Paper towel dispenser (with brake)

Abstract: A dispenser (1) for dispensing a paper sheet (3) from a paper roll (5) having a core. The dispenser (1) can have spindle means made of two separate sleeves. The sleeves are inserted in opposite ends of the core and frictionally retained therein. A support (13) is rotatably mounted in one sleeve to support the roll (5). A brake member is rotatably mounted in the other sleeve and selectively cooperates therewith to brake rotation of the roll (5) on the support (13).

Description: This invention is directed toward a dispenser for dispensing paper off a roll. The invention is also directed toward brake means for use in a dispenser for dispensing paper off a roll. Dispensers for dispensing paper towelling off a roll are known. The dispensers normally comprise a support or stand with a spindle extending axially from the stand. In known dispensers the roll normally is rotatably mounted on the spindle via a core in the roll. The paper towelling is dispensed by pulling it off the roll. The roll rotates on the spindle as the paper is pulled off. Operation of a brake associated with the dispenser will stop rotation of the roll and the pulled-off length of paper is then torn off the roll. The spindle of the dispenser is made to fit one standard width of paper roll. If a different width of paper roll is desired to be used, then either a different length spindle must be substituted for the existing spindle, or a different dispenser must be used. Keeping an assortment of different length spindles, or different dispensers, on hand to accommodate different width rolls is expensive. The brakes which are available at the present time operate by squeezing the ends of the roll of the paper towelling thus braking the rotating roll by friction. US-A-4,783,385 is an example of this prior art and discloses a dispenser having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and of the preamble of claim 22. In this patent, the paper roll is loosely mounted on a spindle. One end of the spindle is mounted on a support. A brake member is inserted into the other end of the spindle. Pushing the brake member toward the support squeezes the ends of the roll to brake it by friction. The braking action however takes time before the roll is completely stopped. The time involved in frictional braking can result in excess paper being dispensed off the roll before its rotation is stopped. In addition the braking action, involving pressing against the ends of the roll does not work when little paper is left on the roll and excess pressure on the roll can destroy the integrity of the roll which can result in a waste of paper. Dispensers are known that can accommodate different widths of paper towel rolls. An example of such a dispenser, shown in US-A-4 248 391, employs a spindle means non-rotatably inserted into one end of the core of the paper towel roll. A support is inserted into the spindle to support the roll. The roll rotates on the support to dispense the paper towels. This type of dispenser however still brakes the roll by friction which can lead to a waste of towelling. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the light of what has been said above, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved paper dispenser for paper rolls that can be used on different widths of roll, using the same spindle means. It is another purpose of the present invention to provide an improved brake for a paper dispenser. It is a further purpose of the present invention to provide an improved dispenser that can be used on different widths of roll, using the same spindle means, and with an improved brake. With these purposes in view, the present invention is directed to a paper dispenser having the features of claim 1 or claim 22. Preferred features are set forth in the subsidiary claims. The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example, a specific paper dispenser in accordance with the invention, and this dispenser will now be described in detail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an operational dispenser; Fig. 2 is a cross-section view of the dispenser; Fig. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the dispenser without the paper roll; Fig. 4 is a cross-section view of one of the spindle sleeves; Fig. 5 is a cross-section view of the other spindle sleeve; Fig. 6 is a cross-section view of the dispenser support; Fig. 7 is a cross-section view of the dispenser brake member; Fig. 8 is a detail view of the brake in a released position; and Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 with the brake operational. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The dispenser 1 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is used to dispense a sheet 3 of paper, such as towelling, from a roll 5. The roll 5 is formed by winding the sheet 3 in a coil on a core 9. The core 9 is preferably made of cardboard. The dispenser 1 has a spindle means 11, a support 13, and a brake member 15. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the spindle means 11, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, consists of two cylindrical sleeves 17, 19. Both sleeves 17, 19 are sized to fit snugly, normally non-rotatably, within the core 9 of the paper roll 5. The first sleeve 17 is adapted to be inserted into the core 9 from one end 21 of the core, and second sleeve 19 is adapted to be inserted into the core 9 from the other end 23 of the core. Both sleeves 17, 19 can have longitudinal slots 25, 27 formed in their bodies 29, 31 and spaced apart about their periphery. The slots 25, 27 make sleeves 17, 19 slightly more flexible, allowing the sleeves 17, 19 to more easily fit into cores having small variations or tolerances in their inner diameter. The first sleeve 17 as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 has a narrow lateral flange 33 at its outer end that abuts the end 21 of the core 9 when the sleeve is inserted into the core. The body 29 of the first sleeve 17, adjacent its inner end 35, is angled inwardly to present a conical entry surface 37 making it easy to insert the sleeve into a core. The first sleeve 17 has a central circular opening 39 in its inner end 35, defined by circular edge 41. The second sleeve 19 as shown in Figs. 3 and 5 has a short, cylindrical extension 43 at its outer end that is slightly larger in diameter than the body 31 of the sleeve. A stop flange 45 is formed at the junction of the extension 43 and the sleeve body 31 which stop flange abuts against the end 23 of the core 9 when the sleeve 19 is inserted into the core. The outer end of the extension 43 has braking means 47 thereon. The braking means 47 can be in the form of serrated teeth 49 formed in the outer edge of the extension 43, the teeth pointing outwardly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 19. The second sleeve 19 is angled inwardly adjacent its inner end 51 to provide an outer conical entry surface 53 and an inner camming surface 55. A central, circular opening 57 is formed in the inner end 51, defined by circular edge 59. The support 13 for the dispenser 1, as shown in Figs. 3 and 6, comprises a relatively large cylindrical base 61 having a tubular axle 63 projecting axially from one side 65 of the base 61. The base 61 is adapted to sit on its opposite side 67 on a flat surface to support the roll of paper in an upright position. The axle 63 of the support 13 is sized to closely fit within the first sleeve 17, while being rotatable therein. The outer portion of the axle 63 is angled inwardly as shown at 71. A short tubular section 73, smaller in diameter than the main body of the axle 63, projects axially from the inwardly angled portion 71 and terminates in the outer end 75 of the axle 63. The tubular section 73 has an outwardly directed rib 77 adjacent its outer end 75. The rib 77 has a conical entry surface 79. The smaller, outer diameter "d" of the entry surface 79 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 39 in the inner end 35 of the first sleeve 17 while the larger inner diameter "D" of the entry surface 79 is larger than the opening 39. The diameter of the tubular section 73 is slightly smaller than the diameter of opening 39. Two slots 83 extend longitudinally inwardly from the outer end 75 of the axle, past the angled portion 71, into the main body of the axle 63. The slots 83 are equally spaced apart and form somewhat resilient fingers 85 in the outer portion of the axle 63. The resilient fingers 85 form means for use in rotatably connecting the first sleeve 17 to the support 13 as will be described. The brake member 15, as shown in Figs. 3 and 7, has a generally cylindrical head 91 with an axle 93 projecting axially from one side 95 of the head 91. The axle 93 of the brake member 15 is sized to closely fit within the second sleeve 19 while being rotatable therein. The outer portion of the axle 93 is angled inwardly as shown at 97. A short, tubular section 99 projects axially from the angled portion 97 and terminates in the outer end 101 of the axle 93. The tubular section 99 is slightly smaller in diameter than the opening 57 in the second sleeve 19. A rim 103 extends outwardly from the tubular section 99 adjacent the outer end 101. The rim 103 is larger in diameter than the opening 57 in the second sleeve 19. Four slots 105 extend longitudinally inwardly from the outer end 101 of the axle 93 well into the main body of the axle. The slots 105 are equally spaced-apart and form four resilient fingers 107 in the axle 93. The resilient fingers 107 form means for detachably connecting the second sleeve 19 to the brake member, and also provide spring means for use in the brake as will be described. Brake means 111 are provided on the brake member 15 that cooperate with the brake means 47 on the second sleeve 19. The brake means 111 comprise a collar 113 formed about the axle 93 adjacent the one side 95 of the cylindrical head 91. Serrated teeth 115 are formed in the collar 113 pointing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the