An apparatus for dispensing consumable material can include a housing, first and second support frames, a mandrel, and a lever. The mandrel can be movably mounted to the support frames between upper and lower positions and configured to hold upper and lower rolls. In some embodiments, when the mandrel is in the upper position, only the lower roll is accessible, and when the mandrel is in the lower position, both of the upper and lower rolls are accessible. The lever can be operatively connected to the first support frame and moveable between first and second positions. In some embodiments, when in the first position, a portion of the lever presents a physical interference that inhibits the mandrel from moving from the upper position to the lower position and, when moved to the second position, the physical interference is removed, thereby allowing the mandrel to move.

BACKGROUND

Field

This disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for dispensing consumable material, such as paper tissue from tissue rolls.

Description of Certain Related Art

Tissue dispensers provide a convenient storage system for rolls of consumable material. The rolls of consumable material can be referred to as “tissue rolls,” for example, rolls of fibrous paper products or tissue paper (e.g., bathroom tissue, paper towels, or other). Tissue dispensers are generally designed to hold one or multiple rolls of tissue paper and to provide a dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism generally allows a user to retrieve a length of the roll. As one length of tissue paper is retrieved from the dispensing mechanism, an additional length becomes available for retrieval from the roll. This process slowly unrolls the length of the roll of tissue paper.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEATURES

In some instances where a tissue dispenser holds multiple tissue rolls, for example, in a vertical configuration, it is often difficult for a user to access rolls above the bottommost roll even after the bottommost roll is exhausted. In some cases, when such bottommost roll is exhausted, a user must reach into an interior of the tissue dispenser to access additional rolls and/or must make manual adjustments to the tissue dispenser (or structure inside the tissue dispenser holding the rolls) in order to allow for access. Such techniques can not only be difficult, but can also present health concerns where users are required to touch the tissue rolls or structure holding the tissue rolls inside the interior of the dispenser. It would be beneficial to have a tissue dispenser that automatically provides access to an additional roll after a first roll is exhausted beyond a certain limit, without requiring additional action by a user. In addition to providing access to the additional roll, it would also be beneficial for the tissue dispenser to continue providing access to the first roll even after such roll is exhausted beyond a limit.

At least some of the aforementioned issues, or other issues, are overcome by various implementations of the solutions described herein. For example, one aspect of some implementations of a tissue dispenser described herein includes structural components that interact to automatically provide accessibility to a new tissue roll when a first tissue roll is exhausted or is near exhaustion. For example, in some implementations, when a first tissue roll is exhausted beyond a certain threshold (e.g., a diameter of the roll falls below a threshold), a new tissue roll held within the dispenser is automatically moved closer to an opening of the dispenser to provide accessibility to a user. As discussed herein, the tissue dispenser can include a mandrel for holding one or more tissue rolls (for example, vertically) and a sensor and/or controller (e.g., a lever). The sensor can be configured to detect whether a condition is satisfied, such as whether an outside diameter of a first tissue roll being detected to be below a threshold diameter. In some implementations, the controller can be configured to inhibit or prevent the mandrel from moving (e.g., closer to the opening of the dispenser) until the condition is satisfied, such as an outside diameter of a first tissue roll being at or below a threshold.

The preceding summary is meant to be a high-level summary of certain features within the scope of this disclosure. The summary, the following detailed description, and the associated drawings do not limit or define the scope of protection. The scope of protection is defined by the claims. No feature is critical or indispensable.

An apparatus for dispensing consumable material can comprise: a housing comprising a cabinet an interior, and an opening; a first support frame positioned within the interior of the housing and mounted to the cabinet; a second support frame positioned within the interior of the housing and mounted to the cabinet, the second support frame being spaced apart from the first support frame; and a mandrel positioned between the first support frame and the second support frame, the mandrel being movable between an upper position and a lower position relative to the first support frame and the second support frame. In some embodiments, the mandrel is configured to hold an upper roll of consumable material and a lower roll of consumable material, wherein when the mandrel is in the upper position the lower roll is accessible to a user via the opening of the housing, and when the mandrel is in the lower position the upper and lower rolls are accessible to the user via the opening. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a lever operatively connected to the first support frame and moveable between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the lever is configured such that: when the lever is in the first position, a portion of the lever presents a physical interference that inhibits the mandrel from moving from the upper position to the lower position; and when the lever is moved to the second position, the physical interference is removed, thereby allowing the mandrel to move from the upper position to the lower position.

In some embodiments, the lever comprises a first arm and a second arm, and wherein, when the lever is in the first position, the first arm contacts the lower roll and the second arm presents the physical interference that inhibits the mandrel from moving from the upper position to the lower position. In some embodiments, when a diameter of the lower roll is greater than or equal to a threshold, the lower roll presents a physical obstacle to the first arm of the lever and prevents the lever from moving from the first position to the second position; and when the diameter falls below the threshold, the physical obstacle is removed, thereby allowing the lever to move from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the first arm of the lever is closer to the second support frame when the lever is in the second position than when the lever is in the first position.

In some embodiments, the mandrel comprises a first stem movably mounted to the first support frame, a second stem movably mounted to the second support frame, and a cross-member connected to and positioned between the first and second stems, and wherein the mandrel is configured to hold the upper and lower rolls between the first and second stems. In some embodiments, the first stem comprises a first flange, and wherein, when the lever is in the first position, the second arm of the lever contacts the first flange of the first stem. In some embodiments, the first support frame comprises a first channel extending along at least a portion of a first height of the first support frame; the second support frame comprises a second channel extending along at least a portion of a second height of the second support frame; the first stem is movably mounted within the first channel of the first support frame; and the second stem is movably mounted within the second channel of the second support frame. In some embodiments, the first stem comprises a first guide configured to fit within the first channel of the first support frame and the second stem comprises a second guide configured to fit within the second channel of the second support frame, and wherein the first and second guides are configured to allow the first and second stems to move within the first and second channels. In some embodiments, the first stem further comprises a first stub configured to secure to a first portion of the lower tissue roll and the second stem further comprises a second stub configured to secure to a second portion of the lower tissue roll, and wherein the first guide and the first stub extend from the first stem in opposite directions, and wherein the second guide and the second stub extend from the second stem in opposite directions.

