Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for dispensing sheet material

US4786005A · kind A · utility

71Cited by
5References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 27, 1987
Grant dateNov 22, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 27, 2007

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T225/206
  • WIPO fieldFurniture, games
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an apparatus for dispensing sheet material such as paper towels. The dispensing apparatus when activated dispenses sheet material for a predetermined time which results in a predetermined length of sheet material being dispensed. The dispensing apparatus is actuated in response to the proximity of a portion of a hand of a user to the dispensing apparatus without the hand of a user contacting the apparatus. The dispensing apparatus dispenses sheet material from a roll of material by means of an electrical motor operating for a predetermined time to advance a predetermined length of the sheet material. The motor for advancing a predetermined length of the sheet material can be battery powered. The housing of the dispensing apparatus has a modular frame having a first compartment for the means for advancing the sheet material and a second compartment for the means for activating the advancing means. The dispensing apparatus can include means for storing energy for energizing the advancing means in response to the withdrawal of sheet material from the dispensing apparatus by a user.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.