Web material center-pull dispenser assembly

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0001The present application relates generally to towel or wipe dispensers, and more particularly, to an assembly and method of providing a pull-through towel dispenser assembly wherein the towel dispenses from a core of a bulk or source roll of towel paper web material.

0002Towel and wet wipes are commonly understood as sheets of a web of paper type material. Such towels and wipes can be provided in a number of configurations and provided as a dry wipe material or moistened with a fluid associated with the intended use of the discrete towel or wipes. Largely due to the convenience associated with their use, towels and wipes can be provided in various configurations associated with the intended use of the discrete web materials. Some such uses include cleaning parts of the human body, hand towels or wipes, use as toilet paper or baby wipes, degreasers, electronics cleaners, dust wipes, automotive applications including tire, leather, window, glass, and/or vinyl or plastic treatment, cleaning, and/or conditioning materials, etc. It is appreciated that the list provided above is in no way exhaustive or all-inclusive of the uses of such towels or wipes. It is further appreciated that the material and/or construction of the web material, as well as the material associated with moistening the towels or wipes, can be provided in a plethora of combinations associated with the intended use of the discrete towels or wipes for cleaning, sanitation, and/or surface or material conditioning treatments. It is further appreciated that, depending on the intended use of the discrete towels or wipes, such web materials can be provided in either of a non-moistened or dry configuration.

0003Whether provided in a wet or dry modality, such towels or wipes are occasionally provided in a disposable bag or canister that includes a dispensing structure that allows sequential extraction of one or more wipes when desired. The dispensing structure commonly includes a lid or other closure assembly that movably cooperates with a cover or bezel associated with the container. When provided to dispense wet or pre-moistened towels or wipes, the lid commonly provides a sealed interaction with the remainder of the container or cover to mitigate drying out of the wipes prior to use. Some towel or wet wipe containers are provided as disposable bags of wipes whereas other wipe dispensing containers are formed as selectively operable boxes or canisters that are configured to be re-useable and/or refillable. Such distribution or use approaches tend to produce substantial waste when deployed in heavy or frequent use environments.

0004Many such dispensers also include a wipe or towel separation structure defined by the cover or lid of the contained and that is configured to interact with the web material to effectuate sequential dispensing and/or separation between adjacent discrete units of the web material until the contents of the container are consumed. That is, many dispensing structures are constructed to cooperate with the web material of the towel or wipes so that at least an end portion of a subsequent towel or wipe is restrained by the separation structure in a manner such that the end of the subsequent towel or wipe can be grasped by the user but does not otherwise interfere with the desired opening and closing of the lid and a preferred sealed interaction between the lid and the remainder of the cover or container after each use of a discrete towel or wipe. Such approaches tend to increase manufacturing costs associated with formation of such dispenser assemblies and can detract from a desired sanitary operation of the dispensing container as each user interacts with the operable lid structures.

0005Unfortunately, many known personal use towel and wipe containers or dispensers are of relatively simple construction and the lids occasionally fail to provide desired separation between adjacent towels or wipes during the sequential use of the same. If left unaddressed, failure to adequately attend to the desired separation between the towels and wipes can result in undesirable waste of the towels or wipes due to the undesirable dispensing operation of the dispenser.

0006Many such personal use towel and wipe containers or dispensers suffer from additional drawbacks associated with use of the same. For instance, many such dispensers or containers are constructed to be easily transported and/or require two-handed interaction with the dispensing container to effectuate each dispensing event. Commonly, the user must grip, restrain, or otherwise secure the container or dispenser with one hand while extracting a desired number of towels or wipes. Whether provided as a personal supply or a bulk or multiple user supply of towels or wipes, if the restriction or separation mechanism fails to adequately effectuate the desired separation between adjacent towels or wipes, the user must interact with each of the adjacent wipes to effectuate the desired separation therebetween. Such operations detract from sanitary operation of the dispenser and can expose subsequent users to any materials associated with the prior user's interaction with the exposed or graspable portion of a subsequent towel or wipe.

0007Still further, many such towel or wipe dispenser assemblies are commonly constructed to effectuate sequential removal of towels or wipes from an exterior surface of the bulk source of towel or wipe web material. Such methodologies commonly employ a sequential folded interaction between adjacent wipes or must be configured to accommodate rotational support of a roll of web material such that the roll of bulk web material is consumed in a sequential manner from an exterior surface of the roll—a manner customary to dispensing of toilet tissue. Each methodology presents unique considerations to the manufacturer and proper presentation of the towels or wipes during the dispense operation and providing the desired separation between the adjacent towels or wipes when desired. Unfortunately, such approaches also operate in a dispense methodology wherein the exterior of most towels or wipes associated with the bulk source roll, the towels and wipes most susceptible to the undesirable effects of evaporation, are dispensed in a sequential manner Such approaches can result in excessive waste of the web material in that users tend to discard towels or wipes perceived to be insufficiently moist relative to previously used towels or wipes. Further exacerbating this shortcoming, each use of a desired towel or wipe or number of towels or wipes, leaves the next to be dispensed towel or wipe exposed to the conditions that resulted in drying out and/or ultimate waste of a preceding towel or wipe or wipes.

