A dispenser arrangement

Abstract

A dispenser arrangement (2) for dispensing a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from a roll (4), the dispenser arrangement comprising a roll holder (6), having a first end (8), a second end (10), and a central axis (C) extending therethrough, wherein the roll holder is fixed via the first end thereof to a dispenser surface portion (11) of the dispenser arrangement, and wherein the roll holder comprises a mandrel portion (16) for the roll extending along the central axis (C). The dispenser arrangement further comprising a support arrangement (12) comprising a biasing element (14), wherein the dispenser arrangement is configured such that when the roll is fitted to the mandrel portion the biasing element is arranged to apply a biasing force on the roll in a biasing direction (F), wherein the biasing direction has a component acting parallel to the central axis of the roll holder from the second end to the first end of the roll holder.

Description

[0001] A DISPENSER ARRANGEMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure concerns a dispenser arrangement which is configured for dispensing a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from a roll. The disclosed dispenser arrangement may for example relate to a dispenser arrangement for dispensing tissue paper in a public washroom.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Dispenser arrangements are suitable for products for wiping purposes, particularly for personal or object wiping. The user could be the general public and for groups of persons. The products suitable for personal or object wiping normally belongs to the product categories of toilet paper, cleaning roll, kitchen roll or paper towel roll, etc., and described herein as a web-shaped absorbent material. These products typically comprise cellulosic fibres and could fall within the categories of tissue (ISO 12565:2011) and / or nonwoven (ISO 9092:2011).

[0006] The web-shaped absorbent material may be formed as a roll and the roll may be arranged on a mandrel. A user may access the roll such that they may remove at least a strip of the roll for their desired use. In some dispenser arrangements the roll is freely rotatable, and a user must use two hands such that a braking force is applied to the roll with one hand whilst a strip may be removed from the roll with the other hand, such that overspin may be prevented. In other dispensers a braking force is applied to the roll such that a user may remove a strip with one hand, however such dispensers may in at least some cases be complex and may have limited tolerances for the position of the roll.

[0007] Even though there exist different types of dispenser arrangements, there is still a strive to develop improved technology relating to dispenser arrangements, such as technology which enables a braking force to be applied to the roll having reduced complexity and allowing for greater tolerances in the the position of the roll. SUMMARY

[0008] Therefore, a primary objective of the present disclosure is to achieve, in at least some aspect, an improved dispenser arrangement. For example, it is an objective to achieve a dispenser arrangement whereby a braking force is applied to a roll in an arrangement having reduced complexity. Furthermore, it is an objective to achieve a dispenser arrangement allowing for greater tolerances in the the position of the roll.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, at least the primary object is achieved by a dispenser arrangement according to claim 1. Hence, there is provided a dispenser arrangement for dispensing a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from a roll. The dispenser arrangement comprises a roll holder, having a first end, a second end, and a central axis extending therethrough, wherein the roll holder is fixed via the first end thereof to a dispenser surface portion of the dispenser arrangement, and wherein the roll holder comprises a mandrel portion for the roll extending along the central axis. The dispenser arrangement further comprises a support arrangement comprising a biasing element, wherein the dispenser arrangement is configured such that when the roll is fitted to the mandrel portion the biasing element is arranged to apply a biasing force on the roll in a biasing direction, wherein the biasing direction has a component acting parallel to the central axis of the roll holder from the second end to the first end of the roll holder.

[0010] By providing a dispenser arrangement having a biasing element arranged to apply a biasing force on the roll acting in a biasing direction having a component acting parallel to the central axis of the roll holder in a direction towards the fixed end of said roll holder, an improved arrangement is achieved whereby a braking force may be applied by a surface of the biasing element to the roll. Furthermore, by applying a biasing force in a biasing direction having a component acting parallel to the central axis of the roll holder, a braking force may be applied to the roll with a greater tolerance for the position of the roll on the mandrel portion. Hence, an improved dispenser arrangement is provided which is reliable, robust and / or cost efficient.

[0011] The web-shaped absorbent material may be formed as a plurality of perforated strips, or alternatively may be non-perforated. In at least some examples the roll comprises a core wherein the web-shaped absorbent material is wound over the core. The roll comprises a through hole via which the roll may be fitted to the mandrel portion. In at least some examples, by being fixed at the first end thereof to a dispenser surface portion the roll holder may be configured such that the roll may be removed / inserted via the second end of the roll holder, and the roll may not be removed / inserted via the first end of the roll holder. In at least some examples, the roll and / or the mandrel may comprise engaging elements configured to fix the two components together. In at least some examples the biasing direction acts parallel to the central axis of the roll holder from the second end to the first end of the roll holder. In at least some examples the biasing element is arranged such that it is deflected by the roll in a direction opposite to the biasing direction. In at least some examples the maximum deflection of the biasing element may be used to define a tolerance of the position of the roll on the mandrel portion along the central axis. The maximum deflection of the biasing element may be, for example 5-9 mm, such as 6-8 mm, such as 6.5-7.5 mm. The biasing force may be equal to 1-5 N, such as 2-4 N, such as 2.5 - 3.5 N, such that a braking force of 0.4-2, such as 0.5-1.6 N, such as 0.6-1.4 N, such as 0.8-1.2 N may be achieved.

