WO2013032378A1

WO2013032378A1 - Dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2013032378A1
Application number: PCT/SE2011/051046
Authority: WO
Inventors: Louise JONSSON; Sofia ALVENBY; Peter FORSAEUS; Maggie TSANG; Linda ROLFÖ; Christoffer OLSSON; Tobias GRÖNLUND; Henrik FRIBERG
Original assignee: Sca Hygiene Products Ab; LUNDELL, Anders
Priority date: 2011-08-31
Filing date: 2011-08-31
Publication date: 2013-03-07
Also published as: AR087548A1; US20140246469A1; EP2750569A1; EP2750569A4; RU2562049C1; CN103889291A

Abstract

A dispenser (1) for a continuous web of tissue, the dispenser (1) comprising an outer casing (2) being detachably or hingeably attached to a back portion(3).The dispenser (1) comprises a compartment (6) between the outer casing (2) and the back portion (3) for housing a first continuous web of tissue (7) and a first opening (8) for the first continuous web of tissue (7) to exit the dispenser (1).The dispenser (1) comprises a tear unit (11) for separating the first continuous web of tissue (7) into pieces upon moving the first continuous web of tissue (7) over the tear unit (11). The first opening (8) is positioned at a first distance L from the tear unit (11) where the first distance L being arranged to fit a predetermined hand for allowing the predetermined hand to grip the first continuous web of tissue (7) positioned partly or completely within the range of the first distance L.

Description

TITEL

Dispenser

Technical Field

The invention relates to a dispenser for a continuous web of tissue, the dispenser comprising an outer casing being detachably or hingeably attached to a back portion. The dispenser comprises a compartment between the outer casing and the back portion for housing a first continuous web of tissue. The dispenser comprises a first opening for the first continuous web of tissue to exit the dispenser. The dispenser comprises a tear unit for separating the first continuous web of tissue into pieces upon moving the first continuous web of tissue over the tear unit.

Background Art

Dispensers for dispensing a continuous web of tissue such as toilet paper dispensers are well known in the art. The dispensers may comprise a housing in which a roll of continuous web is placed. From the roll the web of tissue is drawn and dispensed through a dispenser opening. The web of tissue is usually distributed from the periphery of the roll. The dispenser opening is usually located at the bottom of the dispenser. The dispenser opening may comprise tear means for tearing the tissue into strips of suitable length.

Users having some form of disability, physical or otherwise, hindering them from using for instance their arms or shoulders to a full extent may have problems when tearing the tissue from a dispenser such as described above. The range of motion required may not be at all possible or may cause pain to the user.

If the paper in a dispenser having a dispensing opening located at the bottom of the dispenser is torn off inside the dispenser a user must reach into it in order to reach the end tab. Apart from being uncomfortable and/or difficult the user may scrape their hands or arms on the tear means.

There exists centre feed dispensers which allows a user to pull paper from the centre of a roll positioned in the dispenser. One example of a centre feed dispenser is shown in EP 1799083 A. The dispenser is equipped with a nozzle in order to reduce crumpling of the paper. This dispenser however does not address the issue of simplifying the dispensing of paper for a user having some form of disability as mentioned above.

There is thus a need for a dispenser that aims to solve the above mentioned problem. Summary of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an inventive dispenser for a continuous web of tissue where the previously mentioned problems are avoided. This object is achieved by the features of the characterising portion of claim 1 , wherein the first opening is positioned at a first distance L from the tear unit, the first distance L being arranged to fit a predetermined hand for allowing the predetermined hand to grip the first continuous web of tissue positioned partly or completely within the range of the first distance L. Here, "partly" means that tissue extends from the first opening to a point within the first distance and "completely" means that that tissue extends from the first opening to a point equal to or beyond the end point of the first distance, i.e the piece of tissue positioned outside the dispenser could have a length less than, equal to or longer than the first distance.

The invention relates to a dispenser for a continuous web of tissue, the dispenser comprising an outer casing being detachably or hingeably attached to a back portion, the dispenser comprising a compartment between the outer casing and the back portion for housing a first continuous web of tissue. The dispenser comprises a first opening for the first continuous web of tissue to exit the dispenser. The dispenser comprises a tear unit for separating the first continuous web of tissue into pieces upon moving the first continuous web of tissue over the tear unit, wherein the first opening is positioned at a first distance L from the tear unit. The first distance L is arranged to fit a predetermined hand for allowing the predetermined hand to grip the first continuous web of tissue positioned partly or completely within the range of the first distance L.

