EP0342951A1

EP0342951A1 - A dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP0342951A1
Application number: EP89304977A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Oliver St. Clair Hood; Martin John Paul Duffy; Kevin Joseph Maguire; Brenda Mcgrath
Original assignee: Nokia Oyj; Nokia Ltd
Current assignee: Nokia Oyj; Nokia Ltd
Priority date: 1988-05-17
Filing date: 1989-05-17
Publication date: 1989-11-23
Also published as: NO891999L; NO891999D0; FI892345A0; IE873085L; FI892345A

Abstract

A dispenser (1) for dispensing toilet paper (2) from a toilet roll (3) comprises a wall mounting plate member (6) and side members (8). Inclined gear rack tracks (11) formed in grooves (9) in the side members (8) rollably support a mandril (14) by pinions (17). The mandril (14) rigidly engages a core (22) of the toilet roll (3) and is inserted on the tracks (11) through access grooves (32). By pulling a free end (23) of the paper (2), the roll (3) and mandril (14) roll along the tracks (11) in the direction of the arrow A, thus dispensing paper (2) from the roll (3). Abutment members (28) engage the mandril at an end (24) of the tracks (11), and further pulling of the paper (2) causes the paper to separate from the roll (3). The mandril returns along the track (11) under gravity until the roll (3) engages the plate member (6) ready for dispensing the next length of paper (2).