[0012] Optionally, the biasing element is configured to have an extension in a radial direction, relative to the central axis, between an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the inner portion is closer to the central axis than the outer portion. By extending the biasing element in the radial direction a surface of the biasing element in contact with the roll may be reduced as strips are removed from the roll, and the roll reduces in diameter. Furthermore, as the contact with the roll is reduced a braking force applied to the roll may also be reduced.

[0013] Optionally, the inner portion is spaced from the central axis such that the biasing element is configured to contact the innermost part of the roll. By having an inner portion of the biasing element spaced from the central axis such that the biasing element contacts the innermost part of the roll a surface of the biasing element may contact the roll even when strips are removed from the roll, and the roll reduces in diameter, such that a biasing force is applied to the roll.

[0014] Optionally, the inner portion is spaced from the central axis a distance greater than the radius of the mandrel such that biasing element is configured to contact the roll at a position radially outer to an innermost part of the roll. By having an inner portion of the biasing element spaced from the central axis a distance greater than the radius of the mandrel a surface of the biasing element will not contact the roll when strips are removed from the roll such that the radius of the roll is less than the radial distance between the inner portion and the central axis, such that a biasing force is no longer applied to the roll.

[0015] Optionally, the support arrangement comprises a support element configured to support the second end of the roll holder. By providing a support element configured to support the second end of the roll holder the roll holder may be supported at both the first end and the second end, thus in at least some cases deflection of the roll holder may be reduced, both when the roll holder is storing the roll, and when a force is applied to the roll, such as when a user removes a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from the roll. Thus in at least some cases the roll holder may be more robustly supported. Furthermore, in at least some examples it may be possible to reduce the structure of the roll holder saving weight and / or material costs.

[0016] Optionally, the roll holder comprises a spindle, the mandrel portion is supported by, such as supported by and rotatable relative to, the spindle about the central axis, and the second end of the roll holder is formed by the spindle. By providing a roll holder comprising a spindle the roll holder may be both supported and rotation of the mandrel portion may be achieved. In at least some examples the first end of the rod holder is formed by the spindle.

[0017] Optionally, at least a support portion of the support element is configured to be spaced from the roll holder in a first radial direction, the first radial direction extending radially from the central axis of the roll holder and corresponding at least partly to a gravitational direction when the dispenser arrangement is in use such that the support portion of the support element is configured to support the second end of the roll holder. By spacing at least the support portion of the support element from the roll holder in a direction corresponding at least partly to a gravitational direction the roll holder may be simply supported at the second end. In at least some examples the support element is configured to be spaced from a portion of the roll holder in the first radial direction such that the support element is located at least partially inside the roll holder.

[0018] Optionally, at least a biasing portion of the biasing element is configured to be spaced from the roll holder in a second radial direction, the second radial direction extending radially from the central axis of the roll holder, wherein an angle is formed between the first radial direction and the second radial direction such that the biasing portion of the support element and the biasing portion of the biasing element are offset from one another, and wherein the biasing portion of the biasing element is configured to apply the biasing force to the roll when the dispenser arrangement is in use. By spacing the biasing element from the roll holder such that the biasing element is offset from the support element it may be ensured that the support element and the biasing element do not hinder one another. In at least some examples the support portion of the support element and the biasing portion of the biasing element are offset from one another along the central axis.

[0019] Optionally, the biasing element and the support element are integrally formed. By forming the biasing element and the support element integrally installation of the biasing element and the support element may be simplified, furthermore in at least some cases stacking up of tolerances may be reduced.

[0020] Optionally, the biasing element and the support element are fixed to one another. The biasing element and the support element may be fixed using fasteners, adhesives, welding etc. In at least some examples the biasing element and / or the support element may comprise engaging parts configured for improving alignment. By fixing the biasing element to the support element the biasing element and the support element may be formed as separate components, and in at least some cases may have a reduced complexity and / or may be easier to manufacture.

[0021] Optionally, the dispenser arrangement is configured for dispensing a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from the roll and from an additional roll, the dispenser arrangement comprising an additional roll holder having an additional first end, an additional second end, and an additional central axis extending therethrough, wherein the additional roll holder is configured to be fixed via the additional first end thereof to the dispenser surface portion of the dispenser arrangement, and wherein the additional roll holder comprises an additional mandrel portion for the additional roll extending along the additional central axis. In at least some examples both of the rolls may be accessible to a user at the same time. Alternatively, in at least some examples the dispenser arrangement may comprise a mechanism to prevent access to one of the rolls whilst access to the other of the rolls is allowed. By comprising an additional roll holder for dispensing a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from an additional roll the capacity of the dispenser arrangement may be increased. Optionally, the central axis of the roll holder and the additional central axis of the additional roll holder are parallel.

