EP4687602A1

EP4687602A1 - A twin tissue dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP4687602A1
Application number: EP24777317.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Steven Ugrinovski
Original assignee: Hysential Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Hysential Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-28
Filing date: 2024-03-26
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: WO2024197342A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel tissue dispenser designed to efficiently manage tissue rolls and prevent wastage. The dispenser comprises multiple compartments, each equipped with a roll holder, base, and hingedly mounted cover with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism ensures that the cover remains locked until the tissue rolls have been sufficiently used, thus preventing unauthorized access and potential wastage. The locking mechanism includes a bearer, unlocking member, locking member, and biasing mechanism, all working in tandem to secure the cover in a locked position. Additionally, a gate mechanism controls access to the tissue rolls, allowing only one roll to be accessed at a time. The gate employs arms with a spring mechanism to facilitate smooth operation. This innovative design not only enhances user convenience but also minimizes the risk of theft or premature refills of tissue rolls, ultimately reducing wastage and improving overall efficiency.

Description

A Twin tissue dispenser

Technical field

[0001] This invention relates generally to a type of tissue dispenser for public toilets and the like.

Background

[0002] Tissue dispensers are placed in public toilets and the like to dispense tissue. Usually, tissue dispensers contain a number of tissue rolls which are used in turn.

[0003] however, tissue dispensers have several problems. Firstly, tissue rolls may be stolen by opening the dispenser. Furthermore, partially used tissue rolls may be replaced resulting in wastage. Furthermore, dispensers may run out of tissue paper.

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide a tissue dispenser which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0005] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in australia or any other country.

Summary

[0006] The main objective of the invention is to provide a twin roll tissue dispenser with a automatic locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a plurality of rods which engages with one another when the rolls depletes.

[0007] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. i

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Brief description of figures

[0008] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: to the drawings, in which:

[0009] Fig. 1 illustrate a top view of a dispenser, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0010] Fig. 2 illustrate a front perspective view of two tissue rolls in the dispenser, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0011] Fig. 3 illustrate a back perspective view disclosing the locking mechanism of the dispenser, according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0012] Fig. 4 illustrate a back view ofthe dispenser with locking mechanism, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

[0013] Fig.5a-5b illustrate detailed view of the locking mechanism with bearer, according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0014] Fig.6 illustrate detailed view of the locking mechanism of the dispenser, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;

[0015] Fig.7 illustrate cross section view of the locking mechanism of the dispenser, according to the embodiment disclosed herein;

[0016] Fig.8a-8c illustrate working of the locking mechanism of the dispenser, according to the embodiment disclosed herein;

[0017] Fig.9 illustrate side perspective view of the dispenser along with gate, according to the embodiment disclosed herein;

[0018] Fig.10 illustrate detailed view of the dispenser along with gate, according to the embodiment disclosed herein;

[0019] Fig.11 illustrate side perspective view of the dispenser with opened cover, according to the embodiment disclosed herein;

Detailed description of the embodiments

[0020] The example embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The description herein is intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the example embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the example embodiments herein. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the example embodiments herein.

[0021] Referring now to fig. 1 and fig. 2 a tissue dispenser 100 is shown. The tissue dispenser 100 comprises a plurality of compartments 101. Each compartment 101 comprises a roll holder 102, a base 103 and an openable cover 104 therein. In the embodiment shown, the dispenser 100 is configured to hold a pair of tissue rolls 105 and therefore comprises two compartments 101.

[0022] In some embodiments, the base 103 can be common for the both compartments 101.

[0023] The cover 104 is hingedly mounted at a bottom edge thereof to the base 103 and wherein a recess 1041 is located at a top portion of the cover 104.

[0024] As shown in fig. 3-4, the compartment 101 comprises a locking mechanism 106 for the covers 104. The locking mechanism 106 is configured to lock the covers 104 in position when the rolls 105 are present inside the compartments 101. When the rolls 105 are sufficiently used the locking mechanism 106 unlocks the compartments 101 to enable replenishment the new rolls 105. The rolls are present on one side of the base 103 and the locking mechanism 106 is present on other side of the base 103.

[0025] The components of the locking mechanism 106 are illustrated in fig. 5-7. As shown in fig. 5a-5b, a bearer 107 is provided on rolls 105. The bearer 107 is configured to move along a slot 104a provided in the base 103 in outer and inner position. The bearer is configured in an outer position when rolls 105 are full (shown in fig. 5a). The bearer is configured to move in an inner position as the rolls 105 depletes (shown in fig. 5b).

