BACKGROUND

Washrooms in commercial and residential buildings typically include products such as toilet tissue, paper towels, diapers, feminine products, liquid products such as soap, and aerosol products such as air fresheners. These products are typically housed by a dispenser and are dispensed as needed by the user. Those skilled in the art have spent considerable time designing dispensers that can more easily dispense the products noted above. Dispensers are configured to hold rolls of sheet material and to dispense sheet material from the rolls typically with one or more drive rollers, motors, and sensors. Dispensers can include roll retaining devices that are capable of holding different varieties of sheet products. As such, users may attempt to purchase rolled sheet materials from other sources that are different from the dispenser manufacturer. Such situations present a commercial risks dispenser manufacture does not recoup downstream profits from the sale of rolls of sheet material if the consumer decides to utilize rolls provided by other manufacturers. Further, usage of improper rolled sheet products (e.g., sheet products that are not from the dispenser manufacturer) can impair the function of the dispenser, such that the dispenser may not be able to effectively dispense the rolled sheet product, which leads to user frustration.

In view of the above improved roll retaining devices for authenticating rolled sheet product materials for dispensers are needed.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure is directed to a roll retaining device for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material. The roll retaining device includes a core plug configured to be placed in a core of a roll of sheet material and an arm. A core plug mating device is coupled to the first end of the arm. The core plug mating device includes an annular surface and protrusion extending from the annular surface. The protrusion defines a cavity having an annular rib disposed therein. The protrusion includes an end surface disposed away from the annular surface and an outer wall between the end surface and the annular surface. A first portion of the outer wall has a first slope that is less than a second slope of a second portion of the outer wall.

In other embodiments, the disclosure provides a dispenser for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material. The dispenser includes a housing having an interior volume so as to retain a first roll of sheet material and a roll retaining device. The roll retaining device includes a core plug configured to be placed in a core of a roll of sheet material and an arm. A core plug mating device is coupled to the first end of the arm. The core plug mating device includes an annular surface and protrusion extending from the annular surface. The protrusion defines a cavity including an annular rib disposed therein. The protrusion includes an end surface disposed away from the annular surface and an outer wall disposed between the end surface and the annular surface. A first portion of the outer wall has a first slope that is less than a second slope of a second portion of the outer wall.

Methods for dispensing sheet material are also provided.

Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a core plug mating device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a core plug mating device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a core plug mating device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a core plug mating device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 illustrates a top down view of a core plug mating device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along plane A-A as shown in FIG. 5 of a core plug mating device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a core plug and a core plug mating device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a core plug and a core plug mating device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a roll retaining device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a roll retaining device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 11 illustrates a portion of a roll retaining device disposed on the backplate of a housing for a dispenser according to example embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 12 illustrates a portion of a roll retaining device disposed on the backplate of a housing for a dispenser according to example embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 13 illustrates an enlarged portion of the hinge for an arm of a roll retaining device according to example embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 14 illustrates a side view of an arm of a roll retaining device disposed on a backplate of a dispenser according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 15 illustrates a side view, partially in cross-section, of a sheet material dispenser according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 16 illustrates is a front view of a portion of the dispenser of FIG. 15 in an open position according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the terms "first”, "second”, and "third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.

The terms "coupled,” "fixed,” "attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

The singular forms "a”, "an”, and "the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as "about”, "approximately”, and "substantially”, are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 1 , 2, 4, 10, 15, or 20 percent margin. These approximating margins may apply to a single value, either or both endpoints defining numerical ranges, and/or the margin for ranges between endpoints.

The embodiments including dispensers of the present disclosure, including components thereof, can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the embodiments described herein, as well as any additional or optional components or limitations described herein or otherwise useful.

As used herein, the term "comprising” is intended to be inclusive or open-ended, and is not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps which do not prevent operation of the disclosure.

As used herein, the term "hinge” refers to a jointed or flexible device that connects and permits pivoting or turning of a part to a stationary component. Hinges include, but are not limited to, metal pivotable connectors, such as those used to fasten a door to frame, and living hinges. Living hinges may be constructed from plastic and formed integrally between two members. A living hinge permits pivotable movement of one member in relation to another connected member.

