MXPA00011716A - Dispenser adapter for coreless rolls of products - Google Patents

Abstract

Adapter (10) for converting a core roll product dispenser into a dispenser for a coreless roll product having a pair of depression define in its ends, including:a mounting structure (12) defining a central opening (14) and having a thickness so that the central opening has a depth;a plunger (16) having a distal end (18), a central shaft (20), and a base (22);resilient means (24) connecting the plunger and the mounting structure so that the base of the plunger is located in the central opening and the central shaft and distal end of the plunger protrude from the central opening, the resilient means allowing the plunger to retract into the depth of the central opening when a force is applied against the distal end of the plunger;and attachment means for securing the adapter tothe dispenser. A dispenser is also disclosed.

Description

SUPPLIER ADAPTER FOR ROLLS OF NON-CORE PRODUCTS Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of consumer roll and consumer roll products, to absorbent paper products, which include tissue for toilet paper towels. More specifically, this invention relates to an adapter for a coreless roll dispenser.

Background of the Invention Commercial consumer absorbent products, such as paper towels, woven fabrics, wipes, toilet tissue and paper towels are frequently distributed and supplied in a roll format. Most of the products in this format include a cylindrical core in the center of the roll. Typically, the product is wrapped around the core. Most of the roll format product suppliers require this core to function properly. The core is usually of some type of cardboard tube, plastic tube, or a solid shaft, which is attached to the product so that the product does not separate from the core.

The product is normally loaded by mounting the roll on an axle, in a manner similar to an assortment of bathroom toilet roll. The shaft passes through otherwise penetrates the interior space of the core. Some jets include tines that penetrate the hollow space within the core for only a limited extent, as demonstrated by US Pat. Nos. 390,084 and 2,905,404. granted to Lane and Simmons, respectively Recently, rolls without a product core such as, for example, toilet tissue have appeared in the market, primarily in Europe. These rolls without core are wound through the full diameter of the roll. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with coreless rolls. The coreless rolls are ecologically superior to co-core rolls because they lack the central core made of plastic, cardboard, or other material. In addition, more product can be provided in the space that would otherwise be occupied by the kernel.

Core rolls are more expensive to manufacture than coreless rolls because of the cost of making the core and joining the cores to the product. In addition, rolls without cores have the advantage of being less subject to looting in commercial locations due to their inherent incompatibility with conventional fountains.

On the other hand, roll products without numbers have assortment problems that are difficult to overcome. The coreless rolls do not fit inside the conventional core roll dispensers. In addition, even if core rolls are less likely to be the victims of theft because they are incompatible with conventional surti systems, the lack of a core and an axis that passes through the product that can be fixed makes it relatively difficult keeping the kernel-formatted product safe.

Conventional jets for core rolls typically include an enclosed surface that holds the roll to give it turns, and an opening through which the product is passed. Even though they are functional, these assortments have some undesirable characteristics, including an inability to control the drag resistance for removal of the product; the fact that the product currently touched the inside of the dispenser could be considered not sanitary by some consumers, and an inability to provide 180 degree product access to the consumer. Some jets for coreless rolls have pressure plates bolts that project into the side of the roll between the product layers. It can be difficult to center the roll during the loading of these jets without a centering device and the pressure plate and the bolts can easily be pushed back to release the roll from the spout.

Therefore, it is Of course there is a need for an adapter to convert conventional coil roll dispensers to handle rolls without a core. There is also a need for a coreless roll dispenser that can secure a coreless roll against pillage. There is also a need for an adapter to convert conventional core roll dispensers to supply rolls without core commercial paper products and for the absorbent consumer. There is an additional need or a supplier that can supply coreless roll of commercial paper products and for the consume absorbent, so that they can be sure of the pillage.

S NTESIS OF THE INVENTION The problems described above are examined by the present invention which encompasses an adapter for converting a core roll product spout into a coreless roll product spout having a defined depression pair at the ends of the coreless roll.

The adapter includes: (1) a mounting structure defining a central opening, the mounting structure having a thickness such that the central opening has a depth; (2) a plunger having a distal end, a central ej, and a base; (3) elastic means connecting the embolus and the mounting structure so that the base of the piston is located in the central opening and the central axis and the distal end of the piston protrude from the central opening, the elastic means being configured in a manner that the plunger is adapted to retract within the depth of the central opening when a force is applied against the distal end of the plunger and extends from the central opening when the force is removed; and (4) securing means for securing the adapter to a co-core roll product dispenser.

