Towel dispenser, method for adapting a towel dispenser and use of a rib system

Abstract

A towel dispenser for receiving and dispensing towels, preferably paper towels, is proposed. The towel dispenser comprises a housing and a rib system, wherein the rib system is arranged in the housing. The rib system has at least one rib receptacle and at least one support rib, wherein the support rib can be attached to the rib receptacle so that it can be displaced horizontally.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a towel dispenser for receiving and dispensing towels, a method for adapting a towel dispenser and a use of a rib system.

[0002] Towel dispensers, for example for paper towels, are well known in the art. EP 1 935 306 B1 discloses a paper towel dispenser for folded paper towels with a vertical housing that provides space for a stack of towel sheets. Guide ribs are arranged on the side walls of the housing to support the stack of towels. These guide ribs run parallel to each other and extend toward the rear wall of the housing.

[0003] The disadvantage of conventional towel dispensers is that they don't dispense the towels properly, especially with high stacks. Either the stack is too heavy, preventing the towels from being removed, or the stack gets jammed in the casing, preventing the towels from being reached through the dispensing opening. Furthermore, conventional towel dispensers are designed for a single type of towel. Changing the product during the towel dispenser's lifetime is not possible.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved towel dispenser, an improved method, and an improved use that, in particular, overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide an improved towel dispenser, an improved method, and an improved use that enables the reception and reliable dispensing of a high stack of towels. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide an improved towel dispenser, an improved method, and an improved use that allows adaptation to different types of towels.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention by means of a towel dispenser for receiving and dispensing towels, comprising a housing and a rib system, wherein the rib system is arranged in the housing, wherein the rib system has at least one rib receptacle and at least one support rib, wherein the support rib can be fastened to the rib receptacle so as to be displaceable in the horizontal direction.

[0006] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention by means of a method for adapting a towel dispenser to a width of a stack of towels, comprising the steps: Providing a rib system with at least one rib receptacle and at least one support rib, displacing the at least one support rib so that it is at least partially engaged with the stack.

[0007] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention by means of a rib system, wherein the rib system is arranged in the housing, wherein the rib system has at least one rib receptacle and at least one support rib, wherein the support rib can be fastened to the rib receptacle so as to be displaceable in the horizontal direction, for adapting a towel dispenser to a width of a stack of towels.

[0008] A towel dispenser for receiving and dispensing towels, preferably paper towels, is proposed. The towel dispenser comprises a housing and a rib system, wherein the rib system is arranged in the housing. The rib system has at least one rib receptacle and at least one support rib, wherein the support rib can be attached to the rib receptacle so that it can be displaced in the horizontal direction.

[0009] Advantageously, a variety of different towels can be accommodated and dispensed throughout the towel dispenser's service life. For this purpose, the at least one support rib can be moved horizontally and preferably locked in different positions. In one embodiment, the at least one support rib is spring-loaded.

[0010] The towel dispenser can provide towels, especially paper towels, in an organized and hygienic manner. To ensure that the towels can be dispensed individually and without tangling, they are folded. A common fold for such paper towels is the zigzag fold, where the towel is folded so that the ends at least partially overlap. This allows for sequential dispensing of the towels. For example, if one towel is pulled out, the next towel is partially pulled out with it and is ready for the next use. However, other stacks of towels that are folded differently can also be picked up and dispensed by the towel dispenser. In one embodiment, the towel dispenser is suitable for stacks of towels with a Z-fold.With this type of folding, one towel is folded into the next so that when one towel is pulled out, the next towel is automatically partially pulled out. This ensures consistent and easy dispensing. In one embodiment, the towel dispenser is designed for towels with a V-fold. With this fold, the towel is folded once in half to form a "V." When the towels are stacked on top of each other, a V-shaped fold is created, making the bottom end of the upper towel easily accessible. The V-fold differs from the Z-fold in that the towels are not interlocked. This means that when you pull out one towel, the next towel is not automatically pulled out a bit. Nevertheless, the open V-shape allows for easy dispensing of the next towel.V-fold towels are preferred in public facilities because they offer a simple and hygienic method of dispensing towels. In another embodiment, the towel dispenser can accommodate C-fold towels. Each towel is folded in half to form a "C." This allows the towels to lie flat on top of each other in the dispenser and be manually removed one at a time. In another embodiment, the towel dispenser can accommodate and dispense stacks of M-fold or multifold towels. With this type of folding, the towels are folded several times to create a compact, easy-to-open stack. Preferably, the towel dispenser can accommodate and dispense one or more different stacks with different folds.

