WO2024091240A1

WO2024091240A1 - Dispenser with improved dispensing mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2024091240A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/048038
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jae Hun GU; Eric M. Chalko
Original assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Priority date: 2022-10-27
Filing date: 2022-10-27
Publication date: 2024-05-02

Abstract

A dispenser for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material is provided. The dispenser includes a housing having an interior volume so as to retain a first roll of sheet material and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing to dispense sheet material. The dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a pressure roller biased against the drive roller forming a nip through which sheet material is dispensed. The pressure roller includes a plurality of ribs with at least one of the plurality of ribs having a concave portion, such that during rotation of the pressure roller at least a portion of the rib is not in contact with the drive roller. Methods for dispensing sheet material are also provided.

Description

DISPENSER WITH IMPROVED DISPENSING MECHANISM

BACKGROUND

Washrooms in commercial and residential buildings typically include products such as toilet tissue, paper towels, diapers, feminine products, liquid products such as soap, and aerosol products such as air fresheners. These products are typically housed by a dispenser and are dispensed as needed by the user. Those skilled in the art have spent considerable time designing dispensers that can more easily dispense the products noted above. For instance, dispensers including electronically connected dispensing mechanisms can be used to provide sheet materials. Such dispensers are often referred to as "hands-free” dispensers since the dispenser is capable of dispensing a portion of sheet material upon sensing a user within the detection zone of the dispenser. The mechanism used to dispense sheet material can include rollers and motors, however, operation of dispensing components can sometimes cause creasing or wrinkling to happen as paper is dispensed from the dispenser. For instance, as sheet material is dispensed, it can become creased or uncentered as it passes through the dispensing mechanism, which leads to user frustration or malfunction.

In view of the above improved dispensing mechanisms and components for dispensers are needed.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure is directed to a dispenser for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material. The dispenser includes a housing having an interior volume so as to retain a first roll of sheet material. A dispensing mechanism is disposed within the housing to dispense sheet material. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive roller and a pressure roller biased against the drive roller forming a nip through which sheet material is dispensed. The pressure roller includes a plurality of ribs disposed thereon. At least one of the plurality of ribs has a concave portion such that during rotation of the pressure roller at least a portion of the rib is not in contact with the drive roller.

In other embodiments, the disclosure provides a dispenser for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material. The dispenser includes a housing having an interior volume so as to retain a first roll of sheet material and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing to dispense sheet material. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive roller and a pressure roller biased against the drive roller forming a nip through which sheet material is dispensed. The pressure roller has a plurality of ribs disposed thereon. At least one of the plurality of ribs defines a convex portion, such that during rotation of the pressure roller the convex portion contacts the drive roller lifting the pressure roller such that one or more of the plurality of ribs are not in contact with the drive roller. Methods for dispensing sheet material are also provided.

Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a side view, partially in cross-section, of a sheet material dispenser according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates is a front view of a portion of the dispenser of FIG. 1 in a open position according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a pressure roller according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a pressure roller and drive roller according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a pressure roller and a drive roller according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figures 6A-6D illustrate a side-view of a rib for a pressure roller according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a pressure roller and a drive roller according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a pressure roller and a drive roller according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figures 9A-9D illustrate a side-view of a rib for a pressure roller according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pressure roller biased against a drive roller according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pressure roller biased against a drive roller according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 12 illustrates a pressure roller biased against a drive roller according to example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Figure 13 illustrates a pressure roller biased against a drive roller according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the terms "first”, "second”, and "third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.

The terms "coupled,” "fixed,” "attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

The singular forms "a”, "an”, and "the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as "about”, "approximately”, and "substantially”, are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 1 , 2, 4, 10, 15, or 20 percent margin. These approximating margins may apply to a single value, either or both endpoints defining numerical ranges, and/or the margin for ranges between endpoints.

The embodiments including dispensers of the present disclosure, including components thereof, can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the embodiments described herein, as well as any additional or optional components or limitations described herein or otherwise useful.

As used herein, the term "comprising” is intended to be inclusive or open-ended, and is not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps which do not prevent operation of the invention.

