US20150053720A1 - Dispenser having top loading and unloading refill units - Google Patents
Dispenser having top loading and unloading refill units Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150053720A1 US20150053720A1 US14/465,994 US201414465994A US2015053720A1 US 20150053720 A1 US20150053720 A1 US 20150053720A1 US 201414465994 A US201414465994 A US 201414465994A US 2015053720 A1 US2015053720 A1 US 2015053720A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- dispenser
- engagement
- guide
- members
- guide members
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
- A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
- A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
- A47K5/1211—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap using pressure on soap, e.g. with piston
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
- A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
- A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
- A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
- A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
- A47K5/1202—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap dispensing dosed volume
- A47K5/1204—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap dispensing dosed volume by means of a rigid dispensing chamber and pistons
- A47K5/1207—Dispensing from the bottom of the dispenser with a vertical piston
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to liquid dispenser systems and more particularly to top loading and unloading dispensers.
- Liquid dispenser systems such as liquid soap and sanitizer dispensers, provide a user with an amount of liquid upon actuation of the dispenser. It is desirable to provide such a dispenser having a refill unit that is loaded and unloaded from the top by simply lowering the refill unit downward with a vertical motion and lifting the refill unit vertically to remove.
- Prior art dispensers allow a user to insert a refill unit using a vertical motion, but require the refill unit to be moved laterally to remove the refill unit.
- top loading and unloading dispensers are disclosed herein.
- One embodiment includes a housing having a guide plate located in the housing.
- the guide plate includes two or more guide members, the two or more guide members have a first portion and a second portion. The first portions of the two or more guide members are closer together then the second portions of the two or more guide members.
- the dispenser also includes an actuator carriage and a pair of engagement blades carried by the actuator carriage. Each engagement blade has a first end that engages with one of the two or more guide members.
- the engagement members having opposing recesses for engaging the nozzle of a pump of a refill unit.
- Another exemplary top loading and unloading dispenser includes housing having a guide plate located in the housing.
- the guide plate has two or more guide members. At least one guide member that extends vertically and has retaining portion and a release portion. The release portion is above the retaining portion.
- the dispenser also includes an actuator carriage and an engagement member carried by the actuator carriage.
- the engagement member is linked to the at least one guide member. The engagement member engages with the nozzle of a pump of a refill unit when the refill unit is installed in the dispenser. When the engagement member moves along the retaining portion of the at least one guide member the nozzle of the pump is remains engaged with the engagement member. When the engagement member moves along the release portion of the at least one guide member, the engagement member disengages with the nozzle.
- Another exemplary top loading and unloading dispenser includes a housing and a guide plate located in the housing.
- the guide plate has a pair of guide slots. A first portion of the slots extend vertically and a second portion of the slots diverge away from one another.
- the dispenser includes an actuator carriage and a pair of engagement blades carried by the actuator carriage. Each engagement blade has a projection that engages with one of the guide slots.
- the engagement members having opposing recesses for engaging the nozzle of a pump of a refill unit.
- FIG. 1 is front elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser system.
- FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the dispenser system of FIG. 1 with the refill unit removed from the dispenser.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded prospective view of the dispenser system
- FIG. 3A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a nozzle of a pump of the refill unit
- FIG. 4 is a prospective partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser system
- FIG. 5 is an exploded prospective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser.
- FIG. 6 is a prospective partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 5 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 are front elevational views of an exemplary embodiment of dispenser system 100 .
- the exemplary dispenser system 100 includes a refill unit 200 and a dispenser 120 .
- Refill unit 110 includes a container 112 , a locking ring 202 and a pump 204 .
- Pump 204 includes an annular recess 206 , a piston 205 and an outlet nozzle 114 .
- Dispenser 120 includes a front housing 104 A, a container release member 122 and an actuator 106 .
- Container 112 is preferably a non-collapsible container made of a thin plastic material. In some embodiments container 112 may be a collapsible container. Container 112 may contain a fluid, such as a sanitizer, a foamable sanitizer, a lotion, liquid soap, a foamable liquid soap, cosmetics or the like.
- a fluid such as a sanitizer, a foamable sanitizer, a lotion, liquid soap, a foamable liquid soap, cosmetics or the like.
- Pump 204 is a springless pump. Piston 205 requires an actuator to physically moved up to dispense a dose of fluid and to physically moved down to reprime the pump 204 .
- Pump 204 may be any type of pump, such as, for example, a piston pump.
- An exemplary springless piston pump is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,815,076 entitled Vacuum Released Valve, which is incorporated herein by reference.
- Pump 204 may be made entirely of a recyclable material, such as, for example, plastic, because pump 204 does not require a spring.
- dispenser 120 is top loadable and top unloadable by moving the refill unit 110 vertically.
- refill unit 110 is simply moved above dispenser 120 and lowered straight downward.
- Lock ring 202 engages a container locking mechanism 320 ( FIG. 4 ) and is retained in dispenser 120 .
- container release member 122 is pushed, which releases container locking mechanism 320 and refill unit 110 is lifted straight upward.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the exemplary dispenser system 100 .
- Refill unit 112 includes pump 204 , which includes a first portion 204 A and a second portion 204 B.
- First portion 204 A includes a collar 309 that connects to container 112 by a snap-fit connector; however, the two components may be joined together by any means, such as, for example, a threaded connection, a welded connection, an adhesive connection, or the like.
- Collar 309 connects to lock ring 202 .
- the connection may be a snap-fit connection, a friction-fit connection, adhesive connection, a welded connection, or the like.
- Lock ring 202 includes a locking tab 329 and an alignment tab 328 .
