U.S. patent application number 12/487541 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-30 for electronic roll towel dispenser.
Invention is credited to Lockland Corley, Brad Friesen, John Friesen, Matthew Friesen, Andy Jackman, Richard Lalau, Andrew Ng, Michael Severyn, Alex Trampolski.
Application Number | 20100243696 12/487541 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42782863 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100243696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Friesen; Matthew ; et
al. |
September 30, 2010 |
ELECTRONIC ROLL TOWEL DISPENSER
Abstract
This disclosure relates to a dispenser which in one form is a
motorized electric dispenser, designed to be a low-cost device
having a reduced footprint. The dispenser electromechanically
dispenses a pre-determined length sheet of material to the user,
without the requirement of a touchless sensor, or the user needing
to directly touch any part of the dispenser while the hygienic
portion is functioning properly. In the event that the hygienic
portion is not functioning properly, a manual advance assembly may
also be utilized. One objective of the device in one form is to
provide a variably determined sheet of material to the user in
accordance with industry standards, without the use of the standard
"touchless" sensors. In another form, the entire roll of material
remains sanitary and enclosed within the dispenser until it is
dispensed. In one form, there is no "tail" projecting from the
dispenser that may be a source of cross-contamination.
Inventors: |
Friesen; Matthew; (Surrey,
CA) ; Jackman; Andy; (Langley, CA) ; Severyn;
Michael; (Surrey, CA) ; Trampolski; Alex;
(Richmond, CA) ; Corley; Lockland; (Coquitlam,
CA) ; Friesen; Brad; (Vancouver, CA) ;
Friesen; John; (Vancouver, CA) ; Lalau; Richard;
(North Vancouver, CA) ; Ng; Andrew; (Vancouver,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUGHES LAW FIRM, PLLC
5160 Industrial Place,#107
Ferndale
WA
98248-7819
US
|
Family ID: |
42782863 |
Appl. No.: |
12/487541 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61073630 |
Jun 18, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
225/10 ; 242/564;
242/564.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/3612 20130101;
A47K 2010/3668 20130101; A47K 10/36 20130101; Y10T 225/205
20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
225/10 ; 242/564;
242/564.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/38 20060101
A47K010/38; A47K 10/22 20060101 A47K010/22; A47K 10/28 20060101
A47K010/28; A47K 10/34 20060101 A47K010/34; A47K 10/36 20060101
A47K010/36 |
Claims
1. A hygienic dispenser for dispensing a length of product from a
roll, the dispenser comprising: a. a dispenser housing; b. a
surface defining an engagement opening in the dispenser housing; c.
a dispensing slot; d. a button mechanism adjacent the engagement
opening e. a product path defined as the path product will take
from the product roll to the dispensing slot; and f. wherein the
product path passes between the engagement opening and the button
mechanism.
2. The hygienic dispenser of claim 1 further comprising: a. a
pressure roller adjacent the drive roller; and b. the pressure
roller is operatively configured to provide frictional engagement
between the product being dispensed and the drive roller.
3. The hygienic dispenser of claim 2 further comprising; a. a front
casing; b. a rear casing; c. wherein the front casing is rotatably
coupled to the rear casing; and d. wherein the pressure roller is
coupled to the front casing.
4. The hygienic dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a manual
advance assembly.
5. The hygienic dispenser of claim 4 further comprising a
one-way-rotational device operatively configured to allow a user to
manually operate the manual advance mechanism in only one
direction.
6. The hygienic dispenser of claim 1 wherein the dispenser is
operatively configured to dispense a length of product at each
operation of the button mechanism greater than the distance along
the paper path from the engagement opening to the dispensing
slot.
7. The hygienic dispenser of claim 6 further comprising: a. a
cutting edge coupled to the dispenser housing; and b. wherein the
length of product dispensed at each operation of the button
mechanism is greater than the distance along the paper path between
the engagement opening and the cutting edge.