[0022] Optionally, the dispenser arrangement comprises an additional biasing element, configured such that when the additional roll is fitted to the additional mandrel portion the additional biasing element is arranged to apply a biasing force on the additional roll in an additional biasing direction, wherein the additional biasing direction has a component acting parallel to the additional central axis of the additional roll holder in a direction acting from the additional second end to the additional first end of the additional roll holder. In at least some examples the additional biasing direction is the same as the biasing direction. By comprising an additional biasing element, it may be possible to apply a biasing force to both the roll and the additional roll.

[0023] Optionally, the biasing element and the additional biasing element are integrally formed. By forming the biasing element and the additional biasing element integrally installation of the biasing element and the additional biasing element may be simplified.

[0024] Optionally, the dispenser arrangement comprises an additional support element configured to support the additional second end of the additional roll holder. By providing an additional support element configured to support the additional second end of the additional roll holder the additional roll holder may be supported at both the additional first end and the additional second end. Thus, in at least some cases deflection of the roll holder may be reduced, both when the additional roll holder is storing the additional roll, and when a force is applied to the additional roll, such as when a user removes a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from the additional roll. Thus in at least some cases the additional roll holder may be more robustly supported, furthermore in at least some examples it may be possible to reduce the structure of the additional roll holder saving weight and / or material costs.

[0025] Optionally, the support element and the additional support element are integrally formed. By forming the support element and the additional support element integrally installation of the biasing element and the additional biasing element may be simplified. Optionally, the biasing element comprises a leaf spring. By using a biasing element comprising a leaf spring the biasing element may be easily manufactured.

[0026] Optionally, the dispenser arrangement comprises a housing, wherein the housing is configured to surround the roll holder. By surrounding the roll holder, a roll supported by the roll holder may also be surrounded. By comprising a housing configured to surround the roll holder in at least some examples it may be possible to fix the roll holder and the support arrangement on opposite surfaces. Furthermore, in at least some examples a roll of the dispenser arrangement may be protected, for example from liquid damage, or from being removed by an unauthorized person. Furthermore in at least some examples the components located inside the housing may be protected. In at least some examples the housing may comprise an opening via which the web-shaped absorbent material may be dispensed.

[0027] Optionally, the housing comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion, and wherein the dispenser surface portion is associated with, such as part of, the first housing portion and the support arrangement is fixed to the second housing portion. By comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion movable relative to one another it may be possible to move the support arrangement into / out of engagement with a roll and / or spindle, such that a roll may be removed / replaced and / or the biasing element may be engaged with a roll. In at least some examples the first housing portion and the second housing portion may be removably attached to one another. In at least some examples the second housing portion comprises a lid. In at least some examples an opening may be formed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion via which the web-shaped absorbent material may be dispensed.

[0028] Optionally, the first housing portion and the second housing portion are movably attached to one another, such as rotatably attached to one another. By movably attaching the first housing portion and the second housing portion it may be possible to access the dispenser arrangement such that, for example a roll may be replaced, without having to disassemble the dispenser arrangement. In at least some examples the first housing portion and the second housing portion may be attached to one another via a hinge. In at least some examples the first housing portion and the second housing portion are linearly movable relative to one another, for example the first housing portion and the second housing may be attached to one another via a rail. In at least some examples a combination of relative linear and / or rotational movement may be achieved between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. In at least some examples the first housing portion and / or the second housing portion may be moved between a closed position and an open position. Furthermore, in at least some examples it may be possible to position the support arrangement for providing a biasing force and / or additional support to a roll by moving the first housing portion and / or the second housing portion such as at the closed position.

[0029] Optionally, the first housing portion is configured to be fixed to an external surface. In at least some examples the first housing portion may comprise an attachment point, for example a hole via which the first housing portion may be attached to an external surface, for example a wall, by use of a fastener.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure cited as examples.

[0032] FIG. 1a A perspective view of a dispenser arrangement without a roll in an open position,

[0033] FIG. 1 b A front view of the dispenser arrangement of FIG. 1a,

[0034] FIG. 1 c A side view of the dispenser arrangement of FIG. 1a,

[0035] FIG. 2a A schematic front view of the dispenser arrangement of FIG. 1a, having two rolls, and in a closed position,

[0036] FIG. 2b A schematic top view of the dispenser arrangement of FIG. 2a, FIG. 2c A schematic side view of the dispenser arrangement FIG. 2a, FIG. 3 An exploded view of the dispenser arrangement of FIG. 1a,

[0037] The drawings show diagrammatic, exemplifying embodiments of the present disclosure and are thus not necessarily drawn to scale. It shall be understood that the embodiments shown and described are exemplifying and that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It shall also be noted that some details in the drawings may be exaggerated in order to better describe and illustrate the disclosure. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout the description, unless expressed otherwise. Some reference characters may have been omitted in some of the drawings for the sake of clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the following is a description of example embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a dispenser arrangement 2 without a roll in an open position. Furthermore, FIG. 1 b is a front view of the dispenser arrangement of FIG. 1a and FIG. 1 c is a side view of the dispenser arrangement of Fig. 1 a. The dispenser arrangement 2 is configured for dispensing a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from a roll 4 (See FIG. 2a-c). The open position comprises a position of the dispenser arrangement 2 wherein it is possible to access at least some of the internal components of the dispenser arrangement 2. Furthermore, in at least some examples the open position may be used for removing / replacing a roll from the dispenser arrangement 2. In at least some examples when the dispenser arrangement 2 is at the open position the dispenser arrangement 2 may not be configured for assisting with the dispensing of a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from a roll 4.

