Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02656943 2008-11-13
VERSATILE CORE SIZE TISSUE DISPENSER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of dispensers. More specifically,
the present
invention relates to dispensers which are capable of accommodating different
sizes of tissue rolls
and tissue roll cores.
Background of the Invention
Toilet tissue is usually manufactured and marketed in rolls. The rolls are
attached to
dispensers which are mounted on a wall. Toilet tissue rolls used in a
commercial setting have
core-diameters ranging from 2.54 cm (1 inch) to 10.16 cm (4 inch), while
household rolls
generally have a more standard core diameter of about 3.81 cm (1.5 inches).
In a commercial setting, toilet tissue dispensers oftentimes support multiple
rolls. Wall
mounted devices for dispensing multiple tissue paper rolls are known in the
art. Such rolls
typically may support the axis of each roll either parallel to or
perpendicular to a mounting wall.
For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,294,329 describes a dispenser wherein tissue
rolls are mounted in
a side-by-side orientation, with the axis of each roll perpendicular to the
wall of a washroom.
U.S. Patent No. 4,872,601 describes a dispenser wherein industrial sized
rolls, as opposed to
personal sized rolls, are mounted in a side-by-side orientation.
In commercial dispensers, a spindle is provided to support the various tissue
rolls.
Various spindle arrangements for wall-mounted dispensers exist in the
marketplace. Such
spindle arrangements may accommodate two, three or four rolls. A two-roll
dispenser may have
a movable top spindle which drops out of an enclosure either by pressing a
button or
alternatively being automatically tripped when the lower roll is depleted.
Another multiple roll
dispenser is in the form of a carousel that allows the user to rotate
sequential rolls along the wall
of the washroom. Other tissue dispensers, such as that described in U.S.
Patent No. 4,807,823,
have a top roll holder and a bottom roll holder, both of which have fixed
spindles. An enclosure
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is provided over the top roll so that the user cannot remove tissue sheets
from the top roll until
the bottom roll has been depleted.
The capacity of a tissue roll is dependent upon the size of the core diameter
and roll
width. Most commercial toilet tissue dispensers limit roll size versatility
because each dispenser
only accepts one core size and/or one tissue roll size. As a result, a
dispenser that can accept
various sized core diameters would allow a user to load a wide variety of
commercial grade
tissue rolls. By having one dispenser that can provide tissue from different
sized rolls, the need
to purchase a plurality of different dispensers to accommodate each core size
is eliminated.
U.S. Patent No. 6,364,245 describes a tissue dispenser with adaptable spindle
core
support structures that may be used with at least two different diameter cores
of a toilet tissue
roll. The core support structures project from and attach to the back wall of
the dispenser. The
supports are stationary and do not concurrently rotate with an engaged tissue
core. A user
pulling the tissue from the roll must exert enough effort to overcome any
frictional resistance
between the tissue core and the corresponding, stationary core support. As a
result of the higher
friction from a non-rotating core, tissue may prematurely break when pulled,
causing
inconvenience for the user.
Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a tissue dispenser having a
means for
accommodating tissue rolls of various inner core diameters. A need further
exists for a tissue
dispenser that prevents the premature accessibility of one tissue roll before
another roll is
substantially exhausted, and that accommodates tissue rolls of different outer
diameters. There
further exists a need for such a tissue dispenser wherein the support
structure rotates with the
roll.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The benefits and advantages of the present invention are achieved by an
improved tissue
dispenser capable of accommodating tissue rolls having different inner core
sizes and different
outer diameters. The dispenser generally includes a base and at least one
spindle. In one aspect,
a first spindle and a second spindle are provided. Each spindle extends from
the base, and is
rotatable relative to the base. Each spindle has an elongated shaft
terminating at a tip distally
from the base. Preferably, the tips of the spindles are shaped to operatively
engage outer knobs
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along the cover. In this manner, a user may rotate the spindles and supported
tissue rolls by
rotating the knobs external to the dispenser.
The dispenser also has a plurality of sleeves interchangeably disposed on the
shafts of the
one or more spindles. Each sleeve comprises an elongated shaft with an inner
diameter
dimensioned to receive the shaft of the spindle. The sleeves optionally have
slots to receive a
corresponding spline of the spindle. In this way, rotational movement of the
spindle imparts
rotational movement to the sleeve. Finally, the sleeves may have a plurality
of fins radially
disposed on the outer diameter. The fins have a width dimensioned to
circumferentially support
the inner diameter of a core of a tissue roll. In accordance with one aspect
of the present
invention, the widths of the fins for the sleeves vary so as to accommodate
tissue rolls having
different inner core sizes.