8. The hygienic dispenser of claim 7 wherein the length of product
dispensed at each operation of the button mechanism is greater than
the distance along the paper path between the upper edge of the
engagement opening and the cutting edge.
9. The hygienic dispenser of claim 1 further comprising: a. a drive
motor coupled to a drive roller; b. wherein the drive roller is
operatively configured to engage the product being dispensed; c.
circuitry coupled between the drive motor and the button mechanism;
and d. wherein the button mechanism is operatively configured to
activate the drive motor when the button mechanism is engaged.
10. The hygienic dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a product
roll support within the dispenser housing.
11. A hygienic dispenser for dispensing a length of product from a
roll, the dispenser comprising: a. a dispenser housing; b. a
surface defining an engagement opening in the dispenser housing; c.
a dispensing slot; d. a button mechanism adjacent the engagement
opening; e. wherein a portion of the product is positioned between
the engagement opening and the button mechanism prior to exiting
the dispenser.
12. The hygienic dispenser of claim 11 wherein the dispensing slot
is positioned adjacent the bottommost surface of the dispenser.
13. The hygienic dispenser of claim 11 wherein the surface defining
an engagement opening is positioned at the front surface of the
dispenser.
14. A towel dispenser configured to dispense a towel therefrom, the
towel dispenser comprising: a. a casing comprising an interior
chamber portion, the interior chamber portion configured to house a
towel roll; b. the casing comprising a rearward portion and a
forward portion, the forward portion comprising a perimeter surface
defining an engagement opening; c. a towel dispensing portion
configured to dispense a portion of the towel therefrom; d. an
activator member; e. the activator member positioned in proximity
to the engagement opening of the casing; f. the towel configured to
be interposed between the activator member and the engagement
opening of the casing to be visible therethrough; g. the engagement
opening comprising a distance from a towel dispensing slot which is
less than the length of the towel that is disbursed when the
activator member is activated, ejecting a portion of the towel
therefrom.
15. The towel dispenser as recited in claim 14 configured such that
when a user depresses a portion of the towel through the opening to
activate the activator member, the portion of the towel depressed
by the user is dispensed through the towel dispensing portion.
16. The towel dispenser as recited in claim 15 where the towel is a
cloth based towel.
17. The towel dispenser as recited in claim 16 where the towel is a
cloth towel configured for a cloth recirculation towels system.
18. The towel dispenser as recited in claim 15 where the towel is
disbursed on a roll and is a paper-based towel configured to be
torn once a portion of the towel is disbursed from the dispensing
slot.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Ser. No.
61/073,630, filed Jun. 18, 2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
a) Field of the Disclosure
[0002] This invention relates generally to towel dispensers and
particularly to a hygienic, away-from-home type paper towel
dispenser.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] A hygienic dispenser for dispensing a length of product from
a roll is disclosed herein. The dispenser comprises a dispenser
housing; a surface defining an engagement opening in the dispenser
housing; a dispensing slot; and a button mechanism adjacent the
engagement opening. In one form, the product path is defined as the
path product will take from the product roll to the dispensing
slot. In one form, the product path passes between the engagement
opening and the button mechanism.
[0004] The hygienic dispenser may also include a pressure roller
adjacent to the drive roller. In one form, the pressure roller is
operatively configured to provide frictional engagement between the
product being dispensed and the drive roller.
[0005] The hygienic dispenser may also comprise: a front casing; a
rear casing, wherein the front casing is rotatably coupled to the
rear casing; and a pressure roller which is coupled to the front
casing.
[0006] In one form, the hygienic dispenser further comprises a
manual advance assembly for use when the hygienic dispensing system
is not functioning properly. The hygienic dispenser may also
comprise a one-way-rotational device operatively configured to
allow a user to manually operate the manual advance mechanism in
only one direction. In this way, a user will not be able to "draw
up" the product in the paper path as it will not be engaged with
the drive roller.
