DISPENSER FOR A ROLL OF ABSORBENT PAPER WEB MATERIAL
20220225848 · 2022-07-21
Assignee
Inventors
- Tomas GANDEMO (Göteborg, SE)
- Susanne GUNGNER (Göteborg, SE)
- Mattias BENGTSSON (Göteborg, SE)
- Thomas GEERTSEN (Borlänge, SE)
- Antonio Källgren (BORLÄNGE, SE)
- Marcus KULLMAN (Borlänge, SE)
Cpc classification
A47K10/3818
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
Abstract
A dispenser for a roll of rolled up absorbent paper web material, the dispenser, in a closed state, including an outer casing enclosing a roll compartment for housing a roll, and a dispensing opening extending from the roll compartment to the outside of the outer casing along a dispensing axis of the dispenser, the outer casing including an outer lid assuming a closed position when the dispenser is in the closed state. The dispenser further including an inner lid, which, in the closed state of the dispenser, is arranged between the roll compartment and the outer lid, wherein the inner lid defines a first threading opening through the inner lid along the dispensing axis, the first threading opening including a first dispensing opening portion; and the outer lid defines a second threading opening through the outer lid along the dispensing axis.
Claims
1. A dispenser for a roll of rolled up absorbent paper web material, said dispenser, in a closed state, comprising an outer casing enclosing a roll compartment for housing a roll, and a dispensing opening extending from the roll compartment to the outside of said outer casing along a dispensing axis of the dispenser, said outer casing comprising an outer lid assuming a closed position when the dispenser is in said closed state; wherein said dispenser further comprising an inner lid, which, in said closed state of the dispenser, is arranged between said roll compartment and said outer lid, wherein said inner lid defines a first threading opening through said inner lid along said dispensing axis, said first threading opening comprising a first dispensing opening portion; and said outer lid defines a second threading opening through said outer lid along said dispensing axis, said second threading opening comprising a second dispensing opening portion; and, when the dispenser is in a closed state, said first threading opening and said second threading opening are arranged in a partly overlapping relationship so as to form said dispensing opening by said first dispensing opening portion and said second dispensing opening portion; wherein said first threading opening comprises a slit extending along at least one direction perpendicular to said dispensing axis towards said first dispensing opening portion, and said slit is open towards a peripheral edge of the inner lid in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing axis.
2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein, in a threading state of said dispenser, said outer lid is in an open position allowing access to said inner lid, such that said first threading opening is accessible for threading of a tail of material from a roll arranged in said roll compartment through said first threading opening to said first dispensing opening portion.
3. The dispenser according to claim 2, wherein, in said threading state, when said outer lid is in an open position, said second threading opening is accessible such that threading of a tail of material protruding from the first dispensing opening portion of the inner lid through said second threading opening is enabled.
4-5. (canceled)
6. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said slit is relatively wider adjacent towards a peripheral edge of the inner lid and narrowing in a direction towards said first dispensing opening portion.
7. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said first dispensing opening portion forms more than 50% of the perimeter of said dispensing opening.
8. Dispenser The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said slit has a width across said inner lid adjacent said first dispensing opening portion, being less than a maximum width of the first dispensing opening portion.
9. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said second threading opening is defined by a rim defining a closed perimeter.
10. The dispenser according to claim 9, wherein an open area enclosed by said rim of the second threading opening as defined by a projection on a plane perpendicular to said dispensing axis is at least 3×an open area of said dispensing opening as defined by a projection of said inner lid and said outer lid on a plane perpendicular to said dispensing axis, when the dispenser is in a closed state.
11. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said inner lid comprises a nozzle portion forming said first dispensing opening portion.
12. The dispenser according to claim 11, wherein said inner lid comprises a inner lid portion extending generally in a plane perpendicular to said dispensing axis, and said nozzle portion protrudes from said inner lid portion in a direction towards the outer lid, when the dispenser is in its closed state.
13. The dispenser according to claim 12, wherein said nozzle portion and said second threading opening of the outer lid are adapted to each other such that, when the dispenser is in a closed state, the nozzle portion is received in said second threading opening.
14. The dispenser according to claim 12, wherein said outer lid comprises a complementary nozzle portion, forming said second dispensing opening portion.
15. The dispenser according to claim 14, wherein said outer lid comprises an outer lid portion extending generally over a plane perpendicular to said dispensing axis, and said complementary nozzle portion protrudes from said outer lid portion in a direction towards the inner lid, when the dispenser is in its closed state.
16. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein, in said closed state of said dispenser, said outer casing forms a closed outer casing being open to the roll compartment only at said dispensing opening.
17. The dispenser according to claim 1 wherein, in said closed state of the dispenser, said inner lid is arranged inside said outer casing.
18. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the outer casing further comprises a housing, said housing defining a roll insertion opening configured for insertion of a roll of material into said housing, which roll insertion opening, when the dispenser is in a closed state, is covered by said outer lid.
19. The dispenser according to claim 18, wherein, in an open state of said dispenser, said roll insertion opening is accessible for introduction of a roll of material into said housing.
20. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein, in a threading state, the inner lid is arranged so as to at least partially cover said roll insertion opening, and said outer lid is an open position allowing access to said inner lid.
21. The dispenser according to claim 18, wherein said outer lid and/or said inner lid is hinged to said housing.
22. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein, in said threading state, said inner lid is configured to provide a retrieval opening through which a tail of web material from a roll arranged in said roll compartment is accessible for threading through said inner lid in a direction along the dispensing axis.
23. The dispenser according to claim 1, comprising a roll of perforated absorbent paper web material.
24. A method for threading web material in a dispenser in accordance with claim 1 comprising the steps of threading a tail of the web-shaped material from said roll through the inner lid via the first threading opening to said first dispensing opening portion; and threading said tail of the web-shaped material present in said first dispensing opening portion through the outer lid via the second threading opening.
25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising the preceding steps of: moving the dispenser to an open state, in which said roll compartment is accessible, and arranging a roll of material therein; moving the dispenser to a threading state, in which said roll compartment is delimited by said inner lid, and said outer lid is in an open position allowing access to said inner lid.
26. The method according to claim 24, further comprising the subsequent step of: moving the dispenser to said closed state by arranging said outer lid in a closed position outside said inner lid, with said tail of web material present in the dispensing opening formed between said first and second dispensing opening portions.
27. The method according to claim 24, wherein said step of threading a tail of the web-shaped material from said roll through the inner lid via the first threading opening, comprises threading said tail in at least a direction perpendicular to said dispensing axis, towards said first dispensing opening portion, said step comprises threading said tail along said slit in at least a direction perpendicular to said dispensing axis, towards said first dispensing opening portion.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0077] Below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of dispensers with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
[0078]
[0079]
[0080]
[0081]
[0082]
[0083]
[0084] Similar reference numbers denote similar details throughout the description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0085]
[0086] In
[0087] As may be gleaned from
[0088] As may be understood from
[0089] In particular, the dispenser 1 is configured for housing a roll of perforated web material, in which case the dispenser 1 may advantageously be configured for one-by-one dispensing of sheets from the perforated web material.
[0090] Optionally, and in the illustrated embodiment, the outer casing 10 is configured for attachment to a vertical wall. To this end, the outer casing 10 may comprise fastening elements (e.g. apertures or protrusions) intended to enable fastening of the outer casing 10 to a vertical wall. In particular, the dispenser 1 may be configured for suspension such that the dispensing axis X is generally horizontal.
[0091] Optionally, and as illustrated, any fastening elements of the outer casing 10 may be arranged at a side of the outer casing opposite to the dispensing opening 42.
[0092] Optionally, and in the illustrated embodiment, the outer casing 10 comprises an outer lid 12 and a housing 14. Optionally, and as illustrated, the housing 14 is provided with fastening elements as discussed in the above.
[0093]
[0094] The open position of the outer lid 12 may be a position where the outer lid 12 is completely detached from the housing 14, or, as in the illustrated embodiment, the open position of the outer lid 12 is a position where the outer lid 12 is partially detached from the housing 14. In either case, the open position of the outer lid 12 is a position in which the outer lid 12 leaves the insertion opening of the housing 14 uncovered.
