US2996219A - Dispensing device for literature and the like - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 15, 1961 CHRIS J. TSAI DISPENSING DEVICE FOR LITERATURE AND THE LIKE Filed March 24, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. CHRIS d. TSAI BY I Ill s5 \52 L44 .7791. ATTOP/VEY Aug. 15, 1961 DISPENSING DEVICE FOR LITERATURE AND THE LIKE Filed March 24, 1959 CHRIS J. TSAI 2,996,219

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 A TOPMW Aug. 15, 1961 CHRIS J. TSAl 2,996,219

DISPENSING DEVICE FOR LITERATURE AND THE LIKE Filed March 24, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 54 IN VENTOR.

75-15 CHRIS d. TSAI ATTOPATK link d SWSQPW 7 2,996,219 DISPENSING DEVICE FOR LITERATURE AND THELIKE g V, Chris J. Tsai, 39 Hwai Ning St., Taipei, Taiwan, China Filed Mar. 24, 1959, Ser. No. 801,528 4 Claims. (Cl. 221-259) This invention concerns a sheet dispensing device and more particularly is directed at a device for distributing programs, menus, advertising literature, etc., in theatres, restaurants, schools, and other public places.

An object of the invention is the provision of a device whereby printed and unprinted paper sheets, programs, napkins, leaflets, etc., can be drawn out automatically one by one by the public without requiring any attendant to perform such distributing functions.

A further object is the provision of a device of the character described in which the drawing out of one paper sheet advances'another into position for removal from the device.

A still further object is the provision of a device in which endless rubber belts frictionally contact the top of a pile of paper sheets to be dispensed, and advance one sheet after another as the successive sheets are drawn.

out of the device.

Another object is the provision of a device of the character described in which the belts are mounted on a floating frame which rests on the pile of sheets to be dispensed, the weight of the belts and their frame support providing the traction necessary for advancing the sheets one after the other.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a device embodying the invention.

'FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the device with portions broken away to show internal parts.

FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view taken on FIG. 1.

' FIG. 4 is an elevational sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

' FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a drawer employed in the device.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a housing of the device.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a catch member employed for temporary support of a frame assembly in the device.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of frame members employed in the device.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4 and FIG. 8, there is shown a box or housing 10 having a flat top 12, bottom E14, sides 16 and 18, a rear wall 20, and a front wall 22. The front wall is formed with a large rectangular opening 24 and four spaced threaded holes 26 near the corners. Side walls 16 and 18 have two long vertical slots 28 and 30. An additional slot 32 is formed in wall 18 between slot 30 and the front wall 22.

' On the top wall 12 is mounted a handle 32. A slot 34 is located in the top wall. A flat hook 36, best shown in FIG. 9, is pivotally mounted at the base of the handle and is adapted to be moved parallel to the top wall so that the free end 38 thereof crosses slot 34. The rear wall 20 has a large rectangular opening 40 best shown in line 3-3 bf tically disposed at the sides of housing 10. One rod is FIG. 4. Extending from this opening is a rectangular sleeve-like extension 42 adapted to receive a drawer 44. This drawer is shown partially inserted into the wall extension 42 in FIG. 8. The drawer, as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, has a flat rear wall 46 with a turned top edge 48. Wall 46 is adapted to fit flush against the flanged end 49 of extension 42. Wall 46 is joined to two upstanding vertical triangular side walls 50 of the drawer. The bottom 52 of the drawer is rectangular. A handle 53 is disposed on the other side of wall 46 as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In order to support the drawer in the housing 10 there is provided a pair of angle brackets 54 supported on side walls 16 and 18 and located near the bottom 14. The flat horizontal flanges 55 of the brackets are coplanar and aligned with the bottom of the opening 40 in the rear wall 20.

- A pile of flat rectangular sheets S may be placed in the drawer which may then be inserted into the housing in the position shown best in FIGS. 2 and 4. The sheets S are omitted from FIG. 3.

The sheet dispensing mechanism includes a rectangular frame whose sides 61 are supported by two laterally.

frame members 64, best shown in FIG. 10. Each of these members has a plate portion located outside the housing. The flanges 63 extend through slots 28 and 30 in walls 16, 18. Section 65 of plate 65 is disposed lower and is ofiset from the upper section 65 as clearly shown in FIG. 10. The forward free ends of plates 65 are formed with outwardly extending flanges 66 having vertical' slots 68. Secured to the flanges 66 by screws 70 is a sheet dispensing member 72, best shown in FIG. 11. This member is a channel-shaped plate disposed with its flat bottom wall 74 in a vertical position. The flat wall 74 has a slot 75 and a forwardly extending flap 76 disposed longitudinally between the ends of member 72.