0008Accordingly, there is a need for a towel or wipe dispenser system or assembly that can support a bulk roll of web material and that is constructed to facilitate single handed interaction therewith. There is a further need for a web material dispenser assembly that accommodates a center-pull dispense methodology from the bulk source of web material. There is a further need for a web material towel or wipe dispenser system having an adjustable dispense assembly such that the dispenser assembly can be deployed with towels or wipes having different separation methodologies and/or various different dispense performance characteristics when dispensed in a center-pull manner There is a further need for a center-pull dispenser assembly having an adjustable dispensing aperture that can be secured in a desired orientation to mitigate nefarious interaction with the dispenser assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0009The present application discloses a center pull-through web material dispenser assembly and method that overcomes one or more of the shortcomings disclosed above. One aspect of the present application discloses a dispenser assembly that includes a housing having a base and a moveable cover. A roll support is disposed in the housing and defines a portion of a material dispense passage. A restrictor plate is supported by the roll support and is rotatable and axially translatable relative to the roll support. The restrictor plate defines a number of dispense openings that can each be selectively aligned with the portion of the dispense passage defined by the roll support. Each of the discrete dispense openings defined by the restrictor plate have a size and/or shape that is different than a size and/or shape of the other discrete dispense openings such that the characteristics associated with the pull-through dispense activity of the dispenser assembly can be quickly and conveniently configured to achieve a desired dispense action.

0010Another aspect of the present application that is useable or combinable with one or more of the above features or aspects discloses a pull-through web material dispenser assembly having a housing that defines a cavity shaped to receive a roll of web material. A platform is disposed in the housing and shaped to support an end of a roll of web material disposed in the housing. A passage is formed through the platform and has a frustoconical shape such that a cross-sectional area of the passage reduces as the passage progresses away from the cavity toward atmosphere. A dispense plate is attached to the platform such that the dispense plate is rotatable relative to the platform. A plurality of openings are formed through the dispense plate and each of the plurality of openings is oriented relative to the dispense plate and an axis of rotation of the dispense plate such that each of the plurality of openings can be independently selectively aligned with the passage formed through the platform. Such a construction allows the web material dispenser assembly to be quickly and conveniently configured to provide the desired separation between adjacent towels or wipes when dispensed in a pull-through manner.

0011Another aspect of the present application that includes various aspects or features that can be combined or are usable with various features or aspects of the apparatuses disclosed above includes a center pull-through towel dispenser assembly that includes a base and a cover that is connected to the base and movable between an open position and a closed position. A roll support extends in a generally horizontal direction between the base and the cover and a passage is formed through the roll support. The passage is defined by an inlet having an oblong cross-section shape and an outlet that is offset in a radial direction toward an edge of the roll support. A restrictor plate is rotationally connected to the roll support and a plurality of restrictor holes are formed through the restrictor plate. Each of the restrictor holes is offset in a radial direction from an axis of rotation of the restrictor plate relative to the roll support and oriented to be selectively axially aligned with the outlet of the passage formed through the roll support.

0012A further aspect of the present application that is usable or combinable with one or more of the aspects or features of the assemblies disclosed above includes a method of forming a pull-through dispenser assembly that includes providing a housing having a base and a cover that is moveably connected to the base so the housing is configured to provide an open configuration and a closed configuration. A support plate is provided that cooperates with the housing and is oriented to support a roll of web material in a vertical orientation. An opening is formed through the support plate and shaped to have an oblong inlet that extends in a radial direction across a portion of the support plate. A restrictor is provided that has a plurality of dispense openings and is configured to be supported by the support plate. The restrictor is supported relative to the support plate such that each of the plurality of dispense openings formed in the restrictor can be selectively axially aligned with an outlet of the opening formed through the support plate.

0013Yet another aspect of the present application that is combinable or usable with one or more the aspects or features of the methods and apparatuses disclosed above includes a method of adjusting a dispense passage defined by a center pull-through towel dispenser assembly. The method includes axially translating an orifice plate that has a plurality of discrete dispense orifices relative to a roll support plate that has a fixed shape dispense opening. Once translated, orifice plate can be rotated relative to the roll support plate until a desired one of the plurality of dispense orifices is axially aligned with the single dispense passage defined by the roll support plate. Releasing the orifice plate allows the orifice plate to translate in an opposite axial direction to a position wherein the orifice plate is non-rotatable relative to the roll support plate.

0014A dispenser assembly and method of providing a web material dispenser assembly that is configured to dispense web material in a pull-through manner from a core of a roll of web material. The dispenser assembly includes a housing having a base and a moveable cover. A roll support is disposed in the housing and defines a portion of a material dispense passage. A restrictor plate is supported by the roll support and is rotatable and axially translatable relative thereto. The restrictor plate defines a number of dispense openings that can be selectively aligned with the portion of the dispense passage defined by the roll support such that the characteristics associated with the pull-through dispense activity of the dispenser assembly can be quickly and conveniently configured to achieve a desired dispense action.

