Dispenser and method with pull-down feature

Abstract

A dispenser facilitates loading of a new roll of material and removal of an empty core. The dispenser includes a carrier roll spaced apart from a pair of abutment rolls. As a roll of material is dispensed, the diameter of the roll decreases, causing the roll to fall from the carrier roll to a collection device. A transfer assembly pivots with the roll so that the sheet material continues to be dispensed from the dispenser without interruption. Once the roll of material falls to the collection device, a new roll of material can be loaded into the dispenser for automatic transfer to the new roll when the first roll of material has been completely depleted.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Restrooms in commercial and residential buildings typically include liquid products such as toilet paper, tissues, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and soap, as well as aerosol products such as air fresheners. These products are usually contained in dispensers and dispensed according to user needs. Currently, cleaners or maintenance personnel patrol the buildings they work in to maintain restrooms, or are dispatched to maintain specific restrooms or dispensers after a problem arises. Post-incident repairs of restroom issues lead to numerous tenant complaints and overall dissatisfaction. Furthermore, cleaning or maintenance personnel resources are concentrated on maintaining emergencies, diverting them from other tasks. Additionally, product waste is high because cleaners or maintenance personnel tend to replace products before the dispensers are emptied to avoid running out of products before they return to maintain the dispensers again.

[0002] In light of the foregoing, those skilled in the art have devoted considerable time to designing intelligent dispensers aimed at overcoming the aforementioned problems. For example, dispensers have been designed to monitor product usage and levels to prevent waste. Additionally, electronic towel dispensers are designed to automatically dispense a fixed length of towel material upon sensing the presence of a user. This type of dispenser is known in the art as a "manually-free" dispenser because the user does not need to manually activate or otherwise dispose of the dispenser to initiate a dispensing cycle. The control systems and mechanical aspects of manually-free dispensers are extensive and diverse.

[0003] However, regardless of the features and controls built into the dispenser, the product still requires manual replenishment. For example, when maintaining a regular tissue dispenser, maintenance personnel typically have to remove any empty cores from the dispenser; remove any partially used rolls from the main roll support arm and install them on the residual roll support arm; and install new rolls of sheet tissue on the main roll support arm. In many cases, maintenance personnel will discard partially used rolls instead of moving them to the residual roll support arm, resulting in significant product waste. Additionally, threading the leading edge of a new roll of tissue tissue into the dispenser can sometimes be a complex process, potentially leading to user errors. These operations often take a considerable amount of time, especially when restroom facilities or buildings contain many different tissue dispensers.

[0004] Given the above, sheet material dispensers still require further improvement. In particular, a dispenser with a dispenser mechanism is needed that can fully dispense and deplete a roll of material without requiring manual movement of the roll within the dispenser. A dispenser for sheet products is also needed where new rolls can be easily loaded and hollow cores can be easily removed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In general, this disclosure relates to a dispenser for sheet materials such as tissue paper, which reduces the time and effort required to load new products into the dispenser and remove any hollow cores.

[0006] For example, in one aspect, this disclosure relates to a dispenser for sheet material. The dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume for holding at least one roll of sheet material. The dispenser also includes a dispensing mechanism housed within the housing for dispensing the sheet material. The dispensing mechanism includes a support device for holding the roll of sheet material. A collecting device is positioned below the support device. The collecting device is positioned to receive a roll of sheet material that has been at least partially consumed. The dispenser mechanism also includes a pair of spaced-apart abutting devices spaced apart from the support device. When the roll of sheet material is loaded onto the support device, the roll abuts against both the support device and the abutting devices as the sheet material is dispensed. For example, in one embodiment, the abutting devices include spaced-apart rollers that rotate as the roll of sheet material is dispensed by the dispenser.

[0007] As the roll of sheet material loaded on the support device and the adjacent device is dispensed, the diameter of the roll decreases. According to this disclosure, the diameter of the roll of sheet material decreases until the size of the roll allows it to fall between the support device and the adjacent device and onto the collecting device.

