Hand towel case

Abstract

The hand towel case provided in the present invention comprises a cartridge for storing a plurality of stacked hand towels, an outlet installed at one end of the cartridge for discharging the hand towels, a cover portion installed on a part of the cartridge that can be opened and closed to store the hand towels, and a rotatable support portion installed on both sides of the cartridge to support the cartridge rotatablely, wherein the cartridge rotates to distribute the stacking load acting on the outlet, thereby alleviating the load when the hand towels are withdrawn.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hand towel case configured to store and retrieve hand towels, and more specifically, to a hand towel case with an improved structure that effectively distributes the load of stacked hand towels so that a user can easily retrieve towels. Background Technology

[0003] Sanitary facilities such as public restrooms, restaurants, hospitals, and schools are generally equipped with cases for storing paper hand towels. These hand towel cases are fixed to the wall and are designed to store multiple paper hand towels stacked vertically, with towels dispensed one by one through an outlet at the bottom. This structure offers the advantages of being structurally simple, easy to install, and relatively easy to maintain.

[0004] However, conventional hand towel cases have several problems, as follows. First, when a large number of stacked hand towels are present, the weight of the upper towels is concentrated on the bottom towels, applying significant pressure. As a result, when a user attempts to retrieve a towel with wet hands, problems may occur such as the towel tearing inside the case or multiple towels coming out together instead of being separated one by one. These issues cause discomfort regarding hygiene and reduce user satisfaction.

[0005] Second, since the conventional case structure is fixed, the position or direction of towel withdrawal cannot be adjusted. Consequently, the withdrawal angle is inconsistent depending on the user's hand, and withdrawing the towel may be inconvenient depending on the usage position. For example, because the towel can only be withdrawn by pulling it vertically, users may experience difficulty withdrawing the towel if they lack strength or if their hands are wet. Users, particularly infants and the elderly, may find this structure significantly inconvenient.

[0006] Third, as the stacking volume increases, the pressure exerted on the bottom towel increases. To address this, some users install the case horizontally or open the lid upward to pull out the towel from the top. However, these methods deviate from the usual usage and may cause unsanitary problems, such as water dripping onto the towel and wetting it, so they are not a fundamental solution.

[0007] Fourth, since many towel cases have a design that makes it difficult to check from the outside how many towels remain inside, managers face the inconvenience of having to frequently open the lid to check. This inconvenience leads to inefficiency in hygiene management in multi-use spaces and can result in user inconvenience due to the inability to replenish towels in a timely manner.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a hand towel case with a new structure that can alleviate the load of stacked hand towels to facilitate withdrawal, while simultaneously ensuring user convenience and hygiene. In particular, an invention is required that comprehensively considers features such as a function to structurally distribute the load according to changes in the stacked amount of towels, a function to control the position of the dispensing port using a rotating or elastic structure, and a function to check the remaining quantity. The problem to be solved

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to effectively distribute the load of stacked hand towels by introducing a rotating structure or an elastic bending structure into a towel case, and to enable the towels to be easily pulled out by the user.

[0011] In addition, another objective is to provide various additional functions, such as a structure that allows checking the remaining amount of towel, an external case that induces rotational operation, and load control using weights. means of solving the problem

[0013] The hand towel case provided in the present invention comprises a cartridge for storing a plurality of stacked hand towels, an outlet installed at one end of the cartridge for discharging the hand towels, a cover portion installed on a part of the cartridge that can be opened and closed to store the hand towels, and a rotatable support portion installed on both sides of the cartridge to support the cartridge rotatablely, wherein the cartridge rotates to distribute the stacking load acting on the outlet, thereby alleviating the load when the hand towels are withdrawn.

[0015] In one embodiment, the rotating support is rotatably coupled to the inner wall of the outer case, and the cartridge may be rotatably supported inside the outer case according to the direction in which it is pulled when a portion of the hand towel is withdrawn from the outlet.

[0017] In one embodiment, the rotating support is supported by a base, and the cartridge rotates according to the direction in which it is pulled out when a portion of the hand towel is withdrawn from the outlet to distribute the load.

