Dispenser with improved roll holding device

Abstract

A roll holding device for dispensing sheet from one or more rolls of sheet is provided. The roll holding device includes a core plug configured to be placed in a core of a sheet roll; an arm having a first end and a second end; and the core plug matching device is connected to the first end of the arm. The core-plug mating device includes an annular surface and a protrusion extending from the annular surface. A cavity is disposed in the protrusion and includes an annular rib. The protrusion includes an end surface disposed facing away from the annular surface. The protrusion has an outer wall with a first portion of the outer wall having a first slope that is less than a second slope of a second portion of the outer wall. A dispenser and method for dispensing a sheet are also disclosed.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Restrooms in commercial and residential buildings usually include liquid products such as toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, feminine products, soaps, and aerosol products such as air fresheners. These products are usually contained by a dispenser and are distributed according to user needs. Those skilled in the art have spent a lot of time designing a dispenser that can more easily distribute the above-mentioned products. The dispenser is configured to hold a sheet roll and usually utilizes one or more drive rollers, motors, and sensors to distribute sheets from the roll. The dispenser may include a roll retaining device that can hold different types of sheet products. Therefore, the user may try to buy a roll sheet from other sources different from the dispenser manufacturer. There is a commercial risk in this case, that is, if the consumer decides to use a roll provided by other manufacturers, the dispenser manufacturer cannot obtain downstream profits from the sale of the sheet roll. In addition, the use of inappropriate roll sheet products (e.g., not from the dispenser manufacturer's sheet products) can damage the function of the dispenser, so that the dispenser may not be able to effectively distribute the roll sheet products, thereby causing user dissatisfaction.

[0002] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an improved roll retaining device for identifying rolled sheet product material for use in a dispenser. Summary of the invention

[0003] Generally speaking, the present disclosure relates to a roll retaining device for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material. The roll retaining device includes a core plug and an arm, the core plug being configured to be placed in the core of the roll of sheet material. A core plug mating device is coupled to a first end of the arm. The core plug mating device includes an annular surface and a protrusion extending from the annular surface. The protrusion defines a cavity having an annular rib disposed in the cavity. The protrusion includes an end surface disposed away from the annular surface and an outer wall between the end surface and the annular surface. A first portion of the outer wall has a first slope that is less than a second slope of a second portion of the outer wall.

[0004] In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a dispenser for dispensing sheets from one or more sheet rolls. The dispenser includes a housing and a roll retaining device, the housing having an internal volume for retaining a first sheet roll. The roll retaining device includes a core plug and an arm, the core plug being configured to be placed in the core of the sheet roll. The core plug fitting device is coupled to the first end of the arm. The core plug fitting device includes an annular surface and a protrusion extending from the annular surface. The protrusion defines a cavity, the cavity including an annular rib disposed in the cavity. The protrusion includes an end surface disposed away from the annular surface and an outer wall disposed between the end surface and the annular surface. A first portion of the outer wall has a first slope that is less than a second slope of a second portion of the outer wall.

[0005] A method for dispensing sheets is also provided.

[0006] Other features and aspects of the disclosure are discussed in greater detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The disclosure that makes the present disclosure comprehensive and enabling is more particularly set forth in the remainder of the specification and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a core-plug fitting device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 shows a side perspective view of a core-plug mating device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 3 shows a side perspective view of a core-plug mating device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a core-plug fitting device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 5 shows a top view of a core-plug mating device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 6 The core plug fitting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown along the Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along plane AA as shown;

[0014] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a core plug and a core plug mating device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a core plug and a core plug mating device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a roll retaining device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Fig.10 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a roll retaining device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Fig.11 shows a portion of a roll retaining device disposed on a back plate of a housing of a dispenser according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Fig.12 shows a portion of a roll retaining device disposed on a back plate of a housing of a dispenser according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Fig.13shows an enlarged portion of a hinge for an arm of a roll retaining device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Fig.14 shows a side view of an arm of a roll retaining device disposed on a back plate of a dispenser according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Fig.15 showing, partially in cross-section, a side view of a sheet dispenser according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig.16 The open position is shown according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.15 A front view of a portion of a dispenser;

[0024] Repeated use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this discussion is merely a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of each component.

[0027] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached to," and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attachment as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attachment through one or more intermediate components or features.

[0028] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] Approximate language as used in the entire specification and claims herein is used to modify any quantitative representation, and this quantitative representation can allow variation without causing the variation of the basic function associated therewith.Therefore, the value modified by one or more terms such as "about", "approximately" and "substantially" is not limited to the specified exact value.In at least some cases, approximate language can correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value or the precision of the method or machine used to construct or manufacture parts and / or systems.For example, approximate language can refer to within 1%, 2%, 4%, 10%, 15% or 20% of the limit.These approximate limits can be applied to a single value, any one or two endpoints of a limited numerical range, and / or the limit of the range between the endpoints.

