US20040108406A1 - Paper towel dispenser - Google Patents
Paper towel dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040108406A1 US20040108406A1 US10/314,143 US31414302A US2004108406A1 US 20040108406 A1 US20040108406 A1 US 20040108406A1 US 31414302 A US31414302 A US 31414302A US 2004108406 A1 US2004108406 A1 US 2004108406A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- paper towel
- dispenser according
- towel dispenser
- gear
- directional gear
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
- A47K10/36—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means with mechanical dispensing, roll switching or cutting devices
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
- A47K10/36—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means with mechanical dispensing, roll switching or cutting devices
- A47K10/3631—The cutting devices being driven manually
- A47K10/3637—The cutting devices being driven manually using a crank or handle
Definitions
- This invention relates to a dispenser for sheet material, particularly to a dispenser that dispenses individual sheets of a material, such as paper towels.
- the object of paper towel dispensers is to dispense paper towels, one sheet at a time in a way that inhibits discharging excessive paper.
- Prior art towel dispensers which have mechanisms that support a roll of paper towel material, release the roll at some point during their operation. For example, a dispenser that is activated when a user pulls down on a lever will release the roll (or at least fail to lock the roll in place) when the lever is returned to its start position by a biasing element such as a spring. By holding down the lever on such dispensers such that the roll is released (or not locked) the user can draw as much towel paper out of the dispenser as is desired, resulting in wastage of paper towel. The ability to control consumption is a primary concern in the market for paper towel dispensers.
- the length of paper towel dispensed by the prior art paper towel dispensers is not easily adjustable, which may also contribute to paper wastage. Furthermore, when the length of the paper towel dispensed is relatively short, users will tend to activate the dispenser more quickly and/or forcefully, (i.e. by pulling down on the lever several times in rapid succession) to obtain the desired amount of towel. The risk of damage to or malfunction of the dispenser is thereby increased. In other words, it is desirable to provide a paper towel dispenser having an easily adjustable stroke length in order that paper towels with different grades and absorbencies can be used. Accordingly, it is a further object of this invention to provide a towel dispenser with an adjustable stroke length (i.e. the length of paper towel dispensed per activation can be readily varied).
- the invention consists of a paper towel dispenser for dispensing paper towel material.
- the dispenser has a drive mechanism, comprising a bi-directional gear and a drive roller, which is activated by an actuator, such as a lever or button.
- an actuator such as a lever or button.
- the bi-directional gear of the drive mechanism is engaged and a length of paper towel material is dispensed.
- the bi-directional gear is returned to its start position by a biasing element.
- the biasing element e.g. a spring mechanism
- the drive mechanism of the present invention constantly engages the paper towel material (through the drive roller). In this manner the paper towel is locked such that, whether the lever is in the start position, partially depressed, or fully depressed, paper towel material cannot be unrolled or “stolen” from the roll in the dispenser. In other words, the paper towel is constantly engaged by the drive mechanism and therefore, consumption of the paper towel is controlled.
- the bi-directional gear is sealed and isolated from the interior of the dispenser such that fibers from the paper towel cannot penetrate the gear, thereby interfering with its function and necessitating maintenance and/or replacement.
- the paper towel material is fed between the drive roller and an idle roller.
- the drive roller has high friction surface such that, as the drive roller is rotated, friction between the paper towel, idle roller and drive roller causes the paper towel to advance with the drive roller.
- the idle roller of the present invention is supported on a hinged or removable gate so that, when loading the paper, the idle roller is closed over the paper and drive roller rather than having to feed the paper between rollers. In addition, paper jams can be easily remedied and maintenance of the drive and idle rollers is facilitated.
- FIG. 1 is a three-quarter view of the dispenser
- FIG. 2 is a three-quarter view close up of the lower portion of the dispenser
- FIG. 3 is a three-quarter view close up of the lower portion of the dispenser with the button removed;
- FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the bi-directional gear of the dispenser
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the dispenser
- FIG. 6 shows the gate and idle roller of the dispenser
- FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the bi-directional gear having two unidirectional gears
- FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the bi-directional drive gear one traveling gear
- FIG. 9 shows the body of the bi-directional gear of FIG. 8.
- the dispenser 10 has a body 12 , which has a front side 14 and a back side 16 .
- the back side 16 of the dispenser is normally placed against a wall when the dispenser 10 is mounted.
- the dispenser additionally has support arms 20 (only one of which is shown) for supporting a roll of paper towel or other sheet material. It is obvious to anyone skilled in the art that a variety of known mechanisms for supporting paper towels and/or for mounting the dispenser 10 to a support surface may be used.
