Dispenser with improved dispensing mechanism

Abstract

A dispenser for dispensing sheet from one or more rolls of sheet is provided. The dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume to hold a first roll of sheet and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing to dispense the sheet. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive roller and a pressure roller biased on the drive roller to form a nip through which the sheet is dispensed. The pressure roller includes a plurality of ribs, at least one of the plurality of ribs having a recessed portion such that at least a portion of the rib is not in contact with the drive roller during rotation of the pressure roller. A method for dispensing a sheet is also provided.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Restrooms in commercial and residential buildings typically include liquid products such as toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, feminine products, soap, and aerosol products such as air fresheners. These products are typically contained by dispensers and dispensed according to user needs. Those skilled in the art have spent a great deal of time designing dispensers that can more easily dispense the above-mentioned products. For example, dispensers including electronically connected dispensing mechanisms can be used to provide sheets. Such dispensers are commonly referred to as "hands-free" dispensers because the dispenser is capable of dispensing a portion of a sheet when it senses a user within its detection area. The mechanism for dispensing the sheet may include a roller and a motor. However, the operation of the dispensing component sometimes causes creases or wrinkles when dispensing paper from the dispenser. For example, when dispensing a sheet, the sheet may become wrinkled or misaligned as it passes through the dispensing mechanism, which can cause user frustration or lead to malfunctions.

[0002] In view of the above, there is a need for improved dispensing mechanisms and components for dispensers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally speaking, the present disclosure relates to a dispenser for dispensing sheets from one or more sheet rolls. The dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume for holding a first sheet roll. A dispensing mechanism is disposed within the housing to dispense the sheets. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive roller and a pressure roller biased against the drive roller to form a nip through which the sheets are dispensed. The pressure roller includes a plurality of ribs disposed thereon. At least one of the plurality of ribs has a recessed portion such that during rotation of the pressure roller, at least a portion of the rib does not contact the drive roller.

[0004] In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a dispenser for dispensing sheets from one or more sheet rolls. The dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume for holding a first sheet roll and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing to dispense the sheets. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive roller and a pressure roller biased against the drive roller to form a nip through which the sheets are dispensed. The pressure roller has a plurality of ribs disposed thereon. At least one of the plurality of ribs defines a raised portion such that during rotation of the pressure roller, the raised portion contacts the drive roller to lift the pressure roller, causing one or more of the plurality of ribs not to contact the drive roller.

[0005] Methods for dispensing sheets are also provided.

[0006] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in more detail below. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] The full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 A side view of a sheet dispenser in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, in part, in cross-section;

[0009] Figure 2 A front view of a portion of a dispenser in an open position in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 1 of the dispenser;

[0010] Figure 3 A perspective view of a pressure roller in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0011] Figure 4 A perspective view of a pressure roller and a drive roller in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0012] Figure 5 A perspective view of a portion of a pressure roller and a drive roller in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figures 6A to 6D A side view of ribs for a pressure roller in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 7 A perspective view of a portion of a pressure roller and a drive roller in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0015] Figure 8 A perspective view of a portion of a pressure roller and a drive roller in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figures 9A to 9D A side view of ribs for a pressure roller in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a pressure roller biased against a drive roller in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a pressure roller biased against a drive roller in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 12 A pressure roller biased against a drive roller in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0020] Figure 13 A pressure roller biased against a drive roller in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Reference characters are repeatedly used in this specification and the drawings in an attempt to denote the same or similar features or elements of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that this discussion is only a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the disclosure.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "first", "second", and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to denote the position or importance of the individual components.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms "coupled", "fixed", "attached to", etc. refer to direct coupling, fixing, or attachment, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attachment through one or more intermediate components or features.

[0025] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references.

[0026] As used throughout this specification and the claims, approximating language is used to modify any quantitative representation, and that quantitative representation may vary without resulting in a change in the basic function associated therewith. Thus, values modified by terms such as "about", "approximately", and "substantially" are not limited to the precise values specified. In at least some instances, the approximating 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, the approximating language may refer to within the bounds of 1%, 2%, 4%, 10%, 15%, or 20%. These approximating bounds may be applied to a single value, either or both endpoints defining a numerical range, and / or the bounds of the ranges between the endpoints.

[0027] Embodiments including the dispenser of the present disclosure (including its components) may comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of: the basic elements and limitations of the embodiments described herein and any additional or optional components or limitations described herein or otherwise useful.

