EP2052656A2 - Actuator for paper towel dispenser and method - Google Patents
Actuator for paper towel dispenser and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2052656A2 EP2052656A2 EP08165938A EP08165938A EP2052656A2 EP 2052656 A2 EP2052656 A2 EP 2052656A2 EP 08165938 A EP08165938 A EP 08165938A EP 08165938 A EP08165938 A EP 08165938A EP 2052656 A2 EP2052656 A2 EP 2052656A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- actuator
- lever
- paper towel
- adapter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
- A47K10/36—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means with mechanical dispensing, roll switching or cutting devices
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
- A47K10/36—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means with mechanical dispensing, roll switching or cutting devices
- A47K10/3631—The cutting devices being driven manually
- A47K10/3637—The cutting devices being driven manually using a crank or handle
Definitions
- the present invention is related to a hands free paper towel dispenser. More specifically, the present invention is related to a hands free paper towel dispenser using a foot pedal assembly.
- Paper towels are utilized in public restrooms, hospital patient rooms, doctor offices, restaurants and schools.
- technologies have become available which attempt to create a hands free environment.
- many sinks in the above settings are triggered by infrared devices or automatically stop function after a designated time period (obviating the need to turn off the faucet with one's hands).
- Paper towel dispensers have a limited repertoire of design.
- the standard model incorporates prefolded papers to approximately 4 inch x 12 inch stacks which are interconnected so that pulling down on the paper leaf then causes the next paper to advance and become available for using.
- These dispensers do allow for a touchless component but often fail to function, requiring manual manipulation to recover paper towels for drying purposes.
- Other dispensers include large rolled paper towels which are threaded through a feeder and advanced via either a spring engaged lever (usually situated on the anterior aspect of the paper towel dispenser) which causes the paper roll to turn thereby extending the available product for use.
- paper towel dispensers utilizing a large roll design are advanced and turned by means of a small metal crank usually positioned on the side of the paper towel dispenser. Turning this crank allows the paper towel roll to turn and results in more paper product being fed out for use.
- Such a concept can be actualized using a paper dispenser that uses a foot activating mechanism to advance the paper.
- Foot activating devices have been used routinely for controlling the flow of water in sinks used by surgeons for the purpose of hand washing prior to surgery. These pedal operated devices have been long valued as a means of optimizing hand antisepsis.
- a parallel concept called "Paper-Ped” would utilize a pedal operated mechanism engaged with the paper towel dispenser to allow for towel supplies to be advanced easily and without the need to touch a probable contaminated device. Paper towel dispensers could be manufactured with this type of feature but, alternatively, a "Paper-Ped” device could be retrofitted to attach to an existing paper towel dispenser.
- the present invention pertains to an actuator for a dispenser for paper towels having a manually operated element which dispenses a paper towel when moved.
- the actuator comprises a connector coupled to the element.
- the actuator comprises a hands free manually operated powerless activation assembly connected to the connector which when activated by a user, moves a connector causing the element to move and dispense a paper towel.
- the present invention pertains to a method for dispensing paper towels from a dispenser having a manually operated element which dispenses a paper towel when moved.
- the method comprises the steps of placing a foot of a user on a pedal assembly. There is the step of depressing the pedal assembly with the foot of the user causing a connector coupled to the element to be moved and dispense a paper towel.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an actuator of the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the activation assembly of the present invention.
- Figure 3 shows the wheel unit of the present invention.
- Figure 4 shows the wheel unit of the present invention.
- Figure 5 shows a perspective front view of side A of the wheel unit.
- Figure 6 shows the gear slide in the track of the housing.
- Figure 7 shows the face cover on the housing.
- Figure 8 is an assembly view of the housing.
- Figure 9 is a perspective view of an actuator of the present invention with respect to a lever.
- Figure 10 shows the activation assembly with respect to a lever.
- Figure 11 is an overhead view of the lever with a hole for a piston.
- Figure 12 is a perspective view of the connector engaged with the lever.
- Figure 13 shows the pedal assembly in the open position.
- Figure 14 shows the pedal assembly in the depressed position.
- an actuator 10 for a dispenser 12 for paper towels having a manually operated element 14 which dispenses a paper towel when moved.
- the actuator 10 comprises a connector 16 coupled to the element 14.
- the actuator 10 comprises a hands free manually operated powerless activation assembly 18 connected to the connector 16 which, when activated by a user, moves a connector 16 causing the element 14 to move and dispense a paper towel.
- the activation assembly 18 includes a pedal assembly 20 configured to be depressed by a foot of the user to pull on the connector 16 and activate the activation assembly 18.
- the actuator 10 preferably includes an adapter 22 which couples the connector 16 to the element 14.