- the dispenser 10 has a gate 60 on the front side 14 which can be opened when loading paper towel conducting maintenance.
- the lever 30 which is connected to the body 12 and outer housing 50 by pivot pin 32 .
- the lever 30 is merely one example of a number of actuators that may be incorporated into the invention to enable the user to activate the dispenser. Other actuators, such as a dial, may be used.
- Button 40 extends from behind outer housing 50 , which houses the inner housing 52 and the bi-directional gear of the dispenser (see FIGS. 4, 7 and 8 ). Protruding from the underside of the inner housing 52 is stroke length adjustment knob 70 for adjusting the length of the stroke of the bi-directional gear and, consequently, the length of paper towel material dispensed per stroke.
- FIG. 2 a magnified view of the lower portion of the dispenser 10 is shown with the outer housing 50 and the lever 30 removed.
- Button 40 is connected by pins 42 to the bi-directional gear, (not shown) which is enclosed in inner housing 52 .
- FIG. 3 a magnified view similar to that of FIG. 2 is shown, this time with the button 40 removed. Pins 42 and stroke length adjustment knob 70 protrude from inner housing 52 , which houses the bi-directional gear (not shown).
- Gear 80 comprises a gear actuator 82 for engaging gears 90 - 95 .
- Gear 95 is coupled to a drive roller (not shown) such that rotation of gear 95 results in rotation of the drive roller, thereby dispensing paper towel from the dispenser 10 .
- Bi-directional gear 80 is bi-directional and, therefore, movement of gear actuator 82 in either direction (i.e. either toward the front side 14 or toward the back side 16 ) along slot 84 causes gear 95 to rotate in only one direction, which causes paper towel to be dispensed from the dispenser 10 .
- Gear actuator 82 is caused to move along slot 84 toward the back side 16 of the dispenser 10 by movement of the button 40 , (see FIG. 2) which is connected to the gear actuator 82 by pins 42 .
- Gear actuator 82 additionally has a bracket 112 at one end, to which is connected a spring 114 .
- Spring 114 is compressed between bracket 112 and bracket 110 , which is connected to the body 12 of the dispenser 10 , such that gear actuator 82 is urged toward the front side 14 of the dispenser 10 .
- biasing elements other than coil springs may be used in the present invention (e.g. leaf springs, elastic materials, etc.)
- Gears 90 and 92 are caused to rotate by gear actuator 82 as gear actuator 82 is moved in either direction along an axis defined by slot 84 .
- Gear actuator 82 has a toothed rack on each of its arms 86 . The toothed racks are operative to engage gears 90 and 92 , respectively such that they are caused to rotate as gear actuator 82 moves along slot 84 .
- the axes of gears 91 - 95 are inserted on one side into holes (not shown) in the body 12 of the dispenser 10 and on the other side into holes (not shown) in the inner housing 52 (see FIG. 2).
- the axes of gears 90 and 92 are inserted into holes 116 , 118 , each having an elongated rather than circular cross-section (the corresponding elongated holes on the other side of the gears are not shown).
- the shape of holes 110 , 112 allows gears 90 and 92 to not only rotate about their axes but to move along lines parallel to slot 84 .
- Gears 90 and 92 are referred to as traveling gears because they are capable of limited translation as well as rotation.
- gear 92 will engage gear 91 and gear 90 will become disengaged from gear 91 , such that the engaged gear 92 will drive gear 91 .
- gear 90 and 92 move toward the front side 14 of the dispenser 10 , gear 90 will engage gear 91 and gear 92 will become disengaged from gear 91 , such that the engaged gear 90 will drive gear 91 .
- the dispenser 10 is activated when a user presses on an actuator in the form of lever 30 , which forces the button 40 to move toward the back side 16 of the dispenser 10 .
- Movement of the button 40 causes the gear actuator 82 to move along slot 84 .
- Movement of the gear actuator 82 causes the toothed rack (not shown) on arm 86 to force gear 92 toward the back side 16 of the dispenser such that it engages gear 91 , and causes the toothed rack (not shown) on arm 88 to force gear 90 toward the back side 16 such that it disengages from gear 91 .
- Movement of the gear actuator 82 also causes gear 92 to rotate and, therefore, to drive gear 91 .
- gear actuator 82 moves toward the back side 16 drives gears 92 , 91 , 93 , 94 and 95 of bi-directional gear 80 . Movement of gear 95 causes paper towel to be dispensed by the drive roller (not shown).
