BR112020004979B1 - SHEET DISPENSER SYSTEM, MOUNTING SYSTEM, SHEET DISPENSER, USE OF A ROLLER, METHOD OF REMOVING A ROLLER, REPLACEMENT ROLLER AND METHOD OF MOUNTING A REPLACEMENT ROLLER - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sheet distributor system, which has a roll (4) of selected material, and housing to receive the roll. The roll of sheet material comprises first end portion (16), incorporating key (16a), and the housing (6) comprises mounting portion (10) for supporting the first end portion of the roll and support portion (18), for support the second end (20) of the roller. The mounting portion comprises tilt member (22) pivotably coupled to the housing, to define operating position, in which the mounting and supporting portion are aligned to support the roller in the housing, and loading position, in which the mounting portion and the support are misaligned to inhibit the roll from being supported in the housing. The mounting portion comprises block arrangement (26), which is movable between locked condition, in which the movement of the tilting member from the loading to the operating portion is inhibited, and unlocked condition, in which the movement of the tilting member of the loading position for operational is allowed. The mounting portion is arranged in such a way that the roller is movable between the engaged condition, in which the key engages the mounting portion, and the disengaged condition, (...).

Description

FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to a sheet dispenser for a roll of sheet material, a sheet dispenser system having a roll of sheet material, a mounting system for a sheet dispenser having a roll of sheet material, and a roll for use with such dispenser and systems.

BACKGROUND

[002] Conventionally, sheet dispensers comprise a housing and a mount, for removably mounting a roll of sheet material, such as cling film, aluminum foil and greaseproof foil, to the housing. The assembly allows rotational movement of the roll into the housing so that material around the roll can be unwound for distribution.

[003] When the material is exhausted from the roll, the roll is dismantled and a new roll with new material is mounted in the housing.

[004] In a distributor where mounts are permanently positioned in the housing, insertion of the roll into the housing often requires the roll to be tilted such that one end of the roll is positioned against the mount, which may be difficult for some users.

[005] Additionally, it may be important for material manufacturers to ensure that only specific material is used within the housing in order to ensure that quality is maintained. In some well-known dispensers, it is possible for rolls containing the wrong material, or material of an incorrect grade or dimensions, to be loaded into the dispenser and the use of the dispenser to be impaired.

[006] WO 2011/036430 discloses a distributor including a housing, a coupling associated with a spool and a mount, for removably mounting the coupling to the housing, so that the coupling is movable between an assembled and a disassembled condition. . The coupling includes a key. The assembly includes a locking arrangement, which is movable between a locked condition and a free condition. The spool distributor is arranged so that when the coupling is moved from the disassembled condition to the assembled condition, the key moves the locking arrangement to the free condition, permitting rotation of the coupling relative to the housing.

[007] In such a distributor, the locking of the locking arrangement depends on gravity to move the locking arrangement to the locked position, that is, for locking to occur.

[008] WO 2014/091247 discloses a distributor, which comprises the locking arrangement of WO 2011/036430. The dispenser has a body and an assembly for mounting a roller within a region defined by the body, the assembly comprising first and second mounting members pivotable relative to each other to define a loading position and an operating position. . The mount is biased to the charging position. In use, insertion of a roll of a predetermined length pivots the first mounting member from the loading position to the operating position so as to mount the roll to the dispenser.

[009] This document discloses that it is possible, in this arrangement, for the first mounting member to be moved from the loading to the operating position when an incorrect roll of sheet material is used. In such cases, either the first mounting member encourages the roller toward the support 26 in order to prevent rotation of the roller, or the locking arrangement acts to prevent rotation of the roller.

[0010] The present invention seeks to overcome, or at least mitigate, the problems of the prior art, in order to provide an improved dispenser.

SUMMARY

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sheet distributor system, which has a roll of sheet material and a housing for receiving the roll, wherein: the roll of sheet material comprises a first end of the portion incorporating a key; and the housing comprises a mounting portion arranged to support a first end of the roller portion, and a support portion arranged to support a second end of the roller; wherein the mounting portion comprises a tilt member pivotally coupled to the housing, to define an operating position, wherein the mounting portion and the support portion are aligned to support the roller in the housing, and a loading position, wherein the mounting portion and the support portion are misaligned to inhibit the support of the roller in the housing; wherein the mounting portion comprises a block arrangement, which is movable between a blocked condition, in which movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position is inhibited, and an unblocked condition, in which movement of the member tilting from the loading position to the operating position is permitted; and wherein the mounting portion is arranged such that the roller is movable between an engaged condition, wherein the key engages the mounting portion, and a disengaged condition, wherein the key is disengaged from the mounting portion, such manner that, when the roller is moved from the disengaged to the engaged condition, the first end portion of the roller moves the block arrangement in the unlocked condition, thereby permitting movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position. .

[0012] When the user inserts a roll into the distributor, the key of the first end portion of the roll is moved into engagement with the mounting portion. When the key is engaged with the mounting portion, the first roller end portion moves the block arrangement in the unlocked condition. This frees the tilt member to rotate about the pivot axis, thereby allowing movement of the tilt member between the loading position and the operating position.

[0013] Once the tilt member is released for rotation, the force applied by the user to insert the roll into the distributor causes the tilt member to rotate from the loading position to the operating position. The loading position can be configured to facilitate loading of the roll into the distributor, for example, in the loading position, the tilt member can be tilted towards the user. Such a configuration of the mounting portion makes it easier for a user of the dispenser to insert a roll, because the mounting portion is aligned with the roll, rather than requiring the user to align the roll with the mounting portion.

[0014] If the tilt member is to be fixed in the operating position, the tilt member will remain in alignment with the support portion. Consequently, loading a roll into the dispenser may be more difficult for a user, as the user is required to align the roll with the mounting portion.

[0015] Furthermore, in order for the roller to be engaged with the mounting portion, it must comprise a key, which is configured to engage the mounting portion in such a manner that, when the key is engaged, the first end portion of the roller moves the block arrangement from the mounting portion to the unblocked condition. In this way, movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position is permitted. If a user attempts to load a roll into the distributor without the necessary key, it will not be possible to unlock the block arrangement, as a result the movement of the tilt member from the loading condition to the operating condition will be inhibited.

[0016] In this case, the mounting portion and the support portion will remain misaligned, as a result of which the support of the roller in the housing will be inhibited. Consequently, only rollers with the required key can be mounted in the housing. In this way, it is possible to ensure that only rolls containing the correct material, or material of the correct grade or dimensions, can be loaded into the distributor.

[0017] When aligned, the mounting portion and the support portion can be aligned along a longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0018] When the roller is supported by the mounting portion and the support portion, the roller axis can be provided along the longitudinal axis of the housing. In other words, the mounting portion and the supporting portion can be aligned along a longitudinal axis of the roll.

[0019] The support portion may be stationary along an axial length of the housing, that is, the support portion may not articulate within the housing. Alternatively, both the tilt portion and the support portion may be hinged within the housing.

[0020] The tilt member may be substantially aligned with an axial end face of a first end portion of a roll of sheet material, in the loading position and in the operating position. As such, in the operating position, the tilt member may be tilted substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by a longitudinal length of the housing. The tilt member can be rotated through 20 to 60° between the operating position and the loading position, e.g. 30 to 40°, e.g. 35 to 45°. As such, in the loading position the tilt member may be tilted by approximately 30 to 70°, to a longitudinal axis defined by a longitudinal length of the housing. Consequently, loading a roll into the distributor is made easier.

[0021] The mounting portion may comprise a polarization mechanism, configured to polarize the block arrangement in the locked condition.

[0022] In this way, a more reliable block arrangement is provided, which must be actively moved from the blocked condition to the unblocked condition, against the action of the biasing member, in order for a roller to be supported in the housing for use. .

[0023] The mounting portion may comprise a biasing mechanism, configured to bias the tilt member in the direction of the loading position.

[0024] The bias mechanism may be configured to bias the tilt member, in the direction of the loading position, and may be configured to bias the block arrangement in the locked condition.

[0025] The distributor may comprise a first biasing mechanism, configured to bias the tilt member towards the loading position, and a second separate biasing mechanism, configured to bias the block arrangement in the blocked condition.

[0026] The polarization mechanism(s) may be provided by a spring, or other suitable resistant member.

[0027] The spring ratio of the bias mechanism(s) can be selected to have a predetermined value, for example, it can be selected to be approximately 3N. This is advantageous to ensure that the (first) bias mechanism can overcome the force of gravity in order to return the bias member to the loading position.

[0028] Choosing an appropriate spring ratio of the bias mechanism(s) is also beneficial for providing appropriate timely feedback to a user when loading or unloading a roll into the dispenser.

[0029] The tilt portion may be arranged to support the first end portion of the roller.

[0030] The block arrangement may comprise a locking element, which acts through a first roller end portion, to move the block arrangement from a locked condition to an unlocked condition.

[0031] The tilt member can move through an arc of rotation when it is moved from the loading condition to the operating condition. Driving the locking member by the first end portion of the roller may comprise moving the locking member in a direction along a tangent to the arc of rotation of the tilting member.

[0032] When the user inserts a roll into the distributor, the key of the first end portion of the roll is moved in engagement, with the mounting portion and the block arrangement can be moved in the unlocked condition, by the first end portion of the roll. Once the block arrangement is in the unlocked condition, the force applied by the user to insert the roller into the distributor, causes the tilt member to rotate around its pivot axis, following an arc of rotation, when it moves from the position loading to the operating position. It will be appreciated that the force applied by the user to insert the roller will be substantially in a direction along a tangent of the arc of rotation.

[0033] In the case where the movement of the locking element is in a direction substantially along a tangent of the arc of rotation, the movement of the locking element is substantially in the same direction as the force applied by the user, to insert the roll into the container. In this way, the force applied by the user is simply converted into movement of the locking element, to unlock the block arrangement and allow movement of the tilting member, from the loading configuration to the operating configuration.

