MXPA00002217A - Dispenser for coreless rolls of products - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser (10, 40, 100) for a coreless roll product (12) having a pair of depressions defined in the ends of the coreless roll (12). The dispenser includes:a frame (14, 42, 102);mounting means for permitting the frame to be mounted to a stationary surface such as wall;and a coreless roll securing means (18, 46, 106) for securing a coreless roll product (12) for rotation within the frame (14, 42, 102). The coreless roll securing means (18, 46, 106) includes a pair of cooperating plungers (28, 52, 114). Each plunger (28, 52, 114) includes:(1) a base, the base being fixed to the frame (14, 42, 102);(2) a distal end, the distal end having a radius of curvature;and (3) a central shaft, the central shaft connecting the base and the distal end and providing sufficient length so the plunger (28, 52, 114) has a length at least as great as its widest dimension so the plunger (28, 52, 114) is adapted to penetrate a depression defined at an end of a coreless roll product (12), so radial displacement of the coreless roll (12) with respect to said frame is prevented during use. Also disclosed is a method for installing a coreless roll (12) of a product.

Description

DISTRIBUTOR FOR ROLLS OF PRODUCTS WITHOUT NUCLEUS Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of roll form products for commercial and consumer use such as, for example, absorbent paper products, and which include toilet tissue and paper towels. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved dispensing and to a method for dispensing a coreless roll of absorbent paper product.

Background of the Invention Commercial and consumer absorbent products such as tent towels, nonwoven wipers, toilet tissue, and paper towels are often distributed and stocked in a roll form. Most products in this form include a cylindrical core in the center of the roll. Typically, the product is wrapped around the core. Most roll-form product distributors require this core to function properly. The core is usually some type of cardboard tube, plastic tube, or a solid spindle which is attached to the product so that the product does not separate from the core.

The product is normally loaded by mounting the roll on a spindle in a similar manner distributing a toilet roll for the toilet. Spindle passes through the inner space of the core or penetrates another way through it. Some distributors include dowels or plugs that penetrate the hollow space within the core for a limited extent, as shown in US Pat. Nos. 390,080 2,905,404 issued to Lane and Simmons, respectively.

Recently, rolls of non-core products such as, for example, toilet tissue have appeared on the market primarily in Europe. These rolls without core are wound through the full diameter of the roll. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with coreless rolls. The coreless rolls are ecologically superior to co core rolls because they lack a central core made of plastic, cardboard or other material. In addition, more product can be provided in the space that would otherwise have been occupied by the core.

Core rolls are more expensive to manufacture than coreless rolls because of the cost of making the core and joining the cores to the product. In addition, rolls without cores have the advantage of being less susceptible to theft and commercial locations due to their inherent incompatibility with conventional dispensers or dispensers.

On the other hand, coreless roll products have had assortment problems that are difficult to overcome. Coreless rolls do not fit inside the conventional core roll dispensers. In addition, even when cores are less likely to be stolen because they are incompatible with conventional assortment systems, the lack of a core and the spindle that passes through the product can be relatively difficult to keep safe and secure. product without core format.

Conventional core roll dispensers typically include an enclosed surface that holds the roll as it rolls, and an opening through which the product passes. Even when they are functional, these distributors have some undesirable characteristics, including the lack of capacity to control pull resistance for product removal; the fact that the product touches the interior of the distributor, which could be considered non-sanitary by some consumers; and a lack of capacity to provide 180 degree access to the product consumer. Some distributors for coreless rolls have pressure plates and bolts that project into the roll side between the product layers. It can be difficult to center the roll during the loading of these distributors without centering device and the pressure plate and bolts can easily move back or sink to release the distributor roll.

Therefore, it is clear that there is a need for a coreless roll dispenser that can protect a core roll against theft. There is an additional need for a distributor that can supply coreless rolls of consumer and commercial paper products so that these can be protected against theft.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION The problems described above are examined by the following invention which encompasses a distributor for coreless roll product having a pair of depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll. The manifold includes: a frame, - mounting means for enabling the frame to be mounted on a stationary surface such as a wall and coreless securing means for securing the product in coreless rolls for rotation within the frame. The means for protecting the coreless roll includes a pair of cooperating pistons. Each plunger includes: (1) a base, the base is fixed to the frame; (2) a distal end, the distal end has a radius of curvature; and 3) a central ej, the central axis connects the base and the distal end provides a sufficient length for the plunger to have a length at least as large as its width dimension d so that the plunger is adapted to penetrate a depression. defined at one end of a coreless roll product, d so as to prevent radial displacement of the coreless roll with respect to said frame during use.