[0007] The hygienic dispenser may be operatively configured to
dispense a length of product at each operation of the button
mechanism, greater than the distance along the paper path from the
engagement opening to the dispensing slot. The hygienic dispenser
may also comprise a cutting edge coupled to the dispenser housing,
wherein the length of product dispensed at each operation of the
button mechanism is greater than the distance along the paper path
between the engagement opening and the cutting edge. In one form,
the length of product dispensed at each operation of the button
mechanism is greater than the distance along the paper path between
the upper edge of the engagement opening and the cutting edge. In
this way, the portion of product that was contacted by the user is
dispersed to the user and a clean/hygienic touch surface is
preserved.
[0008] The hygienic dispenser may also comprise a drive motor
coupled to a drive roller wherein the drive roller is operatively
configured to engage the product being dispensed. In one form,
circuitry may be coupled between the drive motor and the button
mechanism wherein the button mechanism is operatively configured to
activate the drive motor when the button mechanism is engaged.
[0009] The hygienic dispenser may also comprise a product roll
support within the dispenser housing. Such roll supports may be
extensions, axles, planar supports, or equivalents.
[0010] The hygienic dispenser for dispensing a length of product
from a roll may also be described as comprising: a dispenser
housing; a surface defining an engagement opening in the dispenser
housing; a dispensing slot; and a button mechanism adjacent the
engagement opening. Wherein a portion of the product is positioned
between the engagement opening and the button mechanism prior to
exiting the dispenser to provide a renewable, hygienic surface for
the engagement button or activator. In one form, the dispensing
slot is positioned adjacent the bottommost surface of the
dispenser. In one form, the surface defining an engagement opening
is positioned at the front surface of the dispenser to make the
contact portion more visible and convenient for a user.
[0011] A towel dispenser configured to dispense a towel therefrom
is disclosed herein. The towel dispenser may also be described as
comprising a casing comprising an interior chamber portion, wherein
the interior chamber portion is configured to house a towel roll.
In one form, the casing comprises a rearward portion and a forward
portion, the forward portion comprising a perimeter surface
defining an engagement opening. In one form, the casing comprises a
towel dispensing portion (slot) configured to dispense a portion of
the towel therefrom. Additionally, an activator member (button) may
be included wherein the activator member is positioned in proximity
to the engagement opening of the casing such that a portion of the
towel is interposed between the activator and the engagement
opening of the casing to be visible therethrough. In this
embodiment, the engagement opening comprises a distance from a
towel dispensing slot which is less than the length of the towel
that is disbursed when the activator is activated ejecting a
portion of the towel therefrom. In one form, the towel dispenser is
configured such that when a user depresses a portion of the towel
through the opening to activate the activator member, the portion
of the towel depressed by the user is dispensed through the towel
dispensing portion. The towel in one form is a cloth based towel.
In one form, the towel is a cloth towel configured for a cloth
recirculation towels system. In another form, the towel is
disbursed on a roll and is a paper-based towel configured to be
torn off once a portion of the towel is disbursed from the
dispensing slot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a highly schematic view of a hygienic dispenser in
one form.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a highly schematic view of a hygienic dispenser in
use in one form.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view of a hygienic dispenser in one
form.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an isometric cutaway view of a hygienic dispenser
in one form.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an isometric exploded view of a hygienic dispenser
in one form.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the hygienic dispenser as shown
in FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the hygienic dispenser as shown
in FIG. 5.