A dispenser comprising an opening positioned at a distance from the tear unit enables a disabled user to grasp a leading edge of tissue with the entire hand (fist grip) rather than pinching the tissue, then to pull out an adequate amount of tissue at an exceptionally low force, and then tearing the tissue by a movement which is more ergonomic than that for a "sheet-by-sheet" type centre feed dispenser, using only a limited load on the shoulder. Pinching the tissue is usually more difficult for users with impaired hand function rather than using a fist grip. The user is able to fit their hand in the space created by that the opening is positioned at a distance from the tear unit. The first continuous web of tissue extends at least partly into the space created by that the first opening is positioned at a distance from the tear unit. The wrist may be kept essentially in a neutral position during the tearing of the first web of continuous web of tissue. This allows for a user to more easily grasp the first continuous web of tissue using the entire hand instead of having to grip the continuous web of tissue with the fingers. This feature simplifies operation of the dispenser for a person having reduced motor function in the hand. A further advantage with the dispenser is that it is possible to choose the amount of paper you want to dispense. In EP 1799083 A the paper is dispensed one sheet at a time making it more difficult to choose the amount of paper the user wish to have dispensed. A predetermined hand is meant to refer to a hand of a user having some form of physical disability hindering them from using for instance their arms or shoulders to a full extent thereby making it more difficult for them to use a conventional dispenser. The user may be an adult or a child and a man or a woman. The first distance is thus sufficiently large in order for at least a child's hand to fit. The dispenser is of course usable by a user that does not have a physical disability.

The first opening may be arranged such that the force required to pull the first continuous web of tissue from the dispenser is less than 8 N. Preferably the force required to pull the first continuous web of tissue from the dispenser is less than 4 N, more preferably less than 2 N. Another advantage with the dispenser according to the invention is that the force required to pull the first continuous web of tissue through the first opening from the dispenser is lower than for a normal dispenser for a centre feed roll of tissue. See test data below. This simplifies the use of the dispenser for a user that has reduced strength in their hands and/or arms. This is important as the motion for pulling the paper from the dispenser is not ergonomic. The force for pulling the paper from the dispenser is greatly reduced according to the invention. The force for tearing the paper is mainly dependent on the tear strength of the paper. Therefore the motion for tearing the paper should be designed to be as ergonomical as possible in order to spare the hands, arms and shoulder of the user. The first opening may be positioned in a front surface in an outer casing part which is separate from the outer casing. One advantage of having the first opening positioned in the first outer casing part of the dispenser separate from the outer casing is to reduce the noise that can arise when the first web of continuous tissue is pulled from the dispenser. Loud noises arising from a conventional centre feed dispenser during use may be perceived as embarrassing for a user. A further advantage may be that manufacturing and assembly may be made easier and less costly than by having an outer casing made in one piece. The outer casing may also comprise a first outer casing part and a second outer casing part which are separate from the outer casing, mainly to simplify the manufacturing. For example, it may be advantageous to mould transparent and opaque parts separately. It may also be difficult to mould the tear unit and the space above and behind the tear-off section in one step. They may be moulded separately with subsequent assembly by snap fits, ultrasonic welding, gluing or other methods. The first opening may be positioned essentially centrally in the dispenser. This allows for the first continuous web of tissue to be fed from a centrally fed roll of tissue via the first opening. Other alternatives for the position of the first hole are of course conceivable. The first hole may be placed closer to one of the side edges of the dispenser in order to reduce the distance between the first continuous web of tissue and the user. The first opening may also be positioned closer to the bottom or the top of the dispenser depending on special requests from a user. Regardless of the position of the first opening, the first distance should be sufficiently large in order for a hand to fit the predetermined hand properly.

The first opening may be positioned for allowing the first continuous web of tissue to be fed from a centrally fed roll of tissue via the first opening.

The tear unit may be integrated in the outer casing. This enables for the dispenser to be equipped with tear units adapted for specific disabilities in cases where the dispenser is located in a specific place.

The tear unit may be a separate unit from the outer casing, which separate unit is attached to the outer casing. Having a tear unit that is separate from the outer casing allows the material of the tear unit to be made in a different and more durable material than the rest of the outer casing. Having a separate tear unit also reduces noise when using the dispenser. As an example, if the tear-off is fixed to the back portion the noise will be reduced compared to fixation on the outer casing. The tear unit may comprise teeth made of the same material as the tear unit. The teeth may also be made of a different material than the remaining tear unit such as for instance a fibre reinforced material.

The dispenser may comprise a first depression for allowing a user to grip the part of the first continuous web of tissue that extends out of the first opening. By having a first depression positioned in the vicinity of the first opening allows for a user to more easily grasp the first continuous web of tissue. The depression causes the first continuous web of tissue to be positioned a distance from the surface of the dispenser allowing a user to reach behind the first continuous web of tissue. This further enables a user to grip the first continuous web of tissue using the entire hand instead of having to grip the first continuous web of tissue with the fingers. This feature further simplifies operation of the dispenser for a person having reduced motor function in the hand. The first depression is thus positioned at least partly within the first distance. The tear unit may comprise a first arm positioned such that the first continuous web of tissue can be moved in a direction essentially perpendicular to the feeding direction of the first continuous web of tissue in the first opening and torn apart by tearing means comprised in the first arm. The tissue may at least partly be moved in a rotational manner in a plane essentially perpendicular to the feeding direction in order to allow for the tissue to be torn by tear unit. The feeding direction is a direction essentially outwards from the dispenser. In the case where the tear unit comprises one arm the arm may be positioned in any direction such that the tear unit enables tearing of the continuous web of tissue. The tear unit may comprise a first arm and a second arm positioned such that the first continuous web of tissue can be moved between the arms before being moved in a direction essentially perpendicular to the feeding direction of the first continuous web of tissue in the first opening and torn apart by tearing means comprised in the first arm. The first continuous web may of course be torn apart by tearing means comprised in the second arm in the cases where this motion is easier for the user.

