Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
ROLLED WEB MATERIAL DISPENSER MATERIAL LOCKOUT SYSTEMS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This is a continuation-in-part non-provisional patent application and claims
priority to U.S.
Non-provisional Patent Application Serial No. 16/828,359 filed on March 24,
2020 titled
"Rolled Web Material Dispenser Material Lockout Systems", and the disclosure
of which is
expressly incorporated herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention is generally directed to a dispenser product
lockout system and,
more particularly, to a rolled web material dispenser having a mechanical
lockout feature that
prevents use of a dispenser assembly for dispensing rolled web material that
is acquired from
non-approved or unauthorized sources.
[002] Conventional rolled web material dispensers for use in dispensing hand
towel and
toilet tissue material or the like often advance the web material from a roll
as the roll rotates
about a spindle, bobbin, or hub located within the dispenser. Upon depletion
of the rolled web
material, the dispenser housing is opened, and a replacement roll of web
material is then
placed within the dispenser. Conventional rolls of web materials may be
coreless or include a
hollow core for receiving a generic or common spindle that extends laterally
through the core
and whose opposing ends are supported by the dispenser housing. When provided
in a
coreless configuration, the axially opposing end located portions of the web
material may be
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pinched between opposing fingers or compression assemblies that collectively
define the
rotational axis of the roll of web material relative to the dispenser.
[003] Whether provided in a cored or coreless configuration of rolled web
material,
conventional paper and web material roll dispensers are not commonly
configured to
selectively dispense only a particular type, style, or roll of web material or
a roll of web
material from a particular manufacturer. Accordingly, it is possible for a
size discrepancy or
mismatch to occur between the dispenser and the roll of web material, thereby
inhibiting the
proper dispensing of the web material.
[004] Such systems also present the potential that service providers or
employees may
configure such dispensers to dispense product having less desirable
construction or
performance characteristics via cheaper source suppliers or the like.
Shortcomings in the
dispense operation can sometimes be incorrectly attributed to subpar
operability of the
dispenser assembly rather than being attributable to deviations in the
manufacture of the
discrete rolled web material and/or use of rolled web materials that are ill-
suited for being
dispensed from a given dispenser assembly or produced with subpar
manufacturing practices.
Improper or less than efficient operation of the rolled web material dispenser
to dispense rolled
web material in a repeatable manner, but attributable to improper loading or
use of a dispenser
with web material not properly configured for cooperation with a discrete
dispenser assembly,
may reflect adversely on the manufacturer of the dispenser rather the
establishment or service
provider associated with maintaining operation of the discrete dispenser
assemblies once
deployed and ensuring that only suitable rolled web materials are associated
therewith.
Accordingly, there is a need for a roll dispenser that is constructed to limit
use of the dispenser
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assembly to dispense only desired rolled web materials and thereby inhibit use
of the dispenser
assembly to dispense rolls of web material that have not be authorized to be
dispensed from
the corresponding dispenser.
[005] Further, a need exists for lockout features that prevent necessary
positioning or support
of unauthorized rolls of web material relative to a given dispenser. In such a
lockout system,
in the event that there is an inconsistency between a registration component
associated with a
core of the roll and a mating registration portion associated with the hub or
spindle of the
dispenser, the roll of material will not be accepted into the dispenser in an
operable manner
thereby inhibiting use and/or proper support for dispensing of an unauthorized
roll of web
material.
[006] A further need exists for a lockout roll dispensing system that is
relatively inexpensive
to manufacturer, produce, and maintain in a useable condition, inhibits use of
unauthorized
rolls of web materials, and solves other problems associated with existing
configurations. A
still further need exists for a dispenser assembly roll of web material
lockout system that can
be quickly and conveniently implemented into existing or previously deployed
dispenser
assemblies and which includes separable elements that can be configured to
designate rolls of
web material as authorized to be dispensed with dispenser assemblies that have
been
reconfigured to include the lockout system. A need further exists for roll web
material lockout
systems that provide robust support of authorized materials to facilitate the
sequential
rotational dispensing of the web material from the bulk roll. A further need
exists for
rendering a dispenser assembly incapable of supporting those rolled web
material rolls that do
not include the mating registration element.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] The present invention discloses a roll of web material lockout system
that resolves one
or more of the shortcomings disclosed above.
[008] One aspect of the present application discloses a web material roll
lockout assembly
that includes a hub that is constructed to be supported by a dispenser. A
channel is formed in
a radially outward oriented surface of the hub and positioned such that the
channel is formed
proximate an end of the hub. The assembly includes an insert that is
constructed to
removeably cooperate with the hub and has an overlapping portion formed
between opposing
ends of the insert. A plurality of projections are defined by the insert and
constructed to limit
axial translation between the insert and the hub when at least one of the
plurality of projections
is engaged with the channel and such that the overlapping portion of the
insert improves
flexibility associated with movement of the plurality of projections. A first
rotational bearing
surface and a second rotational bearing surface are defined between the insert
and the hub
when the at least one of the plurality of projections is engaged with the
channel. The first
rotational bearing surface and the second rotational bearing surface are
positioned so that the
overlapping portion of the insert is disposed therebetween.