[0040] The dispenser arrangement 2 comprises a roll holder 6. The roll holder 6 is configured to support the roll 4. The roll holder 6 has a first end 8, a second end 10, and a central axis C extending therethrough. In the shown example the central axis C is perpendicular to a gravitational direction. In at least some examples the central axis may have any orientation relative to the gravitational direction G. The roll holder 6 is fixed via the first end 8 thereof to a dispenser surface portion 11 of the dispenser arrangement 2. In at least some examples, by being fixed at the first end 8 thereof to a dispenser surface portion 11 the roll holder 6 may be configured such that the roll 4 may be removed / inserted via the second end 10 of the roll holder 6, and the roll 4 may not be removed / inserted via the first end 8 of the roll holder 6. The roll holder 6 may be configured such that it is cantilevered when the dispenser arrangement 2 is in an open position.

[0041] In the shown example the dispenser arrangement 2 comprises a housing 28, wherein the housing 28 is configured to surround the roll holder 6. In the shown example the housing 28 comprises a first housing portion 30 and a second housing portion 32. Furthermore, in the shown example the dispenser surface portion 11 is associated with, such as part of, the first housing portion 30. In at least some examples the first housing portion 30 is configured to be fixed to an external surface. In at least some examples the first housing portion 30 may comprise at least one attachment point (not shown), such as a through hole, for fastening the first housing portion to an external surface, or an engaging member, such as a hook, or a clamp, configured to engage with an external rack, or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0042] In the shown example the first housing portion 30 and the second housing portion 32 are movably attached to one another, such as rotatably attached to one another. In the shown example the first housing portion 30 and the second housing 32 may be attached to one another via a hinge 34. In the shown example the hinge 34 forms a hinge axis H about which the second housing portion 32 is rotatable, such as when the first housing portion 30 is fixed to an external surface. In the shown example the hinge axis H is perpendicular to the central axis C of the roll holder 5 and the gravitational direction G. In at least some examples the hinge axis H may extend in the gravitational direction G, parallel to the central axis C of the roll holder, or anywhere therebetween. In at least some examples the first housing portion 30 and the second housing portion 32 are linearly movable relative to one another, for example the first housing portion 30 and the second housing portion 32 may be attached to one another via a rail (not shown). In at least some examples a combination of relative linear and / or rotational movement may be achieved between the first housing portion 30 and the second housing portion 32. In at least some examples the first housing portion 30 and / or the second housing portion 32 may be moved between a closed position (See FIG. 2a-c) and the open position. In at least some examples the second housing portion 32 comprises a lid. In at least some examples the housing 28 may comprise additional housing portions.

[0043] The roll holder 6 comprises a mandrel portion 16 for the roll 4 extending along the central axis C. In at least some examples, the roll 4 and / or the mandrel portion 16 may comprise engaging elements configured to fix the two components together. In at least some examples the mandrel portion 16 is tapered such that the diameter of the mandrel portion is increased towards the first end 8 of the roll holder 6. In at least some examples the mandrel portion 16 is elastically deformable such that the mandrel portion 16 is elastically deformed when a roll 4 is inserted thereon and the roll 4 is held thereon.

[0044] In the shown example the roll holder 6 further comprises a spindle 20, the mandrel portion

[0045] 16 is supported by, such as supported by and rotatable relative to, the spindle 20 about the central axis C. In at least some examples at least one bearing is located between the spindle 20 and the mandrel portion 16. In at least some examples the mandrel portion 16 and / or the spindle 20 may comprise, for example a radially extending engaging element configured to limit relative axial movement between the mandrel portion 16 and the spindle 20.

[0046] The dispenser arrangement 2 further comprises a support arrangement 12 comprising a biasing element 14. In the shown example the support arrangement 12 is fixed to the second housing portion 32. In at least some examples the support arrangement 12 may be fixed to the second housing portion 32 by fasteners, such as screws, or adhesive, or the like. The dispenser arrangement 2 is configured such that when the roll 4 is fitted to the mandrel portion 16 the biasing element 14 is arranged to apply a biasing force on the roll 4. In the shown example the biasing element 14 comprises a leaf spring. In the shown example the biasing element 14 comprises a biasing portion 24 configured to contact the roll 4 and a biasing fixation portion 26 configured to be fixed to the second housing portion 32 and a biasing extension portion 36 extending therebetween. In at least some examples the biasing fixation portion 26 may be fixed to the second housing portion 32 by fasteners, such as screws, or adhesive, or the like.