The mounting means for the distributor can be, for example, an opening defined in the frame for a securing member such as a bolt. Other mounting means may also be used, such as clamps, bolts, screws, latches and the like.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the coreless coil securing means may also include a pair of opposed arms that are connected to the frame. In such an embodiment, a plunger is mounted on the inner side of each arm including: (1) a base, the base being fixed to the frame; (2) a distal end, the distal end may desirably have a radius of curvature; and 3) a central axis, the central axis connects the base and the distal end and provides a sufficient length for the plunger to have a length at least as large as its widest dimension so that the plunger is adapted to penetrate a depression defined at one end of a roll product without a core, whereby the radial displacement of the coreless roll c with respect to said frame during use is avoided.

The dispenser may further include pressors for elastically pressing at least one of the opposite arms toward the coreless roll. The presser means may be in the form of at least one of the opposite arms being constructed of an elastic material, so that the arm (or arms) is configured to be slightly displaced when a coreless roll is secured within the distributor .

In one aspect of the present invention, the pair of opposing arms can be adapted to pivot apart from each other to define a loading position and pivot u towards the other to define an assortment position.

The dispenser may also include fixing means to fix the opposite arms in the dispensing position. For example, the fastening means may be cover that surrounds the opposite arms. Alternatively and additionally, the fastening means may be any conventional fastening mechanism including, but limited to bolts, clamps, bolts, ratchets, jaws and the like.

The plunger may have a cross section that is circular, triangular, square, diamond, semicircular, d-shaped "X", "Y" or "T" or the like. It is desirable that the plunger have a cross sectional width of at least one centimeter. If the plunger has a circular cross-section, it is desirable that the diameter be at least u centimeter.

The distal end of the plunger may have a radius of curvature and desirably defines a hemisphere. Of course other geometries are contemplated for the shape of the distal extremity of the plunger. It is also contemplated that the plunger may have a narrow width or a variable width.

The distal end of the plunger must extend from its base by a sufficient distance to penetrate the depression at the end of the coreless roll. Generally speaking, the distal end of the plunger extends from its base by a distance that is at least equal to or greater than the plunger width. Desirably, the distance is from about 1. to about 2.0 times the width of the plunger. For example, if the plunger has a cross-sectional width of about one centimeter, it is desirable for the distal end of the plunger to extend by more than about one centimeter or more from the base. As a further example, the distal end of the embolus can be desirably extended by 1.25 centimeters, 1. centimeters, 1.75 centimeters, or 2.0 centimeters. Generally speaking, a larger extension of the plunger helps to provide greater penetration into the depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll product and helps prevent theft of product in rolls without core from the distributor.

The present invention also encompasses a method for installing a roll of coreless product having a pair of depressions defined at opposite ends of the roll in a distributor. The method includes the steps of: moving at least one pair of pistons opposite a position for loading; orienting a coreless roll with a pair of depressions at the opposite ends of the roll so that each depression is adjacent to each plunger; Y securing the coreless roll to the distributed by returning at least one of the pair of plungers opposed to a distributing position whereby the plungers penetrate the respective depressions in the coreless roll.

According to the method of the present invention, the displacement step may involve moving both of the opposed pistons to a loading position. In an embodiment, the assurance step may involve returning both of the opposing pistons to a distributing position.

The method of the present invention may further include the step of elastically pressing the plungers into the coreless roll during the operation.

In one aspect of the method of the present invention, the displacement and securing steps may involve moving at least one of a pair of opposing arms. For example, the displacement and securing steps may involve moving a pair of opposing arms.

Another aspect of the method of the present invention further includes the step of fixing at least one of a pair of opposing arms in a dispensing position. This step can be achieved by covering the arms with a cover by conventional fixing means such as eg a cam, a lever, a ratchet, a similar key. The fixing means can be activated by means of a key or a bolt.

These and several other advantages and features of the novelty characterizing the invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims and form a part of the present. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should now be made to the drawings which form an additional part thereof, and to the accompanying descriptive material, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated and described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an illustration of an exemplary roll product without core.

Figure 2 is an illustration of a detail of a roll product distributor without an example core.

Figure 3 is an illustration of an exemplary roll product without core.

Figure 4 is an illustration of an exemplary roll product without core.

