Fire-suppressing paper dispensing systems and methods

Abstract

To provide fire-suppressing paper dispensing systems and methods within a lavatory, a galley or the like of an internal cabin of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A paper dispensing system 200 and method includes one or more housings 202 defining an internal chamber 213 configured to retain a roll of wound paper 218. The one or more housings 202 include internal surfaces, and an opening 217 through which an edge of the wound paper 218 is dispensable. An intumescent material 230 is coupled to the one or more housings 202. The intumescent material 230 is configured to expand to fill and close open areas including the opening 217 within the one or more housings 202 in response to being exposed to a predetermined temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to fire suppression paper distribution systems and methods within interior cabin lavatories, galleys, and the like of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. A typical commercial aircraft includes within the interior cabin one or more lavatories, one or more galleys, etc.

[0003]

[0003] Paper dispensers may be located throughout the interior cabin of an aircraft. For example, restrooms within the interior cabin may include toilet paper dispensers and hand towel dispensers. In another example, galleys within the interior cabin may include hand towel dispensers.

[0004]

[0004] Certain paper towel dispensers accommodate one or more relatively large rolls of paper towels. The rolls potentially provide a significant amount of fuel for propagating a fire. This is taken into consideration when installing such dispensers on aircraft to meet stringent fire containment requirements for aircraft certification (e.g., as promulgated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)). In a potential scenario, a malicious individual may ignite the exposed bottom edge of a dispensed paper towel, and the fire may then burn upwards into the paper towel roll(s), thereby igniting the paper towels and creating a dangerous condition. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A need exists for a system and method for effectively and efficiently suppressing a fire in a paper dispenser. Additionally, a need exists for a fire suppression paper dispensing system that meets the various fire containment requirements aboard commercial aircraft.

[0006]

[0006] With these needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a paper dispensing system that includes one or more housings defining an interior chamber configured to hold a roll of rolled paper. The one or more housings include an interior surface and an opening through which an edge of the rolled paper can be dispensed. An intumescent material is coupled to the one or more housings. The intumescent material is configured to expand in response to exposure to a predetermined temperature to fill and close open areas, including the opening, in the one or more housings.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the intumescent material covers at least a portion of the inner surface, and in at least one further embodiment, the intumescent material covers the entire inner surface.

[0008]

[0008] The paper distribution system may be located within the interior cabin of the vehicle. For example, the paper distribution system may be in a lavatory or galley of the interior cabin.

[0009]

[0009] The rolled paper may be configured to be dispensed manually. Optionally, the rolled paper may be configured to be dispensed automatically.

[0010]

[0010] The one or more housings may include a base, one or more walls extending from the base, and a door movably coupled to the one or more walls. The door is movable between a closed position and an open position. The intumescent material is coupled to the base, the one or more walls, and the door.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the expansion material coats an interior surface of the one or more housings, hi at least one embodiment, the one or more housings are integrally formed with the expansion material.

[0012]

[0012] The one or more housings may include two or more housings. The paper dispensing system may also include a cabinet. The two or more housings may be disposed within the cabinet.

[0013] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a transporter including an interior cabin and a paper distribution system disposed within the interior cabin, as described herein.

[0014]

[0014] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of dispensing paper that includes coupling an expanding material to one or more housings defining an internal chamber configured to hold a roll of rolled paper, the one or more housings having an inner surface and an opening through which an edge of the rolled paper can be dispensed, the expanding material being configured to expand in response to exposure to a predetermined temperature to fill and close open areas, including the openings, in the one or more housings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1]

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an aircraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]

[0016] FIG. 2 is an interior perspective view of a restroom according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a front isometric view of a paper dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]

[0018] FIG. 2 is an interior side view of a paper dispensing system during normal operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5]

[0019] FIG. 13 is an internal side view of a paper dispensing system when the paper is ignited, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates an interior side view of a paper dispensing system with an expanding material in an expanded state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]

[0021] FIG. 2 is a front view of a paper dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016]

[0022] The above summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that, as used herein, an element or step described in the singular and following the words "a" or "an" does not necessarily exclude a plurality of such elements or steps. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, an embodiment "comprising" or "having" one or more elements having a particular condition may include additional elements that do not have such conditions.