According to the invention, the mounting structure can further include or incorporate a mounting base d so that the adapter can be more easily fastened to a core roll product dispenser.

The elastic means connecting the plunger with the mounting base can be one or more flexible cantilever arms. It is contemplated that a spring may also be used a fastener, a sponge, an elastomeric material or the like The base of the plunger may be configured to define an opening for a cavity inside the plunger. The elastic means may protrude into the cavity and the interior of the plunger. For example, if the elastic means is a spring or a fastener, the spring or fastener may protrude into the base of the plunger.

The mounting structure should have a thickness d so that the central opening has a depth Desirably, the thickness should be sufficient to allow the plunger to retract within the depth of the central aperture. It is contemplated that the mounting structure may have a minimum thickness if the mounting base and / or the spout to which the adapter is attached has a cavity or other space within which the plunger may retract when a force is applied to displace the plunger during charging.

In an embodiment of the invention, the central aperture defined by the mounting structure can be essentially circular. The opening can be triangular square, diamond, semicircular, "X", "Y" or "T" or similar. Desirably, the central opening defined by the mounting structure will match the piston cross section. Thus, the plunger may have a transverse section that is essentially circular, triangular, square, diamond, semicircular, "X", "Y" or "T" shaped or the like.

It is desirable that the plunger have a cross-sectional width of at least 1 centimeter. If the embolus has an essentially circular cross-section, it is desirable that the diameter be at least 1 centimeter. The distal end of the plunger may have a radius of curvature that desirably defines a hemisphere. Of course, other geometries are contemplated for the shape of the far end of the plunger. It is also contemplated that the plunger may have a narrow width or a variable width.

The distal end of the plunger may extend from the central opening defined by the mounting structure by a distance that is greater than the width of the plunger. For example, if the plunger has a cross-sectional width of about 1 centimeter, it is desirable for the far end of the plunger to extend by more than about 1 centimeter from the central opening defined by the mounting structure. As an additional example , the distant end of the plunger can extend by 1.25 centimeters, 1.5 centimeters, 1.7 centimeters, 2.0 centimeters, or 2.25 centimeters or more. A larger extension of the plunger helps to provide a greater penetration into the defined depression in the ends of the coreless roll product and helps prevent pillaging of coreless roll product from the spout.

The present invention also encompasses an assortment for a coreless roll product having a pair of depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll. The supplier includes: a frame; mounting means to allow the frame to be mounted on a stationary surface, such as a wall; and coreless roll securing means for securing the coreless roll product for dent rotation of the frame. The roll-free securing means contains at least one element that includes: (1) a mounting structure defining a central opening, the mounting structure has a thickness such that the central opening has a depth; (2) a plunger having a distal end, a central axis, and a base; (3) elastic means q connect the plunger and the mounting structure so that the base of the plunger is located in the central opening and the central ej and the distal end of the plunger protrude from the central opening, the elastic means being configured so that the plunger is adapted to retract within the depth of the central opening when a force is applied against the distal end of the plunger and extends from the central opening when the force is removed; and (4) the securing means for securing the adapter to the core roll product dispenser.

The mounting means for the spout may be, for example, an opening defined in the frame for securing the member, such as a pin. Other mounting means, such as fasteners, pins, screws, latches and the like can also be used.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the coreless coil securing means may further include a pair of opposing arms that are connected to the frame. Such an embodiment, is mounted on an inner side of each arm an element that includes: (1) a mounting structure that defines a central opening, the mounting structure has a thickness such that the central opening has a depth (2) a plunger having a distal end, a central axis, a base; (3) elastic means connecting the plunger and the mounting structure so that the base of the plunger is located in the central opening and the central axis and the distal end of the plunger protrude from the central opening, the elastic means being configured in such a way that the plunger is adapted to retract within the depth of the central aperture when a force is applied against the distal end of the plunger and extends from the central aperture when the force is removed; and (4) attachment means for securing and adapting to a coreless roll product dispenser, whereby the radial displacement of the coreless roll relative to said frame is avoided during use.

The spout may further include half-pressers for elastically pressing at least a few of the opposite arms toward the coreless roll. The presser means may be in the form of at least one of the opposing arms being constructed of an elastic material, so that the arm (or arms) is configured to move slightly when a coreless roll is secured inside the spout .

