US2087513A

US2087513A - Towel cabinet

Info

Publication number: US2087513A
Application number: US725536A
Authority: US
Inventors: Leo M Harvey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1934-05-14
Filing date: 1934-05-14
Publication date: 1937-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 1954-07-20

Description

1 M. HARVEY TOWEL CABINET July 20, 1.937.

A Filed May 14, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet l oOo fu. NM .e .Nil

July 20, 1937..v 1 M. HARVEY TOWEL CABINET '5 sheets-shed 2 FilBd May 14, 1934 lll/111111111111111lll/11lll//l/lll/111111111111114 Patented July 20, 1937 UNITED STATES zaaien PATENT OFFICE 18 Claims.

This invention relates to a towel cabinet and relates more particularly to a roll-towel cabinet of the class commonly used in public washrooms and the like. A general object of this invention is to provide a practical, effective towel cabinet embodying a novel means for delivering and controlling the delivery of the roll-toweling.

Towel cabinets of the class for delivering or vending roll-toweling have been introduced involving devices for limiting the delivery of the toweling at each operation. These devices are usually such that predetermined lengths of the toweling may be repeatedly Withdrawn by the user without delay by merely successively operating the locking mechanism. This is very objectionable as a person may withdraw an excessive amount of toweling and greatly deplete the supply of clean toweling in the cabinet. Further, locking devices of the character referred to are usually more or less unsanitary as they involve buttons, levers or handles that must be manipulated by the users to free the toweling for delivery. The web or portion of the clean toweling withdrawn from the typical forms of towel cabinets usually depends from the lower end of the cabinetor extends across the face of the cabinet in close proximity thereto. Toweling thus dispensed cannot be conveniently employed to dry the face because of its closeness to the cabinet which prevents the user from bringing his head or face in proper engagement with the clean toweling without interfering with the case.

An object of this invention is to provide a rolltowel cabinet in which a clean portion of the tcweling is fed or delivered from an apron or drawer which is extended or projected from the cabinet to render the clean toweling conveniently accessible for use. In the device of the present invention an apron or drawer is first projected from the cabinet and the clean toweling may be withdrawn from its outer end to be entirely f ree from and spaced a substantial distance from the cabinet whereby it may be readily employed to dry the face as well as the hands.

Another object of this invention is to provide a roll-towel cabinet in which a limited or predetermined amount of toweling may be readily withdrawn from the cabinet and a substantial time interval must elapse before more toweling may be withdrawn for use, whereby the wasteful use of the toweling is avoided.

Another object of the invention is to provide a towel cabinet of the character mentioned in which a predetermined amount or length of clean toweling may be easily withdrawn f or use by en- (Cl. S12-38) gaging and pulling on the toweling itself without handling or manipulating buttons, levers or the like.

nother object of the invention is to provide a towel cabinet of the character mentioned that embodies a simplified and improved means for operating the winding roll or take-up roll whereby the amount of soiled toweling taken up is equal to the length of the clean toweling withdrawn at each operation of the device.

Another object of the invention is to provide a towel cabinet of the character mentioned in which the take-up roll for reeling in the soiled toweling may be easily and quickly positioned in and removed from the case or cabinet.

Another object of the invention is to provide a towel cabinet that is compact and particularly sightly in appearance as it does not involve any projecting levers, handles, or the like.

Other objects and features of my invention will be readily and more fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference may be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a vertical detailed sectional View of one form of the invention showing the parts in the normal or unactuated positions. Fig. 2 is a vertical, sectional View of the front portion of the device illustrating the principal mechanisms in elevation, being a view taken as indicated by line 2 2 on Fig. l. Fig. 3 is a vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 3 3 on Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged-vertical detailed sectional view of the control means taken substantially as indicated by line 4 4 on Fig 2. Figs. 5 and 6 are enlarged, transverse detailed sectional views taken substantially as indicated by lines 5 5 and 6 6, respectively, on Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a side elevation of an embodiment of the invention in which the apron is normally held up against the lower end of the case. Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the apron in a projected position for the delivery of the clean toweling. Fig. 9 is a vertical detailed sectional view of another form of the invention showing the parts in the normal positions and indicating the projected position of the drawer in dotted lines. Fig. 1G is a vertical, sectional view of the device illustrated in Fig. 9 showing the control mechanism in elevation.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, of the drawings includes, generally, a cabinet or case l0 carrying a supply roll ll of clean toweling and a take-up roll I2, means I3 for handling the toweling T and for operating the take-up roll I2, and a control I4 for the means I3 operatable to prevent the withdrawal of toweling from the case for a predetermined period following the withdrawal of a given amount of toweling.

