HAND TOWEL DISPENSER

The present disclosure relates to a hand towel dispenser. The hand towel dispenser comprises: an opening for accessing hand towels stored in the dispenser: an inner surface extending from the opening, wherein the inner surface defines an internal cavity within the dispenser for storing hand towels, and wherein the inner surface is substantially free from surface undulations such that the cavity comprises substantially no ligature points: and a plurality of flexible tabs located at the opening, the tabs arranged to retain hand towels within the cavity.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a hand towel dispenser for preventing self-harm.

BACKGROUND

Hand towel dispensers are known. A typical hand towel dispenser comprises an internal cavity for storing hand towels, and an opening in an underside of the dispenser for accessing hand towels stored in the internal cavity. By providing the opening in the underside of the dispenser, hand towels are protected from water and other fluids. Hygiene is thereby improved. However, when the opening is provided in the underside of a hand towel dispenser, a retaining mechanism is required at the opening for retaining hand towels within the internal cavity, while simultaneously enabling removal of individual hand towels from the cavity. Additionally, or alternatively, the cavity itself includes an arrangement of surface undulations configured to retain hand towels in the cavity. Many hand towel dispensers also include complex hand towel dispensing mechanisms within the internal cavity.

A problem with such hand towel dispensers, is that they necessarily include protrusions, indentations, and/or constrictions, from which one can secure a ligature. Therefore, such hand towel dispensers cannot be safely used in prisons or psychiatric hospitals, because they introduce a risk of patient or inmate self-harm.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses at least some of the problems noted above.

In a first aspect, there is provided a hand towel dispenser comprising:an opening for accessing hand towels stored in the dispenser;an inner surface extending from the opening, wherein the inner surface defines an internal cavity within the dispenser for storing hand towels, and wherein the inner surface is substantially free from surface undulations (e.g. free from surface protrusions) such that the cavity comprises substantially no ligature points (e.g. no ligature points); anda plurality of flexible tabs located at the opening, the tabs arranged to retain hand towels within the cavity.

Because the inner surface is free from surface undulations, ligature points which are present in prior art dispensers, are eliminated. The dispenser therefore improves patient safety. Herein, a surface undulation is defined as a surface protrusion, indentation, or constriction; e.g. a surface protrusion, indentation, or constriction which could be used as an anchor point from which to secure a ligature. For example, the inner surface may be smooth and/or flat.

Additionally, because the tabs arranged to retain the hand towels within the cavity are flexible, they do not provide stable ligature points. The dispenser therefore improves patient safety. The tabs may be sufficiently rigid to retain hand towels within the cavity, and sufficiently flexible that they would bend out of shape if a substantial weight (e.g. the weight of a human) were to be suspended from a ligature secured thereto. The flexible tabs may each have a flexural modulus of at least 0.001 GPa, for example at least 0.01 GPa, for example at least 0.05 GPa. In some examples, the flexible tabs may have a flexural modulus of at least 0.1 GPa, for example at least 0.25 GPa. The flexible tabs may each have a flexural modulus of at most 5 GPa, for example at most 2 GPa. In some examples, the flexible tabs may each have a flexural modulus of at most 1 GPa, for example at most 0.5 GPa. The tabs may each have a thickness of at least 1 mm, for example at least 2 mm. The tabs may each have a thickness of at most 4 mm, for example at most 3 mm. The tabs may each project into the opening by a distance of at least 15 mm, for example at least 20 mm. The tabs may each extend into the opening by a distance of at most 25 mm, for example at most 20 mm.

The tabs may be made of silicone rubber.

In the present disclosure, a ligature point is defined as any surface feature (e.g. protrusion, indentation, or constriction) which could be used as an anchor point from which a ligature could be secured, for example by tying or wedging of the ligature. A stable ligature point is defined as a ligature point which does not deform when a substantial weight (such as the weight of a human) is suspended from a ligature anchored thereto.

