EP3040005B1 - Towel dispenser - Google Patents
Towel dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3040005B1 EP3040005B1 EP15020217.4A EP15020217A EP3040005B1 EP 3040005 B1 EP3040005 B1 EP 3040005B1 EP 15020217 A EP15020217 A EP 15020217A EP 3040005 B1 EP3040005 B1 EP 3040005B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- paper towel
- control member
- towel
- towel dispenser
- dispensing aperture
- 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.)
- Not-in-force
Links
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229930091051 Arenine Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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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
- A47K10/38—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge
- A47K10/3809—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge with roll spindles which are not directly supported
- A47K10/3818—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge with roll spindles which are not directly supported with a distribution opening which is perpendicular to the rotation axis
-
- 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
- A47K10/38—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge
- A47K2010/3881—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge with tearing edges having movable parts
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a towel dispenser; and to a dispensing nozzle for a towel dispenser.
- CA 2638184 A1 discloses a towel dispenser.
- the user pulls on the towel to dispense a length of towel stored in a housing of the dispenser.
- the dispenser comprises a housing for a roll of towel and an iris-shaped opening for dispensing the towels.
- the dispenser further comprises a pivotally mounted arm accessible from the inside of the housing. The arm is pivoted to adjust the cross sectional area of the iris-shaped opening to set the tension of the towel as it is pulled through the opening.
- the pivoting motion of the arm alters the shape of the iris-shaped opening and can form an acute angle in which the towel could become wedged, resulting in tearing of the towel proximal to the iris-shaped opening. The tearing of the towel in this region is undesirable since it may be difficult subsequently to grip the end of the towel.
- US 2003/071102 discloses a centre pull towel dispenser having force-applying means for controlling the dispensing of a flexible web material.
- the force-applying means comprises first and second restriction elements having respective jaw portions with inwardly facing web-contact portions.
- the restriction elements are pivotally mounted about a pivot axis defined by a pin mounted to a boss.
- US 5,263,607 discloses an adjustable dispenser nozzle for a paper towel dispenser.
- the nozzle comprises a conical portion including a plurality of extensions separated by substantially parallel slits which impart an elastic characteristic.
- a sleeve formed from a rubber material, such as polyurethane, is mounted within the conical portion and defines an exit aperture through which the paper towel is dispensed. The sleeve expands and contracts to accommodate adjustments made to the dispenser nozzle.
- US 2003/0111480 discloses a dispenser for sheet material comprising a dispensing iris diaphragm.
- the iris diaphragm comprises a plurality of movable iris blades arranged to form an opening. The relative position of the iris blades is adjustable to vary the size of the opening.
- the present invention sets out to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the problems associated with known towel dispensers.
- aspects of the present invention relate to a paper towel dispenser; and to a dispensing nozzle for a paper towel dispenser.
- a paper towel dispenser comprising:
- the control member comprises a first engaging member for engaging paper towel dispensed through the dispensing aperture.
- the control member comprises a second engaging member for engaging paper towel dispensed through the dispensing aperture.
- the towel can be dispensed between said first and second engaging members.
- the relative position of said first and second engaging members can be adjusted to alter the size of the dispensing aperture. For example, a width of the dispensing aperture can be altered.
- the first and second engaging members can be hingedly connected to each other.
- the first and second engaging members each have a first end and a second end.
- the first ends of said first and second engaging members can be hingedly connected to each other by a hinge.
- the hinge can comprise a cavity which opens into a region between said first and second engaging members.
- the cavity can extend substantially parallel to a hinge axis. At least in certain embodiments, the cavity can reduce the likelihood of the towel becoming trapped proximal to the hinge.
- the cavity can be part-cylindrical in shape.
- the hinge can be a live hinge formed integrally with the first and second engaging members.
- the control member can be formed from a resilient material or a flexible material.
- the control member can, for example, be moulded from an elastomeric material.
- the control member can be a resilient member which is deformable to adjust the effective size of the dispensing aperture.
- the resilient member can form said first and second engaging members.
- the first and second engaging members can be resiliently biased towards each other.
- the deformation of the control member can be selectively controlled.
- the paper towel dispenser can comprise adjustment means for controllably deforming the control member to adjust the size of the dispensing aperture.
- the adjustment means can adjust a dimension of the dispensing aperture in a first direction and/or a second direction.
- the adjustment means can adjust a width of the dispensing aperture.
- the adjustment means can be configured to set the size of the dispensing aperture.
- the adjustment means can be configured to set a maximum size and/or a minimum size of the dispensing aperture.
- the adjustment means can set the size of the dispensing aperture by adjusting the relative positioning of the first engaging member and/or the second engaging member.
- the adjustment means can be connected to the first engaging member and/or the second engaging member; or can engage the first engaging member and/or the second engaging member.
- the adjustment means could comprise a pivotably mounted member or a slidably mounted member for cooperating with the control member.
- the adjustment means can comprise a rotatable member for cooperating with the control member.
- the rotatable member could be in the form of an offset cam for engaging the control member to adjust the size of the dispensing aperture.
- the rotatable member can comprise an annular member extending around the control member.
- the adjustment means can, for example, controllably adjust the relative positioning of the first and second engaging members.
- the rotatable member can comprise a projection for engaging the control member.
- the projection can be adapted to deform the control member when the rotatable member is rotated.
