GB2515911A

GB2515911A - Towel dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2515911A
Application number: GB1411789.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Macleod; Dominic Lloyd Lucas; Richard Mann
Original assignee: Kennedy Hygiene Products Ltd
Current assignee: Kennedy Hygiene Products Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-02
Filing date: 2014-07-02
Publication date: 2015-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 2034-07-02
Also published as: GB2515911B; EP3016560B1; ES2703773T3; PT3016560T; DK3016560T3; WO2015001287A1; GB201311867D0; EP3016560A1; PL3016560T3; GB201411789D0

Abstract

A towel T dispenser 1 for dispensing from a first roll 3 and collecting on a second roll 5. The towel dispenser 1 has a housing 17 for receiving the first roll and a cover 21. A mounting member 23 is provided at the back of housing for mounting towel dispenser 1. A first roll is positioned within the housingto rotate about a first longitudinal axis X1 extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing. A second roll is positioned within the housing to rotate about a second longitudinal axis X2 extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing. The first and second longitudinal axes are offset from each other in a transverse or horizontal direction. A second embodiment has first and second chambers to receive first and second rolls, and a cover 21 comprising a transparent or semi-transparent section. A third embodiment has first (73 fig 8A) and second (75 fig 8A) drive mechanisms with drive rollers rotatable about a first longitudinal axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing.

Description

S

TOWEL DISPENSER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing a fabric towel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A manually operated towel dispenser cabinet is known from WO 2005/048801. The user pulls on the towel to dispense a metered length of the towel from a first roll stored in a first compartment positioned at the top of the cabinet. The used towel is subsequently wound onto a second roll housed in a compartment. The first and second rolls are arranged such that their longitudinal axes extend substantially parallel to the back of the cabinet.

At least in certain embodiments the present invention seeks to provide an improved towel dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel from a first roll and collecting said towel on a second roll; the towel dispenser comprising: a housing for receiving said first roll, the housing having a front and a back; a cover; and a mounting member for mounting the towel dispenser, the mounting member being disposed at the back of said housing; wherein, in use, said first roll is positioned within the housing to rotate about a first longitudinal axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing, and the second roll is positioned within the housing to rotate about a second longitudinal axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing; the first and second longitudinal axes being offset from each other in a transverse direction. The first roll comprises clean (unused) towel which is dispensed for use and the soiled (used) towel is collected on the second roll. This arrangement may provide improved access to an interior of the towel dispenser, for example to facilitate loading and servicing.

The towel dispenser dispenses a length of towel from the first roll for use by an individual.

The length of towel is typically presented to the individual external to the housing for ease of use. The towel dispenser is configured to collect the length of towel on said second roll after it has been used. The towel dispenser is configured to dispense the towel and to collect the towel in two separate operations. The towel dispenser can be configuredto complete a dispensing operation before initiating a collection operation. Thus, the dispensing and collecting operations can be performed in a staggered sequence. the towel dispenser can be configured to introduce a time delay between the dispensing operation and the collection operation. The first and second longitudinal axes correspond to first and second rotational axes of the first and second rolls respectively.

The towel dispenser can comprise control means for controlling the dispensing of the towel from the first roll and the subsequent collection of the towel on the second roll. The control means can comprise a switch for initiating dispensing of the towel from the first roll. The switch can, for example, comprise a button, a contact sensor or a proximity sensor (such as a capacitive sensor). The control means can initiate collection of the towel on the second roll only once a predefined time period has elapsed following completion of the dispensing operation. Alternatively, or in addition, the control means can control collection of the towel based on a proximity sensor which determines when a user is no longer proximal to the towel dispenser. The control means can be in the form of an electronic processing unit.

A dispensing aperture can be formed in the housing. In use, a length of said towel can be dispensed from the first roll through said dispensing aperture to present a U-shaped section (or loop) of the towel. The U-shaped section of towel defines a central opening.

The orientation of the first and second rolls in the housing is such that the central opening extends from the front to the back of the dispenser. A user can use the dispensed length of towel to dry their hands, for example by inserting one hand into the central opening formed by the U-shaped section of towel. The dispensing aperture can be formed in an underside of the housing and arranged such that, in use, the U-shaped section of towel is presented beneath the towel dispenser.

The mounting member can define a vertical plane. The vertical plane can, for example, be defined by a back face of the mounting member which, in use, abuts a surface to which the towel dispenser is mounted. The first longitudinal axis can be arranged substantially perpendicular to said vertical plane.

A first drive mechanism can be provided for dispensing the towel from said first roll. The first drive mechanism can comprise a first drive roller rotatable about a first drive axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing. The first drive roller can drivingly engage a section of the towel between the first and second rolls. The first drive axis can be disposed perpendicular to the vertical plane defined by the mounting member.

The first drive axis can be arranged substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

I

The towel dispenser can comprise a tensioning member for tensioning the towel against the first drive roller. The tensioning member can be movable relative to the first drive roller. The tensioning member can undergo translation and(or rotation relative to the first drive roller. At least in certain embodiments, the tensioning member can remain at least substantially parallel to said first drive axis. The tensioning member could be configured to rotate about the first drive axis. A roller can be mounted to the tensioning member for contacting the towel.

The cover can be provided at the front of the housing, for example defining at least a portion of the front of the housing. The cover can also extend over a portion of the top and/or sides of the towel dispenser. The cover can be pivotally mounted to the mounting member or the housing. The cover can form part of the housing. For example, the cover can form at least a portion of the front of the housing. The cover can comprise an at least partially transparent section. For example, a transparent window can be provided in the cover or the cover can be formed from a transparent material.

The tensioning member can be coupled to the cover. The tensioning member can be configured to undergo translation and/or rotation when the cover is opened andlor closed.

The tensioning member can, for example, be mounted to a partitioning member. The partitioning member could be fixedly mounted to the housing. Alternatively, the partitioning member can be mounted to the cover for positioning between the first and second rolls when the cover is closed. The partitioning member can thereby be moved in concert with the cover to facilitate loading/unloading of the towel. A transparent window can be provided in the cover such that the partitioning member is visible when the cover is closed. The partitioning member can be hollow to emphasise the separation between said first and second rolls.

An actuator can be provided for displacing the tensioning member to an operating position. The actuator can be arranged to ccoperate with a cam track to displace the tensioning member to said operating position. The tensioning member can be arranged to bias the towel against said first drive roller when in said operating position.

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The first drive roller could be driven by a worm drive. Alternatively, the first drive roller can be driven by a gear train which does not include a worm drive. For example, the gear train can consist of inline involute spur gears. A locking mechanism can be provided for inhibiting rotation of the first drive roller. The locking mechanism can comprise a locking cam for engaging a protuberance on the first drive roller to inhibit rotation of said first drive roller.

