U.S. patent application number 14/342175 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-04 for dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCA Hygiene Products AB. The applicant listed for this patent is Sofia Alvenby, Peter Forsaeus, Henrik Friberg, Tobias Gronlund, Louise Jonsson, Anders Lundell, Christoffer Olsson, Linda Rolfo, Maggie Tsang. Invention is credited to Sofia Alvenby, Peter Forsaeus, Henrik Friberg, Tobias Gronlund, Louise Jonsson, Anders Lundell, Christoffer Olsson, Linda Rolfo, Maggie Tsang.
Application Number | 20140246469 14/342175 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47756633 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140246469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Forsaeus; Peter ; et
al. |
September 4, 2014 |
DISPENSER
Abstract
A dispenser for a continuous web of tissue includes an outer
casing that is detachably or hingeably attached to a back portion.
The dispenser includes a compartment between the outer casing and
the back portion for housing a first continuous web of tissue and a
first opening for the first continuous web of tissue to exit the
dispenser. The dispenser includes a tear unit for separating the
first continuous web of tissue into pieces upon moving the first
continuous web of tissue over the tear unit. The first opening is
positioned at a first distance from the tear unit, and the first
distance is arranged to fit a predetermined hand for allowing the
predetermined hand to grip the first continuous web of tissue
positioned partly or completely within the range of the first
distance.
Inventors: |
Forsaeus; Peter; (Goteborg,
SE) ; Jonsson; Louise; (Goteborg, SE) ; Tsang;
Maggie; (Goteborg, SE) ; Alvenby; Sofia;
(Huddinge, SE) ; Rolfo; Linda; (Huddinge, SE)
; Olsson; Christoffer; (Stockholm, SE) ; Lundell;
Anders; (Lerum, SE) ; Gronlund; Tobias;
(Vastra Frolunda, SE) ; Friberg; Henrik;
(Goteborg, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Forsaeus; Peter
Jonsson; Louise
Tsang; Maggie
Alvenby; Sofia
Rolfo; Linda
Olsson; Christoffer
Lundell; Anders
Gronlund; Tobias
Friberg; Henrik |
Goteborg
Goteborg
Goteborg
Huddinge
Huddinge
Stockholm
Lerum
Vastra Frolunda
Goteborg |
|
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
SCA Hygiene Products AB
Goteborg
SE
|
Family ID: |
47756633 |
Appl. No.: |
14/342175 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
August 31, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/SE2011/051046 |
371 Date: |
April 30, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
225/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 2010/3253 20130101;
A47K 10/38 20130101; A47K 2010/3233 20130101; A47K 10/3818
20130101; Y10T 225/276 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
225/72 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/38 20060101
A47K010/38 |
Claims
1. A dispenser for a continuous web of tissue, the dispenser
comprising: a back portion and an outer casing being detachably or
hingeably attached to a back portion; a compartment between the
outer casing and the back portion for housing a first continuous
web of tissue; a first opening for the first continuous web of
tissue to exit the dispenser; a tear unit for separating the first
continuous web of tissue into pieces upon moving the first
continuous web of tissue over the tear unit, wherein the first
opening is positioned at a first distance from the tear unit, the
first distance being arranged to fit a predetermined hand for
allowing the predetermined hand to grip the first continuous web of
tissue positioned partly or completely within the first distance,
and the dispenser further comprises a first depression for allowing
a user to grip a part of the first continuous web that extends out
of the first opening, the first depression being positioned at
least partly within the first distance and extending from the first
opening inwardly toward the back portion.
2. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is
arranged such that a force required to pull the first continuous
web of tissue from the dispenser is less than 8 N.
3. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is
positioned in a front surface in an outer casing part which is
separate from the outer casing.
4. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is
positioned essentially centrally in the dispenser.
5. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is
positioned for allowing the first continuous web of tissue to be
fed from a centrally fed roll of tissue via the first opening.
6. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the tear unit is
integrated in the outer casing.
7. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the tear unit is a
separate unit from the outer casing, which separate unit is
attached to the outer casing.
8. (canceled)
9. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the tear unit
comprises a first arm positioned such that the first continuous web
of tissue is movable in a direction essentially perpendicular to a
feeding direction of the first continuous web of tissue in the
first opening and torn apart by first tear means comprised in the
first arm.
10. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the tear unit
comprises a first arm and a second arm positioned such that the
first continuous web of tissue is movable between the arms before
being moved in a direction essentially perpendicular to a feeding
direction of the first continuous web in the first opening and torn
apart by first tear means comprised in the first arm.
11. A dispenser according to claim 10, wherein each of the first
and second arms is inwardly bent.
12. A dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the first arm and
the second arm are positioned such that the second arm is
essentially a mirror image of the first arm.
13. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first distance is
between 50 mm and 250 mm.
14. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the compartment of
the dispenser houses a first continuous web of tissue and a second
continuous web of tissue.
15. A dispenser according to claim 14, wherein the dispenser
further comprises a second opening, the first opening (8) and the
second opening (31) being arranged such that a force required to
pull the first continuous web of tissue or the second continuous
web of tissue from either of the first opening or the second
opening of the dispenser is less than 8 N.