As used herein, the terms "sheet material” and "paper” means a material that is thin in comparison to its length and breadth. Generally speaking, sheet materials should exhibit a relatively flat planar configuration and be flexible to permit folding, rolling, stacking, and the like. Exemplary sheet materials and papers include, but are not limited to, paper tissue, bath/toilet tissue, paper towels, wipes, label rolls, or other fibrous, film, polymer, or filamentary products. The terms "sheet material” and "paper” may be used interchangeably.

The terms "unauthorized roll of sheet material” or "unauthorized core” refer to a core of a roll of sheet material that does not include the proper core plug (e.g., an authorized core plug) or includes no core plug. Similarly, the terms "authorized roll of sheet material” or "authorized core” refers to a core of a roll of sheet material that does include the proper core plug as disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a roll retaining device for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material. The roll retaining device includes a core plug configured to be placed in a core of a roll of sheet material and an arm having a first end and a second end. A core plug mating device is coupled to the first end of the arm. The core plug mating device includes an annular surface and protrusion extending from the annular surface. The protrusion defines a cavity including an annular rib disposed therein. The protrusion includes an end surface disposed away from the annular surface and an outer wall between the end surface and the annular surface. A first portion of the outer wall has a first slope that is less than a second slope of a second portion of the outer wall.

In other embodiments, the disclosure provides a dispenser for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material. The dispenser includes a housing having an interior volume so as to retain a first roll of sheet material and a roll retaining device. The roll retaining device includes a core plug configured to be placed in a core of a roll of sheet material and an arm having a first end and a second end. A core plug mating device is coupled to the first end of the arm. The core plug mating device includes an annular surface and protrusion extending from the annular surface. The protrusion defines a cavity including an annular rib disposed therein. The protrusion includes an end surface disposed away from the annular surface and an outer wall between the end surface and the annular surface. A first portion of the outer wall has a first slope that is less than a second slope of a second portion of the outer wall.

The roll retaining devices and dispensers according to example embodiments of the present disclosure can provide numerous benefits and technical effects. For instance, when the core plug mating device is matched with an unauthorized roll of sheet material, the unauthorized roll will fall from the core plug mating device and cannot be dispensed. Accordingly, the roll retaining device allows for use of only approved rolls of sheet material (e.g., authorized rolls of sheet material). Thus, inappropriate competitor products cannot be dispensed via the roll retaining device and sheet material dispenser provided herein. The roll retaining device provides a self-authenticating function capably of authenticating that the proper commercial roll of sheet material is dispensed from the dispensing device. Such self-authentication, ensures that downstream commercial products (e.g., rolls of sheet material) sold by manufacturers can only be used in dispensing devices provided from the same manufacturer.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure include features that improve the overall functionality and performance of the dispenser. Specifically, the present inventors have discovered that modification of the end plug mating device to include a sloped outer wall having a first portion having a slope that is less than a second portion of the outer wall, provides a release mechanism for an unauthorized roll of sheet material. For instance, when an unauthorized roll is placed on the roll retaining device, gravitational pressure exerts a downward force on the unauthorized core that may cause it to appear to be successfully held in place on the protrusion of the end plug mating device. However, upon rotation of the unauthorized core about the core plug mating device, the first portion of the core plug mating device having a lesser slope will rotate to the pressure point between the unauthorized core and the end plug mating device. Once the lesser sloped region of the outer wall reaches said pressure point, the end plug mating device will be unable to support the unauthorized core. As such, gravitational forces will pull the unauthorized roll off of the core plug mating device, such that further dispensing of the unauthorized roll is impossible. Further, the core plug mating device includes an annular rib disposed in a cavity configured to engage with an annular wall on an authorized core plug to secure the authorized roll of sheet material to the roll support. As such, engagement between the annular rib and the annular wall provide support to the core of an authorized roll to facilitate dispensing of sheet material from the authorized roll.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a core plug mating device 10 of the present disclosure. The core plug mating device 10 includes an annular surface 12 extending around the perimeter of the core plug mating device 10. The annular surface 12 generally faces the core plug when in dispensing position. One or more ribs 30 are disposed around the perimeter of the annular surface 12. The ribs 30 are disposed on the portion of the annular surface 12 that can engage with a core plug. The core plug mating device 10 includes a protrusion 14 that extends outward from the annular surface 12. As shown, the protrusion 14 ends at an end surface 16 disposed away from the annular surface 12. The end surface 16 can also be referred to as the stopping point for the protrusion 14.