[0028] As used herein, the term "comprising" is intended to be inclusive or open-ended and is not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps that do not impede the operation of the invention.

[0029] As used herein, the term "hinge" refers to a joint or flexible device that connects a portion to a fixed component and permits pivoting or rotation of that portion. Hinges include, but are not limited to, metallic pivot connectors, such as metallic pivot connectors for fastening a door to a frame; and living hinges. Living hinges may be formed integrally between two members and may be made of plastic. A living hinge permits pivotal movement of one member relative to another connected member.

[0030] As used herein, the terms "sheet" and "paper" mean materials that are thin relative to their length and width. Generally, sheet materials should present a relatively flat planar configuration and be flexible to permit folding, rolling, stacking, etc. Exemplary sheet materials and papers include, but are not limited to, paper toilet tissue, bath / toilet tissue, paper towels, wipes, rolls of labels, or other fibrous, film, polymeric, or filamentary products. The terms "sheet" and "paper" may be used interchangeably.

[0031] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a dispenser for dispensing sheets from one or more rolls of sheets. The dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume for holding a first roll of sheets. A dispensing mechanism is disposed within the interior of the housing. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive roll and a pressure roll. The pressure roll includes a plurality of ribs disposed thereon. At least one of the plurality of ribs has a recessed portion such that during rotation of the pressure roll, at least a portion of the rib does not contact the drive roll.

[0032] In other embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a dispenser for dispensing sheets from one or more rolls of sheets. The dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume for holding a first roll of sheets. A dispensing mechanism is disposed within the interior of the housing. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive roll and a pressure roll. The pressure roll includes a plurality of ribs disposed thereon. At least one of the plurality of ribs has a raised portion such that during rotation of the pressure roll, the raised portion contacts the drive roll causing the pressure roll to lift such that one or more of the plurality of ribs do not contact the drive roll.

[0033] The dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can provide many benefits and technical effects. For example, configuring the pressure roll and / or the drive roll as provided is beneficial for re-centering the sheet as it passes through the nip, thereby reducing wrinkling of the sheet during sheet dispensing. This configuration also results in more uniform sheet dispensing and less jamming of the sheet in the dispenser. Additionally, if the paper develops creases or wrinkles during dispensing, the provided configuration of the pressure roll and the drive roll allows the paper to be reduced during subsequent dispensing cycles. For example, if the paper develops a crease, it can be repaired in as few as one to two dispensing cycles. This crease removal function improves customer satisfaction and can also reduce paper jams, thereby reducing product waste.

[0034] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure include features that improve the overall functionality and performance of the dispenser. For example, the pressure roller reduces creasing, wrinkling, and skewing of the sheet (e.g., paper). Additionally, if a crease occurs in the sheet during dispensing, continued dispensing will cause the crease in the sheet to be removed. In fact, the crease in the sheet can be removed after one to two or more dispensing cycles. Specifically, the inventors have found that modifying certain ribs on the pressure roller to include the disclosed features can temporarily relieve the pressure on the sheet as the sheet passes through the nip between the drive roller and the pressure roller. This temporary release of pressure flattens the wrinkles or removes the crease in the paper as it continues to move through the nip.

[0035] Figures 1 to 2 An example embodiment of a dispenser 10 for dispensing a dispensable product in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the dispenser 10 is configured to dispense a roll-fed sheet product, such as a roll of paper towels or a sanitary paper sheet. The dispenser 10 is particularly suitable for dispensing paper towels, tissue paper, and the like. Generally, the dispenser 10 is configured to dispense 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 figures as a paper towel roll dispenser.

[0036] As Figures 1 to 2 shown, the dispenser 10 includes a housing 17 having an interior volume 15 that is designed to receive one or more sheet rolls 18. For example, the housing 17 can be configured to receive a first sheet roll 18 (e.g., a master roll) and / or a second sheet roll (e.g., a remnant roll). The housing 17 can be formed of any suitable one or more materials. The housing 17 can take any form of shape or configuration. Generally, the dispenser 10 can include a front cover 20 and a back panel 30. The front cover 20 can be positioned in an open position or a closed position. In some embodiments, the front cover 20 can define one or more of the sidewalls of the dispenser 10. However, in other embodiments, the front cover 20 can form at least a portion, but not substantially all, of the sidewalls of the dispenser 10. However, in other embodiments, the front cover 20 does not form any part of the sidewalls of the dispenser 10. The front cover 20 can be pivotally coupled to the back panel 30. For example, one or more hinges can be used to pivotally couple the front cover 20 to the back panel 30. In this regard, any conventional pivot attachment mechanism can 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 pivot devices are known to those skilled in the art and can be used to pivotally mount the front cover 20 to the back panel 30. In other embodiments, the front cover 20 can be completely removed or disassembled from the back panel 30.