16. A dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the dispenser
further comprises a hatch arranged to be movable between a first
end position and a second end position, and the hatch covers the
first opening when the hatch is moved to the first end position and
the hatch covers the second opening when the hatch is moved to the
second end position.
17. A dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the dispenser
further comprises an elongated slot and ends of the elongated slot
comprise the first opening and the second opening.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dispenser for a
continuous web of tissue, the dispenser comprising an outer casing
being detachably or hingeably attached to a back portion. The
dispenser comprises a compartment between the outer casing and the
back portion for housing a first continuous web of tissue. The
dispenser comprises a first opening for the first continuous web of
tissue to exit the dispenser. The dispenser comprises a tear unit
for separating the first continuous web of tissue into pieces upon
moving the first continuous web of tissue over the tear unit.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Dispensers for dispensing a continuous web of tissue such as
toilet paper dispensers are well known in the art. The dispensers
may comprise a housing in which a roll of continuous web is placed.
From the roll the web of tissue is drawn and dispensed through a
dispenser opening. The web of tissue is usually distributed from
the periphery of the roll. The dispenser opening is usually located
at the bottom of the dispenser. The dispenser opening may comprise
tear means for tearing the tissue into strips of suitable
length.
[0003] Users having some form of disability, physical or otherwise,
hindering them from using for instance their arms or shoulders to a
full extent may have problems when tearing the tissue from a
dispenser such as described above. The range of motion required may
not be at all possible or may cause pain to the user.
[0004] If the paper in a dispenser having a dispensing opening
located at the bottom of the dispenser is torn off inside the
dispenser a user must reach into it in order to reach the end tab.
Apart from being uncomfortable and/or difficult the user may scrape
their hands or arms on the tear means.
[0005] There exists centre feed dispensers which allows a user to
pull paper from the centre of a roll positioned in the dispenser.
One example of a centre feed dispenser is shown in EP 1799083 A.
The dispenser is equipped with a nozzle in order to reduce
crumpling of the paper. This dispenser however does not address the
issue of simplifying the dispensing of paper for a user having some
form of disability as mentioned above.
[0006] There is thus a need for a dispenser that aims to solve the
above mentioned problem.
SUMMARY
[0007] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an
inventive dispenser for a continuous web of tissue where the
previously mentioned problems are avoided. This object is achieved
by the features of the characterising portion of claim 1, wherein
the first opening is positioned at a first distance L from the tear
unit, the first distance L being arranged to fit a predetermined
hand for allowing the predetermined hand to grip the first
continuous web of tissue positioned partly or completely within the
range of the first distance L. Here, "partly" means that tissue
extends from the first opening to a point within the first distance
and "completely" means that that tissue extends from the first
opening to a point equal to or beyond the end point of the first
distance, i.e the piece of tissue positioned outside the dispenser
could have a length less than, equal to or longer than the first
distance.
[0008] The present disclosure relates to a dispenser for a
continuous web of tissue, the dispenser comprising an outer casing
being detachably or hingeably attached to a back portion, the
dispenser comprising a compartment between the outer casing and the
back portion for housing a first continuous web of tissue. The
dispenser comprises a first opening for the first continuous web of
tissue to exit the dispenser. The dispenser comprises a tear unit
for separating the first continuous web of tissue into pieces upon
moving the first continuous web of tissue over the tear unit,
wherein the first opening is positioned at a first distance L from
the tear unit. The first distance L is arranged to fit a
predetermined hand for allowing the predetermined hand to grip the
first continuous web of tissue positioned partly or completely
within the range of the first distance L.
[0009] A dispenser comprising an opening positioned at a distance
from the tear unit enables a disabled user to grasp a leading edge
of tissue with the entire hand (first grip) rather than pinching
the tissue, then to pull out an adequate amount of tissue at an
exceptionally low force, and then tearing the tissue by a movement
which is more ergonomic than that for a "sheet-by-sheet" type
centre feed dispenser, using only a limited load on the shoulder.
Pinching the tissue is usually more difficult for users with
impaired hand function rather than using a first grip. The user is
able to fit their hand in the space created by that the opening is
positioned at a distance from the tear unit. The first continuous
web of tissue extends at least partly into the space created by
that the first opening is positioned at a distance from the tear
unit. The wrist may be kept essentially in a neutral position
during the tearing of the first web of continuous web of tissue.
This allows for a user to more easily grasp the first continuous
web of tissue using the entire hand instead of having to grip the
continuous web of tissue with the fingers. This feature simplifies
operation of the dispenser for a person having reduced motor
function in the hand. A further advantage with the dispenser is
that it is possible to choose the amount of paper you want to
dispense. In EP 1799083 A the paper is dispensed one sheet at a
time making it more difficult to choose the amount of paper the
user wish to have dispensed.
[0010] A predetermined hand is meant to refer to a hand of a user
having some form of physical disability hindering them from using
for instance their arms or shoulders to a full extent thereby
making it more difficult for them to use a conventional dispenser.