[0030] Embodiments of dispensers (including components thereof) comprising the present disclosure may comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the basic elements and limitations of the embodiments described herein and any additional or optional components or limitations described or otherwise useful herein.

[0031] As used herein, the term "comprising" is intended to be inclusive or open-ended and is not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps that do not interfere with the operation of the present disclosure.

[0032] As used herein, the term "hinge" refers to a joint or flexible device that connects a part to a fixed part and permits the part to pivot or rotate. Hinges include, but are not limited to, metal pivotable connectors, such as those used to fasten a door to a frame; and living hinges. Living hinges may be constructed of plastic and integrally formed between two members. Living hinges allow pivotable movement of one member relative to another connected member.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "sheet" and "paper" mean a material that is thin relative to its length and width. Generally, a sheet should present a relatively flat planar configuration and be flexible to permit folding, rolling, stacking, etc. Exemplary sheets and papers include, but are not limited to, paper toilet paper, bath / toilet tissue, paper towels, wipes, label rolls, or other fiber, film, polymer, or filamentary products. The terms "sheet" and "paper" can be used interchangeably.

[0034] The term "non-compliant sheet roll" or "non-compliant core" refers to the core of a sheet roll that does not include an appropriate core plug (e.g., a compliant core plug) or does not include a core plug. Similarly, the term "compliant sheet roll" or "compliant core" refers to the core of a sheet roll that does include an appropriate core plug as disclosed herein.

[0035] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a roll retaining device for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material. The roll retaining device includes a core plug and an arm, the core plug being configured to be placed in the core of the roll of sheet material, the arm having a first end and a second end. A core plug mating device is coupled to the first end of the arm. The core plug mating device includes an annular surface and a protrusion extending from the annular surface. The protrusion defines a cavity, the cavity including an annular rib disposed in the cavity. The protrusion includes an end surface disposed away from the annular surface and an outer wall between the end surface and the annular surface. A first portion of the outer wall has a first slope that is less than a second slope of a second portion of the outer wall.

[0036] In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a dispenser for dispensing sheets from one or more sheet rolls. The dispenser includes a housing and a roll retaining device, the housing having an internal volume for retaining a first sheet roll. The roll retaining device includes a core plug and an arm, the core plug being configured to be placed in the core of the sheet roll, the arm having a first end and a second end. The core plug fitting device is coupled to the first end of the arm. The core plug fitting device includes an annular surface and a protrusion extending from the annular surface. The protrusion defines a cavity, the cavity including an annular rib disposed in the cavity. The protrusion includes an end surface disposed away from the annular surface and an outer wall between the end surface and the annular surface. The first portion of the outer wall has a first slope that is less than the second slope of the second portion of the outer wall.

[0037] The roll holder and dispenser according to the example embodiments of the present disclosure can provide many benefits and technical effects. For example, when the core plug mating device is mated with a non-compliant sheet roll, the non-compliant roll will fall from the core plug mating device and cannot be dispensed. Therefore, the roll holder allows only approved sheet rolls (e.g., compliant sheet rolls) to be used. Therefore, inappropriate competitive products cannot be dispensed via the roll holder and sheet dispenser provided herein. The roll holder provides a self-identification function that can identify the appropriate commercial sheet rolls dispensed from the dispensing device. This self-identification ensures that downstream commercial products (e.g., sheet rolls) sold by a manufacturer can only be used in a dispensing device provided by the same manufacturer.

[0038] Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure include features that improve the overall functionality and performance of the dispenser. Specifically, the inventors have found that modifying the end plug fitting device to include an inclined outer wall (the inclined outer wall has a first portion, the first portion having an inclination less than the second portion of the outer wall) provides a release mechanism for non-compliant sheet rolls. For example, when a non-compliant roll is placed on a roll retaining device, gravity pressure exerts a downward force on the non-compliant core, which may cause it to appear to be successfully retained in place on the protrusion of the end plug fitting device. However, when the non-compliant core rotates around the core plug fitting device, the first portion of the core plug fitting device with a smaller inclination will rotate to a pressure point between the non-compliant core and the end plug fitting device. Once the smaller inclined area of ​​the outer wall reaches the pressure point, the end plug fitting device will not be able to support the non-compliant core. Therefore, gravity will pull the non-compliant roll away from the core plug fitting device, making it impossible to further dispense the non-compliant roll. In addition, the core plug fitting device includes an annular rib disposed in the cavity, which is configured to engage with the annular wall on the compliant core plug to fix the compliant sheet roll to the roll support. Thus, the engagement between the annular rib and the annular wall provides support for the core of the compliant roll to facilitate dispensing of sheets from the certified roll.