In some embodiments, the lever is pivotably connected to the first support frame. In some embodiments, the lever is biased toward the second position. In some embodiments, the lever is connected to the first support frame via a pin and a torsional spring coupled to the pin, the torsional spring configured to bias the lever toward the second position. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a cover that is movably mounted to the cabinet.

An apparatus for dispensing consumable material can comprise: a housing comprising a cabinet, an interior, and an opening; a first support frame positioned within the interior of the housing and mounted to the cabinet; a second support frame positioned within the interior of the housing and mounted to the cabinet, the second support frame being spaced apart from the first support frame; and a mandrel movably mounted to the first and second support frames and configured to hold an upper roll of consumable material and a lower roll of consumable material. In some embodiments, the mandrel is movable between an upper position and a lower position, and wherein, when the mandrel is in the upper position, only the lower roll is accessible to a user via the opening of the housing, and wherein, when the mandrel is in the lower position, the upper and lower rolls are accessible to the user via the opening of the housing.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a lever operatively connected to the first support frame and moveable between a first position and a second position, the lever configured such that: when the lever is in the first position, a portion of the lever presents a physical interference that inhibits the mandrel from moving from the upper position to the lower position; and when the lever is moved to the second position, the physical interference is removed, thereby allowing the mandrel to move from the upper position to the lower position. In some embodiments, the lever comprises a first arm and a second arm, and wherein, when the lever is in the first position, the first arm contacts the lower roll and the second arm presents the physical interference that inhibits the mandrel from moving from the upper position to the lower position.

In some embodiments, the mandrel comprises a first stem movably mounted to the first support frame, a second stem movably mounted to the second support frame, and a cross-member connected to and positioned between the first and second stems, and wherein the mandrel is configured to hold the upper and lower rolls between the first and second stems. In some embodiments, the first stem comprises a first flange, and wherein, when the lever is in the first position, the second arm of the lever contacts the first flange of the first stem. In some embodiments, the first support frame comprises a first channel extending along at least a portion of a first height of the first support frame, the second support frame comprises a second channel extending along at least a portion of a second height of the second support frame, the first stem is movably mounted within the first channel of the first support frame, and the second stem is movably mounted within the second channel of the second support frame. In some embodiments, the first stem comprises a first pair of guides and the second stem comprises a second pair of guides, and wherein the first pair of guides are configured to move within the first channel of the first support frame and the second pair of guides are configured to move within the second channel of the second support frame. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a lever assembly comprising a controller arm and a sensor arm, the controller arm configured to disengage from the mandrel in response to the sensor arm detecting that an outside diameter of the lower roll is less than a threshold value, thereby allowing the mandrel to automatically drop from the upper position to the lower position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Various features and advantages of the disclosed technology will become more fully apparent from the following description of the several specific embodiments illustrated in the figures. These embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of this disclosure. However, this disclosure should not be limited to only the illustrated embodiments. The features of the illustrated embodiments can be modified, combined, removed, and/or substituted as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the principles disclosed herein.

Overview

FIGS. 1A-1Cillustrate various perspective views of a dispenser10.FIGS. 1A and 1Cillustrate front perspective views of the dispenser10, whileFIG. 1Billustrates a back perspective view of the dispenser10. As discussed herein, the dispenser10can allow for dispensing of a roll of consumable material (also called a “tissue roll”), such as paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, cleaning wipes, etc. In some variants, the dispenser10provides access to consumable material that is wound on a core and positioned within an interior of the dispenser10. The dispenser10can be a toilet paper dispenser, paper towel dispenser, facial tissue dispenser, wipes dispenser, or other type of dispenser capable of dispensing and/or providing access to consumable material.

As shown, the dispenser10can include a support portion, such as a cabinet20. An opening12can be bounded by or part of the cabinet20. As shown, one or more rolls of consumable material, such as tissue rolls14, can be held within an interior of the dispenser10, as described further below.

The dispenser can include a cover30that is connected with the cabinet20. With reference toFIGS. 2A-2B and 1C, the dispenser10can include a latch15that allows the cover30to removably secure to the cabinet20. For example, the cover30can include a latching portion38(FIG. 2B) that can connect to the latch15. Further, with reference toFIGS. 1C and 2A, the cover30can include one or more openings33sized to receive portions of a key8that can interact with the latch15and/or latching portion38to disengage the cover30from the cabinet20. With reference toFIGS. 4A-4B, in some embodiments, the latch15is removably connected to a portion of the cabinet20, for example, to a latch housing25of the cabinet20. As shown inFIG. 1B, the cabinet20can include one or more openings23a,23b,23cconfigured to facilitate mounting of the dispenser10to a wall. For example, the one or more openings23a,23b,23ccan be sized and/or shaped to receive fasteners in order to assist in mounting the dispenser10to a wall.

In some embodiments, the cover30is movably connected to the cabinet20. For example, with reference toFIGS. 2A-2B, the cover30can be rotatably coupled to the cabinet20such that, when the latching portion38is disengaged from the latch15of the cabinet20, the cover30can rotate with respect to the cabinet20. Such configuration can allow the cover30to be rotatably opened to allow access into the interior of the dispenser10. Such access can allow a user to insert one or more tissue rolls into the dispenser10, for example, via insertion of a mandrel400holding one or more tissue rolls into channels210,310as discussed further below. As shown inFIG. 2B, the cover can include a top portion32, which can include the latching portion38, a front (or back) wall39, and sidewalls34a,34b. In some embodiments, the cover30can include a coupling portion36extending from and/or connected to a portion (e.g., a bottom) of the wall39. The coupling portion36can include one or more openings, such as two openings37(FIG. 2B) configured to receive protrusions on the cabinet20or another portion of the dispenser10. For example, with reference toFIGS. 2B, 3A-3B, and 5A-5B, the openings37of the coupling portion36can receive protrusions26a,26bon support frames100,300which also extend through openings in the cabinet20. Such configuration can allow the cover30to rotate while connected to the cabinet20between an open position (e.g.,FIG. 2A) and a closed position (e.g.,FIGS. 1A-1C). In some embodiments, the openings37are circular apertures and the protrusions26a,26bhave a circular cross-section.

