Distribution device with mounting bracket

Abstract

DISPENSING DEVICE WITH MOUNTING BRACKET. A dispenser for dispensing materials is disclosed. The dispenser includes a back plate, a cover, and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket allows for flush mounting of the dispenser on a mounting surface, such as a wall. The mounting bracket may be a rectangular mounting bracket with one or more ramp members and one or more ramp extensions. The mounting bracket may also be a circular mounting bracket. The dispenser includes a bracket engagement area configured to secure the dispenser to the mounting bracket.

Description

25 Distribution device with mounting bracket - fundamentals

[001] Restrooms in commercial and residential buildings typically include products such as toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, feminine hygiene products, liquid products like soaps, and aerosol products like air fresheners. These products are usually housed in a dispenser and dispensed as needed by the user. In commercial restrooms, there may be multiple product dispensers present in the restroom. Thus, the initial installation of product dispensers can be very time-consuming and tedious, given the number of product dispensers present in a restroom. For commercial buildings with multiple restrooms on multiple floors, installing all product dispensers can be expensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, once installed, maintenance personnel either travel to the buildings where they are working to service the restrooms, or maintenance personnel are dispatched to service a specific restroom or dispenser after a problem occurs.One of these problems can involve the displacement of a product dispenser installed on the wall. Reattaching dispensers in the bathroom after installation can result in numerous tenant complaints and general dissatisfaction. Furthermore, maintenance staff resources are focused on handling emergencies and are diverted from other tasks.

[002] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a dispenser design that allows for a more refined dispenser installation in a sanitary facility. SUMMARY

[003] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a dispenser that can be installed more easily. In embodiments, the dispenser includes a backplate with one or more support attachment areas capable of engaging a mounting bracket to secure the Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 9 / 51 / 25 dispenser to a mounting surface.

[004] In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a back plate with one or more support attachment areas and a front cover enclosing at least part of the back plate when in a closed condition. The front cover and back plate form a housing with an interior volume for retaining a dispenseable product. The dispenser also includes a mounting bracket with a base plate including a mounting surface and a surface facing the dispenser. The mounting bracket has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end includes a first ramp element with an inclined ramp extension and a second ramp element with an inclined ramp extension. The lower end includes a third ramp element with a parallel ramp extension and a fourth ramp element with a parallel ramp extension.Angled ramp extensions and parallel ramp extensions are configured to friction-engage in one or more mounting areas of the bracket to secure the dispenser backplate to the mounting bracket when the dispenser is mounted in a first position or in a second position that is different from the first position.

[005] In the embodiments, the first position may be a horizontal position and the second position may be a vertical position. In certain embodiments, there is a ramp surface angle α between the parallel ramp extension and the inclined ramp extension. The ramp surface angle α is from about 20° to about 80°, such as about 45°.

[006] In embodiments, each of the ramp elements may include at least two parallel ramp extensions and at least two angled ramp extensions. In addition, each ramp element may include a first parallel ramp extension for engaging a support docking area when the support is mounted in a horizontal position, Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 10 / 51 / 25 a second parallel ramp extension to engage a support docking area when the support is mounted in a vertical position, a first angled ramp extension to engage a support docking area when the support is mounted in a horizontal position, and a second angled ramp extension to engage a support docking area when the support is mounted in a vertical position.

[007] According to the present disclosure, the mounting bracket may include a mounting bracket locking component configured to engage in a recess or groove on the second side of the dispenser to further secure the dispenser to the bracket.

[008] In certain embodiments, the mounting bracket may also include at least one leveling device generally oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket may also include at least one leveling device generally oriented parallel to a transverse axis of the mounting bracket. One or more leveling devices may help to hang the bracket level in the horizontal or vertical position.

[009] In other embodiments, the mounting bracket includes a circular mounting bracket with a front plate containing one or more holes configured to receive a fastener for securing the mounting bracket to a wall. The front plate further includes at least one raised flange of the first surface of the front plate that extends outward along the periphery of the front plate and engages with a support engagement area on the rear plate of the dispenser.

[0010] In embodiments, the dispenser includes a housing formed by the back plate and the cover having an internal cavity. The dispenser may include a dispensing mechanism contained within the housing for dispensing a dispenseable product. The dispenseable product may include a roll of sheet material, such as paper towels or toilet paper. The Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 11 / 51 / 25. A dispensable product may include a dispensable product that is a liquid. The interior volume of the housing has a volume such as to retain at least two rolls of sheet material.

[0011] Other features and aspects of this publication are discussed in more detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] A full and informative disclosure of this disclosure is set out, more particularly, in the remainder of the descriptive report, including reference to the attached figures, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a mounting bracket oriented in a vertical position according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of a mounting bracket oriented in a horizontal position according to the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a dispenser mounted in a vertical position according to the present disclosure; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a dispenser mounted in a horizontal position according to the present disclosure; Figure 5 is a rear plan view of a dispenser mounted in a vertical position according to the present disclosure; Figure 6 is a rear plan view of a dispenser mounted in a horizontal position according to the present disclosure; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to the present disclosure; Figure 8 is a plan view of a mounting bracket according to the present disclosure; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket according to the present disclosure; Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 12 / 51 / 25 Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser and mounting bracket according to the present disclosure; Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispenser and mounting bracket according to the present disclosure; Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispenser and mounting bracket according to the present disclosure; and Figure 13 is a plan view of the rear of the dispenser according to the present disclosure.

