FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing cut lengths of material strip, in particular but not exclusively cut lengths of foil strip, and/or a method of dispensing cut lengths of material strip.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When applying colour to hair, foil strips may be used, particularly if only certain sections of hair require colouring, e.g. when applying highlights to hair. Each foil strip is generally folded at one end. A section of hair for colouring is selected and the folded end of the strip is then placed near the roots of the selected hair. Hair dye is applied to the selected hair. The strip is then folded back on itself, and often the side edges of the foil are also folded, to encase the hair and hair dye between the foil (i.e. a foil wrap is formed). To avoid the foil strips becoming damaged before use and to save labour, dispensers are often used to dispense the foil strips. Electrical dispensers are particularly useful because the length of the dispensed strip can often be customised to suit the length of the hair to be dyed.

GB2436831, WO03/062110 and EP1590286 disclose examples of electronic dispensers.

However, there are times when a foil strip without a fold is required. Therefore, there is a need for a dispenser that permits a user to select whether to apply a fold at an end of a foil strip. Further, it is desirable to minimise the cost and complexity of such dispensers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a dispenser for dispensing cut lengths of material strip of the type capable of maintaining a crease, the dispenser comprising: a guide for guiding a strip of material through the dispenser; a cutter for cutting a material strip to a desired length; a folder for folding an end of a strip of material; and a link between the cutter and the folder for causing movement of the cutter and folder when one of the cutter or folder is moved by a predetermined amount in one of a first or second direction to actuate cutting or folding; and a drive mechanism for driving movement of the cutter and/or the folder, wherein the drive mechanism is configured for causing movement in two directions, such that movement in one of the first or second direction actuates cutting of the strip material and movement in the other of the first or second direction actuates folding. The dispenser provides an improved alternative dispenser to those of the prior art. Further, driving the cutter or folder in one direction for cutting and in another direction for folding, means that a user can easily select when to actuate cutting or folding, which gives a user the option to select not to fold an end of a cut length of material strip. Yet further still, the dispenser is less complex and can be cheaper to manufacture than dispensers of the prior art.

The strip of material may be a foil strip or a saran strip. The cut and folded strip of material may be used in a hair dying procedure.

The predetermined amount refers to an amount sufficient to actuate cutting or folding.

The drive mechanism drive may be a rotary drive. The first direction and second directions may be opposed directions. For example, when the drive mechanism drive is a rotary drive, the first direction may be clockwise or anti-clockwise, and the second direction may be anti-clockwise or clockwise.

The drive mechanism may drive the folder. For example, the link between the cutter and the folder may be such that when the folder is moved by a predetermined amount in the first direction cutting is actuated. Movement of the folder by a predetermined amount in the second direction may actuate folding.

A reaction member may be shaped and positioned to provide a reaction surface against which the folder can push, in use, with a strip of material therebetween, to create a fold in said strip of material. The provision of the reaction surface improves the fold formed in an end of the length of material. A tight fold is preferred by hairdressers as it eases the application of dye to strands of hair.

The cutter may be located at or near one end of the folder. The folder may be rotated about an axis offset from a folding surface of the folder. For example, the folder may be rotated about an axis substantially central to the folder to actuate cutting or folding.

The folder may comprise a body and one end of the body may have a head. In use, a strip of material may contact the head of the body to form a fold in a strip of material.

The body may be a substantially elongate body.

An end of the body of the folder opposite the head may be formed as a cam. The cutter may form a follower, such that rotation of the folder causes linear movement of the cutter so as to actuate cutting.

Alternatively, the cutter may be formed at an end of a body opposite the head. For example, the cutter and folder may be integrally formed.

The cutter may comprise an elongate blade protruding towards a material flow path defined by the guide. The dispenser may comprise a block against which the cutter can move to cut a strip of material. The cutter may comprise a blade carrier supporting the elongate blade. The blade carrier may define a follower surface that contacts a cam surface formed by the folder.

The folder may comprise a guide surface. In use, upon movement (e.g. rotation) of the folder in a direction that actuates folding, the guide surface may guide a strip of material back on itself for creating a fold in a strip of material.

The folder may comprise a notch and the reaction surface may be configured to be complimentary to the notch and positioned such that, in use, upon movement (e.g. rotation) of the folder in a direction that actuates folding, a strip of material may be positioned between the notch and the reaction surface to form a fold in the strip of material. The reaction surface may be formed to substantially a point.

The folder may comprise a head for contacting the strip of material positioned at one end of a body. The head may be angled at between 0 and 80° (e.g. between 0° and 70, 60, 50 or 40°) to a plane defined by the longitudinal length of the body and the drive mechanism may directly rotate the folder at a point of rotation positioned substantially central to the body of the folder. The drive mechanism may comprise a motor that can be operated in two drive directions. Alternatively, the drive mechanism may comprise a motor that can be operated in one drive direction and a return spring. The drive mechanism may comprise one or more gears, and/or one or more drive belts or pulleys.