- the projection can be configured to engage one of the first and second engagement members to adjust the size of the dispensing aperture. For example, rotation of the rotatable member can cause the projection to engage and to displace the first engagement member relative to the second engagement member.
- the housing can comprise retention means for retaining the control member in position. For example, a stop member can be provided to prevent rotation of the control member.
- the towel dispenser can comprise a dispensing nozzle.
- the adjustment means can be incorporated into the dispensing nozzle.
- the adjustment means can comprise a rotatable member defining an outer portion of the dispensing nozzle.
- the dispensing nozzle can comprise a first guide member for guiding the towel dispensed through the dispensing aperture.
- the first guide member can be a first funnel.
- the dispensing nozzle can comprise a first funnel for guiding the towel dispensed through the dispensing aperture.
- the control member can cooperate with said first funnel.
- the dispensing nozzle can comprise a second guide member for guiding the towel from the roll into the dispensing aperture.
- the second guide member can be a second funnel.
- the control member can be disposed between said first and second guide members.
- the adjustment means can be moveable between a plurality of predetermined stop positions.
- the predetermined stop positions can each correspond to a predetermined size of dispensing aperture defined by said control member.
- the adjustment means can deform the control member such that the dispensing aperture has a corresponding predetermined size.
- the position of the adjustment means may be continuously variable to enable continuous (infinite) adjustment of the size of the dispensing aperture.
- the rotatable member can be rotatable between a plurality of predetermined positions.
- the effective size of the aperture can be determined in dependence on the selected one of said predetermined positions.
- the towel dispenser can comprise retention means for retaining the rotatable member in each of said predetermined positions.
- the retentions means can be in the form of a detent, for example.
- the dispensing nozzle can comprise a second guide member for guiding the towel from the roll into the dispensing aperture.
- the second guide member can be a second funnel.
- the first and second engaging members can be offset from the first guide member and/or the second guide member.
- the first and second engaging members can be disposed between the first guide member and the second guide member.
- the towel dispenser 1 is a centre-pull towel dispenser for dispensing paper towel from a roll. As described herein, the towel dispenser 1 is configured to adjust the tension applied to the paper as it dispensed.
- the towel dispenser 1 comprises a housing 3 for receiving a roll (not shown) of towel.
- the roll of towel is of the centre-pull type consisting of a length of towel wound into a roll. A series of perforations are formed in the towel to promote tearing at predetermined intervals to form sheets when the towel is pulled through the dispensing nozzle 11.
- the housing 3 comprises a mounting frame 4, a front cover 5 and a base plate assembly 6.
- the mounting frame 4 comprises a back plate 7, and left and right side panels 8, 9.
- the back plate 7 comprises a plurality of apertures 10 for receiving mechanical fasteners to mount the towel dispenser 1 to a wall (not shown).
- the front cover 5 is removably mounted to the mounting frame 4 and secured in place by a lock mechanism (not shown).
- the base plate assembly 6 comprises a dispensing nozzle 11 disposed centrally in a base plate 12.
- the dispensing nozzle 11 comprises a dispensing aperture 13 through which the towel is dispensed.
- the housing 3 defines an interior chamber 14 for receiving the roll of towel.
- the dispensing nozzle 11 comprises an outer member 15, an inner member 16 and a control member 17.
- the control member 17 is configured to control the dispensing of towel from the towel dispenser 1.
- the control member 17 defines the dispensing aperture 13 through which the towel is dispensed.
- the control member 17 engages the towel as it is pulled through the dispensing aperture 13 by a user.
- the forces applied to the towel can be controlled by adjusting the size of the dispensing aperture 13, for example to suit different types and/or grades of paper towel.
- the control member 17 is in the form of a resilient member which is deformable to adjust the effective size of the dispensing aperture 13.
- the outer member 15 defines a first funnel 18; and the inner member 16 defines a second funnel 19.
- the first and second funnels 18, 19 are arranged to guide the towel as it is dispensed from the dispensing nozzle 11 through the dispensing aperture 13.
- the control member 17 comprises first and second jaws 20, 21 hingedly connected to each other by a hinge 22.
- the first and second jaws 20, 21 define respective first and second contact surfaces S1, S2 for contacting the towel as it is dispensed through the dispensing nozzle 11.
- the first and second contact surfaces S1, S2 each have a concave profile in plan form.
- the control member 17 is moulded from a resilient material, such as an elastomer.
- the hinge 22 is a live hinge moulded integrally at a first end of the first and second jaws 20, 21.
- the hinge 22 has a part-circular profile which introduces a first offset G1 between the first and second jaws 20, 21 at said first end.
- a part-cylindrical cavity is formed within the hinge 22 at the first end of said first and second jaws 20, 21.
- the first and second jaws 20, 21 are not connected to each other at a second end (arranged opposite to the first end) to enable them to pivot relative to each other.
- a width W of the dispensing aperture 13 can be adjusted which, in use, changes the frictional engagement of the towel as it is dispensed.
- the outer member 15 is operable to controllably adjust the position of the first and second jaws 20, 21 relative to each other, thereby adjusting the size of the dispensing aperture 13.
- the outer member 15 functions as adjustment means for controllably deforming the control member 17 to adjust the size of the dispensing aperture 13.
- the outer member 15 is moulded from a plastics material, such as polypropylene.