The protrusion 14 can include an outer wall 17 and an inner wall 18. A cavity 19 is disposed in the protrusion 14 and an annular rib 20 is disposed within the cavity 19. The outer wall 17 can have different slopes with respect to axis A, which generally runs the centerline of the core plug mating device 10. As shown, more specifically in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, a first portion 21 of the outer wall 17 can have a slope with respect to axis A that is generally less than the slope of the second portion 22. For instance, the fist portion 21 of the outer wall is sloped less from the end surface 16 to the annular surface 12 as compared to the second portion 22. Stated differently, the slope of the second portion 22 is greater than the slope of the first portion 21 . Advantageously, when the lesser sloped first portion 21 comes into contact with an unauthorized roll of sheet material, the lesser sloped first portion 21 does not provide enough leverage to hold the unauthorized roll in place, and the unauthorized roll of sheet material will fall from the roll retaining device.

Although not shown, additional annular ribs can be placed around the end surface 16 of the protrusion 14 or around the outer wall 17 of the protrusion 14 to further enhance the frictional fit between the core plug mating device 10 and the core plug. Further, as shown, the protrusion 14 can be conical or semi-conical in shape having a first end 24 generally abutting the annular surface 12 and a second end 25 that can define a portion of or substantially all of the end surface 16. The outer wall 17 of the protrusion 14 can taper in from the first end 24 to the second end 25. Notably, the protrusion 14 can taper in at different slopes in order to define the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. For instance, the outer wall generally defines a slope as it extends from the first end 24 to the second end 25. Different portions of the outer wall can extend with different slopes in order to define the first portion and the second portion. For instance, to form the first portion, the outer wall 17 can taper in from the first end 24 to the second end 25 at less of a slope as compared to other portions of the outer wall. Generally, for a semi-conical or conical protrusion, the diameter of the first end 24 is larger than the diameter of the second end 25. Other shapes for the protrusion 14 are contemplated herein. For instance, the protrusion 14 could be cylindrical, ovular, circular, etc. so long as the protrusion 14 provides a complementary shape for engaging with the core plug as will be discussed further hereinbelow. As noted, the protrusion 14 is equipped with a first portion 21 and a second portion 22 each having different slopes extending from the annular wall 12 (e.g., the first end 24) to the end surface 16 (e.g., the second end 25). In embodiments, the first portion 21 comprises at least 10%, such as at least 20%, such as at least 30%, such as at least 40%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80% of the total surface area of the protrusion 14. In certain embodiments, the second portion 22 comprises at least about 5% such, as at least about 10%, such as at least about 20%, such as at least about 25%, such as at least about 30%, such as at least about 40%, such as at least about 45%, such as at least about 50% of the total surface area of the protrusion 14. In embodiments, the first portion 21 defines at least about 65% of the total surface area of the protrusion 14 with the second portion 22 defining at least about 35% of the total surface area of the protrusion 14.

The protrusion 14 further includes a cavity 19 in which an annular rib 20 is disposed. Given that the opening of the cavity is disposed around the end surface 16, the cavity 19 includes a diameter (D1) that is smaller than the overall diameter (D2) of the core plug mating device 10. The ratio of D2 to D1 can range from between about 10:1 to about 4:1 , such as from about 8:1 to about 5:1 , such as from about 7:1 to about 6:1 . In embodiments, the ratio of D2 to D1 is from about 5:1 to about 6:1 . The annular rib 20 can be disposed in the cavity 19 such that a first end 27 of the annular rib 20 does not extend beyond the end surface 16 of the protrusion 14. However, in other embodiments, the first end 27 of the annular rib 20 may extend beyond the end surface 16 of the protrusion 14 in order to facilitate mating between the core plug mating device 10 and an authorized core plug, as will be discussed further hereinbelow.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-8, a core plug 40 is shown engaged with the core plug mating device 10. The core plug 40 includes a plurality of feet 41 disposed generally around an annular perimeter of the core plug 40. The core plug 40 includes a side wall 42 having one or more apertures 43 disposed about the side wall 42. The outer portion of the core plug 40 is configured to mate with a core on a roll of sheet material. One or more ribs 44 can be disposed on the outer portion of the core plug 40 to facilitate frictional interference between the core plug 40 and a core on a roll of sheet material. The core plug 40 defines an annular wall 46 having a first surface 47 that is configured to engage the outer surface 28 of the annular rib 20 to secure the core plug 40 to the core plug mating device 10. For instance, during dispensing, the both the core plug 40 and the core plug mating device 10 rotate generally about axis A (as show in FIG. 7). During said dispensing rotation, engagement between the annular wall 46 and the annular rib 20 allow for secure and supported rotation of the core plug 40 and the core plug mating device 10. Namely, proper engagement between the annular wall 46 and the annular rib 20 ensures that the roll of sheet material is supported during dispensing cycles, and that the core plug 40 does not disengage from the core plug mating device 10 during dispensing.