- the pedal assembly 20 is remote from the adapter 22.
- the element 14 can be a lever 24 and the connector 16 causes the lever 24 to depress when the connector 16 is pulled down, as shown in figures 9-12 .
- the adapter 22 includes a brace 26 which is affixed to the lever 24 and secures the connector 16 to the lever 24.
- the connector 16 preferably includes a cable 28 extending from the pedal assembly 20 and a piston 30 attached to the cable 28 and coupled to the lever 24 by the brace 26.
- the piston 30 defaults to a superior position 32 when the pedal assembly 20 is released.
- the element 14 can be a crank arm 36 which, when turned, causes a paper towel to be dispensed, and the connector 16 causes the arm 36 to turn when the connector 16 is pulled down, as shown in figures 1-8 .
- the adapter 22 includes a wheel unit 38 having a space 40 on the unit's inner side 42 in which the arm 36 is disposed for the wheel unit 38 to engage with the arm 36 and a hub 44 with gears 46 extends from its outer side 48.
- the adapter 22 preferably includes a ball bearing unit 50 which engages with the hub 44.
- the adapter 22 includes a housing 52 having a ball bearing unit 50 which mounts to the dispenser 12 and secures the wheel unit 38 in place.
- the connector 16 preferably includes a cable 28 extending from the pedal assembly 20 and a gear slide 54 attached to the cable 28 and disposed in the adapter 22 and coupled to the arm 36 by the adapter 22, the gear slide 54 engages with the gears 46 of the hub 44.
- the housing 52 has a track 56 in which the gear slide 54 is disposed and moves along, as the gear slide 54 moves down when the pedal assembly 20 is depressed, the gear slide 54 causes the gears 46 of the hub 44 to turn which results in movement of the arm 36 and a paper towel to be dispensed.
- the housing 52 preferably includes a spring 60 engaged with the gear slide 54 which pulls the gear slide 54 back up to a superior position 32 after the pedal assembly 20 is released and maintains the gear slide 54 in the superior position 32.
- the wheel unit 38 includes a free wheel mechanism 58 that allows movement of the wheel unit 38 in only one direction when the gear slide 54 is pulled down but which causes the wheel unit 38 to coast idle when the gear slide 54 moves back up into the superior position 32.
- the present invention pertains to a method for dispensing paper towels from a dispenser 12 having a manually operated element 14 which dispenses a paper towel when moved.
- the method comprises the steps of placing a foot of a user on a pedal assembly 20. There is the step of depressing the pedal assembly 20 with the foot of the user causing a connector 16 coupled to the element 14 to be moved and dispense a paper towel.
- the element 14 is a lever 24 and the depressing step includes the step of moving the lever 24 down which causes the paper towel to be dispensed, as shown in figures 9-12 .
- the depressing step preferably includes the step of pulling down on the connector 16 which is coupled to the lever 24 with an adapter 22.
- the adapter 22 includes a brace 26 which is affixed to the lever 24 and secures the connector 16 to the lever 24 and the pulling down step includes the step of pulling down the connector 16 which is coupled to the lever 24 with the brace 26.
- the connector 16 preferably includes a cable 28 extending from the pedal assembly 20 and a piston 30 attached to the cable 28 and coupled to the lever 24 by the brace 26.
- a piston 30 attached to the cable 28 and coupled to the lever 24 by the brace 26.
- the element 14 is a crank arm 36 which, when turned, causes a paper towel to be dispensed
- the moving step includes the step of moving the arm 36 which causes the paper towel to be dispensed, as shown in figures 1-9 .
- the moving step includes the step of moving with the connector 16 a wheel unit 38 having a space 40 on the unit's inner side 42 in which the arm 36 is disposed for the wheel unit 38 to engage with the arm 36 and a hub 44 with gears 46 extends from its outer side 48 of an adapter 22 that couples with the connector 16.
- the moving step preferably includes the step of moving the hub 44 within a ball bearing unit 50 of a housing 52 that mounts to the dispenser 12 and secures the wheel unit 38 in place and engages with the hub 44.
- the moving with the connector 16 step includes the step of moving with a cable 28 of the connector 16 extending from the pedal assembly 20 and a gear slide 54 of the connector 16 attached to the cable 28 and engaged with the gears 46 of the hub 44, the gears 46 of the hub 44 engage with the gear slide 54.
- the moving step preferably includes the step of moving the gear slide 54 down along a track 56 of the housing 52 unit in which the gear slide 54 is disposed when the pedal assembly 20 is depressed, the gear slide 54 causes the gears 46 of the hub 44 to turn which results in movement of the arm 36 and a paper towel to be dispensed.