The dispenser also preferably includes a door assembly. The door assembly is
configured
to selectively prevent access to a tissue roll on either the first or the
second side of the base.
Preferably, the door assembly is biased to a right side, and a door catch is
provided to selectively
hold the door assembly to a left side after a left tissue roll has been
substantially exhausted.
A plurality of snap fittings configured to releasably attach to the door
assembly may also
be provided. Each snap fitting has a different height to prevent the premature
movement of the
door assembly by the user from one side of the tissue dispenser to the other,
depending upon the
diameter of the core of the tissue rolls used. Preferably, the selected snap
fitting releasably
attaches along a horizontal base of the door assembly.
The dispenser preferably has an outer first knob and an outer second knob.
Each knob is
supported on the cover. The outer first and second knobs are aligned with the
tips of the first and
second spindles, respectively, such that rotation of the first knob causes the
first spindle and
supported sleeve to rotate, while rotation of the second knob causes the
second spindle and
supported sleeve to rotate.
In another aspect, this invention provides a tissue dispenser by which a user
may access a
role of tissue comprising:
(A) a base;
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(B) at least one spindle, the spindle rotating relative to the base and having
an
elongated shaft extending from the base and terminating at a tip distally from
the base; and
(C) a plurality of sleeves interchangeably disposed on the shaft of the
spindle, each
sleeve comprising an elongated shaft terminating at an end, the shaft having
an inner diameter
dimensioned to receive the shaft of the spindle, and an outer diameter,
wherein the plurality of sleeves and the elongated shaft of each of the at
least one
spindle rotate together; and
wherein at least two of the plurality of sleeves are configured to support
tissue rolls
having cores of different diameters.
Preferably, the shaft of the spindle comprises at least one, and possibly two
or three,
splines. In addition, each of the plurality of sleeves preferably includes a
slot for receiving a
corresponding spline so that each of the plurality of sleeves and the
elongated shaft of each of the
at least one spindle rotate together. In one aspect slots are placed in the
end of each of the
sleeves.
In one aspect, the sleeves have different outer diameters dimensioned to
support tissue
rolls having cores of about 2.5 cm to about 11.0 cm in diameter. For instance,
the plurality of
sleeves may comprise (i) a first pair of sleeves, with each of the sleeves
having outer diameters
dimensioned to support tissue rolls having a core diameter of about 5.84 cm;
and (ii) a second
pair of sleeves, with each of the sleeves having outer diameters dimensioned
to support tissue
rolls having a core diameter of about 8.38 cm.
In one embodiment, each of the plurality of sleeves further comprises at least
one fin
disposed on the outer diameter of the sleeve. The at least one fin has a width
dimensioned to
circumferentially support the core of a tissue roll. The at least one fin may
comprise a plurality
of fins radially disposed around the outer diameter of the shaft of the
corresponding sleeve. For
some sleeves, the fins provide the outer diameter of the sleeves used to
support the tissue rolls.
In one embodiment, the at least one spindle defines a single spindle. The
single spindle is
configured to rotate relative to the base, and to receive and support a tissue
roll having a core
diameter of about 2.8 cm. In another embodiment, the at least one spindle
defines a left and a
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right spindle, with each spindle receiving one of the plurality of sleeves for
supporting a tissue
roll.
In one embodiment, the tissue dispenser further comprises:
(D) a cover pivotally connected to the base for selectively covering the left
and
right spindles and supported tissue rolls.
The base may further comprise a side wall along the base having opposing ends,
with
each end of the side wall defining a pivot arm, and a pin disposed in each of
the pivot arms to
provide pivoting connections between the side walls and the cover.
In one embodiment, the tissue dispenser further comprises:
(E) a door assembly configured to selectively cover a tissue roll on either
the
left or the right side of the base.
The door assembly may further comprise a horizontal base, and a handle for
engaging the
door assembly by a user. Preferably, the door assembly is biased to a first
side of the tissue
dispenser, and further comprises a door stop and a door catch disposed in the
base of the tissue
dispenser for releasably receiving the door stop and holding it on an opposing
second side of the
tissue dispenser.
In one embodiment, the tissue dispenser further comprises:
(F) a plurality of snap fittings configured to releasably attach to the door
assembly, with each snap fitting having a different height to prevent the
premature
movement of the door assembly by the user from a first side of the tissue
dispenser to a
second side, depending upon the diameter of the core of the tissue rolls used.