An actuator can be provided for selectively displacing the looking cam to a locking position to engage said protuberance. The actuator can also displace the locking cam to an un-locked position to permit rotation of said first drive roller. The actuator can comprise an electric motor. The electric motor can comprise a rotary motor which can be reversed to lock/unlock the first drive roller. The actuator could alternatively be a solenoid or a linear motor.

In use, the second roll can be positioned within the housing to rotate about a second longitudinal axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing. The second longitudinal axis can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis defined by the mounting member. In use, the first and second longitudinal axes can be arranged substantially parallel to each other. The first and second longitudinal axes can be horizontally and/or vertically offset from each other.

The towel dispenser can comprise a second drive mechanism for drivingly rotating said second roll to collect the towel. In one arrangement, the second drive mechanism can be arranged drivingly to rotate a spindle or axle on which the second roll forms. In an alternate arrangement, the second drive mechanism can comprise a second drive roller rotatable about a second drive axis. The second drive axis can extend from the back of the housing to the front of the housing. The second drive axis can be disposed perpendicular to the vertical plane defined by the mounting member. The second drive axis can be substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

At least one torque generating machine can be provided for applying a drive torque to said first drive mechanism and/or said second drive mechanism. The machine could comprise a spring or the like which can be manually primed. Alternatively the machine can comprise one or more electric drive motors. The first and second drive mechanisms could comprise separate electric motors. Alternatively, a single electric motor can be provided to drive both the first and second drive mechanisms. The electric motor(s) can have a rotary output which is coupled to a drive transfer means for transferring said drive torque to the first drive mechanism and/or the second drive mechanism. The drive transfer means can be in the form of one or more of the following: a gear train; one or more drive shafts; and a continuous drive, such as a belt or chain drive.

The first and second drive mechanisms can comprise respective first and second clutches. The first and second clutches can each enable driving engagement in one direction. The first and second clutches can haUe opposite engagement directions. When the drive transfer means rotates in a first direction, the first clutch can be engaged and the second clutch disengaged. When the drive transfer means rotates in a second direction (opposite to the first direction), the first clutch can be disengaged and the second clutch engaged.

The towel dispenser comprises a first guide roller for guiding the towel off of the first roll: and a second guide roller for guiding the towel onto the second roll. The second guide roller can be disposed higher than said first guide roller in the housing. This arrangement can help to reduce access to the used towel as it is wound onto the second roll.

The towel dispenser can comprise a first chamber for receiving said first roll; and a second chamber for receiving said second roll. The first and second chambers can be defined in said housing. The first and second chambers can be laterally and/or vertically offset from each other. A vertical partitioning member can be disposed between said first and second chambers. In an alternate arrangement, the first chamber can be formed in said housing and the second chamber can be formed in a separate housing. The housing can be spaced apart from each other when the towel dispenser is mounted. The partitioning member can be hollow.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel from a first roll and collecting said towel on a second roll; the towel dispenser comprising: a housing having a front and a back; a cover: a first drive mechanism for dispensing the towel from said first roll, the first drive mechanism comprising a first drive roller rotatable about a first drive axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing; a second drive mechanism for drivingly rotating said second roll to collect the towel, the second drive mechanism comprising a second drive roller rotatable about a second drive axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing; wherein the first and second drive axes are offset from each other in a transverse direction.

The length of towel is typically presented to the individual external to the housing for ease of use. The towel dispenser is configured to collect the length of towel on said second roll after it has been used. The towel dispenser is configured to dispense the towel and to collect the towel in two separate operations. The towel dispenser can be configured to complete a dispensing operation before initiating a collection operation. Thus, the dispensing and collecting operations can be performed in a staggered sequence. The towel dispenser can be configured to introduce a time delay between the dispensing operation and the collection operation.

The towel dispenser can comprise control means for controlling the activation of the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism. The towel dispenser can be configured to enable independent activation of the first and second drive mechanisms.

The control means can be configured to activate the first drive mechanism to dispense the towel from the first roll and subsequently to activate the second drive means to collect the dispensed towel onto the second roll. The control means can comprise a switch for initiating dispensing of the towel from the first roll. The switch can, for example, comprise a button, a contact sensor or a proximity sensor (such as a capacitive sensor), The control means can initiate collection of the towel on the second roll only once a predefined time period has elapsed following completion of the dispensing operation. Alternatively, or in addition, the control means can control collection of the towel based on a proximity sensor which determines when a user is no longer proximal to the towel dispenser. The control means can be in the form of an electronic control module, for example comprising an electronic processing unit.

The towel dispenser can comprise a first tensioning member for tensioning the towel dispensed from the first roll; and a second tensioning member for tensioning the towel collected by the second roll. The first tensioning member and the second tensioning member can each be movable between a non-operating position and an operating position. A twoel dispenser comprising first and second tensioning members associated with the respective first and second rolls is believed to be patentable independently.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel from a first roll and collecting said towel on a second roll; the towel dispenser comprising: a housing having a front and a back; a cover; a first drive mechanism for dispensing the towel from said first roll; a second drive mechanism for drivingly rotating said second roll to collect the towel; a first tensioning member for tensioning the towel dispensed from the first roll; and a second tensioning member for tensioning the towel collected by the second roll; wherein the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member are each movable between a non-operating position and an operating position.

The first tensioning member and the second tensioning member can be disposed between said first and second drive mechanisms when in their respective operating positions. The first tensioning member can comprise a first guide roller or a first guide member. The second tensioning member can comprise a second guide roller or a second guide member. The first tensioning member and the second tensioning member can be mounted to a support arm.

The first tensioning member and the second tensioning member can be pivotally mounted to the support arm. The first tensioning member and the second tensioning member can pivot laterally outwardly when they move from said non-operating position to said operating position.

The first tensioning member can comprise a first actuator for cooperating with a first guide, such as a first cam track or projecion, to displace the first tensioning member to its operating position. The second tensioning member can comprises a second actuator for cooperating with a second guide, such as a second cam track or projection, to displace the second tensioning member to its operating position. A first spring member can be provided for biasing the first tensioning member to maintain the towel under tension. A second spring member can be provided for biasing the second tensioning member to maintain the towel under tension.

The support arm can be movably mounted within the housing, for example to undergo translation. The support arm can be coupled to the cover and configured to move when the cover is opened or closed. The first tensioning member and the second tensioning member cam ne displaced to their respective operating positions when the cover is closed. The support arm can travel within a space disposed between the first and second rolls.