[0013] The repeated use of reference characters in this descriptive report and in the drawings is intended to represent features or elements that are the same as, or analogous to, the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present discussion is merely a description of exemplary embodiments, and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] This disclosure is generally directed to a dispenser for dispensable products, such as sheet materials and / or a dispenser assembly. The dispenser of this disclosure allows for ease of installation and functionality of the dispenser. More particularly, this disclosure is directed to a dispenser that includes a mounting bracket with one or more ramp elements with one or more angled ramp extensions and one or more parallel ramp extensions. The ramp extensions are capable of engaging the backplate of a dispenser and securing the dispenser to a mounting surface in various orientations. For example, the disclosed mounting bracket can be used to secure a dispenser to a mounting surface, such as a wall, in a horizontal or vertical configuration. In fact, such a mounting bracket and dispenser assembly allow for more precise and faster installation of dispensers in a bathroom and Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 13 / 51 / 25 flexibility in design and functionality offerings without having to change the entire dispenser system. For example, the mounting brackets disclosed in this document can be used interchangeably with dispensers to easily mount the dispensers in various positions, such as horizontally or vertically. Thus, the user can easily install multiple product dispensers efficiently.

[0016] In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a back plate, a front cover, and a mounting bracket. The back plate is adapted for mounting on a surface, such as a wall. The back plate includes a first side and a second opposite side. The second opposite side includes one or more support engagement areas. The front cover encloses at least part of said back plate when closed, thus forming a housing with an interior volume so as to retain at least one dispenseable product. The mounting bracket includes a support plate with one or more ramp elements thereon. Each of the ramp elements includes one or more parallel ramp extensions and one or more angled ramp extensions configured to engage one or more coupling areas of the support when the dispenser is mounted in a first position or a second position that is different from the first position.

[0017] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 6, various embodiments of the mounting support 10 of the present disclosure are illustrated. Figure 1 illustrates a mounting support 10 oriented in the vertical position, while Figure 2 illustrates the same mounting support 10 oriented in the horizontal position. The mounting support 10 includes a base plate 20 having a generally flat mounting surface 24 and a surface facing the dispenser 22. The base plate 20 may have any suitable shape, for example, square, rectangular, oval, circular, etc.

[0018] In modalities, base plate 20 has a first Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 14 / 51 / 25 transverse end 72, a second transverse end 74 and two laterally opposite longitudinal ends 76 and 78. Depending on the orientation of the support, any of the ends shown and described may be the upper or lower end of the support. For example, in certain vertical orientations, the first transverse end 72 may be the upper end of the support with the second transverse end 74 being the lower end of the support, although it is also possible that the second transverse end 74 may be the upper end of the support with the first transverse end 72 being the lower end of the support.Similarly, in certain horizontal orientations, longitudinal end 76 can be the upper end of the support and longitudinal end 78 can be the lower end of the support, although it is also feasible that longitudinal end 78 can be the upper end of the support and longitudinal end 76 can be the lower end of the support.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the base plate 20 is rectangular having one or more ramp elements generally located at each of the four corners of the base plate 20. As shown, the mounting bracket 10 includes one or more ramp elements 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d configured for the base plate 20. Ramp elements 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d extend laterally from the base plate 20. Ramp elements 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d each comprise one or more ramp extensions 14. Ramp extensions 14 extend outward from the dispenser-facing surface 22 of the base plate 20. For example, when mounted, one or more ramp extensions 14 may project outward from the base plate 20 so that they can engage one or more coupling areas on the back plate 50 of the Dispenser 100. In certain embodiments, the ramp element 12 may include one or more parallel ramp extensions. By parallel is meant ramp extensions that are parallel to each other.By. Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, p. 15 / 51 / 25 example, as shown, ramp extensions 14a and 14d are both parallel ramp extensions, as they extend in directions parallel to each other. Ramp elements 12 may also include one or more angled ramp extensions. By angled is meant ramp extensions that are inclined relative to one or more parallel ramp extensions. For example, as shown, ramp extensions 14b and 14c are angled ramp extensions. In such embodiments, ramp extensions 14b and 14c extend in different directions from each other and also in different directions from the parallel ramp extensions 14a and 14d. It should also be understood that ramp extensions 14 may include a continuous ramp extension with one or more projection directions. For example, ramp extension 14 may include a continuous flange projecting from the surface facing the dispenser 22 of the base plate 20.Such ramp extension 14 may include different ramp extensions 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d that project in different directions as described in this document.

[0020] The ramp extension angles α are located between the parallel ramp extensions 14a or 14d and the angled ramp extensions 14b and 14c, as shown. The ramp extension angle α may be between about 20° and about 80°, such as between about 30° and about 60°, such as between about 35° and about 50°, such as about 45°. In embodiments, the ramp extension angles α are configured so that at least two of the parallel ramp extensions and at least two of the angled ramp extensions are able to engage the backplate 50 of a dispenser when the dispenser 100 is mounted on a mounting surface with the mounting bracket. For example, the ramp extension angle α is configured so that at least two of the angled ramp extensions can engage the dispenser in a horizontal or vertical orientation, as discussed further below.

