Patent ID: 6745974
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: A47K,B65H

Abstract:
In a continuous roll towel dispenser mechanism a collapsible take up roller assembly comprising in combination:an elongated generally hollow cylindrical body portion formed from at least two radially separable arcuate cross sectioned segments; a plurality of annular ring members formed at spaced intervals along the inner surface of each said body portion segments and extending inwardly therefrom; a pair of elongated spindle members positioned within the opposite ends of said at least two body portion segments adapted to be moved longitudinally from a â€œcollapsedâ€  to an â€œexpandedâ€  position; each of said pair of elongated spindle members having a plurality of cam surfaces spaced along the length thereof; said spindle member cam surfaces being formed and spaced along said spindle to be in operative relationship to said ring portions on the inner surface of said roller assembly segments when said segments and spindles are positioned in the â€œexpandedâ€  position; at least one narrow circumferential groove formed in the outer surface of said roller assembly body segments; an elastic â€œOâ€  ring member positioned in said at least one narrow groove and sized to hold said assembly roller body segments in a closed position when joined together about said spindle members positioned in the longitudinal â€œcollapsedâ€  position; and said â€œOâ€  ring member having sufficient elasticity to allow said roller assembly body segments to be moved radially outwardly to an open position when said spindle members are moved longitudinally a predetermined distance into the ends of said assembled body segments to the â€œexpandedâ€  position to cam said body segments radially outwardly.