[0017]

[0023] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a paper dispensing system configured to suppress a fire therein. The paper dispensing system is configured to suppress a fire in a scenario where a person maliciously attempts to set fire to the bottom edge of the dispensed paper. In this scenario, heat from the initial fire activates a fire-resistant coating within the paper dispensing system. The fire-resistant coating chars, expands, and expands to close off voids, thereby self-extinguishing due to lack of oxygen within the paper dispensing system.

[0018]

[0024] 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an aircraft 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft 10 includes a propulsion system 12 including, for example, an engine 14. Optionally, the propulsion system 12 may include more engines 14 than those shown. The engines 14 are carried by wings 16 of the aircraft 10. In other embodiments, the engines 14 may be carried by a fuselage 18 and / or a tail section 20. The tail section 20 may also support a horizontal stabilizer 22 and a vertical stabilizer 24. The fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10 defines an interior cabin 30, which may include a flight deck, or cockpit, one or more work areas (e.g., galley, crew baggage areas, etc.), one or more passenger areas (e.g., first class, business class, and coach areas), one or more lavatories, etc.

[0019]

[0025] Alternatively, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of other vehicles instead of aircraft, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and trains, cruise ships, ships, spacecraft, etc. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in fixed structures such as commercial and residential buildings and / or public restrooms.

[0020]

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an interior perspective view of a restroom 100, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The restroom 100 is an example of an enclosed component, such as within the interior cabin of the aircraft 10 shown in FIG. 1. The restroom 100 may be onboard an aircraft, as described above. Optionally, the restroom 100 may be onboard a variety of other vehicles. In other examples, the restroom 100 may be in a fixed structure, such as a commercial or residential building. The restroom 100 includes a base floor 101 that supports a toilet 102, a cabinet 104, and a sink 106 or basin. The restroom 100 may be arranged differently than illustrated. The restroom 100 may include more or fewer components than illustrated.

[0021]

[0027] Restroom 100 includes one or more paper dispensing systems 120. For example, paper dispensing system 120 may be configured to dispense toilet paper. As another example, paper dispensing system 200 may be configured to dispense paper towels, such as may be used for drying hands.

[0022]

[0028] The paper dispensing system 120 can operate manually or automatically. For example, the paper dispensing system 120 can be configured to allow a person to pull and grasp the paper therefrom. As another example, the paper dispensing system 120 can include a sensor configured to detect a proximate hand and an actuator configured to automatically dispense the paper in response to the sensor detecting the hand, known as a demand mode. Alternatively, the paper can be automatically dispensed at a predetermined length without a hand sensor, known as a toweling mode, where the paper is dispensed immediately after the paper towel tears.

[0023]

[0029] 3 illustrates a front isometric view of a paper dispensing system 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The paper dispensing system 200 includes a housing 202 having a base 204, a side wall 206 extending upwardly from the base 204, a rear wall 208 extending upwardly from the base 204, and a door 210 movably secured to one or both of the rear wall 208 and / or the side wall 206. In at least one embodiment, the door 210 movably couples to an upper edge of the rear wall and / or the top wall 212 via a hinge 211. The door 210 is configured to move between an open position (shown in FIG. 3) exposing an interior chamber 213 and a closed position in which the interior chamber 213 is closed.

[0024]

[0030] Optionally, the housing 202 may not include a movable door. Instead, a passageway may be formed in the housing 202 that allows paper to be inserted and removed.

[0025]

[0031] The housing 202 provides a close-fitting envelope for the roll 216 of paper 218. The housing 202 further includes an opening 217 formed in the base 204. The opening 217 allows a bottom edge 219 of the paper 218 to be fed therethrough.

[0026]

[0032] Optionally, housing 202 may include more or fewer walls. Additionally, housing 202 may include walls shaped differently than those shown. As an example, a single curved outer wall may connect to base 204.

