DUAL ROLL SHEET PRODUCT DISPENSER WITH COMPACT DESIGN

Dual roll sheet product dispensers of a compact design are provided herein. A sheet product dispenser comprises a first roll holder for a first product roll and a second roll holder for a second product roll. A housing includes a base portion and a cover that is movable relative to the base portion to define an open position and a closed position. A chassis is mounted between the first roll holder and the second roll holder and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The chassis is movable to the extended position when the cover is in the open position. The chassis includes a first dispensing mechanism and a second dispensing mechanism.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/319,493, filed Mar. 14, 2022, entitled “Dual Roll Sheet Product Dispenser with Compact Design”; the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments of the present invention generally relate to dispensers and, more particularly to, sheet product dispensers.

BACKGROUND

Sheet product dispensers (e.g., for paper towel, tissue, napkin, etc.) are useful in many environments for providing on demand sheet product for users. They are often placed in restrooms with limited space for mounting. This includes in regard to the depth of the sheet product dispenser, as well as the height and width. Further, there is a need to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, including in such small spaces.

Running counter to the above is the desire to provide a large, long standing supply of sheet product stored within the dispenser. Indeed, janitors or other maintenance personnel (e.g., maintainers) are often required to replace empty sheet product supply (e.g., sheet product rolls, stacks, etc.). Moreover, the variable nature of use makes it difficult for a maintainer to predict when replacement will be needed. Further, schedule demands of a maintainer and the desire to avoid wasting sheet product left on a product roll leads to the situation where the maintainer may be unsure whether or not to replace a product roll. In this regard, the situation of having no sheet product in the dispenser (a completely empty scenario) may arise.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Some example embodiments of the present invention include a dispenser that can accommodate two full size sheet product rolls. This gives the greatest opportunity to avoid a completely empty scenario and also allows a maintainer to wait to replace a roll until it is completely used (since a full second roll is available), which helps reduce waste by avoiding a maintainer discarding a partially used sheet product roll. Further, some example embodiments of the present invention provide two separate dispensing mechanisms, one for each roll. This avoids the need for a transfer mechanism, enables easy switching between dispensing from each product roll, and can simplify management of the webbing from each paper towel roll within the dispenser.

Additionally, however, some embodiments of the present invention provide for storing two full size sheet product rolls and including the two dispensing mechanisms in a compact housing that fits within limited space constraints. In some particular example embodiments, the sheet product dispenser may be configured to hold the two full sized sheet product rolls and be recessed mounted within a wall (e.g., between 2×4 wall studs, having a width of 16 inches or less, etc.), while protruding out 4 inches or less and extending a height of 15 inches or less. Notably, such example embodiments would be ADA compliant, while still providing for maximum sheet product roll storage—reducing the need for maintenance events and/or completely empty scenarios. As another example, in some embodiments, the housing of the sheet product dispenser defines a volume of 1500 in3 or less, wherein the full size first product roll defines a diameter of at least 6.5 in., a width of 9.8 in. or less, and provides 500 feet or more of sheet product, and wherein the full size second product roll defines a diameter of at least 6.5 in., a width of 9.8 in. or less, and provides 500 feet or more of sheet product.

Notably, in some embodiments, to achieve a compact design while still providing for holding two full size sheet product rolls and two dispensing mechanism, a chassis including the two dispensing mechanisms may be positioned between the two stored product rolls. In some embodiments, the chassis may be movable to an extended position when a cover is open to facilitate placement of the full size product rolls into corresponding roll holders within the housing of the sheet product dispenser. The chassis may then move back to the retracted position (such as in conjunction with the cover being closed) and the dispensing mechanisms may be operable thereafter. This provides for maximum efficient usage of space within the housing and corresponding compactness of the sheet product dispenser.

Additional features are also contemplated herein for sheet product dispensers, such as the above described example sheet product dispensers. For example, different activation sensor options are contemplated for use with a hygienically designed cover that slopes backward to enable a user's hand to activate the compact sheet product dispenser without risk of touching the cover itself. As another example, a spring-loaded drive roller is contemplated for enabling smooth dispensing, while preventing bleeding of the sheet product. Further, in some embodiments, corresponding pivotable gear/belt drive mechanisms to enable such movement of the drive roller are also contemplated. In some embodiments, beneficial operation modes are contemplated that allow for quick user selection for desired operation of the sheet product dispenser. Various embodiments of the present invention also contemplate using a vibration sensor to determine when a tear event occurs. Other beneficial and inventive features are also further described herein.

In an example embodiment, a sheet product dispenser is provided. The sheet product dispenser includes a first roll holder configured to support a first product roll and a second roll holder configured to support a second product roll. The sheet product dispenser further includes a housing including a base portion and a cover, wherein the cover is movable relative to the base portion to define an open position and a closed position. The sheet product dispenser further includes a chassis movably mounted between the first roll holder and the second roll holder and movable between a retracted position and an extended position spaced apart from the retracted position. The chassis is at least partially outside of the base portion when in the extended position. The chassis is movable away from the base portion to the extended position when the cover is in the open position.

In some embodiments, the chassis comprises a first dispensing mechanism comprising a first drive roller. The first dispensing mechanism is configured to receive sheet product of the first product roll and dispense a portion of the sheet product of the first product roll. The chassis comprises a second dispensing mechanism comprising a second drive roller. The second dispensing mechanism is configured to receive sheet product of the second product roll and dispense a portion of the sheet product of the second product roll.

In some embodiments, when the chassis is in the retracted position, a user is unable to insert or remove a full size first product roll into the first roll holder or insert or remove a full size second product roll into the second roll holder. When the chassis is in the extended position, the user is able to insert or remove the full size first product roll into the first roll holder or insert or remove the full size second product roll into the second roll holder.

In some embodiments, when the chassis is in the retracted position, a first opening between a top edge of the base portion and a top edge of the chassis defines a first width that is less than a diameter of a full size first product roll and a second opening between a bottom edge of the base portion and a bottom edge of the chassis defines a first width that is less than a diameter of a full size second product roll. When the chassis is in the extended position, the first opening between the top edge of the base portion and the top edge of the chassis defines a second width that is greater than or equal to the diameter of the full size first product roll and the second opening between the bottom edge of the base portion and the bottom edge of the chassis defines a second width that is greater than or equal to the diameter of the full size second product roll.

In some embodiments, the first roll holder is mounted within the base portion at a first position, and the second roll holder is mounted within the base portion at a second position, and the first position is vertically above the second position. In some embodiments, the first roll holder is vertically aligned with the second roll holder.

In some embodiments, the chassis is movable from the retracted position to the extended position in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane corresponding to a wall that the sheet product dispenser is mounted on or within.

In some embodiments, the chassis automatically moves to the extended position as the cover moves to the open position. In some embodiments, the chassis is biased to the extended position. In some embodiments, the cover defines a chassis movement feature that is configured to interact with the chassis to cause movement of the chassis from the retracted position to the extended position. In some embodiments, the chassis comprises a chassis member with a curved first surface and a flat second surface. The chassis member is configured to transition between a first position and a second position, and the chassis member is biased to the first position. When the chassis member is in the first position and the cover is in the closed position, the chassis movement feature is configured to run along the curved first surface during movement of the cover to the open position to cause the chassis to move to the extended position. When the chassis member is in the first position, the chassis is in the retracted position, and the cover is in the open position, the chassis movement feature is configured to push against the flat second surface during movement of the cover back to the closed position to cause the chassis member to pivot to the second position. In some embodiments, the chassis defines a guide pin and the chassis member defines a guide slot, and interaction of the chassis member guide pin within the guide slot guides transitioning of the chassis member between the first position and the second position.

In some embodiments, the chassis is configured to move to the extended position in response to receiving user input.

In some embodiments, the cover defines a center opening, and, when the cover is in the closed position, the first dispensing mechanism is configured to dispense the portion of the sheet product of the first product roll through the center opening and the second dispensing mechanism is configured to dispense the portion of the sheet product of the second product roll through the center opening. In some embodiments, the cover defines a lower portion extending below the center opening, wherein the lower portion slopes horizontally back toward a wall on which the sheet product dispenser is mounted to provide a space beneath the center opening for a user's hand to retrieve the dispensed portion of sheet product from the first product roll or the dispensed portion of sheet product from the second product roll without the user's hand touching the lower portion of the cover.

In some embodiments, the chassis is movably mounted in a center of the base portion. In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser further comprises a user activation sensor mounted to the chassis and oriented to sense a user within a sense zone relative to the cover, wherein the sense zone is vertically lower than the chassis and vertically above a bottom edge of the cover. In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser further comprises a controller and a plurality of conductive sensors distinctly positioned relative to a front surface of the cover, wherein a capacitance of each of the plurality of conductive sensors is measurable by the controller. The controller is configured to sense a relative capacitance of the plurality of conductive sensors; determine an instance in which the relative capacitance indicates that a user is present within a sense zone relative to the cover, wherein the sense zone is vertically lower than the chassis and vertically above a bottom edge of the cover; and cause, in response to determining that the user is present within the sense zone, a dispense operation to occur. In some embodiments, the plurality of conductive sensors each comprise a conductive plate that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cover defines a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to open upwardly and the second portion is configured to open downwardly. The first portion and the second portion are configured to be opened separately from each other.

In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser further comprises a controller configured to operate the sheet product dispenser to cause a dispense to occur according to parameters associated with the following: a dispense speed, a delay time period, a dispensed sheet length, and a type of dispense operation. The dispense speed includes one of a low speed, a medium speed, and a high speed. The delay time period includes one of a short delay and a long delay. The dispensed sheet length includes one of a short length, a medium length, and a long length. The type of dispense operation includes a hang mode and a hand sense mode. The controller is further configured to receive user input of a selection from among a plurality of selectable preset operation modes, wherein the plurality of selectable present operation modes includes at least a first operation mode, a second operation mode, and a third operation mode. In the first operation mode, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following first set of parameters: the medium speed, the short delay, the medium length, and the hand sense mode. In the second operation mode, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following second set of parameters: the high speed, the short delay, the long length, and the hang mode. In the third operation mode, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following third set of parameters: the low speed, the long delay, the short length, and the hand sense mode. The controller is further configured to cause operation of the sheet product dispenser in accordance with the selection from among the plurality of selectable preset operation modes.

