U.S. patent application number 12/103508 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-15 for sheet roll dispenser.
Invention is credited to Scott D. Maurer.
Application Number | 20090256022 12/103508 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41163179 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090256022 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maurer; Scott D. |
October 15, 2009 |
SHEET ROLL DISPENSER
Abstract
A sheet roll dispenser includes a case for receiving an
associated sheet roll, a roller for unwinding the associated sheet
roll from the case, a motor operatively engaging the roller to
rotate the roller to unwind the associated sheet roll, a battery
compartment for receiving an associated battery, and electrical
contacts for supplying an electrical connection from the associated
battery to the motor. The roller is disposed in the case. The motor
and the battery compartment are disposed inside the roller. The
electrical contacts are disposed within the battery
compartment.
Inventors: |
Maurer; Scott D.; (Rocky
River, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Fay Sharpe LLP
1228 Euclid Avenue, 5th Floor, The Halle Building
Cleveland
OH
44115
US
|
Family ID: |
41163179 |
Appl. No.: |
12/103508 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/560.1 ;
242/564; 242/598.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/560.1 ;
242/564; 242/598.6 |
International
Class: |
B65H 16/02 20060101
B65H016/02 |
Claims
1. A sheet roll dispenser comprising: a case for receiving an
associated sheet roll; a roller disposed in the case for unwinding
the associated sheet roll from the case; a motor disposed inside
the roller and operatively engaging the roller to rotate the roller
to unwind the associated sheet roll; a battery compartment inside
the roller for receiving an associated battery; and electrical
contacts disposed within the battery compartment electrically
connected to the motor for supplying electrical current from the
associated battery to the motor.
2. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a
slidable door connected to the case, the door being slidable
between an open position and a closed position, the door retracting
into the case when moving from the closed position towards the open
position.
3. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 2, wherein the door in the
closed position and the case define a discharge slot for the
associated sheet roll.
4. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 3, further comprising a
movable flap covering the discharge slot, the flap being movable
between an open position and a closed position.
5. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 4, further comprising a cam
cooperating with the movable flap, contact by the roller against
the cam results in the flap moving from the closed position towards
the open position.
6. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 5, wherein the cam and the
flap are an integrally formed single piece.
7. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 3, further comprising at least
one seal contacting the door and the case for sealing an internal
compartment of the case to avoid evaporation where the associated
sheet roll includes moist sheet roll material.
8. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, wherein the case includes a
first opening through which the battery compartment is removable
from the case.
9. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 8, further comprising a switch
button and a retainer, the switch button operating a switch
electrically connected to the electrical contacts for controlling
delivery of electrical power to the motor, the retainer being
configured to retain the roller in the case, wherein the case
includes a second opening aligned with the first opening, the
switch button and the retainer being configured to be received in
either opening and connect to the case to provide for a right-hand
configuration or a left-hand configuration.
10. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 9, wherein the roller is
removable from the case when the retainer and the switch button are
disconnected from the case.
11. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a
transmission operatively connected with the motor and the roller,
the transmission being disposed within the roller and including
compression rollers.
12. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 11, further comprising a
power drive housing received in the roller, the motor and the
battery compartment received in the power drive housing, the power
drive housing including slots through which components of the
transmission extend to engage the roller.
13. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 12, further comprising a seal
connected to the power drive housing for preventing ingress of
moisture into the battery compartment.
14. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a
controller in electrical communication with the electrical contacts
and the motor, the controller being disposed within the roller, the
controller being configured to perform at least one of the
following operations: (i) count rotations of the roller for
measuring the length of sheet roll material being dispensed from
the associated sheet roll and (ii) deliver current to the motor in
a first direction resulting in the motor rotating the roller in a
first rotational direction and to deliver current to the motor in a
second direction resulting in the motor rotating the roller in a
second rotational direction.
15. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a
switch button connected with the case and a switch operated by the
switch button and in electrical communication with the electrical
contacts, wherein the controller is configured to deliver current
to the motor in the second direction after the switch button has
been released.
16. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising radial
flexible fingers extending from an outer surface of the roller.
17. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 16, further comprising a door
connected to the case, the door being movable between an open
position and a closed position, wherein the door or the case
includes a protuberance for deflecting the fingers to retain the
associated sheet roll against the deflected fingers and the
protuberance.
18. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising fenders
in the case for axially locating the associated sheet roll in the
case.
19. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a
rotating support in the case spaced from the roller for spacing the
associated sheet roll from the case.
20. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 19, wherein the support is
spaced from the roller so that a rotational axis of the associated
sheet roll is equidistant from a location where the sheet roll
contacts the rotating support and a location where the sheet roll
contacts the roller.
21. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a
peeler in the case, the peeler engaging a free end of the
associated sheet roll to direct the sheet roll toward a discharge
slot of the dispenser.
22. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 21, wherein the peeler
includes a blade that is biased toward the associated sheet
roll.
23. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 21, wherein the peeler
includes a blade that is urged toward the associated sheet roll by
the weight of the associated sheet roll.
24. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 21, wherein the peeler
includes a peeler roller that catches a free end of the associated
sheet roll to direct the free end towards the discharge slot of the
dispenser.
25. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a sheet
roll urging device in the case for urging the associated sheet roll
towards the roller.
26. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 25, wherein the sheet roll
urging device includes a biased hub configured to be received in a
core of the associated sheet roll, wherein the hub is biased toward
the roller.
27. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 25, wherein the sheet roll
urging device includes a biased wheel that engages the associated
sheet roll, the biased wheel being biased towards the roller.
28. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 27, further comprising a door
and an axle, the door being connected to the case and movable
between an open position and a closed position, the wheel being
connected to the axle for rotation about the axle, wherein the door
engages the axle to move the wheel as the door moves from the open
position toward the closed position.
29. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 25, wherein the sheet roll
urging device includes a table supported by an axle connected to
the case, the axle being offset from a rotational axis of the
associated sheet roll in a direction away from the roller, the
table pivoting about the axle to urge the associated sheet roll
towards the roller.
30. A sheet roll dispenser comprising: a case for receiving an
associated sheet roll; an electrically driven unwinding assembly
disposed in the case for unwinding the associated sheet roll from
the case; a switch in the case for controlling delivery of
electrical power to the unwinding assembly; and a switch button on
the case operating the switch, wherein the unwinding assembly and
the switch button are removable from the case and the case includes
at least two mounting locations for the switch button on opposite
sides of the case to provide a left-hand configuration and a
right-hand configuration for the dispenser.
31. A sheet roll dispenser comprising: a case for receiving an
associated sheet roll; a roller disposed in the case for unwinding
the associated sheet roll from the case, the roller including
flexible fingers extending from an external surface of the roller
for engaging the associated sheet roll, each finger being
substantially aligned with a radius emanating from a rotational
axis of the roller; and a motor disposed in the case and
operatively engaging the roller to rotate the roller to unwind the
associated sheet roll.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] A roll of toilet tissue is manufactured by wrapping paper
toilet tissue around a cardboard or paper board core. A similar
construction is also used for paper towels. In typical American
households, both a toilet tissue dispenser and a paper towel
dispenser include a spindle received inside the core to support the
roll of toilet tissue or paper towels (hereinafter referred to as a
sheet roll) to allow the sheet roll to rotate around the spindle as
sheets from the sheet roll are being dispensed. These known sheet
roll dispensers leave the sheet roll exposed, which can be
unsanitary and unsightly. Additionally, these manual sheet roll
dispensers require two hands to manipulate the sheet roll and tear
off the sheet. This can be particularly difficult when seated on a
toilet.
[0002] Dispensers that mechanize the dispensing operation of the
sheet roll are typically large and not attractive for display in a
bathroom, powder room or kitchen. Additionally, known mechanized
sheet roll dispensers are limited with respect to where the
dispenser can be located because of the manner in which the
automated drive of the mechanized dispenser is energized. Moreover,
oftentimes these automated dispensers are not self threading and
require the operator to properly place the sheet roll inside the
dispenser and thread the sheet roll through an unwinding assembly
of the dispenser in order to provide a mechanized operation for
dispensing the sheet roll.
SUMMARY
[0003] A sheet roll dispenser that overcomes the shortcomings
discussed above includes a case for receiving an associated sheet
roll, a roller for unwinding the associated sheet roll from the
case, a motor operatively engaging the roller to rotate the roller
to unwind the associated sheet roll, a battery compartment for
receiving an associated battery, and electrical contacts for
supplying an electrical connection from the associated battery to
the motor. The roller is disposed in the case. The motor and the
battery compartment are disposed inside the roller. The electrical
contacts are disposed within the battery compartment.
[0004] In an alternative embodiment of a sheet roll dispenser that
overcomes at least some of the aforementioned shortcomings, the
dispenser includes a case, an electrically driven unwinding
assembly, a switch, and a switch button. The case receives an
associated sheet roll. The electrically driven unwinding assembly
is disposed in the case for unwinding the associated sheet roll
from the case. The switch is in the case for controlling delivery
of electrical power to the unwinding assembly. The switch button is
on the case and operates the switch. The unwinding assembly and the
switch button are removable from the case and the case includes at
least two mounting locations for the switch button on opposite
sides of the case to provide a left-hand configuration and a
right-hand configuration for the dispenser.
