FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a reel dispenser for dispensing sheet material such as hairdressing foil or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Strips of foil are often used by hairdressers when segregating sections of hair for colouring. The foil strips are typically torn from foil wrapped around a reel suspended in a support of a reel dispenser. The reels can be refilled once all the foil has been used up. It is also desirable to make the dispenser as compact as possible to avoid taking up valuable space in a hair salon. WO2011/03643081 to the present applicant describes a reel dispenser for reels having cling film, foil, or the like, wrapped therearound. The reel has a coupling comprising a "key" and a housing having a "lock" formation. The reel is loaded into the dispenser in a combined axial and pivoting motion and moved axially from the dismounted condition to a mounted condition where the key engages the lock. In the mounted condition the key transitions the lock from a locked condition to a free condition, allowing the coupling and reel to rotate freely relative to the housing. Such a mechanism is suitable for wide reels (typically 30cm to 50cm), where the reel itself can easily be grasped and pivoted. Hair foil reels are typically narrow (approx 10cm) but may have 500m of heavy gauge foil on them so have a significant diameter, and remain heavy. A full reel may weigh in the order of 8 kilograms. The pivoting and axial insertion of the reel of hair foil of the type described above using a mechanism of WO2011/03643081 into a dispenser with a complementary formation may be difficult for some users.

It is also important that the foil is dispensed from the dispenser in the correct orientation. Aluminium foil is manufactured to have a 'shiny' side and a 'dull' side. The dull side is to be used by a colourist at a hairdresser to paint on the hair tints/bleach so it is desirable for this to be dispensed uppermost for ease of manipulation by the colourist. Sometimes foil may be supplied with multiple colours of shiny side so if different tints are to be used on a customer's hair, these can be readily distinguished upon application. This makes the correct orientation even more critical.

Further, in certain dispensers, having the roll feed from the top rather than underneath may be undesirable, since it may e.g. cause the lid of the dispenser to lift as the roll is fed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a reel dispenser which further improves on the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reel and coupling for a reel dispenser comprising the reel coupled to the coupling, the reel being rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the coupling, the coupling comprising a female mounting arrangement arranged to engage a complimentary male mounting arrangement provided on a dispenser support, the coupling being moveable from a dismounted condition to a mounted condition with respect to the support in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation of the reel, wherein in the mounted condition the female and male mounting arrangements engage to suspend the reel from the support.

Complimentary male and female mounting arrangements allow for correct reels to be used with the dispenser. Providing the male mounting arrangement on the support and the female on the coupling prevents the male mounting arrangement from snapping off during transit of the reel and coupling. Additionally, more reels and couplings are manufactured than supports so material savings are achieved by providing the female mounting arrangement on the couplings. Also, the transverse mounting is advantageous since some reels are heavy (up to 8kg) so a transverse mounting orientation allows them to be dropped vertically into the support.

The coupling preferably comprises a lock arrangement arranged to cooperate with a key formation arranged on the support to transition the lock arrangement from a locked condition preventing rotation of the reel and a free condition permitting rotation of the reel in response to moving the coupling from the dismounted condition to the mounted condition. Transition occurs in response to moving the reel and coupling from dismounted to mounted conditions so no additional actions are required to transition the lock arrangement.

In the free condition the reel is preferably rotatable with respect to the coupling and in the locked condition the reel is preferably prevented from rotating with respect to the coupling. This is in contrast to allowing the coupling to rotate with the reel. A fixed coupling allows for a simpler female mounting structure to be used.

The key formation is preferably the male mounting arrangement.

The reel and coupling preferably further comprise an orientation mechanism arranged to only permit the coupling to fit the support when moving the coupling from the dismounted condition to the mounted condition when in one orientation. The orientation mechanism only allows the reel and coupling to be inserted in one orientation so that the material wound on the reel can only be removed in on way, i.e. from the top or bottom.