In some embodiments, the first drive roller is movable between a first position and a second position, the first position is closer to a first pinch roller than the second position, and the first drive roller is biased toward the first pinch roller. The second drive roller is movable between a first position and a second position. The first position is closer to a second pinch roller than the second position. The second drive roller is biased toward the second pinch roller. In some embodiments, the first drive roller is driven by a gear or a belt that is pivotable about a first pivot point on the chassis to enable movement with the first drive roller. The second drive roller is driven by a gear or a belt that is pivotable about a second pivot point on the chassis to enable movement with the second drive roller.

In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser further comprises a cover switch configured to sense when the cover moves from the closed position and a controller. The controller is configured to determine, based on data received from the cover switch, an instance in which the cover moves from the closed position; and cause, in response to determining that the cover moved from the closed position, operation of the first dispensing mechanism to prompt a user to load sheet product therein. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine that sheet product has been loaded in the first dispensing mechanism; and cause, in response to determining that the sheet product has been loaded in the first dispensing mechanism, ceasing of operation of the first dispensing mechanism. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine that sheet product is not currently loaded in the first dispensing mechanism; and cause, in response to determining both that the cover moved from the closed position and that the sheet product is not currently loaded in the first dispensing mechanism, operation of the first dispensing mechanism to prompt a user to load sheet product therein.

In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser further comprises a cover switch configured to sense when the cover moves from the closed position. The cover switch is configured to sense when the chassis moves from the retracted position.

In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser further comprises a vibration sensor configured to sense vibration of a tear bar. The tear bar is configured to vibrate during removal of a dispensed portion of the sheet product from the first product roll or a dispensed portion of the sheet product from the second product roll.

In some embodiments, the housing is sized such that a full size first product roll and a full size second product roll fit within the housing when the cover is in the closed position.

In another example embodiment, a sheet product dispenser is provided. The sheet product dispenser includes a first roll holder configured to support a first product roll and a housing including a base portion and a cover. The cover is movable relative to the base portion to define an open position and a closed position. The sheet product dispenser further includes a chassis movably mounted to the base portion and movable between a retracted position and an extended position spaced apart from the retracted position. The chassis is at least partially outside of the base portion when in the extended position, and the chassis is movable away from the base portion to the extended position when the cover is in the open position.

In yet another example embodiment, a sheet product dispenser for mounting to or within a wall is provided. The sheet product dispenser includes a first roll holder configured to support a first product roll and a second roll holder configured to support a second product roll. The sheet product dispenser further includes a housing including a base portion and a cover, wherein the cover is movable relative to the base portion to define an open position and a closed position. The sheet product dispenser further includes a chassis mounted between the first roll holder and the second roll holder and movable between a retracted position and an extended position spaced apart from the retracted position. The chassis is movable away from the wall to the extended position when the cover is in the open position. The chassis comprises a first dispensing mechanism comprising a first drive roller. The first dispensing mechanism is configured to receive sheet product of the first product roll and dispense a portion of the sheet product of the first product roll. The chassis further includes a second dispensing mechanism comprising a second drive roller. The second dispensing mechanism is configured to receive sheet product of the second product roll and dispense a portion of the sheet product of the second product roll.

In some embodiments, when the chassis is in the retracted position, a user is unable to insert or remove a full size first product roll into the first roll holder or insert or remove a full size second product roll into the second roll holder, wherein, when the chassis is in the extended position, the user is able to insert or remove the full size first product roll into the first roll holder or insert or remove the full size second product roll into the second roll holder.

In yet another example embodiment, a sheet product dispenser configured for mounting to or within a wall is provided. The sheet product dispenser comprises a first roll holder configured to support a first product roll and a second roll holder configured to support a second product roll. The sheet product dispenser further includes a housing including a base portion and a cover, wherein the cover is movable relative to the base portion to define an open position and a closed position. The sheet product dispenser further includes a chassis comprising a first dispensing mechanism comprising a first drive roller, wherein the first dispensing mechanism is configured to receive sheet product of the first product roll and dispense a portion of the sheet product of the first product roll. The chassis further includes a second dispensing mechanism comprising a second drive roller, wherein the second dispensing mechanism is configured to receive sheet product of the second product roll and dispense a portion of the sheet product of the second product roll. The housing is sized such that a full size first product roll and a full size second product roll fit within the housing when the cover is in the closed position, and the housing defines a volume of 1500 in.3 or less, and the full size first product roll defines a diameter of at least 6.5 in., a width of 9.8 in. or less, and provides 500 feet or more of sheet product. The full size second product roll defines a diameter of at least 6.5 in., a width of 9.8 in. or less, and provides 500 feet or more of sheet product.

In some embodiments, the housing has a height of 15 inches or less and, when mounted in a recessed manner within the wall, extends 4 inches or less outwardly from the wall.

In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser further comprises a movably mounted chassis between the first roll holder and the second roll holder. The chassis is configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position to enable loading of a replacement full size first product roll or a replacement full size second product roll. A distance between the retracted position and the extended position is 1.5 inches or less.

In some embodiments, the full size first product roll defines a diameter of at least 6.7 in., a width of 8.2 in. or less, and provides 550 feet or more of sheet product. The full size second product roll defines a diameter of at least 6.7 in., a width of 8.2 in. or less, and provides 550 feet or more of sheet product.

In yet another example embodiment, a sheet product dispenser configured for mounting to or within a wall is provided. The sheet product dispenser comprises a roll holder configured to support a product roll and a housing including a base portion and a cover, wherein the cover is movable relative to the base portion to define an open position and a closed position. The sheet product dispenser further includes a chassis comprising a dispensing mechanism comprising a drive roller, wherein the dispensing mechanism is configured to receive sheet product of the product roll and dispense a portion of the sheet product of the product roll. The sheet product dispenser further includes a controller configured to operate the sheet product dispenser to cause a dispense to occur according to parameters associated with the following: a dispense speed, a delay time period, a dispensed sheet length, and a type of dispense operation. The dispense speed includes one of a low speed, a medium speed, and a high speed. The delay time period includes one of a short delay and a long delay. The dispensed sheet length includes one of a short length, a medium length, and a long length. The type of dispense operation includes a hang mode and a hand sense mode. The controller is further configured to receive user input of a selection from among a plurality of selectable preset operation modes, wherein the plurality of selectable present operation modes includes at least a first operation mode, a second operation mode, and a third operation mode. In the first operation mode, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following first set of parameters: the medium speed, the short delay, the medium length, and the hand sense mode. In the second operation mode, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following second set of parameters: the high speed, the short delay, the long length, and the hang mode. In the third operation mode, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following third set of parameters: the low speed, the long delay, the short length, and the hand sense mode. The controller is further configured to cause operation of the sheet product dispenser in accordance with the selection from among the plurality of selectable preset operation modes.

In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to operate the sheet product dispenser to cause a dispense to occur according to parameters associated with a sensor range, wherein the sensor range includes one of a short range, a medium range, and a long range. In the first operation mode, the first set of parameters further includes the long range for the sensor range. In the second operation mode, the second set of parameters further includes the long range for the sensor range. In the third operation mode, the third set of parameters further includes the short range for the sensor range.

In some embodiments, the delay time period includes one of the short delay, a medium delay, and the long delay, and wherein the plurality of selectable present operation modes further includes a fourth operation mode. In the fourth operation mode, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following fourth set of parameters: the medium speed, the medium delay, the long length, the hand sense mode, and the medium range for the sensor range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example sheet product dispenser, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the sheet product dispenser shown in FIG. 1, with the cover in the open position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the example sheet product dispenser shown in FIG. 1, where there are no product rolls loaded therein, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 4 shows the base portion of the sheet product dispenser of FIG. 3 without the cover, and illustrates the relative diameter of the product rolls compared to corresponding openings for installing the product rolls, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 5 shows the base portion of FIG. 4 with a chassis moved to the extended position to increase the size of the openings to enable loading of the product rolls, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the sheet product dispenser with the product rolls now loaded therein and the chassis returned to the retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of another example sheet product dispenser with a cover being opened along arrow A, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 8 shows the sheet product dispenser of FIG. 7, with the cover being further opened while pulling a chassis to an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 9 shows the sheet product dispenser of FIG. 8, with the cover being closed along arrow B while pushing the chassis into the retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 10 shows the sheet product dispenser of FIG. 9, with the cover being further closed along arrow B and causing a chassis member to transition to a chassis member retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 11 shows a close-up view of the chassis member, illustrating transition of the chassis member back to an extended position when the cover enters the closed position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 12 shows a close-up view of a movable gear system that pivots along arrow F as a drive roller moves along arrow G, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 13 shows another example sheet product dispenser, illustrating a user activation sense zone being generated by a user activation sensor, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIGS. 14A-D illustrate various example conductive sensors that are used by various example embodiments to determine if a user is attempting to activate the sheet product dispenser, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 15 illustrates an example user interface enabling selection of a mode of operation of the sheet product dispenser, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example chassis of a sheet product dispenser including an example user interface for enabling selection of various operation parameters for operating the sheet product dispenser, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 17 shows a close-up view of a portion of a chassis, illustrating a vibration sensor positioned in contact with a tear bar, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 18 shows a close-up view of a portion of a chassis, illustrating a vibration sensor positioned in contact with a tab extending from a tear bar, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 19 shows a close-up view of a portion of a chassis, illustrating a vibration sensor mounted to the chassis and positioned in contact with a tab extending from a tear bar, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate another example sheet product dispenser including a cover with two portions that open upwardly and downwardly, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 21 shows a block diagram illustrating an example system for controlling and operating an example sheet product dispenser, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 22 illustrates a flowchart of an example method for automatically operating a dispensing mechanism upon opening of the cover to aid in loading of new sheet product into the dispensing mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; and

FIG. 23 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of operating a sheet product dispenser according to a selected mode of operation, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

As used herein, a “user” of example sheet product dispensers may be a maintainer (e.g., a maintenance person, a janitor, a facility manager, etc.) or a consumer (e.g., a person receiving a dispensed portion of the product).