Each arm of the tear unit may be inwardly bent. Having bent arms simplifies the insertion of the first continuous web of tissue in the tearing means of the tear unit.

The first arm and the second arm may be positioned such that the second arm is essentially a mirror image of the first arm. Having the first and second arm positioned such that they are essentially each other's mirror image makes it possible to place the dispenser on either side of a toilet without having to adapt the dispenser for use for a particular side of a toilet.

The range of the first distance L may be between 50 mm and 250 mm, preferably between 100 mm and 150 mm.

The compartment of the dispenser comprises at least the first continuous web of tissue, but may house the first continuous web of tissue and a second continuous web of tissue. The dispenser according to the invention may house a second continuous web of tissue in order for the dispenser to have to be refilled less often. This makes the dispenser suitable for placement in a high traffic restroom which may be found in for instance airports, fast food restaurants opened round the clock or toilets placed in other locations where a lot of people use the restroom over a greater portion of the day. The dispenser comprises at least the first opening, but may comprise the first opening and a second opening. The first opening and the second opening are arranged such that the force required to pull the first continuous web of tissue or the second continuous web of tissue from either of the first opening or the second opening of the dispenser is less than 8 N. Preferably the force required to pull the first continuous web of tissue or the second continuous web of tissue from either of the first opening or the second opening of the dispenser is less than 4 N and more preferably the force required to pull the first continuous web of tissue or the second continuous web of tissue from either of the first opening or the second opening of the dispenser is less than 1 .5 N. Having a dispenser with a first opening and a second opening allows for dispensing from either a first continuous web of tissue or a second continuous web of tissue. The choice of which continuous web of tissue to use can be made by for instance service personnel.

The dispenser may comprise a hatch arranged to be movable between a first end position and a second end position, where the hatch covers the first opening when the hatch is moved to the first end position and the hatch covers the second opening when the hatch is moved to the second end position. In order to hinder access to both continuous webs of tissue simultaneously a hatch may be present on the dispenser. The hatch may cover one of the openings while allowing dispensing of continuous web of tissue from the other opening. The hatch may be lockable by service personnel or may be held in place by a part of the first continuous web of tissue or a part of the second continuous web of tissue extending through the one of the first opening or second opening which is not covered.

The dispenser may comprise an elongated slot where the ends of the elongated slot comprise the first opening and the second opening.

In the cases where the dispenser houses a first continuous web of tissue and a second continuous web of tissue the dispenser may comprise multiple tear units or a single tear unit. The dispenser may also comprise multiple depressions or a single depression depending on the design of the dispenser.

Brief description of drawings

Figure 1 a schematically shows a perspective view of the dispenser according to a first aspect of the invention;

Figure 1 b schematically shows a front view of the dispenser according to a first aspect of the invention; Figure 1 a schematically shows a side view of the dispenser according to a first aspect of the invention; Figure 2a schematically shows a first step of one intended method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the dispenser according to the invention.

Figure 2b schematically shows a second step of one intended method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the dispenser according to the invention.

Figure 2c schematically shows a third step of one intended method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the dispenser according to the invention.

Figure 2d schematically shows a fourth step of one intended method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the dispenser according to the invention.

Figure 2e schematically shows a fifth step of one intended method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the dispenser according to the invention. Figure 3 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser according to a second aspect of the invention;

Figure 4 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser according to a third aspect of the invention;

Figure 5 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser according to a fourth aspect of the invention;

Figure 6 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser according to a fifth aspect of the invention;

Figure 7 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser according to a sixth aspect of the invention; Figures 8a and 8b schematically shows a front view of the dispenser according to a seventh aspect of the invention; Figure 9 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser according to an eighth aspect of the invention;

Figure 10 schematically shows a front view of the dispenser according to a ninth aspect of the invention;

Figures 1 1 a and 1 1 b schematically shows a front view of the dispenser according to a tenth aspect of the invention. Detailed description of drawings

In the drawings, like features have the same reference numbers.