The orientation mechanism preferably comprises a cut away portion of the coupling forming a notch arranged to engage a guide arm provided on the support. The notch is simple and provides for further material savings. In an alternative embodiment, a notch may be provided on the support and the orientation mechanism may comprise a protrusion to engage the notch. The notch is preferably located off centre. The off centre notch is a simple way of providing an orientation mechanism. E.g. in some embodiments, the notch may be located at or near one end. The female mounting arrangement preferably comprises an edge defining an opening provided on the periphery of the coupling. In this way, the female mounting arrangement is a relatively simple arrangement.

The cut-away portion of the notch is preferably an extension of the edge of the opening. This is a simple construction and is easier to mould.

The latch preferably comprises a latch bolt and the catch is formed by a wall defining a locking recess, wherein the latch bolt is arranged to occupy the locking recess when the lock arrangement is in the locked condition and be vacant from the recess in the free condition. The latch bolt and the locking recess provides a simple combination which is unlikely to fail in use.

The latch bolt is preferably movable radially with respect to the rotation axis of the reel. This is a simple way to obtain lock to free transition when moving the reel and coupling from dismounted to mounted conditions.

The latch is preferably accessible through the opening. In such embodiments, the female mounting arrangement now serves two functions so an additional hole is not required for latch access which thus improves structural integrity of the coupling.

The reel and coupling preferably further comprises a visual indicator to indicate whether the lock arrangement is in the locked condition or the free condition. The visual indicator allows users to know when it is possible to remove material from the reel. Also the visual indicator provides a means to advise users when the coupling is properly in the mounted condition.

The visual indicator is preferably provided by a window formed on the coupling such that the position of the latch can be viewed therethrough to provide the visual indication. This arrangement minimises the number of components in the assembly because no separate components are required for the visual indication since the latch bolt can be viewed directly. The reel and coupling preferably further comprise a handle in the coupling to assist in lifting the reel and coupling. This allows for easier installation of the reel on support and provides a safer way to lift the assembled weight.

The handle is preferably configured so as to assist in the orientation of the female mounting arrangement. This allows for the female mounting arrangement to be presented facing the male mounting arrangement for ease of loading.

The reel and coupling preferably further comprise a second coupling arranged to rotatably engage the reel and engage the support in the mounted condition, the second coupling including a female mounting arrangement arranged to engage a second male mounting arrangement provided on the support to suspend the reel from the support when in the mounted condition. The provision of the second coupling provides a more secure/more freely rotating support of the reel rather than it being cantilevered for example.

The reel may preferably comprise a support for material to be dispensed and an insert configured to provide rotatable engagement between the support and the coupling. This arrangement allows material to be wound on to a standard cardboard core.

The insert may be configured for rotation in relation to the coupling.

The support may comprise a tubular core, and the insert may be configured for insertion into the core.

The insert may comprise at least one rib projecting radially with respect to the rotation axis of the reel, configured to further engagement with the support. The reel may comprise two like inserts configured for engagement with one another.

The or each insert may comprise an interlocking portion configured to allow engagement with another like insert. The interlocking portion may comprise a hook- type clip on a first insert and a corresponding aperture configured to receive a clip on a second insert.

The interlocking portion may comprise a hook-type clip and an aperture configured to receive such a clip on each insert.

The aperture and the clip of an insert may be radially spaced from one another at an angle of between 90° and 180°, preferably at an angle of substantially 180°. The reel is preferably for dispensing material wrapped therearound. Such a reel can permit larger amounts of material to be supported on the reel.

The material is preferably foil for use in hair colouring. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reel dispenser support co-operable with the reel and coupling of the first aspect wherein the support comprises an upwardly extending male mounting formation arranged to suspend the reel and coupling in the mounted condition when the male and female mounting arrangements are engaged.

The male mounting formation preferably comprises the key formation arranged to engage the latch to vacate the latch from the recess to transition the lock from the locked condition to the free condition. Advantageously, no separate key is required as it's provided with the male mounting arrangement.

The male mounting formation is preferably formed integrally with the support. This makes it easier to mould. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reel dispenser comprising the reel and coupling of the first aspect and the reel dispenser support of the second aspect. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mounting a reel in a dispenser comprising the steps of providing the reel dispenser of the third aspect, moving the coupling from a dismounted condition to a mounted condition in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation of the reel such that the female mounting arrangement engages the male mounting arrangement to suspend the reel from the support.

