Vacuum based napkin dispenser

a vacuum-based napkin and dispenser technology, applied in the direction of instruments, apparatus for dispensing discrete objects, de-stacking articles, etc., can solve the problems of clogging the dispensing device, affecting the volume of garbage that needs to be disposed, and destroying the ones

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-10-04
PAPER SCOTT +1
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] The present invention is particularly useful to dispense paper napkins since it eliminates the problems of napkin clumping and the associated wastage.
[0033] In another aspect of the invention, a method of dispensing a paper product is provided. The method comprises placing a stack of paper products a predetermined distance from a vacuum roller; activating the vacuum roller for a predetermined time period whereby it rotates and has sufficient vacuum at its surface to pick up an edge of a paper product and pull the paper product over the circumference of the roller as it rotates and then release the product; and repositioning the stack to close the gap left by the dispensed product.

Problems solved by technology

A common problem with dispensers in fast food restaurants is that they may permit removal of large bunches of napkins at one time.
Users have a tendency to grab an excess of napkins and then discard the ones that are not used.
This leads to many napkins being scattered about the eating place and also contributes to the volume of garbage that needs to be disposed.
In addition, clumps of napkins may jam the dispensing device.
Not only does this induce unnecessary costs, there is significant inconvenience to both users and suppliers when the napkin dispensers need to be refilled frequently.
This narrow opening restricts the ability of a consumer from inserting fingers into the interior of the dispenser and grabbing a bunch of napkins.

Method used

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  • Vacuum based napkin dispenser
  • Vacuum based napkin dispenser
  • Vacuum based napkin dispenser

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0047] The following description is of a preferred embodiment.

[0048] The present invention provides a dispenser for paper products that uses a roller that is capable of rotating and exerting negative pressure to pick up and then drop the paper product.

[0049] A method of dispensing a paper product is also provided. The method comprises placing a stack of paper products in proximity to a vacuum roller, and applying negative pressure and rotation to the roller for a time sufficient for the roller to pick up and dispense the product.

[0050] In a preferred aspect of the invention the device and method are directed to the supply of paper napkins. A napkin dispenser that addresses the problems of patrons or servers grabbing a clump of napkins is provided. In the dispenser of the invention, a napkin is picked up by a vacuum roller and dispensed. The length and diameter of the vacuum roller is adapted according to the size of the napkin to be dispensed. The device comprises a napkin magazi...

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PUM

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Abstract

The invention provides a novel system for dispensing paper products, particularly paper napkins. The system includes a moveable napkin carrier platform and a vacuum roller that picks up and dispenses a paper product.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of dispensing devices and systems. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing sheet products, particularly paper napkins. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Various types of devices have been introduced that store and dispense paper products such as tissues or napkins. The present invention particularly relates to a device for dispensing folded paper napkin or paper towel. [0003] Fast food restaurants usually provide self-service napkin dispensers. A common problem with dispensers in fast food restaurants is that they may permit removal of large bunches of napkins at one time. Users have a tendency to grab an excess of napkins and then discard the ones that are not used. This leads to many napkins being scattered about the eating place and also contributes to the volume of garbage that needs to be disposed. In addition, clumps of napkins may jam the dispensing device. This also occurs a...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B65H3/08
CPCB65D83/0858A47K10/426A47K10/44
Inventor ALMAS, PAUL R.SANDERS, STEPHEN MARKPURSE, JOHNGOODFELLOW, TOM B.SCOTT, ADRIANVIEGAS, FLEMING
Owner PAPER SCOTT
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