US20240016348A1

US20240016348A1 - Dispenser assembly for selectively dispensing sheet material

Info

Publication number: US20240016348A1
Application number: US18/222,062
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles Agnew Osborne, Jr.
Original assignee: Valve Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Vsi Health And Hygiene Group LLC
Priority date: 2022-07-15
Filing date: 2023-07-14
Publication date: 2024-01-18
Also published as: EP4554885A1; WO2024015573A1

Abstract

A dispenser assembly facilitating selective dispensing of sheet material from a plurality of supplies of sheet material having a plurality of driven rollers each configured to move sheet material from a respective supply of sheet material. The dispensing assembly including an activation system that can include an opposing beam dispenser activation assembly for triggering a dispensing operation and/or a visible light indicator for guiding a user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

The present co-pending application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/389,467, filed Jul. 15, 2022 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/412,090, filed on Sep. 30, 2022.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosures of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/389,467, filed Jul. 15, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/412,090, filed on Sep. 30, 2022, are specifically incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to dispenser assemblies for rolled sheet materials or other suitable materials, and more particularly, is directed to dispenser assemblies for selectively dispensing from a plurality of supplies of rolled sheet material. Other aspects are also described.

BACKGROUND

Dispensers for sheet materials, such as for dispensing tissue paper, paper towels, or other paper products, or other suitable materials are commonly used in hospitals, restrooms, and other facilities. Some dispensers have more than one supply of sheet material, e.g., multiple rolls of sheet material, for dispensing/feeding. When a supply of sheet material in such dispensers is running low or has been fully dispensed, a transfer of the feeding of sheet material to a new supply generally must be performed, which often must be done manually. Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for a dispenser assembly that can selectively switch/transfer the feeding/dispensing of sheet material between a plurality of supplies of sheet material between a plurality of supplies of sheet material, e.g., when a supply of sheet material is running low or has been fully dispensed. In addition, dispensers for sheet materials, such as those that hold multiple supplies of sheet material, can be difficult to reload with sheet material when supplies run out. Further, unwanted dispensing of material by dispensers for sheet materials, liquids, and/or other materials can waste energy and materials. Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for a dispenser assembly that is easier to load with supply and/or that avoids unwanted dispensing of materials. The present disclosure addresses these and other related and unrelated problems/issues in the relevant art.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a dispenser assembly for dispensing sheet materials such as rolls of tissue, paper towels, and/or other rolled sheet material products. The dispenser assembly generally includes a dispenser housing having a plurality of supplies of rolled sheet material supported therein.
Each supply of rolled sheet material is supported by a corresponding support assembly within the dispenser housing. In one construction, the plurality of supplies of sheet material can include a first supply of sheet material supported by a corresponding first support assembly, and a second supply of sheet material supported by a corresponding second support assembly. The first and second support assemblies can be arranged to hold the supplies of sheet material in a side-by-side configuration (e.g., with ends of the rolls of sheet material facing one another). In embodiments, the axes of the supplies of sheet material can be collinear (e.g., substantially, generally, approximately collinear).
The dispenser assembly further can include a dispensing system for controlling the dispensing of selected, predetermined amounts of sheet material from at least one of the plurality of supplies of “sheet material. The dispensing system can include a plurality of driven roller assemblies for engaging and driving the sheet material from the supplies of rolled sheet material. Each driven roller assembly generally will be associated with at least one supply of the plurality of supplies of sheet material for dispensing sheet material therefrom. For example, the first supply of rolled sheet material can be dispensed by a first driven roller assembly and the second supply of rolled sheet material can be dispensed by a second driven roller assembly.
Each driven roller assembly can have at least one driven roller driven by a drive mechanism (e.g., a motor or other suitable drive mechanism) in communication therewith. In one variation, the drive mechanism can be operatively connected to the driven roller(s) by a belt or series of belts (e.g., one or more belts engaging a belt pulley or belt gear connected to each of the driven rollers).
The dispensing assembly further can include at least one guide roller that engages the sheet material and is rotatable with the rotation of the driven roller to help facilitate feeding and dispensing of the sheet material. The dispenser assembly further can include additional guide or pressing rollers positioned adjacent each of the driven rollers to help guide the sheet material during dispensing thereof.
Each of the driven rollers can be configured to rotate in a desired or selected direction, and typically can be rotated by the drive mechanism for a selected number of rotations as needed to dispense the selected amounts of sheet material from their corresponding supply of rolled sheet material, but generally will remain stationary when the drive mechanism is reversed or driven in the opposite direction. For example, each driven roller can include or can be coupled to a clutch mechanism (e.g., a hybrid or one-way clutch mechanism) or other disengagable drive connection that engages the driven roller and causes it to rotate when driven/rotated in one direction and disengages the driven roller and allows it to stay substantially stationary when driven in the opposite direction.
For example, the first driven roller can be rotated when the drive mechanism is driven in a first direction to dispense sheet material from the first supply of rolled sheet material, while the second driven roller can remain generally stationary such that sheet material is not dispensed from the second supply of rolled sheet material. When the drive mechanism is driven in a second direction, the second driven roller can be rotated to dispense selected predetermined amounts of sheet material from the second supply of rolled sheet material, while the first driven roller can be disengaged and remain generally stationary such that sheet material is not dispensed therefrom.
Accordingly, the dispenser assembly of the present disclosure provides for selective dispensing of sheet material from the plurality of supplies of sheet material as needed. For example, upon a change or reversing of the driving direction of the drive mechanism, the dispenser can switch the dispensing of sheet material from the one supply of sheet material to the other. This change or switch/transfer of feeding from one supply to another can be substantially automatic, i.e., in response to a signal from a sensor or monitoring system, by a command from a control system for the dispenser, manually by a switch upon receipt of one or more signals from a device external to the dispenser assembly, etc.
An activation system can be incorporated into the dispenser assembly or into another dispenser for cooperating with a control system of the dispenser assembly to selectively activate or deactivate aspects of the dispenser assembly as needed. The activation system can include a front sensor assembly configured to detect a potential user in close proximity to the dispenser assembly. In embodiments, the front sensor assembly can include an IR emitter and an IR detector configured to indicate to the control system when the IR rays emitted by the emitter are reflected toward the IR detector so that the control system activates a dispenser activation sensor assembly and a visible light indicator mounted in a recess in the dispenser assembly.
In embodiments, the dispenser activation sensor assembly can include an opposing beam sensor, including an IR launcher positioned opposite to an IR receiver and oriented so that the IR launcher directs IR rays toward the IR receiver. When the IR beam is broken (e.g., by a user's hand), the dispenser activation sensor assembly can send a signal to the control system to run a dispensing operation to dispense material.
In embodiments, the visible light indicator can illuminate at least a portion of the front recess of the dispenser assembly with visible light (e.g., proximate to and/or along the dispenser activation sensor assembly). Accordingly, the visible light indicator can guide a user with respect to where the user should gesture in order to activate a dispensing operation. The visible light indicator can be configured to illuminate in one or more colors of light in order to provide information about the state and/or status of aspects of the dispenser assembly (e.g., supply levels, battery life, etc.).
The dispensing assembly further can include a monitoring system configured to determine if sheet material extending from one or more of the supplies of sheet material is engaged with a respective driven roller assembly. The monitoring system can include a sheet material detection sensor including an emitter and a detector oriented so that IR rays from the emitter are reflected toward the detector by the sheet material when it is present. In the case that the IR rays are not detected by the detector, the monitoring system can send a signal to the control system that the respective supply of sheet material is depleted. The control system can then switch to dispense from a different supply of sheet material and/or send a signal to an operator that additional supply is needed.
In embodiments, the dispenser assembly further can include a supply support apparatus mounted within a housing of the dispenser assembly. For example, the supply support apparatus can be mounted to an interior of a front cover of the housing, which front cover can be pivoted away from a backing portion of the housing (e.g., along a hinge). As the front cover is pivoted away from the remainder of the housing, the supply support apparatus can move with the front cover, which can provide space and easy access to the supply support apparatus for loading supply material into the dispenser assembly. In embodiments, the supply support apparatus can include one or more assemblies that can pivot with respect to the front cover for easier loading of the supply materials.
Still other aspects, embodiments, and advantages of these exemplary aspects and embodiments, are discussed in detail below. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing information and the following detailed description are merely illustrative examples of various aspects and embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and embodiments. Accordingly, these and other objects, along with advantages and features of the present invention herein disclosed, will become apparent through reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments discussed herein. No attempt is made to show structural details of this disclosure in more detail than can be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein and the various ways in which they can be practiced. According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings can be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 provides a schematic illustration of a dispenser assembly for selectively dispensing a predetermined amount of sheet material from a plurality of supplies of sheet material according to principles of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views of interior portions of the dispenser assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 4A-4E are views of a supply support apparatus associated with a housing of the dispenser assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 5A-7B are views of a dispensing mechanism of the dispenser apparatus of FIG. 1

FIG. 8 is a view of a drive mechanism and roller assemblies of the dispensing mechanism of FIGS. 5A-7B in engagement with respective supplies of sheet material according to principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a view of the drive mechanism of the dispensing mechanism of FIGS. 5A-7B

FIGS. 10A-12C are views of portions of the drive mechanism of FIG. 9

FIGS. 13A and 13B are views of the drive mechanism and roller assemblies of FIG. 8 .

FIGS. 14A and 14B are views of a material detection module of the dispenser assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 15-17B are views of a dispenser activation assembly and a visible light indicator according to principles of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 18A-18C are views of a front sensor assembly according to principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 provides a schematic illustration of a dispenser assembly for selectively dispensing a predetermined amount of sheet material from a plurality of supplies of sheet material according to principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20A-20G are schematic illustrations of a drive mechanism and roller assemblies of the dispensing mechanism of FIG. 19 .

FIGS. 21A and 21B are views of a material detection module of the dispenser assembly of FIG. 19 .

FIGS. 22A-22G are views of a front sensor assembly of the dispenser assembly of FIG. 19 according to principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.
The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof.
As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a chamber” can include two or more such chambers unless the context indicates otherwise.
Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “can,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As used herein, the term “plurality” refers to two or more items or components. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” and “involving,” whether in the written description or the claims and the like, are open-ended terms, i.e., to mean “including but not limited to.” Thus, the use of such terms is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, with respect to any claims. Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish claim elements.
Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference to each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.
The present methods and systems can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.
FIG. 1 shows a dispenser assembly 10 for dispensing a rolled sheet material 11, such as tissue rolls, paper towel rolls, or other suitable rolled sheet material products. As shown in FIG. 1 , the dispenser assembly 10 can include a dispenser housing 12, which can have a front shell or cover 12A that is movable/removable to allow access to the components of the dispenser assembly 10, and a back shell or backing portion 12B that is configured to mount or otherwise connect (e.g., via fasteners, adhesive, etc.) to the dispenser assembly 10 to a wall, partition, or other suitable support within a facility, such as a restroom, hospital room, etc. The dispenser housing 12 can be formed from plastic materials, metallic materials, other suitable synthetic or composite materials, or combinations thereof. The dispenser housing 12 further includes one or more chambers or compartments 13 defined therein and sized, dimensioned, and/or configured to receive and house a plurality of supplies 14 of sheet material 11 therein (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4A-4C). As shown in FIGS. 1, 4A, and 4C, the dispenser housing 12 also can include a discharge 15, e.g., including one or more apertures or openings, that facilitates dispensing of the sheet material 11 of the supplies of sheet material 14 from the dispenser assembly 10.
As generally shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, each supply 14 of sheet material typically includes a mandrel or roll or spindle 14A with sheet material 11 wrapped or spun thereabout. The dispenser assembly 10 further includes a plurality of support assemblies 16 rotatably supporting a plurality of supplies 14 within the dispenser housing 12. That is, each supply of sheet material 14 is configured to be supported by a corresponding support assembly 16 positioned with the chamber(s) 13 of the dispenser housing 12. The plurality of supplies 14 of sheet material can include a first supply 18 of sheet material that is supported by a corresponding first support assembly 20, and a second supply 22 of sheet material that is supported by a second support assembly 24.
As shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, each of the support assemblies 20/24 includes one of the spindles 14A extending from a respective paper hanging bracket 14B, which is mounted on the cover 12A by a hinge (e.g., FIG. 4D) so that the support assemblies 20/24 are pivotably mounted to the cover 12A, and a central support structure 30 is mounted to the cover 12A between the support assemblies 20/24. In embodiments, respective inner ends of the spindles 14A of the first and second support assemblies 20/24 can be detachably supported on the central support structure (e.g., FIG. 4E). Accordingly, when one or both of the supplies 18/22 is depleted and cover 12A can be pivoted open relative to the backing portion 12B along a hinge and/or could be removed from the backing portion 12B to provide access to the support assemblies 20/24. In embodiments, moving the support assemblies 20/24 away from the backing portion 12B and the wall it's mounted on can provide sufficient space around the support assemblies 20/24 for easily installing the supplies 18/22 on the support assemblies 20/24. To further facilitate resupplying the dispenser assembly 10, the support assemblies 20/24 can be pivoted as shown in FIG. 4C to move the inner ends of the spindles 14A upwardly and away from the central support structure 30 so that a new supply 18 or 22 can be loaded onto the respective spindle 14A. In some embodiments, only one of the supplies 18/22 will need to be replaced at a time so that only the empty support assembly would be pivoted upwardly, leaving the undepleted supply in place. Once the supply 18 or 22 is loaded on the respective spindle 14A, the respective support assembly 20/24 can be pivoted downwardly so that the inner end of the spindle 14A connects with the central support structure (e.g., FIG. 4E). The supplies 18/22 of sheet material could be otherwise supported at least partially within the dispenser housing 12 without departing from the disclosure.
FIGS. 1-3 further show that the dispenser assembly 10 includes a dispensing system or mechanism 50 for selectively dispensing predetermined amounts (i.e., particular, selected lengths) of sheet material 11 from the plurality of supplies 18/22 of sheet material. In embodiments, the dispensing system 50 can include two roller assemblies 52/54 (e.g., FIGS. 5A-8 ) mounted side-by-side in a framework or enclosure 51 (e.g., FIGS. 5A-7B). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9-13B, the dispensing system can include a drive mechanism 60 mounted in the enclosure 51 with at least a portion of the drive mechanism 60 extending between the roller assemblies 52/54. As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5C, 7A, and 7B, the enclosure 51 can include two intake openings 35A/36A aligned with the respective roller assemblies 52/54 and receiving sheet material 11 from the respective supplies 18/22 of sheet material (FIGS. 2 and 3 ). As shown in FIGS. 5B, 7A, and 7B, the enclosure 51 further can include two output openings 35B/36B for dispensing the sheet material 11 from the respective roller assemblies 52/54 out of the enclosure 51. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the dispensing system 50 can be positioned in chamber 13 of the dispenser housing 12 such that at least a portion of the enclosure 51 of the dispensing system 50 extends in the opening of the discharge 15. In embodiments, the output openings 35B/36B of the enclosure 51 of the dispensing system 50 can be aligned with the discharge 15 for dispensing the sheet material 11 from the dispenser assembly 10.
As shown in at least FIGS. 5C and 7A-8 , each of the roller assemblies 52/54 can include a respective driven roller 56/58 for engaging and driving the sheet material 11 from the respective supplies 18/22 of sheet material. For example, the first supply 18 of sheet material can be dispensed by a corresponding first driven roller 56 and the second supply of rolled sheet material 22 can be dispensed by a corresponding second driven roller 58. The first driven roller 56 will engage and draw or urge sheet material from the first supply 18 of sheet material along a first discharge path 65A toward and out of the output opening 35B of the enclosure 51 and out of the discharge 15 of the dispenser housing 12, while the second driven roller 58 will engage and draw or urge sheet material 11 from the second supply 22 of sheet material along a second discharge path 65B toward and out of the output opening 36B of the enclosure 51 and out of the discharge 15 of the dispenser housing 12. The driven rollers 56/58 can be formed from a plastic material, though other materials, such as wood, elastomeric materials, such as rubber, or other composite or synthetic materials or combinations thereof, can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 5C and 6 , the first driven roller 56 can be mounted between a first end wall 51A and a first inner wall 51B of the enclosure 51 such as by bearing assemblies (e.g., including roller bearings, ball bearings, etc. or other suitable bearing mechanisms that facilitate rotation of the driven roller) or other suitable features, and the second driven roller 58 can be mounted between a second end wall 51C and second inner wall 51D of the enclosure 51 such as by bearing assemblies (e.g., including roller bearings, ball bearings, etc. or other suitable bearing mechanisms that facilitate rotation of the driven roller) or other suitable features.
As generally shown in FIGS. 5C and 7A-8 , the dispensing system 50 can include a plurality of guide rollers 42A/42B and 44A/44B positioned along or substantially proximate, adjacent, etc., and engaging the supplies 14 of sheet material, with the first guide rollers 42A/42B positioned to extend along the first driven roller 56 for engaging sheet material 11 from the first supply 18 of sheet material and the second guide rollers 44A/44B positioned to extend along the second driven roller 58 for engaging sheet material 11 from the second supply 22 of sheet material. Each of the guide rollers 42A/42B and 44A/44B can be configured to engage the sheet material from the supplies of sheet material, e.g., against the respective driven rollers 56/58 and to facilitate dispensing of the sheet material 11 from the dispenser assembly 10. The guide rollers 42A/42B and 44A/44B can be formed from a plastic material, though other materials, such as wood, elastomeric materials, such as rubber, or other composite or synthetic materials or combinations thereof, can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 5C, the guide rollers 42A/42B and 44A/44B can be rotatably mounted to the respective walls 51A/51B and 51C/51D in respective slots 53 such as by bearing assemblies or other suitable features mounted in the slots 53. In embodiments, the bearings can be movable along the slots 53 so that the guide rollers 42A/42B and 44A/44B can be biased toward and/or against the respective driven rollers 56/58 such as by springs or other suitable biasing members urging the bearings in the slots 53 toward the driven rollers 56/58. Accordingly, the guide rollers 42A/42B and 44A/44B can press or otherwise engage the sheet material 11 against the respective driven rollers 56/58 as it passes between the driven rollers 56/58 and guide rollers 42A/42B and 44A/44B. The dispensing system 50 can include any suitable number of guide or pressing rollers positioned adjacent the driven rollers 56/58 and/or guide rollers 42A/42B and 44A/44B to guide and/or engage the sheet material without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 5C-7B, curved guide plates 55 can be mounted in the enclosure 51 for guiding the sheet material 11 through the output openings 35B/36B.
As generally shown in FIGS. 5C-8 , the roller assemblies 52/54 can be oppositely arranged in the enclosure 51 (e.g., so that the driven roller 56 is closer to the front of the enclosure 51 and the driven roller 58 is closer to the rear of the enclosure 51). Accordingly, the first roller assembly 52 can be configured for turning the first driven roller 56 in a first direction D1 (FIGS. 7A, 10A, and 13A) to engage and pull the sheet material 11 from the first supply of sheet material 18 to move the sheet material along the first discharge path 65A, and the second roller assembly 54 can be configured for turning the second driven roller 58 in an opposing second direction D2 (FIGS. 7B, 10B, 13B) to engage and pull the sheet material 11 from the second supply of sheet material 22 to move the sheet material along the second discharge path 65B.
As shown in at least FIGS. 8 and 9 , the dispenser assembly 10 includes the drive mechanism 60 operatively connected or coupled to the plurality of driven rollers 56/58 to drive rotation thereof. In one variation, the drive mechanism 60 can include a motor 60A (e.g., a brushless servo or stepper motor, or other, similar type of variable speed, reversible electric motor), though or other suitable drive mechanisms, drive systems, actuators, etc. can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The driven rollers 56/58 positioned substantially adjacent and along the guide rollers 42/44 rotate under the power of the drive mechanism 60 to pull the sheet material 11 from the respective supplies 18/22 and along the discharge paths 65A/65B at least partially defined between the driven rollers 56/58 and associated guide rollers 42A/42B and 44A/44B and through the output openings 35B/36B in the enclosure 51 and through the discharge 15 defined in the dispenser housing 12. Each driven roller 56/58 further is selectively driven/rotated by the drive mechanism 60 linked to or otherwise in communication with the driven rollers 56/58. The drive mechanism 60 communicates with a control circuitry of the dispenser assembly 10 to receive instructions and power for selectively activating and driving the driven rollers 56/58 of each roller assembly through a dispensing cycle (e.g., a determined time, number of revolutions, etc.), to feed the selected or desired amount/length of the sheet material through the discharge 15 of the dispenser housing 12. In addition, the drive mechanism 60 can be driven in the first direction D1 (FIGS. 7A, 10A, and 13A) to drive the first driven roller 56 and move the sheet material from the corresponding first supply 18 of sheet material along the first discharge path 65A toward and out from the discharge 15 of the dispenser housing 12. The drive mechanism 60 also can be reversed and driven in the second direction D2 (FIGS. 7B, 10B, and 13B) to drive the second driven roller 58 and move the sheet material from the corresponding second supply 22 of sheet material along the second discharge path 65B toward and out from the discharge 15 of the dispenser housing 12.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the drive mechanism 60 can include a belt driven transmission assembly 62, which can be mounted in the enclosure 51 between the inner walls 51B/51D (FIGS. 5C and 6 ) and between the roller assemblies 52/54 and can include the two drive belts 64A/64B operatively connecting or engaging the motor 60A and the driven rollers 56/58 to transfer power therebetween for selectively driving rotation of the first driven roller 56 and/or the second driven roller 58. In embodiments, a gear clutch assembly 71 can be mounted on a drive shaft 60B of the motor 60A and can be connected to the driven rollers 56/58 by the respective drive belts 64A/64B, which can engage corresponding belt pulleys or belt gears 67A/67B connected to the respective driven rollers 56/58.
As shown in FIGS. 11B and 12A, the drive shaft 60B can include a proximal section 81A spaced from a distal section 81B by a recess 81C or other suitable dividing feature. Each of the proximal section 81A and the distal section 81B can be configured to engage respective portions of the gear clutch assembly 71, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, a C clip 84A can engage the recess 81C and can extend between the portions of the gear clutch assembly 71 to help keep the portions of the gear clutch assembly 71 separate from one another. In embodiments, the drive shaft 60B can include a distal recess 81D, which can be engaged by a C clip 84B to help retain the gear clutch assembly 71 on the drive shaft 60B. The drive shaft 60B could be otherwise configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, the recess 81C and the C clip 84A could be omitted and/or the drive shaft 60B can be stepped so that the distal section 81B has a different diameter than the proximal section 81A (e.g., the diameter of the distal section 81B could be stepped up from the diameter of the proximal section 81A or the diameter of the distal section 81B could be stepped down from the diameter of the proximal section 81A) to help keep the portions of the gear clutch assembly 71 separate.
As shown in FIGS. 11A-12C, the gear clutch assembly 71 can include a first or proximal drive pulley or drive gear 71A (e.g., a synchronous wheel) engaging or mounted on the proximal section 81A of the drive shaft 60B and a second or distal drive pulley or drive gear 71B (e.g., a synchronous wheel) engaging or mounted on the distal section 81B of the drive shaft 60B. As shown in FIGS. 9-10B, the first drive belt 64A engages the proximal drive gear 71A and the first belt gear 67A so that they are rotatably coupled together by the first drive belt, and the second drive belt 64B engages the distal drive gear 71B and the second belt gear 67B so that they are rotatably coupled together by the second drive belt. In embodiments, the C clip 84A can be positioned between the drive gears 71A/71B in the recess 81C of the drive shaft 60B so that the drive gears 71A/71B are spaced from one another by at least the C clip 84.
In exemplary embodiments, the gear clutch assembly 71 can include or incorporate one or more clutch assemblies or mechanisms 70 (FIGS. 12A-12C), such as hybrid or one-way clutch mechanisms, that allow for selective transfer of power between the drive mechanism 60 and the driven rollers 56/58. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11B-12C, the clutch mechanisms 70 can be incorporated or integrated with the respective drive gears 71A/71B. Accordingly, when the drive mechanism 60 is driven in the first direction D1 (FIGS. 7A, 9, 10A, and 13A), the clutch assembly 70 of the proximal drive gear 71A will lock/engage for transfer of power/torque to the first driven roller 56 (e.g., via the first drive belt 64A and the first belt gear 67A) so that the first driven roller 56 is driven by the drive mechanism 60 and rotated to dispense its corresponding supply of sheet material (while the clutch assembly 70 of the distal drive gear 71B remains generally disengaged). In addition, when the drive mechanism 60 is driven in the opposite direction D2 (FIGS. 7B, 9, 10B, and 13B), the clutch assembly 70 of the proximal drive gear 71A will unlock or disengage such that there is no transfer of power/torque between the drive mechanism 60 and the first driven roller 56 (while the clutch assembly 70 for the distal drive gear 71B engages or locks for transfer of power/torque to the second driven roller 58, e.g., via the second drive belt 64B and the second belt gear 67B, so that the second driven roller 58 is rotated to dispense its corresponding supply of sheet material).
In one example construction, as generally indicated in FIGS. 11B-12C, each clutch assembly 70 can include one or more tracks/races, such as an inner race 72 and an outer race 74, that rotate together (when engaged) or independently of one another (when disengaged). Alternatively, one or both of the clutch assemblies 70 could be otherwise configured without departing from the scope of the application. In an exemplary embodiment, both of the inner races 72 of the drive gears 71A/71B are turned by the drive shaft 60B when the motor 60A turns the drive shaft in either direction D1, D2. However, the clutch assemblies 70 are configured so that, when the drive shaft 60B is turned in the direction D1, only the clutch assembly 70 of the proximal drive gear 71A engages to cause the outer race 74 to turn with the inner race 72, thereby moving the first drive belt 64A, which turns the first belt gear 67A and the first driven roller 56. The clutch assembly 70 of the distal drive gear 71B is disengaged so that the inner race 72 and the outer race 74 are able to rotate independently when the drive shaft 60B is rotated in the first direction D1 and the outer race 74 does not rotate with the inner race 72 so that the second drive belt 64B, the second belt gear 67B, and the second driven roller 58 are not turned. Similarly, when the drive shaft 60B is turned in the direction D2, only the clutch assembly 70 of the distal drive gear 71B engages to cause the outer race 74 to turn with the inner race 72, thereby moving the second drive belt 64B, which turns the second belt gear 67B and the second driven roller 58. The clutch assembly 70 of the proximal drive gear 71A is disengaged so that the inner race 72 and the outer race 74 are able to rotate independently when the drive shaft 60B is rotated in the second direction D2 and the outer race 74 does not rotate with the inner race 72 so that the first drive belt 64A, the first belt gear 67A, and the first driven roller 56 are not turned.
In the illustrated embodiments, the proximal and distal drive gears 71A, 71B can be similar or identical to one another and can be mounted on the drive shaft 60B in opposite orientations (FIGS. 11B-12C). Alternatively, in other embodiments, the drive gears 71A, 71B could be differently configured.
As shown in FIGS. 9-10B, 13A, and 13B, the belt gears 67A/67B are mounted to respective drive shafts or roller extensions 68 of the respective driven rollers 56/58. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the roller extensions 68 extend through the respective inner walls 51B/51D, and each can be supported in respective openings in the inner walls by a bearing and/or a bushing. In embodiments, a distal section of each of the roller extension 68 can be configured to mate with or otherwise engage a central bore 87 of the respective belt gear 67A/67B. For example, the roller extensions 68 can have one or more flat surfaces, which can engage respective flat surfaces on the interior surface of the belt gear extending along the central bore 87. Accordingly, rotation of the belt gears 67A/67B can cause the respective roller extension 68 to turn, thereby turning the respective driven roller 56/58.
The drive mechanism 60 could be otherwise configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, the drive belts 64A/64B could be omitted and the drive pulleys 71A/71B could be configured to drive the belt gears 67A/67B via a geared connection or any other suitable engagement.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 5A, 7A, 7B, 10A, 10B, 14A, and 14B, one or more material detection modules 101 can be mounted in the enclosure 51 adjacent each of the roller assemblies 52/54 for determining whether sheet material 11 is being fed from the supplies 18/22 to the roller assemblies 52/54. In embodiments, each of the material detection modules 101 can include an infrared (IR) launch tube 103A and an IR receiver tube 103B mounted beneath a protecting mask 105 in the top portion of the enclosure 51. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the IR launch tube 103A and the IR receiver tube 103B are oriented so that IR rays emitted from the IR launch tube 103A can reflect off the sheet material 11, which is passing along a sheet path between the respective intake opening and the respective roller assembly. toward the IR receiver tube 103B, which senses the reflected IR rays. In the case that the sheet material 11 has run out, the IR rays emitted by the IR launch tube 103A are not reflected back to the IR receiver tube 103B. The material detection modules 101 can be in electronic communication with a control unit, which can be operable to supply power to one or both of the material detection modules 101 as needed, send a command to determine if sheet material 11 is present in the sensor area (e.g., for the IR launch tube 103A to emit IR rays and the IR receiver tube 103B to monitor for reflected IR rays), and to receive a signal from the material detection module regarding whether the IR receiver tube 103B detected IR rays reflected from the sheet material 11. In embodiments, the material detection module 101 can be configured to test for the presence of paper in the sensor area according to one or more rules (e.g., after a dispensing operation and/or at a predetermined time interval).
In an example, after a dispensing operation of sheet material 11 by the first roller assembly 52, the control unit can supply power to the material detection module 101 mounted adjacent the first roller assembly and can send a command to determine if sheet material 11 is in the associated sensor area (e.g., directly above the first roller assembly 52 in FIG. 14A). In the case that the material detection module 101 returns a signal that sheet material 11 is detected (e.g., the IR rays emitted by the IR launch tube 103A are reflected and detected by the IR receiver tube 103B), the control unit can be configured to continue to dispense sheet material 11 from the first supply 18 of sheet material with the first roller assembly 52 in subsequent dispensing operations. In the case that the material detection module 101 returns a signal that sheet material 11 is not detected or does not return a signal (e.g., the IR rays emitted by the IR launch tube 103A are not reflected and are not detected by the IR receiver tube 103B), the control unit can be configured to reverse the direction of the motor 60A in subsequent dispensing operations to dispense sheet material 11 from the second supply 22 of sheet material with the second roller assembly 54 as described above.
Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, a pair of material detection modules 101 can be mounted in the enclosure 51 for determining whether sheet material 11 is being fed from the supplies 18/22 to the roller assemblies 152/154. In embodiments, each of the roller assemblies 152/154 can define a plurality of spaced grooves 153 extending therein the exterior surface of the respective roller assemblies. Similarly, each of the driven rollers 156/158 can define a plurality of spaced grooves 157 extending therein the exterior surface of the respective driven rollers. As illustrated, it is contemplated that the respective spaced grooves 153 in the roller assemblies can sized and shaped to be positioned in opposition to the respective spaced grooves 157 in the driven rollers. In embodiments, the enclosure can have opposing side walls 170/172 that extend longitudinally and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the respective roller assemblies 152/154 and the driven rollers 156/158.
As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, each of the pair of material detection modules 101 can include an infrared (IR) launch tube 160A that is mounted to side wall 170 and an opposed IR receiver tube 160B that is mounted to opposed side wall 172. In embodiments, for each of the pair of material detection modules 101, the infrared (IR) launch tube 160A and opposed IR receiver tube 160B are positioned and oriented in along a common axis such that an IR beam projecting between the respective infrared (IR) launch tube 160A and opposed (IR) receiver tube 160B extends over a respective cooperating roller assembly and driven roller. In various embodiments, the formed IR beam can extend substantially transverse to the longitudinal axes of the respective roller assemblies 152/154 and the driven rollers 156/158. In embodiments, for each of the pair of material detection modules 101, the infrared (IR) launch tube 160A can be mounted to side wall 170 in opposition to the (IR) receiver tube 160B that is mounted to the opposed side wall 172 such that the formed IR beam extending therebetween the infrared (IR) launch tube 160A and the (IR) receiver tube 160B passes through a trough 159 formed by the opposed pair of grooves 153/157 of the opposed roller assemblies 152/154 and the driven rollers 156/158. In embodiments, the formed IR beams of the pair of material detection modules can be positioned in a common plane p that is parallel to a common plane P that is tangent to the exterior surfaces of the respective roller assemblies 152/154.
In operation, if the case that the sheet material 11 has run out or has broken, the IR beams emitted by the IR launch tube 160A will be received by the IR receiver tube 160B. The pair of material detection modules 101 can be in electronic communication with the control unit, which can be operable to supply power to one or both of the material detection modules 101 as needed, send a command to determine if sheet material 11 is present in the sensor area (e.g., for the IR launch tube 160A to emit IR beams and the IR receiver tube 160B to monitor for received IR beams), and to receive a signal from the material detection module regarding whether the IR receiver tube 160B detected the IR beam generated by the IR launch tube 160A without being blocked by sheet material 11. In embodiments, each of the pair of the material detection modules 101 can be configured to test for the presence of paper in the sensor area according to one or more rules (e.g., after a dispensing operation and/or at a predetermined time interval).
In an example, after a dispensing operation of sheet material 11 by the first roller assembly 52, the control unit can supply power to the material detection module 101 mounted adjacent the first roller assembly and can send a command to determine if sheet material 11 is in the associated sensor area (e.g., in a space upstream of the opposed roller assemblies 152/154 and the driven rollers 156/158). In the case that the material detection module 101 returns a signal that sheet material 11 is detected or does not return a signal (e.g., the IR beam emitted by the IR launch tube 160A are reflected and is not detected by the IR receiver tube 160B), the control unit can be configured to continue to dispense sheet material 11 from the first supply 18 of sheet material with the first roller assembly 52 in subsequent dispensing operations. In the case that the material detection module 101 returns a signal that sheet material 11 is not detected (e.g., the IR beams emitted by the IR launch tube 160A are not reflected and are detected by the IR receiver tube 160B), the control unit can be configured to reverse the direction of the motor 60A in subsequent dispensing operations to dispense sheet material 11 from the second supply 22 of sheet material with the second roller assembly 54 as described above. This optional embodiment allows for the detection and determination of the absence of sheet material, either due to breakage or completed use of the sheet material supply, upstream of the paper engagement area of the respective roller assemblies 152/154 and the driven rollers 156/158.
In embodiments, the IR detection utilized by the material detection modules 101 can be more accurate and more reliable than other sensing systems. For example, mechanical systems (e.g., where a lever rests against the outer surface of the supply of sheet material and pivots as the diameter decreases, and other systems) can vary in accuracy due to deviation in production of the systems. In alternative embodiments, either or both of the material detection modules 101 could be omitted or could be replaced with any suitable supply sensing system.
As shown in FIGS. 5A, 15, 16, and 22-22G, an activation system 120 can extend in at least a portion of a front end of the enclosure 51 with features for sensing proximity of a user and sensing activation gestures for initiating a dispensing operation of the dispenser assembly 10. As shown in FIGS. 5A, 15, 16, and 22-22G, the activation system 120 can be accessible via the discharge opening 15 in the housing 12 (e.g., the portion of the enclosure 51 including the activation system 120 can at least partially extend through the discharge opening 15). In embodiments, the activation system can include a front recess 122 defined in the front portion of the enclosure 51 and a dispenser activation sensor assembly 124 at least partially disposed in the front recess 122. As shown in at least FIGS. 16, 18B, 18C, and 22-22G, the dispenser activation sensor assembly 124 can be an opposite beam IR sensor having an IR launching tube 126A and an IR receiving tube 126B, which is disposed directly opposite to the IR launching tube 126A. Accordingly, when activated, the IR launching tube 126A will emit IR rays directly toward the IR receiving tube 126B so that the IR receiving tube 126B will detect the IR rays from the IR launching tube 126A unless the IR beam is broken, such as by a user's hand. In embodiments, the dispenser activation sensor assembly 124 can be configured to send a signal to the control unit to initiate a dispensing operation to dispense a predetermined amount of sheet material 11 when the IR beam is broken and the IR receiving tube 126B stops detecting the IR rays from the opposing IR launching tube 126A. As shown, the tubes 126A/126B can be mounted to the enclosure 51 along opposing portions of the front recess 122.
The dispenser activation assembly 124 could be otherwise configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, the positions of the tubes 126A/126B could be reversed. In another example, while the tubes 126A/126B are shown with a vertical orientation in the figures, the opposing tubes 126A/126B could be arranged horizontally, diagonally, etc. in the front recess 122.
In embodiments, the activation system 120 can include a visible light indicator 128, which can help guide the user in the use of the dispenser. As shown in FIG. 17B and FIG. 22C, the visible light indicator 128 can include a LED module 130 configured to emit one or more colors of visible light. In the illustrated embodiments, the LED module 130 is mounted in the enclosure 51 along the front recess 122 adjacent the IR launching tube 126A. However, the LED module 130 could be otherwise located along the front recess 122. When the dispenser activation assembly 124 is active (e.g., the IR launching tube 126A is emitting an IR beam and the dispenser activation assembly 124 is ready to respond to a break in the IR beam), the LED module 130 can emit visible light 130A into the front recess 122. In the illustrated embodiments, the visible light 130A can be green to indicate that the system is ready and to invite the user to insert a hand into the front recess 122 to break the IR beam of the dispenser activation sensor assembly 124 and cause the dispensing mechanism 50 to dispense sheet material 11. The LED module 130 can be configured to emit visible light in other colors to indicate different states of the dispenser assembly 10. For example, the LED module 130 can emit red light if the dispenser assembly 10 is out of sheet material 11 (e.g., both supplies 18/22 are depleted as detected by the material detection modules 101). In another example, the LED module 130 can emit a different color of visible light (e.g., yellow light) to indicate a different status or operational state of the dispenser assembly 10. The visible light indicator 128 could be otherwise configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, the LED module 130 could be otherwise located and/or can direct visible light in any suitable direction.
As shown in FIGS. 18A-18D, the activation system 120 further can include a front sensor assembly 140 including an IR launching tube 142A and an IR receiving tube 142B mounted in the enclosure 51 adjacent the recess 122 and oriented at an angle directed outwardly from the recess 122 to form a forward sensing area 144 (FIG. 18D). In embodiments, it can be desirable to deactivate (e.g., disconnect from power) certain portions of the dispenser assembly 10 when not needed to save power (e.g., extend battery life). For example, the visible light indicator 128 and/or the dispenser activation assembly 124 could be deactivated until they are activated by the control unit upon receiving a signal from the front sensor assembly 140. For example, with the visible light indicator 128 deactivated, a user approaching the dispenser assembly 10 may not know where to wave their hand to activate the dispensing operation. However, if the user moves into the forward sensing area 144 and/or moves a hand into the forward sensing arear 144, the IR rays emitted by the IR launching tube 142A will reflect off the user's hand and be detected by the IR receiving tube 142B. The IR receiving tube 142B can send a signal to the control unit to activate the visible light indicator 128 and the dispenser activation assembly 124, if necessary. With the visible light indicator 128 activated, the user is guided to move a hand into the front recess 122 to break the IR beam in the dispenser activation assembly 124 and initiate a dispensing operation as discussed above.
Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 22A-22G, the activation system 120 can include a front sensor assembly 140 including an IR launching tube 142A and an IR receiving tube 142B mounted in the enclosure 51 adjacent the recess 122 and oriented at an angle directed outwardly from the recess 122 to form a forward sensing area 144 (FIG. 18D). In embodiments, it can be desirable to deactivate (e.g., disconnect from power) certain portions of the dispenser assembly 10 when not needed to save power (e.g., extend battery life). For example, the visible light indicator 128 and/or the dispenser activation assembly 124 could be deactivated until they are activated by the control unit upon receiving a signal from the front sensor assembly 140. For example, with the visible light indicator 128 deactivated, a user approaching the dispenser assembly 10 may not know where to wave their hand to activate the dispensing operation. However, if the user moves into the forward sensing area 144 and/or moves a hand into the forward sensing arear 144, the IR rays emitted by the IR launching tube 142A will reflect off the user's hand and be detected by the IR receiving tube 142B. The IR receiving tube 142B can send a signal to the control unit to activate the visible light indicator 128 and the dispenser activation assembly 124, if necessary. With the visible light indicator 128 activated, the user is guided to move a hand into the front recess 122 to break the IR beam in the dispenser activation assembly 124 and initiate a dispensing operation as discussed above.
In embodiments, the front sensor assembly 140 can be configured to activate and/or deactivate additional portions of the dispenser assembly 10 and/or can cooperate with a passive infrared sensor or other suitable sensor to deactivate systems and save power when potential users are not detected in proximity.
While the activation system 120 is shown and described in conjunction with the sheet material dispenser in the illustrated embodiments, it is noted that the activation system 120 could be incorporated into any suitable dispensing system (e.g., a liquid dispenser, etc.).
In embodiments, opposing beam configuration of the dispenser activation assembly 124 of the activation system 120 can help avoid unwanted dispensing of sheet material 11 from the dispenser assembly 10. For example, another dispenser could activate a dispensing operation when a user moves a hand under the dispenser (e.g., near where the material is dispensed), such as by emitting IR rays below the dispenser and dispensing material when the IR rays are reflected by the hand to an IR sensor. However, such configurations can lead to unwanted triggering of a dispensing operation, such as by a nearby surface (e.g., the dispenser is mounted near a counter or floor) or a passerby could mistakenly trigger a dispensing operation. Unwanted dispensing can waste power and sheet material. Also, when such an activation system is near the output of the sheet material, the dispensed sheet material could reflect IR rays to the sensor and cause continuous dispensing of the material. Some systems use features to detect when the sheet material has been torn (e.g., a tear bar) to prevent continuous dispensing (e.g., by deactivating the dispensing sensor until the material has been torn). However, such systems add complexity to the dispenser and may use additional power, lowering the efficiency of the dispenser. Further, dispensers that rely on a reflected IR beam to activate dispensing can require extensive calibration since it will not work properly if the beam is too strong or too weak and/or the sensor is too sensitive or not sensitive enough. Also, such dispensers can require calibration to account for environmental factors (e.g., nearby surfaces) during or subsequent to installation. In contrast, the dispenser activation assembly 124 avoids these issues by locating the tubes 126A/126B in the front recess 122, spaced from the output openings 35B/36B. It is unlikely that the IR beam of the dispenser activation assembly 124 in the front recess 122 would be mistakenly broken by passersby. Rather, a dispensing operation will only be triggered when the IR beam in the front recess 122 is broken, which usually will only occur from an intentional act by a user (e.g., moving a hand into the front recess 122). In addition, the dispensed sheet material is spaced below the front recess 122 so it is not likely to trigger an unwanted dispensing operation, and a tear bar and/or other complications are not needed.
In embodiments, advantages of the visible light indicator 128 of the activation system 120 include that it provides visual guidance for a user to know where to place a hand to activate a dispensing operation. Further, by blocking the visible light emitted by the LED module 130, a user is given feedback that their gesture with trigger dispensing (e.g., that the IR beam emitted by the IR launching tube 126A has been blocked from the IR receiving tube 126B). Other dispensers that lack such guidance leave a user to guess where to wave a hand to activate a dispensing operation.
Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can be combined with replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
The foregoing description generally illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present invention. It will, however, be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the above-discussed construction of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed herein, and that it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as being illustrative, and not to be taken in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure shall be construed to cover various modifications, combinations, additions, alterations, etc., above and to the above-described embodiments, which shall be considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, various features and characteristics of the present invention as discussed herein may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the invention, and numerous variations, modifications, and additions further can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A sheet material dispenser, comprising:

a dispenser housing defining at least one chamber;

a plurality of support assemblies rotatably supporting a plurality of supplies of rolled sheet material within the at least one chamber of the dispenser housing;

wherein each support assembly comprises:

a bracket that is hingeably mounted to a portion of the dispenser housing;

a support structure mounted to a central portion of the dispenser housing; and

a spindle that is connected to the bracket and extends inwardly into the at least one chamber; wherein an inner end of the spindle is configured to be detachably supported by the support structure in a stored position;

wherein, to facilitate resupply, one or more of the support assemblies can be pivoted to move the respective inner end of the spindle upwardly and away from the support structure so that the respective inner end of the spindle is spaced away from the support structure in a load position that allows for the loading of a respective supply of rolled sheet material to be loaded onto the respective spindle;

a plurality of roller assemblies mounted within the dispenser housing, each roller assembly having a driven roller configured to drive sheet material from a respective supply of rolled sheet material; and

a drive mechanism operably coupled to a select one of the driven rollers to selectively drive rotation of the select one driven roller.

2. The sheet material dispenser of claim 1, wherein the plurality of roller assemblies comprises a first driven roller configured to drive sheet material from respective first supply of rolled sheet material and a second driven roller configured to drive sheet material from a respective second supply of rolled sheet material.

3. The sheet material dispenser of claim 2, wherein the drive mechanism is operably coupled to a select one of the first or second driven roller to selectively drive rotation of the select one of the first or the second driven roller.

4. The sheet material dispenser of claim 3, wherein the drive mechanism comprises:

a transmission assembly configured to selectively drive rotation of select one of the first or the second driven roller; and

a motor configured to drive in a first rotation direction to cause the transmission assembly to engage and rotate the first driven roller to affect the movement of the sheet material from the first supply of sheet material along a first discharge path toward and out from a discharge defined in the dispenser housing and further configured to drive in a second rotation direction, opposite to the first rotation direction, to cause the transmission assembly to disengage with the first driven roller and to engage and rotate the second driven roller to affect the movement of sheet material from the second supply of sheet material along a second discharge path toward and out from the discharge of the dispenser housing.

5. The sheet material dispenser of claim 4, further comprising a control circuitry in communication with the drive mechanism that is programmed to selectively actuate the motor in the first or second rotative direction to feed the sheet material from the selected supply of sheet material through the discharge defined in the dispenser housing.

6. The sheet material dispenser of claim 2, wherein the plurality of support assemblies comprises:

a first support assembly configured to support the first supply of rolled sheet material; and

a second support assembly configured to support the second supply of rolled sheet material.

7. The sheet material dispenser of claim 5, wherein, when the spindles of the respective first and second support assemblies are positioned in the stored position, a longitudinal axis of each of the respective spindles are co-axial.

8. The sheet material dispenser of claim 5, wherein, when the spindle of one of the respective first and second support assemblies is positioned in the load position, the longitudinal axis of the respective spindle is the load position is positioned at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the respective spindle that is in the stored position.

9. The sheet material dispenser of claim 1, further comprising one or more material detection modules mounted within the dispenser housing adjacent a respective intake opening of each of the roller assemblies; each material detection modules being configured to determine whether sheet material from the respective supply of rolled sheet material is being fed through the respective intake opening in a respective sensor area along a sheet path the sheet material follows between the respective intake opening and the respective roller assembly.

10. The sheet material dispenser of claim 9, wherein each material detection module comprises an infrared (IR) launch tube and an infrared receiver tube; each material detection module being oriented so that IR rays emitted from the IR launch tube are directed toward the sensor area between the respective intake opening and the respective roller assembly.

11. The sheet material dispenser of claim 10, wherein, when the sheet material is not present in the sensor area, the IR rays emitted by the IR launch tube are not reflected back to the IR receiver tube.

12. The sheet material dispenser of claim 10, wherein each material detection module is in electronic communication with a control unit, which is operable to selectively supply power to the one or more material detection modules, wherein the control unit is programmed to send a command to determine if sheet material is present in the sensor area and to receive a signal from the material detection module regarding whether the IR receiver tube detected IR rays reflected from the sheet material.

13. The sheet material dispenser of claim 9, wherein each material detection module comprises an IR launch tube and an opposed IR receiver tube; the IR launch tube and opposed IR receiver tube being positioned and oriented in along a common axis such that an IR beam projecting between the respective IR launch tube and opposed IR receiver tube, wherein the formed IR beam extends substantially transverse to a longitudinal axes of a respective roller assembly.

14. The sheet material dispenser of claim 13, wherein, when the sheet material is present in the sensor area, the IR rays emitted by the IR launch tube are not received by the IR receiver tube.

15. The sheet material dispenser of claim 13, wherein each material detection module is in electronic communication with a control unit, which is operable to selectively supply power to the one or more material detection modules, wherein the control unit is programmed to send a command to determine if sheet material is present in the sensor area and to receive a signal from the material detection module regarding whether the IR receiver tube detected IR rays, which is an indication that the supply of material is not present in the sheet path.

16. The sheet material dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an activation system configured for sensing proximity of a user and sensing activation gestures for initiating a dispensing operation of the sheet material.

17. The sheet material dispenser of claim 16, wherein the activation system comprises a dispenser activation sensor assembly at least partially recessed with a front recess defined in a front portion of the dispenser housing, the dispenser activation sensor assembly comprising an IR launching tube and an opposing IR receiving tube, and wherein the IR launching tube is configured to emit IR rays directly toward the IR receiving tube so that the IR receiving tube will detect the IR rays from the IR launching tube unless the IR beam is broken, such as by an operator's hand.

18. The sheet material dispenser of claim 17, wherein the activation system further comprises a visible light indicator that comprises a LED module configured to selectively emit one or more colors of visible light, and wherein the LED module is mounted in a portion of the front recess.

19. The sheet material dispenser of claim 18, wherein the LED module is configured to emit visible light in differing colors of visible light to the operator to indicate different operational states of the dispenser assembly.

20. The sheet material dispenser of claim 19, wherein the activation system further comprises a front sensor assembly that comprises an IR launching tube and an IR receiving tube mounted adjacent the recess and oriented at an angle directed outwardly from the recess to form a forward sensing area.

21. The sheet material dispenser of claim 20, wherein the visible light indicator and the dispenser activation sensor assembly are deactivated until they are activated by a control unit receiving a signal from the front sensor assembly that indicates that an operator has moved into the forward sensing area.

22. A sheet material dispenser, comprising:

a dispenser housing defining at least one chamber;

a plurality of roller assemblies mounted within the dispenser housing, each roller assembly having a driven roller configured to drive sheet material from a respective supply of rolled sheet material;

a drive mechanism operably coupled to a select one of the driven rollers to selectively drive rotation of the select one driven roller;

one or more material detection modules mounted within the dispenser housing adjacent a respective intake opening of each of the roller assemblies; each material detection modules being configured to determine whether sheet material from the respective supply of rolled sheet material is being fed through the respective intake opening in a respective sensor area along a sheet path the sheet material follows between the respective intake opening and the respective roller assembly; and

an activation system configured for sensing proximity of a user and sensing activation gestures for initiating a dispensing operation of the sheet material.

23. The sheet material dispenser of claim 22, wherein each support assembly comprises:

a bracket that is hingeably mounted to a portion of the dispenser housing;

a support structure mounted to a central portion of the dispenser housing; and

wherein, to facilitate resupply, one or more of the support assemblies can be pivoted to move the respective inner end of the spindle upwardly and away from the support structure so that the respective inner end of the spindle is spaced away from the support structure in a load position that allows for the loading of a respective supply of rolled sheet material to be loaded onto the respective spindle.

24. The sheet material dispenser of claim 22, wherein the activation system comprises a dispenser activation sensor assembly at least partially recessed with a front recess defined in a front portion of the dispenser housing, the dispenser activation sensor assembly comprising an IR launching tube and an opposing IR receiving tube, and wherein the IR launching tube is configured to emit IR rays directly toward the IR receiving tube so that the IR receiving tube will detect the IR rays from the IR launching tube unless the IR beam is broken, such as by an operator's hand.

25. The sheet material dispenser of claim 24, wherein the activation system further comprises a visible light indicator that comprises a LED module configured to selectively emit one or more colors of visible light, and wherein the LED module is mounted in a portion of the front recess.

26. The sheet material dispenser of claim 25; wherein the LED module is configured to emit visible light in differing colors of visible light to the operator to indicate different operational states of the dispenser assembly.

27. The sheet material dispenser of claim 26, wherein the activation system further comprises a front sensor assembly that comprises an IR launching tube and an IR receiving tube mounted adjacent the recess and oriented at an angle directed outwardly from the recess to form a forward sensing area.

28. The sheet material dispenser of claim 27, wherein the visible light indicator and the dispenser activation sensor assembly are deactivated until they are activated by a control unit receiving a signal from the front sensor assembly that indicates that an operator has moved into the forward sensing area.