Dispenser with roll transfer mechanism

Abstract

A dispenser for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material is provided. The dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume and a module disposed within the housing including a dispensing mechanism. The dispenser includes a transfer assembly having a rear transfer roller and a front transfer roller disposed on a transfer arm. The transfer arm is disposed in one or more walls of the module via a slot. The transfer arm is configured to be placed in an operational position or a loading position. When in the loading position, the transfer arm extends into a second portion of the slot to provide a greater gap between the front transfer roller and a drive roller to facilitate loading of the sheet material. Also disclosed is a transfer assembly having a rear transfer roller disposed in a slot disposed in a second portion of a transfer arm. When in a loading position, the rear transfer roller extends into the second portion of the slot to provide a greater gap between a front transfer roller and a drive roller to facilitate loading of sheet material.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Restrooms in commercial and residential buildings typically include liquid products such as toilet paper, paper towels, 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 the user's needs. Those skilled in the art have spent considerable time designing intelligent dispensers that facilitate the easier dispensing of these products. For example, dual-roll or multi-roll dispensers have been developed, often incorporating some type of transfer mechanism or device to ensure sequential dispensing of sheets from additional rolls once the first roll has been depleted of a predetermined quantity. The reliability, effectiveness, complexity, and usability of these transfer mechanisms are important considerations, and the industry continues to focus on improving such devices and the overall operation of multi-roll or dual-roll dispensers. The control systems and mechanical aspects of dual-roll or multi-roll dispensers are extensive and diverse.

[0002] In view of the above, there is a need for improved transfer mechanisms for dual-roll and / or multi-roll dispensers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, this disclosure relates to a dispenser for dispensing sheet from one or more sheet rolls. The dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume for holding a first sheet roll. A module including a dispensing mechanism is disposed within the housing for dispensing the sheet. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive roller. The dispenser also includes a transfer assembly having a rear transfer roller and a front transfer roller disposed on a transfer arm. The transfer arm is disposed via a slot in one or more walls of the module. The transfer arm is configured to be positioned in an operating position or a loading position. When in the loading position, the transfer arm extends into a second portion of the slot to provide a larger clearance between the front transfer roller and the drive roller, thereby facilitating the loading of the sheet.

[0004] In other exemplary embodiments, this disclosure relates to a dispenser for dispensing sheet from one or more sheet rolls. The dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume to hold a first sheet roll. A module including a dispensing mechanism is disposed within the housing to dispense the sheet. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive roller. The dispenser also includes a transfer assembly having a rear transfer roller and a front transfer roller disposed on a transfer arm. The transfer arm has a first portion and a second portion, the second portion including a slot with the rear transfer roller disposed thereon. The transfer arm is configured to be positioned in an operating position or a loading position. When in the loading position, the rear transfer roller extends into the second portion of the slot to provide a larger clearance between the front transfer roller and the drive roller, thereby facilitating the loading of sheet pillows.

[0005] Other features and aspects of this disclosure are discussed in more detail below. Attached Figure Description

[0006] 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:

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view of a dispenser according to an example embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0008] Figure 2 A partial perspective view of the housing and transfer mechanism according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0009] Figure 3 A partial perspective view of the housing and transfer mechanism according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0010] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the transfer mechanism and drive roller assembly in the dispensing position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0011] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a transfer mechanism and drive roller assembly in the loading position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0012] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a housing with a slot according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a housing with a slot according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the transfer arm is in the dispensing position;

[0014] Figure 8 A transfer arm in the allocation position is shown according to an example embodiment of this disclosure;

[0015] Figure 9 A partial perspective view of a slot having a transfer arm in a loading position, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown;

[0016] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a transfer arm in a loading position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the transfer arm is in the first part of the slot;

[0017] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a transfer arm in a loading position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the transfer arm is in the second part of the slot;

[0018] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of a transfer arm in a loading position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the rear transfer roller is in the first part of the slot;

[0019] Figure 13A cross-sectional view of a transfer arm in a loading position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the rear transfer roller is in the first part of the slot;

[0020] Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of a transfer arm in a loading position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the rear transfer roller is in the first portion of the slot; and

[0021] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a transfer arm in the loading position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the rear transfer roller is in the second part of the slot.

[0022] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and the accompanying drawings is intended to indicate the same or similar features or elements of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] 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.

[0024] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the location or importance of the individual components.