The snap fittings preferably attach releasably to the horizontal base of the
door assembly.
In one embodiment, the at least one spindle comprises a left spindle and a
right spindle,
and the tissue dispenser further comprises:
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(G) an outer left knob and an outer right knob each supported on the cover,
with the outer left and right knobs being aligned with the tips of the left
and right spindles,
respectively, wherein (i) rotation of the left knob causes the left spindle
and supported sleeve
to rotate; and (ii) rotation of the right knob causes the right spindle and
supported sleeve to
rotate.
In this instance, the tips of the left and right spindles each comprises a
shaped surface that
mates with an inner surface of the left and right knobs, respectively.
Preferably, the inner
surface of the left and right knobs further comprises a separate washer
member.
In another embodiment, a tissue is provided that includes:
(A) a base having a side wall;
(B) a left spindle and a right spindle, each spindle being supported by and
extending
from the body and being rotatable relative to the body, and each spindle
having an elongated
shaft terminating at a tip distally from the base with at least one spline
extending along the shaft;
(C) a plurality of sleeves interchangeably disposable on the shafts of the
spindles,
each sleeve comprising:
an elongated shaft terminating at an end, the shaft having an inner diameter
dimensioned to receive the shaft of the spindle,
at least one slot to receive a corresponding spline of the spindle, and
a plurality of fins radially disposed on the sleeves to form an outer
diameter, the
fins having a width dimensioned to circumferentially support the inner
diameter of a core
of a tissue roll; and
wherein the plurality of sleeves comprises:
a first pair of sleeves having fins dimensioned to form an outer diameter of
each sleeve that is about 5 cm to 7 cm in width; and
a second pair of sleeves having fins dimensioned to form an outer diameter
of each sleeve that is about 7 cm to about 10 cm in width,
so as to support tissue rolls having cores of different inner diameters;
(D) a cover pivotally connected to the tissue dispenser base for covering the
left and
right sleeves;
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(E) a door assembly configured to selectively cover a tissue roll on either
the left or
the right side of the base; and
(F) a plurality of snap fittings configured to releasably attache to the door
assembly,
with each snap fitting having a different height to prevent the premature
movement of the door
assembly by the user from one side of the tissue dispenser to the other,
depending upon the
diameter of the core of the tissue rolls used.
In one embodiment, the at least one spindle comprises a left spindle and a
right spindle.
In this instance, the tissue dispenser further includes:
(G) an outer left knob and an outer right knob each supported on the cover,
with the
outer left and right knobs being aligned with the tips of the left and right
spindles, respectively,
wherein:
rotation of the left knob causes the left spindle and supported sleeve to
rotate; and
rotation of the right knob causes the right spindle and supported sleeve to
rotate.
The spindle may optionally further comprise an elastically formed catch at the
tip of the
spindle. In this instance, each of the plurality of sleeves may further
comprise a radial, inwardly
formed shoulder for engaging the catch when the inner diameter of the sleeve
receives a spindle.
In one arrangement for this embodiment the door assembly is biased to a first
side of the
tissue dispenser. In this instance, the door assembly comprises a horizontal
base, a handle for
engaging the door assembly by a user, a door stop, and a door catch disposed
in the body of the
base of the tissue dispenser for releasably receiving the door stop and
holding it on a second
opposite side of the tissue dispenser.
The tissue dispenser may further comprise:
(H) a locking assembly for selectively locking and unlocking the cover to the
base.
In one particular arrangement,
of the spindles is configured to rotate relative to the base, and to receive
and support a
tissue roll having a core diameter of about 2.8 cm, without using a sleeve;
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each of the sleeves in the first pair of sleeves has an outer diameter
dimensioned to
support tissue rolls having a core diameter of about 5.84 cm; and
each of the sleeves in the second pair of sleeves has an outer diameter
dimensioned to
support tissue rolls having a core diameter of about 8.38 cm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
So that the manner in which the features of the present invention can be
better
understood, certain drawings are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however,
that the drawings
illustrate only selected embodiments of the inventions and are therefore not
to be considered
limiting of scope, for the inventions may admit to other equally effective
embodiments and
applications.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the dispenser of the present invention, in
one
embodiment. Two tissue rolls are shown within the dispenser, in phantom.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1, with the cover
opened to
expose the base. No tissue roll is loaded into the dispenser so that internals
of the dispenser may
be more clearly seen.