As used herein, the term “sheet product” may include a product that is relatively thin in comparison to its length and width. Further, the sheet product may define a relatively flat, planar configuration. In some embodiments, the sheet product is flexible or bendable to permit, for example, folding, rolling, stacking, or the like. In this regard, sheet product may, in some cases, be formed into stacks or rolls for use with various embodiments described herein. Some example sheet products include towel, bath tissue, facial tissue, napkin, wipe, wrapping paper, aluminum foil, wax paper, plastic wrap, or other sheet-like products. Sheet products may be made from paper, cloth, non-woven, metallic, polymer or other materials, and in some cases may include multiple layers or plies. In some embodiments, the sheet product (such as in roll or stacked form) may be a continuous sheet that is severable or separable into individual sheets using, for example, a tear bar or cutting blade. Additionally or alternatively, the sheet product may include predefined areas of weakness, such as lines of perforations, that define individual sheets and facilitate separation and/or tearing. In some such embodiments, the lines of perforations may extend along the width of the sheet product to define individual sheets that can be torn off by a user.

Some embodiments of the present invention described herein are designed to maximize efficiency of maintenance, usage, and operation for sheet product dispensers, while providing a compact design. In this regard, some of the embodiments are designed to provide for easy and intuitive loading of sheet product (e.g., paper towel) to aid a maintainer during loading. Additionally, some embodiments of the present invention seek to avoid a completely empty scenario and maximize usage of the sheet product, such as by avoiding the scenario where the maintainer throws away unused sheet product. Further, some embodiments of the present invention seek to provide easy-to-use operation of the sheet product dispenser that seamlessly switches to dispensing from a second, full paper towel roll upon depletion of the first paper towel roll.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example sheet product dispenser 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention, such as in accordance with the sheet product dispenser 105 and its corresponding components described with respect to FIG. 21. The sheet product dispenser 10 includes a housing 11 defined by a base portion 12 and a cover 14. The cover 14 includes an opening 16 where sheet product is dispensed to a user. Such sheet product may, such as described herein, be dispensed in response to user input being provided to an activation sensor (e.g., activation sensor 120 shown in FIG. 21).

The sheet product dispenser 10 shown in FIG. 1 is designed for recessed mounting within a wall. In this regard, the base portion 12 includes an external wall mounting portion 12a and an internal wall mounting portion 12b. The internal wall mounting portion 12b is designed to fit within a wall, such as between wall studs (e.g., 2×4s). This allows for “hiding” some of the depth of the sheet product dispenser within the wall. In this regard, the base portion 12 may include various fastener holes or other mounting features to enable mounting of the base portion 12 to the wall. Notably, however, while a recessed mounting sheet product dispenser is illustrated, embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with a wall-mounted sheet product dispenser. In such a wall-mounted dispenser, the housing 11 may be completely exposed outside of the wall on which it is mounted. In such example embodiments, the base portion 12 may include one or more mounting features that enable mounting to the wall.

The cover 14 is attached to the base portion 12, such as about a hinge 13 (although other connection means are contemplated). The cover 14 is configured to transition between a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) and an open position (shown in FIG. 2), although the cover 14 may be further opened than as shown in FIG. 2 and there may be intermediate positions of the cover 14 opening. The cover 14, when in the closed position, may form an enclosed volume with the base portion 12. In some embodiments, a lock 90 may be used to secure the cover 14 in the closed position (e.g., a locking feature on the cover 14 may extend through or into a corresponding receiving feature of the base portion 12 (or vice versa) to maintain the cover 14 in the closed position, although other locking configurations are contemplated). In some such embodiments, a maintainer may need to use a key to open the cover 14. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the lock 90 may be a button that merely needs to be depressed or moved to enable opening of the cover 14.

Although the above described example illustrates the cover 14 opening downwardly via a horizontally running hinge 13, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate other opening directions (e.g., to the side, upwardly, opening to both sides, opening upward and downwardly (such as shown in FIGS. 20A-B and described further herein), etc.).

As noted above, the cover 14 includes an opening 16 that enables dispensing of the sheet product therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 16 is positioned in the center (e.g., vertically) of the cover 14 and aligned with dispensing chutes 43, 48 of corresponding dispensing mechanisms 21, 26 (shown in FIG. 2). In this regard, depending on which dispensing mechanism is operating, sheet product may emerge from either of the first dispensing chute 43 or the second dispensing chute 48 and hang downwardly for retrieval by the user. Although not shown in the housing 11 and cover 14 shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the cover may define a lower portion extending below the opening 16, wherein the lower portion extends horizontally back toward the wall to which the sheet product dispenser is mounted. In this regard, there is a space underneath the opening for a user's hand to retrieve a dispensed portion of sheet product without physically touching the cover—which is preferable from a hygiene standpoint. An example of such a cover 314 is shown in FIG. 13.

In some embodiments, the housing 11 (such as part of the cover 14 and/or base portion 12) may include one or more windows 91 or other features that enable a user to visually see the amount of remaining sheet product on the sheet product rolls stored therein.

In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser 10 is sized to support two full sized sheet product (e.g., paper towel) rolls and two separate web paths, each one leading to separate dispensing mechanisms. For example, with reference to FIGS. 2-3, the sheet product dispenser 10 comprises a first set of roll holders 31 to hold a first sheet product roll 51 near the top of the sheet product dispenser 10; and a second set of roll holders 36 to hold a second sheet product roll 56 near the bottom of the sheet product dispenser 10. The set of first roll holders 31 (there is a second corresponding first roll holder on the other side of the sheet product roll 51) are mounted in opposite configuration to the base portion 12 and configured to hold the first sheet product roll 51 therebetween (e.g., a central opening of the first sheet product roll 51 may interact with a mounting feature of the set of first roll holders 31, a core of the first sheet product roll 51 may interact with a mounting feature of the set of first roll holders 31, among other known ways to hold a sheet product roll for dispensing). Likewise, the set of second roll holders 36 (there is a second corresponding second roll holder on the other side of the sheet product roll 56) are mounted in opposite configuration to the base portion 12 and configured to hold the second sheet product roll 56 therebetween. In some embodiments, the set of first roll holders 31 are mounted within the base portion 12 at a first vertical position and the set of second roll holders 36 are mounted within the base portion 12 at a second vertical position, where the first vertical position is generally vertically above the second vertical position. In some embodiments, the first roll holders are vertically aligned with the second roll holders.

The sheet product dispenser 10 also includes a chassis 50 that is movably mounted to the base portion 12. The chassis 50 is positioned between the first roll holders 31 and the second roll holders 36 such that the chassis 50 is between the stored sheet product rolls 51, 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the chassis 50 is positioned generally in the vertical center of the base portion 12 and separates the two sheet product rolls 51, 56— creating separate web paths to aid in proper dispensing from the sheet product rolls.

FIG. 3 illustrates the sheet product dispenser 10 without sheet product rolls loaded therein. The chassis includes the first dispensing mechanism 21 and the second dispensing mechanism 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the first dispensing mechanism 21 is positioned generally in the top portion of the chassis 50, while the second dispensing mechanism 26 is positioned vertically below the first dispensing mechanism 21 and generally in the bottom portion of the chassis 50. In this regard, the first dispensing mechanism 21 is configured to receive and dispense sheet product from the first sheet product roll 51 when installed on the first set of roll holders 31 and the second dispensing mechanism 26 is configured to receive and dispense sheet product from the second sheet product roll 56 when installed on the second set of roll holders 36 (see e.g., FIG. 6).

The first dispensing mechanism 21 includes a first drive roller 63 and a first pinch roller 62 that are configured to contact each other at a first nip 61. With reference to FIG. 6, a leading end 51a of the sheet product from the first sheet product roll 51 may be loaded around the first drive roller 63 and through the first nip 61. A first motor (e.g., first motor 122 shown in FIG. 21) may operate to cause rotation of the first drive roller 63, such as through a mechanism (e.g., mechanism 287 shown in FIG. 12). In some embodiments, the mechanism may be formed of one or more gears that interact and transfer rotational force generated by the motor to the first drive roller 63 to cause rotation thereof (although one or more belts or other rotation transfer features may be used). With sheet product loaded through the first nip 61, operation of the first motor (and, thus, rotation of the first drive roller 63) causes dispensing of the sheet product through a first dispensing chute 43 and out of the opening 16 in the cover 14. Depending on the desired length, the corresponding dispensed portion may define a desired dispensed length that aligns with a first tear bar 24 (see FIG. 6). A user may pull on the dispensed portion of sheet product (e.g., at the leading end 51a) to exert a force on the first tear bar 24, which may include one or more tear features (e.g., teeth) designed to separate the dispensed portion of sheet product from the remainder of the sheet product of the first sheet product roll 51.

The second dispensing mechanism 26 includes a second drive roller 68 and a second pinch roller 67 that are configured to contact each other at a second nip 66. With reference to FIG. 6, a leading end 56a of the sheet product from the second sheet product roll 56 may be loaded around the second drive roller 68 and through the second nip 66. A second motor (e.g., second motor 127 shown in FIG. 21) may operate to cause rotation of the second drive roller 68, such as through a mechanism (e.g., mechanism 287 shown in FIG. 12). In some embodiments, the mechanism may be formed of one or more gears that interact and transfer rotational force generated by the second motor to the second drive roller 68 to cause rotation thereof (although one or more belts or other rotation transfer features may be used). With sheet product loaded through the second nip 66, operation of the second motor (and, thus, rotation of the second drive roller 68) causes dispensing of the sheet product through a second dispensing chute 48 and out of the opening 16 in the cover 14. Depending on the desired length, the corresponding dispensed portion may define a desired dispensed length that aligns with a second tear bar 29 (see FIG. 6). A user may pull on the dispensed portion of sheet product (e.g., at the leading end 56a) to exert a force on the second tear bar 29, which may include one or more tear features (e.g., teeth) designed to separate the dispensed portion of sheet product from the remainder of the sheet product of the second sheet product roll 56.

Although the above description describes use of two motors, in some embodiments, a single motor may be used to operate both the first and second dispensing mechanisms 21, 26.

