DISPENSER FOR ROLLED PAPER

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] No-touch dispensers, i.e., dispensers that do not require the patron to touch any part of the dispenser, are desired for many reasons. No-touch dispensing reduces the chance of transferring disease-causing bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. No-touch dispensing also makes the process of obtaining a sheet simpler and quicker.

[0002] Single-sheet dispensers, i.e., dispensers that dispense a consistent, fixed quantity of sheet material, are also desired for many reasons. They tend to reduce the quantity of sheet material used by an individual patron, thereby saving on material costs, disposal costs, and costs associated with the frequency whereby the dispensers must be refilled.

[0003] No-touch, single-sheet dispensers for folded, interleaved sheets are known, however the manufacturing processes associated with providing the folded, interleaved sheets are more expensive and complex than the process associated with providing roll products.

[0004] No-touch, single-sheet dispensers utilizing knives or other cutting devices to cut sheet material from a roll of sheet material are known, but knives and other cutting devices may present a danger to either a patron or an individual refilling the dispenser.

[0005] No-touch, single-sheet dispensers for rolled products via zones of weakness are known, but if the sheet material tears before the next zone of weakness emerges from the dispenser, the next patron has no sheet material to grasp.

[0006] No-touch, single-sheet dispensing of double rolled products via offset zones of weakness is also known, but dispensers for these products still have disadvantages that have yet to be overcome. As an example, these dispensers can be difficult to load. As another example, if the force applied by a patron to remove the sheet material from the dispenser is distributed evenly across the width of the sheet material, the zones of weakness may not separate, causing more than one sheet to be removed from the dispenser. EP 0 878 161, US 3 156 392, GB 1 327 954 and US 4 804 149 disclose various prior art paper dispensers. The features of the dispenser disclosed herein overcome these and other disadvantages of prior art dispensers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The aforesaid needs are fulfilled and the problems experienced by those skilled in the art overcome by the apparatus for dispensing rolled sheet material of the present invention. The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing rolled sheet material as claimed in claim 1. The apparatus includes a housing defining an interior adapted to rotatably support rolled sheet material and having a dispensing opening sized to allow sheet material to be dispensed therefrom. The apparatus further includes a nip within the housing such as, for example, may be formed by first and second rollers. In addition, the preferred apparatus includes a sheet material dispensing surface proximate the dispensing opening, the sheet material dispensing surface comprising at least one protrusion. By way of nonlimiting example, the sheet material dispensing surface may include portions that are partially flat, convex, concave, curved, rounded, bowed, arched, warped, crenellated, crenulated, or dished in shape, and so forth, and combinations thereof. Desirably, the sheet material dispensing surface at least partially extends into the path between the nip and the dispensing opening. Optionally, the sheet material dispensing surface may at least partially define the dispensing opening.

[0008] In one aspect, the sheet material dispensing surface comprises a fixed member located between the nip and the dispensing opening. Desirably, the fixed member is positioned between the nip and the dispensing opening such that the sheet material is allowed to travel along a circuitous path.

[0009] In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing defining an interior adapted to rotatably support rolled sheet material and having a dispensing opening sized to allow sheet material to be dispensed therefrom, a nip within the housing, and a roll of sheet material having a plurality of zones of weakness that substantially extend across the width of the sheet material. The apparatus further includes a sheet material dispensing surface proximate the dispensing opening, the sheet material dispensing surface comprising at least one protrusion. The sheet material is dispensed along a path that extends from the roll of sheet material, through the nip, across the sheet material dispensing surface, and through the dispensing opening. Desirably, the protrusion concentrates force on the portion of the sheet material that contacts the protrusion when the sheet material is pulled across the sheet material dispensing surface and through the dispensing opening.

[0010] The apparatus of the present invention includes a housing defining an interior adapted to contain rolled sheet material and a dispensing opening for allowing sheet material to be dispensed from the interior of the housing. The apparatus further includes a nip within the housing such as, for example, may be formed by first and second rollers. In addition, the apparatus includes a mobile roll support system adapted to support a roll of sheet material within the housing wherein the roll of sheet material rotates to dispense sheet material and further wherein the mobile roll support system and the roll of sheet material move toward the nip as sheet material is dispensed. The housing further comprises a first housing section and a second housing section with the first housing section being at least partially removably attached to the second housing section.

[0011] In a further aspect, the apparatus comprises first and second slots, each slot engaging the mobile roll support system wherein the mobile roll support system travels within the slots as the roll of sheet material is dispensed. Desirably, the slots are parallel to one another, and even more desirably the slots are angled downwardly wherein the mobile roll support system moves toward the nip as the sheet material is dispensed and the diameter of the roll of sheet material decreases. By way of nonlimiting example, one or both of the slots may be defined within the side of the housing. The slots may have various configurations with respect to the sections that are part of the housing. The slots are defined between the first and second housing sections.

[0012] In still a further aspect, the mobile roll support system comprises a dispensing roller having first and second ends, each end slideably engaging a slot. Such a mobile roll support system is desirable for dispensing rolls of sheet material that are wound about a central core. Alternatively, the mobile roll support system can comprise at least two separate mobile supports, each support being slideably engaged within a slot. Such a mobile roll support system is desirable for dispensing rolls of sheet material that are coreless or that are wound throughout their entire diameters. For dispensing coreless rolls of sheet material, the mobile roll supports desirably comprise an engaging member attached to the supports. The engaging member is adapted to engage one side of a roll of sheet material. The engaging member is desirably adapted to extend into the interior of the rolled sheet material.