The user may be an adult or a child and a man or a woman. The first
distance is thus sufficiently large in order for at least a child's
hand to fit. The dispenser is of course usable by a user that does
not have a physical disability.
[0011] The first opening may be arranged such that the force
required to pull the first continuous web of tissue from the
dispenser is less than 8 N. Preferably the force required to pull
the first continuous web of tissue from the dispenser is less than
4 N, more preferably less than 2 N. Another advantage with the
dispenser according to the present disclosure is that the force
required to pull the first continuous web of tissue through the
first opening from the dispenser is lower than for a normal
dispenser for a centre feed roll of tissue. See test data below.
This simplifies the use of the dispenser for a user that has
reduced strength in their hands and/or arms. This is important as
the motion for pulling the paper from the dispenser is not
ergonomic. The force for pulling the paper from the dispenser is
greatly reduced. The force for tearing the paper is mainly
dependent on the tear strength of the paper. Therefore the motion
for tearing the paper should be designed to be as ergonomical as
possible in order to spare the hands, arms and shoulder of the
user.
[0012] The first opening may be positioned in a front surface in an
outer casing part which is separate from the outer casing. One
advantage of having the first opening positioned in the first outer
casing part of the dispenser separate from the outer casing is to
reduce the noise that can arise when the first web of continuous
tissue is pulled from the dispenser. Loud noises arising from a
conventional centre feed dispenser during use may be perceived as
embarrassing for a user. A further advantage may be that
manufacturing and assembly may be made easier and less costly than
by having an outer casing made in one piece. The outer casing may
also comprise a first outer casing part and a second outer casing
part which are separate from the outer casing, mainly to simplify
the manufacturing. For example, it may be advantageous to mould
transparent and opaque parts separately. It may also be difficult
to mould the tear unit and the space above and behind the tear-off
section in one step. They may be moulded separately with subsequent
assembly by snap fits, ultrasonic welding, gluing or other
methods.
[0013] The first opening may be positioned essentially centrally in
the dispenser. This allows for the first continuous web of tissue
to be fed from a centrally fed roll of tissue via the first
opening. Other alternatives for the position of the first hole are
of course conceivable. The first hole may be placed closer to one
of the side edges of the dispenser in order to reduce the distance
between the first continuous web of tissue and the user. The first
opening may also be positioned closer to the bottom or the top of
the dispenser depending on special requests from a user. Regardless
of the position of the first opening, the first distance should be
sufficiently large in order for a hand to fit the predetermined
hand properly.
[0014] The first opening may be positioned for allowing the first
continuous web of tissue to be fed from a centrally fed roll of
tissue via the first opening.
[0015] The tear unit may be integrated in the outer casing. This
enables for the dispenser to be equipped with tear units adapted
for specific disabilities in cases where the dispenser is located
in a specific place.
[0016] The tear unit may be a separate unit from the outer casing,
which separate unit is attached to the outer casing. Having a tear
unit that is separate from the outer casing allows the material of
the tear unit to be made in a different and more durable material
than the rest of the outer casing. Having a separate tear unit also
reduces noise when using the dispenser. As an example, if the
tear-off is fixed to the back portion the noise will be reduced
compared to fixation on the outer casing. The tear unit may
comprise teeth made of the same material as the tear unit. The
teeth may also be made of a different material than the remaining
tear unit such as for instance a fibre reinforced material.
[0017] The dispenser may comprise a first depression for allowing a
user to grip the part of the first continuous web of tissue that
extends out of the first opening. By having a first depression
positioned in the vicinity of the first opening allows for a user
to more easily grasp the first continuous web of tissue. The
depression causes the first continuous web of tissue to be
positioned a distance from the surface of the dispenser allowing a
user to reach behind the first continuous web of tissue. This
further enables a user to grip the first continuous web of tissue
using the entire hand instead of having to grip the first
continuous web of tissue with the fingers. This feature further
simplifies operation of the dispenser for a person having reduced
motor function in the hand. The first depression is thus positioned
at least partly within the first distance.
[0018] The tear unit may comprise a first arm positioned such that
the first continuous web of tissue can be moved in a direction
essentially perpendicular to the feeding direction of the first
continuous web of tissue in the first opening and torn apart by
tearing means comprised in the first arm. The tissue may at least
partly be moved in a rotational manner in a plane essentially
perpendicular to the feeding direction in order to allow for the
tissue to be torn by tear unit. The feeding direction is a
direction essentially outwards from the dispenser. In the case
where the tear unit comprises one arm the arm may be positioned in
any direction such that the tear unit enables tearing of the
continuous web of tissue.
[0019] The tear unit may comprise a first arm and a second arm
positioned such that the first continuous web of tissue can be
moved between the arms before being moved in a direction
essentially perpendicular to the feeding direction of the first
continuous web of tissue in the first opening and torn apart by
tearing means comprised in the first arm.
[0020] The first continuous web may of course be torn apart by
tearing means comprised in the second arm in the cases where this
motion is easier for the user.
[0021] Each arm of the tear unit may be inwardly bent. Having bent
arms simplifies the insertion of the first continuous web of tissue
in the tearing means of the tear unit.
[0022] The first arm and the second arm may be positioned such that
the second arm is essentially a mirror image of the first arm.