- the pulling the gear slide 54 back step preferably includes the step of coasting idle the wheel unit 38 with a free wheel mechanism 58 of the wheel unit 38 that allows movement of the wheel unit 38 in only one direction when the gear slide 54 is pulled down but which causes the wheel unit 38 to coast idle when the gear slide 54 moves back up into the superior position 32.
- a brace 26 affixes to the lever 24, thereby securing the cable 28 to the lever 24.
- This cable 28 then connects to a pedal mechanism which could be secured to the wall and down to the floor attached to a spring loaded pedal assembly 20.
- a retrofitted housing 52 is placed over the metal arm 36, as shown in figures 1-8 .
- This circular housing 52 has several components.
- the housing 52, attached to the side wall of the paper dispenser 12 unit is secured onto the wall of the paper towel dispenser 12.
- a circular wheel unit 38 that fits within the housing 52 is placed within the housing 52.
- the circular wheel unit 38 has a cylindrical space 40 perpendicular to the wheel unit 38 and capable of accommodating the side metal arm 36.
- the circular wheel unit 38 contains an axle attached to a cover housing 52 with mechanical components between the two as outlined below.
- the cover housing 52 has an opening between the inner wheel unit to incorporate a hub 44 with gears 46 which is unidirectional and engaged directly with the circular wheel unit on one side and a gear slide 54 situated on the lateral aspect.
- This gear slide 54 is attached to the end of the cable 28 and is secured with braces 26 and is spring 60 loaded to maintain a default position.
- the cable 28 when pulled, via pushing on the pedal assembly 20 causes the gear slide 54 to move, thereby turning the hub 44 which in turn moves the metal arm 36. The result is that paper is advanced and made available for use.
- the pedal assembly 20 incorporates a frame 80 with a cylindrical pedal spring 70 to hold the pedal 76 in a default position.
- the end of the cable 28 is aligned via metal brackets on the upper panel 68 of the pedal frame 80.
- the cable 28 moves downward approximately 10 cm. This action causes the cable 28 to pull on the gear slide 54 which engages the gears 46 of the hub 44 of the circular wheel unit 38 causing the metal arm 36 to turn and result in the dispensing of paper for use.
- the first is referred to as Pedal Adaptor Unit A.
- the second is referred to as Pedal Adaptor Unit B. Both units are to be made of components of durable plastics and/or metal substances.
- this embodiment comprises three major components.
- the primary wheel unit 38 is a cylindrical shape approximately 5 cm in diameter and 1 cm in depth.
- the primary wheel unit 38 has two sides, as shown in figure 8 .
- Side A inner
- Side B outer
- a wheel hub 44 with gears 46 extends approximately 3 cm perpendicularly from the center of the main primary wheel unit 38 approximately 1 cm in diameter.
- the housing 52 serves as a cover to the wheel unit 38. Its shape is that of a flat circular surface with a perpendicular rim. The rim has three extending perpendicular leaves 82 with holes enabling attachment of the housing 52 to be affixed to the paper towel dispenser 12 once the housing 52 has been placed over the wheel unit 38.
- the depth of the housing 52 is approximately 4 1 ⁇ 2 cm. The diameter is approximately 5 1 ⁇ 2 cm (to allow for the wheel unit 38 to be inserted).
- the housing 52 has a cylindrical opening at the center with a housing gear insert 51 in the center placed in a ball bearing unit 50. This housing gear insert accommodates and fits with the gear 46 extending hub 44 from the wheel unit 38.
- the gear structures With the wheel unit 38 in place with the extending hub 44 passing through the center of the housing 52, the gear structures become engaged.
- the extending hub 44 passes through the housing 52 and is exposed on the outer side 48.
- the housing 52 has a slot extending along the diameter of the outer side 48 which holds the gear slide 54 inside (medial) pins 64.
- the gear slide 54 has a gear feature which engages the extending hub 44.
- the gear slide 54 is maintained in default position (superiorly) via a spring 60.
- the inferior position 34 of the gear slide 54 is attached to a bicycle brake cable 28.
- the slide face cover 62 is in the shape of a three dimensional rectangle which is hollowed.
- the edge of the slide face cover 62 has six small leave extensions to allow it to be secured to the outer face of the housing 52.
- the inner face of the slide face cover 62 has a slot feature embedded into the structure. This slot captures and holds the gear slide 54 outside pins 64 and keeps it secure.
- the cable 28 (bike brake cable) extending from the gear slide 54 is secured onto the outer face of the housing 52 with two braces 26.
- the cable 28 extends to the floor (several feet) and attaches to the pedal assembly 20.
- the pedal assembly 20 has a frame 80 which secures the bike cable 28, as shown in figures 13 and 14 .