FIGS. 3A-3Bshow views of the dispenser10with the cover30removed so as to better illustrate the interior of the dispenser10.FIGS. 4A-4Billustrate perspective views of the cabinet20with a portion thereof removed to better show features on a back surface22of the cabinet20. As discussed elsewhere herein, the dispenser10can include one or more support frames that connect to the cabinet20and/or the cover30and that act to support one or more tissue rolls and/or structure holding the one or more tissue rolls within the interior of the dispenser10. For example, as discussed in more detail below, the dispenser10can include one or more support frames100,200, and/or300as shown in at leastFIGS. 3A-3B and 5A-5B. The support frames100,200,300can connect (for example, removably secure) to the cabinet20. With reference toFIGS. 4A-4B, the cabinet20can include one or more flanges26extending outward from a surface22of the cabinet20. As shown, the flanges26can extend outward with respect to the surface22and extend in an additional direction (for example, “upward”). As also shown, the flanges26can define a space (or “open cavity”) sized to receive portions of the support frames100,200,300to enable securement of the same. For example, as shown in at leastFIGS. 5A-5B, the support frames100,200,300can include flanges111,211,311,113,213,313that can secure within the open cavities defined by the flanges26in the cabinet20. In some variants, the cabinet20can include one or more pairs of protrusions27extending from the surface22of the cabinet20that form slots that are sized to receive one or portions of the support frames100,200,300to help secure the support frames100,200,300to the cabinet20. For example, with reference to at leastFIGS. 3A-3B and 5A-6B, the support frames100,200,300can include flanges113,213,313,115,215,315that can secure within the slots defined by the protrusions27. Accordingly, the interaction of the flanges26and protrusions27of the cabinet20and the flanges111,211,311,113,213,313,115,215,315of the support frames100,200,300can allow the support frames100,200,300to secure to the cabinet20. Such securement can prevent horizontal and/or vertical movement of the support frames100,200,300relative to the cabinet20in some embodiments.

Support Frames

FIGS. 5A-5Bshow the dispenser10with the cabinet20and cover30removed to better illustrate the support frames100,200,300and other aspects of the tissue dispenser10. As shown, the dispenser10can include the support frames100,200,300, mandrels400, and levers502. As discussed in more detail below, the mandrels400can hold one or more rolls of consumable material (such as tissue rolls14) and can be movably secured to the support frames100,200,300. As also discussed in more detail below, the levers502can be movably secured to the support frames100,300and can interact with the mandrels400to at least partially inhibit (e.g., prevent) movement of the mandrels400, for example, from an upper position to a lower position.

WhileFIGS. 1A-1C, 2A, 3A-3B, and 5A-5Billustrate the dispenser10having three support frames100,200,300, which form two vertical “bays” that can receive one or more tissue rolls (e.g., vertically), the dispenser10can include an alternative number of support frames100,200,300and/or combinations of the support frames100,200,300which form an alternative number of bays. For example, depending on the desired configuration for the dispenser10, the dispenser10can include a single bay formed by one support frame100and one support frame200or formed by one support frame200and one support frame300. Moreover, the number of mandrels400and levers502can be altered depending on the number of support frames100,200,300. The amount and configuration of the support frames100,200,300and/or combinations thereof can be altered to achieve a desired amount of bays for the dispenser10. Accordingly, while the discussion below is made with reference to a single “bay” dispenser including the support frames200and300, the features of the support frames200,300can be applicable in some or every respect to support frame100and/or to a dispenser including all of support frames100,200,300, two mandrels400, and two levers502. Moreover, the cabinet20, cover30, and opening12can be modified depending on the number of support frames100,200,300employed in the dispenser10.

FIGS. 6A-6Billustrate a mandrel400positioned within a vertical “bay” within the support frames200,300and further illustrate a lever assembly500, secured to the support frame300.FIGS. 7A-7Billustrate the support frames200,300independent of the mandrel400and lever502.FIGS. 8A-8Eillustrate the mandrel400(and portions thereof) andFIGS. 9A-9Cillustrate the lever502and a lever assembly500that can connect the lever502to the support frame300. As discussed above, the support frames200,300can include flanges, such as flanges211,213,311,313,215,315that can secure to portions of the cabinet20.

As discussed above, the mandrel400can be configured to hold one or more rolls of consumable material. As also discussed, the mandrel400can be movably connected to the support frames200,300. In some embodiments, a first (e.g., lower) roll is initially accessible by a user and movement of the mandrel400relative to the support frames200,300can make a second (e.g., upper) roll accessible by the user. The support frames200,300can include channels extending along some or all of the heights thereof. The channels can be sized and/or shaped to receive portions of the mandrel400to allow the mandrel400to move (e.g., slide) therewithin.

For example, as shown inFIGS. 7A-7B, the support frames200,300can include channels210,310extending along portions of heights thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of the channels are bound by protrusions. As shown, the channel210can be bound by rails protruding outward from a surface201of the support frame200. In some embodiments, one or more of the channels are recessed in the support frame300. For example, the channel310can be recessed from a surface301aof the support frame300. Some variants include a combination. For example, as shown, the channel310can be recessed from a surface301aof the support frame300(seeFIG. 7B) and can protrude outward from a second, opposite surface301bof the support frame300(seeFIG. 7A).

