US20090256022A1

US20090256022A1 - Sheet roll dispenser

Info

Publication number: US20090256022A1
Application number: US12/103,508
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott D. Maurer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-04-15
Filing date: 2008-04-15
Publication date: 2009-10-15

Abstract

A sheet roll dispenser includes a case for receiving an associated sheet roll, a roller for unwinding the associated sheet roll from the case, a motor operatively engaging the roller to rotate the roller to unwind the associated sheet roll, a battery compartment for receiving an associated battery, and electrical contacts for supplying an electrical connection from the associated battery to the motor. The roller is disposed in the case. The motor and the battery compartment are disposed inside the roller. The electrical contacts are disposed within the battery compartment.

Description

BACKGROUND

A roll of toilet tissue is manufactured by wrapping paper toilet tissue around a cardboard or paper board core. A similar construction is also used for paper towels. In typical American households, both a toilet tissue dispenser and a paper towel dispenser include a spindle received inside the core to support the roll of toilet tissue or paper towels (hereinafter referred to as a sheet roll) to allow the sheet roll to rotate around the spindle as sheets from the sheet roll are being dispensed. These known sheet roll dispensers leave the sheet roll exposed, which can be unsanitary and unsightly. Additionally, these manual sheet roll dispensers require two hands to manipulate the sheet roll and tear off the sheet. This can be particularly difficult when seated on a toilet.
Dispensers that mechanize the dispensing operation of the sheet roll are typically large and not attractive for display in a bathroom, powder room or kitchen. Additionally, known mechanized sheet roll dispensers are limited with respect to where the dispenser can be located because of the manner in which the automated drive of the mechanized dispenser is energized. Moreover, oftentimes these automated dispensers are not self threading and require the operator to properly place the sheet roll inside the dispenser and thread the sheet roll through an unwinding assembly of the dispenser in order to provide a mechanized operation for dispensing the sheet roll.

SUMMARY

A sheet roll dispenser that overcomes the shortcomings discussed above includes a case for receiving an associated sheet roll, a roller for unwinding the associated sheet roll from the case, a motor operatively engaging the roller to rotate the roller to unwind the associated sheet roll, a battery compartment for receiving an associated battery, and electrical contacts for supplying an electrical connection from the associated battery to the motor. The roller is disposed in the case. The motor and the battery compartment are disposed inside the roller. The electrical contacts are disposed within the battery compartment.
In an alternative embodiment of a sheet roll dispenser that overcomes at least some of the aforementioned shortcomings, the dispenser includes a case, an electrically driven unwinding assembly, a switch, and a switch button. The case receives an associated sheet roll. The electrically driven unwinding assembly is disposed in the case for unwinding the associated sheet roll from the case. The switch is in the case for controlling delivery of electrical power to the unwinding assembly. The switch button is on the case and operates the switch. The unwinding assembly and the switch button are removable from the case and the case includes at least two mounting locations for the switch button on opposite sides of the case to provide a left-hand configuration and a right-hand configuration for the dispenser.
Another embodiment of a sheet roll dispenser that can overcome at least some of the aforementioned shortcomings includes a case for receiving an associated sheet roll, a roller for unwinding the associated sheet roll from the case, and a motor operatively engaging the roller to rotate the roller to unwind the associated sheet roll. The roller is disposed in the case. The roller includes flexible fingers extending from an external surface of the roller for engaging the associated sheet roll. Each finger is substantially aligned with a radius emanating from a rotational axis of the roller. The motor is also disposed in the case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a sheet roll dispenser.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a sheet roll dispenser.

FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the sheet roll dispenser shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts the sheet roll dispenser of FIG. 1 inserted into a wall and a door of the dispenser opened.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an unwinding assembly of the sheet roll dispenser of FIG. 1 with a battery compartment and a retainer removed from a roller.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 taken in a plane normal to a rotational axis of a roller of the dispenser.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a lower portion of a sheet roll dispenser including a movable flap for covering a discharge slot of the dispenser.

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser including a peeler.

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser including an alternative embodiment of a peeler.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser including another alternative embodiment of a peeler.

FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of the dispenser including a sheet roll urging device of the dispenser.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser including an alternative embodiment of a sheet roll urging device.

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser including an alternative embodiment of a sheet roll urging device.