The first drive mechanism can comprise a first drive roller rotatable about a first drive axis.

The second drive mechanism can comprise a second drive roller rotatable about a second drive axis. The first and second drive axes can be offset from each other in a transverse direction.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel from a first roll and collecting said towel on a second roll; the towel dispenser comprising: a housing having a front and a back; a cover; a first drive mechanism for dispensing the towel from said first roll, the first drive mechanism comprising a first drive roller rotatable about a first drive axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing; a second drive mechanism for driviñgly rotating said second roll to collect the towel, the second drive mechanism comprising a second drive roller rotatable about a second drive axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing; wherein the first and second drive axes are offset from each other in a transverse direction.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a chassis for a towel dispenser,the chassis comprising: a mounting member for mounting the towel dispenser; and a sub-assembly cantilevered to the mounting member; wherein one or more vertical reinforcing members are disposed in said mounting member; and one or more horizontal reinforcing members are disposed in said sub-assembly.

At least a first of said one or more horizontal reinforcing members can form an axle of a roller in the towel dispenser. For example, a guide roller or a drive roller could be rotatably mounted on said horizontal reinforcing member. The mounting member can comprise an upper reinforcing plate and/or a lower reinforcing plate for mounting said one or more vertical reinforcing members.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel from a first roll and collecting said towel on a second roll; the towel dispenser comprising: a first guide roller for guiding the towel dispensed from said first roll, the first guide roller being rotatable about a first axis; a second guide roller for guiding the towel to be collected on said second roll, the second guide roller being rotatable about a second axis; and a casing forming a dispensing aperture, the casing comprises a sidewall having an edge formed around at least a portion of the dispensing aperture; wherein a first vertical offset is defined between the first axis and said edge and a second vertical offset is defined between the second axis and said edge; and the distance between the first and second axes is substantially equal to, or less than the sum of said first and second vertical offsets.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel from a first roll and collecting said towel on a second roll; the towel dispenser comprising: a first guide member for guiding the towel dispensed from said first roll, the first guide member defining a turning point about which the towel changes direction; a second guide member for guiding the towel to be collected on said second roll, the second guide member defining a second turning point about which the towel changes direction; and a casing forming a dispensing aperture, the casing comprises a sidewall having an edge formed around at least a portion of the dispensing aperture; wherein a first vertical offset is defined between the first turning point and said edge and a second vertical offset is deined between the second turning point and said edge; and the distance between the first and second turning point is substantially equal to, or less than the sum of said first and second vertical offsets.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a locking mechanism for inhibiting rotation of a drive mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising: a cam member having a toothed section and a locking cam; an electric machine for drivingly rotating a gear to rotate said cam member; wherein the locking cam is arranged selectively to engage a protuberance on the drive mechanism to inhibit rotation of said drive mechanism.

The cam member can comprise a circular sector. The toothed section can be arranged along an arc of said sector. The locking cam can project from said circular sector.

The electric machine can be reversible selectively to lock/unlock the drive mechanism.

The drive mechanism can comprise a drive roller.

The locking mechanism can be incorporated into a towel dispenser of the typre described herein.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel from a first roll and collecting said towel on a second roll; the towel dispenser comprising: a first drive roller for dispensing towel from said first roll; a second drive roller for collecting towel on said second roll; a first drive mechanism for drivingly rotating said first drive roller, the first drive mechanism comprising a first clutch for providing driving engagement when rotated in a first direction; a second drive mechanism for drivingly rotating said second drive roller, the second drive mechanism comprising a second clutch for providing driving engagement when rotated in a second direction; and a reversible motor for selectively driving said first and second drive mechanisms.

The reversible motor can be coupled to said first and second drive mechanisms by a continuous drive. The continuous drive can, for example, be a belt or chain. The first and second drive mechanisms can comprise respective first and second gear trains for drivingly engaging the continuous drive. The first and second clutches can be provided in said respective first and second gear trains.

The control means can be configured to activate the first drive mechanism to dispense the towel from the first roll and subsequently to activate the second drive means to collect the dispensed towel onto the second roll. The control means can comprise a switch for initiating dispensing of the towel from the first roll. The switch can, for example, comprise a button, a contact sensor or a proximity sensor (such as a capacitive sensor). The control means can initiate collection of the towel on the second roll only once a predefined time period has elapsed following completion of the dispensing operation. Alternatively, or in addition, the control means can control collection of the towel based on a proximity sensor which determines when a user is no longer proximal to the towel dispenser. The control means can be in the form of an electronic control module, for example comprising an electronic processing unit.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel from a first roll and collecting said towel on a second roll; the towel dispenser comprising: a first chamber for receiving said first roll; a second chamber for receiving said second roll; and a cover comprising a transparent or semi-transparent section; wherein a space is provided between said first and second chambers; and said transparent or semi-transparent section provides a sightline to said space. The transparent or semi-transparent section of the cover can, for example, be positioned adjacent to the space when the cover is closed. When the cover is closed, the space between the first and second chambers is visible through the transparent or semi-transparent section of the cover. A user can thereby readily appreciate that the clean towel is stored in a separate chamber from the used (soiled) towel.

The entire cover can be transparent, for example by moulding the cover from a transparent or semi-transparent plastics material. Alternatively, a transparent or semi-transparent window can be provided in said cover.

The towel dispenser can comprise a partifloning member. The partitioning member can be mounted to a housing or to the cover. When the cover is closed, at least a portion of the partitioning member can be viewed through said transparent or semi-transparent section of the cover.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a front elevation of a towel dispenser in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side elevation of the towel dispenser shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the towel dispenser along the lines A-A shown inFigure2; Figure 4 shows the sectional view of Figure 3 with a front cover in an open position; Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the towel dispenser along the lines B-B shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows the sectional view of Figure 5 with the front cover in an open position; Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show a partial perspective view of the towel dispenser with the front cover in a series of positions; Figures BA and 8B show a rear elevation of the towel dispenser with the mounting member in place and omitted hr clarity; Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view along the line Bi-Bi of Figure 8B; Figures bA, lOB and 1OC show a locking mechanism for the dispensing roller; Figures 1 1A-D illustrate an operating sequence of the towel dispenser; Figure 12 shows a front elevation of a towel dispenser in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention with the cover in a lowered position; Figure 13 shows a front elevation of the towel dispenser shown in Figure 12 with the cover in a raised position; Figures 14A, B and C illustrate an operating sequence of the towel dispenser in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1 5A shows a front elevation of the towel dispenser according to the second embodiment with a towel loaded ready for dispensing; and Figure 15B shows a front elevation of the towel dispenser according to the second embodiment with a length of towel dispensed ready for use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

A towel dispenser 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 to 11. The towel dispenser 1 is operative to dispense a metered length of fabric towel T from a first roll 3 and to collect the used (soiled) towel T on a second roIl 5. The first and second rolls 3, 5 are thereby formed by the same length of towel T and an intermediate length of the towel I is dispensed for drying.