The cabinet or case I0 is provided to contain or house the rolls II and I2 and the mechanism of the device. The case Il] may be a substantially rectangular upright `structure as illustrated in the drawings. The front of the case Ii is normally closed by a hinged door I5 which may be opened to render the interior of the case accessible. Vertical partitions or supports I6 extend between the upper andlower ends of the case Iii adjacent its opposite side walls I'I. A partition i8 extends between the supports I6 in the lower portion of the case. The partition I8 is curved upwardly and rearwardly from the bottom of the case and then curves forwardly and upwardly to terminate at an inclined portion. An opening is provided in the bottom or lower wall of the case I6 to facilitate the threading of the toweling to the take-up roll I2 which opening is normally closed by a suitable door I9. The door I 9 may be held in the closed position by a suitable latch or spring means (not shown). A space or slot 2B occurs between the forward edge of the door I9 and the bottom wall of the case to pass the soiled toweling upwardly into the case. v

The supply roll II of clean toweling is arranged in the case to rest on its bottom wall in front of the partition I8. The toweling T is threaded upwardly from the forward side of the roll II to the means I3 and the concaved forward side of the partition I8 is adapted to receive the roll II in the event it has a tendency to move from its normal position when the toweling is reeled from it. The take-up roll I2 is located above and somewhat rearwardly of the partition I8 and extends between the spaced supports I6. Gudgeons or pins 2I project from the opposite ends of the take-up roll I2 and project into slots 22 in the supports I6. The slots 22 extend upwardly and slightly forwardly to comparatively large notches 23 in the upper outer corners of the supports I6. The pins 2I are free to rotate and move longitudinally in the slots 22. The lower walls of the notches 23 are inclined downwardly and forrwardly from the slots 22 to facilitate the removal of the take-up roll I2. It is believed that it will be apparent how the take-up roll I2 may be readily positioned in the case by opening the door I5 and passing the roll inwardly so that the pins 2| are slid along the lower edges of the notches 23 and received in the slots 22.

The means I3 handles or feeds the toweling T, operating to rotate the take-up roll l2 to receive the same amount of toweling that is reeled from the supply roll II at each operation of the device. The means I3 includes a friction roll 24 positioned between the supports I6V at a point above andl forward of the supply roll II. Journals or pins 25 on the opposite ends of the roll 24 are rotatably received in openings in the supports I6. A similar friction roll 26 of the same diameter as the roll 24 is located rearwardly of the roll 24. Pins 2l on the opposite ends of the roll 2S are rotatably received in openings in the supports i6. Gears 28 are provided on the

pins

25 and 21 at corresponding ends of the rolls 24 and 26. A pinion 29 meshes with the two gears 28 to operatively connect the rolls 24 and 26. It will be apparent how the gearing just described connects the rolls 24 and 26 for simultaneous rotation in the same direction and at the same rate.

In accordance with the invention the clean toweling rotates or drives the roll 24 as it is reeled from the supply roll II. The toweling T leaving the supply roll II passes upwardly and is trained or threaded over a roller 36. The roller 36 is spaced above and slightly forward from the roll 24 and has pins 3i on its opposite ends rotatable and longitudinally shiftable in slots 32 in the supports I5. The clean toweling T passes upwardly from the roll H to first engage the periphery of the roll 24 and then thread over the pulley or roller 30. From the roller 35 the toweling passes downwardly in the front portion of the case and passes through a slot 33 in the front lower corner of the case ID. The periphery of the roll 24 is roughened or provided with a friction material or -abrasive material such as emery cloth whereby the roll 24 is positively caused to rotate as the toweling is moved to drive or rotate the roll 26 through the gearing just described. Further, the friction material on the periphery of the roll 24 cooperates with the towel T to prevent movement of the toweling when the roll is held against rotation by the control I4, as will be subsequently described. The slots 32 are located so that the roller 30 rests on the roll 24 through the intervening toweling and downward force tran.,- mitted to the roller 30 by a pull on the toweling tends to tightly lock the toweling between the roller 35 and the roll 24, unless the roll 24 is free to rotate.