Figure 5 is an illustration of an exemplary roll product without core.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings, where like reference numbers designate a corresponding structure through the views, and referring in particular to Figure 1, there is shown (not necessarily scale) an illustration of an example distributor for a product. of coreless roll having a pair of depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll.

Many different types of products can be produced in a coreless roll format. For example, commercial and consumer absorbent products such as store towels, non-woven fabrics, cleaners, bathroom tissue and paper towels are distributed and dispensed in a roll format. In Figure 1 there is shown a dispenser 10 for dispensing roll products without core 12 (shown in dotted lines) having a pair of depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll.

The distributor 10 includes a frame 14 having mounting holes 16 defined therein to allow the frame to be mounted on a stationary surface, such as a wall. The dispenser 10 further includes a coreless roll securing mechanism 18 for securing a coreless roll 12 of the product (eg a toilet tissue) to rotate within the frame 14. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the mechanism of Coreless roll lock 18 includes a first arm 20, a second central arm 22 and a third arm 24.

Although the present invention is described in terms of a distributor having the arms connected to a frame, it should be understood that other embodiments of the present invention are possible. For example, some distributors may have sides instead of arms. In either case, the arms or sides will be spaced apart by a distance that is slightly larger than the width of the core product roll that is to be stocked.

The dispenser 10 shown in Figure 1 is designed to accommodate two rolls of core roll product (eg bathroom tissue) much in the way of many conventional dispensers that is available for a commercial application. Desirably, the outer arms 20 and 24 can be made of an elastic material such as steel for leaf springs, and are configured so that they can be moved slightly when a core roll is secured between the central arm 22 and the respective outer arms. and 24. In this manner, the outer arms 20 and 24 will push the respective coreless roll 2 toward the central arm 22.

In some embodiments of the invention, the outer arms 20 and 24 are constructed so that they are rigid and do not move. In this case, a hinge was used as a pivot at the base of the outer arms or at some other position on the outer arms so that the arms can move outwards (eg away from the central arm 22) to a loading position and inwards (for example towards central arm 22) to a distributing position.

An important advantage of the invention is that the coreless roll securing mechanism 18 is designed to prevent radial displacement of the rolls if core 12 with respect to the frame 14 of the distributor 10 during use, so that the roll without The core can be stocked if you fear a radial displacement during use as reliably as a roll with conventional absorbent paper product core can be dispensed. This is achieved by providing the pistons 28 on the inner surfaces 26 of the respective arms 20, 22, and 24 of the securing mechanism 18. Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown an example plunger 28. Each plunger 28 is configured to have a base 30, a distal end 32 and a central axis 34.

Generally speaking, the base 30 is fixed to the outer arms 20 and 24 and the central arm 22 of the dispenser.

It is contemplated that the base 30 may be attached to the frame in the distributor modes lacking the arms of the type described herein. The plunger 28 may be a discrete unit and the base 30 may be adhered, attached, connected or otherwise fixed to the distributor arms. For example, the plunger base may be held by gums, welds, bolts, screws, keys, fasteners, clamps, or other means. Alternatively, the plunger may be formed as an integral part of the outer arms, central arms or frame arms by means of the same manufacturing techniques used to form the arms and / or the frame. For example, the plunger may be formed as part of the arms and / or frame during a process such as, for example, injection molding, casting, machining, sculpting, or the like.

The distal end 32 of the plunger 28 may have a radius of curvature and desirably defines a hemisphere. The rounded tip serves as a centering device for loading the roll and facilitates loading by providing a leading edge. Of course, other geometries are contemplated for the shape of the distal end of the plunger.

The central axis 34 of the plunger 28 connects the bas 30 and the distal end 32 and provides a sufficient length such that the plunger 28 has a length at least as large as its width dimension so that the plunger is adapted to penetrating a defined depression in an end of the coreless roll product so as to avoid radial displacement of the coreless roll with respect to said frame during use.

Generally speaking, it is desirable for the embolus to have a width in cross section that is slightly greater than the width of the depression at the end of the coreless roll product. This configuration helps to ensure that the roll when it is loaded, prevents overdrafting of the roll during the assortment, and helps hold the roll when it is exhausted. For example, if the depressions defined at both ends of the coreless roll have a diameter of slightly less than one centimeter (for example, of -0.9 centimeters), the piston will desirably have a diameter or width of about one centimeter or slightly greater than one centimeter. .

