Multi-function paper toweling dispenser

Abstract

In a toweling dispenser, an electric motor driven toweling support roller and a handle for rotating the toweling support roller are connected by a one-way clutch, which allows the handle to rotate the toweling support roller only in a single direction of rotation when the electric motor does not drive the toweling support roller, the single direction transporting toweling on the toweling support roller to an exit opening of the dispenser.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention relates to apparatus selectively operable to dispense paper toweling from a roll of paper toweling employing a plurality of alternative operational modes. The apparatus includes an interconnection between a towel support roll and a manually movable handle including a one-way clutch whereby the handle can only rotate the roller in a single direction of rotation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONMany dispenser systems are known in the prior art for dispensing paper toweling from rolls thereof. In some cases, the paper toweling is comprised of individual paper towel segments separated by perforated tear lines, and in others the toweling has no perforated tear lines formed therein, severing or cutting individual sheets from the toweling accomplished by some suitable severing structure incorporated in the dispenser.Many towel dispensers of a purely mechanical nature have been developed and utilized over the years for dispensing paper towels, including dispensers wh...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to a multi-function paper towel dispenser selectively operable to dispense paper toweling from a roll of paper toweling employing a plurality of alternative operational modes. The desired mode of operation can be selected utilizing control switches associated with sensor structure and electronic control circuitry of the dispenser. The multi-function paper towel dispenser is characterized not only by its versatility, but by its relative simplicity, ease of use and reliability in any of the operational modes selected. Two of the modes are a paper hidden mode and a paper exposed mode, each of which utilizes sensor structure in combination with electronic control circuitry to operate an electric motor driven rotatable toweling support roller to partially cut and dispense the paper toweling. The electric motor is also utilized to rotate the paper toweling support roller when not employing the sensor structure, the motor essentially operating in a hybrid mode wherein a pull force exerted on the toweling tail initiates rotation of the toweling support roller, the electric motor then being energized to reduce the pull force required by a user to effect final dispensing of a towel. Furthermore, a user can manually rotate the paper toweling support roller to effect dispensing of a towel in any of the modes.

The electronic control circuitry for operating the dispenser in either the first mode of operation or in the second mode of operation utilizes simple, reliable mechanical switches as compared to electronic switches that are controlled by logic controller / programmable chips, the case in the prior art wherein programmable logic electronics are employed. Programmable logic is required because fixed parameters are not employed. Because the present invention has fixed parameters and utilizes discrete digital logic instead of programmable logic, no controller chip is required, simple resistors and capacitors being utilized along with the use of mechanical electric switches versus electronic switches. As will be seen below, the invention incorporates a number of other unique features, including energy saving features and a one-way clutch interconnection between a toweling support roller and a manually rotatable handle allowing the handle to rotate the roller in a single direction only.

Problems solved by technology

The apparatus of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,314,850 and 6,553,879 has met with considerable commercial success; however, some problems with “tabbing” have occurred during use of the dispenser.

Tabbing also becomes a particular problem when low basis weight paper is to be dispensed.

It is not an exaggeration to say that virtually all paper towel dispensers of a purely mechanical nature which rely on direct pulling of the toweling by a user to transport the toweling and actuate moveable cutter or severing blades have a tabbing problem to some extent.

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