axle 93 and away from the head 91. The serrated teeth 115 are formed to interlock with the serrated teeth 49 on the second sleeve 19. The base 61 of the mounting 13 can be provided with three equally spaced-apart openings 117 adjacent its peripheral edge 119 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The openings 117 can be used to permanently mount the mounting 13 and thus the dispenser, with screws (not shown) on a horizontal or vertical surface. The openings 117 can also be used to receive short posts 125. The posts have a narrow base 127 and taper very slightly upwardly from the base so that each post can be wedged tightly in an opening 117. When tightly wedged in the opening the base 127 of the posts 125 extend just below the base 61 of the mounting 13 to provide foot pads for the mounting 13. The base 127 of the posts can be coated with non-slip material, or the posts can be made from non-slip material to prevent the dispenser from sliding. Each post 125 extends a short distance above the base 61 when wedged in the opening and also extends up the side of a full roll of paper when the dispenser is assembled. The posts prevent the paper from unwinding. To assemble the dispenser 1, the first sleeve 17 is mounted on the support 13 by sliding the sleeve 17 over the axle 63 until the rib 77 passes through the opening 39 in the sleeve. The entry surface 79 on the rib 77 cams the resilient fingers 85 inwardly as the surface passes the edge 41 of the opening 39. Once the rib 77 passes the edge 41, the fingers 85 spring back and the rib 77 overlies the inner end 35 of the first sleeve 17 connecting the support 13 to the sleeve. The sleeve 17, with its flange 33 resting on the base 61 of the support 13, is rotatable on the support. The brake member 15 is connected to the second sleeve 19 by inserting its axle 93 through the sleeve until the rim 103 passes through the opening 57 in the sleeve. In passing through the sleeve 19, the inner cam surface 55 on the sleeve adjacent its inner end 51 cams the resilient fingers 107 inwardly until the rim 103 passes the edge 59. The fingers 107 then spring back and the brake member 15 is held in place, connected to the sleeve 19, by the edge 59 of the sleeve resting adjacent the reduced tubular portion 99 of the axle 93 between the rim 103 and the angled, camming surface 97. The brake member 15 is rotatable in the sleeve 19 and in the position described, the brake means 111 on the axle 93 are longitudinally separated from the brake means 47 on the sleeve 19 as shown in Fig. 8. The dispenser 1 is now readied for use by inserting the sleeve 17 which is mounted on the support 13 into one end of the core 9 of the paper roll 5 and inserting the sleeve 19 which is mounted on the brake member 15 into the other end of the core. The assembled dispenser 1, carrying the roll 5, can be placed on a table or other support resting on base 61. It can be permanently fastened to the support with screws through the holes 117 in babe 61 if desired. A length of paper sheet can be pulled off the roll with one hand while the other hand holds the head 91 of the brake member 15 to stabilize the dispenser 1. The roll 5 rotates freely on the axles 63, 93 via the sleeves 17, 19 which are frictionally held in the core, as the paper is pulled off. When the desired amount of paper has been pulled off, the head 91 of the brake member 15 is pushed toward the support 13. The head 91 is prevented from rotating while being pushed and when pushed, the braking teeth 115 on the axle 93 interlock with the braking teeth 49 on the sleeve 19 to stop the sleeve, and thus the roll 5, from further rotation. The braking is instantaneous. The piece of paper can now be torn off the roll. As the brake member 15 is being pushed toward the support 13, the cam surface 97 on the axle 93 rides against the edge 51 of the sleeve 19 camming the resilient fingers 107 inwardly as shown in Fig. 9. When the pushing pressure against the brake member 15 is released, after tearing off the sheet, the resilient fingers 107 spring back and, via cam surface 97, move the brake member 15 axially away from the support member 13 thereby separating the teeth 49, 115 and thus releasing the brake. The resilient fingers 107 act as a return spring, returning the brake member 15 to its released position. The roll 5 is again freely rotatable on the support 13. The head of the brake member 15 can be pushed with the forearm or elbow of a person wishing to use the dispenser if the hands are too dirty to operate it. The base of the mounting 13 can be adapted to be hung on a wall with the towel roll horizontal. The head 91 of the brake member 15 can be provided with an opening 121 therein as shown in Fig. 3. The opening 121 forms an integral handle 123 in the head. The handle 123 allows the assembled dispenser to be easily carried about. The top of brake member 15 can be closed off with a cap 129 which can be embossed or printed with a logo or Trade Mark for identification purposes.