The roll assurance means without a jet core are composed of at least one of the elements described above. These elements include elastic means that connect the mounting frame with the plunger. The elastic means may desirably be at least one cantilever brace. It is contemplated that the elastic means may be a spring, a fastener, a sponge, a similar elastomeric material.

The base of the plunger may be configured to define an opening for a cavity inside the plunger. The elastic means may protrude into the cavity and the interior of the plunger. For example, if the elastic means are a spring or a clip, the spring or clip may protrude into the base of the plunger.

The central opening defined by the mounting structure can be essentially circular. The opening can be triangular, square, diamond, semicircular, "X", "Y", or "T" or similar. Desirably, the opening at the end of the central cavity will match the cross section of the plunger. Thus, the plunger may have a cross section that is essentially circular, square triangular, diamond, semicircular, "X", "Y", "T" or similar.

It is desirable that the plunger have a wide cross section of at least 1 centimeter. If the drum has an essentially circular cross section, it is desirable that the diameter be at least 1 centimeter. The distal end of the plunger may have a radius of curvature that desirably defines a hemisphere. Of course, other geometries are contemplated for the shape of the far end of the plunger. It is also contemplated that the plunger may have a narrow width or a variable width. The distal end of the plunger may extend from the central opening defined by the mounting structure by a distance that is greater than the width of the plunger. For example, if the plunger has a cross-sectional width of about 1 centimeter, it is desirable for the distal end of the plunger to extend by more than about one centimeter from the central opening defined by the mounting structure. As a further example, the distant end of the plunger may extend by 1.25 centimeters, 1.5 centimeters 1.75 centimeters, 2.0 centimeters, or 2.25 centimeters or more. A larger extension of the plunger helps to provide a greater penetration into the depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll product and helps prevent pillaging of coreless roll product from the spout. These and various other advantages and characteristics of the novelty characterizing the invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims herein and form a part thereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and the objects obtained by its use, reference should now be made to the drawings which form an additional part of the present, and to the accompanying description, in which it is illustrated and describes a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an illustration of an exemplary adapter for converting a co-core roll product spout into a coreless roll product spout.

Figure 2 is an illustration of an exemplary adapter for converting a co-core roll product spout into a coreless roll product spout.

Figure 3 is an illustration of a characteristic of an example adapter.

Figure 4 is an illustration of a characteristic of an example adapter.

Figure 5 is an illustration of a characteristic of an example adapter.

Figure 6 is an illustration of a dispenser arm of a roll product dispenser with conventional core.

Figure 7 is an illustration of an exemplary adapter provided in a dispenser arm of a conventional roll core product dispenser.

Figure 8 is an illustration of an example core roll product nozzle.

Figure 9 is an illustration of an example core roll product nozzle.

Figure 10 is an illustration of a spout example without core roll product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings, where the reference numbers designate a corresponding structure through the views, and referring in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown (not necessarily to scale) an illustration of an example adapter 10 for converting a roll producer with core in a spout for a core roll product that has a pair of depressions defined at the end of the coreless roll.

The adapter includes a mounting structure 1 defining a central opening 14. The mounting structure has a thickness such that the central opening has depth. The adapter contains a plunger 16 having a distal end 18, a central shaft 20 and a base 22. The adapter also includes elastic means 24 which connects the mounting structure to the plunger 16, fastening means (not shown) can also be included in the adapter to secure the adapter to a product roll d core.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the elastic means 24 connecting the mounting structure with the piston are a single cantilever arm instead of two cantilevered arms as shown in figure 1.

Figures 3, 4 and 5 are illustrations of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary adapter showing an exemplary mode of operation. Figure 3 shows the adapted one 10 including the mounting structure 12 and the plunger 16. L4 shows the plunger 16 as it is displaced of normal configuration. This would occur during spout charging with a roll of coreless product. The dotted lines show the part of the plunger displaced in depth from the central opening defined by the assembly structure. In this embodiment, the plunger 16 pivots in the depth of the central opening at the point where the elastic means connects the plunger to the mounting structure. Generally speaking, when the elastic means is one or more cantilevered arms, the plunger will pivot on the Connection point with the mounting structure. Figure 5 illustrates the adapted one when the plunger is displaced beyond the depth of the central opening defined by the mounting structure. S contemplates that the thickness of the mounting structure can be increased so that the depth of the center opening is sufficient to accommodate essentially the entire plunger. Alternatively, the adapter can be used in connection with a dispenser having a cavity or recess that can accommodate a part of the plunger to the extent that it can be moved beyond the mounting frame.

