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The present invention relates to an apparatus configured for winding rolls of hygienic material in the form of a ribbon, intended to be used on couches, for example for medical visits, for physiotherapy sessions, for visits and applications by a beautician, for performing massages and for the making of tattoos.

The hygienic material allows the support surface of an underlying couch to be covered in a hygienic, simple, rapid, effective, reliable and ecological way.

The present invention also relates to a couch, for example for carrying out medical visits, physiotherapy sessions, visits and applications by a beautician, performing massages, for making tattoos or, more generally, for providing a support on which a user can lie down, provided with the winding apparatus according to the invention.

A traditional type of couch, commonly used in doctor's surgeries and hospitals, of the type intended to provide a support on which a patient during a medical examination and/or a physiotherapy session (or also couch commonly used in beauticians, massage therapists and tattoo studios) can lie down or sit, comprises a padded table on the top surface of which the patient can lie down.

By way of example, a couch of the traditional type comprises a padded table supported by a metal or wooden frame, comprising legs resting on the floor constrained in pairs by means of respective transversal roller.

Along the top surface of the padded table, for reasons of hygiene, a liner taken from a roll of paper is normally placed, thus providing a layer of protection between the patient and the top surface of the padded table.

The roll is rotatably connected to one end of the couch to be unrolled and allow for the dispensing of a required amount of paper to be applied to the top of the padded table.

After its use, the paper layer is then removed and discarded.

A new layer of paper is taken from the roll to receive a subsequent patient, thus making disposable paper covers.

In this regard, it should be noted that the rolls of paper are provided with a plurality of transversal tear lines to allow the operator to easily remove the paper to be discarded from the roll. Although the paper rolls are of practical use, they are subject to accidental breakage and tearing with the consequent need to restore the protective paper layer of the couch and sometimes the need to sanitize the surface of the couch itself.

Furthermore, accidental tearing of the paper causes a waste of material and increases the volume of waste to be disposed of.

Normally, the paper removed to be thrown away is wound or crumpled up on itself, a practice which is not very efficient, from a hygienic point of view, as it exposes the operators to the risk of contagion from any contaminating agents as well as from a view of the management of the waste obtained, the high volume of which can cause the sudden filling of a collection container. To overcome these drawbacks, it is known to produce a roll winding system which comprises a first rotating support, to be applied to one end of the couch, for example a bottom end, to which a roll of material to be dispensed is connected, and a second rotating support to be applied to the opposite end of the couch, for example a head end, which acts as a collection element on which to wind the dispensed and used material.

This winding system then comprises a crank coupled to the second revolving support by means of which it rotates the support itself, winding the material which is recalled and dispensed from the roll connected idle to the first revolving support, i.e. free to be able to rotate.

This roll winding system allows an operator to wind the contaminated material on a roll without having to bend or crumple it, for the benefit of greater safety of use.

Documents WO 2022/023796A1, EP 0005555A2, DE 202008003452U1 and US 2015/0344253A1 describe some examples of winding systems of a traditional type of roll.

To increase the efficiency of such a system it is also known to use fabric material instead of paper, thus avoiding accidental tearing of the protective layer.

The use of fabric, if on the one hand it allows to overcome some drawbacks of the systems for winding up a roll of paper of the traditional type, on the other hand it causes a considerable increase in the operating costs of such a winding system.

Furthermore, it is difficult to remove the rolled material from the roll around which it has been wound.

Furthermore, this system is in any case not free from drawbacks with reference to the need to keep the strip of material aligned which is unwound from the idle supported roll, and in particular with respect to the roll actuated in rotation, to ensure the correct positioning of the protective layer on the surface top of the couch. In the field, the need is felt to have a system for winding up rolls to be applied to a couch of the above mentioned typology which is easy to use and allows the drawbacks of the previously described solutions of the traditional type to be overcome.

The object of the present invention is, therefore, to allow in a hygienic, simple, rapid, effective, reliable and ecological way to cover a couch with the correct quantity of a web or sheet material to ensure hygienic use of the couch itself.

Another object of the present invention is to simplify the step of positioning a protective or covering hygienic material along a support surface of a couch or the step of replacing a layer of protective hygienic material previously positioned on the couch.

A further object of the present invention is to facilitate the disposal of a material used to cover a couch according to a solution easy to be implemented, which ensures high hygiene and safety from this point of view.

Still another object of the present invention is to reduce the volume of waste to be disposed of to a volume equal to or substantially equal to the volume of the roll of starting material.

The subject of the invention is a winding apparatus for winding rolls of a material in the form of a web to be placed on a couch, wherein the winding apparatus comprises a support configured to support a roller which can be selectively operated in rotation by means of a group motor around an axis, the roller being removably connected to the support, wherein the motor assembly is operatively connected to at least one control logic unit which selectively controls its rotational drive, wherein the support comprises a transversal element of elongated shape at the opposite ends of which a first protrusion and a second protrusion branch off perpendicularly from the same side, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion each delimit a respective through opening to allow the support and rotation of the roller, the second protrusion delimiting a circular passage opening through which the roller can be moved in order to be selectively extracted from or inserted through one side of the support, along the axis.