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser including another alternative embodiment of a sheet roll urging device.

FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the sheet roll urging device shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser including an alternative embodiment of a sheet roll urging device.

FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the sheet roll urging device shown in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a sheet roll dispenser 10 is shown in a configuration suitable for dispensing a roll of toilet tissue. The sheet roll dispenser 10 includes a case 12 that is configured to receive an associated sheet roll, which is in this embodiment is the roll of toilet tissue. With reference to FIG. 2, an alternative embodiment of a sheet roll dispenser 10′ is shown where the sheet roll dispenser is configured to dispense a roll of paper towels. The components of each dispenser are the same with the exception of the size of the some of the components. Accordingly, the smaller sheet roll dispenser 10 will be described with particularity with the understanding that changing the size of the components in the smaller sheet roll dispenser 10 will result in a sheet roll dispenser 10′ that can accommodate paper towels.
As more clearly seen in FIG. 3, the sheet roll dispenser 10 includes a case 12, a roller 14 disposed in the case, a motor 16 disposed inside the roller 14, a battery compartment 18 disposed inside the roller 14, and electrical contacts 22 disposed within the battery compartment. The internal components can be located elsewhere in the case 12; however, the locations shown in FIG. 3 provide for a compact dispenser. The roller 14 is for unwinding a sheet roll TP, e.g. toilet tissue, paper towels, etc., from the case 12. The motor 16 operatively engages the roller 14 to rotate the roller to unwind the sheet roll TP. The battery compartment receives batteries B, which in the depicted embodiment are AA batteries, AAA batteries, or other similar type power source. The electrical contacts electrically connect the motor 16 with the batteries B for supplying electrical current from the batteries B to the motor.
The case 12 provides a neat and sanitary device by protecting the unused sheet roll inside the case. The case provides a stylish look that hides the white roll of toilet paper in a person's bathroom or the white roll of paper towels in a person's kitchen. The case 12 in the depicted embodiment is formed having end walls 24 and 26 interconnected by a central section 28. As more clearly seen in FIG. 1, each end wall 24 and 26 (only end wail 26 being visible in FIG. 1) includes a substantially circular larger upper section 32 and a smaller lower forward section 34 having a lower portion that generally follows the circumference of a circle. The larger upper section 32 is slightly larger than the axial end of the sheet roll TP received in the case 12. The smaller lower section 34 is sized to accommodate an unwinding assembly, which includes the motor 16 and battery compartment 18. The end walls 24 and 26 are axially spaced from one another, with respect to a rotational axis of the sheet roll TP, to receive the sheet roll. Where the dispenser is configured to receive a larger sheet roll, e.g. a paper towel (see FIG. 2), the end walls 24 and 26 are further axially spaced from one another and the central section 28 is longer.
A movable door 36 connects to the case 12. In the depicted embodiment the door 36 is slidable between an open position (FIG. 4) and a closed position (FIGS. 1 and 2). In the depicted embodiment, the door 36 retracts into the case 12 when moving from the closed position (FIG. 1) towards the open position (FIG. 4). The door 36 is contoured to follow the contour of the end walls 32 and 34 of the case to complement the curvature of the respective upper and lower sections of each end wall of the case. Accordingly, one section of the door generally follows the circumference of the circle that approximates the upper section 32 and a lower second section of the door generally follows the circumference of the circle that approximates the lower section 34.
With reference to FIG. 3, extension pairs 38 and 40 are formed on internal surfaces of respective end walls 24 and 26. The extension pairs 38 and 40 extend inwardly into the case and each define a notch 42 and 44, respectively, that receives a respective edge of the slidable door 36. With reference to FIG. 4, the door 36 retracts into the case 12 so that the sheet roll TP can be inserted into the case. Embodiments of the dispenser 10 can be referred to as “spindleless” which allows the sheet roll to be easily inserted into the case because no spindle needs to be inserted through the core of the sheet roll TP. With reference back to FIG. 1, when the door 36 is in the closed position, the case 12 and the door 36 define a discharge slot 46 for the sheet roll TP to exit the case.