- the pedal assembly 20 is approximately 15 cm wide on the upper panel 68, 5 cm high at the vertical panel 72, and 15 cm wide at the lower panel 66.
- the pedal 76 itself is attached to the cable 28.
- the pedal 76 is approximately 15 cm wide and, when in place on the pedal assembly 20, the jaws (upper and lower panels) of the pedal assembly 20 open approximately 10 cm wide.
- the pedal 76 is held into place with the frame 80 with a cylindrical pedal spring 70. This pedal spring 70 keeps the pedal 76 in the default open position, as shown in figure 13 .
- the bike cable 28 is extended causing the gear slide 54 to move downwards. This action causes the engaged extending hub 44 of the wheel unit 38 to turn.
- Pedal adaptor unit B serves as a mechanism of attachment to paper towel dispensers 12 which utilize a lever 24 feature (typically on the anterior face of the paper towel device).
- the bike cable 28 is placed into a vertical hole 82 extending through the lever 24 on the paper towel dispenser 12, as shown in figures 9-12 .
- the cable 28 is secured via brace 26 (approximately three) which have a center cylindrical opening to secure the bike cable 28.
- the bike cable 28 then extends to the floor (several feet) to engage the pedal assembly 20 in the same fashion as the pedal adaptor unit A.
Abstract
An actuator for a dispenser for paper towels having a manually operated element which dispenses a paper towel when moved. The actuator includes a connector coupled to the element. The actuator includes a hands free manually operated powerless activation assembly connected to the connector which when activated by a user, moves a connector causing the element to move and dispense a paper towel. A method for dispensing paper towels from a dispenser having a manually operated element which dispenses a paper towel when moved. The method includes the steps of placing a foot of a user on a pedal assembly.
There is the step of depressing the pedal assembly with the foot of the user causing a connector coupled to the element to be moved and dispense a paper towel.
There is the step of depressing the pedal assembly with the foot of the user causing a connector coupled to the element to be moved and dispense a paper towel.
Description
- The present invention is related to a hands free paper towel dispenser. More specifically, the present invention is related to a hands free paper towel dispenser using a foot pedal assembly.
- Paper towels are utilized in public restrooms, hospital patient rooms, doctor offices, restaurants and schools. In an attempt to encourage hand hygiene within these contexts and to do so with optimal hygienic technique, technologies have become available which attempt to create a hands free environment. As such, many sinks in the above settings are triggered by infrared devices or automatically stop function after a designated time period (obviating the need to turn off the faucet with one's hands).
- Paper towel dispensers have a limited repertoire of design. The standard model incorporates prefolded papers to approximately 4 inch x 12 inch stacks which are interconnected so that pulling down on the paper leaf then causes the next paper to advance and become available for using. These dispensers do allow for a touchless component but often fail to function, requiring manual manipulation to recover paper towels for drying purposes. Other dispensers include large rolled paper towels which are threaded through a feeder and advanced via either a spring engaged lever (usually situated on the anterior aspect of the paper towel dispenser) which causes the paper roll to turn thereby extending the available product for use. Alternatively, paper towel dispensers utilizing a large roll design are advanced and turned by means of a small metal crank usually positioned on the side of the paper towel dispenser. Turning this crank allows the paper towel roll to turn and results in more paper product being fed out for use.
- A more recent development is the infrared operated paper towel dispenser which incorporates a touchless technology. This device is battery operated and senses the presence of one's hands below the towel dispenser causing the paper to advance. Ultimately, this last example solves the problem of requiring touching of the device and yet these dispensers require a separate power supply with routine battery changes, do not function reliably, and are prohibitively expensive.
- There is a place for incorporating a paper towel dispenser which accomplishes the following goals:
- 1. reliably dispenses paper towel in sufficient quantity for the user;
- 2. allows for a sufficient supply of paper towel to be available for use avoiding frequent replacement;
- 3. accomplishes tasks 1 and 2 without the need for hands to cause the paper towel to advance; and
- 4. avoids unnecessary costs and routine maintenance involved in routine battery replacement.
- Such a concept can be actualized using a paper dispenser that uses a foot activating mechanism to advance the paper.
- Foot activating devices have been used routinely for controlling the flow of water in sinks used by surgeons for the purpose of hand washing prior to surgery. These pedal operated devices have been long valued as a means of optimizing hand antisepsis. A parallel concept called "Paper-Ped" would utilize a pedal operated mechanism engaged with the paper towel dispenser to allow for towel supplies to be advanced easily and without the need to touch a probable contaminated device. Paper towel dispensers could be manufactured with this type of feature but, alternatively, a "Paper-Ped" device could be retrofitted to attach to an existing paper towel dispenser.