[0008] The dispenser mechanism also includes a conveying assembly that guides and drives sheet material from a roll of sheet material loaded in the dispenser through a dispensing opening. The conveying assembly includes a conveying shoe spaced apart from the drive roller. The conveying shoe guides the sheet material into operative engagement with the drive roller for dispensing sheet material from the dispenser. The conveying assembly is configured to pivot or move as the roll of sheet material falls between the support device and the adjacent device to continue dispensing sheet material from partially consumed rolls located on the collection device. In this way, as the roll of material is dispensed from within the dispenser, it changes position within the dispenser without any manual interaction and simultaneously dispenses sheet material continuously. Therefore, new rolls of material can be loaded into the dispenser quickly and efficiently without having to manipulate partially consumed rolls.

[0009] The support assembly described above may include a support roller rotatably mounted on an axial member. The support assembly may include spaced-apart partitions attached to the support roller. The partitions may be spaced apart sufficiently to position a roll of sheet material therebetween. The support assembly may also include a latching device that allows the support roller to rotate toward the conveying assembly only when the roll of sheet material is exhausted and falls onto the collecting device. In this way, when the diameter of the roll of material decreases to a point where the roll can pass between the support assembly and the adjacent device, gravity causes the partially consumed roll of material to rotate the support assembly, thereby causing the partially consumed roll to fall onto the collecting device.

[0010] The collection device may include an arcuate disc partially surrounding the support assembly. The collection device may have a shape sufficient to hold multiple hollow cores collected from a fully distributed roll of sheet material.

[0011] The conveying assembly may include at least one belt extending around a drive roller and a conveyor shoe. This belt may be driven by the drive roller and, when pressed against sheet material, may facilitate the movement of the sheet material through the dispenser. The conveyor shoe may be a conveyor roller that rotates as the at least one belt moves. The conveyor shoe may have dimensions or lengths that allow passage between adjacent devices as the material roll falls from the support assembly onto the collection device. For example, the conveyor shoe may move from a first position to a second position as the sheet material roll falls onto the collection device. In one embodiment, the conveyor shoe may be biased toward the first position. As the material roll falls onto the collection device, the sheet material may be pushed against the conveyor shoe, causing the conveyor shoe to move to the second position, which allows for uninterrupted dispensing of the sheet material. When the material roll is completely exhausted, the conveyor shoe may then pivot back to the first position to engage a new material roll. For example, in one embodiment, the dispensing mechanism may also include a feeding device for receiving the free end of the sheet material roll loaded onto the support assembly. The feeding device can be configured to automatically feed the free end of the sheet material roll into the conveying device when the conveying device moves back to the first position after the material roll has been completely exhausted.

[0012] This disclosure also relates to a method for dispensing a roll of sheet material. The method includes loading the roll of sheet material onto a support device. The roll of material abuts against a surface of the support device and against a pair of spaced-apart abutment devices. The sheet material is dispensed through a dispensing opening, and wherein, as the roll of material is dispensed, the diameter of the roll decreases to the extent that the roll falls between the support device and the abutment devices and onto a collecting device. The method further includes continuously dispensing the roll of material from the collecting device until the roll of material is completely exhausted.

[0013] Other features and aspects of this disclosure are discussed in more detail below. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The disclosure, which is comprehensive and enables the implementation of this disclosure, is set forth in more detail in the remainder of the specification and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dispenser that can be manufactured according to this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the distribution mechanism manufactured according to this disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3 Is it possible to... Figure 2A perspective view of the delivery components used together with the distribution mechanism shown;

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Another perspective view of the distribution mechanism shown;

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of a portion of the distribution mechanism shown;

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Side view of the distribution mechanism shown;

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the distribution mechanism shown;

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the distribution mechanism shown;

[0023] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the distribution mechanism shown;

[0024] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the distribution mechanism shown;

[0025] Figure 11 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the distribution mechanism shown;

[0026] Figure 12 yes Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the distribution mechanism shown; and

[0027] Figure 13 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the distribution mechanism.

[0028] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Those skilled in the art will understand that this discussion is merely a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of this disclosure.

[0030] This disclosure relates throughout to dispensers and / or dispenser assemblies for sheet materials. The dispensers of this disclosure allow for easy loading of new rolls of sheet material and removal of hollow cores. The design of this disclosure also allows for continuous dispensing of material rolls as the roll diameter decreases until completely consumed. According to this disclosure, the dispenser is configured to allow partially consumed or dispensed material rolls to move from a loading position to a partially dispensing position, wherein sheet material is continuously dispensed during the conversion process without any manual operation.