As used herein, the term "hinge” 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. As used herein, the terms "sheet material” and "paper” means 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 and papers include, but are not limited to, paper tissue, bath/toilet tissue, paper towels, wipes, label rolls, or other fibrous, film, polymer, or filamentary products. The terms "sheet material” and "paper” may be used interchangeably.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a dispenser for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material. The dispenser includes a housing having an interior volume so as to retain a first roll of sheet material. A dispensing mechanism is disposed within the interior of the housing. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive roller and a pressure roller. The pressure roller includes a plurality of ribs disposed thereon. At least one of the plurality of ribs has a concave portion such that during rotation of the pressure roller at least a portion of the rib is not in contact with the drive roller.

In other embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a dispenser for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material. The dispenser includes a housing having an interior volume so as to retain a first roll of sheet material. A dispensing mechanism is disposed within the interior of the housing. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive roller and a pressure roller. The pressure roller includes a plurality of ribs disposed thereon. At least one of the plurality of ribs has a convex portion such that during rotation of the pressure roller the convex portion contacts the drive roller lifting the pressure roller such that one or more of the plurality of ribs are not in contact with the drive roller.

The dispensers according to example embodiments of the present disclosure can provide numerous benefits and technical effects. For instance, configuring the pressure roller and/or drive roller as provided is beneficial for re-centering the sheet material as it passes through the nip resulting in less wrinkling of the sheet material as it is dispensed. Such a configuration also leads to more evenly dispensed sheet material and less jamming of sheet material in the dispenser. Further, should paper become creased or wrinkled during dispensing, configuration of the pressure roller and drive roller as provided allows for the paper to decrease during subsequent dispensing cycles. For instance, should paper creasing occur, it can be remediated in as few as one to two dispensing cycles. Such decreasing functionality increases customer satisfaction and also can lead to reduced paper jams, which leads to less product waste.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure include features that improve the overall functionality and performance of the dispenser. For example, the pressure roller reduces sheet material (e.g., paper) creasing, wrinkling and de-centering. Further, should the sheet material become creased during dispensing, continues dispensing will result in de-creasing of the sheet material. Indeed, the sheet material can be decreased after one to two more dispensing cycles. Specifically, the present inventors have discovered that modifying certain ribs on the pressure roller to include the features as disclosed can temporarily relieve pressure on the sheet material as it passes through the nip between the drive roller and the pressure roller. Such temporary relief from pressure, allows the paper to de-crinkle or de-crease as it continues to move through the nip.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an example embodiment of a dispenser 10 for dispensing a dispensable product in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The dispenser 10, as shown, is configured for dispensing rolled sheet material products, such as rolled sheets of paper towels or toilet paper. The dispenser 10 is particularly suited for dispensing paper towels, tissues, and the like. Generally, the dispenser 10 is configured for dispensing multiple rolls of material. The dispenser is not limited to any particular type of roll material, or any particular application. The dispenser is illustrated in the figures as a paper towel roll dispenser for purposes of illustration only.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the dispenser 10 includes a housing 17 having an interior volume 15 that is designed to house one or more rolls of sheet material 18. For example, the housing 17 can be configured to house a first roll of sheet material 18 (e.g., a main roll) and/or a second roll of sheet material (e.g., a stub roll). The housing 17 may be formed of any suitable material or materials. The housing 17 may take on any manner of shapes or configurations. Generally, the dispenser 10 can include a front cover 20 and a backplate 30. The front cover 20 can be positioned in an open position or a closed position. In certain embodiments, the front cover 20 can define one or more of the sidewalls of the dispenser 10. In other embodiments, however, the front cover 20 can form at least a portion, but not substantially all, of the sidewalls of the dispenser 10. In other embodiments, however, the front cover 20 does not form any portion of the sidewalls of the dispenser 10. The front cover 20 can be pivotally coupled to the backplate 30. For example, one or more hinges can be used to pivotally couple the front cover 20 to the backplate 30. Any conventional pivotal attaching mechanism may be used in this regard. For example, in certain embodiments, a simple rotatable rod is provided and retained by rod holders. It should be appreciated that any number of conventional pivotal arrangements are known by those skilled in the art and may be utilized to pivotally mount the front cover 20 to the backplate 30. In other embodiments, the front cover 20 can be completely removable or detachable from the backplate 30.