As shown inFIGS. 7A-7B, the channels210,310can extend along a portion of heights of the support frames200,300. In some embodiments, the channels210,310extend in a direction parallel to heights of the support frames200,300(e.g., in a vertical direction) and extend in directions transverse (e.g., angled) relative to such parallel direction. For example, the channels210,310can include generally vertical and/or straight portions210b,310band angled portions210a,310aat or near ends thereof (e.g., at “top” ends). With reference toFIGS. 2A and 7A-7B, such angled portions210a,310acan be angled with respect to the straight portions210b,310btowards a “front” end of the dispenser10, which can advantageously allow a user to more easily insert a mandrel400or portions thereof (e.g., the guides412a-412d) into the channels210,310of the support frames200,300to fill or refill the dispenser10with tissue rolls. The angled portions210a,310acan be angled with respect to the straight portions210b,310bat a degree equal to about: 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, or 90°, or any value therebetween, or any range bounded by any combination of these values, although values outside these ranges can be used in some cases.

In some embodiments, the channels210,310include a widened entrance, which can advantageously provide for easier installation of the mandrel400or portions thereof into the channels210,310. For example, as shown in at leastFIGS. 7A-7B, the channels210,310can include angled or flared portions210d,310d. The flared portions210d,310dcan be angled (e.g., “flared outward”) with respect to the angled portions210a,310a. Such configuration can help guide and/or align portions of the mandrel400(for example, the guides412a-d) into the channels210,310.

As shown inFIGS. 7A-7B, the channels210,310of the support frames200,300can include angled portions210c,310cat or near ends thereof (e.g., at “bottom” ends). Such angled portions210c,310ccan be angled with respect to the straight portions210b,310btowards a “back” end of the tissue dispenser10. Advantageously, such configuration can allow the mandrel400to move relative to the support frames200,300(e.g., downward) closer to an opening of the dispenser10(such as opening12) while reducing or minimizing the overall height of the dispenser10that would be required if the channels210,310were oriented vertically. In some embodiments, such configuration, can allow a first (e.g., lower) tissue roll to be moved at least partially out of the way when at or near exhaustion so that a second (e.g., upper) tissue roll can be moved closer to the opening12of the dispenser10. This in turn can provide better access to the second (upper) tissue roll for a user. The angled portions210c,310ccan be angled with respect to the straight portions210b,310bat a degree equal to about: 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, or 90°, or any value therebetween, or any range bounded by any combination of these values, although values outside these ranges can be used in some cases.

The support frames200,300can include a stop that inhibits or prevents the mandrel400from moving relative to the support frames200,300beyond a limit. For example, as shown inFIGS. 7A-7B, the support frames200,300can include a flange220,320extending from surfaces201,301aat or near bottom ends of the channels210,310. In some embodiments, the flanges220,320extend generally perpendicular to surfaces201,301aand/or to the channels210,310. The flanges220,320can block portions of the mandrel400from passing through the bottom ends of the channels210,310. For example, the flanges220,320can block one or more of the guides412a-412dfrom exiting through the bottom ends of the channels210,310. In some embodiments, the flanges220,320are generally T-shaped (seeFIG. 7A-7B).

FIGS. 8A-8Eillustrate views of the mandrel400and portions thereof. The mandrel400can include a first stem410, a second stem420, and a cross-member430extending between and connected to the first and second stems410,420. In some embodiments, the cross-member430is generally perpendicular to the first stem410and/or second stem420. In some embodiments, the first and second stems410,420are generally parallel to one another. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the mandrel400is generally H-shaped.

The mandrel400can include one or more elements (e.g., protrusions) configured to secure and/or secure to rolls of consumable material (e.g., tissue rolls). For example, as shown inFIGS. 8A-8B, the mandrel400can include one or more stubs414a,414b,414c,414dwhich extend from portions of the stems410,420and which can secure and/or secure to tissue rolls. The first stem410can include a first stub414aextending from a portion of the first stem410and/or a second stub414bextending from another portion of the first stem410. The first stub414acan be positioned at or near a first end of the first stem410and the second stub414bcan be positioned at or near a second end of the first stem410. In some embodiments, one or both of the first or second stubs414a,414bcan be positioned a distance away from the ends of the first stem410. The first and second stubs414a,414bcan extend from the same side of the first stem410in a direction towards the second stem420, for example. The second stem420can include a first stub414cextending from a portion of the second stem420and/or a second stub414dextending from another portion of the second stem420. The first stub414ccan be positioned at or near a first end of the second stem420and the second stub414dcan be positioned at or near a second end of the second stem420. In some embodiments, one or both of the first or second stubs414c,414dcan be positioned a distance away from the ends of the second stem420. The first and second stubs414c,414dcan extend from the same side of the second stem420in a direction towards the first stem410, for example.

The stubs414a,414b,414c,414dcan be configured to secure to tissue rolls having a “core” and/or “coreless” tissue rolls. In some embodiments, the stubs414a,414b,414c,414dare sized and/or shaped to fit within a core of a tissue roll, for example, within a cylindrical hollow paperboard core of a tissue roll. In some configurations, the stubs414a,414b,414c,414dcan extend from surfaces of the stems410,420and have ends that are sized to be received within ends of the paperboard core of the tissue roll. In some embodiments, the stubs414a,414b,414c,414dare sized and/or shaped to engage (for example, grip) sides or ends of coreless tissue rolls. For example, in some embodiments, the stubs414a,414b,414c,414dextend from surfaces of the stems410,420and have ends which are tapered, pointed, or otherwise shaped to grip (or stick into) ends of the coreless tissue rolls. In some embodiments, the stubs414c,414aare aligned (e.g., vertically) with one another and/or stubs414d,414bare aligned (e.g., vertically) with one another (seeFIG. 7B).