[009] Another aspect of the present application discloses a method of
restricting rolls of web
material that can be dispensed from a roll dispenser. The method includes
providing a hub
that defines an axis of rotation of a roll of web material associated with the
roll dispenser. An
insert is provided that has an outer diameter that is constructed to securely
engage a bore of a
roll of web material and has a radially inward directed shape that slideably
cooperates with
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the hub. A portion of the insert is formed to overlap itself as the insert
traverses from opposing
ends thereof and such that, when the insert is engaged with the hub,
cooperation of the insert
and the hub restricts axial translation between the hub and the insert and
accommodates
rotation of the insert relative to the hub during rotation of a roll of web
material. Engagement
of a respective insert with the hub defines at least two bearing surfaces
between the insert and
the hub wherein each of the at least two bearing surfaces are offset in an
axial direction from
respective longitudinal ends of the insert and the hub and such that the
overlapping portion of
the insert is preferably disposed between the at least two bearing surfaces.
[0010] A further aspect of the present application discloses an insert for use
in a roll web
material dispenser assembly. The insert includes a body that extends between a
first end and
a second end of the insert. An outer surface of the body of the insert is
shaped to be received
in a roll of web material and an inner surface of the body of the insert is
shaped to removeably
cooperate with a hub associated with a dispenser and to define at least two
bearing surfaces
that are axially offset from one another when engaged with the hub. The insert
includes a
plurality of deflectable fingers that are associated with a first end of the
body and a projection
is associated with at least one of the plurality of deflectable fingers and
oriented to engage a
groove defined by the hub. The body defines an overlapping portion of the
insert between the
first end and the second end of the insert and is positioned between the at
least two bearing
surfaces.
[0011] Another aspect of the present application discloses a web material roll
lockout
assembly that include a support arm that is constructed to engage a dispenser
housing. A
carriage is engaged with the support arm and a hub is supported by the
carriage such that the
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hub is movable relative to the carriage between an exposed position wherein a
portion of the
hub is accessible and a retracted position wherein the portion of the hub is
inaccessible. The
assembly includes a biasing device that is configured to bias the hub toward
the exposed
position. An insert is constructed to be disposed in a bore of a roll of web
material and to
slideably cooperate with the hub so that the hub engages the insert without
translating the hub
relative to the carriage toward the retracted position.
[0012] A further aspect of the present application discloses a method of
forming a web
material lockout assembly. The method includes forming an insert so that an
outer geometric
shape of the insert allows the insert to be slideably received in a bore of a
roll of web material
and forming an inner geometric shape of the insert to be shaped to removeably
cooperate with
a hub supported by a dispenser. The hub is supported so that the hub is
slideable relative to
the dispenser so that the hub is rendered inaccessible for supporting
engagement if an insert
having a different inner geometric shape is attempted to be operatively
associated therewith.
[0013] Another aspect of the present application discloses a web material
dispenser lockout
system that includes a support assembly that is constructed to cooperate with
a dispenser
housing. A hub slideably engages the support assembly so that the hub is
movable between
an extended position and a retracted position. A biasing device is engaged
with the hub and
oriented to bias the hub toward the extended position. The lockout system
includes an insert
that is constructed to be disposed in a bore of a roll of web material and has
a radially interior
facing geometry that allows the insert to cooperate with the hub without
translating the hub
toward the retracted position.
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[0014] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become
apparent from the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the
present invention,
and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the
present
invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary,
and therefore
non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming
a part of
this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same
elements in the several
views, and in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a rolled web
material dispenser
assembly equipped with a rolled material lockout assembly according to one
embodiment of
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rolled material lockout assembly
shown in FIG. 1
removed from the dispenser assembly;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a roll facing axial end elevation view of the lockout
assembly shown in FIG.
2;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross section elevation view of the lockout system shown in
FIG. 2 taken
along line 4-4 shown in FIG. 3with the insert disengaged from the hub;
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[0020] FIG. 5 is view similar to FIG. 4 with the insert and hub shown in FIG.
2 operationally
engaged with one another;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view a lockout system or rolled material
lockout assembly
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an a roll facing exploded perspective view of the lockout
assembly shown in
FIG. 6;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a dispenser facing exploded perspective view of the lockout
assembly shown
in FIG. 6; and
[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross section elevation view of the lockout assembly shown
in FIG. 6 and
with the insert operationally engaged with the hub and taken along line 9-9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention which are
illustrated in the
drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity.
However, it is not
intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and
it is to be understood
that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a
similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose. The various features and advantageous details of
the subject
matter disclosed herein are explained more fully with reference to the non-
limiting
embodiments described in detail in the following description.
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[0026] Illustrative embodiments of rolled web material lockout systems in
accordance with
various aspects of the present invention are shown in Figs. 1 through Fig. 9.
Figs. 1-5, and
initially Fig. 1, shows a rolled material lockout system or lockout assembly
500 according to
one embodiment of the present application and that is constructed to cooperate
with rolled
web material dispensers or dispenser assemblies, such as dispenser assembly
28, as shown in
Fig. 1. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, roll lockout system 500 includes a hub 502
that is
constructed to cooperate with support arm 22 associated with dispenser
assembly 28 and an
insert or core insert 504 that is constructed to be received in a cavity or
bore 210 of a roll of
web material 172 and removeably cooperate with hub 502. It is appreciated that
support arm
22 may be constructed to snap-fittingly cooperate with an enclosure or housing
202 defined
by dispenser assembly 28 such that the roll material housed thereby can be
dispensed in an
unwinding or unrolling manner when the housing 202 is oriented in a generally
closed
configuration as disclosed further below.