According to another aspect of the invention, the winding apparatus can comprise a knob operatively connected to one end of the roller for the extraction or insertion of the roller relative to the support, wherein the knob extends outside the second protrusion of the support .

According to a further aspect of the invention, the motor unit can be connected externally to the first protrusion and comprises a pin which extends through a through opening delimited in the first protrusion, within a space delimited between the first protrusion and the second protrusion to engage one end of the roller. According to an additional aspect of the invention, the pin can be shaped in such a way as to engage by means of a shape fit or interlocking a complementary seat delimited at one end of the roller which faces the first tab when the roller is engaged in the support.

According to another aspect of the invention, at least one between the pin and the seat of the bar wherein the pin can be engaged can be magnetic and the other one between the seat of the bar and the pin is made of ferromagnetic material.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the winding apparatus can comprise a frusto- conical element which is hollow, engages the passage opening and is connected to the second protrusion, wherein the frusto-conical element can be engaged by the roller and is interposed between the second protrusion and the roller when the roller is attached to the holder.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, the frusto-conical element can have a frusto- conical portion which engages the passage opening and extends into a delimited space between the first protrusion and the second protrusion and an annular stop portion, from which the frusto-conical portion extends, wherein the annular stop portion acts as an abutment for positioning the frustoconical element through the passage opening.

According to another aspect of the invention, the roller can have an outer surface with a low friction coefficient coating.

A further object of the invention is a winding system comprising a previously described winding apparatus, wherein the winding apparatus is configured to be connected to a bottom end of a couch on which to wind a protective material that can be delivered by a group of delivery which, in turn, is configured to be connected to a head end of the couch, in a position opposite to that of the winding apparatus.

According to another aspect of the invention, the dispensing unit can comprise a support element configured to connect the dispensing unit to the couch and to support a dispensing roller which can be rotated around a dispensing axis on which to fit a roll of material of protection to be provided.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the support element can comprise a central portion at the opposite ends of which branch off respectively a first support protrusion and a second support protrusion for supporting respective ends of the dispensing roller.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, the dispensing roller may be removably connected to the support member, wherein the first support protrusion delimits a first engaged circular opening passing through a first pin extending outwardly of the dispensing roller and the second support protrusion defines a second engaged circular opening passing through a second pin extending outwardly of the delivery roller opposite the position of the first pin, wherein at least one of the first pin and the second pin of the delivery roller it can be retractable, to promote the detachment of the dispensing roller from the support element.

Furthermore, the subject of the invention is an assembly of donor roll and receiving roll intended to be used in the winding system previously described, wherein the protective material can have markings spaced between them to identify the quantity of material dispensed from the donor roll.

The advantages offered by a winding apparatus for winding rolls according to the invention to be applied to a couch are evident.

The winding apparatus for winding rolls according to the invention has an overall simple configuration, comprising a reduced number of components which are of practical use.

The winding apparatus for winding rolls according to the invention can be easily installed on a couch of the traditional type, lacking a support on which to wind a web-like material dispensed from a donor roll or replacing such a support previously installed on the couch, thus allowing to increase the usability of the couch itself.

Again, the winding apparatus for winding rolls according to the invention allows the material previously dispensed from a donor roll to be wound into the form of a roll - receiving roll, placing the contaminated surface inside the wound roll, so to obtain a waste material that is safe from a hygienic point of view, tidy, compact and easy to handle.

Furthermore, the winding apparatus for winding rolls according to the invention comprises a motor unit with manual, automatic or remote control which makes it possible to facilitate the phase of replacing a layer of material along the surface of a couch.

The present invention will now be described, for illustrative but not limiting purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the Figures of the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a winding apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the winding apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the winding apparatus of Figure 1, from a different angle;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a component of the winding system according to the invention; Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the component of Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the component of Figure 4 from a different angle;

Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of some components of the winding apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a winding system comprising a roll winding apparatus according to the invention and a dispensing unit, operatively connected to respective ends of a couch;

Figures 9 and 10 show a perspective view of the position which can be assumed by some components of the winding apparatus according to the invention.

With reference to Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of a winding apparatus for winding rolls according to the invention can be observed, indicated as a whole with 1.

The roll-winding apparatus 1, hereinafter referred to as the winding apparatus 1 for brevity, is configured to be operatively connected to one end of a couch 2 and to selectively wind a material dispensed from a donor roll which, in turn, it is rotatably supported by a dispensing unit, indicated as a whole with 3 (see schematic view shown in Figure 8).

The dispensing unit 3, in turn, is configured to be connected to the couch 2 at an end opposite to that to which the winding apparatus 1 is connected.