[0027]

[0033] The housing 202 also includes one or more roll engagers 214 configured to removably couple to a roll 216 of wound paper 218. The paper 218 wraps around the roll 216. The roll engagers 214 can be pins, posts, clips, protrusions, rods, cylinders, etc. The roll engagers 214 can be spring loaded.

[0028]

[0034] The paper 218 may be, for example, toilet paper. As another example, the paper 218 may be a paper towel. As another example, the paper 218 may be a napkin.

[0029]

[0035] The paper dispensing system 200 may be a manual system, where a person grasps the bottom edge 219 of the paper and pulls it to remove a portion of the paper from the main rolled body 220. As another example, the paper dispensing system 200 may be configured to automatically dispense the paper 218. In such an example, the paper dispensing system 200 may include one or more sensors 222 configured to detect an object within a predetermined proximity (e.g., within 6 inches). An actuator 224 (e.g., a rotational motor) may be operatively coupled to the roll engager 214. In operation, when the sensor(s) 222 detect the presence of an object (e.g., a hand) within a predetermined proximity, the actuator 224 operates to unfold the main rolled body 220 and automatically dispense paper therefrom, known as a demand mode. Alternatively, the paper may be automatically dispensed at a predetermined length without a hand sensor, known as a toweling mode, where the paper is dispensed immediately after the paper towel tears. Optionally, the paper dispensing system 200 may not include the sensor(s) 222 or the actuator 224.

[0030]

[0036] To suppress a fire that could potentially be started by ignited paper 218, inner surface 228 of housing 202 includes intumescent material 230. For example, inner surface 228 may be coated with intumescent material 230. As another example, inner surface 228 may be integrally formed with intumescent material 230. As an example, each of the structural components of housing 202 may be integrally formed with intumescent material 230.

[0031]

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the entire interior surface 228 of the housing 202 within the interior chamber 213 includes the expansion material 230. In particular, the interior surface 228 of each of the base 204, sidewall 206, back wall 208, door 210, etc., is covered with the expansion material 230. The expansion material 230 is configured to expand when exposed to a predetermined set temperature (e.g., 50-100°C or higher). If the temperature does not reach the predetermined temperature, the expansion material 230 is inactive. However, if the predetermined temperature is reached, the expansion material 230 expands. When the expansion material 230 expands, the expanding portion fills the open areas (e.g., interior spaces, gaps, spaces, openings, etc.) of the housing 202. Due to the lack of oxygen, a fire within the housing 202 will self-extinguish.

[0032]

[0038] In at least one embodiment, the intumescent material 230 is a paint that is inactive at low temperatures (e.g., below an activation threshold of 50-100° C.), but reacts in response to increasing heat (typically temperatures above 50-100° C.). As the temperature increases, such as during a fire, the intumescent material 230 expands and forms a charred layer covering the interior surface 228.

[0033]

[0039] In at least one embodiment, the housing 202 is formed from one or more metals and the expansion material 230 covers the metal structure's inner surface 228. In at least one embodiment, the expansion material 230 covers the entire inner surface 228 of the housing 202.

[0034]

[0040] 4 illustrates an interior side view of the paper dispensing system 200 during normal operation, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a bottom edge 219 of the paper 218 extends downward and outward through the opening 217. The paper 218 can be tucked within the interior chamber 213 and dispensed out of the opening 217.

[0035]

[0041] 5 shows an internal side view of the paper dispensing system 200 when the paper 218 ignites, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The bottom edge 219 can be ignited by a malicious individual. The ensuing flame 260 can travel into the interior chamber 213 and then ignite the rolled paper 218, thereby increasing the temperature.

[0036]

[0042] 6 shows an interior side view of the paper dispensing system 200 with the intumescent material 230 in an expanded state 270, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As the temperature within the interior chamber 213 increases to a predetermined temperature, the intumescent material 230 expands, thereby filling all spaces, pores, etc. within the housing 202. For example, the intumescent material 230 expands into and through the openings 217, thereby providing an airtight interior barrier 272 within the housing 202. The airtight interior barrier 272 prevents air from entering the interior chamber 213, thereby depriving the fire of oxygen and extinguishing the flames within the interior chamber 213.