The rear friction roll 26 cooperates with the toweling on the take-up roll I2 to drive or rotate the take-up roll upon being rotated in the manner just described. The slots 22 are located so that the take-up roll I2 rests on the friction roll 26 through the toweling wrapped on the take-up roll. The slots 22 permit the take-up roll to move upwardly as an increasing amount of toweling is reeled on it. The soiled toweling passes upwardly through the slot 26 and is then Wrapped on the take-up roll I2 from its rear side. The weight of the take-up roll I2 and the tension on the toweling tends to hold the toweling on the take-up roll in firm contact with the periphery of the roll 26 so that the take-up roll is rotated to reel in the toweling at the same rate as the toweling is reeled from the supply roll II. The friction roll 26 which is of the saine diameter as the driving roll 24 rotates the take-up roll I2 to reel .z

up the same amount of toweling that passes over the periphery of the drive roll 24. This action of the means I3 remains constant irrespective of the diameter of the reeled up toweling on the take-up roll I2. The periphery of the rear 'riction roll 26 is roughened or provided with a suitable abrasive material to have eiective driving engagement with the reeled up toweling on the take-up roll l2. A pawl 9 cooperates with a gear 28 to prevent reverse movement of the toweling.

The invention includes effective 'means for maintaining suitable tension on the soiled toweling as it passes to the take-up roll I2 which tension assists in holding the take-up roll in proper contact with the friction roll 26 and causes the toweling to be reeled on the take-up roll in the proper manner. The take-up roll I2 and the slot 26 passing the soiled toweling into the case I6 are spaced vertically and forwardly from the rearwardly curved portion of the partition i8.

Accordingly the toweling passing upwardly from the slot 2i) to the take-up roll I2 must contact or move over the rear side of the curved part of the partition. The curvature of the partition I8 is rather gradual so that a considerable amount of toweling remains in dragging contact with its outer surface. 'Ihe engagement of the toweling with the curved partition I8 operates to maintain a suitable tension on the portion of the toweling being reeled on the take-up roll I2.

The control I4 is provided to limit the amount of toweling T that may be withdrawn from the case I0 at one operation and to prevent the withdrawal of further toweling for a predetermined period of time following said operation. The control I4 limits the extent of rotation of the friction roll 24 and prevents rotation of the roll 24 following the completion of its limited rotary movement and by thus controlling the roll 24 controls the extent and time of delivery of the toweling. As governed by the control I4 the roll 24 constitutes a measuring element or roll determining the amount of toweling that may be withdrawn from the cabinet. As previously described toweling can be withdrawn from the case I0 only when the roll 24 is free to rotate, this being due to the provision of the friction material on the periphery of the roll 24 and the lock action of the roller 30 which binds the toweling between it and the periphery of the roll 24.

The control I4 includes a cam or disc 34 on the pin 25 which carries a gear 28. The disc 34 has a curved peripheral surface provided with an abrupt or radial shoulder 35. Spaced side fianges 36 project beyond the periphery of the disc 34. A detcnt or pawl 31 is provided to cooperate with the shoulder 35 to normally prevent rotation of the roll 24. The pawl 31 is pivotally supported by a pin 33. The pin 38 has one end carried by a bracket 39 and has its other end supported in a bearing 40 on a side wall I1' of the case. The bracket 33 has its principal part spaced from said side of the case to leave a suitable space for housing the d isc 34 and other parts of the control. A spring 4I is connected to the bracket 39 and a pin 42 on the pawl 31 to urge the pawl into engagement with the periphery o the disc. With the parts in the normal positions the outer end of the pawl 31 engages the shouder 35 to prevent the withdrawal of toweling T from the case IG.

Means controlled by forward movement or withdrawal of toweling T from the case ID is provided to release the pawl 31 from the shoulder 35 and thus permit the removal of a predetermined amount of toweling from the case. This pawl releasing means of the control I4 includes an extensible or project-able memberor apron 44 cooperating with or engaging the toweling T. In the form of the invention being described the apron 44 or the part adapted to be projected from the case I5 to release the control I4 normally depends from the forward lower corner of the case II). The apron 44 is carried by an axle or rod 45 whose opposite ends are rotatably supported in bearings 45. The apron 44 is movable between its vertical depending position and a substantiaily horizontal position where it projects forwardly from the lower forward corner o the case. The apron 44 is in the nature of a channel or guide for passing and guiding the toweling. In the form illustrated the apron 44 is tubular, being provided with an opening or slot 41 which extends through it from one end to the other to pass the clean toweling, it being understood that the apron 44 may be of other construction and configuration if desired. The upper or inner end of the slot 41 registers with the slot 33 in the case Ill. Spaced notches 48 are provided in the forward or outer edge of the apron 44 whereby clean toweling is made readily accessible for engagement when the toweling is to be withdrawn through the raised apron. In the apparatus illustrated in Figs. 1 to '1, inclusive, of the drawings, the clean toweling or the apron 44 may be engaged and manipulated to raise the apron 44 to its projecting horizontal position. This movement of the apron 44 releases the pawl 31 from the cam shoulder 35 whereby the toweling may be withdrawn or pulled from the apron.