Description

The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing a limited length of material from a wound roll, and in particular to a dispenser of the type comprising rotatable spindle means for supporting the wound roll fast thereon, and being rotatable in a dispensing direction for dispensing material from the wound roll. Such dispensers are particularly suitable for dispensing flexible sheet material from a wound roll, for example, toilet paper from a toilet roll.
Such dispensers for dispensing a limited or predetermined length of material, for example, sheet material from a wound roll are known. One example of such a dispenser comprises a housing within which the wound roll is housed. A mandril mounted within the housing rotatably supports the wound roll thereon. A driven dispenser roller bears on the periphery of the wound roll, and by rotating the dispenser roller a predetermined amount, the wound roll is rotated on the mandril and a predetermined length of sheet material is dispensed from the wound roll. Another alternative dispenser similarly comprises a mandril on which the wound roll is mounted. A pair of dispensing pressure rollers engage sheet material wound from the wound roll therebetween. Rotation of the pressure rollers a predetermined amount causes a predetermined length of sheet material to be dispensed from the wound roll through the pressure rollers. These dispensers tend to be relatively complex and relatively expensive. While they are suitable for dispensing certain types of sheet material from wound rolls, they are unsuitable for other uses. For example, they are suitable in many cases for dispensing fabric towel, and indeed they are also suitable and used extensively for dispensing sheet material for industrial processes. However, where a relatively simple inexpensive dispenser is required, they are unsuitable. In particular, they are unsuitable for dispensing toilet paper from a wound roll where a relatively simple inexpensive dispenser is required. Unfortunately, there is no known dispenser suitable for dispensing a limited or predetermined length of toilet paper from a toilet roll.
There is therefore a need for a dispenser for dispensing a limited length of material, whether a sheet or otherwise, from a wound roll which is relatively simple and relatively inexpensive.
The present invention is directed towards providing such a dispenser.
The invention provides a dispenser for dispensing material from a wound roll which overcomes the problems of known dispensers by virtue of the fact that the dispenser comprises an elongated track means for engaging the spindle means with non-slip rolling engagement, one of said means being movable relative to the other in a dispensing direction for rotating the spindle means in the dispensing direction for dispensing paper from the wound roll and returnable in an opposite, non-dispensing direction, and limit means for limiting the travel of one of said means relative to the other of said means to limit the amount of material dispensed from the roll.
The advantages of the invention are many, a particularly important advantage of the invention is that the length of material dispensed on each relative movement of the spindle means relative to the track means in the dispensing direction is limited. This is particularly important when the dispenser is used for dispensing toilet paper in that undue wastage of toilet paper is avoided. A further advantage of the invention is that it provides a dispenser which is relatively simple to construct and use, and also which can be provided at a relatively low cost.
In one embodiment of the invention, the spindle means is movable relative to the track means.
The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it further facilitates in the simplifying of the dispenser according to the invention. Further, by virtue of the simple construction provided by this feature of the invention, a dispenser which operates relatively trouble- free is provided.
In another embodiment of the invention, the track means is mounted for returning the spindle means in the non-dispensing direction under gravity.
The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it further adds to the simplicity of the dispenser, and permits a dispenser of even relatively lower cost to be provided.
Advantageously, the limit means is provided by a first stop means for engaging the spindle means to limit the travel of the spindle means in one direction, and a second stop means for engaging a peripheral surface of the wound roll to limit the travel of tee spindle means in the other direction.
The fact that one of the stop means engages the peripheral surface of the wound roll provides a particularly important advantage of the invention in that on each dispensing movement of the spindle means relative to the track means a substantially constant length of material is dispensed from the wound roll, even although the diameter and in turn the circumference of the peripheral surface of the wound roll is decreasing. The fact that the stop means engages the peripheral surface of the wound roll compensates for the fact that as material is dispensed from the wound roll, the diameter of the peripheral surface of the wound roll reduces. As the diameter reduces, the circumference of the peripheral surface of the wound roll likewise reduces, and on each complete revolution of the spindle means, a shorter amount of material is dispensed. However, by virtue of the fact that one of the stop means acts on the peripheral surface of the wound roll, as the diameter and in turn the radius of the peripheral surface of the wound roll reduces, the spindle means travels a longer distance along the track means in the non-dispensing direction until the stop means engages the surface of the roll. Thus, a greater length of track means is available for the spindle means to travel in the dispensing direction. This increases the number of revolutions made by the spindle means and in turn the wound roll in the dispensing direction, which compensates for the reduction in diameter of the wound roll. By suitably sizing the portion of the spindle means in engagement with the track means, the required degree of compensation may be achieved.