The plunger may be configured to be essentially fixed or unable to rotate about an axis. In such a case, it is desirable that the plunger be constructed of material that provides low levels of friction to allow the coreless roll to rotate freely. Alternatively, the plunger can be configured so that it can rotate freely. It is contemplated that the plunger can be configured so as to be able to rotate with the coreless roll during assortment.

The resilient means 24 is configured such that the plunger 16 is adapted to retract (eg, pivot or move) within the depth of the central opening 14 defined by the mounting structure 1 when a force is applied against the distal end. of plunger during loading and extending from the central opening 1 when the force is removed. The elastic means connecting the plunger to the mounting structure are desirably at least one cantilever arm formed of plastic or a similar structure which is used to form the plunger and the mounting structure. Alternatively and / or additionally, the elastic means may be a spring, a fastener, a sponge, or elastomeric material or the like. The proportionate force applied by the elastic means serves two purposes.

First, the elastic means allow the pistons to retract or pivot during the loading process. ? some spout configurations, the distance between the adapters is set so that it is only slightly larger than the width of the roll. The pistons must be able to retract in order to load the roll.

Secondly, the proportionate force applied by the elastic means is used to stop the roll when the diameter of the roll is very small. The force must be balanced so that it retains a nearly exhausted roll, eg, does not apply too much pressure to prevent the roll from rotating on the fixed plunger.

The base of the plunger can be configured to define an opening for a cavity inside the plunger. That is, the plunger can be essentially hollow. The elastic means may protrude into the cavity inside the plunger. For example, if the elastic means is a resort or a fastener, said spring or fastener may protrude into the base of the plunger.

The mounting structure of the adapter can also include or incorporate a mounting base so that the adapter can be more easily attached to a core roll product jet. The mounting base can be configured to provide a large footprint that provides more stability and / or surface area. A large surface area can be advantageous if the adhesives are used (alone in combination with other fastening means such as, for example, fasteners, bolts, screws, nails or the like) to attach the adapter to a dispenser. product d roll with core. The mounting structure 12 and / or the mounting base can be configured to adjust depth or size in various recesses to replace the conventional role support spindle. For example, some conventional core roll product dispensers have recesses that are greater about 0.25 inches (approximately 0.6 centimeters) in depth while other assortments have recesses that are less than 0.25 inches deep. Therefore, according to the invention, the mounting structure and / or the mounting base can be configured to fit in and recess without modifying the product roll with core while remaining easily removable is necessary.

Figure 6 is an illustration of a part of a arm typically found on conventional core roll format product dispensers. The illustration shows a spout arm 40 defining an aperture 42. This aperture 42 is normally configured to receive a spindle (n shown) passing through the center of a core roll product as in a tissue dispenser for a bathroom. conventional. Alternatively and / or additionally, the aperture 42 may be adapted to receive a spindle on which the core roll product was wound or otherwise provided. Conventional core roll product dispensers typically have two of these dispenser arms (with openings 42) mounted in the frame. Some conventional jets may have sides instead of arms may have openings configured on the sides. In any case, the arms or sides and the corresponding openings are separated by a distance that is slightly greater than the width of the roll of the roll product with the core that goes to the assortment.

Figure 7 is an illustration of an exemplary adapter mounted on the conventional co-core roll product dispensing arm 40 shown in Figure 6. The adapter 1 fits into the opening 42 shown in Figure 6. In this illustration, a part of the mounting structure 12 is shown extending from the arm 40. A plunger 16 is shown protruding from a central opening 14 in the mounting structure. The mounting of such adapters 10 on each arm of a conventional core roll product dispenser quickly and easily converts a conventional assortment into a coreless roll product dispenser. The plungers 16 projecting from each arm and which are capable of retracting or pivoting within the central opening defined by the mounting structure are adapted to fit within the depressions defined at each end of the coreless roll product.

In an embodiment of the invention, the central aperture 14 defined by the mounting structure 12 can be essentially circular. The central opening 14 can also be of any suitable shape or cross section. For example, the central opening 14 can be triangular, diamond square, semicircular, similar "X", "Y" or "T" shapes. Desirably, the opening at the end of the central cavity will match the cross section of the plunger. Thus, the plunger may have a cross-section that is essentially circular, triangular, square, semicircular diamond, "X" shaped, "And" or "pT" or similar.