[0025] Unless otherwise stated herein, the terms “connection,” “fixed,” “attached to,” etc., refer to direct connection, fixation, or attachment, as well as indirect connection, fixation, or attachment via one or more intermediate parts or features.

[0026] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references.

[0027] As used throughout this specification and claims, approximate language is employed to modify any quantitative representation that allows for variation without altering its underlying function. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms such as “about,” “approximate,” and “substantially” are not limited to specified exact values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value or the precision of the method or machine used to construct or manufacture the component and / or system. For example, approximate language may refer to limits of 1%, 2%, 4%, 10%, 15%, or 20%. These approximate limits may apply to a single value, any or both endpoints defining a numerical range, and / or the limits of the range between endpoints.

[0028] An embodiment of a dispenser (including its components) that includes this disclosure may include, consist of, or substantially consist of the following: the basic elements and limitations of the embodiments described herein, and any additional or optional components or limitations described herein or otherwise useful.

[0029] As used herein, the terms "sheet" and "paper" refer to materials that are thin relative to their length and width. Generally, sheets should have a relatively flat planar configuration and be flexible to allow for folding, rolling, stacking, etc. Exemplary sheets and papers include, but are not limited to, paper toilet paper, bath / toilet paper, tissues, wipes, label rolls, or other fiber, film, polymer, or filamentous products. The terms "sheet" and "paper" are used interchangeably.

[0030] Dispensers for roll-type sheets have been developed, such as those for dispensing tissue paper. Many of these dispensers have mechanisms for dispensing sheet products from the master roll and / or a partially depleted roll (also known as a shredded roll). For example, these dispensers can be configured to dispense from both the shredded roll and the master roll simultaneously, or to provide dual sheet dispensing until the shredded roll is depleted. Other dispensers may include some type of transfer system that allows dispensing from the shredded roll until the shredded roll is completely or nearly completely depleted before the dispenser begins dispensing from the master roll. While transfer systems are useful in reducing product waste, many of these systems still require the leading edge of the sheet to be properly loaded from the master roll.

[0031] Therefore, in one embodiment, this disclosure relates to a dispenser for dispensing sheet from one or more sheet rolls. The dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume to hold a first sheet roll. A module housing a dispensing mechanism is disposed within the housing. The dispensing mechanism is configured to dispense sheet from the first sheet roll. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive roller. The dispenser includes a transfer assembly having a rear transfer roller and a front transfer roller disposed on a transfer arm. The transfer arm is disposed via a slot in one or more walls of the module. The transfer arm is configured to be positioned in an operating position or a loading position. When in the loading position, the transfer arm extends into a second portion of the slot to provide a larger clearance between the front transfer roller and the drive roller, thereby facilitating the loading of sheet.

[0032] In another embodiment, this disclosure relates to a dispenser for dispensing sheet from one or more sheet rolls. The dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume for holding a first sheet roll. The dispenser includes a module housing a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing for dispensing sheet from the first roll. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive roller. The dispenser includes a transfer assembly having a rear transfer roller and a front transfer roller disposed on a transfer arm. A second portion of the transfer arm includes a slot, and the rear transfer roller is disposed in the slot. The transfer arm is configured to be positioned in an operating position or a loading position. When in the loading position, the rear transfer roller extends into the second portion of the slot to provide a larger clearance between the front transfer roller and the drive roller, thereby facilitating the loading of sheet.

[0033] The dispenser according to the example embodiments of this disclosure can provide numerous benefits and technical effects. For example, configuring the transfer arm to move to a loading position that provides a larger gap between the front transfer roller and the drive roller makes it easier to load sheets into the dispensing mechanism. Additionally, the placement of the slot relative to the transfer arm and / or the rear transfer roller does not require additional components or complex mechanisms to increase the gap between the front transfer roller and the drive roller to facilitate sheet loading.

[0034] Figure 1 An example embodiment of a dispenser 10 for dispensing dispensable products according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the dispenser 10 is configured for dispensing roll-type sheet products, such as roll-type tissues or toilet paper sheets. The dispenser 10 is particularly suitable for dispensing tissues, tissues, etc. Typically, the dispenser 10 is configured for dispensing multiple rolls of material. The dispenser is not limited to any particular type of roll material or any particular application. For illustrative purposes only, the dispenser is shown in the figure as a tissue roll dispenser.

