TOWEL DISPENSER

Abstract

 A paper towel dispenser (1) is provided in which a towel (T) to be dispensed is supported by a support roller (37). The paper towel dispenser (1) further comprises a cover (17) to which a biasing member (87) is coupled. The biasing member (87) is displaced to a first position for biasing the towel (T) against the support roller when the cover (17) is closed; and/or the biasing member is displaced to a second position for facilitating the loading of the towel (T) when the cover (17) is open.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a towel dispenser. More particularly, the present invention relates to a paper towel dispenser.

[0002] It is known to provide first and second rolls of towel for dispensing from a paper towel dispenser. When the first roll is exhausted, the second roll may be automatically transferred onto a support roller for dispensing. When the dispenser is serviced, the second roll is generally moved to the first roll position and a replacement second roll inserted.

[0003] US 6,314,850 discloses a paper towel dispensing apparatus having a rotatable member for loading towel from a second roll onto a support roller when towel from a first roll is depleted. A clip is provided at each end of the rotatable member to secure the towel from the second roll in position and, upon depletion of the towel from the first roll, the rotatable member is brought into contact with the support roller and rotated to supply towel from the second roll to the support roller. A spring is provided at each end of the support roller to bias the rotatable member against the support roller. However, it can prove difficult to secure the towel on the rotatable member using the spring-loaded clips. If it is not properly positioned, the towel may rip as the rotatable member rotates, preventing the towel from being transferred successfully onto the support roller. Moreover, if the springs for biasing the rotatable member towards the support roller are not matched, the towel may not be uniformly pressed against the support roller and it may skew in relation to the support roller leading to fouling of the apparatus.

[0004] US 6,826,985 discloses a paper towel dispensing apparatus for dispensing towel from first and second rolls from a support roller. The apparatus comprises a dispensing roller and a transfer roller for supplying towel to the support roller. Towel from the first roll is supplied to the support roller via the transfer roller. A channel extends through the dispensing roller for receiving a lead end of towel from the second roll and a series of raised portions provided on the dispensing roller contact the towel carried by the transfer roller and prevent rotation of the dispensing roller until the towel from a first roll is depleted. When the towel from the first roll is depleted, the dispensing roller is brought into contact with the transfer roller and rotated, thereby loading the towel from the second roll onto the transfer roller. However, loading the towel from the second roll through the channel in the dispensing roller may be time consuming. Moreover, if towel from the first roll rips, feeding the end of the towel onto the support roller may prove difficult as the raised portions on the dispensing roller restrict access.

[0005] A further limitation of known paper towel dispensers is that they typically dispense a sheet of towel having a length corresponding to the circumference of the support roller during each operational cycle. A cutter blade is actuated to cut the paper towel each time the support roller completes a single complete revolution. To allow a length of towel of adequate length to be dispensed, the diameter of the support roller has to be relatively large thereby increasing the size of the towel dispenser.

[0006] It is known from PCT/US95/02506 to provide a drive roller and a cutting blade support member on a frame. The cutting blade support member is mounted behind the drive roller and a V-shaped slot is provided in the drive roller for receiving a cutting blade mounted on the support member. A spur gear is attached to the cutting blade support member and meshes with a drive gear attached to the drive roller. The ratio of the drive gear to the spur gear is such that for every two rotations of the drive roller the cutting blade support member rotates once with the cutting blade being inserted into the V-shaped slot to cut the paper towel. The arrangement of the cutting blade and the drive roller externally of the drive roller results in a relatively large towel dispenser.

[0007] The present invention, at least in preferred embodiments, attempts to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the problems associated with the prior art dispensers.

[0008] Viewed from a still further aspect, the present invention relates to a paper towel dispensing apparatus for dispensing paper towel from a roll, the apparatus comprising: a rotatable support roller having an outer surface for supporting the towel to be dispensed; a cutter blade provided in the support roller for cutting said towel, the cutter blade being movable to a cutting position in which it extends beyond the outer surface of the support roller; and a blade actuator for moving the cutter blade to said cutting position responsive to the support roller completing a plurality of revolutions.

[0009] The support roller is preferably driven by a user pulling on the towel to be dispensed.

[0010] The blade actuator is preferably provided inside the support roller.

[0011] The blade actuator preferably comprises a gear train for drivingly connecting the support roller to an axle having at least one cam mounted thereon. The gear train preferably has a gear ratio selected to rotate the axle more quickly than the support roller. Preferably the gear ratio is selected such that said axle completes three revolutions for every two revolutions of the support roller.