[0037] The dispenser 10 further includes a roll holding device 22 configured to hold a sheet roll 18. Although one roll holding device 22 is shown, the present 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 an embodiment where the dispenser 10 is configured to hold at least two sheet rolls 18, at least two roll holding devices 22 can be used, such as a first roll holding device and a second roll holding device. In certain embodiments, the first roll holding device can be used to hold a first sheet roll (e.g., a main roll), while the second roll holding device can be used to hold a second sheet roll (e.g., a remnant roll). Roll holding devices 22 are well known in the art and are capable of supporting a sheet roll such that the sheet can be unwound and dispensed through a dispensing opening in the dispenser. For example, certain roll holding devices have arms with nibs and / or hubs thereon that can be inserted into the core diameter of the roll, allowing the roll to move circumferentially in order to dispense the sheet from the roll. Any known configuration of roll holding devices can be used herein.

[0038] A dispensing mechanism 50 is disposed within the housing 17. The dispensing mechanism 50 can be disposed in a module and disposed within the housing 17. The dispensing mechanism 50 includes components configured to dispense a sheet 12 from the sheet roll 18 in a controlled manner. For example, the dispensing mechanism 50 can include a pressure roller 80 and a drive roller 100 that form a nip 36 through which the sheet 12 is dispensed. The sheet 12 travels away from the roll 18 and travels between the pressure roller 80 and the drive roller 100, and passes through a dispensing opening 44 provided in the lower end 45 of the housing 17. Alternatively, the dispensing opening 44 can be formed in the front cover 20 or in both a portion of the front cover 20 and a portion of the lower end (not shown). The dispensing opening 44 can have a serrated edge (not shown), or the dispensing opening can carry teeth for cutting the sheet web (also not shown) if the sheet web is not perforated. Each end of the pressure roller 80 and the drive roller 100 can be rotatably mounted to the housing 17 or to a side panel of a module housing located within the housing 17. For example, suitable roller holders disposed within the housing 17 can secure the pressure roller 80 and the drive roller 100 within the housing. A transmission housing can also be provided that includes a transmission for transmitting a driving force from the electric motor 52 to the drive roller 100 to rotate the roller. Additional control circuitry for operating the rollers can be included.

[0039] A detection sensor 56 can be mounted to the lower end 45 of the housing 17 adjacent to the lens 58 (or alternatively mounted to a module within the housing (not shown)), as Figure 1shown in. However, it will be understood that the detection sensor 56 and / or the lens 58 or any activation system shown and / or described herein or known in the art may be mounted in any area of the housing, provided that the detection sensor and / or the lens operate as described herein. In this embodiment, the sensor 56 is desirably but not by way of limitation a conventional passive sensor for detecting infrared radiation. Passive infrared detectors are known in the art and are described, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,757,337 to Shikaumi and U.S. Patent 4,960,248 to Bauer et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference. A passive infrared detector that may be used with the dispenser 10 is model 40623 sold by Eltec Instruments Inc. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of different infrared detectors are available and that many of the available detectors are suitable for use with the dispenser 10. In fact, the sensor 56 is arranged to detect infrared radiation from the user's hand placed below the lens 58 and, upon detection of the radiation, transmit a signal for activating the motor 52 to dispense a length of the sheet 44 through the dispensing opening.

[0040] However, it will be understood that other activation mechanisms such as capacitive activation mechanisms and ultrasonic activation mechanisms may be used in the present disclosure. Capacitive proximity sensors generate an electrostatic field that will sense metallic objects and non-metallic materials such as paper, glass, liquids, and fabrics. Ultrasonic proximity sensors use the sensor to send and receive high-frequency sound signals. When the target enters the beam, the sound is reflected back to the sensor, causing it to energize or de-energize the output circuit. Another type of sensor is inductive. In this case, an electromagnetic field is used; however, the detection is limited to metallic objects.