[0035] like Figure 1As shown, dispenser 10 includes a housing 16 having an internal volume 17, the housing being designed to accommodate one or more sheet rolls. For example, housing 16 may be configured to accommodate a first sheet roll 18 (e.g., a master roll) and / or a second sheet roll (e.g., a residual roll). Housing 16 may be formed of any suitable one or more materials. Housing may take any form of shape or configuration. Typically, dispenser 10 may include a front cover assembly 20 and a back plate 30. Front cover assembly 20 is shown in the open position. In some embodiments, front cover assembly 20 may define one or more sidewalls of dispenser 10. However, in other embodiments, front cover assembly 20 may form at least a portion, but not substantially all, of the sidewalls of the dispenser. However, in other embodiments, front cover assembly 20 does not form any portion of the sidewalls of the dispenser. Front cover assembly 20 may be pivotally coupled to back plate 30. For example, one or more hinges may be used to pivotally couple front cover assembly 20 to back plate 30. In this regard, any conventional pivot attachment mechanism may be used. For example, in some embodiments, a simple rotatable rod is provided and held by a rod holder. It should be understood that any number of conventional pivoting devices are known to those skilled in the art and can be used to pivotally mount the front cover assembly 20 to the back panel 30. In other embodiments, the front cover assembly 20 can be completely removed or detached from the back panel 30.

[0036] Module 40 is disposed within internal volume 17 and houses dispensing mechanism 50. Typically, dispensing mechanism 50 includes components adapted to dispense sheet material from a roll. For example, dispensing mechanism 50 may be configured to dispense sheet material from a first roll and / or a second roll in a controlled manner. For example, dispensing mechanism 50 may include any type of feed roller and / or pressure roller arrangement for advancing sheet material from sheet roll 18 through dispensing openings. Such feed roller arrangements, typically including control circuitry for operating said rollers, are known to those skilled in the art. Any known dispensing component may be used to dispense sheet material from sheet roll 18.

[0037] The dispenser 10 also includes a roll holding device 22 configured to hold the sheet roll 18. While one roll holding device 22 is shown, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In fact, any number of roll holding devices 22 can be used or incorporated into the dispenser 10 disclosed herein. For example, in embodiments where the dispenser 10 is configured to hold at least two sheet rolls 18, at least two roll holding devices 22, such as a first roll holding device and a second roll holding device, can be used. In some embodiments, the first roll holding device can be used to hold a first sheet roll (e.g., a master roll), while the second roll holding device can be used to hold a second sheet roll (e.g., a residual roll). Roll holding devices 22 are well known in the art and are capable of supporting sheet rolls such that the sheet can be unrolled and dispensed via a dispensing opening in the dispenser. For example, some roll holding devices have arms with small pieces and / or hubs thereon that can be inserted into the core diameter of the roll, thereby allowing circumferential movement of the roll to dispense sheet from the roll. Any known configuration of roll holding device can be used herein.

[0038] like Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the dispensing mechanism 50 may include a transfer arm 60. The transfer arm 60 includes a front portion 61 and a rear portion 62. Typically, a rear transfer roller 70 is disposed along the rear portion 62 of the transfer arm 60. A front transfer roller 80 is disposed along the front portion 61 of the transfer arm 60. The transfer arm 60 is disposed within the module 40 that houses the dispensing mechanism 50. The transfer arm 60 is... Figure 2 It is shown as being in the allocation position, and in Figure 3 The front transfer roller 80 is shown in the loading position. As shown, in the dispensing position, the front transfer roller 80 is biased against the drive roller 100. Sheet material from the sheet roll 18 is disposed between the front transfer roller 80 and the drive roller 100 and is advanced by the drive roller 100 along the dispensing path and through the dispensing opening. In the loading position, the front transfer roller 80 has been raised so that it is no longer in contact with the drive roller 100. However, in the loading position, the transfer arm 60 can be raised or pivoted about a pivot point until the rear transfer roller 70 contacts the drive roller 100. As shown, the transfer arm 60 includes a protrusion 102. The protrusion 102 is positioned so that a user can easily access the protrusion 102 to raise the transfer arm 60 to move the transfer arm 60 between the loading and dispensing positions. The transfer arm 60 can be attached and / or connected to the housing 40 via any suitable mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, the transfer arm is pivotally connected to one or more walls of the housing 40. Any suitable pivot connection that allows the transfer arm 60 to move between the loading position and the distribution position can be used.