[0027] Although being shown as removeably cooperating with support arm 22, it
is
appreciated that hub 502 could be constructed in a generally unitary
construction to include
the structure of support arm 22 associated with facilitating the connection of
support arm 22
to housing 202 of dispenser assembly 28. Roll support arm 22 is preferably
configured to
snap-fittingly cooperate with housing 202 such that the support arm 22 extends
in a generally
linear manner along a length from a first end 30 to an opposing second end 32.
The first end
30 of the roll support arms 20, 22 preferably includes one or more resilient
catches which each
preferably include a respective opposing barb 38 formed proximate thereto and
that are
configured to releasably engage a receiving slot formed in the dispenser
housing 202. The
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opposing second end 32 of the roll support arm 22 has a generally arcuate tab
40 that is
configured to allow a user to selectively deflect the respective support arm
22 in a generally
outward lateral direction relative to a roll of web material 172 to assist in
the association of
an authorized roll with dispenser assembly 28 and/or the removal of the core
of a spent or
partially consumed roll therefrom. It is further appreciated that opposing
second end 32 of
support arm 22 could be configured to cooperate with an interior facing
surface of a cover 204
of dispenser assembly 28 when the cover 204 is oriented in a closed position.
Such a
consideration allows the weight of the rolled web material to be distributed
over both ends 30,
32 of each respective roll support arm 22 and maintain a bias of one or more
of ends 32 in a
direction toward engagement with roll of web material 172 when housing 202 is
oriented in a
closed orientation. Support arms 20, 22 are constructed to support the
opposing ends 212,
214 of a discrete roll of web material 172 in a cantilevered fashion relative
to the respective
ends 30 of support arms 20, 22 and the housing 202 of dispenser assembly 28 as
disclosed
further below.
[0028] When provided in a removable or selectively severable methodology, at
least one of
arms 20, 22 defines a hub receiving area 42 that is disposed along a front or
roll facing surface
of the length of the respective roll support arm 20, 22 between the first and
second ends 30,
32. Preferably, the hub receiving area 42 includes an optional and preferably
circular hollow
center or void formed thereat. It should be understood that the present
invention is not so
limited and that any alternative configuration of the hub receiving area 42 is
considered within
the scope of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1, the hub receiving
area 42 of one or
more of support arms 20, 22 includes a plurality of receiving slots 36 that
are annularly
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-19
disposed proximate the perimeter of the hub receiving area 42 for receiving
and mating to the
hub 502 as described further below.
[0029] During implementation, or upon depletion of the roll of web material
172, the cavity
190 of dispenser assembly 28 may be exposed to allow the user access thereto.
Dispenser
assembly 28 includes a feed mechanism 192 that is constructed to cooperate
with a free end
195 of roll of web material 172 to effectuate each dispense activity. Feed
mechanism 192
includes a number of rollers 194, 196 that are constructed to effectuate the
dispense activity
and thereby unwind the roll of web material 172 during each dispense action.
Dispenser
assembly 28 includes an optional handle 198 that is operational to effectuate
manual operation
of one or more of rollers 194, 196 to effectuate the dispense activity.
Although configured to
accommodate manual dispensing operation, it is appreciated that dispenser
assembly 28 could
be provided to operate in an automatic or touchless manner via the inclusion
of various
proximity sensors and drive systems configured to actuation operation of
rollers 194, 196 in
response to the proximity of a user, or user's hand, relative to a throat or
dispense opening
200 of dispenser assembly 28 when in the ready for use configuration or with
other manual
actuation assemblies such as manually operable lever arms, push paddles, or
the like.
[0030] As disclosed above, housing 202 of dispenser assembly 28 is generally
defined by a
cover 204 that movably or pivotably cooperates with a base 206 such that
opening of housing
202 of dispenser assembly 28 exposes cavity 190 associated with accepting an
authorized roll
of web material 172. As shown in Fig. 1, dispenser assembly 28 preferably
includes at least
two support arms 20, 22 that are disposed on generally opposite lateral sides
of cavity 190.
One of support arms 20, 22 includes a bobbin or a boss 208 that is shaped to
cooperate with a
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respective end of a bore or hollow bore 210 of a roll of web material 172 of
indiscriminate
source. It is appreciated that the axially extending bore 210 of the discrete
rolls of web
material can be defined by a cigarette of the roll of material, a cardboard or
other rigid material
core tube upon which the web paper material is wound, or other methodologies
commonly
employed in the web paper roll material forming processes to create the hollow
bore
associated with the roll of web material. Regardless of the methodology
employed, boss 208
is shaped to rotationally support a roll of web material from a majority of
sources of rolled
web material. The other of support arms 20, 22 of dispenser assembly 28 is
provided with or
otherwise constructed to define hub 502.