The dispenser may have a pair of input feed rollers for feeding a strip of material through the dispenser. The dispenser may comprise a pair of output feed rollers for feeding a strip of material out of the dispenser. The output feed rollers may be driven at a faster rate than the input feed rollers, or at the same rate as the input feed rollers. The output feed rollers and the input feed rollers may be driven by the same motor. The output feed rollers may be driven at a faster rate by the use of a series of gears, or pulleys and a drive belt or chain. One of the output feed rollers and one of the input feed rollers may be directly driven by the motor. The other of the output feed roller and input feed roller may be free to rotate without any direct drive applied. The output and/or input feed roller directly driven by a motor may be mounted in a chassis. The other output and/or input feed roller may be mounted in a clamping tray. The clamping tray may be pivotally mounted to the chassis to permit access to a region between the feed rollers. Such access can be advantageous for removing any blockages should they occur, and also for loading or unloading a strip of material from the dispenser.

The pair of input and/or output feed rollers may be stacked so as to be radially adjacent to each other and so that the longitudinal axes are parallel. The radial contact between the feed rollers may be such that the strip of material is compressed between the feed rollers.

A first motor may drive the input and output feed rollers and a second motor may drive movement of the cutter or folder. The motors may be electric motors. The direction of the first and/or second motor may be reversible. Reversal of the first motor may help to free any blockages in the dispenser should these arise in operation. The dispenser may be configured so as to be portable. Portability means that a user can place the dispenser on, for example a hairdresser's trolley, whilst a user is colouring hair, for easy access to the dispensed cut lengths of material strip.

The dispenser may comprise a control system for altering operating parameters of the dispenser. The control system may comprise a printed circuit board. The dispenser may comprise a user interface for inputting desired operating parameters to the control system. The operating parameters may include cut length of material strip, quantity of cut lengths of material strip, a folded or non-folded free end of material strip, or the size of a fold in a material strip. The control system may be pre-programmed for a user to select a desired parameter from a selection of pre-programmed options, e.g. length of strip from a selection of different lengths.

The control system may be configured for activation via a remote device (e.g. a remote controller or a mobile phone) for example using Bluetooth, WIFI, infrared or radio waves. Alternatively or additionally, the control system may be configured for activation via a USB or Ethernet connection. For example, the USB or Ethernet connection may be used to connect the dispenser to a computer or computer network.

The control system may be configured to automatically detect when the quantity of strip material on a roll of strip material is below a predetermined level, and send an alert signal. For example, the control system may comprise a sensor for detecting the amount of strip material in the dispenser. The dispenser may further comprise a receiver and transmitter configured such that when the sensor detects the amount of strip material in the dispenser is below a predetermined level, the sensor sends a signal to the receiver which communicates with the transmitter to transmit an alert signal to indicate that a refill is required. The alert signal may be a light on the dispenser or a message or indication on a display screen. The alert signal may trigger a replenishment action. For example, the alert signal may trigger an e-mail or electronic order to be sent to a user or a supplier indicating that a new roll is required. The control system may be configured to display information to a user on a display screen (e.g. LCD screen) related to the operating status of the dispenser, for example the information displayed may include refill requirements, dispenser status, selected operating parameters, possible errors in operation, and/or instructions of how to correct any errors of operation.

The dispenser may comprise a cradle for receiving a source of material strip. The source of material strip may be a roll of material strip. The cradle may comprise a lock and key mechanism to locate a roll of material strip in the cradle.

The dispenser may comprise a casing for housing the body and guide, and optionally the support block, feed rollers, and/or cradle. The casing may comprise a lid. The lid may be removable or pivotally connected so as to permit access to the body and guide, and optionally the support block, feed rollers and/or cradle. The dispenser may comprise a tray for collecting cut lengths of material strip. The dispenser may comprise a dabber for selection of a length of material strip from the tray. The dabber may utilise temporary adhesion to select a length of material strip.

A second aspect of the invention provides a dispenser for dispensing cut lengths of strip material of the type capable of maintaining a crease, the dispenser comprising: a guide for guiding a strip of material through the dispenser; a body having a cutter for cutting a strip of material to a desired length, and a folder for folding an end of a strip of material; and a drive mechanism for rotating the body to actuate cutting or folding of a strip of material; wherein the cutter and folder are positioned on the body such that movement, e.g. rotation of the body by the drive mechanism in one direction moves the cutter towards a strip of material for cutting, and movement, e.g. rotation, of the body in a second direction, e.g. an opposite direction moves the folder towards a strip of material for folding.

