GB2508880A

GB2508880A - Dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2508880A
Application number: GB1222525.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Worthington
Original assignee: Wrap Film Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Wrap Film Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2012-12-13
Filing date: 2012-12-13
Publication date: 2014-06-18
Anticipated expiration: 2032-12-13
Also published as: DK2931637T3; WO2014091247A3; WO2014091247A2; GB201222525D0; HUE039260T2; GB2508880B; ES2676044T3; EP2931637B1; EP2931637A2

Abstract

A dispenser for a roll 92 of sheet material of a pre-determined axial length. The dispenser having a body 12 and a mount 50 for mounting a roll within a region defined by the body, the mount comprising first and second mounting members pivotable relative to each other to define a loading position and an operative position. The mount is biased to the loading position. In the loading position, the first mounting member is angled to define a space between the first mounting member and a location corresponding to the position of the second mounting member larger than a pre-determined axial length. In the operative position, the first mounting member is angled to define a space between the mounting members of the preÂdetermined axial length. In use, insertion of a roll of a pre-determined length pivots the first mounting member from the loading position to the operative position so as to mount the roll in the dispenser. Preferably, the dispenser comprises a blocking mechanism 86, 88 for preventing a portion from moving into a position to enable the dispenser to function when a roll of the wrong length is positioned in the housing. A dispenser comprising a blocking mechanism and a dispenser comprising a formation which impedes rotation of the roll if a roll not of a predetermined configuration is incorrectly mounted are also disclosed.

Description

Dispenser

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispenser for a roB of sheet material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To dispense sheet material, such as cling film, foil and greaseproof paper from a roll, a dispenser with a housing configured to receive the roll is often used. The housing is provided with a lid having a cutting blade arrangement to efficiently sever sheet material at a desired length when the lid is closed against a cutting channel across which the film is tensioned.

Generally. the roll is mounted in the housing by an axial mount positioned at each end of the roll. In a dispenser where the mounts are peirnanently positioned in the housing, insertion of the roll in to the housing often requires the roll to be angled so that one end of the roll is positioned substantially against a mount and then angled so that the other end of the roll is positioned against the other mount, which can be difficult for some users.

It is also possible for rolls containing the wrong material, or material of an incorrect grade or dimensions, to be loaded into the dispenser and usability of the dispenser to be impaired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a dispenser for a roll of sheet material of a pre-determined axial length, the dispenser having: a body; and a mount for mounting a roll within a region defined by the body. the mount comprising first and second mounting members pivotable relative to each other to define a loading position and an operative position, wherein the mount is biased to the loading position; and

I

wherein in the loading position the first mounting member is angled to define a space between the first mounting member and a location colTesponding to the position of the second mounting member larger than a pre-determined axial ength, and in the operative position the first mounting member is angled to define a space between the mounting members of the pre-determined axial length, such that, in use, insertion of a roll of a pre-deternñned length pivots the first mounting member from the loading position to the operative position so as to mount the roll in the dispenser.

When a user inserts a roll into the dispenser, the force they apply causes the first mounting member to rotate from the thading position to the operative position. This configuration of the mount makes it easier for a user of the dispenser to insert a roll, because the mount is alignable with the roll rather than relying on the roll aligning with the mount.

The second mounting member may be stationary along an axial length of the housing, i.e. the second mounting member may not pivot within the housing. or alternatively both the first and second mounting members may be pivotable within the housing.

The first mounting member may be substantially aligned with an axial end face of a roll of sheet material in the loading position. As such, in the operative position the first mounting member may be angled substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by a longitudinal length of the housing. The first mounting member may be rotated through 20 to 600 between the operative position and the loading position, for example 30 to 400, or for example 35 to 45°. As such, in the loading position the first mounting member may be angled at approximately 30 to 70° to a longitudinal axis defined by a longitudinal length of the housing.

The body may be a housing and may have portion movable with respect to the housing so as to enable the dispenser to function.