With reference back to FIG. 3, a plurality of radial flexible fingers 50 extend from an outer surface of the roller. In the depicted embodiment, each flexible finger 50 is made from a fiber material (similar to a conventional cylindrical brush) and substantially aligns with a radius emanating from a rotational axis of the roller 14 (see FIG. 6). By providing flexible fingers 50 that are aligned with a radius of the roller, the fingers 50 can easily deflect to grab the sheet roll and advance the sheet roll towards the discharge slot 46 (FIG. 1). The radially aligned flexible fingers also grab the sheet roll and retain the sheet roll against the fingers 50 and the case 12 or door 36 when an operator of the dispenser tears sheets of the sheet roll free. This will be described in more detail below. The radial fibers 50 in the depicted embodiment provide an advantageous mechanism for engaging the sheet roll TP to dispense the sheet roll from the case 12; however, other flexible material that can grab porous tissue and slide smoothly across plastic can also be used to engage and deploy the sheet roll TP.
The roller 14 also includes a circular flange 52, which locates the roller inside the case 12 in a manner that will be described in more detail below. In the depicted embodiment, the flange 52 is located at one end of the roller and extends inwardly towards the rotational axis of the roller.
In the depicted embodiment, the roller 14 is cylindrical and hollow. A cylindrical power drive housing 54 is received inside the roller 14. The power drive housing 54 provides a location to mount the drive components of the unwinding assembly for the dispenser. In the depicted embodiment, the power drive housing 54 includes annular ridges 56 that define a circular notch 58 that receives the circular flange 52 of the roller 14 and provides a slip bearing so that the roller 14 rotates with respect to the power drive housing 54.
The motor 16 and the battery compartment 18 are received inside the power drive housing 54, and thus inside the roller 14. As more clearly seen in FIG. 5, the battery compartment 18 is removable from the power drive housing 54. With reference back to FIG. 3, the end walls 24 and 26 of the case 12 each include a respective opening 60 and 62. The openings 60 and 62, in the depicted embodiment, are circular and aligned, e.g. coaxial, with one another. The battery compartment 18 is removable from and insertable into each opening 60 and 62. This allows the dispenser to be operated in a left-hand and a right-hand configuration.
With reference back to FIG. 3, a switch button assembly, which includes a switch button 64 and a switch button retainer 66, connects to the battery compartment 18. The switch button 64 operates a switch 68 (depicted schematically in FIG. 3) that is electrically connected with the electrical contacts 22. In the depicted embodiment, the switch button retainer 66 is circular and is configured to be received inside either opening 60 or 62 in either end wall 24 or 26 of the case 12. The openings 60 and 62 provide at least two mounting locations for the switch button retainer 66 and the switch button 64 on opposite sides of the case 12 to provide a left-hand configuration and a right-hand configuration for the dispenser 10. The switch button assembly connects to the case 12 via a friction or resilient fit once inserted into the appropriate opening 60 or 62. By engaging the power drive housing 54, which supports the roller 14, the switch button assembly also supports the roller 14 inside the case.
A retainer 72 is configured to retain the roller 14 in the case 12. More particularly, the retainer 72 supports an opposite end of the power drive housing 54 as the switch button assembly. The retainer 72 is generally cylindrical so that it can be received in either opening 60 or 62 in either end wall 24 or 26 of the case 12. In the depicted embodiment, the retainer 72 is received inside a generally cylindrical insert 74 that connects to an end of the power drive housing 54 opposite the end to which the switch button assembly is attached. To remove the unwinding assembly, which includes the motor 16, the battery compartment 18 and other components that will be described in more detail below, one removes the battery compartment 18 from opening 62 and the retainer 72 from opening 60. The operator then reaches into the case through the opening provided when the door 36 is in the open position (FIG. 4) and removes the roller 14 with the motor 16 still disposed inside the roller. The roller 14 can then be rotated about an axis perpendicular to its rotational axis, which would result in the motor being disposed on a right side of the dispenser 10 (as compared to being disposed on the left side shown in FIG. 3). The batteries B can be flipped to change the direction of current being delivered to the motor 16 and then the battery compartment 18 can be inserted into the power drive housing 54 through the opening 60 and the retainer can be received in opening 62 to retain the roller inside the case. By providing a dispenser that can operate in both a right-hand and a left-hand configuration, the number of mounting locations where the dispenser 10 can be located inside one's home or office are increased because access can be provided from either side of the case 12. This is particularly desirable where the dispenser 10 is mounted in a recess in a wall (see FIG. 4).