[0039] Now for reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 This shows the location of the allocation ( Figure 4) and loading location ( Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the transfer arm 60. (See attached image.) Figure 4 As shown, the transfer arm 60 is in the dispensing position, causing the front transfer roller 80 to be biased against the drive roller 100. Sheets can be dispensed by driving material between the front transfer roller 80 and the drive roller 100. Figure 5 As shown, the transfer arm is in the loading position, the front transfer roller 80 is in the lifting position (e.g., not biased on the drive roller 100), and the rear transfer roller 70 is biased on the drive roller 100.

[0040] As shown, raising the transfer arm 60 to move it to the loading position causes the rear transfer roller 70 to contact the drive roller 100, which effectively limits the range of motion of the transfer arm 60. However, as provided herein, the transfer arm 60 is disposed in a slot 110 located in one or more walls of the housing 40 of the holding and dispensing mechanism 50. Figure 6 A slot 110 is shown in one or more walls of the housing 40, in which the transfer arm 60 is not disposed. However, as Figure 7 As shown, at least a portion of the transfer arm 60 is disposed in the slot 110. The slot 110 has a first portion 112 and a second portion 114. For example, in Figure 7 In this configuration, when the transfer arm 60 is in the dispensing position, a portion of the transfer arm 60 is positioned within the first portion 112 of the slot 110. In other words, when the transfer arm 60 is in the dispensing position, it is positioned within the first portion 112 of the slot 110. Figure 8 As shown, the transfer arm 60 can be held in place by the torsion spring 72. Therefore, when loading sheet material, the user can easily overcome the force of the torsion spring 72 to move the transfer arm 60 to the loading position.

[0041] Figure 9 The transfer arm 60 is shown in the loading position, with a portion of the transfer arm 60 positioned within the second portion 114 of the slot 110. As previously described, when the transfer arm 60 moves from the dispensing position to the loading position, the rear transfer roller 70 contacts the drive roller 100, effectively limiting the range of motion of the transfer arm 60. This limitation also limits the amount of distance or gap between the front transfer roller 80 and the drive roller 100. To increase the gap and / or distance between the drive roller 100 and the front transfer roller 80 during loading, the transfer arm 60 is able to pivot within the slot 110 from the first portion 112 to the second portion 114 of the slot 110 when the rear transfer roller 70 contacts the drive roller 100, thereby increasing the gap between the front transfer roller 80 and the drive roller 100.

[0042] For example, Figure 10 The transfer arm 60 is shown in the loading position, in which the transfer arm 60 is located in the first portion 112 of the slot 110, while Figure 11 The transfer arm 60 is shown in the loading position, located in the second portion 114 of the slot 110. It can be seen that this differs from when the transfer arm 60 is located in the first portion 112 of the slot 110 (see...). Figure 10 In contrast, when the transfer arm 60 is located in the second portion 114 of the slot 110 (see...) Figure 11 The gap (CL) between the front transfer roller 80 and the drive roller 100 is larger.

[0043] Now for reference Figures 12 to 13 In some embodiments, the transfer arm 60 includes a front portion 61 and a rear portion 62, the rear portion 62 being equipped with a slot 210. Similar to the slot 110 disposed in the housing 40, the slot 210 includes both a first portion 212 and a second portion 214. A rear transfer roller 70 is disposed within the slot 210. For example, each end of the rear transfer roller 70 may be disposed within the slot 210. Figure 12 As shown, transfer arm 60 is in the dispensing position, and front transfer roller 80 is biased onto drive roller 100. Sheet material from sheet roll 18 is fed above rear transfer roller 70 and positioned between front transfer roller 80 and drive roller 100 for dispensing.

[0044] Figure 14 The transfer arm 60 is shown in the loading position, with the front transfer roller 80 lifted from the drive roller 100 and the rear transfer roller 70 in contact with the drive roller 100. As shown, the rear transfer roller 70 is positioned within the first portion 212 of the slot 210. When the rear transfer roller 70 is positioned within the first portion 212 of the slot 210, there is a certain gap (CL) between the front transfer roller 80 and the drive roller 100. However, as... Figure 15 As shown, the rear transfer roller 70 can be further biased onto the drive roller 100 to move the rear transfer roller 70 to the second portion 214 of the slot 210. When the rear transfer roller 70 is positioned within the second portion 214 of the slot 210, the gap (CL) between the front transfer roller 80 and the drive roller 100 increases, thereby making it easier to load the sheet.

[0045] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure include features (e.g., slots) positioned to allow the transfer arm 60 and / or the rear transfer roller 70 to occupy different positions within the slot, thereby increasing the gap between the front transfer roller 80 and the drive roller 100 to facilitate the loading of sheets.

