WO2007068883A1 - Rouleau de materiau en feuilles a lignes de faiblesse decalees et systeme de distribution - Google Patents

Rouleau de materiau en feuilles a lignes de faiblesse decalees et systeme de distribution Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007068883A1
WO2007068883A1 PCT/GB2006/004479 GB2006004479W WO2007068883A1 WO 2007068883 A1 WO2007068883 A1 WO 2007068883A1 GB 2006004479 W GB2006004479 W GB 2006004479W WO 2007068883 A1 WO2007068883 A1 WO 2007068883A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
roll
web
roller
weakness
rollers
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2006/004479
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jonathan Green
Peter Oliver
Original Assignee
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. filed Critical Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Publication of WO2007068883A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007068883A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
    • A47K10/16—Paper towels; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
    • A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
    • A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
    • A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
    • A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
    • A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
    • A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
    • A47K10/36—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means with mechanical dispensing, roll switching or cutting devices
    • A47K10/3656—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means with mechanical dispensing, roll switching or cutting devices with paper jam preventing devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
    • A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
    • A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
    • A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
    • A47K10/38—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge
    • A47K10/3809—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge with roll spindles which are not directly supported
    • A47K10/3827—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge with roll spindles which are not directly supported with a distribution opening which is parallel to the rotation axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
    • B32B3/10—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. formed of separate pieces of material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
    • A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
    • A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
    • A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
    • A47K10/36—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means with mechanical dispensing, roll switching or cutting devices
    • A47K10/3631—The cutting devices being driven manually
    • A47K10/3643—The cutting devices being driven manually by pulling the paper
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
    • A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
    • A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
    • A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
    • A47K10/36—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means with mechanical dispensing, roll switching or cutting devices
    • A47K2010/3675—Braking devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sheet material, and in particular to a sheet material web formed into a roll such as a paper or nonwoven cylindrical roll from which sheets are intended to be dispensed singly.
  • a roll such as a paper or nonwoven cylindrical roll from which sheets are intended to be dispensed singly.
  • Such rolls commonly consist of a single web comprising one or more plies of paper or nonwoven material which are which have zones or lines of weakness such that the web can be separated into individual sheets.
  • the roll is usually installed in a dispenser with the axis of the roll being oriented in a generally horizontal orientation.
  • the web or sheet material is fed from an outer circumference of the roll and extends from the roll out of the dispenser through an exit port formed in the housing, which is usually, but not by way of limitation, in a base of the dispenser.
  • This type of roll and dispenser is often found in commercial bathrooms, hotels, hospitals, airports, and so forth, often for use as a dispenser for hand towels or tissue.
  • No-touch dispensers i.e., dispensers that do not require the user to touch any part of the dispenser, are desired for many reasons.
  • No-touch dispensing reduces the chance of transferring disease-causing bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms.
  • No-touch dispensing also makes the process of obtaining a sheet simpler and quicker.
  • No-touch, single-sheet dispensing of sheet material for folded, interleaved sheets is known.
  • the manufacturing processes associated with providing the folded, interleaved sheets are more expensive and complex than the process associated with providing roll products.
  • No-touch, single-sheet dispensing of sheet materials in dispensers utilizing knives or other cutting devices to cut sheet material from a roll is known as well.
  • knives and other cutting devices may present a danger to either a user or an individual refilling the dispenser.
  • No-touch, single-sheet dispensing for rolled products via zones of weakness, such as, but not by way of limitation, perforations, are known, but if the sheet material tears before the next zone of weakness emerges from the dispenser, the next patron has no sheet material to grasp.
  • a roll adapted to be dispensed in a dispenser having rollers which form a nip therebetween is provided.
  • the .roll comprises material formed from two webs.
  • Each web is configured to have lines of weakness positioned transversely across the web which allows the web to be separated into a plurality of sheets.
  • the lines of weakness of one web are offset from those of the other.
  • the lines of weakness formed to be weaker near each edge of the web such that when the roll is dispensed through a dispenser, the lines of weakness positioned near each edge separate first before lines of weakness in the center of the web to facilitate sheets to be dispensed singly from alternate webs as they are withdrawn from a dispenser.
  • a roll adapted to be dispensed in a dispenser has a housing configured to hold a roll.
  • the housing includes a nip controller including a biasing mechanism provided with a base plate upon which the roll is positioned.
  • a first roller is carried by the base plate and the first roller moves away from a nip formed with a second roller when the weight of the roll is greater.
  • the first roller moved closer to the nip formed with the second roller when the weight of the roll is lesser.
  • the roll comprises material formed from two webs. Each web is configured to have lines of weakness positioned transversely across the web which allows the web to be separated into a plurality of sheets.
  • the lines of weakness of one web are offset from those of the other such that when the roll is dispensed through a dispenser, the lines of weakness positioned near the edge of the web separate first to facilitate sheets to be dispensed singly from alternate webs as they are removed from a dispenser.
  • a roll formed from a web adapted to be dispensed in a dispenser has a housing configured to hold a roll.
  • the housing includes a first and second profiled roller which provide a nip.
  • At least the first profiled roller has a plurality of rollers.
  • the first profiled roller has at least two rollers of a larger diameter relative to the remainder of the plurality of rollers.
  • the two rollers of a larger diameter are positioned on each lateral end of the first profiled roller.
  • the web is positioned over the first profiled roller as it moves through the nip.
  • the roll comprises material formed from two webs.
  • Each web is configured to have lines of weakness positioned transversely across the web which allow the web to be separated into a plurality of sheets.
  • the lines of weakness of one web are offset from those of the other.
  • the lines of weakness are formed by an edge of the web and they are configured to separate first after passing over rollers of a larger diameter to facilitate sheets to be dispensed singly from alternate webs when the web flows from a dispenser.
  • a roll dispensing system in still another aspect of the invention, includes a roll formed from two webs. Each web has lines of weakness to allow the web to be separated into a plurality of sheets. The lines of weakness of one web is offset from those of the other web. The lines of weakness near each edge of the web are formed such that when the roll is dispensed through a dispenser, the lines of weakness positioned near each edge separate first to facilitate dispensing of sheets singly from alternate webs.
  • the system also includes a dispenser adapted for dispensing the roll.
  • the dispenser comprises a housing including a base and a cover which cooperate to provide an internal compartment configured to hold a roll.
  • the housing includes at least two rollers having a nip therebetween and an exit port.
  • the base includes a nip controller and sheet material positioned in the internal compartment of the housing is positioned adjacent the nip controller.
  • the nip controller has a sensitivity to weight of the roll disposed within the internal compartment of the housing.
  • the nip controller is positioned to control movement of the web in the housing through the nip of the two rollers and through the exit port so that a single sheet is dispensed from alternate webs.
  • the term “comprises” refers to a part or parts of a whole, but does not exclude other parts. That is, the term “comprises” is open language that requires the presence of the recited element or structure or its equivalent, but does not exclude the presence of other elements or structures.
  • the term “comprises” has the same meaning and is interchangeable with the terms “includes” and “has”.
  • sheet material and/or “web” refers to a material that is thin in comparison to its length and breadth. Generally speaking, sheet materials should exhibit a relatively flat planar configuration and be flexible to permit folding, rolling, stacking, and the like. Exemplary sheet materials include, but are not limited to, paper tissue, paper towels, label rolls, or other fibrous, film, polymers, or filamentary products. The terms “sheet material” and “web” may be used interchangeably herein.
  • the term "layer” refers to a single thickness, course, stratum, or fold that may lay or lie on its own, or, that may lay or lie over or under another.
  • the term “ply” refers to a material having one or more layers.
  • the terms “configure”, “configured” and/or “configuration” means to design, arrange, set up, or shape with a view to specific applications or uses. For example: a military vehicle that was configured for rough terrain; configured the computer by setting the system's parameters.
  • the term "exit port” or “dispensing port” is the opening in a housing of a dispenser for the passage of sheet material out of the dispenser.