[0041] Now referring to Figures 3 to 5 , an exemplary embodiment of the pressure roller 80 is shown, and the drive roller 100 biased against the pressure roller 80 is shown in Figures 4 to 5 . The pressure roller 80 includes a pressure roller body 81, and one or more ribs 82 are provided on the pressure roller body. Spindles are provided at each end of the pressure roller 80 to facilitate placement and retention of the pressure roller 80 in the housing 17 of the dispenser 10. It is noted that the pressure roller 80 may include a plurality of ribs 82, such as at least 5 ribs, such as at least 10 ribs, such as at least 15 ribs, such as at least 20 ribs, such as at least 25 ribs. In fact, the ribs 82 may be spaced apart from each other along the pressure roller body 81. In an embodiment, some of the ribs 82 may be spaced more closely together compared to other ribs provided on the pressure roller body 81. However, in other embodiments, the ribs 82 may be spaced equidistantly from each other on the pressure roller body 81. The ribs 82 may be spaced along the pressure roller body 81 in any configuration.

[0042] Each of the ribs 82 may include a recessed portion 87. In an embodiment, at least one of the ribs 82 includes a recessed portion 87. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the ribs 82 includes a recessed portion 87. For example, in certain embodiments, at least 10%, such as at least 20%, such as at least 30%, such as at least 40%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 100% of the ribs includes a recessed portion 87. Additional recessed portions 87 may be provided on the ribs 82 as needed. For example, while the illustrated ribs 82 typically include only one recessed portion 87, it is contemplated that the ribs 82 may include two or more recessed portions 87, such as at least three, such as at least four, such as at least five recessed portions. In an embodiment, the recessed portion 87 may form from about 10% to about 90% of the total circumference of one or more of the ribs 82, such as from about 20% to about 80% of the total circumference, such as from about 30% to about 70%, such as from about 40% to about 60%. In certain embodiments, the recessed portion forms from about 20% to about 30% of the total circumference of one or more of the ribs 82, such as about 25%.

[0043] Each of the ribs 82 includes a drive roller contact surface 86. In Figures 4 to 5 FIG. 1, the drive roller 100 is shown biased against the pressure roller 80. The drive roller contact surface 86 is generally the outer circumferential surface of the rib 82. The drive roller contact surface 86 is configured to contact the drive roller when the pressure roller 80 is biased against the drive roller 100 to form a nip through which paper can be dispensed. In an embodiment, the drive roller contact surface 86 may form from about 10% to about 90% of the total circumference of one or more of the ribs 82, such as from about 20% to about 80% of the total circumference, such as from about 30% to about 70%, such as from about 40% to about 60%. It is noted that in certain embodiments, in each rib 82 that includes a recessed portion 87, the drive roller contact surface 86 does not define the total circumference of the rib 82. However, some ribs 82 without a recessed portion 87 may include a drive roller contact surface 86 that forms substantially 100% of the total circumference of the rib 82.

[0044] Now referring to Figures 6A to 6D FIG. 2, the recessed portion 87 may be disposed on each rib 82 at various positions about the central axis 90 of the rib 82. For example, in an embodiment, the recessed portion 87 is disposed in the upper left quadrant ( Figure 6A ), the lower left quadrant ( Figure 6B ), the lower right quadrant ( Figure 6C ), or the upper right quadrant ( Figure 6D ). The position of the recessed portion 87 on the rib 82 may vary on adjacent ribs 82. For example, as shown in Figures 3 to 5As shown, the recessed portions 87 on the ribs 82 are provided at different positions. For example, the recessed portion 87 can be positioned by rotating 90° relative to each adjacent rib 82. In such an embodiment, the first rib will have a recessed portion 87 arranged as Figure 6A shown, the second adjacent rib will have a recessed portion 87 arranged as Figure 6B shown, the third adjacent rib will have a recessed portion 87 arranged as Figure 6C shown, and the fourth adjacent rib will have a recessed portion 87 arranged as Figure 6D shown. Thus, the recessed portion rotates 90° around the rib 82 relative to each adjacent rib.