When the reel dispenser comprises the coupling having a lock arrangement arranged to engage a key formation on the support, the key may transition the lock arrangement from a locked condition preventing rotation of the reel to a free condition permitting rotation of the reel in response to moving the coupling from the dismounted condition to the mounted condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a reel dispenser, having a reel and coupling, in a dismounted condition relative to a support; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the reel and coupling from Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the reel and coupling from Figure

2; Figure 4a shows an interior perspective view of the reel and coupling from Figure 2 in a locked condition; Figure 4b shows an interior end view of the coupling and the reel from Figure 4a;

Figure 5a shows a similar view to Figure 4a of the coupling in a free condition; Figure 5b shows similar view to Figure 4b of the coupling in a free condition;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view similar to Figure 1 with the reel and coupling in a mounted condition; Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the dispenser from Figure 6;

Figures 8a and 8b are vertical cross-sections through the reel and dispenser in dismounted and mounted conditions respectively; Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the reel and coupling wherein the reel comprises a first and a second insert;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of an insert according to the embodiment of Figure

9;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first and second inserts of the embodiment Figure 9 in an engaged condition;

Figure 12a is a perspective view of the coupling of the embodiment of Figure 9 in a free condition;

Figure 12b is a perspective view of the coupling of the embodiment of Figure 9 in a locked condition; Figure 13a is a perspective view of the latch of the embodiment of Figure 9;

Figure 13b is a further perspective view of the latch of the embodiment of Figure 9; Figure 14 is a partial perspective view of the coupling of the embodiment of Figure 9; and

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the reel and coupling according to the embodiment of Figure 9 in an engaged condition, mounted within the central tube of a refill.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

With reference to Figure 1, a reel dispenser 10 comprises a coupling 12 coupled to a reel 14 (see Figure 2), having foil or other such sheet material 16 wrapped therearound, and a dispenser housing 18. The housing 18 has a lid 20 pivotably attached to a support chassis 22. In alternative embodiments, the housing may not comprise a lid. The support chassis 22 has a lower surface defining a well 24 to accommodate the sheet material. A first and a second protrusions 28, 30, are provided on the support 22, at opposing sides of the well 24. The first and second protrusions 28, 30 extend upwardly either side of the wall 24 and have a substantially trapezoidal shape. The protrusions 28, 30, comprise a key formation provided by the substantially trapezoidal shape. The shape itself is not particularly important, provided it is distinctive enough to act as a key formation, although a tapering shape may assist with fitting.

As will become apparent below, the key formation need only be provided on one of the protrusions 28, 30, however in this case the same shape is used for both protrusions for ease of manufacture. The first and second protrusions 28, 30 further act as respective first and second male mounting formations in this embodiment. The protrusions 28, 30 are integrally formed with the chassis 22.

First and second orientation lugs 32, 34 extend between respective male mounting formations and the chassis 22. The orientation lugs 32, 34, are substantially in line with each other. The orientation lugs 32, 34 are arranged off-centre with respect to an axis R of the reel 14 when suspended in the chassis 22. The orientation lugs 32, 34 are integrally formed with the chassis 22.

The chassis 22 comprises a cutting mechanism (not shown). In this embodiment the cutting mechanism has an electric motor driven blade and folding mechanism (not shown) and is combined with an electric motor driven feed system 38, control system (not shown) and human machine interface (HMI) such that the foil cutting and folding process may be automated. A portion of the feed system 38 is mounted to a pivotable cover 36 such that the foil may be easily loaded into the feed and cutting mechanism. In other embodiments (not shown) the cutting mechanism and/or feed is manual.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3 the reel 14 is made from two moulded plastic pieces 40, each having a semi-circular section. The two pieces 40 fit together with a clip arrangement 41 so that the assembled reel 14 has a cylindrical shape. Two U- section channels 42, 43, each defined by two spaced radially inward facing walls 45, 46, are provided at the end of each semi-circular piece 40. At one end of the reel 14, a segment of the axially innermost peripheral wall 46 of the U-section 42 is cut away to so as to form a non-continuous U-section channel 42. The cut away portion forms a locking recess 48. The other U-section channel is continuous, however.