  • the phrase “consistent force” refers to a force used to dispense a single sheet material from the dispenser described herein, This force is desirably less than 1200 grams, and more desirably less than about 1000 grams and is “consistent” in that it is a reliable and steady force desirably in a range of about 1200 grams to about 400 grams, and more desirably in a range of about 950 grams to about 650 grams.
  • weight sensitive base plate or a base plate which has “sensitivity to weight” refers to a base plate configured to hold sheet material wherein the base plate is biased against a portion of the housing of the dispenser and moves or pivots in response to a weight such as a full roll of sheet material positioned on the base plate, and wherein the base plate moves or pivots in response to such a full weight being removed from the base plate as well.
  • nip controller refers to the base plate and biasing mechanism and its interaction with the housing and with a weight placed on the base plate.
  • nip controller refers to the interaction of the first roller or first profiled roller which is carried by the base plate, and the movement of the first roller away from the second roller or second profiled roller when a weight, such as new, full roll of sheet material is positioned on the base plate.
  • Nip controller also refers to the movement of the first roller toward the second roller, as the roll becomes depleted from withdrawal of sheet material which results in the biasing mechanism gradually moving the base plate and therefore the first roller toward the second roller. Such weight or lack thereof on the base plate moves the first roller with respect to the second roller.
  • fasteners means devices that fasten, join, connect, secure, hold, or clamp components together.
  • Fasteners include, but are not limited to, screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, snap-fits, tacks, nails, loop fasteners, and interlocking male/female connectors, such as fishhook connectors, a fish hook connector includes a male portion with a protrusion on its circumference. Inserting the male portion into the female portion substantially permanently locks the two portions together.
  • Hinges refers to a jointed or flexible device that connects and permits pivoting or turning of a part to a stationary component.
  • Hinges include, but are not limited to, metal pivotable connectors, such as those used to fasten a door to frame, and living hinges.
  • Living hinges may be constructed from plastic and formed integrally between two members. A living hinge permits pivotable movement of one member in relation to another connected member.
  • Couple includes, but is not limited to, joining, connecting, fastening, linking, or associating two things integrally or interstitially together.
  • the term "about” includes plus or minus 10 percent of the numeral or a stated or inherent amount at each end of a range.
  • machine direction is the direction of a material parallel to its forward direction during processing.
  • cross direction is the direction of a material perpendicular to its machine direction.
  • machine direction tensile or “dry machine direction tensile” (hereinafter may be referred to as "MDT") is the breaking force in the machine direction required to rupture a one or three inch width specimen after the specimen is measured via the procedure described herein and may be reported as Newtons per meter or gram-force.
  • wet machine direction tensile is the breaking force in the machine direction required to rupture a one to three inch width specimen after the specimen is wetted and measured via the procedure described herein and may be reported as Newtons per meter or gram-force.
  • cross direction tensile strength (hereinafter may be referred to as "CDT”) is the breaking force in the cross direction required to rupture a one or three inch specimen after the specimen is measured via the procedure described herein and may be reported as Newtons per meter or as gram-force.
  • wet CDT wet cross direction tensile
  • the "geometric mean tensile strength"("GMT) is the square root of the product of the MD tensile strength multiplied by the CD tensile strength, both as determined above, expressed in Newtons per metre or grams (force) per centimeter.
  • Basis Weight is the finished basis weight, expressed as grams per square meter.
  • Caliper is the 10 sheet caliper, divided by ten, as previously described, expressed in microns.
  • cross-machine direction wet strength/cross-machine direction dry strength ratio (CD wet/dry) for a tissue sheet sample is determined by dividing the wet CD tensile strength by the dry CD tensile strength. The ratio is dimensionless.
  • machine direction wet strength/machine direction dry strength ratio (MD wet/dry) for a tissue sheet sample is determined by dividing the wet MD tensile strength by the dry MD tensile strength. The ratio is dimensionless.
  • MD wet strength to CD wet strength ratio for a tissue sheet sample is determined by dividing the wet MD tensile strength by the wet CD tensile strength. The ration is dimensionless.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dispenser of the present invention, showing the dispenser in its dispensing position, the first and second profiled rollers being illustrated by phantom lines;
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1 , but showing the lower end of the dispenser and an exit port, a portion of the first and second profiled rollers being visible through the exit port;
  • Figure 3 is an upper perspective view of the dispenser, shown in the opened loading position with the cover moved away from the base of the housing; a roll disposed in a holding zone, the roll being illustrated by phantom lines;
  • Figure 4 is a perspective exploded view of the dispenser of Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a top perspective view of a base plate of the dispenser, showing snap holders and springs and the first profiled roller;
  • Figure 6 is a partial sectional view similar to Figures 11-13, showing the assembly of the base plate to the housing and the position of a roll on the base plate and in the holding zone positioned adjacent the first profiled roller;
  • Figure 7 is as a top perspective view of the second profiled roller, showing the plurality of fingers positioned thereon;
  • Figure 8 is a top plan view of the dispenser of Figure 3, showing a slight gap at a nip between the first and second profiled rollers;
  • Figure 9 is a top plan view of the dispenser of Figure 3, showing the first and second profiled rollers positioned tightly against each other to providing a nip;
  • Figure 10 is a top perspective view of the first profiled roller and the second profiled roller positioned adjacent each other;
  • Figure 11 is a sectional view of Figure 8 along lines 11-11;
  • Figure 12 is a sectional view of Figure 9 along lines 12-12;
  • Figure 13 is a sectional view similar to Figure 12, but showing an overwinding and blousing of the sheet material in the dispenser when an anti-bousing arm is absent;
  • Figure 14 is a partial sectional view of Figure 12, showing a flexible finger moving through a space between rollers as it urges sheet material through the nip;
  • Figure 15 is a perspective view of the anti-blousing arm;
  • Figure 16 is a side plan view of a roll of sheet material of the present invention, showing the location of lines of weakness in each inner and outer web;
  • Figure 17A is a perspective view of the roll of Figure 16;
  • Figure 17B is a partial view of Figure 17A taken along line17B; and
  • Figure 18 is a side plan view of the manufacturing process for providing a roll of sheet material of the present invention.
  • the present invention provides a roll formed from two webs each having lines of weakness which allow the web to be separated into a plurality of sheets.
  • the lines of weakness of one web are offset from those of the other such that in use the sheets can be dispensed singly from alternate webs.
  • the present invention also allows one- handed controlled dispensing from a roll. No tearing action is needed, and therefore no serrations or sharp edges at an exit port are required.
  • the web of sheet material includes lines of weakness which may be formed at any angle across the web relative to an edge of the web. Desirably, the lines of weakness are perpendicular to the edge of the web. More desirably, the lines of weakness are in the form of perforations.
  • the perforation strength is not as critical in the present invention as in prior art systems. Unlike other external feed systems, a substantial force to rotate the roll in a dispenser need not be imparted via the perforations. The minimum acceptable tear strength is therefore reduced.
  • the dispenser nip between feed rollers and/or exit port can therefore provide a resistive force which is significantly greater than the minimum acceptable strength and the tolerance "window" for the perforation strength is widened.
  • the lines of weakness or perforations are manufactured to be as weak as possible such that the frictional force exerted by rollers providing a nip therebetween may be minimized and the web will break as soon as the frictional force between the web and the nip is present across the perforations.
  • the perforations and the nip are designed so that the web breaks inside the dispenser or at or near the nip, this will not cause the problems encountered in prior art systems because one web should be supported by the other web (which will be protruding from the dispenser at this time) and will be drawn through the aperture when the other web is pulled.
  • the dispenser shown and described herein assists in the dispensing of one sheet material at a time from the dispenser.
  • the perforation strength which can be achieved may depend on the limitations of the manufacturing process. During manufacture of the web, the machines will require a certain tension in the web to be able to run correctly; the perforation strength cannot be less than the required tension otherwise the web will break during manufacture.
  • the desired perforation strength will also depend on the strength of the web or base sheet.