[0039] Figures 1 to 6A core plug fitting device 10 of the present disclosure is shown. The core plug fitting device 10 includes an annular surface 12 extending around the periphery of the core plug fitting device 10. When in the dispensing position, the annular surface 12 generally faces the core plug. One or more ribs 30 are arranged around the periphery of the annular surface 12. The ribs 30 are arranged on a portion of the annular surface 12 that can engage with the core plug. The core plug fitting device 10 includes a protrusion 14 extending outwardly from the annular surface 12. As shown in the figure, the protrusion 14 terminates at an end surface 16 disposed away from the annular surface 12. The end surface 16 may also be referred to as a stop point of the protrusion 14.

[0040] The protrusion 14 may include an outer wall 17 and an inner wall 18. A cavity 19 is disposed in the protrusion 14, and an annular rib 20 is disposed within the cavity 19. The outer wall 17 may have different slopes relative to an axis A, which generally extends along the centerline of the core-plug fitting 10. As shown in the figure, more specifically in Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 In the embodiment, the first portion 21 of the outer wall 17 may have a slope with respect to the axis A that is substantially smaller than the slope of the second portion 22. For example, the first portion 21 of the outer wall has a smaller slope from the end surface 16 to the annular surface 12 than the second portion 22. In other words, the slope of the second portion 22 is greater than the slope of the first portion 21. Advantageously, when the first portion 21 with a smaller slope comes into contact with a non-compliant sheet roll, the first portion 21 with a smaller slope does not provide sufficient leverage to hold the non-compliant sheet roll in place, and the non-compliant sheet roll will fall from the roll holding device.

[0041] Although not shown, additional annular ribs may be placed around the end surface 16 of the protrusion 14 or around the outer wall 17 of the protrusion 14 to further enhance the friction fit between the core plug fitting device 10 and the core plug. In addition, as shown, the shape of the protrusion 14 can be conical or semi-conical, with the protrusion having a first end 24 that is generally adjacent to the annular surface 12 and a second end 25 that can define a portion or substantially all of the end surface 16. The outer wall 17 of the protrusion 14 can taper from the first end 24 to the second end 25. It is worth noting that the protrusion 14 can taper at different slopes to define the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. For example, when the outer wall extends from the first end 24 to the second end 25, the outer wall generally defines a slope. Different portions of the outer wall can extend at different slopes to define the first portion and the second portion. For example, to form the first portion, the outer wall 17 can taper from the first end 24 to the second end 25 at a smaller slope than other portions of the outer wall. Generally, for a semi-conical or conical protrusion, the diameter of the first end 24 is greater than the diameter of the second end 25. Other shapes of the protrusion 14 are contemplated herein. For example, the protrusion 14 may be cylindrical, oval, circular, etc., as long as the protrusion 14 provides a complementary shape for engagement with a core plug, which will be discussed further below.

[0042] As described above, the protrusion 14 is equipped with a first portion 21 and a second portion 22, each of which has a different slope extending from the annular wall 12 (e.g., the first end 24) to the end surface 16 (e.g., the second end 25). In the embodiment, the first portion 21 includes at least 10% of the total surface area of ​​the protrusion 14, such as at least 20%, such as at least 30%, such as at least 40%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%. In certain embodiments, the second portion 22 includes at least about 5% of the total surface area of ​​the protrusion 14, such as at least about 10%, such as at least about 20%, such as at least about 25%, such as at least about 30%, such as at least about 40%, such as at least about 45%, such as at least about 50%. In the embodiment, the first portion 21 defines at least about 65% of the total surface area of ​​the protrusion 14, and the second portion 22 defines at least about 35% of the total surface area of ​​the protrusion 14.

[0043] The protrusion 14 also includes a cavity 19 in which an annular rib 20 is disposed. Assuming that the opening of the cavity is disposed around the end surface 16, the cavity 19 includes a diameter (D1) that is smaller than the overall diameter (D2) of the core plug fitting device 10. The ratio of D2 to D1 may range between about 10:1 and about 4:1, such as about 8:1 to about 5:1, such as about 7:1 to about 6:1. In an embodiment, the ratio of D2 to D1 is about 5:1 to about 6:1. The annular rib 20 may be disposed in the cavity 19 so that the first end 27 of the annular rib 20 does not extend beyond the end surface 16 of the protrusion 14. However, in other embodiments, the first end 27 of the annular rib 20 may extend beyond the end surface 16 of the protrusion 14 to facilitate the fit between the core plug fitting device 10 and a compliant core plug, which will be discussed further below.