Secured to the back of wall 74 by screws and nuts 73 is another channel member 77. This member has a top wall 78 disposed at an angle to forward wall 79 and rear wall 69. Wall 78 inclines downwardly and re-arwardly, as best shown in FIG. 2, to provide a guide for passage of sheet S in turn through slot 75. Rear wall 69 of member 77 is vertical.

Two cylindrical sockets 80 and 80 are attached to an angle bracket 81 which is secured by screws 82 threaded in holes 26 at the upper corners of front wall 22. Two other similar sockets 89 and 89 are attached to another angle bracket 83 held by screws 83 near the bottom of the housing. Two rods 84 and 84 are versupported in sockets 80 and 80. The other rod is supported in sockets 80- and 80 Between the upper horizontal flange 85 of member 72 and the upper bracket 81 is a slatted expausible wall 86. A similar expansible wall 88 is mounted between the lower flange 87 of member 72 and the lower bracket 83. The rods pass through holes or slots 89 located near the ends of the slats and corresponding holes in flanges 85, 87 and bracket 88 aligned with sockets 80, 80 and 89 80 The structure of the walls 86 and 88, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, includes a flexible fabric back 90 to which the slats 91 are attached so that the walls assume the expansible and retractable zig-zag positions shown in FIG. 2. The lower end of wall 86 and the upper end of wall 88 are preferably cemented to the flanges 8'5 and 87 of member 72. The upper end of wall 86 is secured to the horizontal bracket 81. is attached to bracket 83. Thus, when the frame 60 moves up the walls 86, 88 contract and expand respectively to conceal the opening 24 at the front of the housing,

Patented Aug. 15, 1961 The lower end of wall 88 a Disposed transversely across the sides 61 of frame 60 near" the rear thereof is ashaft 92 whichi carries two freely rotatable flanged wheels- 96' and 98? supportingtoothed endless rubberbelts 101, 103. A sleeve-shaft 95- best shown in FIGS. Z-Scarries another flanged wheel" 99'. A- fourth flanged wheel 97 is carried by another sleeve shaft 94. Wheels 97- and '99- support the forwardi ends of belts 103; 101'. Shafts-Mand 95 are-*rotatablymounted on a shaft IOOpassingaxially' therethroughi This shaft passes through the sides 61 of the frame 60? and through the'slot 32 in side wall 1-8. Aknobhandl'e 102" is secured'on the outer end of shaft 100'. The shaft 100 terminates in a nut 104=threaded thereon at" onesid'e ofwheel 99.- Secured to shaft 100' is aroller 106' which hasa central peripheral groove 108-in whichis secureda cord 110. This cord extends-through a holeinwal1 74 andterminates in a knob handle 111-, outside ofrmember: 72. Mounted on sleeve shafts 94land 9$ at their inner ends adjacent the sides of roller 106'aretwo ratchet wheels 112 and 114. Pivotablepawls 116' are carried at" thesides of the roller 106 for engaging in thev teeth of theratchet wheels. Springs 118 hold thepawls'in: engagement with the teeth. Thesesprings are carriedon the sides of roller 106;

A pair of rods or arms 120, 122 arervertical'ly disposed and are carried at the sides 61 oftheframe 61L Theserods terminate at their upper ends in closed. loops 124. which are juxtaposed to each other. These; loops can be passed through the slot 34 when the frame is raised: sufficiently so that the freeend, 38 of hook 3.6 v can be engaged therein to hold the. frame elevated. Thev lower; ends of rods 120, 122 are; secured by: nuts 126 and screws 128 to the sides of the frame; The rods extend: verticallyfrom the sides of the frame and are-them bent inwardly: to juxtapose the loops 124together.

In operation of the device, drawer 44z-willhe drawn, out; of the device and loaded with a. pile of sheets: S- The. frame 60 will be in an elevated position with; loops; 12.4; ofrods 120, 122 engaged by the end 38.: (if hook: 3.6." t the top of the housing. The loadedidrawer. will thenbe pushed inwardly to the positions shown in FIGS. 2-44. The hook will then be pivoted outwardly o; disengage; the loops 124 and the frame will be: lowered so. that the; lower straight toothedsides of'belts; 101,.103-rest10n the; uppermost one of the sheets S. This will align, the forward end of the topmost sheet: with theslot 75. in member 72. The knob 111 will then be pulled fQ TWaIid. manually unwinding cord 110 to cause roller 1.0 to. turn. Since ratchet wheels 112 and 114 areheld engaged. with the roller by the pawls 116, thesewheels; will turn. with the roller 106 to rotate: the shafts 9 95. and wheels 96-99. This advances the lower sides. of he. belts which are resting on thetopmost: Qfi sheets S 301 that this sheet is pushed about half waythrough. slot, 75.. Knob 102 may now be turned manually to turn shaft 100 rotating roller 106 in the opposite direction, rewind; ingthe cord 110 thereon and retractinghandle 1.1L. B cause of the ratchet arrangement and the fri tional. n gagement of the belts on the. sheets, they do not move as the cord is being retracted.