[0034] The tilt member may comprise a surface configured such that, when the tilt member is in the operating position, the surface extends in a substantially orthogonal direction, to a longitudinal axis of the housing, and when the tilt member is in the loading position, the surface extends at an angle of less than 90° to the longitudinal axis. Driving the locking element by the first end portion of the roller may comprise moving the locking element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface.

[0035] The first end portion of the roller may comprise an axial end face, configured for engagement with the surface of the tilt member. In this way, the force that must be applied for the user to move the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position is reduced.

[0036] It will be appreciated that, when the tilt member is in the operating position, while the surface extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the surface of the tilt member may be less than 90° to the longitudinal axis, e.g. example, slightly less than 90° to the longitudinal axis. For example, manufacturing tolerances may mean that a slightly shorter roll is loaded into the housing. In the case where the tilting member is biased to the loading position, by a biasing mechanism, the biasing force, applied to move the tilting member to the loading position, ensures that the slightly shorter roller is strongly supported at the distributor.

[0037] The block arrangement may comprise a block formation, wherein the locking element is configured to engage the block formation in order to inhibit movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating condition.

[0038] Actuating the locking element may comprise the movement of the locking element out of the engagement, with the formation of the block.

[0039] In this way, a simple arrangement is provided in which movement of the tilting member from the loading position to the operating condition is inhibited when the block arrangement is in the locked condition, that is, when the locking element engages the formation of the block.

[0040] The blocking element can be polarized by a polarization mechanism into the engagement, with the formation of the block.

[0041] The block formation may comprise one or more stop portions, formed to engage with the locking member, in order to inhibit movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position.

[0042] The locking element may comprise a body, which has at least one wing extending therefrom. The at least one wing may be arranged for engagement with one or more stopping portions when the block arrangement is in the locked condition.

[0043] The mounting portion may comprise guide elements to guide the movement of the locking element when it is moved out of and into engagement with the block formations.

[0044] Correct positioning of the locking element, in relation to the block formations, in order to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the locking element and block formations, consequently provides a stronger block arrangement.

[0045] The mounting portion may comprise one or more stopping elements, arranged to limit the angle, through which the tilt portion can rotate, between the operating position and the loading position.

[0046] In this way, an ideal loading angle can be predetermined, and established through the position of the stopping elements of the mounting portion, optimizing the ease with which a user can load a roll into the dispenser.

[0047] The key may comprise one or more projections. The mounting portion may define one or more corresponding keyholes configured to receive the one or more key projections in order to support the first roller end portion.

[0048] The key may comprise one or more projections. The mounting portion may define one or more corresponding keyholes configured to receive the one or more key projections to support the first roller end portion.

[0049] The tilt member may comprise one or more keyholes.

[0050] When the roller is moved from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition, the key can move the block arrangement into the unlocked condition.

[0051] The block arrangement may comprise a locking element, which acts through the switch, to move the block arrangement from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.

[0052] In this manner, the first end portion of the roller comprises a projecting key formation, which is configured to move the block arrangement from the locked to the unlocked condition, when the roller is moved from the disengaged to the engaged condition, by example, through activation or movement of the locking element.

[0053] The key may comprise one or more depressions or recesses, in an axial end face of the first end portion of the roll. The mounting portion may comprise one or more corresponding formations configured to be received by one or more depressions or recesses of the key to support the first end portion of the roll.

[0054] The inclination member may comprise one or more formations.

[0055] When the roller is moved from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition, the axial end face of the first end portion can move the block arrangement in the unlocked condition.

[0056] The block arrangement may comprise a locking element that can be actuated, through the axial end face of the first end portion of the roll, to move the block arrangement from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.

[0057] In this way, the formations of the mounting portion are received by the depressions or recesses of the key, when the roller is moved from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition. When the roller is moved to the mounting portion, the axial end face of the first end portion of the roller is brought into contact with the mounting portion, e.g., the locking member. The axial end face is thus configured to apply a force to the mounting portion, for example the locking element, to move the block arrangement from the locked to the unlocked condition.

[0058] The housing may comprise a lid incorporating a cutting mechanism for cutting the sheet material.

[0059] It will be appreciated that, when the roll of material is not properly loaded into the dispenser housing, the operation of the lid, for example closing the lid, may be inhibited. In this way, the operation of the cutting mechanism may be inhibited when the roll of material is not properly loaded into the distributor housing. In contrast, when the roll of material is properly loaded into the dispenser housing, the operation of the cover is not inhibited by the roll.

[0060] When a user attempts to use an incorrect roll of material with the distributor, the block arrangement of the mounting portion cannot be unlocked, thus movement of the tilt member to the operating position is inhibited. Closing of the lid is, for this purpose, also inhibited by the roller, since the roller is not appropriately positioned. This prevents proper distributor operation.

[0061] Even if it is possible for an incorrect roll to be positioned in the distributor such that its first end is supported by the mounting portion, when the tilt member is in the loading position, and the second end of the roll is supported by the support, due to the inclined position of the tilting member, it is likely that the roller occupies an inclined position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the distributor. Such tilted positioning on the roller may also inhibit closing of the lid, and thus prevent proper operation of the dispenser.

[0062] The mounting portion may further comprise a locking arrangement, which may be moved between a locked condition and a free condition. The locking arrangement may comprise a rotating element configured to rotate about an axis, and a locking element configured to engage with the rotating element to inhibit rotation of the rotating element such that when the element When the locking element and the rotating element are engaged, the locking arrangement occupies the locked condition, and when the locking element and the rotating element are disengaged, the locking arrangement occupies the free condition. When the roller is moved from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition, the first end portion of the roller can move the lock arrangement in the free condition, thereby allowing rotation of the rotating element.

[0063] The locking element and the rotating element may be configured to engage by relative movement of the locking element and the rotating element to each other in a direction along the axis of rotation of the rotating element.

[0064] In some embodiments, when the roll is loaded into the housing, the axis of rotation of the rotating element is provided along the axis of rotation of the roll. Furthermore, in some embodiments, to load a roll into a distributor housing, a force is applied in a direction, along the longitudinal axis of the roll, to the mounting portion, in order to secure the roll to the mounting portion. In this way, the axial movement of the roller (i.e., along the axis of rotation of the roller, which is also along the axis of rotation of the rotating element), to load the roller in the mounting portion, can be used to make the locking element and the rotating element disengage from each other in such a way that the rotating element is free to rotate.

[0065] Once the rotating element and the locking element are configured for engagement, through the relative movement of the locking element and the rotating element towards each other in a direction along the axis of rotation of the rotating element, the movement of the roller can be used to disengage the rotating element and the locking element. The arrangement does not require transferring the direction of the force applied by the roller to a force in a different direction, for example transverse to the longitudinal axis of the roller, or transverse to the axis of rotation of the rotating element, in order to disengage the locking element and the swivel. In this way, a stronger locking arrangement is provided.

[0066] It will be evident that, in embodiments comprising both a lock arrangement and a block arrangement, triggering the loading of the roll of material into the mounting portion can provide two effects: unlocking the lock arrangement for free rotation of the element swivel, and unlock the block arrangement to release the tilt member for rotation around its pivot. In other words, a single action by the user results in two effects in the assembly portion.

[0067] The block arrangement may comprise a locking element, which may be driven by the end portion of the roller, in order to move the block arrangement from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. The locking element and the locking element can be provided by the same component.

[0068] The block arrangement may comprise a block, which is operable by the first end portion of the roller to move the block arrangement from the blocked condition to the unblocked condition. The rotating element and the locking element can be provided by the same component.

[0069] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a mounting system for a sheet dispensing system, which has a roll of sheet material, and a housing for receiving the roll, wherein the mounting system comprises: a first end portion of a roller incorporating a key; and a corresponding mounting portion arranged to support the first end portion of the roll, and a support portion arranged to support a second end of the roll; wherein the mounting portion comprises a tilt member, pivotally disposed to define an operating position, wherein the mounting portion and the support portion are aligned to support the roller in a housing, and a loading position, wherein the mounting portion and support portion are misaligned in order to inhibit support of a roll in a housing; wherein the mounting portion comprises a block arrangement, which is movable between a locked condition, wherein movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position is inhibited, and an unblocked condition, wherein movement of the member tilting from the loading position to the operating position is permitted; and wherein the mounting portion is arranged such that the first end portion is movable between an engaged condition, wherein the key engages the mounting portion, and a disengaged condition, wherein the key is disengaged from the mounting portion. , such that when the first end portion of the roller is moved from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition, the first end portion moves the block arrangement into an unlocked condition, thereby allowing movement of the tilt member, from the loading position to the operating position.

[0070] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a sheet dispenser, comprising a housing for receiving a roll of sheet material, the roll comprising a first end portion incorporating a key, wherein: the housing comprises a assembly, arranged to support the first end portion of the roll, when the support portion is arranged to support a second end of the roll; wherein the mounting portion comprises a tilt member, pivotably coupled to the housing, to define an operating position, wherein the mounting portion and the support portion are aligned to support a roller in the housing, and a loading position, in which that the mounting portion and the support portion are misaligned, to inhibit support of one in the housing; wherein the mounting portion comprises a block arrangement that is movable between a locked condition, wherein movement of the tilting member from the loading position to the operating position is inhibited, and an unlocked condition, wherein movement of the tilting member is inhibited. tilting from the loading position to the operating position is permitted; and wherein the mounting portion is arranged such that a roller is movable between an engaged condition, wherein the key engages the mounting portion, and a disengaged condition, wherein the key is disengaged from the mounting portion, such manner that, when a roller is moved from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition, the first end portion of the roller moves the block arrangement in the unlocked condition, thereby permitting movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position. .

[0071] The mounting portion may further comprise a locking arrangement, which is movable between a locked condition and a free condition. The lock arrangement may comprise a rotatable element configured to rotate about an axis, and a lock element configured to engage with the rotatable element to inhibit rotation of the rotatable element in such a manner that when the element When the locking element and the rotating element are engaged, the locking arrangement occupies the locked condition, and when the locking element and the rotating element are disengaged, the locking arrangement occupies the free condition. When the roller is moved from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition, the first end portion of the roller can move the lock arrangement in the free condition, thereby allowing rotation of the rotating element.

[0072] The roll may comprise the first end portion having a key, the key comprising one or more depressions or recesses, in an axial end face of the first end portion of the roll. The one or more depressions or recesses may be configured to receive one or more corresponding formations provided by a mounting portion of a distributor housing.

[0073] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, a material replacement roll for use with a sheet dispenser is provided in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

[0074] The material replacement roll may comprise one or more mounting formations, which are arranged to be supported by the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser, when the block arrangement is in an unlocked condition.

[0075] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a sheet distributor system is provided, comprising a sheet distributor, according to the third aspect of the invention, and a material replacement roller. The material replacement roller may comprise one or more mounting formations, which are arranged to be supported by the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser, when the block head is in the unlocked condition.

[0076] The replacement roller may comprise one or more mounting formations, and the mounting portion of the distributor may comprise one or more complementary formations, configured to support the one or more mounting formations of the replacement roller. One or more of the replacement roll formations may be mounted on the one or more complementary formations of the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser.

[0077] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a sheet material replacement roller in a sheet dispenser, according to the third aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) moving a switch from the disengaged to the engaged condition in such a manner that the block arrangement is moved in the unlocked condition, in which movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position is permitted; and b) mounting a first end of the replacement roller to the mounting portion of the distributor.

[0078] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of removing a roll of sheet material from a sheet dispenser, in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, wherein the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser comprises a biasing mechanism arranged to bias the tilt member in the direction of the loading position, the method comprising the steps of: a) disassembling a roll of sheet material from the mounting portion of the housing; and b) releasing the tilting member for movement, so that the tilting member is moved from the operating position to the loading position under the biasing action of the biasing mechanism.

[0079] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of removing a roll of sheet material from a sheet dispenser, in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, wherein the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser comprises a biasing mechanism arranged to bias the block arrangement from the locked condition, comprising the steps of: disassembling a roll of sheet material from the mounting portion of the housing; and b) releasing the block arrangement for movement, such that the block arrangement is moved, under the biasing action of the bias mechanism, to the locked condition, in which movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position, is inhibited.

[0080] In accordance with a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a material replacement roll, for use with a sheet dispenser, in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, wherein the material replacement roll comprises one or more mounting formations, which are arranged to be supported by the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser, when the block arrangement is in the unlocked condition, and/or when the lock arrangement is in the free condition.

[0081] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a sheet distributor system, comprising a sheet distributor, according to the third aspect of the invention, and a material replacement roller, wherein the replacement roller of material comprises one or more mounting formations, which are arranged to be supported by the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser, when the block arrangement is in an unlocked configuration, and/or when the lock arrangement is in the free condition.

[0082] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a sheet material replacement roller, in a sheet dispenser, according to the third aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of: a ) moving a switch from the disengaged to the engaged condition, such that the block arrangement is moved in the unlocked condition, in which movement of the tilting member from the loading position to the operating position is permitted; and/or b) moving a key from the disengaged to the engaged condition, such that the locking arrangement is moved in the free condition, in which rotation of the rotating element is permitted; and mounting a first end of the replacement roller to the mounting portion of the distributor.

[0083] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided a roller method of removing sheet material from a sheet dispenser, in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, wherein the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser leaves comprises a polarization mechanism arranged to polarize the lock arrangement in the locked condition; the method comprising the steps of: a) disassembling a roll of sheet material from the mounting portion of the housing; and b) releasing the locking arrangement for movement, such that the locking arrangement is moved, under the biasing action of the biasing mechanism, to the closed condition, in which rotation of the rotating element is inhibited.

[0084] According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a sheet distributor system, which has a roll of sheet material, and a housing for receiving the roll, wherein: the roll of sheet material comprises a first end portion incorporating a key; and the housing comprises a mounting portion arranged to support the first end portion of the roller; wherein the mounting portion comprises a latch arrangement, which is movable between a closed condition and a free condition; wherein the lock arrangement comprises a rotatable element configured to rotate about an axis, and a lock element configured to engage with the rotatable element to inhibit rotation of the rotatable element in such a manner that when the lock element and the rotating element are engaged, the lock arrangement occupies the closed condition, and when the lock element and the rotating element are disengaged, the lock arrangement occupies the free condition; wherein the mounting portion is arranged such that the roller is movable between an engaged condition, wherein the key closes the mounting portion, and a disengaged condition, wherein the key is disengaged from the mounting portion, in such a manner , that when the roller is moved from the disengaged to the engaged condition, the first end portion of the roller moves the lock arrangement in the free condition, thereby allowing rotation of the rotating element; and wherein the lock element and the rotating element are configured to engage, through relative movement of the lock element and the rotating element, towards each other, in a direction along the axis of rotation of the rotating element.

[0085] In some embodiments, when the roll is loaded into the housing, the axis of rotation of the rotating element is provided along the axis of rotation of the roll. Furthermore, in some embodiments, to load a roll into a distributor housing, a force is applied in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the roll, to the mounting portion, in order to secure the roll to the mounting portion. In this way, the axial movement of the roller (i.e., along the axis of rotation of the roller, which is also along the axis of rotation of the rotating element) to load the roller in the mounting portion, can be used in order to produce the lock element and the rotating element, to disengage one from the other, so that the rotating element is free to rotate.

[0086] Once the rotating element and the locking element are configured for engagement, through the relative movement of the locking element and the rotating element towards each other in a direction along the axis of rotation of the rotating element, the movement of the roller can be used to disengage the rotating element and the locking element. The arrangement does not require transerence of the direction of the force applied by the roller, to a force in a different direction, for example transverse to the longitudinal axis of the roller, or transverse to the axis of rotation of the rotating element, in order to disengage the locking element and the rotating element. In this way, a stronger locking arrangement is provided.

[0087] The mounting portion may comprise a polarization mechanism, arranged to polarize the lock arrangement in the closed condition, wherein rotation of the rotating element is inhibited.

[0088] In this way, a more reliable locking arrangement is provided, which must be actively moved from the closed condition to the free condition, against the action of the biasing mechanism, in order for rotation of the rotating element to be permitted.

[0089] The polarization mechanism(s) may be provided by a spring, or other suitable resistant member.

[0090] The spring ratio of the bias mechanism(s) may be selected to be a predetermined value, for example, it may be selected to be approximately 3N. This is advantageous for ensuring that appropriate tactile feedback is provided to a user when loading or unloading a roll into the dispenser.

[0091] The polarization mechanism is arranged to polarize the locking element in engagement, with the rotating element, or vice versa.

[0092] The mounting portion may be configured so that, when the rotating element is free to rotate, rotation of the roller in the housing is permitted.

[0093] The rotating element may be configured to support the first end portion of the roll.

[0094] In this way, the rotation of the rotating portion causes the rotation of the roller, and vice versa, when the lock arrangement is in the free condition, that is, when the rotating portion is free to rotate.

[0095] The locking element can be fixed against rotation.

[0096] Therefore, when the locking element and the rotating element are engaged, the rotation of the rotating element is inhibited.

[0097] The locking element and the rotating element may comprise a projection and a corresponding recess configured for engagement upon relative movement of the locking element to the rotating element, in a direction along the axis of rotation of the rotating element, of so that, when the projection engages the corresponding recess, rotation of the rotating element is inhibited.

[0098] The lock arrangement may comprise a plurality of configurations, which correspond to the locked condition.

[0099] In this way, the rotating element and the locking element can be placed in an engagement, in a plurality of relative orientations. Consequently, locking the lock arrangement is made easier.

[00100] The locking element and the rotating element comprise a plurality of projections and corresponding recesses, which are configured for engagement, upon relative movement of the locking element to the rotating element, in a direction along the axis of rotation of the rotating element, such that when the projections engage the corresponding recesses, rotation of the rotating element is inhibited.

[00101] The projections and corresponding recesses may be provided in a circular arrangement, centered around the axis of rotation of the rotating element.

[00102] Advantageously, such a circular arrangement maximizes the number of configurations, which corresponds to the locked condition in the lock arrangement.

[00103] Projections may be provided by an array of teeth, on the rotating element or locking element. Recesses may be provided between grooves, in the locking element or in the rotating element.

[00104] The one or more projections and the one or more recesses may be arranged for self-alignment when the locking element and the rotating element are polarized in contact.

[00105] In this way, locking of the lock arrangement is facilitated, regardless of the relative orientation of the rotating element and the locking element.

[00106] The locking element may be configured to be retracted from engagement with the rotating element, through movement of the first end portion of the roller, when the roller is moved from the disengaged to the engaged position.

[00107] When the roller is moved from the disengaged to the engaged condition, the first end portion of the roller may be configured to limit a portion of the locking element in order to disengage the locking element from the rotating element.

[00108] The key may comprise one or more projections. The mounting portion may define one or more corresponding keyholes configured to receive the one or more projections of the key to support the first end of the roller.

[00109] The rotating element may comprise one or more keyholes.

[00110] The key of the first end portion may be configured to limit a portion of the locking element in order to disengage the locking element from the rotating element.

[00111] The rotating element may be configured to be retracted (withdrawn) from engagement with the locking element, through movement of the first end portion of the roller, when the roller is moved from the disengaged to the engaged position.

[00112] When the roller is moved from the disengaged to the engaged condition, the first end portion of the roller may be configured to limit a portion of the rotating element in order to disengage the rotating element from the locking element.

[00113] The key may comprise one or more depressions or recesses. The mounting portion may comprise one or more corresponding formations configured to be received by one or more key depressions or recesses for supporting the first end of the roller.

[00114] The rotating element may comprise one or more formations.

[00115] An axial end face of the first end portion of the roller may be configured to engage the rotating element to move it out of engagement with the locking element.