[0013] Desirably, the nip comprises at least one roller. More desirably, the nip is pressurized. As one example, the nip may be pressurized by at least one spring. Desirably, the roll of sheet material supported by the mobile roll support system rests against one of the nip rollers and the path of the sheet material extends through the nip and through the dispensing opening.

[0014] Desirably, the roll of sheet material comprises one or more layers of sheet material having zones of weakness therein. Even more desirably, the layers of sheet material comprise a plurality of offset zones of weakness that substantially extend across the width of the sheet material.

[0015] Other features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] 

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser of this invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view depicting the interior of the dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view depicting the interior of an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary dispensing surface for the dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a front view of the dispensing surface of FIG. 4A.

FIGS. 4C-4E are cross-sectional side views of the dispensing surface of FIG 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a dispenser not in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view depicting the interior of the dispenser of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view depicting the interior of the dispenser of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 8A & 8B are fragmentary perspective views depicting the guide roller within the dispenser of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional side elevation view of the dispenser of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an exemplary dispensing surface for the dispenser of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10B is a front view of the dispensing surface of FIG. 10A.

FIGS. 10C-10E are cross-sectional side elevation views of the dispensing surface of FIG. 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention and is not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment or figure can be used on another embodiment or figure to yield yet another embodiment. It is Intended that the present invention include such modifications and variations.

[0018] The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing rolled sheet material. Exemplary sheet materials for which the present invention is suitable include, but are not limited to, absorbent sheet materials such as towels, wipers, tissue, and so forth. Suitable sheet materials are disclosed, by way of non-limiting examples only, in U.S. Patents 5,048,589 to Cook et al., 5,399,412 to Sudall et al., 5,674,590 to Anderson et al., 5,772,845 to Farrington, Jr. et al., 5,904,971 to Anderson et al., 6,248,212 to Anderson et al., and 6,273,996 to Hollenberg et al.. The sheet materials for which the present invention is suitable are desirably wound around a core, yet may, for other embodiments, be coreless. The sheet materials for which the present invention is suitable desirably have regularly spaced zones of weakness extending substantially across the width of the sheet material. The zones of weakness are used to separate the sheet material into individual sheets and may be, for example, defined by a series of perforations. The sheet material having regularly spaced zones of weakness substantially extending across its width is desirably double wound into a roll having inner and outer layers of sheet material wherein the zones of weakness for the inner and outer layers are offset as is taught in U.S. Patent 3,770,172 to Nystrand. Double wound sheet material having offset zones of weakness allows the sheet material to tear within the dispenser while still providing a tail of sheet material extending from the dispenser to be grasped by the next patron.

[0019] An embodiment of the dispenser of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 1 at 10. The dispenser 10 includes a housing 12 that comprises a first housing section 14 and a second housing section 16. When the first housing section 14 and the second housing section 16 are in the closed position (as depicted in FIG. 1), the first housing section 14 and the second housing section 16 together define a dispensing opening 22, a first angled slot 24, and a second angled slot on the opposite side wall (not depicted). Sheet material 26 is dispensed through the dispensing opening 22. Optionally, there may be a window 11 I defined In one of the housing sections to allow viewing of the interior of the dispenser 10. The window 11 may be open, or may be constructed of a transparent or translucent material that permits viewing of the interior of the dispenser 10.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 2 that depicts the inside of the dispenser 10, the first housing section 14 has a top edge 18, while the second housing section 16 has a bottom edge 20. The top edge 18 and the bottom edge 20 fit together to form the housing 12. The top edge 18 and the bottom edge 20 are configured such that the first housing section 14 and the second housing section 16 will not separate during the dispensing operation. However, when It is necessary to reload the dispenser, the first housing section 14 and the second housing section 16 are readily separated. Methods of removably attaching parts in this manner are well known to those skilled in the art. Nonlimiting examples include snaps, latches, buckles, locks, hooks, buttons, pins, cotter pins, and so forth.

[0021] Within the housing 12 is a dispensing roller 28 that is adapted to support a roll of sheet material 29 having a central aperture 31. The dispensing roller 28 has a dispensing roller body 30, a first dispensing roller end 32, and a second dispensing roller end 34. The dispensing roller body 30 is desirably cylindrical, but may be any other shape that will support the weight of the roll of sheet material 29. It is contemplated that the dispensing roller 28 may support the roll of sheet material 29 from within the central aperture 31 or, alternatively, may support the roll of sheet material 29 through contact with the outside surface of the roll of sheet material 29. The first and second dispensing roller ends 32, 34 are slidingly engaged by the first and second angled slots 24, 25 that form when the first housing section 14 and the second housing section 16 are closed together. The first and second dispensing roller ends 32, 34 may be fixed with respect to the dispensing roller body 30 or may, alternatively, rotate independently from the dispensing roller body 30. The first and second dispensing roller ends 32, 34 are desirably cylindrical, but may be any other shape that will slideably engage the first and second angled slots.

[0022] Alternatively, referring now to FIG. 2A, the dispensing roller 28 of FIG. 2 may be replaced by first and second mobile roll supports 28A. This embodiment may be particularly desirable if the roll of sheet material is a coreless roll such as, for example, is taught in U.S. Patents 5,875,985 to Cohen et al. and 6,070,821 to Mitchell. The mobile roll supports 28A have mobile roll support ends 32A that slideably engage the angled slots 24, 25. The mobile roll supports 28A also have an engaging member 28B adapted to engage one side of a roll of sheet material 29A. The engaging member 28B can have any one of numerous shapes. Desirably, the engaging member 28B further includes a chamfered surface 28C. In other embodiments, the engaging member 28B may be adapted to extend into the interior of the rolled sheet material 29A.