0015These and various other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0016A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a front upper right side perspective view of a web material towel or wipe dispenser assembly according to the present application;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is front lower right side perspective view of the dispenser assembly shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a view similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> of the dispenser assembly shown therein and shows a cover rotated toward an open position and exploded from a base of the assembly;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser assembly shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a perspective view of an elevational cross section of the dispenser assembly taken along line <b>5</b>-<b>5</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a rear lower right side exploded perspective view of an adjustable restriction passage assembly of the dispenser assembly shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a side elevation cross section view of the assembled adjustable restriction passage assembly associated with the base and the cover of the dispenser assembly shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> along line <b>5</b>-<b>5</b> and when the housing is oriented in the closed configuration; and

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a bottom plan view of the dispenser assembly shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0025Before explaining the invention in detail below with respect to the preferred embodiment as shown in the drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. It is appreciated that the invention is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as nor is it intended to be limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0026In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. The various features and advantageous details of the subject matter disclosed herein are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-7</figref> show various views of a web material towel or wipe dispenser, wipe dispenser, dispenser, towel dispenser, or more generally dispenser assembly <b>20</b> according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, dispenser assembly <b>20</b> includes a housing <b>22</b> that is generally defined by a base <b>24</b> and a cover <b>26</b> that movably, and preferably pivotably, cooperate with one another to selectively expose a cavity <b>28</b> defined by housing <b>22</b>. Base <b>24</b> preferably includes one or more bosses <b>29</b> and cover <b>26</b> preferably includes one or more tangs <b>31</b> that are each constructed and oriented to selectively cooperate with a respective boss <b>29</b> to define a vertically oriented axis of rotation of cover <b>26</b> relative to base <b>24</b>. It is further appreciated that base <b>24</b> and cover <b>26</b> can be constructed to include a more conventional hinge assembly, such as hinges including one or more barrel portions and corresponding hinge pins or the like, to facilitate the rotational cooperation between cover <b>26</b> and base <b>24</b>.

0028As disclosed further below, cavity <b>28</b> is shaped to accommodate and support a bulk roll <b>35</b> of web towel or wipe material <b>30</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) in a substantially vertical orientation such that the web material <b>30</b> can be sequentially dispensed from dispenser assembly <b>20</b> in a center pull-through manner via manual extraction of a terminal end <b>32</b> of the roll of web material <b>30</b> that emanates from a core <b>33</b> of the bulk roll <b>35</b> (shown in phantom in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) and beyond the confines of the volume bounded by housing <b>22</b> of dispenser assembly <b>20</b>. As disclosed further below, dispenser assembly <b>20</b> includes a plurality of fixed shaped dispense openings that are moveable relative to housing <b>22</b> to facilitate selective use each of the fixed shape dispense openings to provide a desired dispense performance and to mitigate roping or extraction of more than a desired discrete towel or wipe of web material without the desired separation between desired discrete portions of the bulk web material as disclosed further below.

0029Base <b>24</b> includes a top wall <b>37</b>, a lower wall <b>34</b>, and opposing sidewalls <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> that each extend from a rear wall <b>40</b>. A forward facing edge <b>42</b> of base <b>24</b> has a shape that generally corresponds to a base facing edge <b>44</b> of cover <b>26</b>. At least an upward oriented portion of forward facing edge <b>42</b> of base <b>24</b> optionally preferably sealingly cooperates with an upward oriented portion of base facing edge <b>44</b> of cover <b>26</b> when housing <b>22</b> is oriented in a closed orientation. A latch <b>46</b> is supported by base <b>24</b> and is shaped to selectively cooperate with a catch <b>48</b> defined by cover <b>26</b>. One or more keys <b>50</b> are supported by rear wall <b>40</b> in a knock-out manner such that keys <b>50</b> can be selectively be removed from rear wall <b>40</b> when desired. Keys <b>50</b> are shaped to selectively cooperate with a keyhole <b>52</b> defined by cover <b>26</b> to manipulate the interaction between latch <b>46</b> and catch <b>48</b> to allow opening and closing of housing <b>22</b> and limit access to cavity <b>28</b> by only authorized personnel. One or more openings <b>54</b>, <b>56</b>, <b>58</b>, <b>60</b>, <b>62</b> are formed through rear wall <b>40</b> of base <b>24</b> and constructed to facilitate securing housing <b>22</b> relative to a support structure such as a wall or the like.