[0044] Reference now Figures 7 and 8 , shows a core plug 40 engaged with the core plug mating device 10. The core plug 40 includes a plurality of legs 41 disposed generally around an annular periphery of the core plug 40. The core plug 40 includes a side wall 42 having one or more holes 43 disposed about the side wall 42. An outer portion of the core plug 40 is configured to mate with a core on a roll of sheet material. One or more ribs 44 may be disposed on the outer portion of the core plug 40 to promote frictional interference between the core plug 40 and the core on the roll of sheet material. The core plug 40 defines an annular wall 46 having a first surface 47 that is configured to engage an outer surface 28 of annular ribs 20 to secure the core plug 40 to the core plug mating device 10. For example, during dispensing, both the core plug 40 and the core plug mating device 10 rotate generally about the axis A (e.g., Figure 7). During the dispensing rotation, the engagement between the annular wall 46 and the annular rib 20 allows for fixed and supported rotation of the core plug 40 and the core plug fitting 10. That is, the proper engagement between the annular wall 46 and the annular rib 20 ensures that the sheet roll is supported during the dispensing cycle and that the core plug 40 does not disengage from the core plug fitting 10 during dispensing.

[0045] The engagement between the core plug 40 and the core plug fitting device 10 is further facilitated by the engagement between the legs 41 and the ribs 30. As shown, the surface of each leg 41 is disposed adjacent to or on a portion of the annular surface 12 between two ribs 30. Thus, due to the arrangement of the ribs 30, the rotation of the core plug 10 is limited. For example, in the event that the core plug 40 begins to rotate faster or slower than the core plug fitting device 10, the ribs 30 engage with both sides of the legs 41 to prevent the core plug 40 from rotating out of the core plug fitting device 10. In this manner, the interaction between the legs 41 and the ribs 30 ensures the correct arrangement of the core plug 40 on the core plug fitting device 10.

[0046] Reference now Figures 9 and 10 , a roll retaining device 122 having a core plug fitting device 10 and an arm 50 is shown. Specifically, the core plug fitting device 10 is disposed on a first end 51 of the arm 50, and the second end of the arm is coupled to a housing of the dispenser or a back plate of the housing, which will be discussed further below. It is noteworthy that the core plug fitting device 10 is coupled to the first end 51 of the arm 50 so that the core plug fitting device 10 can rotate in multiple directions relative to the arm 50. For example, the core plug fitting device 10 can be pivotally connected to the first end 51 of the arm 50. In an embodiment, a pivot 55 is formed between the core plug fitting device 10 and the first end 51 of the arm 50. Given the pivot 55, the core plug fitting device 10 can move toward and away from the first end 51 of the arm, as representatively shown by arrow B. The pivot 55 can also facilitate the rotation of the core plug fitting device 10 relative to the first end 51 of the arm 50 as desired. The first end 51 can be hingedly connected to the arm 50. A hinge 59 may be provided between the first end 51 of the arm and the body of the arm so that the first end 51 may be moved toward the roll of sheet material 58 to engage the core plug 40 (eg, Fig. 9 ), and away from the core plug 40 (as shown Fig.10 The core plug 40 is shown to be disengaged from the core plug 40 so that the sheet roll 58 can be removed. The core plug 40 is shown to be arranged in the core 56 of the sheet roll 58.

[0047] Reference now Fig.11, one or more arms 50 may be disposed on the housing 117 of the dispenser. As shown, a first arm 50a has a first end 51 and a second end 52, on which the core plug fitting device 10 of the present disclosure is disposed, and the second end is coupled to the housing 117. In this case, the arms 50a and 50b are coupled to the back plate 130 of the housing 117. The first arm 50a extends from the surface of the housing 117 in a substantially vertical manner. The second arm 50b is also disposed on the housing 117 in the same manner as the first arm 50a. However, the second arm 50b does not include the core plug fitting device 10 of the present disclosure, but may include any standard core plug. As shown, the core plug 53 disposed on the second arm 50b may have one or more ribs 57 disposed on the core plug to promote friction fit between the core of the sheet roll and the core plug 53. In addition, the arrangement of the ribs 57 may further enable the core plug 53 to accommodate a roll core that may be defective or deformed in some manner. Although the illustrated embodiment does not include the disclosed core plug fitting device 10 on the second arm 50b, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Indeed, it is contemplated that, in embodiments, each arm 50 may include a core-plug engagement device 10 of the present disclosure.