Having the first and second arm positioned such that they are
essentially each other's mirror image makes it possible to place
the dispenser on either side of a toilet without having to adapt
the dispenser for use for a particular side of a toilet.
[0023] The range of the first distance L may be between 50 mm and
250 mm, preferably between 100 mm and 150 mm.
[0024] The compartment of the dispenser comprises at least the
first continuous web of tissue, but may house the first continuous
web of tissue and a second continuous web of tissue. The dispenser
according to the present disclosure may house a second continuous
web of tissue in order for the dispenser to have to be refilled
less often. This makes the dispenser suitable for placement in a
high traffic restroom which may be found in for instance airports,
fast food restaurants opened round the clock or toilets placed in
other locations where a lot of people use the restroom over a
greater portion of the day.
[0025] The dispenser comprises at least the first opening, but may
comprise the first opening and a second opening. The first opening
and the second opening are arranged such that the force required to
pull the first continuous web of tissue or the second continuous
web of tissue from either of the first opening or the second
opening of the dispenser is less than 8 N. Preferably the force
required to pull the first continuous web of tissue or the second
continuous web of tissue from either of the first opening or the
second opening of the dispenser is less than 4 N and more
preferably the force required to pull the first continuous web of
tissue or the second continuous web of tissue from either of the
first opening or the second opening of the dispenser is less than
1.5 N. Having a dispenser with a first opening and a second opening
allows for dispensing from either a first continuous web of tissue
or a second continuous web of tissue. The choice of which
continuous web of tissue to use can be made by for instance service
personnel.
[0026] The dispenser may comprise a hatch arranged to be movable
between a first end position and a second end position, where the
hatch covers the first opening when the hatch is moved to the first
end position and the hatch covers the second opening when the hatch
is moved to the second end position. In order to hinder access to
both continuous webs of tissue simultaneously a hatch may be
present on the dispenser. The hatch may cover one of the openings
while allowing dispensing of continuous web of tissue from the
other opening. The hatch may be lockable by service personnel or
may be held in place by a part of the first continuous web of
tissue or a part of the second continuous web of tissue extending
through the one of the first opening or second opening which is not
covered.
[0027] The dispenser may comprise an elongated slot where the ends
of the elongated slot comprise the first opening and the second
opening.
[0028] In the cases where the dispenser houses a first continuous
web of tissue and a second continuous web of tissue the dispenser
may comprise multiple tear units or a single tear unit. The
dispenser may also comprise multiple depressions or a single
depression depending on the design of the dispenser.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1a schematically shows a perspective view of the
dispenser according to a first aspect;
[0030] FIG. 1b schematically shows a front view of the dispenser
according to a first aspect;
[0031] FIG. 1c schematically shows a side view of the dispenser
according to a first aspect;
[0032] FIG. 2a schematically shows a first step of one intended
method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the
dispenser.
[0033] FIG. 2b schematically shows a second step of one intended
method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the
dispenser.
[0034] FIG. 2c schematically shows a third step of one intended
method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the
dispenser.
[0035] FIG. 2d schematically shows a fourth step of one intended
method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the
dispenser.
[0036] FIG. 2e schematically shows a fifth step of one intended
method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the
dispenser.
[0037] FIG. 3 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser
according to a second aspect;
[0038] FIG. 4 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser
according to a third aspect;
[0039] FIG. 5 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser
according to a fourth aspect;
[0040] FIG. 6 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser
according to a fifth aspect;
[0041] FIG. 7 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser
according to a sixth aspect;
[0042] FIGS. 8a and 8b schematically shows a front view of the
dispenser according to a seventh aspect;
[0043] FIG. 9 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser
according to an eighth aspect;
[0044] FIG. 10 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser
according to a ninth aspect;
[0045] FIGS. 11a and 11b schematically shows a front view of the
dispenser according to a tenth aspect.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0046] In the drawings, like features have the same reference
numbers.
[0047] FIG. 1a schematically shows a perspective view of a
dispenser 1 according to a first aspect. The dispenser 1 comprises
an outer casing 2 and a back portion 3, where the outer casing 2 is
detachably or hingeably attached to the back portion 3 by means of
first attachment means 4. The first attachment means 4 may be any
attachment means suitable for attaching an outer casing to a back
portion of a dispenser. The back portion 3 of the dispenser 1 may
comprise second attachment means 5 (not shown) for attaching the
dispenser 1 to a wall. The second attachment means 5 may be any
attachment means suitable for attaching a back portion of a
dispenser to a wall or another surface suitable for positioning a
dispenser. The dispenser 1 may be lockable by locking means (not
shown) such as a lock and key or another suitable means for only
allowing access to the dispenser 1 for a janitor or other service
personnel for refilling the dispenser 1.
[0048] The dispenser 1 further comprises a compartment 6 located
between the outer casing 2 and the back portion 3. The compartment
6 is designed for housing a first continuous web of tissue 7. The
first continuous web of tissue 7 may be a centre feed roll but
other types of rolls such as peripheral feed rolls are possible.