The dispenser 10 also include a roll retaining device 22 configured to hold the roll of sheet material 18. While one roll retaining device 22 is shown, the disclosure is not so limited. Indeed, any number of roll retaining devices 22 can be used or incorporated into the dispenser 10 disclosed herein. For example, in embodiments where the dispenser 10 is configured to hold at least two rolls of sheet material 18, at least two roll retaining devices 22, such as a first roll retaining device and a second roll retaining device, can be used. In certain embodiments, a first roll retaining device can be used to hold a first roll of sheet material (e.g., a main roll) and a second roll retaining device can be used to hold a second roll of sheet material (e.g., a stub roll). Roll retaining devices 22 are generally known in the art and are capable of supporting a roll of sheet material such that sheet material can be unrolled and dispensed via a dispensing opening in the dispenser. For example, certain roll retaining devices have an arm with a nub and/or hub thereon, the nub or hub can be inserted into the core diameter of the roll, thus allowing the roll to move circumferentially in order to dispense sheet material from the roll. Any known configurations of roll retaining devices can be used herein.

A dispensing mechanism 50 is disposed within the housing 17. The dispensing mechanism 50 can be provided in a module and disposed in the housing 17. The dispensing mechanism 50 includes components configured to dispense sheet material 12 from the roll of sheet material 18 in a controlled manner. For example, the dispensing mechanism 50 can include a pressure roller 80 and a drive roller 100 forming a nip 36 through which sheet material 12 is dispensed. The sheet material 12 runs off the roll 18 and between the pressure roller 80 and drive roller 100 and through a dispensing opening 44 disposed in a lower end 45 of the housing 17. Alternatively, the dispensing opening 44 can be formed in the front cover 20, or both in a portion of the front cover 20 and a portion of the lower end (not shown). The dispensing opening 44 may have a serrated edge (not shown), or it may carry teeth (also not shown) for severing the web of sheet material (if it is not perforated). Each end of the pressure roller 80 and the drive roller 100 can be rotatably mounted to a side panel of the housing 17 or of a module housing located within the housing 17. For example, suitable roll holders disposed within the housing 17 can secure the pressure roller 80 and the drive roller 100 within the housing. A transmission housing containing a transmission for transmitting drive from an electric motor 52 to the drive roller 100 so as to rotate this roller can also be provided. Additional control circuitry can be included for operating said rollers.

A detection sensor 56 may be mounted to the lower end 45 of the housing 17 (or, alternatively, to a module in the housing (not shown)) adjacent a lens 58, as illustrated in FIG. 1 . It will be understood, however, that the detection sensor 56 and/or lens 58, or any activations system shown and/or described herein or known in the art, may be mounted in any area of the housing, so long as it operates as described herein. In this embodiment, the sensor 56 is desirably, but not by way of limitation, a conventional passive sensor for detecting infrared radiation. Passive infrared detectors are known in the art, and are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,337 to Shikaumi and U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,248 to Bauer et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference. A passive infrared detector which may be used with the dispenser 10 is a Model 40623 sold by Eltec Instruments Inc. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that various different infrared detectors are available, and that many of the available detectors are suitable for use with the dispenser 10. In practice, the sensor 56 is arranged to detect infrared radiation from a user's hand placed below the lens 58, and upon detecting the radiation, to transmit a signal for activating the electric motor 52 so as to dispense a length of sheet material through the dispensing opening 44.

It will by understood, however, that other activation mechanisms, such as capacitive and ultrasonic, may be used in the present disclosure. Capacitive proximity sensors produce an electrostatic field that will sense both metal objects and non-metallic materials such as paper, glass, liquids, and cloth. Ultrasonic proximity sensors use a transducer to send and receive high frequency sound signals. When a target enters the beam, the sound is reflected back to the sensor, causing it to energize or de-energize the output circuit. Another sensor type is inductive. In this case an electromagnetic field is used, however, detection is limited to only metallic objects.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, an example embodiment of a pressure roller 80 is shown and a drive roller 100 is shown biased against the pressure roller 80 in FIGS. 4-5. The pressure roller 80 includes a pressure roller body 81 on which one or more ribs 82 are disposed. Spindles can be disposed on each end of the pressure roller 80 to facilitation placement and holding of the pressure roller 80 in the housing 17 of the dispenser 10. Notably, the pressure roller 80 can include a plurality of ribs 82, such as at least 5 ribs, such as at least 10 ribs, such as at least 15 ribs, such as at least 20 ribs, such as at least 25 ribs. Indeed, the ribs 82 can be spaced apart from each other along the pressure roller body 81 . In embodiments, certain of the ribs 82 can be spaced closer together as compared to other ribs disposed on the pressure roller body 81 . However, in other embodiments, the ribs 82 may be equally spaced apart from each other on the pressure roller body 81 . The ribs 82 can be spaced along the pressure roller body 81 in any configuration.

Each of the ribs 82 can include a concave portion 87. In embodiments at least one of the ribs 82 includes a concave portion 87. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the ribs 82 includes the concave portion 87. For example, in certain embodiments at least 10%, such as at least 20%, such as at least 30% such as at least 40%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 100% of the ribs include the concave portion 87. Additional concave portions 87 can be disposed on the rib 82 as desired. For instance, while the ribs shown 82 generally only include one concave portion 87, it is contemplated that the ribs 82 could include two or more concave portions 87, such as at least three, such as at least four, such as at least five concave portions. In embodiments, the concave portion 87 can form about 10% to about 90% of the total circumference of the one or more ribs 82, such as from about 20% to about 80%, such as from about 30% to about 70%, such as from about 40% to about 60% of the total circumference. In a certain embodiment, the concave portion form about 20% to about 30%, such as about 25% of the total circumference of the one or more ribs 82.

Each of the ribs 82 includes a drive roller contacting surface 86. The drive roller 100 is shown biased against the pressure roller 80 in FIGS. 4-5. The drive roller contacting surface 86 is generally the outer circumferential surface of the rib 82. The drive roller contacting surface 86 is configured to be in contact with the drive roller when the pressure roller 80 is biased against the drive roller 100 to form a nip through which paper can be dispensed. In embodiment, the drive roller contacting surface 86 can form about 10% to about 90% of the total circumference of the one or more ribs 82, such as from about 20% to about 80%, such as from about 30% to about 70%, such as from about 40% to about 60% of the total circumference. Notably, in certain embodiments, in each rib 82 containing a concave portion 87, the drive roller contacting surface 86 does not define the total circumference of the rib 82. However, certain ribs 82 void of the concave portion 87 can include a drive roller contacting surface 86 that forms substantially 100% of the total circumference of the rib 82.

Now referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, the concave portion 87 can be disposed on each rib 82 in a variety of locations around the center axis 90 of the rib 82. For instance, in embodiments the concave portion 87 is disposed in the top left quadrant (FIG. 6A), the bottom left quadrant (FIG. 6B), the bottom right quadrant (FIG. 6C), or the top right quadrant (FIG. 6D). The placement of the concave portion 87 on the rib 82 can vary on consecutive ribs 82. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the concave portions 87 on the ribs 82 are disposed in a different locations. For instance, the concave portion 87 can be rotated 90° in position with respect to each consecutive ribs 82. In such an embodiment, the first rib would have the concave portion 87 as disposed in FIG. 6A, the second consecutive rib would have the concave portion 87 as disposed in FIG. 6B, the third consecutive rib would have the concave portion 87 as disposed in FIG. 6C, and the fourth consecutive rib would have the concave portion 87 as disposed in FIG. 6D. Thus, the concave portion rotates 90° around the ribs 82 with respect to each consecutive rib.

The placement of the concave portion 87 on each consecutive rib 82 can be different such that during rotation of the pressure roller 80 at least a portion of each rib 82 is not in contact with the drive roller at different points in the rotation. For example, the concave portions 87 can be disposed on each consecutive rib and can be placed in different radial positions spaced degrees apart from each other along the perimeter of the rib 82. For instance, a first concave portion is disposed on a first rib, the second consecutive rib includes a second portion disposed about 10° around the perimeter from the first concave portion. A third concave portion disposed on a third rib, which is consecutive to the second rib, can be disposed about 10° around the perimeter of the third rib as compared to the second concave portion. Notably, this pattern can continue having each consecutive rib including a concave portion disposed in different radial locations around the perimeter of the rib as compared to its surrounding consecutive ribs. Different degrees of radial placement between consecutive concave portions can vary and may range from about 1 ° to about 45°.

Now referring to FIGS. 7-8, in embodiments the rib 82 can include a convex portion 97 disposed on the rib 82 similar to the concave portion 87 as described hereinabove. In embodiments at least one of the ribs 82 includes a convex portion 97. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the ribs 82 include the convex portion 97. For example, in certain embodiments at least 10%, such as at least 20%, such as at least 30% such as at least 40%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 100% of the ribs include the convex portion 97. Additional convex portions 97 can be disposed on the rib 82 as desired. For instance, while the ribs shown generally only include one convex portion 97, it is contemplated that the ribs 82 could include two or more convex portion 97, such as at least three, such as at least four, such as at least five convex portions. In embodiments, the convex portion 97 can form about 10% to about 90% of the total circumference of the one or more ribs 82, such as from about 20% to about 80%, such as from about 30% to about 70%, such as from about 40% to about 60% of the total circumference. In a certain embodiment, the convex portion 97 forms about 20% to about 30%, such as about 25% of the total circumference of the one or more ribs 82.

Now referring to FIGS.9A-9D, the convex portion 97 can be disposed on each rib 82 in a variety of locations around the center axis 90 of the rib 82. For instance, in embodiments the convex portion 97 is disposed in the top left quadrant (FIG. 9A), the bottom left quadrant (FIG. 9B), the bottom right quadrant (FIG. 9C), or the top right quadrant (FIG. 9D). For instance, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the convex portion 97 on the ribs 82 are disposed in different locations. For instance, the convex portion 97 can be rotated 90° in position with respect to each consecutive rib 82. In such an embodiment, the first rib would have the convex portion 97 as disposed in FIG. 9A, the second consecutive rib would have the convex portion 97 as disposed in FIG. 9B, the third consecutive rib would have the convex portion 97 as disposed in FIG. 9C, and the fourth consecutive rib would have the convex portion 97 as disposed in FIG. 9D. Thus, the convex portion rotates 90° around the ribs 82 with respect to each consecutive rib.

The placement of the convex portion 97 on each consecutive rib 82 can be different such that during rotation of the pressure roller 80 at least a portion of each rib 82 is not in contact with the drive roller at different points in the rotation. For example, the concave portions 97 can be disposed on each consecutive rib and can be placed certain degrees apart from each other along the perimeter of the rib 82. For example, the concave portions 87 can be disposed on each consecutive rib and can be placed in different radial positions spaced degrees apart from each other along the perimeter of the rib 82. For instance, a first convex portion is disposed on a first rib, the second consecutive rib includes a second convex portion disposed about 10° around the perimeter from the first convex portion. A third convex portion disposed on a third rib, which is consecutive to the second rib, can be disposed about 10° around the perimeter of the third rib as compared to the second convex portion. Notably, this pattern can continue having each consecutive rib including a convex portion disposed in different radial locations around the perimeter of the rib as compared to its surrounding consecutive ribs. Different degrees of radial placement between consecutive convex portions can vary and may range from about 1 ° to about 45°.

Now referring to FIGS. 10-11 , a pressure roller 80 is shown biased against a drive roller 100. The pressure roller 80 is held against the drive roller 100 with a pressure roller arm 102. As the drive roller 100 rotates, the pressure roller 80 also rotates such that the convex portion 97 comes into contact with the drive roller 100. When the convex portion 97 of the rib 82 is in contact with the drive roller 100, this causes the pressure roller arm 102 to lift up in the direction as shown by arrow A. When the pressure roller arm 102 lifts, this causes the remainder of the ribs 82 disposed on the pressure roller 80 to lose contact with the drive roller 100. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 12-13, there are several ribs 82 disposed along the pressure roller 80. Each of the ribs 82 are in contact with the drive roller 100. However, as shown in FIG. 13, when the convex portion 97 comes into contact with the drive roller 100, this raises the pressure roller arm 102, which lifts the pressure roller 80 and the ribs 82 thereon, such that the ribs 82 are no longer in contact with the drive roller 100. Such a temporary loss of contact between the ribs and the drive roller 100, releases pressure on any sheet material in the nip, which allows for the sheet material to de-crinkle, un-crease, and/or re-center.

The dispensers provided herein can also be outfitted with any number of operational components. The operation components can be housed in the housing and/or located external to the housing. Suitable operational components can vary depending on the type of dispenser and product to be dispensed. For example, the operational components of the dispenser can be mounted directly to the backplate of the housing or can be part of a module that is received within the housing. For example, the operational components can be part of a module that may be readily removable from the housing for servicing and/or replacing components without the necessity of having to remove the entire dispenser from its support surface. For dispensing paper products, such as one or more rolls of sheet material, the operational components can include rollers, such as pressure rollers, drive rollers, drive motors, gear assemblies, and control circuity, including, for example, controllers or microprocessors, for driving paper product from the roll of sheet material out through a dispensing opening. Additional roll retaining devices, such as roll holders, including main roll holders and stub roll holders, can also be included in the dispenser. Additional transfer mechanisms may also be present in order to transfer dispensing between a stub roll and a main roll. Such components are known by those of skill in the art and can be incorporated accordingly herein. Additionally, tear bars or cutting bars may be present in order to cut the paper product as it is dispensed from the dispensing material. In certain embodiments, the dispenser can be configured to dispense a particular amount of sheet material. Dispensing mechanisms can be powered by batteries in a battery component or can be powered by an AC to DC distribution system.

Additionally, any variety of known sensors can be included in the dispenser provided herein. For example, in certain embodiments, the dispenser can include a sensor capable of detecting the presence of a user in a detection zone and administering a select amount of dispensable product accordingly. Such detection sensors are known in the art. Furthermore, additional refill detection sensors and/or systems are known and can be incorporated into the dispensers provided herein.

Further aspects are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

1 . A dispenser for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material, comprising: a housing having an interior volume so as to retain a first roll of sheet material; and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing to dispense sheet material, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a pressure roller biased against the drive roller forming a nip through which sheet material is dispensed, the pressure roller having a plurality of ribs disposed thereon, at least one of the plurality of ribs having a concave portion, such that during rotation of the pressure roller at least a portion of the rib is not in contact with the drive roller.

2. The dispenser of any preceding clause, wherein at least 50% of the plurality of ribs comprise the concave portion.

3. The dispenser of any preceding clause, wherein each of the one or more ribs defines a drive roller contacting surface, wherein the drive roller contacting surface comprises about 50% to about 85% of a circumference of the one or more ribs and wherein the concave portion comprises about 10% to about 40% of the circumference of the one or more ribs.

4. The dispenser of any preceding clause, wherein placement of the concave portion on consecutive ribs is different.

5. The dispenser of any preceding clause, wherein the pressure roller is biased against the drive roller via a pressure roller arm.

6. The dispenser of any preceding clause, wherein the drive roller is coupled to a motor configured to rotate the drive roller.

7. The dispenser of any preceding clause, wherein the housing comprises a front cover coupled to a back plate, the front cover being movable from a closed position to an open position. 8. The dispenser of any preceding clause, comprising a roll retaining device for holding the roll of sheet material.

9. The dispenser of any preceding clause, comprising control circuity configured with a sensor and the dispensing mechanism to initiate a dispense cycle upon detection of an object by the sensor.

10. The dispenser of any preceding clause, comprising a dispensing opening through which sheet material is dispensed from the interior volume.

11 . A dispenser for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material, comprising: a housing having an interior volume so as to retain a first roll of sheet material; and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing to dispense sheet material, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a pressure roller biased against the drive roller forming a nip through which sheet material is dispensed, the pressure roller having a plurality of ribs disposed thereon, at least one of the plurality of ribs defining a convex portion, such that during rotation of the pressure roller the convex portion contacts the drive roller lifting the drive roller such that one or more of the plurality of ribs are not in contact with the drive roller.

