EP0751735B1 - Apparatus for dispensing folded or unfolded paper wipes and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/FR95/00378 Sec. 371 Date Sep. 6, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Sep. 6, 1996 PCT Filed Mar. 27, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO95/26157 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 5, 1995A paper dispenser includes a housing having a controlled-stroke hinged device mounted onto a reel-holder. A protective housing cover features longitudinal ribs fitting the stroke hinged device such that, when the cover is closed and the stroke-hinged device lowered in position, an extending paper length the user pulls on is folded with the long ends partly under the paper band being fed out by the upper contact of the stroke hinged device so that it may be introduced folded between the drum and a tensioning device, be severed by a paper-cutoff device, folded, and then be pulled out as a folded napkin or towel by the user. Alternately, and when the stroke hinged device is moved into a raised position relative to the reel-holder and an assembly consisting of the drum and the tensioning device, the paper is fed unfolded between the drum and the tensioning device, to be severed by the cutoff device when pulled onto by the user.

Description

The invention relates to the technical sector of devices for dispensing wiping paper, cellulose wadding, crepe paper or similar materials, intended more particularly for wiping the hands of users, for dispensing toilet paper, for distribution of paper towels.

It is known in the trade to provide paper towel dispensing machines with automatic cutting, the pulled strip of paper being able to be grasped by the potential user with a view to obtaining, according to a determined cycle, a piece of paper for the above applications.

The Applicant has himself developed numerous dispensing devices and in particular that described in patents FR-A-2 703 343 and FR-A-2 713 075

In these devices, the paper strip is cut transversely over the entire width of the strip, the latter remaining unfolded and thus corresponding to the width of the reel of material to be dispensed. In such a dispenser described in the aforementioned patents, one of the originalities lies in its very particular design with a reduced number of parts and an assembly of the various components, extremely fast and requiring no particular tool.

The apparatus succinctly comprises, from a casing, lateral flanges arranged to allow rapid mounting and snap-fastening of a drum with associated cutting device, and of a pressing element on the drum, the two elements s 'self-locking in position during assembly, and ensuring a tensioning of the paper coming from a reel of material arranged in an upper plane.

The Applicant was also interested in the context of its general research on paper dispensing devices, a paper towel dispensing device established in an accordion folded paper form such as in particular described in French patent 2,632,292. In this case, the paper strip coming from a supply distributor roll is shaped using profiled plates formed, on the one hand, on the cover and, on the other hand, on the casing of the device, in a complementary tangle for producing a styling of the strip of paper drawn, with a view to its passage in a cassette device comprising drums mounted in opposition capable of , at a given moment, by an appropriate cutting device, to cut the folded strip into several thicknesses to ensure its distribution according to determined lengths. It will be recalled that the advantage of distributing strips in folded form essentially resides in the case of using very fragile and very thin paper, and it is then necessary to ensure folding with at least three thicknesses of said paper.

Such a device works perfectly in principle, but its cost is high and in particular in the implementation of its cutting system.

Compared to the market price, the additional costs generated in the production of this device do not allow it to have the expected commercial success, even if technically its reliability in operation has been confirmed.

Faced with this particular problem, the Applicant was interested in the production of a simplified dispensing device for the presentation of folded paper strips, distributed in automatic cut.

Another problem resided in the fact that to date, the different types of automatic devices allowing the distribution of paper strips in an unfolded state or in a folded state, were produced according to very different designs from each other. others, which involved relatively expensive investments for each of the devices in their specific function.

Thus, the Applicant's idea and approach was to reflect on the possibility of making from a dispensing device having common components, the possibility of distributing strips of paper either in a folded form or in a non-folded form. folded, allowing a plurality of applications with investments in tools and in particular molds, minimums.

The juxtaposition of knowledge of the various aforementioned patents of the Applicant, by itself did not make it possible to produce an apparatus ensuring the various functions sought as a result of technical incompatibilities.

Taking into account these different parameters, the Applicant has thus produced a device for dispensing paper materials, cellulose wadding and the like, which can be used as wiping materials, as toilet paper, as paper towels, in particular using paper recycled.

The apparatus thus produced according to the invention has the advantage of having a minimum of parts comprising a protective casing, a cover, a drum with associated cutting device, a pressing element, a reel holder molded with the casing. , of materials to be dispensed, with a protective roller and drive belt associated with the drum if necessary, these various components being made of plastic and being designed and described in FR-A-2 703 343 and FR-A-2 713 075 with specific mounting, the originality consisting in associating a retractable complementary device allowing the shaping and the distribution of the paper in a folded form or in an unfolded form according to the needs and the applications.

The same device with a maximum of seven or nine parts, depending on whether or not the protective roller and the belt are used, can therefore be used in the two desired functions, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and the number of molds to be achieve.

The dispensing device according to the invention has complementary arrangements directly molded with the main components, thus allowing a choice of use and operation as required.

According to a first characteristic of the invention, the device for dispensing wiping materials is of the type comprising inside a protective casing of the side flanges arranged to allow, in its upper part, the positioning of a reel holder of a roll of material and, in its lower part, a drum arranged to receive a cutting device, and a pressing element in contact with said drum and between which is introduced the tensioned material to be cut , said cutting device being articulated with respect to the drum to ensure a cut of the strip of paper pulled by the user according to a cycle determined during the rotation of the drum including launching and return means, and a protective cover being positioned and articulated at the base of the casing, being snapped onto the casing using a locking means,
said device being remarkable in that, on said reel holder is attached, with controlled and limited articulation, a retractable device, and in that the protective cover has longitudinal ribs capable of cooperating with said device allowing, during closing of the cover and the lowering of the device into position, of ensuring the function of shaping the strip of paper drawn in a folded form with longitudinal edges of the end of the strip partially brought back under the upper part of the strip located and routed by the upper contact of the device, with a view to its introduction in this state between the drum and the pressing element, and cuts it in this form by the cutting device, for its traction, when it leaves the device in a folded form, by a user,
and in that said retractable device in the raised position relative to the reel holder and to the drum element presser assembly, allows direct distribution without contribution on its part, with a view to presenting the paper web of the reel between the drum and the pressing element in an unfolded form, then cuts it in this state by the cutting device when pulled by the user.

Another object sought after according to the invention was therefore to produce a new arrangement of the flanges of the casing between which the reel of wiping material is disposed, by allowing easy installation and ensuring self-locking of the reel of material.