In some embodiments, the first drive roller 63 and/or the second drive roller 68 may be movable between an engaged position (where the drive roller contacts the corresponding pinch roller at the nip) and an unengaged position (where the drive roller is spaced apart from the corresponding pinch roller). In this regard, the drive rollers can move during dispensing to provide for smooth operation and dispensing. In some embodiments, the drive rollers may be biased (e.g., via a biasing element) to the engaged position. For example, FIG. 19 illustrates an example drive roller 763 with an end 763a that is positioned within a drive roller slot 758 to enable movement of the drive roller 763 between the engaged position and the unengaged position. A spring 787 biases the drive roller 763 to the engaged position. Notably, providing for movement or spring-loading of the drive roller and keeping the pinch roller stationary enables a compact design of the chassis 50.

Additionally, returning to reference FIG. 6, having the drive roller be, for example, spring-loaded in the current design (with the pinch roller between the drive roller and the tear bar) enables prevention of bleeding. Bleeding occurs when a user pulls on the sheet product and more than anticipated “bleeds” off the installed sheet product roll. By spring-loading the drive roller, no matter which dispensing mechanism is being used, bleeding will be prevented. To explain, a user pulling down on the leading end 51a of the sheet product from the first sheet product roll 51 will generate a downward force on the first drive roller 63 to force the first drive roller 63 to the engaged position (contacting the first pinch roller 62) to create a “brake” that will hold the sheet product at the first nip 61 and result in tearing of the sheet product at the first nip 61 (or first tear bar 24) instead of allowing bleeding to occur. Likewise, a user pulling down on the leading end 56a of the sheet product from the second sheet product roll 56 will generate an upward force on the second drive roller 68 to force the second drive roller 68 to the engaged position (contacting the second pinch roller 67) to create a “brake” that will hold the sheet product at the second nip 66 and result in tearing of the sheet product at the second nip 66 (or second tear bar 29) instead of allowing bleeding to occur.

Returning to reference FIG. 12, in order to provide for movement of the drive roller, the mechanism 287 that transfers rotational force from the motor to the drive roller is configured to move also. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanism 287 is configured to rotate (e.g., along arrow F) about a pivot point 289 on the chassis 250. Notably, as the drive roller moves within the drive roller slot (e.g., the axis 263a of the drive roller is shown in FIG. 12), such as along arrow G, the mechanism 287 rotates along arrow F to account for the geared connection. In some embodiments, a motor may be attached along a motor axis 222a corresponding to the first gear 286a and may cause rotation of the first gear 286a to ultimately cause rotation of the drive roller. In some embodiments, to account for rotation of the mechanism 287, the motor may translate within a slot that corresponds in shape to the arc of movement of the mechanism 287. In this manner, rotational force can still be transferred from the motor to the drive roller, such as from a first gear 286a through a second gear 286b, through a third gear 286c, and through a fourth gear 286d. As noted herein, depending on the configuration used, other rotational transfer features could be used, such as belts, etc. in such a mechanism 287.

In some embodiments, a tear bar switch may be provided to indicate when a user has torn off the dispensed portion of sheet product. Such a tear bar switch may be useful in providing various functionality for the controller (e.g., controller 110 in FIG. 21) of the sheet product dispenser 10. For example, knowing when the dispensed portion of sheet product has been removed helps in knowing how much sheet product has been dispensed, helps in knowing when new sheet product can (or should) be dispensed (such as when operating in hang mode). Often times, the tear bar switch may be a physical switch that is located on a printed circuit board. When the tear bar moves to contact the tear bar switch, it is assumed that a tear event occurred.

In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser may include a vibration sensor to act as a tear bar switch. In this regard, the vibration sensor is configured to measure vibration of the tear bar to determine if the tear bar vibrates enough to indicate occurrence of a tear event. FIGS. 17-19 illustrate example mounting options for a vibration sensor being used as a tear bar switch. In FIG. 17, a vibration sensor 707 is attached directly to a first tear bar 724 (such as at an end 725 of the tear bar 724). FIG. 18 illustrates a vibration sensor 707′ attached directly to a tab 724a extending from the end 725 of the tear bar 724. FIG. 19 illustrates a vibration sensor 707″ attached to the tab 724a, but also mounted to the chassis 750 through a mounting feature 759. This last example embodiment provides for built-in differentiation of vibration of the first tear bar 724 versus vibration of the chassis 750 (as the vibration sensor 707″ is fixed to the chassis 750). In comparison, the controller may, such as for vibration sensor 707 and 707′, have to account for (and discount) situations where both the chassis 750 and the first tear bar 724 vibrate together. In some embodiments, the chassis 750 has built-in extra space 750a for minor movement (e.g., vibration) of the first tear bar 724. Notably, a second vibration sensor could be attached in similar manner to what is shown in FIGS. 17-19 to the second tear bar 729.

Turning back to FIGS. 4-6, the loading of new full sized product rolls into the sheet product dispenser 10 is explained. FIG. 4 illustrates the difficulty of loading new full sized sheet product rolls into the base portion 12 (the cover 14 has been removed for ease of explanation and illustration). Notably, the full sized sheet product rolls are formed of a continuous web of sheet product rolled on top of itself to form the roll. In some embodiments, a full sized sheet product roll has a diameter DIR of at least 6.7 in. and a width WR (FIG. 2) of at least 8.2 in., and provides for at least 550 feet of single ply sheet product thereon—although other dimensioned full sized sheet product rolls are also contemplated. For example, a full sized sheet product roll may have a diameter DIR of at least 6.5 in., 8 in., 7 in., 7.5 in., etc.; while a full sized sheet product roll may have a width WR of at least 8.0 in., 8.2 in. or less, 9.8 in. or less, etc.; while a full sized sheet product roll may provide for at least 500 feet of single or double ply sheet product, 550 feet of single or double ply sheet product, 600 feet of single or double ply sheet product, etc. An example set of full sized sheet product rolls may have a diameter DIR of at least 6.5 in. inches and a width WR of 9.8 in. or less, and provide for at least 500 feet of single ply sheet product thereon. Notably, a first base portion volume 32 is sized to receive and hold the first sheet product roll 51 while enabling dispensing therefrom through the first dispensing mechanism 21 (see e.g., FIG. 6); and a second base portion volume 37 is sized to receive and hold the second sheet product roll 56 while enabling dispensing therefrom through the second dispensing mechanism 26 (see e.g., FIG. 6). In order to load the new sheet product rolls 51, 56 into the respective roll holders 31, 36, they need to fit through the first opening O1 (defined between the top of the first drive roller 63 and the top edge 19a of the base portion 12) and the second opening O2 (defined between the bottom of the second drive roller 68 and the bottom edge 19b of the base portion 12), respectively. However, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the first opening O1 is smaller than the diameter DIR of the first sheet product roll 51 (an illustration of the diameter DIR is positioned within the first base portion volume 32 to illustrate how the first sheet product roll 51 fits within the first base portion volume 32, but does not fit past the first opening O1 with the chassis 50 in the retracted position). Likewise, the second opening O2 is smaller than the diameter DIR of the second sheet product roll 56 (an illustration of the diameter DIR is positioned within the second base portion volume 37 to illustrate how the second sheet product roll 56 fits within the second base portion volume 37, but does not fit past the second opening O2 with the chassis 50 in the retracted position).

Accordingly, to enable placement of new full sized sheet product rolls within the base portion, in some embodiments, the chassis 50 is configured to move between a retracted position (shown in FIG. 4) and an extended position (shown in FIG. 5). With reference to FIG. 5, the chassis 50 is configured to move (e.g., horizontally along arrow X) some distance Dc. In some embodiments, the distance Dc may be 1.5 inches or greater, 1 inch or greater, 2 inches or less, or other distances. In some embodiments, when in the extended position, the chassis 50 may be at least partially outside of the base portion 12. In some embodiments, the chassis 50 may be configured to move in a direction away from the base portion, such as perpendicular to a plane corresponding to the wall to which the sheet product dispenser is mounted. In some embodiments, the chassis 50 may be configured to move in a non-perpendicular direction, such as in a curved manner or at a different angle. Depending on the configuration, the chassis 50 may include a movable arm 52 that may enable movement of the chassis 50 relative to the base portion 12, such as while still maintaining attachment of the chassis 50 to the base portion 12 (e.g., the movable arm 52 may be attached to the chassis 50 at a first end 52a and the base portion 12 at a second end 52b). For example, the movable arm 52 may define a telescoping feature that enables extension of the movable arm 52, such as to move the chassis 50 (which is attached to the first end 52a of the movable arm 52) the distance Dc.

By moving to the extended position, the chassis 50 has now enlarged the first opening O1 and the second opening O2. In this regard, the top edge 19a of the base portion 12 and the bottom edge 19b of the base portion 12 remain stationary while the chassis 50 and the first drive roller 63 and the second driver roller 68 move to the extended position. Accordingly, the first opening O1 now is at least equal to the diameter DIR of the first sheet product roll 51 so as to enable placement of the full sized first sheet product roll 51 past the first opening O1 for installation into the first set of roll holders 31. Likewise, the second opening O2 now is at least equal to the diameter DIR of the second sheet product roll 56 so as to enable placement of the full sized second sheet product roll 56 past the second opening O2 for installation into the second set of roll holders 36. With reference to FIG. 6, the user may also feed the leading end 51a of the first sheet product roll 51 into the first nip 61 and the leading end 56a of the second product roll 56 into the second nip 66.

In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser may be color coded to aid in proper loading of the sheet product from the product roll installed in the first set of roll holders 31 into the first dispensing mechanism 21 and the sheet product from the product roll installed in the second set of roll holder 36 into the second dispensing mechanism 26. For example, referring to FIG. 16, the first set of roll holders 631 is colored the same color (blue) as the first drive roller 663 and the first pinch roller 662—thereby encouraging a user to load the leading end of the product roll installed in the first set of roll holders 631 into the nip formed by the first drive roller 663 and the first pinch roller 662 (which is of the same color). Likewise, the second set of roll holders 636 is colored the same color (green) as the second drive roller 668 and second pinch roller 667.