[0012] The cutter blade can be provided with at least one cam follower for following said at least one cam. The paper towel dispensing apparatus can comprise a cutter blade assembly, the cutter blade assembly comprising the cutter blade, wherein the blade actuator comprises: first and second cams mounted on the axle; a first cam follower coupled to the cutter blade for following the first cam; and a pivotably mounted retracting member having a second cam follower for following the second cam. The first cam can be configured to cooperate with the first cam follower to displace the cutter blade to the cutting position. The axle can be oriented such that the first cam engages the first cam follower, the retracting member locating in a recess provided in the cutter blade assembly so as to not interfere with the movement of the cutter blade. The second cam can be configured to cooperate with the second cam follower to pivot the retracting member and cause the cutter blade to retract. When the axle is oriented such that the retracting member engages the cutter blade assembly to retract the cutter blade, the first cam can be offset from the first cam follower so as not to interfere with the movement of the cutter blade.

[0013] The cutter blade can comprise a tip which extends, when the cutter blade is in the cutting position, at least in part in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the support roller when the towel is dispensed. The cutter blade can have a curved cross-sectional profile to orient the tip rearwardly relative to the direction of rotation of the support roller when the cutter blade is actuated. The tip can be formed at a distal end of the cutter blade such that the tip is displaced from said support roller.

[0014] Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention relates to a paper towel dispensing apparatus for dispensing paper towel from a first roll, the apparatus comprising: a housing having a cover; a rotatable support roller for supporting the towel to be dispensed; and a towel biasing device coupled to said cover; wherein the towel biasing device is displaced to a first position for biasing towel against the support roller when the cover is closed; and/or the towel biasing device is displaced to a second position for facilitating the loading of towel when the cover is opened.

[0015] By coupling the towel biasing device to the cover, it may automatically be displaced to said first position when the cover is closed. Likewise, the towel biasing device may automatically be displaced to said second position when the cover is opened. The towel biasing device is preferably positioned adjacent the support roller when in said first position; and is preferably displaced from the support roller when in said second position.

[0016] It will be appreciated that the movement of the towel biasing device to either said first position or said second position could be performed manually. For example, the towel biasing device may be coupled to the cover such that it is displaced to said second position by the action of opening the cover, but returning the towel biasing device to the first position is performed manually before the cover is closed. Conversely, the towel biasing device could be manually moved to the second position after the cover has been opened, but the towel biasing device coupled to the cover such that it is returned to the first position by the action of closing the cover. Preferably, however, the towel biasing device is coupled to the cover such that it is moved to the first and second positions by the action of closing and opening the cover respectively.

[0017] The towel is typically provided between the support roller and the towel biasing device for dispensing.

[0018] At least in preferred embodiments, when the dispensing apparatus is serviced, the cover is opened and the towel biasing device displaced to said second position to facilitate the positioning of towel between the support roller and the towel biasing device. The cover is then closed and may thereby return the towel biasing device to its first position adjacent to the support roller and may bias the towel against the support roller.

[0019] The towel biasing device could be slidably or pivotably mounted. For example, the towel biasing device could be mounted on one or more arms coupled to the cover. Preferably, however, the towel biasing device is mounted on the cover.

[0020] The towel biasing device preferably comprises a towel biasing member, such as an elongate member or plate, for engaging the towel and biasing the towel against the support roller. The biasing member is preferably pivotably mounted. Preferably the biasing member is pivotable about an axis substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the support roller. A spring could be provided for biasing the biasing member towards the support roller. Alternatively, the biasing member may be biased towards the support roller by gravity.

[0021] The paper towel dispensing apparatus preferably comprises a towel transfer mechanism for transferring towel from a second roll onto the support roller. The towel biasing device is preferably operable to bias towel from the first roll and/or the second roll against the support roller.

[0022] The towel transfer mechanism preferably comprises a movable control member for cooperating with the towel from the first roll. The control member is referred to hereafter as a floating member but the terms are interchangeable. The floating member could be slidably mounted, for example in a pair of elongate channels. Preferably, however, the floating member is pivotably mounted. The floating member is preferably pivotable about an axis substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the support roller.

[0023] A pathway for receiving towel is preferably provided between the floating member and the towel biasing device. The pathway preferably extends at least substantially across the width of the support member. In use, a length of towel from the second roll may be located in said pathway ready for transfer onto the support roller when the towel from the first roll is depleted.

[0024] The floating member preferably operatively controls actuation of the towel biasing device. The movement of the floating member, for example upon depletion of the towel from the first roll, preferably actuates the towel biasing device to bias towel onto the support roller.

[0025] A first side of the floating member is preferably provided with at least one projection for engaging the towel from the first roll. The at least one projection is preferably at least one fin or rib. A corresponding recess is preferably provided in the support roller for receiving the or each projection. The recess is preferably an annular groove or an aperture. A second side of the floating member is preferably suitable for supporting the towel from the second roll. The second side of the floating member preferably faces the towel biasing device.