Engagement between the core plug 40 and the core plug mating device 10 is further facilitated by engagement between the feet 41 and the ribs 30. As shown, a surface of each foot 41 is disposed adjacent to or on a portion of the annular surface 12 between two ribs 30. Rotation of the core plug 10 is thus limited due to the placement of the ribs 30. For instance, in the event that the core plug 40 begins to rotate faster or slower than the core plug mating device 10, the ribs 30 engage with the sides of the feet 41 to prevent the core plug 40 from rotating off of the core plug mating device 10. In such a manner, interaction between the feet 41 and the ribs 30 ensures proper placement of the core plug 40 on the core plug mating device 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, a roll retaining device 122 having the core plug mating device 10 and an arm 50 is shown. Specifically, the core plug mating device 10 is disposed on a first end 51 of the arm 50, while the second end of the arm is coupled to a housing or backplate of a housing of a dispenser as will be further discussed hereinbelow. Notably, the core plug mating device 10 is coupled to the first end 51 of the arm 50 such that the core plug mating device 10 can rotate in multiple directions with respect to the arm 50. For instance, the core plug mating device 10 can be pivotally connected to the first end 51 of the arm 50. In embodiments, a pivot 55 is formed between the core plug mating device 10 and the first end 51 of the arm 50. Given the pivot 55, the core plug mating device 10 can move towards and away from the first end 51 of the arm as shown representatively by arrow B. The pivot 55 can also facilitate rotation of the core plug mating device 10 with respect to the first end 51 of the arm 50 as necessary. The first end 51 can be hingedly connected to the arm 50. A hinge 59 can be disposed between the first end 51 of the arm and the body of the arm, such that the first end 51 can be moved towards the roll of sheet mateiral 58 to engage with the core plug 40 (as shown in FIG. 9) and away from the core plug 40 (as shown in FIG. 10) to disengage with the core plug 40 such that the roll of sheet material 58 can be removed. A core plug 40 is shown disposed in a core 56 of a roll of sheet material 58.

Now referring to FIG. 11 , one or more arms 50 can be disposed on a housing 117 of a dispenser. As shown, the first arm 50a has a first end 51 on which the core plug mating device 10 of the present disclosure is disposed and a second end 52 which is coupled to the housing 117. In this instance, the arms 50a and 50b are coupled to a backplate 130 of the housing 117. The first arm 50a extends out from the surface of the housing 117 in a generally perpendicular manner. A second arm 50b is also disposed in the same manner on the housing 117 as the first arm 50a. However, the second arm 50b does not include the core plug mating device 10 of the present disclosure and instead can include any standard core plug. As shown, the core plug 53 disposed on the second arm 50b can have one or more ribs 57 disposed thereon to facilitate frictional fit between the core of a roll of sheet material and the core plug 53. Further, disposition of the ribs 57 can further allow the core plug 53 to accept cores that may be defected or deformed in some manner. While the illustrated embodiment does not include the disclosed core plug mating device 10 on the second arm 50b, the disclosure is not so limited. Indeed, it is contemplated that in embodiments, each arm 50 can include the core plug mating device 10 of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-13, the first end 51 can be coupled to the body of the arm 50 by a hinge 59. The innerworkings of the hinge 59 can include a pin 60 coupled at a first end 61 and second end 62 to the arm 50. The hinge 59 can be a spring loaded hinge and can include a spring 63 disposed on or around the pin 60. The spring 63 can include a torsion spring. The spring 63 is configured to facilitate movement or placement of the first end 51 of the arm 50. For instance, the spring 63 can be loaded such that the first end 51 of the arm 50 is configured to apply compressive force to the roll of sheet material. As such, compressive forces exerted by the spring 63 facilitate holding of the roll of sheet material in place on the core plug mating device 10. The pin 60 can be coupled to the arm 50 via one or more cams each having a ramped portion thereon. For instance, a first cam 64 can include a first ramped portion 65 and a second cam 66 can include a second ramped portion 67. The first cam 64 and second cam 66 are disposed around the pin 60 and facilitate coupling of the pin 60 to inner portions of the arm 50 or the first end 51 of the arm 50. As shown more specifically in FIG. 13, the first ramped portion 65 and the second ramped portion 67 engage and can restrict movement of the hinge 59 in a certain direction. For instance, the hinge 59 is configured to allow the first end 51 to move back and forth to facilitate loading and unloading of rolls of sheet material. However, upon contact between the first ramped portion 65 and the second ramped portion 67 movement of the hinge 59 is restricted (e.g., stopped). Accordingly, the cams 64 and 66 having the ramped portions 65 and 67 can be configured to facilitate movement of the first end 51 towards the core of the roll of sheet material and can further be configured to provide additional compressive force towards the roll of sheet material to further secure the roll of sheet material in the roll retaining device of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the arm 50 can be disposed on the backplate 130 of the housing 117, in a manner such that the hinged axis HA is rotated about 2° to about 8° with respect to the longitudinal axis (BP) as shown. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the HA is not parallel with the BP. Stated differently, an intersection plane (IP) can be disposed 90° to BP. The IP intersects the HA at angle a. Angle a is generally less than 90°, such as less than 89°, such as less than 88°, such as less than 87°, such as less than 86°, such as less than 85°, such as less than 84°, such as less than 83°, such as less than 82°, such as less than 81 °, such as less than 80°. Angle a can range from about 75° to less than about 90°. In embodiments, where the HA is rotated about 2° to about 8° with respect to the BP, angle a ranges from about 88° to about 82°