In a second aspect, there is provided a hand towel dispenser comprising:an opening for accessing hand towels stored in the dispenser;an inner surface extending from the opening, wherein the inner surface defines an internal cavity within the dispenser for storing hand towels, wherein the inner surface comprises an end surface defining a distal end of the cavity from the opening, and wherein the inner surface is arranged such that an inner dimension of the cavity is largest at the opening and tapers towards the end surface; anda plurality of flexible tabs located at the opening, the tabs arranged to retain hand towels within the cavity.

Because the inner dimension of the cavity tapers towards the end surface, it is not possible to wedge a ligature between opposing surfaces of the cavity so as to create a stable ligature point. As soon as a weight is suspended from a ligature secured in this way, the ligature would immediately be pulled free due to the taper, which opens up towards the opening. The dispenser therefore improves patient safety.

In a third aspect, there is provided a hand towel dispenser comprising:a substantially rectangular opening for accessing hand towels stored in the dispenser;an inner surface extending from the opening, wherein the inner surface defines an internal cavity within the dispenser for storing hand towels, and comprises an end-surface distal from the opening, and four planar side surfaces each extending from a respective edge of the opening; anda plurality of flexible tabs located at the opening, the tabs arranged to retain hand towels within the cavity. Each pair of opposing side surfaces may be parallel to one another. In another example, each pair of opposing side surfaces may be arranged such that their separation is greatest at the opening. That is, the inner dimension(s) of the cavity may be greatest at the opening, and may taper towards the end surface.

Because of the above arrangement of the inner surface, no protrusions, indentations, or constrictions from which a ligature could be anchored, are present in the internal cavity. It is therefore not possible to wedge a ligature between opposing surfaces of the cavity so as to create a stable ligature point. As soon as a force is applied to a ligature secured in this way, the ligature would immediately be pulled free due to the lack of protrusions, indentations and constrictions. The dispenser therefore improves patient safety.

Optional features of the first, second, and third aspects will now be described. Unless otherwise stated, each optional feature below is equally applicable to each of the first, second, and third aspects.

The inner surface of the first aspect may comprise an end surface defining a distal end of the cavity from the opening. In the first and third aspects, the inner surface may be arranged such that an inner dimension of the cavity is largest at the opening and tapers towards the end surface. For example, in any of the above aspects, the inner surface may be arranged such that the inner dimension of the cavity monotonically increases from the end surface to the opening.

In some examples, the inner surface may be arranged such that each inner dimension of the cavity is largest at the opening and tapers towards the end surface. For example, the inner surface may be arranged such that each inner dimension of the cavity monotonically increases from the end surface to the opening. For example, where the opening is generally square or rectangular, and the inner surface therefore comprises four side surfaces, each of which extends from a respective edge of the opening, each pair of opposing side surfaces may taper towards the end surface.

An inner dimension of the opening may be at least as large as a corresponding adjacent inner dimension of the cavity. For example, each inner dimension of the opening may be at least as large as a corresponding adjacent inner dimension of the cavity. In other words, the opening may be arranged so that it does not constrict the entry to the internal cavity. For example, where the opening is generally square or generally rectangular, the separation between the opposing edges of the opening may be the same as or greater than the separation between the corresponding opposing sides of the inner surface.

As mentioned above, the opening may be generally square (e.g. square) in shape. Alternatively, the opening may be generally rectangular (e.g. rectangular) in shape. Herein, a “generally square” or “generally rectangular” shape may be defined as a square or rectangular shape in which the opposing sides appear, to the naked eye, to be essentially parallel. As the reader will understand, some deviation from parallel is permitted, provided that the shape of the opening approximately matches the folded shape of the hand towels to be dispensed. Provided that this requirement is met, then the function of enabling dispensing of the hand towels through the opening may be achieved. A generally square or generally rectangular shape may also have rounded corners.