The provision of a body having a cutter and a folder means that the dispenser is compact. The body may have a longitudinal axis, and the cutter and folder may be spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis. Such positioning enables the cutter to be fully unengaged with a material strip when the folder is in operation and vice-versa. The cutter may comprise an elongate blade protruding towards a material flow path defined by the guide. The material flow path may be from a supply strip of material to an outlet of the dispenser.

The dispenser of the second aspect may have any relevant one of, or any combination of, optional features of the dispenser of the first aspect.

A third aspect of the invention provides a dispenser comprising: a dispenser mechanism for cutting and dispensing lengths of material strip; a tray for collecting dispensed lengths of material strip from the dispenser mechanism; and a dabber for easing selection of a length of material strip by temporary adhesion thereto. The provision of a dabber in combination with the dispensing mechanism provides increased convenience for a user. The strips are dispensed from the dispenser mechanism and a user can then conveniently select a strip from a pile of dispensed strips, without the inconvenience of needing to separate the cut lengths of material strip. The following described optional features of the third aspect may be applied to the dispenser of the first or second aspect when the dispenser of the first or second aspect has a tray and/or a dabber, as appropriate.

The dabber may comprise a resiliently biased arm. The resiliently biased arm may be moveable from a position of rest into contact with a strip of material. The dabber may be selectively removed from the dispenser. The resiliently biased arm may comprise an area of two-part epoxy resin for temporary adhesion to a strip of material.

The dabber may comprise an area of temporary adhesive. The temporary adhesive may be a refillable or replaceable component.

The tray may be adjustable in length to suit the length of cut lengths of material strip dispensed from the dispensing mechanism. For example, the tray may comprise a main member and an extension member. The main member may connect to the extension member via a slot and lug connection, such that the lug can slide relative to the slot so as to extend or retract the length of the tray. The slot may be positioned on the main member and the lug may be positioned on the extension member, or vice- versa. The tray may be mechanically and/or electrically connected to the dispenser. The tray may be releasably connected to the dispenser. For example the tray may be connected to the dispensing mechanism via a hook or a slot and pin. The dabber may be connected to the main member or may be connected to the extension member. The dispensing mechanism may have any one of, or any combination of, the optional features of the dispenser of the first, second or third aspect.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of cutting and dispensing lengths of material of the type capable of maintaining a crease, the method comprising: providing a dispenser having a cutter to cut a strip of material to a desired length, and a folder for folding an end of a strip of material, the folder and cutter being linked such that movement of the folder or cutter in a first direction moves the cutter towards the strip of material, and movement of the folder or cutter in a second direction moves the folder towards the strip of material; guiding a strip of material through the dispenser; moving the folder or cutter in a first direction to cause the cutter to move so as to actuate cutting of the material strip to length; and selectively moving the folder or cutter in a second direction to actuate folding of an end of the material strip.

Selectively moving the folder or cutter in a second direction means that folding can be optionally selected by a user as required.

The strip of material may be cut, and the cut end of the strip of material may be folded. The cut end may be a lead end of a strip of material from a material strip supply.

The method may comprise stopping the strip of material at a position over the folder for folding, and/or stopping the strip of material at a position over the cutter for cutting. The dispenser may be the dispenser of the first aspect.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a dispenser for dispensing strips of material of the type capable of maintaining a crease, the dispenser comprising: a guide member for guiding a sheet of strip material through the dispenser, the guide member defining a flow path along which strip material is fed through the dispenser; a first reaction surface distinct and remote from the guide surface; and a second reaction surface distinct and remote from the guide surface and complimentary to the first reaction surface; wherein the second reaction surface is moveable between a folding position and a non-folding position, and wherein in the folding position the first and second reaction surfaces are substantially opposed and arranged so as to sandwich and fold a strip of material therebetween, and in the non-folding position the first reaction surface is on one side of the flow path and the second reaction surface is on the opposite side of the flow path to permit uninterrupted flow of strip material through the dispenser. Advantageously, this arrangement may minimise the amount of movement required between the reaction surfaces to cause the strip material to be folded, and may therefore speed up the overall folding operation.

The flow path may be on one side of the guide member and the first reaction surface is positioned on the same side of the guide member as the flow path, and the second reaction surface may be positioned on the opposite side of the guide member to the flow path.

Optionally, the second reaction surface may be rotatable about an axis offset from the second reaction surface so as to move the second reaction surface towards and away from the first reaction surface. This arrangement may advantageously minimise the angle of rotation through which the second reaction surface moves in order create the fold.

