Patent ID: 6619504
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: A47K

Abstract:
A multiple roll holder unit comprising:a magazine having a roll loading opening and an inner compartment in which rolls loaded in the magazine lay in a substantially stacked arrangement; a roll holder extending on a lower portion of and in communication with the inner compartment of the magazine, the roll holder having a pair of roll retaining arms on opposite sides of a roll holding area, the roll retaining arms being moveable between a retracted position wherein the roll retaining arms are moved out of the roll holding area, and a roll engaging position wherein the roll retaining arms engage with and retain a roll in the roll holding area; and a transfer means for transferring a lowermost one of the rolls in the magazine to the roll holding area of the roll holder, the transfer means having: upper and lower cup members hinged at one side with each other and having respective rotation axes extending for combined operation of the cup members between a rest position wherein the upper cup member is turned upwardly for receiving and holding the lowermost one of the rolls in the magazine while the lower cup member extends behind the roll holding area, and a transfer position wherein both cup members are turned toward each other until the roll held by the upper cup member falls on the lower cup member while the upper cup member provides support to a next one of the rolls in the magazine; and means operatively associated with the cup members for moving the roll retaining arms between the retracted and roll engaging positions as the cup members are respectively set in the transfer and rest positions.