[0021] Ramp extensions 14 are configured so that at leastPetition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page. 16 / 51 / 25 minus one of the ramp extensions 14 of each of the ramp elements 12 may engage one or more support coupling areas 52 on the backplate 50. For example, when the dispenser 100 is mounted on the mounting bracket 10 in a vertical position, the angled ramp extensions 14b match the support coupling areas 52 on the dispenser 10 along the upper end of the bracket 10, while the parallel ramp extensions 14d match the support coupling areas 52 along the lower end of the bracket 10. More specifically, the angled ramp extension 14b of ramp element 12a, the angled ramp extension 14b of ramp element 12b, the parallel ramp extension 14d of ramp element 12c, and the parallel ramp extension 14d of ramp element 12d each engage one or more support coupling areas 52 of the backplate 50. from dispenser 100.If support 10 is rotated 180°, so that the second transverse end 74 is located above or on top of the first transverse end 72, the same configuration of parallel and angled ramp elements can engage with the corresponding areas on the back plate 50 of the dispenser 100. For example, where the transverse end 74 is on top, the angled ramp extension 14b of ramp element 12d, the angled ramp extension 14b of ramp element 12c, the parallel ramp extension 14d of ramp element 12b, and the parallel ramp extension 14d of ramp element 12a engage one or more support engagement areas 52 on the back plate 50 of the dispenser. Consequently, when in the vertical configuration, the inclined ramp extensions 14b at the upper end of the support 10 engage with the engagement areas of the support 52, while the parallel ramp extensions 14d at the lower end of the support 10 engage with the engagement areas of the support 52.

[0022] With reference now to Figure 2, the mounting bracket 10 is shown in a horizontal orientation. Similar to Figure 1, the plate of Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page. The 17 / 51 / 25 base has a first transverse end 72, a second transverse end 74, and two laterally opposite longitudinal ends 76 and 78. When the dispenser 100 is mounted on the mounting bracket 10 in a horizontal position, the angled ramp extensions 14c engage with the bracket docking areas 52 on the dispenser 10 along the upper end of the bracket 10, while the parallel ramp extensions 14a engage with the bracket docking areas 52 along the lower end of the bracket 10. More specifically, the angled ramp extension 14c of ramp element 12c, the angled ramp extension 14c of ramp element 12a, the parallel ramp extension 14a of ramp element 12d, and the parallel ramp extension 14a of ramp element 12b each engage with one or more bracket docking areas 52 of the dispenser's backplate 20. 100.If support 10 is rotated 180° so that the longitudinal end 78 is located above or on top of the longitudinal end 76, the same configuration of parallel and angled ramp elements can engage with the coupling areas 52 on the back plate 50 of the dispenser 100. For example, when the longitudinal end 78 is on top, the angled ramp extension 14c of ramp element 12b, the angled ramp extension 14c of ramp element 12d, the parallel ramp extension 14a of ramp element 12c, and the parallel ramp extension 14a of ramp element 12a engage one or more support docking areas 52 on the back plate 50 of the dispenser. Consequently, when in the horizontal configuration, the inclined ramp extensions 14c at the upper end of support 10 engage with the engagement areas of support 52, while the parallel ramp extensions 14a at the lower end of support 10 engage with the engagement areas of support 52.

[0023] Figures 3 to 6 illustrate various embodiments of the support 10 mounted vertically on the rear plate 50 of a dispenser 100. For example, Figure 3 illustrates a dispenser 100 and support 10 mounted on the Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 18 / 51 / 25 vertical position. The angled ramp extensions 14b of ramp elements 12a and 12b engage with the support mounting areas 52 on the back plate 50 of the dispenser 100 to secure the dispenser 100 to a mounting surface. The parallel ramp extensions 14d of ramp elements 12d and 12c engage with the corresponding support mounting areas 52 on the back plate 50 of the dispenser 100. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the dispenser 100 can be mounted in the horizontal position. When mounted in a horizontal position, the inclined ramp extensions 14c of ramp elements 12c and 12a engage with the corresponding support fitting areas 52, while the parallel ramp extensions 14a of ramp elements 12d and 12b engage with the corresponding support fitting areas 52.

[0024] In certain embodiments, one or more of the ramp extensions 14 of each of the ramp elements 12 may friction-engage with one or more support engagement surfaces 52 on the back plate 50 of the dispenser 100. The support engagement areas 52 may include slots or openings configured to friction-engage one or more ramp extensions 14 to secure the back plate 50 of the dispenser 100 to the mounting bracket 10. For example, in embodiments, the back plate 50 of the dispenser 100 may include one or more openings that generally correspond to the same size and shape as the respective ramp extensions 14, so that the desired ramp extensions 14 may engage and fit within the opening to secure the mounting bracket 10 to the back plate 50 of the dispenser 100. The ramp extensions 14 are configured to friction-engage with the engagement areas of the bracket 52 to prevent relative movement of the dispenser. 100 in relation to the mounting bracket 10.It should be understood that the support docking areas 52 may include other locking or locking members suitable for holding the ramp extensions 14 in place when they are engaged with the areas of. Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 19 / 51 / 25 support fitting 52. Furthermore, the support fitting areas 52 can be configured so that the desired ramp extensions 14 can fit within the support fitting areas 52.