Figure 1 a schematically shows a perspective view of a dispenser 1 according to a first aspect of the invention. The dispenser 1 comprises an outer casing 2 and a back portion 3, where the outer casing 2 is detachably or hingeably attached to the back portion 3 by means of first attachment means 4. The first attachment means 4 may be any attachment means suitable for attaching an outer casing to a back portion of a dispenser. The back portion 3 of the dispenser 1 may comprise second attachment means 5 (not shown) for attaching the dispenser 1 to a wall. The second attachment means 5 may be any attachment means suitable for attaching a back portion of a dispenser to a wall or another surface suitable for positioning a dispenser. The dispenser 1 may be lockable by locking means (not shown) such as a lock and key or another suitable means for only allowing access to the dispenser 1 for a janitor or other service personnel for refilling the dispenser 1. The dispenser 1 further comprises a compartment 6 located between the outer casing 2 and the back portion 3. The compartment 6 is designed for housing a first continuous web of tissue 7. The first continuous web of tissue 7 may be a centre feed roll but other types of rolls such as peripheral feed rolls are possible. The outer casing 2 comprises a first opening 8 for the first continuous web of tissue 7 to exit the dispenser 1 . The first opening 8 may be positioned in the centre of a front surface 9 of the outer casing 2 of the dispenser 1 but may be located anywhere on the outer casing 2 such that the first continuous web of tissue 7 may extend through the first opening 8. The outer casing 2 may comprise a first outer casing part 10 which is separate from the remaining outer casing 2. The outer casing 2 and the first outer casing part 10 are joined together during assembly of the dispenser 1. The outer casing may also comprise a first outer casing part 10 which is separate from remaining outer casing 2 or a second outer casing part (not shown). The dispenser 1 further comprises a tear unit 1 1 comprising a first arm 12 located on the right side of the dispenser 1 and a second arm 13 located on the left side of the dispenser 1 for separating the first continuous web of tissue 7 into pieces upon moving the first continuous web of tissue 7 over any of the first arm 12 or the second arm 13 of the tear unit 1 1 . The dispenser 1 may comprise either of the first arm 12 or the second arm 13 or both the first arm 12 and the second arm 13. The first arm 12 and the second arm 13 may be attached to the outer casing 2 of the dispenser 1 by means of ultrasonic bonding, mechanical attachments such as screws or welding. The tear unit 1 1 may alternatively form an integral part of the outer casing 2.

The first arm 12 comprises a first inner edge 14, a first outer edge 15, a first upper edge 16 and a first lower edge 17 opposite the first upper edge 16. The first arm 12 comprises first tear means 18 located along the first lower edge 17 of the first arm 12. The first tear means 18 may be teeth of various sizes, other kinds of serrated edges or any other suitable means for tearing or cutting a continuous web of tissue. The first tear means 18 may also be located along the other edges 14, 15, 16 of the first arm 12. The first arm 12 may also comprise additional tear means located along any edge 14, 15, 16, 17.

The second arm 13 comprises a second inner edge 19, a second outer edge 20, a second upper edge 21 and a second lower edge 22 opposite the second upper edge 21. The second arm 13 comprises second tear means 23 located along the second lower edge 22 of the second arm 13. The second tear means 23 may be teeth of various sizes, other kinds of serrated edges or any other suitable means for tearing or cutting a continuous web of tissue. The second tear means 23 may also be located along the other edges 19, 20, 21 of the second arm 13. The second arm 13 may also comprise additional tear means located along any edge 19, 20, 21 , 22.

The first arm 12 and the second arm 13 are positioned such that they are essentially mirror images of each other. This enables the dispenser to be positioned on either side of a toilet without having to make modifications to the dispenser. It is of course possible to have a dispenser 1 having only the first arm 12.

Figure 1 b schematically shows a front view of the dispenser 1 according to figure 1 . The first opening 8 is positioned at a first distance L from first arm 12 and the second arm 13. The first distance L is arranged to fit a predetermined hand for allowing the hand to grip the first continuous web of tissue positioned partly or completely within the range of the first distance L. The distance L is measured from the bottom part of the first opening 8 to the corner of the first arm 12 where the first outer edge 15 and the first upper edge 16 intersects as is shown in figure 1 b. The distance may of course be measured on the second arm 13 as well. The distance L lies in the interval 50-250 mm, preferably in the interval 100-150 mm. In the case of the dispenser 1 having both a first arm 12 and a second arm 13 the first outer edge 15 and the second outer edge 20 are placed at a distance from each other forming a gap 29.