- gear actuator 82 is moved toward the front side 14 of the dispenser 10 by spring 114 . Movement of gear actuator 82 toward the front side 14 causes the toothed racks (not shown) on arms 86 , 88 to force both of gears 90 and 92 to move toward the front side 14 and to rotate. Gear 90 thereby engages and drives gear 91 , and gear 92 thereby becomes disengaged from gear 91 . Movement of gear actuator 82 toward the front side 14 thereby drives gears 90 , 91 , 93 , 94 and 95 of bi-directional gear 80 . Movement of gear 95 again causes paper towel to be dispensed by the drive roller. Regardless of the direction of movement of the gear actuator 82 , the drive roller is rotated in the same direction.
- the movement of the gear actuator 82 , and the amount of paper towel material dispensed, can be limited by the stroke length adjustment knob 70 .
- the knob 70 As the knob 70 is rotated about its axis the screw-threaded portion 72 forces the block 74 upwards.
- Block 74 has a stepped face that is operative to engage the stepped face portion of the gear actuator 82 , thereby limiting its movement.
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the dispenser 10 .
- Drive roller 98 extends across the interior of the dispenser 10 and is supported at each end where it contacts the walls of the dispenser 10 .
- One end 100 of the drive roller 98 is coupled to the drive gear 95 of the bi-directional gear (see FIG. 4).
- Drive roller 98 contacts idle roller 62 , which is supported on the gate 60 of the dispenser 10 .
- the paper towel (not shown), which is supported on support arms 20 , (only one support arm is shown) is fed between drive roller 98 and idle roller 62 .
- Rotation of the drive gear 95 causes rotation of the drive roller 98 , and the paper towel is caused to advance by friction on the paper towel between the drive roller 98 and idle roller 62 .
- FIG. 6 shows the idle roller 62 mounted on the gate 20 .
- the gate 20 can be removed, or opened if mounted on a hinge to allow access to the idle roller 62 and drive roller 98 .
- FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the bi-directional gear 117 having two unidirectional gears 120 and 122 and no traveling gears.
- Each of the unidirectional gears 120 and 122 is comprised of an inner component 134 and 136 , respectively, each comprising a toothed wheel and a three-armed element, and an outer component 130 and 132 , respectively.
- the inner component 136 engages the outer component 132 so as to cause it to rotate.
- the three-armed element of the inner component 136 merely slips within the outer component 132 such that the outer component 132 remains stationary.
- the unidirectional gear 122 is complementary to the other gear 120 such that rotation of the gear 122 in the clockwise direction causes the inner component 134 to slip against the outer component 130 . Rotation of the gear 122 in the counterclockwise sense causes the inner component 134 to engage the outer component 130 so as to cause it to rotate.
- the unidirectional gears 120 , 122 are coupled to the drive roller (not shown) such that rotation of either one causes the drive roller to advance the paper towel.
- the unidirectional gears 120 , 122 are rotated by movement of the toothed rack of gear actuator 124 , which is connected to the button 40 of FIGS. 1 and 2, such that pressure exerted by a user on the lever 30 activates the bi-directional gear 117 .
- a biasing mechanism (not shown) moves the gear actuator 124 back to its original position, again driving the gear 117 and advancing the paper towel.
- FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the bi-directional gear 148 having one traveling gear 150 .
- Traveling gear 150 is capable of limited lateral movement such that it is capable of engaging either one of gears 152 and 154 .
- Rotation of gears 152 or 154 will cause gear 156 and drive gear 158 to rotate.
- Drive gear 158 is coupled to the drive roller (not shown) and, therefore, will advance the paper towel from the dispenser.
- Gear actuator 160 has a toothed rack, which engages traveling gear 150 . Movement of the gear actuator 160 causes the traveling gear 150 to move laterally (so as to engage one of gears 152 and 154 ) and to rotate. Referring to FIGS.
- gear actuator 160 is coupled to the button 40 such that when a user depresses the lever 30 the paper towel is dispensed.
- a biasing mechanism (not shown) returns the lever 30 , button 40 and bi-directional gear 148 to the start position, advancing the paper towel in the process.
- FIG. 9 shows the body 162 and gear actuator 160 of the bi-directional gear 148 of FIG. 8.
- the body 162 has holes 164 - 172 which receive the axles of gears 150 - 158 .
- Hole 166 has an elongated shape in order to allow traveling gear 150 to move laterally.
