Dispenser that automatically transfers rolls of absorbent material, method of reloading same, and rolls of absorbent material for use in same
US8511600B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2011 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47K2010/3681
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A two-roll toilet paper dispenser automatically transfers a new roll into dispensing position once the previous roll is spent or nearly spent. A spring-loaded plate senses the decreasing diameter of the first roll, and once it reaches a predetermined minimum, actuates a linkage that permits a mandrel carrying the two rolls to drop down within the dispenser body and position the second roll for dispensing. The mandrel and track structure permits reloading the dispenser without removing the mandrel. The rolls of toilet paper have adapter plugs in one end only, to ensure that the rolls are placed in the correct orientation within the dispenser.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.