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the base of the dispenser of Figure 1. The
cover is
removed from the base for illustrative purposes. The door assembly is
positioned on the right
side of the base. Sleeves have not been positioned on the spindles of the
base.
Figures 4A and 4B provide perspective views of two different snap fittings for
the base.
The snap fitting of Figure 4A has a height that is shorter than the snap
fitting of Figure 4B.
Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of a spindle being moved through the right
opening of
the base.
Figure 6 is an enlarged viewed of the base of the dispenser of Figure 1. The
cover has
been removed from the base for illustrative purposes. A single roll of tissue
has been loaded
onto the left spindle. A sleeve is seen on the right spindle.
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Figure 7 provides a perspective view of an exemplary spindle and an exemplary
sleeve.
The sleeve is exploded away from the spindle.
Figures 8A and 8B provide perspective views of two different embodiments of
sleeves.
The sleeve of Figure 8A has fins that are of a smaller width than the sleeve
of Figure 8B.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the inner surface of a portion of the cover
of Figures 1
and 2. The knob and inner washer are shown exploded away from the right
opening of the cover.
Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the knob and inner washer of Figure 9,
but with
the cover removed for illustrative purposes. The tip of a spindle is seen
engaging the ridges of
the inner washer. The sleeve is not shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
Definitions
As used herein, the term "tissue" refers to any woven or nonwoven substrate
fabricated
from cellulosic or synthetic fibers.
The term "core" means a central, substantially cylindrical opening about which
tissue is
wound or rolled. The core may be a supporting member or may simply be a
reserved opening.
Description of Specific Embodiments
Figure 1 presents a perspective view of a dispenser 100 of the present
invention, in one
embodiment. The purpose of the dispenser 100 is to dispense tissue (such as
toilet tissue) to a
user. The dispenser 100 is shown in a vertical orientation, ready for use. In
operation, the tissue
dispenser 100 is preferably secured to a vertical surface such as a bathroom
wall or stall (not
shown).
The dispenser 100 includes a base 200, and corresponding cover 300. The base
200 is
secured to the vertical surface (not shown), while the cover 300 pivotally
attaches to the base
200. In one aspect, the tissue dispenser 100 dispenses a single roll of
tissue. However, it is
preferred that the dispenser 100 be a dual roll dispenser, permitting a pair
of tissue rolls to be
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dispensed in sequence. Alternatively, the dispenser 100 may accommodate three
or more tissue
rolls.
The illustrative dispenser 100 of Figure 1 is a two-roll dispenser. The cover
300 is
secured to the base 200 such that internal components of the two-roll
dispenser 100 are not
accessible. However, a pair of rolls 20, 30 is shown in phantom and behind the
cover 300. The
rolls represent a left roll 20 and a right roll 30.
Figure 2 demonstrates a perspective view of the dispenser 100 of Figure 1,
with the
cover 300 being opened to expose the base 200. No tissue roll is loaded onto
the dispenser 100.
However, a left roll 20 is seen exploded away from the base 200. More
specifically, a left roll 20
is exploded away from a left spindle 40L on the left side of the base 200.
It can be seen that the exemplary left roll 20 comprises two aspects. First,
the roll has a
circular inner core 22. Second, the roll 20 has tissue 24 wound over or around
the core 22. The
core 22 serves as a central opening or supporting member about which the
tissue 24 is wound or
rolled. The tissue roll defines an outer diameter that must fit within the
left side of the dispenser
100.
Preferably, the tissue 24 of the tissue roll 20 is a substrate of airlaid,
nonwoven fibers
held together by a binding agent. A wide variety of natural and synthetic
fibers are suitable for
use as matrix fibers for the nonwoven tissue. Preferred matrix fibers are
cellulosic fibers, though
matrix fibers may also be synthetic fibers or a mixture of cellulosic and
synthetic fibers.
Cellulosic fibrous materials suitable for use in the dispenser 100 include
both softwood fibers
and hardwood fibers. Desirably, the cellulose fiber for use as a matrix fiber
has been derived
from a source which is one or more of Southern Softwood Kraft, Northern
Softwood Kraft,
hardwood, eucalyptus, mechanical, pre- and post-consumer recycled wood fibers
and rayon, or
Southern Softwood Kraft, Northern Softwood Kraft, or a mixture thereof.
Southern Softwood
Kraft is most preferred.