- the bi-directional gear 80 , 117 , 148 is sealed and isolated from the interior of the dispenser such that fibers from the paper towel cannot penetrate the gear 80 , 117 , 148 , thereby interfering with its function and necessitating maintenance and/or replacement.
- the invention additionally contemplates an embodiment wherein the bi-directional gear 80 , 117 , 148 is in the form of a cassette that may be incorporated into any of a number of paper towel dispenser designs.
- the cassette form of the bi-directional gear 80 , 117 , 148 provides cost and space savings with respect to shipping because the cassettes are much smaller than the paper towel dispensers.
- the cassettes enable purchasers greater flexibility in designing and/or sourcing dispensers.
- the bi-directional gear 148 has been found, in some instances, to bind and/or jam. More specifically, the traveling gear 150 may, under abnormal conditions, bind on gears 154 and 152 . It has been found that such binding is effectively prevented if the size of the traveling gear 150 is increased relative to gears 154 and 152 . Variation of the sizes of the gears in other embodiments of the bi-directional gears, including gears 80 , 117 of FIGS. 4 and 7 as well as embodiments not shown herein (but which would be a simple matter of design choice for anyone having ordinary skill in the art) provides a simple way to optimize operation such that the bi-directional gears are resistant to binding and/or jamming.
- jamming and/or binding of the traveling gear 150 is further reduced if gears 154 and 152 are capable of a slight translational movement in a direction perpendicular to the lateral translation of the traveling gear 150 .
- gears 154 and 152 are capable of a slight translational movement in a direction perpendicular to the lateral translation of the traveling gear 150 .
- the gears 152 and 154 will be slightly vertically displaced with respect to one another so that the risk of binding on the traveling gear 150 is reduced but without affecting the ability to engage the traveling gear 150 .
Abstract
A paper towel dispenser having a drive mechanism, comprising a bi-directional gear and a drive roller, which is activated by a lever and/or button. As the lever is depressed by a user the bi-directional gear of the drive mechanism is engaged and a length of paper towel is dispensed. When the user releases the lever, the bi-directional gear is returned to its start position by a spring. On the return stroke the spring drives the bi-directional gear and dispenses an additional length of paper towel.
Description
- This invention relates to a dispenser for sheet material, particularly to a dispenser that dispenses individual sheets of a material, such as paper towels.
- A number of dispensers exist in the prior art for dispensing paper towels and similar sheet materials, however, prior art dispensers suffer from several drawbacks.
- The object of paper towel dispensers is to dispense paper towels, one sheet at a time in a way that inhibits discharging excessive paper. Prior art towel dispensers, which have mechanisms that support a roll of paper towel material, release the roll at some point during their operation. For example, a dispenser that is activated when a user pulls down on a lever will release the roll (or at least fail to lock the roll in place) when the lever is returned to its start position by a biasing element such as a spring. By holding down the lever on such dispensers such that the roll is released (or not locked) the user can draw as much towel paper out of the dispenser as is desired, resulting in wastage of paper towel. The ability to control consumption is a primary concern in the market for paper towel dispensers.
- An example of one of the prior art solutions to the problem of paper wastage is to direct the paper towel through a U-shaped channel having a blade extending along the channel and having its point directed toward the bottom of the “U”. As the paper is pushed through the U-shaped channel by the drive mechanism, it follows a U-shaped path around the blade. However, if the paper is pulled through the U-shaped channel (such as when a user tries to pull the paper towel out of the dispenser) the tension in the paper forces the paper against the blade, causing it to tear. Unfortunately, paper towel varies in consistency and texture within any roll and from roll to roll and, therefore, can behave unpredictably, causing it to jam against the blade. Accordingly, there is a recognized need in the industry for paper towel dispensers that function reliably while providing for controlled consumption or, in other words, for dispensers that minimize paper wastage.
- The internal mechanisms of paper towel dispensers are also prone to degradation or malfunction arising from the accumulation of paper towel fibers. In addition, the mechanisms of many prior art dispensers are difficult to access in the event of such malfunction or paper jam. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a sheet material dispenser, having a drive mechanism resistant to malfunction and/or degradation due to the accumulation of towel fibers.
- The length of paper towel dispensed by the prior art paper towel dispensers is not easily adjustable, which may also contribute to paper wastage. Furthermore, when the length of the paper towel dispensed is relatively short, users will tend to activate the dispenser more quickly and/or forcefully, (i.e. by pulling down on the lever several times in rapid succession) to obtain the desired amount of towel. The risk of damage to or malfunction of the dispenser is thereby increased. In other words, it is desirable to provide a paper towel dispenser having an easily adjustable stroke length in order that paper towels with different grades and absorbencies can be used. Accordingly, it is a further object of this invention to provide a towel dispenser with an adjustable stroke length (i.e. the length of paper towel dispensed per activation can be readily varied).