[0019] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a hygienic dispenser with the
front cover removed.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side cutaway view of a hygienic dispenser using
an "endless" roll of product.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Prior art dispensers, such as paper towel dispensers, toilet
paper dispensers, and other dispensers for paper products
distributed on rolls, generally fell into two categories. The first
category is that of the touchless sensor-type dispenser, which is
often found in public restrooms today, and a second category of
pushbutton or manual advance dispensers wherein the user must
contact a surface of the dispenser, either to push a button or to
advance a manual assembly to receive a portion of the desired
product. The products in these categories have faced substantial
difficulties. For example, with the common "touchless" dispensers,
the sensor has proven to be relatively problematic in its
responsiveness to different individuals. Furthermore, as the sensor
is usually positioned on or behind the casing of the dispenser,
often users will still come in contact with the portion of the
casing or the sensor space. Thus germs and diseases can be
transmitted from person to person. For the pushbutton or manual
dispensers, it will always be necessary for the user to come in
contact with the dispenser to activate or utilize the dispenser,
and thus germs are even more likely to be transmitted from person
to person.
[0022] This disclosure relates to a dispenser which in one form is
a motorized electric dispenser, designed to be a low-cost device
having a reduced footprint. The dispenser electromechanically
dispenses a pre-determined length sheet of material to the user,
without the requirement of a touchless sensor, or the user needing
to directly touch any part of the dispenser while the hygienic
portion is functioning properly. In the event that the hygienic
portion is not functioning properly, a manual advance assembly may
also be utilized. One objective of the device in one form is to
provide a variably determined sheet of material to the user in
accordance with industry standards, without the use of the standard
"touchless" sensors. In another form, the entire roll of material
remains sanitary and enclosed within the dispenser until it is
dispensed. There is no "tail" projecting from the dispenser in one
form that may be a source of cross-contamination.
[0023] Looking to FIG. 1, the dispenser 20 is shown, wherein a
portion of the product 22 to be dispensed is exposed through an
engagement opening 24 in the front casing 26 of the dispenser 20.
It can be seen that the user 28 is reaching towards the exposed
portion 30 of the product 22 in the direction of travel 32. Behind
the exposed portion 30 is a pushbutton activator which engages the
dispenser 20 to dispense a portion of product as shown in FIG. 2.
The activator may be a standard electric button, switch, proximity
sensor, heat sensor or similar, equivalent device. As the user 28
withdraws their finger or other appendage in the direction of
travel 34, the product 22 is dispensed in one form of the bottom of
the dispenser in the direction of travel 36.
[0024] Before beginning a detailed description, an axes system 10
is shown in FIG. 1 comprising a vertical axes 12, a transverse axes
14, and a longitudinal axes 16. This axes system 10 is intended to
aid in understanding of the disclosure herein, and is not intended
to be limiting.
[0025] Looking to FIG. 3 the dispenser 20 is shown in one form in a
side cutaway view, which should help in understanding the interior
configuration of the device. In one form, a product roll 38, such
as a roll of paper towels or toilet paper, is suspended upon a roll
support 40 which can also be more easily seen in FIG. 7.
Alternatively, the product roll 38 may simply rest on an inner
portion of the casing or mechanism. Looking briefly to FIG. 4, the
dispenser 20 is shown in an isometric cutaway view which more
clearly shows the dispenser housing 42, which substantially
comprises a front casing 44 coupled to a rear casing 46 at a casing
pivot 48 (which is more easily shown in FIG. 3). The rear casing 46
is operatively configured to be attached to a vertical structure
such as a bathroom wall by way of fasteners, such as screws,
mounted through a plurality of mounting recesses 50. While the
casing pivot 48 couples the rear casing 46 to the front casing 44
at the lowermost portion of the dispenser 20, a latching mechanism
(not shown) may be provided in the upper region such as at a
latching mechanism opening 52. The dispenser 20 also comprises a
dispensing slot 54 at the bottom portion of the dispenser 20,
through which the product 22 is dispensed, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0026] Looking specifically at the lowermost front portion of the
dispenser 20, as shown in FIG. 4, an engagement opening 56 is
provided to allow a user access to a button mechanism generally at
58. The engagement opening 56 is defined by an opening rim 60
around the engagement opening 56. The opening rim 60 may be
provided in the front casing 44 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or