[0047] In the shown example the support arrangement 12 further comprises a support element 18 configured to support the second end 10 of the roll holder 6. In the shown example the biasing element 14 and the support element 18 are integrally formed. In at least some examples the biasing element 14 and the support element 18 may be separately formed. In at least some examples, such as where the biasing element 14 and the support element 18 are formed, the biasing element 14 and the support element 18 may be fixed to one another.

[0048] In the shown example the support element 18 comprises a support portion 22 configured to support the second end 10 of the roll holder 6 and a support fixation portion 38 configured to be fixed to the second housing portion 32 and a support extension portion 40 extending therebetween. In at least some examples the support fixation portion 38 may be fixed to the second housing portion 32 by fasteners, such as screws, or adhesive, or the like. In at least some examples, where the biasing element 14 and the support element 18 are integrally formed the biasing element 14 and the support element 18 may be fixed to the second housing portion 32 via the same portion. In at least some examples, such as where the biasing element 14 and the support element 18 are fixed to one another, the biasing element 14 and the support element 18 may be fixed both to one another and to the second housing portion 32 via the same portion. In the shown example the support element 18 further comprises a pair of support limiting portions 42 configured to delimit the support portion 22 of the support element 18.

[0049] In the shown example the dispenser arrangement 2 is configured for dispensing a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from the roll 4 and from an additional roll 4’. In at least some examples the dispenser arrangement 2 may be configured for dispensing a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from only a single roll 4, or from more than two rolls 4. In the shown example the dispenser arrangement 2 comprises an additional roll holder 6’ having an additional first end 8’, an additional second end 10’, and an additional central axis C’ extending therethrough. In the shown example the additional roll holder 6’ is configured to be fixed via the additional first end 8’ thereof to the dispenser surface portion 11’ of the dispenser arrangement 2, and wherein the additional roll holder 6’ comprises an additional mandrel portion 16’ for the additional roll 4’ extending along the additional central axis C’. Furthermore, the additional roll holder 6’ may be configured similarly as described above with reference to the roll holder 6.

[0050] In the shown example the housing 28 comprises a space for both the roll 4 and the additional roll 4’ to be located. In at least some examples the housing 28 may be partially, or fully delimited such that a space occupied by the roll 4 and the additional roll 4’ may be at least partially separated.

[0051] In the shown example the central axis C of the roll holder 6 and the additional central axis C’ of the additional roll holder 6’ are parallel. In at least some examples the central axis C and the additional central axis C’ may be inclined with respect to one another, for example the central axis C and the additional central axis C’ may be perpendicular to one another. In the shown example the additional roll holder 6’ is spaced from the roll holder 6 in a direction perpendicular to both the central axis C and the gravitational direction G. In at least some examples the additional roll holder 6’ may be spaced from the roll holder 6 in the gravitational direction G, or in a direction acting along the central axis C.

[0052] In the shown example the dispenser arrangement 2 comprises an additional biasing element 14’, configured such that when the additional roll 4’ is fitted to the additional mandrel portion 16’ the additional biasing element 14’ is arranged to apply a biasing force on the additional roll 4’. Furthermore, the additional biasing element 14’ may be configured similarly as described above with reference to the biasing element 14. In the shown example the biasing element 14 and the additional biasing element 14’ are integrally formed. In at least some examples the biasing element 14 and the additional biasing element 14’ may be separately formed. In at least some examples, where the biasing element 14 and the additional biasing element 14’ are separately formed the biasing element 14 and the additional biasing element 14’ may be fixed to one another. In at least some examples, where the biasing element 14 and the additional biasing element 14’ are fixed to one another, the biasing element 14 and the additional biasing element 14’ may be fixed both to one another and to the second housing portion 32 via the same portion. In the shown example the biasing element 14 and the additional biasing element 14’ comprise a shared a biasing fixation portion 26.

[0053] In the shown example the dispenser arrangement 2 comprises an additional support element 18’ configured to support the additional second end 10’ of the additional roll holder 6’. Furthermore, the additional support element 18’ may be configured similarly as described above with reference to the support element 18. In the shown example the support element 18 and the additional support element 18’ are integrally formed. In at least some examples the support element 18 and the additional support element 18’ may be separately formed. In at least some examples, where the support element 18 and the additional support element 18’ are separately formed the support element 18 and the additional support element 18’ may be fixed to one another. In at least some examples, where the support element 18 and the additional support element 18’ are fixed to one another, the support element 18 and the additional support element 18’ may be fixed both to one another and to the second housing portion 32 via the same portion. In the shown example the support element 18 and the additional support element 18’ comprise a shared support fixation portion 38.