With reference to FIG. 3, the electrically driven unwinding assembly includes the motor 16 operatively engaging the roller 14 via a transmission 80. An output shaft 82 of the motor 16 engages plastic or rubber-like compression rollers 84 in the depicted embodiment, as opposed to gears, to provide a quiet transmission. The compression rollers 84 that make up the transmission 80 shown in FIG. 3 is a type of speed reduction transmission from the higher speed motor 16 to a slower but more forceful output where the compression rollers 84 engage an inner surface of the roller 14 (see FIG. 6). The power drive housing 54 includes slots 86 and components of the transmission 80, more particularly the compression rollers 84 at the output end of the transmission, extend through the slots to engage the roller 14 (see also FIG. 6).
In the depicted embodiment, the moving components of the unwinding assembly are found in the roller 14. Additionally, the electrical components of the unwinding assembly are also found in the roller 14. This provides for a compact dispenser having a quiet operation and a robust packaging. Placing the motor and the battery compartment inside the roller utilizes this valuable space to minimize the overall footprint of the dispenser 10. The transmission assembly described above can employ gears or other types of mechanisms known in the art to drive the roller; however, the quiet operation of the transmission may be sacrificed by replacing the compression rollers.
With reference back to FIG. 5, fenders 90 and 92 are also provided in the case. The first fender 90 extends upwardly from an end of the power drive housing 54 that receives the battery compartment 18 and the switch button retainer 66. The second fender 92 extends upwardly into the case from the insert 74 that connects to the opposite end of the power drive housing 54 with respect to the switch button assembly. The fenders 90 and 92 axially align the sheet roll TP inside the case 12.
With reference to FIG. 7, in the depicted embodiment, in addition to the roller 14 a support 100 is also provided in the case 12 to support the sheet roll TP. In the depicted embodiment, the support 100 is an additional smaller roller. The rotational axis of the sheet roll TP is equidistant from a location where the sheet roll engages the support 100 and a location where the sheet roll engages the roller 14. This allows the sheet roll to be centered between the roller 14 and the support 100. The support 100 and the roller 14 also support the sheet roll TP from the case 12 spacing the sheet roll from the case to reduce any friction that may result from the sheet roll contacting the case as the sheet roll TP is being dispensed from the dispenser. The support 100 is shown as a roller in FIG. 7; however, multiple rollers can be provided or other friction reducing members such as small protuberances extending upwardly from the case to limit the contact area between the sheet roll and the case.
With continued reference to FIG. 7 operation of the dispenser 10 will be further explained. As explained above, embodiments of the dispenser can be referred to as “spindleless” in that a spindle is not used to support the sheet roll TP inside the case 12. This eases loading of the sheet roll inside the case. An operator opens the door 36 by retracting the door 36 into the case 12 and inserts the sheet roll TP into the case so that the sheet roll is supported by the roller 14 and the support 100. The operator then pulls the free end of the sheet roll and extends it outwardly from the case 12 and closes the door 36 so that the free end of the sheet roll extends through the discharge slot 46. The inner surface of the door 36 is formed to deflect the radial fingers 50 that extend outwardly from the roller 14 to retain the sheet roll against the deflected fingers and the door. In the depicted embodiment, the door 36 is formed including protuberance 110 that urges the distal ends of friction fingers 50 in a direction counter to the direction in which the roller 14 rotates to dispense the sheet roll TP. As seen in FIG. 7, with the radial flexible fingers having their distal ends bent in a clockwise direction with respect to their proximal end, the flexible fingers 50 operate as a type of ratchet device so that when the operator of the dispenser 10 pulls the free end of the sheet roll TP, the radial fingers 50 in cooperation with the door 36 (and protuberance 110) grab the sheet roll so that sheets from the sheet roll can be easily torn from the remainder of the sheet roll in the case. This provides an easy one hand operation, e.g. same hand that operates the switch button 64 to dispense the sheet roll can also be the same hand that is used to tear the sheet roll.