In another embodiment of the invention, the track means comprises a pair of spaced apart elongated tracks, at least one of the tracks engaging the spindle means with non-slip rolling engagement.
The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it provides a relatively stable means of supporting the spindle means.
In another embodiment of the invention, a pair of spaced apart side members are provided for supporting respective tracks, the side members extending from a plate member for mounting the dispenser to a wall, an elongated track supporting groove is provided on each side member, the grooves extending into opposing vertical faces of the side members, and the tracks being located on an upwardly facing lower face of each groove, an upper downwardly facing face of each track supporting groove acts to prevent disengagement of the spindle means from a respective track.
The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it provides a relatively compact construction of dispenser which in turn is relatively low cost to produce and both simple to produce and operate. An advantage of providing the track means in grooves is that the upper, downwardly facing face of each groove may be used to prevent disengagement of the spindle means from the track means.
In a further embodiment of the invention, an access groove is provided to each track supporting groove for providing access to the track for the spindle means.
The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it provides a relatively simple means of loading a toilet roll onto a spindle means and in turn loading the spindle means onto the track means.
Advantageously, the first stop mean limits travel of the spindle means in the dispensing direction, the first stop means being provided by a pair of first co-operating abutment members, one of the first co-operating abutment members being provided on the spindle means to engage a corresponding first abutment member being mounted on at least one of the side members adjacent the track, the second stop means limits travel of the spindle means in the non-dispensing direction, the second stop means being provided by the plate member for engaging the peripheral surface of the wound roll.
The advantage of this feature of the invention is that it provides a relatively simple and effective construction of dispenser.
Preferably, guide means for guiding the spindle means onto the tracks are provided so that the first abutment members of the first stop means cooperate with each other when the spindle means is substantially adjacent one end of the track, the guide means being provided by a pair of co-operating guide members, one guide member being provided on the spindle means and the other being provided on at least one side member.
The advantage of this feature of the invention is that the guide means ensure that the spindle means will always be entered on the track means correctly, so that the first abutment members of the first stop means engage each other as the spindle means reaches the end of the track in the dispensing direction.
Advantageously, each track is provided by an elongated gear rack, and the spindle means comprises an elongated mandril for rigidly engaging a core of the wound roll, and a pair of spindles extending from each end of the mandril, each spindle carrying a pinion for engaging a respective gear rack.
The advantage of this feature of the invention is that by providing a pinion on the spindle means for engaging a track formed by a gear rack, slippage between the spindle means and track means is avoided. Thus, the length of material dispensed on each dispensing movement of the spindle means from one end to the other of the track means is more accurately controlled.
The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to the invention,
Fig. 2 is a partly exploded perspective view of the dispenser of Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the dispenser of Fig. 1 in use in one position,
Fig. 4 is a view substantially similar to Fig. 3 of the dispenser in use in a different position,
Fig. 5 is an enlarged elevational view of a detail of the dispenser of Fig. 1, and
Fig. 6 is a side view of portion of the dispenser of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a dispenser according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for dispensing toilet paper 2 from a wound roll 3 of the toilet paper 2. The dispenser 1 comprises a plate member 6 for mounting the dispenser 1 to a wall or other structure, and a pair of side members 8 extend outwardly from the plate member 6. Track supporting grooves 9 are formed in opposing vertical faces of the side members 8 for supporting track means, in this case tracks formed by elongated gear racks 11. The gear racks 11 are supported on an upwardly facing, lower face 12 of each groove 9. Spindle means for supporting the wound roll 3 fast thereon comprises a mandril 14 and a pair of spindles 15, one spindle 15 extending from each end of the mandril 14. Each spindle 15 carries a pinion 17 for engaging a respective gear rack 11 with non-slip rolling engagement. The mandril 14 comprises an elongated engagement member 18 with radiused side edges 19. Side engagement members 20 also with radiused side edges 21 extend radially from the engagement member 18. The radiused edges 19 and 21 are equi-spaced circumferentially around the rotational axis of the spindle 15 and define arcs whose centre of radius co-incide with the spindle axis, and rigidly engage a core 22 of the wound roll 3 to prevent rotation of the wound roll 3 on the mandril 14.