- the outer member 15 is generally annular in shape and comprises a first orifice 23 having a first diameter D1.
- the first funnel 18 provides a convex surface extending outwardly from the first orifice 23 to guide the towel.
- the outer member 15 is rotatable about a rotational axis X.
- a cylindrical member 24 is formed inside the outer member 15.
- a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member 24 is arranged substantially parallel to the rotational axis X of the outer member 15.
- First and second mounting tabs 25, 26 project from the cylindrical member 24 to rotatably mount the outer member 15 to the base plate 12.
- the first and second mounting tabs 25, 26 comprise respective first and second engaging surfaces 27, 28 for engaging an upper surface of the base plate 12.
- a first projection 29 extends from the cylindrical member 24 to engage the control member 17, as described herein.
- a plurality of reinforcing ribs 30 is formed inside the outer member 15 to support the cylindrical member 24.
- the outer member 15 comprises a sidewall 31 having a curved profile.
- a series of notches 32A-E are formed in a radially outer edge of the sidewall 31.
- the notches 32A-E are arranged to cooperate with a protuberance 33 formed on a lower surface of the base plate 12.
- the protuberance 33 locates in one of said notches 32A-E to inhibit rotation of the outer member 15.
- the continued application of torque to the outer member 15 releases the protuberance 33 and permits continued rotation of the outer member 15.
- the notches 32A-E and the protuberance 33 thereby cooperate to form a series of predetermined rotational stop positions for the outer member 15.
- there are five (5) notches 32A-E but the outer member 15 could comprise less than or more than five (5) notches 32A-E.
- the outer sidewall 28 also comprises three (3) radial projections 34 to facilitate gripping of the outer member 15.
- a plurality of curved walls 35 is formed circumferentially around the first funnel 18.
- the curved walls 35 are generally U-shaped and overlap the curved profiled of the first funnel 18.
- a series of tapered channels 36 are formed between the curved walls 35 to grip the towel as it is dispensed through the dispensing aperture 13.
- the inner member 16 is moulded from a plastics material, such as polypropylene. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B , the inner member 16 is generally annular in shape and comprises a second orifice 37 having a second diameter D2. The second funnel 19 provides a convex surface extending inwardly towards the second orifice 37 to guide the towel.
- the inner member 16 comprises first and second locking tabs 38, 39 disposed diametrically opposed from each other.
- the first and second locking tabs 38, 39 are configured to locate within corresponding first and second recesses 40, 41 formed in the base plate 12 and to engage an underside of the base plate 12.
- the first and second locking tabs 38, 39 are operative to fixedly mount the inner member 16 to the base plate 12.
- An underside of the inner member 16 is shown in Figure 4B .
- a second projection 42 projects outwardly from the inner member 16.
- the second projection 42 comprises a radial portion 43 and a tangential portion 44 arranged in a T-shaped configuration.
- FIG. 5A A perspective view of the control member 17 is shown in Figure 5A ; and plan and side elevations are shown in Figures 5B and 5C .
- the control member 17 comprises a lower connecting portion 45 configured to engage the first funnel 18; and an upper connecting portion 46 configured to engage the second funnel 19.
- the upper and lower connecting portions 45, 46 comprise respective upper and lower part-cylindrical walls 47, 48 sized to match the first and second diameters D1, D2.
- a second offset G2 is formed between the second ends of the first and second jaws 20, 21.
- the second offset G2 is substantially the same size as the first offset G1 such that the first and second jaws 20, 21 are arranged substantially symmetrically about a diameter of the control member 17 when in a neutral (unloaded) state.
- the first and second projections 29, 42 of the outer member 15 and the inner member 16 locate within the second offset G2.
- the dispensing aperture 13 is defined between the first and second jaws 20, 21 and the width W of the dispensing aperture 13 corresponds to the distance between the first and second contact surfaces S1, S2.
- the first and second jaws 20, 21 are inset from the lower connecting portion 45 and the upper connecting portion 46 such that the width W of the dispensing aperture 13 is smaller than the first and second diameters D1, D2 of the first and second orifices 23, 37.
- FIG. 6 A sectional view through the dispensing nozzle 11 is shown in Figure 6 with a length of towel T illustrated schematically.
- a user grips a free end of the towel T and pulls downwardly to dispense a length of the towel T.
- the control member 17 is disposed between the outer and inner members 15, 16.
- the lower connecting portion 45 engages the outside of the first funnel 18, and the upper connecting portion 46 engages the outside of the second funnel 19.
- the first and second jaws 20, 21 thereby define the dispensing aperture 13 of the paper towel dispenser 1.
- the first and second projections 29, 42 locate within the second offset G2 formed between the first and second jaws 20, 21.
- the first projection 29 is rotatable with the outer member 15, whereas the second projection 42 is fixed.
- first and second projections 29, 42 are rotatable relative to each other by rotating the outer member 15 about the rotation axis X.
- the first and second projections 29, 42 cooperate with the first and second jaws 20, 21 causing them to pivot relative to each other when the outer member 15 is rotated.
- the width W of the dispensing aperture 13 can thereby be adjusted by rotating the outer member 15.
- the rotation of the outer member 15 in a first direction increases the width W of the dispensing aperture 13; and the rotation of the outer member 15 in a second direction (anticlockwise in the illustrated arrangement) decreases the width W of the dispensing aperture 13.