In the non-folding position the second reaction surface may be positioned so as to guide the strip of material along the flow path. This may increase the reliability of the feed operation. The dispenser of the fifth aspect may have one, or any combination, of first, second or third aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a dispenser;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a cutter and a folder of the dispenser of Figure 1;

Figures 3 to 10 shows steps in cutting, folding and dispensing a length of foil strip from the dispenser of Figure 1; Figure 11 shows a side view inside the casing of the dispenser of Figure 1;

Figure 12 shows a side view of inside the casing of the dispenser of Figure 1, from the opposite side to that shown in Figure 11;

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1 with a lid of the dispenser open; Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 1 with the lid of a guiding mechanism open;

Figure 15 shows a user interface of the dispenser of Figure 1; and

Figure 16 shows a printed circuit board inside a casing of the dispenser of Figure 1.

Figure 17 shows a side view of a cutter and a folder of an alternative dispenser; Figures 18 to 25 shows steps in cutting, folding and dispensing a length of foil strip from an alternative dispenser having the cutter and folder of Figure 17; and

Figure 26 shows a perspective view of a further alternative dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to Figure 1, a dispenser is indicated generally at 10. The dispenser has a cutting, folding and dispensing mechanism housed in a casing 12. In this embodiment the casing is made from a plastic moulding. A tray 14 is connected to the casing 12 to collect lengths of foil strip dispensed from the dispensing mechanism, the lengths of foil strip are optionally folded at one end. Referring to Figures 3 to 10, a foil strip 16 is guided through the dispenser on a guide 18. In this embodiment the guide is a support surface that defines a feed path along which the foil strip 16 is guided through the dispenser 10.

A cutter 22 is provided for cutting the foil strip 16, and a folder 24 is provided for optionally forming a fold in the foil strip 16.

The folder 24 and cutter 22 are shown in more detail in Figure 2. The folder 24 comprises a body 20 that extends between a head 31 formed at one end of the body for folding the foil strip 16 and an end opposite the head that forms a cam 21.

The folder 24 is rotatably mounted so as to rotate about an axis of rotation R that is offset from the support surface (and therefore the foil in use), and is spaced from the head 21.

The head 31 is angled at approximately 45° to a plane defined by the body. The head 31 includes, at an end furthest the cam, a guide surface 36. The guide surface 36 is provided to move an end of the foil strip away from the guide 18, so as to fold the foil strip 16.

A notch 32 is provided in the head 31 at an end near the cam 21. The notch 32 is substantially rectangular in shape, but a side of the rectangle nearest the guide surface is angled into the notch, and a side of the notch furthest from the guide surface is angled away from the notch. A further guide surface 23 is provided at an end of the head nearest the cam. The further guide surface 23 is positioned and angled such that when the folder is rotated to a folding position, a portion of foil strip 18 rests on guide surface 23.

A reaction member 25 is provided on an opposite side of the guide 18 than the cutter 22 and folder 24. The reaction member 25 is shaped to a point at an end nearest the foil strip 16, to form a surface that is substantially parallel to the guide 18 and therefore to the foil strip 16, and a reaction surface 33 angled at approximately 20° to the guide 18. The reaction surface 33 provides a surface against which the notch of the head of the folder can press when moved to a folding position, which, in use, will position foil strip 16 between the reaction surface and the notch of the folder. The cam 21 is cylindrical in shape and rotatably connected to one end of the body 20. In alternative embodiments, the cam may be formed as part of the body 20 instead of being connected thereto. In other alternative embodiments, the cam may not be circular, but may comprise a curved surface to form a cam surface. Between the head 31 and the cam 21, the body is substantially U-shaped. This is to enable the cam 21 and the head 31 to be suitably positioned without excess use of material.

The cutter 22 is positioned adjacent the cam 21 so that the cam is positioned to actuate linear movement of the cutter 22. The cutter 22 includes a blade 26 and a blade holder 29. The blade 26 is elongate and extends towards a gap in the guide 18, such that upon actuation the blade 26 can move through the gap in the guide to cut a length of the foil strip 16. The holder 29 supports the blade 26 in a position towards the gap in the guide 18. A lower portion of the holder 29 includes a curved surface configured to compliment the surface of the cam 21, such that the cam 21 can move against the curved surface of the holder 29 to advance the cutter 22 towards the foil strip 16.