[0011] Once the wipes are folded accordingly, they are placed in a stack in the towel dispenser. Gravity pushes the stack downwards, ensuring there's always a towel ready for use. The stack inside the dispenser is designed to steadily decrease as wipes are removed, with subsequent wipes sliding down the stack, ensuring they're always available to users.

[0012] With very large stacks, particularly stack heights of around 300 sheets to around 1000 sheets, the stacks have a very high weight. The stack then pushes towards an output opening on a lower side of the housing. This leads to increased pressure on the bottom sheets of the stack, which in turn can cause problems during removal. Due to the high weight and the resulting pressure, the bottom sheets can become compressed or stick together, making them difficult to remove individually. It can also increase the friction between the sheets and the inner surface of the housing, increasing the risk of paper jams or uneven dispensing. This can result in users having to apply more force to remove a single sheet, which can tear the towels. Furthermore, multiple sheets could be pulled out at once. The pressure can even be so great that the output opening becomes blocked.The proposed towel dispenser therefore has ribs which advantageously absorb the weight of the towels at least partially over the height of the housing in order to ensure even dispensing of the towels.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing of the towel dispenser comprises a maintenance flap. In particular, the maintenance flap closes off the front of the housing. Preferably, the maintenance flap forms a front of the housing. Preferably, the maintenance flap opens upwards. In one embodiment, the housing comprises at least one hinge in an upper section which connects the housing to the maintenance flap. In a further embodiment, the housing has at least one hinge on one side, in particular on a side wall. Preferably, the maintenance flap can then be pivoted to one side. The housing can be opened by means of the maintenance flap. Preferably, when the maintenance flap is open, a stack of towels can be placed into the towel dispenser.

[0014] In one embodiment, the towel dispenser can hold about 150 to about 1000, more preferably about 300 to about 1000 towels and in particular dispense them one after the other.

[0015] If the term "approximately" is used in the context of the invention in connection with values or value ranges, this is to be understood as a tolerance range that the person skilled in the art considers to be customary in this field; in particular, a tolerance range of ±20%, preferably ±10%, more preferably ±5% is provided.

[0016] To the extent that different value ranges, for example preferred and further preferred value ranges, are specified in the present invention, the lower limits and the upper limits of the different value ranges can be combined with one another.

[0017] In one embodiment, the housing comprises two side walls. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a rear wall. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a base. Preferably, a dispensing opening is arranged in the base. The dispensing opening can have different geometric shapes; in particular, the dispensing opening is adapted to the requirements of the towel dispensing and the design of the housing. In one embodiment, the dispensing opening is rectangular. This is advantageous for wider towels and enables even and easy dispensing. In one embodiment, the dispensing opening is oval, circular, triangular, or trapezoidal. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a slot-shaped dispensing opening. This narrow and elongated shape is advantageous for limiting dispensing to a single sheet and preventing over-dispensing by controlling dispensing through the limited slot.

[0018] The towel dispenser comprises a rib system, in particular for distributing the load of the towels in a stack. The rib system is arranged in the housing. The rib system comprises at least one rib receptacle. The rib system preferably comprises approximately two, preferably exactly two, rib receptacles. In one embodiment, the at least one rib receptacle is arranged on the rear wall or the side wall of the housing. In an embodiment with two rib receptacles, these are each arranged opposite one another in the housing and preferably assigned to the side walls. The at least one rib receptacle preferably extends vertically in the housing of the towel dispenser.

[0019] In one embodiment, the rib receptacle can be connected to the rear wall or the side wall by means of a snap connection. A towel dispenser can preferably be retrofitted with a rib system in this way. Advantageously, the rib system is easy to install during the manufacture of the towel dispenser. In another embodiment, the rib receptacle is designed to be materially connected to the rear wall or the side wall.

[0020] In one embodiment, the rib system comprises at least one button. The support rib can preferably be connected to the rib receptacle by means of the at least one button. In one embodiment, the at least one rib receptacle comprises at least two buttons that connect the support rib to the rib receptacle. The rib system, more preferably the rib receptacle, preferably comprises at least about two buttons, more preferably about 2 to about 10, more preferably about 2 to about 8, more preferably about 4 to about 6 buttons, more preferably exactly 4 buttons.

