Low reserve indicator for a coreless paper towel dispenser
US6517025B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S242/912
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A paper towel dispenser contains an upright roll of paper towels having an inner periphery from which the towels are dispensed. A low-reserve indicator mechanism is affixed to the housing within the chamber for indicating when a remaining quantity of towels in the roll is low. The indicator mechanism includes a sign mounted for movement between a retracted position and an indicating position for displaying indicia through a transparent portion of the housing when the roll is low. The indicator mechanism also includes a release mechanism supported upon an upper end of the roll and movable downwardly in response to becoming unsupported by a diminishing radial thickness of the roll to cause the indicator to move to its indicating position. The indicator mechanism automatically conforms to rolls of varying height and outer diameter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.