It is understood that a winding system for winding rolls comprising a winding apparatus 1 and a dispensing unit 3 forms the subject of the invention.

Furthermore, a couch 2 comprising a winding apparatus 1 and a dispensing unit 3 is also an object of the invention.

With reference to the attached Figure 8, the couch 2 is deliberately illustrated in an extremely schematic way to show, by way of non-limiting example, a possible positioning of the winding apparatus 1 and of the dispensing unit 3 with respect to the couch 2 itself.

It should be understood that alternative embodiments of a couch 2 are evidently possible, i.e. with a different conformation of a top support surface of the couch 2 itself, for example comprising two portions movable from each other or a through opening in which to position the face of a patient or, again, with different connection points available for the winding apparatus 1 and/or for the dispensing unit 3, although falling within the same inventive concept of the present invention. In the following description, reference will be made to a preferred embodiment of a wingind apparatus 1 of the type connectable to a couch 2.

The winding apparatus 1 comprises a support 4 configured to support a roller 5, preferably of the hollow type, which can be selectively actuated in rotation around an axis 6 by means of a motor unit 7.

The roll 5 is removably connected to the support 4, so as to be extracted or inserted through one side of the support 4 itself, along the axis 6 or substantially along the axis 6, and thus facilitate the removal of a receiving roll, that is to say of a roll of material previously wound on the roll 5 itself, as better described hereinafter.

According to a preferred embodiment, the roll 5 is rotated with a direction of rotation such that the contaminated outer surface of the material dispensed from a donor roll, which has been positioned on the couch 2 and has come into contact with a patient, it faces the roll 5 and is therefore wound inside the receiving roll, i.e. the roll wound on the roll 5 itself.

In this way, the surface of the material which has been contaminated is rolled up inside the receiving roll and therefore is not accessible to an operator during the removal and subsequent handling of the receiving roll, wound around the roll 5. This solution is hygienic and capable of overcoming a drawback of traditional solutions.

The support 4 is configured to be connected, in a removable manner, to one end of a couch 2 either directly or via connection members configured as brackets or clamping elements to be connected for example to support legs present in the couch 2 or to a transversal connecting element between the legs of a couch 2, according to methods within the reach of a person skilled in the art.

By way of non-limiting example, the connection brackets, which are not shown in the attached Figures, are "L" or "C" shaped brackets depending on the portion of the couch 2 to which the support 4 is to be connected, in the scope of an extremely flexible deployment solution.

According to an alternative embodiment, the support 4 can be connected directly to the frame of a couch 2 by means of screws or bolts, depending on the configuration and the space available on board the couch 2 itself.

The support 4 has a "C" shape and comprises an elongated, ribbon-shaped transversal element 8, at the opposite ends of which a first protrusion 9 and a second protrusion 10 branch off at right angles to the same side (see for example Figures 2 and 3). The transversal member 8 provides a connecting portion, for example, to which to connect the connecting brackets for connecting the wingind apparatus 1 to the couch 2 or by which to directly connect the support 4 to the couch 2.

The first protrusion 9 and the second protrusion 10 each delimit a respective through opening to allow the support and rotation of the roller 5 as better described below.

According to the preferred embodiment, the motor unit 7 is connected at the first protrusion 9. In particular, the motor unit 7 is connected externally to the first protrusion 9, i.e. in such a way as to extend outside the winding apparatus 1, on one side of the same.

The motor unit 7 is connected to the first protrusion by means of a connection of the removable type, for example by means of screws or bolts.

The first protrusion 9 delimits a through opening 11 through which a pin 12 of the motor unit 7 extends, in which the pin 12 can be selectively actuated in rotation around the axis 6. The pin 12 acts as a support for one end of the roller 5.

According to a preferred embodiment, the motor unit 7 comprises an electric motor operatively connected to the pin 12 by means of a mechanical transmission with mutually perpendicular axes, i.e. a mechanical transmission in which the motion coming from the drive shaft is transmitted along a direction orthogonal to that of the drive shaft itself. Such a mechanical transmission is considered within the reach of an expert in the sector and will therefore not be described in detail.

The use of a mechanical transmission of the type described above makes it possible to reduce the encumbrance of the motor unit 7 along the axis 6, so as to limit the encumbrance of the winding apparatus 1 along this axis 6.

The pin 12 therefore extends into the space delimited between the first protrusion 9 and the second protrusion 10.

The pin 12 has at least one end portion of the shaped type, i.e. it is configured to engage, by means of a shape coupling or a joint, a complementary seat delimited at one end of the roller 5 to which it can be operatively connected, in such a way as to selectively drag the roller 5 itself into rotation around the axis 6.