A block 35 is provided on an opposite side of the guide 18. The block 35 is substantially L-shaped, and in this embodiment is formed using two cuboid components. The block 35 provides a guide for the cutter 22 and a surface against which the cutter 22 can cut the foil strip 16. Referring to Figure 11, the folder 22 is rotated by a motor 40, which in this embodiment is an electric motor. The motor 40 rotates a pulley 42 which is connected to the folder 24. The motor 40 can apply a clockwise or anti-clockwise motion to the pulley 42 to rotate the folder 24 so as to actuate folding or cutting. In alternative embodiments, the pulley 42 may be replaced with one or more gears. Referring back to Figures 3 to 10, the foil strip 16 is fed through the dispenser by input feed rollers 44, 46 and fed out of the dispenser by output feed rollers 48 and 50. The input feed rollers 44, 46 being positioned to direct the foil strip 16 towards the position of the cutter 22 and folder 24 for cutting and optionally folding, and the output feed rollers 48, 50 being positioned to direct the foil strip 16 out of the dispenser after cutting and optional folding. One input feed roller 46 is positioned radially adjacent to the other input feed roller 44 so that the longitudinal axes of the two rollers are parallel. In this embodiment one of the input feed rollers 46 is positioned above the other input feed roller 44. The output feed rollers 48, 50 are arranged in a similar way, with roller 50 positioned above roller 48. Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the input feed rollers 44, 46 and the output feed rollers 48, 50 are rotated by a motor 52. In this embodiment, the input and output feed rollers 46, 50 positioned above the other input and output feed rollers 44, 48 are not directly driven and instead free wheel, but are caused to turn by contact with the lower feed rollers 44, 46. Direct drive is applied to the lower feed rollers 44, 48. The drive is applied by motor 52, which in this embodiment is an electric motor. Rotary motion from the motor 52 is applied to the roller 44 via a drive belt 54 and a pulley 56 connected to the motor and a pulley 58 connected to the roller 44.

A further pulley and drive belt mechanism is positioned on the opposite side of the dispenser 10 to the drive belt 54. This drive belt mechanism comprises a pulley 62 connected to the roller 44, a pulley 64 connected to the other lower roller 48 and a drive belt 60 connected therebetween. The drive belt 60 and pulley 62, 64 transfer rotary motion to the lower output feed roller 48. In this embodiment, the pulley 64 connected to the output feed lower roller 48 is the same size as the pulley 62 connected to the lower input feed roller 44, and as such the lower output roller 48 rotates at substantially the same speed as the lower input feed roller. However, in alternative embodiments, the pulley 64 connected to the output feed lower roller 48 is smaller than the pulley 62 connected to the lower input feed roller 44, and as such the lower output roller 48 rotates at an increased speed compared to the lower input feed roller 44. The motor 52 is capable of providing both clockwise and anti-clockwise drive. In this embodiment, the motors 42, 52 are electric, and one or both may e.g. be a stepper motor such that accurate positioning may be achieved.

The drive belt 54 and/or drive belt 60 may be a toothed belt or a chain. In alternative embodiments, a series of gears or an additional motor and no drive connection may be provided instead of using a drive belt. In certain embodiments, the output feed rollers 48 and 50 are provided with complementary relief surfaces in order that the foil strip 16 passing between them is embossed with a pattern. The pattern may cover the whole of the roller surfaces or just a portion. In some embodiments, the pattern may be functional - e.g. to increase the rigidity of the foil strip, or have an aesthetic function - e.g. to show the machine brand, or the name/logo of the hair salon in which the machine is used. Alternatively, the driven output feed roller (i.e. the lower feed roller in the present embodiment) may have a relief surface defining a pattern for embossing, and the other output feed roller (i.e. the upper feed roller in the present embodiment) may be substantially free from a relief structure and made from a softer material, for example chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber (CSPE CSM), supplied under the trademark of Hypalon ^R ™.

Referring to Figure 1, a dabber 74 is connected to the tray 14. The dabber 74 has an arm 76 resiliently connected to the tray 14. At a free end of the arm 76 there is provided a temporary adhesive 78 for adhering to a length of foil strip positioned in the tray 14 when the arm is brought into contact therewith.

The tray 14 removably connects to the casing 12. For example, using a lug and slot arrangement. The tray 14 may also be electrically connected to an electrical system of the dispenser, such that the dispenser can detect whether or not the tray is connected. In alternative embodiments, the tray may not be removably connected to the casing, and instead may be permanently connected or may be removably or permanently connected to a component housed within the casing, for example a chassis 84 (described later).

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the tray 14 is not adjustable. However, in alternative embodiments the tray may be adjustable in length. Referring to Figure 26, an example of a dispenser 10b with an adjustable tray 14b is shown. The tray 14b is provided in two parts: a main part 66b and an extension part 68b. The main part connects to the extension part by a lug 70b and slot 72b on each side of the tray. In this embodiment the lugs are provided on the main part 66b and the slots 72b are provided on the extension part 68b. The slot 72b is slidable relative to the lug 70b so that the length of the tray 14b can be adjusted. Referring now to Figure 13, the casing 12 has a hinged lid 80. The lid 80 may be lifted away from a main body of the casing 12 to access the dispensing mechanism. Access may be required to load a roll 82 of foil strip into a cradle of the dispenser, or to solve any blockages or operating problems with the dispenser (should they arise). Referring to Figure 14, the lower feed rollers 44, 48 are mounted in a chassis 84 and the upper rollers 46, 50 are mounted in a clamp tray 86. In use, the clamp tray 86 is clamped to the chassis 84, using spring tabs, so as to mount the upper rollers on top of the lower rollers, in such a close contact that the upper and lower rollers compress a foil strip placed therebetween. The clamp tray 86 is connected to the chassis 84 by a pivotal connection 88 at an end near where the roll 82 is loaded into the dispenser 10. When the lid 80 is open, the clamp tray 86 may be pivoted away from the chassis 84 so as to enable a user to feed a foil strip from the roll 82 through the input and output feed rollers, or to clear any blockages or operating problems (should they arise). A pair of resilient latches 85 extend upwardly from the chassis 84 in order to selectively hold the clamp tray 86 in place when closed.