Figure 1 c schematically shows a side view of the dispenser 1 according to figure 1. The dispenser 1 further comprises a first depression 24 for allowing a user to grip a part of the first continuous web of tissue that extends out of the first opening 8. By having a first depression 24, the hand of a user may more easily reach the first continuous web of tissue that extends out of the first opening 8. The first depression 24 is designed such that the smallest distance between the outer casing 2 and the back portion 3 is larger than the width of the roll of first continuous web of tissue 7. The distance to the deepest part of the first depression 24, the distance L2, is measured from a plane located at the outer edges of the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 positioned farthest from the back portion 3 to a plane located in the deepest part of the depression 24. The distance L2 lies in the interval 0-40 mm, preferably in the interval 20-35 mm. The first depression 24 may be tear-shaped extending downwardly from the bottom of the first opening to the bottom of the dispenser 1 . The shape of the depression 24 may also be circular, oval or any other suitable shape. In figure 1 c the first opening 8 is positioned on one end of the depression 24. The first opening may be positioned anywhere suitable in the depression, also at the deepest part. The shape of the curvature of the depression 24 in figure 1 c is merely meant as an example. Other shapes of curvatures are possible. The deepest part of the depression may be positioned at one end of the depression 24. This one end may be located at the bottom of the dispenser 1.

The dispenser 1 may comprise a transparent or translucent part making it possible to see how much of the first continuous web of tissue 7 that remains. This part may for instance be made up by a part or whole of the first depression 24. This part may also be located on one of the sides of the dispenser 1 .

The first arm 12 and the second arm 13 may be curved as shown in figure 1 or they may be straight extending outwards from the dispenser 1 at an angle.

Figures 2a-2e schematically show the steps of one intended use or method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the dispenser 1 according to the invention. Figure 2a schematically shows a first step of one intended method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the dispenser 1 according to a first aspect of the invention. The user 25 takes hold of a part of tissue 26 of the continuous web of tissue with their hand 27 and pulls the part of tissue 26 by moving their forearm 28 in a direction out from the dispenser 1 as indicated by the arrow. In figure 2a a gap 29 formed between the first and second arms 17, 18 of figure 1 is also shown.

Figure 2b schematically shows a second step of one intended method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the dispenser 1 according to a first aspect of the invention. Once the desired amount of tissue has been pulled out, the user 25 moves the part of tissue 26 towards the gap 29 (obscured by the hand) by moving the forearm 28 towards the dispenser 1 as indicated by the arrow. Figure 2c schematically shows a third step of one intended method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the dispenser 1 according to a first aspect of the invention. The part of tissue 26 is easily moved into the gap 29 between the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 as the user 25 moves their hand 27 in a direction towards the dispenser 1 leading between the first arm 12 and second arm 13 as indicated by the arrow.

Figure 2d schematically shows a fourth step of one intended method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the dispenser 1 according to a first aspect of the invention. The part of tissue 26 is then torn through that the user 25 moves the part of tissue 26 towards the first tear means 18 located in the gap 29 by moving the forearm 28 towards the body of the user 25 while the user 25 at the same time pulls the part of tissue 26 in an oblique angle upwards towards the user 25 as indicated by the arrow.

Figure 2e schematically shows a fifth step of one intended method for a user to tear a continuous web of tissue from the dispenser 1 according to a first aspect of the invention. The part of tissue 26 has been torn off and the user 25 has the part of tissue 26 torn off in their hand 27. As can be seen from figure 2e a new part of tissue extends from the dispenser and is available to the user.

Figure 3 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1 according to a second aspect of the invention. In figure 3 the compartment 6 of the dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second continuous web of tissue 30. The dispenser 1 comprises a first opening 8 and a second opening 31 for the first continuous web of tissue 7 and second continuous web of tissue 30 to exit the dispenser 1 . The dispenser 1 further comprises a tear unit 1 1 comprising a first arm 12 and a second arm 13. The tear unit 1 1 in figure 3 is arranged such that the first arm 12 is placed above the second arm 13. In this aspect of the invention the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 of the tear unit 1 1 comprise first tear means 18 located on the first lower edge 17 and second tear means 23 located on the second lower edge 22 as well as third tear means 32 located on the first upper edge 16 and fourth tear means 33 located on the second upper edge 21 respectively. The dispenser 1 according to this aspect of the invention may comprise a first depression and a second depression (not shown) located below the first opening 8 and second opening 31 respectively in order to simplify the grasping of the first continuous web of tissue or second continuous web of tissue respectively. The arrows in figure 3 indicate the intended direction of the continuous web of tissue for tearing the continuous web of tissue.