The topmost exposed sheet S is shownin dotted. lines, in FIG. 2 where it has been partially pushed out. thro g slot 75. This sheet may now:- be manually th ra n from the device. As this sheet is being withdrawn. the rear-portions of the lower sides oithe belts comein contact with, the next lower sheet atthe top. of the pile and advance this sheet to a position where it extends. par ially out of slot 75 as the topmost sheet S is drawn. cle r of the device. Thus, Withdrawing each topmost sheet ad.- vances the next sheet under it into position for removal from the dispenser. As the successive sheets are with drawn the pile lowers gradually in. height. The frame 60 and belts move downwardly since the weight of the frameplusthe weight of thewheels, beltsand there. mainder of the sheet advancing mechanism rest on the pile of sheets. The slots in the sides of the housing serve as guides for vertical movement of the frame. While the frame moves down, wall- 88;cont,ractswhi le wall 86 expands keeping the fret-reopening 2 4-. f the housing closed. Whentall of;the; sheets, are dispensed fromthe devicmthe frame can beiittedby. g a p ng hei orwa dlv extending flap 76 or the plates65. Theframewillr be lifted until loops 124 again extend through slot 34 at the top of the housing, The forward end 38 ofthe hook 36 can then be engaged in the-hooks to holdtheframeelevated until; drawer-44 canagain be loaded Witha pile of sheets: andi replaced in thehousing for operation as. described;

The inchned upper side 7810f member 77 providesa lowerguide for the forwardly advancing sheets. Elapt 76' provides an upper guide. The vertical; slots, 68,-,in1 flanges 66' makeit possible-to adjust member 72;.50 that slot 75 is adjustably locatedinoptimumpositiondepend; ing'on the thicknessof'the-sheets. to be dispensed from the device.

This device makes it possible to provide the public.

with a sheet dispensing means which requires no attention by-an attendant otherthan refilling it whenempty; Thus, waiters in restaurants, ushers in theatres, attendants. in toilet rooms, and othersare-freeof the chore of manual y: dispensing sheets as has heretofore been required.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred: embodiment-of my invention, it is to be understoodzthat I do not limit myself to theprecise construction herein disclosed and thatvarious changes and modificationsmaythe made within the scope of the invention as defined in. the. appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as,

new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A sheet dispensing device, comprising. a housing having a closed top and side walls, and an open front wall, meansqfor supportinga pile of sheets in, the housing,

near the open front wall, endless; belt means disposed within the housing and positioned to rest on. the. top of said pile, said belt means being. movable as the topmost one of said sheets is drawn out of the housing through. the opening in the front wall to frictionally engage the next lower sheet on the pile and advance said next sheet par; tially out of said opening, said sidewalls having v,e rt ic al slots therein, plate members extending through said slots, and a frame movably supporting the beltmeans, said plate members being attached to the frame whereby the frame is guided by said vertical slots in vertical movement in the housing, said frame carrying manually operable means for moving the, belt; means to advance the topmost sheet partially out of the housing, the last-. named means including a roller, a cord attached to said roller for actuating the same ratchet wheels engaged; with said roller, and flanged wheels mounted on shafts en gaged with said ratchet wheels, said flanged wheels sup- P said e t eans, e eby p l i s id. ord urns said roller, ratchet wheels, and flanged wheels and advances said belt means, therebeing a central sup-. porting the first-named shafts and secured to said roller, said central shaft extending outof the housing and being manually rotatable to retract said cord without moving said belt means, said top wall having a slot the gei n a catch member disposed nearthe last-named slot, and a vertical arm attached to the frame and adapted to, extend through said slot to engage said catch member forholding the frame and belt means in an elevated position.