[0021] In one embodiment, the knob allows the support rib to be fixed to the rib receptacle in a fixed manner. Preferably, the knob locks the support rib to the rib receptacle. Advantageously, the at least one knob enables adjustable positioning and fixation of the support rib.

[0022] In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable into an open position and a closed position. For example, to unlock the support rib, the knob is rotated by approximately 90° to approximately 180° in one embodiment. The support rib can preferably slide horizontally inward and outward over the rib receptacle. The rotatable knob preferably ensures that the support rib remains attached to the rib receptacle. The support rib is preferably held captive to the rib receptacle by the knob.

[0023] In one embodiment, the support rib includes at least one knob receptacle. Once the knob and the knob receptacle are aligned in the support rib, the knob can be rotated back approximately 90° to approximately 180° to lock the rib. The rib holder preferably has a geometry that guides the knob at least partially into the support rib and engages it there.

[0024] The knob is preferably arranged captively on the rib receptacle. The rib receptacle and / or the knob preferably has a geometry, in particular an inclined plane, by means of which the knob can be moved on a horizontal axis. The horizontal axis is preferably perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the support rib. The geometry of the knob and / or the rib holder enables the knob to be advantageously screwed in and out. In particular, the knob can be screwed into the knob receptacle and out again. In a further embodiment, the geometry for screwing the knob in and out comprises a thread. In particular, the knob can be screwed in and out by means of a thread into a corresponding counter thread of the rib receptacle.In a further embodiment, the knob protrudes through a recess in the rib holder and has a radial projection on the side facing the rear of the housing. The rib holder comprises an inclined plane arranged in a ring around the recess in the rib holder. The radial projection sweeps over this inclined plane when the knob is turned. This allows the knob to be turned in and out.

[0025] The towel dispenser comprises at least one support rib. In one embodiment, the towel dispenser comprises two or more support ribs. In one embodiment, the rib system comprises two opposing support ribs. Preferably, one support rib can be arranged on a rib receptacle. Preferably, one support rib is arranged on a rib receptacle. In a further embodiment, it is provided that a plurality of support ribs, in particular one above the other, are attached to a rib receptacle. Preferably, the support rib is spaced from the rear wall of the towel dispenser. Further preferably, the support rib is arranged on the rib holder such that the support rib is spaced from the rear wall. Preferably, a distance from the rear wall to the support rib of approximately 5 mm to approximately 60 mm, preferably approximately 20 mm to approximately 60 mm, further preferably approximately 30 mm to approximately 50 mm, further preferably approximately 35 mm to approximately 45 mm, further preferably approximately 40.5 mm is provided.Advantageously, the spacing is chosen to accommodate a range of stacking dimensions, particularly different depths of towel stacks. This advantageously prevents the stack from tipping over, especially when opening the towel dispenser.

[0026] If the term "approximately" is used in the context of the invention in connection with values or value ranges, this is to be understood as a tolerance range that the person skilled in the art considers to be customary in this field; in particular, a tolerance range of ±20%, preferably ±10%, more preferably ±5% is provided.

[0027] To the extent that different value ranges, for example preferred and further preferred value ranges, are specified in the present invention, the lower limits and the upper limits of the different value ranges can be combined with one another.

[0028] This position is determined so that the rib has an optimal position on the sides of the fabric, where it reduces the risk of the fabric tipping over.

[0029] Preferably, the at least one support rib, preferably a longitudinal extension of the support rib, extends vertically in the towel dispenser. Preferably, the support rib extends along the rib receptacle. In one embodiment, the support rib is plate-shaped. In particular, the support rib has a vertical extension and a horizontal extension in the direction of the side walls, which is significantly greater than a horizontal extension in the direction of the rib holder or in the direction of the rear wall. In one embodiment, it is provided that the at least one support rib is plate-shaped, wherein each support rib comprises a substantially flat front side facing a front side of the housing, and a substantially flat rear side facing a rear wall of the housing. In one embodiment, the support rib comprises a substantially flat or straight inner side, which in particular faces the interior.In one embodiment, the support rib comprises a substantially flat or straight outer side, which is in particular associated with a side wall to which the support rib system is assigned. The plate-shaped support rib is preferably arranged in the towel dispenser housing such that its longitudinal extension runs vertically. The vectors of the flat sides of the support rib preferably extend toward the rear wall and the front of the towel dispenser housing.