[0054] In at least some examples the housing 28 may comprise a third housing portion (not shown). In at least some examples the third housing portion may be attached to the first housing portion 30. The third housing portion may be attached to the first housing portion 30 in the same manner as that of the first housing portion 30 and the second housing portion 32, or in a different manner, such as any of those describe above. In at least some examples the support arrangement 12 may be distributed on both the second housing portion 32 and the third housing portion, such that for example the support elements 18, 18’ and the biasing elements 14,14’ are fixed to separate housing portions, or the elements of the support arrangement 12 configured for the roll 4 and the additional roll 4’ are fixed to separate housing portions.

[0055] FIG. 2a is schematicfront view of the dispenser arrangement 2 of FIG. 1a, having two rolls, and in a closed position. Furthermore, FIG. 2b is a cross sectional top view of the dispenser arrangement 2 and FIG. 2c is a cross sectional side view of the dispenser arrangement FIG. 2a. In the shown examples the dispenser arrangement 2 is in the closed position. The closed position comprises a position of the dispenser arrangement 2 wherein it is possible to dispense a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from a roll 4. Where the dispenser arrangement 2 is in the closed position and the dispenser arrangement 2 comprises at least one roll having at least a strip of web-shaped absorbent material the dispenser arrangement 2 may be considered to be in use.

[0056] In the shown example the roll 4 comprises a continuously formed web-shaped absorbent material. The web-shaped absorbent material may comprise any products suitable for personal or object wiping normally belonging to the product categories of toilet paper, cleaning roll, kitchen roll or paper towel roll. These products typically comprise cellulosic fibres and could fall within the categories of tissue (ISO 12565:2011) and / or nonwoven (ISO 9092:2011). The web-shaped absorbent material may be formed as a plurality of perforated strips, or alternatively may be non-perforated.

[0057] In at least some examples the roll 4 comprises a core 44 wherein the web-shaped absorbent material is wound over the core 44. In at least some examples the core 44 comprises a carboard tube, however the core 44 may comprise any conceivable material such that it may be configured to provide sufficient structure for the web-shaped absorbent material to be supported thereon. The core 44 comprises a through hole via which the second end of the roll holder 6 may be inserted therethrough.

[0058] In the shown example the second end 10 of the roll holder 6 is formed by the spindle 20. In at least some examples the first end 8 of the roll holder 6 is formed by the spindle 20, such that, for example, the roll holder 6 is fixed via the spindle 20 to a dispenser surface portion 11 of the dispenser arrangement 2. In the shown example the housing 28 may comprise an opening 46 via which the webshaped absorbent material may be dispensed. In at least some examples an opening 46 may be formed between the first housing portion 30 and the second housing portion 32 via which the web-shaped absorbent material may be dispensed. In at least some examples the opening 46 may be formed through the first housing portion 30 and / or the second housing portion 32. In the shown example the web-shaped absorbent material may be dispensed through the opening 46 in the gravitational direction G. In the shown example the opening 46 comprises a single opening via which the web-shaped absorbent material may be dispensed from both the roll 4 and the additional roll 4’. In at least some examples the opening 46 may comprise a separate opening for each of the rolls 4, 4’. In at least some examples a blocking arrangement (not shown) may prevent access to one roll whilst allowing access to another.

[0059] In the shown example the dispenser arrangement 2 comprises a tear unit 47 configured to assist in removing a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from the roll 4. In the shown example the tear unit 47 is located at the opening 46. The tear unit 47 may comprise a cutting edge which may be sharpened and / or serrated such that when the web-shaped absorbent material is pulled over said tear unit 47 a strip is removed therefrom. In at least some examples the tear unit 47may be fixed to the first housing portion 30 and / or the second housing portion 32. Alternatively, the tear unit 47 may be formed on the first housing portion 30 and / or the second housing portion 32.

[0060] In the shown example the extension of the mandrel portion 16 along the central axis C is equal to the extension of the roll 4 along the central axis C. In at least some examples the extension of the extension of the mandrel portion 16 may be greater than the extension of the roll 4, or alternatively the extension of the roll 4 may be greater than the extension of the mandrel portion 16 along the central axis C.

[0061] In the shown example the dispenser arrangement 2 is configured such that when the roll 4 is fitted to the mandrel portion 16 the biasing element 14 is arranged to apply a biasing force. In the shown example the biasing force is applied on the roll 4 when the dispenser arrangement 2 is in the closed position. In the shown example the biasing force is applied on the roll 4 in a biasing direction F, wherein the biasing direction F has a component acting parallel to the central axis C of the roll holder 6 from the second end 10 to the first end 8 of the roll holder 6. In at least some examples the biasing direction F acts parallel to the central axis C of the roll holder 6 from the second end 10 to the first end 8 of the roll holder 6. In at least some examples the biasing direction F may be inclined with respect to the central axis C, as long as the biasing direction F has a component acting parallel to the central axis C of the roll holder 6 from the second end 10 to the first end 8. In at least some examples the biasing element 14 is arranged such that it is deflected by the roll 4 in a direction opposite to the biasing direction F. In at least some examples the maximum deflection of the biasing element 14 may be used to define a tolerance of the position of the roll 4 on the mandrel portion 16 along the central axis C. The maximum deflection of the biasing element 14 may be, for example 5-9 mm, such as 6-8 mm, such as 6.5-7.5 mm. The biasing force may be equal to 1-5 N, such as 2-4 N, such as 2.5 - 3.5 N, such that a braking force of 0.4-2, such as 0.5-1.6 N, such as 0.6-1.4 N, such as 0.8-1.2 N may be achieved.