The pin 12 acts as a support for one end of the roller 5 which, in use, faces the first protrusion 9. According to a preferred embodiment, the winding apparatus 1 also comprises a magnetic connection between the roller 5 and the pin 12. At least one between the pin 12 and the seat delimited in the roller 5, which can be engaged by the pin 12, is magnetic and the other between the seat delimited in the roller 5 and the pin 12 is made of ferromagnetic material.

The magnetic connection between the pin 12 and the seat of the roller 5 promotes the centering and connection between these components, simplifying and facilitating the connection of the roller 5 to the support 4. Obviously, the magnetic connection is such as to allow a stable connection between the roller 5 and the pin 12 without hindering the rotation of the roller 5 itself around the axis 6. The magnetic connection promotes the release and subsequent detachment between the roller 5 and the motor unit 7 as well as their mutual connection.

The second protrusion 10 delimits a circular passage opening 13, through which the roller 5 can be moved, to be inserted or removed from the support 4.

In practice, the passage opening 13 has a diameter at least slightly greater than that of the external diameter of the roller 5 to allow the passage of the roller 5 through it.

In particular, the roller 5 can be inserted or extracted relative to the second protrusion 10, through the passage opening 13, see Figures 9 and 10, in order to be able to be connected or removed relative to the support 4.

The winding apparatus 1 comprises a handle 14 operatively connected to one end of the roller 5, for the extraction or insertion of the roller 5 relative to the support 4.

In particular, the handle 14 is engaged at one end of the roller 5 which extends outside the second protrusion 10 of the support 4.

In other words, the end of the roller 5 engaged by the handle 14 is opposite to the first end engaged by the pin 12 of the motor unit 7 (see Figure 2).

Handle 14 is removably connected to one end of roller 5 via a threaded connection or snap fit.

The handle 14 has a gripping portion, shaped to allow gripping of the handle 14 itself, an engagement portion 15, of cylindrical shape, which engages the passage opening 13 and acts as a guide and support element for the roller 5 through the second protrusion 10.

The engagement portion 15, when the handle 14 is connected to the roller 5, is external to the roller 5, in an interposed position along the axis 6 between the roller 5 itself and the gripping portion.

The external diameter of the engagement portion 15 is smallerthan the diameter of the passage opening 13, to allow the rotation of the handle 14 relative to the protrusion 10 and therefore the rotation of the roller 5. According to an alternative embodiment, the engagement portion 15 of the handle 14 is placed outside the second protrusion 10 and the roller 5 engages the passage opening 13 instead of the engagement portion 15.

The winding apparatus 1 comprises a truncated conical element 16 which is hollow, engages the passage opening 13 and is connected to the second protrusion 10 in an interposed position between the second protrusion 10 itself and the roller 5, when the roller 5 is connected to the support 4.

The frusto-conical element 16 has a frusto-conical portion 17 which engages the passage opening 13 and extends into the space delimited between the first protrusion 9 and the second protrusion 10, at the second end of the roller 5 to which the handle 14 is connected.

The truncated conical element 16 acts as a guide and holding element for the material which is wound around the roller 5, preventing this material from accidentally engaging between the roller 5 and the second protrusion, in correspondence with the through opening 13 and holding it in position the material of the receiving roll during the extraction of the roll 5 from the holder 4.

Furthermore, the truncated conical element 16 defines an interface between the second protrusion 10 and the roller 5 or the handle 14, protecting them during its rotation from rubbing against the edge of the passage opening 13.

The external diameter of the roller 5 is smaller than the internal diameter of the conical element 16, thus allowing the roller 5 to be extracted/inserted through the second protrusion 10 and the conical element 16 itself.

The frusto-conical element 16 has an annular stop portion 18, from which the frusto-conical portion 17 extends, in which this annular stop portion 18 acts as an abutment to favor the correct positioning of the frusto-conical element 16 during its insertion through the passage opening 13 and, therefore, fastening to the second protrusion 10 (see for example Figure 2).

The roller 5 has an external surface treated with a material with a low friction coefficient, to promote the sliding of the roller 5 relative to the support 4 and, therefore, the extraction of the roller 5 itself from the support 4, also ensuring that the roller 5 has the ability to slip relative to the material wound around it.

According to a preferred embodiment, the roller 5 externally has a Teflon coating treatment - plasma coating - which ensures the absence of scratches along the external surface of the roller 5 and promotes the sliding of the roller 5 along the axis 6 while ensuring at the same time sufficient friction to ensure the winding of the protective material around it to obtain the receiving roll.

To remove the roll received from the roller 5 it is sufficient to extract the roller 5 from the support 4, pulling the handle 14 along the axis 6 away from the support 4 itself, sliding the end of the roller 5 off the pin 12 and then the entire roll 5 through the second protrusion 10.

The winding apparatus 1 comprises a lid 19 hinged to the support 4 and rotatable selectively between a lowered position, in which it is placed against the support 4 and acts as a shelter for the roller 5 and the material wound on it, i.e. the receiving roll , and a raised position, in which it is raised with respect to the support 4 to promote the access inside the support 4 itself.