  • a stronger base sheet will tolerate stronger perforation strengths; in order to cause the perforations to break, the nip and/or exit port will need to be more restrictive in order to provide a frictional force greater than the perforation strength, but because the web itself is stronger, there is less risk of it shredding in or near the nip before a sheet becomes detached.
  • Weaker base sheets will need weaker perforations and a less-restrictive nip; there is a greater risk of the web shredding, making it necessary to have a lower frictional force provided by the nip to cause a sheet to detach. From the foregoing, it can be-seen that there is a strong inter-relationship between the strength and size of the web material, the perforation strength and the 04479
  • the force required to detach a single sheet material form a web of sheet material has been in a range of about 1300 grams to about 1600 grams, when a new, full roll is disposed in the dispenser. When the roll is nearly depleted, a force of about 600 grams is needed to withdraw a single sheet. Desirably, the force required to detach a single sheet from the present web as it passes through the dispenser shown and described herein is less than about 1200 grams. Even more desirably, the operational value for the detaching force of the present web is in a range of about 1200 grams to about 400 grams.
  • the force is in a range of less than about 1000 grams, and yet even more desirably in a range of about 950 grams to about 650 grams.
  • the minimum achievable detaching force will depend on the manufacturing process and the minimum tension required by the machinery. It is considered that there is no minimum detaching strength beneath which the web will not perform satisfactorily in use. A difficulty in manufacturing a low force web is in that such a low force will result in premature rupture of the lines of weakness or perforations during the manufacturing process. Further, even when manufactured, a roll having too low of a force required for sheet separation may be streamed from a dispenser by a user using a low but equal and continuous force, resulting in waste.
  • the configuration of the perforations across the web can be varied according to the manufacturing process, the characteristics and dimensions of the webs and the particular application. There are essentially two variables involved: the ratio of the width of the remaining uncut web to the total width of one perforation and one uncut portion (the bond ratio), and the number of perforations per unit width of the line of weakness. Both of these parameters can be adjusted to give the desired detaching strength of the sheet, and will be dependent on the thickness of the web, the strength of the web and the dimensions of the aperture through which the web is dispensed. Desirably, the lines of weakness or perforations are configured to achieve a detaching strength of less than about 1200 grams.
  • the perforations have a detaching strength in a range of about 1200 grams to about 400 grams. Even more desirably, the perforations have a detaching strength in a range of less than about 1000 grams, and yet even more desirably, in a range of about 950 grams to about 650 grams.
  • Various patterns may be used to create lines of weakness or perforations. For example, but not by way of limitation, one desirable perforation pattern includes a fourteen (14) mm cut and two (2) mm bond which is consistently repeated across the web, which is schematically shown in Figures !7A and !7B.
  • a graduated pattern would be desirably, for example only, a pattern which included, by way of non-limiting example, an eighteen (18) mm cut and two (2) mm bond pattern provided on each edge of the web which graduates to a 14 mm cut and 2 mm bond at or near the center of the web.
  • the wider the perforation the more consistent the bond ratio will be.
  • any variation in the perforation length due to the manufacturing process will have a greater effect on the remaining uncut length; when the perforation is longer, the same variations exist, but proportionally the effect on the remaining uncut web is much less, so that the detaching strength is more consistent and reliable.
  • the perforation width is greater than I mm.
  • the tendency of a web having shorter uncut portions to rip during manufacture is greater compared to a web having the same detaching strength but longer uncut portions.
  • the bond ratio is about 1:5 (20%) or less. More desirably the bond ratio is about 1:10 (10%) or less. Still more desirably, the bond ratio is about 1 :20 (5%) or less. Even more desirably, the bond ratio is about 1 :30 (3.33%) or less.
  • This ratio will clearly be the same as the ratio of the strength of the line of weakness to that of the material itself; if there is a 10% perforation, the sheet detaching strength will be 10% of the material tensile strength. However, if the material strength approaches the perforation strength, the risk of the web shredding at the aperture and not detaching into single sheets is greater. Therefore, this ratio is desirably less than 20%.
  • each web has less than about 15 perforations per 10cm width of the roll, more desirably less than about 10 perforations per 10cm and still more desirably less than about 5 perforations per 10cm.
  • one desirable perforation configuration which the applicants have found to work satisfactorily in practice is a bond ratio of 10% and a perforation width of 18mm, making the uncut web width 2mm.
  • any suitable perforation configuration which will achieve the desired detaching strength is envisaged. It is envisaged that any suitable amount of offset may be used for the webs.
  • the offset can be expressed in terms of a ratio of percentages; the ratio must total because if the offset is uneven, one sheet will have more than half of its length presented whereas the next sheet will have correspondingly less than half its length presented, the sum of both lengths totaling the whole length of one sheet.
  • the offset ratio is less than about 70/30, and more desirably the ratio is less than about 60/40.
  • the most desirable offset is about 50/50, with each sheet being presented an amount equal to that of the previous and the subsequent sheets.
  • any offset in the range between 50/50 and 70/30 has been found to work adequately. If there is an uneven offset present, it is desirable that the outer web projects more once a sheet has been detached from the inner web than the inner web projects when a sheet has been detached from the outer web. When the outer web is pulled from the roll, it will almost certainly pull the inner one with it because of the way the webs are wound up. Conversely, when the inner web is pulled, the certainty that the outer web will be pulled out is less because the inner web does not surround the outer web; more reliance is placed on the friction between the two webs to pull the outer web out. Therefore, it is desirable that the outer web projects by a greater amount than the inner web each time so that there is more chance that the outer web will be drawn down with the inner web.
  • the webs may be single-ply or may consist of more than one ply.
  • the present invention is suitable to provide double-sized sheets from a roll whose width is half the sheet width. This is achieved by folding both webs in half along their length (i.e. in the machine direction) before the roll is wound up. Perforation can be carried out either before or after the webs are folded. When a sheet is dispensed, it will be folded in half and can be unfolded to provide a double-width sheet. Triple-sized sheets or larger can also be provided in a similar way.
  • the roll according to the invention can be manufactured by winding up two webs having lines of weakness such as, but not by way of limitation, perforations which have the required offset.
  • This offset may be achieved by feeding each unperforated web into offset perforators before they are combined to form the roll.
  • the two webs can be brought together first and then fed to a single perforator where they are perforated simultaneously. To achieve the offset, the webs are then separated and one web made to travel a further distance than the other before they are again united and wound into a roll.
  • the necessary frictional force and consequently the pressure at the nip will depend partly on the strength of the perforations.
  • the nip and nip pressure will also depend on the physical dimensions of the web and the individual sheets, such as thickness, flexibility, width, and so forth.
  • Figure 16 shows a plan view of a roll according to the present invention.
  • the roll 20 has been unwound slightly from its outer surface 130 to show the lines of weakness or offset perforation arrangement. It should be understood that in use, the sheet material or webs 22 will be fed out from the outer circumference 88 of the roll 20.
  • the roll 20 comprises an inner web 132 and an outer web 134 each having lines of weakness or perforations 110 which allow individual sheets 136 to be detached from the webs.
  • the individual sheets 136 have a length designated by the numeral 140.
  • the roll 20 is desirably a cellulosic or paper roll 20 and is suitable for use as a hand towel or other wiper.
  • the offset of the perforations is shown as a length designated by the numeral 142, and in this embodiment has an offset of 50/50.
  • Figure 17A shows a perspective view of one roll 20 showing lines of weakness or offset perforations 110 and an inner and outer web 132, 134.
  • the perforation pattern is illustrated in Figure 17B, showing areas of cut 144 and areas of bond 146.
  • the perforation pattern may be altered to change different cut lengths and bond lengths in the perforation pattern to provide areas or zones of strength as well as areas or zones of weakness.
  • the lines of weakness 110 are formed to be weaker near each edge of the web 22 than in the center of the web 22.
  • the roll 20 includes a line of bonding material 148, such as, for example, but not by way of limitation, a water-based glue. It will be appreciated that other bonding materials, such as, by way of non-limiting example, other glues, rubber, silicon, and so forth. Such a line of bonding material 148 positioned across one, and desirably both flat faces 86 of the roll 20 assists in preventing over-winding and may be used in place of the anti-blousing arm 62 described later herein in the dispenser 10.