[0026] In use, the at least one projection contacts the towel from the first roll on the support roller and is prevented from locating in the corresponding recess (or recesses) provided in the support roller. When the towel from the first roll is depleted, the at least one projection locates in the recess in the support roller and the floating member moves towards the support roller. The resulting movement of the floating member may actuate the towel biasing device. Preferably, the movement of the floating member allows the biasing member to bias the towel from the second roll against the support roller. Thus, towel from the second roll may be transferred onto the support roller by the towel biasing device.

[0027] The support roller is preferably rotated by applying a pulling force to the end of the towel being dispensed. A manual drive, such as a wheel or handle, may be provided for rotating the support roller. The manual drive may be used to rotate the support roller to draw towel from the second roll through the dispensing apparatus once it has been transferred onto the support roller by the transfer mechanism. Alternatively, or in addition, a spring element may be provided automatically to rotate the support wheel once the towel from the second roll has been transferred.

[0028] The dispensing apparatus preferably comprises a tensioning arm for maintaining the towel under tension. The tensioning arm is preferably suitable for engaging the towel between the biasing member and the roll of towel. The tensioning arm may form part of the towel biasing device.

[0029] The cover is preferably pivotably mounted. Preferably, the cover is pivotable about an axis substantially coincident with the axis about which the first roll or the second roll is rotatable. If the towel biasing device is mounted on the cover this arrangement is advantageous since it reduces the likelihood of the towel biasing device fouling on the second roll of towel when the cover is opened or closed. Preferably, a portion of the cover may be received inside the housing of the dispensing apparatus when the cover is pivoted to an open position.

[0030] The paper towel dispensing apparatus preferably comprises a cutter blade for cutting the towel from said first and second rolls. The cutter blade could be fixedly mounted, for example on the housing. Preferably, however, the cutter blade is movable to a cutting position. The cutter blade may be slidably or pivotably mounted. The rotation of the support roller preferably actuates the cutter blade and moves it to said cutting position.

[0031] The cutter blade preferably comprises a tip which extends, when the cutter blade is in the cutting position, at least in part in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the support roller when the towel is dispensed. The tip of the cutter blade is therefore disposed against movement of the towel as it is dispensed, which assists in the cutting of the towel. Preferably, the cutter blade has a curved cross-sectional profile to orient the tip rearwardly relative to the direction of rotation of the support roller when the cutter blade is actuated. The tip may be formed at a distal end of the cutter blade such that it is displaced from said support roller. The cutter blade preferably comprises a plurality of said tips.

[0032] The cutter blade may be mounted on the housing, but it is preferably mounted in the support roller. Preferably, at least a portion of the cutter blade extends outwardly beyond the outer circumference of the support roller when it is in said cutting position. The cutter blade preferably extends substantially radially outwardly when it is in said cutting position. A stop or guide member is preferably provided to limit the travel of the cutter blade so as not to pivot beyond said radial position. Preferably, the cutter blade is retractable at least substantially into an interior of the support roller.

[0033] The cutter blade is preferably actuated each time the support roller completes a plurality of whole revolutions. The cutter blade may be actuated each time the support roller completes two (2), three (3) or four (4) revolutions. This is advantageous since the length of towel dispensed may be larger than the circumference of the support roller. For example, if the cutter blade is actuated each time the support roller completes two revolutions, the length of towel dispensed will be twice the circumference of the support roller. Thus, the diameter of the support roller may be smaller than those of prior art dispensers.

[0034] A cutter blade actuator is preferably provided. The actuator preferably comprises a gear train. The gear train preferably couples the support roller to an axle on which at least one cam is mounted. The cutter blade is preferably provided with at least one cam follower for following said at least one cam.

[0035] Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention relates to a paper towel dispensing apparatus for dispensing paper towel from a first roll and a second roll, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a rotatable support roller for supporting the towel to be dispensed; and a towel transfer mechanism for transferring towel from the second roll onto the support roller upon depletion of the first roll; the towel transfer mechanism having a towel loading member for biasing towel from the second roll against the support roller, and a control member for cooperating with the towel from the first roll to control the towel loading member; wherein the towel loading member is movable relative to the control member.

[0036] The ability to move the towel loading member relative to the control member may facilitate loading of a replacement towel. Preferably the towel from the second roll is supported between the control member and the towel loading member. The towel loading member is preferably mounted independently of the control member. Moreover, the towel loading member is preferably separate from the control member.

[0037] Depletion of the first roll preferably allows the control member to move relative to the support roller and to bring the towel biasing device into an engaging position for loading towel from the second roll onto the support roll.

[0038] The control member is preferably a movable member, for example a floating member. Although the control member could be slidably mounted, it is preferably pivotably mounted. The control member preferably has at least one projection locatable in at least one corresponding groove or aperture provided in the support roller. The control member is preferably mounted on the housing.

[0039] The towel loading member may be an elongate member or plate for engaging the towel at least substantially across its width. The towel loading member may be slidably mounted, but is preferably pivotably mounted.