The cavity may have a cross-sectional shape (as viewed perpendicular to the plane defined by the opening) which matches that of the opening. That is, the cavity may have a generally square cross-section, or a generally rectangular cross-section. The end surface of the inner surface (which defines an end of the internal cavity distal from the opening) may have the same shape as the opening.

The inner surface may comprise four planar side surfaces, and a planar end surface at a distal end of the internal cavity from the opening. Each planar side surface may extend from a respective edge of the opening. Each planar side surface may extend between the opening and the end surface. The end surface may be oriented parallel with the opening. Each pair of opposing side surfaces may be parallel to one another. In another example, each pair of opposing side surfaces may be arranged such that their separation is greatest at the opening. That is, the inner dimension(s) of the cavity may be greatest at the opening, and may taper towards the end surface. The area of the end surface may thus be smaller than the area of the opening.

The plurality of flexible tabs may comprise at least two tabs which are located at opposite sides of the opening from one another. For example, the plurality of tabs may comprise two tabs located along a first long edge of the opening, and two tabs located along an opposing second long edge of the opening. The two tabs located along the first long edge may be separated from one another by a first distance. The two tabs located along the second long edge may be separated from one another by a second distance that is shorter than the first distance. The two tabs located along the first long edge may be equally spaced from a midpoint thereof. The two tabs located along the second long edge may be equally spaced from a midpoint thereof.

Each of the plurality of tabs may be attached to the dispenser at the opening, and may extend inwards from the opening so as to be arranged to retain hand towels within the cavity.

Each of the tabs may form an acute angle with respect to the inner surface, for example an angle of between 60 and 85 degrees with respect to the inner surface. That is, each of the tabs may form an acute angle with respect to the respective side surface to which it is adjacent.

Each of the plurality of tabs may be tapered. For example, the portion of each of the tabs which extends inwards from the opening may be tapered. Each of the plurality of tabs may also be rounded.

The dispenser may comprise a planar external surface for attachment to a wall. Where the opening is rectangular, the long edges of the opening may be oriented parallel with the planar external surface.

The dispenser may be of hollow construction. For example, it may be formed by rotational moulding.

An upper outer surface of the dispenser may be located on an opposite side of the dispenser from the opening. The upper outer surface may be sloped. The external upper surface may slope downwards from the planar surface.

The outer surface of the dispenser may be continuous, such that the dispenser comprises only a single opening as described above.

The dispenser may include no moving parts.

The body of the dispenser may comprise a single unitary part to which the flexible tabs are affixed. In some examples, the dispenser may consist of a single unitary part, to which the flexible tabs are affixed.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals are used for like features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows a schematic illustration of a hand towel dispenser100according to the prior art. The hand towel dispenser includes an outer surface102, and an inner surface104. The inner surface104comprises an end surface104a,side-surfaces104b,and entry surfaces104c.Collectively, the inner surface104defines an internal cavity106of the hand towel dispenser100. The internal cavity106is for storing hand towels (not shown), for example paper hand towels. An opening108to the cavity106is located adjacent the entry surfaces104c,and provides access to the cavity106for removing individual hand towels from the cavity. In order to retain hand towels within the cavity106, while simultaneously enabling their individual removal, the entry surfaces104care sloped so as to provide a constriction at the opening108. Accordingly, the size of the opening is larger than the size of the cavity.

While the arrangement shown in the schematic ofFIG.2is useful for retaining hand towels while simultaneously allowing them to be dispensed individually, it has been found that it introduces a ligature risk. As shown inFIG.2, a ligature can be anchored against the entry surfaces104cof the cavity, by wedging an object110, to which a ligature112is attached, between the entry surfaces104c.Because of the constriction provided by the slope of the entry surfaces104c,the object110is securely wedged, and thus provides a stable ligature point. Therefore, there's a substantial risk of self-harm. Such a dispenser therefore is not safe for use in prisons or psychiatric hospitals.