[0030] The term "essentially" indicates a tolerance range that is acceptable to a person skilled in the art from an economic and technical point of view, so that the corresponding feature can still be recognized or realized as such.

[0031] In one embodiment, the inner side of the at least one support rib is at least partially wave-shaped. In one embodiment, at least one section of the inner side is wave-shaped, and preferably at least one section is smooth or straight. The wave crests preferably extend toward the interior. The amplitude of the waves is preferably horizontal. The waves preferably have a vertical extension, which means, in particular, that one wavelength is oriented vertically.

[0032] In one embodiment, it is provided that an amplitude of waves at an upper end of the support rib is smaller than an amplitude of waves at the lower end. In a further embodiment of the support rib, it is provided that the base shape is formed by a sinusoidal wave. In one embodiment, it is provided that the waves are formed with a wavelength of approximately 40 mm to approximately 70 mm, preferably approximately 60 mm. In one embodiment, it is provided that the waves are formed with a peak-to-peak amplitude of approximately 5 mm to approximately 20 mm, preferably 10 mm, at least for the lower approximately 4 to approximately 10, preferably approximately 8 waves. After these waves, in one embodiment, the peak-to-peak amplitude preferably decreases for the remaining waves, preferably for the remaining approximately 1 to approximately 5, more preferably for the remaining 3 waves.An alignment is preferably maintained for the inner wave crests, so that, for example, the outer wave crests of the upper three waves are less prominent compared to the exemplary lower eight prominent wave crests. The wavelength preferably varies for the uppermost wave. Preferably, the upper wave has a longer wavelength than the lower waves.

[0033] In one embodiment, the minimum distance between two wave crests is smaller than the width of the towels that can be accommodated by the towel dispenser. Preferably, the support ribs can be adjusted such that the minimum distance between two wave crests is smaller than the width of the towels that are to be accommodated by the towel dispenser. The curved shape advantageously enables an alternating or recurring engagement of the ribs in the stack of paper towels over the length. This engagement advantageously offers local support for the paper towels. Since this effect is repeated over the height of the stack, the pressure of the towels on a base provided with the dispensing opening is advantageously reduced. The quality of the towel dispensing is advantageously improved.

[0034] Preferably, the depth of engagement of the wave crests in the stack varies across a vertical extension of the support rib. Preferably, a spacing of the wave minima corresponds approximately to the width of a stack of towels that can be inserted into the towel dispenser. In one embodiment, all wave minima of waves are essentially tangent to a vertical line. The advantage of the arrangement of the wave minima is that they enable constant support across the entire height of the support rib. This ensures that the paper towels are evenly supported, regardless of how many towels are in the dispenser.

[0035] The uniform arrangement of the wave minima along a vertical line ensures that the support rib's engagement with the stack of paper towels remains consistent throughout the entire height of the towel dispenser. This prevents areas of the stack from being unsupported, which could lead to uneven or problematic dispensing of towels.

[0036] Another advantage of this wave minima arrangement is that the support rib can better adapt to different quantities and types of paper towels. This means the towel dispenser is more flexible with regard to the type of towels used, ensuring consistent and reliable dispensing, regardless of the specific towel type or thickness.

[0037] The support ribs are attachable or secured to the rib receptacle so that they can be displaced horizontally. If the button is actuated in such a way that it no longer locks the support rib, the support rib can be displaced, in particular, such that it can be adapted to the width of a stack of towels. Preferably, approximately 2 to approximately 5, preferably approximately 3, fixed positions of the support rib are provided. The support rib preferably comprises a plurality of button receptacles. More preferably, the support rib comprises approximately 2 to approximately 5, more preferably approximately 3 to approximately 4 button receptacles. This advantageously enables precise positioning of the support ribs for defined widths of stacks of towels.

[0038] In one embodiment, the button receptacle comprises a continuous recess. In one embodiment, the button receptacle comprises an elongated hole. In particular, an elongated hole allows the support rib to be moved when the button is unlocked, with the button continuing to engage in the button receptacle. In one embodiment, the support rib has a number of button receptacles, each of which has at least one elongated hole.