  • a line of bonding material 148 such as, for example, but not by way of limitation, a water-based glue. It will be appreciated that other bonding materials, such as, by way of non-limiting example, other glues, rubber, silicon, and so forth.
  • Such a line of bonding material 148 positioned across one, and desirably both flat faces 86 of the roll 20 assists in preventing over-winding and may be used in place of the anti-blousing arm 62 described later herein in the dispenser 10.
  • Kimberly-Clark Europe standard test procedure number KCN-060 can be used to test the detaching strength of the line of perforations.
  • This test uses an lnstron Universal Testing Instrument to simulate a detaching action between two adjacent sheets of the perforated product. For a 20Omm wide roll, the sheets are folded into thirds along the machine direction and placed in the 3 inch (76mm) jaws of the lnstron instrument before the test is begun. The jaws initially have a gap of 102 ⁇ 2mm, and the top jaw is moved upwards at a constant rate of 25Omm/min away from the bottom jaw until the perforations are broken. Total energy (kg/mm), peak load (g) , percentage stretch at peak (g.) and total stretch as a percentage (%) can be measured.
  • Tensile testing is conducted in the manner which is well known. More particularly, samples for tensile strength testing are prepared by cutting a 3 inches (76.2 mm) wide by 5 inches (127 mm) long strip in either the machine direction or cross-machine direction orientation using a JDC Precision Sample Cutter (Thwing- Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, PA, Model No. JDC 3-10).
  • the instrument used for measuring tensile strengths is an constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) testing machine with a computer-based data acquisition and frame control system, such as an MTS Systems Sintech 11S (MTS Systems Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN).
  • the data acquisition software is MTS TestWorks ⁇ for Windows (MTS Systems Corp., Research Triangle Park, NC).
  • the load cell is selected from either a 50 Newton or 100 Newton maximum, depending on the strength of the sample being tested, such that the majority of peak load values fall between 10 and 90% of the load cell's full scale value. Primarily a 100 Newton load cell was used for this testing.
  • the gauge length between jaws is 4 +/- 0.04 inches (101.6 +/-1 mm).
  • the jaws are operated using pneumatic-action and are rubber coated.
  • the minimum grip face width is 3 inches (76.2 mm), and the approximate height of a jaw is 0.5 inches (12.7 mm).
  • the crosshead speed is 10 +/- 0.4 inches/min (254 +/-1 mm/min), and the break sensitivity is set at 65%.
  • the sample is placed in the jaws of the instrument, centered both vertically and horizontally.
  • the test is then started and ends when the specimen breaks.
  • the peak load is recorded as either the "MD tensile strength" or the "CD tensile strength” of the specimen depending on the sample being tested.
  • At least six (6) representative specimens are tested for each product, taken “as is”, and the arithmetic average of all individual specimen tests is either the MD or CD tensile strength for the product.
  • the laboratory is maintained at 23 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C and 50 +/- 5 percent relative humidity.
  • wet tensile testing is conducted in the manner which is well known. The samples are described above, and testing equipment and test parameters are identical, except that the samples are wetted by use of a pad.
  • the pad is desirably a Green, 3m® "Scotch-Brite” brand general purpose scrubbing pad, #M part number 96, or equivalent.
  • the pad is approximately 63 mm by 100 mm.
  • Masking tape 50.8 mm width (2 inch) is cut and positioned equally over one 100 mm edge of the pad and extends from each end of the pad approximately 6 mm.
  • the pad is placed in a broad flat container which has an outer perimeter larger than that of the pad.
  • the container is filled up to a cm depth with distilled water. The water is maintained at a temperature of 23 +/- 3 degrees C.
  • the pad is positioned in the test fluid in the container.
  • a specimen is placed on a clean, dry blotter paper (54.4 kg/ream, reliance grade, 24.13 by 30.48 cm, cut from 48.26 by 60.96 cm stock; example: Curtis Fine Paper part number 13-01-14, or equivalent).
  • the pad is removed from the fluid and tapped lightly 3 times on the wetting container to remove excess fluid.
  • the wet pad is placed parallel to the width of the specimen in the approximate center, and held in place one (1) second.
  • the pad is removed and the test specimen is placed immediately in the jaws of the instrument, centered both vertically and horizontally. The test is then started and ends when the specimen breaks.
  • the peak load is recorded as either the "MD tensile strength" or the "CD tensile strength" of the specimen depending on the sample being tested.
  • At least six (6) representative specimens are tested for each product, taken "as is", and the arithmetic average of all individual specimen tests is either the MD or CD tensile strength for the product.
  • the laboratory is maintained at 23 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C and 50 +/- 5 percent relative humidity.
  • compressed reel winding of the present web allows up to 305 meters of web to be wound per roll of up to 205 mm diameter.
  • a machine direction (MD) wet tensile strength of the web is desirably greater than 180 Newtons per meter. Desirably, the MD wet tensile strength is in a range of about 150 to about 250 Newtons per meter, with an average of about 200 Newtons per meter. Desirably, an MD dry tensile strength of the web is in a range of about 400 Newtons per meter to about 800 479
  • An MD wet tensile strength to cross direction (CD) wet tensile strength ratio of the web is about 1:1 and about 2:1.
  • a CD wet tensile strength is desirably in a range of about 80 Newtons per meter to about 160 Newtons per meter, with an average of about 120 Newtons per meter.
  • the CD dry tensile strength is desirably about 300 to about 600 Newtons per meter, with an average of about 450 Newtons per meter.
  • the web has a high geometric mean tensile (GMT) strength of 400 to 600 Newtons per meter (40.78-61.18 k-f/ m 2 ) for a single ply sheet with a basis weight of 35 to 35 gsm.
  • GMT geometric mean tensile
  • the web also has an MD wet tensile strength to MD dry tensile strength ratio in a range of about 0.3:1 to about 0.4:1.
  • FIG. 18 An apparatus suitable for manufacturing the roll of the present invention is shown in Figure 18.
  • Two base rolls 150 on unwinding stands supply inner and outer webs 132 and 134 which are brought together and fed to a single perforator 152 where the perforations 110 are applied to the webs simultaneously.
  • the outer web 134 is made to travel a further path than inner web 132 by passing it around roller 154.
  • the position of the roller can be adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the webs such that the degree of offset can be adjusted for different products.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing rolled material.
  • rolled material may include, but is not limited to, woven materials, nonwoven materials, synthetic materials, natural materials, foils, polymer films, any combination thereof, and so forth.
  • the rolled material is provided as a sheet material within a roll.
  • Exemplary sheet materials for which the present invention is suitable include, but are not limited to, absorbent sheet materials such as towels, wipers, tissue, and so forth. Suitable sheet materials are disclosed, by way of non-limiting examples only, in U.S. Patent Nos.
  • the sheet materials for which the present invention is suitable may be wound around a core (not shown). Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 3, the sheet materials are wound into a coreless roll.
  • the sheet materials for which the present invention is suitable desirably have regularly spaced zones or lines of weakness extending substantially across the width of the sheet material.
  • the zones of weakness are used to separate the sheet material into individual sheets and may be, for example, defined by a series of perforations, a zone of much lower basis weight, and so forth.
  • the sheet material having regularly spaced zones of weakness substantially extending across its width is desirably double wound into a roll having inner and outer layers of sheet material wherein the zones of weakness for the inner and outer layers are offset as is taught in U.S. Patent No. 3,770,172 to Nystrand, and PCT International Publication No. WO 97/21377 to King, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Double wound sheet material having offset zones of weakness allows the sheet material to tear within the dispenser while still providing a tail of sheet material extending from the dispenser to be grasped by the next user/patron.
  • the dispenser 10 includes a housing 12 that includes, but is not limited to, a base 14 and a cover 16, as shown in Figures 1-4.