Binders suitable for use in the nonwoven material may be various bicomponent
binder
fibers or mixtures thereof, various latices or mixtures thereof, or
bicomponent fibers or mixtures
thereof in combination with various latices or mixtures thereof, which may be
thermoplastic,
CA 02656943 2008-11-13
thermosetting or a mixture thereof. However, it is understood that the present
invention is not
limited by the type or composition of tissue 24 used.
Referring again to the dispenser 100, and as noted previously, the dispenser
100 first
includes a base 200. The base 200 comprises a body 202 used to secure the base
200 to a
supporting surface. The body 202 may be any plate, and preferably is a
substantially planar body
that supports tissue rolls 20, 30. Encompassing at least a portion of the body
202 is a side wall
204. In the arrangement of Figures 1 and 2, the wall 204 is integral to the
body 202 and covers
the rolls 20, 30 for aesthetic and hygienic purposes. An opening 205 (seen in
Fig. 3) is retained
along the side wall 204 at the bottom of the body 202 to provide an access to
the tissue rolls 20,
30 by a user.
Within the side wall 204 and central to the body 202 is a central plate 206.
The central
plate 206 defines a vertical member that separates the left 20 and right 30
tissue rolls. The
central plate 206 serves to prevent contamination between the rolls 20, 30 and
to isolate the right
roll 30 while the left roll 20 is being used. The use of the central plate 206
is an optional feature.
Immediately above the central plate 206 is a pair of keyholes 208. As will be
discussed
further below, the keyholes 208 are designed to mate with fingers 308 on the
cover 300. The
keyholes interact with a lock 306. Together the keyholes 208, fingers 308 and
lock 306 form a
locking assembly to selectively lock the cover 300 to the base 200 so as to
prevent unauthorized
access. A key 307 is shown for manipulating the fingers 308.
At opposing ends of the side wall 204 of the base 200 are pivot arms 210. Each
pivot
arm 210 contains a pin opening which receives a pin 212. As will be discussed
further below,
the pin 212 provides a pivoting connection between the base 200 and the cover
300.
The base 200 also includes a plurality of connector openings 214. The
connector
openings 214 are formed into the body 202 and are preferably oval in shape.
Each connector
opening 214 is designed to optionally receive a connector (not shown) such as
a bolt or screw.
In this manner, the base 200 may be secured to a vertical support surface such
as a bathroom
wall or stall (not shown).
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Figure 3 presents an enlarged view of the base 200 of Figures 1 and 2. The
cover 300
has been removed from the base 200 for illustrative purposes. In this view,
various features of
the base 200 are more clearly seen. These include the body 202, the side wall
204, the central
plate 206, and the keyholes 208. Also visible in Figure 3 is an optional door
assembly 220. The
door assembly 220 serves to limit a user's access to one side of the dispenser
100 or the other
when the cover 300 is over the base 200. The door assembly 220 would not be
needed where the
dispenser includes only a single tissue roll.
The door assembly 220 first includes a horizontal base member 222. In the view
of
Figure 3, the base member 222 is positioned along the right side of the base
200. In this
position, the user does not have access to a roll (not shown) which would be
loaded on the right
side of the dispenser 100. The horizontal base 222 is designed to be slideable
along the body
202 of the dispenser 100. To accomplish horizontal movement, a handle 224 is
provided below
the horizontal base 222 of the door assembly 220. A channel 225 is further
provided along the
body 202 in order to afford a track along which the horizontal base 222 may
slide.
The door assembly 220 further comprises a door stop 226. The door stop 226 is
a
generally triangular piece secured to the horizontal door base 222. The door
stop 226 and
connected horizontal base 222 are biased to be in the right side of base 200.
The biasing feature
is preferably a spring (not shown), which urges the door stop 226 and base 222
to the right.
However, when the left tissue roll 20 is essentially exhausted, the user may
slide the door stop
226 and horizontal base 222 towards the left side of the dispenser 100 along
channel 225. As the
door stop 226 reaches the left side of the base 200, it catches a door catch
228 in the body 202.
In this manner, the biasing effect of the door assembly 220 is overcome and
the door stop 226
and horizontal base 222 are maintained on the left side of the base 200. The
user may then
access the tissue roll 30 on the right side of the dispenser 100.
An additional optional feature of the door assembly 220 is a snap fitting 240.
The snap
fitting 240 also defines a generally triangular member. In the embodiment of
Figure 3, the snap
fitting 240 fits upon a left end of the horizontal base 222. The snap fitting
240 serves as a barrier
to prevent a user from sliding the door stop 226 and connected base 222 until
the left roll 20 is
substantially exhausted.