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a paper towel dispenser having a simple and durable mechanism that provides for controlled paper consumption.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a paper towel dispenser that is resistant to and easily cleared of paper jams.
- The invention consists of a paper towel dispenser for dispensing paper towel material. The dispenser has a drive mechanism, comprising a bi-directional gear and a drive roller, which is activated by an actuator, such as a lever or button. As the lever is depressed by a user the bi-directional gear of the drive mechanism is engaged and a length of paper towel material is dispensed. When the user releases the lever, the bi-directional gear is returned to its start position by a biasing element. On the return stroke the biasing element (e.g. a spring mechanism) drives the bi-directional gear and dispenses an additional length of paper towel. Therefore, twice as much paper towel is dispensed per user activation than in the prior art. In other words, a fewer number of strokes are necessary to dispense the necessary amount of paper towel material. This is both more convenient for users and reduces wear on the towel dispenser.
- Furthermore, the drive mechanism of the present invention constantly engages the paper towel material (through the drive roller). In this manner the paper towel is locked such that, whether the lever is in the start position, partially depressed, or fully depressed, paper towel material cannot be unrolled or “stolen” from the roll in the dispenser. In other words, the paper towel is constantly engaged by the drive mechanism and therefore, consumption of the paper towel is controlled.
- The stroke length of the drive mechanism, and therefore the length of paper towel material that is dispensed with each stroke of the lever, is readily adjustable.
- The bi-directional gear is sealed and isolated from the interior of the dispenser such that fibers from the paper towel cannot penetrate the gear, thereby interfering with its function and necessitating maintenance and/or replacement.
- The paper towel material is fed between the drive roller and an idle roller. The drive roller has high friction surface such that, as the drive roller is rotated, friction between the paper towel, idle roller and drive roller causes the paper towel to advance with the drive roller. The idle roller of the present invention is supported on a hinged or removable gate so that, when loading the paper, the idle roller is closed over the paper and drive roller rather than having to feed the paper between rollers. In addition, paper jams can be easily remedied and maintenance of the drive and idle rollers is facilitated.
- The invention itself both as to organization and method of operation, as well as additional objects and advantages thereof, will become readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a three-quarter view of the dispenser;
- FIG. 2 is a three-quarter view close up of the lower portion of the dispenser;
- FIG. 3 is a three-quarter view close up of the lower portion of the dispenser with the button removed;
- FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the bi-directional gear of the dispenser;
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the dispenser;
- FIG. 6 shows the gate and idle roller of the dispenser;
- FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the bi-directional gear having two unidirectional gears;
- FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the bi-directional drive gear one traveling gear; and
- FIG. 9 shows the body of the bi-directional gear of FIG. 8.
- Referring to FIG. 1, the
dispenser 10 is shown. Thedispenser 10 has abody 12, which has afront side 14 and aback side 16. Theback side 16 of the dispenser is normally placed against a wall when thedispenser 10 is mounted. The dispenser additionally has support arms 20 (only one of which is shown) for supporting a roll of paper towel or other sheet material. It is obvious to anyone skilled in the art that a variety of known mechanisms for supporting paper towels and/or for mounting thedispenser 10 to a support surface may be used. - The
dispenser 10 has agate 60 on thefront side 14 which can be opened when loading paper towel conducting maintenance. Also shown in FIG. 1 is thelever 30, which is connected to thebody 12 and outer housing 50 bypivot pin 32. Thelever 30 is merely one example of a number of actuators that may be incorporated into the invention to enable the user to activate the dispenser. Other actuators, such as a dial, may be used.Button 40 extends from behind outer housing 50, which houses theinner housing 52 and the bi-directional gear of the dispenser (see FIGS. 4, 7 and 8). Protruding from the underside of theinner housing 52 is strokelength adjustment knob 70 for adjusting the length of the stroke of the bi-directional gear and, consequently, the length of paper towel material dispensed per stroke. - Referring to FIG. 2, a magnified view of the lower portion of the