In an embodiment of the invention, it is desirable that the plunger have a cross-sectional width of at least 1 centimeter (about one-half inch). If the plunger has a circular cross section, it is desirable that the diameter be at least one centimeter. Desirably the central axis 34 has the parallel and straight sides. The straight sides of the plunger help prevent the plunger from reeling during the assortment, they also help the roll to rotate freely and prevent damage to the roll during assortment. It is also contemplated that the plunger may have a narrow width or a variable anc.

The plunger may be configured so that it is essentially fixed or is unable to rotate about an axis. In such a case, it is desirable that the plunger be constructed of materials that provide low levels of friction to allow the coreless roll to rotate freely. In alternative form, the plunger can be configured so that it can rotate freely. It is contemplated that the plunger may be configured such that it is capable of rotating with the coreless paper during assortment.

Referring again to Figure 1, a number of plungers 28 extends from the respective arms 20, 22 and 2 to where the roll of the coreless product 12 is held during the operation. These pistons 28 are specifically designed to penetrate the depressions defined at each end of the coreless roll to secure the core roll against the theft and to prevent a displacement of the coreless roll during use.

In embodiments of the invention wherein the arms 20 and 24 are constructed of an elastic material, it will be appreciated that the pressure provided by the elasticity of the arms will assist the pistons 28 to penetrate the depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll and improve and secure the coreless rolls inside the distributor 1 during use.

In other embodiments where the arms 20 are constructed of a rigid material and a hinge or pivot is used, an elastic means such as a spring or rubber strip can be used to help press the arms into the coreless roll.

Desirably, the dispenser 10 includes a cover 30 that is hinged to the frame 14 by means of the hinges 32. A sliding window 34 can be provided in the cover 30 to selectively expose the roll 12 of the coreless roll product that is being stocked in a particular point in time, and to deny access to the other roll or to an empty mounting location. The cover 30, the hinges 32, and the sliding window 34 are conventional.

The cover 30 may also function as a closure means to help secure the coreless roll 12 in the dispenser. Closing the cover on the dispenser can prevent movement of the arms 20 and 24 so that the coreless roll 12 can not be discharged and remain in place until it is exhausted.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates example dispenser 40 for dispensing a coreless roll 12 product. The dispenser 40 includes a frame 42, which is incarnated as a relatively simplified shield around space where the coreless roll 12 will be placed during use. The frame 42 has the mounting holes 44 defined in a rear part thereof for mounting the distributor 4 to a stationary surface, such as a wall. The distributor 40 further includes a coreless coil locking mechanism 46 which is incarnated as a first arm 48 a second arm 50 constructed of an elastic material. A pa of plungers 52 mounted on the respective elastic arms 48 are constructed and arranged to penetrate the depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll in the manner described above. It is contemplated that the plungers 5 can be molded, formed, fused, welded or otherwise constructed as an integral part of the arms 48 and 52 instead of being discrete units mounted on the arms.

It is also contemplated that only one arm requires being configured so as to be resilient to achieve satisfactory operation of the present invention (eg to load the dispenser). Desirably, both arms 48, and 50 will be elastic.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, there is another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an example dispenser 100 for dispensing coreless roll 12 of the product. The dispenser 100 includes a frame 102 which is essentially a mounting plate. The frame 102 has the mounting holes 104 defined in a rear part thereof for mounting the dispenser 100 to a stationary surface such as a wall. The dispenser 10 further includes a coilless locking mechanism 106 which is incarnated as a first arm 108 and as a second arm 110. A pair of hinges or pivots 112 connect the first arm 108 and the second arm 110 to the frame 104. .

A pair of plungers 114 mounted on the respective arms 108 and 110 are constructed and arranged to penetrate the depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll in the manner described above. It is contemplated that the pistons 114 may be molded, formed, fused, otherwise welded constructed as an integral part of the arms 108 and 110 instead of being discrete units mounted on the arms.

It is contemplated that only one of the arms 110 requires being configured so that it is opened to a loading position and closed to a discharge position to achieve a satisfactory operation of the present invention (e.g. to load the dispenser). . Both of the arms 108 and 110 may be configured so that they pivoted or rotated on a hinge.

In other embodiments of the invention, a fastening means for holding the arms 108 and 110 in a dispenser position can be included in the dispenser. The fixing means may be a cam, a lever, a ratchet, a key or the like. The fixing means can be activated by means of a key or a bolt. Tale fixation means may be desirable for distributors used in environments where product theft can be found. The closing means on the plunger will discourage the discharge of the coreless roll by making it difficult to pull the plungers out of the depressions defined in the ends of the coreless roll product.