[0062] In the shown example the biasing portion 24 configured to contact the roll 4 comprises a planar surface, the biasing fixation portion 26 configured to be fixed to the second housing portion 32 comprises a planar surface, and the biasing extension portion 36 extending therebetween also comprises a planar surface. In at least some examples any one of the portions 24, 26, 32 may comprise a curved surface. Furthermore, in at least some examples a combination of the portions 24, 26, 32 may comprise a continuous surface. In at least some examples the biasing portion 24 may comprise a surface treatment configured to improve a braking force which may be applied to the roll 4.

[0063] In the shown example at least a support portion 22 of the support element 18 is configured to be spaced from the roll holder 6 in a first radial direction R1, the first radial direction R1 extending radially from the central axis C of the roll holder 6 and corresponding at least partly to the gravitational direction G when the dispenser arrangement 2 is in use such that the support portion 22 of the support element 18 is configured to support the second end 10 of the roll holder 6. In the shown example the first radial direction R1 extends radially from the central axis C of the roll holder 6 in the gravitational direction G.

[0064] Furthermore, in the shown example at least a biasing portion 24 of the biasing element 14 is configured to be spaced from the roll holder 6 in a second radial direction R2, the second radial direction R2 extending radially from the central axis C of the roll holder 6, wherein an angle A is formed between the first radial direction R1 and the second radial direction R2 such that the support portion 22 of the support element 18 and the biasing portion 24 of the biasing element 14 are offset from one another, and wherein the biasing portion 24 of the biasing element 14 is configured to apply the biasing force to the roll 4 when the dispenser arrangement 2 is in use. In the shown example the second radial direction R2 extends radially from the central axis C of the roll holder 6 in a direction opposite to the gravitational direction G. In the shown example the angle A is 180°.

[0065] Optionally, the biasing element 14 is configured to have an extension in a radial direction, relative to the central axis C, between an inner portion 48 and an outer portion 50, wherein the inner portion 48 is closer to the central axis C than the outer portion 50. In the shown example the innermost portion 48 and the outermost portion of the biasing element 14 comprise portions of the biasing portion 24 of the biasing element 14. In the shown example the extension of the biasing element 14 is in the first second radial direction R2, between the inner portion 48 and the outer portion 50. In at least some examples the extension of the biasing element 14 may be in any radial direction from the central axis C. By extending the biasing element 14 in the radial direction a surface of the biasing element 14 in contact with the roll 4 may be reduced as strips are removed from the roll 4, and the roll 4 reduces in diameter. Furthermore, as the contact with the roll 4 is reduced a braking force applied to the roll 4 may also be reduced.

[0066] In the shown example the inner portion 48 is spaced from the central axis C a distance greater than the radius of the mandrel 16 such that biasing element 14 is configured to contact the roll 4 at a position radially outer to an innermost part of the roll 4. In at least some examples by having an inner portion 48 of the biasing element 14 spaced from the central axis C a distance greater than the radius of the mandrel 16 a surface of the biasing element 14 will not contact the roll 4 when strips are removed from the roll 4 such that the radius of the roll 4 is less than the radial distance between the inner portion 48 and the central axis C, such that a biasing force is no longer applied to the roll 4.

[0067] In at least some examples the inner portion 48 is spaced from the central axis C such that biasing element 14 is configured to contact the innermost part of the roll 4. In at least some examples the inner portion 48 is spaced from the central axis C such that it contacts an innermost sheet of the roll 4. The inner portion 48 is spaced from the central axis C such that it contacts the core 44 of the roll 4. In at least some examples by having an inner portion 48 of the biasing element 14 spaced from the central axis C such that the biasing element 14 contacts the innermost part 48 of the roll 4 a surface of the biasing element 14 may contact the roll 4 even when strips are removed from the roll 4, and the roll 4 reduces in diameter, such that a biasing force is applied to the roll 4. In the shown embodiment the additional biasing element 14’ is arranged to apply a biasing force on the additional roll 4’ in an additional biasing direction F’. In the shown example the additional biasing direction F’ has a component acting parallel to the additional central axis C’ of the additional roll holder 6’ in a direction acting from the additional second end 10’ to the additional first end 8’ of the additional roll holder 6’. In at least some examples the additional biasing direction F’ is the same as the biasing direction F.