Generally speaking, it is desirable for the embolus to have a width in cross section that is slightly greater than the width of the depression at the end of the coreless roll product. This configuration helps secure the roll when it is loaded, prevents overdrafting of the roll during the assortment and helps retain the roll when the roll is exhausted. For example if the depressions defined on both sides of the roll without core have a diameter of slightly less than 1 centimeter (eg, ~ 0.9 centimeters) the plunger will desirably have a diameter or a width of about 1 centimeter or slightly greater than 1 centimeter .

In an embodiment of the invention, it is desirable that the plunger have a cross-sectional width of at least 1 centimeter (about 1 inch). If the plunger has a substantially circular cross section, it is desirable that the diameter be at least 1 centimeter. The distal end of the plunger may have a radius of curvature that desirably defines a hemisphere. The rounded tip serves as a centering device to load the roll and facilitate loading by providing a leading edge. The straight sides of the plunger help keep the roll, preventing it from wobbling during the assortment, helping the roll to rotate freely and prevent roll damage during assortment. Of course, other geometries are contemplated for the shape of the far end of the plunger. It is also contemplated that the plunger may have a narrow width or a variable width.

Desirably, the distal end of the plunger s extends from the opening at the end of the box by a distance that is greater than the width of the plunger. For example, if the plunger has a cross-sectional width of about 1 centimeter, it is desirable for the distal end of the plunger to extend by more than about 1 centimeter from the opening at the end of the box. As an additional example, the extrer. Distant from the plunger can extend by 1.25 centimeters, 1. centimeters, 1.75 centimeters, 2.0 centimeters, or 2.2 centimeters or more. A larger extension of the plunger helps to provide a greater penetration into the depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll product. The good penetration of the plunger into the coreless roll and the smooth and straight sides of the plunger help prevent pillage of the coreless product from the spout by making it difficult to obtain a grip on the plunger to push it back into the retracted position. and download the roll. Therefore, the product can be loaded on the spout until the roll is essentially exhausted.

The present invention also encompasses an assortment for dispensing a coreless roll product having a p of depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll. Many different types of products can be produced in coreless roll format. For example, commercial and consumer absorbent products, such as towels, non-woven fabrics, wiping cloths, toilet flushes and paper towels, are often distributed and supplied in a roll format. Referring now to Figures 8-10 and in particular to Figure 8, there is shown a dispenser 100 for dispensing roll products without nub 200 (shown in dashed lines) having a pair of depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll.

The spout 100 includes a frame 114 having the mounting holes 116 defined therein to allow the frame to be mounted on a stationary surface, such as a wall. The dispenser 100 further includes a coreless roll securing mechanism 118 to secure a roll if core 200 of the product (eg, the toilet tissue) for rotation within the frame 114. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the Lockless locking mechanism 118 includes a first arm 120, a second central arm 122 a third arm 124.

The dispenser 100 shown in Figure 8 is designed to accommodate two coils of roll product without core (for example, a tissue for bathroom) much in the way many conventional dispensers that are available for commercial application. Desirably, the outer arms 12 and 124 are constructed so that they are rigid and will not move. However, in one embodiment of the invention, the outer arms 120 and 124 can be made of an elastic material, such as a spring or plastic steel, and are configured such that they will move slightly when a coreless roll is secured. between the central arm 122 and the respective outer arms 120 and 124. In this form, the outer arms 120 and 124 will press the roll if respective core 200 towards the central arm 122.

An important advantage of the invention is that the coreless roll securing mechanism 118 is designed to prevent a radial displacement of the rolls if core 200 with respect to the frame 114 of the spout 100 during use, so that a roll without The core can be stocked if you fear of a radial displacement while using it reliably as a roll with conventional core of absorbent paper product can be stocked.

Desirably, this is achieved by providing the elements 128 on the interior surfaces 126 of the respective arms 120, 122, 124 of the securing mechanism 118. Each element 128 is configured essentially in accordance with the construction of the fitting shown in Figures 1- 5. As an example and with reference to Figure 1, each element may include a mounting structure 12 defining a central opening 14. The mounting structure 12 may be an integral part of the respective arms 120, 122 and 124 (shown in Figure 8). ) or it can be a discrete unit that is attached to each of the arms. Each element includes a plunger 16 having a distal end 18, a central axis 20, and a base 22. Each element may also include resilient means 24 that connect the mounting structure to the plunger 16.