[0005] Another embodiment of a sheet roll dispenser that can
overcome at least some of the aforementioned shortcomings includes
a case for receiving an associated sheet roll, a roller for
unwinding the associated sheet roll from the case, and a motor
operatively engaging the roller to rotate the roller to unwind the
associated sheet roll. The roller is disposed in the case. The
roller includes flexible fingers extending from an external surface
of the roller for engaging the associated sheet roll. Each finger
is substantially aligned with a radius emanating from a rotational
axis of the roller. The motor is also disposed in the case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a sheet roll
dispenser.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a sheet roll dispenser.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the sheet roll
dispenser shown in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 depicts the sheet roll dispenser of FIG. 1 inserted
into a wall and a door of the dispenser opened.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an unwinding assembly of
the sheet roll dispenser of FIG. 1 with a battery compartment and a
retainer removed from a roller.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in
FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of
FIG. 1 taken in a plane normal to a rotational axis of a roller of
the dispenser.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a lower portion of
a sheet roll dispenser including a movable flap for covering a
discharge slot of the dispenser.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser
including a peeler.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser
including an alternative embodiment of a peeler.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser
including another alternative embodiment of a peeler.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of the dispenser
including a sheet roll urging device of the dispenser.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser
including an alternative embodiment of a sheet roll urging
device.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser
including an alternative embodiment of a sheet roll urging
device.
[0020] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser
including another alternative embodiment of a sheet roll urging
device.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the sheet roll urging
device shown in FIG. 15.
[0022] FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser
including an alternative embodiment of a sheet roll urging
device.
[0023] FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the sheet roll urging
device shown in FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] With reference to FIG. 1, a sheet roll dispenser 10 is shown
in a configuration suitable for dispensing a roll of toilet tissue.
The sheet roll dispenser 10 includes a case 12 that is configured
to receive an associated sheet roll, which is in this embodiment is
the roll of toilet tissue. With reference to FIG. 2, an alternative
embodiment of a sheet roll dispenser 10' is shown where the sheet
roll dispenser is configured to dispense a roll of paper towels.
The components of each dispenser are the same with the exception of
the size of the some of the components. Accordingly, the smaller
sheet roll dispenser 10 will be described with particularity with
the understanding that changing the size of the components in the
smaller sheet roll dispenser 10 will result in a sheet roll
dispenser 10' that can accommodate paper towels.
[0025] As more clearly seen in FIG. 3, the sheet roll dispenser 10
includes a case 12, a roller 14 disposed in the case, a motor 16
disposed inside the roller 14, a battery compartment 18 disposed
inside the roller 14, and electrical contacts 22 disposed within
the battery compartment. The internal components can be located
elsewhere in the case 12; however, the locations shown in FIG. 3
provide for a compact dispenser. The roller 14 is for unwinding a
sheet roll TP, e.g. toilet tissue, paper towels, etc., from the
case 12. The motor 16 operatively engages the roller 14 to rotate
the roller to unwind the sheet roll TP. The battery compartment
receives batteries B, which in the depicted embodiment are AA
batteries, AAA batteries, or other similar type power source. The
electrical contacts electrically connect the motor 16 with the
batteries B for supplying electrical current from the batteries B
to the motor.
[0026] The case 12 provides a neat and sanitary device by
protecting the unused sheet roll inside the case. The case provides
a stylish look that hides the white roll of toilet paper in a
person's bathroom or the white roll of paper towels in a person's
kitchen. The case 12 in the depicted embodiment is formed having
end walls 24 and 26 interconnected by a central section 28. As more
clearly seen in FIG. 1, each end wall 24 and 26 (only end wail 26
being visible in FIG. 1) includes a substantially circular larger
upper section 32 and a smaller lower forward section 34 having a
lower portion that generally follows the circumference of a circle.
The larger upper section 32 is slightly larger than the axial end
of the sheet roll TP received in the case 12. The smaller lower
section 34 is sized to accommodate an unwinding assembly, which
includes the motor 16 and battery compartment 18. The end walls 24
and 26 are axially spaced from one another, with respect to a
rotational axis of the sheet roll TP, to receive the sheet roll.
Where the dispenser is configured to receive a larger sheet roll,
e.g. a paper towel (see FIG. 2), the end walls 24 and 26 are
further axially spaced from one another and the central section 28
is longer.
[0027] A movable door 36 connects to the case 12. In the depicted
embodiment the door 36 is slidable between an open position (FIG.