As the reader will understand, the example ofFIGS.1and2is only a simplified schematic. In practice, hand towel dispensers often have far more complex retaining means and/or dispensing mechanisms than the one illustrated inFIGS.1and2. The more complex the arrangement, the higher the ligature risk, because increased complexity in turn introduces additional ligature points. It will also be noted by the reader that the constriction shown inFIG.1may be more pronounced than in some prior art hand towel dispensers. This is for illustrative purposes. Less severe constrictions or surface features than those shown inFIG.1can also be used as stable ligature points.

FIGS.3and4respectively show a first a cross-sectional view, and a perpendicular second cross-sectional view, of a hand towel dispenser200according to the present disclosure. The hand towel dispenser comprises an outer surface202, and an inner surface204. The inner surface204comprises an end surface204a;and four side surfaces204b,204c,204d,204e.The side surfaces204b,204c,204d,204eterminate at one end at the end surface204a,and at the other end at an opening208. Collectively, the surfaces204a,204b,204c,204d,204edefine an internal cavity206for receiving and storing hand towels. The end surface204ais at a distal end of the cavity206from the opening208.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, each of the side surfaces204b,204c,204d,204eis flat. The side surfaces include no surface undulations. The end surface204ais also planar, and also includes no surface undulations. Additionally, the opposing planar side surfaces204b,204ctaper slightly from the opening208and towards the end surface204a.Similarly, the opposing planar side surfaces204d,204etaper slightly from the opening and towards the end surface204a.Therefore, in both the internal dimension of the cavity206in direction A (that is, the separation between the opposing side surfaces204b,204c,as illustrated onFIG.3), and the internal dimension of the cavity206in direction B (that is, the separation between the opposing side surfaces204d,204e,as illustrated onFIG.4), increase monotonically towards the opening208.

Finally, it will be noted that the opening208can be considered as comprising an inner opening208aand an outer opening208b.Both the inner opening208a,which is immediately adjacent the side surfaces204b,204c,204d,204eis of the same size as the cavity in both directions A and B. Furthermore, the outer opening208bis larger than the inner opening208a,both in directions A and B.

Accordingly, no constrictions are present at the opening208, and furthermore no constrictions are present in the internal cavity206. No ligature points are present. Any attempt to secure a ligature within the cavity206or to the opening208will be unstable. As soon as any weight is suspended from such a ligature, the ligature will be pulled free due to the above-described arrangement of the opening208and of the internal cavity206.

As shown inFIG.3, the outer surface202includes a front surface202a,a top surface202b,and a rear surface202c.Side surfaces202d,202eare shown inFIG.4. The rear surface202cis planar, and is configured for attachment to a wall. In the depicted example, the rear surface202cis attached to a back-plate203, which in turn attaches to a wall (not shown) by screws214. The top surface202bslopes downwards from the rear surface202c.This also helps to remove ligature points, because a ligature looped over the top of the dispenser200would slide off. The side surfaces202d,202etaper from the rear surface202ctowards the front surface202a.This too helps to reduce ligature points.

In order to retain hand towels (e.g. paper hand towels) within the cavity, while ensuring that the hand towels can be individually removed (dispensed) therefrom, a plurality of flexible tabs212are located at the opening. The flexible tabs212form an acute angle with respect to the side surfaces204b,204c.This improves paper towel retention, while still enabling paper towels to be individually dispensed. It also makes it easier to fill the dispenser200with paper towels via the opening, because the tabs212are oriented to point slightly inwards towards the cavity206. The tabs212are described in more detail below, with reference toFIG.5.

FIG.5shows a bottom view of the hand towel dispenser200. As can be seen from this view, the front surface202ahas a curved profile. The side surfaces202d,202eare also sloped, such that they taper from the rear surface202cto the front surface202a.These geometries again help to eliminate ligature points. The opening208is rectangular.