More in detail, the lid 19 is hinged to the first protrusion 9 and to the second protrusion 10 to be rotated around an axis parallel to the axis 6. Preferably, the lid 19 is hinged to a rod 20 which, in turn, is fixed to the first protrusion 9 and to the second protrusion 10, parallel to the axis 6.

It is understood that alternative embodiments are possible, not illustrated in the attached Figures, in which the lid 19 is hinged to the support 4 by means of pins which branch off to the opposite sides of the lid 19 itself and engage respective openings or seats delimited along the first protrusion 9 and the second protrusion 10.

The winding apparatus 1 comprises at least one abutment 21 which protrudes from at least one of the first protrusion 9 and the second protrusion 10 and acts as a stop for the lid 19, to support it when this is placed in a lowered position with respect to the support 4 (see Figures 1 and 3).

The winding apparatus 1 comprises at least one control logic unit 22 operatively connected to the motor unit 7 to control its drive and operation (see Figures 3 and 7).

The at least one control logic unit 22 is connected to the first protrusion 9.

The winding apparatus 1 comprises at least one button P for manually controlling the operation of the motor unit 7 (see Figure 7).

The at least one button P is operatively connected to the at least one control logic unit 22 to selectively determine the actuation of the motor unit 7 and, therefore, the rotational actuation of the pin 12. The rotational actuation of the pin 12 can provide for rotation to occur as long as button P is held down or for a pre-set time interval following the pressure of the button.

According to an alternative embodiment, not shown in detail in the attached Figures, the winding apparatus 1 comprises a device for receiving/transmitting data in wireless mode, for example a remote control, operatively connected to at least one logic control unit 22, to allow the selective operation of the motor unit 7 remotely. The winding apparatus 1 comprises at least a first casing 23 which can be connected in a removable way to the first protrusion 9, externally to the support 4, to cover the motor unit 7 and the at least one logic control unit 22.

The at least one button P protrudes externally from the first casing 23 in an easily accessible position, to selectively control the rotation of the roller 5.

The winding apparatus 1 comprises a power button A operatively connected to at least one control logic unit 22 to command the turning on or off of the winding apparatus 1 respectively to feed or interrupt the electric power supply of the motor group 7 (see Figure 7).

The power button A also extends outside the first casing 23.

It should be noted that the electric power supply of the motor group 7 can take place through its connection to an electric distribution network, optionally through the interposition of a current transformer, or through a battery, for example of the rechargeable type, which in turn can be connected to a electricity supply network, in a manner within the reach of an expert in the sector.

Similarly, the winding apparatus 1 comprises a second casing 24 connected, in a removable way to the second protrusion 10, to cover the same.

The second casing 24 delimits a circular hole 25 whose diameter is greater than that of the roller 5, to allow passage during extraction or insertion with respect to the second protrusion 10 (see Figure 2).

As mentioned, the support 4 has a transversal element 8 for connecting the support 4 itself to a frame of a couch 2.

The transversal element 8 delimits a plurality of through openings which can be engaged by screws or bolts to allow the connection of the support 4 and therefore of the winding apparatus 1 to a couch.

For example, quick coupling manual tightening nuts can be used for the initial tightening between the transversal element 8 and the connection brackets, if provided.

By way of non-limiting example, according to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures 1-3, the transversal element 8 delimits the first slots 25 placed spaced in succession from each other and aligned parallel to the axis 6.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures 1-3, the transversal element 8 delimits two rows of first slots 25 spaced apart along a direction orthogonal to the axis 6, while understanding that alternative embodiments are possible, not illustrated, comprising a greater or lesser number of rows of first slots 25 or a different positioning thereof. Again with reference to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures 1-3, the transversal element 8 delimits a plurality of second slots 26 placed in succession spaced apart from each other, mutually aligned parallel and oriented orthogonal with respect to the axis 6.

By way of example, the transversal element 8 delimits a row of second slots 26 in a position interposed between two rows of first slots 25 while understanding that alternative embodiments are possible, not illustrated, comprising a greater number of rows of second slots 26, possibly with a different positioning with respect to that of the first slots 25.

The first slots 25 and the second slots 26 allow to adjust the positioning of the support 4 respectively along a horizontal direction, i.e. parallel to the axis 6, or vertical, i.e. orthogonal to the axis 6, as well as to adjust the inclination of support 4 relative to axis 6.

It is understood that instead of the first slots 25 and the second slots 26, the transversal element 8 can delimit circular openings or a combination of circular openings, first slots 25 and/or second slots 26 without any limitation.

As mentioned, the subject of the present invention is a winding system for winding rolls of hygienic material to be spread on a couch 2, indicated as a whole with 27.