alternatively may be provided in a replaceable cover panel 62 as
shown in FIG. 5. The button mechanism comprises a contact surface
64, which in operation is behind the exposed portion 30 of the
product 22, as previously described. In this arrangement, when the
user presses on the contact surface 64 through the product 22, the
dispenser is activated and dispenses a portion of product through
the dispensing slot 54. The portion of product dispensed includes
the portion that the user contacted through the engagement opening
56. Thus, a sanitary condition is constantly maintained.
[0027] Looking to FIG. 3, a product path 66 is shown, which is
defined as the path the product 22 travels between the product roll
38 and a dispensing slot 54. As can be seen, the product path 66
passes between the opening rim 60 and the contact surface 64 of the
button mechanism 68.
[0028] Thus, the exposed portion 30 of the product 22 provides a
sanitary, constantly replaceable barrier between the user 28 and
the button mechanism 68. In one form of operation, a cutting edge
70 is provided as shown in FIG. 3. The cutting edge 70 functions to
allow the user 28 to cut, or tear, the product 22 along a
substantially straight or desired line. When a cutting edge 70 is
utilized, the device comprises a minimum dispensed length 72
defined as the distance between the opening rim 60 and the cutting
edge 70. In one particular example, the device comprises a minimum
dispensed length 72 defined as the distance between the upper edge
73 of the opening rim 60 and the cutting edge 70. Of course, the
dispensed length could be substantially longer than this, and may
be adjustable by service personnel or could be pre-set as the
dispenser 20 is built.
[0029] In one form, seen in FIGS. 3-8, the paper path 66 passes
between a drive roller 74 and a pressure roller 76. The pressure
roller 76 generally presses against the drive roller 74. In this
way, when the drive roller 74 is caused to rotate, the product 22
will tend to be dispensed, as it is pressed against the drive
roller 74 by the pressure roller 76. In one form, the pressure
roller 76 is coupled to the front casing 44. In this way, when the
latching mechanism is released, and the front casing 44 pivots
about the front casing pivot 48, the distance between the drive
roller 74 and the pressure roller 76 will open up. Thus, when a
replacement product roll 38 is inserted into the dispenser 20, it
is much easier for the service personnel to direct the product 22
down the product path 66 and between the drive roller 74 and
pressure roller 76. As the front casing 44 is rotated to a closed
position, and the latching mechanism is reengaged, the product 22
is positioned along the product path 66 and is ready for
dispensing.
[0030] Looking to FIG. 5, the relationship of the pressure roller
76 to the cover panel 62 and front casing 44 can be seen. Looking
to FIG. 6, which is a detail view of this portion of FIG. 5, it can
be seen how in one form, the pressure roller 76 is inserted into a
bearing surface 78 of a spring clip 80. The spring clip 80 allows
the pressure roller 76 to rotate about an axel end 82. In one form,
the spring clip 80 is press fit within a receiver 84, which is
coupled to the front casing 44. Furthermore, the spring clip 80
comprises a spring arm 86 which functions to pressure or force the
pressure roller 76 against the drive roller 74. In one form, the
cover panel 62 hides the pressure roller 76 and spring clip 80 from
the view of the user 28. It can also be seen that the opening rim
60, as previously described and shown in FIG. 4, may comprise an
opening rim 60a in the cover panel 62, and another opening rim 60b
in the front casing 44. As previously described, this opening rim
60 allows the user access to the button mechanism 68 through the
exposed portion 30 of the product 22.