0030As disclosed further below, dispenser assembly <b>20</b> includes a guide, a roll support, a platform, a roll support plate, or a support assembly <b>66</b> that is preferably constructed to snap-fittingly cooperate with base <b>24</b> and oriented to support a bulk roll <b>35</b> of web material <b>30</b> placed thereupon when dispenser assembly <b>20</b> is deployed in a vertically upward directed orientation wherein the dispense opening is oriented to face in a generally downward vertical direction as reflected by the orientation shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. As disclosed further below, it is envisioned that dispenser assembly <b>20</b> can be deployed in an opposing or inverse vertical orientation such that support assembly <b>66</b> functions more so as a guide associated with the center core pull dispensing event as compared to a structure associated with supporting the bulk of the load associated with the roll of web material as is provided by support assembly <b>26</b> when the dispenser assembly <b>20</b> is deployed in an upright vertical orientation as represented by the orientation of dispenser assembly <b>20</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0031Cover <b>26</b> includes a top wall <b>68</b> and a generally arcuate shaped sidewall <b>70</b> that is bounded by base facing edge <b>44</b> of cover <b>26</b>. When deployed in an upright orientation, top wall <b>37</b> of base <b>24</b> and top wall <b>68</b> of cover <b>26</b> are oriented at a vertical uppermost position relative to the remainder of dispenser assembly <b>20</b>. When deployed in an inverse or inverted orientation, top wall <b>37</b> of base <b>24</b> and top wall <b>68</b> of cover <b>26</b> are oriented at a vertical lowermost position relative to the remainder of dispenser assembly <b>20</b>. It should be appreciated that a generally downward or radially outward directed extraction event is associated with upright positioning of dispenser assembly <b>20</b> and an upward or radially outward directed extraction event is associated with the inverted or upwardly directed orientation of the dispense passage when dispenser assembly is oriented such that top wall <b>37</b> of base <b>24</b> and top wall <b>68</b> of cover <b>26</b> are oriented in a generally downward facing direction relative to the remainder of the structure of housing <b>22</b>. The remainder of the directional references, such as “upper”, “lower”, etc., provided hereafter will be provided relative to the upright orientation of dispenser assembly wherein top walls <b>37</b> and <b>68</b> are oriented in a vertically upward directed orientation as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> simply for continuity.

0032A lower portion <b>72</b> of cover <b>26</b> includes a recess <b>74</b> that is shape to cooperate with a forward facing edge <b>76</b> of support assembly <b>66</b> when cover <b>26</b> is oriented in a closed orientation <b>78</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>) relative to base <b>24</b>. Roll support assembly <b>66</b> is constructed and shaped to support the bulk roll <b>35</b> such that cover <b>26</b> is free to translate between the open and closed orientations without manipulating a position of the bulk roll <b>35</b>, or remaining portions thereof, relative to base <b>24</b> and support assembly <b>66</b> during loading or service operations of assembly <b>20</b> when dispenser assembly <b>20</b> is oriented in the upright orientation shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Such a consideration allows single or two handed manipulation of the bulk roll <b>35</b> during loading and threading operations associated with operation or use of assembly <b>20</b> in the first or upright vertical orientation as disclosed further below.

0033A lower portion <b>80</b> of dispenser assembly <b>20</b> includes a shroud <b>82</b> that extends generally circumferentially about a dispense area <b>84</b> of housing <b>22</b>. Shroud <b>82</b> includes a first portion <b>86</b> that is defined by lower portion <b>72</b> of cover <b>26</b> and a second portion <b>88</b> that is generally defined by a lower portion <b>90</b> of base <b>24</b>. Shroud <b>82</b> includes a lower edge <b>94</b> having one or more cutouts or a generally curvilinear shape that accommodates visual inspection of terminal end <b>32</b> of web material <b>30</b> during use of dispenser assembly <b>20</b> from one or more angles of approach to dispenser assembly <b>20</b> and whether dispenser assembly <b>20</b> is deployed in the upright or inverted vertical orientations.

0034Lower portion <b>72</b> of cover <b>26</b> includes a support, a partition, a stop, or a guard <b>96</b> that is configured to selectively interfere with operation or manipulation of an adjustable dispense assembly <b>100</b> supported by base <b>24</b>. Guard <b>96</b> includes a channel <b>102</b> that is shaped to be generally aligned with the longitudinal axis associated with terminal end <b>32</b> of web material <b>30</b> during use of dispenser assembly <b>20</b>. That is, channel <b>102</b> optionally defines a portion of the dispense passage associated with the sequential extraction of web material <b>30</b> in the pull-through manner during use of dispenser assembly <b>20</b>. Alternatively, guard <b>96</b> could be provided with a generally arcuate terminal end that is shaped to obstruct axial translation of dispense assembly <b>100</b> with a deminimis contribution to the definition of the dispense passage.

0035Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>, roll support assembly <b>66</b> includes a cavity facing or upper surface <b>110</b> and an atmosphere or restrictor plate facing lower surface <b>112</b>. A portion of the web material dispense passage is defined by a dispense opening or passage <b>114</b> that is formed through roll support <b>66</b> and oriented to extend uninterrupted from upper surface <b>110</b> to lower surface <b>112</b>. Passage <b>114</b> includes an inlet <b>116</b> and an outlet <b>118</b> that are oriented to fluidly connect cavity <b>28</b> to the atmosphere about dispenser assembly <b>20</b>. A dispense plate, restrictor, orifice plate, or restrictor plate <b>120</b> is connected to roll support assembly <b>66</b> and is movable in an axial direction, indicated by arrow <b>124</b>, and a rotational direction, indicated by arrow <b>126</b>, to manipulate a cross sectional area of a portion of the dispense passage associated with extraction of the web material from the dispenser assembly <b>20</b>, and thereby, the dispenser performance thereof. Preferably, axis <b>124</b> is aligned with but offset from an axis defined by the rotational operation between bosses <b>29</b> and tangs associated with the rotational cooperation between base <b>24</b> and cover <b>26</b>.