dispenser 10 is shown with the outer housing 50 and thelever 30 removed.Button 40 is connected bypins 42 to the bi-directional gear, (not shown) which is enclosed ininner housing 52. - Referring to FIG. 3, a magnified view similar to that of FIG. 2 is shown, this time with the
button 40 removed.Pins 42 and strokelength adjustment knob 70 protrude frominner housing 52, which houses the bi-directional gear (not shown). - Referring to FIG. 4, a magnified view of the lower portion of the
dispenser 10 is shown with thebi-directional gear 80 exposed.Gear 80 comprises agear actuator 82 for engaging gears 90-95.Gear 95 is coupled to a drive roller (not shown) such that rotation ofgear 95 results in rotation of the drive roller, thereby dispensing paper towel from thedispenser 10.Bi-directional gear 80 is bi-directional and, therefore, movement ofgear actuator 82 in either direction (i.e. either toward thefront side 14 or toward the back side 16) alongslot 84 causes gear 95 to rotate in only one direction, which causes paper towel to be dispensed from thedispenser 10. -
Gear actuator 82 is caused to move alongslot 84 toward theback side 16 of thedispenser 10 by movement of thebutton 40, (see FIG. 2) which is connected to thegear actuator 82 bypins 42.Gear actuator 82 additionally has a bracket 112 at one end, to which is connected a spring 114. Spring 114 is compressed between bracket 112 andbracket 110, which is connected to thebody 12 of thedispenser 10, such thatgear actuator 82 is urged toward thefront side 14 of thedispenser 10. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that biasing elements other than coil springs may be used in the present invention (e.g. leaf springs, elastic materials, etc.) - Gears90 and 92 are caused to rotate by
gear actuator 82 asgear actuator 82 is moved in either direction along an axis defined byslot 84.Gear actuator 82 has a toothed rack on each of itsarms 86. The toothed racks are operative to engagegears 90 and 92, respectively such that they are caused to rotate asgear actuator 82 moves alongslot 84. - The axes of gears91-95 are inserted on one side into holes (not shown) in the
body 12 of thedispenser 10 and on the other side into holes (not shown) in the inner housing 52 (see FIG. 2). The axes ofgears 90 and 92 are inserted intoholes 116, 118, each having an elongated rather than circular cross-section (the corresponding elongated holes on the other side of the gears are not shown). The shape ofholes 110, 112 allowsgears 90 and 92 to not only rotate about their axes but to move along lines parallel to slot 84.Gears 90 and 92 are referred to as traveling gears because they are capable of limited translation as well as rotation. Asgears 90 and 92 move toward theback side 16 of thedispenser 10,gear 92 will engagegear 91 and gear 90 will become disengaged fromgear 91, such that the engagedgear 92 will drivegear 91. Asgears 90 and 92 move toward thefront side 14 of thedispenser 10, gear 90 will engagegear 91 andgear 92 will become disengaged fromgear 91, such that the engaged gear 90 will drivegear 91. - Referring to FIGS. 1, 2,3 and 4, the
dispenser 10 is activated when a user presses on an actuator in the form oflever 30, which forces thebutton 40 to move toward theback side 16 of thedispenser 10. Movement of thebutton 40 causes thegear actuator 82 to move alongslot 84. Movement of thegear actuator 82 causes the toothed rack (not shown) onarm 86 to forcegear 92 toward theback side 16 of the dispenser such that it engagesgear 91, and causes the toothed rack (not shown) on arm 88 to force gear 90 toward theback side 16 such that it disengages fromgear 91. Movement of thegear actuator 82 also causesgear 92 to rotate and, therefore, to drivegear 91. In other words, movement of thegear actuator 82 toward theback side 16 drives gears 92, 91, 93, 94 and 95 ofbi-directional gear 80. Movement ofgear 95 causes paper towel to be dispensed by the drive roller (not shown). - As the user then releases the
lever 30,gear actuator 82 is moved toward thefront side 14 of thedispenser 10 by spring 114. Movement ofgear actuator 82 toward thefront side 14 causes the toothed racks (not shown) onarms 86, 88 to force both ofgears 90 and 92 to move toward thefront side 14 and to rotate. Gear 90 thereby engages and drivesgear 91, andgear 92 thereby becomes disengaged fromgear 91. Movement ofgear actuator 82 toward thefront side 14 thereby drives gears 90, 91, 93, 94 and 95 ofbi-directional gear 80. Movement ofgear 95 again causes paper towel to be dispensed by the drive roller. Regardless of the direction of movement of thegear actuator 82, the drive roller is rotated in the same direction. - Referring to FIG. 4, the movement of the
gear actuator 82, and the amount of paper towel material dispensed, can be limited by the strokelength adjustment knob 70. As theknob 70 is rotated about its axis the screw-threadedportion 72 forces theblock 74 upwards.Block 74 has a stepped face that is operative to engage the stepped face portion of thegear actuator 82, thereby limiting its movement. - FIG. 5 is a top view of the