[0031] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, it can be appreciated that support
arm 22 includes
the hub 502 of lockout system or assembly 500 as authorized roll of web
material 172 includes
a corresponding core insert 504 that is constructed to removeably cooperate
with or engage
hub 502. It should be appreciated that the association of hub 502 and insert
504 could be
provided at either of the longitudinal ends 212, 214 defined by roll of web
material 172 or that
dispenser assembly 28 can be readily configured to operate with other lockout
systems or
assemblies, such as lockout assembly 600 as disclosed further below, via the
replacement of
the respective lockout enabled support arm 22 and/or engagement of other hubs
502 of hub
assemblies 602 as disclosed further below, associated with a discrete
respective one of support
arms 20, 22. It is further appreciated that, although dispenser assembly 28 is
shown as being
equipped with one lockout system or assembly 500, associated with
accommodating use of
dispenser assembly 28 with a roll of web material 172 having a corresponding
respective insert
504 associated with a respective one of lateral or axial ends 212, 214 of
authorized roll of web
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material 172, dispenser assembly 28 could be configured to include a pair of
lockout
assemblies 500 wherein each lockout assembly 500 is associated with a
respective one of
support arms 20, 22.
[0032] As mentioned above, it is appreciated that one of lockout assemblies
500, 600 can be
configured to cooperate with only one of the respective axial ends 212, 214 of
authorized rolls
of web material 172 and in a manner wherein the "overhand" (as shown in Fig.
1) or
"underhand" unwinding orientation of the authorized roll of web material 172
relative to
dispenser assembly 28 creates a desired presentation of the free end 195 of
the authorized roll
of web material 172 at feed mechanism 192 to effectuate the desired continual
sequential
dispensing of the web material 172 from dispenser assembly 28. After an
authorized roll of
web material 172 has been fully dispensed or otherwise sufficiently depleted
so as to merit
replacement of a roll of web material, housing 202 can be opened and the
remaining
disposable insert 504, absent its respective supply of rolled web material
172, may be removed
from the respective corresponding hub 502 or hub assembly and subsequently
discarded
and/or recycled, and a new authorized roll of web material 172 with a
respective insert 504
orientation and construction in accordance with the respective one or more of
support arms
22, 122 to provide the operative cooperation with the respective hub 502 or
hub 602 can be
associated with underlying dispenser assembly 28 for continued use thereof.
Whether
provided with one or more of, or mixed relations of, roll lockout systems 500,
600, dispenser
assembly 28 can be expeditiously configured to allow operability of the
dispenser assembly
28 to dispense only material from rolls of web material that have been
previously designated
as acceptable for use with the respective dispenser assembly 28.
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[0033] Figs. 2-5 show the hub 502 of roll lockout assembly or system 500
removed from
dispenser assembly 28 and insert 504 removed from the roll of web material
172. Referring
to Figs. 2 and 3 and as disclosed above, hub 502 of lockout system 500 is
constructed to
removeably cooperate with insert 504. Hub 502 includes a dispenser facing side
506 having
one or more projections 508, 510, 512 that are constructed to tool-lessly and
preferably snap-
fittingly, wholly or partially rotatably, or otherwise selectively removeably
cooperate with at
least one of roll support arms 20, 22 has disclosed above. It is appreciated
that the size and
shape of that portion of hub 502 that is constructed to engage the respective
support arm could
be provided in various sizes and shapes and constructed to cooperate with
support arms having
various constructions.
[0034] Hub 502 includes an engagement interface 516 that is constructed to
rotationally
support and axially cooperate with an engagement interface 518 associated with
insert 504.
Engagement interface 516 associated with hub 502 includes a first portion 520
that is generally
defined by a post 522 that extends in an axial direction from a barrel portion
524 of hub 502
along an axis of rotation about axis 526 associated with the axis of rotation
associated with a
roll of web material 172 supported by lockout system 500. Post 522 extends
along axial
direction of axis 526 between barrel portion 524 and a distal end 528 defined
by post 522. A
channel 530 is formed proximate the cantilevered free end or distal end 528 of
post 522 and
is constructed a snap-fittingly cooperate with engagement interface 518
defined by insert 504
as disclosed further below.
[0035] Barrel portion 524 of hub 502 includes an outer radial portion 527 that
extends an axial
direction along axis 526 from the hub facing end of post 522. A shoulder 529
is defined by
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hub 502 and includes one or more ribs 525 that extend in axial direction 526
along the surface
associated with radial portion 527 and cooperate with the radially inward
facing or directed
surface of insert 504 when insert 504 is engaged with hub 502. Channel 530
formed in post
522 proximate distal end 528 is constructed to axially cooperate with
engagement interface
518 of insert 504 when insert 504 is engaged therewith and oriented for
dispensing operation.
Insert 504 is defined by a body 538 that includes an outwardly directed radial
surface 536 that
extends between the hub facing end 540 and an opposing or roll of web material
facing end
544 of insert 504. One or more optional projections 546 extend in a generally
outward radial
direction relative to surface 536 of insert 504 and engage the radially inward
facing surface of
roll of web material 172 to secure insert 504 relative to the bore defined by
the respective roll
of web material, such as roll of web material 172, as disclosed above and as
shown in Fig. 1.
[0036] Referring to Figs. 2, 4, and 5, engagement interface 518 of insert 504
includes a
plurality of retainers or fingers 550 that extend from body 538 of insert 504
are oriented in a
cantilevered manner between respective discrete support ends 552 and
respective distal or free
ends 554 associated therewith. That is, although each of fingers 550 are
defined by body 538
of insert 504, support ends 552 of fingers 550 are generally positionally
associated with one
another in a relatively continuous manner whereas each of discrete free ends
554 are
independently moveable in an at least inward and outward radial directions
relative one
another. As disclosed further below, fingers 550 and body 538 are preferably
formed to allow
a limited degree of axial of axial displacement of free ends 554 relative to
one another via an
overlapping portion of body 538 of insert 504 as disclosed further below.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-19
[0037] A number of projections 560 extend in a generally inward radial
direction toward axis
526 from one or more of fingers 550 and preferably from each of fingers 550.