- the outer member 15 can thereby function as adjustment means for controllably adjusting the size of the dispensing aperture 13.
- the resilience of the control member 17 biases the first and second jaws 20, 21 towards each other so as to cooperate with the first and second projections 29, 42.
- the relative position of the first and second projections 29, 42 thereby determines the width W of the dispensing aperture 13 for controlling dispensing of the towel T.
- the first and second jaws 20, 21 may be displaced outwardly away from the first and second projections 29, 42.
- the rotation of the outer member 15 is illustrated in the plan view shown in Figure 7 .
- the outer member 15 is rotatable relative to the base plate 12, as represented by a second arrow A2.
- the rotation of the outer member 15 causes the first projection 29 to rotate, thereby displacing the first jaw 20 relative to the second jaw 21.
- the inner member 16 is fixed in position and the second projection 42 functions as a stop to inhibit rotation of the control member 17.
- the outer member 15 can be actuated to displace the first and second jaws 20, 21 towards each other or away from each other.
- the resilience of the material forming the control member 17 biases the first and second jaws 20, 21 towards each other.
- the rotation of the outer member 15 causes the protuberance 33 formed in the base plate 12 to locate in the notches 32A-E.
- the notches 32A-E thereby define a plurality of discrete angular stop positions P1-5, as illustrated in Figure 7 .
- the stop positions P1-5 can be defined to provide effective operation for particular grades or types of paper towel.
- the towel dispenser 1 can be configured (or re-configured) for use with a particular grade or type of paper towel.
- the outer member 15 locates in one of said angular stop positions P1-5 and defines the position of the first and second jaws 20, 21 relative to each other. The angular position of the outer member 15 thereby sets the width W of the dispensing aperture 13.
- the control member 17 can be configured without removing the front cover 5.
- the ability to increase the width of the dispensing aperture 13 may also facilitate insertion of a length of towel through the dispensing nozzle 11 when a new roll of paper towel is loaded.
- the control member 17 could have an annular configuration which can be squashed radially inwardly to reduce the effective width of the dispensing aperture 13.
- the control member 17 has been illustrated as having a generally circular configuration, but it will be appreciated that it could have a polygonal or elliptical configuration.
- the first projection 29 and/or the second projection 42 could be configured to positively engage the control member 17.
- the first projection 29 could locate in a first locating aperture formed in the first jaw 20; and/or the second projection 42 could locate in a second locating aperture formed in the second jaw 21.
- a direct connection could thereby be established between the outer member 15 and the control member 17.
- the outer member 15 could be allowed to rotate continuously to provide a continuously (infinitely) variable dispensing aperture 13.
- a retardation device such as a friction brake, could be provided to retard rotation of the outer member 15.
- a lock mechanism could be provided selectively to inhibit rotation of the outer member 15.
- a key can be used by a service technician to operate the lock mechanism.
- the second projection 42 has been described herein as having a fixed position.
- the second projection 42 could also be movable.
- the inner member 16 could be rotatable independently of the outer member 15. This arrangement could provide a larger range of relative movement of the first and second engagement members 20, 21, thereby increasing the range of sizes of the dispensing aperture 13.
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Description
- The present disclosure relates to a towel dispenser; and to a dispensing nozzle for a towel dispenser.
-
CA 2638184 A1 discloses a towel dispenser. The user pulls on the towel to dispense a length of towel stored in a housing of the dispenser. The dispenser comprises a housing for a roll of towel and an iris-shaped opening for dispensing the towels. The dispenser further comprises a pivotally mounted arm accessible from the inside of the housing. The arm is pivoted to adjust the cross sectional area of the iris-shaped opening to set the tension of the towel as it is pulled through the opening. The pivoting motion of the arm alters the shape of the iris-shaped opening and can form an acute angle in which the towel could become wedged, resulting in tearing of the towel proximal to the iris-shaped opening. The tearing of the towel in this region is undesirable since it may be difficult subsequently to grip the end of the towel. -
US 2003/071102 discloses a centre pull towel dispenser having force-applying means for controlling the dispensing of a flexible web material. The force-applying means comprises first and second restriction elements having respective jaw portions with inwardly facing web-contact portions. The restriction elements are pivotally mounted about a pivot axis defined by a pin mounted to a boss. -
US 5,263,607 discloses an adjustable dispenser nozzle for a paper towel dispenser. The nozzle comprises a conical portion including a plurality of extensions separated by substantially parallel slits which impart an elastic characteristic. A sleeve formed from a rubber material, such as polyurethane, is mounted within the conical portion and defines an exit aperture through which the paper towel is dispensed. The sleeve expands and contracts to accommodate adjustments made to the dispenser nozzle. -
US 2003/0111480 discloses a dispenser for sheet material comprising a dispensing iris diaphragm. The iris diaphragm comprises a plurality of movable iris blades arranged to form an opening. The relative position of the iris blades is adjustable to vary the size of the opening. - At least in certain embodiments, the present invention sets out to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the problems associated with known towel dispensers.
- Aspects of the present invention relate to a paper towel dispenser; and to a dispensing nozzle for a paper towel dispenser.