The operative connection between the apron 44 and the pawl 31 whereby the pawl is released from the shoulder 35 upon the apron 44 reaching its horizontal position includes a lever or link 48 pivoted on the rod 45 and adapted to pass through an opening 8 and project into the case I0. A stop 50 may be provided on the link 49 to engage the case i0 for the purpose of limiting its upward or inward movement. A lug 1 is provided on the apron 44 to cooperate with the link 49 at a point spaced from its connection with the rod 45. A cylinder 5I is pivotally connected with the link 49 by a pin 52a and projects upwardly and inwardly in the case to have its upper end adjacent the pivoted end portion of the pawl 31. The cylinder 5I has a central longitudinal opening 52. A bushing or bearing part 53 is screwthreaded in the outer end of the opening 52. A piston rod 54 extends into the cylinder opening 52 and slidably operates through the part 53. A nut 55 is provided on the outer end of the piston r 54 and is pivotally supported on the shaft or pin 3B. The nut 55 is notched or slotted to pass the pawl 31 and another part to be subsequently described. A cup-leather 56 is provided on the rod 54 to slidably cooperate with the wall of the opening 52. The purpose and function of the piston rod and cup-leather will be hereinafter described.

A cam part or arm 51 projects from the upper end of the cylinder 5I and has a longitudinal side or surface 58 for slidably cooperating with the pin 42 on the pawl 31. An enlargement is provided o-n the outer end of the arm 51 and provides a downwardly facing shoulder 53 which cooperates with the pin 42 to pivot the pawl 31 against the action of the spring 4I and release the pawl from the shoulder 35. The toweling T is thus freed for delivery or withdrawal when the apron 44 is moved to its horizontal position projecting forwardly fro-m the case I0.

The control I4 includes means for preventing unlimited withdrawal of the toweling T while the apron 44 is in its horizontal position. A dog or pawl 60 is slackly pivoted on the pin 38 having a slot 6I passing the pin. The slot 6I permits the required endwise movement of the pawl 60 relative to the pin 38. A spring 32 is connected with the pawl 55 to normally urge its outer end portion against the periphery of the disc 34. A stop 63 on the pawl 5D normally coopcrates with a stop 64 on the cylinder 5I to hold the pawl 60 spaced from the disc 34. Downward movement of the cylinder 5I resulting from movement of the apron 44 toward its horizontal position disengages the stop 64 from the sto-p 53 so that the spring 52 urges the pawl 60 against the disc 34. The pawl BB is proportioned and is held by the spring 52 so that its outer end projects beyond the shoulder 35 when the pawl 31 is in cooperation with the shoulder and the pawl 60 does not interfere with the initial movement of the disc 34 when the pawl 31 is disengaged from the shoulder 35. When suicient toweling hasbeen Withdrawn from the forward end of the projected apron 44 to cause the disc 34 to be rotated a complete revolution the shoulder 35 comes into contact with the end of the pawl 66 and further turning of the disc is prevented. This stopping of the disc 34 of course prevents the further withdrawal of toweling from the apron 44 at that time.

Means is provided for automatically returning the cylinder 5I and associated parts to their normal positions. In the particular structure illustrated in the drawings a spring 5 is connected to the cylinder to urge it to the normal position. Springs 65 may surround the rod 45 to urge the apron 44 toward its down or vertical position. When the apron 44 is released or freed following the withdrawal of the toweling T from its outer end the spring 65 operates to move the apron 44 toward its normal depending position, the weight of the apron aiding the operation of the spring. The apron 44 in being slackly connected with the cylinder 5I may be moved at will after the release of the pawl 31 without affecting the lock mechanism.