- The present invention pertains to an actuator for a dispenser for paper towels having a manually operated element which dispenses a paper towel when moved. The actuator comprises a connector coupled to the element. The actuator comprises a hands free manually operated powerless activation assembly connected to the connector which when activated by a user, moves a connector causing the element to move and dispense a paper towel.
- The present invention pertains to a method for dispensing paper towels from a dispenser having a manually operated element which dispenses a paper towel when moved. The method comprises the steps of placing a foot of a user on a pedal assembly. There is the step of depressing the pedal assembly with the foot of the user causing a connector coupled to the element to be moved and dispense a paper towel.
- In the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment of the invention and preferred methods of practicing the invention are illustrated in which:
-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an actuator of the present invention. -
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the activation assembly of the present invention. -
Figure 3 shows the wheel unit of the present invention. -
Figure 4 shows the wheel unit of the present invention. -
Figure 5 shows a perspective front view of side A of the wheel unit. -
Figure 6 shows the gear slide in the track of the housing. -
Figure 7 shows the face cover on the housing. -
Figure 8 is an assembly view of the housing. -
Figure 9 is a perspective view of an actuator of the present invention with respect to a lever. -
Figure 10 shows the activation assembly with respect to a lever. -
Figure 11 is an overhead view of the lever with a hole for a piston. -
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the connector engaged with the lever. -
Figure 13 shows the pedal assembly in the open position. -
Figure 14 shows the pedal assembly in the depressed position. - Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically to
figures 1 ,2 ,9 and10 thereof, there is shown anactuator 10 for adispenser 12 for paper towels having a manually operatedelement 14 which dispenses a paper towel when moved. Theactuator 10 comprises aconnector 16 coupled to theelement 14. Theactuator 10 comprises a hands free manually operatedpowerless activation assembly 18 connected to theconnector 16 which, when activated by a user, moves aconnector 16 causing theelement 14 to move and dispense a paper towel. - Preferably, the
activation assembly 18 includes apedal assembly 20 configured to be depressed by a foot of the user to pull on theconnector 16 and activate theactivation assembly 18. Theactuator 10 preferably includes anadapter 22 which couples theconnector 16 to theelement 14. Preferably, thepedal assembly 20 is remote from theadapter 22. - The
element 14 can be alever 24 and theconnector 16 causes thelever 24 to depress when theconnector 16 is pulled down, as shown infigures 9-12 . Preferably, theadapter 22 includes abrace 26 which is affixed to thelever 24 and secures theconnector 16 to thelever 24. Theconnector 16 preferably includes acable 28 extending from thepedal assembly 20 and apiston 30 attached to thecable 28 and coupled to thelever 24 by thebrace 26. Preferably, thepiston 30 defaults to asuperior position 32 when thepedal assembly 20 is released. - The
element 14 can be acrank arm 36 which, when turned, causes a paper towel to be dispensed, and theconnector 16 causes thearm 36 to turn when theconnector 16 is pulled down, as shown infigures 1-8 . - Preferably, the
adapter 22 includes awheel unit 38 having aspace 40 on the unit'sinner side 42 in which thearm 36 is disposed for thewheel unit 38 to engage with thearm 36 and ahub 44 withgears 46 extends from itsouter side 48. Theadapter 22 preferably includes aball bearing unit 50 which engages with thehub 44. Preferably, theadapter 22 includes ahousing 52 having aball bearing unit 50 which mounts to thedispenser 12 and secures thewheel unit 38 in place. - The
connector 16 preferably includes acable 28 extending from thepedal assembly 20 and agear slide 54 attached to thecable 28 and disposed in theadapter 22 and coupled to thearm 36 by theadapter 22, thegear slide 54 engages with thegears 46 of thehub 44. Preferably, thehousing 52 has atrack 56 in which thegear slide 54 is disposed and moves along, as thegear slide 54 moves down when thepedal assembly 20 is depressed, thegear slide 54 causes thegears 46 of thehub 44 to turn which results in movement of thearm 36 and a paper towel to be dispensed. - The
housing 52 preferably includes aspring 60 engaged with thegear slide 54 which pulls thegear slide 54 back up to asuperior position 32 after thepedal assembly 20 is released and maintains thegear slide 54 in thesuperior position 32. Preferably, thewheel unit 38 includes afree wheel mechanism 58 that allows movement of thewheel unit 38 in only one direction when thegear slide 54 is pulled down but which causes thewheel unit 38 to coast idle when thegear slide 54 moves back up into thesuperior position 32. - The present invention pertains to a method for dispensing paper towels from a
dispenser 12 having a manually operatedelement 14 which dispenses a paper towel when moved. The method comprises the steps of placing a foot of a user on apedal assembly 20. There is the step of depressing thepedal assembly 20 with the foot of the user causing aconnector 16 coupled to theelement 14 to be moved and dispense a paper towel. - Preferably, the