4) and a closed position (FIGS. 1 and 2). In the depicted
embodiment, the door 36 retracts into the case 12 when moving from
the closed position (FIG. 1) towards the open position (FIG. 4).
The door 36 is contoured to follow the contour of the end walls 32
and 34 of the case to complement the curvature of the respective
upper and lower sections of each end wall of the case. Accordingly,
one section of the door generally follows the circumference of the
circle that approximates the upper section 32 and a lower second
section of the door generally follows the circumference of the
circle that approximates the lower section 34.
[0028] With reference to FIG. 3, extension pairs 38 and 40 are
formed on internal surfaces of respective end walls 24 and 26. The
extension pairs 38 and 40 extend inwardly into the case and each
define a notch 42 and 44, respectively, that receives a respective
edge of the slidable door 36. With reference to FIG. 4, the door 36
retracts into the case 12 so that the sheet roll TP can be inserted
into the case. Embodiments of the dispenser 10 can be referred to
as "spindleless" which allows the sheet roll to be easily inserted
into the case because no spindle needs to be inserted through the
core of the sheet roll TP. With reference back to FIG. 1, when the
door 36 is in the closed position, the case 12 and the door 36
define a discharge slot 46 for the sheet roll TP to exit the
case.
[0029] With reference back to FIG. 3, a plurality of radial
flexible fingers 50 extend from an outer surface of the roller. In
the depicted embodiment, each flexible finger 50 is made from a
fiber material (similar to a conventional cylindrical brush) and
substantially aligns with a radius emanating from a rotational axis
of the roller 14 (see FIG. 6). By providing flexible fingers 50
that are aligned with a radius of the roller, the fingers 50 can
easily deflect to grab the sheet roll and advance the sheet roll
towards the discharge slot 46 (FIG. 1). The radially aligned
flexible fingers also grab the sheet roll and retain the sheet roll
against the fingers 50 and the case 12 or door 36 when an operator
of the dispenser tears sheets of the sheet roll free. This will be
described in more detail below. The radial fibers 50 in the
depicted embodiment provide an advantageous mechanism for engaging
the sheet roll TP to dispense the sheet roll from the case 12;
however, other flexible material that can grab porous tissue and
slide smoothly across plastic can also be used to engage and deploy
the sheet roll TP.
[0030] The roller 14 also includes a circular flange 52, which
locates the roller inside the case 12 in a manner that will be
described in more detail below. In the depicted embodiment, the
flange 52 is located at one end of the roller and extends inwardly
towards the rotational axis of the roller.
[0031] In the depicted embodiment, the roller 14 is cylindrical and
hollow. A cylindrical power drive housing 54 is received inside the
roller 14. The power drive housing 54 provides a location to mount
the drive components of the unwinding assembly for the dispenser.
In the depicted embodiment, the power drive housing 54 includes
annular ridges 56 that define a circular notch 58 that receives the
circular flange 52 of the roller 14 and provides a slip bearing so
that the roller 14 rotates with respect to the power drive housing
54.
[0032] The motor 16 and the battery compartment 18 are received
inside the power drive housing 54, and thus inside the roller 14.
As more clearly seen in FIG. 5, the battery compartment 18 is
removable from the power drive housing 54. With reference back to
FIG. 3, the end walls 24 and 26 of the case 12 each include a
respective opening 60 and 62. The openings 60 and 62, in the
depicted embodiment, are circular and aligned, e.g. coaxial, with
one another. The battery compartment 18 is removable from and
insertable into each opening 60 and 62. This allows the dispenser
to be operated in a left-hand and a right-hand configuration.
[0033] With reference back to FIG. 3, a switch button assembly,
which includes a switch button 64 and a switch button retainer 66,
connects to the battery compartment 18. The switch button 64
operates a switch 68 (depicted schematically in FIG. 3) that is
electrically connected with the electrical contacts 22. In the
depicted embodiment, the switch button retainer 66 is circular and
is configured to be received inside either opening 60 or 62 in
either end wall 24 or 26 of the case 12. The openings 60 and 62
provide at least two mounting locations for the switch button
retainer 66 and the switch button 64 on opposite sides of the case
12 to provide a left-hand configuration and a right-hand
configuration for the dispenser 10. The switch button assembly
connects to the case 12 via a friction or resilient fit once
inserted into the appropriate opening 60 or 62. By engaging the
power drive housing 54, which supports the roller 14, the switch
button assembly also supports the roller 14 inside the case.
[0034] A retainer 72 is configured to retain the roller 14 in the
case 12. More particularly, the retainer 72 supports an opposite
end of the power drive housing 54 as the switch button assembly.