[0019] In one embodiment, to limit the minimum angle of the cartridge outlet, the fixing part may further include a fixing pin fixed to one of a plurality of fixing holes.

[0021] The hand towel case provided in the present invention comprises a cartridge for storing a plurality of stacked hand towels, an outlet installed at one end of the cartridge for discharging the hand towels, a cover portion installed on a part of the cartridge that can be opened and closed to store the hand towels, and a rotatable support portion fixed to both sides of the cartridge so as to be rotatable, wherein a part of the cartridge is bent according to the stacking amount of hand towels, and the inclination of the outlet changes so that the pressure of the plurality of stacked hand towels applied to the outlet is variably controlled. Effects of the invention

[0025] According to the present invention, a cartridge in which hand towels are stored in a stacked state is configured to be rotatable, thereby dispersing the stacked load concentrated at the outlet when the hand towels are withdrawn. Accordingly, the resistance felt by the user when withdrawing the hand towels is reduced, and withdrawal is performed smoothly, thereby improving user convenience.

[0026] In addition, as the tilt of the dispensing spout changes according to the rotation of the cartridge, the pressure can be automatically adjusted based on the stacked amount of hand towels, thereby maintaining consistent dispensing quality. In particular, it has the advantage of enabling stable dispensing without excessive pressure, even when only a small amount of hand towels remain.

[0027] In addition, the provision of an exposed section that allows the stacked amount of hand towels to be directly checked from the outside enables the manager to intuitively determine when to replenish, thereby improving maintenance efficiency. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand towel case according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand towel case according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hand towel case according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines or the size of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intention or convention of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0034] Furthermore, when it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0036] Furthermore, throughout this specification, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0039] Hand towel case basic configuration

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand towel case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] The present invention relates to a hand towel case (1000) with an improved structure that stores a plurality of stacked hand towels and allows the user to hygienically and conveniently withdraw them. In particular, the present invention includes a technical configuration that improves the withdrawal quality of hand towels by actively distributing the load acting on the discharge port (200) during withdrawal by configuring the cartridge (100) to be rotatable, thereby reducing withdrawal resistance.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the exterior and internal structure of a hand towel case (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a rotatable cartridge (100) is disposed inside an outer case (500), and a plurality of hand towels are stacked and stored inside. An outlet (200) is disposed on one side of the cartridge, and a cover part (300) and a compression spring are disposed on the other side. Rotational support parts (400) are formed on both sides to connect the outer case (500) and the cartridge (100). This configuration includes a function that allows the cartridge (100) to rotate, going beyond a simple storage function to effectively distribute the stacking load generated during withdrawal.

[0046] The cartridge (100) includes an internal storage space for storing multiple hand towels stacked in a certain direction, and is basically formed as a hollow square or cylindrical body. The material used is a lightweight yet highly durable material such as polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), or heat-resistant ABS.

[0047] Rotation shafts protrude from both sides of the cartridge (100) and are supported by a rotation support member (400) to rotate at a certain angle within the outer case (500). Inside, spacing ribs, fixing walls, and contact plates are installed to maintain the stacking of hand towels (10), and structural stability is ensured so that the stacked state does not collapse.

[0048] In particular, the cartridge (100) undergoes a predetermined rotation around a central axis according to the direction of the user's withdrawal motion, and this rotation induces the stacked load of the hand towel to be distributed rather than concentrated at the discharge port (200).

[0050] The outlet (200) is formed at the bottom or front of the cartridge (100) and is an opening through which the end of the hand towel is exposed so that the user can withdraw it. The structure of the outlet (200) is set to match the width and length of the hand towel, and a guide flap or a slit-shaped protrusion may be additionally installed to minimize frictional resistance when withdrawing it.

[0051] When the hand towel is withdrawn, the outlet (200) has a certain directionality, and at this time, the direction of the load is adjusted by rotating the cartridge (100), and the pressure applied directly to the outlet (200) is reduced. Through this, the phenomenon of duplicate withdrawal or withdrawal blockage of the hand towel (10) can be prevented.