- According to the present invention there is provided a paper towel dispenser comprising:
- a housing having an interior chamber for receiving a roll of paper towel; and
- a control member defining a dispensing aperture through which the paper towel is dispensed, the control member comprising first and second engaging members for engaging paper towel dispensed through the dispensing aperture;
- wherein the first and second engaging members (20, 21) of the control member are deformable to alter the size of the dispensing aperture. The control member is suitable for controlling the dispensing of paper towel from the dispenser. In use, the paper towel is pulled through the dispensing aperture by the user. The paper towel is impeded by the control member and the towel is placed under tension as it is pulled through the dispensing aperture by the user. The tension in the towel facilitates tearing by a user once a suitable length of towel has been dispensed. However, different papers have different properties which can affect the function of the dispensing aperture. By controllably adjusting the effective size of the dispensing aperture, the paper towel dispenser described herein can be configured to suit different types of paper towel, for example different types and/or grades of paper towel. At least in certain embodiments, the control member enables a progressive change in size of the aperture.
- The control member comprises a first engaging member for engaging paper towel dispensed through the dispensing aperture. The control member comprises a second engaging member for engaging paper towel dispensed through the dispensing aperture. The towel can be dispensed between said first and second engaging members. The relative position of said first and second engaging members can be adjusted to alter the size of the dispensing aperture. For example, a width of the dispensing aperture can be altered.
- The first and second engaging members can be hingedly connected to each other. The first and second engaging members each have a first end and a second end. The first ends of said first and second engaging members can be hingedly connected to each other by a hinge. The hinge can comprise a cavity which opens into a region between said first and second engaging members. The cavity can extend substantially parallel to a hinge axis. At least in certain embodiments, the cavity can reduce the likelihood of the towel becoming trapped proximal to the hinge. The cavity can be part-cylindrical in shape.
- The hinge can be a live hinge formed integrally with the first and second engaging members.
- The control member can be formed from a resilient material or a flexible material. The control member can, for example, be moulded from an elastomeric material. The control member can be a resilient member which is deformable to adjust the effective size of the dispensing aperture. The resilient member can form said first and second engaging members. The first and second engaging members can be resiliently biased towards each other.
- The deformation of the control member can be selectively controlled. The paper towel dispenser can comprise adjustment means for controllably deforming the control member to adjust the size of the dispensing aperture. The adjustment means can adjust a dimension of the dispensing aperture in a first direction and/or a second direction. The adjustment means can adjust a width of the dispensing aperture. The adjustment means can be configured to set the size of the dispensing aperture. The adjustment means can be configured to set a maximum size and/or a minimum size of the dispensing aperture. In certain embodiments, the adjustment means can set the size of the dispensing aperture by adjusting the relative positioning of the first engaging member and/or the second engaging member. The adjustment means can be connected to the first engaging member and/or the second engaging member; or can engage the first engaging member and/or the second engaging member.
- The adjustment means could comprise a pivotably mounted member or a slidably mounted member for cooperating with the control member. Alternatively, the adjustment means can comprise a rotatable member for cooperating with the control member. The rotatable member could be in the form of an offset cam for engaging the control member to adjust the size of the dispensing aperture. Alternatively, the rotatable member can comprise an annular member extending around the control member. The adjustment means can, for example, controllably adjust the relative positioning of the first and second engaging members.
- The rotatable member can comprise a projection for engaging the control member. The projection can be adapted to deform the control member when the rotatable member is rotated. The projection can be configured to engage one of the first and second engagement members to adjust the size of the dispensing aperture. For example, rotation of the rotatable member can cause the projection to engage and to displace the first engagement member relative to the second engagement member. The housing can comprise retention means for retaining the control member in position. For example, a stop member can be provided to prevent rotation of the control member.
- The towel dispenser can comprise a dispensing nozzle. The adjustment means can be incorporated into the dispensing nozzle. For example, the adjustment means can comprise a rotatable member defining an outer portion of the dispensing nozzle.
- The dispensing nozzle can comprise a first guide member for guiding the towel dispensed through the dispensing aperture. The first guide member can be a first funnel. The dispensing nozzle can comprise a first funnel for guiding the towel dispensed through the dispensing aperture. The control member can cooperate with said first funnel. The dispensing nozzle can comprise a second guide member for guiding the towel from the roll into the dispensing aperture. The second guide member can be a second funnel. The control member can be disposed between said first and second guide members.
- The adjustment means can be moveable between a plurality of predetermined stop positions. The predetermined stop positions can each correspond to a predetermined size of dispensing aperture defined by said control member. When disposed in each predetermined stop position, the adjustment means can deform the control member such that the dispensing aperture has a corresponding predetermined size. Alternatively, the position of the adjustment means may be continuously variable to enable continuous (infinite) adjustment of the size of the dispensing aperture.
- The rotatable member can be rotatable between a plurality of predetermined positions. The effective size of the aperture can be determined in dependence on the selected one of said predetermined positions. The towel dispenser can comprise retention means for retaining the rotatable member in each of said predetermined positions. The retentions means can be in the form of a detent, for example.
- The dispensing nozzle can comprise a second guide member for guiding the towel from the roll into the dispensing aperture. The second guide member can be a second funnel. The first and second engaging members can be offset from the first guide member and/or the second guide member. For example, the first and second engaging members can be disposed between the first guide member and the second guide member.
