Paper dispenser having a one-way spring clutch

Abstract

The present invention concerns a paper dispenser comprising a housing holding at least one paper supply and a dispensing mechanism within said housing, the dispensing mechanism having a rotatable dispensing drum. The dispenser further comprises a turn knob coupled with the dispensing drum, the turn knob having an inner hub, and a wrap-spring clutch wrapped around the inner hub. The wrap-spring clutch has a first arias extending from it and being attached to a stationary point for causing the wrap-spring clutch to slightly unwind when the turn knob is rotated in the first direction. Characteristically of the invention, the wrap-spring clutch comprises a second arm extending from it, while a stopper is located in the second arm's rotational travel path in a second rotation direction for enabling the turn knob to be rotated in the second direction against a limited braking force.

1 . A paper dispenser comprising:
 a housing holding at least one paper supply;   a dispensing mechanism within said housing for cutting and dispensing paper sheets from said at least one paper supply, said dispensing mechanism having a rotatable dispensing drum;   a turn knob coupled with said dispensing drum for enabling manual rotation, said turn knob having an inner hub extending axially towards said dispensing mechanism;   a wrap-spring clutch wrapped around the inner hub of said turn knob, said wrap-spring clutch having a first arm extending from it and being attached to a stationary point for enabling free rotation of said turn knob in a first rotation direction by causing said wrap-spring clutch to slightly unwind when said turn knob is rotated in said first direction,   wherein the wrap-spring clutch comprises a second arm extending from it, a stopper being located in the second arm's rotational travel path in a second rotation direction for enabling the turn knob to be rotated in said second direction against a limited braking force exerted on said inner hub by said wrap-spring clutch tightening around said inner hub.   
     
     
         2 . The paper dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein the second arm of said wrap-spring clutch extends outside the periphery of said turn knob. 
     
     
         3 . The paper dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein a notch or a pin is provided for holding the second arm of said wrap-spring clutch in a displaced position in the first rotational direction 
     
     
         4 . The paper dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein the second arm of said wrap-spring clutch is located within said housing while said turn knob is located outside said housing when said housing is closed.