The invention includes means for delaying or retarding the return of the cylinder 5I to its normal position. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings this delaying or retarding means includes the piston rod 54 and the cup-leather previously described. An open port 66 communicates with the outer end portion of the cylinder opening 52 allowing the free entrance and exhaust of air from this end of the cylinder. A port 61 communicatos'with the lower end of the cylinder opening 52 and is controlled'to suitably retard the return movement of the cylinder 5I. A valve member or screw 68 is threaded into an opening in the cylinder body to restrict or partially cut off the port 61. The screw 68 may be adjusted to provide for any desired rate of discharge of air from. the inner or lower end of the cylinder opening 52.

When the apron 44 is moved to its projecting or horizontal position the cup-leather 56 contracts to permit the free passage of air to the inner end of the cylinder opening. During the return movement of the cylinder this air trapped in the inner end of the cylinder opening is forced to escape from the port 61 and the screw 68 limits the rate of this discharge and the return of the cylinder is thus retarded or delayed. The pawl i-s disengaged from the shoulder 35 due to the cooperation of the stop 64 with the stop 63 when the cylinder 5I reaches its normal position, the pawl 31 having automatically returned to its position in cooperation with the shoulder 35. The withdrawal of toweling is thus prevented during the return movement of the cylinder 5| and until the cylinder has assumed its normal position.

It is believed that the operation of the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, of the drawings will be readily understood from the foregoing detailed description. When a person wishes to withdraw clean toweling T from the cabinet he engages the toweling through the notches 48 or engages the apron 44 or both and moves the apron to its projecting substantially horizontal position. Prior to this movement of the apron to its horizontal position the pawl 31 cooperates with the shoulder 35 to prevent rotation of the roll 24 and withdrawal of the toweling. During the movement of the apron 44 to its horizontal position the lug 1 engages the link 49 so that the cylinder 5I is moved down- Wardly with the lever arm 49 thus freeing the pawl 60 for cooperation with the disc 34 and causing sliding cooperation of the surface 53 with the pin 42. As the apron 44 reaches or approaches its fully projected position the shoulder 59 comes into engagement with the pin 42 to swing the pawl 31 out of cooperation with thc shoulder 35 releasing the roll 24 for rotation and thus releasing the toweling T for withdrawal from the apron. The clean toweling removed or withdrawn from the outer end of the projected apron 44 is conveniently accessible for use and its underside as well as upper side may be employed in the drying of the hands and face. It

will be noted that the clean toweling removed from the outer end of the projected apron :i4 may be used to dry the face without fear of interference with the case or other parts of the device.

During the removal of the clean toweling as just described the rear friction roll 25 is rotated through the

gearing

28 and 29 to rotate the takeup roll I2 to reel in the same amount of toweling that is reeled from the supply roll II. Due to this operation of the means amount of toweling T is at all times depending from the cabinet. Clean toweling may be freely pulled or withdrawn from the outer end of the projected apron 44 until the roll 24 has been turned approximately one complete revolution, at 5':

which time the shoulder 35 strikes the end of the pawl 6i). The pawl 65 thus prevents further rotation of the roll 24 and further withdrawal of clean toweling. From the above it will be seen that the control I4 operates to permit the withdrawal of only a predetermined amount or length of clean toweling from the projected apron 44, the length of toweling that may be withdrawn being substantially equal to the length of the circumference of the roll 24. When the user releases the toweling and the apron 44 the springs and the weight of the apron return the apron to its normal position. The spring 5 acts to return the cylinder 5I to its normal position. rfhe air trapped in the inner end of the cylinder opening 52 resists this return movement of the cylinder and as the trapped air is permitted to discharge at a slow rate the return movement of the cylinder is retarded. The air trapped in the inner end of the cylinder opening 52 is ultimately slowly forced from the opening and the cylinder 5I assumes or moves to its normal position. During the initial portion of the return movement of the cylinder 5I the shoulder 59 moves away from the pin 42 so that the pawl 31 again comes into cooperation with the disc 34. As the cylinder 5I approaches its normal position the stop B4 cooperates with the stop 63 to release the pawl 58 from the shoulder 35,where upon the pawl 31 assumes the function of preventing rotation of the disc 34 through its engagement with the disc shoulder 35. It will be seen that the device cannot be operated to discharge clean toweling until the pawl E@ has been released from the shoulder 35 and as this cannot take place until the cylinder 5I has assumed its normal position clean toweling cannot be dispensed or removed until the lapse of a predetermined time following the re'ease of the pawl 31.