The towel dispenser 1 will be described herein with reference to a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y and a vertical axis Z, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The longitudinal axis X extends from the front to the back of the towel dispenser 1 (i.e. perpendicular to the plane of the page in Figure 1). The transverse axis Y extends transversely in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X (i.e. left to right within the plane of the page in Figure 1). The vertical axis Z extends vertically in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y (i.e. vertically within the plane of the page in Figure 1). The first and second rolls 3, 5 are arranged in a side-by-configuration and in normal use rotate about respective first and second longitudinal axes Xl, X2 which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the towel dispenser 1. It will be appreciated that, in use, the vertical and/or transverse position of the second roIl 5 can vary depending on how much towel I is wound onto the second roIl 5.

The towel dispenser 1 in the present embodiment comprises an electric drive motor 7 for selectively driving a metering dispensing roller 11 and a collection roller 13. The dispensing roller 11 rotates about a third longitudinal axis X3 to dispense a metered length of the towel T from the first roll 3 during each operating cycle. The collection roller 13 rotates about a fourth longitudinal axis X4 to collect the metered length of the towel I. The dispensing roller 11 and the collection roller 13 can have a high-grip outer surface, for example a rubberized coating, to promote frictional engagement with the towel T. An electronic control module 15 is provided for controlling operation of the drive motor 7. The control module 15 comprises an activation means in the form of a switch or sensor for operation by a user to dispense the towel T. The switch could, for example, be a capacitive switch.

As shown in Figure 3, the towel dispenser I comprises a housing 17 including a chassis 19 and a hinged cover 21. The chassis 19 comprises a mounting member 23 disposed at the back of the towel dispenser 1 for mounting the towel dispenser 1. In the present embodiment the mounting member 23 is a plate formed from a moulded plastics material.

A back face of the mounting member 23 defines a vertical plane (defined by the transverse axis V and the vertical axis Z) which abuts a surface when the towel dispenser 1 is mounted ready for use. The chassis 19 also comprises a drive sub-assembly 25 in which the drive motor 7 is mounted. The drive sub-assembly is cantilevered to a lower section of the mounting member 23 and extends across the bottom of the towel dispenser 1. The drive sub-assembly 25 comprises an outer casing 9 and a dispensing aperture 27 through which the towel T is dispensed. A pair of metal reinforcing rods 28 is integrated into the mounting member 23 for supporting upper and lower tie rods 33, 35 mounted in the drive sub-assembly 25 on each side of the dispensing aperture 27. The cover 21 is hinged along a transverse hinge disposed along an upper edge of the mounting member 23. The hinged cover 21 is moulded from a transparent plastics material to enable an interior of the housing 17 to be viewed by a user. A holding mechanism, such as an over-centre hinge, can be provided for retaining the cover 21 in its open position.

As shown in Figure 4, the housing 17 defines first and second chambers 29, 31 for receiving the first and second rolls 3, 5 respectively. The first and second chambers 29, 31 are laterally spaced apart from each other and arranged to align said first and second rolls 3, 5 for rotation about said first and second longitudinal axes Xl, X2. In the present embodiment, the first roIl 3 is coreless (i.e. does not include a central axle or spindle) and the towel T is wound onto itself. The second roIl 5 is collected around a spindle 36 which defines the second axis X2. The ends of the spindle 36 locate rotatably in front and rear channel 37 (only the rear channel 37 is shown in the Figures) to enable vertical movement of the spindle 36 to accommodate changes in the effective diameter of the second roll 5.

The front channel is formed on an inside of the drive sub-assembly 25: and the rear channel 37 is formed on an inside of the mounting member 23. When positioned in the second chamber 31, the second roIl 5 is supported on the collection roller 13 to establish a driving engagement between the collection roller 13 and the towel T. The front and rear channels 37 are inclined relative to the vertical axis Z and offset from a diameter of the collection roller 13 to help maintain tension in the towel T as it is wound onto the second roll 5.

A first guide roller 39 is rotatably mounted in the first chamber 29 to guide the towel I as it is dispensed from the first roll 3. The first guide roller 39 is arranged parallel to the dispensing roller 11 to position the towel I for engaging the dispensing roller 11. A second guide roller 41 is rotatably mounted in the second chamber 31 for guiding the used towel T as it fed onto the second roll 5. The second.guide roller 41 is arranged parallel to the collection roller 13 to align the used towel I for collection on the second roll 5. In the present embodiment, the first and second guide rollers 39, 41 are rotatably mounted on the upper tie rods 33. The first guide roller 39 is rotatable about a fifth longitudinal axis X5 and the second guide roller 41 is rotatable about a sixth longitudinal axis X6.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a tensioning member 43 is provided for maintaining tension in the towel I as it is dispensed from the first roll 3. The tensioning member 43 is pivotally mounted to a central support assembly 45 whibh, as described herein, is displaced along the vertical axis Z when the cover 21 is opened/closed. The tensioning member 43 comprises an actuating member 47 which locates in a cam track 49 formed in the mounting member 23; and a tensioning roller 51 for engaging the towel I. The cam track 49 comprises an upper section 49A which extends substantially parallel to the vertical axis Z; and a lower section 49B which is inclined relative to the upper section for actuating the tensioning member 43. The tensioning roller 51 is rotatable about a seventh longitudinal axis X7 arranged perpendicular to the vertical plane defined by the mounting member 23.

As the support assembly 45 is displaced downwardly, the actuating member 47 follows the lower section 49B of the cam track 49 and pivots the tensioning member 43 to an operating position in which the tensioning roller 51 biases the towel T against the dispensing roller 11. The movement of the tensioning member 43 is reversed when the support assembly 45 is displaced upwardly to prevent the tensioning member 43 fouling on the dispensing roller 11.

As shown in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C, the support assembly 45 comprises a support arm 53 which is slidably mounted in a vertical track 55 formed in the mounting member 23. A pivotally mounted guide arm 56 couples the rear of the support arm 53 to the cover 21.