[0040] The housing preferably has a cover. Preferably, the cover is provided to facilitate servicing and could be removable, but is preferably slidably, rotatably or pivotably mounted. The towel loading member is preferably coupled to the cover such that it is moved away from the support roller when the cover is opened. The towel loading member may be mounted on one or more arms but it is preferably mounted on the cover.

[0041] In use, towel from the second roller may be supported between the control member and the towel loading member ready for transferral onto the support roller. When towel from the first roll is carried by the support roller, the at least one projection on the control member may rest on the towel. When the towel from the first roll is depleted, the at least one groove or aperture in the support roller is exposed and said at least one projection may locate therein allowing the control member to be displaced towards the support roller. The movement of the control member may allow the towel loading member to move into said engaging position and bias the towel from second roll against the support roller. The continued rotation of the support roller, for example by a manual drive mechanism or a spring element, may draw the towel from the second roll onto the support roller.

[0042] Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of servicing a paper towel dispensing apparatus as described herein, the method comprising the steps of: (a) moving the cover to an open position and thereby displacing the towel biasing device to said second position displaced from the support roller; (b) loading the towel dispensing apparatus with a first roll of towel and/or a second roll of towel; (c) positioning a lead end of the towel to be dispensed over the rotatable support roller; and (d) moving the cover to a closed position and thereby returning the towel biasing device to said first position proximal the support roller.

[0043] Viewed from a yet further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of servicing a paper towel dispensing apparatus for dispensing towel from a first roll and/or a second roll, the apparatus comprising a cover, a rotatable support roller for supporting the towel to be dispensed, and a movable towel biasing device for biasing towel against the support roller; wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) moving the cover to an open position and thereby displacing the towel biasing device away from the support roller; (b) loading the towel dispensing apparatus with a first roll of towel and/or a second roll of towel; (c) positioning a lead end of the towel to be dispensed over the rotatable support roller; and (d) moving the cover to a closed position and thereby returning the towel biasing device to a position proximal the support roller.

[0044] Viewed from a still yet further aspect, the present invention relates to a paper towel dispensing apparatus for dispensing paper towel from a first roll and a second roll, the apparatus comprising: a rotatable support roller for supporting the towel to be dispensed; and a towel transfer mechanism for transferring towel from the second roll onto the support roller upon depletion of the first roll; wherein the towel transfer mechanism has a towel loading member movable to a loading position for biasing towel from the second roll against the support roller; and a control device for cooperating with the towel from the first roll to control the movement of the towel loading member to said loading position when the first roll is depleted.

[0045] Viewed form a further aspect, the present invention relates to a paper towel dispensing apparatus for dispensing paper towel from a first roll, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a rotatable support roller for supporting the towel to be dispensed; and a towel biasing device; wherein the towel biasing device is movable from a first position adjacent the support roller for biasing the towel against the support roller to a second position displaced from the support roller for facilitating the loading of towel. The towel biasing device preferably undergoes translation when it is displaced from said first position to said second position. The towel biasing device may be coupled to a cover for the apparatus.

[0046] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a paper towel dispenser in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the support roller assembly according to the first embodiment with the cutter in a retracted position;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the support roller assembly according to the first embodiment with the cutter in an extended position;

Figures 4A and 4B show cross-sectional views along sections A-A and B-B of Figure 2 with the cutter blades in a retracted position;

Figures 5A and 5B show cross-sectional views along sections A'-A' and B'-B' of Figure 3 with the cutter blades in an extended position;

Figure 6 shows schematically the path of paper towel from a first roll and a second roll with the cover closed;

Figure 7 shows schematically the supply of paper towel from the first roll and the second roll with the cover open;

Figures 8A and 8B show cross-sectional views of a second embodiment of the present invention with the cutter blades in a retracted position, the cross-sectional views being along sections equivalent to sections A-A and B-B illustrated in Figure 2 in respect of the first embodiment; and

Figures 9A and 9B show cross-sectional views of the second embodiment with the cutter blades in an extended position, the cross-sectional views being along sections equivalent to sections A'-A' and B'-B' illustrated in Figure 3 in respect of the first embodiment.

[0047] An exploded perspective view of a paper towel dispenser 1 for dispensing paper towel T' from a first roll 3 and towel T" from a second roll 5 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The dispenser 1 comprises a support roller assembly 7, a towel guide assembly 9, a front tension plate 11, a floating plate 13 and a towel loading assembly 15.

[0048] A dispenser cover 17 is provided for covering the support roller assembly 7 and the first and second rolls 3, 5. The cover 17 is pivotably mounted on a back plate 19 and may be opened to facilitate servicing of the dispenser 1. First and second side panels 21, 23 are provided to complete the dispenser housing. A rotary knob 25 is provided in the first side panel 21 to allow the support roller assembly 7 to be driven manually.