2. A sheet dispensing device, comprising a housing having a closed top and side walls, and an open front wall, means for supporting a pile of sheets in the housing near the open front wall, endless belt means disposed within the housing and positioned to rest on the top of said pile, said belt means being movable as the topmost one of said sheets is drawn out of the housing through the opening in the front wall to frictionally engage the next lower sheet on the pile and advance said next sheet partially out of said opening, said side walls having vertical slots therein, plate members extending through said slots, and a frame movably supporting the belt means, said plate members being attached to the frame whereby the frame is guided by said vertical slots in vertical movement in the housing, said frame carrying manually operable means for moving the belt means to advance the topmost sheet partially out of the housing, the lastnamed means including a cord operated roller, ratchet wheels engaged with said roller, and flanged wheels mounted on shafts engaged with said ratchet wheels, said flanged wheels supporting said belt means, whereby pulling said cord turns said roller, ratchet wheels, and flanged wheels and advances said belt means, there being a central shaft supporting the first-named shafts and secured to said roller, said central shaft extending out of the housing and being manually rotatable to retract said cord without moving said belt means, said top wall having a slot therein, a catch member disposed near the lastnamed slot, and a vertical arm attached to the frame and adapted to extend through said slot to engage said catch member for holding the frame and belt means in an elevated position, a slotted member carried by said plate members in front of said front wall, the slotted member providing a guide for sheets dispensed from the housing, and slatted walls carried by said slotted member, said slatted walls being collapsible and expansible for keeping the opening in the front wall covered except for the slot in the slotted member as the frame moves in the housing.

3. A sheet dispensing device, comprising a housing having a closed top and side walls, and an open front wall, means for supporting a pile of sheets in the housing near the open front wall, endless belt means disposed Within the housing and positioned to rest on the top of said pile, said belt means being movable as the topmost one of said sheets is drawn out of the housing through the opening in the front wall to frictionally engage the next lower sheet on the pile and advance said next sheet partially out of said opening, said side walls having vertical slots therein, plate members extending through said slots, and a frame movably supporting the belt means, said plate members being attached to the frame whereby the frame is guided by said vertical slots in vertical movement in the housing, said frame carrying manually operable means for moving the belt means to advance the topmost sheet partially out of the housing, the lastnamed means including a cord operated roller, ratchet wheels engaged with said roller, and flanged wheels mounted on shafts engaged with said ratchet wheels, said flanged wheels supporting said belt means, whereby pulling said cord turns said roller, ratchet wheels, and flanged wheels and advances said belt means, there being a central shaft supporting the first-named shafts and secured to said roller, said central shaft extending out of the housing and being manually rotatable to retract said cord without moving said belt means, said top Wall having a slot therein, a catch member disposed near the lastnamed slot, and a vertical arm attached to the frame and adapted to extend through said slot to engage said catch member for holding the frame and belt means in an elevated position, a slotted member carried by said plate members in front of said front wall, the slotted member providing a guide for sheets dispensed from the housing, and slatted walls carried by said slotted member, said slatted walls being collapsible and expansible for keeping the opening in the front wall covered except for the slot in the slotted member as the frame moves in the housing, said plate members having slotted flanges secured to the ends of the slotted member, the slots in the flanges permitting adjustable positioning of said slotted member depending on the thickness of sheets to be dispensed from the pile.

4. A sheet dispensing device, comprising a housing having closed top and side walls, and an open front wall, means for supporting a pile of sheets in the housing near the open front wall, endless belt means disposed within the housing and positioned to rest on the top of said pile, said belt means being movable as the topmost one of said sheets is drawn out of the housing through the opening in the front wall to frictionally engage the next lower sheet on the pile and advance said next sheet partially out of said opening, said side walls having vertical slots therein, plate members extending through said slots, and a frame movably supporting the belt means, said plate members being attached to the frame whereby the frame is guided by said vertical slots in vertical movement in the housing, said frame carrying manually operable means for moving the belt means to advance the topmost sheet partially out of the housing, the last-named means including a cord operated roller, ratchet wheels engaged with said roller, and flanged wheels mounted on shafts engaged with said ratchet wheels, said flanged wheels supporting said bel-t means, whereby pulling said cord turns said roller, ratchet wheels, and flanged wheels and advances said belt means, there being a central shaft supporting the first-named shafts and secured to said roller, said central shaft extending out of thehousing and being manually rotatable to retract said cord Without moving said belt means, said top wall having a slot therein, a catch member disposed near the last-named slot, and a vertical arm attached to the frame and adapted to extend through said slot to engage said catch member for holding the frame and belt means in an elevated position, a slotted member carried by said plate members in front of said front wall, the slotted member providing a guide for sheets dispensed from the housing and slatted walls carried by said slotted member, said slatted walls being collapsible and expansible for keeping the opening in the front wall covered except for the slot in the slotted member as the frame moves in the housing, said plate members having slotted flanges secured to ends of the slotted member, the slots in the flanges permitting adjustable positioning of said slotted member depending on the thickness of sheets to be dispensed from the pile, said housing having a rear wall with an opening therein, there being a drawer removably disposed in the housing and providing the firstnamed means, said drawer being insertable through the opening in the rear wall.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 363,694 Sperry May 24, 1887 588,066 Hoyt Aug. 10, 1897 784,325 Hatch Mar. 7, 1905 1,154,634 Hoberg Sept. 28, 1915

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