[00116] The housing may further comprise a support portion, arranged to support a second end of the roll. The mounting portion may further comprise a tilting member, pivotably coupled to the housing, to define an operating position, in which the mounting portion and the supporting portion are aligned to support the roller in the housing, and a loading position, in which that the mounting portion and the support portion are misaligned to inhibit support of the roll in the housing.

[00117] The mounting portion may further comprise a locking arrangement, which is movable between a locked condition, in which movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position is inhibited, and an unlocked condition, in which the Movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position is permitted. The mounting portion may be arranged such that, when the roller is moved from the disengaged to the engaged condition, the first end portion of the roller moves the block arrangement in the unlocked condition, thereby allowing movement of the roller tilt member. loading position to the operating position.

[00118] When the user inserts a roll into the distributor, the key of the first end portion of the roll is moved into engagement with the mounting portion. When the key is engaged with the mounting portion, the first roller end portion moves the block arrangement into the unlocked condition. This frees the tilt member to rotate around the pivot axis, thereby allowing movement of the tilt member. between the loading position and the operating position.

[00119] Once the tilt member is released for rotation, the force applied by the user to insert the roller into the distributor causes the tilt member to pivot from the loading position to the operating position. The loading position can be configured to facilitate loading of the roll into the dispenser, for example in the loading position, the tilt member can be tilted towards the user. Such a configuration of the mounting portion makes it easier for the user of the dispenser to insert a roll, because the mounting portion is alignable with the roll, rather than requiring the user to align the roll with the mounting portion.

[00120] If the tilt member is to be fixed in the operating position, the tilt member must remain in alignment with the support portion. Consequently, loading a roll into the dispenser may be more difficult for a user, since the user is required to align the roll with the mounting portion.

[00121] Furthermore, in order for the roller to be engaged with the mounting portion, it must comprise a key that is configured to engage the mounting portion such that, when the key is engaged, the first end portion of the roller moves the block arrangement from the mounting portion to the unlocked condition. In this way, movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position is permitted. If the user attempts to load a roll into the dispenser without the required key, it will not be possible to unlock the block arrangement, as a result, movement of the tilt member from the loading condition to the operating condition will be inhibited.

[00122] In this case, the mounting portion and the support portion will remain misaligned, as a result of which the support of the roller in the housing will be inhibited. Consequently, only rollers with the required key can be mounted in the housing. In this way, it is possible to ensure that only rolls containing the correct material, or material of the correct grade or dimensions, can be loaded into the distributor.

[00123] The block arrangement may comprise a locking element, which may be driven by a first end portion of the roller, in order to move the block arrangement from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. The locking element and the locking element may be provided by the same component.

[00124] The block arrangement may comprise a locking element operable, through the first end portion of the roller, in order to move the block arrangement from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. The rotating element and the locking element may be provided by the same component.

[00125] It will be appreciated that, in embodiments comprising both a lock arrangement and a block arrangement, the action of loading the roll of material into the mounting portion can provide two effects: unlocking the lock arrangement for free rotation of the rotating member, and unlocking the block arrangement to free (loosen) the tilt member for rotation about its pivot. In other words, a single action by the user results in two effects in the assembly portion.

[00126] According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a mounting system for a sheet dispenser, having a roll of sheet material and a housing for receiving the roll, wherein the mounting system comprises: a first end portion of a roll of sheet material incorporating a key; and a corresponding mounting portion of a housing, the mounting portion arranged to support the first end portion of the roller; wherein the mounting portion comprises a latch arrangement, which is movable between a closed condition and a free condition; wherein the locking arrangement comprises a rotating element configured to rotate about an axis, and a locking element configured to engage with the rotating element to inhibit rotation of the rotating element such that when the locking element and rotating element are engaged, the locking arrangement occupies the locked condition, and when the locking element and rotating element are disengaged, the locking arrangement occupies the free condition; wherein the mounting portion is arranged such that the first end portion of the roller is movable between an engaged condition, wherein the key engages the mounting portion, and/or disengaged condition, wherein the key is disengaged from the portion assembly, such that when the first end portion of the roller is moved from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition, the first end portion moves the lock arrangement into the free condition, thereby permitting rotation of the rotating member ; and wherein the locking element and the rotating element are configured to engage through relative movement of the locking element, and the rotating element in a direction from one to the other, along the axis of rotation of the rotating element.

[00127] In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a sheet dispenser, comprising a housing for receiving a roll of sheet material, the roll comprising a first end portion incorporating a key, wherein: the housing comprises a mounting portion arranged to support said first end portion of said roller; wherein the mounting portion comprises a lock arrangement, which is movable between a locked condition and a free condition; wherein the locking arrangement comprises a rotatable element configured to rotate about an axis, and a locking element configured to engage with the rotatable element in order to inhibit rotation of the rotatable element such that when the locking element and rotating element are engaged, the locking arrangement occupies the locked condition, and when the locking element and rotating element are disengaged, the locking arrangement occupies the free condition; wherein the mounting portion is arranged such that said first end portion of said roller is movable between an engaged condition, wherein said key engages the mounting portion, and a disengaged condition, wherein said key is disengaged from the mounting portion such that when said first end portion of said roller is moved from the disengaged to the engaged condition, said first end portion moves the lock arrangement into the free condition, thereby allowing rotation of the rotating element; and wherein the locking element and the rotating element are configured to engage, through relative movement of the locking element and the rotating element, towards each other, in a direction along the axis of rotation of the rotating element.

[00128] The housing may further comprise a support portion, arranged to support a second end of the roll. The mounting portion may further comprise a tilt member, pivotably coupled to the housing, to define an operating position, in which the mounting portion and the support portion are aligned to support the roller in the housing, and a loading position, in which that the mounting portion and the support portion are misaligned in order to inhibit the roller from resting on the housing. The mounting portion may further comprise a block arrangement, which is movable between a locked condition, wherein movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position is inhibited, and an unlocked condition, wherein movement of the Tilting member from loading position to operating position is permitted. The mounting portion may be arranged such that, when the roller is moved from the disengaged to the engaged condition, the first end portion of the roller moves the block arrangement into the unlocked condition, thereby permitting movement of the mounting member. inclination from the loading position to the operating position.

[00129] The roller may comprise a first end portion having a key. The key may comprise one or more depressions or recesses, in an axial end face of the first end portion of the roll. The one or more depressions or recesses may be configured to receive one or more corresponding formations provided by a mounting portion of a distributor housing.

[00130] In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a material replacement roll for use with a sheet dispenser, in accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the material replacement roll comprises one or further mounting formations, which are arranged to be supported by the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser, when the locking arrangement is in the free condition.

[00131] In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a sheet distributing system, comprising a sheet distributor in accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the invention, and a material replacement roller, wherein the replacement roller of material comprises one or more mounting formations, which are arranged to be supported by the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser, when the locking arrangement is in the free condition.

[00132] According to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a sheet material replacement roll, with a sheet distributor, according to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the replacement roll comprises one or more mounting formations, and the mounting portion of the dispenser comprises one or more complementary formations configured to support the one or more mounting formations of the replacement roller, and wherein the use comprises assembling one or more formations of the replacement roller, over the one or more complementary formations of the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser.

[00133] According to a nineteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a sheet material replacement roller, within a sheet distributor, in accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of : a) moving a key from the disengaged to the engaged condition such that the locking arrangement is moved in the free condition in which rotation of the rotating element is permitted; and b) mounting a first end of the replacement roller to the mounting portion of the distributor.

[00134] In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of removing a roll of sheet material from a sheet dispenser, in accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser sheets comprises a biasing mechanism arranged to bias the lock arrangement to the locked condition, comprising the steps of: a) disassembling a roll of sheet material from the mounting portion of the housing; and b) releasing the locking arrangement for movement, such that the locking arrangement is moved, under the biasing action of the biasing mechanism, to the locked condition, in which rotation of the rotating element is inhibited.

[00135] According to a twenty-first aspect of the invention, there is provided a material replacement roll for use with a sheet dispenser, according to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the material replacement roll comprises one or further mounting formations, which are arranged to be supported by the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser, when the block arrangement is in the unlocked condition, and/or when the lock arrangement is in the free condition.

[00136] In accordance with a twenty-second aspect of the invention, there is provided a sheet distributor system, comprising a sheet distributor, in accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the invention, and a material replacement roller, wherein the roller material replacement assembly comprises one or more mounting formations, which are arranged to be supported by the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser, when the block arrangement is in the unlocked configuration, and/or when the lock arrangement is in the free condition.

[00137] According to a twenty-third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a sheet material replacement roll, in a sheet dispenser, in accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of: a ) moving a switch from the disengaged to the engaged condition such that the block arrangement is moved in the unlocked condition, wherein movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position is permitted; and/or b) moving a key from the disengaged to the engaged condition such that the locking arrangement is moved in the free condition in which rotation of the rotating element is permitted; and mounting a first end of the replacement roller to the mounting portion of the distributor.

[00138] In accordance with a twenty-fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of removing a roll of sheet material from a sheet dispenser in accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the mounting portion of the dispenser of sheet material comprises a biasing mechanism arranged to bias the tilt member to the loading position, the method comprising the steps of: a) disassembling a roll of sheet material from the mounting portion of the housing; and b) releasing the tilting member for movement, such that the tilting member is moved from the operating position to the loading position under the biasing action of the biasing mechanism.

[00139] In accordance with a twenty-fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of removing a roll of sheet material from a sheet dispenser, in accordance with the fifteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser sheets comprises a biasing mechanism arranged to bias the block arrangement to the locked condition, comprising the steps of: a) disassembling a roll of sheet material from the mounting portion of the housing; and b) releasing the block arrangement for movement, such that the block arrangement is moved, sounds the biasing action of the bias mechanism to the locked condition, in which movement of the tilt member from the loading position to the operating position, is inhibited.

[00140] In accordance with a twenty-sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a roll of material for use with a sheet dispenser disclosed herein, wherein the roll comprises a first end portion having a key, the key comprising a or more depressions or recesses, in an axial end face of the first end portion of the roll, wherein the one or more depressions or recesses are configured to receive one or more corresponding formations provided by a mounting portion of a distributor housing.

[00141] According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a sheet material replacement roll, with a revealed sheet distributor, wherein the replacement roll comprises one or more mounting formations, and the mounting portion of the dispenser comprises one or more complementary formations configured to support the one or more replacement roller mounting formations, and wherein the use comprises mounting one or more replacement roller formations on the one or more complementary formations. of the mounting portion of the sheet dispenser

[00142] It will certainly be clear that the optional features disclosed herein may apply to any aspect of the invention. All possible combinations are not mentioned here for brevity purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00143] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[00144] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sheet dispenser, according to the present invention;

[00145] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first end of a roll, for use with the distributor of Figure 1;

[00146] Figure 3a shows a close examination view of a mounting portion of the distributor of Figure 1, when the mounting portion is in the loading position;

[00147] Figure 3b shows an enlarged view of the mounting portion of Figure 3a;

[00148] Figure 3c shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion of Figure 3a through line A-A, when the mounting portion is in the loading position;

[00149] Figures 4a and 4b show close examination views of a portion of the mounting portion of Figure 3a;

[00150] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion of Figure 3a through line B-B, in which the block arrangement can be seen;

[00151] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the mounting portion of Figure 3a, across line C-C;

[00152] Figure 7a shows a rotating portion of the mounting portion of Figure 3a;

[00153] Figure 7b shows a locking element/locking element of the mounting portion of Figure 3a;

[00154] Figures 7c and 7d show the locking arrangement of the mounting portion of Figure 3a, when in the locked condition and the free condition respectively;

[00155] Figures 8a to 8e show the operation of the mounting portion of Figure 3a, when a roll is loaded into the distributor of Figure 1. Figures 8a-8c are shown as cross-sectional views, across line A-A of Figure 3a and Figures 8d and 8e are shown as cross-sectional views, along line B-B of Figure 3a;

[00156] Figure 8f shows the distributor of Figure 1, in which a roll was loaded;

[00157] Figures 9a and 9b show the mounting portion of Figure 3a through line B-B, returning to the loading position from the operating position;

[00158] Figures 10a and 10b show a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the first end portion of the roll, and the rotating element of the mounting portion; It is

[00159] Figures 11a to 11g show perspective views of alternative embodiments, of the key of the first roll end portion, and corresponding keyholes, of the mounting portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MODALITY(S)

[00160] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a sheet distributor 2 is provided for use with a roll of sheet material 4. The distributor 2 has a housing 6, for receiving a roll of sheet material bandstand 4. The housing 6 is substantially rectangular in shape, in order to form an enclosure for the roll 4, and has an opening 8 through which the roll 4 can be positioned in, and removed from, the housing 6, and through which the roll sheet material 4 can be waived.

[00161] Dispenser 2 may further comprise a lid (not shown) incorporating a cutting mechanism, for cutting sheet material 14 from roll 4, as it is dispensed from dispenser 2. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that correct loading of a roller 4 in housing 6 is required in order for distributor 2 to operate correctly.

[00162] As shown in Figure 2, the roll 4 includes a body 12. Sheet material 14, for example in the form of food wrap, is wrapped around the roll body 12. The roll 4 of sheet material, includes a first end portion 16 incorporating a key 16a, and a second end 20 (shown in Figure 8f).

[00163] The dispenser housing 6 includes a mounting portion 10, which is arranged to support the first end portion 16 of the roller 4. The housing 6 also includes a support portion 18, which is arranged to support the second end 20 of the roller 4, as shown in Figure 8f.

[00164] Referring to Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, the mounting portion 10 includes a tilt member 22, pivotally coupled to the housing 6. As shown in Figure 3b, the tilt member 22 is pivotally coupled to the housing 6, through of a pivot pin 24. The tilt member 22 is configured to define an operating position and a loading position.

[00165] The operating position is shown in Figure 8e. When the tilt member 22 is in the operating position, the mounting portion 10 and the support portion 18 are coaxially aligned, such that the roller 4 can be supported in the housing 6, as shown in Figure 8f. In other words, in the operating position the roller 4 can be mounted in the housing 6 in such a way that the sheet material 14 can be dispensed from the roller 4.

[00166] The loading position is shown in Figure 8a. When the tilt member 22 is in the loading position, the mounting portion 10 and the support portion 18 are not in alignment, as can be seen in Figure 1. Therefore, the support of the roller 4 in the housing 6 is inhibited in charging position.

[00167] The tilt member 22 of the mounting portion 10 is arranged to support the first end portion 16 of the roller 4, as illustrated in Figures 8a to 8e.

[00168] Referring to Figure 3c, the mounting portion 10 includes a block arrangement 26, which is movable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. In the blocked condition, movement of the tilt member 22 from the loading position (as shown in Figure 3a) to the operating position (as shown in Figure 9a) is inhibited. In contrast, in the unlocked condition, movement of the tilt member 22 from the loading position to the operating position is permitted.

[00169] The mounting portion 10 is arranged such that the roller 4 is movable, between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. In the engaged condition, the key 16a of the first end portion 16 engages the mounting portion 10, as illustrated in Figure 8c. In the disengaged condition, the key 16a is disengaged from the mounting portion 10, as illustrated in Figure 8a. The mounting portion 10 is arranged such that, when the roller 4 is moved from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition, the key 16a moves the block arrangement 26 into the unlocked condition, wherein movement of the tilt member 22, the from the loading position to the operating position is permitted.

[00170] Returning again to Figure 1 and Figure 8f, the alignment of the mounting portion 10 and the support portion 18, comprises alignment along a longitudinal axis of the housing 6. In other words, the mounting portion 10 and the support portion 18 are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the roller 4 when the roller 4 is loaded the distributor 2.

[00171] The mounting portion 10 includes a biasing mechanism, for example a compression spring 28, which is configured to bias the block arrangement 26 in the locked condition. This is illustrated in Figure 3c.

[00172] The block arrangement 26 includes a locking element 30, which is configured to be actuated by the key 16a of the first end portion 16 of the roller 4, to move the block arrangement 26 from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.

[00173] The tilt member 22 is configured to rotate about the pivot pin 24 in order to move the tilt member 22 from its loading condition to its operating condition. In this way, the tilt member 22 moves through an arc of rotation when it moves from the loading condition to the operating condition. In the illustrated embodiments, actuation of the locking member 30 by the key 16a includes movement of the locking member 30 in a direction that is substantially along a tangent of the arc of rotation of the tilting member 22 as it rotates between the loading position and operating position.

[00174] Referring to Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, the tilt member 22 includes a surface 32, which extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the housing, when the tilt member is in the operating position. It will therefore be appreciated that actuation of the locking member 30 by the key 16a involves movement of the locking member 30 in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the surface 32 of the tilt member 22.

[00175] The block arrangement 26 further comprises a blocking formation 34, as shown in detail in Figures 4a, 4b and 5. As illustrated in Figure 5, the locking element 30 is configured to engage the locking formation 4. This engagement inhibits the movement of the tilt member 22 around its pivot axis, i.e. around the pivot pin 24. As a result, the movement of the tilt member 22 from the loading position to the operating position is inhibited. .

[00176] As can be seen in Figures 8b and 8c, the locking element 30 is configured for actuation by the switch 16a in order to move the block arrangement 26 from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. Actuating the locking member 30 involves moving the locking member 30 out of engagement with the lock formation 34 to allow rotation of the tilt member about the pivot point 24. When the lock formation 34 and the locking member 30 are engaged, this engagement acts as a stop against rotation of the tilting member 22, the loading condition for the operating condition.

[00177] The mounting portion 10 also includes a compression spring locator 36, upon which the compression spring 28 is mounted to locate the compression spring 28 in the ideal position in order to bias the locking element 30 within the engagement with blockade formation 34.

[00178] The compression spring 28 is positioned to engage the locking member 30, as shown in Figures 3c and Figure 8b, so as to bias the locking member 30 into engagement with a rear surface 42 of the tilt member 22. Compression spring 28 also acts to bias the locking member into engagement with the locking formation 34, to retain the tilt member 22 in the loading position. Put another way, the block arrangement 26 is biased to the locked configuration, in which movement of the tilt member 22, between the loading condition and the operating condition, is inhibited or prevented.

[00179] As illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b, the locking formation 34 comprises a pair of stop portions 34, which are positioned to engage the locking element 30, when the block arrangement 26 is in the locked condition.

[00180] The locking element 30 comprises a pair of wing portions 38 (see Figure 3b, Figure 5 and Figure 7b) extending from a body 40 of the locking element 30. Each of the wing portions 38 is configured to engagement with one of the respective stop portions 34 in order to inhibit movement of the locking member 30. As is shown in Figure 5, due to a force being applied to the tilt member 22, in an attempt to move the tilt member 22 from the loading position to the operating position, the wing portions 38 of the locking member 30 limit the formation of locking 34 of the mounting portion 10, as illustrated by the arrow in Figure 5. In this way, the movement of the tilt member 22 , from the loading position to the operating position, is inhibited by the block arrangement 26.

[00181] It will be appreciated that any appropriate number of stop portions 34, and respective wing portions 34 may be used, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more.

[00182] The mounting portion 10 comprises guide elements 44, 46, which act to guide the movement of the locking element 30, when it is moved outward and in engagement, with the locking formations 34. As shown in the Figures 5 and 7b, the guide elements 44, 46 comprise a series of guide elements 44 extending from the body 40 of the locking mechanism 30. These guide elements 44 are arranged to correspond to the guide element 46 (as shown in Figure 5), which are provided as extensions of the tilt member 22 of the mounting portion 10, e.g. extensions of the rear surface 42 of the tilt member 22.

[00183] When the locking member 30 is moved to unlock the block arrangement 26, the guide members 44 of the locking mechanism 30 slide against the guide elements 46 of the tilt member 22, to facilitate correct positioning of the locking member 30 , relative to the blocking formations 34. In this way, engagement and disengagement of the blocking elements 30 and the blocking formations 34 is facilitated, thereby providing a stronger block arrangement 26.

[00184] Referring to Figure 6, the mounting portion 10 comprises one or more stop elements 48. These stop elements 48 are arranged to limit the tilt through which the tilt portion 22 can rotate when it moves. between the operating position and the loading position. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion 10 comprises a single stop member 48 extending from a side surface 50 of the tilt member 22 to engage a rear surface 52 of the housing 6. It will be appreciated that any number of stop members stop 48 can be used, for example 2, 3, 4 or more stop elements can be used, to establish the inclination through which the tilt portion can rotate.

[00185] Referring to Figure 5, the housing 6 also comprises a flap 54, against which the tilt member 22 is configured to rest, when the tilt member 22 is in the operating position. The position of this tab 54 serves to retain the tilt member 22 at the correct tilt required for the roll to be supported in the housing 6 when the roll 4 is in use in the distributor 2.

[00186] Returning to Figure 2, the key 16a comprises one or more projections 56. The corresponding keyholes 58, as shown in Figure 3a, are defined by the mounting portion 10. The keyholes 58 are configured to receive the (s) projection(s) of the key 16a, for supporting one end of the roller 4. It will be appreciated that a number of projections and corresponding keyholes can be used, for example a single projection and the corresponding keyhole can be used. Alternatively 2, 3, 4 or more projections and corresponding keyholes can be used. In the illustrated embodiments, the tilt member 22 comprises keyholes 58.

[00187] As can be seen from Figure 3a, keyholes 58 are provided on the surface 32 of the tilting member 22. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3a, keyholes 58 are provided on a rotating member 104, which will be further described in detail below.

[00188] In addition to the features outlined above, the mounting portion 10 of the illustrated embodiment also comprises a locking arrangement 102, which is movable between a locked condition and a free condition. The lock arrangement 102 comprises a rotatable member 104, which is arranged for rotation about an axis A.

[00189] The locking arrangement 102 comprises a locking element, which in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9b is provided by the locking element 30. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the locking element of the block arrangement 26, and the locking element of locking arrangement 102, may be provided by separate components.

[00190] The locking element 30 is configured to engage with the rotating element 104 in order to inhibit rotation of the rotating element 104. In this way, when the locking element 30 and the rotating element 104 are engaged, the locking arrangement 102 occupies the locked condition. When the locking member 30 and the rotating member 104 are disengaged, the locking arrangement 102 occupies the free condition.

[00191] The closing element 30 and the rotating element 104 are arranged for engagement, through the relative movement of the locking element 30 to the rotating element 104, in one direction along the axis of rotation A of the rotating element 104. In other directions In other words, when the rotating element 104 and the locking element 30 are placed towards each other, in a direction along the axis of rotation A of the rotating element 104, the locking element 30 and the rotating element 104, are brought into engagement. together. In this way, the lock arrangement 102 occupies the locked condition.

[00192] The mounting portion 10 comprises a polarization mechanism, arranged to polarize the locking arrangement 102 into the locked condition, in which rotation of the rotating element 104 is inhibited. The bias mechanism may be the same as that used in the block arrangement, i.e., the compression spring 28. Alternatively, separate bias mechanisms may be used for the block arrangement 26 and the latch arrangement 102.

[00193] The polarization mechanism 28 is arranged to polarize the locking element 30 in engagement with the rotating element 104

[00194] The mounting portion 10 is configured such that, when the rotating element 104 is free to rotate, rotation of the roller 4 in the housing 6 is permitted. In other words, when the locking arrangement 102 is in the free condition , rotation of roller 4 in the housing is allowed. In the illustrated embodiments, the rotating element 104 is arranged to support the first end portion 16 of the roller 4. This is illustrated in Figure 8e, for example.

[00195] In some embodiments, when the locking arrangement 102 is in the free condition, the action of the compression spring 28 biases the locking element 30, towards the rotating element 104, such that the resistance to rotation of the rotating element 104 is provided.

[00196] For example, with reference to Figures 7a and 7b, a side portion 40a of the body 40 of the locking element 30, may be polarized in contact with an inner side surface 104a of the rotating element 104, such that friction between the side portion 40a and the inner side surface 104a, result in resistance to rotation of the rotating element 104. This can be beneficial in providing tactile feedback to a user, and also preventing the free end of the sheet material from being retracted into the dispenser due to rotation. undesirable effect of the rotating element 104.

[00197] To this end, the selected spring rate of the compression spring 28 is important, as it ensures proper rotation of the rotating element 104 when in use.

[00198] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9b, the tilting member 22 includes the rotating element 104. As can be seen in Figure 3a, the rotating element is provided on the surface 32 of the tilting member.

[00199] The locking member 30 is fixed against rotation about axis A. The arrangement of guide elements 44, 46, provided on the locking mechanism 30 and the tilting member 22, serves to inhibit rotation of the locking member 30. It will be appreciated that the guide elements 46 of the tilt member 22 may alternatively or additionally be provided by the mounting portion 10. Furthermore, the interaction of the locking formations 34 of the mounting portion 10, and the wing portions 38 of the locking member 30, also interact to inhibit rotation of the locking member 30. The tilting member 22 and/or the housing 6 may be formed such that rotation of the locking member 30 is inhibited. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any suitable means of inhibiting rotation of the locking element 30 may be used.

[00200] The locking element 30 and the rotating element 104 comprise a projection 106 and a corresponding recess 108, which are configured for engagement, upon relative movement of the locking element 30 to the rotating element 104, in a direction along the axis of rotation A of the rotating element 104. In this way, when the projection 106 engages the corresponding recess 108, the rotation of the rotating element 104 is inhibited. Since the locking element 30 is fixed against rotation around the axis A, when the rotating element 104 is engaged with the locking element 30, the rotating element 104 is for this purpose also locked against rotation around the axis A.

[00201] The lock arrangement 102 comprises a plurality of configurations, which correspond to the locked condition. In other words, there are a plurality of configurations of the rotating element 104, relative to the locking element 30, that correspond to the locked condition, in which rotation of the rotating element 104 is inhibited. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9b, the plurality of configurations is defined by the arrangement of projections and corresponding recesses provided in the rotating element 104 and the locking element 30.

[00202] The locking element 30 and the rotating element 104 comprise a plurality of projections 106 and a plurality of corresponding recesses 108, which are configured for engagement upon relative movement of the locking element 30 to the rotating element 104, in a direction along the axis of rotation A of the rotating element 104. In this way, when the projections 106 engage the corresponding recesses 108, the rotation of the rotating element 104 is inhibited. In the illustrated embodiments, the plurality of projections are provided by the rotating element 104, and the plurality of recesses are provided by the locking element 30. Alternatively, a plurality of projections may be provided by the locking element 30, and a plurality of corresponding recesses may be provided. be provided by the rotating element 104.

[00203] The projections 106 and the corresponding recesses 108 are provided in a circular arrangement centered around the axis of rotation A of the rotating element 104. In this way, there are a plurality of configurations, in which the rotating element and the locking element 30 can be engaged.

[00204] Furthermore, the projections 106 and the recesses 108 are arranged for self-alignment when the locking element 30 and the rotating element 104 are polarized in contact. In other words, the action of the compression spring 28, and the configuration of the projections 106 and the recesses 108, is such that the rotating element 104 and the locking element 30 will tend to engage with each other.

[00205] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9b, for example as shown in Figure 7a, projections 106 are provided by a matrix of teeth on the rotating element 104. Alternatively, such a matrix and teeth may be provided on the locking element 30. As can be seen from Figure 7b, a plurality of recesses are provided between the slots 110, and an array of slots 110 provided in the locking element 30. Alternatively, the array of slots 110 may be provided in the rotating element 104.

[00206] In some embodiments, a single projection 106 may be provided, along with an array of corresponding recesses. Alternatively, a single recess 108 may be provided along with an array of corresponding projections 106. Such arrangements should also provide a plurality of configurations corresponding to the locked condition.

[00207] With reference to Figure 7c, the configuration in which the locking element 30 and the rotating element 104 are engaged, is illustrated. As can be seen, the projections 106 engage the recesses 108, to engage the rotating member 104 and the locking member 30 together. In this configuration, rotation of the rotating member 104 about the axis of rotation A is inhibited or prevented.

[00208] Figure 7d illustrates the configuration, in which the rotating element 104 and the locking element 30 are not engaged. In this configuration, the projections 106 do not engage the corresponding recesses 108, thus rotation of the rotating element 104, around axis A, is permitted. When the roller 4 is mounted on the rotating element 104, the rotation of the rotating element 104 allows the roller 4 to be rotated, as a result of which the distributor can be used.

[00209] As illustrated in Figures 8a to 8d, the locking element 30 is configured to be retracted out of engagement, with the rotating element 30, by moving the key 16a from the disengaged to the engaged position. When the roller 4 is moved from the disengaged condition (as shown in Figure 8a) to the engaged position (as shown in Figure 8c), the key 16a limits a portion of the locking element 30 to disengage the locking element 30 from the rotating element 104 For example, a front face 112 of the body 40 of the locking member 30 (as shown in Figure 7b) is engaged by the key 16a when it moves from the disengaged to the engaged condition. The front face 112 of the locking element is configured to limit the rear face 114 of the rotating element 104, as shown in Figure 8a, for example.

[00210] As previously described, the key 16a comprises one or more projections 56, which are arranged to be received by the corresponding keyholes 58. As shown in Figure 3a, the keyholes 58 are provided by the rotating element 104. In this way , the roller 4 is supported by the rotating element 104.

[00211] With reference to Figures 8a to 8f, the operation of the distributor 2 for loading a correct roll of sheet material 4 into the distributor 2 will now be described. The first end 16 of the roll of sheet material 4 is located relative to the mounting portion 10. The second end 18 of the roll 4 is then positioned relative to the support member 18.