[0025] The mounting bracket 10 may further include a mounting bracket locking component 40 that is adapted for friction engagement with the dispenser 100. The mounting bracket locking component 40 further prevents relative movement of the dispenser 100 with respect to the mounting bracket 10. The mounting bracket locking component 40 may be in a lock-lock relationship with the dispenser 100 to provide friction engagement. For example, the mounting bracket locking component 40 may include a flexible tab extending outward from the surface facing the dispenser 22 toward the back plate 50 of the dispenser 100 to friction engage in an opening in the back plate 50 of the dispenser 100. For example, the flexible tab may fit into place with a suitable groove or opening in the back plate 50 of the dispenser 100.In such embodiments, the flexible tab can also be pressed to allow the unlocking of the mounting bracket 10 of the dispenser 100. The locking component of the mounting bracket 40 can also stabilize the mounting bracket 10 on the dispenser 100.

[0026] In embodiments, the mounting bracket 10 may include one or more leveling devices. For example, in certain embodiments, the mounting bracket 10 may include a leveling device 30 generally configured around a longitudinal axis (L) of the mounting bracket 10 to facilitate leveling of the bracket 10 along the longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the mounting bracket 10 may include a leveling device 32 generally configured around a transverse axis (T) of the mounting bracket 10 to facilitate leveling of the bracket 10 along the transverse axis. The leveling device 30 or 32 may be any optical instrument used to check points on Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, p. 20 / 51 / 25 axis so that the support 10 can be leveled. Advantageously, the incorporation of the leveling device 30 and the leveling device 32 allows the support 10 to be installed in a horizontal or vertical orientation without requiring additional devices to level the mounting support 10 or the dispenser 100.

[0027] The mounting bracket 10 may include one or more openings 60 configured to engage one or more fasteners so that the mounting bracket 10 can be fixed to a mounting surface, such as a wall. One or more fasteners may be used to fix the mounting bracket 10 to the mounting surface. The fastener may include any hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects. The fastener(s) may be used to join the mounting bracket 10 to a mounting surface. The fastener(s) may include those that are capable of creating non-permanent joints, i.e., the joint can be removed or disassembled without damaging the joined components. Thus, the selected fastener(s) may be used to removablely join the mounting bracket 10 to the mounting surface. Any suitable fastener may be used.Suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to, anchors, screws, nails, nuts, pins, staples, rivets, rods, bolts, clips, washers, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the fastener(s) include a screw.

[0028] The dispenser 100 includes a back plate 50 and a front cover 114. The front cover 114 is configured so that, when in a closed position (as shown), the front cover 114 encloses at least a portion of said back plate 50, forming a housing with an internal volume such as to retain at least one dispenseable product. The interior volume of the housing may be configured to contain the operating components of the dispenser and the dispenseable product. The housing may also be configured to include an opening through the Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, p. 21 / 51 / 25 which a dispensable product is distributed. In certain embodiments, the dispenser may include a roll of sheet material, such as a roll of paper towels or toilet paper to be dispensed.

[0029] The back plate 50 may also include one or more walls extending laterally from the back plate 50. The back plate 50 may form at least part of the top wall, part of the side walls, or part of the bottom of the dispenser. In addition, when in a closed position, the front cover 114 may form at least part of the top wall, side walls, and / or bottom wall of the dispenser 100.

[0030] The dispenser 100 may also include any conventional locking mechanism 40 for securing the front cover 114 to the back plate 50. For example, the locking mechanism 40 may include a keyhole to allow the locking mechanism 40 to be locked. Any latch and / or locking mechanism may be used to lock the front cover 114 to the back plate 50 to prevent tampering with the internal components of the dispenser 100.

[0031] With reference now to Figures 7-12, various embodiments of the dispenser 200 made in accordance with this disclosure are illustrated. As shown in Figure 7, the dispenser 200 includes a back plate 212 and a lid 214. The lid 214 is configured in such a way that when in a closed position (as shown), the lid 214 encloses at least a portion of said back plate 212 forming a housing with an internal volume so as to retain at least one dispenseable product. The dispenser 200 includes a circular mounting bracket 220.

[0032] The backplate 212 may also include one or more walls extending laterally from the backplate 212. The backplate 212 may form at least a portion of the top wall 240 of the dispenser 200. The backplate 212 may also form at least a portion of the side walls 242 of the dispenser 200. Still, the backplate 212 may Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 22 / 51 / 25 form at least a portion of the lower wall 244 of the dispenser. As shown, when in the closed position, the front cover 214 can form at least a portion of the upper wall 240, side walls 242 and / or lower wall 244 of the dispenser 200.

[0033] The backplate 212 also includes a first side 224 and a second side 226, the second side 226 having a support engagement area 230 thereon. The support engagement area 30 may include any recess of suitable shape for engagement with the mounting bracket 220. As shown, the support engagement area 230 may include a recess extending from the bottom of the backplate 212 to the center of the dispenser backplate 212. The support engagement area 230 may be conical in shape having a larger opening at the bottom of the backplate 212 that gradually tapers around the longitudinal axis of the backplate 212 to a rounded top.The engagement area of ​​the support 230 can be configured in any shape so that the back plate 212 can slide over at least a portion of the mounting bracket 220 and securely engage with the mounting bracket 220, thereby securing the back plate 212 of the dispenser 200 to a mounting surface, such as a wall.

[0034] In embodiments, the mounting bracket 220 is a circular mounting bracket. Although in other embodiments the mounting bracket 220 may be more oval or elliptical in nature. The mounting bracket 220 includes a front plate 222. The front plate 222 has a first surface 225 and a second surface 227. The first surface 225 faces the dispenser 200 when the dispenser 200 is mounted on the mounting bracket 220. The second surface 227 faces the mounting surface, such as a wall surface, when the mounting bracket 220 is mounted on said surface. The first surface 225 includes at least one annular flange 228 extending laterally from Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 23 / 51 / 25 of the first surface 225 of the front plate 222. The annular flange 228 extends annullarily outward from the perimeter of the front plate 222. The annular flange 228 has a first end 232 configured to the front plate 222 of the mounting bracket 220 and a second end 234 that extends from the first end 232 and away from the perimeter of the front plate 222. In certain embodiments, the annular flange 228 may be integrally molded into the front plate 222. In certain other embodiments, the annular flange 228 may be a separate part that is then attached to the first surface 224 of the front plate 222 in any suitable manner. The annular flange 228 can be attached to the front panel 222 by any suitable adhesive process, including thermal bonding, fusion bonding, or using an adhesive suitable for attaching the annular flange 228 to the front panel 222.As mentioned, in certain embodiments, the annular flange 228 is formed integrally as part of the face plate 222 during a molding process, such as injection molding.

[0035] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, in certain embodiments, the faceplate 222 includes one or more holes 236 configured to receive a fastener 250 for securing the mounting bracket 220 to the mounting surface. One or more holes 236 may be spatially configured in any suitable manner in the faceplate 222 to ensure a secure connection of the mounting bracket 220 to the mounting surface. For example, in certain embodiments, as shown in Figures 8 to 9, one or more holes 236 include at least three holes equidistant around the perimeter of the faceplate 222 of the mounting bracket 220. However, while a three-hole embodiment is shown, the disclosure is not so limited. In fact, any number of holes in any suitable pattern may be used in the faceplate 222 provided in this document.For example, certain models may include at least four holes, such as at least five holes, such as at least six holes, such as at least. Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 24 / 51 / 25 seven holes, as well as at least eight holes. The holes 236 can be arranged in any type of pattern, such as rectangular, square, elliptical, circular, etc., on the front plate 222. In certain embodiments, one or more holes 236 can be configured in an anti-ligature arrangement or pattern. For example, in an anti-ligature arrangement, the holes are strategically placed on the front plate 222 so that the embedded break points are reached. Thus, when the mounting bracket 220 is attached to a mounting surface using the anti-ligature arranged holes, the bracket 220 will release from the mounting surface when a certain amount of force is exerted on the bracket 220. The force can be applied directly to the bracket 220 itself or to the dispenser 200 mounted on the bracket 220.Anti-ligature holes can be used when the 200 dispenser is being mounted on a surface in an environment with a high suicide rate, such as medical facilities, prisons, detention centers, and mental health facilities. In these high-suicide-rate environments, various structures within a facility room can be used as anchor points in suicide attempts. Thus, configuring the 220 mounting bracket to include an anti-ligature design allows the dispenser disclosed here to be used in high-suicide-rate environments, which may not be possible for other dispensers that lack anti-ligature mounting capabilities.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the mounting bracket 220 also includes a central hole 238 to facilitate placement of the mounting bracket 220 on the mounting surface. The central hole 238 can be used to mark the placement of the bracket 220 and the dispenser 200 on the mounting surface, such as a wall. In other embodiments, the central hole 238 can be aligned with a previously marked point, so that multiple mounting brackets 220 can be mounted uniformly and level across a mounting surface. Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, p. 25 / 51 / 25

[0037] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, one or more fasteners 250 can be used to attach the mounting bracket 220 to a mounting surface 255, such as a wall. The fastener 250 can include any hardware device that mechanically joins two or more objects together. The fastener(s) can be used to attach the mounting bracket 220 to a mounting surface 255. The fastener(s) 250 can include those capable of creating non-permanent joints, i.e., the joint can be removed or disassembled without damaging the joined components. Thus, the selected fastener(s) can be used to removablely attach the mounting bracket 220 to the mounting surface. Any suitable fastener can be used. Suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to, anchors, screws, nails, nuts, pins, staples, rivets, rods, bolts, clips, washers, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the fastener(s) include a screw.

[0038] As shown in Figure 10, the engagement area of ​​the support 230 may include at least one locking means 260 configured to engage with the flange 228 to secure the mounting support 220 to the mounting surface. In certain embodiments, the locking means 260 include a recess to generally accept and secure the flange 228 of the mounting support 220. In embodiments where the locking means 260 include a recess, the recess may generally have a complementary shape to accept and secure the flange 228 of the mounting support 220. The locking means 260 may include a partial recess, such as a cavity, to receive and lock with the flange 228 of the mounting support 220. The flange 228 is an annular flange corresponding to the 360° perimeter of the circular mounting support 220.Thus, in certain embodiments, when flange 228 is engaged in the locking means 260 of the engagement area of ​​support 230, at least from about 220° to about 250° of flange 228 is engaged in the locking means 260 when the back plate 212 is fixed to the mounting bracket. Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 26 / 51 / 25 220. (See Figure 13). Securing the flange 228 at at least approximately 220° to approximately 250° with the locking means 260 ensures that the backplate 212 is securely mounted on the mounting bracket 220.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the back plate 212 includes a first side 224 facing the inside of the dispenser and a second side 226 facing the mounting surface when the back plate 212 is mounted on the mounting surface. The back plate 212 may include a fastener indicator 266. The fastener indicator 266 may be any mark, such as a dot, x mark, small hole, pin hole, small cavity, or combinations thereof. The fastener indicator 266 provides an indication of where to place a screw, such as a self-tapping screw, so that the back plate 212 can be further secured to the flange 228 of the mounting bracket 220. (See Figures 10 to 12). In these embodiments, the user can use the fastening indicators 266 on the first side 224 of the backplate 212 to further fasten and secure the backplate 212 to the flange 228 of the mounting bracket 220. In certain embodiments, one or more fastening indicators 266 may be present.

[0040] The dispenser 200 includes a housing 216 which may have any desired general form. The housing 216 may include a two-part configuration. For example, the housing may include a back plate 212 and a front cover 214. The front cover 214 may be hingedly mounted to the back plate 212 using any suitable means. For example, in one embodiment, hinges may be used to connect the front cover 214 to the back plate 212. Alternatively, the front cover 214 may be completely separable from the back plate 212. The front cover 214 is movable from a closed to an open position. In embodiments, the front cover 214 defines the front face and at least a portion of the side walls 242 and the top wall 240. In certain embodiments, the back plate 212 forms at least a portion of the wall. Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, p. 27 / 51 / 25 upper 240, side walls 242 and lower part 244. In certain embodiments, the front cover 214 may have side walls that cooperate with the side walls of the back plate 212. The housing 216 defines an interior volume to house the operating components of the dispenser 200, as well as the dispenseable product. In certain embodiments, the dispenseable product may be a roll or rolls of sheet material, including a main roll and an end roll. The dispenser 200 may also include any conventional locking mechanism to secure the front cover 214 to the back plate 212. The housing 216 further includes an opening through which a dispenseable product, such as sheet material, is dispensed.

[0041] The dispenser configurations illustrated in the figures are merely illustrative of any number of dispenser configurations known to those skilled in the art that may incorporate the mounting support embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, a detailed explanation of the structural and control features of the dispensers is not necessary for the purposes of explaining the system and method of the present disclosure.

[0042] The operating components of the dispensers disclosed in this document may be mounted directly on the back plate or may be part of a module that is received within the housing. For example, the operating components may be part of a module that can be easily removed from the housing for maintenance and / or component replacement without the need to remove the entire dispenser from its support surface.

[0043] In addition, methods are provided here for mounting a dispenser on a mounting surface, such as a wall. The method involves placing a circular mounting bracket in a desired wall location. The mounting bracket may include a central hole designed to allow the user to correctly position the mounting bracket on Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 28 / 51 / 25 a mark on the wall. The mounting bracket includes a front plate including at least one raised flange of a first surface of the front plate. The flange extends outward along the periphery of the front plate. The circular mounting bracket may be fixed to the wall with one or more fasteners. For example, in certain embodiments, the mounting bracket may include one or more holes in the front plate configured to receive and engage a fastener to secure the mounting bracket to a mounting surface. Suitable fasteners may include screws.

[0044] In certain embodiments, a dispenser indicator may be used and placed on the mounting bracket to ensure correct placement of the mounting bracket on the wall. For example, in certain embodiments, the dispenser indicator may include a cardboard cutout corresponding to the dimensions of the dispenser's backplate. In this way, the dispenser indicator can be used to determine or ensure the proper location of the dispenser on a mounting surface, such as a wall.

[0045] The method also includes attaching the back plate of the dispenser to the mounting bracket by sliding a second side of the back plate with an engagement area of ​​the bracket including at least one locking means on the flange to secure the back plate to the mounting bracket, so that from about 220° to about 250° the flange engages the locking means when the back plate is attached to the mounting bracket.

[0046] Advantageously, the use of the mounting brackets according to this disclosure does not require additional steps or tools to level the mounting bracket on the mounting surface. In certain embodiments, additional leveling of the dispenser on the mounting bracket(s) may also not be necessary when the disclosed mounting brackets are used.