I3 a uniform f This prevents the wasteful and unnecessary use of excessive toweling.

Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention in whichv the apron 44 is pivotally supported at the forward lower corner of the case III to be movable from a substantially horizontal position below and adjacent the bottom of the case and a substantially horizontal position projecting forwardly from the case. Fig. 7 illustrates the apron 44 in its normal or retracted position where it is substantially horizontal and lying adjacent the bottom of the case I0. To withdraw clean toweling from the cabinet the toweling T or the apron 44 is engaged and the apron swung forwardly to the position illustrated in Fig.'8, whereupon the control I4 is released to permit the withdrawal of clean toweling. The control I4 and the other mechanisms of the cabinet may be identical with those described above. The link and lug connection i-49 is such that the apron 44 may continue to move to the position illustrated in Fig. 7 after the stop 50 has engaged the case I0 to stop movement of the link 49 and cylinder 5I. The springs 65 are sufficiently strong to move the apron to the horizontal retracted position. During the movement of the apron 44 to the projecting horizontal position the cylinder 5I is not moved until the lug 1 engages the link 49.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 of the drawings includes, generally, a case Illu holding a supply roll IIa and a take-up roll I2, means I3a for handling or feed.- ing the toweling T, and a control I4B for the feeding means |311.

The case Illa may be similar to the case I0 and is shown in the drawings as a substantially rectangular structure having an open front normally closed by a door I5a. Supports I6a extend vertically through the case adjacent its opposite sides and a partition I8a extends through the case between the supports. The supply roll IIS- of clean toweling is supported in the forward portion of the case on a suitable spindle 10. The take-up roll I2a is disposed above and rearwardly of the partition I8a and its gudgeons or pins 2Ia are rotatable and longitudinally shiftable in slots 22a in the supports. The slots 22EL may be identical with the slots 22 and the take-up roll I2a may be supported in the same manner as the roll I2. An elongate opening H is provided in the front of the case adjacent its lower end. An opening is provided at the bottom of the case adjacent its back and is normally partially closed by a door ISE. The clean toweling T is fed outwardly through the opening 1I in a manner to be hereinafter described and passes upwardly into the case between the forward edge of the door I9a and the partition I8. A spring 12 urges the door I9a against the toweling so that the toweling passing into the case is maintained under a suitable tension. The drag placed on the toweling by the spring pressed door I9 insures the proper rolling of the toweling on the take-up roll 2|,

The means I3 for handling the toweling includes a friction roll 24a spaced below and slightly forward from the supply roll IIEL and a friction roll 26a for engaging and supporting the take-up roll |23. A chain and sprocket drive 13 operatively connects the roll 26a with the roll 24a. A pawl 14 is provided to prevent reverse feeding or movement of the toweling.V A pulley or roller 30a is provided adjacent the friction roll 24a and has with the disc 34a.

its supporting pins 1.5 rotatable and shiftable in slightly inclined slots I6 in the supports |63. The toweling T is fed forwardly from the lower end of the supply roll to pass around the forward side of the friction measuring roll 24a and is then threaded between the friction roll and the roller 30a.

The control I4a permits the withdrawalA of only a predetermined amount of toweling from the case I0 following the projection of an apron or drawer from the case and then prevents successive or further removal of toweling from the case for a predetermined interval of time. The control (4a includes a disc 34a on a pin or shaft of the roll 24a. The disc 34"a has an abrupt peripheral shoulder 35a. A pivoted lever or pawl 3l'a normally cooperates with the shoulder 35a to prevent rotation of the roll 24a. The pawl 31ahas a comparatively long depending arm 82 provided at its lower end with a pin 83. A second pawl 60a is provided to cooperate with the shoulder 35a and is urged into engagement with the disc by a spring 84. The pawl Sila has endwise as well as pivotal movement on its supporting pin 38a. The control ma includes a lever 85 pivoted between its ends to have an upper arm B which normally cooperates with a pin 86 on the pawl 6I)a to hold the pawl disengaged from the disc 34a. `The lower end of the lever 85 is slackly pivotally connected with the drawer 80. The drawer 80 is shiftable in the lower portion of the case between a position where it is substantially entirely within the case and a position where it projects forwardly from the case through the opening 1I. The drawer 8B is in the form of a guide or ichannel for the toweling. In the particular case illustrated the drawer is tubular having an elongated opening or slot 90 for passing the toweling from the interior of the case to the exterior of the case. The toweling enters the rear or inner end of the drawer and hangs or depends from the outer end of the drawer. The forward end of the drawer 80 may be notched in the same manner as the apron 44. The lever is connected with the inner end of the drawer 80 and upon the drawer being moved forwardly the lever 85 is pivoted in a direction to release the pawl IIla so that the pawl is free to engage the disc 34a. When the drawer 8E reaches or approaches its full out position the lever 85 cooperates with the pin 83 to disengage the pawl 3la from the shoulder 35a whereupon clean toweling may be withdrawn from the case. When a predetermined amount of toweling has been withdrawn from the outer end of the drawer the shoulder 35a engages the pawl 69a to limit or prevent the withdrawal of further toweling.