The outer casing 2 comprises a first opening 8 for the first
continuous web of tissue 7 to exit the dispenser 1. The first
opening 8 may be positioned in the centre of a front surface 9 of
the outer casing 2 of the dispenser 1 but may be located anywhere
on the outer casing 2 such that the first continuous web of tissue
7 may extend through the first opening 8. The outer casing 2 may
comprise a first outer casing part 10 which is separate from the
remaining outer casing 2. The outer casing 2 and the first outer
casing part 10 are joined together during assembly of the dispenser
1. The outer casing may also comprise a first outer casing part 10
which is separate from remaining outer casing 2 or a second outer
casing part (not shown).
[0049] The dispenser 1 further comprises a tear unit 11 comprising
a first arm 12 located on the right side of the dispenser 1 and a
second arm 13 located on the left side of the dispenser 1 for
separating the first continuous web of tissue 7 into pieces upon
moving the first continuous web of tissue 7 over any of the first
arm 12 or the second arm 13 of the tear unit 11. The dispenser 1
may comprise either of the first arm 12 or the second arm 13 or
both the first arm 12 and the second arm 13. The first arm 12 and
the second arm 13 may be attached to the outer casing 2 of the
dispenser 1 by means of ultrasonic bonding, mechanical attachments
such as screws or welding. The tear unit 11 may alternatively form
an integral part of the outer casing 2.
[0050] The first arm 12 comprises a first inner edge 14, a first
outer edge 15, a first upper edge 16 and a first lower edge 17
opposite the first upper edge 16. The first arm 12 comprises first
tear means 18 located along the first lower edge 17 of the first
arm 12. The first tear means 18 may be teeth of various sizes,
other kinds of serrated edges or any other suitable means for
tearing or cutting a continuous web of tissue. The first tear means
18 may also be located along the other edges 14, 15, 16 of the
first arm 12. The first arm 12 may also comprise additional tear
means located along any edge 14, 15, 16, 17.
[0051] The second arm 13 comprises a second inner edge 19, a second
outer edge 20, a second upper edge 21 and a second lower edge 22
opposite the second upper edge 21. The second arm 13 comprises
second tear means 23 located along the second lower edge 22 of the
second arm 13. The second tear means 23 may be teeth of various
sizes, other kinds of serrated edges or any other suitable means
for tearing or cutting a continuous web of tissue. The second tear
means 23 may also be located along the other edges 19, 20, 21 of
the second arm 13. The second arm 13 may also comprise additional
tear means located along any edge 19, 20, 21, 22.
[0052] The first arm 12 and the second arm 13 are positioned such
that they are essentially mirror images of each other. This enables
the dispenser to be positioned on either side of a toilet without
having to make modifications to the dispenser. It is of course
possible to have a dispenser 1 having only the first arm 12.
[0053] FIG. 1b schematically shows a front view of the dispenser 1
according to FIG. 1. The first opening 8 is positioned at a first
distance L from first arm 12 and the second arm 13. The first
distance L is arranged to fit a predetermined hand for allowing the
hand to grip the first continuous web of tissue positioned partly
or completely within the range of the first distance L. The
distance L is measured from the bottom part of the first opening 8
to the corner of the first arm 12 where the first outer edge 15 and
the first upper edge 16 intersects as is shown in FIG. 1b. The
distance may of course be measured on the second arm 13 as well.
The distance L lies in the interval 50-250 mm, preferably in the
interval 100-150 mm.
[0054] In the case of the dispenser 1 having both a first arm 12
and a second arm 13 the first outer edge 15 and the second outer
edge 20 are placed at a distance from each other forming a gap
29.
[0055] FIG. 1c schematically shows a side view of the dispenser 1
according to FIG. 1. The dispenser 1 further comprises a first
depression 24 for allowing a user to grip a part of the first
continuous web of tissue that extends out of the first opening 8.
By having a first depression 24, the hand of a user may more easily
reach the first continuous web of tissue that extends out of the
first opening 8. The first depression 24 is designed such that the
smallest distance between the outer casing 2 and the back portion 3
is larger than the width of the roll of first continuous web of
tissue 7. The distance to the deepest part of the first depression
24, the distance L2, is measured from a plane located at the outer
edges of the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 positioned farthest
from the back portion 3 to a plane located in the deepest part of
the depression 24. The distance L2 lies in the interval 0-40 mm,
preferably in the interval 20-35 mm. The first depression 24 may be
tear-shaped extending downwardly from the bottom of the first
opening to the bottom of the dispenser 1. The shape of the
depression 24 may also be circular, oval or any other suitable
shape. In FIG. 1c the first opening 8 is positioned on one end of
the depression 24. The first opening may be positioned anywhere
suitable in the depression, also at the deepest part. The shape of
the curvature of the depression 24 in FIG. 1c is merely meant as an
example. Other shapes of curvatures are possible. The deepest part
of the depression may be positioned at one end of the depression
24. This one end may be located at the bottom of the dispenser
1.
[0056] The dispenser 1 may comprise a transparent or translucent
part making it possible to see how much of the first continuous web
of tissue 7 that remains. This part may for instance be made up by
a part or whole of the first depression 24. This part may also be
located on one of the sides of the dispenser 1.