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The snap fitting 240 is designed to be releasably engaged to the horizontal
base 222. In
this way, snap fittings 240 of different sizes, i.e. different heights, may be
employed. This, in
turn, allows the dispenser 100 to functionally accommodate tissue roll sizes
20, 30 of different
outer diameters or different core sizes.
Figures 4A and 4B provide perspective views of two different snap fittings
240' and
240". It can be seen that snap fitting 240' of Figure 4A has a shorter height
than snap fitting
240" of Figure 4B. In this way, a maintenance person can control when the door
assembly 220
can be moved from its right position to its left position, depending upon the
diameter of the core
22 of the left tissue roll 20. Thus, where the tissue roll 20 has a large core
22 and large outer
diameter, a shorter snap fitting (such as fitting 240') would be used.
However, where the tissue
roll 20 has a small diameter core 22 and a small outer diameter, then a taller
snap fitting (such as
fitting 240" of Figure 4B) would be used.
It is noted that the operation of the door assembly 220 could be inverted. In
this respect,
the door assembly could be biased to the left side of the dispenser 100, and
the snap fitting 240'
or 240" could be keyed to the size of the right tissue roll 30 and core 32.
This is simply a
designer's choice.
It can be seen from the enlarged view of Figure 3 that the door assembly 220
remains
positioned on the right side of the base. A large snap fitting (such as snap
fitting 240") has been
placed on the left side of the horizontal base 222 of the door assembly 220.
In this way, a tissue
paper roll 20 having a smaller core 22 may be accommodated.
Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the tissue dispenser 100 includes a cover
300
pivotally secured to the base 200. As with the base 200, the cover 300
includes a body 302 and a
generally radial side wall 304. An opening is once again preserved in the side
wall 304, which
generally corresponds with the access opening 205 preserved by the side wall
204 of the base
200. At opposing ends of the side wall 304 is a pair of pivot arms 310. Pivot
arms 310 generally
correspond in position and function with pivot arms 210 of the base 200. Each
pivot arm 310
includes a pinhole which receives the pins 212. In this manner, the pivot arms
310 of the cover
300 are pivotally secured to the pivot arms 210 of the base 200.
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In the perspective view of Figure 2, the cover 300 has been pivotally opened
relative to
the base 200. In this way, the internal features of the base 200 and cover 300
are exposed.
Further in this manner, a tissue roll such as left roll 20 may be loaded onto
the base 200. In the
perspective view of Figure 1, the left 20 and right 30 tissue rolls have been
loaded onto left 40L
and right 40R spindles (spindles seen in Figure 3). Further, the cover 300 has
been pivotally
rotated into a locked position with the base 200.
In order to secure the cover 300 to the base 200, a locking assembly is
provided. The
locking assembly is seen in Figure 2 on the cover 300 and includes a lock 306.
The lock 306
operates with a cam (not shown) which transmits pivoting movement to a pair of
fingers 308 in
response to rotating action of a key 307. This means that rotation of the key
307 within the lock
306 permits a maintenance person to manipulate the position of the fingers
308. In operation, the
fingers 308 mate with keyholes 208 of the base 200. Closing the cover 300
against the base 200
(Figure 1) causes the fingers 308 to lock into the keyholes 208 in a manner
known in the art.
Later, when a maintenance person desires to open the cover 300, the
maintenance person turns
the lock 306 of the cover 300, causing the fingers 308 to be released from the
keyholes 208. The
cover 300 may then be swung open from its closed position in Figure 1 to its
opened position in
Figure 2.
As indicated above, the tissue rolls 20, 30 are supported by left 40L and
right 40R
spindles. The spindles 40L, 40R are more clearly seen in the enlarged
perspective view of
Figure 3. The two spindles 40L, 40R are preferably identical in configuration
and dimension.
The spindles 40L, 40R are designed to freely rotate relative to the body 202
of the base 200.
However, in one optional embodiment a level of friction may be selectively
applied between the
spindles 40L, 40R and the body 202 in order to impose a degree of difficulty
in the rotation of
the supported tissue rolls 20, 30.
Figure 5 provides a rear perspective view of a spindle 40R being moved into
the base
200. More specifically, an exemplary spindle 40R is being inserted into a
right opening 230R of
the body 202 of the base 200. It can be seen that the spindle 40R has a base
42 that is designed
to fit into the right opening 230R. The circumference of the base 42 defines a
bearing surface
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for rotation within the right opening 230R. The base 42 and connected spindle
40R are secured
to the body 202 by a locking washer 48 (seen in Figs. 3 and 7).