[0049] The cover 17 is pivotable about an axis substantially parallel with the axis about which the second roll rotates. This arrangement could be modified such that the cover 17 pivots about an axis substantially coincident with the axis about which the second roll rotates and arranged such that a portion of the cover 17 locates between the second roll 5 and the back plate 19 when the cover is open. A lock (not shown) is provided for securing the cover to prevent unauthorised access.

[0050] The second roll 5 is rotatably mounted on roll carrier arms 27, 29 mounted on the back plate 19. The first roll 5 is supported on a curved section 31 of the base of the dispenser 1. The centre of the first and second rolls 3, 5 may be open to allow the rolls 3, 5 to be carried on an axle mounted on said first and second roll carriers. Alternatively, the rolls 3, 5 may have a central tube, for example made of cardboard, supported at each end. As described herein, towel is dispensed from the first roll 3 and then, once the first roll 3 is depleted, from the second roll 5. As such, the second roll 5 may be considered as a reserve roll of towel. When the dispenser 1 is serviced, the partially used second roll 5 is generally transferred to the back of the dispenser 1 and effectively becomes the first roll 3.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, the support roller assembly 7 is mounted on first and second side members 33, 35. The support roller assembly 7 comprises a support roller 37 for supporting towel T to be dispensed, a cutter blade assembly 39, a gear train 41 and a central axle 43. The support roller 37 has a rubberised outer surface for frictionally engaging the towel, and is drivingly rotated when a user pulls on the end of the towel T to extract towel from the dispenser 1 or rotates the knob 25. The cutter blade assembly 39 comprises a pair of transverse cutter blades 45 for cutting at least partway across the width of the towel T. A cutter blade actuator 47 is provided inside the support roller 37 for actuating the cutter blades 45.

[0052] The cutter blades 45 are pivotably mounted on pivot pins 49 located in mounting apertures (not shown) provided in the sidewalls of the support roller 37. The mounting apertures for the pivot pins 49 are radially inset from the outer surface of the support roller 37. The cutter blades 45 are movable between a retracted position (shown in Figure 2) and an extended position (shown in Figure 3) for cutting the paper towel carried by the support roller 37. When in said retracted position, the cutter blades 45 are disposed substantially completely within the support roller 37; and, when in said extended position, the cutter blades 45 extend substantially radially outwardly and at least the tips thereof project beyond the circumference of the support roller 37. One or more stops may be provided to limit the travel of the cutter blades 45, for example to prevent them pivoting beyond a radial direction when in said extended position.

[0053] Cross-sectional views of the support roller 37 at section A-A of Figure 2 and section A'-A' of Figure 3 are shown in Figures 4A and 5A respectively. Similarly, cross-sectional views of the support roller 37 at section B-B of Figure 2 and section B'-B' of Figure 3 are shown in Figures 4B and 5B.

[0054] The cutter blade actuator 47 comprises first and second cams 51, 53 mounted on the central axle 43; a first cam follower 55 coupled to the cutter blades 45 for following the first cam 51; and a pivotably mounted retracting member 57 having a second cam follower 59 for following the second cam 53. The first cam 51 cooperates with the first cam follower 55 to displace the cutter blades 45 to said extended position, as shown in Figure 5A. Conversely, the second cam 53 cooperates with the second cam follower 59 to pivot the retracting member 57 and cause the cutter blades 45 to retract, as shown in Figure 4B.

[0055] When the central axle 43 is oriented such that the first cam 51 engages the first cam follower 55, the retracting member 57 locates in a recess provided in the cutter blade assembly 39 so as not to interfere with the movement of the cutter blades 45, as shown in Figure 5B. Likewise, when the central axle 43 is oriented such that the retracting member 57 engages the cutter blade assembly 39 to retract the cutter blades 45, the first cam 51 is offset from the first cam follower 55 so as not to interfere with the movement of the blades 45, as shown in Figure 4A.

[0056] The central axle 43 is coupled to the support roller 27 via the gear train 41. The gear train 41 comprises a first gear wheel 59 connected directly to the support roller 37. The first gear wheel 59 meshes with a second gear wheel 61 mounted on a second axle 63. The first and second gear wheels 59, 61 have a 1:1 gear ratio so that the support roller 37 and the second axle 63 rotate at the same speed. A third gear wheel 65 is mounted on the second axle 63. The rotation of the second axle 63 drives the third gear wheel 65 which meshes with a fourth gear wheel 67 mounted on the central axle 43. The third and fourth gears 65, 67 have a gear ratio of 3:2. Thus, the central axle 43 completes three revolutions for every two revolutions of the support roller 37.