The cover 21 comprises first and second guide panels 57, 59 which locate on each side of the support arm 53. A guide track 61, 63 is formed in each of the guide panels 57, 59 for receiving respective lateral projections 65, 67 disposed on the support arm 53. As the cover 21 is raised, the lateral projections 65, 67, together with the guide arm 56, raise the support arm 53 vertically. The guide tracks 61, 63 are generally S-shaped and are configured to maintain the support arm 53 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X lo of the towel dispenser 1 such that it undergoes translation rather than rotation. The tensioning member 43 and the tensioning roller 51 thereby remain substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis Xl. A partitioning member 69 is mounted to the cover 21 to separate the first and second chambers 29, 31. The partitioning member 69 has a curved profile and provides support for the support assembly 45. In the present embodiment, the partitioning member 69 is hollow to enable its interior to be viewed through the cover 21.

This arrangement allows a user to see that the first and second chambers 29, 31 are distinct from each other, thereby increasing the user's perception of the cleanliness of the towel I on the first roll 3. At least in certain embodiments, the cover 21 can be transparent or semi-transparent to allow a user to see that the first and second chambers 29, 31 are separated by the partitioning member 69.

When the tensioning member 43 is in its operating position, the tensioning roller 51 is disposed below the first guide roller 39. This vertical offset increases the length of towel T supported between the tensioning roller 51 and the second guide roller 41 for a given transverse offset. Moreover, by disposing the second guide roller 41 above the tensioning roller 51, the used towel I is less accessible through the dispensing aperture 27.

The drive motor 7 is operable selectively to drive the dispensing roller 11 and the collection roller 13. In particular, the drive motor 7 drives a continuous drive chain 71 disposed within the mounting member 23, as shown in the rear elevation views shown in Figures 8A and 8B. The drive chain 71 is coupled to the dispensing roller 11 by a first drive assembly 73; and to the collection roller 13 by a second drive assembly 75. The first and second drive assemblies 73, 75 bompriserespective first and second clutches 77, 79 for controlling the drive of the dispensing roller 1 1 and the collection roller 13. The first and second clutches 77, 79 each provide driving engagement only when rotated in a particular direction. The first clutch 77 is arranged to engage only when the drive chain 13 is driven in a first direction; and the second clutch 79 is arranged to engage only when the drive chain 13 is driven in a second direction. The first and second directions are opposite to each other, thereby enabling independent control of the metering dispensing roller 11 and the collection roller 13 depending on the direction of rotation of the drive chain 9 (determined by the direction of operation of the drive motor 7).

The first drive assembly 73 comprises a first gear train 81 for driving the dispensing roller 11 in a clockwise direction (when viewed from the front of the towel dispenser 1); and the second drive assembly 75 comprises a second gear train 83 for driving the collection roller 13 in an anticlockwise direction (when viewed from the front of the towel dispenser 1). It will be appreciated that the first and second drive assemblies 73, 75 could be modified to provide alternate drive directions for the dispensing roller 11 and/or the collection roller 13 to accommodate different configurations (for example if the relative position of the first and second rolls 3, 5 was reversed).

Prior art towel dispensers typically use a worm drive to prevent the transfer of a force applied to the towel T (for example when the towel I is pulled) to the drive motor.

However, the inventor(s) on the present case have recognised that this drive arrangement is inefficient and, therefore, is not well suited for a battery driven apparatus. Moreover, the application of a force to the towel applies a load to the worm drive (as it cannot be driven) which may result in damage to the main drive arrangement. In the present embodiment, the first and second drive assemblies 76, 75 do not include worm drives. Instead, the first and second gear trains 81, 83 in the present embodiment consist of inline involute spur gears. Other gear trains can be used, for example comprising spur and/or helical gears.

Unlike a worm drive, the first and second gear trains 81, 83 do not lock the respective drive assemblies 73, 75, for example when a, pulling force is applied to the towel T. As shown in Figures 9A, 98 and 9C, the first drive assembly 73 further comprises a locking mechanism 85 for inhibiting rotation of the dispensing roller 11. This arrangement prevents forces applied to the towel T being applied to the first and second gear trains 81, 83 and drive motor 7. Rather, any operational loads applied to the towel T are applied to the locking mechanism 85. The locking mechanism 85 comprises a second electric motor 87 which rotates a toothed circular sector 89 having a locking cam 91 which cooperates with a protuberance 93 on the dispensing roller 11 to inhibit rotational movement in one direction. The second electric motor 87 can be reversed to release the locking cam 91 and permit rotation of the dispensing roller 11. The locking mechanism 85 is shown in a locked position in Figure 9B and in an unlocked position in Figure 9C. The control module 15 is also configured to control operation of the second electric motor 87 to lock the dispensing roller 11 after the drive motor 7 has operated to dispense a metered length of the towel I. The locking mechanism 85 can optionally remain engaged while the dispensed length of towel T is collected on the second roll 5 to prevent additional towel being dispensed from the first roll 3. The control module 15 operates the second electric motor 71 to unlock the locking mechanism 85 before the drive motor 7 is activated to dispense the next metered length of towel T. As described herein, the chassis 19 includes reinforcing rods 28 which support the upper and lower tie rods 33, 35 mounted in the drive sub-assembly 25. As shown in Figure SB, the reinforcing rods 29, 30 extend vertically between upper and lower reinforced sections 23A, 23B of the mounting member 23. As shown in Figure 9, the tie rods 33, 35 are mounted to the lower reinforced section 23B and extend from the mounting member 23 to the outer casing 9 of the drive sub-assembly 25. This arrangement helps to distribute operating loads applied to the mounting member 23 by the drive sub-assembly 25.

The outer casing 9 in the present embodiment is configured to restrict access to the used towel T before it is collected on the second roll 5. Specifically, a lower edge 95 of the outer casing 9 in front of the dispensing outlet 27 extends below the tensioning roller 51 and the second guide roller 41. A first vertical offset Vi is defined between the sixth longitudinal axis X6 (about which the second guide roller 41 rotates) and the lower edge 95. A second vertical offset V2 is defined between the seventh rotational axis X7 and the lower edge 95.

The distance between the sixth and seventh longitudinal axes X6, X7 is substantially equal to or less than the sum of the first and second vertical offsets Vi, V2. (An additional allowance can be made based on the radius of the second guide roller 41 and the tensioning roller 51.) As described herein with reference to Figures 1OA-D, the length of towel T dispensed below the lower edge 95 during an operating cycle is subsequently retracted above (or coincident with) the lower edge 95 of the outer casing 9 at the end of the same operating cycle. This arrangement reduces the exposure of, or access to the used towel T after an operating cycle has been completed and during the next operating cycle. This configuration is applicable also to conventional towel dispensers.

The towel dispenser I in the present embodiment is battery-operated, but it will be appreciated that the towel dispenser I could be powered by mains-supplied electricity.