[0039] Furthermore, one embodiment provides for the button receptacle to have a non-continuous recess. The button can be at least partially received in the non-continuous recess. This advantageously ensures that the button locks the support rib in a defined position. One configuration provides for the button receptacle to comprise a plurality of recesses for locking the button. Preferably, an inner diameter of the non-continuous recess corresponds approximately to an outer diameter of the button. When the button is in a locked position, it engages in the non-continuous recess and prevents the support rib from moving, in particular in the horizontal direction. Preferably, a button receptacle comprises approximately 2 to approximately 6, more preferably approximately 3 non-continuous recesses. The recesses are preferably arranged next to one another in the direction of extension of the button receptacle or of the elongated hole.

[0040] In one embodiment, the knob comprises at least one head. The head is designed, for example, for manual operation of the knob and has a radius that can engage in the recesses of the knob receptacles. The head preferably has, at its end facing the support rib, a radius that is approximately the same as or smaller than that of the recess. In one embodiment, the knob comprises a guide section. The guide section is preferably designed for guidance in the elongated hole of the knob receptacles. The guide section preferably has a diameter that approximately corresponds to the vertical or smallest diameter of the elongated hole in the knob receptacle. The knob preferably extends through the support rib and the rib holder and connects these two to one another.

[0041] For example, the support ribs can be locked to each other using the knobs so that they have a minimum spacing of approximately 199 mm, approximately 212 mm, and approximately 232 mm. Preferably, such different stacks of towels with a width of approximately 203 mm, 224 mm, and approximately 244 mm can be accommodated.

[0042] Examples are not to be regarded as exhaustive within the meaning of the invention, but can be supplemented within the scope of general technical knowledge.

[0043] An exemplary towel dispenser comprises a housing having a front and a rear wall. A dispensing opening for dispensing towels is located at its lower edge. A maintenance flap is attached to the rear wall with a hinge, allowing the flap to be pivoted upwards to provide access to the interior of the dispenser. In another exemplary embodiment, the maintenance flap is hinged to a side wall, allowing it to be pivoted horizontally.

[0044] Inside the housing, for example, a rib system is arranged, comprising two rib receptacles that serve to accommodate support ribs. Each of these support ribs is secured to its respective rib receptacle by means of, for example, four knobs. These knobs are embedded in knob receptacles on the support ribs, allowing the support ribs to be locked in various positions.

[0045] The rib supports are mounted on the rear wall of the housing in such a way that they maintain a specific distance, positioning the support ribs approximately at the level of the dispensing opening. This distance is approximately 40.5 mm from the rear wall to the nearest point of the support ribs.

[0046] The support ribs comprise, for example, button receptacles that have a preferably horizontally aligned elongated hole. Furthermore, the button receptacles comprise, for example, three recesses into which the buttons can engage. The buttons can connect the rib receptacles to the support ribs. For example, the button protrudes through a recess in the rib receptacle and has a radial projection on the side facing the rear of the housing. The rib receptacle comprises, for example, an inclined plane arranged in a ring around the recess. The radial projection sweeps over this inclined plane when the button is turned. This allows the button to be turned in and out.

[0047] For example, the knob comprises at least a head, a guide section, and the radial projection. The head is designed, for example, for manual operation of the knob and has a radius that can engage in the recesses of the knob receptacles. The guide section is designed, for example, for guidance in the elongated hole of the knob receptacles.

[0048] The support ribs can be secured to each other in various positions using knobs in the knob holders. In the tightest position, the support ribs extend furthest into the housing and have a minimum spacing of approximately 199 mm. This allows for the accommodation of towel stacks with a width of approximately 203 mm, for example. By turning the knobs by 180°, for example, they can be released from the recesses, allowing the support ribs to be moved to allow for greater spacing for wider towel stacks.

[0049] In a middle position, for example, a minimum distance of approximately 212 mm is provided between the support ribs, allowing for stacks of towels with a width of approximately 224 mm. In the widest setting, a sample distance of approximately 232 mm is provided, allowing for stacks up to approximately 244 mm wide.

[0050] The support ribs maintain their fixed position to the rear wall of the cabinet, which helps prevent the towel stack from tipping when the maintenance hatch is opened.