[0048] Reference now Figure 12 to Figure 13 , the first end 51 may be coupled to the body of the arm 50 via a hinge 59. The internal structure of the hinge 59 may include a pin 60 coupled to the arm 50 at a first end 61 and a second end 62. The hinge 59 may be a spring-loaded hinge and may include a spring 63 disposed on or around the pin 60. The spring 63 may include a torsion spring. The spring 63 is configured to facilitate movement or placement of the first end 51 of the arm 50. For example, the spring 63 may be loaded so that the first end 51 of the arm 50 is configured to apply a compressive force to the sheet roll. Thus, the compressive force applied by the spring 63 facilitates holding the sheet roll in place on the core plug fitting device 10. The pin 60 may be coupled to the arm 50 via one or more cams, each having a ramp portion thereon. For example, the first cam 64 may include a first ramp portion 65, and the second cam 66 may include a second ramp portion 67. The first cam 64 and the second cam 66 are disposed around the pin 60 and facilitate coupling the pin 60 to an inner portion of the arm 50 or the first end 51 of the arm 50. As Fig.13 As shown more specifically in FIG, the first ramp portion 65 and the second ramp portion 67 engage and can limit the movement of the hinge 59 in a certain direction. For example, the hinge 59 is configured to move the first end 51 back and forth to facilitate loading and unloading of the sheet roll. However, when there is contact between the first ramp portion 65 and the second ramp portion 67, the movement of the hinge 59 is limited (e.g., stopped). Therefore, the cams 64 and 66 having the ramp portions 65 and 67 can be configured to facilitate the movement of the first end 51 toward the core of the sheet roll, and can be further configured to provide additional compression force to the sheet roll to further secure the sheet roll in the roll holding device of the present disclosure.

[0049] Reference now Fig.14 , the arm 50 may be disposed on the back plate 130 of the housing 117 such that the hinge axis HA is rotated about 2° to about 8° relative to the longitudinal axis (BP), as shown. Fig.14 As shown, HA is not parallel to BP. In other words, the intersection plane (IP) may be arranged at 90° to BP. IP intersects HA at an angle α. Angle α is generally less than 90°, such as less than 89°, such as less than 88°, such as less than 87°, such as less than 86°, such as less than 85°, such as less than 84°, such as less than 83°, such as less than 82°, such as less than 81°, such as less than 80°. Angle α may be in the range of about 75° to less than about 90°. In embodiments where HA is rotated from about 2° to about 8° relative to BP, angle α ranges from about 88° to about 82°.

[0050] The roll holding device 122 including the core plug engagement device 10, the core plug 40 and the arm 50 as disclosed herein may be incorporated into a dispenser, such as a dispenser for dispensing rolled sheet materials. Figure 15 to Figure 16 An example embodiment of a dispenser 110 for dispensing dispensable products according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the dispenser 110 is configured to dispense roll sheet products, such as roll paper towels or toilet paper sheets. The dispenser 110 is particularly suitable for dispensing paper towels, tissues, etc. Typically, the dispenser 110 is configured to dispense multiple rolls of material. The dispenser is not limited to any particular type of roll material or any particular application. For illustrative purposes only, the dispenser is shown in the figure as a paper towel roll dispenser.

[0051] like Figure 15 to Figure 16As shown, the dispenser 110 includes a housing 117 having an internal volume 115, which is designed to accommodate one or more sheet rolls 118. For example, the housing 117 can be configured to accommodate a first sheet roll 118 (e.g., a main roll) and / or a second sheet roll (e.g., a residual roll). The housing 117 can be formed by any suitable one or more materials. The housing 117 can take any form of shape or configuration. Typically, the dispenser 110 can include a front cover 120 and a back plate 130. The front cover 120 can be positioned in an open position or a closed position. In certain embodiments, the front cover 120 can define one or more side walls in the side wall of the dispenser 110. However, in other embodiments, the front cover 120 can form at least a portion of the side wall of the dispenser 110, but not substantially all. However, in other embodiments, the front cover 120 does not form any portion of the side wall of the dispenser 110. The front cover 120 can be pivotally connected to the back plate 130. For example, one or more hinges can be used to pivotally couple the front cover 120 to the back plate 130. In this regard, any conventional pivot attachment mechanism can be used. For example, in some embodiments, a simple rotatable rod is provided and held by a rod holder. It should be understood that any number of conventional pivot devices are known to those skilled in the art and can be used to pivotally mount the front cover 120 to the back plate 130. In other embodiments, the front cover 120 can be completely removed or disassembled from the back plate 130.