[0068] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the dispenser arrangement of FIG. 1a.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A dispenser arrangement (2) for dispensing a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from a roll (4), the dispenser arrangement (2) comprising: a roll holder (6), having a first end (8), a second end (10), and a central axis (C) extending therethrough, wherein the roll holder (6) is fixed via the first end (8) thereof to a dispenser surface portion (11) of the dispenser arrangement (2), and wherein the roll holder (6) comprises a mandrel portion (16) for the roll (4) extending along the central axis (C), a support arrangement (12) comprising a biasing element (14), wherein the dispenser arrangement (2) is configured such that when the roll (4) is fitted to the mandrel portion (16) the biasing element (14) is arranged to apply a biasing force on the roll (4) in a biasing direction (F), wherein the biasing direction (F) has a component acting parallel to the central axis (C) of the roll holder (6) from the second end (10) to the first end (8) of the roll holder (6).

2. The dispenser arrangement (2) of claim 1 , wherein the support arrangement (12) comprises a support element (18) configured to support the second end (10) of the roll holder (6).

3. The dispenser arrangement (2) of claim 2, wherein the roll holder (6) comprises a spindle (20), the mandrel portion (16) is supported by, such as supported by and rotatable relative to, the spindle (20) about the central axis (C), and the second end (10) of the roll holder (6) is formed by the spindle (20).

4. The dispenser arrangement (2) of any of claims 2-3, wherein at least a support portion (22) of the support element (18) is configured to be spaced from the roll holder (6) in a first radial direction (R1), the first radial direction (R1) extending radially from the central axis (C) of the roll holder (6) and corresponding at least partly to a gravitational direction (G) when the dispenser arrangement (2) is in use such that the support portion (22) of the support element (18) is configured to support the second end (10) of the roll holder (6).

5. The dispenser arrangement (2) of claim 4, wherein at least a biasing portion (24) of the biasing element (14) is configured to be spaced from the roll holder (6) in a second radial direction (R2), the second radial direction (R2) extending radiallyfrom the central axis (C) of the roll holder (6), wherein an angle (A) is formed between the first radial direction (R1) and the second radial direction (R2) such that the support portion (22) of the support element (18) and the biasing portion (24) of the biasing element (14) are offset from one another, and wherein the biasing portion (24) of the biasing element (14) is configured to apply the biasing force to the roll (4) when the dispenser arrangement (2) is in use.

6. The dispenser arrangement (2) of any of claims 2-5, wherein the biasing element (14) and the support element (18) are integrally formed.

7. The dispenser arrangement (2) of any of claims 2-5, wherein the biasing element (14) and the support element (18) are fixed to one another.

8. The dispenser arrangement (2) of any of the preceding claims, configured for dispensing a strip of web-shaped absorbent material from the roll and from an additional roll (4’), the dispenser arrangement (2) comprising an additional roll holder (6’) having an additional first end (8’), an additional second end (10’), and an additional central axis (C’) extending therethrough, wherein the additional roll holder (6’) is configured to be fixed via the additional first end (8’) thereof to the dispenser surface portion (1 T) of the dispenser arrangement (2), and wherein the additional roll holder (6’) comprises an additional mandrel portion (16’) for the additional roll (4’) extending along the additional central axis (C’).

9. The dispenser arrangement (2) of claim 8, wherein the central axis (C) of the roll holder (6) and the additional central axis (C’) of the additional roll holder (6’) are parallel.

10. The dispenser arrangement (2) of any of claims 8-9, comprising an additional biasing element (14’), configured such that when the additional roll (4’) is fitted to the additional mandrel portion (16’) the additional biasing element (14’) is arranged to apply a biasing force on the additional roll (4’) in an additional biasing direction (F’), wherein the additional biasing direction (F’) has a component acting parallel to the additional central axis (C’) of the additional roll holder (6’) in a direction acting from the additional second end (10’) to the additional first end (8’) of the additional roll holder (6’).

11. The dispenser arrangement (2) of claim 10, wherein the biasing element (14) and the additional biasing element (14’) are integrally formed.

12. The dispenser arrangement (2) of any of claims 8-11 , comprising an additional support element (18’) configured to support the additional second end (10’) of the additional roll holder (6’).

13. The dispenser arrangement (2) of claim 12, when dependent on claim 2, wherein the support element (18) and the additional support element (18’) are integrally formed.

14. The dispenser arrangement (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing element (14) comprises a leaf spring.

15. The dispenser arrangement (2) of any of the preceding claims, comprising a housing (28), wherein the housing (28) is configured to surround the roll holder (6).

16. The dispenser arrangement of claim 15, wherein the housing (28) comprises a first housing portion (30) and a second housing portion (32), and wherein the dispenser surface portion (11) is associated with, such as part of, the first housing portion (30) and the support arrangement (12) is fixed to the second housing portion (32).

17. The dispenser arrangement (2) of claim 16, wherein the first housing portion (30) and the second housing portion (32) are movably attached to one another, such as rotatably attached to one another.

18. The dispenser arrangement (2) of any of claims 16-17, wherein the first housing (30) portion is configured to be fixed to an external surface.

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