  • the base 14 and the cover 16 When the base 14 and the cover 16 are in the closed position, as illustrated in Figure 1, the base 14 and the cover 16 cooperate to provide a closed dispensing position of the housing 12 for dispensing sheet material therefrom.
  • the cover 16 When the cover 16 is moved away from the base 14, the base 14 and the cover 16 are in an opened loading position, as illustrated in Figures 3, 8 and 9, and an internal compartment 18 is accessible within the housing 12 which is configured to hold sheet material. That is, desirably, a roll 20 of sheet material 22 is disposed in the internal compartment 18.
  • the base 14 desirably includes an opposing pair of sidewalls 24 which may be coupled to or formed with a back wall 26.
  • a hinged base plate 28 may also be pivotably coupled to o, alternatively, formed with (via a living hinge (not shown)) the back wall 26.
  • the hinged base plate 28 provides a holding area for the roll 20 of sheet material 22, and holds the roll 20 between the back wall 26 and a first profiled roller 30.
  • the hinged base plate 28 slopes downward and toward the front 29 of the dispenser 10 to positioned the roll 20 against the first profiled roller 30.
  • the back wall 26, the side walls 24, the base plate 28 and the first profiled roller 30 cooperate to provide a holding zone 32 for the roll 20 of sheet material 22.
  • the hinged base plate 28 is desirably movably carried on at least a portion of a lower wall 34 via one or more biasing mechanisms.
  • One such biasing mechanism includes positioning at last one spring, and, in the present embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, a pair of springs 36 and/or other biasing mechanism(s) which reacts to the weight of the roll 20 between a lower surface 37 of the base plate 28 and an upper surface 38 of the lower wall 34.
  • Another biasing mechanism desirably includes at least one O-ring and/or spring. Such an O-ring or spring may also be positioned, by way of non-limiting example, between the base plate 28 and one or more side wall(s) 24 (not shown).
  • biasing mechanism may include a resilient material positioned between the base plate 28 and the lower wall 34.
  • a resilient material may resiliently be biased downward due to the weight of a full roll 20 thereon, and may bias the base plate 28 upward again when the roll 20 becomes nearly depleted.
  • Biasing mechanism(s) may, but not by limitation, be formed from metal, plastic, rubber, combinations thereof, and so forth.
  • the lower wall 34 is desirably, but not by way of limitation, adjacent to a lower end 39 of the base 14 and/or may provide the lower end 39 (not shown).
  • the base plate 28 may be pivotably coupled to the back wall 26 or similar structure via a hinge consisting of a pair of bars 40 provided on the base plate 28 and a cooperating pair of bar holders 41 formed in or coupled to the back wall 26. It will be appreciated that other hinge arrangements are possible.
  • each of the pair of springs 36 are held in place by one of a pair of snap holders 42.
  • Each snap holder 42 is configured on one end to hold a spring 36, and on the opposite end may include a scored head to permit the snap holder 42 to be releasably coupled to the base plate 28. In this manner, each snap holder 42 may be releasably snapped or coupled to a cooperating aperture 43 formed in the base plate 28 in order to position each of the pair of springs 36 between the base plate 28 and the lower wall 34.
  • the base plate 28 may be biased above the base plate 28 and/or against or in cooperation with any structure of the housing 12 by a biasing mechanism connected to another portion of the housing 12 (not shown) instead of, as well as, or in addition to being biased below the base plate 28.
  • the base plate 28 also includes a front lip 44 which is generally vertically disposed downward along a front edge of the base plate 28.
  • the front lip 44 desirably includes a plurality of spaced-apart generally vertically-oriented ribs 45 positioned on an outer surface 46 thereof.
  • the front lip 44 also includes a pair of holders 48 positioned on opposite sides thereof having slots 50 which are configured to rotatably hold each end 52 of the first profiled roller 30.
  • the front lip 44 and the plurality of ribs 45 are positioned adjacent to the first profiled roller 30.
  • the base plate 28 of the holding zone 32 desirably slopes downward toward the first profiled roller 30. This configuration permits the roll 20 of sheet material 22 to be continuously positioned against the first profiled roller 30 due to the slope of the base plate 28 combined with the effect of gravity on the roll 20. Therefore, no matter what size the diameter of the roll 20 may have, the roll 20 remains positioned against the first profiled roller 30.
  • the base 14 may also include a top portion 54 positioned across an upper end 56 of the back wall 26.
  • the top portion 54 desirably extends across each upper end 57 of each sidewall 24 .
  • the lower end 39 may be positioned between each lower end 58 of the side walls 24.
  • An opening for an exit port 60 is desirably provided in or adjacent to the lower end 39 of the base 14 of the housing 12.
  • the top portion 54 may include a portion of a latch assembly. Another portion of the latch assembly may be provided with the cover 16. Such a latch assembly cooperates to hold the cover 16 securely against the base 14. In addition, such a latch assembly may also releasably lock the cover 16 and base 14 together.
  • the base 14 may also include an anti-blouse arm 62, as shown in Figures 3, 4, 11-13 and 15, which may be pivotably mounted to a back portion, such as a back portion of the base plate 28, or back wall 26 (not shown) or any other suitable portion of the base 14 or housing 12.
  • the arm 62 is desirably pivotably mounted via a pin on each side thereof to apertures in each of spaced-apart arm holders 63 provided near a back end 64 of the base plate 28.
  • the arm 62 is desirably positioned above the base plate 28, and is configured to be positioned over a roll 20 positioned in the holding zone 32 of the base 14.
  • the arm 62 may be weighted so that the arm 62 moves in arc and remains positioned against the roll 20 as it unwinds.
  • the weight used in the present embodiment of the arm is desirably in a range of about 200 grams to about 800 grams.
  • the weight may vary, however, in accordance with the size of the dispenser and/or the type of sheet material dispensed therefrom.
  • the arm 62 is configured to prevent the roll 20 from over-winding and blousing in the internal compartment 18 with excess sheet material 22 when the sheet material 22 is pulled by a user. Such over-winding or forward movement of the roll 20 and/or blousing of excess sheet material 22 within the housing 12 may result in sheet material jams within the dispenser (as shown in Figure 13), and dispenser failure in dispensing sheet material 22 to a user. Such over-winding may be more likely to occur when the diameter of the roll 20 becomes smaller as the roll 20 is depleted.
  • the arm 62 may include a first portion 65 which is pivotably coupled to the base plate 28 and a free end second portion 66 which may be formed at an angle, such as, but not by limitation, a generally 90 degree angle with respect to the first portion 65.
  • the second portion 66 may include a pair of spaced-apart slots 68.
  • the weight is desirably, but not by way of limitation, positioned in the second portion 66 of the arm 65. It will be understood, however, that the weight may be positioned in any portion(s) of the arm 62, and the present embodiment is intended as non- limiting.
  • the function of the slots 68 in the arm will be discussed in further detail below.
  • the side prongs 70 are desirably coupled to the sidewalls 24 of the base 14 via the apertures 69, or via any other mechanism, such as, but not by way of limitation, pins, fasteners, hinges and/or any apparatus or mechanism known in the art (not shown). It will be appreciated, however, that the cover 16 may be coupled to and/or releasably connected to the base 14 by any mechanism and at any location on the base 14.
  • the cover 16 includes a front wall 72 which may arch over to fit against the top portion 54 of the base 14 when the cover 16 is in a closed position relative to the base 14.
  • the cover 16 includes a second profiled roller 74.
  • a portion of each end 75 of the second profiled roller is releasably coupled to a roll holder 76 via a pair of spaced-apart slots 77 positioned in each end of the roll holder 76.
  • Each end 75 of the second profiled roller 74 includes teeth positioned about the outer radius thereof.
  • the roll holder 76 is desirably coupled to an inner surface 71 of the cover 16. In this embodiment, the roll holder 76 is coupled to the inner surface 71 of the front wall 72 and positioned in-between the side walls 73 of the cover 16.
  • the roll holder 76 includes a plurality of generally vertically positioned ribs 78, which are positioned adjacent the second profiled roller 74.