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) [0026] As seen in fig. 6, the locking mechanism 106 further comprises an unlocking member 108 which is configured to move from a locked to unlocked position when a user presses a pushbutton 109 provided on the covers 104. The unlocking member 108 engages with a blocking mechanism 110. The blocking mechanism 110 restricts the interaction of the unlocking member 108 with a locking member 111 when a roll 105 has not been sufficiently used, (explained later in greater details).

[0027] A spring (not shown) can also be connected to the unlocking member 108 to bias it in a locking position.

[0028] When the bearer 107 is in the outer position, the blocking mechanism 110 is configured to be in a first position which restricts the engagement of the unlocking member 108 with the locking member 111. When the bearer is in the inner position, the blocking mechanism 110 is forced to move into a second position in which it doesn’t restrict the engagement of unlocking member 108 with locking member 111.

[0029] In the current embodiment, the blocking mechanism 110 comprises a pivoting arm which pivots from a first position to the second position when the bearer 107 is in the inner position.

[0030] In other embodiment, the blocking mechanism 110 and the bearer 107 can also comprises a magnet. When the bearer is in the inner position, the magnet in the bearer attracts the magnet in the blocking mechanism.

[0031] In other embodiments, the blocking mechanism 110 can be any member which restricts the engagement of the unlocking member 108 and locking member 111 in a first position and allows the engagement of the unlocking member 108 and the locking member 111 in a second position.

[0032] With reference to the current embodiment, when the bearer 107 is not engaging with the blocking mechanism 110, the pivoting arms 1101 lies in a first position which hinders the movement of the unlocking member 108. When the bearer 107 engages with the blocking mechanism 110, the blocking mechanism 110 moves into a second position which allows the movement of the unlocking member 108. A torsional spring (not shown) is also provided along with the pivoting arms to move it in a first position naturally when the bearer is not engaging with the blocking mechanism 110.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) [0033] A pushbutton 109 is required to be depressed once the blocking mechanism 110 is in second position or unlocked position, allowing the unlocking member 108 to engage with the locking member 111. The push button 109 can be depressed to go from an outer position to an inner position and then reset to return to the outer position. The push button 109 is located at the base 103 and engages with a key 1091 that is inserted into the key recess 1092.

[0034] As shown in fig.6, the locking mechanism 106 further comprises a locking member 111 configured to lock the cover 104 with the base 103. The locking member I l l is positionable in a locked position wherein the locking member 111 locks the cover 104 closed and an unlocked position wherein the locking member 111 does not lock the cover 104 closed. The locking member 111 comprises a proximal end 1111 which abuts with the recess 1041 of the cover 104 in locked position (shown in fig.7).

[0035] The locking member 111 further comprises a protrusion 1112. The protrusion 1112 is configured to engage with the unlocking member 108 when the blocking mechanism 110 moves in second position.

[0036] The locking mechanism 106 further comprise a biasing mechanism 112 which biases the locking member 111 naturally to a locked position. In the embodiment shown, the biasing mechanism 112 comprises a counterweight 113 acting between a fixed point 114 and a pin 115. Pin 115 is provided on the distal end 1113 of the locking member 111. The counterweight under the effect of gravity, biases the locking member 111 in a locked position with the cover 104.

[0037] In other embodiments, the biasing mechanism 112 can be any device which in a natural state moves the locking member 111 in a locked position.

[0038] Now in reference to fig. 8a-8c, the working of the locking mechanism 106 will be explained.

[0039] When one roll 105 depletes, the bearer 107 moves into an inner position, through the slot 104a, engaging with the blocking mechanism 110 to move the blocking mechanism in a second position. When the blocking mechanism 110 is in the second position, the user depresses the push button 109 moving the unlocking member 108 into a position such that one end of the unlocking member 108 engages with the protrusion

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 1112 of the locking member 111. The force applied on the unlocking member 108 through the push button 109 should be greater than the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 112. The engagement of unlocking member 108 with the protrusion 1112 of the locking member 111 displaces the locking member 111 into a position such that the proximal end 1111 separates from the recess 1041 of the cover 104, leading to opening of the cover 104 to replace the rolls 105.

[0040] Once the roll 105 is replaced, the bearer 107 moves into the outer position resulting in movement of the blocking mechanism 110 and simultaneously locking member 111 in locking position due to the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 113.