The sheet roll dispenser that has been described above can include alternative or additional components and is not limited to only the aforementioned components. Some additional components and alternative embodiments of the dispenser will be described in more detail below. The invention, however, is not limited to only the alternatives and additional components that are described below.
In addition to dispensing conventional dry toilet tissue and paper towels, the sheet roll dispenser can also be used to dispense moist tissue and the like. Where the dispenser is used to dispense moist material, it can be desirable to provide a movable flap 120 (FIG. 8) for covering the discharge slot 46. In an embodiment that includes the movable flap 120, the flap is movable between an open position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 8) and a closed position (shown in phantom in FIG. 8).
In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, the movable flap 120 includes an integrally formed cylindrical section 122 that is received in a socket 124 formed at an end of the central section 28 of the case 12. A cam 126, which in the depicted embodiment is integrally formed with the flap 120, cooperates with the movable flap and the flexible fingers 50 extending from the roller 14 to move the flap from the closed position towards the opened position. When the roller 14 is rotating in a direction to dispense material from the dispenser (counterclockwise in FIG. 8) the movable flap 120 moves from the closed position to the opened position due to the fingers 50 contacting the cam 126. The movable flap 120 can be biased back towards the closed position by a spring (not shown). Alternatively, a controller can be provided in the unwinding assembly (in the battery compartment 18) to allow the motor 16 to rotate in two different rotational directions. The controller can be configured to deliver current to the motor in the direction opposite the unwinding direction (clockwise in FIG. 8) after the switch button 64 has been released to close the discharge slot 46 by moving the movable flap 120 towards the door 36. The controller can also be configured to count rotations of the roller for measuring the length of sheet roll material being dispensed from the sheet roll to control the length of material that is dispensed. The controller can also be configured to work with other components (mechanical or electrical) to respond to features on the sheet roll, e.g. detect perforations in the sheet roll. Examples of these other components include an optical sensor and a mechanical feeler that moves when riding over a perforation.
Where the dispenser 10 is used to dispense moist sheet roll material, seals can also be provided for sealing the internal compartment of the case 12 to mitigate evaporation. With reference back to FIG. 3, seals 132 and 134 can be provided in respective notches 42 and 44. The seals contact the door 36 and the case 12 for sealing the internal compartment of the case. Additionally, seals 136 and 138 can be provided where the switch button assembly contacts the power drive housing 54 to prevent the ingress of moisture into the battery compartment 18.
The sheet roll dispenser 10 described above can also include a peeler to direct the sheet roll towards the discharge slot 46. More particularly, the peeler can engage a free end of the sheet roll TP to direct the sheet roll toward the discharge slot 46 of the dispenser. With reference to FIG. 9, an example of a peeler 140 that includes a blade 142 that is biased toward the sheet roll TP is shown. In this embodiment, the peeler 140 mounts to each fender 90 and 92 (see FIG. 3—only fender 90 is visible in FIG. 9). The peeler includes arms 144 (only one visible in FIG. 9—another similarly shaped arm would attach to the fender 92 on the other side of the dispenser). The blade 142 attaches to each arm 144 (and the other arm attached to the other fender 92). Each arm 144 includes a pin 146 that attaches to the fender 90 (the other arm includes a pin also). As mentioned above, the peeler 140 is biased towards the sheet roll TP. In the depicted embodiment a torsion spring 148 acts against the fender 90 and the arm 144 (an additional torsion spring can be provided on the other side of the peeler 140) to bias the blade 142 toward the sheet roll TP.
The sheet roll TP is loaded into the case 12. The roller 14 rotates in a clockwise direction resulting in the sheet roll TP rotating in a counterclockwise direction. The peeler blade 142 engages a free end of the sheet roll TP to direct the free end of the sheet roll toward the discharge slot 46.