The drive sub-assembly 25 comprises a compartment 97 for housing a battery pack (not shown). A closure panel is provided at the front of the drive sub-assembly for closing said compartment 97. The closure panel is pivotably mounted and a latch is provided for securing the closure panel in a closed position. The latch can be operated only when the cover 21 is open in order to prevent unauthorised access to the battery pack. In the present embodiment, the latch comprises a resilient spring clip.

The servicing and operation of the towel dispenser 1 will now be described. The towel dispenser 1 is typically mounted to a wall. The mounting member 23 abuts the wall and the longitudinal axis X of the towel dispenser 1 extends substantially perpendicular to the surface of the wall. Thus, when the towel dispenser I is installed, the first and second longitudinal axis Xl, X2 extend from the front to the back of the towel dispenser I substantially perpendicular to the surface of the wall.

In use, the towel T is progressively transferred from the first roll 3 onto the second rou 5.

When the first roll 3 is depleted, the towel dispenser 1 is serviced by opening the cover 21 and pivoting it upwardly. The support arm 53 and the partitioning member 69 are displaced vertically upwards when the cover 21 is raised. The actuating member 47 follows the cam track 49 and the tensioning member 43 is pivoted away from the dispensing roller 11. The second roll 5, consisting of used towel T collected from the first roll 3, can then be removed from the second chamber 31. The spindle 36 can be removed from the centre of the second roll 5 and the towel T washed in conventional manner and then re-used.

The clean towel T is supplied as a coreless roll which is located in the first chamber 29 as said first roll 3. The free end of the towel T is then fed over both the first guide roller 39 and the second guide roller 41. A section of the towel T is then wound around the spindle 36 which is then located in the second thamber 31. The ends of the spindle 36 locate in the front and rear channels 37 to align the second roll 5 within the second chamber 31.

The spindle 36 can optionally include a catch mechanism for attaching the towel T. The cover 21 is then closed, causing the tensioning member 43 and the central support assembly 45 to be displaced downwardly. The tensioning roller 51 disposed at the end of the tensioning member 43 engages the length of said towel T extending between the first and second rolls 3, 5 and displaces it downwardly. The actuating member 47 follows the cam track 49 and the tensioning member 43 is pivoted, thereby displacing the tensioning roller 51 towards the dispensing roller 11. The towel T is thereby biased against the dispensing roller 11 ready to be dispensed. The tensioning member 43 is disposed in its operating position when the cover 21 is fully closed. The cover 21 can comprise a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorised opening of the towel dispenser 1.

To dispense a metered length of the towel T, a user operates the activation means connected to the control module 15. The control module 15 activates the second electric motor 71 to release the locking cam 91 and permit rotation of the dispensing roller 11. The drive motor 7 is then activated to rotate the dispensing roller 11 in a clockwise direction (in the orientation shown in Figure 2) to dispense a metered length of the towel T. The metered length of the towel T is dispensed through the dispensing aperture 27 to present a U-shaped loop of unused towel T, as shown in Figure bA. The control module 15 then activates the second electric motor 71 to engage the locking cam 91 and inhibit further rotation of the dispensing roller 11. The user can use the dispensed length of towel T to dry their hands in conventional manner. It will be appreciated that the loop of towel T extends from front to back (i.e. longitudinally), rather than from left to right (i.e. transversely). The used (soiled) towel T is supported under the towel dispenser 1, as shown in Figure lOB (the used towel T is shown with a dashed line).

After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control module 15 reverses the drive motor 7 to drivingly rotate the collection roller 13 which rotates the second roll 5. The length of towel I is transported over the second guide roller 41 and wound onto the second roll 5. The control module 15 is configured to collect substantially the same length of towel T on the second roll 5 as dispensed from the first roll 3. As shown in Figure 100, the used towel is retracted into the outer casing 9. At least in the present embodiment, the second guide roller 41 is retracted above the lower edge 95 of the outer casing 9 to help ensure that the used towel T is retracted tnto the towel dispenser 1 where it cannot readily be accessed by the user. As shown in Figure:10D1 the second guide roller 41 is spaced upwardly from a lower edge of the outer casing 9 such that during the next operating cycle the used towel T is retained within the outer casing 9.

The control module 15 in the present embodiment is configured to dispense a single metered length of towel T during each operating cycle. The length of towel T dispensed during each operating cycle is determined by the control of the drive motor 7 implemented by the control module 15. The control module 15 can be configured to dispense a pre-set length of the towel T. Alternatively, the length of the towel T dispensed could be adjustable by a service technician, for example using a rotary switch provided on the control module 15. A time delay is typically implemented between operating cycles to limit the amount of towel T dispensed. It will be appreciated that the control module 15 could dispense multiple lengths of the towel T without a time delay between operating cycles.

Furthermore, the control module 15 can be adjusted to enable different metered lengths of the towel T to be dispensed during each operating cycle.

A towel dispenser 101 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures 12 to 14. The description of the towel dispenser 101 according to the second embodiment focuses on the differences over the towel dispenser 1 according to the first embodiment. Like reference numerals are used herein for like components, albeit incremented by 100 to aid clarity.

The towel dispenser 101 is operative to dispense a metered length of fabric towel T from a first roll 103 and to collect the used (soiled) towel T on a second roll 105. As illustrated in Figure 12, the towel T is dispensed from the first roll 103 to present a U-shaped section to the user. In the present embodiment the U-shaped section is presented below the towel dispenser 101. The towel dispenser 101 winds the used towel T onto the second roll 105.

The first and second rolls 103, 105 are thereby formed by the same length of towel T and an intermediate length of the towel T is dispensed for drying.

The towel dispenser 101 will be described herein with reference to a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y and a vertical axis Z. The first and second rolls 103, 105 are arranged in a side-by-configuration and in normal use rotate about respective first and second longitudinal axes Xl, X2.

The towel dispenser 101 comprises an electric drive motor 107 for selectively driving a metering dispensing roller 111 and a collection roller 113. The dispensing roller 111 rotates about a third longitudinal axis X3 to dispense a metered length of the towel T from the first roll 103 during each operating cycle. The collection roller 113 rotates about a fourth longitudinal axis X4 to rotate the second roll 105, thereby collecting the towel T. An electronic control module 115 is provided for controlling operation of the drive motor 107.

The towel dispenser I comprises a housing 117 including a chassis 119; and a hinged cover 121. The chassis 119 comprises a mounting member 123 disposed at the back of the towel dispenser 101 for mounting the towel dispenser 101. The chassis 119 also comprises a drive sub-assembly 125 in which the drive motor 107 is disposed. The drive sub-assembly 125 comprises an outer casing 109 and a dispensing aperture 127 through which the towel T is dispensed. The cover 121 is hinged along a transverse hinge disposed along an upper edge of the mounting member 123. The hinged cover 121 is moulded from a transparent plastics material to enable an interior of the housing 117 to be viewed by a user.