The retainer 72 is generally cylindrical so that it can be received
in either opening 60 or 62 in either end wall 24 or 26 of the case
12. In the depicted embodiment, the retainer 72 is received inside
a generally cylindrical insert 74 that connects to an end of the
power drive housing 54 opposite the end to which the switch button
assembly is attached. To remove the unwinding assembly, which
includes the motor 16, the battery compartment 18 and other
components that will be described in more detail below, one removes
the battery compartment 18 from opening 62 and the retainer 72 from
opening 60. The operator then reaches into the case through the
opening provided when the door 36 is in the open position (FIG. 4)
and removes the roller 14 with the motor 16 still disposed inside
the roller. The roller 14 can then be rotated about an axis
perpendicular to its rotational axis, which would result in the
motor being disposed on a right side of the dispenser 10 (as
compared to being disposed on the left side shown in FIG. 3). The
batteries B can be flipped to change the direction of current being
delivered to the motor 16 and then the battery compartment 18 can
be inserted into the power drive housing 54 through the opening 60
and the retainer can be received in opening 62 to retain the roller
inside the case. By providing a dispenser that can operate in both
a right-hand and a left-hand configuration, the number of mounting
locations where the dispenser 10 can be located inside one's home
or office are increased because access can be provided from either
side of the case 12. This is particularly desirable where the
dispenser 10 is mounted in a recess in a wall (see FIG. 4).
[0035] With reference to FIG. 3, the electrically driven unwinding
assembly includes the motor 16 operatively engaging the roller 14
via a transmission 80. An output shaft 82 of the motor 16 engages
plastic or rubber-like compression rollers 84 in the depicted
embodiment, as opposed to gears, to provide a quiet transmission.
The compression rollers 84 that make up the transmission 80 shown
in FIG. 3 is a type of speed reduction transmission from the higher
speed motor 16 to a slower but more forceful output where the
compression rollers 84 engage an inner surface of the roller 14
(see FIG. 6). The power drive housing 54 includes slots 86 and
components of the transmission 80, more particularly the
compression rollers 84 at the output end of the transmission,
extend through the slots to engage the roller 14 (see also FIG.
6).
[0036] In the depicted embodiment, the moving components of the
unwinding assembly are found in the roller 14. Additionally, the
electrical components of the unwinding assembly are also found in
the roller 14. This provides for a compact dispenser having a quiet
operation and a robust packaging. Placing the motor and the battery
compartment inside the roller utilizes this valuable space to
minimize the overall footprint of the dispenser 10. The
transmission assembly described above can employ gears or other
types of mechanisms known in the art to drive the roller; however,
the quiet operation of the transmission may be sacrificed by
replacing the compression rollers.
[0037] With reference back to FIG. 5, fenders 90 and 92 are also
provided in the case. The first fender 90 extends upwardly from an
end of the power drive housing 54 that receives the battery
compartment 18 and the switch button retainer 66. The second fender
92 extends upwardly into the case from the insert 74 that connects
to the opposite end of the power drive housing 54 with respect to
the switch button assembly. The fenders 90 and 92 axially align the
sheet roll TP inside the case 12.
[0038] With reference to FIG. 7, in the depicted embodiment, in
addition to the roller 14 a support 100 is also provided in the
case 12 to support the sheet roll TP. In the depicted embodiment,
the support 100 is an additional smaller roller. The rotational
axis of the sheet roll TP is equidistant from a location where the
sheet roll engages the support 100 and a location where the sheet
roll engages the roller 14. This allows the sheet roll to be
centered between the roller 14 and the support 100. The support 100
and the roller 14 also support the sheet roll TP from the case 12
spacing the sheet roll from the case to reduce any friction that
may result from the sheet roll contacting the case as the sheet
roll TP is being dispensed from the dispenser. The support 100 is
shown as a roller in FIG. 7; however, multiple rollers can be
provided or other friction reducing members such as small
protuberances extending upwardly from the case to limit the contact
area between the sheet roll and the case.