[0057] A series of annular grooves 69 are provided in the outer surface of the support roller 37. An exit guide 71 comprising a plurality of curved lifting members 73 is provided below the support roller 37. The lifting members 73 extend into the annular grooves 69 to lift the towel off of the support roller 37 and to guide it out of the dispenser 1.

[0058] A curved supply guide (not shown) may be provided at the rear of the support roller assembly 7 for guiding towel from the first roll 3 onto the support roller 37. The supply guide may be located proximal the outer surface of the support roller 37 to prevent the towel entering the area behind the support roller 37.

[0059] The towel guide assembly 9 comprises a guide roller 75 and a set of three elongate guide fingers 77. The guide roller 63 defines a curved surface over which the towel T is drawn as it exits the dispenser 1. The guide fingers 77 are curved to match the profile of the support roller 37 and, in use, help to retain the towel in contact with the surface of the support roller 37. Furthermore, the tips of the guide fingers 77 cooperate with the floating plate 13 to bias it towards the support roller 37, as described in more detail below.

[0060] The front tension plate 11 has four mounting pins 79 which locate in corresponding mounting apertures 81 provided in the side members 33, 35. The mounting apertures 81 could be elongated to enable the front tension plate 11 to be moved relative to the support roller 27.

[0061] The floating plate 13 is pivotably mounted at an upper end of the front tension plate 11. The floating plate 13 has a plurality of ribs 83 locatable in the annular grooves 69 provided in the support roller 37. The ribs 83 have a concave introductory portion to facilitate lifting of the floating plate 13 when an end of the towel is initially advanced with the support roller 37. When a length of towel is carried by the support roller 37, the ribs 83 rest on the towel and the floating plate 13 is supported in a raised position, as shown in Figure 6. When there is no towel on the support roller 37, the ribs 83 locate in the annular grooves 69 and the floating plate 13 is displaced towards the support roller 37.

[0062] The loading plate assembly 15 comprises a loading plate 85 and a biasing member 87 operable to bias the towel towards the support roller 37. The biasing member 87 could be pivotably mounted; or it could comprise a resilient member or a spring element for biasing the towel towards the support roller 37. The loading plate 85 is mounted on the cover 17 of the dispenser 1 and is moved into an operating position when the cover 17 is closed, as shown in Figure 6. The biasing member 87 is pivotably mounted on the loading plate 85 so as to pivot about an axis substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the support roller 37. In use, when the cover 17 is in a closed position, a free end of the biasing member 87 engages the towel T to bias it towards the support roller 37. Conversely, when the cover 17 is in an open position, the loading plate assembly 15 is located distal from the support roller 37, as shown in Figure 7.

[0063] The towel T' is initially dispensed from the bottom of the first roll 3 onto the support roller 37. The ribs 83 of the floating member 13 rest on an upper surface of the towel T' as it is carried by the support roller 37 and maintain the floating member 13 and the biasing member 87 in raised positions. The towel T' travels between the guide fingers 77 and the support roller 37 and over the guide roller 75. The lifting members 73 of the exit guide 71 lift the towel T' off of the support roller 37 and ensure that it does not encircle the support roller 37. The lead end of the towel T' from the first roll 3 extends out of the base of the dispenser 1 a sufficient distance to enable it to be gripped by a user.

[0064] The second roll 5 is located above the support roller assembly 7 and towel T" is fed from the bottom of the second roll 5 between the floating member 13 and the towel loading assembly 15. The lead end of the towel T" from the second roll 5 extends over the front tension plate 11. When towel T' from the first roll 3 is on the support roller 37, the floating member 13 and the biasing member 87 are in raised positions and the towel T" from the second roll 5 is not biased onto the support roller 27.

[0065] To operate the dispenser 1, a user pulls on the lead end of the towel T' supplied from the first roll 3. The towel T' engages the rubberised surface of the support roller 37 and causes the support roller 37 to rotate. The rotation of the support roller 37 rotates the first gear 59 which, via the gear train 41, rotates the central axle 43. The first cam follower 55 tracks the first cam 51 as the central axle 43 rotates thereby displacing the cutter blades 45 to their extended position each time the support roller 27 undergoes two complete revolutions (the central axle having completed three complete revolutions).

[0066] The movement of the cutter blades 45 to the extended position combined with the continued pulling action of the user on the towel T' causes the towel T' to be cut at least partially across its width. The cut length of towel T' may be withdrawn from the dispenser 1. A spring may be provided automatically to continue the rotation of the support roller 27 and expose a length of the towel to be gripped by another user. The rotary knob 25 is provided for rotating the support roller 27 and manually advancing the towel. A lever or other drive mechanism could equally be provided for manually rotating the support roller 27.

[0067] The continued rotation of the central axle 43 causes the second cam 53 to pivot the retracting member 57 which in turn pivots the cutter blades 45 to their retracted position.