[0095] Advantageously, and as in the illustrated embodiment, the insertion direction may be parallel to the dispensing axis X.
[0096] Further, the insertion direction may advantageously be parallel to a centre roll axis of a roll 2 to be inserted into the roll compartment 20 (see
[0097] Optionally, and as illustrated in
[0098]
[0099] The dispenser 1 further comprises an inner lid 30, which in the closed state of the dispenser is located between the outer lid 12 and the roll compartment 20. In the open state of the illustrated dispenser (as illustrated in
[0100]
[0101] The inner lid 30 defines a first threading opening 32 through the inner lid 30. The first threading opening 32 comprises a slit 34 extending along at least one direction perpendicular to the dispensing axis X, towards a first dispensing opening portion 42a.
[0102] The outer lid 12 defines a second threading opening 16 through the outer lid 12. The second threading opening 16 comprises a second dispensing opening portion 42b.
[0103] As seen in
[0104] In other words, the first threading opening 32 and the second threading opening 16 are partly overlapping at the first dispensing opening portion 42a and the second dispensing opening portion 42b, such that the first and second dispensing opening portions 42a, 42b together form the dispensing opening 42 of the dispenser 1.
[0105] In the closed state, the inner lid 30 and the outer lid 12 are arranged such that the remainder of the first threading opening 32 is covered as seen from the outside of the dispenser 1 by the outer lid 12, and the remainder of the second threading opening 16 is covered as seen from the inside of the dispenser 1 by the inner lid 30.
[0106] When the dispenser 1 is in the threading state as illustrated in
[0107] Once a tail of web material has been drawn through the first threading opening 32, i.e. to extend in the dispensing direction beyond the first inner lid 30, the tail may be brought sideways in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing axis X through the slit 34 of the first threading opening 32 to the first dispensing opening portion 42a.
[0108] Optionally, and as in the illustrated embodiment, the slit 34 of the first threading opening 32 is open towards a peripheral edge of the inner lid 30 in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing axis X, enabling easy threading of the tail of web material into the first threading opening 32.
[0109] Further, to enable easy threading, the slit 34 may as in the illustrated embodiment be relatively wide at the peripheral edge of the inner lid 30, and narrowing in a direction towards the first dispensing opening portion 42a. Accordingly, threading may be further facilitated.
[0110] Also, the web material may be crimpled as it is moved sideways from a wider portion of the slit 34 to a narrower portion of the slit 34, enabling it to fit through the first dispensing opening portion 42a.
[0111] Optionally, and as illustrated, the slit 34 may be curved. The curved slit 34 provides for easy threading without risk of rupturing the web material. Further, the curved slit 24 allows for an increased length of the slit 34 from a perimeter of the inner lid 30 to the first dispensing opening portion 42a. This increased length may be used e.g. for accomplishing the above-mentioned crimpling of the web material.
[0112] Advantageously, and as in the illustrated embodiment, the slit 34 may have a width across the inner lid 30 adjacent the first dispensing opening portion 42a, which is less than the width of the first dispensing opening portion 42a. In other words, the path through which the tail is threaded is relatively narrow just outside the first dispensing opening portion 42a, and then wider at the first dispensing opening portion 42a. Accordingly, once the tail of web material reaches the first dispensing opening portion 42a, the relatively narrow portion of the slit 34 may act so as to hinder the tail from accidentally leaving the first dispensing opening portion 42a, when the dispenser is in its threading state.
[0113] Moreover, the first dispensing opening portion 42a may advantageously form more than 50% of the total circumference of the dispensing opening 42. In the illustrated example, the first dispensing opening portion 42a forms more than 75% of the total circumference of the dispensing opening. This is another feature which enables the tail to remain in the first dispensing opening portion 42a, when the dispenser is in its threading state.
[0114] As seen in
[0115] The outer lid 12 may, as in the illustrated dispenser be hinged to the housing 14. In this case, as seen in
[0116] Thereafter, the outer lid 12 may be arranged in its closed position outside of the inner lid 30, i.e. the dispenser may be brought to the closed state, bringing the tail to a position in between the first dispensing opening portion 42a of the first threading opening 32 and the second dispensing opening portion 42b of the second threading opening 16.
[0117] The second threading opening 16 of the outer lid 12 may advantageously be configured for easy threading of the tail of the web therethrough.
[0118] As exemplified in the illustrated dispenser 1, the second threading opening 16 may be defined by a rim defining a closed perimeter. The outer lid 12 may hence form an uninterrupted outer surface outside of said rim, which contributes to providing the dispenser 1 with a generally smooth outer appearance without unnecessary joints or edges. A smooth outer appearance, i.e. a smooth outer casing 10, may be beneficial for easy cleaning as well as being aesthetically pleasing.
[0119] As an example, the open area of the second threading opening 16 as defined by a projection on a plane perpendicular to the dispensing axis X may be less than 20% of a total area of the outer lid 12 as defined by a projection on the same plane.
[0120] In view of the above description, it will be understood that with a dispenser 1 as described herein, threading of web material through the dispenser 1 may be performed in two steps, both of which are relatively easy to perform for a user. In the first step, a tail of web material from a roll 2 contained in the roll compartment 20 is brought at least along a direction perpendicular to the dispensing axis X along the slit 34 of the first threading opening 32, to the first dispensing opening portion 42a. In the second step, the tail now protruding from the first dispensing opening portion 42a is threaded through the outer lid 12 via the second threading opening 16. In the first step, the slit 34 of the first threading opening 32 serves to guide the tail in at least a direction perpendicular to the dispensing axis X, so as to reach the first dispensing opening portion 42a. In the second step, the second threading opening 16 need not guide the tail in any direction perpendicular to the dispensing axis X. Instead, the second threading opening 16 provides for easy threading of the tail through the opening 16 when the dispenser 1 is in a threading state, and enables forming the dispensing opening 42 between the first and second dispensing opening portions 42a, 42b. The inner lid 30 and the outer lid 12 will in a closed state mutually cover the remainder of the first and second threading openings 32, 16 (the portions of the threading openings 32, 16 not forming the first and second dispensing opening portions 42a, 42b). Accordingly, it is possible to provide a dispenser 1 having a dispensing opening 42 with a relatively restricted open area, which provides for easy threading via a first and a second threading opening 32, 16 having relatively larger open areas.
[0121] In particular, a dispenser 1 may be configured such the threading steps may be performed by a user using one hand only to grasp the tail, and thread it through the first and the second threading openings 32, 16. Accordingly, a dispenser as proposed herein allows for single-hand threading.
[0122] For example, threading a tail through a first threading opening 32 by grasping a tail and then moving it sideways in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing axis X along the slit 34 of the first threading opening 32 may easily be performed as the tail is introduced into the slit 34 from a direction perpendicular to the extension of the web material.
[0123] For example, an open area enclosed by said rim of the second threading opening 16, as defined by a projection on a plane perpendicular to the dispensing axis X may be at least 5×, or even at least 10×, an open area of said dispensing opening 42 as defined by a projection of said inner lid 30 and said outer lid 12 on a plane perpendicular to said dispensing axis X. Accordingly, the size of the second threading opening 16 may be considerably larger than the size of the completed dispensing opening 42. Hence, it is understood that the treading a tail through said second threading opening 16 may be performed relatively easy, if compared to prior art dispensers in which the tail of the web material is to be manually threaded through a dispensing opening of a similar size as the dispensing opening 42 of the dispenser 1 described herein.
[0124] Optionally, and in the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 1 comprises a nozzle 40. As mentioned in the above, a nozzle 40 comprising the dispensing opening 42 may be configured to provide for easy dispensing of web material, in particular for sheet-by-sheet dispensing of perforated web material.
[0125] As exemplified in the illustrated embodiment, the inner lid 30 may comprise a nozzle portion 40a forming the first dispensing opening portion 42a.
[0126] To complement the nozzle portion 40a of the inner lid 30, the outer lid 12 may comprise a complementary nozzle portion 40b, forming the second dispensing opening portion 42b.
[0127] Since, as described in the above, the first dispensing opening portion 42a may form a majority of the perimeter of the dispensing opening portion 42, the nozzle portion 40a may also form the majority of the nozzle 40.
[0128] As exemplified in the illustrated embodiment, the inner lid may comprise an inner lid portion 30a extending generally over a plane perpendicular to the dispensing axis X, and a nozzle portion 40a protruding from said inner lid portion 30a in a direction towards the outer lid 12, when the dispenser is in a closed state.
[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, and as is best seen in
[0130] In a similar manner, the outer lid 12 may comprise an outer lid portion 12a extending generally over a plane perpendicular the dispensing axis X, and a complementary nozzle portion 40b which protrudes from the outer lid portion 12a in a direction towards the inner lid 30, when the dispenser is its closed state. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer lid portion 12a and the complementary nozzle portion 40b are formed by separate parts which in an assembled condition form the inner lid 30. However, it will be understood that the outer lid portion 12a and the complementary nozzle portion 40b could alternatively be formed as parts of a single piece forming the outer lid 12.
[0131] When the inner lid 30 and/or the outer lid 12 is formed by separate parts, such parts may be designed to form various features of the inner lid 30 and/or the outer lid 12, respectively. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner lid 30 is formed by a first inner lid part comprising the inner lid portion 30a and a first part threading opening 32a, and a second inner lid part comprising the nozzle portion 40a and a second part threading opening 32b, and, in an assembled condition of the inner lid 30, the first threading opening 32 is defined by the assembled first and second part threading openings 32a, 32b.
[0132] Preferably, and as exemplified, the nozzle portion 40a of the inner lid 30 and the second threading opening 16 of the outer lid 12 may be adapted to each other such that, when the dispenser 1 is in a closed state, the nozzle portion 40a is received in the second threading opening 16.
[0133] In more detail, the contour of the protruding nozzle portion 40a and the rim of the second threading opening 16 may be adapted to each other such that the nozzle portion 40a is received in the threading opening 16. (See
[0134] As seen in
[0135] Moreover, in order to provide the dispenser 1 with a smooth outer surface, it may be desired that in the closed state of the dispenser, the outer casing is a closed casing 10, apart form said dispensing opening 42. In other words, the dispensing opening 42 is the only opening from the roll compartment 20 to the outside of the outer casing 10, at least which is accessible when the dispenser 1 is mounted as intended, e.g. when the dispenser 1 is mounted on a vertical wall.
[0136] Optionally, and as in the illustrated embodiment, the inner lid 30 is arranged inside the outer casing 10, in this case inside the housing 14. Accordingly, the single joint between the outer lid 12 and the housing 14 may be the only joint in the outer casing 10 necessary to enable insertion of new rolls into the dispenser, and to provide for the open state and the threading state of the dispenser. Moreover, in this case the inner lid 30 will not be visible from the outside of the dispenser 1, which enables greater freedom for selecting e.g. material for the inner lid 30.
[0137] The inner lid 30 may be hinged to the housing as exemplified in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively or in addition to a hinge, the inner lid 30 may comprise at least one releasable mechanical connector and the housing 14 at least one corresponding releasable mechanical connector. In the illustrated example, the housing 14 and the inner lid 30 comprises releasable mechanical connectors 18, 38 arranged generally opposite a hinge. In the illustrated embodiment, the releasable mechanical connectors 18, 38 are formed by the housing 14 comprising two hooks 18 which form releasable mechanical connections with corresponding hooks 38 of the inner lid 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical connectors 18 are arranged generally opposite a hinge. However, variants are conceivable for example where the hinge is replaced by another mechanical connection. Also, other connections than the illustrated hooks are conceivable, such as snap-fit connectors, or frictional connectors.
[0138] Advantageously, and as in the illustrated dispenser, the dispenser may comprise a lock 50 for locking the dispenser 1 in said closed condition. In the illustrated dispenser, a lock 50 is provided locking the outer lid 12 to the housing 14. To this end, a locking housing 52 is arranged at the outer lid 12, which engages with a corresponding locking edge 54 of the housing 14.
[0139] The outer lid 12 of the dispenser 1 may be opened to set the dispenser 1 to its threading state not only when there is a need for replacing a depleted roll 2 in the roll compartment 20. The outer lid 12 of the dispenser 1 may be opened to set the dispenser 1 to its threading state also in case of an unintended web breakage during dispensing, causing a need to re-thread the dispenser. Also, the outer lid 12 of the dispenser 1 may be opened to set the dispenser 1 to its threading state if it is desired to visually check the amount of web material remaining on a roll 2 in the roll compartment 20.
[0140] When the outer lid 12 of the dispenser is opened while a tail of web material protrudes from the dispensing opening 42, the second threading opening 16 allows for the outer lid 12 to be moved from its closed position adjacent the inner lid 30 to an open position without dragging the tail of the web material along with the outer lid 12. Instead, the tail remains in position in the first threading opening 32, i.e. at the first dispensing opening portion 42a. Hence, e.g. after checking the remaining amount of web material in the dispenser, the outer lid 12 may be closed, and the dispenser 1 reset to its closed state without need for rethreading the dispenser 1.
[0141] Optionally, the inner lid 30 may be configured to stabilise the roll 2 inside the roll compartment 20. For example, the inner lid 30 may be provided with protrusions extending towards the roll compartment 20 for stabilising the roll 2 in the roll compartment 20. That the inner lid 30 stabilises the roll may in particular hinder collaps of a roll 2 from which a significant amount of web material has already been dispensed. Hence, the outer lid 12 may be opened (i.e. the dispenser 1 is brought to the threading state) e.g. for checking the level of web material remaining on the roll, or for threading after an unintended web breakage during dispensing, without risk of the roll 2 inside the dispenser 1 collapsing.
[0142] To this end, the inner lid 30 may extend over at least 20% of the area of the insertion opening, preferably over at least 50% of the area of the insertion opening. Or, differently put, the inner lid 30 may extend over at least 20% of a side of the roll compartment configured for receiving an end of a roll, preferably over at least 50% of such a side.
[0143] With reference to
[0146] In a more detailed version, the method comprises the steps of [0147] (S00) moving the dispenser 1 to an open state, in which said roll compartment 20 is accessible, and arranging a roll 2 of web-shaped material therein; [0148] (S05) moving the dispenser to a threading state, in which said roll compartment 20 is delimited by said inner lid 30, and said outer lid 12 is in an open position; [0149] (S10) threading a tail of the web-shaped material from said roll 2 through the inner lid 30 via the first threading opening 32, in at least a direction perpendicular to said dispensing axis X along said slit 34, and to said first dispensing opening portion 42a; and [0150] (S20) threading said tail of the web-shaped material present in said first dispensing opening portion 42a through the outer lid 12 via the second threading opening 16, [0151] (S30) moving the dispenser to said closed position by arranging said outer lid 12 outside said inner lid 30, with said tail of web material present in the dispensing opening 42 formed between said first and second dispensing opening portions 42a, 42b.
[0152] Numerous variants and options of the dispensers and methods as disclosed herein will be conceivable by the person skilled in the art. In particular, although the above description is made with reference to a dispenser comprising one roll compartment for dispensing of web material from one roll through a dispensing opening, the content thereof is equally applicable to a dispenser comprising two roll compartments for dispensing of web material from two rolls, one roll being arranged in each roll compartment, via two dispensing openings (one dispensing opening per roll/roll compartment). Also, the above description of a dispenser is focused on a dispenser wherein the inner lid and the outer lid are arranged in front of an insertion opening for introducing a roll of material to the dispenser.
[0153] Other variants are conceivable wherein the insertion opening for introducing a roll of material to the dispenser is located elsewhere in the dispenser. For example, the roll of material could be introduced via a backside of the dispenser, opposite the side of the dispenser comprising the dispensing opening. In such variants, the inner lid need not be movable to an open position, but may be fixed in a position delimiting the roll compartment of the housing.