[0046] The dispenser provided herein can also be equipped with any number of operating components. These operating components can be housed within a housing and / or located outside the housing. Suitable operating components can vary depending on the type of dispenser and the product to be dispensed. For example, the operating components of the dispenser can be directly mounted to the back panel of the housing, or they can be part of a module received within the housing. For example, the operating components can be part of a module that can be easily removed from the housing for maintenance and / or replacement of components without having to remove the entire dispenser from its support surface. To dispense paper articles, such as one or more sheet rolls, the operating components can include rollers (such as pressure rollers, drive rollers), drive motors, gear assemblies, and control circuitry (including, for example, a controller or microprocessor) for driving the paper article out of the sheet roll through the dispensing opening. Additional roll holders, including a main roll holder and a residual roll holder, may also be included in the dispenser. Additional transfer mechanisms may also be present to transfer the dispensing between the residual roll and the main roll. Such components are known to those skilled in the art and are therefore incorporated herein. Additionally, tear bars or cutting bars may be present to cut the paper article as it is dispensed from the dispensing material. In some embodiments, the dispenser can be configured to dispense a specific amount of sheet. The distribution mechanism can be powered by batteries in the battery unit or by an AC-DC power distribution system.

[0047] Furthermore, the dispensers provided herein may include any type of known sensor. For example, in some embodiments, the dispenser may include a sensor capable of detecting the presence of a user in a detection area and accordingly applying a selected amount of dispensable product. Such detection sensors are known in the art. Additionally, extra refill detection sensors and / or systems are known and may be incorporated into the dispensers provided herein.

[0048] These and other modifications and variations of the invention can 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 dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material, comprising: a housing having an interior volume to hold a first roll of sheet material; a module including a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing to dispense sheet material, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller; and a transfer assembly having a rear transfer roller and a front transfer roller disposed on a transfer arm, the transfer arm being disposed in one or more walls of the module via a slot, the transfer arm being configured to be placed in an operational position or a loading position; wherein when in the loading position, the transfer arm extends into a second portion of the slot to provide a greater gap between the front transfer roller and the drive roller to facilitate loading of the sheet material; wherein when in the loading position, the rear transfer roller is biased against the drive roller.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, including first roll holding means for holding the first roll of sheet material.

3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to hold a second roll of sheet material.

4. The dispenser of claim 3, including second roll holding means for holding the second roll of sheet material.

5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the transfer arm includes a protrusion disposed such that a user can contact the protrusion to lift the transfer arm to move the front transfer roller from the operational position to the loading position.

6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein when in the loading position, the sheet material can be placed over the rear transfer roller and between the drive roller and the front transfer roller.

7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein when in the operational position, the sheet material is advanced along a dispensing path between the drive roller and the front transfer roller.

8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein when in the operational position, the transfer arm is disposed in a first portion of the slot.

9. The dispenser of claim 1, including a dispensing opening through which sheet material is dispensed from the interior volume.

10. A dispenser for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material, comprising: a housing having an interior volume to hold a first roll of sheet material; a module including a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing to dispense sheet material, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller; and a transfer assembly having a rear transfer roller and a front transfer roller disposed on a transfer arm, the transfer arm having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion including a slot in which the rear transfer roller is disposed, the transfer arm being configured to be placed in an operational position or a loading position; wherein when in the loading position, the rear transfer roller extends into the second portion of the slot to provide a greater gap between the front transfer roller and the drive roller to facilitate loading of the sheet material; wherein when in the loading position, the rear transfer roller is biased against the drive roller.

11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the transfer arm includes a protrusion configured to enable a user to contact the protrusion to lift the transfer arm to move the transfer arm from the operating position to the loading position.

12. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein when in the loading position, the sheet can be placed over the back transfer roller and between the drive roller and the front transfer roller.

13. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein when in the operating position, the sheet is advanced along a dispensing path between the drive roller and the front transfer roller.

14. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein when in the operating position, the back transfer roller is disposed in the first portion of the slot.

15. The dispenser of claim 10, comprising a dispensing opening through which sheet is dispensed from the interior volume.

16. The dispenser of claim 10, comprising first roll retaining means for retaining the first sheet roll.

17. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the housing is configured to hold a second sheet roll.

18. The dispenser of claim 17, comprising second roll retaining means for retaining the second sheet roll.

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