FIGS. 8C-8Eillustrate enlarged views of the stub414b, however, the features and description that follow can also be applicable to any of the stubs414a,414d,414cand/or the first and second stems410,420. With reference toFIG. 8E, the stub414bcan include a base portion430extending from and/or connected to the first stem410and an engagement portion440extending from and/or connected to the base portion430. The base portion430can include a plate430aand one or more flange supports430bthat connect the plate430ato the first stem410. In some embodiments, the base portion430includes four flange supports430barranged in cross-shaped pattern. The engagement portion440can include a plate440aand one or more flange supports440bthat connect the plate440ato the plate430aof the base portion430. In some embodiments, the engagement portion440includes four flange supports440barranged in cross-shaped pattern. The engagement portion440can be sized and/or shaped to fit within a core of a tissue roll. In some embodiments, the plate440aof the engagement portion440comprises a circular shape. In some embodiments, the plate430aof the base portion430has a larger size and/or shape (e.g., a larger cross-section) than the plate440aof the engagement portion440. Such configuration can allow an end (for example, a cylindrical end) of a core of a tissue roll to rest against the plate430aafter passing over the engagement portion440. In some embodiments, the plate430aof the base portion430comprises a circular or partially circular shape. For example, with reference toFIG. 8D(as discussed in more detail below), the plate430acan have a partially circular shape with two opposing straight sides430c. As discussed further below, the straight sides430ccan advantageously allow a portion of the lever502(such as the first arm510of the lever502) to sit adjacent to (e.g., “flush” with) and/or spaced from the base portion430(and/or plate430a) which can minimize or eliminate interference between the lever502and the plate430awhen the lever502moves.

As discussed above, the mandrel400can be movably connected to the support frames200,300. As also discussed above, the mandrel400(and/or portions thereof) can be received within the channels210,310of the support frames200,300, which allow the mandrel400to be moved, for example, vertically, with respect to the support frames200,300. The mandrel400can include one or more protrusions sized and/or shaped to fit within the channels210,310of the support frames200,300and which are configured to move (e.g., slide) within such channels210,310. For example, as shown inFIGS. 8A-8B, the mandrel400can include guides412a,412b,412c,412dwhich can be sized and/or shaped to fit within the channels210,310.

As shown, the first stem410can include a first guide412aextending from a portion of the first stem410and/or a second guide412bextending from another portion of the first stem410. The first guide412acan be positioned at or near a first end of the first stem410and the second guide412bcan be positioned at or near a second end of the first stem410. In some embodiments, one or both of the first or second guides412a,412bcan be positioned a distance away from the ends of the first stem410. The first and second guides412a,412bcan extend from the same side of the first stem410in a direction away from the second stem420, for example. The guides412a,412bcan extend from the first stem410in a direction opposite to the direction of extension of the stubs414a,414bdiscussed above. In some embodiments, the guides412a,412bare aligned (e.g., vertically) with the stubs414a,414b(seeFIG. 8B).

As also shown, the second stem420can include a first guide412cextending from a portion of the second stem420and/or a second guide412dextending from another portion of the second stem420. The first guide412ccan be positioned at or near a first end of the second stem420and the second guide412dcan be positioned at or near a second end of the second stem420. In some embodiments, one or both of the first or second guides412c,412dcan be positioned a distance away from the ends of the second stem420. The first and second guides412c,412dcan extend from the same side of the second stem420in a direction away from the first stem410, for example. The guides412c,412dcan extend from the second stem420in a direction opposite to the direction of extension of the stubs414c,414ddiscussed above. In some embodiments, the guides412c,412dare aligned (e.g., vertically) with the stubs414c,414d(seeFIG. 8B).

As discussed above, the guides412a,412b,412c,412dcan be sized and/or shaped to fit within the channels210,310. In some embodiments, the “free” ends of the guides412a,412b,412c,412dare rounded and/or have circular cross-sections. Such configuration can help the guides412a,412b,412c,412d(and in turn, the mandrel400) more easily move (e.g., slide) within the channels210,310. Such configuration can also more easily allow the mandrel400to move within and/or transition between the angled portions210a,310a,210c,310cand the straight portions210b,310b.FIGS. 8C-8Eillustrate enlarged views of the guide412b, however, the features described with reference to these figures can be equally applicable to the guides412a,412c,412dand first and second stems410,420. As shown, in some embodiments, the guide412bincludes a base portion423aconnected to and extending from the first stem410and an engagement portion423bconnected to and extending from the base portion423a. In some embodiments, the engagement portion423bcomprises a smaller cross-section than the base portion423a. Such configuration can allow an end of the base portion423ato sit against edges of the channels210,310when the engagement portion423bis positioned within the channels210,310. In some embodiments, the base portion423ais supported by one or more flanges423cextending from the first stem410and connected to the base portion423a.

The mandrel400can include one or more of flanges416. As shown, the mandrel400can include a plurality of flanges, such as eight416a-416h. Other numbers of flanges are contemplated, such as one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more. The flanges416can extend from the stems410,420of the mandrel400. In some embodiments, the flanges416comprise a triangular shape (such as a right-triangular shape). The flanges416a-416hcan extend outward from the stems410,420and/or along side edges of the stems410,420. In some embodiments, the flanges416are spaced outward from an interior of the stems410,420. For example, the flanges416can be positioned along side edges of stems410,420and spaced outward from the one or more guides412a-414d(seeFIG. 8A). Such positioning advantageously allows the flanges416to be positioned outward from the channels210,310of the support frames200,300so as to not interfere with the mandrel's400ability to move along the channels210,310(see, e.g.,FIGS. 6A-6B).

In some embodiments, the mandrel400is configured to facilitate engagement with the support frame300. For example, in some embodiments, the mandrel400is configured to be received in the support frame300in the orientation shown inFIG. 8B, or rotated 180 degrees about a vertical axis, or rotated 180 degrees about a horizontal axis. In certain variants, the mandrel400and/or the arrangement of the flanges416is symmetrical about a vertical axis and/or a horizontal axis. In some implementations, the mandrel400includes the flanges416a-416h. Such configuration can ensure that at least one of the flanges416a-416hinteracts with the lever502regardless of the direction and/or orientation that the mandrel400is installed in the channels210,310of the supports frames200,300. In some implementation, the dispenser10has more flanges416than mandrels400and/or levers502, such as a single lever502and a mandrel400with a plurality of the flanges416.