[0052] The dispenser 110 also includes a roll retaining device 122, which is configured to hold the sheet roll 118. Although one roll retaining device 122 is shown, the present disclosure is not limited to this. In fact, any number of roll retaining devices 122 can be used or incorporated into the dispenser 110 disclosed herein. It is worth noting that in an embodiment, the roll retaining device 122 includes one or more arms and a core plug and a core plug matching device as described above. In an embodiment in which the dispenser 110 is configured to hold at least two sheet rolls 118, at least two roll retaining devices 122 can be used, such as a first roll retaining device and a second roll retaining device. In certain embodiments, the first roll retaining device can be used to hold a first sheet roll (e.g., a main roll), and the second roll retaining device can be used to hold a second sheet roll (e.g., a residual roll).

[0053] The dispensing mechanism 150 is disposed within the housing 117. The dispensing mechanism 150 may be disposed in a module and disposed in the housing 117. The dispensing mechanism 150 includes components configured to dispense the sheet 112 from the sheet roll 118 in a controlled manner. For example, the dispensing mechanism 150 may include a pressure roller 180 and a drive roller 200 forming a roller gap 136 through which the sheet 112 is dispensed. The sheet 112 travels away from the roll 118 and travels between the pressure roller 180 and the drive roller 200, and passes through a dispensing opening 144 disposed in the lower end 145 of the housing 117. Alternatively, the dispensing opening 144 may be formed in the front cover 120 or in both a portion of the front cover 120 and a portion of the lower end (not shown). The dispensing opening 144 may have a serrated edge (not shown), or the dispensing opening may carry teeth (also not shown) for cutting the sheet web (if the sheet web is not perforated). Each end of the pressure roller 180 and the drive roller 200 may be rotatably mounted to the housing 117 or to a side panel of a module housing located within the housing 117. For example, a suitable roller holder disposed within the housing 117 may secure the pressure roller 180 and the drive roller 200 within the housing. The transmission housing includes a transmission for transmitting a driving force from the motor 152 to the drive roller 200 in order to rotate the roller. Additional control circuitry for operating the rollers may be included.

[0054] The detection sensor 156 may be mounted to the lower end 145 of the housing 117 adjacent the lens 158 (or alternatively to a module (not shown) in the housing), such as Fig.15 . However, it will be appreciated that the detection sensor 156 and / or lens 158 or any activation system shown and / or described herein or known in the art can be installed in any area of ​​the housing, as long as the detection sensor and / or lens operate as described herein. In this embodiment, the sensor 156 is ideally but not by way of limitation a conventional passive sensor for detecting infrared radiation. Passive infrared detectors are known in the art and are described in, for example, U.S. Patents 4,757,337 to Shikaumi and U.S. Patents 4,960,248 to Bauer et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. A passive infrared detector that can be used with the dispenser 110 is a model 40623 sold by Eltec Instruments Inc. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of different infrared detectors are available, and many available detectors are suitable for use with the dispenser 110. In practice, the sensor 156 is arranged to detect infrared radiation from a user's hand placed under the lens 158 and, upon detecting radiation, transmits a signal for activating the motor 152 in order to dispense a length of sheet material 144 through the dispensing opening.

[0055] However, it will be understood that other activation mechanisms such as capacitive activation mechanisms and ultrasonic activation mechanisms can be used in the present disclosure. Capacitive proximity sensors generate an electrostatic field that will sense metal objects and non-metallic materials (such as paper, glass, liquids, and cloth). Ultrasonic proximity sensors use a sensor to send and receive high frequency sound signals. When a target enters the beam, the sound is reflected back to the sensor, causing it to energize or de-energize the output circuit. Another type of sensor is inductive. In this case, an electromagnetic field is used, however, detection is limited to metal objects.

[0056] The dispenser provided herein may also be equipped with any number of operating components. The operating components may be contained in the housing and / or located outside the housing. Suitable operating components may vary according to the type of the dispenser and the product to be dispensed. For example, the operating components of the dispenser may be mounted directly to the back plate of the housing, or may be a part of a module received in the housing. For example, the operating components may be a part of a module that can be easily removed from the housing for repair and / or replacement of components without having to remove the entire dispenser from its supporting surface. In order to dispense paper products, such as one or more sheet rolls, the operating components may include rollers (such as pressure rollers, drive rollers), drive motors, gear assemblies, and control circuits (including, for example, controllers or microprocessors) for driving paper products out of the sheet rolls through the dispensing opening. Additional roll retaining devices may also be included in the dispenser, such as roll holders, including main roll holders and residual roll holders. Additional transfer mechanisms may also be present to transfer distribution between residual rolls and main rolls. Such components are known to those skilled in the art and may therefore be introduced herein. In addition, a tearing bar or a cutting bar may be present to cut paper products when dispensing paper products from the dispensing material. In certain embodiments, the dispenser may be configured to dispense a specific amount of sheet material.The dispensing mechanism may be powered by batteries in the battery assembly, or may be powered by an AC-DC power distribution system.