Claims: A dispenser for use in dispensing a paper sheet from a paper roll (5) having a core (9), the dispenser having spindle means (11, 17, 19) and a single support (13) for the paper roll mounted with the spindle means (11, 17) from one end of the core (9), the dispenser having a single brake member (15) mounted in the spindle means (11, 17) from the other end of the core, characterised in that : (a) the spindle means (11, 17, 19) are snugly insertable into the core (9) so as to be normally non-rotatable with respect to the core; (b) the support (13) and the brake member (15) are rotatably mounted in the spindle means (11, 17); and (c) the brake member (15) has brake means (111) adapted to lock positively with the spindle means (11, 19) when the brake member is applied so as to immediately halt rotation of the spindle means and the paper roll on it. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brake member (15) is axially movable within the spindle means (11, 19), the brake member (15) and the spindle means (11, 19) having cooperating brake elements (111, 47) that are engaged when the brake member (15) is moved axially toward the support (13) to stop rotation of the spindle means (11, 19) and thus the roll on the support (13). A dispenser as claimed in claim 2 including resilient means (107) normally biasing the brake elements (111) on the brake member (15) away from the brake elements (47) on the spindle means (11, 19). A dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the spindle means (11) comprises first and second sleeves (17, 19), the first sleeve (17) inserted into one end of the core (9), the second sleeve (19) inserted into the other end of the core (9), the support (13) inserted into the first sleeve (17), the brake member (15) inserted into the second sleeve (19). A dispenser as claimed in claim 4, wherein the brake member (15) is axially movable within the second sleeve (19), the brake member (15) and the second sleeve (19) having cooperating brake elements (111, 47) that are engaged when the brake member (15) is moved axially further into the second sleeve (19) so as to stop rotation of the roll on the support when the sleeves are in the roll core. A dispenser as claimed in claim 5 including resilient means (107) normally biasing the brake elements (111) on the brake member (15) away from the brake elements (47) on the second sleeve (19). A dispenser as claimed in claim 6 including first cooperating retaining means (77, 41) on the support (13) and the first sleeve (17) for rotatably retaining the support in the first sleeve and second cooperating retaining means (103, 59) on the brake member (15) and the second sleeve (19) for rotatably retaining the brake member in the second sleeve. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7 including handle means (123) on the brake member (15) for carrying the paper roll when the sleeves are in the roll core. A dispenser as claimed in claim 4 or any claim dependent thereon including first cooperating retaining means (77, 41) on the support (13) and the first sleeve (17) for rotatably retaining the support in the first sleeve. A dispenser as claimed in claim 9, wherein the support has a base (61) and an axle (63) projecting from the base, the axle (63) insertable into the first sleeve (17). A dispenser as claimed in claim 10, wherein the support axle (63) has an inner end (75) spaced from the base (61); the first sleeve (17) has an inner end (35) and an outer end (33), the outer end (33) of the first sleeve (17) adjacent the one end (21) of the core (9) when the sleeve is inserted into the core; the first cooperating retaining means (77, 41) located on the support axle (63) adjacent its inner end (75) and on the first sleeve (17) adjacent its inner end (35). A dispenser as claimed in claim 11, wherein the retaining means (77) on the support axle comprises a rib on a necked-down portion (71) adjacent its inner end (75), and the retaining means (41) on the sleeve (17) comprises an edge on an inturned portion (37) adjacent its inner end (35) which is adapted to sit in the necked-down portion (71) of the support axle (63) behind the rib (77) and thus rotatably retain the support (13) in the first sleeve (17). A dispenser as claimed in claim 12, wherein the support axle (63) at its inner end (75) is formed with longitudinal extending, resilient fingers (85) allowing the inner end (75) of the support axle (63) to pass the inturned portion (37) on the sleeve (17) so that the inturned portion (37) can rest in