  • the second profiled roller 74 is desirably positioned against the first profiled roller 30 when the cover 16 is closed against the base 14 to place the housing 12 and dispenser 10 in a closed dispensing position, as illustrated in Figures 1 , 2 and 11-13.
  • the second profiled roller 74 is biased, such as, but not by way of limitation, spring biased against the first profiled roller 30.
  • the positions of the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74 are reversed.
  • the cover 16 may also include a lever 79 which couples to the inner surface 71 of the cover.
  • the lever 79 includes a roller 80 having teeth positioned about an outer radius thereof.
  • the lever 79 is desirably positioned such that its roller 80 may contact one end 75 of the second profiled roller 74 so that the teeth of the roller 80 contacts and engages spaces between the teeth of one end 75 of the second profiled roller 74. In this manner, when the lever 79 is actuated by moving or pushing it, the second profiled roller 74 will roll and advance sheet material 22 positioned adjacent thereto out of the housing 12 and exit port 60.
  • the first profiled roller 30 is desirably positioned to be biased against the second profiled feed roller 74 when the cover 16 is positioned in a closed dispensing position against the base 14, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 7-14.
  • a nip 81 is created therebetween.
  • the nip 81 serves to provide tension and/or control to sheet material 22 flowing through the nip 81, to control the movement of sheet material 22 from the roll 20 and through the exit port 60 to a user.
  • the configuration of the housing 12, or any portion thereof is not intended as a limitation, and it is but one of many configurations that may be used with the present invention. Any configuration may be used so long as it permits the dispenser to operate as shown and/or described herein.
  • the entire housing 12 and any portion(s) thereof may be constructed from any suitable material or combinations of materials, including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, wood, paperboard, and so forth.
  • any portion(s) of the housing 12 may include a clear, transparent, tinted, and so forth window(s) or portion(s) or slot(s) which permit personnel to determine whether a new roll is needed in the dispenser (not shown).
  • the roll 20 of sheet material 22 may include a core 82, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, which extends through a cylindrical body 84 of the roll 20 from one flat face 86 on one end of the roll 20 to an opposite flat face 86 on an opposite end of the roll 20.
  • a core 82 may be formed around a pre-formed cardboard core (not shown), or, alternatively, the core 82 may be formed through the roll of sheet material without such a pre-formed core.
  • the roll 20 of sheet material 22 may also be provided without a core or opening therethrough, as a coreless roll 20. In this instance, the roll 20 may be provided with or without one or more indentations on one or more flat face(s) of the roll.
  • the roll 20 is desirably positioned in the holding zone 32 on its outer circumference 88 and the sheet material 22 is unrolled and withdrawn first from the outer circumference 88.
  • a dispensing roller which is adapted to support a roll of sheet material having a core may be mounted in the housing for use with the present invention (not shown).
  • a pair of semi- hemispherical bosses or similar holding mechanisms may be mounted in the housing to engage each flat face end of a coreless roll in the present invention (not shown), or each opening of a core in a roll containing a core (not illustrated).
  • the first profiled roller 30 includes a plurality of portion(s) or rollers 90 which are mounted on a rod 92, in this instance, by way of non-limiting example, seven (7) separate portion(s) or rollers 90.
  • the outermost rollers that is, the rollers 90 next to each end 52 of the first profiled roller 30 are configured to have the largest outer diameter and are therefore large rollers 94.
  • Two rollers 90 are positioned next to each large roller 94, and each of these rollers are configured to have a medium- sized outer diameter relative to the large rollers 94 and the remaining roller. These four rollers are therefore medium rollers 96.
  • the medium rollers 96 have a larger diameter than a single innermost roller, which is configured to have the smallest outer diameter, and it is therefore a small roller 98.
  • Each end 52 of the first rod 92 is desirably, but not by way of limitation, rotatably mounted as previously described herein.
  • the mounting configuration of either the first or second profiled roller 30, 74 is not intended as a limitation, and other mounting configurations are possible.
  • the second profiled roller 74 mounted to the cover 16 ( Figures 3 and 4) also includes a plurality of rollers 90. As best shown in Figures 7 and 10, in this example, the second profiled roller 74 also includes seven (7) separate portion(s) or rollers 90 which are mounted on a second rod 106 of the second profiled roller 74.
  • the outermost rollers, that is, the rollers 90 next to each end 75 of the second profiled feed roller 74 are small rollers 98.
  • Two rollers 90 are positioned next to each small roller 98; these four rollers are medium rollers 96.
  • the medium rollers 96 have a smaller diameter than the single innermost roller, which is another large roller 94.
  • Each end 75 of the second rod 106 is desirably, but not by way of limitation, rotatably mounted as previously described herein.
  • an axis 108 runs parallel and longitudinally relative to the first and second rods 92, 106 of the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74.
  • the large rollers 94 of the first profiled roller 30 overlap or cross this axis 108.
  • the large roller 94 of the second profiled roller 74 overlaps or crosses this axis 108 as well.
  • the small roller 98 of the first profiled roller 30 and the small rollers 98 of the second profiled roller 74 are positioned parallel to and a short distance from the axis 108.
  • the medium rollers 96 of both the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74 align alongside and parallel to the axis108. Therefore, the large rollers 94 of the first profiled roller 30 are positioned next to the small rollers 98 of the second profiled roller 74.
  • the medium rollers 96 of the first profiled roller 30 are positioned next to the medium rollers 96 of the second profiled roller 74.
  • the small roller 98 of the first profiled roller 30 is positioned against the large roller 94 of the second profiled roller 74.
  • a plurality of spaces 112 are desirably located between rollers 90 on each rod
  • One or more resilient fingers 114 may be mounted to the rod 106 of the second profiled roller 74, in each space 116 provided between the medium rollers 96. .
  • a plurality of flexible and resilient fingers 114, as illustrated in Figure 7, such as three (3) fingers 114 are desirably, by way of non-limiting example, positioned radially about a ring 115 ( Figure 7).
  • the ring 115 may be positioned over the rod 106 in the space 116 between the medium rollers 96.
  • the fingers 114 desirably extend outward from the ring 115 and outward, away from the rod 106 and the medium rollers 96 as well.
  • Such a ring 115 is not intended as a limitation, and any embodiment which permits the fingers 114 to operate as shown and/or described herein may be used.
  • the plurality of flexible or resilient fingers 114 may be mounted, however, by any means and in any space 112 or in any position on either or both rods 92, 106.
  • the plurality of flexible, resilient fingers 114 are desirably constructed from a flexible material which may, but not by way of limitation, have some tackiness when positioned against sheet material 22.
  • a flexible material may include plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, rubber, silicon, nylon, metal, combinations of the foregoing, and so forth.
  • the space 116 on the first profiled roller 30 provides a reciprocal position for the flexible fingers 114 to move into when the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74 rotate against or adjacent each other, as shown in Figures 10 and 14.
  • spaces 112 provide a similar reciprocal position for any additional flexible fingers 114 positioned on one of the first or second profiled rollers 30, 74.
  • the slots 68 in the second portion 66 of the arm 62 desirably are positioned to permit the flexible fingers 114 to rotate freely without any interference from the arm 62. As such, the slots 68 may be formed in a different position (not shown) and/or additional slots may be provided in the arm 62 to accommodate additional flexible fingers (not shown) .
  • the fingers 114 rotate with the second profiled roller 74 during dispensing and act to grip any ply of the sheet material that detaches inside of the housing 12 of the dispenser 10. This action by the fingers 114 effectively feeds any detached ply through the nip 81 between the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74, thereby preventing jams of sheet material 22 within the housing 12 of the dispenser 10. In this manner, the fingers 114 act as a recovery device, directing any partially detaching sheet material which would likely otherwise jam the dispenser through the nip.
  • the flexible fingers 114 move or rotate with the second profiled roller 74 to assist in guiding sheet material 22 into and through the nip 81.
  • the flexible fingers 114 move outward to grip or direct the sheet material 22 toward and into the nip 81.
  • the flexible fingers 114 may flex and fall into the space 116 of the first profiled roller 30 as the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74 rotate.