[0045] The positions of the recessed portions 87 on each adjacent rib 82 can be different such that during rotation of the pressure roller 80, at least a portion of each rib 82 does not contact the drive roller at different positions of the rotation. For example, the recessed portions 87 can be provided on each adjacent rib and can be placed at different radial positions spaced apart by a certain angle along the perimeter of the rib 82. For example, a first recessed portion is provided on the first rib, and the second adjacent rib includes a second portion arranged around the perimeter and spaced approximately 10° from the first recessed portion. A third recessed portion provided on the third rib adjacent to the second rib can be arranged around the perimeter of the third rib and spaced approximately 10° from the second recessed portion. It is noted that this pattern can continue such that each adjacent rib includes a recessed portion that is arranged at a different radial position around the perimeter of the rib relative to the adjacent ribs surrounding it. The angular difference in the radial positions between adjacent recessed portions can vary and can be in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 45°.

[0046] Now refer to Figures 7 to 8, in an embodiment, the rib 82 may include a raised portion 97 disposed on the rib 82 that is similar to the recessed portion 87 described above. In an embodiment, at least one of the ribs 82 includes the raised portion 97. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the rib 82 includes the raised portion 97. For example, in certain embodiments, at least 10% of the rib, such as at least 20%, such as at least 30%, such as at least 40%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 100% includes the raised portion 97. Additional raised portions 97 may be disposed on the rib 82 as needed. For example, while the rib shown typically includes only one raised portion 97, it is contemplated that the rib 82 may include two or more raised portions 97, such as at least three, such as at least four, such as at least five raised portions. In an embodiment, the raised portion 97 may form from about 10% to about 90% of the total circumference of one or more of the ribs 82, such as from about 20% to about 80% of the total circumference, such as from about 30% to about 70%, such as from about 40% to about 60%. In certain embodiments, the raised portion 97 forms from about 20% to about 30% of the total circumference of one or more of the ribs 82, such as about 25%.

[0047] Now refer to Figures 9A to 9D , the raised portion 97 may be disposed on each rib 82 at various positions about the central axis 90 of the rib 82. For example, in an embodiment, the raised portion 97 is disposed in the upper left quadrant ( Figure 9A ), the lower left quadrant ( Figure 9B ), the lower right quadrant ( Figure 9C ), or the upper right quadrant ( Figure 9D ). For example, as Figures 3 to 5 shows, the raised portion 97 on the rib 82 is disposed at different positions. For example, the raised portion 97 may be positioned by rotating 90° relative to each adjacent rib 82. In such embodiments, the first rib will have the raised portion 97 disposed as Figure 9A shows, the second adjacent rib will have the raised portion 97 disposed as Figure 9B shows, the third adjacent rib will have the raised portion 97 disposed as Figure 9C shows, and the fourth adjacent rib will have the raised portion 97 disposed as Figure 9D shows. Thus, the raised portion rotates 90° about the rib 82 relative to each adjacent rib.

[0048] The position of the raised portion 97 on each adjacent rib 82 can be different such that during rotation of the pressure roller 80, at least a portion of each rib 82 does not contact the drive roller at different positions of rotation. For example, recessed portions 97 can be provided on each adjacent rib and can be spaced apart from each other by a certain angle along the perimeter of the rib 82. For example, recessed portions 87 can be provided on each adjacent rib and can be placed at different radial positions spaced apart from each other by a certain angle along the perimeter of the rib 82. For example, a first raised portion is provided on a first rib, and a second adjacent rib includes a second portion disposed about 10° apart from the first raised portion around the perimeter. A third raised portion provided on a third rib adjacent to the second rib can be disposed about 10° apart from the second raised portion around the perimeter of the third rib. It is noted that this pattern can continue such that each adjacent rib includes a raised portion that is disposed at a different radial position around the perimeter of the rib relative to its surrounding adjacent ribs. The angular difference in the radial positions between adjacent raised portions can vary and can be in the range of about 1° to about 45°.

[0049] Now referring to Figures 10 to 11 , the pressure roller 80 is shown biased against the drive roller 100. The pressure roller 80 is held against the drive roller 100 by the pressure roller arm 102. When the drive roller 100 rotates, the pressure roller 80 also rotates such that the raised portion 97 contacts the drive roller 100. When the raised portion 97 of the rib 82 contacts the drive roller 100, this causes the pressure roller arm 102 to lift upward in the direction shown by arrow A. When the pressure roller arm 102 lifts, this causes the remaining portion of the rib 82 provided on the pressure roller 80 to disengage from the drive roller 100. For example, as Figures 12 to 13 shows, there are a number of ribs 82 provided along the pressure roller 80. Each of the ribs 82 contacts the drive roller 100. However, as Figure 13 shows, when the raised portion 97 contacts the drive roller 100, this raises the pressure roller arm 102, thereby raising the pressure roller 80 and the ribs 82 thereon such that the ribs 82 no longer contact the drive roller 100. This temporary disengagement between the rib and the drive roller 100 releases the pressure on any sheet in the nip, thereby flattening wrinkles, removing creases, and / or re-centering the sheet.