- One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:
-
Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a towel dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 1B shows the towel dispenser ofFigure 1A , the front cover being omitted; -
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a dispensing nozzle of the towel dispenser; -
Figure 3A shows a top view of an outer member of the towel dispenser; -
Figure 3B shows a bottom view of the outer member ofFigure 3A ; -
Figure 4A shows a top view of an inner member of the towel dispenser; -
Figure 4B shows a bottom view of the inner member ofFigure 4A ; -
Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a control member of the towel dispenser; -
Figure 5B shows a top view of the control member ofFigure 5A ; -
Figure 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the control member ofFigure 5A ; -
Figure 6 shows a cross sectional view of a dispensing nozzle of the towel dispenser; and -
Figure 7 shows a view of an underside of the towel dispenser. - A
towel dispenser 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures. Thetowel dispenser 1 is a centre-pull towel dispenser for dispensing paper towel from a roll. As described herein, thetowel dispenser 1 is configured to adjust the tension applied to the paper as it dispensed. - The
towel dispenser 1 comprises a housing 3 for receiving a roll (not shown) of towel. The roll of towel is of the centre-pull type consisting of a length of towel wound into a roll. A series of perforations are formed in the towel to promote tearing at predetermined intervals to form sheets when the towel is pulled through the dispensingnozzle 11. The housing 3 comprises a mounting frame 4, afront cover 5 and abase plate assembly 6. The mounting frame 4 comprises a back plate 7, and left andright side panels apertures 10 for receiving mechanical fasteners to mount thetowel dispenser 1 to a wall (not shown). Thefront cover 5 is removably mounted to the mounting frame 4 and secured in place by a lock mechanism (not shown). Thebase plate assembly 6 comprises a dispensingnozzle 11 disposed centrally in abase plate 12. The dispensingnozzle 11 comprises a dispensingaperture 13 through which the towel is dispensed. The housing 3 defines aninterior chamber 14 for receiving the roll of towel. - As shown in
Figure 2 , the dispensingnozzle 11 comprises anouter member 15, aninner member 16 and acontrol member 17. Thecontrol member 17 is configured to control the dispensing of towel from thetowel dispenser 1. Thecontrol member 17 defines the dispensingaperture 13 through which the towel is dispensed. Thecontrol member 17 engages the towel as it is pulled through the dispensingaperture 13 by a user. The forces applied to the towel can be controlled by adjusting the size of the dispensingaperture 13, for example to suit different types and/or grades of paper towel. In the present embodiment, thecontrol member 17 is in the form of a resilient member which is deformable to adjust the effective size of the dispensingaperture 13. Theouter member 15 defines afirst funnel 18; and theinner member 16 defines asecond funnel 19. The first andsecond funnels nozzle 11 through the dispensingaperture 13. - The
control member 17 comprises first andsecond jaws hinge 22. The first andsecond jaws nozzle 11. The first and second contact surfaces S1, S2 each have a concave profile in plan form. In the present embodiment, thecontrol member 17 is moulded from a resilient material, such as an elastomer. Thehinge 22 is a live hinge moulded integrally at a first end of the first andsecond jaws hinge 22 has a part-circular profile which introduces a first offset G1 between the first andsecond jaws hinge 22 at the first end of said first andsecond jaws second jaws second jaws aperture 13 can be adjusted which, in use, changes the frictional engagement of the towel as it is dispensed. - The
outer member 15 is operable to controllably adjust the position of the first andsecond jaws aperture 13. In the present embodiment theouter member 15 functions as adjustment means for controllably deforming thecontrol member 17 to adjust the size of the dispensingaperture 13. Theouter member 15 is moulded from a plastics material, such as polypropylene. As shown inFigures 3A and 3B , theouter member 15 is generally annular in shape and comprises afirst orifice 23 having a first diameter D1. Thefirst funnel 18 provides a convex surface extending outwardly from thefirst orifice 23 to guide the towel. Theouter member 15 is rotatable about a rotational axis X. With reference toFigure 3A , acylindrical member 24 is formed inside theouter member 15. A longitudinal axis of thecylindrical member 24 is arranged substantially parallel to the rotational axis X of theouter member 15. First and second mountingtabs cylindrical member 24 to rotatably mount theouter member 15 to thebase plate 12. The first and second mountingtabs surfaces base plate 12. Afirst projection 29 extends from thecylindrical member 24 to engage thecontrol member 17, as described herein. A plurality of reinforcingribs 30 is formed inside theouter member 15 to support thecylindrical member 24. - With reference to
Figure 3B , theouter member 15 comprises asidewall 31 having a curved profile. A series ofnotches 32A-E are formed in a radially outer edge of thesidewall 31. Thenotches 32A-E are arranged to cooperate with aprotuberance 33 formed on a lower surface of thebase plate 12. In use, theprotuberance 33 locates in one of saidnotches 32A-E to inhibit rotation of theouter member 15. The continued application of torque to theouter member 15 releases theprotuberance 33 and permits continued rotation of theouter member 15. Thenotches 32A-E and theprotuberance 33 thereby cooperate to form a series of predetermined rotational stop positions for theouter member 15. In the present embodiment, there are five (5)notches 32A-E, but theouter member 15 could comprise less than or more than five (5)notches 32A-E. Theouter sidewall 28 also comprises three (3)radial projections 34 to facilitate gripping of theouter member 15. - As shown in
Figure 3B , a plurality ofcurved walls 35 is formed circumferentially around thefirst funnel 18. Thecurved walls 35 are generally U-shaped and overlap the curved profiled of thefirst funnel 18. A series of taperedchannels 36 are formed between thecurved walls 35 to grip the towel as it is dispensed through the dispensingaperture 13. In the present embodiment, there are nine (9)curved walls 35. - The
