Modular paper towel dispenser

Abstract

A system for dispensing paper hand towels comprises a universal frame installed in a fixed location, a first modular paper towel dispenser detachably mounted on the universal frame, and a second modular paper towel dispenser having a dispensing mechanism distinct from a dispensing mechanism of the first modular paper towel dispenser. The second modular paper towel dispenser may be detachably mounted on the universal frame in place of the first modular paper towel dispenser. In another embodiment, a damaged modular paper towel dispenser may be replaced with another modular paper towel dispenser.

1 . A system for dispensing paper hand towels comprising: 
 a universal frame installed in a fixed location;    a first modular paper towel dispenser detachably mounted on the universal frame; and a second modular paper towel dispenser having a dispensing mechanism distinct from a dispensing mechanism of the first modular paper towel dispenser,    wherein the second modular paper towel dispenser may be detachably mounted on the universal frame in place of the first modular paper towel dispenser.    
   
   
       2 . The system for dispensing paper hand towels of  claim 1 , wherein the universal frame comprises two pairs of walls meeting at approximately orthogonal angles to form a rectangular enclosure for receiving the first modular paper towel dispenser.  
   
   
       3 . The system for dispensing paper hand towels of  claim 1 , wherein the first modular paper towel dispenser is removably mounted on the universal frame using screws accessible from an interior of the first modular paper towel dispenser.  
   
   
       4 . The system for dispensing paper hand towels of  claim 1 , wherein the first modular paper towel dispenser is removably mounted on the universal frame using a locking assembly and one or more tabs extending from the universal frame to engage with the first modular paper towel dispenser.  
   
   
       5 . The system for dispensing paper hand towels of  claim 1 , wherein the first modular paper towel dispenser mounted on the universal frame using a slide rail assembly.  
   
   
       6 . The system for dispensing paper hand towels of  claim 5 , further comprising a locking assembly mounted on the first modular paper towel dispenser and engaging with the slide rail assembly to prevent removal of the first modular paper towel dispenser from the universal frame.  
   
   
       7 . The system for dispensing paper hand towels of  claim 5 , further comprising an elastically deformable spring latch mounted on the first modular paper towel dispenser and engaging with the slide rail assembly to prevent removal of the first modular paper towel dispenser from the universal frame.  
   
   
       8 . The system for dispensing paper hand towels of  claim 1 , wherein the universal frame is constructed of at least one of folded or stamped satin finish stainless steel.  
   
   
       9 . The system for dispensing paper hand towels of  claim 8 , wherein the universal frame includes one or more frame edges.  
   
   
       10 . A method of assembling a paper hand towel dispenser and frame assembly, the method comprising: 
 a first step of fixably attaching a universal frame to a support surface;    a second step of detachably mounting a first modular paper towel dispenser on the universal frame; and    a third step of detachably mounting a second modular paper towel dispenser on the universal frame in place of the first modular paper towel dispenser, the second modular paper towel dispenser having a dispensing mechanism distinct from a dispensing mechanism of the first modular paper towel dispenser.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising an additional step carried out between the first step and second step of finishing a border of the universal frame with the support surface.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of finishing comprises at least one of the application of plaster or a trim piece.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the first modular paper towel dispenser is removably mounted on the universal frame.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the first modular paper towel dispenser is removably mounted on the universal frame using screws accessible from an interior of the first modular paper towel dispenser.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the support surface is a wall having a recessed opening in which the universal frame is fixably attached.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the universal frame comprises two pairs of walls meeting at approximately orthogonal angles to form a rectangular enclosure for receiving the first modular paper towel dispenser.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the universal frame is constructed of at least one of folded or stamped satin finish stainless steel.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the universal frame includes one or more frame edges.