With reference to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of a peeler that engages a free end of the sheet roll TP to direct the sheet roll toward the discharge slot 46 of the dispenser is shown. In this embodiment, the peeler 160 includes a blade 162 that is urged toward the sheet roll TP by the weight of the sheet roll. The peeler 160 includes an arm 164 and the blade 162 is at an end of the arm. An additional arm (not visible in FIG. 10) is disposed at an opposite axial end of the sheet roll TP. Each arm 164 (only one visible in FIG. 10) attaches to a respective end wall 24 and 26 (FIG. 3) of the case 12 via a pivot pin 166. In this embodiment, the additional roller 100 also connects to each arm 164 (the other arm not being visible in FIG. 10). The peeler 160 pivots about the pivot pin 166 (and the other pivot pin that connects the other arm on an opposite side of the sheet roll TP). The downward force of the weight of the sheet roll TP on the support 100 results in the blade 162 moving towards the sheet roll TP to engage a free end of the sheet roll and urge the free end toward the roller 14 and thus toward the discharge slot 46. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the roller 14 rotates in a clockwise direction and the sheet roll TP rotates in a counterclockwise direction so that a free end of the sheet roll TP would engage the blade 162 and be directed toward the roller 14.
With reference to FIG. 11, an additional embodiment of a peeler 170 that includes a peeler roller 172 that catches a free end of the sheet roll TP to direct the free end towards the discharge slot 46 of the dispenser 10 is shown. In this embodiment, the roller 172 rotates about an axle 174. A tension spring 176 is attached at one end to the axle 174 and at an opposite end a bracket 178 attached to the unwinder assembly. The tension spring 176 urges the peeler roller 172 against both the roller 14 and the sheet roll TP. The peeler roller 172 directs the free end of the sheet roll TP towards the roller 14 and thus towards the discharge slot 38. In this embodiment, the roller 14 rotates in a clockwise direction and the sheet roll TP rotates in a counterclockwise direction.
With reference to FIG. 12, the sheet roll dispenser 10 can include a sheet roll urging device in the case 12 for urging the sheet roll TP towards the roller. This allows the dispenser to be oriented in a vertical orientation (as opposed to the horizontal orientation depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2). For example, by providing the sheet roll dispenser 10′ in FIG. 2 in a vertical orientation, the sheet roll dispenser can be placed on the countertop of a kitchen or similar location. Likewise, the dispenser 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be placed on a bathroom vanity to dispense toilet tissue.
With reference to FIG. 12, a sheet roll urging device 190 includes a table 192 supported by an axle 194 connected to the case 12. The axle 194 is offset from a rotational axis RA of the sheet roll TP in a direction away from the roller 14. When the sheet roll TP is loaded into the case in a vertical direction, because of the axle 194 being offset from the central axis of the sheet roll TP, the table 192 pivots to urge the sheet roll towards the roller 14. The table 192 is made from a smooth plastic material which allows an axial end of the sheet roll TP to easily slide along the table with very little frictional forces so that as the roller 14 rotates to dispense the sheet roll material, minimal frictional forces need to be overcome as the sheet roll rotates on the table.
With reference to FIG. 13 an alternative embodiment of a sheet roll urging device 200 is disclosed. In this embodiment, the sheet roll urging device 200 includes spring arms 202 (only one visible in FIG. 13) that are disposed in the case 12 of the dispenser 10 on opposite axial ends of the sheet roll TP. The spring arms 202 are biased to pivot about a pin 204 that connects each spring arm to the case 12 and more particularly to the end walls 24 and 26 of the case. An urging roller 206 attaches to an end of each spring arm opposite the end that attaches to the case. The spring arms 202 (only one visible in FIG. 13) and the roller 206 urge the sheet roll TP towards the roller 14. Since the spring arm 202 is biased in the generally clockwise direction shown in FIG. 13, the roller 206 engages the sheet roll TP as the sheet roll is being depleted inside the case 12. A cam 208 is provided on the door 36 to engage the spring arm 202 to move the urging roller 206 away from the roller 14 as the door is opened into the retracted position. This allows the sheet roll TP to be loaded into the case while the urging roller 206 is away to provide access to the case.
FIG. 14 discloses a sheet roll urging device 220 in the case 12 of the dispenser 10 that includes a biased wheel 222 that engages the sheet roll TP. The biased wheel 222 rotates about an axle 224 that is received within a slide notch 228 formed in each end wall 24 and 26 (FIG. 3) of the case 12. The roller 222 is biased by a tension spring 226 that is wrapped around a pulley 230 connected to the case 12. The biased spring 226 is connected at one end to the case 12 and at another end to the axle 224 about which the wheel 222 rotates. A cam 232 attaches to and is movable with the door 36. The cam 232 includes a curved slot 234 that receives a pin 236 attached to the case 12 and more particularly to an end wall 24 or 26 of the case. The pin 236 slides in the slot 234 as the cam moves. The cam 232 includes a curved cam surface 238 that engages the axle 224 about which the wheel 222 rotates. When the door 36 is moved from the closed position to the opened position the cam surface 238 of the cam 232 engages the axle 224 against the biasing force of the tension spring 226 to move the wheel 222 away from the roller 14. This allows the sheet roll TP to be inserted into the case 12.
With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, an alternative embodiment of a sheet roll urging device 250 that includes a biased hub 252 configured to be received in a core C of the associated sheet roll TP is disclosed. The hub 252 is biased toward the roller 14. As more clearly seen in FIG. 1, each side wall 26 of the case 12 includes a channel 254 that bisects the substantially larger circular section 32 of each side wall (only one visible in FIG. 1). The hub 252 rides within this channel. The hub 252 connects to a pin 256 that rides along a door cam surface 258 formed along the door 36. With the pin 256 attached to the hub 252 as the pin 256 rides along the cam surface 258 the hub 252 can move out of the way to allow the user of the dispenser 10 to insert the sheet roll TP into the case 12. With reference to FIG. 16, the hub 252 attaches to a pin 262 that rides in a curved notch 264. An upper end of the curved notch 264 bends outwardly toward the channel 254 to move the hub 252 axially away from the core C of the sheet roll TP when the door 36 is in the open position. The hub 252 is biased downwardly by a spring (not shown) toward the roller 14 so that as the sheet roll is dispensed, the sheet roll is urged toward the roller 14.
With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, an alternative embodiment of a sheet roll urging device 270 that includes a biased hub 272 configured to be received in a core C of the associated sheet roll TP is disclosed. The hub 272 is biased toward the roller 14. In the depicted embodiment, the hub 272 attaches to a distal end of an arm 274 that is connected to the case 12 via a pivot pin 276 (see FIG. 18). A spring 280 biases the arm 274 in a counterclockwise direction (per the orientation shown in FIG. 17) to urge the sheet roll TP toward the roller 14. In the depicted embodiment, the spring 280 is a torsion spring including a coil 282, a first leg 284 extending from the coil and attached to the case 12 at a distal end thereof, and a second leg 286 that extends from the coil 282 and attaches at a distal end thereof to the arm 274.
The door 36 includes a flange 290 that extends into the case 12 and a cam 292 extends axially inwardly from the flange 290. The cam 292 contacts the first leg 284 of the spring when moving from a closed position toward an open position to draw the pivoting arm 274 in a clockwise direction (per the orientation of FIG. 17) so that when the door is opened the hub 272 is centered in the case to receive a new sheet roll TP. The sheet roll TP is inserted into the case 12 and the hub 272 is configured to deflect axially outwardly and snap into the core C (see orientation of the hub in FIG. 18). When the door is in the closed position the coil 282 of the spring moves away from the case wall inwardly toward the core which promotes the biasing action of the sheet roll TP toward the roller 14. The pivoting arm 274, the hub 272 and the spring 280 are axially spaced from an end of the sheet roll TP. An additional pivoting arm, hub and spring can be provided on the opposite axial end and act in the same manner as the aforementioned components A flexible connector 278 interconnects the pivoting arm 274 and the additional pivoting arm. The flexible connector 278 allows the arms to spring apart when the sheet roll is installed into the dispenser.
A sheet roll dispenser has been described with reference to certain embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to those upon reading and understanding the detailed description. The invention is not limited to only those embodiments depicted in the preceding description. Instead, the invention is broadly defined by the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A sheet roll dispenser comprising:

a case for receiving an associated sheet roll;

a roller disposed in the case for unwinding the associated sheet roll from the case;

a motor disposed inside the roller and operatively engaging the roller to rotate the roller to unwind the associated sheet roll;

a battery compartment inside the roller for receiving an associated battery; and

electrical contacts disposed within the battery compartment electrically connected to the motor for supplying electrical current from the associated battery to the motor.

2. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a slidable door connected to the case, the door being slidable between an open position and a closed position, the door retracting into the case when moving from the closed position towards the open position.

3. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 2, wherein the door in the closed position and the case define a discharge slot for the associated sheet roll.

4. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 3, further comprising a movable flap covering the discharge slot, the flap being movable between an open position and a closed position.

5. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 4, further comprising a cam cooperating with the movable flap, contact by the roller against the cam results in the flap moving from the closed position towards the open position.

6. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 5, wherein the cam and the flap are an integrally formed single piece.

7. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 3, further comprising at least one seal contacting the door and the case for sealing an internal compartment of the case to avoid evaporation where the associated sheet roll includes moist sheet roll material.

8. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, wherein the case includes a first opening through which the battery compartment is removable from the case.

9. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 8, further comprising a switch button and a retainer, the switch button operating a switch electrically connected to the electrical contacts for controlling delivery of electrical power to the motor, the retainer being configured to retain the roller in the case, wherein the case includes a second opening aligned with the first opening, the switch button and the retainer being configured to be received in either opening and connect to the case to provide for a right-hand configuration or a left-hand configuration.

10. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 9, wherein the roller is removable from the case when the retainer and the switch button are disconnected from the case.

11. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a transmission operatively connected with the motor and the roller, the transmission being disposed within the roller and including compression rollers.

12. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 11, further comprising a power drive housing received in the roller, the motor and the battery compartment received in the power drive housing, the power drive housing including slots through which components of the transmission extend to engage the roller.

13. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 12, further comprising a seal connected to the power drive housing for preventing ingress of moisture into the battery compartment.

14. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a controller in electrical communication with the electrical contacts and the motor, the controller being disposed within the roller, the controller being configured to perform at least one of the following operations: (i) count rotations of the roller for measuring the length of sheet roll material being dispensed from the associated sheet roll and (ii) deliver current to the motor in a first direction resulting in the motor rotating the roller in a first rotational direction and to deliver current to the motor in a second direction resulting in the motor rotating the roller in a second rotational direction.

15. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a switch button connected with the case and a switch operated by the switch button and in electrical communication with the electrical contacts, wherein the controller is configured to deliver current to the motor in the second direction after the switch button has been released.

16. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising radial flexible fingers extending from an outer surface of the roller.

17. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 16, further comprising a door connected to the case, the door being movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the door or the case includes a protuberance for deflecting the fingers to retain the associated sheet roll against the deflected fingers and the protuberance.

18. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising fenders in the case for axially locating the associated sheet roll in the case.

19. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a rotating support in the case spaced from the roller for spacing the associated sheet roll from the case.

20. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 19, wherein the support is spaced from the roller so that a rotational axis of the associated sheet roll is equidistant from a location where the sheet roll contacts the rotating support and a location where the sheet roll contacts the roller.

21. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a peeler in the case, the peeler engaging a free end of the associated sheet roll to direct the sheet roll toward a discharge slot of the dispenser.

22. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 21, wherein the peeler includes a blade that is biased toward the associated sheet roll.

23. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 21, wherein the peeler includes a blade that is urged toward the associated sheet roll by the weight of the associated sheet roll.

24. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 21, wherein the peeler includes a peeler roller that catches a free end of the associated sheet roll to direct the free end towards the discharge slot of the dispenser.

25. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a sheet roll urging device in the case for urging the associated sheet roll towards the roller.

26. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 25, wherein the sheet roll urging device includes a biased hub configured to be received in a core of the associated sheet roll, wherein the hub is biased toward the roller.

27. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 25, wherein the sheet roll urging device includes a biased wheel that engages the associated sheet roll, the biased wheel being biased towards the roller.

28. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 27, further comprising a door and an axle, the door being connected to the case and movable between an open position and a closed position, the wheel being connected to the axle for rotation about the axle, wherein the door engages the axle to move the wheel as the door moves from the open position toward the closed position.

29. The sheet roll dispenser of claim 25, wherein the sheet roll urging device includes a table supported by an axle connected to the case, the axle being offset from a rotational axis of the associated sheet roll in a direction away from the roller, the table pivoting about the axle to urge the associated sheet roll towards the roller.

30. A sheet roll dispenser comprising:

a case for receiving an associated sheet roll;

an electrically driven unwinding assembly disposed in the case for unwinding the associated sheet roll from the case;

a switch in the case for controlling delivery of electrical power to the unwinding assembly; and

a switch button on the case operating the switch, wherein the unwinding assembly and the switch button are removable from the case and the case includes at least two mounting locations for the switch button on opposite sides of the case to provide a left-hand configuration and a right-hand configuration for the dispenser.

31. A sheet roll dispenser comprising:

a case for receiving an associated sheet roll;

a roller disposed in the case for unwinding the associated sheet roll from the case, the roller including flexible fingers extending from an external surface of the roller for engaging the associated sheet roll, each finger being substantially aligned with a radius emanating from a rotational axis of the roller; and

a motor disposed in the case and operatively engaging the roller to rotate the roller to unwind the associated sheet roll.