element 14 is alever 24 and the depressing step includes the step of moving thelever 24 down which causes the paper towel to be dispensed, as shown infigures 9-12 . The depressing step preferably includes the step of pulling down on theconnector 16 which is coupled to thelever 24 with anadapter 22. Preferably, theadapter 22 includes abrace 26 which is affixed to thelever 24 and secures theconnector 16 to thelever 24 and the pulling down step includes the step of pulling down theconnector 16 which is coupled to thelever 24 with thebrace 26. - The
connector 16 preferably includes acable 28 extending from thepedal assembly 20 and apiston 30 attached to thecable 28 and coupled to thelever 24 by thebrace 26. Preferably, there is the step of defaulting thepiston 30 to asuperior position 32 when thepedal assembly 20 is released guided by aspring 60 of theadapter 22. - Alternatively, the
element 14 is acrank arm 36 which, when turned, causes a paper towel to be dispensed, and the moving step includes the step of moving thearm 36 which causes the paper towel to be dispensed, as shown infigures 1-9 . Preferably, the moving step includes the step of moving with the connector 16 awheel unit 38 having aspace 40 on the unit'sinner side 42 in which thearm 36 is disposed for thewheel unit 38 to engage with thearm 36 and ahub 44 withgears 46 extends from itsouter side 48 of anadapter 22 that couples with theconnector 16. - The moving step preferably includes the step of moving the
hub 44 within aball bearing unit 50 of ahousing 52 that mounts to thedispenser 12 and secures thewheel unit 38 in place and engages with thehub 44. Preferably, the moving with theconnector 16 step includes the step of moving with acable 28 of theconnector 16 extending from thepedal assembly 20 and agear slide 54 of theconnector 16 attached to thecable 28 and engaged with thegears 46 of thehub 44, thegears 46 of thehub 44 engage with thegear slide 54. The moving step preferably includes the step of moving thegear slide 54 down along atrack 56 of thehousing 52 unit in which thegear slide 54 is disposed when thepedal assembly 20 is depressed, thegear slide 54 causes thegears 46 of thehub 44 to turn which results in movement of thearm 36 and a paper towel to be dispensed. - Preferably, there is the step of pulling the
gear slide 54 back up to asuperior position 32 with aspring 60 of thehousing 52 unit engaged with thegear slide 54 after thepedal assembly 20 is released. The pulling thegear slide 54 back step preferably includes the step of coasting idle thewheel unit 38 with afree wheel mechanism 58 of thewheel unit 38 that allows movement of thewheel unit 38 in only one direction when thegear slide 54 is pulled down but which causes thewheel unit 38 to coast idle when thegear slide 54 moves back up into thesuperior position 32. - In the operation of the invention, for existing paper towel dispensers that function with a anteriorly placed
lever 24, abrace 26 affixes to thelever 24, thereby securing thecable 28 to thelever 24. Thiscable 28 then connects to a pedal mechanism which could be secured to the wall and down to the floor attached to a spring loadedpedal assembly 20. - For paper dispensers designed with a
metal arm 36 on the side of thedispenser 12, a retrofittedhousing 52 is placed over themetal arm 36, as shown infigures 1-8 . Thiscircular housing 52 has several components. Thehousing 52, attached to the side wall of thepaper dispenser 12 unit is secured onto the wall of thepaper towel dispenser 12. Acircular wheel unit 38 that fits within thehousing 52 is placed within thehousing 52. Thecircular wheel unit 38 has acylindrical space 40 perpendicular to thewheel unit 38 and capable of accommodating theside metal arm 36. Thecircular wheel unit 38 contains an axle attached to acover housing 52 with mechanical components between the two as outlined below. - The
cover housing 52 has an opening between the inner wheel unit to incorporate ahub 44 withgears 46 which is unidirectional and engaged directly with the circular wheel unit on one side and agear slide 54 situated on the lateral aspect. Thisgear slide 54 is attached to the end of thecable 28 and is secured withbraces 26 and isspring 60 loaded to maintain a default position. Thecable 28 when pulled, via pushing on thepedal assembly 20 causes thegear slide 54 to move, thereby turning thehub 44 which in turn moves themetal arm 36. The result is that paper is advanced and made available for use. - The
pedal assembly 20, as shown infigures 13 and 14 , incorporates aframe 80 with acylindrical pedal spring 70 to hold the pedal 76 in a default position. The end of thecable 28 is aligned via metal brackets on theupper panel 68 of thepedal frame 80. When pressing down on thepedal 76, thecable 28 moves downward approximately 10 cm. This action causes thecable 28 to pull on thegear slide 54 which engages thegears 46 of thehub 44 of thecircular wheel unit 38 causing themetal arm 36 to turn and result in the dispensing of paper for use. - Two basic adaptation models for use with the
actuator 10 are described. - The first is referred to as Pedal Adaptor Unit A. The second is referred to as Pedal Adaptor Unit B. Both units are to be made of components of durable plastics and/or metal substances.