[0057] In addition, any type of known sensor can be included in the dispenser provided herein. For example, in certain embodiments, the dispenser can include a sensor that can detect the presence of a user in a detection area and apply a selected amount of dispensable product accordingly. Such detection sensors are known in the art. In addition, additional refill detection sensors and / or systems are known and can be incorporated into the dispenser provided herein.

[0058] The following clauses provide additional aspects:

[0059] 1. A roll holding device for dispensing sheets from one or more sheet rolls, comprising: a core plug, the core plug being configured to be placed in the core of the sheet roll; an arm having a first end and a second end; and a core plug fitting device, the core plug fitting device being connected to the first end of the arm, the core plug fitting device comprising an annular surface and a protrusion extending from the annular surface, a cavity being arranged in the protrusion, the cavity comprising an annular rib, the protrusion comprising an end surface arranged away from the annular surface, the protrusion comprising an outer wall extending from the annular surface to the end surface, a first portion of the outer wall having a first slope that is less than a second slope of a second portion of the outer wall.

[0060] 2. The roll retention device of clause 1, wherein the core plug engagement device is configured to release the non-compliant core upon contact between the first portion of the outer wall and the non-compliant core.

[0061] 3. A roll retaining device as described in any preceding clause 1, wherein the first portion accounts for at least about 25% to about 70% of the surface area of ​​the outer wall.

[0062] 4. A roll retaining device as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the core plug includes a plurality of legs, and the core plug mating device includes a plurality of ribs arranged on the annular surface, each of the plurality of legs being configured to engage the annular surface and be held in an appropriate position between at least two of the plurality of ribs.

[0063] 5. A roll retention device as described in any preceding clause, wherein the core plug defines an annular wall having a first surface, the first surface being configured to engage an outer surface of the annular rib to secure the core plug to the core plug mating device.

[0064] 6. A roll retention device as described in any preceding clause, wherein the core plug comprises a side wall and an end surface, the side wall having one or more holes provided therein.

[0065] 7. A roll retaining device as described in any preceding clause, wherein the core plug defines an outer portion for cooperating with the core of the sheet material roll.

[0066] 8. The roll retaining device of clause 7, wherein the outer portion includes a plurality of ribs for engaging the core to facilitate coupling the core plug to the core of the roll of sheet material.

[0067] 9. A roll retention device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the core plug engagement device is pivotally connected to the first end of the arm so that the core plug engagement device can rotate relative to the first end of the arm.

[0068] 10. A roll retaining device as described in any of clauses 1 to 7 or 9, wherein the arm includes a hinge disposed between the first end and the second end, the hinge being configured to facilitate movement of the first end away from and toward the core of the sheet material roll.

[0069] 11. A roll retaining device as described in clause 10, wherein the hinge includes a pin connected to the arm via a first cam and a second cam, the first cam having a ramp portion, the ramp portion being configured to engage a second ramp portion provided on the second cam to limit movement of the hinge.

[0070] 12. The roll retaining device of clause 10, wherein the hinge is spring loaded.

[0071] 13. A dispenser for dispensing sheets from one or more sheet rolls, comprising: a shell having an internal volume for holding a first sheet roll; a roll holding device, the roll holding device comprising: a core plug, the core plug being configured to be placed in the core of the sheet roll; an arm having a first end and a second end; a core plug fitting device, the core plug fitting device being connected to the first end of the arm, the core plug fitting device comprising an annular surface and a protrusion extending from the annular surface, a cavity being arranged in the protrusion, the cavity comprising an annular rib, the protrusion comprising an end surface arranged away from the annular surface, the protrusion comprising an outer wall extending from the annular surface to the end surface, the first portion of the outer wall having a first slope less than the second slope of the second portion of the outer wall.

[0072] 14. The dispenser of clause 13, wherein the core-plug engagement means is configured to release the non-compliant core upon contact between the first portion of the outer wall and the non-compliant core.

[0073] 15. The dispenser of clauses 13 to 14, wherein the first portion accounts for at least about 25% to about 70% of the surface area of ​​the outer wall.

[0074] 16. The dispenser of clauses 13 to 15, wherein the arm includes a hinge disposed between the first end and the second end, the hinge being configured to facilitate movement of the first end away from and toward the core of the roll of sheet material.