[0057] The first arm 12 and the second arm 13 may be curved as
shown in FIG. 1 or they may be straight extending outwards from the
dispenser 1 at an angle.
[0058] FIGS. 2a-2e schematically show the steps of one intended use
or method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the
dispenser 1.
[0059] FIG. 2a schematically shows a first step of one intended
method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the
dispenser 1 according to a first aspect. The user 25 takes hold of
a part of tissue 26 of the continuous web of tissue with their hand
27 and pulls the part of tissue 26 by moving their forearm 28 in a
direction out from the dispenser 1 as indicated by the arrow. In
FIG. 2a a gap 29 formed between the first and second arms 17, 18 of
FIG. 1 is also shown.
[0060] FIG. 2b schematically shows a second step of one intended
method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the
dispenser 1 according to a first aspect. Once the desired amount of
tissue has been pulled out, the user 25 moves the part of tissue 26
towards the gap 29 (obscured by the hand) by moving the forearm 28
towards the dispenser 1 as indicated by the arrow.
[0061] FIG. 2c schematically shows a third step of one intended
method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the
dispenser 1 according to a first aspect. The part of tissue 26 is
easily moved into the gap 29 between the first arm 12 and the
second arm 13 as the user 25 moves their hand 27 in a direction
towards the dispenser 1 leading between the first arm 12 and second
arm 13 as indicated by the arrow.
[0062] FIG. 2d schematically shows a fourth step of one intended
method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the
dispenser 1 according to a first aspect. The part of tissue 26 is
then torn through that the user 25 moves the part of tissue 26
towards the first tear means 18 located in the gap 29 by moving the
forearm 28 towards the body of the user 25 while the user 25 at the
same time pulls the part of tissue 26 in an oblique angle upwards
towards the user 25 as indicated by the arrow.
[0063] FIG. 2e schematically shows a fifth step of one intended
method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the
dispenser 1 according to a first aspect. The part of tissue 26 has
been torn off and the user 25 has the part of tissue 26 torn off in
their hand 27. As can be seen from FIG. 2e a new part of tissue
extends from the dispenser and is available to the user.
[0064] FIG. 3 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1
according to a second aspect. In FIG. 3 the compartment 6 of the
dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second
continuous web of tissue 30. The dispenser 1 comprises a first
opening 8 and a second opening 31 for the first continuous web of
tissue 7 and second continuous web of tissue 30 to exit the
dispenser 1. The dispenser 1 further comprises a tear unit 11
comprising a first arm 12 and a second arm 13. The tear unit 11 in
FIG. 3 is arranged such that the first arm 12 is placed above the
second arm 13. In this aspect of the present disclosure the first
arm 12 and the second arm 13 of the tear unit 11 comprise first
tear means 18 located on the first lower edge 17 and second tear
means 23 located on the second lower edge 22 as well as third tear
means 32 located on the first upper edge 16 and fourth tear means
33 located on the second upper edge 21 respectively. The dispenser
1 according to this aspect may comprise a first depression and a
second depression (not shown) located below the first opening 8 and
second opening 31 respectively in order to simplify the grasping of
the first continuous web of tissue or second continuous web of
tissue respectively. The arrows in FIG. 3 indicate the intended
direction of the continuous web of tissue for tearing the
continuous web of tissue.
[0065] FIG. 4 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1
according to a third aspect. In FIG. 4 the compartment 6 of the
dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second
continuous web of tissue 30. The dispenser 1 comprises a first
opening 8 located in the top part of the first depression 24. The
arrows in FIG. 4 indicate the intended direction of the web of
tissue for tearing the continuous web of tissue.
[0066] FIG. 5 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1
according to a fourth aspect. In FIG. 5 the compartment 6 of the
dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second
continuous web of tissue 30. The dispenser 1 comprises a first
opening 8 and second opening 31 positioned essentially in front of
the centres of the first continuous web of tissue 7 and the second
continuous web of tissue 30. A hatch 34 comprising a first hatch
opening 35 and a second hatch opening 36 is movably mounted to the
dispenser 1 for instance on a rail on which it can slide. Other
types of movement arrangements are possible. The hatch 34 is
designed so that when the first opening 8 and the first hatch
opening 35 are aligned it is possible to dispense the first
continuous web of tissue 7 from the dispenser 1. At the same time
the second opening 31 and the second hatch opening 36 are not
aligned thereby rendering dispensing of the second continuous web
of tissue 30 impossible. The hatch 34 may be locked in place by
that the first web of continuous tissue 7 extends through the first
hatch opening 35. The hatch 34 may also be locked in place by a
suitable lock connecting the hatch 34 to the dispenser 1. When the
first continuous web of tissue 7 is depleted the hatch 34 is moved
so that the second opening 31 and the second hatch opening 36 are
aligned making it possible to dispense the second continuous web of
tissue from the dispenser 1. At the same time the first opening 8
and the first hatch opening 35 are not aligned thereby rendering
dispensing through the first opening 8 impossible. The position of
the first opening 8 and the second opening 31 may of course be
different from a position essentially in front of the centres of
the first continuous web of tissue 7 and the second continuous web
of tissue 30. For instance the first opening 8 and the second
opening 31 may be positioned closer to the tear unit 11. The length
of the hatch 34 is adapted to the position of the first opening 8
and the second opening 31.In FIG. 5 the hatch 34 is moved such that
the second hatch opening 36 and the second opening 8 are aligned
making the second continuous web of tissue 30 possible to dispense.