- Referring to
figures 1-8 , this embodiment comprises three major components. Theprimary wheel unit 38, thewheel housing 52 unit, and theslide face cover 62. - The
primary wheel unit 38 is a cylindrical shape approximately 5 cm in diameter and 1 cm in depth. Theprimary wheel unit 38 has two sides, as shown infigure 8 . Side A (inner) has aspace 40 in a shape which allows for the accommodation of themetal arm 36 extending from many models of paper towel dispensing units. On Side B (outer) awheel hub 44 withgears 46 extends approximately 3 cm perpendicularly from the center of the mainprimary wheel unit 38 approximately 1 cm in diameter. - The
housing 52 serves as a cover to thewheel unit 38. Its shape is that of a flat circular surface with a perpendicular rim. The rim has three extending perpendicular leaves 82 with holes enabling attachment of thehousing 52 to be affixed to thepaper towel dispenser 12 once thehousing 52 has been placed over thewheel unit 38. The depth of thehousing 52 is approximately 4 ½ cm. The diameter is approximately 5 ½ cm (to allow for thewheel unit 38 to be inserted). Thehousing 52 has a cylindrical opening at the center with ahousing gear insert 51 in the center placed in aball bearing unit 50. This housing gear insert accommodates and fits with thegear 46 extendinghub 44 from thewheel unit 38. With thewheel unit 38 in place with the extendinghub 44 passing through the center of thehousing 52, the gear structures become engaged. The extendinghub 44 passes through thehousing 52 and is exposed on theouter side 48. Thehousing 52 has a slot extending along the diameter of theouter side 48 which holds thegear slide 54 inside (medial) pins 64. Thegear slide 54 has a gear feature which engages the extendinghub 44. Thegear slide 54 is maintained in default position (superiorly) via aspring 60. The inferior position 34 of thegear slide 54 is attached to abicycle brake cable 28. - The
slide face cover 62 is in the shape of a three dimensional rectangle which is hollowed. The edge of theslide face cover 62 has six small leave extensions to allow it to be secured to the outer face of thehousing 52. Additionally, the inner face of theslide face cover 62 has a slot feature embedded into the structure. This slot captures and holds thegear slide 54 outsidepins 64 and keeps it secure. - The cable 28 (bike brake cable) extending from the
gear slide 54 is secured onto the outer face of thehousing 52 with twobraces 26. Thecable 28 extends to the floor (several feet) and attaches to thepedal assembly 20. - The
pedal assembly 20 has aframe 80 which secures thebike cable 28, as shown infigures 13 and 14 . Thepedal assembly 20 is approximately 15 cm wide on theupper panel 68, 5 cm high at thevertical panel 72, and 15 cm wide at thelower panel 66. The pedal 76 itself is attached to thecable 28. Thepedal 76 is approximately 15 cm wide and, when in place on thepedal assembly 20, the jaws (upper and lower panels) of thepedal assembly 20 open approximately 10 cm wide. Thepedal 76 is held into place with theframe 80 with acylindrical pedal spring 70. Thispedal spring 70 keeps the pedal 76 in the default open position, as shown infigure 13 . When one depresses the pedal 76 with his/her foot, thebike cable 28 is extended causing thegear slide 54 to move downwards. This action causes the engaged extendinghub 44 of thewheel unit 38 to turn. Once thewheel unit 38 turns themetal arm 36 on thepaper dispenser 12 turns. This causes the paper towel to be dispensed. - Pedal adaptor unit B serves as a mechanism of attachment to
paper towel dispensers 12 which utilize alever 24 feature (typically on the anterior face of the paper towel device). Thebike cable 28 is placed into avertical hole 82 extending through thelever 24 on thepaper towel dispenser 12, as shown infigures 9-12 . Thecable 28 is secured via brace 26 (approximately three) which have a center cylindrical opening to secure thebike cable 28. Thebike cable 28 then extends to the floor (several feet) to engage thepedal assembly 20 in the same fashion as the pedal adaptor unit A. - Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be described by the following claims.
Claims (19)
- An actuator for a dispenser for paper towels having a manually operated element which dispenses a paper towel when moved comprising:a connector coupled to the element; anda hands free manually operated powerless activation assembly connected to the connector which when activated by a user, moves a connector causing the element to move and dispense a paper towel.