the necked-down portion (71) on the axle. A dispenser as claimed in claim 4 or any claim dependent thereon including second cooperating retaining means (103, 59) on the brake member (15) and the second sleeve (19) for rotatably retaining the brake member in the second sleeve. A dispenser as claimed in claim 14, wherein the brake member has a generally cylindrical head (91) and an axle (93) projecting from the head, the axle (93) insertable into the second sleeve (19). A dispenser as claimed in claim 15, wherein the brake axle (93) has an inner end (101) spaced from the head (91); the second sleeve (19) has an inner end (51) and an outer end (43), the outer end (43) of the second sleeve (19) adjacent the other end (23) of the core (9) when the sleeve is inserted into the core; the second cooperating retaining means (103, 59) located on the brake axle (93) adjacent its inner end (101), and on the second sleeve (119) adjacent its inner end (51). A dispenser as claimed in claim 16, wherein the retaining means (103) on the brake axle (93) comprises a rib on a necked-down portion (97) adjacent its inner end (101), and the retaining means (59) on the second sleeve (19) comprises an edge on an inturned portion (53) adjacent its inner end (51) which is adapted to sit in the necked-down portion (97) of the axle (93) and thus rotatably retain the brake member in the second sleeve. A dispenser as claimed in claim 17, wherein the brake axle (93) at its inner end (101) is formed with longitudinal extending resilient fingers (107) allowing the inner end (101) of the brake axle (93) to pass the inturned portion (53) on the second sleeve (19) so that the inturned portion (53) can rest in the necked-down portion (97) of the brake axle. A dispenser as claimed in claim 18, including cooperating brake elements (111, 47) on the outer end of the brake axle (93) and the outer end of the sleeve (19) and means normally spacing the brake elements (111) on the brake axle (93) from the brake elements (47) on the second sleeve (19). A dispenser as claimed in claim 19, wherein the spacing means comprise a camming surface on the necked-down portion (97) of the brake axle (93), the camming surface normally abutting the inturned portion (53) on the second sleeve (19) to space the brake elements (111, 47) apart. A dispenser as claimed in claim 20, wherein the camming surface on the necked-down portion (97) is partly movable past the inturned portion (53) when the brake member (15) is pushed into the sleeve (19) to have its brake elements (111) engage the brake elements (47) on the second sleeve (19), the camming surface causing the resilient fingers (107) to move radially inwardly, the inwardly moved fingers (107) returning to their original position when the brake member (15) is released to disengage the brake elements. A dispenser for use in dispensing a paper sheet from a paper roll (5) having a core (9), the dispenser having spindle means (11, 17, 19) and a single support (13) for the paper roll mounted with the spindle means (11, 17) from one end of the core (9), the dispenser having a single brake member (15) inserted into the other end of the spindle means (11, 19), characterised in that: (a) the spindle means (11, 17, 19) are snugly insertable into the core (9) so as to be normally non-rotatable with respect to the core; (b) the support (13) and the brake member (15) are rotatably mounted in the spindle means (11, 19); and (c) the brake member having first brake elements (111) on the brake member (15); the second brake elements (47) on the spindle means (11, 19); the first and second brake elements (111, 47) normally spaced-apart whereby axial movement of the brake member (15) in one direction relative to the spindle means, while the paper roll is rotating, will interlock the first and second brake elements (111, 47) immediately stopping rotation of the paper roll. A dispenser as claimed in claim 22 including means (107) to normally space the first and second brake elements apart. A dispenser as claimed in claim 23, wherein the spacing means (107) are resilient. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7 or any claim dependent thereon including spaced-apart, mounting openings (117) in the base (61) adjacent its periphery. A dispenser as claimed in claim 25 including posts (125) insertable into the mounting openings (117).

Inventors: MORAND MICHEL, MORAND, MICHEL
Applicants: G H WOOD & WYANT INC, G.H. WOOD + WYANT INC.
Application year: 1991
Main classification: A47K10
IPC codes: B65H16, A47K10