The housing 117 defines first and second chambers 129, 131 for receiving the first and second rolls 103, 105 respectively. The first and second chambers 129, 131 are laterally spaced apart from each other and arranged to align said first and second rolls 103, 105 for rotation about said first and second longitudinal axes Xl, X2. In the present embodiment, the first roll 103 is coreless (i.e. does not include a central axle or spindle).

The second roll 105 is collected around a spindle 136 which defines the second axis X2.

When positioned in the second chamber 131, the second roll 105 is supported on the collection roller 113 to establish a driving engagement between the collection roller 113 and the towel T. A first guide roller 139 is rotatably mounted in the first chamber 129 to guide the towel T as it is dispensed from the first roll 103. The first guide roller 139 is arranged parallel to the dispensing roller 11 to position the towel Tfor engaging the dispensing roller 111. A second guide roller 141 is rotatably mounted in the second chamber 131 for guiding the used towel T as it fed onto the second roll 105. The second guide roller 141 is arranged parallel to the collection roller 113 to align the used towel I for collection on the second roll 105. The first guide roller 39 is rotatable!about a fifth longitudinal axis X5 and the second guide roller 41 is rotatable about a sixth, longitudinal axis X6.

As shown in Figure 12, a first tensioning member 143 is provided for maintaining tension in the towel las it is dispensed from the first roll 103. The first tensioning member 143 is pivotalty mounted to a central support assembly 145 and arranged to pivot between a non-operating (stowed) position and an operating position. As described herein, the central support assembly 145 is displaced along the vertical axis Z when the cover 121 is opened/closed. The first tensioning member 143 comprises an actuating member 147 which locates in a first cam track 149 formed in the mounting member 123. The first tensioning member 143 comprises a guide surface 151 having a semi-circular profile for engaging the towel T. A lateral surface of the first tensioning member 143 has a concave profile at least partially to match the outer surface of the dispensing roller 111. The first cam track 149 comprises an upper section 149A which extends substantially parallel to the vertical axis Z; and a Tower section 149B which is inclined relative to the upper section for actuating the tensioning member 143. As the support assembly 145 is displaced downwardly, the actuating member 147 follows the lower section 149B of the cam track 149 and pivots the first tensioning member 143 to an operating position in which the guide surface 151 biases the towel T against the dispensing roller 111. The movement of the first tensioning member 143 is reversed when the support assembly 145 is displaced upwardly to prevent the first tensioning member 143 fouling on the dispensing roller 111.

A second tensioning member 199 is provided for maintaining tension in the towel T as it is wound onto the second roll 105. The second tensioning member 199 is pivotally mounted to the central support assembly 145 and arranged to pivot between a non-operating (stowed) position and an operating positibn. The second tensioning member 199 comprises a rotatable tensioning roller 201 for engaging the towel T and a second actuating member (not shown). The second tensioning member 199 pivots to its operating position when the central support assembly 145 is displaced to the bottom of its travel. In particular, the second actuating member locates in a guide channel 203 formed in the mounting member 123 and the continued downwards movement of the central support assembly 145 causes the second tensioning member 199 to pivot laterally outwardly. The tensioning roller 201 is thereby displaced laterally outwardly towards the collection roller 113. The second tensioning member 199 operates to maintain tension in the towel T as it travels over the second guide roller 141 and is wound onto the collection roller 113. The movement of the second tensioning member 199 is reversed when the support assembly is displaced upwardly. The pivoting arrangement of the second tensioning member 199 enables improved packaging of the towel dispenser 101 by reducing its width.

The support assembly 145 comprises a support arm 153 which is slidably mounted in a vertical track 155 formed in the mounting member 123. A pivotally mounted guide arm 156 couples the rear of the support arm 153 to the cover 121. The cover 121 comprises first and second guide panels 157, 159. A guide track 161, 163 is formed in each of the first and second guide panels 157, 159 for receiving respective lateral projections 167 disposed on the support arm 153. As the cover 121 is raised, the first and second lateral projections 165, 167, together with the guide arm 156, raise the support arm 153 vertically. The guide tracks 161, 163 are generally S-shaped and are configured to maintain the support arm 153 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the towel dispenser 1 such that it undergoes translat ion rather than rotation. The first tensioning member 143 and the second tensioning member 199 thereby remain substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis Xl in their respective operating and non-operating positions.

A partitioning member 169 is mounted to an interior of the cover 121 to separate the first and second chambers 29, 31. The partitioning member 169 provides support for the support assembly 145. In the present embodiment, the partitioning member 169 is hollow to enable its interior to be viewed through the cover 121. At least in certain embodiments, the cover 121 (or a portion thereof) can be transparent or semi-transparent to allow a user to see that the first and second chambers 129, 131 are separated by the partitioning member 169.

When the first tensioning member 143 is in its operating position, the tensioning member 151 is positioned under the first guide roller 139. This vertical offset increases the length of towel T supported between the first tensioning member 143 and the second guide roller 141 for a given transverse offset. Moreover by disposing the second guide roller 141 above the first tensioning member 143, access to towel T retracted into the towel dispenser 101 through the dispensing aperture 27 is restricted.

The drive motor 107 is operable selectively to drive the dispensing roller 111 and the collection roller 113. The coupling of the drive motor 107 to the dispensing roller 111 and the collection roller 113 is the same as the arrangement described herein for the towel dispenser 1 according to the first embodiment. Thus, the operating direction of the drive motor 107 determines which one of the dispensing roller 111 and the collection roller 113 is driven.

In use, when the first roll 103 of towel T is depleted, the towel dispenser 101 is serviced by unlocking the cover 121 and pivoting it upwardly to a raised position, as shown in Figure 14A. The support arm 153 and the partitioning member 169 are displaced vertically upwards when the cover 121 is raised. The actuating member 147 follows the cam track 149 and the first tensioning member 143 is pivoted away from the dispensing roller 111 to its non-operating position. The second tensioning member 199 is pivoted away from the collection roller 113 to its non-operating position. The second roll 105, consisting of used towel T collected from the first roll 103, can then be removed from the second chamber 131.

The clean towel T is supplied as a coreless roll which is located in the first chamber 129 to form the first roll 103. The free end of the towel T is then fed over both the first guide roller 139 and the second guide roller 141. A section of the towel T is then wound around the spindle 136 which is then located in the second chamber 113. The cover 121 is then closed, causing the central support assembly 145 to be displaced downwardly. As shown in Figure 14B, the actuating member 147 follows the cam track 149 and the first tensioning member 143 is pivoted about the fifth longitudinal axis X5 to its operating position. The guide surface 151 is displaced outwardly towards the dispensing roller 111.