[0031] More specifically, the dispenser of this disclosure provides a means for supporting an entire roll of product on a rear support and a pair of spaced-apart adjacent devices in front. The sheet roll of product is dispensed from a loading position, and its diameter decreases as material is dispensed. When the roll reaches the appropriate smaller diameter, it falls onto a collecting device within the dispenser between the support and the adjacent devices. As the sheet roll falls, the sheet material automatically positions a conveying assembly to allow not only the loading of new rolls of material within the dispenser but also the continuous dispensing of material from the falling roll until it is completely depleted. Once the roll is completely depleted, the conveying assembly returns to its initial position and engages with the leading edge of a new roll of material.

[0032] For example, see Figures 1 to 13 An embodiment of a dispenser manufactured according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the dispenser 10 may include a dispenser housing 12 that defines an internal volume to hold at least one roll of material. The housing may also cover a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the roll of material in a sheet-by-sheet manner. For example, the housing 12 may define a dispensing opening 14 for dispensing sheet material to a user.

[0033] See Figure 2 This illustration shows one embodiment of a dispensing mechanism that can be included in a dispenser 10 according to the present disclosure. The dispensing mechanism includes a support device 16, which is designed to receive, for example... Figure 6 The sheet material roll is shown. The support assembly 16 includes a support roller 18 rotatably mounted on an axial member 20. The support roller 18 includes a plurality of partition plates 22. The partition plates 22 are spaced apart around the circumference of the support roller 18. The partition plates 22 are spaced apart to allow the entire material roll to be placed between adjacent partition plates and rest on the support roller 18.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, each partition plate 22 may include a partition plate flap 24. The partition plate flap 24 protrudes outward from the circumference of the support roller 18.

[0035] The collecting device 30 is located below the support device 16. For example... Figure 2As shown, the collecting device 30 may have an arcuate shape partially surrounding the support roller 18. The collecting device 30 is also located below the support assembly 16. As will be described in more detail below, the arcuate disc-shaped collecting device is sized and positioned to receive a partially unfolded roll of sheet material from the support assembly 16, and collects the hollow core once the roll of sheet material is completely exhausted. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As specifically shown, the collecting device 30 defines an alignment channel 26. The alignment channel 26 is used to receive the separator blades 24 as the support roller 18 rotates. The collecting device 30 and the support roller 18 can be positioned to engage with each other such that at least one separator blade 24 is always present within the alignment channel 26. In this way, displacement or disalignment of the support roller 18 in the axial direction is prevented.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the support roller 18 includes three partition plates 22. However, it should be understood that the support roller 18 may include fewer or more partition plates 22. For example, the support roller 18 may include about two to about eight partition plates. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the use of three partition plates 22 has been found to be optimal.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the support assembly 16 may further include a latching device 28. The latching device 28 may be mounted to the housing 12 and may engage the support roller 18. The latching device 18 is any suitable device that allows the support roller 18 to rotate clockwise but prevents rotation counterclockwise. In the illustrated embodiment, the latching device 28 includes a stop member that engages a flap on the support roller.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the dispensing mechanism may also include a pair of spaced-apart abutment devices 32. For example... Figure 6 As shown, when the entire sheet material roll 80 is loaded onto the dispensing mechanism, the sheet material roll 80 abuts against the support roller 18 and the abutment device 32. In one aspect, the abutment device 32 is a roller that rotates as the sheet material 82 is dispensed from the roll 80. The abutment device 32 is spaced apart from the support roller 18, leaving a gap or space between them to allow the partially unrolled roll to fall between the two components and onto the collecting device 30.