[0047] Certain aspects of this disclosure include Petition 870220112940, of 05 / 12 / 2022, page 29 / 51 / 25 as follows: (1) A dispenser mountable on a mounting surface, the dispenser comprising: a backplate adapted to be mounted on the surface, wherein the backplate comprises a first side and a second and opposite side, wherein the second side comprises a support engagement area; a cover enclosing at least part of said backplate when in the closed condition forming a housing with an internal volume so as to retain at least one dispenseable product;and a circular mounting bracket having a front panel containing one or more holes configured to receive a fastener for securing the mounting bracket to a wall, wherein the front panel comprises at least one raised flange of a first surface of the front panel, wherein the flange extends outward along the periphery of the front panel, wherein the engagement area of ​​the bracket comprises at least one locking means configured to engage the flange to secure the back panel to the mounting bracket.

[0048] (2) The dispenser of (1), in which from about 220° to about The 250° angle of the flange engages with the locking mechanisms when the backplate is attached to the mounting bracket.

[0049] (3) The dispenser of (1), wherein the attachment area of ​​the support comprises a recessed cavity on the second side of the back plate.

[0050] (4) The dispenser of (3), in which the recessed cavity has a conical shape to facilitate the sliding of the back plate over the mounting bracket to secure the back plate to the mounting bracket.

[0051] (5) The dispenser of (1), wherein the second side of the back plate is flush with the mounting surface when attached to the mounting bracket.

[0052] (6) The dispenser of (1), wherein the mounting bracket comprises a central hole to facilitate placement of the mounting bracket on the mounting surface. Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 30 / 51 / 25

[0053] (7) The dispenser of (1), wherein the first side of the back plate includes at least one fastener indicator, wherein the fastener indicator is positioned so that when a fastener is inserted into the fastener indicator, the fastener further secures the back plate to the support mount.

[0054] (8) The dispenser of (1), further comprising a dispensing mechanism contained within the housing for dispensing the dispenseable product comprising a roll of sheet material.

[0055] (9) A dispenser as defined in (8), wherein the sheet material roll comprises a roll of paper towels for dispensing paper towels from the dispenser.

[0056] (10) A dispenser as defined in (9), wherein the interior volume of the housing has a volume such as to hold at least two rolls of sheet material.

[0057] (11) The dispenser of (1), further comprising a dispensing mechanism contained within the housing for dispensing the dispenseable product which is liquid.

[0058] (12) The dispenser of (1), in which one or more holes in the mounting bracket are configured in an anti-ligature pattern.

[0059] (13) The dispenser of (13), wherein the lid further comprises at least one pin located along the edge of the lid, the pin for separating the lid from the back plate when pressure is applied to facilitate the unhooking of the lid from the back plate.

[0060] (14) The dispenser of (1), in which the lid is hingedly attached to the back plate.

[0061] (15) A method for mounting a dispenser on a wall, comprising: placing a circular mounting bracket in a desired wall location, wherein the mounting bracket includes a front panel comprising at least one raised flange of a first surface of the front panel, wherein the flange extends outward along the periphery of the Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 31 / 51 / 25 front plate; fix the mounting bracket to the wall with one or more fasteners; fix the dispenser back plate to the mounting bracket by sliding a second side of the back plate with a support engagement area including at least one locking means on the flange to secure the back plate to the mounting bracket, so that from about 220° to about 250° the flange is engaged with the locking means when the back plate is fixed to the mounting bracket.

[0062] (16) The method of (15), which consists of marking the location of the mounting bracket on the wall using a central hole located in the mounting bracket.

[0063] (17) The method of (15), which consists of attaching a dispenser indicator to the mounting bracket to ensure correct placement of the mounting bracket on the wall.

[0064] (18) The method of (17), in which the dispenser indicator includes a cardboard cutout corresponding to the dimensions of the back plate.

[0065] (19) The method of (15), wherein the method requires no additional steps to level the mounting bracket or to level the dispenser on the mounting bracket.

[0066] (20) The method of (15), wherein the mounting bracket includes a front plate with one or more holes configured to receive a fastener for attaching the mounting bracket to a wall and, optionally, wherein one or more holes are configured in a ligature pattern.

[0067] These and other modifications and variations of the present invention may be practiced by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that the details of the various embodiments may be modified in whole or in part. In addition, persons of ordinary skill in the art will note that the description presented is intended only to... Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 32 / 51 / 25 example, and should not be interpreted as a limitation of the invention, described in more detail in the attached claims. Petition 870220112940, dated 05 / 12 / 2022, page 33 / 51