It will be understood, however, that while numerous features and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the one who described it is illustrative only, and may make changes in the details, especially in the matters of form, size, arrangement of the parts within the principles of the invention, and the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims (19)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A distributor for a roll product if core having a pair of depressions defined at the end of the coreless roll, the distributor comprises: a frame; mounting means to allow the frame to be mounted on a stationary surface such as a wall; Y a coreless roll securing means securing a roll product without core to rotate within frame, the coreless roll securing means comprises a pair of cooperating pistons, each plunger includes a base, the base being fixed to the frame; a distal end; Y a central axis, the central axis connects the base to the distal end and provides a sufficient length of maner that the plunger has a length at least as large as s dimension wider so that the plunger is adapted to penetrate a depression defined in one end of the roll product without core, whereby the radial displacement of coreless roll with respect to the frame during use is avoided.

2. The dispenser as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said mounting means comprises an opening defined in said frame for an assurance member such as a bolt.

3. The dispenser as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the coreless roll securing means can further comprise an opposing pair of arms that are connected to the frame, and a plunger is mounted on an inner side of each arm including: a base, the base being fixed to the frame; a distal end; a central axis, the central axis connects the base to the distal end and provides a sufficient length of maner that the plunger has a length at least as large as s dimension wider so that the plunger is adapted to penetrate a depression defined in one end of a roll product without a core, whereby radial displacement of coreless roll with respect to said frame during use is avoided.

4. The dispenser as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that it comprises pressure means for elastically pressing at least one of the arms opposite to the coreless roll.

5. The dispenser as claimed in clause 4 characterized in that the pressing means comprise at least one of the opposed arms being constructed of an elastic material, and said at least one arm is configured to be slightly displaced when it ensures a coreless roll inside the distributor.

6. The dispenser as claimed in clause 3 characterized in that the pair of opposite arms are adapted to pivot apart from each other to define a loading position and pivot towards each other to define an assortment position.

7. The dispenser as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that it comprises fixing means for fixing the opposite arms in the distributing position.

8. The dispenser as claimed in clause 7 characterized in that the fixing means comprise a cover that surrounds the opposite arms.

9. The distributor as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the piston has a circular cross section.

10. The distributor as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the piston has a cross-sectional dimension of at least one centimeter.

11. The dispenser as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the distal end of the embolus defines a hemisphere.

12. The dispenser as claimed in clause 10 characterized in that the distal end of the plunger extends from its base by a distance that is from about 1.0 to about 2.0 times the width of the plunger.

13. A method for installing a roll with no product core "having a pair of depressions defined at opposite ends of the roll inside a distributor, the method includes the steps of: moving at least one of a pair of plungers opposite a position of cargo; orienting a coreless roll with a pair of depressions at the opposite ends of the roll so that each depression is on one side of each plunger; Y securing the coreless roll in the distributed one by returning at least one of the pair of pistons opposite a distributing position whereby the pistons penetrate the respective depressions in the coreless roll.

14. The method as claimed in clause 13 characterized in that the step of the displacement involves moving both of the opposed pistons to a loading position.

15. The method as claimed in clause 13 characterized by the step of assurance involves returning both of the opposed pistons to a loading position.

16. The method as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that it also includes the step d elastically pressing the pistons inside the core roll during the operation.

17. The method as claimed in clause 13 characterized in that the steps of shifting ensure to involve moving at least one of a pair of opposite arms.

18. The method as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that the displacement and securing steps involve moving a pair of opposing arms

19. The method as claimed in clause 17 further characterized in that it comprises the step d fixing at least one of a pair of opposite arms in a distributing position. E S U M E N A distributor for a core roll product that has a pair of depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll. The distributor includes: a frame; mounting means to allow the frame to be mounted on a stationary surface such as a wall; and means for fixing the coreless roll to fix a roll product without a nub for rotation within the frame. The coreless core fastening means includes a pair of cooperating pistons. Ca plunger includes: (1) a base, the base being fixed frame; (2) a distal end, the distal end has a radius of curvature; and (3) a central axis, the centrical axis connects the base and the distal end and provides a sufficient length so that the plunger has a length at least as large as its wider dimension so that the plunger is adapted to penetrate in a defined depression at one end of a roll product without a core, so as to avoid a radial displacement of the coreless roll with respect to said frame during use. A method for installing a roll of coreless product is also described.