Referring now to Figure 15, a human machine interface (HMI) 90 positioned on the casing 12 is shown. The HMI has a display 92 (e.g. LCD) for indicating a user's selection, for example the selected length of each cut length of foil strip, whether the end of the foil is folded or not, and the quantity of cut length of foil strip required. The FEVII 90 also includes a start/pause button 96 and a stop/reset button 94. The user interface also includes an indicator 100 to show that the power is on and an indicator 98 to show whether the device is connected to a Bluetooth or wireless network.

Referring now to Figure 16, a printed circuit board (PCB) 102 is mounted on an inner side of a casing 12 of the dispenser 10, but alternatively the PCB may be mounted at any suitable position, for example on the chassis 84. The PCB comprises a microprocessor controller which is used to control the cutting, folding and dispensing mechanism in accordance with the inputs from the HMI 90. Alternatively, the PCB may receive inputs from a remote device connected to a Bluetooth or wireless network, or alternatively using infrared or radio waves. Further alternatively, the PCB may receive inputs from a USB or Ethernet connection, which for example, is connected to a computer or computer network. The tray 14 may be connected to an electrical circuit connected to the PCB to inform a control system of the dispenser whether or not the tray 14 is connected to the casing 12 or an internal component of the dispenser (e.g. the chassis 84).

Operation of the dispenser 10 will now be described. Firstly, the lid 80 of the dispenser is lifted to load the roll 82 of foil strip into the cradle of the dispenser. A lock and key mechanism may be used to hold the roll 82 in position and ensure only the correct grade of roll is fitted. An example of such a mechanism is disclosed in more detail in our co-pending application EP2451733, which is incorporated herein by reference. The clamp tray 86 is then lifted and foil strip from the roll 82 is fed over the chassis. The clamp tray is then closed on top of the chassis 86 so that the foil strip 16 is compressed between the upper feed rollers 46, 50 and the lower feed rollers 44, 48.

A user inputs the desired length of the cut foil strip, the quantity required, and in this example selects to have a fold at one end of the foil strip, using the FDVII or a remote device. These inputs are communicated to the PCB 102, which controls the operation of the two motors 40, 52 accordingly.

Referring now to Figure 3, the folder 24 is positioned in its "neutral" position so that the guide surface 36 of the folder 24 is aligned with the guide 18 and the foil strip 16 is fed through the dispenser by input feed rollers 44, 46. The feed of the foil strip 16 through the dispenser is temporarily stopped when a desired length has been fed through the dispenser 10.

Referring now to Figure 4, the folder 24 is rotated anticlockwise about the axis of rotation R so that the cam of 21 of the folder 24 rotates against the curved surface of the holder 29 of the cutter 22, so as to linearly move the cutter 22 towards the foil strip 16. The cutter contacts the foil strip 16 through the gap in guide 18 and pushes the foil strip against the block 35. Contact of the foil with the blade 26 and the block 35 cuts a downstream portion of the foil strip to a desired length.

Referring now to Figure 5, the folder 24 is rotated clockwise about the axis of rotation R so as to again align the guide surface 36 of the folder 24 with the guide 18. The feed of the foil strip 16 through the dispenser again commences, and the output feed rollers 48, 50 rotate to feed the cut lengths of foil strip out of the dispenser.

In the present embodiment, the output feed rollers 48, 50 rotate at substantially the same speed as the input feed rollers 44, 46. However, in an alternative embodiment where the output feed rollers 48, 50 rotate faster than the input feed rollers 44, 46, the cut length of foil strip exits the dispenser 10 at a faster rate than the strip of foil from the roll 82 advances towards a region where the body 20 is located. This ensures that the cut strip of foil is clear of the cutter 22 and folder 24 before the cutter or folder is actuated. Referring to Figure 7, once a free end of the foil strip from the roll 82 has advanced over the guide surface 36 of the folder 24, the feed of the foil strip through the dispenser temporarily stops. The folder 24 then rotates clockwise about the axis of rotation R to rotate the guide surface 36 and the notch 32 through an aperture in the guide 18. The folder 24 is rotated until the foil strip 16 is pressed between the notch 32 and the reaction surface 33. The position of the axis of rotation R means that the axis of rotation R is offset from both the notch 32 and the reaction surface 33 so that the axis of rotation R is not between the notch 32 and the reaction surface 33. If it were desired for the cut length of foil strip to not have a folded end then this step would not be carried out. Referring to Figure 8, once the foil is folded, the folder 24 is rotated anti-clockwise about the axis of rotation R to position the guide surface 36 of the head 31 of the folder 24 in alignment with the guide 18.