As will be discussed in more detail below, the one or more flanges416can be configured to engage (e.g., contact) the lever502when the lever502is in a first position or mode (e.g., rotational position). In various embodiments, the engagement between the lever502and the flange416of the mandrel400provides a physical interference that stops the mandrel400from sliding from an upper position to a lower position, relative to the support frames200,300and/or the opening12.

Lever Assembly

As mentioned above, and with reference toFIGS. 9A-9C, the dispenser10can include a lever assembly500. The lever assembly500can be configured to interact with the mandrel400to control movement of the mandrel400with respect to the support frames200,300. For example, as discussed in more detail below, in a first mode, the lever assembly500can be configured to at least partially inhibit (or prevent) movement of the mandrel400with respect to the support frames200,300and in a second mode, the lever assembly500can be configured to permit movement of the mandrel400with respect to the support frames200,300. For example, in the first mode, the lever assembly500can inhibit movement of the mandrel400along the channels210,310of the support frames200,300.

The lever assembly500can include a pin501, a lever502, and/or a biasing member503. The pin501and the biasing member503, and the discussion that follows related to these components, are an illustrative mechanism for coupling the lever502to the support frame300. However, this mechanism is not intended to be limiting. The lever502can be secured (e.g., movably) to the support frame300via a different mechanism or technique and still interact with the mandrel400and/or tissue rolls secured thereto in the same or similar manner as that described below.

As shown, the lever502can include a first arm510, a second arm508, and a body504. The arms508,510can be rigidly connected and/or configured to move as a unit. As discussed in more detail below, the first arm510can be a sensor and/or the second arm508can be a controller. For example, the first arm510can be configured to contact a side or end of a tissue roll coupled to the mandrel400and to detect a characteristic of the tissue roll, such as outside diameter. As another example, the second arm508can be configured to engage or disengage a portion of the mandrel400to control movement of the mandrel400, such as between an upper and lower position. The lever502can include an opening505. The opening505can be a recess or through-hole that is sized and/or shaped to receive the pin501.

In some embodiments, the lever502includes a flange512(seeFIGS. 9B-9D). As illustrated, the flange512can have an angled and/or cantilevered end. As shown by at leastFIG. 9Dwhich illustrates a top view of the lever assembly500, the flange512(or a portion thereof) can be offset from the arm508. For example, in some variants, a width of the flange512is offset from a width of the arm508. In some variants, an end or edge of the flange512is spaced from an end of edge of the arm508by a distance d1(seeFIG. 9D). In some variants, the distance d1is sized to accommodate a width of one of the flanges416of the mandrel400(e.g., flange416dof mandrel400). For example, the distance d1can be greater than or equal to a width of one or more of the flanges416of the mandrel400(for example, greater than or equal to a width of flange416d). Incorporating an offset from an end or edge of the flange512from an end of edge of arm508(seeFIG. 9D) can advantageously allow the flange512to not interfere with one or more of the flanges416of the mandrel400(e.g., the flange416d) when the mandrel400is moving within at least a portion of the channels310(e.g., within the straight portion310bof the channel310). Additionally, as discussed further below with reference toFIGS. 14A-15B, by engaging one of the flanges416of the mandrel400when the mandrel400moves within the angled portion310c, the flange512can help the lever502move so that the arm510does not interfere with an upper tissue roll (such as upper tissue roll2). For example, as discussed further below, by contacting the flange416bwhen the mandrel400moves through the angled portion310cof the channel310, the flange512can advantageously cause the lever502to move (e.g., rotate) so that the arm510does not contact a portion of the upper tissue roll2.

FIGS. 10A-11Billustrate the connection between the lever assembly500and the support frame300.FIGS. 10A-10Billustrate an enlarged portion of the support frame300shown inFIG. 7A(the lever assembly500is not shown in these figures). The support frame300can include an opening370, such as a through hole. The frame300can include a lip371extending from the surface301bof the support frame300along an end (or on “top”) of the opening370, and/or sidewalls372a,372bextending from the surface301balong sides of the opening370. The sidewalls372a,372bcan include openings373a,373bat or near ends thereof. The openings373a,373bcan be at least partially shaped to receive the pin501of the lever assembly500. The support frame300can include walls376a,376bextending from the surface301badjacent the sidewalls372a,372b(for example, positioned outside the sidewalls372a,372b). The walls376a,376bcan include recessed portions that are sized and/or shaped to generally conform to a size and/or shape of the pin501of the lever assembly500. In some embodiments, the openings373a,373bcomprise an arch-shape (FIGS. 10A-10B). In some embodiments, the walls376a,376bcomprise an arch-shape (FIGS. 10A-10B).

FIGS. 11A-11Billustrate the same enlarged portion of the support frame300shown inFIGS. 10A-10Bwith the lever assembly500secured thereto. As shown, the pin501can extend through the opening505in the body504of the lever502, through the openings373a,373b, and can fit at least partially in the space defined by the recessed portions of the walls376a,376b. In some embodiments, the opposing arch-shapes of the walls376a,376band the openings373a,373brestrict movement of the pin501in a direction perpendicular to the surface301bof the support frame300. With reference toFIGS. 9A-9C and 11B, the pin501can include a resilient, two-pronged tip501cwith a tapered end that is configured to contract upon insertion through openings373a,373band the recessed portion of walls376a,376band expand thereafter to lock the pin501in place (e.g., horizontally) against a surface of the wall376b. The pin501can include a head501ahaving a greater cross-section than a body501bof the pin501to also restrict horizontal movement of the pin501via contact against a surface of the wall376a.