The elements 128 of the securing mechanism 118 may optionally include fastening means. The joining means can be used if the box is constructed as a discrete unit and is not integral with the arms of the safety mechanism (for example, if the box is not molded, welded, constructed, formed, etc., as part of the arms of the security mechanism). Other features of the elements 128 of the security mechanism 118 are essentially in accordance with the construction of the adapter as shown in Figs. 1 2 and described above.

For example, the elements 128 can be constructed so that the plunger is adapted to penetrate a depression defined at one end of a coreless roll product. The plunger may be configured to be essentially fixed or to be unable to rotate around an ej In such a case, it is desirable that the plunger be constructed materials that provide low levels of friction to allow the coreless roll to rotate freely. Alternatively, the Plunger can be configured so that it rotates freely. It is contemplated that the plunger may be configured such that it is capable of rotating with the coreless roll during assortment.

The resilient means is configured to provide or apply a force against the plunger so that the plunger is adapted to retract or pivot within the depth of the central opening when a greater opposing force is applied against the distal end during the loading. and the extension when the greater opposing force is removed. The elastic means connecting the plunger to the mounting frame are desirably one or more flexible cantilever arms. It is contemplated that the elastic means may be a spring, or fastener, a sponge, a material elastomeric or similar. In an embodiment, the base of the plunger can be configured to define an opening for a cavity inside the plunger. The elastic means can protrude into the cavity in the interior of the plunger. For example, if the elastic means is a spring or a fastener, the spring or fastener may protrude into the base of the plunger.

Referring to Figure 8, a plunger number 16 extends inwardly from the respective elements 12 to where the coreless roll 200 of the product will be maintained during operation. These plungers 16, which are adapted to retract or pivot during spout loading, are specifically designed to penetrate the depressions defined at each end of the coreless roll to secure the coreless roll against pillage and to prevent radial displacement of the core. Roll without core during use.

In the embodiments of the invention, where the arms 120 and 124 are constructed of the elastic material, it will be appreciated that the pressure provided by the elasticity of the arms will assist the pistons 16 to penetrate the depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll. and improving the assurance of coreless rolls within spout 100 during use.

Desirably, the dispenser 100 includes a cover 130 that is hinged to the frame 114 by the hinge 132. A sliding window 134 may be provided in the cover 130 to selectively expose the core product roll 200 that is being dispensed at a particular point. in time, and to deny access to the other roll or to the emptied mounting location. The cover 130, the hinges 13 and the sliding window 134 are conventional.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, there is another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an example dispenser 140 for dispensing a roll without a product core 200. Figure 9 is a perspective view of an example jet. Figure 10 is a front view of an example jet. The spout 140 includes a frame 142 which is involved as a relatively simplified shield around the space where the coreless roll 200 will be placed during use. The frame 142 has mounting holes 144 defined in a rear part thereof for mounting the spout 140 to a stationary surface, such as a wall. The spout 140 further includes a coreless locking mechanism 146 which is involved as a first arm 148 and a second arm 150. A pair of elements 152 mounted on the respective arms 148 and 150 and have the pistons 16 thereon they are constructed and arranged to penetrate the depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll in the manner described above. S contemplates that the elements 152 can be molded, formed, forged, welded or otherwise constructed, an integral part of the arms 148 and 152 instead of being discrete units mounted on the arms.

It is contemplated that only one element needs to be configured such that its plunger is pivotably retractable to achieve a satisfactory operation of the present invention (e.g., to charge the spout). Desirably both or all elements will be configured so that the pistons will be retractable.

The present invention also encompasses a method for installing a coreless roll having a pair of depressions defined at the opposite ends of the roll in a spout. The method includes the steps of: (a) applying a force to at least one retractable piston to retract the plunger (e.g., applying a force to a plunger that is adapted to retract within the depth of the central opening when a force is applied against the distal end of the plunger extending from the central opening when the force is removed); and (b) orienting a coreless roll with a pair of depressions at the opposite ends of the roll so that at least one depression is adjacent to at least one plunger; (c) securing the coreless roll to the spout by penetrating at least one depression in the coreless roll with at least one plunger. The method of the present invention encompasses the embodiments wherein step (b) involves orienting the coreless roll so that both depressions are adjacent to the plungers. The method of the present invention further encompasses embodiments where step (c) involves penetrating both depressions with the plungers.

The method of the present invention may further involve elastically pressing the plungers into the core roll during the operation.