0036As disclosed further below, manipulation of restrictor plate <b>120</b> relative to support assembly <b>66</b> manipulates the configuration or shape associated with a portion of the dispense passage attributable to restriction plate <b>120</b> and associated with extracting the towel or wipe web material from dispenser assembly <b>20</b> during the pull-through activity. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-6</figref>, restrictor plate <b>120</b> includes a plurality of openings <b>130</b>, <b>132</b>, <b>134</b>, <b>136</b>, <b>138</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>142</b> that are each positioned radially inward relative to a perimeter <b>144</b> of restrictor plate <b>120</b> and radially outward relative to axis of rotation <b>124</b> of restrictor plate <b>120</b>. Each opening <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> is circumferentially bounded by a body <b>148</b> of restrictor plate <b>120</b> and preferably defined by discrete respective central axes that are offset a uniform distance <b>151</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>) from axis <b>124</b>. Such a construction ensures that each of openings <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> can be generally centrally aligned with outlet <b>118</b> associated with passage <b>114</b> defined by support assembly <b>66</b> when each discrete opening <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> is aligned with passage <b>114</b>.

0037Each of openings <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> are sized and shaped to facilitate passage of towel or wipe web material therethrough in a manner that effectuates passage of a next to be dispensed web material partially through the respective opening and in a manner that effectuates separation between adjacent discrete towels or wipes at a desired location associated with the extraction of the web material from the radial core <b>33</b> of the bulk roll <b>35</b> of web material <b>30</b>. It should be appreciated that the web material is preferably intermittently partially perforated to effectuate the desired separation during extraction of the towels or wipes of web material during extraction from housing <b>22</b> while progressing the terminal end <b>32</b> of a subsequent towel or wipe, i.e. the end opposite the discrete perforation, to present through the respective opening <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> and to be positioned to be grasped for a subsequent dispense event.

0038It is further appreciated that the web materials, whether considered as towels or wipes, may be presented in dry or treated with cleaning or treatment fluids or solutions and/or prepared with different woven material thicknesses or weights depending on manufacturer preferences or the intended use of the discrete towels and/or wipes. Dispenser assembly <b>20</b> is constructed to accommodate dispensing of woven web materials having various dispense characteristics as a function of the construction and/or composition of the discrete towels or wipes and/or the formation of the discrete bulk roll <b>35</b>. The constricting operation associated with the interaction of the web material <b>30</b> with the discrete opening <b>130</b>-<b>42</b>, when properly selected, facilitates single-handed dispensing interaction with dispenser assembly and the ability of dispenser assembly <b>20</b> to be configured for single handled operation with web materials have varied constructions and in a manner that provides the desired separation between adjacent towels of the bulk roll without excessive roping of the towel web material during each discrete dispense event.

0039Restrictor plate <b>120</b> includes an interference engagement in the form of a toothed interface <b>150</b> that is defined by a plurality of discrete recesses <b>152</b> and projections <b>154</b> that extend about a circumference <b>156</b> of a post <b>158</b> that extends from a support plate facing surface <b>161</b> of restrictor plate <b>120</b>. Toothed interface <b>150</b> of restrictor plate <b>120</b> is constructed to operatively cooperate with an interference engagement or toothed interface <b>160</b> associated with a post <b>162</b> extending from lower surface <b>112</b> of roll support assembly <b>66</b>. Toothed interface <b>160</b> includes a number of projections <b>164</b> that are each separated from one another by respective recesses <b>166</b> and oriented to extend about a circumference <b>168</b> of post <b>162</b>. Toothed interface <b>150</b> and toothed interface <b>160</b> mesh with one another so as to provide selective rotational cooperation between restrictor plate <b>120</b> and roll support <b>66</b> when desired. That is, when engaged with one another, toothed interfaces <b>150</b>, <b>160</b> prevent rotation of restrictor plate <b>120</b> relative to roll support <b>66</b> and thereby prevent rotation of restrictor plate <b>120</b> relative to dispenser assembly <b>20</b> either by the user or inadvertently during the discrete dispense events.

0040Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6-8</figref>, downward facing surface of restrictor plate <b>120</b> includes a cavity <b>170</b> that is shaped to accommodate a biasing device, such as a spring or the like <b>172</b>, a cap plate <b>174</b>, and passage of a portion of a fastener <b>176</b> therethrough. A cavity <b>180</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) is formed in a portion of roll support assembly <b>66</b> and is shaped to receive a securing device, such as a nut <b>182</b> or the like, that is constructed to cooperate with fastener <b>176</b> when restrictor plate <b>120</b> is secured to support assembly <b>66</b>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 7</figref>, fastener <b>176</b> and biasing device <b>172</b> are constructed to cooperate with restrictor plate <b>120</b> and support assembly <b>66</b> such that restrictor plate <b>120</b> is biased toward support assembly <b>66</b> and the toothed interfaces <b>150</b>, <b>160</b> operatively cooperate with one another to prevent rotation of restrictor plate <b>120</b> relative to support assembly <b>66</b>.