[0031] Looking back to FIG. 5, a powered advance assembly 88 and
manual advance assembly 90 are shown. The powered advance assembly
88 generally comprises the drive roller 74 previously discussed,
and a drive motor 92. In addition, a plurality of reduction gears
94 may be utilized to couple the drive motor 92 to the drive roller
74. Looking to FIG. 7, which is a detail view of a portion of FIG.
5, it can be seen how an end cap 96, axel 98, and drive gear 100
may be utilized to couple the drive roller 74 to the drive motor
92. A power source 102 such as a battery, series of batteries,
power supply, or power adapter can be utilized to electronically
couple a button mechanism or contact surface 104 to the drive motor
92. In one form, the circuit between the power source 102 and the
drive motor 92 may include an open circuit between the contact
surface 104 and another portion 106 such that when the contact
surface 104 is pressed by the user, the circuit is closed. In
addition, the circuit 108 may comprise a timing circuit 110 such
that when the circuit 108 is closed, the drive motor 92 will
operate for certain amount of time, corresponding to the minimum
dispensed length 72 to dispense the desired length of product. This
time interval may in one form be adjustable by service personnel.
In one form, the power source 102 is coupled to a standard
household power source, such as a 110V AC circuit commonly found in
US structures. In one form, a pawl 112 is provided which may couple
to a side frame 116 at a pawl receiver 114. This pawl 114 prohibits
the drive roller 74 from rotating backwards, which would tend to
draw the product 22 back up toward the product roll 38 along the
product path 66. This may in some forms make it very difficult for
the user to reengage the device, as most users will not have access
to the interior portion of the dispenser 20.
[0032] A manual advance assembly 90 may also be incorporated as
shown in FIG. 5. Manual advance assemblies are often utilized, as
it is not uncommon for the powered advance assembly 88 to become
non-functional, such as when the drive motor 92 no longer
functions, or when the power source 102 no longer functions, such
as when batteries are depleted. The manual advance assembly
generally comprises a manual advance driver 118, which is exposed
through the dispenser housing 42 such that a user 28 can manually
engage the manual advance driver 118. As shown, the manual advance
driver 118 comprises a disc-like wheel which is configured to
substantially prohibit a user from rotating the manual advance
driver 118 in a non-desired direction. These drivers 118 are
well-known in the art, and also comprise pushbuttons, cranks,
spurred wheels, and equivalents. In one form, the manual advance
driver 118 is coupled in such a way that when it is rotated, the
drive motor 92 is not rotated, to increase ease in use. Such
one-way drive mechanisms and one-way bearings are well-known in the
art.
[0033] Also looking at FIG. 7, it can be seen how in one form, each
of the roll supports 40 are removably attached to the rear casing
46 at a support receiver 120. In one form, a snap lock-type
mechanism 122 is utilized to maintain the roll support within the
support receiver 120. Additionally, a projection 124 can be
utilized as an axle to engage the inner surface of the product roll
38.
[0034] Looking now to FIG. 8, the dispenser 20 is shown with the
front casing 44 removed to show the workings of the mechanism. As
shown, the manual advance driver 118 extends through a casing
opening 126 such that it can be reached and operated by a user. As
the advance driver in one form is recessed into the side of the
dispenser, it will be more obvious to the user to utilize the
button mechanism 68 in the front of the dispenser. Additionally, as
the button mechanism 68 will not be visible to a user, as it will
be behind the exposed portion 33 of the product 22, there will
likely be indications on the front casing 44, such as on the cover
panel 62, to direct a user to press through the opening rim 60 and
engage the button mechanism 68 to dispense a portion of product
22.
[0035] Looking to FIG. 9, another embodiment is shown where the
minimum dispersed length 128 is defined as the length between the
opening rim 60, and the dispensing slot 54. This embodiment may be
utilized where the dispensed portion is not torn off by the user,
but rather is cut by other methods, such as a cutter mounted on the
drive roller, or pre-cut towels. This embodiment may also be
utilized such that the product is not removed at all, but rather
comprises a return path 130 back into the dispenser 20, such as
would be utilized in a continuous, cloth-type towel.
[0036] While the present invention is illustrated by description of
several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are
described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to
restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to
such detail. Additional advantages and modifications within the
scope of the appended claims will readily appear to those sufficed
in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not
limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and
methods, and illustrative examples shown and described.
Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without
departing from the spirit or scope of applicants' general
concept.
* * * * *