[0039] With continued reference to FIG. 7 operation of the
dispenser 10 will be further explained. As explained above,
embodiments of the dispenser can be referred to as "spindleless" in
that a spindle is not used to support the sheet roll TP inside the
case 12. This eases loading of the sheet roll inside the case. An
operator opens the door 36 by retracting the door 36 into the case
12 and inserts the sheet roll TP into the case so that the sheet
roll is supported by the roller 14 and the support 100. The
operator then pulls the free end of the sheet roll and extends it
outwardly from the case 12 and closes the door 36 so that the free
end of the sheet roll extends through the discharge slot 46. The
inner surface of the door 36 is formed to deflect the radial
fingers 50 that extend outwardly from the roller 14 to retain the
sheet roll against the deflected fingers and the door. In the
depicted embodiment, the door 36 is formed including protuberance
110 that urges the distal ends of friction fingers 50 in a
direction counter to the direction in which the roller 14 rotates
to dispense the sheet roll TP. As seen in FIG. 7, with the radial
flexible fingers having their distal ends bent in a clockwise
direction with respect to their proximal end, the flexible fingers
50 operate as a type of ratchet device so that when the operator of
the dispenser 10 pulls the free end of the sheet roll TP, the
radial fingers 50 in cooperation with the door 36 (and protuberance
110) grab the sheet roll so that sheets from the sheet roll can be
easily torn from the remainder of the sheet roll in the case. This
provides an easy one hand operation, e.g. same hand that operates
the switch button 64 to dispense the sheet roll can also be the
same hand that is used to tear the sheet roll.
[0040] The sheet roll dispenser that has been described above can
include alternative or additional components and is not limited to
only the aforementioned components. Some additional components and
alternative embodiments of the dispenser will be described in more
detail below. The invention, however, is not limited to only the
alternatives and additional components that are described
below.
[0041] In addition to dispensing conventional dry toilet tissue and
paper towels, the sheet roll dispenser can also be used to dispense
moist tissue and the like. Where the dispenser is used to dispense
moist material, it can be desirable to provide a movable flap 120
(FIG. 8) for covering the discharge slot 46. In an embodiment that
includes the movable flap 120, the flap is movable between an open
position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 8) and a closed position
(shown in phantom in FIG. 8).
[0042] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, the movable flap 120
includes an integrally formed cylindrical section 122 that is
received in a socket 124 formed at an end of the central section 28
of the case 12. A cam 126, which in the depicted embodiment is
integrally formed with the flap 120, cooperates with the movable
flap and the flexible fingers 50 extending from the roller 14 to
move the flap from the closed position towards the opened position.
When the roller 14 is rotating in a direction to dispense material
from the dispenser (counterclockwise in FIG. 8) the movable flap
120 moves from the closed position to the opened position due to
the fingers 50 contacting the cam 126. The movable flap 120 can be
biased back towards the closed position by a spring (not shown).
Alternatively, a controller can be provided in the unwinding
assembly (in the battery compartment 18) to allow the motor 16 to
rotate in two different rotational directions. The controller can
be configured to deliver current to the motor in the direction
opposite the unwinding direction (clockwise in FIG. 8) after the
switch button 64 has been released to close the discharge slot 46
by moving the movable flap 120 towards the door 36. The controller
can also be configured to count rotations of the roller for
measuring the length of sheet roll material being dispensed from
the sheet roll to control the length of material that is dispensed.
The controller can also be configured to work with other components
(mechanical or electrical) to respond to features on the sheet
roll, e.g. detect perforations in the sheet roll. Examples of these
other components include an optical sensor and a mechanical feeler
that moves when riding over a perforation.
[0043] Where the dispenser 10 is used to dispense moist sheet roll
material, seals can also be provided for sealing the internal
compartment of the case 12 to mitigate evaporation. With reference
back to FIG. 3, seals 132 and 134 can be provided in respective
notches 42 and 44. The seals contact the door 36 and the case 12
for sealing the internal compartment of the case. Additionally,
seals 136 and 138 can be provided where the switch button assembly
contacts the power drive housing 54 to prevent the ingress of
moisture into the battery compartment 18.
[0044] The sheet roll dispenser 10 described above can also include
a peeler to direct the sheet roll towards the discharge slot 46.
More particularly, the peeler can engage a free end of the sheet
roll TP to direct the sheet roll toward the discharge slot 46 of
the dispenser. With reference to FIG. 9, an example of a peeler 140
that includes a blade 142 that is biased toward the sheet roll TP
is shown. In this embodiment, the peeler 140 mounts to each fender
90 and 92 (see FIG. 3--only fender 90 is visible in FIG. 9). The
peeler includes arms 144 (only one visible in FIG. 9--another
similarly shaped arm would attach to the fender 92 on the other
side of the dispenser). The blade 142 attaches to each arm 144 (and
the other arm attached to the other fender 92). Each arm 144
includes a pin 146 that attaches to the fender 90 (the other arm
includes a pin also). As mentioned above, the peeler 140 is biased
towards the sheet roll TP. In the depicted embodiment a torsion
spring 148 acts against the fender 90 and the arm 144 (an
additional torsion spring can be provided on the other side of the
peeler 140) to bias the blade 142 toward the sheet roll TP.