0041Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5, 7, and 8</figref>, a portion of guard <b>96</b> defined by cover <b>26</b> forms a stop <b>184</b> that extends in a generally inward radial direction relative to first portion <b>86</b> of shroud <b>82</b> associated with cover <b>26</b>. When cover <b>26</b> is oriented in the closed orientation relative to base <b>24</b>, a distal end <b>186</b> of guard <b>96</b> associated with stop <b>184</b> formed proximate channel <b>102</b> prevents axial translation of restrictor plate <b>120</b> relative to support assembly <b>66</b>. Opening of cover <b>26</b> relative to base <b>24</b> translates stop <b>184</b> out of interference with restrictor plate <b>120</b> such that, when housing <b>22</b> is oriented in an open configuration, the user can interact with restrictor plate <b>120</b> to effectuate axial displacement of restrictor plate <b>120</b> in a downward or outward direction relative to support assembly <b>66</b> such that toothed interfaces <b>150</b>, <b>160</b> disengage one another. When toothed interfaces <b>150</b>, <b>160</b> are disengaged from one another, restrictor plate <b>120</b> can rotate about axis <b>124</b>, as indicated by arrow <b>126</b>, to orient the desired discrete one of passages or openings <b>130</b>, <b>132</b>, <b>134</b>, <b>136</b>, <b>138</b>, <b>140</b>, <b>142</b> relative to the outlet <b>118</b> defined by support assembly <b>66</b>.

0042Interfaces <b>150</b>, <b>160</b> are each constructed such that the discrete projections or teeth <b>154</b>, <b>164</b> and corresponding respective cavities or recesses <b>152</b>, <b>166</b> mesh and thereby prevent rotation of restrictor plate <b>120</b> relative to support assembly <b>66</b> and such that the discrete axes associated with the cross-sectional continuous perimeters associated with each of the discrete openings <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> are preferably centrally disposed relative to the axis defined by outlet <b>118</b> associated with passage <b>114</b> of support assembly <b>66</b>. Such a construction ensures the desired axial alignment of each discrete opening <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> with passage <b>114</b> defined by support plate <b>66</b> when desired to achieve the desired center pull-through web material dispensing performance.

0043Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 7</figref>, passage <b>114</b> defined by support assembly <b>66</b> has a downwardly directed generally frustoconical shape that is defined by a larger cross-sectional area associated with inlet <b>116</b> and which cross-sectional area gradually reduces to a smaller cross-sectional area associated with outlet <b>118</b> of passage <b>114</b>. The cross-sectional shape of inlet <b>116</b> of passage <b>114</b> has an oblong shape reflected by a major and a minor axis of the cross section of inlet <b>116</b>. The cross-sectional shape of passage <b>114</b> progresses from the oblong shape associated with inlet <b>116</b> to a more uniform symmetrical shape of passage <b>114</b> proximate outlet <b>118</b>. Passage <b>114</b> defines a constriction that is shaped to rope or guide distal or terminal end <b>32</b> of a discrete towel or wipe web material <b>30</b> from the core <b>33</b> of bulk roll <b>35</b> to the outlet <b>118</b> defined by support assembly <b>66</b> and therefrom through a discrete opening <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> associated with restrictor plate <b>120</b> that is aligned with outlet <b>118</b> defined by passage <b>114</b> and has a desired cross-sectional area. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 7</figref>, it should be appreciated that opening <b>138</b> defined by restrictor plate <b>120</b> is oriented to be the discrete dispense opening when restrictor plate <b>120</b> is oriented in the relative rotational position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 7</figref>—whether dispenser assembly <b>20</b> is oriented in an upright or inverted orientation.

0044It should be further appreciated that opening of cover <b>26</b> of housing <b>22</b> translates stop <b>184</b> to a position that is offset from restrictor plate <b>120</b> such that, when housing <b>22</b> is open, a user can translate restrictor plate <b>120</b> in a generally downward or generally axially away from support assembly <b>66</b>, and against the bias provided by spring <b>172</b>, to effectuate disengagement of the interference engagements defined by toothed interfaces <b>150</b>, <b>160</b> and subsequent rotation of restrictor plate <b>120</b> relative to roll support assembly <b>66</b> until a discrete or desired one of openings <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> is oriented in alignment with outlet <b>118</b> of support assembly <b>66</b>.