[0075] 17. A dispenser as described in clauses 13 to 16, wherein the hinge includes a pin connected to the arm via a first cam and a second cam at a first end, the first cam having a ramp portion, the ramp portion being configured to engage a second ramp portion provided on the second cam to limit the movement of the hinge.

[0076] 18. The dispenser of clauses 13 to 17, wherein the hinge is spring loaded.

[0077] 19. The dispenser of clauses 13 to 17, wherein the second end of the arm is coupled to a back plate of the housing, the back plate of the housing defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the hinge axis is rotated from about 2° to about 8° relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0078] 20. A method of dispensing sheet material comprising dispensing sheet material from a dispenser as claimed in clauses 13 to 19.

[0079] These and other modifications and variations of the present disclosure may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which are more particularly described in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchangeable in whole or in part. In addition, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the above description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the present disclosure further described in such appended claims.

Claims

1. A roll holding device for dispensing sheets from one or more sheet rolls, comprising: a core plug configured to be placed in the core of a sheet roll; an arm having a first end and a second end; and a core plug engaging device coupled to the first end of the arm, the core plug engaging device including an annular surface and a protrusion extending from the annular surface, a cavity being provided in the protrusion, the cavity including an annular rib, the protrusion including an end surface disposed away from the annular surface, the protrusion including an outer wall extending from the annular surface to the end surface, a first portion of the outer wall having a first slope less than a second slope of a second portion of the outer wall.

2. The roll holding device according to claim 1, wherein the core plug engaging device is configured to release a non-compliant core when contact occurs between the first portion of the outer wall and the non-compliant core.

3. The roll holding device according to claim 1, wherein the first portion occupies at least about 25% to about 70% of the surface area of the outer wall.

4. The roll holding device according to claim 1, wherein the core plug includes a plurality of legs, and the core plug engaging device includes a plurality of ribs provided on the annular surface, each of the plurality of legs being configured to engage the annular surface and be held in place between at least two of the plurality of ribs.

5. The roll holding device according to claim 1, wherein the core plug defines an annular wall having a first surface configured to engage an outer surface of the annular rib to fix the core plug to the core plug engaging device.

6. The roll holding device according to claim 1, wherein the core plug includes a side wall and an end surface, the side wall having one or more holes provided therein.

7. The roll holding device according to claim 1, wherein the core plug defines an outer portion for mating with the core of the sheet roll.

8. The roll holding device according to claim 7, wherein the outer portion includes a plurality of ribs for engaging the core to facilitate coupling the core plug to the core of the sheet roll.

9. The roll holding device according to claim 1, wherein the core plug engaging device is pivotally coupled to the first end of the arm such that the core plug engaging device is capable of rotating relative to the first end of the arm.

10. The roll holding device according to claim 1, wherein the arm includes a hinge provided between the first end and the second end, the hinge being configured to facilitate movement of the first end away from and towards the core of the sheet roll.

11. The roll holding device according to claim 10, wherein the hinge includes a pin coupled to the arm via a first cam and a second cam, the first cam having an inclined surface portion configured to engage a second inclined surface portion provided on the second cam to limit movement of the hinge.

12. The roll holding device according to claim 10, wherein the hinge is spring-loaded.

13. A dispenser for dispensing sheets from one or more sheet rolls, comprising: A housing having an internal volume for holding a first sheet roll; A roll holding device, the roll holding device comprising: A core plug configured to be placed in the core of the sheet roll; An arm having a first end and a second end; A core plug engaging device coupled to the first end of the arm, the core plug engaging device including an annular surface and a protrusion extending from the annular surface, a cavity being provided in the protrusion, the cavity including an annular rib, the protrusion including an end surface disposed away from the annular surface, the protrusion including an outer wall extending from the annular surface to the end surface, a first portion of the outer wall having a first slope less than a second slope of a second portion of the outer wall.

14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the core plug engaging device is configured to release a non-compliant core upon contact between the first portion of the outer wall and the non-compliant core.

15. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the first portion comprises at least about 25% to about 70% of the surface area of the outer wall.

16. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the arm includes a hinge disposed between the first end and the second end, the hinge being configured to facilitate movement of the first end away from and towards the core of the sheet roll.

17. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the hinge includes a pin coupled to the arm at a first end via a first cam and a second cam, the first cam having a ramp portion configured to engage a second ramp portion disposed on the second cam to limit movement of the hinge.

18. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the hinge is spring-loaded.

19. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the second end of the arm is coupled to a back plate of the housing, the back plate of the housing defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the hinge axis rotates about 2° to about 8° relative to the longitudinal axis.

20. A method of dispensing a sheet, comprising dispensing a sheet from the dispenser of claim 13.

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