As shown inFIG.5, the hand towel dispenser200includes four flexible tabs212. Two tabs are located along the first long edge204bof the opening208; and two tabs212are located along the second long edge204cof the opening208. The two tabs212arranged along the first long edge204bare slightly closer to one another than the two tabs212arranged along the second long edge204c.Each pair of tabs is centred about a midpoint of the edge along which the tabs are arranged. As shown, each tab212is mounted just outside the perimeter of the opening, and extends within the perimeter of the opening. Each tab212is tapered, such that the portion of the tab which extends within the perimeter of the opening is tapered. The distal end of each tab212is also rounded. The attachment means between the tabs212and the main body of the dispenser200is described below. As the reader will understand, more than four tabs212may be used in some examples.

FIG.6shows a perspective view of the hand towel dispenser200. The overall external profile of the hand towel dispenser200can be seen, including the sloped top surface202b.As can also be seen, the outer surface is completely free from openings, apertures, or surface features which could be used as ligature points. There is also no lid or door for filling the hand towel dispenser200with paper towels. This is because the hand towel dispenser is refillable via the opening208(not shown inFIG.6). Therefore, no other openings are needed. Again, these characteristics help to ensure that no ligature points are provided.

FIG.7shows an exploded view of the hand towel dispenser200. Each exploded part shown is a unitary part. That is, each part shown comprises a single unitary piece. Notably, the main body201of the dispenser200is a single unitary piece. Moreover, the main body201is a hollow unitary piece, having a sealed internal chamber222defined between the outer surface202and the inner surface204. In one example, it is plastic, and is formed by rotational moulding. Therefore, the dispenser may be formed of a thermoplastic.

As shown, each of the flexible tabs212is attached to the main body201using an attachment block216and a screw218. Each screw218secures the attachment block216and the flexible tab212to the main body201, while the attachment block216ensures that the attachment is stable, such that the tab212is securely fastened in place. Each attachment block216is configured to sit flush with the main body201when assembled, such that the attachment creates no ligature points.

The back plate203may be formed of aluminium. Alternatively, it may be formed from a polymer material. The back plate203is attached to the main body201by grub screws220. The back plate203is then in turn attached to a wall (not shown) using screws214.

The flexible tabs are formed of silicone rubber, having a thickness of 2-3 mm, and extending into the opening by a distance of 20-25 mm. However, the reader will understand that strict adherence to these values is not necessarily required. A different flexible material could be used, and the dimensions could be altered slightly as will be understood.

Above, the hand towel dispenser has been described as being formed of plastic, by rotational moulding. In a further embodiment, the hand towel dispenser may be formed from sheet metal.FIG.8shows a hand towel dispenser800formed from sheet metal.FIG.8is shown in an exploded view, to show the constituent sheet metal parts. As shown, a first sheet part802and a second sheet part804collectively form the internal cavity206of the hand towel dispenser800when assembled. In this example, however, there may be no taper from the opening208to the end surface204a.A third sheet part806forms the outer surface202, and a lower plate sheet808forms a lower surface of the hand towel dispenser800and defines the opening208. A backplate810(also a sheet part) is attached to the third sheet part806to form a rear of the hand towel dispenser800. Backplate810includes apertures812for attachment to a wall. The sheet parts802,804,806,808,810may be cut from a sheet, for example by die cutting. Sheet parts802,804and806are then bent into shape to form the sheet parts802,804,806shown inFIG.8. The metal used may be aluminium. In other examples, it may be steel.

FIG.9shows an alternative construction for the flexible tabs212. As shown inFIG.9, rather than being discrete parts as described above, the flexible tabs212may be part of a single membrane part900having an opening208, the tabs212being integrally formed with the membrane and arranged to project into the opening208. The membrane900may be secured to the lower surface of the paper towel dispenser by a lower attachment plate, such as attachment plate1000as shown inFIG.10. That is, the membrane900may be sandwiched between the lower surface of the paper towel dispenser and the attachment plate1000. The membrane900may be formed of an elastomeric material, for example rubber or latex.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to a specific example implementation, it will be recognized that the disclosure is not limited to the implementations described, but can be practiced with modification and alteration insofar as such modification(s) and alteration(s) remain within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.