[0051] The side of the support ribs facing the towels is designed, for example, with a sinusoidal waveform. This waveform has a wavelength of approximately 60 mm. For example, both support ribs comprise approximately eleven waves. For the lower, eight waves, for example, the amplitude is approximately 10 mm. For example, the amplitude of the upper waves decreases with each wave. The wave troughs are aligned along the length of the support rib, so that the peaks of the upper waves are less prominent than those of the lower waves. The consistent wavelength of the lower waves and the longer wavelength of the uppermost wave contribute to a uniform appearance.

[0052] This exemplary configuration allows the minimum distance between the ribs to be smaller than the width of the inserted stack of towels. The wave-shaped contour of the support ribs ensures periodic overlap with the towels, resulting in local support of the stack. This redistributes the pressure of the stack weight, reduces the pressure on the towels at the bottom, and thus improves the quality of removal and the force required to pull the towels out.

[0053] Furthermore, a method for adapting a towel dispenser to a width of a stack of towels is proposed, which comprises the steps: Providing a rib system with at least one rib receptacle and at least one support rib, displacing the at least one support rib so that it is at least partially engaged with the stack.

[0054] Preferably, two ribs in the towel dispenser are shifted relative to each other or locked at defined positions so that they are at least partially engaged with the stack from both sides. The stack is preferably centered by the support ribs in the towel dispenser.

[0055] In one embodiment, the rib receptacle is fixed in place by means of at least two knobs. Preferably, the knobs are moved by means of a rotational movement into a first position in which the support rib is movable. Preferably, the knobs are moved at least partially out of a recess in a knob receptacle. Once the support ribs are in the desired position, the knobs are screwed into the recess of the knob receptacle, thus preventing further movement of the support rib, at least in the horizontal direction.

[0056] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the support rib is designed in a wave-shaped manner and repeatedly engages the stack over its length.

[0057] Furthermore, a use of a rib system is proposed, wherein the rib system is arranged in the housing, wherein the rib system has at least one rib receptacle and at least one support rib, wherein the support rib can be fastened to the rib receptacle so as to be displaceable in the horizontal direction, for adapting a towel dispenser to a width of a stack of towels.

[0058] Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the following drawings. However, the developments presented therein are not to be interpreted as limiting; rather, the features described therein can be combined with one another and with the features described above to form further embodiments. Furthermore, it should be noted that the reference numerals used in the description of the figures do not limit the scope of the present invention, but merely refer to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Identical parts or parts with the same function have the same reference numerals below. They show: Fig. 1a side view of the towel dispenser Fig. 2a sectional view of the towel dispenser along the section line II-II of Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 Details of the towel dispenser from Fig. 2 with support ribs in a first position, Fig. 4 Details of the towel dispenser from Fig. 2 with support ribs in a second position, Fig. 5 Details of the towel dispenser from Fig. 2 with support ribs in a third position and Fig. 6a support rib.

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a towel dispenser 10 with a housing 20 comprising a front side 22 and a rear wall 24. A dispensing opening 28 is arranged at the lower end 26 of the housing 20. A maintenance flap 23 is connected to the rear wall 24 by a hinge 25. The maintenance flap 23 can be pivoted upward by means of the hinge 25.

[0060] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the towel dispenser 10 along the section line II-II of Fig. 1 . In the housing 20, a rib system 30 is arranged, which comprises two rib receptacles 30 and 32. On the rib receptacles 30, 32, which are in Fig. 3A As can be seen, support ribs 36 and 38 are arranged. The support rib 36 is held to the rib receptacle 30 by means of four buttons 44, 45, 46, and 47. The support rib 38 is held to the rib receptacle 32 by means of four buttons 48, 49, 50, and 51. The buttons 44 to 51 are arranged in button receptacles 52 to 59 on the support ribs 36 and 38.

[0061] Fig. 3 is divided into A, B and C and shows the support ribs 36, 38 in a first position. Fig. 3A is a view of the Fig. 2 from above; Fig. 3B is a view of the first support rib 36 in a first position and Fig. 3C is a detailed view C from Fig. 3B a first position of the button 47 in the button holder 64.