dispenser 10. Driveroller 98 extends across the interior of thedispenser 10 and is supported at each end where it contacts the walls of thedispenser 10. Oneend 100 of thedrive roller 98 is coupled to thedrive gear 95 of the bi-directional gear (see FIG. 4). Driveroller 98 contactsidle roller 62, which is supported on thegate 60 of thedispenser 10. The paper towel (not shown), which is supported onsupport arms 20, (only one support arm is shown) is fed betweendrive roller 98 andidle roller 62. Rotation of thedrive gear 95 causes rotation of thedrive roller 98, and the paper towel is caused to advance by friction on the paper towel between thedrive roller 98 andidle roller 62. - FIG. 6 shows the
idle roller 62 mounted on thegate 20. Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, thegate 20 can be removed, or opened if mounted on a hinge to allow access to theidle roller 62 and driveroller 98. - FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the
bi-directional gear 117 having twounidirectional gears unidirectional gears inner component outer component inner component 136 engages theouter component 132 so as to cause it to rotate. When rotated in the counter clockwise direction the three-armed element of theinner component 136 merely slips within theouter component 132 such that theouter component 132 remains stationary. Theunidirectional gear 122 is complementary to theother gear 120 such that rotation of thegear 122 in the clockwise direction causes theinner component 134 to slip against theouter component 130. Rotation of thegear 122 in the counterclockwise sense causes theinner component 134 to engage theouter component 130 so as to cause it to rotate. Theunidirectional gears unidirectional gears gear actuator 124, which is connected to thebutton 40 of FIGS. 1 and 2, such that pressure exerted by a user on thelever 30 activates thebi-directional gear 117. A biasing mechanism (not shown) moves thegear actuator 124 back to its original position, again driving thegear 117 and advancing the paper towel. - FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the bi-directional gear148 having one traveling
gear 150. Travelinggear 150 is capable of limited lateral movement such that it is capable of engaging either one ofgears gears gear 156 and drivegear 158 to rotate.Drive gear 158 is coupled to the drive roller (not shown) and, therefore, will advance the paper towel from the dispenser.Gear actuator 160 has a toothed rack, which engages travelinggear 150. Movement of thegear actuator 160 causes thetraveling gear 150 to move laterally (so as to engage one ofgears 152 and 154) and to rotate. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 8,gear actuator 160 is coupled to thebutton 40 such that when a user depresses thelever 30 the paper towel is dispensed. As with the previously discussed gears, a biasing mechanism (not shown) returns thelever 30,button 40 and bi-directional gear 148 to the start position, advancing the paper towel in the process. - FIG. 9 shows the body162 and
gear actuator 160 of the bi-directional gear 148 of FIG. 8. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the body 162 has holes 164-172 which receive the axles of gears 150-158. Hole 166 has an elongated shape in order to allow travelinggear 150 to move laterally. - Referring to FIGS.1-4, 7 and 8, the
bi-directional gear gear bi-directional gear bi-directional gear - Referring again to FIG. 8, the bi-directional gear148 has been found, in some instances, to bind and/or jam. More specifically, the traveling
gear 150 may, under abnormal conditions, bind ongears gear 150 is increased relative togears gears - Referring again to FIG. 8, jamming and/or binding of the traveling
gear 150 is further reduced ifgears gear 150. In this manner, when engaged by the travelinggear 150, thegears gear 150 is reduced but without affecting the ability to engage thetraveling gear 150. - Accordingly, while this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments as fall within the scope of the invention.
Claims (26)
1. A paper towel dispenser comprising a drive roller, a user operated actuator, and a bi-directional gear, said bi-directional gear coupled to said drive roller and to said user operated actuator and operative to rotate said drive roller in a single direction of rotation to discharge said paper towel material, wherein one full cycle of said bi-directional gear is made up of a 1st stroke and a return stroke, both said 1st stroke and said return stroke operative to rotate said drive roller in said single direction, said 1st stroke being driven by a force exerted by a user on said actuator and said return stroke being driven by a biasing element.
2. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein said drive roller is constantly engaged with said paper towel throughout said cycle of said bi-directional gear such that consumption of said paper towel is controlled.
3. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein said bi-directional gear comprises two unidirectional gears.
4. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein said bi-directional gear comprises one traveling gear.
5. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein said bi-directional gear comprises two traveling gears.
6. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein said bi-directional gear is sealed such that fibers from said paper towel cannot penetrate said bi-directional gear.
7. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein said roll of paper towel is supported on said drive roller.
8. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein said user operated actuator comprises a lever for transferring said force exerted by said user to said bi-directional gear.
9. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 1 , further comprising stroke-length adjustment means operative to limit lengths of said 1st and return strokes.
10. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein said biasing mechanism comprises a coil spring.
11. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 1 , further comprising an idle roller in contact with said drive roller.
12. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein said bi-directional gear is in the form of a cassette, which is inserted into the paper towel dispenser.
13. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein said bi-directional gear includes gears of unequal sizes.
14. A drive mechanism for a paper towel dispenser having a drive roller and a user operated actuator, said drive mechanism comprising a bi-directional gear couplable to said drive roller and to said user operated actuator and operative, when so coupled, to rotate said drive roller in a single direction of rotation to discharge paper towel material, wherein one full cycle of said bi-directional gear is made up of a 1st stroke and a return stroke, both said 1st stroke and said return stroke operative to rotate said drive roller in said single direction, said 1st stroke being driven by a force exerted by a user on said actuator and said return stroke being driven by a biasing element.
15. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 14 , wherein said drive roller is constantly engaged with said paper towel throughout said cycle of said bi-directional gear such that consumption of said paper towel is controlled.
16. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 14 , wherein said bi-directional gear comprises two unidirectional gears.
17. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 14 , wherein said bi-directional gear comprises one traveling gear.
18. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 14 , wherein said bi-directional gear comprises two traveling gears.
19. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 14 , wherein said bi-directional gear is sealed such that fibers from said paper towel cannot penetrate said bi-directional gear.
20. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 14 , wherein said roll of paper towel is supported on said drive roller.
21. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 14 , wherein said user operated actuator comprises a lever for transferring said force exerted by said user to said bi-directional gear.
22. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 14 , further comprising stroke-length adjustment means operative to limit lengths of said 1st and return strokes.
23. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 14 , wherein said biasing mechanism comprises a coil spring.
24. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 14 , further comprising an idle roller in contact with said drive roller.
25. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 14 , wherein said bi-directional gear is in the form of a cassette, which is inserted into the paper towel dispenser.
26. A paper towel dispenser according to claim 14 , wherein said bi-directional gear includes gears of unequal sizes.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/314,143 US20040108406A1 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2002-12-09 | Paper towel dispenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/314,143 US20040108406A1 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2002-12-09 | Paper towel dispenser |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20040108406A1 true US20040108406A1 (en) | 2004-06-10 |
Family
ID=32468426
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/314,143 Abandoned US20040108406A1 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2002-12-09 | Paper towel dispenser |
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US (1) | US20040108406A1 (en) |
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US7774096B2 (en) | 2003-12-31 | 2010-08-10 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Apparatus for dispensing and identifying product in washrooms |
US20100243696A1 (en) * | 2008-06-18 | 2010-09-30 | Matthew Friesen | Electronic roll towel dispenser |
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US20120181371A1 (en) * | 2009-10-06 | 2012-07-19 | U.S. Bank National Association | Roll Dispenser |
USD784786S1 (en) | 2011-06-24 | 2017-04-25 | San Jamar, Inc. | Roll dispenser handle |
CN107507344A (en) * | 2017-08-16 | 2017-12-22 | 上海电力学院 | A kind of shared paper handkerchief asks for system |
CN109788880A (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2019-05-21 | 阿奇通股份公司 | Sheet dispensers with spring-loaded operation trigger member |
US10850938B2 (en) | 2017-10-09 | 2020-12-01 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Mechanical sheet product dispenser |
USD1009613S1 (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2024-01-02 | San Jamar, Inc | Roll towel dispenser lockout |
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CN109788880A (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2019-05-21 | 阿奇通股份公司 | Sheet dispensers with spring-loaded operation trigger member |
CN107507344A (en) * | 2017-08-16 | 2017-12-22 | 上海电力学院 | A kind of shared paper handkerchief asks for system |
US10850938B2 (en) | 2017-10-09 | 2020-12-01 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Mechanical sheet product dispenser |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ENGLEWOOD VENTURES INC., CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FRIESEN, JED C.;REEL/FRAME:013766/0307 Effective date: 20021217 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |