Patent Grant
11395567
This disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for dispensing consumable material, such as paper tissue from tissue rolls.
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.
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.
Certain features of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the embodiments. Various features of the different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.
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
As shown, the dispenser 10 can include a support portion, such as a cabinet 20. An opening 12 can be bounded by or part of the cabinet 20. As shown, one or more rolls of consumable material, such as tissue rolls 14, can be held within an interior of the dispenser 10, as described further below.
The dispenser can include a cover 30 that is connected with the cabinet 20. With reference to
In some embodiments, the cover 30 is movably connected to the cabinet 20. For example, with reference to
Support Frames
While
As discussed above, the mandrel 400 can be configured to hold one or more rolls of consumable material. As also discussed, the mandrel 400 can be movably connected to the support frames 200, 300. In some embodiments, a first (e.g., lower) roll is initially accessible by a user and movement of the mandrel 400 relative to the support frames 200, 300 can make a second (e.g., upper) roll accessible by the user. The support frames 200, 300 can include channels extending along some or all of the heights thereof. The channels can be sized and/or shaped to receive portions of the mandrel 400 to allow the mandrel 400 to move (e.g., slide) therewithin.
For example, as shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, the channels 210, 310 include a widened entrance, which can advantageously provide for easier installation of the mandrel 400 or portions thereof into the channels 210, 310. For example, as shown in at least
As shown in
The support frames 200, 300 can include a stop that inhibits or prevents the mandrel 400 from moving relative to the support frames 200, 300 beyond a limit. For example, as shown in
Mandrel
The mandrel 400 can 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 in
The stubs 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d can be configured to secure to tissue rolls having a “core” and/or “coreless” tissue rolls. In some embodiments, the stubs 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d are 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 stubs 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d can extend from surfaces of the stems 410, 420 and have ends that are sized to be received within ends of the paperboard core of the tissue roll. In some embodiments, the stubs 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d are sized and/or shaped to engage (for example, grip) sides or ends of coreless tissue rolls. For example, in some embodiments, the stubs 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d extend from surfaces of the stems 410, 420 and have ends which are tapered, pointed, or otherwise shaped to grip (or stick into) ends of the coreless tissue rolls. In some embodiments, the stubs 414c, 414a are aligned (e.g., vertically) with one another and/or stubs 414d, 414b are aligned (e.g., vertically) with one another (see
As discussed above, the mandrel 400 can be movably connected to the support frames 200, 300. As also discussed above, the mandrel 400 (and/or portions thereof) can be received within the channels 210, 310 of the support frames 200, 300, which allow the mandrel 400 to be moved, for example, vertically, with respect to the support frames 200, 300. The mandrel 400 can include one or more protrusions sized and/or shaped to fit within the channels 210, 310 of the support frames 200, 300 and which are configured to move (e.g., slide) within such channels 210, 310. For example, as shown in
As shown, the first stem 410 can include a first guide 412a extending from a portion of the first stem 410 and/or a second guide 412b extending from another portion of the first stem 410. The first guide 412a can be positioned at or near a first end of the first stem 410 and the second guide 412b can be positioned at or near a second end of the first stem 410. In some embodiments, one or both of the first or second guides 412a, 412b can be positioned a distance away from the ends of the first stem 410. The first and second guides 412a, 412b can extend from the same side of the first stem 410 in a direction away from the second stem 420, for example. The guides 412a, 412b can extend from the first stem 410 in a direction opposite to the direction of extension of the stubs 414a, 414b discussed above. In some embodiments, the guides 412a, 412b are aligned (e.g., vertically) with the stubs 414a, 414b (see
As also shown, the second stem 420 can include a first guide 412c extending from a portion of the second stem 420 and/or a second guide 412d extending from another portion of the second stem 420. The first guide 412c can be positioned at or near a first end of the second stem 420 and the second guide 412d can be positioned at or near a second end of the second stem 420. In some embodiments, one or both of the first or second guides 412c, 412d can be positioned a distance away from the ends of the second stem 420. The first and second guides 412c, 412d can extend from the same side of the second stem 420 in a direction away from the first stem 410, for example. The guides 412c, 412d can extend from the second stem 420 in a direction opposite to the direction of extension of the stubs 414c, 414d discussed above. In some embodiments, the guides 412c, 412d are aligned (e.g., vertically) with the stubs 414c, 414d (see
As discussed above, the guides 412a, 412b, 412c, 412d can be sized and/or shaped to fit within the channels 210, 310. In some embodiments, the “free” ends of the guides 412a, 412b, 412c, 412d are rounded and/or have circular cross-sections. Such configuration can help the guides 412a, 412b, 412c, 412d (and in turn, the mandrel 400) more easily move (e.g., slide) within the channels 210, 310. Such configuration can also more easily allow the mandrel 400 to move within and/or transition between the angled portions 210a, 310a, 210c, 310c and the straight portions 210b, 310b.
The mandrel 400 can include one or more of flanges 416. As shown, the mandrel 400 can include a plurality of flanges, such as eight 416a-416h. Other numbers of flanges are contemplated, such as one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more. The flanges 416 can extend from the stems 410, 420 of the mandrel 400. In some embodiments, the flanges 416 comprise a triangular shape (such as a right-triangular shape). The flanges 416a-416h can extend outward from the stems 410, 420 and/or along side edges of the stems 410, 420. In some embodiments, the flanges 416 are spaced outward from an interior of the stems 410, 420. For example, the flanges 416 can be positioned along side edges of stems 410, 420 and spaced outward from the one or more guides 412a-414d (see
In some embodiments, the mandrel 400 is configured to facilitate engagement with the support frame 300. For example, in some embodiments, the mandrel 400 is configured to be received in the support frame 300 in the orientation shown in
As will be discussed in more detail below, the one or more flanges 416 can be configured to engage (e.g., contact) the lever 502 when the lever 502 is in a first position or mode (e.g., rotational position). In various embodiments, the engagement between the lever 502 and the flange 416 of the mandrel 400 provides a physical interference that stops the mandrel 400 from sliding from an upper position to a lower position, relative to the support frames 200, 300 and/or the opening 12.
Lever Assembly
As mentioned above, and with reference to
The lever assembly 500 can include a pin 501, a lever 502, and/or a biasing member 503. The pin 501 and the biasing member 503, and the discussion that follows related to these components, are an illustrative mechanism for coupling the lever 502 to the support frame 300. However, this mechanism is not intended to be limiting. The lever 502 can be secured (e.g., movably) to the support frame 300 via a different mechanism or technique and still interact with the mandrel 400 and/or tissue rolls secured thereto in the same or similar manner as that described below.
As shown, the lever 502 can include a first arm 510, a second arm 508, and a body 504. The arms 508, 510 can be rigidly connected and/or configured to move as a unit. As discussed in more detail below, the first arm 510 can be a sensor and/or the second arm 508 can be a controller. For example, the first arm 510 can be configured to contact a side or end of a tissue roll coupled to the mandrel 400 and to detect a characteristic of the tissue roll, such as outside diameter. As another example, the second arm 508 can be configured to engage or disengage a portion of the mandrel 400 to control movement of the mandrel 400, such as between an upper and lower position. The lever 502 can include an opening 505. The opening 505 can be a recess or through-hole that is sized and/or shaped to receive the pin 501.
In some embodiments, the lever 502 includes a flange 512 (see
When secured to the support frame 300 as discussed above, the lever 502 can rotate with respect to the support frame 300, for example, about an axis extending through the pin 501. The biasing member 503 can be provided to help bias the lever 502 to a neutral (e.g., “unstressed” or “resting”) position with respect to the support frame 300. In some embodiments, the biasing member 503 is a spring, such as a torsional spring. The biasing member 503 can be positioned around the pin 501 and can engage a portion of the support frame 300 and a portion of the lever 502. For example, an end of the biasing member 503 can be configured to engage the lip 371 which extends from the surface 301b along the opening 370 and can also engage a portion of the body 504 of the lever 502 (see
As shown in
Operation of the Dispenser
As the lower tissue roll 1 is used (e.g., dispensed to users), its outside diameter decreases. This, in turn, allows the first arm 510 to move inward (e.g., in a direction towards the support frame 200) and allows the lever 502 to move to its neutral (e.g., biased) position. Movement of the first arm 510 in such manner can cause the second arm 508 to move relative to the flange 416, such as toward the right in the illustrated embodiment. The second arm 508 can move (e.g., slide) toward a position out of engagement with the flange 416.
In certain embodiments in which the lever 502 is rotatably secured to the support frame 300 (for example, via the pin 501 and the biasing member 503), exhaustion of a diameter of the lower tissue roll 1 beyond a given threshold removes the physical obstacle resulting from the presence of the lower tissue roll 1 adjacent the first arm 510, which allows the lever 503 to rotate to its neutral position defined by the biasing member 503. Such exhaustion of the diameter of the roll 1 beyond the threshold thus also removes the physical interference resulting from the location of the second arm 508 relative to the flange 416d. Such movement of the lever 502 can remove the second arm 508 from a path (e.g., a generally vertical path) of the flange 416d.
Eventually, through continued dispensation, the lower roll 1 becomes so small so that the second arm 508 moves completely out of engagement with the flange 416.