Referring to Figure 9, feeding of the foil strip is again commenced, and the foil strip is fed through the dispenser by the input feed rollers 44, 46. When the folded end of the foil strip 16 reaches the output feed rollers, the fold in the foil strip 16 is fed through the output feed rollers, which compresses and completes the fold in the foil strip (an end of the foil is folded so that the two sides of the fold are substantially parallel and face-contacting).

Referring to Figure 10, when the foil strip 16 has progressed through the dispenser a desired distance, the feed of the foil strip through the dispenser is temporarily stopped, and the folder 24 is rotated anti-clockwise to move the blade 26 of the cutter 22 through the aperture in the guide 18, so as to cut the foil strip 16 to a desired length. The cut also creates a new leading edge of the foil strip from the roll 82, which can be folded if desired. The presently described embodiment provides an alternative improved arrangement for a dispenser to the dispensers of the prior art. Further, the arrangement of the folder 24 and the cutter 22 means that the folder 24 can be optionally operated, giving a user flexibility as to whether or not they wish an end of a cut length of foil to be folded. Further still, the reduced number of components and simplicity of the dispenser 10 means that the complexity and cost of the dispenser can be reduced compared to dispensers of the prior art.

In embodiments, where the output feed rollers 48, 50 rotate at a faster rate than the input feed rollers 44, 46, ejection of a cut length of foil from the dispenser can be improved as well as ensuring that the cut length of foil is clear of the folder 24 before the next folding operation.

The dabber 74 provided on the tray 14 means that a user can easily select a length of foil from the tray when needed by depressing the arm into contact with the foil and the arm resiliently moving to a lifted position with the foil having been releasably secured to the adhesive. The FDVII 90 permits easy use of the dispenser and provides improved flexibility for the user, e.g. easy selection of length of foil strip or whether to have a folded end, and also prompts for refilling foil roll or how to fix errors. Further the ability to program the PCB via a remote device (e.g. a remote controller designed for use with the dispenser or another portable device such as a mobile phone, computer or computer network) provides added convenience for a user.

An alternative embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 17 to 25. Only the differences will be described in detail here, and similar features are given similar reference numerals, but with a prefix "1".

In this embodiment, a single body 120 is provided for cutting and folding the foil strip 116, and is shown in more detail in Figure 17. The body 120 is rotatably mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation A. The axis of rotation A is offset from a guide surface of the dispenser (and therefore, in use, is offset from the foil), and also offset from both a cutter 122 and folder 124 of the body 120. The cutter 122 is provided at one end of the body 120 and the folder 124 is provided at an opposite end of the body 120. The body 120 is a substantially elongate body, and the cutter 122 is disposed at one end of the body 120 and the folder 124 is positioned at the other end of the elongate body. In alternative embodiments, the cutter 122 may be positioned in any other position with respect to the folder that enables only the cutter or folder to be actuated at any one time. The cutter 122 has an elongate blade 126 protruding towards the guide 118, and in use, towards the foil strip 116. When the body 120 is substantially aligned with the guide 118, the blade 126 is angled to be approximately 80° to the guide. However, in alternative embodiments the blade may be angled at between 90 to 30° to the guide. An aperture is formed in the guide 118 (as shown in Figure 18). In use, the blade 126 rotates through the aperture to cut the foil strip 116. An abutment surface 130 is provided on the cutter 122 to abut a portion of the guide 118 when the blade 126 rotates through the aperture, so as to prevent over rotation of the cutter 122. In alternative embodiments, no abutment surface may be provided.