The roll retaining device 122, including the core plug mating device 10, core plug 40 and arm 50 as disclose herein can be incorporated into a dispenser, such as a dispenser for dispensing rolled sheet material. FIGS. 15-16 illustrate an example embodiment of a dispenser 110 for dispensing a dispensable product in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The dispenser 110, as shown, is configured for dispensing rolled sheet material products, such as rolled sheets of paper towels or toilet paper. The dispenser 110 is particularly suited for dispensing paper towels, tissues, and the like. Generally, the dispenser 110 is configured for dispensing multiple rolls of material. The dispenser is not limited to any particular type of roll material, or any particular application. The dispenser is illustrated in the figures as a paper towel roll dispenser for purposes of illustration only.

As shown in FIGS. 15-16, the dispenser 110 includes a housing 117 having an interior volume 115 that is designed to house one or more rolls of sheet material 118. For example, the housing 117 can be configured to house a first roll of sheet material 118 (e.g., a main roll) and/or a second roll of sheet material (e.g., a stub roll). The housing 117 may be formed of any suitable material or materials. The housing 117 may take on any manner of shapes or configurations. Generally, the dispenser 110 can include a front cover 120 and a backplate 130. The front cover 120 can be positioned in an open position or a closed position. In certain embodiments, the front cover 120 can define one or more of the sidewalls of the dispenser 110. In other embodiments, however, the front cover 120 can form at least a portion, but not substantially all, of the sidewalls of the dispenser 110. In other embodiments, however, the front cover 120 does not form any portion of the sidewalls of the dispenser 110. The front cover 120 can be pivotally coupled to the backplate 130. For example, one or more hinges can be used to pivotally couple the front cover 120 to the backplate 130. Any conventional pivotal attaching mechanism may be used in this regard. For example, in certain embodiments, a simple rotatable rod is provided and retained by rod holders. It should be appreciated that any number of conventional pivotal arrangements are known by those skilled in the art and may be utilized to pivotally mount the front cover 120 to the backplate 130. In other embodiments, the front cover 120 can be completely removable or detachable from the backplate 130.

The dispenser 110 also include a roll retaining device 122 configured to hold the roll of sheet material 118. While one roll retaining device 122 is shown, the disclosure is not so limited. Indeed, any number of roll retaining devices 122 can be used or incorporated into the dispenser 110 disclosed herein. Notably, in embodiments the roll retaining device 122 includes one or more arms and the core plug and core plug mating device as disclosed hereinabove. In embodiments where the dispenser 110 is configured to hold at least two rolls of sheet material 118, at least two roll retaining devices 122, such as a first roll retaining device and a second roll retaining device, can be used. In certain embodiments, a first roll retaining device can be used to hold a first roll of sheet material (e.g., a main roll) and a second roll retaining device can be used to hold a second roll of sheet material (e.g., a stub roll).