[00212] When there is no roll loaded in the distributor 2, the tilt member 22 is in the loading position. In this configuration, the keyholes 58 of the tilt member 22 are angled toward a user, facilitating loading of the roller 4 onto the mounting portion 10.

[00213] When the first end of the roller 4 is brought into contact with the mounting portion 10, the key 16a of the roller 4 is positioned in the key holes 58. In this way, the roller 4 is moved from a disengaged position to a position engaged. Referring to Figures 8a to 8c and , when the key 16a is moved from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition, the key 16a limits the front face 112 of the locking element 30, moves the locking element 30 away from the rotating element 104, and outward from the tilt member 22. This movement is against the biasing action of the compression spring 28.

[00214] When the locking member 30 is moved by the key 16a, it is moved out of engagement with the rotating member 104. Consequently, the projections 106 and the corresponding recesses 108 disengage such that the rotation of the rotating member 104 is permitted. In this way, the lock arrangement 102 is unlocked.

[00215] The movement of the locking element 30, against the biasing action of the compression spring 28, also causes the wing portions 38 of the locking element 30 to move past the stop blocks 34 of the mounting portion 10. This is shown in Figure 8d. Disengagement of the stop blocks 34 and the wing portions 38 unlocks the block arrangement 26, thereby allowing rotation of the tilt member 22 about the pivot pin 24. In this way, the tilt member 22 is released to movement from the loading position to the operating position. When the tilt member 22 is rotated about the pivot pin 24, the roller 4 is located in the housing 6 and the second end 20 of the roller 4 is placed in contact with the support portion 18. The roller 4 is now loaded into the distributor 2 for use.

[00216] It will be appreciated that a roller that does not comprise a key, or a key of the correct configuration, will not correctly engage with the mounting portion 10 to unlock the block arrangement 26. Therefore, mounting the roller in the housing 6 will be inhibited. Furthermore, a roller that does not comprise a key or the correct configuration of the key will not unlock the locking arrangement 102. Consequently, rotation of the roller will be prevented, since the rotating element 104 will not be free for rotation.

[00217] It will also be appreciated that the act of a user engaging the roll with the mounting portion 10 has two effects: unlocking the block arrangement to permit loading of the roll into the housing, and unlocking the lock arrangement to permit rotation of the roll.

[00218] When the user wants to replace a roll of sheet material 4, or exchange a correct roll of sheet material for another roll 4, a roll occupying the housing 6 can be removed, through the reversal of action described above. This is shown by Figures 9a and 9b.

[00219] When the key 16a is removed from the key hole 58, that is, when the key 16a is moved from the engaged to the disengaged position, the action of the compression spring 28 biases the locking element 30 into engagement with the rotating member 104. In this way, rotation of the rotating member 104 is inhibited.

[00220] In addition, the action of the compression spring 28, against the locking member 30, biases the locking member 30 toward a rear surface of the tilt member 22 (the rear surface of the tilt member 22 may or may not may be the same as the rear surface of the rotating member 104). This biases the tilt member 22 from the operating condition to the loading condition. When the locking member 30 moves in this manner, the wing portions 38 are placed back into engagement, with the stop blocks 34 to retain the tilt member 22 in the loading position. In this loading position, the distributor 2 is then ready for a new roll 4 to be inserted.

[00221] The spring rate of the compression spring 28 is selected to be a predetermined value. In the present arrangement, the spring rate is selected to be approximately 3N, but the spring rate can be varied in order to adapt the application. This provides a number of advantages. For example, appropriate spring rate selection can: ensure that the spring can overcome the force of gravity in order to return the tilt member to the loading position from the operating position; provide appropriate tactile feedback to the user when loading or unloading a roll into the dispenser; bias the mounting portion into engagement with the roller, to secure the roller in the distributor housing.

[00222] The choice of spring rate is also advantageous to ensure engagement of the locking member 30 with the rotating member 104, when the key is removed from the mounting portion, to restrict rotation of the rotating member when the correct roll of material is removed.

[00223] Although the invention has been described with reference to one or more embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications can be made, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the attached claims. For example, although the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9b comprises both a block arrangement 26 and a latch arrangement 102, it will be appreciated that a dispenser may include only one of these arrangements.

[00224] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 10a and 10b, a roller is provided, which has a first end portion 216. The first end portion comprises an axial end face 260, provided with a 216a in the form of a depression or recess 256.

[00225] The mounting portion 10 comprises a corresponding formation 258, formed on a surface 262 of the mounting portion 10, for example, the surface of the rotating element 204. The formation 258 is configured for engagement with the depression or recess 256 of the key 216a. When the formation 258 of the mounting portion 10 is received in the depression or recess 256 of the key 216, the roller is in the engaged condition, as shown in Figure 10b. When the formation 258 of the mounting portion 10 is not occupying the depression or recess 256 of the key 216, the roller is in the disengaged condition as shown in Figure 10a.

[00226] It will be appreciated that, when the roller is in the engaged condition, the first end portion 216 is supported by the formations 258, which occupy the depression, or recess 256 of the first end portion 216.

[00227] As can be seen by comparing figures 10a and 10b, when the roller moves from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition, the axial end face 260 of the first end portion 216 comes into contact with the surface 262, surrounding the formation 258 of mounting portion 10.

[00228] When force is applied to the roller, the surface 262 of the mounting portion 10 is lowered out of the formation 258. In this way, the formation 258 is exposed so that it can occupy the depression or recess 256 of the key 216a .

[00229] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10a and 10b, the formation 258 of the mounting portion is provided on the rotating element 204. In such a configuration, movement of the rotating element 204 by the axial end face 260 causes the rotating element 204 to be moved to outside engagement, with a blocking element (not shown). For example, the locking element may be provided by the rear surface 42 of the tilt member 22, or another appropriate portion of the mounting portion 10 or housing 6. In such embodiments, the pivot member 204 may comprise projections and/or recesses (not shown) on its surface 262, or on the side wall 264 of the surface, such projections and/or recesses being configured for engagement with corresponding recesses and/or projections of the locking element.

[00230] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10a and 10b, the rotating element 204 can act as the locking member. In such an embodiment, movement of the rotating element 204, by the axial end face 260 of the roller, causes the rotating element 204 to be moved out of engagement with locking formations (not shown), thereby unlocking the block arrangement.

[00231] Although in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10a and 10b, the formation 258 of the mounting portion 10 is provided by the rotating element 204, it will be appreciated that the formation 258 may be provided in any appropriate element of the mounting portion 10.

[00232] Furthermore, the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9b, comprises a roller having projections 56, in a substantially "F" shaped formation, and correspondingly shaped keyholes 58, provided on the mounting portion 10. It will be It is appreciated that any appropriate formation of the projections 56 of the key 16a may be used. Further, one or more projections 56 in any appropriate form may be used. Corresponding keyholes 58 of the mounting portion may be provided to support such key arrangements.

[00233] For example, as shown in Figures 11a to 11c, the key 16a may comprise a single projection 56, for example, having a circular cross-section (see Figure 11a), a rectangular cross-section (see Figure 11b), or a cross-section in sectional format (see Figure 11c). It will be appreciated that a projection having any appropriate cross-section may be used.

[00234] Figures 11d and 11g illustrate embodiments in which the key 16a comprises a first projection 56a, extending from the end of the roll to a first depth, and a second projection 56b extending from the first projection 56a, such that the second projection 56b extends from the roll to a second depth, which is greater than the first depth. In the embodiment of Figure 11d, both the first and second projections have a hexagonal cross-section, which are angularly offset from each other in the illustrated embodiment. It will be appreciated that the cross sections of the first and second projections can be angularly aligned. In Figure 11g, the first projection has a circular cross-section, and the second projection has a square cross-section. It will be appreciated that the first and second projections may comprise any appropriate cross-section, and that the first and second projections may comprise the same or different cross-sections.

[00235] Figure 11e illustrates an embodiment in which the key 16a comprises a pair of projections 56, which have a substantially L-shaped profile, configured such that the long side of the L-shaped profile extends towards off the roll.

[00236] Finally, Figure 11f illustrates an embodiment in which the key 16a comprises a single projection 56, comprising a hollow cylindrical profile.

[00237] Although the embodiments illustrated in Figures 11a to 11g show keyholes 58 being provided by the pivoting portion 104 of the mounting portion, it will be appreciated that keyholes may be provided, for any appropriate shape of the mounting portion or distributor housing.

[00238] In some embodiments, the shape and/or configuration of the key 16a formed at the first end of the roll 4 corresponds to the size of the roll, the type of material the roll is made of, and/or other properties related to the roll. It will be appreciated that distributors suitable for the respective roller type will have corresponding key holes. This ensures that only correct rolls are loaded into a particular dispenser, and that it is easy for a user to identify the correct roll.

[00239] For example, some rolls may be too long or too short for a given distributor. In some examples, the material loaded on the roll may be of a particular thickness, which requires the distributor to have a sufficiently strong cutting mechanism in order to distribute the material. Therefore, providing a particular key arrangement for a particular type of roll still ensures that only the correct rolls are loaded into a given dispenser.