inner member 16 is moulded from a plastics material, such as polypropylene. As shown inFigures 4A and 4B , theinner member 16 is generally annular in shape and comprises asecond orifice 37 having a second diameter D2. Thesecond funnel 19 provides a convex surface extending inwardly towards thesecond orifice 37 to guide the towel. Theinner member 16 comprises first andsecond locking tabs second locking tabs second recesses base plate 12 and to engage an underside of thebase plate 12. The first andsecond locking tabs inner member 16 to thebase plate 12. An underside of theinner member 16 is shown inFigure 4B . Asecond projection 42 projects outwardly from theinner member 16. Thesecond projection 42 comprises aradial portion 43 and atangential portion 44 arranged in a T-shaped configuration. - A perspective view of the
control member 17 is shown inFigure 5A ; and plan and side elevations are shown inFigures 5B and 5C . Thecontrol member 17 comprises a lower connectingportion 45 configured to engage thefirst funnel 18; and an upper connectingportion 46 configured to engage thesecond funnel 19. The upper and lower connectingportions cylindrical walls Figure 5B , a second offset G2 is formed between the second ends of the first andsecond jaws second jaws control member 17 when in a neutral (unloaded) state. The first andsecond projections outer member 15 and theinner member 16 locate within the second offset G2. The dispensingaperture 13 is defined between the first andsecond jaws aperture 13 corresponds to the distance between the first and second contact surfaces S1, S2. As shown most clearly inFigure 5C , the first andsecond jaws portion 45 and the upper connectingportion 46 such that the width W of the dispensingaperture 13 is smaller than the first and second diameters D1, D2 of the first andsecond orifices - A sectional view through the dispensing
nozzle 11 is shown inFigure 6 with a length of towel T illustrated schematically. As represented by a first arrow A1, a user grips a free end of the towel T and pulls downwardly to dispense a length of the towel T. Thecontrol member 17 is disposed between the outer andinner members portion 45 engages the outside of thefirst funnel 18, and the upper connectingportion 46 engages the outside of thesecond funnel 19. The first andsecond jaws aperture 13 of thepaper towel dispenser 1. The first andsecond projections second jaws first projection 29 is rotatable with theouter member 15, whereas thesecond projection 42 is fixed. Thus, the first andsecond projections outer member 15 about the rotation axis X. The first andsecond projections second jaws outer member 15 is rotated. The width W of the dispensingaperture 13 can thereby be adjusted by rotating theouter member 15. The rotation of theouter member 15 in a first direction (clockwise in the illustrated arrangement) increases the width W of the dispensingaperture 13; and the rotation of theouter member 15 in a second direction (anticlockwise in the illustrated arrangement) decreases the width W of the dispensingaperture 13. Theouter member 15 can thereby function as adjustment means for controllably adjusting the size of the dispensingaperture 13. The resilience of thecontrol member 17 biases the first andsecond jaws second projections second projections aperture 13 for controlling dispensing of the towel T. In the present embodiment the first andsecond jaws second projections - The rotation of the
outer member 15 is illustrated in the plan view shown inFigure 7 . Theouter member 15 is rotatable relative to thebase plate 12, as represented by a second arrow A2. The rotation of theouter member 15 causes thefirst projection 29 to rotate, thereby displacing thefirst jaw 20 relative to thesecond jaw 21. Theinner member 16 is fixed in position and thesecond projection 42 functions as a stop to inhibit rotation of thecontrol member 17. Depending on the direction of rotation, theouter member 15 can be actuated to displace the first andsecond jaws control member 17 biases the first andsecond jaws outer member 15 causes theprotuberance 33 formed in thebase plate 12 to locate in thenotches 32A-E. The notches 32A-E thereby define a plurality of discrete angular stop positions P1-5, as illustrated inFigure 7 . The stop positions P1-5 can be defined to provide effective operation for particular grades or types of paper towel. By rotating theouter member 15 thetowel dispenser 1 can be configured (or re-configured) for use with a particular grade or type of paper towel. Theouter member 15 locates in one of said angular stop positions P1-5 and defines the position of the first andsecond jaws outer member 15 thereby sets the width W of the dispensingaperture 13. - Since the
outer member 15 is disposed on an exterior of the housing 3, thecontrol member 17 can be configured without removing thefront cover 5. The ability to increase the width of the dispensingaperture 13 may also facilitate insertion of a length of towel through the dispensingnozzle 11 when a new roll of paper towel is loaded. - It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications could be made to the
towel dispenser 1 described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, thecontrol member 17 could have an annular configuration which can be squashed radially inwardly to reduce the effective width of the dispensingaperture 13. Thecontrol member 17 has been illustrated as having a generally circular configuration, but it will be appreciated that it could have a polygonal or elliptical configuration. Thefirst projection 29 and/or thesecond projection 42 could be configured to positively engage thecontrol member 17. For example, thefirst projection 29 could locate in a first locating aperture formed in thefirst jaw 20; and/or thesecond projection 42 could locate in a second locating aperture formed in thesecond jaw 21. A direct connection could thereby be established between theouter member 15 and thecontrol member 17. - Furthermore, rather than define stop positions P1-5, the
outer member 15 could be allowed to rotate continuously to provide a continuously (infinitely)variable dispensing aperture 13. A retardation device, such as a friction brake, could be provided to retard rotation of theouter member 15. - A lock mechanism could be provided selectively to inhibit rotation of the
outer member 15. A key can be used by a service technician to operate the lock mechanism. - The
second projection 42 has been described herein as having a fixed position. In a modified arrangement, thesecond projection 42 could also be movable. For example, theinner member 16 could be rotatable independently of theouter member 15. This arrangement could provide a larger range of relative movement of the first andsecond engagement members aperture 13.