[0039] Distribution agencies also include Figure 3 The conveying assembly 34 is specifically shown. The conveying assembly 34 guides the sheet material from the roll of sheet material mounted on the support assembly 16 through the dispensing opening 14. See also... Figure 3The conveying assembly 34 includes a conveyor shoe 36 positioned from the drive roller 38. A pair of belts 40 extend around the drive roller 38 and the conveyor shoe 36. In one embodiment, the conveyor shoe 36 may be a conveyor roller that rotates as the belts 40 are moved by the drive roller 38. When the belts 40 press against the sheet material, it facilitates the movement of the sheet material through the dispensing mechanism.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the conveyor shoe 36 has a shorter length than the drive roller 38. More specifically, the conveyor shoe 36 has a length that allows it to move between adjacent devices 32, such as... Figure 2 Specifically, during operation, for example, the conveyor shoe 36 remains in contact with sheet material dispensed from the sheet material roll. The conveyor shoe 36 pivots from a first position to a second position, in which the entire material roll rests on the support roller 18, and in the second position, the partially consumed sheet material roll rests on the collection device 30. The conveyor assembly 34 may also include a conveyor flap 42. The conveyor flap 42 is designed to engage a spring, which may be mounted on, for example, the housing 12, to bias the conveyor shoe 36 to the first position.

[0041] See Figure 2 The dispensing mechanism also includes a pressure roller 44. The pressure roller 44 is positioned adjacent to the drive roller 38 of the conveying assembly 34. A gap is formed between the drive roller 38 and the pressure roller 44 to receive the dispensed sheet material. As the drive roller 38 rotates, the sheet material is conveyed through the gap and discharged through the dispensing opening 14.

[0042] Distribution agencies also include, for example, Figure 2 As shown and especially as Figure 9 The feeding device 46 is shown. The feeding device 46 is used to receive the free end 92 of a new roll of sheet material 90. (As shown...) Figure 9 As shown, when the partially unfolded sheet material roll 80 is used up from the collection device 30, the feeding device 46 holds the free end 92 of the sheet material roll 90. When the sheet material roll 80 is completely exhausted, the transfer shoe 36 of the transfer assembly 34 pivots back to the first position and engages with the free end 92 of the new sheet material roll 90 to engage with the sheet material 92 and dispense the sheet material from the dispenser 10.

[0043] See Figures 6 to 13 The operation of the distribution mechanism is shown step-by-step. For example... Figure 6As shown, the entire sheet roll 80 is loaded onto the support assembly 16. Additionally, the sheet roll 80 spans the distance between the support roller 18 and the abutment device 32. Therefore, the sheet roll 80 also abuts against the abutment device 32. When a new sheet roll 80 is installed into the dispensing mechanism without any other sheet rolls present, the sheet roll is loaded onto the support assembly 16, and the leading edge of the sheet 82 is positioned to contact the conveyor assembly 34. For example, in one aspect, the operator can apply pressure to the conveyor flaps 42 of the conveyor assembly 34, causing the conveyor shoe 36 to pivot for placing the sheet 82 between the conveyor assembly and the feed device 46. Once the leading edge 82 of the sheet material has been placed adjacent to the conveyor assembly 34, the user can press the sheet feed button (not shown) to load the sheet between the drive roller 38 and the pressure roller 44. The belt 40 facilitates the movement of the sheet material 82 and guides it into the gap formed between the drive roller 38 and the pressure roller 44.

[0044] Once loaded into dispenser 10, sheet material 82 is dispensed as needed through dispensing opening 14. Not shown, the dispenser may include any suitable cutting device for dispensing sheet material 82 as individual sheets. For example, the cutting device may be a cutting bar for automatically cutting or perforating material, or alternatively, a user may grasp the sheet hanging from below the bottom portion of the housing and pull it against the cutting or tearing bar, causing the sheet to tear and separate along the line defined by the tearing or cutting bar.

[0045] The dispensing mechanism can be powered by batteries contained in a battery compartment or by an AC dispensing system. If the dispenser includes batteries, it may also include sensors for determining battery power levels. Additionally, the dispenser may include a controller and control circuitry. The controller and control circuitry can control and monitor all functions of the dispenser 10, including the length of the dispensed material sheets, product usage, and any other activities occurring within the dispenser. The controller can be configured to communicate information about the dispenser 10 to a central control system via a wired device or a web-based system.

[0046] In one embodiment, dispenser 10 may include a sensor designed to detect the presence of a user in a detection area. Once the presence of a user is detected, dispenser 10 can be configured to automatically dispense sheet products.

[0047] When the sheet material 82 is dispensed, the diameter of the material roll 80 decreases. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, the sheet material roll 80 is depicted as being in a partially consumed state. Ultimately, the diameter of the sheet material roll 80 is reduced to a point where it can fall between the support roller 18 and the adjacent device 32, as shown in... Figure 7 As specifically shown in the text. For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, some of the consumed material rolls 80 fall onto the collection device 30 by gravity, causing the support rollers 18 to rotate.

[0048] The distance between the support roller 18 and the adjacent device 32 can vary depending on the specific application. For example, in one embodiment, the distance can be set such that when the diameter of the material roll is less than about 6 inches, such as less than about 5 inches, such as less than about 4 inches, and typically greater than about 2 inches, such as greater than about 2.5 inches, the material roll 80 falls between the support roller 18 and the adjacent device 32. However, the distance between the support roller 18 and the adjacent device 32 can vary depending on the type of product being dispensed. Therefore, in one embodiment, the distance between the support roller 18 and the adjacent device 32 can depend on how much material has been dispensed from the material roll 80. For example, the distance between the support roller 18 and the adjacent device 32 can be adjusted such that when the sheet material roll 80 has been dispensed to a value greater than about 50%, such as greater than about 60%, such as greater than about 70%, such as greater than about 80%, and typically less than about 95%, such as less than about 90%, the sheet material roll 80 falls between the two components. In one embodiment, the adjacency device may be adjustable to adjust the aforementioned distance.

[0049] like Figure 8 As shown, when the material roll 80 falls onto the collecting device 30, the sheet material 82 remains in contact with the conveying assembly 34, allowing the sheet material 82 to continue dispensing from a new position without interruption. As described above, the conveying assembly 34 can be biased into a first or upward position adjacent to the adjacent device 32. However, when the material roll 80 falls onto the collecting device 30, the sheet material 82 exerts pressure on the conveying assembly 34 and the conveying shoe 36, causing the conveying shoe 36 to pivot. Figure 8 The second position shown.

[0050] As shown in the figure Figure 3 and Figure 13 As shown, the conveyor shoe 36 may also include a stop member 48 protruding from the diameter of the conveyor shoe 36. The stop member 48 is designed to prevent the material roll 80 from being pulled out of the collection device 30 when the sheet material 82 is dispensed. For example, because a partially used sheet material roll 80 is not restrained on the collection device 30, the roll may be pulled toward the drive mechanism. However, the stop member 48, combined with the latching device 28, prevents the sheet material roll 80 from shifting on the collection device 30 and prevents the support roller 18 from rotating in the opposite direction.

[0051] When the sheet material roll 80 falls onto the collecting device 30, the distributor is ready to receive it. Figure 9The new sheet material roll 90 is shown. The new sheet material roll 90 is positioned on the support roller 18 and abuts against the adjacent device 32. The operator then places the free end of the sheet material 92 into the feed device 46. Figure 10 As shown, when the sheet material roll 80 is completely exhausted, the hollow core 84 remains on the collecting device 30. Since the sheet material 82 is no longer present in the dispenser, the conveying assembly 34 automatically pivots back to the first position adjacent to the feeding device 46. In this way, the free end of the sheet material 92 is automatically positioned to contact the conveying assembly 34, allowing the sheet material 92 to pass through the dispenser for uninterrupted sheet material dispensing.

[0052] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, once a new roll of sheet material 90 is partially consumed, the roll of sheet material 90 falls onto the collection device 30, and this process continues to repeat. Figure 12 As shown, hollow cores 84 and 94 are collected within the support assembly 16. The separator 22 continues to move hollow cores 84 and 94 around the circumference of the support roller 18 without interfering with further dispensing of sheet material from the sheet material roll 100. Once as... Figure 12 Positioned on top of the support roller 18, as shown, the operator can easily remove the core, and it can be... Figure 9 The diagram shows the loading of a new material roll into the dispenser.

[0053] As shown in the figure, loading new material rolls and removing hollow cores is a very simple and easy process when using dispenser 10.

