A dispenser for dispensing and advancing sheet material is provided. The
dispenser includes a frame and a drive roller rotationally mounted to the
frame. The drive roller is configured for engagement with sheet material
so that rotation of the drive roller causes movement of the sheet
material. A segmented gear with first and second drive segments is
mounted to the frame and is in communication with the drive roller. A
spring is included and is in communication with the segmented gear. The
spring is configured so that rotation of the segmented gear causes the
spring to store potential energy. Release of potential energy in the
spring causes the segmented gear to rotate. A cutting blade is provided
and is configured for cutting the sheet material in order to release
potential energy. The dispenser allows for a piece of sheet material to
be dispensed therefrom and subsequently presents the user with a new
piece of sheet material for future removal.