A dispensing mechanism 150 is disposed within the housing 117. The dispensing mechanism 150 can be provided in a module and disposed in the housing 117. The dispensing mechanism 150 includes components configured to dispense sheet material 112 from the roll of sheet material 118 in a controlled manner. For example, the dispensing mechanism 150 can include a pressure roller 180 and a drive roller 200 forming a nip 136 through which sheet material 112 is dispensed. The sheet material 112 runs off the roll 118 and between the pressure roller 180 and drive roller 200 and through a dispensing opening 144 disposed in a lower end 145 of the housing 117. Alternatively, the dispensing opening 144 can be formed in the front cover 120, or both in a portion of the front cover 120 and a portion of the lower end (not shown). The dispensing opening 144 may have a serrated edge (not shown), or it may carry teeth (also not shown) for severing the web of sheet material (if it is not perforated). Each end of the pressure roller 180 and the drive roller 200 can be rotatably mounted to a side panel of the housing 117 or of a module housing located within the housing 117. For example, suitable roll holders disposed within the housing 117 can secure the pressure roller 180 and the drive roller 200 within the housing. A transmission housing containing a transmission for transmitting drive from an electric motor 152 to the drive roller 200 so as to rotate this roller. Additional control circuitry can be included for operating said rollers.

A detection sensor 156 may be mounted to the lower end 145 of the housing 117 (or, alternatively, to a module in the housing (not shown)) adjacent a lens 158, as illustrated in FIG. 15. It will be understood, however, that the detection sensor 156 and/or lens 158, or any activations system shown and/or described herein or known in the art, may be mounted in any area of the housing, so long as it operates as described herein. In this embodiment, the sensor 156 is desirably, but not by way of limitation, a conventional passive sensor for detecting infrared radiation. Passive infrared detectors are known in the art, and are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,337 to Shikaumi and U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,248 to Bauer et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference. A passive infrared detector which may be used with the dispenser 110 is a Model 40623 sold by Eltec Instruments Inc. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that various different infrared detectors are available, and that many of the available detectors are suitable for use with the dispenser 110. In practice, the sensor 156 is arranged to detect infrared radiation from a user's hand placed below the lens 158, and upon detecting the radiation, to transmit a signal for activating the electric motor 152 so as to dispense a length of sheet material through the dispensing opening 144.

It will by understood, however, that other activation mechanisms, such as capacitive and ultrasonic, may be used in the present disclosure. Capacitive proximity sensors produce an electrostatic field that will sense both metal objects and non-metallic materials such as paper, glass, liquids, and cloth. Ultrasonic proximity sensors use a transducer to send and receive high frequency sound signals. When a target enters the beam, the sound is reflected back to the sensor, causing it to energize or de-energize the output circuit. Another sensor type is inductive. In this case an electromagnetic field is used, however, detection is limited to only metallic objects.

The dispensers provided herein can also be outfitted with any number of operational components. The operation components can be housed in the housing and/or located external to the housing. Suitable operational components can vary depending on the type of dispenser and product to be dispensed. For example, the operational components of the dispenser can be mounted directly to the backplate of the housing or can be part of a module that is received within the housing. For example, the operational components can be part of a module that may be readily removable from the housing for servicing and/or replacing components without the necessity of having to remove the entire dispenser from its support surface. For dispensing paper products, such as one or more rolls of sheet material, the operational components can include rollers, such as pressure rollers, drive rollers, drive motors, gear assemblies, and control circuity, including, for example, controllers or microprocessors, for driving paper product from the roll of sheet material out through a dispensing opening. Additional roll retaining devices, such as roll holders, including main roll holders and stub roll holders, can also be included in the dispenser. Additional transfer mechanisms may also be present in order to transfer dispensing between a stub roll and a main roll. Such components are known by those of skill in the art and can be incorporated accordingly herein. Additionally, tear bars or cutting bars may be present in order to cut the paper product as it is dispensed from the dispensing material. In certain embodiments, the dispenser can be configured to dispense a particular amount of sheet material. Dispensing mechanisms can be powered by batteries in a battery component or can be powered by an AC to DC distribution system.

Additionally, any variety of known sensors can be included in the dispenser provided herein. For example, in certain embodiments, the dispenser can include a sensor capable of detecting the presence of a user in a detection zone and administering a select amount of dispensable product accordingly. Such detection sensors are known in the art. Furthermore, additional refill detection sensors and/or systems are known and can be incorporated into the dispensers provided herein.