With reference to Figs 3, 4a and 4b, the coupling 12 is generally disc-like and has a convex outer profile. The coupling 12 has a bearing arrangement in the form of five axially extending resilient hook-type clips 44 arranged around its periphery. These clips 44 are arranged to hook over the outermost of the inwardly facing walls 45 and be anchored in place such that relative rotation between reel 14 and coupling is permitted, but axial removal from the reel is inhibited or prevented. In alternative embodiments, a greater or lesser number of clips 44 may be used, and/or an alternative shape of clip may be used to that described.

The coupling 12 has an interior face 50 including a pair of spaced parallel upstanding walls 52 defining a track therebetween Each upstanding wall 52 has a vertical slot 53 formed therein. The track extends from an opening 54 provided on the periphery of the edge of the coupling 12. The opening 54 forms a female mounting arrangement. The opening 54 has a cut-away portion extending therefrom so as to form a notch 56. The notch 56 is located off-centre with respect to a rotation axis (R) of the reel 14. A handle depression 69 is formed in the coupling above the upstanding walls and is discussed in more detail below.

A window 66 is also formed on the coupling 12. The window 66 is located within the track. The sliding wall 64 of the latch is not visible through the window 66 when the reel is in the dismounted condition.

A latch 58 is provided on the interior face 50 of the coupling 12. The latch 58 has a latch bolt 60 extending downwardly from a U-shaped channel 62 formed from opposing side legs 63 and an orthogonal sliding wall 64 extending generally there between. The U shaped channel 62 fits within the track. In this configuration, the side legs 63 are in direct contact with the pair of upstanding walls 52 and the orthogonal sliding wall 64 is in slidable contact with the interior face 50 of the coupling 12. The sliding wall 64 has an indicator 70, in this case a tick shape moulded therein towards the top on its face arranged to contact the coupling 12, as described in more detail below. The tick may be coloured so as to enhance the visual indication. For example, a green tick may be used to indicate "OK" when the coupling is in place and the foil ready to be dispensed.

Each side leg has an outwardly facing lug 67 arranged to slidably engage in the slot 53 of the side walls 52. A lifter 65 of the latch 58 is arranged to extend generally below the orthogonal sliding wall 64 and is substantially parallel to, but axially spaced from the latch bolt 60.

The latch 58, is movable radially with respect to the rotation axis (R) of the reel 14. With specific regard to Figures 4a and 4b, the latch bolt 60 is biased under the force of gravity to occupy the locking recess 48. In this way, the reel 14 and coupling 12 are provided with a lock formation comprising the latch 58, provided on the coupling 12, and the locking recess 48, provided on the reel 14, which blocks, and thereby prevents, relative rotation between the coupling and reel when locked.

There is also provided a second coupling 68. The second coupling 68 is a mirror image of the first coupling 12 except in relation to the track, the window 66, and the latch bolt 60. The second coupling 68 also has plurality of resilient hook type clips 44 arranged to engage the outermost wall 45 such that the reel 14 is free to rotate about the rotation axis (R) with respect to the second coupling 68. The reel 14 and coupling 12 are assembled as follows: the two pieces 40 of the reel 14 are first clipped together by clips 41. The sheet material 16 (aluminium foil in this embodiment) is then wound around the reel. This winding process may be achieved more easily on a winding mechanism (not shown) prior to attachment of the couplings. Then the latch 58 is mounted onto the first coupling 12 by resiliency bending the side legs 63 together so that the latch may enter the track between the upstanding walls 52. The lifter 65 is then aligned with the opening 54 and the side legs relaxed so that the lugs 67 may enter their corresponding vertical slots 53.

Thus the latch 58 is now held within the coupling 12 but capable of a limited range of radial sliding relative to the coupling.

Both the first coupling 12 and the second coupling 68 are then push-fitted to the ends of the reel 14 so the clips 44 hold them in place, completing assembly. It will be appreciated that this arrangement inhibits or substantially prevents tampering with the mechanisms of the coupling 12, when assembled with sheet material in place.