- An actuator as described in Claim 1 wherein the activation assembly includes a pedal assembly configured to be depressed by a foot of the user to pull on the connector and activate the activation assembly.
- An actuator as described in Claim 2 including an adapter which couples the connector to the element.
- An actuator as described in Claim 3 wherein the pedal assembly is remote from the adapter.
- An actuator as described in Claim 4 wherein the element is a lever and the connector causes the lever to depress when the connector is pulled down.
- An actuator as described in Claim 5 wherein the adapter includes a brace which is a fixed to the lever and secures the connector to the lever.
- An actuator as described in Claim 6 wherein the connector includes a cable extending from the pedal assembly and a piston attached to the cable and coupled to the lever by the brace.
- An actuator as described in Claim 7 wherein the piston defaults to a superior position when the pedal assembly is released.
- An actuator as described in Claim 4 wherein the element is a crank arm which, when turned, causes a paper towel to be dispensed, and the connector causes the arm to turn when the connector is pulled down.
- An actuator as described in Claim 9 wherein the adapter includes a wheel unit having a space on the unit's inner side in which the arm is disposed for the wheel unit to engage with the arm and a hub with gears extends from its outer side.
- An actuator as described in Claim 10 wherein the adapter includes a ball bearing unit which engages with the hub.
- An actuator as described in Claim 11 wherein the adapter includes a housing having a ball bearing unit which mounts to the dispenser and secures the wheel unit in place.
- An actuator as described in Claim 12 wherein the connector includes a cable extending from the pedal assembly and a gear slide attached to the cable and disposed in the adapter and coupled to the arm by the adapter, the gear slide engages with the gears of the hub.
- A method for dispensing paper towels from a dispenser having a manually operated element which dispenses a paper towel when moved comprising the steps of:placing a foot of a user on a pedal assembly; anddepressing the pedal assembly with the foot of the user causing a connector coupled to the element to be moved and dispense a paper towel.
- A method as described in Claim 14 wherein the element is a lever and the depressing step includes the step of moving the lever down which causes the paper towel to be dispensed.
- A method as described in Claim 15 wherein the depressing step includes the step of pulling down on the connector which is coupled to the lever with an adapter.
- A method as described in Claim 16 wherein the adapter includes a brace which is affixed to the lever and secures the connector to the lever and the pulling down step includes the step of pulling down the connector which is coupled to the lever with the brace.
- A method as described in Claim 14 wherein the element is a crank arm which, when turned, causes a paper towel to be dispensed, and the moving step includes the step of moving the arm which causes the paper towel to be dispensed.
- A method as described in Claim 18 wherein the moving step includes the step of moving with the connector a wheel unit having a space on the unit's inner side in which the arm is disposed for the wheel unit to engage with the arm and a hub with gears extends from its outer side of an adapter that couples with the connector.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/977,590 US20090108122A1 (en) | 2007-10-25 | 2007-10-25 | Actuator for paper towel dispenser and method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2052656A2 true EP2052656A2 (en) | 2009-04-29 |
Family
ID=40120131
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP08165938A Withdrawn EP2052656A2 (en) | 2007-10-25 | 2008-10-06 | Actuator for paper towel dispenser and method |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090108122A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2052656A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2013056208A1 (en) * | 2011-10-14 | 2013-04-18 | The Colman Group, Inc. | Dispenser with remote actuator |
US9809439B2 (en) | 2014-09-08 | 2017-11-07 | Ernest F. FALCO, III | Sanitary touch-free automatic condiment dispensing apparatus and method of use |
US11155401B2 (en) | 2016-02-04 | 2021-10-26 | Ilya Ray | Sanitary glove dispensing apparatus |
US9957125B2 (en) | 2016-02-04 | 2018-05-01 | Ilya Ray | Sanitary automatic glove dispensing apparatus and method of use |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4406421A (en) * | 1981-11-12 | 1983-09-27 | Alwin Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Paper towel dispenser with rack and gear drive |
GB8517494D0 (en) * | 1985-07-10 | 1985-08-14 | Stewart K | Paper towel dispensing & stowing equipment |
US4961613A (en) * | 1989-10-18 | 1990-10-09 | Frost Products Limited | Dispensing cabinet for strip material |
US6098917A (en) * | 1996-04-26 | 2000-08-08 | Cruz; Joseph P. | Hands-free paper towel dispenser |
-
2007
- 2007-10-25 US US11/977,590 patent/US20090108122A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2008
- 2008-10-06 EP EP08165938A patent/EP2052656A2/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20090108122A1 (en) | 2009-04-30 |
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