[0062] The rib receptacles 32 and 34 are arranged on the rear wall 24 of the housing 20. This creates an advantageous distance 110 between the support ribs 36 and 38 and the rear wall 24. This distance 110 positions the support ribs 36 and 38 essentially at the height of the dispensing opening 28. For example, the support ribs 36 and 38 have a first distance 110 of approximately 40.5 mm from the rear wall 24. Fig. 3A For example, one can see from the support rib 38 that it is plate-shaped and has a flat front side 40 and a flat back side 42.

[0063] As in Fig. 3C As can be seen, the knob 47 in the knob receptacle 55 is set to a first position, which is marked with S. In this position, the support rib 36 projects furthest into the interior of the housing 20. The knob 47 is engaged in the first position S in a recess 62. The knob 47 projects through an elongated hole 66 which completely penetrates the support rib 36. The recesses 62, 63 and 64 are associated with the elongated hole 66 along a longitudinal extent thereof. In total, the support rib 36 comprises four knob receptacles 52, 53, 54 and 55, which are arranged in accordance with the Fig. 3C shown button receptacle 55.

[0064] If both support ribs 36 and 38 are adjusted so that the knobs are engaged in the first position S, they have a minimum first distance 112 of approximately 199 mm. At this distance 112, stacks of paper towels with a width of approximately 203 mm can be accommodated.

[0065] If the knob 47 is rotated by approximately 180°, it is guided out of the recess 62 in such a way that it is no longer locked to the support rib 36. If the knobs 44 to 46 are also released, the support rib 36 can be moved horizontally, with, for example, the part of the knob 47 still remaining in the elongated hole 66 guiding the support rib.

[0066] Fig. 4 is divided into A, B and C and shows the support ribs 36, 38 in a second position. Fig. 4A is a view of the Fig. 2 from above; Fig. 4B is a view of the second support rib 26 in a second position and Fig. 4C is a detailed view C from Fig. 4B a second position of the button 47 in the button holder 64.

[0067] Fig. 4C It can be seen that the knob 47 is engaged in the second recess 63, which is marked as position M. The support rib 36 is, for example, guided from the first position S into the second position M. There, the knob 47 is turned back again so that it engages in the second recess 63. If both support ribs 36 and 38 are adjusted such that the knobs are engaged in the second position M, they have a minimum second distance 114 of approximately 212 mm. At this distance 114, stacks of paper towels with a width of approximately 224 mm can be accommodated.

[0068] The rib receptacles 32 and 34 remain unchanged in their position on the rear wall 24 of the housing 20, whereby the advantageous distance 110 of the support ribs 36 and 38 from the rear wall 24 is maintained.

[0069] As in Fig. 4C As can be seen, the knob 47 has been moved into the second recess 63 and is now locked in position M. Even though the support rib, the knobs, and knob receptacles are identical in the figures, the knobs are shown in different positions. In this second position M, the support rib 36 protrudes less far into the interior of the housing 20 than in the first position S.

[0070] Fig. 5 is divided into A, B and C and presents the support ribs 36, 38 in a third position. Fig. 5A offers a view of Fig. 2 from above. Fig. 5B shows the support rib 26 in this third position. Fig. 5C is a detailed view C from Fig. 5B , which represents the third position of the knob 47 in the knob holder 64.

[0071] In Fig. 5C it can be seen that the knob 47 is engaged in the third recess 64, which is marked as position L. In order to move the support rib 36 from the second position M to this third position L, the knob 47 must first be turned to release it from the second recess 63. As soon as the knobs 44 to 47 are released, the support rib 36 can be moved. In doing so, it is guided through the part of the knob 47 that remains in the elongated hole 66. As soon as the desired position is reached, the knob 47 and the other knobs 44, 45, 46 are turned back so that they securely engage in the third recess 64.

[0072] When both support ribs 36 and 38 are adjusted so that knobs 44, 45, 46, and 47 are engaged in this third position L, a minimum third distance 116 between them of approximately 232 mm results. At this distance 116, stacks of paper towels with a width of approximately 244 mm can be easily accommodated.

[0073] As in the previous Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 , the rib receptacles 32 and 34 remain in their fixed position on the rear wall 24 of the housing 20. This continues to ensure the advantageous distance 110 of the support ribs 36 and 38 from the rear wall 24 and prevents the stack from tipping when the front flap is opened.

[0074] Fig. 6 shows the support rib 36 in an exemplary detailed view. The opposite support rib 38, not shown here, is essentially mirror-symmetrical.