It should be understood, however, that while many features and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with the details of the structure and function of the invention, the description is illustrative only, and that changes can be made. in detail, especially in matters of form, size, arrangement of the parts within the principles of the invention, and the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims (20)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. An adapter for converting a core roll product spout into a spout for a coreless roll product having a pair of depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll, the adapter comprises: a mounting structure defining a central aperture, the mounting structure having a thickness such that the central aperture has a depth; a piston that has a distant end, a central ej, and a base, elastic means connecting the plunger and the mounting structure so that the base of the plunger is located in the central opening and the central axis and the distal end of the plunger protrude from the central opening, the elastic means being configured such that the plunger is adapted to retract within the depth of the central opening when a force is applied against the distal end of the plunger and extends from the central opening when the force is removed; Y securing means for securing the adapter to a core roll product dispenser.

2. The adapter as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the base of the plunger defines an opening for a cavity inside the plunger.

3. The adapter as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the elastic means and communication with the piston are a cantilever arm.

4. The adapter as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the central opening in the mounting structure is essentially circular.

5. The adapter as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the piston has a substantially circular transverse section.

6. The adapter as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the piston has a cross-sectional diameter of at least 1 centimeter.

7. The adapter as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the distal end of the plunger defines a hemisphere.

8. The adapter as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the distal end of the plunger extends from the central opening of the mounting structure by a distance that is greater than the width of the plunger.

9. A spout for a roll product if core having a pair of depressions defined at the ends of the coreless roll, the spout comprises: a frame; mounting means for allowing the frame to be mounted on the stationary surface such as a wall; a coreless roll securing means for securing a coreless roll product for rotation with the frame, the coreless roll securing means comprises at least one element including: a mounting structure defining a central opening, the mounting structure having a thickness such that the central opening has a depth; a plunger that has a distant end, a central axis and a base, elastic means connecting the plunger and the mounting structure so that the base of the plunger is located in the central opening and the central axis and the distal end of the plunger protrude from the central opening, the elastic means are configured such that the plunger is adapted to retract within the depth of the central aperture when a force is applied against the distal end of the plunger and extends from the center aperture when the force is removed; Y joining means for securing the adapter a core roll product spout.

10. The dispenser as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that said mounting means comprises an opening defined in said frame for an assurance member such as a bolt.

11. The dispenser as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the core-less securing means also comprise a pair of opposite arms that are connected to the frame, and is mounted to an inner side of each arm. : a mounting structure defining a central opening, the mounting structure having a thickness such that the central opening has a depth; a piston having a distal end, a central ej and a base; the elastic means connect the plunger and the mounting structure so that the base of the plunger is located in the central opening and the central axis and the distal end of the plunger protrude from the central opening, the elastic means are configured so that the plunger is adapted to retract within the depth of the central aperture when a force is applied against the distal end of the plunger and extends from the center aperture when the force is removed; Y securing means for securing the adapter to a core roll product dispenser; whereby the radial displacement of the core roll with respect to said frame is avoided during use.

12. The dispenser as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that it also comprises pressure means for elastically pressing at least one of the arms opposite to the coreless roll.

13. The dispenser as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that said pressurizing means comprise at least one of said opposed arms being constructed of an elastic material, and said at least one arm is configured to be slightly displaced when a roll No core is secured inside the spout.

14. The dispenser as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the base of the plunger defines an opening for a cavity inside the plunger.

15. The dispenser as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the elastic means and communication with the plunger are at least one cantilever arm.

16. The dispenser as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the central opening in the assembly structure is essentially circular.

17. The spout as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the piston has a substantially circular transverse section.

18. The spout as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the plunger has a cross-sectional diameter of at least 1 centimeter.

19. The dispenser as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the distal end of the embolus defines a hemisphere.

20. The jet as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the distal end of the piston extends from the central opening of the mounting structure a distance that is greater than the width of the piston. SUMMARY An adapter for converting a core roll product jet into a spout for a coreless roll product having a pair of depressions defined at its ends, including: (1) a mounting structure defining a central opening and having a thickness so that the central opening has a depth; (2) a piston having a distal end, a central axis and a base; (3) elastic means connecting the plunger and the mounting structure d so that the base of the plunger is located in the central aperture and the central axis and the distal end of the piston protrude from the central opening, the elastic means allows the plunger the challenge within the depth of the central aperture when the force is applied against the distal end of the plunger; and the securing means to secure and adapter the dispenser. A dispenser is also described.