Core-buckling tissue dispenser and dispensing method

A dispenser for rolls of flexible web material wound into a roll on a readily deformable hollow core comprising:

• an upstanding housing providing opposed parallel track means extending upwardly from a roll dispensing position to an upper reserve roll position within said housing to guidingly receive roll core supports projecting from opposite ends of each hollow roll core;
• upwardly facing saddle means closing the lower end of each said track means at said roll dispensing position to hold the core supports of a dispensing roll against downward displacement from said dispensing position;
• biasing means mounted on said housing disposed to apply an axial force against an upper portion of one end of the hollow core of a roll at said roll dispensing position;
• lever means pivotally mounted on said housing having a lower end disposed to detect the presence of the hollow core of a roll at said roll dispensing position and an upper end disposed to obstruct at least one of said track means adjacent the upper end of said housing when the presence of such hollow core is detected, said upper end acting to retain a reserve roll in said reserve roll position when said lower end detects the hollow core of a roll in said roll dispensing position;
• and
• spring means biasing said lower end of said lever to apply an axial force against an upper portion of the other end of the hollow core of a roll at said roll dispensing position, said lower end shifting inwardly of said housing when the hollow core is physically deformed as assisted by said axial forces for removal of the core whereupon the reserve roll is released and said parallel track means guide movement of the reserve roll to said dispensing position.