Figure 4 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1 according to a third aspect of the invention. In figure 4 the compartment 6 of the dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second continuous web of tissue 30. The dispenser 1 comprises a first opening 8 located in the top part of the first depression 24. The arrows in figure 4 indicate the intended direction of the web of tissue for tearing the continuous web of tissue. Figure 5 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1 according to a fourth aspect of the invention. In figure 5 the compartment 6 of the dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second continuous web of tissue 30. The dispenser 1 comprises a first opening 8 and second opening 31 positioned essentially in front of the centres of the first continuous web of tissue 7 and the second continuous web of tissue 30. A hatch 34 comprising a first hatch opening 35 and a second hatch opening 36 is movably mounted to the dispenser 1 for instance on a rail on which it can slide. Other types of movement arrangements are possible. The hatch 34 is designed so that when the first opening 8 and the first hatch opening 35 are aligned it is possible to dispense the first continuous web of tissue 7 from the dispenser 1. At the same time the second opening 31 and the second hatch opening 36 are not aligned thereby rendering dispensing of the second continuous web of tissue 30 impossible. The hatch 34 may be locked in place by that the first web of continuous tissue 7 extends through the first hatch opening 35. The hatch 34 may also be locked in place by a suitable lock connecting the hatch 34 to the dispenser 1 . When the first continuous web of tissue 7 is depleted the hatch 34 is moved so that the second opening 31 and the second hatch opening 36 are aligned making it possible to dispense the second continuous web of tissue from the dispenser 1 . At the same time the first opening 8 and the first hatch opening 35 are not aligned thereby rendering dispensing through the first opening 8 impossible. The position of the first opening 8 and the second opening 31 may of course be different from a position essentially in front of the centres of the first continuous web of tissue 7 and the second continuous web of tissue 30. For instance the first opening 8 and the second opening 31 may be positioned closer to the tear unit 1 1 . The length of the hatch 34 is adapted to the position of the first opening 8 and the second opening 31.In figure 5 the hatch 34 is moved such that the second hatch opening 36 and the second opening 8 are aligned making the second continuous web of tissue 30 possible to dispense. The arrow in figure 5 indicates the intended direction of the web of tissue for tearing the continuous web of tissue. Figure 6 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1 according to a fifth aspect of the invention. In figure 6 the compartment 6 of the dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second continuous web of tissue 30. The dispenser 1 according to this aspect of the invention comprises a tear unit 1 1 comprising only the first arm 12. The tear unit 1 1 is rotated 90° in comparison to the dispenser 1 described in conjunction with figure 1 . In figure 6 the first arm 12 comprises both the first tear means 18 and the second tear means 23 in order for the dispenser to be able to be positioned on either side of the toilet. The first tear means 18 and the second tear means 23 are located on the first upper edge 16 and the first lower edge 17 of the first arm 12 respectively. The arrows in figure 6 indicate the intended direction of the web of tissue for tearing the continuous web of tissue.

Figure 7 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1 according to a sixth aspect of the invention. In figure 7 the compartment 6 of the dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second continuous web of tissue 30. The dispenser 1 according to this aspect of the invention comprises a first arm 12 and a second arm 13, where the first arm 12 is rotated an angle between 60° and 120° counter-clockwise in relation to an imagined horizontal plane and where the second arm 13 is rotated an angle between 60° and 120° clockwise in relation to an imagined horizontal plane. The arrows in figure 7 indicate the intended direction of the web of tissue for tearing the continuous web of tissue. Figure 8a schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1 according to a seventh aspect of the invention. In figure 8a the compartment 6 of the dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second continuous web of tissue 30 where the second continuous web of tissue 30 is placed on top of the first continuous web of tissue 7. The first opening 8 is located so that only the first continuous web of tissue 7 can be dispensed.

Figure 8b schematically shows a front view of the dispenser 1 of figure 8a where the first continuous web of tissue 7 has essentially been depleted and the second continuous web of tissue 30 can be seen resting on the remains of the first continuous web of tissue 7. The remains of the first continuous web of tissue 7 have compacted due to the weight of the second continuous web of tissue 30. The second continuous web of tissue 30 is now accessible through the first opening 8. The arrows in figures 8a and 8b indicate the intended direction of the web of tissue for tearing the continuous web of tissue.

Figure 9 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1 according to an eighth aspect of the invention. In figure 9 the compartment 6 of the dispenser 1 houses a first continuous web of tissue 7 and a second continuous web of tissue 30 where the second continuous web of tissue is placed on top of the first continuous web of tissue 7. The compartment 6 is in this aspect of the invention divided into two parts, one part for the first continuous web of tissue 7 and one part for the second continuous web of tissue 30. The dispenser 1 comprises a first opening 8 and a second opening 31 from which either of the first continuous web of tissue 7 or second continuous web of tissue 30 may be dispensed. The arrows in figure 9 indicate the intended direction of the web of tissue for tearing the continuous web of tissue.

Figure 10 schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1 according to a ninth aspect of the invention. This aspect of the invention is similar to the aspect described in conjunction with figure 9. The difference is that the first continuous web of tissue 7 and the second continuous web of tissue 30 are placed next to each other horizontally. The arrows in figure 10 indicate the intended direction of the web of tissue for tearing the continuous web of tissue.

Figure 1 1 a schematically shows a front view of a dispenser 1 according to a tenth aspect of the invention. In figure 1 1 a the compartment 6 is large enough for a first continuous web of tissue 7 but not for a second continuous web of tissue 30 at the same time. The dispenser 1 comprises an elongated slot 37 where the first end 38 of the elongated slot 37 comprise the first opening 8 and the second end 39 of the elongated slot 37 comprise the second opening 31 . The first continuous web of tissue 7 is dispensed through the first opening 8.

Figure 1 1 b schematically shows that the compartment 6 houses a second continuous web of tissue 30 and a first continuous web of tissue 7 which is essentially depleted. The first continuous web of tissue 7 which is essentially depleted which was dispensed through the first opening 8 in figure 1 1 a is moved to the side of the second continuous web of tissue 30 which has been loaded into the dispenser 1 . The remainder of the first continuous web of tissue 7 may be dispensed through the second opening 31 after the end of the web of the first continuous web of tissue 7 is moved through the elongated slot 37 from the first end 38 of the elongated slot 37 to the second end 39 of the elongated slot 37. The second continuous web of tissue is dispensed through the first opening 8. The arrows in figures 1 1 a and 1 1 b indicate the intended direction of the web of tissue for tearing the continuous web of tissue.

The dispenser may be equipped with other types of tear units. It may be possible to have a tear unit in the shape of a disc, with the disc having tear means located along the entire or a part of the periphery of the disc. The disc would then be placed essentially where the tear unit of for instance figure 1 is placed.

Test method for determining the force required to pull the paper from the dispenser.

The purpose is to determine if existing paper qualities can function in new models of dispensers made for rolls. The method can also be used to test new paper qualities in existing dispenser models.

Principle

Existing or new paper qualities are tested in different dispenser models and prototypes made for rolls. The purpose is to get data on pull force, tail length and if tail is missing for three systems with different quality levels of paper. The three systems tested are SCA T2 Elevation dispensers (2 different models), Lotus SmartOne, and the dispenser according to the invention, hereafter called GripRip.

Apparatus

Force Gauge, Mecmesin BFG 50 N, Id 103796 or Mecmesin BFG 200 N, Id 103800

Clamp, small (3 X 1 cm), ID 103797 or ID 103801

Clamp, big (12 X 1 cm), ID 103798

Calliper gage

Ruler Sample preparation

Start by placing the dispenser in the right position. The dispenser should be mounted according to the instructions in the package using all the accompanying screws.

Procedure

Note which series or likewise the dispenser belongs to (example Box 2000), which type of product it is made for (exemple T1 ), if the dispenser is a prototype and if so, which kind of prototype, the date when the test was performed, the signature of the person who performed the test, article number, numbers of ply, if the product is perforated or not, the diameter of a full roll (noted under diameter). Also measure the inner diameter of the cores in three different places in order to see if the core is symmetric. Start by using Force Gauge, Mecmesin BFG 50 N, Id 103796 and the little clamp, if you receive a force higher than 45 N; change to Mecmesin BFG 200 N, Id 103800, if the paper breaks around the clamp; change to a big clamp. Do not forget to note which instrument and clamp which have been used. Hold the Force Gauge in the same angle as the paper comes out of the dispenser and place the display in front of you.

Measure both the pull force when dispensing the paper vertically out of the dispenser and the pull force needed to tear the paper off against the teeth. First attach the clamp (about 1 cm from the edge of the paper) and then pull the paper by moving the Gauge meter straight down with an even speed and a distance of one arm length, similar to the speed used when dispensing paper. The Gauge meter should register the largest force needed.

After the paper pull out force is measured, and if the dispenser style allows it, the force gauge is zeroed and the paper is torn off against the dispenser teeth (SCA T2 dispenser and GripRip dispenser). Highest measured force is written down.

For dispensers with the opening in the front, the paper is pulled with the force gauge straight out from the dispenser front to measure pull out force (Lotus SmartOne dispenser and GripRip dispenser). The tail length is measured with a ruler after each dispensation and written down. The tail length is measured from the dispenser opening to the end of visible paper tail.

For the Grip Rip dispenser the same refills were used as in the T2 Elevation dispenser but with the core pulled out.

For the GripRip dispenser the roll is put on a paper board to be lifted a few centimeters to be in same level as dispensing hole for testing.

The test results for the pull force and the tail lengths for the different dispensers are shown in table 1. Pull Force (N) Tail Length (cm)

SCA T2 1 10253 2.3 0

SCA T2 1 10280 1 .8 0

Lotus SmartOne

8.4 3.1

207493

GripRip 1 10253 1 .2 16.4

GripRip 1 10280 1 .2 15.6

Table 1. Test results for pull force (N) and tail length (cm)

As can be seen from the result the dispenser according to the invention displays a lower pull force than the other dispensers tested. Also the tail length of the paper is much greater allowing a user to grasp the tail of the paper in order to pull the paper from the dispenser.

The distances mentioned in relation to figures 1 a-1 c should be understood as exemplary and not limiting for the invention. Adjusting the remaining parts of the dispenser in order to obtain a functional dispenser lie well within the scope of the invention. For dispensers having two continuous webs of tissue adjusting the distances and designs of the tear unit lie well within the scope of the invention. Measurements may for instance be taken to different parts of the first and second arm for the distance L to fulfil the desired objective of the invention. Although the above description mainly covers centre feed dispenser the invention is not limited to only centre feed dispensers. Having a peripheral feed dispenser displaying the same advantages as mentioned above lie well within the scope of the invention.

Reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be seen as limiting the extent of the matter protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make the claims easier to understand.

As will be realised, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects, all without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description thereto are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive. It may for instance be possible to combine the features of the different aspects in any way. This means for instance that a tear means from one aspect of the invention may replace a tear means from another aspect of the invention.

Claims

1 . A dispenser (1 ) for a continuous web of tissue, the dispenser (1 ) comprising an outer casing (2) being detachably or hingeably attached to a back portion (3), the dispenser (1 ) comprising a compartment (6) between the outer casing (2) and the back portion (3) for housing a first continuous web of tissue (7), the dispenser (1 ) comprising a first opening (8) for the first continuous web of tissue (7) to exit the dispenser (1 ), the dispenser (1 ) comprising a tear unit (1 1 ) for separating the first continuous web of tissue (7) into pieces upon moving the first continuous web of tissue (7) over the tear unit (1 1 ), characterized in that the first opening (8) is positioned at a first distance L from the tear unit (1 1 ), the first distance L being arranged to fit a predetermined hand for allowing the predetermined hand to grip the first continuous web of tissue (7) positioned partly or completely within the range of the first distance L.

2. A dispenser (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first opening (8) is arranged such that the force required to pull the first continuous web of tissue (7) from the dispenser (1 ) is less than 8 N, preferably the force required to pull the first continuous web of tissue (7) from the dispenser (1 ) is less than 4 N and more preferably the force required to pull the first continuous web of tissue (7) from the dispenser (1 ) is less than 2 N.

3. A dispenser (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first opening (8) is positioned in a front surface in an outer casing part (10) which is separate from the outer casing (2).

4. A dispenser (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first opening (8) is positioned essentially centrally in the dispenser (1 ).

5. A dispenser (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first opening (8) is positioned for allowing the first continuous web of tissue (7) to be fed from a centrally fed roll of tissue via the first opening (8).

6. A dispenser (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tear unit (1 1 ) is integrated in the outer casing (2).

7. A dispenser (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -5, characterized in that the tear unit (1 1 ) is a separate unit from the outer casing (2), which separate unit is attached to the outer casing (2).

8. A dispenser (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the dispenser (1 ) comprises a first depression (24) for allowing a user to grip a part of the first continuous web that extends out of the first opening (8).

9. A dispenser (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tear unit (1 1 ) comprises a first arm (12) positioned such that the first continuous web of tissue (7) can be moved in a direction essentially perpendicular to the feeding direction of the first continuous web of tissue (7) in the first opening (8) and torn apart by first tear means (18) comprised in the first arm (12).

10. A dispenser (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tear unit (1 1 ) comprises a first arm (12) and a second arm (13) positioned such that the first continuous web of tissue (7) can be moved between the arms (12, 13) before being moved in a direction essentially perpendicular to the feeding direction of the first continuous web (7) in the first opening (8) and torn apart by the first tear means (18) comprised in the first arm (12).

1 1 . A dispenser (1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that each arm (12, 13) is inwardly bent.

12. A dispenser (1 ) according to claim 10 or 1 1 , characterized in that the first arm (12) and the second arm (13) are positioned such that the second arm (13) is essentially a mirror image of the first arm (12)

13. A dispenser (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the range of the first distance L is between 50 mm and 250 mm, preferably between 100 mm and

150 mm.

14. A dispenser (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compartment (6) of the dispenser (1 ) houses a first continuous web of tissue (7) and a second continuous web of tissue (30).

15. A dispenser (1 ) according to claim 14, characterized in that the dispenser (1 ) comprises a first opening (8) and a second opening (31 ), the first opening (8) and the second opening (31 ) being arranged such that the force required to pull the first continuous web of tissue (7) or the second continuous web of tissue (30) from either of the first opening (8) or the second opening (31 ) of the dispenser (1 ) is less than 8 N, preferably the force required to pull the first continuous web of tissue (7) or the second continuous web of tissue (30) from either of the first opening (8) or the second opening (31 ) of the dispenser (1 ) is less than 4 N and more preferably the force required to pull the first continuous web of tissue (7) or the second continuous web of tissue (30) from either of the first opening (8) or the second opening (31 ) of the dispenser (1 ) is less than 2 N.

16. A dispenser (1 ) according to claim 15, characterized in that the dispenser (1 ) comprises a hatch (34) arranged to be movable between a first end position and a second end position, where the hatch (34) covers the first opening (8) when the hatch (34) is moved to the first end position and the hatch (34) covers the second opening (31 ) when the hatch is moved to the second end position.

17. A dispenser (1 ) according to claim 15, characterized in that the dispenser (1 ) comprises an elongated slot (37) where the ends (38, 39) of the elongated slot (37) comprise the first opening (8) and the second opening (31 ).