[0045] The sheet roll TP is loaded into the case 12. The roller 14
rotates in a clockwise direction resulting in the sheet roll TP
rotating in a counterclockwise direction. The peeler blade 142
engages a free end of the sheet roll TP to direct the free end of
the sheet roll toward the discharge slot 46.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of a
peeler that engages a free end of the sheet roll TP to direct the
sheet roll toward the discharge slot 46 of the dispenser is shown.
In this embodiment, the peeler 160 includes a blade 162 that is
urged toward the sheet roll TP by the weight of the sheet roll. The
peeler 160 includes an arm 164 and the blade 162 is at an end of
the arm. An additional arm (not visible in FIG. 10) is disposed at
an opposite axial end of the sheet roll TP. Each arm 164 (only one
visible in FIG. 10) attaches to a respective end wall 24 and 26
(FIG. 3) of the case 12 via a pivot pin 166. In this embodiment,
the additional roller 100 also connects to each arm 164 (the other
arm not being visible in FIG. 10). The peeler 160 pivots about the
pivot pin 166 (and the other pivot pin that connects the other arm
on an opposite side of the sheet roll TP). The downward force of
the weight of the sheet roll TP on the support 100 results in the
blade 162 moving towards the sheet roll TP to engage a free end of
the sheet roll and urge the free end toward the roller 14 and thus
toward the discharge slot 46. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10,
the roller 14 rotates in a clockwise direction and the sheet roll
TP rotates in a counterclockwise direction so that a free end of
the sheet roll TP would engage the blade 162 and be directed toward
the roller 14.
[0047] With reference to FIG. 11, an additional embodiment of a
peeler 170 that includes a peeler roller 172 that catches a free
end of the sheet roll TP to direct the free end towards the
discharge slot 46 of the dispenser 10 is shown. In this embodiment,
the roller 172 rotates about an axle 174. A tension spring 176 is
attached at one end to the axle 174 and at an opposite end a
bracket 178 attached to the unwinder assembly. The tension spring
176 urges the peeler roller 172 against both the roller 14 and the
sheet roll TP. The peeler roller 172 directs the free end of the
sheet roll TP towards the roller 14 and thus towards the discharge
slot 38. In this embodiment, the roller 14 rotates in a clockwise
direction and the sheet roll TP rotates in a counterclockwise
direction.
[0048] With reference to FIG. 12, the sheet roll dispenser 10 can
include a sheet roll urging device in the case 12 for urging the
sheet roll TP towards the roller. This allows the dispenser to be
oriented in a vertical orientation (as opposed to the horizontal
orientation depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2). For example, by providing
the sheet roll dispenser 10' in FIG. 2 in a vertical orientation,
the sheet roll dispenser can be placed on the countertop of a
kitchen or similar location. Likewise, the dispenser 10 shown in
FIG. 1 can be placed on a bathroom vanity to dispense toilet
tissue.
[0049] With reference to FIG. 12, a sheet roll urging device 190
includes a table 192 supported by an axle 194 connected to the case
12. The axle 194 is offset from a rotational axis RA of the sheet
roll TP in a direction away from the roller 14. When the sheet roll
TP is loaded into the case in a vertical direction, because of the
axle 194 being offset from the central axis of the sheet roll TP,
the table 192 pivots to urge the sheet roll towards the roller 14.
The table 192 is made from a smooth plastic material which allows
an axial end of the sheet roll TP to easily slide along the table
with very little frictional forces so that as the roller 14 rotates
to dispense the sheet roll material, minimal frictional forces need
to be overcome as the sheet roll rotates on the table.
[0050] With reference to FIG. 13 an alternative embodiment of a
sheet roll urging device 200 is disclosed. In this embodiment, the
sheet roll urging device 200 includes spring arms 202 (only one
visible in FIG. 13) that are disposed in the case 12 of the
dispenser 10 on opposite axial ends of the sheet roll TP. The
spring arms 202 are biased to pivot about a pin 204 that connects
each spring arm to the case 12 and more particularly to the end
walls 24 and 26 of the case. An urging roller 206 attaches to an
end of each spring arm opposite the end that attaches to the case.
The spring arms 202 (only one visible in FIG. 13) and the roller
206 urge the sheet roll TP towards the roller 14. Since the spring
arm 202 is biased in the generally clockwise direction shown in
FIG. 13, the roller 206 engages the sheet roll TP as the sheet roll
is being depleted inside the case 12. A cam 208 is provided on the
door 36 to engage the spring arm 202 to move the urging roller 206
away from the roller 14 as the door is opened into the retracted
position. This allows the sheet roll TP to be loaded into the case
while the urging roller 206 is away to provide access to the
case.