As shown in
Figs. 4 and 5, insert 504 includes a radially inward directed cavity 562 that
axially cooperates
with a roll facing end portion 564 of hub 502 when hub 502 and insert 504 are
engaged with
one another. During axial translation of insert 504 toward hub 502, as
indicated by arrow 570,
distal end 528 of post 522 is shaped to slideably, and preferably snap-
fittingly, cooperate with
a cavity 572 defined by the circumference of fingers 550.
[0038] The slideable cooperation of post 522 with cavity 572 provides axial
alignment of hub
502 relative to insert 504 during placement of a roll associated therewith
relative to the
underlying dispenser assembly 28. Continued axial translation of insert 504
relative to hub
502 in direction 570 allows distal end 528 of hub 502 to deflect discrete
retainers or fingers
550 in outward radial directions, indicated by arrow 576, until discrete
projections 560
associated with fingers 550 seat or otherwise slideably cooperate with channel
530 defined by
hub 502 such that insert 504 is axially positioned relative to hub 502 and
such that distal end
528 associated with post 522 is oriented laterally outboard relative to insert
504. Although
post 522 extends through insert 504, it should be appreciated that the distal
end 528 of post
522 is oriented in the bore associated with the roll of web material 172
associated with insert
504. When insert 504 and hub 502 are engaged with one another such that
projections 560
associated with fingers 550 are engaged with channel 530 defined by hub 502,
rotational
interaction of insert 504 and the roll of web material associated therewith
relative to hub 502
is provided in a manner that allows the roll of web material to be rotated but
with limited free
rotation therebetween after each dispense event. Such considerations mitigate
instances of
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dispensing more web material than is desired and/or free spinning of the roll
of web material
172 between dispense events.
[0039] Cooperation of one or more of projections 560 with cavity or channel
530 restricts
axial translation of insert 504 relative to hub 502 when a respective roll of
web material is
associated therewith and without being acted upon by outside forces, such as a
user's removal
of remainder of a mostly consumed roll of web material or a discrete insert
504 associated
with a recently consumed or fully dispensed roll of web material 172. As shown
in Fig. 5,
hub 502 and insert 504 cooperate with one another so as to define a first
bearing surface 580
and a second bearing surface 582 that are formed between the respective
adjacent radially
facing surfaces of hub 502 and insert 504. Bearing surface 580 of roll lockout
system 500 is
radially nearer axial centerline 526 than bearing surface 582. It should also
be noted that in
addition to the radial spacing of bearing surfaces 580, 582, bearing surface
580 and bearing
surface 582 are also offset relative to one another along axis 526. Such a
construction provides
stable rotational support between insert 504, and a roll of web material
associated therewith,
and the hub 502 associated with the respective underlying dispenser assembly
and/or
respective support arm 22, 122 associated therewith and as disclosed further
above. Bearing
surfaces 580, 582 further each provide a generally circumferential
rotationally supported
interaction between hub 502 and insert 504 when associated with one another
and do so in a
manner that offsets the rotational support between hub 502 and insert 504 from
the axial
indexing cooperation associated with the cooperation of projections 560 with
channel 530.
Such considerations provide robust rotational support between hub 502 and
insert 504 to better
accommodate the mass of a full roll of web material when associated therewith.
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[0040] It is appreciated that the construction and orientation of the
plurality of retainers or
fingers 550 associated with roll lockout system 500 can similarly be provided
in numerous
configurations. As mentioned above, upon consumption of a discrete roll of web
material
associated with dispenser assembly 28 and supported by lockout system 500,
user
manipulation of insert 504 allows fingers 550 to deflect in respective outward
radial
directions, indicated by arrows 576, to facilitate the removal or
disengagement of a discrete
insert 504 from the relative underlying hub 502 to accommodate replacement,
replenishment,
or re-loading of dispenser assembly equipped with hub 502 with a roll of web
material having
an insert 504 associated with its bore and thereby correlating to an
authorized respective roll
of web material.
[0041] It is further appreciated that roll lockout system 500 can be
configured with other
radially spaced and/or numbers of deflectable retainers or fingers and/or
numbers and
constructions other than that which is shown in the drawings. For instance, it
is appreciated
that fingers 550 may be provided in more of fewer fingers 550 than shown in
the figures, other
radial shapes or sizes, and/or to have projections 560 associated therewith
and/or configured
to cooperate with a respective portion of insert 504 so as to facilitate the
rotational cooperation
therebetween, the axially indexed relative position therebetween, and do so in
a manner that
mitigates axial dissociation or translation of insert 504, and the roll of web
material associated
therewith, relative to hub 502, during use of the underlying dispenser
assembly. It is
envisioned that as few as two fingers 550 may be provided and may be provided
to extend a
similar or dissimilar circumferential distance about channel 530 and be spaced
about the
circumference thereof so as to maintain the desired rotational cooperation
between hub 502
18
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and a respective insert 504 associated therewith and without negating the
manually separable
cooperation of insert 504 with post 522 upon consumption or use of a discrete
roll of discrete
web material. As disclosed further below, it is appreciated that, due to the
similarities in their
size and constructions, insert 504 is preferably constructed to
interchangeably cooperate with
hubs or hub assemblies having constructions that differ from hub 502.