The mandril 14 is rollable along the gear racks 11 in a dispensing direction, in the direction of the arrow A, for dispensing toilet paper 2 from the roll 3, and returnable along the tracks 11 in a non-dispensing direction, namely in the direction of the arrow B. On pulling a free end 23 of the toilet paper 2, the toilet roll 3 and mandril 14 roll along the racks 11 in the dispensing direction, namely in the direction of the arrow A. This causes the mandril 14 to rotate in a dispensing direction, namely the direction of the arrow C, thereby unwinding the toilet paper 2 from the wound roll 3. On rolling in the direction of the arrow B, rotation of the mandril 14 is reversed in the direction of the arrow D, thereby preventing dispensing of the toilet paper 2 from the roll 3. In this embodiment of the invention, the track supporting grooves 9 and in turn the gear racks 11 are inclined downwardly towards the plate member 6 in the non-dispensing direction B to permit the mandril 14 to return under gravity along the gear racks 11 in the non-dispensing direction B towards the end 25 until the peripheral surface 30 of the wound roll 3 engages the plate member 6. In this case, the gear racks 11 are inclined at an angle of 20° to the horizontal. The width of each track supporting groove 9 is such that an upper downwardly facing face 26 of each groove 9 is spaced apart a sufficient distance from the gear rack 11 to prevent disengagement of the pinion 17 from the gear rack 11.
Limit means for limiting the travel of the mandril 14 along the gear racks 11 are provided by a first stop means adjacent one end 24 of the gear racks 11 and a second stop means provided by a face 27 of the plate member 6 adjacent the other ends 25 of the gear racks 11. Dealing initially with the first stop means, the first stop means is provided by first abutment members 28 extending from the vertical faces 10 of the side members 8. Each abutment member 28 engages a co-operating abutment portion 29 of the engagement member 18 of the mandril 14 when the pinions 17 have just reached the end 24 of the gear racks 11, see Fig. 5. The second stop means provided by the face 27 of the plate member 6 engages a peripheral surface 30 of the wound roll 3 thereby limiting the travel of the mandril 14 in the non-dispensing direction B. It will be appreciated that as toilet paper 2 is unwound from the wound roll 3, the radius and circumference of the peripheral surface 30 of the roll 3 reduces. Accordingly, on each revolution of the mandril 14, as the radius of the roll 3 reduces, less paper is unwound. However, as the radius of the peripheral surface 30 reduces, the pinions 17 travel nearer to the ends 25 of the gear racks 11 before the surface 30 of the roll 3 engages the face 27 of the plate member 6. Accordingly, the mandril 14 travels a longer distance along the gear racks 11 in the dispensing direction A, thereby permitting the mandril 14 to rotate a greater number of revolutions which substantially compensates for the reduction in the amount of toilet paper 2 dispensed from the roll 3 per revolution as the radius and circumference of the peripheral surface 30 reduces.
Access grooves 32 are formed in the vertical faces 10 of the side members 8 and communicate with the track supporting grooves 9 to provide access to the gear racks 11 for the pinions 17. As can be seen, the access grooves 32 extend to top edges 33 of the side members 8.
Guide means for guiding the pinions 17 into the track supporting grooves 9 so that the pinions 17 engage the ends 24 of the gear racks 11 when the engagement member 18 of the mandril 14 engages the first abutment members 28 are provided in this case by guide faces 34 and 35 on each side of the access groove 32. The guide faces 34 are provided on guides 36 which extend outwardly from the vertical faces 10 of the side members 8. The guide faces are formed on projections 37 which extend from the side members 8. The guide faces 34 and 35 slidably engage the engagement member 18 until the pinions 17 have engaged the gear racks 11, see Fig. 5. Each projection 37 is shaped at 38 to accommodate the side edges 19 and 21 of the mandril 14.
Holes 39 in the plate member 6 accommodate screws or other suitable fastening means for securing the plate member 6 to a wall or other structure.
In this particular embodiment of the invention, the plate member 6, side members 8 and gear racks 11 are of plastics material integrally injection moulded. The mandril 14, spindles 15 and pinions 17 are also integrally injection moulded of plastics material.
In use, a toilet roll 3 is mounted on the mandril 14 as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. Care should be taken to ensure that the roll 3 is mounted on the mandril 14 so that as the mandril 14 moves in the dispensing direction A and the mandril rotates in the dispensing direction C toilet paper 2 is dispensed from the roll 3. The mandril 14 with the toilet roll 3 mounted thereon is inserted through the access grooves 32 so that the pinions 17 engage the gear racks 11. The toilet roll 3 and mandril 14 are released and the pinions 17 roll along the gear racks 11 under gravity in the direction of the arrow B until the peripheral surface 30 of the roll 3 abuts the face 27 of the plate member 6. To remove a length of toilet paper 2 from the wound roll 3, the free edge 22 of the roll 3 is gripped and the toilet paper 2 is pulled down in the direction of the arrow E. This causes rotation of the toilet roll 3 and in turn the mandril 14 which causes the pinion 17 to roll along the gear rack 11 in the direction of the arrow A until the plate member 18 of the mandril 14 engages the first abutment members 28. Further rotation of the mandril 14 and roll 3 is thereby prevented, and by further pulling of the toilet paper 2 the paper 2 tears from the roll 3 along a perforation 40 as illustrated in Fig. 4. On the length of paper 2 separating from the roll 3, the roll 3 and in turn the mandril 14 are thereby free to roll under gravity towards the end 25 on the tracks 11 in the non-dispensing direction B until the periphery 30 of the roll 3 abuts the plate member 6. In this position, the toilet roll 3 is ready for dispensing the next length of toilet paper 2.