Claims (13)
- A paper towel dispenser (1) comprising:a housing (3) having an interior chamber (14) for receiving a roll of paper towel (T); anda control member (17) defining a dispensing aperture (13) through which the paper towel (T) is dispensed, the control member (17) comprising first and second engaging members (20, 21) for engaging paper towel (T) dispensed through the dispensing aperture (13);wherein the first and second engaging members (20, 21) of the control member (17) are deformable to alter the size of the dispensing aperture (13).
- A paper towel dispenser (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second engaging members (20, 21) are hingedly connected to each other.
- A paper towel dispenser (1) as claimed in claim 2, the first and second engaging members (20, 21) each have a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of said first and second engaging members (20, 21) are hingedly connected by a hinge (22).
- A paper towel dispenser (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the hinge (22) comprises a cavity which opens into a region between said first and second engaging members (20, 21).
- A paper towel dispenser (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cavity is part-cylindrical in shape.
- A paper towel dispenser (1) as claimed in any one of claims 3, 4 or 5, wherein the hinge (22) is a live hinge formed integrally with the first and second engaging members (20, 21).
- A paper towel dispenser (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control member (17) is formed from a resilient material, such as an elastomeric material.
- A paper towel dispenser (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising adjustment means (15) for controllably deforming the control member (17) to adjust the size of the dispensing aperture (13).
- A paper towel dispenser (1) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the adjustment means comprises a rotatable member (15) for cooperating with the control member (17).
- A paper towel dispenser (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the rotatable member (15) comprises a projection (29) for engaging the control member (17), the projection (29) being adapted to deform the control member (17) when the rotatable member (15) is rotated.
- A paper towel dispenser (1) as claimed in any one of claims 8, 9 or 10 comprising a dispensing nozzle (11), wherein the rotatable member (15) forms an outer portion of the dispensing nozzle (11).
- A paper towel dispenser (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the dispensing nozzle (11) comprises a first funnel (18) for guiding the paper towel (T) dispensed through the dispensing aperture (13); the control member (17) cooperating with said first funnel (18).
- A paper towel dispenser (1) as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the rotatable member (15) is rotatable between a plurality of predetermined positions (P1-5).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL15020217T PL3040005T3 (en) | 2014-11-05 | 2015-11-04 | Towel dispenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB1419730.5A GB201419730D0 (en) | 2014-11-05 | 2014-11-05 | Towel dispenser |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3040005A1 EP3040005A1 (en) | 2016-07-06 |
EP3040005B1 true EP3040005B1 (en) | 2018-08-15 |
Family
ID=52118763
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP15020217.4A Not-in-force EP3040005B1 (en) | 2014-11-05 | 2015-11-04 | Towel dispenser |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3040005B1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK3040005T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2697759T3 (en) |
GB (1) | GB201419730D0 (en) |
PL (1) | PL3040005T3 (en) |
PT (1) | PT3040005T (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD878078S1 (en) | 2017-07-13 | 2020-03-17 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Paper product dispenser |
JP7282772B2 (en) * | 2017-12-15 | 2023-05-29 | ゴジョ・インダストリーズ・インコーポレイテッド | Wipe dispenser and easily load-adjustable discharge nozzle |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5263607A (en) * | 1992-08-11 | 1993-11-23 | Molnlycke | Adjustable nozzle for a dispenser and method of using same |
US7275672B2 (en) * | 2001-09-11 | 2007-10-02 | Alwin Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Center pull dispenser with self-adjusting dispenser mechanism |
US6592001B2 (en) * | 2001-12-18 | 2003-07-15 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide | Dispenser for sheet material containing a dispensing port incrementally variable within a range |
-
2014
- 2014-11-05 GB GBGB1419730.5A patent/GB201419730D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2015
- 2015-11-04 PL PL15020217T patent/PL3040005T3/en unknown
- 2015-11-04 ES ES15020217T patent/ES2697759T3/en active Active
- 2015-11-04 DK DK15020217.4T patent/DK3040005T3/en active
- 2015-11-04 PT PT15020217T patent/PT3040005T/en unknown
- 2015-11-04 EP EP15020217.4A patent/EP3040005B1/en not_active Not-in-force
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
PL3040005T3 (en) | 2019-06-28 |
DK3040005T3 (en) | 2018-12-10 |
EP3040005A1 (en) | 2016-07-06 |
GB201419730D0 (en) | 2014-12-17 |
ES2697759T3 (en) | 2019-01-28 |
PT3040005T (en) | 2018-11-26 |
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