[0054] These and other modifications and variations of the invention may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as more specifically described in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged, in whole or in part. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention further described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dispenser for sheet material, the dispenser comprising: A housing having an internal volume to hold at least one roll of sheet material; as well as A dispensing mechanism, housed within the housing, for dispensing the sheet material, the dispensing mechanism comprising: (a) A support device for holding a roll of sheet material, wherein the support device includes a support roller mounted on an axial member and rotatable on the axial member; (b) A collection device, positioned below the support assembly, the collection device being configured to receive a roll of sheet material that has been at least partially consumed; (c) A pair of spaced-apart abutment devices, the pair of spaced-apart abutment devices being spaced apart from the support device, wherein a roll of sheet material loaded onto the support device abuts against the abutment device, and as the sheet material is dispensed, the diameter of the roll of sheet material decreases until the roll of sheet material falls between the support device and the abutment device and onto the collecting device; and (d) A conveying assembly that guides sheet material from a roll of sheet material loaded on the support assembly through a dispensing opening, the conveying assembly including a conveying shoe spaced apart from a drive roller that guides the sheet material into operative engagement with the drive roller for dispensing the sheet material from the dispenser, and wherein the conveying assembly pivots as the roll of sheet material falls between the support assembly and the adjacent device to continue dispensing sheet material from the partially consumed roll of material.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the support device further comprises spaced-apart partitions spaced apart by a distance sufficient to position a roll of sheet material therebetween.

3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the support device further comprises a latching device that allows the support roller to rotate toward the conveying assembly only when the sheet roll is exhausted and falls onto the collecting device.

4. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein each separator plate includes a separator plate flap projecting axially outward from the support roller, the separator plate flap being configured to engage with an alignment channel located on the collection device to keep the support roller axially aligned.

5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the collecting device includes an arcuate disc partially surrounding the support assembly, the collecting device having a shape sufficient to hold a plurality of cores collected from a fully dispensed roll of sheet material.

6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the conveying assembly includes at least one belt extending around the drive roller and the conveying shoe, the belt being driven by the drive roller and facilitating the movement of the sheet material through the dispenser when pressed against it.

7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the conveyor shoe includes a conveyor roller.

8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispensing mechanism further comprises a pressure roller positioned adjacent to the drive roller, wherein the conveying component guides the sheet material into a gap formed between the pressure roller and the drive roller to dispense the sheet material through the dispensing opening.

9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the conveying boot has a size for passage between the adjacent devices as the sheet material is rolled down between the support device and the adjacent device and the conveying assembly pivots.

10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein when the conveying assembly pivots due to material roll falling between the support device and the adjacent device, the conveying shoe moves from a first position to a second position, and wherein the conveying shoe is biased toward the first position, and when material roll falls between the support device and the adjacent device, a material sheet pushes against the conveying shoe and moves the conveying shoe to the second position.

11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein when the roll of material held on the collection device is completely exhausted, the transfer shoe pivots back to the first position.

12. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the delivery boot includes a stop member positioned to prevent partially consumed rolls of sheet material located on the collection device from shifting from the collection device.

13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispensing mechanism further includes a feeding device for receiving the free end of a sheet material roll loaded onto the support device, wherein the feeding device automatically feeds the free end of the sheet material roll into the conveying assembly when the material roll on the collecting device is completely depleted.

14. A method for dispensing a roll of sheet material, the method comprising: A roll of sheet material is loaded onto a support device, the roll of sheet material abutting against the surface of the support device and against a pair of spaced-apart abutment devices; The sheet material is dispensed from the material roll through a dispensing opening, wherein, as the material roll is dispensed, the diameter of the material roll decreases to the extent that the material roll falls between the support device and the adjacent device and onto the collecting device; and The material roll continues to be dispensed from the collection device without interruption until the material roll is completely depleted. The method further includes the step of guiding the sheet material through a conveying device for dispensing the sheet material through the dispensing opening, wherein the conveying device pivots from a first position to a second position as the material roll falls between the support device and the adjacent device and onto the collecting device, the conveying device including a conveying shoe that moves between the adjacent devices and remains in contact with the sheet material as the material roll falls.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of loading a second material roll onto the support device after the first material roll has fallen onto the collecting device, and the method further comprising the step of automatically dispensing sheet material from the second material roll when the first material roll has been completely exhausted.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein as the diameter of the material roll decreases, the material roll causes the support device to rotate, thereby allowing the material roll to fall onto the collection device by gravity.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the spaced-abutment device comprises a pair of spaced-abutment rollers, wherein the material roll rotates on the abutment rollers when the sheet material is dispensed.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the sheet material comprises paper towel.

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