0045Preferably, toothed interfaces <b>150</b>, <b>160</b> are configured to engage or mesh with one another in a manner that inhibits rotation of restrictor plate <b>120</b> relative to support assembly <b>66</b> only when one of discrete openings <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> is axially aligned with the outlet <b>118</b> defined by passage <b>114</b>. Such a consideration would mitigate the user's ability to unintentionally “misalign” relative to the axial alignment of a desired opening <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> relative to passage <b>114</b> but could also detract from the adjustability of restrictor plate <b>120</b> relative to support assembly <b>66</b> for those web materials wherein a degree of “misalignment” of the openings <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> relative to the axis of passage <b>114</b> may be desired to achieve a desired web material towel dispensing and separation performance.

0046In a preferred configuration, upon positioning of a desired one of openings <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> in the desired alignment with outlet <b>118</b>, releasing restrictor plate <b>120</b> allows toothed interfaces <b>150</b>, <b>160</b> to re-associate with one another and to define the general rotational orientation of restrictor plate <b>120</b> relative to support assembly <b>66</b> with the desired opening <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> restrained in the aligned orientation relative to outlet <b>118</b> of support assembly <b>66</b>. Such a construction allows the user to quickly and conveniently manipulate the output dispense performance associated with passage <b>114</b>, roll support assembly <b>66</b>, and restrictor plate <b>122</b> and to manipulate the dispense performance associated with use of dispenser assembly <b>20</b>. That is, openings <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> are shaped to facilitate the discrete incremental dispensing of web material from the core <b>33</b> of the bulk roll <b>35</b> source thereof and in a guided and constricting manner that allows and/or facilitates single-handed dispense activity with separation between adjacent towels or wipes associated with portions of the bull roll of web material and to achieve the desired separation between adjacent discrete towels or wipes at desired lines of perforation associated therewith during a dispense activity.

0047Preferably, when the user subjects terminal end <b>32</b> of web material <b>30</b> to a generally downward directed pulling load, discrete selected opening <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> associated with restrictor plate <b>120</b> provides a resistance to the downward directed pulling load and a resistance that is sufficient to effectuate the desired separation between adjacent towels, wipes, or portions of the bulk roll <b>35</b> of web material <b>30</b> during each extraction event and in a manner that presents a terminal end <b>32</b> of the next subsequent towel of web material at a grippable outboard location proximate restrictor plate <b>120</b>. For instance, upon loading, if desired repeatable separation between adjacent towels does not occur, passing the terminal end <b>32</b> of the web material <b>30</b> through the next smallest bounded opening <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> defined by restrictor plate <b>120</b> will alter the separation performance between adjacent towels or wipes of the web material being dispensed.

0048Similarly, if too much force is required to effectuate each extraction event, passing the terminal end <b>32</b> of web material <b>30</b> through the next largest opening <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> will reduce the force associated with the pull-through extraction event and will also manipulate the discrete towel or wipe separation performance provided by dispenser assembly <b>20</b>. Such considerations allow the user to individualize the use of dispenser assembly <b>20</b> to provide the desired dispense performance for web materials having various dispense performance characteristics due to the nature of the varied construction of the discrete bulk web material constructions associated with sourcing web material <b>30</b> and the core dispensing performance of such bulk materials.

0049As alluded to above, it is appreciated that dispenser assembly <b>20</b> can be deployed in an upright vertical orientation or an inverted vertical orientation and is configured to dispense, in a pull-through manner, towel or wipe web materials from a core of a bulk roll of web material. When deployed in the inverted vertical orientation, it is appreciated that housing <b>22</b> is shaped to accommodate a bulk roll of web material that could be supported by the surfaces of top wall <b>37</b> and top wall <b>68</b> of housing <b>22</b> that face cavity <b>28</b>. Alternatively, it is appreciated that housing <b>22</b> could be constructed to cooperate with a supplemental support plate having a construction generally similar to support assembly <b>66</b> but without a passage formed therethrough.

0050It should be appreciated that such a support plate has a perimeter circumferential shape generally similar to assembly <b>66</b> and could preferable be constructed to snap-fittingly cooperate with base <b>24</b> in a manner similar to roll support assembly <b>66</b> but at a location proximate the cavity <b>28</b> facing sides of walls <b>37</b>, <b>68</b>. When deployed in an inverted orientation, such a supplemental plate would support the bulk roll of web material placed in cavity <b>28</b>. Alternatively, base <b>24</b> and cover <b>26</b> are constructed such that a bulk roll of web material <b>30</b> can cooperate with the interior surfaces of walls <b>37</b>, <b>68</b> when disposed in cavity <b>28</b> such that the center of gravity of the bulk roll <b>35</b> is located toward the base facing side of the plane defined by the interface of edges <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> of base <b>24</b> and cover <b>26</b>. Such a consideration allows self-supported position of a bulk roll of web material during loading operations and in a manner that allows two handed interaction by the user with the terminal end <b>32</b> of the roll of web material to effectuate adjustment of restrictor plate <b>120</b> when necessary and the threading of the terminal end <b>32</b> of the towel web material through passage <b>114</b> and subsequently through the selected or desired one of openings <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> during the initial web material loading operation.