Thus, according to another characteristic, the reel holder device is articulated with respect to the upper flanges of the casing, said flanges being arranged with a circular opening and a crown of concentric thickness, and stop and guide means,
and in that the coil holder device is established in the form of a U-shaped gantry whose lateral branches or outside surround the upper flanges of the casing,
and in that said lateral wings have end caps capable of engaging in the circular openings and the crowns of thickness established on the flanges of the casing,
and in that the movement of lowering or lifting the gantry allows retracting said end pieces or authorizing their offset within the volume defined between the flanges to ensure their insertion and self-locking in position of the reel of material,
and in that the wings of the gantry and the lateral flanges are arranged with means which allow the displacement in position of said end pieces, by a relative modification of the position of the lateral branches (relative to the upper flanges of the casing.

Another research according to the present invention was to improve the system for locking the cover on the casing in order to ensure complete protection of the various aforementioned mechanisms.

Thus according to another characteristic, the cover is arranged, on its internal front face, with two locking means capable of cooperating with means established on the gantry connection plate to allow locking and unlocking in position of the cover relative to the device housing.

These characteristics and others will become apparent from the following description.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective avant montage des différents composants de l'appareil distributeur de papier selon l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue de face de l'appareil, le couvercle étant enlevé, en coupe selon la ligne AA de la figure 3, illustrant la distribution du papier dans son application aux papiers d'essuyage ou papiers toilette, dans une présentation non pliée.
• La figure 3 est une vue de côté selon la figure 2 selon la coupe BB de la figure 2.
• La figure 4 est une vue de face partielle illustrant le positionnement du dispositif permettant la mise en plis du papier dans sa version à la distribution de serviettes en papier.
• La figure 5 est une vue de l'appareil selon la coupe CC de la figure 2, mais dans son application à la distribution de serviettes en papier dans les conditions d'utilisation de la figure 4.
• La figure 6 est une vue partielle illustrant le dispositif de mise en plis de l'appareil selon une coupe établie selon la ligne DD de la figure 4.
• Les figures 7 et 8 sont des vues illustrant la mise en forme de la bande de papier en position pliée selon deux variantes de mise en oeuvre.
• La figure 9 est une vue de l'aménagement du rouleau de protection disposé dans la partie basse de l'appareil.
• La figure 10 est une vue schématique du tambour support de dispositif de coupe.
• La figure 11 est une vue à caractère schématique illustrant la possibilité d'application de l'appareil sur des bancs de comptoirs en vue de la distribution automatique de serviettes en papier.
• La figure 12 est une vue arrière de l'appareil mettant en valeur la mise en forme et le défilement de la bande de matériau pliée.
• La figure 13 est une vue en perspective avant montage des composants de l'appareil selon l'invention incluant le dispositif de montage de la bobine.
• La figure 14 est une vue de face de l'appareil selon la figure 13 illustrant la position des composants avant chargement de la bobine de matériau.
• La figure 15 est une vue de profil selon la figure 14 avec la représentation en approche de la bobine de matériau.
• La figure 16 est une vue partielle selon la figure 14 illustrant le positionnement de la bobine de matériau entre les flasques après montage et verrouillage en position.
• La figure 17 est une vue de profil de l'appareil selon la figure 16.
• La figure 18 est une vue de la bande de papier plié obtenue avec le fonctionnement de l'appareil.
• La figure 19 est une vue avant montrant le plage de la bande de matériau.
• La figure 20 est une vue en coupe de côté illustrant le dispositif de verrouillage de l'appareil, et la mise en oeuvre de celui-ci dans la représentation schématique des différents composants.
• La figure 21 est une vue de face de l'appareil, couvercle enlevé illustrant notamment le bras porte-bobine.
• La figure 22 est une vue en plan partielle illustrant le couvercle et ses aménagements.
• Les figures 23 et 24 sont des vues partielles de côté et en coupe illustrant les phases de verrouillage du couvercle sur le carter à l'endroit de la clé de manoeuvre assurant le verrouillage.
• Les figures 25 et 26 sont des vues partielles et en coupe illustrant le verrouillage du bras porte-bobine à l'endroit opposé à la clé de manoeuvre.
• Les figures 27 et 28 sont des vues à caractère schématique illustrant les modalités de relevage du bras porte-bobine en vue du déverrouillage du couvercle par rapport au carter.
• La figure 29 est une vue en variante de réalisation du bras porte-bobine.

To fix the subject of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in the figures of the drawings where:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view before assembly of the various components of the paper dispensing apparatus according to the invention.
• Figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus, the cover being removed, in section along line AA of Figure 3, illustrating the distribution of paper in its application to wiping papers or toilet paper, in a non-presentation folded.
• FIG. 3 is a side view according to FIG. 2 along the section BB of FIG. 2.
• Figure 4 is a partial front view illustrating the positioning of the device for styling the paper in its version for dispensing paper towels.
• Figure 5 is a view of the apparatus according to the section CC of Figure 2, but in its application to the distribution of paper towels under the conditions of use of figure 4.
• FIG. 6 is a partial view illustrating the device for styling the device according to a section established along the line DD of FIG. 4.
• Figures 7 and 8 are views illustrating the shaping of the paper strip in the folded position according to two alternative embodiments.
• Figure 9 is a view of the arrangement of the protective roller disposed in the lower part of the device.
• Figure 10 is a schematic view of the cutting device support drum.
• Figure 11 is a schematic view illustrating the possibility of application of the apparatus on counter benches for the automatic distribution of paper towels.
• Figure 12 is a rear view of the apparatus highlighting the shaping and the movement of the folded strip of material.
• Figure 13 is a perspective view before mounting of the components of the apparatus according to the invention including the coil mounting device.
• Figure 14 is a front view of the apparatus according to Figure 13 illustrating the position of the components before loading the material reel.
• Figure 15 is a side view according to Figure 14 with the representation in approach of the material reel.
• Figure 16 is a partial view according to Figure 14 illustrating the positioning of the material reel between the flanges after mounting and locking in position.
• FIG. 17 is a side view of the device according to FIG. 16.
• Figure 18 is a view of the folded paper strip obtained with the operation of the apparatus.
• Figure 19 is a front view showing the range of the material strip.
• Figure 20 is a side sectional view illustrating the device locking device, and the implementation thereof in the schematic representation of the various components.
• FIG. 21 is a front view of the device, cover removed, illustrating in particular the spool-carrying arm.
• Figure 22 is a partial plan view illustrating the cover and its arrangements.
• Figures 23 and 24 are partial side and sectional views illustrating the phases of locking the cover on the housing at the location of the operating key ensuring locking.
• Figures 25 and 26 are partial sectional views illustrating the locking of the spool holder arm at the location opposite the operating key.
• Figures 27 and 28 are schematic views illustrating the methods of lifting the spool arm for unlocking the cover relative to the housing.
• Figure 29 is an alternative embodiment view of the coil holder arm.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

The automatic material dispensing device object of the invention finds uses in the distribution of paper towels, toilet paper, or folded paper such as towels.

This device is referenced as a whole by (1). It includes a maximum of six or eight pieces constituting all of the common components and mechanisms necessary for its operation in the distribution of paper towels and toilet paper, namely a casing (2) with reel holder (3) molded, a cover (8), a drum (4), a cutting device (5), a pressing element (6), means for launching and returning the drum (12) and in addition, if necessary, a protective roller (13) and a drive belt (24). More particularly, the apparatus firstly comprises a casing (2) molded in plastic material capable of receiving, in its upper part, a reel holder (3) for supplying a reel (B) of material wiping or toilet paper or paper towel, a drum (4) supporting the cutting device (5), as well as a pressing means (6) ensuring, on the one hand, the supply of the strip (B) of paper towards the drum and, on the other hand, the tensioning of the paper. The movements of movement of the blade towards the drum with a view to cutting the paper are obtained by a rack means (7) positioned internally and fixedly on one of the wings (2.1) of the casing (2) being obtained directly by molding. The cutting device (5) can be set in motion according to the mechanisms described in French patents N. 93.04082 and 93.14609. A protective cover (8) protects the above-mentioned mechanisms and the roll of paper tape for distribution. The protective cover is positioned and articulated at the base of the housing of the device while being fixed by a snap on the housing using a locking tab located in the upper part thereof.

The drum can be of the type described in French patents N. 93.04082 and 93.14609 mentioned above and comprises a shaft of small diameter (4.1) on which is positioned a plurality of adjacent and parallel discs (4.3), the discs having a notch ( 4.4) section capable of constituting the housing of the cutting device (5). The rack means (7) disposed and molded internally against one of the walls of the casing in the extension of the drum axis cooperates with a heel-shaped part (9) having a plurality of teeth (9.1) associated with the axis of the cutting blade, this heel piece cooperating with the rack (7) by defining the movements of exit of the cutting blade from the drum under the conditions described in the aforementioned French patents.

The cutting device (5) comprising a blade and a blade holder, is centered in notches or housings formed between one of the end flanges of the drum, and between a part forming a sector (10) disposed at the other end of the drum opposite the rack means (7). The shape and dimensions of the drum as well as the arrangement of the intermediate discs can be of any suitable type. The drum may have, on its visible parts, gripping zones (4.5) to allow good holding and entrainment of the paper strip. These zones can be formed by rubber bands overmolded on the drum and being arranged in two diametrically opposite zones, on either side of the zone of location of the cutting device, as illustrated for example in FIG. 10 of the drawings. The drum forms a one-piece assembly.

On the opposite side to the rack (7), the drum extends beyond its end disc by an axis (4.2) with an eccentric lever (11) allowing the positioning of a spring (12) for tensioning and drum recall, the assembly being shaped directly with said drum, and the axis is extended by a loading button (4.6).

The pressing element (6) bearing on the drum and in particular on the end and intermediate discs, also has, over its entire length, a plurality of discs (6.1) coming to bear on the corresponding parts of the drum. This element (6) is centered and articulated between the lateral flanges (2.1 - 2.2) formed on the casing. This element (6) is also made in one piece. A protective roller (13) is arranged in the lower part of the device to facilitate the distribution of the cut paper and cooperates with a drive belt associated with the drum.

Each of the lateral flanges of the casing is established in a very particular way to allow the mounting of the drum and of the pressing element by snap action by varying the elasticity of said flanges. In addition, these flanges are arranged with shapes that allow self-locking of the drum and the pressing element after assembly.

To this end, in an advantageous but non-limiting assembly, looking at the device from the front, the right lateral flange (2.2) located on the side of the drum launching mechanism is arranged with a T-shaped cutout (2.3) arranged obliquely, the leg (2.3.1) of the T being raised up and towards the rear of the flange being very long. The bar (2.3.2) of the T is such that at its ends, it enters the upper part of the flange, the leg defining by its length a tongue (2.4) forming a hook. The bar of the T has at its upper and lower ends rounded internal housings (2.5) allowing the positioning of one of the ends of the pressing element. The lower part of the head of the T-shape is shaped with a rounded, notched shape (2.6) forming a housing for one of the ends of the axis of the drum. The flange is cut in (2.16), in its front part, to allow access, passage and mounting of the pressing element (6) and the drum (4). The leg (2.3.1) of the T-shaped cut makes it possible to define and provide the upper tongue with a certain elasticity of mounting for the insertion of the pressing element (6) and the drum (4). The upper tongue forms a hook end (2.7) with an access ramp to the indented area receiving the axis of the pressing element (6).

The other flange (2.1) located on the left, according to the front view, has a receiving part of the rack (7) with an opening (2.8) for the passage of one of the axes of the drum. The rack surrounds said opening. The flange thus has a solid part (2.9) which is extended upwards by a separate tongue (2.10) by a slot (2.11) giving said tongue a certain elasticity. The aforementioned slot (2.11) is located exactly in the same plane and the same angulation as the leg (2.3.1) of the T-shaped cutout formed on the other flange. The flange (2.1) has a cutout (2.12) before allowing access to the slot (2.11) defining the tongue, while the tongue is arranged similarly to the previous one with a hook shape (2.13) fitted with a housing. bottom (2.14) allowing engagement of the other end of the pressing element. The housings (2.5 - 2.14) formed on the tongues can optionally receive additional means (14) to ensure good resistance of the ends of the pressing element, and above all to avoid any deterioration or wear of the bottom part of the flanges when handling the pressing element.

The latter is arranged at its said ends with a groove (6.2) which is inserted into said housings, while at the end the axis of the pressing element has shoulders (6.3) which are capable of coming to bear against the outer walls of the flanges and of the tabs in particular.

In addition, the casing is arranged with horizontal plates (15) which are capable of coming to bear on the pressing element on either side to ensure the locking in position and the holding of the assembly whatever the tension. paper.

In this implementation, the automatic device essentially operates in its distribution version of wiping paper or toilet paper, the latter being unfolded.

According to the originality of the invention, the device of the aforementioned type comprises an additional element (16) constituting the device allowing the styling of the paper for distribution in its folded form. This device (16) is associated with the support reel holder (3), being articulated with respect thereto, this device being able to be used in a particular position to allow the distribution of the strip of paper and its shaping according to a specific folding, in view of the introduction of the folded paper strip between the pressing element (6) and the drum (4), the rotation of the latter associated with the cutting device (5) allowing the cutting of the paper strip in all of its folds and thicknesses, in order to obtain a paper towel. This device is raised in position when the device is operating in the distribution of strips of paper towels or toilet paper in an unfolded situation.

Referring to the figures in the drawings, this device (16) is in the form of a U-shaped gantry in plastic material, having two lateral wings (16.1) which are applied from the outside to the support flanges (2.15 ) of the reel (B) of material, these wings having internally a ring or end piece (16.2) capable of engaging in the mandrel (M) of the reel of material. This ring or end piece (16.2) is formed in one piece or attached with the aforementioned wings (16.1).

Said wings are arranged, in their end part facing the support flanges of the spool holder, with a rounded shape (16.3) extending by a rectilinear part (16.4) whose function will be explained later.

In addition, these are advantageously arranged with a cutout (16.5) formed along the edge in the upper part of the wing, between the rounded part (16.3) and the connecting part (16.6) of the wing with the transverse connecting plate (16.7) of the two wings. This cutout (16.5) is capable of cooperating with a hook (17) formed on the outer part of the flange (2.15) supporting the coil, this hook itself having a notch (17.1) corresponding to the passage of the wing in its thickness, and thus allow pivoting of the device (16) after insertion, with locking without possible detachment of the device except facing the cutout (16.5) with the hook (17) to ensure disassembly.

Two upper (18) and lower (19) stops are disposed on the external face of the reel support flange, and constitute means for pivoting stop of the device. The upper stop (18) serves as a support plane for the upper edge of the wings of the device after lifting it, while the lower stop (19) cooperates with the rectilinear part (16.4) formed by the end of the wings as indicated previously.

In its central part, the device comprises an arm (16.8) profiled of great length having a flat shape, and oriented during its tilting on the side of the pressing element (6).

This arm has in its lower part a central rib (16.9) whose end (16.9.1) is capable of penetrating substantially into the central groove (6.4) formed on the pressing element (6).

In its upper part, the device (16) has, on its transverse plate (16.7) for connection, a song (16.10) of curvilinear shape particularly suitable for allowing the shaping and folding of the paper.

The connection of the arm with the transverse plate of the device is established with a rounded shape (16.11) to, on the one hand, facilitate the unwinding of the paper strip and, on the other hand, the release of the paper with respect to the transverse plate, which allows the formation and initiation of folding. The arm is therefore offset forward relative to the plate.

The arm (16.8) thus has a certain elasticity and flexibility which is particularly advantageous for the passage of paper.

In addition and to ensure the styling of the paper strip, the cover (8) has in its inner and middle part profiled ribs (20) of great length advantageously corresponding to the length of the arm of the device (16). These ribs are advantageously formed in one piece with the cover during the molding of the latter.

During the tilting and closing of the cover (8), these two ribs (20) come on either side of the longitudinal edges (16.8.1) of the arm (16.8) of the device (16) for folding the strip of paper in a first operating phase, with a view to its presentation towards the pressing element ( 6).

These ribs (20) advantageously have, opposite the pressing element, rounded shapes (20.1) which make it possible to flexibly guide this strip of paper in the pre-folding position towards the pressing element.

Very advantageously, the latter (6) comprises, at its central part, in place of the intermediate discs, two smooth half-zones (6.5) of suitable length allowing the total abutment of the folded paper strip . The latter is thus shaped according to the configuration of FIGS. 7 and 8 in which the longitudinal edges (B1 - B2) of ends of the strip (B) are brought partially under the upper part (B3) of the strip which locates and scrolls it on the upper part of the aforementioned arm (16.8). The height (H) of the ribs in their widest part, that is to say towards the rounded parts, must be greater than the width (L1) of an internal fold (B4 - B5), which allows correct folding . Thus, in a non-limiting implementation, the upper part (B3) is approximately 6 cm and the inner folds (B4 - B5) of 3 cm.

It is now necessary to describe the operation of the apparatus for the distribution of folded paper tape, the device (16) then being tilted forward and held in position by the stops (19) while the central rib of the arm enters the middle groove formed on the pressing element.

The paper from the spool is presented over the device (16) and comes, during the first operating cycle opposite the pressing element and the drum. Closing the cover allows the ribs (20) a first range of the paper strip in the configuration shown in Figure (6) of the drawings, which results, as shown in the drawings, a narrowing of the width of the strip of paper. The rotation of the drum will gradually lead to the pulling of the paper which will then be guided in the channel formed between the arm (16.8) and the ribs (20) of the cover gradually leading to the formation of two lower edges (B1 - B2) and folds (B4 - B5) of the paper at the location of the pressing element in a folding configuration as shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 12. The strip of paper thus folded is then introduced between the the pressing element and the drum towards the rear of the apparatus, and the cutting device of the aforementioned type ensures the automatic cutting of a length of a strip of paper thus produced constituting a napkin.

The dimensional relationships between the width of the folded strip in the final situation and its underlying edges (B1 - B2) can vary as required depending in fact on the width of the arm and the height of the folding ribs.

If said edges (B1 - B2) extend substantially beyond the upper part (B3) of the towel strip, the operator can then deploy it very easily.

To ensure that the folded shaped paper towel is guided, a central hoop (21) is provided, the spout (21.1) of which substantially penetrates into the central groove of the pressing element, thus avoiding any angular movement. paper.

Complementary hoops (22) arranged on either side of the main hoop are arranged to complete the good holding of the paper at the outlet of the device.