Mounting of the reel takes place as follows:

Figure 1 shows the reel 14 in a dismounted condition. With further reference to figures 4a, 4b and 8 a, in the dismounted condition, the lock arrangement is in a locked condition with the latch bolt 60 occupying the locking recess 48 thus preventing the reel 14 rotating with respect to the coupling 12. In order to suspend the reel 14 within the well 24 of the chassis 22, a user grasps the ends of the couplings 12 and 68 via the handles 69. This orientates the couplings so that the openings 54 face downwardly. In the present embodiment, the user also orientates the reel 14 such that the window 66 is on the right hand side with respect to the chassis 22.

The user then moves the reel 14 and couplings 12, 68 transversely to the rotation axis (R) of the reel 14 between the dismounted condition of Figures 1, 4a, 4b and 8a and a mounted condition as shown in Figures 6 and 8b. The transverse mounting is advantageous since the reels are heavy (up to 8kg) so a transverse mounting orientation allows them to be lowered vertically into the chassis 22 with a simple motion.

In the mounted condition the female mounting arrangements defined by openings 54 engage the complimentary male mounting arrangements defined by the protrusions 28 and 30 provided on the dispenser chassis 22. In this way, the female and male mounting arrangements engage to suspend the reel 14, from the chassis 22. Complimentary male and female mounting arrangements allow for correct reels to be used with the dispenser - e.g. of the correct grade, correct width and/or correct length to fit within and be compatible with the feed, cutting and/or folding mechanisms.

Providing the male mounting arrangement on the chassis and the female on the couplings prevents the male mounting arrangement from snapping off during transit of the reel and coupling and therefore results in the coupling being more robust. Additionally, more reels and couplings are manufactured than supports (since the foil on the reel is a consumable item) so material savings are achieved by providing the female mounting arrangement on the couplings. Further, the reels may be more compact for storage and transportation. The off-centre notches 56 provided on the couplings 12 engage the orientation lugs 32, 34 provided on the chassis 22. In this way, the reel 14 and coupling 12 are provided with an orientation mechanism. The orientation mechanism ensures the first coupling 12 only fits to the right hand protrusion 28 and second coupling 68 fits to the left hand protrusion 30 when moving the couplings 12, 68 from the dismounted condition to the mounted condition. This ensures that, in this embodiment, the foil feeds off the bottom of the roll with the dull side uppermost, which may be beneficial for the reasons described in the background above.

The key formation formed by the first male mounting arrangement (protrusion 28) of the chassis 22 engages the lifter 65 of the latch 58, which slides up in the track of the coupling 12 and disengages the latch bolt 60 from the locking recess 48. When the latch bolt 60 is clear of the recess 48 the lock arrangement is in a free condition. In the free condition, rotation of the reel 14 about the rotation axis (R) is permitted with respect to the first coupling 12. In this way, the lock arrangement co-operates with the key formation formed by the first male mounting arrangement on the chassis 22 to transition the lock arrangement from the locked condition, preventing rotation of the reel 14, and the free condition, permitting rotation of the reel 14 in response to moving the first coupling 12 (together with the second coupling 68, and the reel 14) from the dismounted condition to the mounted condition.

The user may then lift the cover 36 that mounts the upper rollers to feed the foil through the cutting/folding mechanism so it is ready for use.

It will be appreciated that since the second coupling 68 is not provided with a latch 58, the female mounting arrangement of the second coupling 68 engages the complimentary second male mounting arrangements of the chassis 22 to aid in suspending the reel 14 within the well 2, when the reel 14 and couplings 12 are in the mounted condition. The reel 14 is always rotatable with respect to the second coupling 68 since no second lock and key formation is provided.

With regard to figure 7, the window 66 of the first coupling 68 allows for the position of the latch 58 to be viewed therethrough to provide a visual indication as to whether the lock arrangement is in the locked condition or the free condition. Specifically, it is the sliding wall 63 which is viewable through the window 66, when the lock arrangement is in the free condition but is not viewable through the window 66, when the lock arrangement is in the locked condition. In Figure 7 the visual indicator 70 on the latch 58 is lifted and visible in window 66, indicating that the reel 14 is correctly fitted and therefore the lock arrangement is in a free condition.

When the visual indicator 70 indicates that the reel 14 and coupling 12 are in the mounted condition and the lock arrangement is in the free condition the operator can begin to dispense the foil from the reel 14 by utilising the HMI to select the number of foil strips, length and requirement for a fold at the end or otherwise, before starting the dispensing operation. Such an automatic cutting mechanism may incorporate a pivotable arm actuated by a motor. When the motor turns the arm in one direction, one end of the arm is arranged to actuate a blade arranged transverse to the foil sheet. The blade in turn presses against the foil sheet and cuts off a section of foil. The other arm of the lever may also be provided with a notch, having complimentary geometry to a knuckle provided on the opposite side of the foil sheet. When the motor is operated in the other direction the side of the arm having the notch is pressed against the knuckle, so that the knuckle protrudes into the notch thus folding the foil. A pair of rollers may be provided which are operable by an additional motor so as to pull foil off the reel 14 by sandwiching it between the rollers. As a further safeguard against incorrect fitting, this electronic dispenser may be able to sense excess tension in the foil (e.g. by monitoring current in the feed motor) caused by the reel being locked, and ceasing further operation if this is the case. Upon detecting excess tension in the foil, an error message may be displayed via an LCD display, or the like. The foil is drawn from the bottom of the reel 14. The alignment mechanism ensures that this is the case since the off-centre notch 56 and guide arm of the alignment mechanism make it impossible for the reel 14 to be mounted the opposite way around, therefore avoiding drawing foil from the top of the reel 14. In some other circumstances it may however be desirable to ensure that the foil is dispensed from the top.

Various modifications may be made to the first and second couplings 12, 68. For example, the opening 54 may be replaced with any female mounting arrangement which is complimentary to the first and second male mounting arrangements of the chassis 22. In addition, the latch bolt 60 may extend so as to protrude from the coupling 12. In fact, it is possible to envisage the deletion of the second coupling 68 altogether such as the reel 14 is cantilevered from the chassis 22 from the first male mounting formation and respective first female mounting formation, or that the second end of the reel is simply supported in a complementary recess acting as a plain bearing. Alternative locking arrangements may also be incorporated provided that the reel 14 is free to rotate about its rotation axis (R) when the reel 14 is in the mounted condition. Further, both couplings may be provided with locking mechanisms and/or the male and female mounting arrangements may be separate from the lug. Yet further, a second window may be provided on the second coupling e.g. so as to allow for a second visual indicator. The latch bolt may be biased by a resilient element in addition to or as an alternative to relying on gravity.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in figures 9 to 15. Features corresponding to those of the first embodiment have been given corresponding reference numbers with the additional prefix T . Only features that differ from those of the first embodiment are discussed in more depth.

With reference to Figures 9, 10 and 11, the reel 114 of this embodiment comprises a first 172a and a second 172b moulded insert and a support 115 for sheet material 116 to be dispensed. The inserts 172a, 172b are configured to provide rotatable engagement between the support 115 and first 112 and second 168 couplings. The support 115 of this embodiment is a tubular core of cardboard material, though in other embodiments some other suitable material such as plastics material may be used.

The inserts 172a, 172b each have a circumferential wall 173 and a central bore 175 defined by the circumferential wall 173. The first 172a and second 172b inserts are in this embodiment identical in form, though in alternative embodiments this may not be the case. At a first end of the insert 172a, 172b is an interlocking portion 176a, 176b having a surface 174 orthogonal to the axis of rotation X of the reel 114 (see Figure 9). The interlocking portion 176a, 176b comprises an aperture 180a, 180b and two generally hook-shaped clips 182a, 182b protruding substantially parallel to the axis X. The aperture 180a of the first insert 172a is configured to receive the clips 182b of the second insert 172b, whilst the aperture 180b of the second insert 172b is configured to simultaneously receive the clips 182a of the first insert 172a. In this embodiment, the aperture 180a, 180b and the clip 182a, 182b of an insert 172a, 172b are radially spaced from one another at an angle of substantially 180°.