The dispenser may have a blocking mechanism for preventing the portion from moving into a position to enable the dispenser to function when a roll not of the pre-determined length is positioned in the housing. The blocking mechanism may comprise a blocking member positioned in the housing and a blocking member positioned on the portion. The blocking member positioned in the housing may be the first mounting member or the blocking member is provided on the first mounting member, such that when the mounting is in the loading position, the portion is prevented from being positioned in its functioning position.

The housing may have an opening through which sheet material from a roll of sheet material can be dispensed. The portion may comprise a support assembly. The support assembly may have a support positionable over a section of the opening in the housing so as to prevent a roll from being removed from the housing during dispensing of a sheet material. The support may be removable from the opening to permit access to the housing when removing or positioning a roB in the housing.

The support assembly may be provided on a removable lid or the support assembly may be pivotably mounted to the housing.

The dispenser may further comprise a housing and a formation positioned relative to the housing and towards an inner region of the housing such that if a roll not of the predetermined configuration is incorrectly mounted in the housing, the roll is moved towards the formation by the action of dispensing and the formation impedes rotation of the roll.

The dispenser may comprise a blocking mechanism for preventing positioning of the support over the section of the opening in the housing when a roll not of the pre-determined length is positioned in the housing. Such a blocking mechanism prevents the dispenser from functioning when a roll not of a pre-determined length is positioned in the housing. This blocking mechanism reduces the risk of a roll of, for example, an incorrect grade of material being used in the dispenser, which reduces the risk of increased wear of the dispenser.

The portion may comprise a tensioning mechanism for the sheet material and/or a blade for cutting the sheet material and/or a lid.

The blocking mechanism may compnse a blocking member positioned in the housing and a blocking member positioned on the mount assembly, tensioning mechanism.

blade or lid, for example. When a blocking member is positioned in the housing, the blocking member may be the first mounting member or the blocking member may be provided on the first mounting member, such that when the mount is in the loading position, the support is prevented from being positioned over the opening in the housing. Advantageously using the first mounting member as a blocking member or providing the blocking member on the first mounting member utilises the biasing of the first mounting member and the pivoting of the first mounting member in the blocking mechanism. This improves the simplicity of the dispenser and therefore reduces the number of components for manufacture and the cost of manufacture.

When the dispenser comprises a support and a housing, one or more projections may be positioned on the support towards an inner region of the housing such that if a roll is incorrectly mounted in the housing the roll is moved towards the support during dispensing and the projections impede rotation of the roll. Advantageously the biasing of the first mounting member will urge an incorrectly mounted roll towards the projection. An incorrectly mounted roll with then become trapped between the angled mounting member (ang'ed due to the biasing and movement of the roll) and the projections, so as to impede rotation of the roll.

The first mounting member may comprise a foot. The foot may be positioned at substantially a right angle to a main body of the first mounting member such that in a supported position the foot radially mounts a roll and when a roll is incorrectly mounted and the mount angles towards the loading position the foot contacts the roll to urge the roll out of the container.

The one or more projections may be pointed towards an inner region of the housing.

Forming the one or more projections to a point improves the function of the projections in impeding rotation of an incorrectly mounted roll and in some cases can cause the sheet material to tear.

The projection may be a single projection extending elongately along a portion of the support. Alternatively, two, three, four, five, ten or more projections may be provided on the support.

The first and second mounting member may comprise a connector configured to connect to a complimentary connector provided on a correct roll in order to concentrically hold a correct roll during use of the dispenser. The connector may be used to ensure that a roll intended for use in the dispenser is correctly mounted within the dispenser.

The connector may be a lock that can be unlocked by a key provided on an axial end of a roll of sheet material intended for use in the dispenser. The first mounting member may be configured so as to rotate to permit sheet material to be dispensed from a roll of sheet material when the lock is unlocked. The provision of a lock and key mechanism ensures that oniy a roll with a key can be used in the dispenser, which further reduces the risk of an incorrect roll being used in the dispenser.