The arrow in FIG. 5 indicates the intended direction of the web of
tissue for tearing the continuous web of tissue.
[0067] FIG. 6 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1
according to a fifth aspect. In FIG. 6 the compartment 6 of the
dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second
continuous web of tissue 30. The dispenser 1 according to this
aspect comprises a tear unit 11 comprising only the first arm 12.
The tear unit 11 is rotated 90.degree. in comparison to the
dispenser 1 described in conjunction with FIG. 1. In FIG. 6 the
first arm 12 comprises both the first tear means 18 and the second
tear means 23 in order for the dispenser to be able to be
positioned on either side of the toilet. The first tear means 18
and the second tear means 23 are located on the first upper edge 16
and the first lower edge 17 of the first arm 12 respectively. The
arrows in FIG. 6 indicate the intended direction of the web of
tissue for tearing the continuous web of tissue.
[0068] FIG. 7 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1
according to a sixth aspect. In FIG. 7 the compartment 6 of the
dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second
continuous web of tissue 30. The dispenser 1 according to this
aspect comprises a first arm 12 and a second arm 13, where the
first arm 12 is rotated an angle between 60.degree. and 120
.degree. counter-clockwise in relation to an imagined horizontal
plane and where the second arm 13 is rotated an angle between
60.degree. and 120.degree. clockwise in relation to an imagined
horizontal plane. The arrows in FIG. 7 indicate the intended
direction of the web of tissue for tearing the continuous web of
tissue.
[0069] FIG. 8a schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1
according to a seventh aspect. In FIG. 8a the compartment 6 of the
dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second
continuous web of tissue 30 where the second continuous web of
tissue 30 is placed on top of the first continuous web of tissue 7.
The first opening 8 is located so that only the first continuous
web of tissue 7 can be dispensed.
[0070] FIG. 8b schematically shows a front view of the dispenser 1
of FIG. 8a where the first continuous web of tissue 7 has
essentially been depleted and the second continuous web of tissue
30 can be seen resting on the remains of the first continuous web
of tissue 7. The remains of the first continuous web of tissue 7
have compacted due to the weight of the second continuous web of
tissue 30. The second continuous web of tissue 30 is now accessible
through the first opening 8. The arrows in FIGS. 8a and 8b indicate
the intended direction of the web of tissue for tearing the
continuous web of tissue.
[0071] FIG. 9 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1
according to an eighth aspect. In FIG. 9 the compartment 6 of the
dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second
continuous web of tissue 30 where the second continuous web of
tissue is placed on top of the first continuous web of tissue 7.
The compartment 6 is in this aspect divided into two parts, one
part for the first continuous web of tissue 7 and one part for the
second continuous web of tissue 30. The dispenser 1 comprises a
first opening 8 and a second opening 31 from which either of the
first continuous web of tissue 7 or second continuous web of tissue
30 may be dispensed. The arrows in FIG. 9 indicate the intended
direction of the web of tissue for tearing the continuous web of
tissue.
[0072] FIG. 10 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1
according to a ninth aspect. This aspect is similar to the aspect
described in conjunction with FIG. 9. The difference is that the
first continuous web of tissue 7 and the second continuous web of
tissue 30 are placed next to each other horizontally. The arrows in
FIG. 10 indicate the intended direction of the web of tissue for
tearing the continuous web of tissue.
[0073] FIG. 11a schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1
according to a tenth aspect. In FIG. 11a the compartment 6 is large
enough for a first continuous web of tissue 7 but not for a second
continuous web of tissue 30 at the same time. The dispenser 1
comprises an elongated slot 37 where the first end 38 of the
elongated slot 37 comprise the first opening 8 and the second end
39 of the elongated slot 37 comprise the second opening 31. The
first continuous web of tissue 7 is dispensed through the first
opening 8.
[0074] FIG. 11b schematically shows that the compartment 6 houses a
second continuous web of tissue 30 and a first continuous web of
tissue 7 which is essentially depleted. The first continuous web of
tissue 7 which is essentially depleted which was dispensed through
the first opening 8 in FIG. 11a is moved to the side of the second
continuous web of tissue 30 which has been loaded into the
dispenser 1. The remainder of the first continuous web of tissue 7
may be dispensed through the second opening 31 after the end of the
web of the first continuous web of tissue 7 is moved through the
elongated slot 37 from the first end 38 of the elongated slot 37 to
the second end 39 of the elongated slot 37. The second continuous
web of tissue is dispensed through the first opening 8. The arrows
in FIGS. 11a and 11b indicate the intended direction of the web of
tissue for tearing the continuous web of tissue.