After the second arm 508 is moved away from (e.g., out of a movement path of) the flange 416d, the mandrel 400 can move to a lower position, as illustrated in
As discussed above, movement of the mandrel 400 from 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 roll 1 is exhausted a certain amount, for example, when a diameter of the lower tissue roll 1 falls below a given threshold (e.g., less than approximately 25 mm). In various embodiments, the condition is satisfied before the lower roll 1 is completely exhausted. The mostly, but not completely, exhausted lower roll can be called a “stub roll.” In certain implementations, the dispenser 10 is configured to dispense and/or allow a user to access the stub roll 1 and the upper roll 2, such through the opening 12.
In some implementations, the mandrel 400 can be configured to facilitate movement relative to the lever assembly 500. For example, the stubs 414d and 414b of the mandrel 400 can be configured to ease passage of the mandrel 400 past the arm 510. In some cases, when the lever 502 is secured to the support frame 300 as discussed above, the first arm 510 of the lever 502 is positioned adjacent the stub 414b of the mandrel 400 (see FIGS. 13A-13B). In some such cases, when a cross-sectional area of the lower tissue roll 1 is depleted an amount such that it is equal to or less than a cross-sectional area of the stub 414b (or a portion thereof), the lower tissue roll 1 can cease to block the first arm 510 and the first arm 510 can move (e.g., rotate) as discussed above. For example, with reference to
As discussed above, the mandrel 400 can move relative to the support frames 200, 300 between an upper position and a lower position, for example, via movement of the guides 412 within the channels 210, 310. As also discussed, movement of the mandrel 400 to the lower position can provide access to an upper tissue roll 2. With reference to
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.
Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.
The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees.
Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B, and C” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C.
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.
Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
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.
While operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Additionally, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of various components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, other implementations 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.
Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn and/or shown to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.
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.
This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/825,641, filed Mar. 28, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2299301 | Britt et al. | Oct 1942 | A |
| 3126234 | Batlas et al. | Mar 1964 | A |
| 3211504 | Bump | Oct 1965 | A |
| 3214014 | Perrin | Oct 1965 | A |
| 3381909 | Tucker et al. | May 1968 | A |
| 3387902 | Perrin et al. | Jun 1968 | A |
| 3677485 | Berg | Jul 1972 | A |
| 3690580 | Jespersen | Sep 1972 | A |
| 3698653 | Okamura | Oct 1972 | A |
| 3754719 | Choy | Aug 1973 | A |
| 3770222 | Jespersen | Nov 1973 | A |
| 3948454 | Bastian | Apr 1976 | A |
| 4143827 | Tucker | Mar 1979 | A |
| 4222621 | Greenlee | Sep 1980 | A |
| 4340195 | DeLuca | Jul 1982 | A |
| 4383657 | Suh | May 1983 | A |
| 4422584 | Dashnier et al. | Dec 1983 | A |
| 4422585 | Schultz et al. | Dec 1983 | A |
| 4662664 | Wendt et al. | May 1987 | A |
| 5265816 | Collins | Nov 1993 | A |
| 5628474 | Krueger et al. | May 1997 | A |
| 5645244 | Moody | Jul 1997 | A |
| 5690299 | Perrin et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
| 5865395 | Wei | Feb 1999 | A |
| 5868335 | Lebrun | Feb 1999 | A |
| 5873542 | Perrin | Feb 1999 | A |
| 5954256 | Niada | Sep 1999 | A |
| 6145779 | Johnson et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
| 6202956 | Grasso et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6237871 | Morand et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
| 6508432 | Krivulin | Jan 2003 | B2 |
| 7182288 | Denen et al. | Feb 2007 | B2 |
| 7866593 | Friesen et al. | Jan 2011 | B2 |
| 7878444 | Friesen | Feb 2011 | B2 |
| 7913945 | Friesen | Mar 2011 | B2 |
| 8162252 | Cittadino | Apr 2012 | B2 |
| 20030146337 | Moody | Aug 2003 | A1 |
| 20080078855 | Forman et al. | Apr 2008 | A1 |
| 20110042503 | Hagleitner | Feb 2011 | A1 |
| 20130320130 | Osborne, Jr. | Dec 2013 | A1 |
| 20180263434 | Babikian | Sep 2018 | A1 |
| 20180325332 | Grosz, Jr. | Nov 2018 | A1 |
| 20190104895 | Johnson | Apr 2019 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1339084 | Nov 1973 | GB |
| WO 02074148 | Sep 2002 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| “The International Dispensing System” Catalog, Dispensing Dynamics International, 2010, pp. 1-60. |
| International Search Report, re PCT Application No. PCT/CA2002/000345 dated Jun. 27, 2002. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200305656 A1 | Oct 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62825641 | Mar 2019 | US |