A tower guide may be provided on the support assembly for guiding sheet material from a roll of sheet material for dispensing. The dispenser may comprise an upper guide positionable to cover the lower guide such that in use sheet material from a roll of sheet material is positioned between the upper guide and lower guide so as ease access of an end of sheet of material from a roll when dispensing.

The dispenser may comprise a cutting mouth through which sheet material can be fed.

The cutting mouth may have two jaws moveahie relative to each other and positionable in contact. A cutting member may be arranged such that when the jaws are positioned in contact the cutting member is actuated to cut a portion of a sheet material fed through the cutting mouth. One of the jaws may be provided on the housing and one on a lid of a housing. Alternatively, both jaws may be provided on a lid of the housing. Each jaw may comprise one or more tensioning surfaces across which sheet material can be tensioned so as to ease cutting of the sheet material.

A second aspect of the invention provides a dispenser for a roll of sheet material of a predetermined configuration. the dispenser having: a housing for a roll of sheet material, the housing having an opening through which sheet material can be dispensed from a roll of sheet material in the housing; a support assembly comprising a support positionaNe over a section of the opening for preventing a roll from being removed from the housing during dispensing of a sheet material and removable from the opening to permit access to the housing when removing a roll from or positioning a roll in the housing; and a blocking mechanism for preventing the support from being positioned over a section of the opening when a roll of sheet material of a predetermined configuration is positioned in the housing.

Providing a blocking mechanism prevents the dispenser from functioning when a roll not of a pre-determined length is positioned in the housing. This blocking mechanism reduces the risk of a roll of, for example. an incorrect grade of material being used in the dispenser. which reduces the risk of increased wear of the dispenser.

The dispenser may comprise a mount for mounting a roll within the housing, the mount comprising first and second mounting member pivotable relative to each other to define a loading position and an operative position, wherein the support is biased to the loading position; and wherein the loading position of the first mounting member is angled to define a space between the first mounting member and a location colTesponding to the position of the second mounting member larger than a pre-determined axial length, and in the operative position the first mounting member is angled to define a space between the mounting member of the pre-determined axial length, such that, in use, insertion of a roll of a pre-determined length pivots the mounting member from the loading position to the operative position so as to mount the roll in the dispenser.

One or more or, any combination of, the optional features of the first aspect may be combined with the second aspect.

A third aspect of the invention provides a dispenser for a roll of sheet materiaL the dispenser having: a housing having an opening through which sheet material can be dispensed from a roll; a mount for mounting a roll of sheet material of a predetermined configuration; and a formation positioned relative to the housing and towards an inner region of the housing such that if a roll not of the predetermined configuration is incorrectly mounted in the housing, the roll is moved towards the formation by the action of dispensing and the formation impedes rotation of the roll.

The formation may comprise one of more projections.

When a sheet is pulled from an incolTectly supported roll, the roll will move towards the support, which will result in the roll coming in contact with the formation which will impede rotation of the roll and therefore impede dispensing of sheet material from the roll.

The dispenser may comprise a biasing member for urging an incorrectly supported roll towards the formation. The biasing member enhances the effect of the formation and can result in a roll being trapped between the biasing member and the formation.

One or more, or any combination of, the optional features of the first aspect may be combined with the third aspect.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a dispensing assembly comprising: a roll of sheet matenal; and a dispenser according to the first, second or third aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be descnbed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser with a lid and guide removed for clarity; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the dispenser of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the dispenser of Figure 1 with a correct roll inserted; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the dispenser of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the dispenser of Figure 1 showing an incorrect roB being used; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the dispenser of Figure 1 wich a correct roll inserted; Figures 7 and 8 illustrate, in simplified form, the function of a lock and key mechanism incorporated into the dispenser of Figure 1; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1 with the lid and guide shown.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to Figure 1 and 9 a dispenser for a roll of sheet material is indicated generally at 10. The dispenser lO has a housing 12 for receiving a colTect roll of sheet material 14. The housing 12 is substantially rectangular in shape to form an enclosure for the roll 14, and has an opening 16 through which the roll 14 can be positioned in and removed from the housing and through which sheet material from the roll 14 can be dispensed. The opening 16 extends across a top face 18 of the housing and a portion of the front face 20 of the housing.