[0075] The dispenser may be equipped with other types of tear
units. It may be possible to have a tear unit in the shape of a
disc, with the disc having tear means located along the entire or a
part of the periphery of the disc. The disc would then be placed
essentially where the tear unit of for instance FIG. 1 is
placed.
[0076] Test Method for Determining the Force Required to Pull the
Paper from the Dispenser.
[0077] The purpose is to determine if existing paper qualities can
function in new models of dispensers made for rolls. The method can
also be used to test new paper qualities in existing dispenser
models.
[0078] Principle
[0079] Existing or new paper qualities are tested in different
dispenser models and prototypes made for rolls. The purpose is to
get data on pull force, tail length and if tail is missing for
three systems with different quality levels of paper. The three
systems tested are SCA T2 Elevation dispensers (2 different
models), Lotus SmartOne, and the dispenser according to the present
disclosure, hereafter called GripRip.
[0080] Apparatus
[0081] Force Gauge, Mecmesin BFG 50 N, Id 103796 or Mecmesin BFG
200 N, Id 103800
[0082] Clamp, small (3.times.1 cm), ID 103797 or ID 103801
[0083] Clamp, big (12.times.1 cm), ID 103798
[0084] Calliper gage
[0085] Ruler
[0086] Sample Preparation
[0087] Start by placing the dispenser in the right position. The
dispenser should be mounted according to the instructions in the
package using all the accompanying screws.
[0088] Procedure
[0089] Note which series or likewise the dispenser belongs to
(example Box 2000), which type of product it is made for (example
T1), if the dispenser is a prototype and if so, which kind of
prototype, the date when the test was performed, the signature of
the person who performed the test, article number, numbers of ply,
if the product is perforated or not, the diameter of a full roll
(noted under diameter). Also measure the inner diameter of the
cores in three different places in order to see if the core is
symmetric.
[0090] Start by using Force Gauge, Mecmesin BFG 50 N, Id 103796 and
the little clamp, if you receive a force higher than 45 N; change
to Mecmesin BFG 200 N, Id 103800, if the paper breaks around the
clamp; change to a big clamp. Do not forget to note which
instrument and clamp which have been used. Hold the Force Gauge in
the same angle as the paper comes out of the dispenser and place
the display in front of you.
[0091] Measure both the pull force when dispensing the paper
vertically out of the dispenser and the pull force needed to tear
the paper off against the teeth. First attach the clamp (about 1 cm
from the edge of the paper) and then pull the paper by moving the
Gauge meter straight down with an even speed and a distance of one
arm length, similar to the speed used when dispensing paper. The
Gauge meter should register the largest force needed.
[0092] After the paper pull out force is measured, and if the
dispenser style allows it, the force gauge is zeroed and the paper
is torn off against the dispenser teeth (SCA T2 dispenser and
GripRip dispenser). Highest measured force is written down.
[0093] For dispensers with the opening in the front, the paper is
pulled with the force gauge straight out from the dispenser front
to measure pull out force (Lotus SmartOne dispenser and GripRip
dispenser).
[0094] The tail length is measured with a ruler after each
dispensation and written down. The tail length is measured from the
dispenser opening to the end of visible paper tail.
[0095] For the Grip Rip dispenser the same refills were used as in
the T2 Elevation dispenser but with the core pulled out.
[0096] For the GripRip dispenser the roll is put on a paper board
to be lifted a few centimeters to be in same level as dispensing
hole for testing.
[0097] The test results for the pull force and the tail lengths for
the different dispensers are shown in table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Test results for pull force (N) and tail
length (cm) Pull Force (N) Tail Length (cm) SCA T2 110253 2.3 0 SCA
T2 110280 1.8 0 Lotus SmartOne 207493 8.4 3.1 GripRip 110253 1.2
16.4 GripRip 110280 1.2 15.6
[0098] As can be seen from the result the dispenser according to
the present disclosure displays a lower pull force than the other
dispensers tested. Also the tail length of the paper is much
greater allowing a user to grasp the tail of the paper in order to
pull the paper from the dispenser.
[0099] The distances mentioned in relation to FIGS. 1a-1c should be
understood as exemplary and not limiting for the present
disclosure. Adjusting the remaining parts of the dispenser in order
to obtain a functional dispenser lie well within the scope of the
present disclosure. For dispensers having two continuous webs of
tissue adjusting the distances and designs of the tear unit lie
well within the scope of the present disclosure. Measurements may
for instance be taken to different parts of the first and second
arm for the distance L to fulfill the desired objective of the
present disclosure.
[0100] Although the above description mainly covers centre feed
dispenser the present disclosure is not limited to only centre feed
dispensers. Having a peripheral feed dispenser displaying the same
advantages as mentioned above lie well within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0101] Reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be seen
as limiting the extent of the matter protected by the claims, and
their sole function is to make the claims easier to understand.
[0102] As will be realised, the dispenser described in the present
disclosure is capable of modification in various obvious respects,
all without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Accordingly, the drawings and the description thereto are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive. It may for
instance be possible to combine the features of the different
aspects in any way. This means for instance that a tear means from
one aspect of the present disclosure may replace a tear means from
another aspect of the present disclosure.
* * * * *