A spring 9| or equivalent means is provided for returning the drawer 80 and the lever 85 to their normal positions. The return movement of the drawer 80 is retarded by a dashpot mechanism 92. The plunger rod 93 of the mechanism 92 is pivotally connected with the lever 85 at a point between its ends and the mechanism operates to retard the return movement of the drawer 80 so that a substantial period of time must elapse before the drawer reaches its full in position after being released by the user.

In operation of the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 of the drawings the parts are normally in the positions illustrated by full lines in the drawings. Toweling cannot be withdrawn from the case when the drawer is in the in position due to the cooperation of the pawl 31a When it is desired to remove or pull out a portion of clean toweling for use the toweling at the forward end of the drawer 8D is engaged and pulled forwardly to move the drawer le to its forward projecting position indicated by the broken lines in Fig. 9. During the initialportion of this movement the lever 85 is released from the pin 86 so that the pawl 60a engages the disc 34a. When the drawer 80 reaches its fully projected position the lever 85 engages the pin 83 to disengage the pawl 3'!a from the shoulder 35a. Clean toweling may then be freely withdrawn from the forward end of the drawer until the shoulder 35a engages the pawl 60a. The clean toweling fed forwardly from the projected drawer 80 is conveniently accessible for wiping both the hands and face. When the drawer 80 and toweling is released after the use of the toweling the spring 9| returns the drawer to its normal position under the control of the dashpot 92. Upon the drawer 8U reaching or approaching its normal position the lever arm B engages the pin 83 to disengage the pawl 60a from the shoulder 35a so that the pawl 3la assumes full rotation-preventing engagement with the disc 34a.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific forms and applications herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any modifications or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

-Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A towel cabinet including a case, a tubular protective member carried by the case and movable forwardly from the case at the exterior thereof, and a supply of toweling in; the oase threaded through the member to be withdrawn therethrough and to project the member by cooperation therewith.

2. A towel cabinet including a case, a supply of toweling in the case, a. member'projectable from the exterior of the case and normally supporting a portion of the toweling for withdrawal from its outer end and for the transmission of force from the toweling to the memberto move the member, and means within the case for controlling withdrawal of the toweling from the case operatively connected with the member to be governed by movement imparted to said member through the medium of the toweling.

3. A towel cabinet including a case, a tubular member movable forwardly from the oase, a supply of toweling in the case threaded through the member for withdrawal therefrom, and means within the case for controlling the withdrawal of the toweling from the case operatively connected with the member to be governed by movement imparted to said member.

4. A towel dispensing device including a case, a member on the case movable from a retracted position flush with the front of the case to a position where it projects forwardly from the case, a roll of toweling in the case, the toweling being threaded to extend from the outer end of the member, means normally preventing withdrawal of the toweling releasable by projection of the member, and toweling take-up means in the case actuated by the toweling.

5. A towel dispensing device including a case, a member on the case movable from a retracted position flush with the front of the case to a position where it projects forwardly from the case, a roll of toweling in the case, the toweling being threaded to normally extend from the outer end of the member whereby its exposed portion may be manipulated to project the member, and means normally preventing movement and withdrawal of the toweling releasable by such projection of the member.

6. A towel dispensing device including a case, a member on the case movable from a retracted position ush with the front of the case to a position where it projects forwardly from the case, a roll of toweling in the case, the toweling being threaded to extend from the outer end of the member, means normally preventing withdrawal of the toweling releasable by projection of the member and means arresting Withdrawal of the toweling following the withdrawal of a predetermined amount of toweling.

