Patent ID: 6601790
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: G03B,G11B

Abstract:
A reusable cassette for containing and dispensing a roll of sheet material, the cassette being configured to permit removal of an exhausted roll and loading of a new roll, the cassette comprising:a pair of end cap members positioned parallel to each other at a fixed spacing therebetween; a cover positioned between the pair of end cap members, the cover having a longitudinal slot in a frontal surface thereof through which the sheet material passes during use; a drum assembly positioned between the pair of end cap members and within the cover for receiving a new roll of sheet material loaded into the cassette, the drum assembly including a plurality of longitudinal slots in peripheral surface thereof at each end thereof; and a self-centering mechanism positioned proximate the drum assembly for accommodating rolls of sheet material having different widths and for centering each roll of sheet material longitudinally over the drum assembly when that roll is loaded into the cassette, the self-centering mechanism comprising a pair of centering members, each of the centering members having a body portion movably positioned within said drum assembly at opposite ends thereof, at least one spring member positioned between the body portion and an associated one of the end cap members, and a plurality of outwardly extending feet positioned in associated ones of the slots in said drum assembly, the feet engaging respective ends of a roll of sheet material following loading thereof into the cassette.