A support assembly, indicated generally at 22, is pivotally mounted to the housing 12 via an arm 24 at each end of the support assembly 22. A support 26 extends between each aim 24 of the support assembly. In this embodiment the support 26 is a substantially right angled component that when positioned over the opening 16 in the housing 12 covers a portion of the opening 16 in the top face and substantially covers the opening in the front face 20. A guide 28 (not shown in Figure 1 for clarity) is pivotably mounted to the support assembly 22 and is spaced from the support 26 such that when the support 26 is positioned over the opening 16 in the housing 12, the guide 28 is positioned towards an opposite transverse side of the housing 12 than the support 26. In this embodiment the guide 28 comprises a lower guide surface 30 and a roller (not shown in the Figures).

A upper guide surface 34 is pivotably mounted to a lid 38 of the housing 12 and positioned such that when the support 26 is positioned over the opening 16 in the housing 12 the upper guide surface 34 is positioned over the lower guide surface 28, defining a pathway through which the sheet material is guided and retained in use.

The support assembly 22 comprises two lower male tensioning jaws 36 extending substantially perpendicular to one of the surfaces of the support 26 and substantially parallel to the other of the surfaces of the support 26, such that when the support 26 is positioned over the opening 16 the tensioning jaws 36 project upwardly.

A lid 38 is pivotably mounted to the housing 12. The lid 38 comprises two upper female tensioning jaws 40 configured to engage over the lower male tensioning jaws 36 on the support assembly 22 and tension the sheet material therebetween. A cutting blade (not shown in Figures), in this embodiment a serrated cutting blade, is positioned between the two tensioning surfaces 40 on the lid.

To use the dispenser 10 to cut material from a correct roll of sheet material i4, the support assembly is pivoted so as to expose the entire opening 16 in the housing 12 and the roll of sheet material 14 is loaded into the housing 12. A length of sheet from the roll of sheet material 14 is positioned over the lower guide surface 28. The support assembly 22 is then pivoted such that the support 26 is positioned over a section of the opening 16 in the housing 12 so as to prevent the roll 14 being removed from the housing during dispensing. In this position the upper guide surface 34 is positioned over the lower guide surface 30 such that a length of sheet material is between the upper guide surface 34 and the lower guide surface 30, and as such is presented to a user for pulling from the roll 14. A user then pulls a desired length of material from the roll 14. To cut the desired ength, the lid 38 is moved towards the housing 12, and positions the material from the roll 14 between the tensioning jaws 36, 40 of the support assembly 22 and the lid 38. The cutting blade 42 is then actuated to cut a length of material from the roB 14.

Different sheet materials, for example cling film, foil, greaseproof paper, or wrapping paper, have different requirements in terms of severing blade design andlor tensioning surfaces because of their material properties. ffi addition, different dispensers may be designed for use with different core and roll inner and outer diameters. It is desirable for the correct roll of sheet material only to be used with the particular configuration of dispenser 10.

As will now the described, several anti-misuse systems can be provided on the dispenser lO.

Refering to Figures 1 to 6, a roB support having two axially opposed roll mounting members 50, 52 mounting member 52 not shown in Figures 1 to 6 but is iBustrated in figure 1) is positioned within the housing 12. The mounting member 50 at one end of the housing 12 is substantially cylindrical in shape and one axia' end 54 of the mounting member 50 is positioned towards the axial centre of the housing and configured for mounting a roll of sheet material.

The axial end 54 of the mounting member 50 has two recesses 56 formed therein for receiving a hung from a roll of sheet material, so as to locate the roll of sheet material in the mounting member 50.