Further aspects are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

1 . A roll retaining device for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material, comprising: a core plug configured to be placed in a core of a roll of sheet material; an arm having a first end and a second end; and a core plug mating device coupled to the first end of the arm, the core plug mating device comprising an annular surface and protrusion extending from the annular surface, a cavity disposed in the protrusion, the cavity including an annular rib, the protrusion including an end surface disposed away from the annular surface, the protrusion comprising an outer wall extending from the annular surface to the end surface, a first portion of the outer wall having a first slope that is less than a second slope of a second portion of the outer wall.

2. The roll retaining device of clause 1 , wherein the core plug mating device is configured to release an unauthorized core upon contact between the first portion of the outer wall and the unauthorized core.

3. The roll retaining device of any preceding clause 1 , wherein the first portion comprises at least about 25% to about 70 % of a surface area of the outer wall.

4. The roll retaining device of any preceding clause, wherein the core plug comprises a plurality of feet and the core plug mating device comprises a plurality of ribs disposed on the annular surface, each of the plurality of feet configured to engage the annular surface and be held in place between at least two of the plurality of ribs.

5. The roll retaining device of any preceding clause, wherein the core plug defines an annular wall having a first surface configured to engage an outer surface of the annular rib to secure the core plug to the core plug mating device.

6. The roll retaining device of any preceding clause, wherein the core plug comprises a side wall having one or more apertures disposed therein and an end surface.

7. The roll retaining device of any preceding clause, where in the core plug defines an outer portion for mating with the core of the roll of sheet material.

8. The roll retaining device of clause 7, wherein the outer portion comprises a plurality of ribs for engaging the core to facilitate coupling of the core plug to the core of the roll of sheet material.

9. The roll retaining device of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the core plug mating device is pivotally coupled to the first end of the arm, such that the core plug mating device can rotate with respect to the first end of the arm.

10. The roll retaining device of any of clauses 1-7 or 9, wherein the arm comprises a hinge disposed between the first end and the second end, the hinge configured to facilitate movement of the first end away from and towards the core of the roll of sheet material.

11 . The roll retaining device of clause 10, wherein the hinge comprises a pin coupled to the arm via a first cam and a second cam, the first cam having a ramped portion configured to engage a second ramped portion disposed on the second cam, to restrict movement of the hinge.

12. The roll retaining device of clause 10, wherein the hinge is spring loaded.

13. A dispenser for dispensing sheet material from one or more rolls of sheet material, comprising: a housing having an interior volume so as to retain a first roll of sheet material; a roll retaining device roll retaining device comprising: a core plug configured to be placed in a core of a roll of sheet material; an arm having a first end and a second end; a core plug mating device coupled to the first end of the arm, the core plug mating device comprising an annular surface and protrusion extending from the annular surface, a cavity disposed in the protrusion, the cavity including an annular rib, the protrusion including an end surface disposed away from the annular surface, the protrusion comprising an outer wall extending from the annular surface to the end surface, a first portion of the outer wall having a first slope that is less than a second slope of a second portion of the outer wall.

14. The dispenser of clause 13, wherein the core plug mating device is configured to release an unauthorized core upon contact between the first portion of the outer wall and the unauthorized core.

15. The dispenser of clauses 13-14, wherein the first portion comprises at least about 25% to about 70 % of a surface area of the outer wall.

16. The dispenser of clauses 13-15, wherein the arm comprises a hinge disposed between the first end and the second end, the hinge configured to facilitate movement of the first end away from and towards the core of the roll of sheet material.

17. The dispenser of clauses 13-16, wherein the hinge comprises a pin coupled at a first end to the arm via a first cam and a second cam, the first cam having a ramped portion configured to engage a second ramped portion disposed on the second cam, to restrict movement of the hinge.

18. The dispenser of clauses 13-17, wherein the hinge is spring loaded.

19. The dispenser of clauses 13-17, wherein the second end of the arm is coupled to a backplate of the housing, the backplate of the housing defining a longitudinal axis, wherein a hinge axis is rotated about 2° to about 8° with respect to the longitudinal axis.

20. A method of dispensing sheet material comprising dispensing sheet material from the dispenser of clauses 13-19.

These and other modifications and variations to the present disclosure may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the disclosure so further described in such appended claims.