[0037]

[0043] 1-6, paper dispensing system 200 includes a housing 202 provided with a fire containment coating configured to hold a roll of rolled paper 218 (or, optionally, multiple rolls of rolled paper 218). Housing 202 may be formed in whole or in part from one or more metals. Intumescent material 230 covers an interior surface 228 of housing 202. When door 210 is in a closed position, housing 202 fits snugly around the confines of a new paper towel roll(s) to minimize air gaps around the paper towel roll, while allowing sufficient clearance for the paper towel roll(s) to be unwound and dispensed freely.

[0038]

[0044] The expansion material 230 may cover the entirety of the inner surface 228 of the housing 202. Optionally, the expansion material 230 may cover less than the entirety of the inner surface 228.

[0039]

[0045] The door 210 is configured to move (e.g., via one or more hinges) between a closed position and an open position to allow replacement of the paper 218. Like the base 204 and the walls 206, 208, the interior surface 228 of the door 210 (i.e., the surface that faces the interior chamber 213 when the door 210 is closed) is covered with an intumescent material 230. The housing 202 may also include a latch configured to securely close the door 210 in the closed position.

[0040]

[0046] The paper dispensing system 200 may be used in various areas of the interior cabin of an aircraft, such as in lavatories, galleys, bar areas, crew rest areas, flight decks, etc. Optionally, the paper dispensing system 200 may be used in areas of various other types of vehicles, residential or commercial buildings, public restrooms, etc.

[0041]

[0047] As described herein, the paper dispensing system 200 includes one or more housings (e.g., a housing 202 defining an interior chamber 213 configured to hold a roll 216 of rolled paper 218). The housing includes an inner surface 228 and an opening 217 through which an edge (e.g., bottom edge 219) of the rolled paper 218 is dispensed. An expanding material 230 is coupled to the housing 202. The expanding material 230 is configured to expand to fill a space within the housing 202 (e.g., opening 217) in response to exposure to a predetermined temperature. In at least one embodiment, the expanding material 230 covers at least a portion of the inner surface 228. In at least one further embodiment, the expanding material 230 covers the entirety of the inner surface 228.

[0042]

[0048] 7 shows a front view of a paper dispensing system 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the paper dispensing system 200 includes a cabinet 300 having a main body 301, a door 302 movably coupled to the main body 301 (e.g., via one or more hinges 304). The door 302 is configured to pivot about a vertical axis 306 between an open position and a closed position.

[0043]

[0049] The housing 202 is disposed within the cabinet 300. The housing 202 is configured to hold paper 218, as described above. The housing 202 may include a door 210 configured to pivot open about a vertical axis 308, which may be parallel to the vertical axis 306. The interior surface of the housing 202 includes an expanding material 230, as described above. The paper dispensing system 200 may include more or fewer housings 202 than shown.

[0044]

[0050] Additionally, this disclosure includes examples relating to the following provisions:

[0045]

[0051] Article 1. 1. A paper distribution system comprising: one or more housings defining an interior chamber configured to hold a roll of rolled paper, the one or more housings having an interior surface and an opening through which an edge of the rolled paper can be dispensed; an expansion material coupled to the one or more housings, the expansion material configured to expand in response to exposure to a predetermined temperature to fill and close open areas, including the openings, in the one or more housings; a paper dispensing system.

[0046]

[0052] Article 2. 2. The paper dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the expansion material covers at least a portion of the inner surface.

[0047]

[0053] Article 3. 3. The paper dispensing system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the intumescent material covers the entire inner surface.

[0048]

[0054] Article 4. A paper distribution system as described in any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the paper distribution system is positioned within an interior cabin of a transporter.

[0049]

[0055] Article 5. 5. The paper distribution system of claim 4, wherein the paper distribution system is located within a lavatory or galley of the inner cabin.