The folder 124 comprises a notch 132. The notch 132 is substantially V-shaped and the walls of the notch are angled at approximately 45°. However, in alternative embodiments the walls of the notch may be angled at between 20 and 70°. The notch is provided for folding the foil to a substantially 45° angle. The guide 118 has an aperture 134 through which the folder 124 can rotate. The folder 124 has a guide surface 136 angled at approximately 30° to an elongate plane 138 of the body 120 and positioned adjacent the notch 132. The guide surface 136 is positionable in alignment with the guide 118. If no folding is required, the guide surface acts to guide the foil strip 116 through the dispenser. If folding is required, the body 120 is rotatable to rotate the guide surface 136 and notch 132 through the aperture 134 in the guide. The guide surface 136 then acts to guide a portion of the foil strip 116 into the notch 132 for folding. A reaction member 125 is positioned on an opposite side of the foil strip 16 to the body 120. The reaction member 125 has a planar surface parallel to a flow of the foil strip 116 through the dispenser 110 for guiding the foil strip through the dispenser 110 and for supporting the foil strip 116 during a cutting process. The reaction member 125 has slot 127 positioned and angled to receive a portion of the elongate blade 126 after the elongate blade has cut through the foil strip 16. The reaction member 125 has a nose 133. The nose 133 is angled at a corresponding angle to the notch 132, so that when the folder is rotated to fold an end of the foil strip 116, the foil strip 116 is folded between the notch 132 and the nose 133. The operation of the dispenser 110 will now be described, concentrating mainly on the difference in operation between dispenser 110 and previously described dispenser 10.

Referring now to Figure 18, the body 120 is positioned in its "neutral" position so that the guide surface 136 of the folder 124 is aligned with the guide 118 and the foil strip 116 is fed through the dispenser by input feed rollers 144, 146. Referring now to Figure 19, the body 120 is rotated anticlockwise about the axis of rotation A so as to rotate the blade 126 of the cutter 122 through the aperture 128 in the guide 118. The blade rotates through the foil strip 116, so as to cut the foil strip, and into the slot 127 of the block 125. The block 125 providing support to the foil strip 116 whilst the foil strip is cut. Referring now to Figure 20, the body 120 is rotated clockwise about the axis of rotation A so as to again align the guide surface 36 of the folder 124 with the guide 118. The output feed rollers 148, 150 rotate to feed the cut lengths of foil strip out of the dispenser.

Referring to Figure 21, due to the faster rotation of the output feed rollers 148, 150 compared to the input feed rollers 144, 146, the cut length of foil strip exits the dispenser 110 at a faster rate than the strip of foil from the roll 182 advances towards a region where the body 120 is located.

Referring to Figure 22, once a free end of the foil strip from the roll 182 has advanced over the guide surface 136 of the folder 124, the body 120 rotates clockwise about the axis of rotation A to rotate the guide surface 136 and the notch 132 through the aperture 134 in the guide 1 18. The rotary motion of the body 120 causes a portion of the foil to enter the notch 132. The folder 124 continues to rotate towards the nose 134 of the block 125 and the portion of foil is compressed between the notch 132 and the nose 133 to create a fold in the foil strip, in this embodiment the fold is approximately 45°. If it were desired for the cut length of foil strip to not have a folded end then this step would be omitted.

Referring to Figure 23, once the foil is folded, the body 120 is rotated anti-clockwise about the axis of rotation A to position the guide surface 136 of the folder 124 in alignment with the guide 118. Referring to Figure 24, the foil strip is fed through the dispenser by the input feed rollers 144, 146. When the folded end of the foil strip 116 reaches the output feed rollers, the fold in the foil strip 116 is fed through the output feed rollers, which compresses and completes the fold in the foil strip (i.e. the an end of the foil is folded so that the two sides of the fold are substantially parallel and face-contacting). Referring to Figure 25, when the foil strip 116 has progressed through the dispenser a desired distance, the body 120 is rotated anti-clockwise about the axis of rotation A to rotate the blade 126 of the cutter 122 through the aperture in the guide 118, so as to cut the foil strip 116 to a desired length. The cut also creates a new leading edge of the foil strip from the roll 182, which can be folded if desired. The presently described embodiment provides an alternative improved arrangement for a dispenser to the dispensers of the prior art. The cutter 122 and the folder 124 are part of the same body 120, which enables the dispenser to be compact.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, in this embodiment one pair of input feed rollers and one pair of output feed rollers are provided, but in alternative embodiments any number of feed rollers may be provided at the input, output or along a flow path of a foil strip through the dispenser. The cutter and folder may be positioned above the feed path of the foil, instead of below. The cutter and folder may translate e.g. using a linear actuator and a cam and follower arrangement instead of or in addition to rotation in different direction order to cut and fold respectively.

Further alternatively, the folder may be moved linearly instead of rotationally. In such an embodiment, the folder may be linearly moved toward the foil strip by a predetermined amount (e.g. to move the folder past the guide) to actuate folding. Movement of the folder linearly away from the foil strip may cause movement of one end of a pivoted link away from the foil strip, which in turn causes the other end of the pivoted link to move towards the foil strip. Movement of said other end of the pivoted link towards the foil strip may then actuate movement of the cutter towards the foil strip so as to actuate cutting.

In embodiments described the folder has been actuated to cause cutting or folding, but in alternative embodiments the cutter or the cutter and folder may be actuated to cause cutting or folding.