In this particular embodiment of the invention, the length of each gear rack 11 from the end 24 to the end 25 is 90 mm. The distance from the end 25 of each gear rack 11 to the face 27 of the plate member 6 is 5 mm. The effective rolling diameter of each pinion 17 on the gear racks 11 is 8.7 mm. Accordingly, when a full wound roll 3 of toilet paper 2 of outer peripheral diameter of 144 mm is engaged on the mandril 14 in the dispenser 1, and the peripheral surface 30 of the roll abuts the face 27 of the plate member 6, the pinions 17 engage the gear racks 11 at approximately 23 mm from the end 24 of the gear racks 11. Thus, the mandril 14 and in turn the toilet roll 3 rotates through approximately 0.85 of a revolution in traversing along the gear racks 11 in the dispensing direction A between the stop means formed by the face 27 and the stop means formed by the abutment member 28 at the end 24 of the gear racks 11. This causes a length of toilet paper of approximately 380 mm to be dispensed from the roll 3. As the diameter of the roll 3 decreases, the pinion 17 travels a further distance along the gear racks 11 in the non-dispensing direction. When most of the paper has been removed from the core and the peripheral diameter of the paper adjacent the core is approximately 40 mm, the pinions 17 engage the gear racks 11 at a distance approximately 75 mm from the ends 24 when the peripheral surface 30 of the toilet paper adjacent the core is abutting the face 27 of the wall 6. In this case, the pinions 17 travel 75 mm along the gear racks 11 in the dispensing direction between the stop means formed by the face 27 and the stop means formed by the abutment means 28. This causes approximately 350 mm of paper to be dispensed from the roll. Thus, it will be appreciated that in this particular embodiment of the invention, the amount of paper dispensed from the roll remains substantially constant between 350 mm and 380 mm, each time the roll travels in the dispensing direction A between the stop means 27 and 28.
The advantages of the invention are many. However, one of the more important advantages is that the dispenser according to the invention is a relatively simple and inexpensive dispenser. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that by virtue of the fact that the travel of the mandril along the tracks is limited by a pair of stop means, one of which engages the peripheral surface of the wound roll, a substantially constant length of toilet paper is dispensed each time the mandril travels between the stop means in the dispensing direction.
Although a particular shape and construction of dispenser has been described and illustrated, other shapes and construction could be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. Indeed, it is envisaged that spindle means of other shape and construction could be used, for example, a mandril of circular cross section could be provided which may be hollow or solid. Further, the spindle and mandril could be of the similar diameter.
While a dispenser of specific dimensions has been described, dispensers of other dimensions could be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, while the angle of the gear racks has been described as being 20° to the horizontal, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the gear racks may be provided at any other desired angle sufficient to return the roll in the non-dispensing direction under gravity where this is a requirement.
Further, it will be appreciated that while in this particular embodiment of the invention the track means has been described as comprising a pair of tracks, a single track may be sufficient in certain cases. Needless to say, it will be appreciated that while each track has been described as being provided by a gear rack, this is not necessary. Any other suitable type of track could be provided besides a gear rack. It is only important that the spindle means and one track should engage each other with non-slip rolling engagement. Thus, a friction type track could be used. Needless to say, where the track is provided with a friction surface, suitable complementary rollers would be provided on the spindle means, such as for example rollers with or without friction surfaces.
Needless to say, while the tracks have been described as being mounted in track supporting grooves, the tracks could be mounted and supported by any other arrangement. Needless to say, if desired the side members may be dispensed with and a framework or the like could be provided for supporting the tracks.
While it is preferable, it is not essential that guide means should be provided for guiding the mandril onto the track or tracks and where guide means are provided, any other suitable guide means could be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say, any other suitable limit means could be used for limiting the travel of the spindle means along the tracks. Where first and second stop means are provided, any other suitable stop means could be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the first stop means, instead of engaging the mandril, could engage the periphery of the wound roll, and likewise the second stop means instead of engaging the periphery of the wound roll could engage the mandril or spindle means. Needless to say, in certain embodiments of the invention, both stop means could engage the peripheral surface of the wound roll. Indeed, in certain embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that both stop means may engage the mandril or spindle means.
Needless to say, first and second stop means of other construction could be used without departing from the scope of the invention.
While the spindle means has been described as being rollable along an immobile track, it is envisaged in certain embodiments of the invention that the track may be movable relative to the spindle means. In which case, the spindle means would be rotatably mounted in a fixed position and the track would be movable and engagable with the spindle means. Indeed, in certain cases it is envisaged that as the paper is pulled from the roll and the spindle means rotates, the rotation of the spindle means may move the track means upwardly against a stop means. On detaching the paper from the roll, the spindle means would be free to rotate, thus permitting the track means to return downwardly, for example, under gravity, and the roll would be ready to dispense the next length of paper.