[0075] The support rib 36 has a waveform on the side facing the stack or the housing interior. The waveform comprises a sinusoidal shape. The waveform comprises a wavelength of approximately 60 mm and a first amplitude 97 of approximately 10 mm for the lower eight waves 74 to 81. The amplitudes 94 to 96 of the upper three waves 71 to 73 decrease towards the top. Thus, the second amplitude 96 is smaller than the first amplitude 97, the third amplitude 95 is smaller than the second amplitude 96, and the fourth amplitude 94 is smaller than the third amplitude 95. An alignment is maintained for the wave troughs over the longitudinal extent of the support rib 36, i.e., the wave troughs 82 to 91 all tangent to a vertical line 94. This ensures that the outer tips 104, 105 and 106 of the upper three waves 71, 72 and 73 protrude less than the lower eight protruding tips of the waves 74 to 81.A wavelength, not shown for clarity, is the distance from one wave trough 82 to 91 to the next. Waves 72 to 81 encompass approximately the same wavelength. The wavelength of the uppermost wave 71 varies from the others, in particular, it is longer.

[0076] Advantageously, the towel dispenser can be adjusted such that the minimum distance between the ribs is smaller than the width of the inserted stack of towels. The wave-shaped silhouette of the ribs 36, 38 ensures that there is a periodic overlap between the ribs 36 and 38 and the towels. This overlap leads to local support of the towels. Because this effect is repeated over the length of the towel stack, the pressure of the weight of the towels is redistributed and reduced on the towels at the lower end 26 of the housing 20. This increases the dispensing quality compared to non-adjustable and / or smooth ribs and reduces the force required to pull out the tissue.

Claims

1. Towel dispenser (10) for receiving and dispensing towels, comprising a housing (20) and a rib system (30), wherein the rib system (30) is arranged in the housing (20), wherein the rib system (30) has at least one rib receptacle (32, 34) and at least one support rib (36, 38), wherein the support rib (36, 38) can be fastened to the rib receptacle (32, 34) so as to be displaceable in the horizontal direction.

2. Towel dispenser (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rib system (30) comprises two opposite support ribs (36, 38).

3. Towel dispenser (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support rib (36, 38) is plate-shaped, each comprising a substantially flat front side (40) facing a front side (22) of the housing (20) and a substantially flat rear side (42) facing a rear wall (24) of the housing (20).

4. Towel dispenser (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one rib receptacle (32, 34) comprises at least two buttons (44 to 51) which connect the support rib (36, 38) to the rib receptacle (32, 34).

5. Towel dispenser (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that by means of the knob (44 to 51) the support rib (36, 38) can be fixed immovably to the rib holder (32, 34).

6. Towel dispenser (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the support rib (36, 38) has a number of button receptacles (52 to 59), each of which has at least one elongated hole (66).

7. Towel dispenser (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the button receptacles (52 to 59) comprise a plurality of recesses (62, 63, 64) for locking the button (44 to 51).

8. Towel dispenser (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in thatan inner side of the at least one support rib (36, 38) is at least partially wave-shaped.

9. Towel dispenser (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that all wave minima (82 to 92) of waves (70 to 81) essentially tangent to a vertical line (94).

10. Towel dispenser (10) according to one or more of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that an amplitude (95, 96, 97) of waves (79, 80, 81) at an upper end (100) of the support rib (36, 73) is smaller than an amplitude (98) of waves (70 to 78) at the lower end (102).

11. A method for adapting a towel dispenser (10) to a width of a stack of towels, comprising the steps of: - providing a rib system (30) with at least one rib receptacle (32, 34) and at least one support rib (36, 38), - displacing the at least one support rib (36, 38) so that it is at least partially engaged with the stack.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the rib holder (32, 34) is fixed immovably by means of at least two buttons (44 to 51).

13. Method according to one or more of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that the support rib (36, 38) is wave-shaped and engages repeatedly in the stack over its length.

14. Use of a rib system (30), wherein the rib system (30) is arranged in the housing (20), wherein the rib system (30) has at least one rib receptacle (32, 34) and at least one support rib (36, 38), wherein the support rib (36, 38) is displaceably attachable to the rib receptacle (32, 34) in a horizontal direction, for adapting a towel dispenser (10) to a width of a stack of towels.

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