[0041] The force applied to the push button 109 acting on the unlocking member 108 will be stronger to overcome tension applied by the counterweight 113 acting on the locking member 111, therefore displacing the locking member 111 from a locked position to an unlocked position. As such, when the locking member 111 moves to the unlocked position, the cover 104 falls open.

[0042] Whereas the counterweight 113 acting on the locking member 109 returns the locking member 109 to the locked position when force on the push button 107 has disengaged.

[0043] As such, the cover 104 cannot be opened until the roll 105 is mostly or completely used, thereby preventing stealing of tissue rolls 105 or replacement of partially used rolls 105 resulting in wastage.

[0044] The locking mechanism operates separately on each cover 104.

[0045] Further as shown in fig. 9-10, the compartments 101 comprise a gate 120 which slides between the compartments 101 so that only one roll 105 can be used at a time. The gate 120 comprises arms 122 configured to engage a side of a roll 105 on the roll holder in use to prevent the gate 120 sliding thereunder. In other words, the gate 120 cannot slide under a roll 105 when the tissue roll on the opposing side 105 is not mostly or completely used. Only when a tissue roll 105 has been sufficiently used can the gate 120 slide under the respective roll holder 102.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) [0046] The arms 122 are contoured to cradle the roll 105. These arms 122 are connected by a spring mechanism that keeps them upright and pulled together in a closed position. When the roll 105 is used sufficiently and it’s time to access the next roll 105, the gate 120 can be pulled across, one of the arms 122 on the opposite side can swing open and slide under the roll 105. Once the gate 120 reaches its desired position, the open arm 122 snaps back into its closed position due to the spring mechanism. This ensures that the gate 120 can easily pass under the roll 105 from either direction when the roll 105 has been sufficiently used.

[0047] The arms 122 may pass through a portal 123 of the dividing wall 124 between the compartments 101.

[0048] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0049] The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0050] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

[0051] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to” and indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components. Such terms encompass the terms “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’.

[0052] The phrase “consisting essentially of’ means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the composition or method.

[0053] As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” may include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

[0054] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

[0055] The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the disclosure may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict.

[0056] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0057] Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the disclosure.

[0058] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present disclosure. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

1. A tissue dispenser comprising at least two compartments, each compartment comprising at least one openable cover and at least one roll holder therein and at least one locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising at least one bearer which moves from an outer position to an inner position as a roll on the roll holder is in use and at least one locking member at least one unlocking member, wherein at least one unlocking member, is enabled to engage with at least one locking member, when the bearer is in the inner position, at least one locking member positionable in a locked position wherein at least one locking member locks the cover closed and an unlocked position wherein at least one locking member does not lock the cover closed.

2. The tissue dispenser of claim 1, a blocking mechanism is provided between the unlocking member and the locking member.

3. The tissue dispenser of claim 1 and 2, the blocking mechanism is configured to move, to enable the unlocking member to engage with the locking member, when the bearer is in the inner position.

4. The tissue dispenser of claim 1, when the unlocking member engages with the locking member, the locking member moves into a position that unlock the cover.

5. The tissue dispenser of claim 1, wherein the locking member further comprising a protrusion configured to engage with the unlocking member when the blocking mechanism is in the second position.

6. The tissue dispenser of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a biasing mechanism configured to bias the locking member to the locked position.

7. The tissue dispenser of claim 1, wherein the base is common for both compartments.

8. The tissue dispenser of claim 1, wherein the pushbutton is located at the base and engages with a key inserted into a key recess.

9. The tissue dispenser of claim 1, wherein the unlocking member is connected to a pushbutton for moving the unlocking member from a locked position to unlocked position.

10. The tissue dispenser of claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a counterweight acting between a fixed point and a pin provided on a distal end of the locking rod.

11. The tissue dispenser of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism operates separately on each cover.

12. A tissue dispenser as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a gate sliding between the compartments configured to allow access to only one tissue roll at a time.

13. The tissue dispenser of claim 6, wherein the gate comprises arms configured to engage a side of a tissue roll on the roll holder in use to prevent the gate from sliding thereunder.

14. The tissue dispenser of claim 7, wherein the arms are contoured to cradle the tissue roll and are connected by a spring mechanism that keeps them upright and pulled together in a closed position.

15. The tissue dispenser of claim 7, wherein the arms pass through a portal of a dividing wall between the compartments.

16. The tissue dispenser of claim 6, wherein the gate can pass under a tissue roll only when the other tissue roll has been mostly or completely used.