It can also be seen from the rear perspective view of Figure 5 that the base
200 has a left
opening 230L. It is understood that the left opening 230L will also receive a
spindle (spindle
40L) and a locking washer 48. Each spindle 40L, 40R, in turn, will receive a
core 22, 32 of
tissue rolls 20, 30 respectively.
Moving now to Figure 6, Figure 6 presents another enlarged view of the base
200 of
Figure 1. The cover 300 has again been removed from the base 200 for
illustrative purposes. It
can be seen in this view that the left tissue roll 20 has been placed onto the
left spindle 40L.
However, the roll 30 for the right spindle 40R has been exploded away from the
dispenser 100
and cut open. It can also be seen from Figure 6 that the right spindle 40R has
a sleeve 50
positioned over its length. The sleeve 50 has a plurality of fins (seen at 58
in Figure 7) which
engage the core 32 of a tissue roll 30 when it is placed onto the spindle 40R.
This means that
while a sleeve 50 cannot be seen over left spindle 40L, it is present but
obscured by the left roll
20.
In operation, sleeves 50 and connected fins 58 will receive cores 22, 32 of
the tissue rolls
20, 30. The sleeves 50, in turn, are preferably secured to the spindles 40L,
40R so that there is
no relative rotational movement. Stated another way, when spindle 40R rotates,
the sleeve 50
and connected tissue roll 30 likewise rotate. Similarly, when spindle 40L
rotates, the sleeve 50
and connected tissue roll 20 likewise rotates. However, the locking washers 48
do not rotate, but
secure the spindles 40L, 40R to the body 202.
Figure 7 shows a perspective view an exemplary spindle 40 and an exemplary
sleeve 50.
The sleeve 50 is exploded away from the spindle 40. Relative features of the
spindle 40 and the
sleeve 50 are more clearly seen.
First, concerning the spindle 40, it can be seen that the spindle 40 includes
a base 42, and
an elongated shaft 43 that terminates at a tip 44. The base 42 of the spindle
40 engages an
opening (such as left opening 230L) in the body 202 of the dispenser 100. A
circumference of
the base 42 serves as a bearing surface within the body 202 of the base 200.
CA 02656943 2008-11-13
The shaft 43 of the spindle 40 extends outwardly from the body 202 of the base
200. The
shaft 43 preferably has a circular profile, although other profiles may be
used. The shaft 43
terminates at a tip 44. In the illustrative embodiment of Figure 7, the tip 44
defines a smaller
diameter than the shaft 43. This permits the tip 44 to mate with an end 54 of
the sleeve 50, as
will be more fully described below.
Along the outer diameter of the shaft 43 is one or more splines 46. The
splines 46 engage
mating slots 56 at the end 54 of the sleeve 50. The end 54 of the sleeve
defines a radially inward
shoulder that includes slots 56. The slots 56 receive the spindles 46. In this
manner, relative
rotation of the spindle 40 and the sleeve 50 is prohibited.
The tip 44 of the spindle 40 optionally includes an elastically formed catch
55. The catch
55 is designed to interact with the radial, inwardly formed shoulder defining
the end 54 of the
sleeve 50. In this way the sleeve 50 is secured onto the spindle 40 during
operation. The catch
55 can be released by a maintenance person by pressing the catch 55 inward to
clear the shoulder
54.
Along an outer diameter of the spindle 40 is placed the locking washer 48. The
locking
washer 48 has a circular profile. Along its outer diameter are tabs 49
configured to snap into
corresponding openings 209 in the body 202. In one optional arrangement, the
washer 48
provides a degree of friction against the rotation of the spindle. In such an
arrangement (not
shown), the washer 48 may optionally be adjusted to increase or decrease the
inertial rotation of
the tissue roll20or 30 during dispensing.
Referring again to the tip 44 of the spindle 40, the tip 44 defines a shaped
surface. In the
preferred embodiment, the shape is a cross fabricated from two, transverse and
intersecting
ridges. As will be discussed further below, these ridges mate with a shaped
surface on the inner
surface of an exterior knob 330.