The winding system 27 comprises a winding apparatus 1, configured to be connected to a bottom end of a couch 2 and a dispensing unit 3 configured to be connected to a head end of a couch 2, in a position opposite to that of the winding apparatus 1 (see Figure 8).

The dispensing unit 3 is configured to support a donor roll, i.e. a roll of hygienic material to be dispensed on the surface of a couch 2, allowing it to rotate around a dispensing axis 28, in which the material to be dispensed is recalled through the winding apparatus 1.

The dispensing unit 3 comprises a support element 29 configured to connect the dispensing unit 3 itself to a portion of the frame of the couch 2, similarly to what is described in relation to the connection of the support 4 of the winding apparatus 1 to the couch 2.

The support element 29 has an elongated central portion 30, which extends along a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the dispensing axis 28, at the opposite ends of which a first support protrusion 31 and a second support protrusion 32 branch off respectively.

The first support protrusion 31 and the second support protrusion 32 each depart from the same side of the central portion 30 along a direction orthogonal to the delivery axis 28. The first support tab 31 and the second support tab 32 each support, in a rotatable manner, a respective end of a dispensing roller 33 which, in turn, acts as a support on which to fit a donor roll of protective material from spread out on a couch 2.

Preferably, the external diameter of the dispensing roller 33 is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of a hollow internal core of the donor roll from which the protective material is to be dispensed, in order to stably support the donor roll itself during its rotation around the axis dispensing 28.

The dispensing roller 33 is removably connected to the support member 29.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures 4-6, the first support protrusion 31 delimits a first circular opening 34 engaged through a first pin 35 which extends outwards from the dispensing roller 33, at a first end of the latter while the second support protrusion 32 delimits a second circular opening 36 engaged passing through a second pin 37 which extends externally to the dispensing roller 33, at a second end of the dispensing roller 33 itself, opposite the first end from which the first pin 35 extends.

The first circular opening 34 has a diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of the first pin 35, to support it stably during the rotation of the dispensing roller 33 around the dispensing axis 28.

The first circular opening 34 and the second circular opening 36 are aligned with each other along the dispensing axis 28.

The dispensing unit 3 comprises adjustment members operatively connected to the second support protrusion 32, which are configured to adjust the inclination of the dispensing axis 28 relative to the central portion 30 of the support element 29.

The adjustment members provide a further degree of adjustment to ensure correct alignment between the delivery roller 33 and the roller 5, so as to ensure correct and optimal winding of the material on the roller 5 of the winding apparatus 1.

With reference to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures 5 and 6, the adjustment members comprise a plate element 38 which has a circular hole 39 centrally and a plurality of further holes 40 arranged radially around the circular hole 39, in an equidistant position each other in a circumferential direction.

The circular hole 39 is configured to house the second pin 37, which also passes through the second circular opening 36 of the second support protrusion 32. The circular hole 39 has a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the second pin 37 of the dispensing roller 33.

The second support protrusion 32 delimits radial slots 41 arranged around the second circular opening 36, in a position equidistant from each other according to a circumferential direction.

It should be noted that the number of further holes 40 is equal to the number of radial slots 41 and the further holes 40 are positioned so that each one faces a corresponding one of the radial slots 41.

The adjustment members comprise screws 42 or bolts or similar connection elements which mutually connect the plate element 38 and the second support protrusion 32 and allow to adjust their mutual alignment.

Preferably, at least two screws 42 are used which engage respective further holes 40 and radial slots 41, in a diametrically opposite position (see Figure 5).

By varying the mutual positioning between the plate-like element 38 and the second support protrusion 32, as well as their connection point, the alignment between the support points of the ends of the dispensing roller 33 is varied, consequently varying the inclination of the dispensing axis 28 relative to the support element 29.

By varying the relative position of the plate element 38 with respect to the second support protrusion 32, the alignment between the dispensing axis 28 and the axis on which the first circular opening 34 and the second circular opening 36 both lie.

The second circular opening 36 delimited along the second support protrusion 32 has a larger diameter than that of the second pin 37 to allow adjustment of the relative radial position of the second pin 37 itself with respect to the second support protrusion 32 and to the second circular opening 36.

In the attached Figures 5 and 6 a winding system 27 is illustrated which comprises eight further holes 40 and eight corresponding radial slots 41, although it should be understood that alternative embodiments are possible, not illustrated, comprising a greater or lesser number of further holes 40 and of radial slots 41, according to specific needs of use, without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention.

At least one of the first pin 35 and the second pin 37 of the delivery roller 33 is retractable, to facilitate the detachment and connection of the delivery roller 33 from the support element 29. In other words, at least one of the first pin 35 and the second pin 37 can retract inside the dispensing roller 33 when pushed towards the inside of the dispensing roller 33 itself, along the dispensing axis 28, and maintain an extracted position by effect of an elastic element such as a spring which respectively insists on the first pin 35 or on the second pin 37.