[0068] The dispensing cycle is repeated until the towel T' on the first roll 3 is depleted, thereby exposing the annular grooves 69 on the support roller 37. The floating member 13 is biased by the guide fingers 77 towards the support roller 37 and, when the supply of towel T' is exhausted, the ribs 83 locate in the annular grooves 69. The biasing member 87 is then allowed to bias the towel T" from the second roll 5 against the surface of the support roller 37. The support roller 37 is then rotated using the rotary knob 25 to advance the towel T" from the second roll 5. The towel T" from the second roll 5 is drawn under the floating member 13 lifting the ribs 83 out of the annular grooves 69. The guide fingers 77 bias the floating member 13 against the towel T" thereby ensuring that the towel remains in close contact with the support roller 37. The lead end of the towel T" on the second roll 5 is drawn back between the floating member 13 and the biasing member 87 and is then dispensed over the exit guide 75. The towel T" from the second roll 5 may be dispensed in the same manner as described above for the first roll 3.

[0069] The dispenser 1 is serviced periodically. The cover 17 is unlocked and moved to its open position thereby displacing the towel loading assembly 15 away from the floating member 13. Thus, opening the cover 17 displaces the towel loading assembly 15 away from the support roller 27 and exposes the front tension plate 11 and the floating plate 13.

[0070] If there is towel T" remaining on the second roll 5, the second roll 5 is removed from the roll carrier arms 27 and moved to the back of the dispenser 1. Thus, the second roll 5 becomes the first roll 3. Advantageously, the second roll 5 may be moved to the back of the dispenser 1 without removing the towel T from the support roller 27.

[0071] A new second roll 5 is then mounted on the carrier arms 27. The lead end of the towel T" from the replacement second roll 5 is placed over the upper surface of the floating member 3 and positioned over the front tension plate 11, as shown in Figure 7. The cover 17 may then be returned to its closed position thereby locating the towel loading assembly 15 above the floating member 13.

[0072] If both the first and second rolls 3, 5 are depleted when the towel dispenser is serviced, a length of towel from the replacement first roll 3 may be supplied over the support roller 37 by lifting the floating member 13. This process may be facilitated by repositioning the front tension plate 11 by moving it away from the support roller 27.

[0073] A second preferred embodiment of the present invention is substantially identical to the first embodiment, with the exception that the profile of the cutter blades 45 is altered. The second preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figures 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B which show cross-sectional views equivalent to those illustrated in Figures 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B respectively for the first embodiment. Like reference numerals have been used to reference like components in the second embodiment.

[0074] The cutter blades 45 of the second embodiment comprise a plurality of tips 46 which extend, when the cutter blades 45 are in the extended position, at least in part in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the support roller 37 as the towel T is dispensed. The cutter blades 45 have a curved cross-sectional profile such that, when actuated, the tips 46 are inclined in a rearwards direction relative to the direction of rotation of the support roller 37. As such, the distal ends of the cutter blades 45 face towards the paper towel carried by the support roller 37 as it is dispensed. This increases the effectiveness of the cutter blades 45 in cutting the paper towel.

[0075] Figures 8A and 8B show the cutter blades 45 in a retracted position. As for the first embodiment, when the cutter blades 45 are in the retracted position, the cutter blades 45 are disposed substantially completely within the support roller 37. Conversely, when in an extended position (as shown in Figures 9A and 9B), the cutter blades 45 extend radially outwardly and at least the tips thereof project beyond the circumference of the support roller 37.

[0076] The means by which the cutter blades 45 of the second embodiment are actuated are identical to that in the first embodiment. In particular, a cutter blade actuator 47 is provided which comprises first and second cams 51, 53 mounted on a central axle 43; a first cam follower 55 coupled to the cutter blades 45 for following the first cam 51; and a pivotally mounted retracting member 57 having a second cam follower 59 for following the second cam 53. These features operate in a manner identical to that for the first embodiment, enabling the cutter blades 45 to be extended towards the extended position and retracted towards the retracted position.

[0077] It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, although the towel loading assembly 15 is mounted directly on the cover 17 in the preferred embodiment, the towel loading assembly 15 could equally be mounted on support members, such as movable arms, coupled to the cover 17.

[0078] Furthermore, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in relation to apparatus for dispensing towel from first and second rolls, the invention(s) described herein may equally be applied to apparatus adapted to dispense towel from a single roll. The coupling of the towel biasing device to the cover of the apparatus could simplify loading of replacement towel since it could be located over the tension plate and automatically biased against the support roller when the cover is closed. The towel transfer mechanism could be omitted to simplify the apparatus.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described with reference to dispensing paper towel, it will be appreciated that the apparatus may be used to dispense other sheet materials.

