialty trim pieces or other means. Boxes 640 and 650 show the
selection and installation of a user module to complete the
dispenser assembly. Using this exemplary method, the paper towel
assembly has both a desired functionality, the aesthetic look and
the flexibility of being able to switch back and forth between
different types of towel dispenser units. Accordingly, this
approach provides a fast, convenient and economically viable
solution when a replacement of the towel dispenser unit is needed
and or desired.
* * * * *