[0050]

[0056] Article 6. 6. The paper dispensing system of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the rolled paper is configured to be dispensed manually.

[0051]

[0057] Article 7. 7. The paper dispensing system of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the rolled paper is configured to be dispensed automatically.

[0052]

[0058] Article 8. the one or more housings are base, one or more walls extending from the base; and a door movably connected to said one or more walls 8. The paper dispensing system of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the door is movable between a closed position and an open position, and the expansion material is coupled to the base, the one or more walls, and the door.

[0053]

[0059] Article 9. 9. The paper dispensing system of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the expanding material coats the inner surface of the one or more housings.

[0054]

[0060] Article 10. 10. The paper dispensing system of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the one or more housings are integrally formed with the expansion material.

[0055]

[0061] Article 11. 11. The paper dispensing system of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the one or more housings comprises two or more housings.

[0056]

[0062] Article 12. 12. The paper dispensing system of claim 11, further comprising a cabinet, the two or more housings being disposed within the cabinet.

[0057]

[0063] Article 13. A transporter comprising: The interior cabin and A paper distribution system disposed within the interior cabin, the paper distribution system comprising: one or more housings defining an interior chamber configured to hold a roll of rolled paper, the one or more housings having an interior surface and an opening through which an edge of the rolled paper can be dispensed; an expansion material coupled to the one or more housings, the expansion material configured to expand in response to exposure to a predetermined temperature to fill and close open areas, including the openings, in the one or more housings. A paper distribution system, A transporter comprising:

[0058]

[0064] Article 14. 14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the intumescent material covers the entire interior surface.

[0059]

[0065] Article 15. 15. The vehicle of claim 13 or 14, wherein the paper distribution system is located within a lavatory or galley of the interior cabin.

[0060]

[0066] Article 16. 16. The transporter of any one of clauses 13 to 15, wherein the rolled paper is configured to be dispensed automatically.

[0061]

[0067] Article 17. the one or more housings are base, one or more walls extending from the base; and a door movably connected to said one or more walls 17. The vehicle of any one of clauses 13 to 16, wherein the door is movable between a closed position and an open position, and the expansion material is coupled to the base, the one or more walls, and the door.

[0062]

[0068] Article 18. 18. The vehicle of any one of clauses 13 to 17, wherein the one or more housings comprises two or more housings.

[0063]

[0069] Article 19. 20. The transport of claim 18, wherein the paper distribution system further comprises a cabinet, and the two or more housings are disposed within the cabinet.

[0064]

[0070] Article 20. 1. A method of dispensing paper, comprising: 1. A method of dispensing paper, comprising: coupling an expanding material to one or more housings defining an interior chamber configured to hold a roll of rolled paper, the one or more housings having an interior surface and an opening through which an edge of the rolled paper can be dispensed, the expanding material configured to expand to fill and close open areas, including the opening, in the one or more housings in response to exposure to a predetermined temperature.

[0065]

[0071] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for effectively and efficiently suppressing fires in paper dispensers. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide fire suppression paper dispensing systems and methods that meet a variety of fire containment requirements aboard commercial aircraft.

[0066]

[0072] For purposes of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, various spatial and directional terms may be used, such as top, bottom, lower, middle, sideways, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., but it should be understood that such terms are used only with reference to the orientations shown in the drawings, which may be flipped, rotated, or otherwise changed, such as top becoming bottom or vice versa, horizontal becoming vertical, etc.

[0067]

[0073] As used herein, a structure, constraint, or element that is "configured to" perform a task or operation is specifically structurally shaped, constructed, or adapted in a manner that corresponds to the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid doubt, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform a task or operation is not, as used herein, "configured to" perform a task or operation.

[0068]

[0074] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to the teachings of the various embodiments of the present disclosure to adapt them to a particular situation or material without departing from their scope. The dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, but these embodiments are by no means limiting, but are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. Thus, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and in the detailed description herein, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as obvious synonyms of the terms "comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Moreover, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Moreover, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function form, and are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function lacking further structure.