By pushing at least one of the first pin 35 and the second pin 37 inside the dispensing roller 33, the latter is disengaged from the support element 29, for example in order to fit a donor roll of material to be dispensed or remove a roll exhausted donor, with particular reference to the need to remove a cardboard cylinder which acts as a core on which the hygienic material of the donor roll is wound.

The dispensing unit 3 comprises a first lid 43 to be applied externally to the first support protrusion 31, to cover the same and a second lid 44 to be applied externally to the second support protrusion 32, to cover the same.

The first cover 43 and the second cover 44 can be applied by means of screws (see for example Figure 5) or a snap fit without limitation.

The first cover 43 centrally defines an access hole 45 which faces the first pin 35 when the first cover 43 is connected to the first support protrusion 31. The access hole 45 allows access to the first pin 35 to allow the roller to be removed dispenser 33 from the support element 29.

Similarly, the second lid 44 centrally defines a respective access hole 46 which faces the second pin 37 when the second lid 44 is connected to the second support protrusion 32. The respective access hole 46 allows access to the second pin 37 to allow to remove the dispensing roller 33 from the support element 29.

The support element 29 delimits through openings along the central portion 30 to allow the connection between the dispensing group 3 and the frame of a couch 2, similarly to what has been described in relation to the presence of through openings along the transversal element 8 of the support 4.

By way of non-limiting example, the central portion 30 delimits through slots 47 which can be engaged by screws or bolts.

The attached Figures 4-6 show two groups of slots aligned with each other, in which the through slots 47 are parallel to the dispensing axis 28.

It is understood that alternative embodiments are possible in which the through slots 47 are positioned in a different way, for example oriented along a direction orthogonal to the dispensing axis 28, with a different reciprocal positioning or a combination thereof or, again, shaped as holes and not slots. The through slots 47 allow to adjust the installation position of the dispensing unit 3 along the frame of a couch 2 as well as the mutual alignment between the dispensing unit 3 and the winding apparatus 1 according to the same methods described in relation to the connection between the winding apparatus 1 itself and the couch 2, to which reference is made.

As mentioned, a couch 2 comprising a roll winding system of the type described above is also an object of the invention.

The couch 2 has a head end where there is a dispensing group 3 and a bottom end, opposite the head end where the winding apparatus 1 is installed.

Couch 2 comprises at least one support table, possibly divided into two portions, at least one of which can be tilted with respect to the other.

The couch 2 optionally comprises a sliding element 48 positioned transversely along the couch 2, at the end of the couch to which the winding apparatus 1 is connected.

According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached Figure 8, the sliding element 48 is configured as a tape to be applied at one end of the couch 2 and has a reduced coefficient of friction to promote the sliding of the protective material at the of the point where the path followed by the material curves towards the winding apparatus 1.

By way of example, the sliding element 48, the shape of which is delimited by dotted lines in Figure 8, can be an adhesive film, preferably transparent.

According to an alternative embodiment, not shown in the attached Figures, the guide element is configured with a roller connected to the couch 2 which can be rotated, which acts as a support along which the protective material to be recalled inside the apparatus winding 1 can slide. A guide element configured in this way allows the protection material to be drawn in the winding apparatus 1 to be kept in uniform tension, avoiding the concentration of stresses due to the rounded edges normally present at the ends of a couch 2.

Optionally, the couch 2 comprises a further sliding element 49 positioned transversely along the couch 2, at the head end of the couch 2 to which the dispensing unit 3 is connected.

According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached Figure 8, the further sliding element 49 is configured as a tape to be applied at the head end of the couch 2 and has a reduced friction coefficient to promote the sliding of the material protection relative to the couch 2.

A brief description of the operation of a winding apparatus 1 according to the invention and of a winding system 27 which includes it is given below. A donor roll of protective hygienic material is provided, to be spread along the top surface of a couch 2, connecting it rotatable to a dispensing group 3.

In particular, the dispensing roll 33 is inserted inside a cardboard cylinder which acts as a central hollow support core on which the donor roll is wound and, therefore, the dispensing roll 33 is connected to the support element 29.

The connection between the dispensing roller 33 and the support element 29 takes place by engaging the first pin 35 through the first circular opening 34 delimited in the first support protrusion 31 and the second pin 37 through the adjustment members operatively connected to the second support protrusion32.

The dispensing roller 33 connected to the support element 29 is free to rotate around the dispensing axis 28, so that the donor roll can also be operated in rotation around this dispensing axis 28.

A free end of the protective hygienic material is then grasped, pulling it away from the dispensing unit 3, to spread the protective material on the top surface of the couch 2, until the free end of the protective material is in correspondence with the winding apparatus 1.

The hygienic protective material is engaged, winding it around the roller 5, activating the latter in rotation around the axis 6 through the motor unit 7.