One or both of the recesses 56 forms part of a locking mechanism, now described with reference to Figures 7 and 8, and disclosed in more detail in our patent GB247 I 685B, which is incorporated herein by reference. A correct roll 14 for use in the dispenser has a bung 58 positioned at one end. The hung may be provided on the "off-the-shelf" roll for use in the dispenser and held in place by the sheet material itself, e.g. as disclosed in ourpatent EP0880332B1, orthebung maybe inserted into an axial end of a colTectly dimensioned roll of sheet material. The bung 58 has a tapered surface 60.

The mounting member 50 has a non-rotatable outer casing 62 and a rotatable inner casing 64. A lock member 66 is positioned in the inner casing 64. The loclc member 66 has a projection 68 that extends into a recess 70 in the outer casing 62 so as to prevent rotation of the casing. The lock member 66 also has a port 72 for receiving the hung 58 of the roll 14. The port 72 is aligned with one of the recesses 56 in the axial end of the recess to provide access to the port 72. The tapered surface 60 of the bung is configured and positioned such that as the bung 58 is inserted into the recess 56 and port 72, the lock member 66 is lifted. Lifting of the lock member 66 lifts the projection 68 out of the recess 70 (as shown in Figure 8), so as to permit the inner casing 64 to rotate.

One of the mounting members (in this embodiment mounting member 50) is pivotable between a loading position (shown in Figure 2) and an operative position (shown in Figures 3 and 4), and the other mounting member 52 is not alTanged to pivot but instead remain in an axially stationary position. A bracket 78 is provided in the housing 12 and the mounting member 50 is pivotably mounted at opposite radial extents to the bracket 78 using co-axially arranged axles (not shown) extending through corresponding holes in the bracket. A torsion spring (not shown) is positioned around one of the axles and is connected at one end to the mounting member 50 and at one end to the bracket 78 and is arranged so as to bias the mounting member to the loading position.

The loading position is such that an end 74 of the mounting member 50 innermost the housing 12 is closer to the other mounting member 52 than an end 76 of the mounting member 50 nearest the opening in the housing. The angling of the mounting member is approximately 60° to a longitudinal axis A extending along the longitudinal length S of the housing 12 in the loading position.

The operative position is such that when a correct roll of sheet material 14 is loaded in the dispenser 10 the mounting member 50 is substantially parallel to an axial end of the roll 14, i.e. substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A extending along the ength of the housing 12.

In this embodiment, the mounting member 50 has a foot 80 connected thereto at the end 80 that is positioned innermost the housing in the loading position. The foot extends substantially perpendicularly to the axial end 54 of the mounting member 50.

The foot 80 provides additional support for a roll 14 in the loaded position.

The dispenser 10 includes a blocking mechanism that will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 and 4. Referring to Figure 4, the bracket 78 is spaced from an axial end of the housing, such that when the mounting member 50 mounted thereto is in the operative position, a gap 82 is formed between mounting member SO and an end wall 84 of the housing 12. A first blocking member 86 is provided on the mounting member 50. The blocking member 86 protrudes from a circumferential edge of the mounting member 50 and in the operative position the blocking member 86 (excluding a taper on an end of the Hocking member) is substantially parallel to an axial end of the correct roll 14. Referring to Figure 2, the length of the blocking member is such that in the loading position the blocking member is positioned over a portion of the gap 82 between the mounting member 50 and the end wall 84 of the housing 12. When the gap 82 is not blocked by the first blocking member 86. the second blocking member 88 is received in the gap 82.

The support 26 has three projections 90 positioned therealong. The projections are shaped to a point, and in this embodiment are triangular in shape. Refening to Figure 6, the angling of the projections with respect to the support 26 is such that when the support is positioned over the opening 16 of the housing 12 the projections are angled towards an inner region of the housing. In alternative embodiments, a single projection may be provided in the form of a ridge angled towards the inner region of the housing. In further alternative embodiments, a different number of projections may be provided, for example the projections may be provided along the entire ength of the support 26, and/or the projections may be of an alternative shape with or without a point.

The use of a dispenser when a correct roll is positioned in the housing will now be described. The correct roll of sheet material 14 is located with respect to the non-pivotable mounting member 52. The correct roll 14 is then positioned with respect to the pivotable mounting member 50. As the roil is inserted into the housing 12, the mounting member 50 pivots from the loading position to the operative position.