Claims

1. A paper towel dispensing apparatus for dispensing paper towel from a roll, the apparatus comprising:

a rotatable support roller having an outer surface for supporting the towel to be dispensed;

a cutter blade provided in the support roller for cutting said towel, the cutter blade being movable to a cutting position in which it extends beyond the outer surface of the support roller; and

a blade actuator for moving the cutter blade to said cutting position responsive to the support roller completing a plurality of revolutions.

2. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blade actuator comprises a gear train for drivingly connecting the support roller to an axle having at least one cam mounted thereon.

3. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the gear train has a gear ratio selected to rotate the axle more quickly than the support roller.

4. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the gear ratio is selected such that said axle completes three revolutions for every two revolutions of the support roller.

5. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the cutter blade is provided with at least one cam follower for following said at least one cam.

6. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 5 comprising a cutter blade assembly, the cutter blade assembly comprising the cutter blade, wherein the blade actuator comprises:

first and second cams mounted on the axle;

a first cam follower coupled to the cutter blade for following the first cam; and

a pivotably mounted retracting member having a second cam follower for following the second cam.

7. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first cam is configured to cooperate with the first cam follower to displace the cutter blade to the cutting position.

8. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein, when the axle is oriented such that the first cam engages the first cam follower, the retracting member locates in a recess provided in the cutter blade assembly so as to not interfere with the movement of the cutter blade.

9. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second cam is configured to cooperate with the second cam follower to pivot the retracting member and cause the cutter blade to retract.

10. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein, when the axle is oriented such that the retracting member engages the cutter blade assembly to retract the cutter blade, the first cam is offset from the first cam follower so as not to interfere with the movement of the cutter blade.

11. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support roller is driven by a user pulling on the towel to be dispensed.

12. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blade actuator is provided inside the support roller.

13. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutter blade comprises a tip which extends, when the cutter blade is in the cutting position, at least in part in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the support roller when the towel is dispensed.

14. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the cutter blade has a curved cross-sectional profile to orient the tip rearwardly relative to the direction of rotation of the support roller when the cutter blade is actuated.

15. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the tip is formed at a distal end of the cutter blade such that the tip is displaced from said support roller.

16. A paper towel dispensing apparatus for dispensing paper towel from a first roll, the apparatus comprising: a housing having a cover; a rotatable support roller for supporting the towel to be dispensed; and a towel biasing device coupled to said cover; wherein the towel biasing device is displaced to a first position for biasing towel against the support roller when the cover is closed; and/or the towel biasing device is displaced to a second position for facilitating the loading of towel when the cover is opened.

17. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the towel biasing device is mounted on the cover.

18. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the towel biasing device comprises an elongate member for biasing the towel against the support roller.

19. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16, 17 or 18 further comprising a towel transfer mechanism for transferring towel from a second roll onto the support roller; wherein the biasing device is operable to bias towel from the second roll against the support roller.

20. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the towel transfer mechanism comprises a floating member for cooperating with the towel from the first roll to control the towel biasing device.

21. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein a pathway is provided between the floating member and the towel biasing device for receiving towel from the second roll ready for transfer onto the support roller when the towel from the first roll is depleted.

22. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein a first side of the floating member is provided with at least one projection for engaging the towel from the first roll, the at least one projection being locatable in at least one corresponding recess in the support roller when the towel from the first roll is depleted.

23. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the floating member has a second side for supporting the towel from the second roll.

24. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the floating member is pivotably mounted.

25. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the towel biasing device further comprises a tensioning arm.

26. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 25 further comprising a cutter blade for cutting the towel from said first and second rolls.

27. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein said cutter blade is mounted on the support roller.

28. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein said cutter blade is retractable at least substantially into an interior of the support roller.

29. A paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 26, 27 or 28, wherein said cutter blade is actuated each time the support roller completes a predetermined number of revolutions.

30. A paper towel assembly according to any one of claims 28 to 29, wherein the cutter blade comprises a tip which extends, when the cutter blade is in a cutting position, at least in part in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the support roller when the towel is dispensed.

31. A paper towel assembly according to claim 30, wherein the tip is formed by a curved section of the cutter blade.

32. A paper towel dispensing apparatus for dispensing paper towel from a first roll and a second roll, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a rotatable support roller for supporting the towel to be dispensed; and a towel transfer mechanism for transferring towel from the second roll onto the support roller upon depletion of the first roll; the towel transfer mechanism having a towel loading member for biasing towel from the second roll against the support roller, and a control member for cooperating with the towel from the first roll to control the towel loading member; wherein the towel loading member is movable relative to the control member.

33. A method of servicing a paper towel dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) moving the cover to an open position and thereby displacing the towel biasing device to said second position displaced from the support roller;

(b) loading the towel dispensing apparatus with a first roll of towel and/or a second roll of towel;

(c) positioning a lead end of the towel to be dispensed over the rotatable support roller; and

(d) moving the cover to a closed position and thereby returning the towel biasing device to said first position proximal the support roller.

Drawing