Claims (20)

1. Sheet dispensing system having a roll (4) of sheet material and a housing (6) for receiving the roll, wherein: the roll (4) of sheet material comprises a first end portion (16) incorporating a key (16a); and the housing (6) comprises a mounting portion (10), arranged to support the first end portion (16) of the roller (4) and a support portion (18), arranged to support a second end (20) of the roller (4); wherein the mounting portion (10) comprises a tilting member (22) pivotally coupled to the housing (6), to define an operational position, wherein the mounting portion (10) and the support portion (18) are aligned to support the roller (4) in the housing (6), and a loading position, in which the mounting portion (10) and the support portion (18) are misaligned to inhibit the support of the roller (4) in the housing ( 6); characterized in that the mounting portion (10) comprises a block arrangement (26), which is movable between a locked condition, in which movement of the tilt member (22) from the loading position to the operating position is inhibited. , and an unlocked condition, in which movement of the tilt member (22) from the loading position to the operating position is permitted; and wherein the mounting portion (10) is arranged such that the roller (4) is movable between an engaged condition, in which the key (16a) engages the mounting portion (10), and a disengaged condition, in which that the key (16a) is disengaged from the mounting portion (10), such that, when the roller (4) is moved from the disengaged to the engaged condition, the first end portion (16) of the roller (4) moves the block arrangement (26) into the unlocked condition, thereby allowing movement of the tilt member (22) from the loading position to the operating position. 2. Sheet dispensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting portion (10) comprises a polarization mechanism, configured to polarize the block arrangement (26) in the blocked condition, and/or configured to polarize the tilt member (22) to the loading position. 3. Sheet distributor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the tilt member (22) is arranged to support the first end portion (16) of the roll (4). 4. Sheet distributor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the block arrangement (26) comprises a blocking element, which is operable by the first end portion (16) of the roller (4), to move the block arrangement (26) from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. 5. Sheet distributor system according to claim 4, characterized in that the tilt member (22) moves through an arc of rotation when it is moved from the loading condition to the operating condition, and wherein actuation of the locking element, through the first end portion (16) of the roller (4), comprises movement of the locking element in one direction, along a tangent of the arc of rotation of the tilting member (22 ). 6. Sheet distributing system according to claim 5, characterized in that the tilt member (22) comprises a surface configured so that, when the tilt member (22) is in the operational position, the surface is extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing (6) and, when the tilt member (22) is in the loading position, the surface extends at an angle of less than 90° to the longitudinal axis, and in that actuation of the locking element, by the first end portion (16) of the roller (4), comprises movement of the locking element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface. 7. The sheet dispensing system of claim 4, wherein the block arrangement (26) comprises a block formation, wherein the locking element is configured to engage the block formation in order to inhibit movement of the tilt member (22) from the loading position to the operational condition; wherein actuation of the blocking element comprises movement of the blocking element out of engagement with the block formation. 8. Sheet distributing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the key (16a) comprises one or more projections (56), and in which the mounting portion (10) defines one or more keyholes corresponding, configured to receive the one or more projections (56) of the key (16a) for supporting the first end portion of the roller (4), wherein the tilt member (22) comprises the one or more keyholes. 9. Sheet distribution system according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that, when the roller (4) is moved from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition, the key (16a) moves the block arrangement (26) in the unlocked condition, wherein the block arrangement (26) comprises a locking element, which is operable by the key (16a), to move the block arrangement (26) from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. 10. Sheet dispensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting portion (10) further comprises a locking arrangement (102), which is movable between a locked condition and a free condition; wherein the locking arrangement (102) comprises a rotating element configured for rotation about an axis, and a locking element configured for engagement with the rotating element to inhibit rotation of the rotating element such that , when the locking element and the rotating element are engaged, the lock arrangement (102) occupies the locked condition, and when the locking element and the rotating element are disengaged, the lock arrangement (102) occupies the free condition; wherein when the roller (4) is moved from the disengaged to the engaged condition, the first end portion (16) of the roller (4) moves the lock arrangement (102) into the free condition, thereby allowing rotation of the rotating element. 11. Sheet dispensing system according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the locking element and the rotating element are configured to engage by the relative movement of the blocking element and the rotating element, one towards the other, in a direction along the axis of rotation of the rotating element. 12. Sheet distribution system, according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the block arrangement (26) comprises a blocking element, which is operable by the first end portion (16) of the roller (4), to moving the block arrangement (26) from the locked condition to the unlocked condition, and wherein the locking element and the locking element are provided by the same component. 13. A mounting system for a sheet dispensing system as defined in claim 1, having a roll (4) of sheet material and a housing (6) for receiving the roll (4), wherein the mounting system comprises: a first end portion (16) of a roller (4) incorporating a key (16a); and a corresponding mounting portion (10) arranged to support the first end portion (16) of the roller (4), and a support portion (18) arranged to support a second end (20) of the roller (4); wherein the mounting portion (10) comprises a tilt member (22) pivotally disposed to define an operational position, wherein the mounting portion (10) and the support portion (18) are aligned to support a roller (4 ) in a housing (6), and a loading position, in which the mounting portion (10) and the support portion (18) are misaligned to inhibit the support of a roller (4) in a housing (6); characterized in that the mounting portion (10) comprises a block arrangement (26), which is movable between a locked condition, in which movement of the tilt member (22), from the loading position to the operating position, is inhibited, and an unlocking condition in which movement of the tilt member (22) from the loading position to the operating position is permitted; and wherein the mounting portion (10) is arranged such that the first end portion (16) is movable between an engaged condition, wherein the key (16a) engages the mounting portion (10), and a disengaged condition, wherein the key (16a) is disengaged from the mounting portion (10), such that when the first end portion (16) of the roller (4) is moved from the disengaged to the engaged condition, the first end portion (16) moves the block arrangement (26) into the unlocked condition, thereby allowing movement of the tilt member (22) from the loading position to the operating position. 14. A sheet dispenser for a sheet dispensing system as defined in claim 1 comprising a housing (6) for receiving a roll (4) of sheet material, the roll (4) comprising a first end portion (16) incorporating a key (16a), wherein: the housing (6) comprises a mounting portion (10), arranged to support the first end portion (16) of the roller (4) and a support portion (18), arranged to support a second end (20) of the roller (4); wherein the mounting portion (10) comprises a tilting member (22) pivotally coupled to the housing (6), to define an operational position, wherein the mounting portion (10) and the support portion (18) are aligned for supporting a roll (4) in the housing (6), and a loading position, in which the mounting portion (10) and the support portion (18) are misaligned to inhibit the support of a roll (4) in the housing (6); characterized in that the mounting portion (10) comprises a block arrangement (26), which is movable between a locked condition, in which movement of the tilt member (22) from the loading position to the operating position is inhibited, and an unlocked condition, in which movement of the tilt member (22) from the loading position to the operating position is permitted; and wherein the mounting portion (10) is arranged such that a roller (4) is movable between an engaged condition, in which the key (16a) engages the mounting portion (10), and a disengaged condition, in which that the key (16a) is disengaged from the mounting portion (10), such that, when a roller (4) is moved from the disengaged to the engaged condition, the first end portion (16) of the roller (4) moves the block arrangement (26) to the unlocked condition, thereby allowing movement of the tilting member (22) from the loading position to the operating position. 15. Sheet dispenser according to claim 14, characterized in that the mounting portion (10) further comprises a locking arrangement (102), which is movable between a locked condition and a free condition; wherein the locking arrangement (102) comprises a rotating element configured for rotation about an axis, and a locking element configured for engagement with the rotating element, to inhibit rotation of the rotating element, such that, when the locking element and the rotating element are engaged, the lock arrangement (102) occupies the locked condition, and when the locking element and the rotating element are disengaged, the lock arrangement (102) occupies the free condition; wherein when the roller (4) is moved from the disengaged to the engaged condition, the first end portion (16) of the roller (4) moves the lock arrangement (102) into the free condition, thereby allowing rotation of the rotating element. 16. Use of a sheet material replacement roll (4) with a sheet distributor, as defined in claim 14, characterized in that the replacement roll (4) comprises one or more mounting formations, and the portion mounting assembly (10) of the distributor comprises one or more complementary formations, configured to support the one or more replacement roller mounting formations, and wherein the use comprises mounting one or more replacement roller formations, on the one or more complementary formations of the mounting portion (10) of the sheet distributor. 17. A method of removing a roll of sheet material from a sheet dispenser as defined in claim 14, wherein the mounting portion (10) of the sheet dispenser comprises a biasing mechanism arranged to bias at least one of: tilt member (22) for the loading position, the block arrangement (26) for the locked condition, and the lock arrangement (102) for the locked condition; the method comprising the steps of: a. dismantle a roll of sheet material from the mounting portion (10) of the housing (6); and b. when the biasing mechanism is arranged to bias the tilt member (22) to the loading position, freeing the tilt member (22) for movement, such that the tilt member (22) is moved from the operating position to the charging position, under the polarization action of the polarization mechanism; when the biasing mechanism is arranged to bias the block array (26) to the locked condition, releasing the block array (26) for movement, such that the block array (26) is moved, under the action of polarization of the polarization mechanism, to the blocked condition, in which the movement of the tilt member (22) from the charging position to the operating position is inhibited; and when the biasing mechanism is arranged to bias the lock arrangement (102) to the locked condition, releasing the lock arrangement (102) for movement, such that the lock arrangement (102) is moved, under the action of the bias mechanism, to the locked condition, in which the rotation of the rotating element is inhibited. 18. A material replacement roll for use with a sheet dispenser as defined in claim 14, wherein the material replacement roll comprises one or more mounting formations, which are arranged to be supported by the mounting portion. (10) of the sheet distributor, when the block arrangement (26) is in the unlocked condition, and/or when the lock arrangement (102) is in the free condition. 19. Sheet dispenser system, comprising a sheet dispenser as defined in claim 14, and a material replacement roll, characterized in that the material replacement roll comprises one or more mounting formations, which are arranged to be supported by the mounting portion (10) of the sheet dispenser, when the block arrangement (26) is in the unlocked configuration, and/or when the lock arrangement (102) is in a free condition. 20. Method of assembling a sheet material replacement roll in a sheet dispenser as defined in claim 14, comprising the steps of: a. moving a switch (16a) from the disengaged to the engaged condition, such that the block arrangement (26) is moved in the unlocked condition, wherein movement of the tilt member (22) from the loading position to the operating position , it's allowed; and/or b. moving a key (16a) from the disengaged to the engaged condition, such that the locking arrangement (102) is moved to the free condition, in which rotation of the rotating element is permitted; and c. mount a first end of the replacement roller to the mounting portion (10) of the distributor.