During location of the roll 14 in the housing 12, the bung 58 of the roll 14 is positioned in the recess 26. Positioning of the bung 58 in the recess 26 locates the bung 58 in the port 72 and lifts the lock member 66 so as to permit the inner casing 64 of the mounting member 50 to rotate, which in turn permits the bung 58 and therefore the roll 14 to rotate.

Movement of the mounting member 50 from the loading position to the operative position moves the first blocking member 86 from a position blocking the gap 82 to a position in substantial alignment with an axial end of the roil 14, so as to no thnger block the gap 82, as shown in Figure 4.

A length of sheet matenal is then positioned over the lower guide 28 (as described previously) and the support assembly 22 is pivoted so that the support 26 covers a portion of the opening 16 formed in the housing 12. When the support assembly 22 is pivoted so that the support 26 covers a portion of the opening 16. the second blocking member 88 is received in the gap 82 permitting the support 26 to be positioned over a portion of the opening 16.

To cut a length of material from the roll 14, a length is pulled from the roll 14. The bung 58 supports the roil axially in the mounting member 50 so that the roll 14 does not move substantially laterally when a length of material is pulled from the roll 14.

This means that the projections 90 do not contact the roll and the roll is free to rotate.

The cutting mechanism is then operated as described earlier.

Now operation of the dispenser when an incorrect roll of an incorrect length is used in the dispenser will now be described.

The roll of incorrect axial length is shorter than the spacing between mounting members 50 and 52. This means the roll of incorrect length can be positioned in the S dispenser. However, the length of the roll is not sufficient to apply a force to pivot the mounting member 50 from the loading position to the operative position. Therefore, the first blocking member 86 provided on the mounting member 50 is covering the gap 82. Now, when the support assembly 22 is positioned so as to cover a portion of the opening 16 in the housing. the second blocking member 88 abuts the first Hocking member 86. Thus, the first blocking member 86 prevents the second blocking member 88 being received in the gap 82. The abutment of the first and second blocldng member prevents the support 26 form being positioned over a portion of the opening 16 in the housing 12. This in turn means that the lid 38 cannot be moved into contact with the housing to actuate cutting. Thus, the dispenser cannot be used colTectly with the roll of incorrect length.

Now operation of the dispenser when an incorrect roil of a correct length but without a bung or with in incorrect bung matching the port(s) 72 will be described.

Similarly to that described for the correct roil 14, an incorrect roil of correct ength can be positioned within the housing 12 and pivot the mounting member 50 from the loading to the operative position. This means that the second blocking member 88 can be received in the gap 82 and the support 26 be correctly positioned over a portion of the opening 16. However, because the incorrect roll does not have a bung, the incorrect roll is not correctly mounted in the housing 12. Referring to Figure 5, as a length of material is pulled from the incorrect roll 92, the incorrect roll 92 is urged towards the support 26 due to the force applied to pull a length of material from the roll. Further, the biasing of the mounting member 50 to the loading position further applies a force to urge the incolTect roll 92 towards the support 26. As the mounting member 50 pivots, the foot 80 of the mounting member 50 provides an additional aid in urging the incorrect roB 92 towards the support 26. The urging of the incorrect roll 92 is such that the projections 90 contact the roll, and the roll becomes trapped between the mounting member 50 and the projections 90 impeding rotation of the roll and therefore use of the dispenser.

If the inconect roll has a hung but an incolTect hung, then either the hung will not suitable match the port(s) 72 and the mounting member 50 cannot pivot, or the locking mechanism of the mounting member 50 wifl prevent the mounting member from rotating and therefore further impede dispensing of a sheet material from the incolTect roll.