[0050] The dispensers provided herein can also be equipped with any number of operating components. The operating components can be housed within the housing and / or located external to 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 mounted directly to the back panel of the housing or 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 servicing and / or replacing components without having to remove the entire dispenser from its support surface. To dispense paper products, such as one or more rolls of sheets, the operating components can include rollers (such as pressure rollers, drive rollers), a drive motor, a gear assembly, and a control circuit (including, for example, a controller or microprocessor) for driving the paper products out of the roll of sheets through a dispensing opening. Additional roll holding means, such as roll holders, including a main roll holder and a stub roll holder, can also be included in the dispenser. There can also be additional transfer mechanisms for transferring dispensing between the stub roll and the main roll. Such components are known to those skilled in the art and can thus be incorporated herein. Additionally, there can be a tear bar or a cutting bar for cutting the paper products when dispensing them from the dispensed material. In certain embodiments, the dispenser can be configured to dispense a specific amount of sheets. The dispensing mechanism can be powered by a battery in a battery component or can be powered by an AC-DC power distribution system.

[0051] Additionally, any known type of sensor can be included in the dispensers provided herein. For example, in certain embodiments, the dispenser can include a sensor that is capable of detecting the presence of a user in a detection area and accordingly dispensing a selected amount of the dispensable product. Such detection sensors are known in the art. Further, additional refill detection sensors and / or systems are known and can be incorporated into the dispensers provided herein.

[0052] The subject matter of the following clauses provides additional aspects:

[0053] 1. A dispenser for dispensing sheets from one or more rolls of sheets, comprising: a housing having an internal volume for holding a first roll of sheets; and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing for dispensing the sheets, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a pressure roller biased against the drive roller to form a nip through which the sheets are dispensed, the pressure roller having a plurality of ribs disposed thereon, at least one of the plurality of ribs having a recessed portion such that during rotation of the pressure roller, at least a portion of the rib does not contact the drive roller.

[0054] 2. The dispenser according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least 50% of the plurality of ribs include the recessed portion.

[0055] 3. A dispenser as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein each of one or more ribs defines a drive roller contact surface, wherein the drive roller contact surface occupies from about 50% to about 85% of the circumference of the one or more ribs, and wherein the recessed portion occupies from about 10% to about 40% of the circumference of the one or more ribs.

[0056] 4. A dispenser as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the position of the recessed portion on adjacent ribs is different.

[0057] 5. A dispenser as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pressure roller is biased against the drive roller via a pressure roller arm.

[0058] 6. A dispenser as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the drive roller is coupled to a motor configured to rotate the drive roller.

[0059] 7. A dispenser as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the housing includes a front cover coupled to a back plate, the front cover being movable from a closed position to an open position.

[0060] 8. A dispenser as described in any of the preceding clauses, including a roll holding device for holding the sheet roll.

[0061] 9. A dispenser as described in any of the preceding clauses, including a control circuit configured to have a sensor and the dispensing mechanism to initiate a dispensing cycle when the sensor detects an object.

[0062] 10. A dispenser as described in any of the preceding clauses, including a dispensing opening through which the sheet is dispensed from the internal volume.

[0063] 11. A dispenser for dispensing sheets from one or more sheet rolls, comprising: a housing having an internal volume for holding a first sheet roll; and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing for dispensing sheets, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a pressure roller biased against the drive roller to form a nip through which the sheet is dispensed, the pressure roller having a plurality of ribs disposed thereon, at least one of the plurality of ribs defining a raised portion such that during rotation of the pressure roller, the raised portion contacts the drive roller to lift the drive roller such that one or more of the plurality of ribs do not contact the drive roller.

[0064] 12. The dispenser as described in clause 11, wherein at least 50% of the plurality of ribs include the raised portion.