  • the fingers 114 may act as pressure contact points between the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74, ensuring that both first and second profiled rollers 30, 74 rotate. This action reduces and/or prevents undue slippage of sheet material 22 through the rollers 30, 74.
  • the fingers 114 specifically prevent detached sheet material plies from an offset perforated sheet material roll from jamming the dispenser 10.
  • the position of the plurality of rollers 90 provide a nip 81 which is not linear, that is, it is non-linear in that it is not a straight line as compared to the linear axis 108, as sheet material 22 passes between the contact point or nip 81 of the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74, as illustrated in Figure 10.
  • This non- linear nip 81 permits certain pressures to be applied to the sheet material 22 so that when the sheet material 22 is pulled by a user to withdraw a sheet material from the dispenser 10, the lines of weakness 110 ( Figure 4) on the sheet material 22 may be weakened as the sheet material 22 passes over the large rollers 94 of the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74.
  • the position and size of rollers 90 on each of the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74 is desirably chosen to augment the proper separation of the sheet material 22 in the zones or lines of weakness 110 when the sheet material 22 is pulled by a user over the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74 and through the nip 81.
  • the diameter and position of each of the rollers 90 may assist in such proper separation.
  • the force exerted by the position and/or the size of the rollers 90 in the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74 or the tension or bias of the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74 against each other and the sheet material 22 positioned through the nip 81 will desirably be such that the tension required to be applied to the sheet material 22 to pull it through the nip 81 exceeds the breaking strength of the zones or lines of weakness 110 in the sheet material 22 yet does not exceed the breaking strength of the remainder of the sheet material 22. Therefore, force applied to the sheet material 22 extending from the exit port 60 will advance the sheet material 22 until a zone or line of weakness 110 emerges from the nip 81 between the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74.
  • the zones or lines of weakness 110 in the sheet material 22 which are positioned in the nip 81 against the largest diameter rollers may have more force exerted thereagainst as compared to the medium rollers 96 in the nip 81 in which the sheet material 22 is not required to flex or bend as much about the rollers 90.
  • the large rollers 94 often place a "U"-shaped dent into the sheet material 22 as it passes over the large rollers 94, which serves to weaken the lines of weakness 110 therein.
  • the small rollers 98 desirably assist the large rollers 94 by providing a surface against which the large rollers 94 may push the zones or lines of weakness 110 of the sheet material 22.
  • the base plate 28 is configured to ensure that the weight of the roll 20 is equalized so that a single sheet material is dispensed from the roll 20 to a user.
  • the base plate 28 desirably includes one or more biasing mechanisms such as the one or more spring(s) 36 described previously and illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.
  • the biasing mechanisms act to move the base plate 28 lower which also slightly moves the first profiled roller 30 coupled to the front lip 44 of the base plate 28 away from the second profiled roller 74, thereby releasing the pressure in the nip 81 so that when the roll 20 is large and heavy, it takes less force and is therefore easier for a user to pull the tail 118 of the sheet material 22 to receive a sheet material 22 from the dispenser 10, as shown in Figures 8 and 11.
  • the biasing mechanism (springs 36) permits the base plate 28 to move slightly upward as the weight of the roll 20 decreases, thereby moving the first profiled roller 30 closer to the second profiled roller 74, resulting in increased pressure at the nip 81, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 12.
  • the biasing mechanism has adjusted the base plate 28 upward and the first profiled roller 30 is closer to the second profiled roller 74 at the nip 81 and provides more pressure at the nip 81.
  • the roll 20 does not unroll or unwind excessively, or dispense an excessive amount of sheet material to the user. Rather, the increased pressure at the nip permits an equal force by the user as was previously used, to reliably deliver a single sheet material to the user.
  • the same force which was used previously would likely cause excessive unrolling of the roll 20, and possible jamming of the dispenser.
  • the pressure at the nip 81 increases, but the force required by the user to dispense a single sheet material from the dispenser 10 remains the same.
  • the nip pressure if any, when a new, heavy roll 20 is disposed in the dispenser gradually increases as the sheet material 22 is withdrawn and the roll 20 is gradually depleted.
  • the change in pressure at the nip i.e., less pressure when the roll 20 weighs more and greater pressure when the roll 20 weighs less, permits proper dispensing of one sheet material 20 at a time, regardless of the weight of the roll. This action permits reliable dispensing.
  • the force remains consistent and in a range of about 1200 grams to about 400 grams, and desirably, in a range of about 950 grams to about 650 grams, to obtain a sheet from the dispenser.
  • a more consistent force results in more consistent dispensing of a single sheet material.
  • the anti-blousing arm 62 does not effect dispensing, or the force exerted by a user to obtain a sheet material when a full roll 20 is loaded. In this situation, the arm 62 is pushed upward and away from the roll 20, toward the back of the housing 12. In this position, the arm 62 exerts little if any influence on the roll 20 or sheet material dispensed therefrom. As sheet material 22 is withdrawn from the roll 20 and the roll becomes smaller, the arm 62 pivots downward, always remaining in light contact with an upper portion of the outer circumference 88 of the roll 20. This contact by the arm 62 when the roll 20 becomes smaller arrests any forward or backward movement of the roll 20 when a user pulls on the tail 118 to remove sheet material 22 from the dispenser 10.
  • the arm 62 may be adjusted according to the type of sheet material, size of dispenser, and so forth by altering the weight of the arm 62, the design of the first and/or second portion 65, 66 of the arm 62, and so forth.
  • the arm 62 may act as a level indicator, showing when the roll 20 is becoming depleted, when the arm 62 is visible through a window or slot formed in the housing 12 (not shown).
  • the nip controller in this embodiment, but not by way of limitation, a combination of the hinged base plate 28, the biasing mechanism (springs 36), and the first profiled roller 30 permits the pressure at the nip 81 to change so that the force required for a user to withdraw a single sheet material remains about the same, whether the roll 20 is large and heavy or small, lightweight and nearly depleted.
  • some of these components of the nip controller such as, for example only, the hinged base plate 28 and one or more biasing mechanisms may be used with other arrangements, such as regular rollers which are not profiled in other dispensers for towels and/or tissues. Further, it will be understood that these mechanisms may also be used without the arm 62 as well.
  • the components of the nip controller permits the sheet material 22 to be dispensed to a user desirably requiring less than 1200 grams to dispense a single sheet material 22 from the dispenser 10.
  • a force in a range of about 1200 grams to about 400 grams may be used is withdraw sheet material 22 from the dispenser 10. More desirably, a force in a range of less than about 1000 grams may be used; even more desirably, a force in a range of about 950 grams to about 650 grams may be used.
  • the cover 16 is moved away from the base 14 and the housing 12 is positioned in the opened loading position, as shown in Figure 3.
  • the second portion 66 of the arm 62 is moved in an upward direction 120 ( Figure 12) so that the holding zone 32 may be accessed.
  • a roll 20 of sheet material 22 is desirably positioned in the holding zone 32 of the base 14 with the outer circumference 88 of the roll 20 positioned against the base plate 28.
  • Sheet material 22 from the roll 20 is positioned over the first profiled roller 30 and the lever 79 may be actuated to move the sheet material 22 between the nip 81 such that the tail 118 of the sheet material 22 extends below the lower end 39 of the housing 12 to permit a user to grasp it for removal of a single sheet material 22 (Figure 1).
  • the second portion 66 of the arm 62 is positioned in a downward direction 122 ( Figure 12) such that the arm 62 rests against the roll 20 ( Figures 11 and 12).
  • the cover 16 is positioned in a closed dispensing positioned against the base 14, thereby positioning the housing 12 in a dispensing position.
  • the second profiled roller 74 in the closed dispensing position, is desirably positioned by the cover 16 adjacent to ( Figures 8 and 11) or in a biased or tensioned position against the first profiled roller 30 ( Figures 9 and 12).
  • the sheet material 22 is therefore positioned in the nip 81 therebetween.