Advantageously, the mounting member 50 being pivotable and biased to a thading position eases location of a roB of sheet material 14 within the housing 12. In addition the mounting member 50 also performs the function of urging an incorrect roll 92 towards the projections 90 to hinder use of the dispenser 10. Further the first blocking member 86 provided on the mounting member 50 and the second blocking member 88 provided on the support assembly 22 form a blocking mechanism for preventing operation of the dispenser 10 when a roB of incorrect axial length is used. These anti-misuse features mean that a user is encouraged to only use intended rolls in the dispenser. This means that any risks or possible reduced product life that can occur if the wrong grade of material is used in the dispenser are better avoided.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The housing 12 may be a body that only partially encloses, and not completely encloses the mounting members and a roll received by the body.

In this embodiment only one of the mounting members 50 pivots, but in alternative embodiments both mounting member may pivot to define the loading and operating positions, or the mounting member 52 not having the lock and key mechanism may pivot.

In this embodiment the lid and the support assembly are pivotably mounted to the housing. However, in alternative embodiments the lid and the support assembly may be fully removable from the housing. In some embodiments, the support assembly may be connected to the lid. In further embodiments, the cutting mouth may be defined by the support assembly and a separately pivotably cutting mechanism, for example provided on the lid.

Claims

Claims 1. A dispenser for a roll of sheet material of a pre-determined axial length, the dispenser having: abody; and a mount for mounting a roll within a region defined by the body, the mount comprising first and second mounting members pivotable relative to each other to define a loading position and an operative position, wherein the mount is biased to the loading position; and wherein in the loading position the first mounting member is angled to define a space between the first mounting member and a location corresponding to the position of the second mounting member larger than a pre-determined axial length, and in the operative position the first mounting member is angled to define a space between the mounting members of the pre-determined axial length, such that, in use, insertion of a roll of a pre-determined length pivots the first mounting member from the loading position to the operative position so as to mount the roll in the dispenser.
2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a housing and a portion movable with respect to the housing so as to enable the dispenser to function.
3. The dispenser according to claim 2 further comprising a blocking mechanism for preventing the portion from moving into a position to enable the dispenser to function when a roll not of the pre-determined length is positioned in the housing.
4. The dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the blocking mechanism compnses a blocking member positioned in the housing and a blocking member positioned on the portion.
5. The dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the blocking member positioned in the housing is the first mounting member or the blocking member is provided on the first mounting member, such that when the mounting is in the loading position, the portion is prevented from being positioned in its functioning position.
6. The dispenser according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the housing has an opening through which sheet material from a roll of sheet material can be dispensed, and the portion comprises a support assembly having a support positionable over a section of the opening so as to prevent a roll from being removed from the housing during dispensing of a sheet material and removable from the opening to permit access to the housing when removing or positioning a roB in the housing.
7. The dispenser according to any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the portion comprises a tensioning mechanism for the sheet material.
8. The dispenser according to any one of claims 3 to 7 wherein the portion comprises a blade for cutting the sheet material.
9. The dispenser according to any one of claims 3 to 8 wherein the portion comprises a lid.
10. The dispenser according to any preceding claim further comprising a housing and a formation positioned relative to the housing and towards an inner region of the housing such that if a roll not of the predetermined configuration is incorrectly mounted in the housing, the roll is moved towards the formation by the action of dispensing and the formation impedes rotation of the roth
II. A dispenser for a roll of sheet material of a predetermined configuration. the dispenser having: a housing for a roll of sheet matenal, the housing having an opening through which sheet material can be dispensed from a roll of sheet material in the housing; a support assembly comprising a support positionable over a section of the opening for preventing a roll from being removed from the housing during dispensing of a sheet material and removable from the opening to permit access to the housing when removing a roll from or postioning a roll in the housing; and a blocking mechanism for preventing the support from being positioned over a section of the opening when a roll of sheet material not of a predetermined configuration is positioned in the housing.
12. The dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the blocking mechanism comprises a blocking member positioned in the housing and a blocking member positioned on the support assembly.