[0023] Referring again to FIG. 2, in one embodiment the roll of sheet material 29 may rotate independently from the dispensing roller body 30. In this embodiment, the roll of sheet material 29 will rotate around the dispensing roller body 30 as the sheet material 26 is dispensed. In another embodiment, the entire dispensing roller 28 including the dispensing roller body 30 and the dispensing roller ends 32, 34 may rotate with the roll of sheet material 29 as the sheet material 26 is dispensed. In a further embodiment, the dispensing roller body 30 may rotate with the roll of sheet material 29 while the dispensing roller ends 32, 34 remain fixed in the angled slots 24, 25 with respect to the rotating dispenser roller body 30 and roll of sheet material 29. In another embodiment, some combination of the aforementioned relationships between the angled slots 24, 25, the dispensing roller 28, and the roll of sheet material 29 may be used to effectively dispense the sheet material 26.

[0024] As the sheet material 26 is dispensed and the diameter of the sheet material roll 29 decreases, the dispensing roller ends 32, 34 travel down the angled slots 24, 25. As depicted in FIG. 2, the angled slots 24, 25 may be formed between the first housing section 14 and the second housing section 16. Alternatively, in other embodiments the first and second angled slots 24, 25 may be defined entirely within the sides of the first housing section 14, may be defined entirely within the sides of the second housing section 16, or may cross over from the first housing section 14 to the second housing section 16. It is desirable that the angled slots 24, 25 be open to the housing section edges 18, 20 to facilitate placement of the dispensing roller 28 in the angled slots 24, 25.

[0025] The angled slots 24, 25 have the added benefit of providing a window through which it is possible to detect how much sheet material 26 remains on the roll of sheet material 29 inside the housing 12. However, other embodiments may have tracks on the inside of the first housing section 14 and/or second housing section 16 with which the dispensing roller ends 32, 34 slidingly engage. As the roll of sheet material 29 is depleted, the dispensing roller ends 32, 34 travel within the tracks.

[0026] Referring again to FIG. 2, within the housing 12 is a feed roller 36 that provides further support to the roll of sheet material 29. The feed roller 36 has a feed roller body 38, a first feed roller end 40, and a second feed roller end 42. The first feed roller end 40 engages a first feed roller aperture 44 in the side of the first housing section 14. The second feed roller end 42 engages a second feed roller aperture 46 in the opposite side of the first housing section 14. The first and second feed roller apertures are positioned wherein the outer surface of a roll of sheet material 29 on the dispensing roller 28 will rest against the feed roller 36 as the roll of sheet material 29 is dispensed.

[0027] In one embodiment, the entire feed roller 36, including the feed roller body 38 and ends 40, 42, may rotate with the roll of sheet material 29 as the sheet material 26 is dispensed. In another embodiment, the feed roller body 38 may rotate with the roll of sheet material 29 while the feed roller ends 40, 42 remain fixed in the feed roller apertures 44. In a further embodiment, some combination of the aforementioned relationships between the roll of sheet material 29, the feed roller body 38, and the feed roller ends 40, 42 may be used to effectively dispense the sheet material 26.

[0028] Within the housing 12 is a guide roller 48 having a guide roller body 52, a first guide roller end 54, and a second guide roller end 56. The first guide roller end 54 engages a first guide roller slot 57 in the side of second housing section 16. The second guide roller end 56 engages a second guide roller slot 59 in the opposite side of the second housing section 16. Referring now to FIG. 3, the guide roller 48 forms a nip 50 with the feed roller 36. The nip 50 has an entrance side 50A and an exit side 50B. Referring again to FIG. 2, the first and second guide roller slots 57, 59 are positioned in the sides of the second housing section 16 wherein the nip 50, shown in FIG. 3, is formed between the guide roller body 52 and the feed roller body 38 when the second housing section 16 is closed against the first housing section 14. The guide roller 48 is biased or pressurized against the feed roller 36 by first and second springs 58 having first and second spring ends 60, 62. The first spring ends 60 are connected to hooks 61 that hook over the first and second guide roller ends 54, 56. The second spring ends 62 engage first and second pegs 66 attached to the inside of the second housing section 16. The guide roller slots 57 allow the guide roller 48 to move and the first and second springs 58 to compress as the first and second housing sections 14, 16 are closed together. Alternatively, other mechanisms known to those skilled in the art may be used for biasing or pressurizing the guide roller 48 against the feed roller 36.

[0029] The force exerted by the guide roller 48 against the feed roller 36 must be such that the tension required to be applied to the sheet material to pull it through the nip 50 exceeds the breaking strength of the zones of weakness in the sheet material yet does not exceed the breaking strength of the remainder of the sheet material 26. Therefore, force applied to the sheet material 26 extending from the dispensing opening 22 will advance the sheet material 26 until a zone of weakness emerges from the nip 50 between the guide roller 48 and the feed roller 36. At that point the zone of weakness will break, providing a single sheet to the patron, and leaving an extended tail of sheet material 26 for the next patron to grasp. A detailed description of the desired force balance can be found in United States Patent Number 3,770,172 to Nystrand.