[0069]

[0075] The present specification uses examples to disclose various embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables one of ordinary skill in the art to practice various embodiments of the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system, and performing any integrated method. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that have only minor differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A paper distribution system (120, 200), comprising: one or more housings (202) defining an interior chamber (213) configured to hold a roll (216) of rolled paper (218), said one or more housings (202) having an interior surface (228) and an opening (217) through which an edge of the rolled paper (218) can be dispensed; an expansion material (230) coupled to the one or more housings (202), the expansion material (230) configured to expand in response to exposure to a predetermined temperature to fill and close open areas, including the openings (217), in the one or more housings (202); A paper dispensing system (120, 200).

2. The paper dispensing system (120, 200) of claim 1, wherein the expanding material (230) covers at least a portion of the inner surface (228).

3. The paper dispensing system (120, 200) of claim 1, wherein the expanding material (230) covers the entire inner surface (228).

4. The paper distribution system (120, 200) of claim 1, wherein the paper distribution system (120, 200) is disposed within an interior cabin of a transport vehicle.

5. The paper distribution system (120, 200) of claim 4, wherein the paper distribution system (120, 200) is located in a lavatory (100) or a galley of the interior cabin.

6. The paper dispensing system (120, 200) of claim 1, wherein the rolled paper (218) is configured to be manually dispensed.

7. The paper dispensing system (120, 200) of claim 1, wherein the rolled paper (218) is configured to be dispensed automatically.

8. The one or more housings (202) base (204), one or more walls extending from the base; and a door (210) movably connected to said one or more walls; 2. The paper dispensing system (120, 200) of claim 1, wherein the door (210) is movable between a closed position and an open position, and the expanding material (230) is coupled to the base, the one or more walls, and the door (210).

9. The paper dispensing system (120, 200) of claim 1, wherein the expanding material (230) coats the interior surface (228) of the one or more housings (202).

10. The paper dispensing system (120, 200) of claim 1, wherein the one or more housings (202) are integrally formed with the expanding material (230).

11. The paper dispensing system (120, 200) of claim 1 , wherein the one or more housings (202) comprise two or more housings (202).

12. The paper dispensing system (120, 200) of claim 11, further comprising a cabinet, the two or more housings (202) being disposed within the cabinet.

13. A transporter comprising: The interior cabin and A paper distribution system (120, 200) disposed within the interior cabin, the paper distribution system (120, 200) comprising: one or more housings (202) defining an interior chamber (213) configured to hold a roll (216) of rolled paper (218), said one or more housings (202) having an interior surface (228) and an opening (217) through which an edge of the rolled paper (218) can be dispensed; and an expansion material (230) coupled to the one or more housings (202), the expansion material (230) configured to expand in response to exposure to a predetermined temperature to fill and close open areas, including the openings (217), in the one or more housings (202); A paper distribution system (120, 200) including: A transporter comprising:

14. 14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the intumescent material (230) covers the entire interior surface (228).

15. 14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the paper distribution system (120, 200) is in a lavatory (100) or galley of the interior cabin.

16. 14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the rolled paper (218) is configured to be automatically dispensed.

17. The one or more housings (202) base (204), one or more walls extending from the base; and a door (210) movably connected to said one or more walls; 14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the door (210) is movable between a closed position and an open position, and the expansion material (230) is coupled to the base, the one or more walls, and the door (210).

18. 14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the one or more housings (202) comprises two or more housings (202).

19. 20. The transport of claim 18, wherein the paper distribution system (120, 200) further comprises a cabinet, and the two or more housings (202) are disposed within the cabinet.

20. 1. A method of dispensing paper, comprising:

1. A method of dispensing paper, comprising: coupling an expansion material (230) to one or more housings (202) defining an interior chamber (213) configured to hold a roll (216) of rolled paper (218), the one or more housings (202) having an interior surface (228) and an opening (217) through which an edge of the rolled paper (218) can be dispensed, the expansion material (230) being configured to expand in response to exposure to a predetermined temperature to fill and close open areas in the one or more housings (202), including the opening (217).

Images