[0065] 13. A dispenser as described in clause 11 or 12, wherein each of the one or more ribs defines a drive roller contact surface, wherein the drive roller contact surface occupies from about 50% to about 85% of the circumference of the one or more ribs, and wherein the raised portion occupies from about 10% to about 40% of the circumference of the one or more ribs.

[0066] 14. A dispenser as described in clauses 11 to 13, wherein the positions of the raised portions on adjacent ribs are different.

[0067] 15. A dispenser as described in clauses 11 to 14, wherein the pressure roller is biased against the drive roller via a pressure roller arm.

[0068] 16. A dispenser as described in clauses 11 to 15, wherein when the raised portion contacts the drive roller, the pressure roller arm moves away from the drive roller.

[0069] 17. A dispenser as described in clauses 11 to 16, wherein the drive roller is coupled to a motor configured to rotate the drive roller.

[0070] 18. A dispenser as described in clauses 11 to 17, comprising a control circuit configured to have a sensor and the dispensing mechanism to initiate a dispensing cycle when the sensor detects an object.

[0071] 19. A dispenser as described in clauses 11 to 18, comprising a dispensing opening through which the sheet is dispensed from the internal volume.

[0072] 20. A method of dispensing a sheet, comprising dispensing a sheet from a dispenser as described in clause 1 or clause 11.

[0073] These and other modifications and variations of the present disclosure can be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which are more particularly described in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged, in whole or in part. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will know that the above description is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the present disclosure further described in such appended claims.

Claims

1. A dispenser for dispensing sheets from one or more sheet rolls, comprising: a housing having an internal volume for holding a first sheet roll; and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing for dispensing sheets, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a pressure roller biased against the drive roller to form a nip through which the sheets are dispensed, the pressure roller having a plurality of ribs disposed thereon, at least one of the plurality of ribs having a recessed portion such that during rotation of the pressure roller, at least a portion of the rib does not contact the drive roller.

2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein at least 50% of the plurality of ribs include the recessed portion.

3. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of ribs defines a drive roller contact surface, wherein the drive roller contact surface occupies from about 50% to about 85% of the circumference of one or more ribs, and wherein the recessed portion occupies from about 10% to about 40% of the circumference of the one or more ribs.

4. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the positions of the recessed portions on adjacent ribs are different.

5. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the pressure roller is biased against the drive roller via a pressure roller arm.

6. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the drive roller is coupled to a motor configured to rotate the drive roller.

7. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a front cover coupled to a back plate, the front cover being movable from a closed position to an open position.

8. The dispenser according to claim 7, including a roll holding device for holding the first sheet roll.

9. The dispenser according to claim 1, including a control circuit configured to have a sensor and the dispensing mechanism to initiate a dispensing cycle when the sensor detects an object.

10. The dispenser according to claim 1, including a dispensing opening through which the sheets are dispensed from the internal volume.

11. A dispenser for dispensing sheets from one or more sheet rolls, comprising: a housing having an internal volume for holding a first sheet roll; and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing for dispensing sheets, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a pressure roller biased against the drive roller to form a nip through which the sheets are dispensed, the pressure roller having a plurality of ribs disposed thereon, at least one of the plurality of ribs defining a raised portion such that during rotation of the pressure roller, the raised portion contacts the drive roller to lift the drive roller such that one or more of the plurality of ribs do not contact the drive roller.

12. The dispenser according to claim 11, wherein at least 50% of the plurality of ribs include the raised portion.

13. The dispenser according to claim 11, wherein each of the one or more ribs defines a drive roller contact surface, wherein the drive roller contact surface occupies from about 50% to about 85% of the circumference of the one or more ribs, and wherein the raised portion occupies from about 10% to about 40% of the circumference of the one or more ribs.

14. The dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the position of the raised portion on adjacent ribs is different.

15. The dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the pressure roller is biased against the drive roller via a pressure roller arm.

16. The dispenser according to claim 15, wherein when the raised portion contacts the drive roller, the pressure roller arm moves away from the drive roller.

17. The dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the drive roller is coupled to a motor configured to rotate the drive roller.

18. The dispenser according to claim 11, comprising a control circuit configured to have a sensor and the dispensing mechanism to initiate a dispensing cycle when the sensor detects an object.

19. The dispenser according to claim 11, comprising a dispensing opening through which the sheet is dispensed from the internal volume.

20. A method of dispensing a sheet, comprising dispensing a sheet from the dispenser according to claim 1.

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