[0030] In one embodiment, the entire guide roller 48, including the guide roller body 52 and first and second guide roller ends 54, 56, may rotate as the sheet material 26 is dispensed. In another embodiment, the guide roller body 52 may rotate with the movement of the sheet material 26 while the guide roller ends 54, 56 remain fixed in the guide roller slots 57. In a further embodiment, some combination of the aforementioned relationships between the guide roller apertures 57, the guide roller 48, and the feed roller 38 may be used to effectively dispense the sheet material 26.

[0031] Referring again to FIG. 3, within the housing 12 and situated between the dispensing opening 22 and the exit side 50B of the feed nip 50, a sheet material dispensing surface 70 is positioned wherein during the dispensing operation the sheet material 26 travels over and upon the sheet material dispensing surface 70. In FIG. 3 the sheet material dispensing surface 70 is depicted beneath the path of the sheet material 26, but in other embodiments the sheet material dispensing surface 70 may alternatively be positioned above the path of the sheet material 26, or there may be first and second dispensing surfaces 70 positioned both above and below the path of the sheet material 26. Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B, the sheet material dispensing surface 70 has at least one protruding area 74 that contacts the sheet material 26 as the sheet material 26 Is dispensed. The sheet material dispensing surface 70 also has at least one depressed area 76 that contacts the sheet material 26 with less force than does the protruding area 74, or not at all, during dispensing. Desirable shapes for the sheet material dispensing surface 70 include, but are not limited to, partially flat, convex, concave, convex, concave, curved, rounded, bowed, arched, warped, dished, crenellated, crenulated, and so forth, and combinations thereof. An exemplary profile for the dispensing surface 70 is depicted in FIGS. 4C-4E.

[0032] While the inventors do not wish to be held to a particular theory, it is thought that the dispensing force applied by a user to the sheet material 26 extending from the dispensing opening 22 is distributed to the areas of the sheet material 26 where the protruding area 74 contacts the sheet material 26 as it is dispensed. By concentrating the applied force In this manner, separation of individual sheets at the zones of weakness is more likely to occur.

[0033] An alternate arrangement is depicted in FIGS. 5-10E. Referring to FIG. 5, the dispenser 10A includes a housing 12A that comprises a first housing section 14A and a second housing section 16A. When the first housing section 14A and the second housing section 16A are In the closed position (as depicted in FIG. 5), the first housing section 14A and the second housing section 16A together define a dispensing opening 22A through which sheet material 26 is dispensed.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 6 that depicts the inside of the dispenser 10A, the first housing section 14A has a top surface 100 to which is attached a first latch 102, while the second housing section 16A has a rim 104 to which is attached a second latch 106. The rim 104 fits around and over the first housing section 14A to form the housing 12A. The first latch 102 and the second latch 106 are configured to removably attach upon closing of the second housing section 16A such that the first housing section 14A and the second housing section 16A will not separate during the dispensing operation. However, when it is necessary to reload the dispenser, the first housing section 14A and the second housing section 16A are readily separated. Methods of removably attaching parts are well known to those skilled in the art. Nonlimiting examples include snaps, latches, buckles, locks, hooks, buttons, pins, cotter pins, and so forth. With respect to the particular arrangement depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first housing section 14A and the second housing section 16A are hingedly attached by first and second hinges 17. The hinges 17 allow the housing 12A to be opened without complete separation of the first and second housing sections 14A, 16A.

[0035] In reference to FIG. 7, within the housing 12A is a dispensing roller 28 that is adapted to support a roll of sheet material 29 having a central aperture 31. The dispensing roller 28 has a dispensing roller body 30, a first dispensing roller end 32, and a second dispensing roller end 34. The dispensing roller body 30 is desirably cylindrical, but may be any other shape that will support the weight of the roll of sheet material 29. It is contemplated that the dispensing roller 28 may support the roll of sheet material 29 from within the central aperture 31 or, alternatively, may support the roll of sheet material 29 through contact with the outside surface of the roll of sheet material 29. The first and second dispensing roller ends 32, 34 are slidingly engaged by the first and second angled tracks 124, 125. The first and second dispensing roller ends 32, 34 may be fixed with respect to the dispensing roller body 30 or may, alternatively, rotate independently from the dispensing roller body 30. Similarly, as sheet material 26 is dispensed, the roll of sheet material 29 may be fixed with respect to the dispensing roller body 30, or may, alternatively, rotate independently from the dispensing roller body 30. As the sheet material 26 is dispensed and the diameter of the sheet material roll 29 decreases, the dispensing roller ends 32, 34 travel down the angled tracks 124, 125.

[0036] Also within the housing 12A is a feed roller 36 that provides further support to the roll of sheet material 29. The feed roller 36 has a feed roller body 38, a first feed roller end 40, and a second feed roller end 42. The first feed roller end 40 engages a first feed roller aperture 144 in the side of the first housing section 14A. The second feed roller end 42 engages a second feed roller aperture 145 in the opposite side of the first housing section 14A. The first and second feed roller apertures are positioned wherein the outer surface of a roll of sheet material 29 on the dispensing roller 28 will rest against the feed roller 36 as the roll of sheet material 29 is dispensed. As the sheet material 26 is dispensed, the feed roller body 38 rotates with the roll of sheet material 29. The feed roller body 38 may be fixed with respect to the first and second feed roller ends 40, 42, in which case the first and second feed roller ends 40, 42 rotate within the first and second feed roller apertures 144, 145. Alternatively, the feed roller body 38 may rotate independently from the first and second feed roller ends 40, 42.