12. The dispenser of clause 11 , wherein at least 50% of the plurality of ribs comprise the convex portion.

13. The dispenser of clause 11 or 12, wherein each of the one or more ribs defines a drive roller contacting surface, wherein the drive roller contacting surface comprises about 50% to about 85% of a circumference of the one or more ribs and wherein the convex portion comprises about 10% to about 40% of the circumference of the one or more ribs.

14. The dispenser of clauses 11-13, wherein placement of the convex portion on consecutive ribs is different.

15. The dispenser of clauses 11-14, wherein the pressure roller is biased against the drive roller via a pressure roller arm.

16. The dispenser of clauses 11-15, wherein upon the convex portion contacting the drive roller, the pressure roller arms moves away from the drive roller.

17. The dispenser of clauses 11-16, wherein the drive roller is coupled to a motor configured to rotate the drive roller.

18. The dispenser of clauses 11-17, comprising control circuity configured with a sensor and the dispensing mechanism to initiate a dispense cycle upon detection of an object by the sensor.

19. The dispenser of clauses 11-18, comprising a dispensing opening through which sheet material is dispensed from the interior volume.

20. A method of dispensing sheet material comprising dispensing sheet material from the dispenser of clause 1 or clause 11 . These and other modifications and variations to the present disclosure may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the disclosure so further described in such appended claims.

Claims

What Is Claimed:

2. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein at least 50% of the plurality of ribs comprise the concave portion.

3. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of ribs defines a drive roller contacting surface, wherein the drive roller contacting surface comprises about 50% to about 85% of a circumference of the one or more ribs and wherein the concave portion comprises about 10% to about 40% of the circumference of the one or more ribs.

4. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein placement of the concave portion on consecutive ribs is different.

5. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the pressure roller is biased against the drive roller via a pressure roller arm.

6. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the drive roller is coupled to a motor configured to rotate the drive roller.

7. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a front cover coupled to a back plate, the front cover being movable from a closed position to an open position.

8. The dispenser of claim 7, comprising a roll retaining device for holding the first roll of sheet material.

9. The dispenser of claim 1 , comprising control circuity configured with a sensor and the dispensing mechanism to initiate a dispense cycle upon detection of an object by the sensor.

10. The dispenser of claim 1 , comprising a dispensing opening through which sheet material is dispensed from the interior volume.

11. A dispenser for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material, comprising: a housing having an interior volume so as to retain a first roll of sheet material; and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing to dispense sheet material, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a pressure roller biased against the drive roller forming a nip through which sheet material is dispensed, the pressure roller having a plurality of ribs disposed thereon, at least one of the plurality of ribs defining a convex portion, such that during rotation of the pressure roller the convex portion contacts the drive roller lifting the drive roller such that one or more of the plurality of ribs are not in contact with the drive roller.

12. The dispenser of claim 11 , wherein at least 50% of the plurality of ribs comprise the convex portion.

13. The dispenser of claim 11 , wherein each of the one or more ribs defines a drive roller contacting surface, wherein the drive roller contacting surface comprises about 50% to about 85% of a circumference of the one or more ribs and wherein the convex portion comprises about 10% to about 40% of the circumference of the one or more ribs.

14. The dispenser of claim 11 , wherein placement of the convex portion on consecutive ribs is different.

15. The dispenser of claim 11 , wherein the pressure roller is biased against the drive roller via a pressure roller arm.

16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein upon the convex portion contacting the drive roller, the pressure roller arm moves away from the drive roller.

17. The dispenser of claim 11 , wherein the drive roller is coupled to a motor configured to rotate the drive roller.

18. The dispenser of claim 11 , comprising control circuity configured with a sensor and the dispensing mechanism to initiate a dispense cycle upon detection of an object by the sensor.

19. The dispenser of claim 11 , comprising a dispensing opening through which sheet material is dispensed from the interior volume.

20. A method of dispensing sheet material comprising dispensing sheet material from the dispenser of claim 1.