Turning next to the sleeve 50, the sleeve 50 includes a base 52, and a shaft
53 terminating
at the end 54. The shaft 53 of the sleeve 50 defines a hollow member having an
inner diameter
configured to receive the shaft 43 of the spindle 40. Further, the end 54 of
the sleeve 50 includes
an opening which receives the tip 44 of the spindle 40. As noted, the end 54
of the sleeve 50
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CA 02656943 2008-11-13
defines an inward, radial shoulder having slots 56. The slots 56 mate with the
splines 46 along
the outer surface of the shaft 43 of the spindle 40.
As also seen in Figure 7, the sleeve 50 includes a plurality of fins 58. The
fins 58 are
radially spaced about the shaft 53 of the sleeve 50. Preferably, the fins 58
frictionally engage the
inner diameter of the cores 22, 32 of tissue rolls 20, 30. The fins 58 form an
outer diameter that
support the tissue roll core for each roll 20, 30.
In accordance with the present invention, sleeves 50 have different outer
diameters. In
one aspect, this is accomplished by providing different fin sizes. Figures 8A
and 8B provide
perspective views of two different embodiments of illustrative sleeves 50',
50". The sleeve 50'
of Figure 8A has fins 58' that are of a smaller width than the fins 58" of the
sleeve 50" of
Figure 8B. As with snap fittings 240', 240", different sizes of sleeves 50',
50" may be used
depending upon the size of the tissue roll 20, 30. Once again, a driving
factor in the size
determination is the inner diameter of the cores 22, 32.
In the commercial context, tissue roll cores typically run from about 2.5 cm
to about 10.5
cm. Preferably, various sets of sleeves 50 having different outer diameters
between about 1.5 cm
and 11.0 cm are provided to accommodate core sizes within this range. In one
aspect, one set of
sleeves 50' forms an outer diameter that is 5.84 cm (2.3 inches) in diameter,
while another set of
sleeves 50" forms an outer diameter that is 8.38 cm (3.3 inches) in diameter.
Further, it is
preferred that the outer diameter of the supporting spindle 40 have a diameter
of 2.8 cm (l.1
inches). In this way, at least three different core-diameters are readily
accommodated.
In one aspect, the plurality of sleeves comprises a first set of sleeves, each
sleeve having
fins that form an outer diameter of about 2.8 cm (1.1 inches), a second set of
sleeves with each
sleeve forming an outer diameter of about 5.84 cm (2.3 inches), a third set of
sleeves where each
sleeve forms an outer diameter of about 8.38 cm (3.3 inches), and a fourth set
of sleeves that
each provide an outer diameter of about 10.16 cm (4 inches). However, any
variation of
diameters may be provided between about 1.1 cm and 11.0 cm. Again, it is
preferred that the
outer diameter of the supporting spindle 40 itself have a diameter of 2.8 cm
(1.1 inches) to
support the smallest cores.
17
CA 02656943 2008-11-13
An additional feature of the tissue dispenser 100 is the ability of the user
to rotate a
spindle 40 and connected sleeve 50 and tissue roll (20, 30) from outside of
the dispenser 100.
This may be done by rotating outer knobs 330L, 330R on the cover 300 (seen in
Figure 1).
Figure 9 provides a perspective view of the inner surface of a portion of the
cover 300 of
Figures 1 and 2. Right knob 330R is shown exploded away from an opening 332 of
the cover
300. A rear of the knob 330R is seen. In addition, an inner washer 334 is seen
exploded away
from the cover 300.
It can be seen that the knob 330R provides a mating relationship with the
washer 334.
The washer 334, in turn, provides a mating relationship with the tip 44 of the
spindle 40R. In
this way, rotation of the knob 330R from outside of the cover 300 imparts
rotational movement
to the spindle 40R.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the outer knob 330R and inner washer 334 of
Figure
9. In this view, the cover 300 is removed for illustrative purposes. The tip
44 of a spindle 40R is
seen engaging corresponding ridges 336 of the inner washer 334. In this way,
rotational
movement of the outer knob 330R transmits rotational movement to the spindle
40R. The
spindle 40R, in turn, rotates the secured sleeve 50 and supported tissue roll
30.
It is noted that in Figures 9 and 10, the right spindle 40R is presented. The
arrangement
is the same though for the left spindle 40L and left outer knob 330L. Also, no
sleeve 50 is
shown in Figures 9 and 10. This is purely for illustrative purposes; the
dispenser 100 may
operate with sleeves 50 on spindles 40L, 40R.
An improved dispenser 100 is provided. While it will be apparent that the
invention
herein described is well calculated to achieve the benefits and advantages set
forth above, it will
be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation
and change without
departing from the spirit thereof.
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