0051Once loaded and the terminal end of the web material is threaded through the passage <b>114</b> of support plate assembly <b>66</b>—which rests generally above the bulk roll of web material; and the desired opening <b>130</b>-<b>142</b> of restrictor plate <b>120</b>, dispenser assembly operates and functions in the same manner as disclosed above. One distinct advantage to the inverted orientation of the dispenser assembly is that the bulk roll of web material <b>35</b> can be associated with cavity <b>28</b> and provided in a moistened configuration or contained in a plastic bag or the like such that the bulk web material can be maintained in a moistened or wet condition throughout the incremental consumption or usage of the entire or proximate the entire bulk roll of web material during a normal period of use.

0052The inverted orientation of the dispenser assembly and the containment of a volume of fluid therein allows use of dispenser assembly <b>20</b> to dispense pre-moistened web material towels or wipes from a core of a bulk roll of such material and in an orientation wherein any excess moisture associated with the discrete towels or wipes is communicated to the bulk source of web material during each extraction event and via the rope of web material progressing from the core of the bulk roll. Such considerations enhance the applicability and fields of use associated with dispenser assembly <b>20</b> and mitigate the costs associated with the manufacture of more personal use volumes of pre-moistened towels and wipes. Further, upon consumption or usage of a bulk roll of web material, any residual moistening agent can be conveniently communicated to the next bulk roll of web material associated with the dispenser assuming similar moisture agents exist between a consumed roll and a subsequent roll of bulk web material. Such concerns further mitigate production of waste associated with incremental dispensing of towel and wipe web materials from bulk sources.

0053Therefore, one embodiment of the application includes a pull-through web material dispenser assembly having a housing that defines a cavity that is shaped to receive a roll of web material. A platform is disposed in the housing and is shaped to support an end of the roll of web material received in the housing. A passage is formed through the platform and has a frustoconical shape such that a cross-sectional area of the passage reduces as the passage progresses away from the cavity toward atmosphere. A dispense plate is attached to the platform such that the dispense plate is rotatable relative to the platform. A plurality of openings are formed through the dispense plate, each of the plurality of openings is oriented relative to the dispense plate and an axis of rotation of the dispense plate such that each of the plurality of openings can be aligned with the passage formed through the platform. Such a construction defines a dispenser assembly that can be used to sequentially dispense web materials from bulk roll sources and in a manner that provides an adjustable pressure associated with the pull-through activity to provide a desired separation between the discrete towels or wipes associated with the bulk source.

0054Another embodiment of the present application that includes various features and aspects combinable with one or more of the embodiments, features, or aspects disclosed above includes a center pull-through towel dispenser assembly that include a cover that is connected to a base and that is movable between an open position and a closed position. A roll support extends in a generally horizontal direction between the base and the cover and a passage is formed through the roll support. The passage is defined by an inlet that has an oblong cross-sectional shape and an outlet that is offset in a radial direction toward an edge of the roll support. A restrictor plate is rotationally connected to the roll support and includes a plurality of restrictor holes that are formed through the restrictor plate. Each of the restrictor holes is offset in a radial direction from an axis of rotation of the restrictor plate relative to the roll support and is oriented to be selectively axially aligned with the outlet of the passage formed through the roll support such that each of the restrictor holes can be selectively deployed as a portion of the dispense passage defined by the housing.

0055A further embodiment of the present application that is useable or combinable with one or more of the above aspects or features discloses a method of forming a pull-through dispenser assembly. A housing is provided that has a base and a cover that is moveably connected to the base so the housing provides an open configuration and a closed configuration. A support plate is provided that cooperates with the housing and is oriented to support a roll of web material in a vertical orientation when the dispenser assembly is deployed in an upright vertical orientation. An opening is formed through the support plate and is shaped to have an oblong inlet that extends in a radial direction across a portion of the support plate. A restrictor is provided that has a plurality of dispense openings and that is supported by the support plate such that each of the plurality of dispense openings can be selectively axially aligned with an outlet of the opening formed through the support plate.

0056Yet a further embodiment combinable or usable with one or more of the aspects, features, or embodiments disclosed above includes a dispenser assembly and method of providing a web material dispenser assembly that is configured to dispense web material in a pull-through manner from a core of a bulk roll of web material. The dispenser assembly includes a housing having a base and a moveable cover. A roll support is disposed in the housing and defines a portion of a material dispense passage. A restrictor plate is supported by the roll support and is rotatable and axially translatable relative thereto. The restrictor plate defines a number of dispense openings that can be selectively aligned with the portion of the dispense passage defined by the roll support such that the characteristics associated with the pull-through dispense activity of the dispenser assembly can be quickly and conveniently configured to achieve a desired dispense action.

0057It is also to be understood that, although the foregoing description and drawings describe and illustrate in detail the preferred aspects of the present invention, to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates, the present disclosure will suggest many modifications and constructions as well as widely differing embodiments and applications without departing from the sprit and scope of the invention. The present invention, therefore, is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims and the applicable prior art.

0058Further, the invention may be implemented in a variety of configurations, using certain features or aspects described herein and others known in the art. Thus, although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is perceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific features set forth above. Rather, it is recognized that modifications may be made by one of skill in the art of the invention without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention and, therefore, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the claims.