13. The dispenser according to claim 12 comprising a mechanism to actuate the blocking member in the housing to a non-blocking position when a roll of a predetermined length is positioned in the housing.
14. The dispenser according to claim 13, wherein the dispenser comprises a mount for mounting a roll within the housing, the mount comprising first and second mounting members pivotable relative to each other to define a loading position and an operative position, wherein the mount is biased to the loading position; and wherein the loading position of the first mounting member is angled to define a space between the first mounting member and a location corresponding to the position of the second mounting member larger than a pre-determined axial length, and in the operative position the first mounting member is angled to define a space between the mounting members of the pre- determined axial length, such that, in use, insertion of a roll of a pre-determined length pivots the mounting member from the loading position to the operative position so as to mount the roll in the dispenser.
15. The dispenser according to claim 14, wherein the blocking member positioned in the housing is the first mounting member or the blocking member is provided on the first mounting member, such that when the mount is in the loading position, the support is prevented from being positioned over the opening in the housing.
16. The dispenser according to any one of claims 11 to 15, comprising one or more projections positioned on the support towards an inner region of the housing such that if a roll is incorrectly supported in the housing the roll is moved towards the support during dispensing and the projections impede rotation of the roll.
17. A dispenser for a roll of sheet material, the dispenser having: a housing having an opening through which sheet material can be dispensed from a roll; a mount for mounting a roll of sheet material of a predetermined configuration; ; and a formation positioned relative to the housing and towards an inner region of the housing such that if a roll not of the predetermined configuration is inconectly mounted in the housing, the roll is moved towards the formation by the action of dispensing and the formation impedes rotation of the roll.
18. The dispenser according to claim 17, wherein the formation comprises one of more projections.
19. The dispenser according to claim 17 or claim 18 further comprising a biasing member for urging an incorrectly supported roll towards the formation.
20. The dispenser according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the dispenser compnses a mount for mounting the roll in the housing and the mount has a first and a second mounting member, and the first mounting member is the biasing member.
21. The dispenser according to claim 20, wherein the first and second mounting members are pivotable relative to each other to define a loading position and an operative position, wherein the mount is biased to the loading position; and wherein the loading position of the first mounting member is angled to define a space between the first mounting member and a location corresponding to the position of the mounting member larger than a pre-determined axial length, and in the operative position the first mounting member is angled to define a space between the mounting members of the pre-determined axial length, such that, in use, insertion of a roll of a pre-determined length pivots the mounting member from the loading position to the operative position so as to support the roll in the dispenser.
22. The dispenser according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the first mounting member comprises a foot that can contribute to applying a force to an rncolTectly supported roll so as to urge an incorrectly supported roll towards the formation.
23. The dispenser according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the formation is pointed towards an inner region of the housing.
24. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and 14 to 23, wherein the first and second mounting members comprise a connector configured to connect to a complimentary connector provided on a correct roll in order to concentrically hold a correct roll during use of the dispenser.
25. The dispenser according to claim 24 wherein the connector is a lock that can be unlocked by a key provided on an axial end of a roll of sheet material intended for use in the dispenser, the first mounting member being configured to rotate so as to permit sheet material to be dispensed from a roll of sheet material when the lock is unlocked.
26. The dispenser according to any one of claims 6 to 16, comprising a lower guide provided on the support assembly for guiding sheet matenal from a roll of sheet material for dispensing.
27. The dispenser according to claim 26 comprising an upper guide positionable to cover the lower guide such that in use sheet material from a roll of sheet material is positioned between the guides and cover so as ease access of an end of a sheet of material when dispensing sheet material from roll of sheet matenal.
28. The dispenser according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the dispenser compnses a cutting mouth through which sheet material can be fed, the cutting mouth having two jaws moveable relative to each other and positionable in contact, and a cutting member arranged such that when the jaws are positioned in contact the cutting member is actuated to cut a portion of a sheet material fed through the cutting mouth.
29. The dispenser according to claim 28, wherein each jaw one or more tensioning surfaces across which sheet material can be tensioned so as to ease cutting of the sheet material.
30. A dispensing assembly comprising: a roll of sheet material; and a dispenser according to any one of the previous claims.
31. A dispenser and/or dispensing assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.