[0053] The cover portion (300) is a structure that allows a hand towel to be inserted by opening a part of the cartridge (100), and can be formed in various shapes. In this drawing, it is located on the upper part of the cartridge (100) and includes a hinge (not shown) on the side, and includes a structure that can be opened and closed through a handle portion (310). The cover portion (300) is designed as a hinged or detachable structure.

[0055] If necessary, an internal compression spring can be included to hold the included hand towel. The compression spring applies constant pressure to the entire hand towel, ensuring it maintains its pull-out position even when only a small amount remains. The spring is adjusted according to the weight and thickness of the hand towel; a balanced elasticity is required because excessive pressure increases pull-out resistance, while insufficient pressure prevents the towel from staying in place.

[0057] The rotational support (400) is installed on the inner wall of the outer case (500) and is coupled to the rotation axis of the cartridge (100) to allow rotation within a certain range. The rotational support (400) may be configured as a bearing structure or a sliding joint type, and is lubricated or a friction-reducing material is used to minimize rotational friction.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the rotating support member (400) is installed on both the left and right sides inside the case (500) and supports the cartridge (100) so that it can rotate while stably fixing it. This structure naturally induces rotation by the user's force when the hand towel (10) is pulled out, and implements an automatic load distribution mechanism.

[0060] The outer case (500) is an outer shell structure that houses the cartridge (100) inside, protects the interior from external impact, and is configured to allow the hand towel case (1000) to be installed on a wall or the like.

[0061] The case (500) may additionally include a transparent window, an openable cover, a locking device, etc., and is designed with consideration for hygienic maintenance and ease of use for charging. The outer case is installed attached to a wall or a column, etc., and can also be modified into a freestanding structure depending on the installation location.

[0063] Meanwhile, the fixing pin (710) is inserted into one of the plurality of fixing holes (720) to control the minimum rotation angle of the cartridge (100). This utilizes the structure of the fixing pin (710) and the fixing hole (720) so that the user can arbitrarily control the required dispensing angle according to the amount of hand towel contained in the cartridge (100).

[0064] Meanwhile, this fixed pin (710)-fixed hole (720) structure can be formed not only as a pin coupling structure, but also as a structure utilizing a motor that can automatically adjust a stopper that controls the minimum height at will. Various variations are possible.

[0068] Rotating embodiment including a support member

[0070] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand towel case according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a structure in which a cartridge (100) is supported by a rotating support (400) and a base (600) and automatically rotates according to the pulling direction that occurs when a hand towel (10) is pulled out. This rotating mechanism distributes the load to facilitate pulling out even when a large number of hand towels are stacked, and as a result, can maximize user convenience.

[0072] In addition, in this embodiment, the stacked amount of hand towels (10) can be visually checked from the outside through an exposure portion (700) formed on the outer case (500), making it easy to check usage and determine when to replenish. This exposure portion (700) can be configured in various ways, such as an open window shape, a partially transparent shape, or by making the material of the cartridge (100) transparent.

[0074] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the combined structure and operational relationship of the rotational support member (400) and the base member (600) in the structure of the present embodiment. The rotational support member (400) is coupled to each of the two ends of the cartridge (100), and is installed by inserting the rotation axis of the cartridge (100) into a rotation hole fixed to the base member (600). The rotational support member (400) may be designed in the form of a simple pin, or may be designed as a spherical bearing or a cylindrical joint structure to reduce rotational friction.

[0076] The support member (600) supports the rotational support member (400) from below while having a certain clearance or elastic structure, allowing the cartridge (100) to rotate naturally within a certain range. In particular, the support member (600) may include a limiting structure (e.g., limit stopper, fixing jaw, etc.) to prevent the cartridge (100) from tilting or rotating excessively in one direction. A fixing pin (710) and a fixing hole (720) may be used as one of these limiting structures. The fixing pin (710) is inserted into one of the plurality of fixing holes (720) to control the minimum rotation angle of the cartridge (100).

[0077] This structural combination provides stability so that the cartridge (100) rotates automatically according to the direction of withdrawal of the hand towel, but does not rotate beyond a certain angle.