Once the full sized sheet product rolls 51, 56 are installed within the base portion 12, the chassis 50 can be moved back to the retracted position (shown in FIG. 6), and the sheet product dispenser 10 may be operated. Notably, the cover 14 is in the closed position and the sheet product dispenser 10 now includes two full sized sheet product rolls ready for dispensing. In this regard, with reference to FIG. 6, the sheet product dispenser 10 may define an internal volume of 1500 in3 or less and still hold two full sized sheet product rolls for dispensing from either product roll (although other volumes are contemplated, such as 1300 in3 or less, 1400 in3 or less, etc.). For example, the sheet product dispenser 10 may include a base portion 12 where the internal wall mounting portion 12b has a height HBP of 16 in. or less (although other dimensions are contemplated, such as 15 in. or less, 14 in. or less, 15.28 in., etc.) and the cover 14 has a height HC of 19 in. or less (although other dimensions are contemplated, such as 18 in. or less, 17.5 in. or less, 17 in. or less, etc.). Notably, when the sheet product dispenser is configured for wall mounting (instead of recessed mounting), the cover 14 and base portion 12 may define the same height (or closer to the same height). The sheet product dispenser 10 may also define a depth D of 8 in. or less (although other dimensions are contemplated, such as 7 in. or less, 9 in. or less, etc.), which for a recessed mounting configuration may include a first depth DE for the cover 12 and the external wall mounting portion 12a of 4 inches or less (although other dimensions are contemplated, such as 5 in. or less, 3.5 in. or less, etc.) and a second depth DR for the internal wall mounting portion 12b of 4 inches or less (although other dimensions are contemplated, such as 5 in. or less, 3.5 in. or less, etc.). The sheet product dispenser 10 may also define a width WBP (shown in FIG. 2, for example) of 10.5 inches or less (although other dimensions are contemplated, such as 11 in. or less, 12 in. or less, etc.).

In some embodiments, the chassis 50 may be configured to transition between the retracted position and the extended position based on user input. For example, the user may push a button (or push on the chassis) to cause the chassis 50 to transition to the extended position. Likewise, the user may push a button (or push on the chassis) to cause the chassis 50 to transition to the retracted position.

In some embodiments, the chassis 50 may be configured to transition from the retracted position to the extended position automatically. In some embodiments, the chassis may be biased to extended position, such as via one or more springs. In some embodiments, the chassis may be configured to transition to the extended position as the cover 14 opens. For example, once the cover 14 is moved out of the way, the chassis may automatically move to the extended position. In some embodiments, the cover 14 may be used to transition the chassis back to the retracted position, such as by the force of the cover 14 moving to the closed position.

FIGS. 7-11 illustrate an example sheet product dispenser 200 where the cover 214 is configured to pull the chassis 250 to the extended position as it opens (e.g., along arrow A). In this regard, as the cover 214 opens away from the base portion 212 (e.g., rotating about the hinge 213), a chassis movement feature 284 (e.g., a post, protrusion, or other feature) attached to the cover 214 interacts with the chassis 250 to pull the chassis 250 away from the retracted position.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the chassis movement feature 284 provides a force against a first surface 271a of a chassis member 270 attached to the chassis 250. As the cover 214 opens along arrow A, the chassis movement feature 284 runs along the first surface 271a (which is curved) pulling the chassis 250 toward the extended position. Once the cover 214 rotates far enough, the chassis movement feature 284 moves past an edge of the first surface 271a and the chassis 250 is in the extended position—enabling loading of new full sized sheet product rolls.

During closing of the cover 214 from the open position (e.g., along arrow B), the cover 214 may contact the chassis 250 to force the chassis back to the retracted position (shown in FIG. 9).

In some cases, however, the maintainer may push the chassis 250 back into the retracted position before closing the cover 214. With the chassis 250 in the retracted position, closing of the cover 214 causes the chassis movement feature 284 to apply a force to the second surface 271b of the chassis member 270 to cause the chassis member 270 to move from an extended chassis member position. In the illustrated embodiment, the chassis member 270 is pivotably attached about an axis 272 to the chassis 250. Accordingly, with reference to FIG. 10, that force causes the chassis member 270 to rotate (e.g., along arrow C) into a receiving portion 257 of the chassis 250. Notably, the chassis 250 includes a guide post 258 that fits within an elongated curved guide slot 278 of the chassis member 270 to guide the rotational movement of the chassis member 270 to the retracted chassis member position within the receiving portion 257.

Referring now to FIG. 11, once the cover 214 reaches the closed position, the chassis movement feature 284 moves past an edge of the second surface 271b such that the chassis member 270 may move back to the extended chassis member position (e.g., along arrow E). In some embodiments, the chassis member 270 may be biased to the extended chassis member position. In some embodiments, the bias may be gravity-based, whereas in other embodiments, one or more biasing elements (e.g., a spring) may be utilized. Notably, such an arrangement of a movable chassis member 270 prevents jamming that may otherwise occur if the maintainer directly moves the chassis 250 to the retracted position while the cover 214 is still open.

While the illustrated and described embodiments above detail a sheet product dispenser, various embodiments contemplate use of a movable chassis with other types of product dispensers (e.g., soap (e.g., foam or liquid), other types of liquid or flowable products, etc.).

Some example embodiments of the present invention contemplate a sheet product dispenser that is configured to enable assisted loading of a leading edge of a sheet product roll. For example, in some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser may be configured to automatically operate a motor to cause rotation of a drive roller of the dispensing mechanism upon opening of the cover to encourage and aid in proper loading of the leading edge of the sheet product roll into the dispensing mechanism. Further, some embodiments may sense that the sheet product has been successfully loaded and, in response, may cease operation of the motor to stop rotation of the drive roller (and further dispensing of the now loaded sheet product).

In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser may include a cover switch that is configured to determine when the cover 14 has been opened (e.g., moved from the closed position). For example, with reference to FIG. 2, a cover switch 97 may be attached to one or both of the cover 14 or base portion 12 and configured to determine when the cover 14 moves from the closed position. In some embodiments, other types of cover switches are contemplated. For example, the chassis 50 may include a cover switch (e.g., a switch or other feature that is configured to determine when either the cover 14 moves from the open position or the chassis 50 moves from the retracted position). In this regard, in some embodiments, the cover switch may be configured to determine when the chassis 50 moves from the retracted position. In response to determination that the cover 14 moves from the closed position and/or the chassis 50 moves from the retracted position, a controller of the sheet product dispenser may cause the first and/or second dispensing mechanisms 21, 26 to start operating to encourage a user to load new sheet product therein. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine if no sheet product is loaded within a dispensing mechanism and only cause such operation of the dispensing mechanism when sheet product is not loaded therein. For example, if only the first dispensing mechanism 21 needs sheet product, then only the first dispensing mechanism 21 may be operated and not the second dispensing mechanism 26.

In some embodiments, each dispensing mechanism 21, 26 may include chute sensors (e.g., chute sensors 142, 147 shown in FIG. 21) that are configured to sense whether there is sheet product present in their respective dispensing chutes 43, 48. Such sensing data may be used by the controller to determine if there is sheet product loaded into the dispensing mechanism, such as for utilizing the assisted loading feature described above.

As noted herein, some embodiments of the present invention provide a sheet product dispenser that is configured to dispense from one of two sheet product rolls. A goal of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide the best opportunity to avoid a completely empty scenario (e.g., where both sheet product rolls are empty and the sheet product dispenser cannot meet user demand). In order to attempt to avoid such a scenario, some embodiments of the present invention seek to always dispense sheet product from the smaller of the two installed sheet product rolls. In such a situation, the smaller (first) sheet product roll is depleted first, leaving the larger (second) sheet product roll as a back up to dispense while the originally smaller (first) sheet product roll is depleted. Further, since the now depleted (first) sheet product roll can be replaced without the need to replace the currently dispensing other (second) sheet product roll, there is the largest time opportunity for the maintainer to replace the now depleted (first) sheet product roll and avoid a completely empty scenario. Further, such a configuration may help ensure that all of the paper within the sheet product dispenser is used up in a timely manner. For example, such a configuration may avoid a single roll sitting in the sheet product dispenser as a “permanent” back up roll, with the maintainer always (or often) replacing and dispensing from the other sheet product roll.

Along these lines, in some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser (such as through the controller) may be configured to identify which of the first sheet product roll and the second sheet product roll is the smaller roll (e.g., more product has been used from the roll), and then cause dispensing to occur from the smaller sheet product roll until it is depleted. After that, the sheet product dispenser may be further configured to dispense from the remaining sheet product roll (which was the larger roll). In some embodiments, the dispenser may use one or more product level sensors (e.g., product level sensor 118 shown in FIG. 21) for aiding in identification of the smaller product roll. Some example product level sensors include infrared product level sensors (e.g., directed at the product rolls), time-of-flight product level sensors (e.g., directed at the product rolls), angle or linear based mechanical product level sensors that physically interact with the sheet product rolls as they deplete, among many others.

In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser includes one or more activation sensors configured to sense user input indicating a desire to receive a dispense of the sheet product. In response, the controller of the sheet product dispenser may receive the sensed data, determine that a user desires to receive a dispense, and, accordingly, cause occurrence of a dispense event (such as from either the first dispensing mechanism 21 or the second dispensing mechanism 26 as appropriate). In some circumstances, it may be desirable to create a sense zone where a user would place their hands to activate the activation sensor (and initiate a dispense). The sense zone may be positioned to correspond to a vertical position that is ADA compliant (e.g., between 15 in. to 48 in. clearance underneath). As noted above, however, the chassis may be positioned generally in the center of the housing and, in contrast, the sense zone may be desirably located below the center. In this regard, in some embodiments, different types of activation sensors are contemplated to create a desirably positioned sense zone. Notably, while the illustrated embodiment shows a sheet product dispenser, various embodiments contemplate use of a formation of a sense zone with other types of product dispensers (e.g., soap (e.g., foam or liquid), other types of liquid or flowable products, etc.) and from positions (other than approximately vertical center) of the sheet product dispenser.

FIG. 13 illustrates one such example sheet product dispenser 300 that uses an activation sensor that can be mounted in the chassis 350 (e.g., near the opening 316 of the cover 314, which is centered between a top edge 314a and a bottom edge 314b of the cover 314). The activation sensor is aimed downwardly to form a sense zone 328 positioned at a desirable vertical position below the center opening 316. For example, a time-of-flight sensor 318 is mounted to the chassis 350 (e.g., where there is easy access to a controller for sending sensor data thereto), but aimed downwardly to cause definition of the sense zone 328. Notably, the sense zone 328 is formed roughly ⅓ of the way up from the bottom edge 314b of the cover to the center opening 316. In this regard, various settings (e.g., sensitivity, power, etc.) of the time-of-flight sensor 318 can be chosen to enable formation of the sense zone 328 in the desired vertical position. In some embodiments, one or more prompting features 320 may be positioned on the cover 314 to instruct a user where to position their hand.