The towel I is thereby biased against the dispensing roller 111 ready to be dispensed.

Moreover, the second tensioning member 199 pivots to its operating position such that the tensioning roller 201 is displaced outwardly towards the collection roller 113. The tensioning roller 201 thereby biases the towel T towards the collection roller 113 ready to be collected. The first and second tensioning members 143, 199 are disposed to their respective operating positions when the cover 121 is fully closed, as shown in Figure 14C.

The cover 121 is shown in phantom in Figures iSA and 15B to show the configuration of the first. and second tensioning members 143, 199. A front elevation of the towel dispenser 101 with the towel I loaded ready to be dispensed is shown in Figure iSA. The subsequent activation of the drive motor 107 causes a metered length of the towel T to be dispensed to form a U-shaped section (loop) of towel T below the towel dispenser 101, as shown in Figure 15B. By reversing the operating direction of the drive motor 107, the drive motor 107 rotates the collection roller 113 which causes the second roll 105 to be drivingly rotated. A length of towel T is thereby wound onto the second roll 105. The used or soiled towel T is thereby retracted so as not to extend beneath the towel dispenser 101.

One or more light elements, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), could optionally be fitted to the towel dispenser I to illuminate the towel T. The light elements could be arranged to illuminate the length of clean towel I dispensed from the first roll 3. The light elements could, for example, be disposed in the outer casing 9. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more light elements could be provided internally, for example to illuminate the first roll 3 and/or the space between the first and second chambers 29, 31 to emphasise the separation between the first and second rolls 3 5. A light element can, for example, be disposed in the hollow interior of the partitioning member 69. The control module 15 can control operation of the one or more light elements.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the towel dispenser 1 described herein without departing from the present invention. For example, the towel dispenser 1 could be configured such that the first and second rolls 3, 5 are offset vertically and/or transversely from each other. For example, the first roll 3 could be disposed above the second roll 5 or vice versa. To accommodate this arrangement, the first and second chambers 29, 31 could be formed in separate housings. This would further reduce the prospect of contamination between the first and second rolls 3, 5 of towel.

The towel dispenser 1; 101 has been described herein with reference to dispensing a fabric towel T. The towel T could, for example; be made of cotton or the like. Alternatively, the towel T could be made of scrim. In a further alternative, the towel T could be made of a non-woven material, for example a polymer-based material having a textile structure.

Other materials can be used to form the towel T.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A towel dispenser for dispensing a towel from a first roll and collecting said towel on a second roll; the towel dispenser comprising: a housing for receiving said first roll, the housing having a front and a back; a cover; and a mounting member for mounting the towel dispenser, the mounting member being disposed at the back of said housing; wherein, in use, said first roil is positioned within the housing to rotate about a first longitudinal axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing, and the second roll is positioned within the housing to rotate about a second longitudinal axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing; the first and second longitudinal axes being offset from each other in a transverse direction.
2. A towel dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein a dispensing aperture is formed in the housing and, in use, a length of said towel is dispensed from the first roll through said dispensing aperture to form a U-shaped section of the towel.
3. A towel dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein the dispensing aperture is formed in an underside of the housing and arranged such that, in use, the U-shaped section of towel is formed beneath the towel dispenser.
4. A towel dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the housing comprises a first chamber for receiving said first roll; and a second chamber for receiving said second roll; wherein the first and second bhambers are offset from each other.
5. A towel dispenser as claimed in claim 4, wherein a space is provided between said first and second chambers; the cover comprising a transparent or semi-transparent section to provide a sightline to said space.
6. A towel dispenser for dispensing a towel from a first roll and collecting said towel on a second roll; the towel dispenser comprising: a first chamber for receiving said first roll; a second chamber for receiving said second roll; and a cover comprising a transparent or semi-transparent section; wherein a space is provided between said first and second chambers; and said transparent or semi-transparent section provides a sightline to said space.
7. A towel dispenser as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the cover is transparent or semi-transparent; or the cover comprises a transparent or semi-transparent window.
8. A towel dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein a partitioning member is disposed between said first and second chambers.
9. A towel dispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein the partitioning member is hollow.
10. A towel dispenser as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, the cover being at least partially transparent and at least a portion of the partitioning member being visible through the cover.
11. A towel dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a first drive mechanism for dispensing the towel from said first roll, the first drive mechanism comprising a first drive roller rotatable about a first drive axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing.
12. A towel dispenser as claimed in claim 11 comprising a first tensioning member for tensioning the towel against the first drive roller.
13. A towel dispenser as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first tensioning member comprises an actuator for displacing the first tensioning member to an operating position, the actuator cooperating with a cam track to displace the first tensioning member to said operating position.
14. A towel dispenser as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13 comprising a second tensioning member for tensioning the towel collected by the second roll.
15. A towel dispenser as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member are mounted to a support arm.
16. A towel dispenser as claimed in claims 15, wherein the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member are pivotally mounted to the support arm.
17. A towel dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16 comprising a locking mechanism for inhibiting rotation of the first drive roller, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking cam for engaging a protuberance on the first drive roller to inhibit rotation of said first drive roller.
18. A towel dispenser as claimed in claim 17 comprising an actuator selectively operable to displace said locking cam to a locking position to engage said protuberance.
19. A towel dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 18 comprising a second drive mechanism for drivingly rotating said second roll to collect the towel, wherein the second drive mechanism comprises a second drive roller rotatable about a second drive axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing.
20. A towel dispenser as claimed in claim 19 comprising an electric machine for applying a drive torque to said first and second drive mechanisms; wherein said first and second drive mechanisms comprise respective first and second clutches, the first and second clutches having opposite engagement directions.
21. A towel dispenser as claimed in claim 20, wherein said first and second drive mechanisms are coupled to the electric machine by a continuous drive.
22. A towel dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, said first and second longitudinal axes are horizontally and/or vertically offset from each other.
23. A towel dispenser for dispensing a towel from a first roll and collecting said towel on a second roll; the towel dispenser comprising: a housing having a front and a back; a cover; a first drive mechanism for dispensing the towel from said first roll, the first drive mechanism comprising a first drive roller rotatable about a first drive axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing; a second drive mechanism for drivingly rotating said second roll to collect the towel, the second drive mechanism comprising a second drive roller rotatable about a second drive axis extending from the back of the housing to the front of the housing; wherein the first and second drive axes are offset from each other in a transverse direction.