[0079] The hand towel is generally withdrawn in a downward direction or forward downward direction. When a user pulls the end of the hand towel through the outlet (200), this pulling force acts on the outlet (200) and simultaneously applies rotational force to the center of gravity of the cartridge (100).

[0080] The rotational support member (400) is structured to allow such rotational force, and as shown in FIG. 2, the support member (600) stably induces this rotation. As a result, the cartridge (100) rotates at a certain angle around the direction of the discharge port (200), and the stacked load of the hand towel is distributed rather than concentrated at the discharge port.

[0081] This operating principle has the advantage of reducing withdrawal resistance through a simple mechanical structure and preventing duplicate withdrawal or breakage of the hand towel.

[0083] The rotation of the cartridge (100) may be designed to be within a limited range of ±45° depending on the case. This is intended to prevent the arrangement of the internal hand towels from collapsing due to excessive rotation and to control the position of the discharge port (200) so that it does not move excessively.

[0084] The rotational support member (400) may be combined with a rotational guide groove that controls the rotation angle, an elastic return device (e.g., a torsion spring), etc. These devices serve to return the cartridge to its original position when the user stops withdrawal. This rotational control mechanism provides stability and consistent withdrawal quality while having a simple structure.

[0086] An exposure portion (700) is provided on the outer case (500) of the hand towel case (1000) so that the stacked amount of hand towels can be observed from the outside. The exposure portion (700) may be formed on one side or part of the outer case (500) with a transparent window or a translucent material, or configured as a directly open window.

[0087] In one embodiment, the exposure portion (700) is formed lengthwise on the front or side portion of the outer case (500) so as to correspond to the side of the cartridge (100). This allows the stacking status, quantity, or presence of foreign substances of the hand towels to be checked in real time.

[0089] The exposed portion (700) allows a facility manager to check whether hand towels need to be refilled without opening the case, thereby reducing unnecessary inspection work and improving management efficiency. For example, when a manager in a multi-use facility manages dozens of hand towel cases, they can quickly identify cases that need refilling simply by visually checking the quantity through the exposed portion (700). This provides significant advantages in terms of work efficiency and time saving for maintenance personnel, while simultaneously contributing to maintaining a hygienic operating environment.

[0091] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the cover portion (300) is formed on the opposite side of the outlet (200), and this can be formed by deforming it into an easy position such as the upper or side, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0095] Example of a bendable cartridge

[0097] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hand towel case according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a hand towel case (1000) that includes a structure in which a part of the cartridge (100) is bent according to a change in the stacking amount of the hand towel, thereby automatically deforming the inclination of the discharge port (200) and, as a result, the pressure applied to the hand towel can be actively controlled.

[0100] FIG. 3 is a diagram explaining the operating principle of the present embodiment, illustrating the process in which the pressure state of the discharge port (200) changes as the cartridge (100) changes its inclination according to the quantity of hand towels (10). This structure is a mechanical response method that goes beyond simply storing hand towels and automatically adjusts the discharge conditions according to the stacking load state.

[0102] The cartridge (100) is basically a rigid fixed structure, but in this embodiment, a bendable area or an elastic adjustment part is inserted in a certain part. This elastic structure can be implemented, for example, as follows.

[0104] The first implementation method is a hinge-insertion type structure. This allows rotation to be enabled when a load exceeding a certain level is applied by inserting a hinge shaft in the middle of the cartridge.

[0105] In addition, a material composite structure can be applied. The main frame can be made of a rigid material (ABS), while parts can be made of flexible materials (TPE, silicone, etc.) to enable bending.

[0106] Meanwhile, an elastic plate insertion structure can be applied. By inserting an elastic metal strip or a resilient rubber layer into the bottom surface of the cartridge, bending can be induced in response to changes in load.

[0107] These structural differences automatically deform according to the weight of the hand towel and adjust the position and angle of the outlet (200).

[0109] When a small amount of hand towels are stacked, the cartridge (100) remains nearly flat, and the outlet (200) is positioned at a downward reference position. However, as the number of hand towels decreases, the bottom of the cartridge (100) gradually bends, and the position of the outlet (200) moves at an angle.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 3, the degree of bending varies depending on the weight and remaining amount of the hand towel, and as a result, the pressure applied to the outlet (200) is gradually reduced. Consequently, the withdrawal of hand towels can be prevented from becoming excessive or clogged, and one sheet at a time can be withdrawn stably until the end. Although this is a manual mechanism, it is a structure that provides real-time adaptation, and has the advantage of automatically adjusting withdrawal conditions according to the situation without a separate control device.

[0112] In this structure, the pressure acting on the outlet (200) is controlled "variably," which can be realized by the following complex elements. Depending on the degree of bending of the cartridge (100), the stacking amount is reduced and the bottom bending is increased, which can cause a change in the inclination of the outlet. This causes a change in the direction of gravity. That is, when the inclination of the outlet changes, the center of gravity of the hand towel also shifts, and the actual pressure can change.

[0113] Meanwhile, friction conditions may change, and if the outlet (200) is inclined, the resistance during withdrawal may decrease or increase. These factors interact automatically, and as a result, appropriate withdrawal conditions are maintained in any stacked state.

[0115] Conventional hand towel dispensers adopted a fixed outlet structure, resulting in a lack of responsiveness to changes in the quantity of hand towels. Specifically, when there were many hand towels, excessive pressure was applied to the outlet, causing multiple towels to be dispensed at once or the dispenser to become blocked; conversely, when there were few, the spring acted too strongly, preventing dispensing at all, or became too loose, resulting in incomplete dispensing.

[0117] However, in the embodiments of the present invention, uniform withdrawal performance is provided under all stacking conditions through a composite structure of cartridge bending + change in outlet inclination + variable load distribution. Since this is a completely mechanical response achieved without separate sensors or electronic control, it offers excellent durability and reliability.

[0119] For example, when initially drawing out about 100 hand towels stacked, the outlet (200) is in a nearly horizontal position. The user can draw out one towel at a time in a downward direction, and the pressure is evenly distributed. As time passes and the number of hand towels decreases to 30 or fewer, the bottom of the cartridge (100) bends downward due to gravity, and the outlet (200) tilts downward. In this state, the user can draw out with less force, and the change in the cartridge's tilt enables the user to draw out without jamming.

[0121] Meanwhile, the hand towel can be placed in the dispenser (100) by opening the handle (310) of the cover portion (300), so that the cover portion (300) having a hinge structure (320) rotates to open. The hinge structure (320) can be modified and applied in various forms, and its position is not limited thereto.

[0124] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the limited drawings, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, appropriate results may be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, or if the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or if they are replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents. Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims are also included within the scope of the claims set forth below. Explanation of the symbols

[0125] 100 : Cartridge 200 : Exit 300 : Cover part 400 : Rotating support 500 : External case 600 : Base 1000 : Hand towel case

Claims

Claim 1 A hand towel case (1000) comprising: a cartridge (100) for storing a plurality of stacked hand towels; an outlet (200) installed at one end of the cartridge (100) for discharging the hand towels; a cover portion (300) installed on a part of the cartridge (100) and openable and closable to store the hand towels; and a rotational support portion (400) installed on both sides of the cartridge (100) to rotatably support the cartridge (100); wherein the cartridge (100) rotates to disperse the stacking load acting on the outlet (200), thereby alleviating the load when the hand towels are withdrawn; and further comprising a fixing portion including a fixing pin (710) fixed to one of a plurality of fixing holes (720) to limit the minimum angle of the outlet (200) of the cartridge (100). Claim 2 A hand towel case (1000) characterized in that, in claim 1, the rotational support member (400) is rotatably coupled to the inner wall of the outer case (500), and the cartridge (100) is rotatably supported inside the outer case (500) according to the direction in which a portion of the hand towel is pulled out from the outlet (200). Claim 3 A hand towel case (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the rotating support member (400) is supported by a support member (600), and the cartridge (100) rotates to distribute the load according to the direction in which it is pulled when a portion of the hand towel is withdrawn from the discharge port (200). Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete

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