[0042] Referring to Figs. 2, 4, and 5, body 538 of insert 504 of roll lockout
system 500
includes an overlapping portion 592 such that body 538 of insert 504 has a
generally S or Z
shaped cross-sectional shape as the shape or cross-section of insert 504
progresses between
end 544 associated with fingers 550 and hub facing end 540 of body 538.
Although shown as
being generally axially aligned with bearing surface 580 when insert 504 is
engaged with hub
502, it is appreciated that overlapping portion 592 of insert 504 is may be
disposed in
alignment with bearing surface 582 or disposed between bearing surfaces 580,
582. It should
be further appreciated that overlapping portion 592 of insert 504 is disposed
between bearing
surfaces 580, 582 in both the axial direction associated with axis 526 and the
radial direction
as indicated by arrows 576. As shown, the separation between adjacent fingers
550 extends
between an open end proximate projections 560 and a closed end proximate
overlapping
portion 592 such that each finger 550 extends in a cantilevered manner
relative to the
remainder of body 538 from a position proximate overlapping portion 592.
[0043] Preferably overlapping portion 592 is formed toward the hub directed
side of insert
504 relative to axis 526 and relative to end 544 thereof. That is to say,
although insert 504
could be constructed such that overlapping portion 592 be oriented axially
outboard of each
of bearing surfaces 580, 582, overlapping portion 592 is preferably shaped and
positioned to
19
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be axially aligned or overlapping in radial directions one of bearing surfaces
580, 582 or
located axially therebetween. Regardless of the relative location, overlapping
portion 592 is
constructed to maintain the deflectable nature associated with operation of
fingers 550 relative
to hub 502, facilitate initial alignment of an insert 504 equipped roll of web
material with hub
502, attain the desired engagement of a roll of web material with the
dispenser, removal of
any residual portion associated with a previously consumed roll of web
material, and do not
otherwise interfere with or detract from the dual bearing surface 580, 582
rotational support
associated with the rotational dispensing engagement provided by the
selectively severable
association of discrete inserts 504 and hub 502.
[0044] Figs. 6-9 disclose a roll lockout system 600 according to yet another
embodiment of
the application. Like lockout system 500 as disclosed above, lockout system
600 includes a
hub 602 that is constructed to selectively cooperate with an insert such as
insert 504 in the
manner disclosed above. As such, like reference numbers are used hereafter
with respect to
the construction of insert 504. As disclosed above, insert 504 is constructed
to cooperate with
a bore 607 of a roll of web material 609 such that, when disposed therein,
insert 504 is
preferably rendered non-removable from roll of web material 609 save for the
depletion
thereof and/or destruction of any residual portion of the respective roll of
web material such
that insert 504 can be considered reusable, recyclable, and/or disposable.
[0045] Unlike the lockout system 500, hub 602 cooperates with a support arm or
support arm
assembly such that hub 602 is rendered movable relative thereto. As shown, hub
602
cooperates with a support assembly that includes a support arm 606 and a
carriage 608 that is
engaged therewith. Support arm 606 is defined by a body 610 that is
constructed to engage a
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-19
housing such as housing 202 (Fig. 1) in a manner according to one or more of
the
methodologies disclosed above. Preferably, body 610 of support arm 606 is
constructed to
snap-fittingly cooperate with the respecting housing such that a forward
oriented hub
supporting portion of body 610 is offset from the interior facing surfaces of
the housing and
such that roll of web material 609 can be supported by hub 602 when hub 602 is
engaged with
support arm 606.
[0046] A passage 612 is formed through body 610 of support arm 606 and is
shaped to
cooperate with respective portions of carriage 608 and hub 602 associated
therewith as
disclosed further below. One or more openings 614, 616, 618, 620 are formed
through body
610 of support arm 606 and are generally disposed about passage 612. One or
more handles
or tabs 622, 624 extend in an outward radial direction from body 610 relative
to passage 612.
Tabs 622, 624 are generally accessible to the user to facilitate user
interaction with support
arm 606 and a respective core or cigar associated with a sufficiently depleted
roll of web
material 609 to assist with the selective separation between hub 602, the core
or any portion
of a spent roll of web material 609, or an insert 504 that may be associated
therewith during
reloading of a dispenser assembly equipped therewith.
[0047] Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, carriage 608 is defined by a body 630
having a roll or insert
facing surface or side 632 and a support arm facing surface or side 634. A
passage 636 and
one or more openings 638, 640, 642 are formed through body 630 of carriage
608. Openings
638, 640, 642 are generally disposed circumferentially about passage 636 such
that each of
passage 636 and openings 638, 640, 642 are fluidly isolated from one another
and preferably
circumferentially bounded by body 630 of carriage 608. As disclosed further
below, such a
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construction maintains a relative rotational orientation of hub 602 relative
to carriage 608
when hub 602 is associated therewith and in a manner that accommodates
selective axial
translation of hub 602 relative to carriage 608 in the manner disclosed
further below.
