Support sled for rolls of absorbent sheet and dispenser incorporating same

• Main Authors: Moody, John R, Budz, Gregory D, Kilgore, Michael R
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 22.06.2004

The present invention relates generally to dispensers for sequentially dispensing rolls of tissue, towel, or the like of the general class used for commercial operations and institutions. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a dispenser for sequentially dispensing coreless rolls of tissue utilizing a support sled mounted for generally vertical motion within the dispenser. A roll support sled is adapted to support a plurality of rolls of absorbent sheet, such as rolls of coreless tissue for mounting in a dispenser of the class including a pair of vertically oriented guide tracks for guiding the roll support sled in vertical motion for sequential dispensing of the rolls. At least one of the guide tracks of the dispenser defines a locking shoulder and the roll support sled includes: first and second spindles, first and second frame rails, one of which is movable, as well as a novel latch dog assembly. The latch dog assembly is inwardly biased and disposed adjacent at least one of the spindles. The latch dog is configured so that it is urged outwardly to a locking position upon disposing a roll of absorbent sheet about its adjacent spindle and is biased inwardly to a release position upon depletion of the roll of absorbent sheet material disposed about its adjacent spindle. In a preferred embodiment the latch dog assembly includes a pivotally mounted gauge member adapted to engage the end of a roll of absorbent sheet material positioned about its adjacent spindle whereby the gauge member is urged outwardly into generally parallel alignment with a frame rail of the support sled upon contact with the roll of absorbent sheet material. When contacted by a full roll, the latch dog assembly is urged outwardly to its locking position. Upon depletion of the roll of absorbent sheet material disposed on the spindle, the latch dog assembly pivots inwardly so that it assumes its release position. The support sled then drops vertically, for instance, under the influence of gravity to expose a reserve roll of absorbent sheet material for dispensing.