In some embodiments, one or more conductive sensors appropriately positioned about the cover may be used to determine when a user positions their hand (or otherwise provides user input) to a sense zone in a desirable position relative to the cover. FIG. 14A illustrates an example sheet product dispenser 400 with a single conductive plate 493 that is configured to sense a change in capacitance corresponding to user input. In such an example, the single conductive plate 493 may be positioned on the cover 413 in a position corresponding to the desired sense zone and a controller may determine when user input is provided indicating a desire for a dispense. FIG. 14B illustrates an example sheet product dispenser 400′ that positions multiple conductive plates 493a′-493f about the cover 413′. The relative sensed capacitance for each conductive plate 493a′-493f may be used to determine when a user positions their user input inside the sense zone 428′. For example, a small capacitance reading from conductive plates 493a′ and 493b′ and a relatively larger capacitance reading from conductive plates 493c′-493f may indicate that the user's hand is within the sense zone 428′. FIG. 14C illustrates an example sheet product dispenser 400″ that positions multiple conductive plates 493a″-493f″ and a single larger conductive plate 494″ about the cover 413″. The relative sensed capacitance for each conductive plate 493a″-493f″ and the single conductive plate 494″ may be used to determine when a user positions their user input inside the sense zone 428″. In some such embodiments, the single conductive plate 494″ may act as a second layer of conductive sensing to provide for a robust sensing solution. Further, the large single conductive plate 494″ may enable sensing of a user handle outside of a sense zone 428″ to cause activation of the dispenser (e.g., above a center chassis). FIG. 14D illustrates an example sheet product dispenser 400′″ that positions multiple conductive wires 496a″ ‘-496d″ ’ about the cover 413′″. The relative sensed capacitance for each conductive wire 496a′″-496d′″ may be used to determine when a user positions their user input inside the sense zone 428′. For example, a small capacitance reading from conductive wires 496a′ and 496b′″ and a relatively larger capacitance reading from conductive wires 496c′″ and 496d′″ may indicate that the user's hand is within the sense zone 428′″.

Notably, while the illustrated embodiments detail use with a sheet product dispenser, various embodiments contemplate use of various conductive sensor designs with other types of product dispensers (e.g., soap (e.g., foam or liquid), other types of liquid or flowable products, etc.).

In some embodiments, the controller of the sheet product dispenser may be configured to determine a user's upcoming intent to provide user input to activate the sheet product dispenser. In this regard, such a determination could be used to cause a dispense in addition to or in the alternative of an activation sensor reading. In some embodiments, such a determination could be used to initiate wake-up functionality, such as in the case where an activation sensor may otherwise drain a battery of the sheet product dispenser if it were active all the time. In some embodiments, various sensors could be utilized to determine, for example, when a user enters a room including the sheet product dispenser, comes within a threshold distance of the sheet product dispenser, operates a washroom fixture (e.g., the sink), moves toward the sheet product dispenser, or other scenario indicating that the user is likely about to want a dispense event to occur. Some example sensors that could be utilized include, for example, infrared sensors, one or more cameras, time-of-flight sensors, zone sensors, a capacitance sensor array, ultrasonic sensors, etc. In some embodiments, machine learning could be employed to help in such a determination.

In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser may be, e.g., via the controller, configured to operate according various parameters. For example, the sheet product dispenser may be configured to enable a user to select one of a plurality of operation modes to direct how the sheet product dispenser operates in accordance with dispensing. Such a user selection could occur to a user interface (e.g., on the sheet product dispenser housing) and/or remotely through a connection (e.g., wireless) with the controller of the sheet product dispenser. In this regard, the controller may be configured to operate the sheet product dispenser to cause a dispense to occur according to parameters associated with one or more of the following: a dispense speed, a delay time period, a dispensed sheet length, a sensor range, and a type of dispense operation. The dispense speed may include, for example, one of a low speed, a medium speed, and a high speed of operation of the motor causing the dispense. The delay time period may include, for example, one of a short delay, a medium delay, and a long delay. Such a delay time period may correspond to an amount of time that is required to elapse after a dispense and before a subsequent dispense can be triggered. The dispensed sheet length may include, for example, one of a short length, a medium length, and a long length of sheet product that is presented to the user for retrieval. The sensor range may include, for example, one of a short range, a medium range, and a long range, such as for how much power is provided to the sensor to define the range of operation of the sensor for sensing user input indicating a desire to initiate a dispense. The type of dispense operation includes a hang mode and a hand sense mode. In the hang mode, the sheet product dispenser may be configured to automatically dispense a portion of sheet product and only dispense another portion of sheet product when the already dispensed portion is removed (which allows the activation sensor to not be used). In the hand sense mode, the activation sensor may be utilized to initiate a dispense, such as described herein.

Notably, while the illustrated and described embodiments detail use with a sheet product dispenser, various embodiments contemplate use of operation modes (e.g., custom, preset, etc.) with other types of product dispensers (e.g., soap (e.g., foam or liquid), other types of liquid or flowable products, etc.).

In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser may provide preset operation modes that are each designed to offer a predetermined set of parameters for operation, such as may account for typical operating parameters depending on typical circumstances. For example, with reference to FIG. 15, an example user interface 501 for selection from among a plurality of preset operation modes is shown. A button 503 allows a user to toggle between the plurality of preset operation modes. Notably, the illustrated preset operation modes include “Standard” 502a, “High Traffic” 502b, “Economy” 502c, and “Extreme” 502d, although different names for the operation modes, different variations of parameters described below, and more or less preset operation modes are contemplated by various embodiments of the present invention. For example, a custom mode may enable a user to select different operating parameters that could be saved under one or more saved custom modes.

In the first preset operation mode, “Standard” 502a, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following first set of parameters: medium speed, short delay, medium length, long sensor range, and hand sense mode.

In the second preset operation mode, “High Traffic” 502b, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following second set of parameters: high speed, short delay, long length, long sensor range, and hang mode.

In the third preset operation mode, “Economy” 502c, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following third set of parameters: low speed, long delay, short length, short sensor range, and hand sense mode.

In the fourth preset operation mode, “Extreme” 502d, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following fourth set of parameters: medium speed, medium delay, long length, medium sensor range, and hand sense mode.

In some embodiments, the sheet product dispenser may be configured to enable a user to select how the sheet product dispenser operates according to each of the different parameters. For example, with reference to FIG. 16, the chassis 650 may include user input buttons (e.g., buttons, capacitance switches, etc.) that enable toggling between each of the specific options for the different parameters. In the illustrated embodiment, a user may utilize (i) button 651a to toggle between hand sense mode and hang mode; (ii) button 651b to toggle between a short, medium, and long sensor range; (iii) button 651c to toggle between a short, medium, and long delay time period after a dispense; and (iv) button 651d to toggle between a short, medium, and long length of dispensed sheet product. Notably, other parameters (such as the dispense speed) and/or different toggle options for the parameters are contemplated for use with various embodiments of the present invention.

Some embodiments of the present invention contemplate different cover configurations and designs. For example, with reference to FIGS. 20A-B, an example sheet product dispenser 800 includes a base portion 812 and two cover portions 814a, 814b with a central opening 816 therebetween where the sheet product is dispensed. The first cover portion 814a is configured to open upwardly (e.g., along arrow J) to reveal access to the first set of roll holders (e.g., for installing a new sheet product roll therein). The second cover portion 814b is configured to open downwardly (e.g., along arrow H) to reveal access to the second set of roll holders (e.g., for installing a new sheet product roll therein). Notably, the chassis 850 may be configured to move to the extended position along arrow I. In some embodiments, only one of the first cover portion 814a or the second cover portion 814b needs to be opened to enable the chassis 850 to move to the extended position (to allow installing a new full sized sheet product roll). Notably, by allowing individual access, the sheet product dispenser is designed for more intuitive loading (such as by preventing loading in the wrong dispensing mechanism by the other cover portion still being closed).

Example System Architecture

A schematic representation of components of an example sheet product dispenser system 100 according to various embodiments described herein is shown in FIG. 21. It should be appreciated that the illustration in FIG. 21 is for purposes of description and that the relative size and placement of the respective components may differ. The sheet product dispenser system 100, which includes a sheet product dispenser 105, includes components and systems that are utilized in various embodiments described herein.

The sheet product dispenser 105 may include many different components and/or systems (such as shown in FIG. 21), including, for example, a controller 110, a first dispensing mechanism 121, a second dispensing mechanism 126, a first chute sensor 142, a second chute sensor 147, a first tear bar mechanism 124, a second tear bar mechanism 129, a memory 112, a communication interface 113, one or more user interfaces 114, a power system 116, an activation sensor 120, one or more product level sensors 118, and other system(s)/sensor(s) 115. Though shown in FIG. 21 as being a component of the product dispenser 105, such components are not required to be part of the product dispenser 105 according to various embodiments herein. Along these lines, the depicted embodiment of FIG. 21 is provided for explanatory purposes and is not meant to be limiting.

The controller 110 provides logic and control functionality used during operation of the product dispenser 105. Alternatively, the functionality of the controller 110 may be distributed to several controllers that each provides more limited functionality to discrete portions of the operation of product dispenser 105. Such controller(s) may for example be remotely located from the sheet product dispenser 105.

The sheet product dispenser 105 may be configured to hold two full sized sheet product rolls. For example, the depicted sheet product dispenser 105 houses a first product roll 151, such as may be received by a first set of roll holders that are attached to, for example, the base portion of the sheet product dispenser 105. Additionally, the sheet product dispenser 105 houses a second product roll 156, such as may be received by a second set of roll holders.

The activation sensor 120 may be configured to sense/receive user input (such as a user's hand or portion thereof) indicating a desire to cause the sheet product dispenser 105 to dispense a portion of product (e.g., a portion of sheet product from the first or second sheet product roll). The activation sensor 120 may be any type of sensor or feature capable of receiving user input to begin dispensing, including for example, a capacitive sensor, a light sensor, an IR sensor, a mechanical lever or button, etc. The activation sensor 120 may be in communication with the controller 110 such that the controller 110 can determine when to cause dispensing of the sheet product.

The first and second dispensing mechanism 121, 126 may each be configured to cause dispensing of a portion of the sheet product, such as a portion (or length) of the roll of sheet product (e.g., the first or second sheet product roll). Depending on the configuration, the dispensing mechanisms 121, 126 may each comprise a motor (e.g., first motor 122 or second motor 127, respectively) that drives one or more drive rollers (e.g., first roller(s) 123 or second roller(s) 128, respectively). In each dispensing mechanism, a portion of the sheet product roll may be sandwiched (e.g., in frictional contact) between the drive roller and one or more pinch rollers such that operation/rotation of the drive roller causes dispensing of a portion of the sheet product roll. The first and second dispensing mechanism motors 122, 127 may be in communication with the controller 110 such that the controller 110 may control operation of the motors 122, 127.

The first and second chute sensors 142, 147 may each be positioned within or relative to the chutes for the corresponding first and second dispensing mechanisms 121, 126 and configured to sense the presence (or absence) of sheet product within the corresponding chutes. For example, the first chute sensor 142 may be positioned to sense for sheet product within the chute extending from the first dispensing mechanism 121 (e.g., where the sheet product is dispensed). In some embodiments, the first and second chute sensors 142, 147 may be configured to utilize IR sensing capabilities to sense the presence of the product in the chute(s). In some embodiments, however, other types of sensors may be utilized (e.g., capacitive sensors, light sensors, mechanical sensors, etc.). The first and second chute sensors 142, 147 may be in communication with the controller 110 such that the controller 110 may determine when sheet product is present or absent within each dispensing chute.

The first and second tear mechanisms 124, 129 may each be configured to enable tearing of the dispensed portion of the product roll. In this regard, the first and second tear mechanisms 124, 129 may each comprise a tear bar or other feature that can enable a user to provide a force to tear off the portion of the product roll. For example, the first and second tear mechanisms 124, 129 may include a serrated edge that cuts into the sheet when the user pulls the dispensed product. The separated portion of the product from the product roll may then be used and discarded as necessary by the user. Alternatively, the first and second tear mechanisms 124, 129 may be configured to perform a tear or partial tear prior to interaction with the user such that the user simply pulls on the pre-torn portion of the sheet product roll to complete dispensing of the portion of the sheet product. In some embodiments, the first and second tear mechanisms 124, 129 may be configured to detect the occurrence of tearing of the product (e.g., via tear bar switch, such as a vibration sensor as described herein). For example, the serrated edge of a blade of the first and second tear mechanisms 124, 129 may be configured to sense and/or move in response to tearing occurring. In some embodiments, other types of tear mechanisms that can sense tearing of the product can be utilized. In this regard, the first and second tear mechanisms 124, 129 may be in communication with the controller 110 such that the controller 110 may determine when product is torn (such as during a dispense).

The product sensor(s) 118 (e.g., product level sensor(s)) is configured to sense product data (e.g., from the first and/or second product roll). In some embodiments, the product data may correspond to dispensing from at least one of the first product roll or the second product roll (e.g., how much product is being dispensed, when product is being dispensed, which product roll is dispensing occurring from, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the product data may correspond to an amount of product remaining for at least one of the first product roll or the second product roll (e.g., a remaining size of the product roll, an amount of the product roll remaining, etc.). The product sensor 118 may be in communication with the controller 110 such that the controller 110 may receive the product data and perform one or more determinations regarding the product data (e.g., if one or more of the product rolls are substantially depleted, which product roll is dispensing, if there is leftover sheet product in a dispensing chute, if there is a product jam, among others). Depending on the configuration of the sheet product dispenser 105 and/or the desired information/product data, one or more product sensors 118 may be configured to sense data from the first product roll 151, the second product roll 156, and/or other components of the sheet product dispenser 105 (e.g., the first and second tear mechanisms 124, 129, the first and second dispensing mechanisms 121, 126, etc.).

The controller 110 is a suitable electronic device capable of executing dispenser functionality via hardware and/or software control, with the preferred embodiment accepting data and instructions, executing the instructions to process the data, and presenting the results. Controller 110 may accept instructions through the user interface 114, or through other means such as but not limited to the activation sensor 120, other sensors, voice activation means, manually-operable selection and control means, radiated wavelength and electronic or electrical transfer. Therefore, the controller 110 can be, but is not limited to, a microprocessor, microcomputer, a minicomputer, an optical computer, a board computer, a complex instruction set computer, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), a reduced instruction set computer, an analog computer, a digital computer, a molecular computer, a quantum computer, a cellular computer, a solid-state computer, a single-board computer, a buffered computer, a computer network, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a hybrid of any of the foregoing.

The controller 110 may be operably coupled with one or more components of the sheet product dispenser 105. Such operable coupling may include, but is not limited to, solid-core wiring, twisted pair wiring, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, mechanical, wireless, radio, and infrared. Controller 110 may be configured to provide one or more operating signals to these components and to receive data from these components. Such communication can occur using a well-known computer communications protocol such as Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), System Management Bus (SMBus), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), RS-232, ModBus, or any other communications protocol suitable for the purposes disclosed herein.

The controller 110 may include one or more processors coupled to a memory device 112. Controller 110 may optionally be connected to one or more input/output (I/O) controllers or data interface devices (not shown). The memory 112 may be any form of memory such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) chip, a flash memory chip, a disk drive, or the like. As such, the memory 112 may store various data, protocols, instructions, computer program code, operational parameters, etc. In this regard, controller 110 may include operation control methods embodied in application code. These methods are embodied in computer instructions written to be executed by one or more processors, typically in the form of software. The software can be encoded in any language, including, but not limited to, machine language, assembly language, VHDL (Verilog Hardware Description Language), VHSIC HDL (Very High Speed IC Hardware Description Language), Fortran (formula translation), C, C++, Visual C++, Java, ALGOL (algorithmic language), BASIC (beginners all-purpose symbolic instruction code), visual BASIC, ActiveX, HTML (HyperText Markup Language), and any combination or derivative of at least one of the foregoing. Additionally, an operator can use an existing software application such as a spreadsheet or database and correlate various cells with the variables enumerated in the algorithms. Furthermore, the software can be independent of other software or dependent upon other software, such as in the form of integrated software.

In this regard, in some embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to execute computer program code instructions to perform aspects of various embodiments of the present invention described herein. For example, the controller 110 may be configured to determine an instance in which one of the sheet product rolls is substantially depleted. In such a regard, in some embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to switch between operation of the first and second dispensing mechanisms 121, 126 to ensure constant ability to dispense product—such as described in various example embodiments herein.

The user interface 114 may be configured to provide information and/or indications to a user. In some embodiments, the user interface 114 may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to indicate such information (e.g., low battery, dispensing is occurring, low product amount, which dispensing mechanism is being used, etc.). In some embodiments, the user interface 114 may include a screen to display such information. In some embodiments, the user interface 114 may include an interface on the exterior of the product dispenser 105 such as for an end consumer. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface 114 (including a second user interface) may be configured to provide information or indications to a maintainer (e.g., maintenance personnel), such as internally of the cover of the sheet product dispenser 105.

In some embodiments, the user interface 114 may be configured to receive user input such as through a keypad, touchscreen, buttons, or other input device. The user interface 114 may be in communication with the controller 110 such that the controller 110 can operate the user interface 114 and/or receive instructions or information from the user interface 114. In some embodiments, the user interface 114 may include an interface on the exterior of the sheet product dispenser 105 such as for an end consumer. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface 114 (including a second user interface) may be internal of the cover of the sheet product dispenser 105, such as for a maintainer (e.g., maintenance personnel).

The communication interface 113 may be configured to enable connection to external systems (e.g., an external network 102). In this manner, the controller 110 may retrieve data and/or instructions from or transmit data and/or instructions to a remote, external server and/or other device via the external network 102 in addition to or as an alternative to the memory 112.

In an example embodiment, the electrical energy (e.g., power 116) for operating the sheet product dispenser 105 may be provided by a battery, which may be comprised of one or more batteries arranged in series or in parallel to provide the desired energy. For example, the battery may comprise four 1.5-volt “D” cell batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the power 116 may be supplied by an external power source, such as an alternating current (“AC”) power source or a solar power source, or any other alternative power source as may be appropriate for an application. The AC power source may be any conventional power source, such as a 120V, 60 Hz wall outlets for example.

The other sensor(s)/system(s) 115 may be any other type of sensors or systems that are usable in various embodiments of the present invention. Some example additional sensors or systems include a position sensor, a time sensor, a cover opening or closing sensor (e.g., cover switch), among many others.

Example Flowchart(s)

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatuses and computer program products for controlling and operating sheet product dispensers according to various embodiments described herein. Various examples of the operations performed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will now be provided with reference to FIGS. 22-23.

FIG. 22 illustrates a flowchart according to an example method for automatically operating a dispensing mechanism upon opening of the cover to aid in loading of new sheet product into the dispensing mechanism according to an example embodiment 1000. The operations illustrated in and described with respect to FIG. 22 may, for example, be performed by, with the assistance of, and/or under the control of one or more of the various components of the sheet product dispenser system 100 of FIG. 21 or other embodiments described herein.

Operation 1002 comprises determining that the cover opened from the closed position. Operation 1004 comprises determining if sheet product is currently loaded within a dispensing mechanism. Operation 1006 comprises operating the dispensing mechanism to aid in loading if there is no sheet product currently loaded therein. Operation 1008 comprises determining that sheet product has been loaded into the dispensing mechanism, and operation 1010 comprises ceasing operation of the dispensing mechanism once it is determined that sheet product has been loaded therein.

FIG. 23 illustrates a flowchart according to an example method of operating a sheet product dispenser according to a selected mode of operation according to an example embodiment 2000. The operations illustrated in and described with respect to FIG. 23 may, for example, be performed by, with the assistance of, and/or under the control of one or more of the various components of the sheet product dispenser system 100 of FIG. 21 or other embodiments described herein.

Operation 2002 comprises receiving a selection of a mode of operation, such as from among a plurality of preset operation modes. Operation 2004 comprises operating the sheet product dispenser according to the selected mode of operation and its various set of parameters, such as described herein.

FIGS. 22-23 illustrate flowcharts of a system, method, and computer program product according to various example embodiments described herein. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware and/or a computer program product comprising one or more computer-readable mediums having computer readable program instructions stored thereon. For example, one or more of the procedures described herein may be embodied by computer program instructions of a computer program product. In this regard, the computer program product(s) which embody the procedures described herein may be stored by, for example, the memory and executed by, for example, the controller 110. As will be appreciated, any such computer program product may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus, such that the computer program product including the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus creates means for implementing the functions specified in the flowcharts block(s). Further, the computer program product may comprise one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediums on which the computer program instructions may be stored such that the one or more computer-readable memories can direct a computer or other programmable device to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus implement the functions specified in the flowcharts block(s).

Associated systems and methods for manufacturing example sheet product dispensers described herein are also contemplated by some embodiments of the present invention.

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein may come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A sheet product dispenser comprising:

a first roll holder configured to support a first product roll;
a second roll holder configured to support a second product roll;
a housing including a base portion and a cover, wherein the cover is movable relative to the base portion to define an open position and a closed position; and
a chassis movably mounted between the first roll holder and the second roll holder and movable between a retracted position and an extended position spaced apart from the retracted position, wherein the chassis is at least partially outside of the base portion when in the extended position, wherein the chassis is movable away from the base portion to the extended position when the cover is in the open position.

2. The sheet product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the chassis comprises:

a first dispensing mechanism comprising a first drive roller, wherein the first dispensing mechanism is configured to receive sheet product of the first product roll and dispense a portion of the sheet product of the first product roll; and
a second dispensing mechanism comprising a second drive roller, wherein the second dispensing mechanism is configured to receive sheet product of the second product roll and dispense a portion of the sheet product of the second product roll.

3. The sheet product dispenser of claim 1, wherein, when the chassis is in the retracted position, a user is unable to insert or remove a full size first product roll into the first roll holder or insert or remove a full size second product roll into the second roll holder, wherein, when the chassis is in the extended position, the user is able to insert or remove the full size first product roll into the first roll holder or insert or remove the full size second product roll into the second roll holder.

4. The sheet product dispenser of claim 1, wherein, when the chassis is in the retracted position, a first opening between a top edge of the base portion and a top edge of the chassis defines a first width that is less than a diameter of a full size first product roll and a second opening between a bottom edge of the base portion and a bottom edge of the chassis defines a first width that is less than a diameter of a full size second product roll, wherein, when the chassis is in the extended position, the first opening between the top edge of the base portion and the top edge of the chassis defines a second width that is greater than or equal to the diameter of the full size first product roll and the second opening between the bottom edge of the base portion and the bottom edge of the chassis defines a second width that is greater than or equal to the diameter of the full size second product roll.

5. The sheet product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first roll holder is mounted within the base portion at a first position, wherein the second roll holder is mounted within the base portion at a second position, wherein the first position is vertically above the second position.

6. The sheet product dispenser of claim 5, wherein the first roll holder is vertically aligned with the second roll holder.

7. The sheet product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the chassis is movable from the retracted position to the extended position in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane corresponding to a wall that the sheet product dispenser is mounted on or within.

8. The sheet product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the chassis automatically moves to the extended position as the cover moves to the open position.

9. The sheet product dispenser of claim 8, wherein the chassis is biased to the extended position.

10. The sheet product dispenser of claim 8, wherein the cover defines a chassis movement feature that is configured to interact with the chassis to cause movement of the chassis from the retracted position to the extended position.

11. The sheet product dispenser of claim 10, wherein the chassis comprises a chassis member with a curved first surface and a flat second surface, wherein the chassis member is configured to transition between a first position and a second position, wherein the chassis member is biased to the first position, wherein, when the chassis member is in the first position and the cover is in the closed position, the chassis movement feature is configured to run along the curved first surface during movement of the cover to the open position to cause the chassis to move to the extended position, wherein, when the chassis member is in the first position, the chassis is in the retracted position, and the cover is in the open position, the chassis movement feature is configured to push against the flat second surface during movement of the cover back to the closed position to cause the chassis member to pivot to the second position.

12. The sheet product dispenser of claim 11, wherein the chassis defines a guide pin and the chassis member defines a guide slot, wherein interaction of the chassis member guide pin within the guide slot guides transitioning of the chassis member between the first position and the second position.

13. The sheet product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the chassis is configured to move to the extended position in response to receiving user input.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. The sheet product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the chassis is movably mounted in a center of the base portion.

17. (canceled)

18. The sheet product dispenser of claim 16, further comprising a controller and a plurality of conductive sensors distinctly positioned relative to a front surface of the cover, wherein a capacitance of each of the plurality of conductive sensors is measurable by the controller, wherein the controller is configured to:

sense a relative capacitance of the plurality of conductive sensors;
determine an instance in which the relative capacitance indicates that a user is present within a sense zone relative to the cover, wherein the sense zone is vertically lower than the chassis and vertically above a bottom edge of the cover; and
cause, in response to determining that the user is present within the sense zone, a dispense operation to occur.

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. The sheet product dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to:

operate the sheet product dispenser to cause a dispense to occur according to parameters associated with the following: a dispense speed, a delay time period, a dispensed sheet length, and a type of dispense operation, wherein the dispense speed includes one of a low speed, a medium speed, and a high speed, wherein the delay time period includes one of a short delay and a long delay, wherein the dispensed sheet length includes one of a short length, a medium length, and a long length, wherein the type of dispense operation includes a hang mode and a hand sense mode;
receive user input of a selection from among a plurality of selectable preset operation modes, wherein the plurality of selectable present operation modes includes at least a first operation mode, a second operation mode, and a third operation mode, wherein, in the first operation mode, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following first set of parameters: the medium speed, the short delay, the medium length, and the hand sense mode, wherein, in the second operation mode, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following second set of parameters: the high speed, the short delay, the long length, and the hang mode, wherein, in the third operation mode, the controller is configured to operate the sheet product dispenser according to the following third set of parameters: the low speed, the long delay, the short length, and the hand sense mode; and
cause operation of the sheet product dispenser in accordance with the selection from among the plurality of selectable preset operation modes.

22. The sheet product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first drive roller is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is closer to a first pinch roller than the second position, wherein the first drive roller is biased toward the first pinch roller, wherein the second drive roller is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is closer to a second pinch roller than the second position, wherein the second drive roller is biased toward the second pinch roller.

23. The sheet product dispenser of claim 22, wherein the first drive roller is driven by a gear or a belt that is pivotable about a first pivot point on the chassis to enable movement with the first drive roller, wherein the second drive roller is driven by a gear or a belt that is pivotable about a second pivot point on the chassis to enable movement with the second drive roller.

24. The sheet product dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a cover switch configured to sense when the cover moves from the closed position and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to:

determine, based on data received from the cover switch, an instance in which the cover moves from the closed position; and
cause, in response to determining that the cover moved from the closed position, operation of the first dispensing mechanism to prompt a user to load sheet product therein.

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. The sheet product dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a vibration sensor configured to sense vibration of a tear bar, wherein the tear bar is configured to vibrate during removal of a dispensed portion of the sheet product from the first product roll or a dispensed portion of the sheet product from the second product roll.

29. (canceled)

30. A sheet product dispenser comprising:

a first roll holder configured to support a first product roll;
a housing including a base portion and a cover, wherein the cover is movable relative to the base portion to define an open position and a closed position; and
a chassis movably mounted to the base portion and movable between a retracted position and an extended position spaced apart from the retracted position, wherein the chassis is at least partially outside of the base portion when in the extended position, wherein the chassis is movable away from the base portion to the extended position when the cover is in the open position.

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. A sheet product dispenser configured for mounting to or within a wall, the sheet product dispenser comprising:

a first roll holder configured to support a first product roll;
a second roll holder configured to support a second product roll;
a housing including a base portion and a cover, wherein the cover is movable relative to the base portion to define an open position and a closed position; and
a chassis comprising: a first dispensing mechanism comprising a first drive roller, wherein the first dispensing mechanism is configured to receive sheet product of the first product roll and dispense a portion of the sheet product of the first product roll; and a second dispensing mechanism comprising a second drive roller, wherein the second dispensing mechanism is configured to receive sheet product of the second product roll and dispense a portion of the sheet product of the second product roll,
wherein the housing is sized such that a full size first product roll and a full size second product roll fit within the housing when the cover is in the closed position, wherein the housing defines a volume of 1500 in.3 or less, wherein the full size first product roll defines a diameter of at least 6.5 in., a width of 9.8 in. or less, and provides 500 feet or more of sheet product, wherein the full size second product roll defines a diameter of at least 6.5 in., a width of 9.8 in. or less, and provides 500 feet or more of sheet product.

34. The sheet product dispenser of claim 33, wherein the housing has a height of 15 inches or less and, when mounted in a recessed manner within the wall, extends 4 inches or less outwardly from the wall.

35. The sheet product dispenser of claim 33 further comprising a movably mounted chassis between the first roll holder and the second roll holder, wherein the chassis is configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position to enable loading of a replacement full size first product roll or a replacement full size second product roll, wherein a distance between the retracted position and the extended position is 1.5 inches or less.

36. The sheet product dispenser of claim 33, wherein the full size first product roll defines a diameter of at least 6.7 in., a width of 8.2 in. or less, and provides 550 feet or more of sheet product, wherein the full size second product roll defines a diameter of at least 6.7 in., a width of 8.2 in. or less, and provides 550 feet or more of sheet product.

37. (canceled)

38. (canceled)

39. (canceled)

Patent History
Publication number: 20230284841
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 22, 2023
Publication Date: Sep 14, 2023
Inventors: John Patrick Laitala (Appleton, WI), Jeremy John Wittig (Greenleaf, WI), Kyle Andrew Pfeifer (Appleton, WI), Russell William Diamond (Greenville, WI), Aaron Lee Sinclair (Tyrone, GA), Ted Allen Casper (Freedom, WI), Brian Scott Borke (Appleton, WI), Ryan Joseph Schuh (Grand Chute, WI)
Application Number: 18/172,406
Classifications
International Classification: A47K 10/38 (20060101); A47K 10/36 (20060101);