Claims

1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. Surface-mountable dispenser (22, 100, 200), the dispenser (22, 100, 200) comprises: a backplate (20, 50, 212) adapted for surface mounting, wherein the backplate (20, 50, 212) includes a first side (224) and a second and opposite side, wherein the second side (226) includes one or more support fitting areas (52); a front cover (114, 214) enclosing at least part of said backplate (20, 50, 212) and when in the closed state forming a housing (216) with an interior volume such as to retain at least one dispenseable product; and a mounting bracket (10, 220) including a base plate (20) having a mounting surface and a surface facing the dispenser (22, 100, 200), the mounting bracket (10, 220) having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end having a first ramp element (12) including an inclined ramp extension (14b,14c) and a second ramp element (12) including an inclined ramp extension, the lower end including a third ramp element with a parallel ramp extension (14a, 14d) and a fourth ramp member with a parallel ramp extension (14a, 14d), wherein the angled ramp extensions and the parallel ramp extensions frictionally engage the support fitting areas (52) to secure the back plate (20, 50, 212) of the dispenser (22, 100, 200) to the mounting bracket (10, 220) when the dispenser (22, 100, 200) is mounted in a first position or in a second position that is different from the first position, characterized in that the first ramp element (12) comprises at least two parallel ramp extensions (14a, 14d) and at least two angled ramp extensions (14b, 14c), the second ramp member (12) comprises at least two parallel ramp extensions (14a, Petition 870260065904, dated 03 / 07 / 2026,pg. 10 / 19 2 / 5 14d) and at least two angled ramp extensions (14b, 14c), the third ramp member (12) comprises at least two parallel ramp extensions (14a, 14d) and at least two angled ramp extensions (14b, 14c) and the fourth ramp member (12) comprises at least two parallel ramp extensions (14a, 14d) and at least two angled ramp extensions (14b, 14c), and wherein the dispenser further comprises, for each ramp element, a ramp surface angle α between the parallel ramp extensions of the ramp member and the angled ramp extensions of the ramp member, wherein the ramp surface angle α is from 20° to 80°; and wherein the fitting areas of the support (52) comprise grooves configured to securely fit parallel ramp extensions or angled ramp extensions.

2. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first position is a horizontal position and the second position is a vertical position.

3. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 2, characterized in that when the dispenser is mounted on the mounting bracket (10, 220) in the vertical position, angled ramp extensions at the upper end of the bracket engage with the coupling areas of the bracket (52) along the upper end of the mounting bracket (10, 220), while parallel ramp extensions at the lower end of the bracket engage with the coupling areas of the bracket (52) along the lower end of the mounting bracket; and when the dispenser (22, 100, 200) is mounted on the mounting bracket (10, 220) in the horizontal position, angled ramp extensions at the upper end of the bracket engage with the coupling areas of the bracket (52) along the upper end of the mounting bracket (10, 220), Petition 870260065904, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, p.11 / 19 3 / 5 while parallel ramp extensions at the lower end of the support engage in the coupling areas (52) along the lower end of the mounting bracket (10, 220).

4. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each of the first, second, third and fourth ramp members comprises: first and second parallel ramp extensions, wherein the first and second parallel ramp extensions are parallel to each other; and first and second angled ramp extensions, wherein the first and second angled ramp extensions are angled with respect to the parallel ramp extension of the ramp member; and wherein: when the dispenser (22, 100, 200) is mounted on the mounting bracket (10, 220) in the vertical position, the first angled ramp extensions at the upper end of the bracket engage with the coupling areas of the bracket (52) along the upper end of the bracket, while the first parallel ramp extensions at the lower end of the bracket engage with the coupling areas of the bracket (52) along the lower end of the mounting bracket (10, 220);and when the dispenser (22, 100, 200) is mounted on the mounting bracket (10, 220) in the horizontal position, the second angled ramp extensions at the upper end of the bracket (52) engage with the bracket coupling areas along the upper end of the bracket, while the second parallel ramp extensions at the lower end of the bracket engage with the bracket coupling areas (52) along the lower end of the bracket.

5. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base plate (20) is a rectangular plate with four corners having at least one ramp element (12) extending from Petition 870260065904, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 12 / 19 4 / 5 each of the four corners of the base plate (20).

6. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base plate (20) comprises a locking component of the mounting bracket (10, 220) configured to engage in a recess or groove on the second side (226) of the back plate (20, 50, 212) of the dispenser (22, 100, 200) to further secure the dispenser (22, 100, 200) to the mounting bracket (10, 220).

7. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 6, characterized in that the locking component of the mounting bracket (10, 220) can be pressed to facilitate the removal of the dispenser (22, 100, 200) from the mounting bracket (10, 220).

8. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting bracket (10, 220) includes at least one leveling device (30, 32) oriented parallel to a transverse axis of the mounting bracket (10, 220).

9. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting bracket (10, 220) includes at least one leveling device (30, 32) oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mounting bracket (10, 220).

10. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting bracket (10, 220) includes one or more openings (60) configured to receive one or more fasteners for mounting the bracket on the surface.

11. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 10, characterized in that one or more fasteners comprise one or more screws.

12. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a dispensing mechanism contained within the housing (216) for dispensing the product Petition 870260065904, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 13 / 19 5 / 5 dispensable, wherein the dispensable product is a roll of sheet material.

13. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 12, characterized in that the sheet material roll comprises a roll of paper towels for dispensing paper towels from the dispenser (22, 100, 200).

14. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 12, characterized in that the interior volume of the box has a volume such as to hold at least two rolls of sheet material.

15. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a dispensing mechanism contained within the housing (216) for dispensing the dispenseable product which is liquid.

16. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the front cover (114, 214) onto the back plate (20, 50, 212).

17. Dispenser (22, 100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the front cover (114, 214) is articulatedly fixed to the rear plate (20, 50, 212). Petition 870260065904, dated 03 / 07 / 2026, page 14 / 19

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