[0051] FIG. 14 discloses a sheet roll urging device 220 in the case
12 of the dispenser 10 that includes a biased wheel 222 that
engages the sheet roll TP. The biased wheel 222 rotates about an
axle 224 that is received within a slide notch 228 formed in each
end wall 24 and 26 (FIG. 3) of the case 12. The roller 222 is
biased by a tension spring 226 that is wrapped around a pulley 230
connected to the case 12. The biased spring 226 is connected at one
end to the case 12 and at another end to the axle 224 about which
the wheel 222 rotates. A cam 232 attaches to and is movable with
the door 36. The cam 232 includes a curved slot 234 that receives a
pin 236 attached to the case 12 and more particularly to an end
wall 24 or 26 of the case. The pin 236 slides in the slot 234 as
the cam moves. The cam 232 includes a curved cam surface 238 that
engages the axle 224 about which the wheel 222 rotates. When the
door 36 is moved from the closed position to the opened position
the cam surface 238 of the cam 232 engages the axle 224 against the
biasing force of the tension spring 226 to move the wheel 222 away
from the roller 14. This allows the sheet roll TP to be inserted
into the case 12.
[0052] With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, an alternative embodiment
of a sheet roll urging device 250 that includes a biased hub 252
configured to be received in a core C of the associated sheet roll
TP is disclosed. The hub 252 is biased toward the roller 14. As
more clearly seen in FIG. 1, each side wall 26 of the case 12
includes a channel 254 that bisects the substantially larger
circular section 32 of each side wall (only one visible in FIG. 1).
The hub 252 rides within this channel. The hub 252 connects to a
pin 256 that rides along a door cam surface 258 formed along the
door 36. With the pin 256 attached to the hub 252 as the pin 256
rides along the cam surface 258 the hub 252 can move out of the way
to allow the user of the dispenser 10 to insert the sheet roll TP
into the case 12. With reference to FIG. 16, the hub 252 attaches
to a pin 262 that rides in a curved notch 264. An upper end of the
curved notch 264 bends outwardly toward the channel 254 to move the
hub 252 axially away from the core C of the sheet roll TP when the
door 36 is in the open position. The hub 252 is biased downwardly
by a spring (not shown) toward the roller 14 so that as the sheet
roll is dispensed, the sheet roll is urged toward the roller
14.
[0053] With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, an alternative embodiment
of a sheet roll urging device 270 that includes a biased hub 272
configured to be received in a core C of the associated sheet roll
TP is disclosed. The hub 272 is biased toward the roller 14. In the
depicted embodiment, the hub 272 attaches to a distal end of an arm
274 that is connected to the case 12 via a pivot pin 276 (see FIG.
18). A spring 280 biases the arm 274 in a counterclockwise
direction (per the orientation shown in FIG. 17) to urge the sheet
roll TP toward the roller 14. In the depicted embodiment, the
spring 280 is a torsion spring including a coil 282, a first leg
284 extending from the coil and attached to the case 12 at a distal
end thereof, and a second leg 286 that extends from the coil 282
and attaches at a distal end thereof to the arm 274.
[0054] The door 36 includes a flange 290 that extends into the case
12 and a cam 292 extends axially inwardly from the flange 290. The
cam 292 contacts the first leg 284 of the spring when moving from a
closed position toward an open position to draw the pivoting arm
274 in a clockwise direction (per the orientation of FIG. 17) so
that when the door is opened the hub 272 is centered in the case to
receive a new sheet roll TP. The sheet roll TP is inserted into the
case 12 and the hub 272 is configured to deflect axially outwardly
and snap into the core C (see orientation of the hub in FIG. 18).
When the door is in the closed position the coil 282 of the spring
moves away from the case wall inwardly toward the core which
promotes the biasing action of the sheet roll TP toward the roller
14. The pivoting arm 274, the hub 272 and the spring 280 are
axially spaced from an end of the sheet roll TP. An additional
pivoting arm, hub and spring can be provided on the opposite axial
end and act in the same manner as the aforementioned components A
flexible connector 278 interconnects the pivoting arm 274 and the
additional pivoting arm. The flexible connector 278 allows the arms
to spring apart when the sheet roll is installed into the
dispenser.
[0055] A sheet roll dispenser has been described with reference to
certain embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to
those upon reading and understanding the detailed description. The
invention is not limited to only those embodiments depicted in the
preceding description. Instead, the invention is broadly defined by
the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *