Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a single paper towel from a continuous paper towel roll includes a housing having a housing back and a front cover connectable thereto for opening and closing the housing. A dispensing opening is positioned along a periphery of the housing, the dispensing opening defined at least partly by the housing back and at least partly by the front cover; a paper retainer member associated with the front cover and positioned to guide through the dispensing opening a tail of a paper towel roll positioned in the housing; and a piston assembly comprising a biasing member and a piston responsive thereto, the piston assembly connected to the housing so that the piston contacts the tail of a paper towel roll extending through the dispensing opening. The dispenser is magnetically attachable to a ferrous metal surface.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an apparatus and method for dispensing a single paper towel from a continuous paper towel roll wherein individual towels are separated from each other by a plurality of perforations. The dispenser includes a housing having a housing back and a front cover connectable thereto for opening and closing the housing; a dispensing opening along a periphery of the housing, the dispensing opening defined at least partly by the housing back and at least partly by the front cover; a paper retainer member associated with the front cover and positioned to guide through the dispensing opening a tail of a paper towel roll positioned in the housing; and a piston assembly comprising a biasing member and a piston responsive thereto, the piston assembly connected to the housing so that the piston contacts the tail of a paper towel roll extending through the dispensing opening.