[0037] Additionally, referring also now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, within the housing 12A is a guide roller 48 having a guide roller body 52, a first guide roller end 54, and a second guide roller end 56. The first and second guide roller ends 54, 56 engage first and second guide roller bushings 150, 152 having first and second guide roller bushing ends 154, 156. The first and second guide roller bushing ends 154, 156 slidingly engage first and second guide roller bushing slots 158, 160 in first and second guide roller arms 162, 164 attached to the inside of the second housing section 16A.

[0038] The guide roller 48 is biased or pressurized between the second housing section 16A and the feed roller 36 by first and second springs 170 having first and second spring ends 172, 174. The first spring ends 172 engage first and second pegs 176 attached to the inside of the second housing section 16A. The second spring ends 174 engage first and second spring caps 178 against which rest the first and second guide roller bushings 150, 152. Referring now to FIG. 9, the guide roller 48 forms a nip 50 with the feed roller 36. The nip 50 has an entrance side 50A and an exit side 50B. The first guide roller arm 162 (not shown), and the second guide roller arm 164, attached to the inside of the second housing section 16A, are positioned wherein the nip 50 is formed between the guide roller 48 and the feed roller 36 when the second housing section 16A is closed against the first housing section 14A. As described above, the force exerted by the guide roller 48 against the feed roller 36 must be such that the tension required to be applied to the sheet material to pull it through the nip 50 exceeds the breaking strength of the zones of weakness in the sheet material yet does not exceed the breaking strength of the rest of the sheet material 26.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 9, within the dispenser 10A and situated between the dispensing opening 22A and the exit side 50B of the feed nip 50, a sheet material dispensing surface 70A is positioned such that, during the dispensing operation, the sheet material 26 travels over and upon at least a portion of the sheet material dispensing surface 70A. In FIG. 9 the sheet material dispensing surface 70A is depicted beneath the path of the sheet material 26, but in other embodiments the sheet material dispensing surface 70A may alternatively be positioned above the path of the sheet material 26, or there may be first and second dispensing surfaces 70A positioned both above and below the path of the sheet material 26. Referring now to FIGS. 7, 10A, and 10B, the sheet material dispensing surface 70A has at least one protruding area 74A that contacts the sheet material 26 as the sheet material 26 is dispensed. The sheet material dispensing surface 70A also has at least one depressed area 76A that contacts the sheet material 26 with less force during dispensing than does the protruding area 74A. Desirable shapes for the sheet material dispensing surface 70A include, but are not limited to, partially flat, convex, concave, curved, rounded, bowed, arched, warped, dished, crenellated, crenulated, and so forth, and combinations thereof. An exemplary profile for the dispensing surface 70A is depicted in FIGS. 10C-10E.

[0040] While the inventors do not wish to be held to a particular theory, it is thought that the dispensing force applied by a user to the sheet material 26 extending from the dispensing opening 22A is increased in the areas where the protruding area 74A contacts the sheet material 26 as it is dispensed. By concentrating the force in this manner, separation of individual sheets at the zones of weakness is more likely to occur.

[0041] While the invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various alterations, modifications and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended that all such modifications, alterations and other changes be encompassed by the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing rolled sheet material (29) comprising:

a housing (12) defining an interior adapted to contain rolled sheet material (29) and a dispensing opening (22) for allowing sheet material (26) to be dispensed from the interior of the housing (12), wherein the housing (12) comprises a first housing section (14) and a second housing section (16), the first housing section being at least partially removably attached to the second housing section, wherein at least one slot (24) is defined between the first (14) and second (16) housing sections;

a nip (50) within the housing (12); and

a mobile roll support system (28) engaging said at least one slot (24) and adapted to support a roll of sheet material (29) within the housing (12), wherein the roll of sheet material (29) rotates to dispense sheet material (26), and further wherein the mobile roll support system (28) and the roll of sheet material (29) move toward the nip (50) as sheet material (26) is dispensed.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a further slot (25), each slot engaging the mobile roll support system (28) and wherein the mobile roll support system travels within the slots.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first housing section (14) is pivotably attached to the second housing section (16).

4. The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein at least one slot (24) is angled downwardly to allow the mobile roll support system (28) to move toward the nip (50) as the sheet material (26) is dispensed and the diameter of the roll of sheet material (29) decreases.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein a first slot (24) is parallel to a second slot (25).

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the mobile roll support system (28) comprises a dispensing roller having first (32) and second (34) ends, each end slideably engaging a slot (24,25).

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the roll of sheet material (29) defines a central core (31), and wherein the dispensing roller (28) supports the roll of sheet material from within the central core.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1-6, wherein the mobile roll support system comprises at least two mobile supports (28A), each support slideably engaging a slot (24,25).

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one of the mobile supports (28A) comprises an engaging member (28B) attached to at least one of the supports, the engaging member adapted to engage one side of the roll of sheet material (29).

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least one engaging member (28A) is adapted to extend into the interior (31) of the rolled sheet material (29).

11. The apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein the engaging member (28A) further comprises a chamfered surface (28C).

12. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the roll of sheet material (29) is coreless.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the roll of sheet material (29) comprises inner and outer layers of sheet material (26), the layers of sheet material comprising a plurality of offset zones of weakness that extend substantially across the width of the sheet material.

14. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the nip (50) comprises at least one roller (36,48).

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the nip (50) is pressurized.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the nip (50) is pressurized by at least one spring (58).

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the roll of sheet material (29) supported by the mobile roll support system (28) rests against one of the nip rollers (36), and wherein the path of the sheet material (26) extends through the nip (50) and through the dispensing opening (22).

18. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a sheet material dispensing surface (70) proximate the dispensing opening (22), the sheet material dispensing surface (70) comprising at least one protrusion (74).

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the sheet material dispensing surface (70) comprises a fixed member located between the nip (50) and the dispensing opening (22).

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the fixed member is positioned between the nip (50) and the dispensing opening (22) to allow sheet material to travel along a circuitous path.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the sheet material dispensing surface (70) is at least partially concave in shape.

22. The apparatus of claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the sheet material dispensing surface (70) is at least partially convex in shape.

23. The apparatus of claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the sheet material dispensing surface (70) comprises at least one concave portion (76).

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the sheet material dispensing surface (70) comprises at least one flat portion.

25. The apparatus of claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the sheet material dispensing surface (70) comprises at least one convex portion (74).

26. The apparatus of any of claims 18 to 25, wherein the sheet material dispensing surface (70) at least partially defines the dispensing opening (22).

27. The apparatus of any of claims 18 to 25, wherein the sheet material dispensing surface (70) at least partially extends into the path between the nip (50) and the dispensing opening (22).

28. The apparatus of any of claims 18 to 25, comprising first and second sheet material dispensing surfaces proximate the dispensing opening (22), the first sheet material dispensing surface at least partially extending into the path between the nip (50) and the dispensing opening from below, and the second sheet material dispensing surface at least partially extending into the path between the nip and the dispensing opening from above.

29. The apparatus of any of claims 18 to 28, further comprising a roll of sheet material (29) having a plurality of zones of weakness that substantially extend across the width of the sheet material (26), wherein said sheet material is dispensed along a path that extends from the roll of sheet material, through the nip (50), across the sheet material dispensing surface (70), and through the dispensing opening (22).

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said protrusion (74) concentrates force on the portion of the sheet material (26) that contacts the protrusion when the sheet material is pulled across the sheet material dispensing surface and through the dispensing opening (22).

31. The apparatus of claim 29 or 30, wherein the rolled sheet material (29) comprises inner and outer layers of sheet material (26), the layers of sheet material comprising a plurality of offset zones of weakness that substantially extend across the width of the sheet material.

Ansprüche

1. Vorrichtung zum Spenden von aufgerolltem Bahnmaterial (29), umfassend:

ein Gehäuse (12), das einen Innenraum, der eingerichtet ist, um aufgerolltes Bahnmaterial (29) zu enthalten, und eine Spendeöffnung (22), die ermöglicht, dass Bahnmaterial (26) aus dem Innenraum des Gehäuses (12) gespendet werden kann, definiert, wobei das Gehäuse (12) einen ersten Gehäuseabschnitt (14) und einen zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt (16) umfasst, der erste Gehäuseabschnitt wenigstens teilweise ablösbar an dem zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt befestigt ist, wobei zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseabschnitt (14) und dem zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt (16) wenigstens ein Schlitz definiert ist,

einen Walzenspalt (50) in dem Gehäuse (12) und

ein bewegliches Rollenhalterungssystem (18), das in den wenigstens einen Schlitz (24) eingreift und eingerichtet ist, um eine Bahnmaterialrolle (29) in dem Gehäuse (12) zu halten, wobei sich die Bahnmaterialrolle (29) dreht, um Bahnmaterial (26) zu spenden, und wobei sich des Weiteren das bewegliche Rollenhalterungssystem (28) und die Bahnmaterialrolle (29) in Richtung auf den Walzenspalt (50) bewegen, während Bahnmaterial (26) gespendet wird.

2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, die des Weiteren einen Schlitz 25 umfasst, wobei jeder Schlitz mit dem beweglichen Rollenhalterungssystem (28) in Eingriff ist und wobei sich das bewegliche Rollenhalterungssystem innerhalb der Schlitze bewegt.

3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der erste Gehäuseabschnitt (14) schwenkbar an dem zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt (16) befestigt ist.

4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, wobei wenigstens ein Schlitz (24) schräg nach unten gerichtet ist, um dem beweglichen Rollenhalterungssystem (28) zu ermöglichen, sich in Richtung auf den Walzenspalt (50) zu bewegen, während das Bahnmaterial (26) gespendet wird und sich der Durchmesser der Bahnmaterialrolle (29) vermindert.

5. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei ein erster Schlitz (24) mit einem zweiten Schlitz (25) parallel ist.

6. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das bewegliche Rollenhalterungssystem (28) eine Spenderolle mit einem ersten Ende (32) und einem zweiten Ende (34) umfasst und jedes Ende verschiebbar mit einem Schlitz (24, 25) in Eingriff ist.

7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Bahnmaterialrolle (29) einen Mittelkern (31) definiert und wobei die Spenderolle (28) die Bahnmaterialrolle aus dem Inneren des Mittelkems trägt.

8. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei das bewegliche Rollenhalterungssystem wenigstens zwei bewegliche Halterungen (28A) umfasst und jede Halterung verschiebbar mit einem Schlitz (24, 25) in Eingriff ist.

9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, wobei wenigstens eine der beweglichen Halterungen (28A) ein Eingreifelement (28B), das an wenigstens einer der Halterungen befestigt ist, umfasst und das Eingreifelement eingerichtet ist, um in eine Seite der Bahnmaterialrolle (29) einzugreifen.

10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei wenigstens ein Eingreifelement (28A) eingerichtet ist, um sich in das Innere (31) des aufgerollten Bahnmaterials (29) zu erstrecken.

11. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei das Eingreifelement (28A) des Weiteren eine abgeschrägte Fläche (28C) umfasst.

12. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Bahnmaterialrolle (29) kernlos ist.

13. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Bahnmaterialrolle (29) innere und äußere Bahnmateriallagen (26) umfasst und die Bahnmateriallagen eine Vielzahl von versetzten geschwächten Zonen, die sich im Wesentlichen über die Breite des Bahnmaterials erstrecken, aufweisen.

14. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Walzenspalt (50) wenigstens eine Walze (36, 48) umfasst.

15. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 14, wobei der Walzenspalt (50) unter Druck steht.

16. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 15, wobei der Walzenspalt (50) durch wenigstens eine Feder (58) unter Druck steht.

17. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 16, wobei die Bahnmaterialrolle (29), die durch das bewegliche Rollenhalterungssystem (28) getragen wird, an einer der Andruckwalzen (36) anliegt und wobei sich der Weg des Bahnmaterials (26) durch den Walzenspalt (50) und durch die Spendeöffnung (22) erstreckt.

18. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, des Weiteren eine Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche (70), nahe der Spendeöffnung (22), umfassend, wobei die Bahnmateriai-Spendeftäche (70) wenigstens einen Vorsprung (74) umfasst.

19. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 18, wobei die Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche (70) ein feststehendes Element, das zwischen dem Walzenspalt (50) und der Spendeöffnung (22) angeordnet ist, umfasst.

20. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 19, wobei das feststehende Element zwischen dem Walzenspalt (50) und der Spendeöffnung (22) angeordnet ist, um dem Bahnmaterial zu ermöglichen, sich entlang einem gewundenen Weg zu bewegen.

21. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 18, 19 oder 20, wobei die Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche (70) wenigstens teilweise von konkaver Form ist.

22. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 18, 19 oder 20, wobei die Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche (70) wenigstens teilweise von konvexer Form ist.

23. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 18, 19 oder 20, wobei die Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche (70) wenigstens einen konkaven Teil (76) umfasst.

24. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 23, wobei die Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche (70) wenigstens einen flachen Teil umfasst.

25. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 18, 19 oder 20, wobei die Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche (70) wenigstens einen konvexen Teil (74) umfasst.

26. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 25, wobei die Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche (70) wenigstens teilweise die Spendeöffnung (22) definiert.

27. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 25, wobei sich die Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche (70) wenigstens teilweise in den Weg zwischen dem Walzenspalt (50) und der Spendeöffnung (22) erstreckt.

28. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 25, eine erste und eine zweite Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche nahe der Spendeöffnung (22) umfassend, wobei sich die erste Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche von unten wenigstens teilweise in den Weg zwischen dem Walzenspalt (50) und der Spendeöffnung erstreckt und sich die zweite Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche von oben wenigstens teilweise in den Weg zwischen dem Walzenspalt und der Spendeöffnung erstreckt.

29. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 28, des Weiteren eine Bahnmaterialrolle (29) mit einer Vielzahl von geschwächten Zonen, die sich im Wesentlichen über die Breite des Bahnmaterials (26) erstrecken, umfassend, wobei das Bahnmaterial entlang einem Weg, der sich von der Bahnmaterialrolle durch den Walzenspalt (50) über die Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche (70) und durch die Spendeöffnung (22) erstreckt, gespendet wird.

30. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 29, wobei der Vorsprung (74) Kraft auf den Teil des Bahnmaterials (26) konzentriert, der den Vorsprung berührt, wenn das Bahnmaterial über die Bahnmaterial-Spendefläche und durch die Spendeöffnung (22) gezogen wird.

31. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 29 oder 30, wobei das aufgerollte Bahnmaterial (29) innere und äußere Bahnmateriallagen (26) umfasst, wobei die Bahnmateriallagen eine Vielzahl von versetzten geschwächten Zonen umfassen, die sich im Wesentlichen über die Breite des Bahnmaterials erstrecken.

Revendications

1. Appareil pour la distribution de matériau en feuille enroulé (29), comprenant :

un logement (12) définissant un intérieur adapté à contenir le matériau en feuille enroulé (29) et une ouverture de distribution (22) destinée à permettre au matériau en feuille (26) d'être distribué depuis l'intérieur du logement (12), le logement (12) comprenant une première section de logement (14) et une seconde section de logement (16), la première section de logement étant au moins partiellement fixée, de manière amovible, à la seconde section de logement, au moins une fente (24) étant définie entre les première (14) et seconde (16) sections de logement ;

un espace pinceur (50) au sein du logement (12) ; et

un système (28) de support mobile de rouleau venant en prise avec ladite au moins une fente (24) et étant adapté à supporter un rouleau de matériau en feuille (29) au sein du logement (12), le rouleau de matériau en feuille (29) tournant pour distribuer le matériau en feuille (26), et, en outre, le système (28) de support mobile de rouleau et le rouleau de matériau en feuille (29) se déplaçant vers l'espace pinceur (50) tandis que le matériau en feuille (26) est distribué.

2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, comprenant, une autre fente (25), chaque fente venant en prise avec le système (28) de support mobile de rouleau, et le système de support mobile de rouleau circulant entre les fentes.

3. Appareil selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel la première section de logement (14) est montée pivotante sur la seconde section de logement (16).

4. Appareil selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel au moins une fente (24) est en biais vers le bas pour permettre au système (28) de support mobile de rouleau de se déplacer vers l'espace pinceur (50) tandis que le matériau en feuille (26) est distribué et que diminue le diamètre du rouleau de matériau en feuille (29).

5. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel une première fente (24) est parallèle à une seconde fente (25).

6. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le système (28) de support mobile de rouleau comprend un rouleau de distribution ayant des première (32) et seconde (34) extrémités, chaque extrémité venant en prise coulissante avec une fente (24, 25).

7. Appareil selon la revendication 6, dans lequel le rouleau de matériau en feuille (29) définit un noyau central (31), le rouleau de distribution (28) supportant le rouleau de matériau en feuille par l'intérieur du noyau central.

8. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel le système de support mobile de rouleau comprend au moins deux supports mobiles (28A), chaque support venant en prise coulissante avec une fente (24, 25).

9. Appareil selon la revendication 8, dans lequel au moins l'un des supports mobiles (28A) comprend un élément de venue en prise (28B) fixé à l'un au moins des supports, l'élément de venue en prise étant adapté à venir en prise avec un côté du rouleau de matériau en feuille (29).

10. Appareil selon la revendication 9, dans lequel au moins un élément de venue en prise (28A) est adapté à s'étendre à l'intérieur (31) du matériau en feuille enroulé (29).

11. Appareil selon la revendication 9 ou 10, dans lequel l'élément de venue en prise (28A) comprend, en outre, une surface chanfreinée (28C).

12. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le rouleau de matériau en feuille (29) est dépourvu de noyau.

13. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le rouleau de matériau en feuille (29) comprend des couches intérieure et extérieure de matériau en feuille (26), les couches de matériau en feuille comprenant une pluralité de zones de faiblesse décalées qui s'étendent sensiblement d'un côté à l'autre de la largeur du matériau en feuille.

14. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'espace pinceur (50) est défini par au moins un rouleau (36, 48).

15. Appareil selon la revendication 14, dans lequel l'espace pinceur (50) est pressurisé.

16. Appareil selon la revendication 15, dans lequel l'espace pinceur (50) est pressurisé par au moins un ressort (58).

17. Appareil selon la revendication 16, dans lequel le rouleau de matériau en feuille (29) supporté par le système (28) de support mobile de rouleau repose contre l'un des rouleaux de l'espace pinceur (36) et le trajet du matériau en feuille (26) s'étend au travers de l'espace pinceur (50) et au travers de l'ouverture de distribution (22).

18. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant, en outre, une surface (70) de distribution de matériau en feuille à proximité de l'ouverture de distribution (22), la surface (70) de distribution de matériau en feuille comprenant au moins une saillie (74).

19. Appareil selon la revendication 18, dans lequel la surface (70) de distribution de matériau en feuille comprend un élément fixe situé entre l'espace pinceur (50) et l'ouverture de distribution (22).

20. Appareil selon la revendication 19, dans lequel l'élément fixe est placé entre l'espace pinceur (50) et l'ouverture de distribution (22) pour permettre au matériau en feuille de circuler le long d'un trajet sinueux.

21. Appareil selon la revendication 18, 19 ou 20, dans lequel la surface (70) de distribution de matériau en feuille est de forme au moins partiellement concave.

22. Appareil selon la revendication 18, 19 ou 20, dans lequel la surface (70) de distribution de matériau en feuille est de forme au moins partiellement convexe.

23. Appareil selon la revendication 18, 19 ou 20, dans lequel la surface (70) de distribution de matériau en feuille comprend au moins une portion concave (76).

24. Appareil selon la revendication 23, dans lequel la surface (70) de distribution de matériau en feuille comprend au moins une portion plate.

25. Appareil selon la revendication 18, 19 ou 20, dans lequel la surface (70) de distribution de matériau en feuille comprend au moins une portion convexe (74).

26. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 18 à 25, dans lequel la surface (70) de distribution de matériau en feuille définit au moins partiellement l'ouverture de distribution (22).

27. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 18 à 25, dans lequel la surface (70) de distribution de matériau en feuille pénètre au moins partiellement dans le trajet entre l'espace pinceur (50) et l'ouverture de distribution (22).

28. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 18 à 25, comprenant des première et seconde surfaces de distribution de matériau en feuille à proximité de l'ouverture de distribution (22), la première surface de distribution de matériau en feuille pénétrant au moins partiellement dans le trajet entre l'espace pinceur (50) et l'ouverture de distribution depuis le dessous et la seconde surface de distribution de matériau en feuille pénétrant au moins partiellement dans le trajet entre l'espace pinceur et l'ouverture de distribution depuis le dessus.

29. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 18 à 28, comprenant, en outre, un rouleau de matériau en feuille (29) ayant une pluralité de zones de faiblesse qui s'étendent sensiblement d'un côté à l'autre de la largeur du matériau en feuille (26), ledit matériau en feuille étant distribué le long d'un trajet qui s'étend depuis le rouleau de matériau en feuille, au travers de l'espace pinceur (50), sur la surface (70) de distribution de matériau en feuille et au travers de l'ouverture de distribution (22).

30. Appareil selon la revendication 29, dans lequel ladite saillie (74) concentre la force sur la portion du matériau en feuille (26) qui vient au contact de la saillie quand le matériau en feuille est tiré sur la surface de distribution de matériau en feuille et au travers de l'ouverture de distribution (22).

31. Appareil selon la revendication 29 ou 30, dans lequel le matériau en feuille enroulé (29) comprend des couches intérieure et extérieure de matériau en feuille (26), les couches de matériau en feuille comprenant une pluralité de zones de faiblesse décalées qui s'étendent sensiblement d'un côté à l'autre de la largeur du matériau en feuille.

Drawing