When it is necessary to supply a layer of new protective material, replacing the contaminated one, the roller 5 is activated in rotation, recalling the contaminated material inside the winding apparatus 1 and placing the new, non-contaminated, hygienic protective material along the couch 2.

When the donor roll of hygienic material is used up, the used roll is replaced with a new donor roll, by removing the dispensing roller 33 from the support element 29.

In particular, one acts on at least one of the first pin 35 and the second pin 37, pressing it and disengaging it respectively from the first support protrusion 31 or from the second support protrusion 32, disconnecting the dispensing roller 33 from the support element 29.

The receiving roll wound on the roller 5, material which has been contaminated, is then removed by extracting the roller 5 from the support 4. To extract the roller 5 it is sufficient to grasp the handle 14 and pull it along a direction parallel to the axis 6 or substantially parallel to the axis 6 so as to disengage the roller 5 from the motor unit 7 and, in particular, from the pin 12, until the roller 5 is completely extracted from the support 4. It should be noted that the external surface of the roller 5 is treated with a low friction coefficient coating to allow the roller 5 to slide with respect to the contaminated material wound on it. Following the extraction of the roll 5 from the winding apparatus 1, the receiving roll loaded with contaminated material can be removed from the winding apparatus 1. As previously described, the contaminated surface is wound inside the receiving roll and not it is directly accessible from the outside, thus allowing operators to handle this waste material in a practical, safe and hygienic way.

It should be noted that the waste material, i.e. the receiving roll wound up and removed from the winding apparatus 1, is coreless, i.e. devoid of a central support or core element, for example a cardboard tube. Therefore, the waste material consists of a single type of material for the benefit of greater ease of disposal and recycling of the same.

Furthermore, the absence of a central core makes it possible to obtain a receiving roll of dimensions comparable to or even smaller than those of the donor roll from which the material wound onto roll 5 was dispensed.

Once the receiving roll, loaded with waste material, has been removed, the roll 5 is introduced again inside the winding apparatus 1, inserting the roll 5 through the passage opening 13 delimited by the second protrusion 10, until bringing the roller 5 in correspondence with the first protrusion 9. The engagement of the pin 12 of the motor unit 7 with the free end of the roller 5 inserted inside the winding apparatus 1 is facilitated and ensured by the magnetic connection between the roller 5 and the pin 12 itself which, in fact, draws the free end of the roller 5 close to the pin 12.

Preferably, the protective material is of the non-woven fabric type, a material which has greater resistance than the traditional sheets of paper used in the technical sector to which the present invention belongs. Furthermore, the non-woven fabric material can deform along one direction and therefore compensate for any misalignments present between the axis 6 of the winding apparatus 1 and the dispensing axis 28 of the dispensing group 3.

Optionally, the donor roll of material to be dispensed includes markings made at regular intervals to allow an operator to understand the amount of material dispensed, thus avoiding waste of the material itself.

Even more optionally, the donor roll of hygienic material to be dispensed could comprise a sensor at the internal cardboard core, detectable by the at least one control logic unit 22, and configured to provide consent for the operation of the winding apparatus 1. According to an alternative embodiment, the donor roll of hygienic material to be dispensed could be marked by means of a QR code or a bar code, which are reported at pre-established intervals, preferably equal to the length of the couch 2, to allow the winding apparatus 1 to control the operation of the motor group 7 in an automated way.

According to this version, the at least one control logic unit 22 comprises at least one detection device configured to detect the presence of a QR code or a bar code along the protective material and act in data exchange with the at least one control logic unit 22 to determine the automatic operation of the roller 5 until the complete replacement of the protective material along the couch 2.

By way of example, the at least one control logic unit 22 could estimate the diameter of the receiving roll wound around the roll 5 as a function of the number of revolutions performed and then command the motor unit 7 to wind the protective material by an amount pre-established. From the foregoing it can be deduced that the winding apparatus 1 according to the invention is capable of achieving the set objects.

In particular, the winding apparatus 1 allows to arrange a layer of protective hygienic material on the support surface of a couch 2 in an easy, practical and safe way and to replace this layer with a new non-contaminated layer by activating the winding apparatus 1.

The presence of a motor unit 7, as well as of the at least one control logic unit 22, allows to automate the operation of the winding apparatus 1, thus further simplifying the replacement of the layer of protective material along a couch 2, with respect to the solutions traditional type. The winding apparatus 1 can be connected in various ways to the structure of a couch 2, with reference for example to the frame of the couch 2 or to the legs present in the couch 2 itself, thus allowing the winding apparatus 1 to be implemented substantially in any existing couch type.

Similar considerations apply in relation to the possibility of implementing a dispensing group 3 in an existing type of couch 2, thus making it possible to implement a winding system 27 substantially in any couch 2.

In the foregoing the preferred embodiments have been described and variants of the present invention have been suggested, but it should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and changes without thereby departing from the relative scope of protection, as defined by the claims attached.