While the dispenser has been described of injection moulded plastics material, the dispenser could be of plastics material manufactured from any other suitable or desired process. Needless to say, other material besides plastics material could be used. In certain cases, it is envisaged that the dispenser may be of sheet steel or sheet metal or a combination of steel and/or sheet metal and/or plastics material. Needless to say, any other suitable material may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. While the tracks have been described as being inclined downwardly towards the plate member, if desired the tracks could be inclined downwardly in the opposite direction. In this case, it is envisaged that the sheet material would be dispensed when the wound roll engaged the plate member. Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that in such a construction, stop means may be interchanged.
It is envisaged in certain cases that locking means (not shown) may be provided in the access grooves to prevent unauthorised removal of the mandril from the tracks. Such locking means, it is envisaged, as well as closing the access grooves would also act to prevent disengagement of the pinions from the gear racks. This would prevent slipping of the mandril on the tracks 11.
It is also envisaged in certain cases that the gear racks may be arranged to terminate just short of the end of travel in the dispensing direction. However, in such an arrangement, just as the pinion is disengaging the gear racks, it is envisaged that the first stop means would prevent further rotation and movement of the spindle means relative to the gear racks. It is envisaged that in certain cases it may be necessary to terminate the gear racks just short of the end of travel to avoid any damage to the gear racks where the mandril is suddenly being brought to rest at the end of travel in the dispensing direction.
Needless to say, while the tracks have been described as being inclined at a specific angle to the horizontal to facilitate rolling of the mandril and wound roll in the non-dispensing direction, the tracks may be inclined at any desired angle. Indeed, it is envisaged in certain cases that the tracks may be horizontal. In which case, other means for returning the mandril and wound roll in the non-dispensing direction may be provided, for example a spring arrangement. Indeed in certain cases it is envisaged that the user would rotate the roll in the opposite direction. Indeed, in certain cases it is envisaged that the tracks may be vertically arranged. While the dispenser has been described as comprising a plate member and side member, in certain cases it is envisaged that the dispenser may be housed in an enclosed housing. In which case, it is envisaged that the side members may be provided in addition to the housing or may form part of the housing.
It is also envisaged that the position of the first and second stop means or one of the first and second stop means may be adjustable to provide for variation in the length of paper dispensed from the roll. In other words, one or both of the first or second stop means could be adjustably movable along the tracks, and needless to say, it is not necessary that the stop means may be provided by pairs of abutment members, in certain cases a single abutment member on one side member would be adequate.
Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that spindle means could be provided by two members, one of which would be engagable at each end of the core of a wound roll. In other words, a spindle member would be provided to engage each end of the core and to extend outwardly therefrom to carry a pinion or other suitable means for engaging a respective track. In fact, in certain cases it is envisaged that the toilet rolls may be provided with the spindle means already in position, whether the spindle means is provided in one piece or in two pieces. It is further envisaged that the mandril could form an integral part of the roll, and indeed, the paper in certain cases could be wound directly onto the mandril or spindle means as the case may be.
It is also envisaged that drive means may be provided to drive the spindle means in one or both directions along the track. The drive means could be provided to drive the spindle means in one direction to dispense paper and it could also be provided to return the spindle means in the non-dispensing direction. In which case, it is envisaged that a button or the like would be provided to activate an electric motor which could drive the spindle means in one or both directions. The motor may be mounted within the mandril or alternatively may be mounted on the side member. Alternatively, it is envisaged that return means to return the mandril and wound roll in the non-dispensing direction could be provided and such return means could be provided, for example, by a spring which would be extended or compressed as a result of the dispensing action so that it would be, as it were, cocked at the end of the dispensing travel to return the mandril and wound roll in the non-dispensing direction. Needless to say, if desired manual drive means may be provided for driving the mandril in the dispensing direction, such manual drive means may be provided by a drive mechanism which would be operable by a handle or the like.
It will of course be appreciated that while dispenser has been described for dispensing toilet paper, it could be used for dispensing any other sheet material, indeed in certain cases it is could be used for dispensing any other flexible material from a roll, such as, for example, string, rope, wire rope, cord, chain or the like. It is also envisaged that the dispenser would be particularly advantageous for dispensing towelling material and in particular paper towelling material.
Furthermore, it is envisaged that the dispenser may be arranged to be mounted with the rotational axis of the spindle means perpendicular or at any other desired angle to a wall on which the dispenser is mounted.