[0048] A wall 644 is generally formed about a perimeter of body 630 and
includes one or
more projections 646, 648, 650, 652 that extend in an outward axial direction
toward support
arm 606. A catch 654 is formed proximate the distal end of each projection
646, 648, 650,
652. Catches 654 and projections 646, 648, 650, 652 are constructed and
oriented to cooperate
with respective openings 614, 616, 618, 620 defined by support arm 606 such
that carriage
608 snap fittingly cooperates therewith such that carriage 608 is positionally
fixed relative to
support arm 606 when engaged therewith. A plurality of projections or arms
660, 662, 664,
666, 668, 670 extend in a rearward axial direction relative to support arm
facing side 634 of
carriage 608 and are disposed radially proximate openings 638, 640, 642
thereof. A barb 672
is formed near the free or distal end 674 of one or more of arms 660, 662,
664, 666, 668, 670.
Arms 660, 662, 664, 666, 668, 670 are radially spaced from one another and
oriented so as to
generally define a hub cavity 678 therebetween. Arms 660, 662, 664, 666, 668,
670 are
deflectable to accommodate association or placement of hub 602 within hub
cavity 678 and
have an at-rest orientation wherein barbs 672 overlap the radial footprint of
hub 602 once hub
602 is position therein. As should be appreciated from Fig. 8, hub 602 is
insertable into hub
cavity 678 from a direction facing support arm 606 such that, once assembled,
removal of hub
602 from hub cavity 678 in a direction toward the roll cavity of the dispenser
cavity is
prevented. As disclosed further below, hub cavity 678 is shaped to support hub
602 such that
hub 602 is axially moveable or slideable therein relative to carriage 608.
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[0049] Still referring to Figs. 7 and 8, hub 602 is defined by a body 680
having a post 682 and
one or more projections 684, 686, 688 that are disposed circumferentially
thereabout. Body
680 of hub 602 defines a cavity 690 that is disposed between a portion of post
682 and
generally bounded by projections 684, 686, 688. Cavity 690 is shaped to
cooperate with a
biasing device, such as a spring 692 or the like. When assembled, opposing
ends of spring
692 cooperate with carriage 608 and hub 602 to urge hub 602 and carriage 608
toward one
another. When assembled, biasing device 692 biases hub 602 relative to
carriage 608 and
support arm 606 toward an orientation wherein post 682 of hub 602 passes
through passage
636 of carriage 608 and extends axially beyond roll facing surface 632 of
carriage 608. When
oriented in such a position, projections 684, 686, 688 of hub 602 pass through
respective
openings 638, 640, 642 defined by body 630 of carriage 608 and similarly
extend axially
beyond roll facing surface 632 of carriage 608 such that post 682 and
projections 684, 686,
688 are each available for interaction with respective insert 504 and a roll
of web material 609
associated therewith. Such an orientation is shown in Fig. 6 wherein post 682
and projections
684, 686, 688 associated with hub 602 are oriented in an exposed or accessible
orientation
696 available for interaction with insert 504 and a respective roll of web
material 609
associated therewith.
[0050] Referring to Fig. 9, when oriented in the accessible orientation 696,
post 682 defines
a first bearing surface or interface 700 associated with interaction with
insert 504 and
projections 684, 686, 688 define a second bearing surface or interface 702
associated with
engaging a respective insert 504 having a construction suitable to allow
operative rotational
but axially fixed engagement therewith such that the projections 560
associated with
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-19
respective fingers 550 are engaged with a channel 704 defined by post 682.
Overlapping
portion 592 of insert 504 rotationally cooperates with an exterior surface of
post 682 and a
radially outward directed surface of projections 684, 686, 688 rotationally
cooperates with a
radially inward facing surface of insert 504. It is appreciated that the
relative position and
construction of bearing surfaces 700, 702 and overlapping portion 592
associated with the
cooperation and engagement of insert 504 and hub 602 can be provided in any of
the alternate
relative constructions, relative to one another and/or each other, disclosed
above with respect
to the cooperation of insert 504 with hub 502. Regardless of the relative
configuration
therebetween, biasing device 692 provides sufficient force to tolerate the
slideable association
of insert 504 with hub 602 such that projections 560 defined by insert 504 can
achieve
operative engagement with channel 704 defined by hub 602 when an insert
constructed for
operative engagement with hub 602 is associated therewith.
[0051] If however a user attempts to associate or otherwise engage a roll of
web material
having an improperly configured insert with hub 602, such action translates
hub 602 in an
axial or lateral direction, indicated by arrow 708, relative to carriage 608
within hub cavity
678 such that post 682 and projections 684, 686, 688 will retract through the
respective
passage and openings defined by carriage 608, and against the bias of spring
692, such that
hub 602 is rendered no longer available or exposed for operative interaction
with such an
insert. Barbs 672 associated with arms 660, 662, 664, 666, 668, 670 mitigate
undesired
separation between hub 602 and carriage 608 during such instances and are
oriented to interact
with a stop 712 defined by body 680 of hub 602. Barbs 672 and stop 712 are
configured and
oriented to prevent continued lateral displacement of hub 602 relative to
carriage 608 and to
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maintain the desired slideable association between post 682 and projections
684, 686, 688 of
hub 602 with passage 636 and openings 638, 640, 642 of carriage 608,
respectively.