  • the sheet material 22 is positioned in the nip 81 in a configuration which is not linear, i.e., which is non-linear due to the non-linear configuration of the nip 81 compared to the linear axis 108 ( Figure 10), as illustrated in Figure 10.
  • portions of the sheet material 22 including the zones or lines of weakness 110 are moved against the large rollers 94 of the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74, to strategically create a further weakness in the zone lines of weakness 110.
  • the arm 62 rests against the roll 20 and prevents the roll 20 from over-winding and causing too much sheet material 22 to be positioned adjacent the nip 81.
  • the plurality of resilient fingers 114 move against the sheet material 22 as a user pulls the tail 118, thereby directing the sheet material into the nip 81 ( Figures 11 and 12).
  • the slots 68 in the second portion 66 of the arm 62 are positioned to permit the resilient fingers 114 to rotate without interference from the arm 62 ( Figure 3).
  • the resilient flexible fingers 114 may also move into the spaces 112 to urge the sheet material 22 into and through the nip 81 ( Figure 14).
  • the nip controller including the base plate 28, the biasing mechanism, and the first profiled roller 30, permits the pressure at the nip 81 to be regulated based on the weight of the roll 20. All of these components act individually and cooperate together.
  • first and second profiled rollers 30, 74 is intended as non-limiting. That is, while the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74 are described and illustrated herein as including rods which have seven (7) rollers of differing diameters positioned thereupon, other configurations are possible. For example, one or both profiled rollers may be formed as a unitary roller having different areas thereon with different diameters. Alternatively, more or fewer rollers 90 may be provided to each profiled feed roll, and the rollers having different diameters may be positioned in positions which differ from those shown and described herein. It will also be understood that individual rollers 90 may be configured to rotate on their respective rod, or may be fixed in position on the rod.
  • the first and second profiled rollers 30, 74 may be made from any suitable material or combination of materials, including metal, wood, plastic, glass, rubber, nylon, silicone, ceramic, and so forth.
  • the dispenser includes a housing including a base and a cover which cooperate to provide an internal compartment configured to hold sheet material.
  • the housing includes at least two rollers having a nip therebetween and an exit port.
  • the base includes a nip controller such that sheet material positioned in the internal compartment of the housing is positioned adjacent the nip controller.
  • the nip controller has a sensitivity to weight of sheet material disposed within the internal compartment of the housing.
  • the nip controller is positioned to control movement of sheet material in the housing through the nip of the two rollers and through the exit port so that a consistent force permits withdrawal of a single sheet material.
  • a dispenser adapted for dispensing sheet material includes a housing including a base and a cover which cooperate to provide an internal compartment configured to hold sheet material.
  • the housing includes an exit port and at least a first and a second roller having a nip therebetween.
  • the base includes a weight sensitive base plate.
  • the first roller is positioned to cooperate with the base plate. When sheet material is positioned on the base plate adjacent the first roller, a greater weight of sheet material on the base plate moves the first roller away from the second roller and a lesser weight of sheet material on the base plate moves the first roller closer to the second roller.
  • the position and any pressure of the first roller upon the second roller controls the nip and an amount of sheet material which moves therebetween as it flows from the housing through the exit port.
  • the nip is controlled by weight of the sheet material on the base plate.
  • a dispenser adapted for dispensing sheet material includes a housing including a base and a cover which cooperative to provide an internal compartment configured to hold sheet material and an exit port.
  • First and second rollers are positioned in the housing and form a nip therebetween for controlling dispensing of sheet material from the housing and through the exit port.
  • At least one of the first and second rollers includes a plurality of flexible fingers, the flexible fingers rotating with the at least one roller to urge sheet material into the nip.
  • dispenser 10 shown in Figures 1-15, and any portions thereof, may include any feature, characteristic, and/or mechanism(s) shown and/or described herein, in any combination. While the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the subject matter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for the subject matter of the invention to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un rouleau conçu pour être distribué par un distributeur comprenant deux rouleaux qui forment une ligne de contact entre eux. Ledit rouleau est constitué d'un matériau formé de deux bandes. Chaque bande est configurée de manière à présenter des lignes de faiblesse positionnées transversalement sur ladite bande, ce qui permet de séparer cette bande en plusieurs feuilles. Les lignes de faiblesse d'une bande sont décalées par rapport à celles de l'autre bande et sont formées à proximité de chaque bord de la bande de sorte que lorsque le rouleau est distribué par le distributeur, les lignes de faiblesse positionnées à proximité de chaque bord se rompent d'abord afin de faciliter la distribution individuelle de feuilles provenant des bandes alternées lorsque les feuilles sont tirées d'un distributeur.
PCT/GB2006/004479 2005-12-15 2006-11-30 Rouleau de materiau en feuilles a lignes de faiblesse decalees et systeme de distribution WO2007068883A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0525563A GB2433248A (en) 2005-12-15 2005-12-15 A roll, having two webs from which single sheets are dispensed in turn, and a dispenser therefor
GB0525563.3 2005-12-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007068883A1 true WO2007068883A1 (fr) 2007-06-21

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WO (1) WO2007068883A1 (fr)

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WO2014147432A1 (fr) 2013-03-22 2014-09-25 Sca Tissue France Ensemble distributeur
US10758096B2 (en) 2011-07-13 2020-09-01 Essity Hygiene And Health Aktiebolag Dispenser and stack of sheet products

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WO2011149393A1 (fr) * 2010-05-27 2011-12-01 Sca Hygiene Products Ab Distributeur de rouleau de mouchoir en papier absorbant ou de matériau non tissé
US10390664B2 (en) 2012-10-26 2019-08-27 Essity Hygiene And Health Aktiebolag Separation unit and a dispenser comprising a separation unit
US9999325B2 (en) 2012-10-26 2018-06-19 Sca Hygiene Products Ab Separation unit and a dispenser comprising a separation unit
WO2014065732A1 (fr) * 2012-10-26 2014-05-01 Sca Hygiene Products Ab Distributeur
CN104736029A (zh) 2012-10-26 2015-06-24 Sca卫生用品公司 分配器
PL3136926T3 (pl) 2014-04-28 2022-11-14 Essity Hygiene And Health Aktiebolag Dozownik

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US2215052A (en) * 1936-11-10 1940-09-17 Laurence L Price Towel dispenser with indicating towel
EP0331653A2 (fr) * 1988-03-03 1989-09-06 Fabrizio Bernacchi Procédé et appareil de production de rouleaux de bandes de papier perforées, rouleau fabriqué de cette façon et distributeur pour distribuer des feuilles à partir de ce rouleau
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US2215052A (en) * 1936-11-10 1940-09-17 Laurence L Price Towel dispenser with indicating towel
EP0331653A2 (fr) * 1988-03-03 1989-09-06 Fabrizio Bernacchi Procédé et appareil de production de rouleaux de bandes de papier perforées, rouleau fabriqué de cette façon et distributeur pour distribuer des feuilles à partir de ce rouleau
WO1997021377A1 (fr) * 1995-12-14 1997-06-19 Kimberly-Clark Limited Rouleau distributeur de feuilles separees a devidage central

Cited By (7)

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US10758096B2 (en) 2011-07-13 2020-09-01 Essity Hygiene And Health Aktiebolag Dispenser and stack of sheet products
US11812899B2 (en) 2011-07-13 2023-11-14 Essity Hygiene And Health Aktiebolag Dispenser and stack of sheet products
WO2014147432A1 (fr) 2013-03-22 2014-09-25 Sca Tissue France Ensemble distributeur
CN105208903A (zh) * 2013-03-22 2015-12-30 Sca纸巾法国公司 分配器组件
AU2013382947B2 (en) * 2013-03-22 2016-09-08 Essity Operations France A dispenser assembly
RU2633219C2 (ru) * 2013-03-22 2017-10-11 ЭсСиЭй ТИШЬЮ ФРАНС Узел раздаточного устройства
US11523716B2 (en) 2013-03-22 2022-12-13 Essity Operations France Dispenser assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0525563D0 (en) 2006-01-25
GB2433248A (en) 2007-06-20

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