There is also provision for the use of a protective roller (23) disposed in the lower part of the device, and associated with the aid of a connecting strap (24) to the drum (4). This protective roller is mounted between the flanges formed on the casing. This roller advantageously has a central recess (23.1) whose width corresponds to that of the paper towel.

The device thus produced allows the distribution of towels according to appropriate lengths.

Illustrated in Figure 11 of the drawings, an example of use of this device near a counter bench in combination with the distribution of food, beverages or other.

In this implementation, the device is either fixed to the counter by any appropriate means, or it is placed in abutment on the ground while being of a great height. It allows the distribution of a reel of paper material of large diameter and large capacity, with the presentation of the output of the folded napkins in the high position, of easy access for the consumer or the user.

In this embodiment, the arm and the ribs formed on the cover are of an appropriate length to ensure, by forming a channel, perfect guidance and shaping of the folded paper.

The dispensing device according to the invention is therefore particularly advantageous in that it offers, from the same components, an operation and a distribution of strips of paper materials, either for wiping or toilet paper in the non-position. folded, or when dispensing towels in the folded position.

The choice of operation of the device only results in tilting down or raising the device (16) supporting the shaping arm.

It should be noted that in the raised position of the arm, the specific rounded shapes of the ribs formed on the cover, contribute to a tensioning of the paper including in its usual version for dispensing paper towels. In this case, the lifting of the device (16) does not hinder the distribution of the paper. The apparatus thus comprises a maximum of seven or nine components in manufacture and assembly if the protective roller and the belt are taken into account, each of them being able to present, at the time of molding, different particular characteristics.

If reference is now made to the device for positioning the coil illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 19.

According to a first originality of the invention, there is provided a coil holder device (30) articulated with respect to the upper flanges (31) of the casing and allowing, depending on its positioning in the raised or lowered position, the maintenance and self-locking of the coil of material (B).

This device advantageously, can be arranged to adapt as well for the distribution of strips of material in the unfolded position or in the folded position.

More particularly, this device is produced in the form of a gantry (30) profiled in U, whose lateral branches (30.1, 30.2) come from the outside surround the upper flanges (31) of the casing of the device. Said flanges are arranged during molding with a front shape (31.1) having a circular opening (31.2) extending internally by a thick concentric crown (31.3) having a flared section (31.4) around its periphery. This flared section preferably comes to adjust towards the internal profile of the lateral wing concerned, thus allowing introduction of the roll spool without snag or retaining area. The side walls of the flanges which are in a plane perpendicular to the rear wall of the casing, extend forward with each a tongue (31.5) oriented flared towards the outside of the device. On the outer face of the flanges, a cam (31.6) is also formed by molding, shaped with a ramp shape, being disposed in the lower part of the flange near the aforementioned circular opening (31.2). In the upper part of the flange and on the same side, a stop stop (31.7) is provided, angularly oriented to allow the gantry to be positioned in the raised position. Between the cam (31.6) forming a ramp and the stop (31.7), a hook shape (31.8) is directly molded and constituting a means of locking the gantry after its installation. This hook shape has an internal recess (31.9) allowing free passage and articulation of certain parts of the wings of the gantry.

In parallel, said gantry has on its lateral wings (30.1) and internally end caps (30.3) directly shaped during molding and of a diameter such that they come to engage in the circular openings (31.2) formed on the flanges of the casing . The ends of said wings are arranged with a bulge (30.4) capable of coming to adapt and being positioned in the hook shapes (31.8) of the flanges, during certain phases of operation and positioning of the gantry. In addition, there is provided on the ends of the wings of the gantry a rectangular notch (30.5) which can be placed opposite the abovementioned hook shapes, in order to allow the gantry to be removed. In a position substantially diametrical to said rectangular notch formed on the wing of the gantry, there is provided a recess (30.6) over an angular sector limited to the periphery of the wing of the gantry, so as to reveal an abutment face (30.7 ) can come into contact with the ramp shape (31.6) established on the upper lateral flanges of the casing.

The wings of the gantry thus have at their end a generally rounded external shape (30.7) and extend towards the front part by a rectilinear zone (30.9) with a transverse connection plate (30.10) connecting the two wings. When the gantry is raised, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 of the drawings, the lateral wings are in a vertical plane and the rounded part (30.7) of said wings is moved away from the lateral flanges facing by the effect of distance given by their contact with the cam (31.6) formed on the flanges (31). In this situation, the end piece (30.3) established internally on each wing of the gantry, is in a retracted position inside the circular crown (31.2) formed on the lateral flanges of the casing, leaving a free passage in view of the introduction of the material reel. In this situation, the upper edge (30.9.1) of the straight junction parts of the wings of the gantry comes into contact with the upper stop formed on each of the lateral flanges. The rectangular notch formed on the wings of the gantry, is located substantially above the hook shape established on the flanges of the housing.

Such an arrangement allows easy engagement of a reel of material.

The lowering of the gantry is carried out by a manual action for example, and this movement will allow by angular pivoting, the progressive escape of the ends of the wings of the gantry with respect to the lateral flanges and in particular of the cam by gradually eliminating the effect of it. As the gantry is lowered, the lateral wings (30.1) of the gantry will approach the lateral flanges (31) of the casing until the cam (31.6) is completely exhausted, and thus allow the exit of the end caps (30.3) internally between the side flanges of the casing, these end pieces penetrating into the support mandrel of the material reel. In the position of maximum lowering of the gantry, the bulge (30.4) formed externally on the wings of the gantry, is in the area of the hook established on the side flanges and thus avoids, by its thickness, a lateral movement of the gantry. Simultaneously, the lateral connecting parts of the latter come to bear on the end tabs (31.5) of the lateral flanges, thus contributing to greater stability of the assembly. The material reel is self-locked and only the lifting of the gantry allows it to be released by retracting the end caps (30.3). Only by lowering the gantry can the material reel be held and held in place by locking it in position. The pulled strip of paper intended to be introduced between the roller and the pressing element is set back from the gantry.

The establishment of the gantry on the casing of the device requires to position the hook part established on the side flanges facing the notch formed on the wings of the gantry. One then proceeds manually to a slight separation of said wings at the location of the abutment zone (31.7) established on the lateral flanges. When the hooks and notches are placed opposite one another, the wings can then be removed by removing the gantry. In the opposite direction, the installation is carried out under the same conditions and the distance of the lateral wings relative to the stops, allows the self-locking of the gantry since the rectangular notch is no longer able to be opposite the hooks.

Very advantageously, the gantry presents forward a profiled arm (30.11) which is in vertical position when the gantry is lowered, to come opposite the pressing element. This arrangement therefore allows the use of the gantry for shaping the strip of material with a view to folding it under the conditions mentioned above. The strip of paper coming from the reel of material passes over the gantry and in front of the arm to be then styled under the conditions described in the aforementioned patent, the vertical projections (20) cooperating with the arm to ensure the setting folded shape.

Incidentally, when the gantry is raised, the arm can self-lock under the tab (32) for locking and connecting the cover to the casing.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the positioning of the cover (8) on the casing (2) is carried out in the following manner. It is provided in the lower part of the casing on its wings or vertical flaps (2.20), to form, during molding, pots (33) having two disc shapes (33.1, 33.2) connected together by an axis (33.3) having two parallel flats (33.4). The cover has cutouts (8.4) in its lower part with a rectilinear slot (8.5) having at the end a circular shape (8.6) of larger diameter. The fitting of the cover is carried out after orientation of the latter to allow its engagement while being guided by the flat parts (33.4) of the axes of the pots, and afterwards until it comes into bottom stop in the circular openings (8.6 ) of the cover. After installation, the cover is self-locked with respect to the casing, except once again facing the flat parts of the axis of the studs opposite the straight part of the slots formed on the lower cutouts of the cover.

There is therefore additional security obtained by such an arrangement.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the upper part of the support flanges of the drum and of the pressing element, is arranged with a substantially curvilinear shape (34) raised upwards in the direction of the lateral flanges cooperating with the support gantry of the reel of material, to allow its manual guidance in the positioning position.

According to another characteristic, there is provided on the bottom face of the casing at the place of the paper outlet, a bulging zone (35) which avoids introducing a hand, by presenting an inclined inner wall (35.1) for facilitate the passage and guiding of the paper.

According to another characteristic, it is provided behind the drum, to have a hoop (36) comprising a profiled spout (36.1) penetrating into a median groove established on the pressing means (6), said hoop having curvilinear walls laterally (36.2) profiled facing the drum, and facilitating the passage of paper. This arch and these curvilinear walls are directly molded with the casing.

The device as described allows the distribution of paper in an unfolded version as well as in a folded version, regardless of the lowered position of the gantry. In the case where the device operates with an unfolded paper distribution, the paper strip passes behind the arm of the gantry without being obstructed, being guided by the projections (20) formed on the cover. The paper strip is then guided between the drum and the pressing element through the horizontal projection (81). In the event that the gantry does not include a vertical arm, the installation is the same. In the event that the apparatus operates with a view to obtaining a paper in a folded presentation, the strip of paper passes in front of the gantry and the arm considered.

Reference is now made to an improved locking device of the device.

Recall that the gantry (30) profiled in U, has its lateral branches (30.1, 30.2) come from the outside surround the upper flanges of the housing of the device.

The wings of the gantry thus have at their end a generally rounded external shape (30.8) and extend towards the front part by a rectilinear zone (30.9) with a transverse connection plate (30.10) connecting the two wings.

According to the originality of this device, the connection plate (30.10) of the spool holder arm is arranged, at one of its ends, with a tab (30.11) oriented downwards and rectangular in shape, for example with rounded corners . Said connection plate is extended, in its axial plane, by parts (30.12) disposed externally to the lateral branches (30.1 - 30.2) of the gantry and in particular have a tapered rectilinear zone (30.13) which can constitute a zone of contact with means of hooking (37 and 38) established on the cover (8) of the device. On the latter, is arranged and fixed, suitably, in a plane opposite the end of the gantry (30) and the tab (30. 11), a key system referenced as a whole by (39). This key system is therefore in situation facing the opening of the device. This particular key system comprises a part (40) attached or obtained directly by molding during the manufacture of the cover by first having a hook shape (37), and having, in the plane parallel to the plane of the cover, a bearing support (41) capable of having a bore or hole (41.1) to allow passage and fitting of an axis (42) associated with the lock (43) of the key (44). Said lock disposed internally between the aforementioned support surface (41) and the interior wall of the cover receives a cam-shaped shape (45) mounted at articulation on the axis (42) during the manipulation of the key. This oblong shaped cam (45) is intended, by its edge (45.1), to come into contact with the corresponding edge (30.111) of the tab (30.11) formed on the gantry, under the conditions which will be mentioned later. The hook shape (37) oriented upwards is capable of coming to cooperate and snap into place with the corresponding part (30.121) of the extreme extension formed on the gantry connection plate. To this end, the hook shape (37) has a curvilinear profile (37.1) also forming a ramp and being capable of lifting the gantry. After engagement and installation, said hook part (37) is thus at the rear relative to the connection plate (30.10) of the gantry and more particularly of its extension (30.12).

In parallel and to ensure stability and avoid any untimely deformation of the gantry and of the cover by elastic deformation, there is provided, on the cover, another and second hook shape (38) disposed substantially in the same plane, but on the other side of the median arm established on the gantry to cooperate and ensure the locking in position of the gantry, the hook part then being behind the part end (30.12.2) of the connecting plate (30.10) of the gantry.

The lid (8) is unlocked relative to the casing by actuation of the operating key and by rotation of the cam-shaped part (45) which then comes into contact with the bearing surface (30.11) formed on the gantry thus causing the lifting of the latter and the release of the ends (30.12) of the connecting plate with respect to the hooked parts (37- 38) established on the cover.

After lifting the gantry, the cover (8) opens by gravity allowing access to the various mechanisms of the device.

This locking arrangement can be used in the various modes of operation and distribution of the paper strip, either in a folded form or in an unfolded form, because, in the latter case, the deformation of the folded strip at the location of the arm associated with the reel-holder gantry leaves the scope (30.11) and the end tabs (30.12) of the connection plate visible for the aforementioned various locking or unlocking functions.

According to an additional arrangement, the profile of the hook (37) associated with the locking mechanism is substantially re-entrant (37.2) to ensure by clipping an improved retention effect of the gantry. The profile of the second hook (38) remains straight and has the effect of a single retaining function of the end part of the connection plate of the spool holder.

According to another arrangement, the arm part associated with the connecting plate and serving for the ply conformation of the strip of material is capable of coming to bear against the inner wall of the cover when the latter is brought closer to the casing for the purpose of closing. The wall of the cover is capable, in its pivoting, of contributing to the lifting of the gantry, thus ensuring additional holding of the reel holder gantry.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 29, the connection plate (30.10) is extended beyond the lugs (30.11) by extensions (30.10) on which parts (46) forming profiled springs and having elasticity are attached by coming into contact with the front inner wall of the cover, and thus acting under the same conditions as the arm of the gantry in the previous implementation.

The advantages emerge clearly from the invention. The best quality of locking of the device is particularly emphasized since the reel holder is kept in the locked position thereby stabilizing the reel, whereas according to the prior art the locking key provided only a connection between the cover. and the housing.

The implementation of the invention is simple and inexpensive because the various improvements and components can be made during the molding of the component parts of the device, namely the cover and the reel holder. Furthermore, the lock being in the front position, it is easier for the user to access to facilitate loading of material with the device.

Another advantage is that the lock is arranged inside the device so that, when the key is removed, the front outer wall of the cover has no raised surface.

It is also emphasized that the locking is carried out in two zones by the hooks (37 and 38) which are arranged laterally and at the ends of the gantry.

Claims (32)

1. Paper towel dispensing apparatus comprising lateral flanges inside the upper part of the protective housing to support a reel of material (3) and, inside the lower part, a drum (4) designed to be fitted with a cutoff device (5), a tensioning device (6) pressing onto said drum, with the paper path running between said drum and cutoff device (5), which is hinge-mounted relative to the drum to ensure the paper length pulled out by the user is cut according to a cycle that is determined by drum rotation and including means (11 - 12) to start and reverse the drum as well as a hinged protective cover (8) located at the bottom of the housing and clicked in place with a locking device,
      characterised in that a controlled-stroke hinged device (16 - 30) is mounted onto the reel-holder (3)
      and in that the protective cover (8) features longitudinal ribs (20) fitting said device (16 - 30) such, that when the cover is closed and the device lowered in position, the length of paper the user pulls on is folded with the long ends (B1 - B2) of the paper band (B) partly under its upper part (B3), the paper band (B) being fed out by the upper contact of the device (16-30) so that it may be introduced folded between the drum and the tensioning device, be severed by the cutoff device folded and be pulled out as a folded napkin or towel by the user, and in that said hinged device (16 - 30), when moved into the raised position relative to the reel-holder (3) and the assembly consisting of the drum (4) and the tensioning device (6), will allow the paper to be fed unfolded between the drum and the tensioning device and to be severed by the cutoff device (5) when pulled onto by the user.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the device (16) is a U-shaped arch with two sides (16.1) designed to be installed on the outside of the support flanges (2.15) supporting the reel of material, each side featuring a sleeve (16.2) to fit the spindle (M) of the reel of material, said sides (16.1 - 16.2) being linked by a profiled crosswise connecting plate (16.7) with rounded upper shape (16.10), said plate extending forwards by a long, profiled arm (16.8), which, when the device pivots, ends up facing the tensioning device (6),
      and in that the width of said arm is such as to accommodate the profiled cover ribs (20), leaving a passage for positioning, inserting and feeding through the folded paper band.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the end parts of said sides facing the reel supporting flanges are rounded corners (16.3) continuing in straight edges (16.4) designed to be arrested by a lower stop (19) integral with the outside of the reel-holder supporting flanges.
4. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 2 and 3, characterised in that the sides feature a notch (16.5) formed along the edge in the upper part of the side, said notch cooperating with a hook (17) formed on the outer part of the reel supporting flange (2.15), said hook having an opening (17.1) allowing the side to pass through its width and, after engagement, the locking device to pivot without displacement, unless the notch and hook are engaged.
5. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2, 3 and 4, characterised in that both the upper (18) and lower (19) stops are arranged on the outside of the flange forming stopping means in the pivoting motion of the device (16), the upper stop (18) in the upward direction, and the lower stop (19) in the downward direction.
6. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2, 3, 4 and 5, characterised in that the device comprises a long arm (16.8) with a flat top with a rounded connecting shape (16.11), fixed to the crosswise connecting plate, the lower part of said arm featuring a central rib (16.9), the end (16.9.1) of which fits into the central slot (6.4) formed on the tensioning device.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the rounded part (16.11) facilitates unreeling the paper band on the one hand and lifting the band over the crosswise connecting plate on the other, to start folding the paper.
8. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the profiled cover ribs (20) have rounded edges (20.1) for guiding the paper band prior to folding when the device is lowered and taking up the slack of the paper band when the device (16) is raised.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the middle part of the tensioning device (6) features two smooth areas (6.5) onto which the folded paper band is pressed, said tensioning device having a slot in the middle for the end of the arm of device (16) and the upper end (21.1) of at least one bow moulded on the housing to engage in to guide the paper band.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that the height (H) of the ribs at their widest point near the rounded parts (20.1) is greater than the width (L1) of fold-in sides (B4 - B5) of the paper band being folded.
11. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the protective housing comprises parallel flanges (2.1 - 2.2) perpendicular to the housing back wall for the drum (4) and the tensioning device (6) to be clicked into place, said flanges or back walls of the apparatus being equipped with tongues (2.4) having a capacity for elastic deformation owing to preformed slots in the flanges, said tongues being formed with recesses for the tensioning device, the flanges also featuring notches into which the drum shaft ends are located,
       and in that the various tensioning device and drum shaft end recesses are designed facing,
       and in that the tongues holding the tensioning device, being flexible, press the tensioning device onto the drum while causing the drum tensioning device to be self-locked in the housing of the apparatus,
       and in that access to the tensioning device and drum location is entirely free owing to cutouts in the front of said tongues and flanges, thereby ensuring rapid installation of apparatus components.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that one of the flanges (2.2) of the housing on the side of the drum actuating mechanism is equipped with a profiled cutout (2.3) in the shape of an oblique T, with the leg (2.3.1) of the T being long and slanted upward and back, thus creating the shape of the upper tongue (2.4), the top end of the T-bar (2.3.2) being an internal recess (2.5) for one of the tensioning device shaft ends, whereas the lower part of the T-bar is a rounded notch (2.6) for supporting one of the drum shaft ends,
       and in that the inner lower portion of the other flange (2.1) of the housing features an opening (2.8) to lodge the other shaft end, around which opening is provided a part acting both as a journal and a rack (7) to drive the drum, the upper part of the flange being a tongue (2.4) with a shaft recess (2.14) separated by a slot (2.11) rendering it flexible, said tongues (2.4) being thus formed in the flanges having the same shape, profile and location, together forming a hook shape (2.7) for the tensioning device shaft ends to be fitted into, said tongues being shaped as ramps ahead of recesses (2.5), the tensioning device being placed against said ramps during installation.
13. Apparatus as claimed in either of claims 11 and 12, characterised in that the drum is equipped beyond one of its end disks with a groove located between a portion shaped as an eccentric (11) and an extension shaped as a disk (4.6) constituting a button for use in loading the apparatus, said groove being used to attach one of the ends of the release spring (12) used to start the drum turning.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that reel-holder device (30) is hinged relative to upper flanges (31) of the housing, said flanges being made with a circular opening (31.2) and a concentric spacer ring (31.3) and means of limit stopping and guiding,
       and in that reel-holder device (30) is made in the form of a U-shaped arch of which the sides (30.1, 30.2) surround the outside of the upper flanges (31) of the housing,
       and in that said sides (30.1) have end pieces (30.3) capable of fitting in the circular openings (31.2) and spacer rings (31.3) on the flanges of the housing,
       and in that the movement of lowering or raising the arch (30) makes it possible to retract said end pieces or allow their offset inside the volume defined between the flanges (31) in order to allow their insertion and self-locking in position of the reel of material,
       and in that the sides of the arch and the lateral flanges (31) are designed with means that allow displacement of said end pieces by relative modification of the position of the sides (30.1, 30.2) relative to the upper flanges of the housing.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that the flanges (31) of the housing are made with a circular opening (31.2) that extends internally with a spacer ring (31.3) that has, towards its periphery, a flared face (31.4), said walls extending forward in a tongue (31.5) pointing towards the outside of the apparatus and in that the outside surface of the flanges is made with a cam (31.6) forming a ramp that temporarily cooperates with the opposite sides (30.1, 30.2) of the arch during swivelling of the latter when it is raised or lowered.
16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterised in that the cam (31.6) is arranged in the lower part of flanges (31) and in that on the same side there is an angularly directed limit stop (31.7) to allow positioning of the arch in its raised position, a hook shape (31.8) being arranged between the cam and the limit stop to constitute means of locking the arch after fitting, said hook shape having an internal recess (31.9) allowing free passage and hinging of the sides of the arch.
17. Apparatus as claimed in claims 14 to 16, characterised in that the ends of the sides (30.1, 30.2) are designed with a bulge (30.4) which adapts and positions itself in the hook shapes (31.8) of the flanges during certain positioning phases of the arch and prevents lateral displacement of the latter.
18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, characterised in that the ends of the sides of the arch have rectangular scalloping (30.5) that can be aligned opposite the hook shapes and in that in a position that is essentially diametral to the scalloping there is a recess (30.6) over a limited angular sector of the periphery of the arm of the arch in order to define a limit-stop surface (30.7) that cooperates with the cam (31.6).
19. Apparatus as claimed in claims 15 to 18, characterised in that the tongues (31.5) formed on flanges (31) constitute means of stopping and limit stopping during swivelling and lowering of the arch and act as a support for the lateral sides of the arch.
20. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 14 to 19, characterised in that the arch has a crosswise connecting plate (30.10) between its lateral sides and which extends downwards by means of a profiled arm opposite the tensioning device.
21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that housing (2) has, in its lower part, sides or vertical flaps (2.20) allowing the positioning of studs (32) consisting of two discs (33.1, 33.2) linked to each other by a connecting shaft (33.3), said shaft having two flats (33.4) in order to allow engagement and locking in position of the cover, the latter having, in its lower part, cutouts (8.4) with a straight slot (8.5) having a circular shaped end (8.6) of larger diameter.
22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that the upper part of the flanges that support the drum and the tensioning device is made with an essentially upward curved shape (34) in the direction of the lateral flanges.
23. Apparatus as claimed in claims 14 to 20, characterised in that in the application for dispensing unfolded paper, the paper band is routed from the reel to the space between the drum and the tensioning device and passes behind the arch.
24. Apparatus as claimed in claims 14 to 20, characterised in that in the application for dispensing folded paper, the paper band is routed from the reel to the space between the drum and the tensioning device and passes in front of the arm of the arch.
25. Apparatus as claimed in claims 14 to 20, characterised in that in the application for dispensing strips of unfolded material bands, the paper band is routed from the reel to the space between the drum and the tensioning device and passes behind the arch.
26. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the cover (8) is fitted, on its front internal surface, with two locking means (37 - 38) designed to cooperate with means (30.11 - 30.12) arranged on the connecting plate (30.10) of the arch, enabling the cover to be locked and unlocked in position relative to the apparatus' housing.
27. Apparatus as claimed in claim 26, characterised in that the cover (8) receives, in its frontal plane, a key system (39) consisting of a hook (37) arranged and shaped on the cover's inner wall, and receiving a support (41) for a cam (45) hinge-mounted on a shaft (42) and designed to cooperate with a profiled lug (30.11) arranged on the connecting plate of the arch,
       and in that hook (37) has a curved shape (37.1) acting as a ramp to cooperate with end part (30.12) arranged in the axial plane of said connecting plate.
28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 26, characterised in that cover (8) receives on its inner wall a second hook (38) designed to cooperate with an end part (30.12) arranged on the arch's connecting plate.
29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 26, characterised in that the arm part connected to the connecting plate and acting at the folding of the paper band fold is designed to rest against the inner wall of the cover when this nears the housing when being closed, said wall helping to raise the arch and ensuring an additional hold on it.
30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 26, characterised in that the connecting plate, beyond its end parts (30.11), is fitted with extensions (30.12) each receiving a part (46) acting as shaped springs and having a resilience when resting against the cover's front inner wall.
31. Folded paper napkin obtained by the use of the apparatus claimed in any of claims 1 to 30, characterised in that, when fed out of the apparatus, the long ends (B1 - B2) of the paper band (B) are partially folded under the top (B3) of the band (B) forming fold-in sides (B4 - B5).
32. Napkin as claimed in claim 31, characterised in that the edges of the long ends protrude beyond the width of the upper part (B3) of the paper band.

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