Referring to Figure 10, at a second end of the insert 172a, 172b is a coupling engaging portion 178. A head portion is defined by a rim 177 extending radially to the outer surface of the insert 172a, 172b. The circumferential wall 173 of the insert 172a, 172b is alternately cut away adjacent to the rim 177, forming a plurality of locking recesses 148. Further distal the rim 177 a series of projections 186 extend radially within the bore 175 of the insert 172a, 172b. The projections 186 are arranged to engage the clips 144 located on the couplings 112, 168 such that relative rotation between the reel 114 and the couplings 112, 168 is permitted.

A series of radially projecting ribs 184 extend axially along the external surface of the wall 173 from the rim 177. The ribs 184 are tapered, decreasing in height towards their end distal the rim 177.

In this embodiment foil or other sheet material 116 is wound around the support 115. With reference to figure 11, the first insert 172a and the second insert 172b are inserted into opposite ends of the support 115 such that the interlocking portions 176a, 176b engage. That is, the clips 182a of the first insert 172a engage with the aperture 180b of the second insert 172b; whilst the clips 182b of the second insert 172b engage with the aperture 180a of the first insert 172a. The arrangement of the clips 182a, 182b and the aperture 180a, 180b on each interlocking portion 176a, 176b is such that engagement is only possible when they are correctly aligned, ensuring the desired alignment of both inserts 172a, 172b within the refill tube 115.

The ribs 184 secure the inserts 172a, 172b radially within the support 115, preventing slip. The rims 177 of the inserts 172a, 172b locate the inserts 172a, 172b axially within the support 115, preventing axial movement. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the inserts 172a, 172b may not have ribs, and may be secured within the support 115 by some other suitable means, such as adhesive. The clips 182a, 182b prevent separation of the inserts 172a, 172b from one another. Removal of the inserts 172a, 172b from the support 115 is undesirable, as it could lead to the reel dispenser 10 being used with an inappropriate material. The clips 182a, 182b are intended to hinder such removal, and as such are intentionally difficult to disengage. In alternative embodiments, the insert 172a, 172b may have a weak point intended to cause irreparable damage to the insert 172a, 172b should an attempt to remove the insert 172a, 172b from the support 115. For example, the clips 182, 182b may shear off. Alternatively, the insert 172a, 172b may be attached to the support 115 with adhesive, or by some other suitable means, in order to hinder its removal. With reference to Figures 12a, 12b, 13a and 13b, the arrangement of the latch 158 with respect to the first coupling 112 is as described in the previous embodiment.

As shown in Figure 14, an arrow and cutting symbols 190 provide an indication of the direction of cutting, and show the correct orientation of the reel 114 within the housing 118.

With reference to Figure 15, the reel 114 and couplings 112, 168 are assembled as described in the first embodiment. That is, the couplings 112, 168 are push-fitted to the ends of the reel 114 so the clips 44 hold them in place.

The above-described embodiment is mounted as described in the first embodiment. The second embodiment of the invention as described above allows a standard cardboard core to be incorporated within a reel, rather than having to wind sheet material around a core. This is of particular use where manufacturing has already been taking place using a standard cardboard core, for example.

The above described embodiments may further be used with a manual dispenser, for example one in which the user manually pulls the desired length of foil from the reel and then tears it off using a serrated cutting edge or guillotine provided in a suitable location on the dispenser. As the system for ensuring correct fitting and the correct model reel is used is purely mechanical, the same reel may be used in both electronic and manual dispensers.

The latching mechanism described above may be omitted, such that correct fitting of the reel on to the dispenser is achieved solely by matching the shapes of the male and female mounting arrangements and/or matching the shapes of the orientation lugs and notches.

Where, say, multiple dispenser models for dispensing different types of material or housing different lengths of sheet material are provided, each may have different male and female mounting shapes or dimensions, so only the correct model of roll will fit in one model of dispenser, and another model of roll will fit only in a different dispenser.