Claims

1. A dispenser for dispensing material (2) from a wound roll (3), the dispenser (1) comprising rotatable spindle means (14,15,17) for supporting the wound roll (3) fast thereon and being rotatable in a dispensing direction (C) for dispensing material (2) from the wound roll (3), characterised in that the dispenser (1) comprises an elongated track means (11) for engaging the spindle means (14,15,17) with non-slip rolling engagement, one of said means (11;14,15,17) being movable relative to the other (11;14,15,17) in a dispensing direction (A) for rotating the spindle means (14,15,17) in the dispensing direction (C) and returnable in an opposite, non-dispensing direction and limit means (6,28) for limiting the travel of one of said means (11;14,15,17) relative to the other of said means (11;14,15,17) to limit the amount of material (2) dispensed from the roll (3).

2. A dispenser as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the spindle means (14,15,17) is movable relative to the track means (11).

3. A dispenser as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the track means (11) is mounted for returning the spindle means (14,15,17) in the non-dispensing direction (B) under gravity.

4. A dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the limit means (6,28) is provided by a first stop means (28) for engaging the spindle means (14,15,17) to limit the travel of the spindle means (14,15,17) in one direction (A), and a second stop means (6) for engaging a peripheral surface (30) of the wound roll (3) to limit the travel of the spindle means (14,15,17) in the other direction (B).

5. A dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the track means (11) comprises a pair of spaced apart elongated tracks (11), at least one of the tracks (11) engaging the spindle means (17) with non-slip rolling engagement.

6. A dispenser as claimed in Claim 5 characterised in that a pair of spaced apart side members (8) are provided for supporting respective tracks (11), the side members (8) extending from a plate member (6) for mounting the dispenser (1) to a wall, an elongated track supporting groove (9) is provided on each side member (8), the grooves (9) extending into opposing vertical faces (10) of the side members (8), and the tracks (11) being located on an upwardly facing lower face (12) of each groove (9), an upper downwardly facing face (26) of each track supporting groove (9) acts to prevent disengagement of the spindle means (17) from a respective track (11).

7. A dispenser as claimed in Claim 6 characterised in that an access groove (32) is provided to each track supporting groove (9) for providing access to the track (11) for the spindle means (17).

8. A dispenser as claimed in Claim 6 or 7 characterised in that the first stop means (28) limits travel of the spindle means (14,15,17) in the dispensing direction (A), the first stop means (28) being provided by a pair of first co-operating abutment members (28,29), one of the first cooperating abutment members (29) being provided on the spindle means (14,15,17) to engage a corresponding first abutment member (28) being mounted on at least one of the side members (8) adjacent the track (11), the second stop means (6) limits travel of the spindle means in the non-dispensing direction (B), the second stop means being provided by the plate member (6) for engaging the peripheral surface (30) of the wound roll (3).

9. A dispenser as claimed in Claim 8 characterised in that guide means (34,35) for guiding the spindle means (14,15,17) onto the tracks are provided so that the first abutment members (28,29) of the first stop means (28,29) co-operate with each other when the spindle means (14,15,17) is substantially adjacent one end (24) of the track (11), the guide means (34,35) being provided by a pair of co-operating guide members (18,34,35), one guide member (18) being provided on the spindle means (14,15,17) and the other (34,35) being provided on at least one side member (8).

10. A dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each track (11) is provided by an elongated gear rack (11), and the spindle means (14,15,17) comprises an elongated mandril (14) for rigidly engaging a core (22) of the wound roll (3), and a pair of spindles (15) extending from each end of the mandril (14), each spindle carrying a pinion (17) for engaging a respective gear rack (11).