7. A towel dispensing device including a case, a member on the case movable from a retracted position to a position where it projects from the case, a roll of toweling in the case, the toweling' being threaded to extend from the outer end of the member, means for returning the member to its retracted position, means arresting removal of the toweling after the withdrawal of a predetermined amount of toweling, means releasing the last mentioned means upon the return of the member to its retracted position, and means delaying the return of the member to its retracted position.

8. A towel dispensing device including a case, l

end of the member, a measuring roll controlling I` movement of the toweling and having a cam part, a pawl normally cooperating with the cam part to prevent movement of the toweling, an operative connection between the member and pawl for releasing the pawl from the cam part when the member is moved to the projecting position, a pawl for cooperating with the cam part to arrest removal of the toweling after the withdrawal of a predetermined amount of toweling, means releasing the last mentioned pawl after the lapse of a predetermined time, and means for re-engaging the first pawl with the cam part, the connection allowing free manipulation of the member following the release of the first pawl.

9. A towel cabinet including a case, a tubular member at the exterior of the case pivoted to the case to be shiftable bodily relative thereto from a position flush with the front of the case to a position where it projects forwardly from the case and having an opening, and a supply roll of toweling in the case, the toweling being threaded through the opening for withdrawal from the outer end of the member during usual operation of the device.

10. A towel cabinet including a case, a tubular member pivoted to the case to be movable to a position projecting forwardly from the case, a supply roll of toweling in the case, the toweling being removable through the member, means normally holding the toweling against withdrawal, a connection between the member and the means whereby the means is released upon the member reaching its projecting position, means arresting the withdrawal of toweling when a predetermined amount of toweling has been withdrawn, and delayed means for resetting the first named means and releasing the second named means, said connection permitting free movement of the member following the release of the rst named means without affecting the first named means.

11. In a towel cabinet, a case, a tubular member shiftable forwardly from a position in the case to a position projecting forwardly from the case, and a roll of toweling in the case, the toweling being threaded through the member for free removal from its outer end and to project the member through its engagement therewith when being removed.

12. A towel cabinet including a case, a tubular member shiitable forwardly from a position in the case to a position projecting forwardly from the exterior of the case, a roll of toweling in the case, the toweling being threaded through the member for free withdrawal from its outer end, and means governing the withdrawal of the toweling controlled by movement of the member.

13. A towel cabinet including a case, a tubular member shiftable forwardly from a position in the case to a position projecting forwardly from the case, a roll of toweling in the case, the toweling being threadedthrough the member to be normally engageable at its outer end and to be withdrawn from its outer end, and means normally holding the toweling against withdrawal releasable by movement of the member to its forward projecting position.

14. A towel cabinet including a oase, a member pivoted to the case to be movable to a position projecting from the case, a supply roll of toweling in the case, the toweling being associated with the member for withdrawal from its outer end, releasable means normally preventing withdrawal of the toweling, and a connection between the releasable means and the member whereby movement of the member` to its projecting position releases said means, said connection including dash pot means retarding the return of the member to its normal position.

15. A towel cabinet including a case, a member pivoted to the case to be movable from a retracted position where it is flush with the case to a position projecting from the exterior of the case, a supply roll of toweling in the case, the toweling being associated with the member for withdrawal from its outer end, releasable means normally preventing withdrawal of the toweling, a connection between the member and the releasable means whereby the releasable means is released when the member reaches its pro.- jected position, and means in the case arresting withdrawal of the toweling after a predetermined amount of toweling has been withdrawn.

16. A towel cabinet including a case, a member pivoted to the case to be movable between a retracted position depending from the case and a position projecting forwardly from the case, a supply of toweling in the case, the toweling being associated with the member for removal from its outer end, a control within the case remote from the member for controlling the removal of the toweling, and an operative connection between the control and the member whereby removal of the toweling is governed by movement imparted to the member.

17. A towel cabinet including a case, a supply of toweling in the case, a member connected with the case movable from a retracted position relative to the case to a position where it projects from the exterior of the case to be extended relative to the case and normally carrying a portion of the toweling so the towel is engageable at the exterior of the case for withdrawal from said member, and means for normally preventing withdrawal of the toweling releasable upon the member being extended relative to the case.

18. A towel cabinet including a case, a supply of toweling in the case, a member projectable forward from the case by manipulation of the toweling, the toweling being normally engageable at the outer end of the member, means for normally positively preventing withdrawal of the toweling, and a release for said means operable by projection of the member.

LEO M. HARVEY.