When secured to the support frame300as discussed above, the lever502can rotate with respect to the support frame300, for example, about an axis extending through the pin501. The biasing member503can be provided to help bias the lever502to a neutral (e.g., “unstressed” or “resting”) position with respect to the support frame300. In some embodiments, the biasing member503is a spring, such as a torsional spring. The biasing member503can be positioned around the pin501and can engage a portion of the support frame300and a portion of the lever502. For example, an end of the biasing member503can be configured to engage the lip371which extends from the surface301balong the opening370and can also engage a portion of the body504of the lever502(seeFIGS. 11A-11B). In some embodiments, the biasing member503can bias the lever502towards the neutral position, such that, if a force is applied to the lever502(such as to the first arm510of the lever502) to move the lever502from this neutral position, a force (e.g., spring force) is imposed on the biasing member503. As discussed in more detail below, such induced biasing force can advantageously cause the lever502to move back to its neutral position so that the second arm508of the lever502does not inhibit the mandrel400from moving (e.g., vertically) to a lower position. Such biasing can allow the lever502to automatically move back to its neutral position, thus allowing the mandrel400to, in turn, automatically drop down to provide access to an upper tissue roll held by the mandrel400.

As shown inFIGS. 11A-11B, the support frame300can include a guide flange378extending from the surface301bof the support frame300which can help alignment of the lever502within the openings370and/or360during assembly along with the pin501and the biasing member503. In some embodiments, the guide flange378is generally T-shaped. As also shown, the opening360in the support frame300can be sized and/or shaped to allow the first arm510of the lever502to pass and/or move therethrough. In some variants, the guide flange378can advantageously help control a movement and/or rotation of the lever502so as to maintain a minimal clearance between the first arm510of the lever502and the straight sides430c, which is discussed elsewhere herein (e.g., see discussion with reference toFIGS. 13A-13B).

Operation of the Dispenser

FIGS. 12A-12Cillustrate an embodiment of the dispenser10in various modes of operation. For example, these figures illustrate how the mandrel400can move (e.g., “automatically”) between the upper and lower positions with respect to the support frames200,300, for example, within the interior of the dispenser10. InFIGS. 12A-12C, (front) portions of the support frames200,300are shown in dotted lines to better illustrate the mandrel400, lever502, and portions thereof.

FIG. 12Aillustrates a first mode of operation of the dispenser10, such as near the time the dispenser10was stocked with two full tissue rolls, a lower roll1and an upper roll2. This figure illustrates a front view of the support frames200,300, the lever502(secured to the support frame300as described above), the mandrel400, and lower and upper tissue rolls1,2secured to the mandrel400(for example, secured to and/or between stubs414a,414b,414c,414d). When the lower tissue roll1is positioned as shown inFIG. 12A, the lower tissue roll1(e.g., due to its outside diameter and/or axial length) can push the lever502away from its neutral (e.g., biased) position. In such position, the first arm510of the lever502can contact an end of the lower tissue roll1and the second arm508of the lever502can contact (and, for example, physically block) a portion of the mandrel400, such as the flange416cwhere the mandrel400is oriented as shown inFIGS. 8A-8B. In the embodiment illustrated, the flange416cis blocked, but other embodiments and/or orientations of the mandrel400can block other flanges.

As the lower tissue roll1is used (e.g., dispensed to users), its outside diameter decreases. This, in turn, allows the first arm510to move inward (e.g., in a direction towards the support frame200) and allows the lever502to move to its neutral (e.g., biased) position. Movement of the first arm510in such manner can cause the second arm508to move relative to the flange416, such as toward the right in the illustrated embodiment. The second arm508can move (e.g., slide) toward a position out of engagement with the flange416.

In certain embodiments in which the lever502is rotatably secured to the support frame300(for example, via the pin501and the biasing member503), exhaustion of a diameter of the lower tissue roll1beyond a given threshold removes the physical obstacle resulting from the presence of the lower tissue roll1adjacent the first arm510, which allows the lever503to rotate to its neutral position defined by the biasing member503. Such exhaustion of the diameter of the roll1beyond the threshold thus also removes the physical interference resulting from the location of the second arm508relative to the flange416d. Such movement of the lever502can remove the second arm508from a path (e.g., a generally vertical path) of the flange416d.

Eventually, through continued dispensation, the lower roll1becomes so small so that the second arm508moves completely out of engagement with the flange416.FIG. 12Billustrates this intermediate position of the mandrel400at the moment when the physical interference caused by the second arm508is removed. As shown, in some embodiments, as the second arm508moves (e.g., rotates) out of the way of the flange416d, the second arm508can push the flange416d(and thus the mandrel400) slightly upward, which can be seen by a comparison of the vertical position of the mandrel400inFIGS. 12A and 12B.

After the second arm508is moved away from (e.g., out of a movement path of) the flange416d, the mandrel400can move to a lower position, as illustrated inFIG. 12C. For example, the mandrel400can automatically move (e.g., drop generally vertically, such as due to gravity) downward. When the mandrel400is in the lower position (FIG. 12C), the upper tissue roll2can be accessible (or more accessible) to a user, for example, via the opening12of the dispenser10. In some embodiments, when the mandrel400is in the lower position, guides of the mandrel400(such as guides412b,412d) are positioned within the angled portions210c,310cof the channels210,310of the support frames200,300and/or adjacent to flanges220,320.

As discussed above, movement of the mandrel400from the upper position to the lower position can be initiated or occur when a condition is satisfied. The condition can be that the lower tissue roll1is exhausted a certain amount, for example, when a diameter of the lower tissue roll1falls below a given threshold (e.g., less than approximately 25 mm). In various embodiments, the condition is satisfied before the lower roll1is completely exhausted. The mostly, but not completely, exhausted lower roll can be called a “stub roll.” In certain implementations, the dispenser10is configured to dispense and/or allow a user to access the stub roll1and the upper roll2, such through the opening12.