[0052] During dissociation of the conflicting insert from interaction with hub
602, biasing
device 692 acts to return hub 602 from retracted positions relative to
carriage 608 toward the
exposed, available, or accessible orientation or configuration 696 as the
conflicting insert is
moved away from or otherwise dissociated from interaction with hub 602. As
such, when an
appropriately configured insert 504 is associated with hub 602, the interface
therebetween
provides a configuration having multiple bearing supports and a methodology
that prevents
use of dispenser assemblies equipped with hub 602 for use with rolls of web
material having
inserts that are improperly configured for suitable rotational interaction
with hub 602 by
physical movement of hub 602 to positions wherein the hub is rendered
unavailable for
operational interaction with such inserts.
[0053] Therefore, a web material roll lockout assembly according to one
embodiment of the
present application discloses a hub that is constructed to be supported by a
dispenser. An
insert is constructed to rotationally cooperate with the hub when the insert
is disposed in a
bore of a roll of web material and the roll of web material is associated with
the dispenser. A
channel is formed in a radially outward oriented surface of the hub and
positioned such that
the channel is formed proximate an end of the hub. The assembly includes an
insert that is
constructed to removeably cooperate with the hub and has an overlapping
portion formed
between opposing ends of the insert. A plurality of projections are defined by
the insert and
constructed to limit axial translation between the insert and the hub when at
least one of the
plurality of projections is engaged with the channel and such that the
overlapping portion of
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-19
the insert improves flexibility associated with movement of the plurality of
projections. A
first rotational bearing surface and a second rotational bearing surface are
defined between
the insert and the hub when the at least one of the plurality of projections
is engaged with the
channel. The first rotational bearing surface and the second rotational
bearing surface are
positioned so that the overlapping portion of the insert is disposed
therebetween.
[0054] Another embodiment of the present application discloses a method of
restricting rolls
of web material that can be dispensed from a roll dispenser. The method
includes providing
a hub that defines an axis of rotation of a roll of web material associated
with the roll dispenser.
An insert is provided that has an outer diameter that is constructed to
securely engage a bore
of a roll of web material and has a radially inward directed shape that
slideably cooperates
with the hub. A portion of the insert is formed to overlap itself as the
insert traverses from
opposing ends thereof and such that, when the insert is engaged with the hub,
cooperation of
the insert and the hub restricts axial translation between the hub and the
insert and
accommodates rotation of the insert relative to the hub during rotation of a
roll of web
material. Engagement of a respective insert with the hub defines at least two
bearing surfaces
between the insert and the hub wherein each of the at least two bearing
surfaces are offset in
an axial direction from respective longitudinal ends of the insert and the hub
and such that the
overlapping portion of the insert is preferably disposed between the at least
two bearing
surfaces.
[0055] A further embodiment of the present application discloses an insert for
use in a roll
web material dispenser assembly. The insert includes a body that extends
between a first end
and a second end of the insert. An outer surface of the body of the insert is
shaped to be
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-19
received in a roll of web material and an inner surface of the body of the
insert is shaped to
removeably cooperate with a hub associated with a dispenser and to define at
least two bearing
surfaces that are axially offset from one another when engaged with the hub.
The insert
includes a plurality of deflectable fingers that are associated with a first
end of the body and
a projection is associated with at least one of the plurality of deflectable
fingers and oriented
to engage a groove defined by the hub. The body defines an overlapping portion
of the insert
between the first end and the second end of the insert and is positioned
between the at least
two bearing surfaces.
[0056] Another embodiment of the application discloses a web material roll
lockout assembly
having a support arm that is constructed to engage a dispenser housing. A
carriage is engaged
with the support arm and a hub is supported by the carriage and movable
relative to the
carriage between an exposed position wherein a portion of the hub is
accessible and a retracted
position wherein the portion of the hub is inaccessible. A biasing device is
configured to bias
the hub toward the exposed position and an insert is constructed to be
disposed in a bore of a
roll of web material and to slideably cooperate with the hub so that the hub
engages the insert
without translating the hub relative to the carriage to the retracted
position.
[0057] A further embodiment of the present application discloses a method of
forming a web
material lockout assembly. The method includes forming an insert so that an
outer geometric
shape allows the insert to be slideably received in a bore of a roll of web
material and an inner
geometric shape that is shaped to removeably cooperate with a hub supported by
a dispenser.
The hub is supported so that the hub is slideable relative to the dispenser so
that the hub is
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-19
unavailable for engagement if an insert having a different inner geometric
shape is attempted
to be associated therewith.
[0058] A further embodiment of the present application discloses a web
material dispenser
lockout system that includes a support assembly that is constructed to
cooperate with a
dispenser housing. A hub slideably engages the support assembly so that the
hub is movable
between an extended position and a retracted position. A biasing device is
engaged with the
hub and oriented to bias the hub toward the extended position. An insert is
constructed to be
disposed in a bore of a roll of web material and has a radially interior
facing geometry that
allows the insert to cooperate with the hub without translating the hub toward
the retracted
position.
[0059] It is appreciated that various features and aspects disclosed in the
present application
may be implemented in a variety of configurations, using certain features or
aspects of the
several embodiments described herein and others known in the art. Thus,
although the
invention has been herein shown and described in what is perceived to be the
most practical
and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not
intended to be
limited to the specific features and embodiments set forth above. It is
recognized that
modifications may be made by one of skill in the art of the invention without
departing from
the spirit or intent of the invention and, therefore, the invention is to be
taken as including all
reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the claims.
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