Multi-function dispenser for dispensing paper sheet material

摘要

A paper sheet material dispenser selectively operable to dispense paper toweling or other paper sheet material from a roll of paper sheet material employing a plurality of alternative operational modes.

主权项

1. A multi-function paper sheet material dispenser selectively operable to dispense paper toweling or other paper sheet material from a roll employing a plurality of alternative operational modes, said paper sheet material dispenser comprising, in combination:
a housing; a roll support within said housing for supporting a roll of paper sheet material; a rotatable paper sheet material support roller within said housing for receiving paper sheet material from a roll of paper sheet material; an electric motor operatively associated with said paper sheet material support roller for selectively rotating said paper sheet material support roller; sensor structure operatively associated with said electric motor to energize said electric motor and cause rotation of said paper sheet material support roller to transport the paper sheet material for dispensing from said multi-function paper sheet material dispenser in either a first mode of operation wherein said electric motor is energized responsive to said sensor structure sensing positioning of a user's hand or other object at a predetermined location external of said housing or in a second mode of operation wherein said electric motor is energized responsive to said sensor structure sensing the removal of a paper sheet material tail from a location external of said housing; an electric switch operatively associated with said electric motor and with said paper sheet material support roller, said electric switch responsive to rotation of said paper sheet material support roller in a third mode of operation caused by a user of the paper sheet material dispenser pulling on the paper sheet material tail projecting through said opening and extending outwardly from said housing to a first position to energize said electric motor when the paper sheet material support roller reaches said first position and cause rotation of said paper sheet material support roller by said electric motor from said first position to a second position; and a cutter blade for substantially or completely severing the paper sheet material on said paper sheet material support roller during rotation thereof in said third mode of operation caused solely by the user pulling on the paper sheet material tail and without energization and use of said electric motor before said paper sheet material support roller reaches said first position, and said electric switch responsive to rotation of said paper sheet material support roller by said energized electric motor to said second position to de-energize said electric motor and present a new tail projecting through said opening and extending outwardly from said housing.