In some implementations, the mandrel400can be configured to facilitate movement relative to the lever assembly500. For example, the stubs414dand414bof the mandrel400can be configured to ease passage of the mandrel400past the arm510. In some cases, when the lever502is secured to the support frame300as discussed above, the first arm510of the lever502is positioned adjacent the stub414bof the mandrel400(see FIGS.13A-13B). In some such cases, when a cross-sectional area of the lower tissue roll1is depleted an amount such that it is equal to or less than a cross-sectional area of the stub414b(or a portion thereof), the lower tissue roll1can cease to block the first arm510and the first arm510can move (e.g., rotate) as discussed above. For example, with reference toFIG. 8D, where the stub414bincludes the base portion430, when a diameter of the lower tissue roll1is equal to or less than the width w1between sides430cof the plate430aof the base portion430, the first arm510of the lever502can move to the neutral position as discussed above. As another example, with continued reference toFIG. 8D, where the stub414bincludes the plates430a,440a, and the one or more stems440b, when a diameter of the lower tissue roll1is between widths w1, w3or between widths w1and w2, the first arm510of the lever can move to the neutral position as discussed above. As discussed above with reference toFIG. 8D, in some embodiments, the plate430aof the base portion430includes straight sides430cthat can allow the first arm510of the lever502to sit adjacent (e.g., “flush”) against or spaced from the plate430aand allow the lever502to move adjacent the plate430awith little or no interference (e.g., contact) with the plate430a(e.g., compared to a configuration without the straight sides430c).

As discussed above, the mandrel400can move relative to the support frames200,300between an upper position and a lower position, for example, via movement of the guides412within the channels210,310. As also discussed, movement of the mandrel400to the lower position can provide access to an upper tissue roll2. With reference toFIG. 12C, in some cases, when the lever502moves to a neutral position (discussed above), the arm510of the lever502may contact a portion of the upper tissue roll2(e.g., a bottom right corner of the upper tissue roll2). Such contact may cause excess drag when a user retrieves a length of the upper tissue roll2. This excess drag can in turn make retrieval more difficult and/or may cause inadvertent tearing of the product retrieved from the roll2. As discussed above, the lever502can include a flange512that can engage a portion of the mandrel400and cause the lever502to move (e.g., rotate) such that contact between the arm510and the upper tissue roll2is reduced or prevented.

FIGS. 14A-14Billustrate views of a portion of the support frame300, mandrel400, and lever assembly500with the support frame200removed.FIGS. 14A-14Billustrate the mandrel400within the straight portion310bof the channel310. While the support frame200is not illustrated inFIGS. 14A-14B, it is to be understood that the mandrel400can also be within the straight portion210bof the support frame200when in the position shown. As shown, the flange416bof the mandrel400can be positioned within a space defined by the distance d1between an end of the flange512and an end of the arm508.

FIGS. 15A-15Billustrate views of the portion of the support frame300, mandrel400, and the lever assembly500shown inFIGS. 14A-14Bwith the support frame200removed. However,FIGS. 15A-15Billustrate the mandrel400when it is moving through the angled portion310cof the channel310of the support frame300. As can be seen inFIGS. 15A-15B, when the mandrel400moves through the angled portion310c, the flange416bof the mandrel400can be moved and/or rotated such that the flange416bcontacts the flange512of the lever502. Such contact can cause the lever502to move, which can in turn can cause the arm510to move. For example, such contact of the flange416bwith the flange512can cause the lever502to rotate (e.g., about an axis extending through the pin501) such that the arm510is rotated away from a portion of the upper tissue roll2. For example, with reference toFIG. 12C, such rotation can cause the arm510to move and/or rotate in a direction away from the support frame200(e.g., move to the “right” given the view shown inFIG. 12C). Accordingly, the flange512of the lever502can provide a mechanism by which the arm510is automatically moved away from the upper tissue roll2when the mandrel400moves through the angled portion310c. Additionally, in some variants, the offsetting of the flange512relative to the arm508(discussed above) can allow the flange512to engage (e.g., interfere with) the mandrel400after the mandrel400has moved from the upper position to the lower position, is at or near the lower position, and/or when the mandrel400moves through the angled portion310c. While the above discussion was made with reference to the angled portion310cand straight portion310bof the channel310of the support frame300, it is to be understood that the mandrel400can move through the angled portion210cand the straight portion210bof the channel210of the support frame200in a similar manner.

Certain Terminology

Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end” are used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular” or “cylindrical” or “semi-circular” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Likewise, the terms “some,” “certain,” and the like are synonymous and are used in an open-ended fashion. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

Overall, the language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims. The language of the claims is not to be limited to the non-exclusive embodiments and examples that are illustrated and described in this disclosure, or that are discussed during the prosecution of the application.

Summary

Several illustrative embodiments of tissue roll dispensers and associated methods have been disclosed. Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain illustrative embodiments and uses, other embodiments and other uses, including embodiments and uses which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be arranged or performed differently than described and components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be combined, merged, added, or left out in various embodiments. All possible combinations and subcombinations of elements and components described herein are intended to be included in this disclosure. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable.

Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment or example in this disclosure can be combined or used with (or instead of) any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples described herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other. Combinations, variations, and other implementations of the disclosed features are within the scope of this disclosure.

Further, while illustrative embodiments have been described, any embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, and/or combinations are also within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, although certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein, not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. For example, some embodiments within the scope of this disclosure achieve one advantage, or a group of advantages, as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein. Further, some embodiments may achieve different advantages than those taught or suggested herein.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and features of the inventions have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily any or all such advantages are achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the inventions disclosed herein. No aspects of this disclosure are essential or indispensable. In many embodiments, the tissue dispensers may be configured differently than illustrated in the figures or description herein. For example, various functionalities provided by the illustrated modules can be combined, rearranged, added, or deleted. In some embodiments, additional or different processors or modules may perform some or all of the functionalities described with reference to the example embodiment described and illustrated in the figures. Many implementation variations are possible. Any of the features, structures, steps, or processes disclosed in this specification can be included in any embodiment.

In summary, various embodiments and examples of tissue roll dispensers and methods related to the same have been disclosed. This disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and examples to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Moreover, this disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.