- Second pump portion 204 B includes a piston 205 having an annular recess 206 .
- piston 205 includes a angled surface 399 , a bottom surface 397 and an outlet 114 .
- Dispenser 100 includes a rear housing 330 .
- Rear housing 330 includes a fist side wall 332 and a second sidewall 334 .
- First sidewall 332 includes a pair of grooves 336 A and 337 A.
- Second sidewall 334 includes a pair of identical grooves (not shown).
- Groves 336 A, 336 B (not shown) are located toward the front of the first and second sidewalls 332 , 334 .
- First sidewall 332 also includes an aperture 333 A.
- Aperture 333 A is partially surrounded by projecting member 333 B.
- Projecting member 333 B retains container release member 122 as it moves inward and outward.
- projecting member 333 B includes an aperture 335 A for connecting to member 392 A of front housing 104 .
- Second sidewall 334 includes a groove 340 .
- Groove 340 is sized to freely accept lock bar 326 of container locking member 320 , which moves in and out of groove 340 .
- the upper projecting member that forms groove 340 includes an aperture 335 B that connectd to member 392 B of front housing 104 .
- Rear housing 104 B includes a base 339 and an aperture 340 which, in some embodiments, is sized larger than outlet 114 of refill unit 110 .
- Container locking member 320 includes container release member 122 , tee bar 322 , spring bar 324 and locking tab 326 .
- Tee bar 322 is received within tee groove 350 of guide plate 346 .
- Container release member 122 is received in projecting member 333 B and is accessible through aperture 333 A.
- Locking tab 326 is sized to fit at least partially within groove 340 .
- Guide plate 346 is connected to rear housing 104 B. Accordingly, when guide plate 346 is secured to rear wall 104 B, locking member 320 is retained to guide plate 346 by tee bar 322 and tee grove 350 , which allows locking member 320 to move horizontally.
- Spring bar 324 engages second sidewall 334 and biases locking member away from second sidewall 334 .
- locking tab 326 protrudes outward from groove 340 to engage locking tab 329 when the refill unit is installed.
- Guide plate 346 includes a tee groove 356 in its center. Tee groove 356 retains actuator tee bar 384 and allows actuator 380 to move vertically up and down with respect to guide plate 346 .
- Guide plate 346 includes a pair of slots 352 A and 352 B. The upper portion of slots 352 A, 352 B curve outward away from one another. A similar set of slots 391 A and 391 B are located on front housing 104 .
- First pump engagement blade 372 A includes a first projecting member 374 A that engages with slot 352 A and a second projection member 375 A that engages with slot 391 A.
- first pump engagement blade 372 A includes a recess 377 A and a sloped surface 376 A.
- second engagement blade 372 B includes a first projecting member 374 B that engages with slot 352 B and a second projection member 375 B that engages with slot 391 B. Second pump engagement blade 372 B also includes a recess 377 B and a sloped surface 376 B.
- first and second engagement blades 372 A, 372 B move upward along a first portion slots 352 A, 352 B, 391 A and 391 B are substantially parallel and the opening between first and second engagement blades 372 A, 372 B remains substantially the same size, which means the engagement blades 372 A and 372 B continue to engage annular groove 206 in piston 205 .
- first and second engagement blades 372 A, 372 B continue to move upward along a second portion slots 352 A, 352 B, 391 A and 391 B
- the slots 352 A, 352 B, 391 A and 391 B cause the first and second engagement blades 372 A, 372 B to move apart increasing the size of the opening formed by recesses 377 A, 377 B and allowing the engagement blades 372 A, 372 B to release annular groove 206 in piston 205 .
- a backer plate 360 is also included in dispenser 120 .
- Backer plate 360 includes four projections 364 A, 364 B, 365 A and 365 B which are located near the outside corners of baker plate 360 .
- Projection 364 A fits within slot 336 A of sidewall 332 and projection 365 A fits within slot 337 A of sidewall 332 .
- projection 364 B fits within slot 336 B of sidewall 334 and projection 365 B fits within slot 337 B of sidewall 334 .
- Backer plate 360 includes an aperture 362 that is larger than piston 205 which fits through the aperture 362 .
- Dispenser 120 includes an actuating carriage 380 .
- Actuating carriage 380 includes projections 382 A, 382 B, 383 A and 383 B.
- Projection 382 A fits within slot 336 A of first sidewall 332 and projection 383 A fits within slot 337 A.
- projections 382 B and 383 B fit within similar slots (not shown) in sidewall 334 .
- tee bar 384 fits within tee groove 356 of guide plate 346 . Accordingly, actuator carriage 380 is retained within rear housing 104 A but is free to travel up and down in a vertical motion.
- Actuator carriage has slots 387 A and 387 B which retain first pump engagement blade 372 A and slots 388 A and 388 B which retain second pump engagement blade 372 B.
- the slots 387 A, 387 B, 388 A and 388 B are wider than first pump engagement blade 372 A and second pump engagement blade 372 B, which allows the engagement blades 372 A, 372 B to move horizontally toward and away from one another.
- the slots 387 A, 387 B, 388 A and 388 B cause engagement blades 372 A and 372 B to move up and down vertically when actuator carriage 380 moves up and down vertically.
- One or more biasing members are located between actuating carriage 380 and backer plate 360 to bias actuating carriage 380 downward.
- Actuating carriage 380 includes an aperture 389 that is sized larger than outlet 114 of piston 205 .
- actuating carriage 380 includes projections 386 (one on each side) that contact projections 396 on actuator 106 to move the actuating carriage 380 upward.
- Actuator 106 includes connecting members 394 A and 394 B that pivotally connect to front housing member 104 .
- a force on actuator 106 causes the bottom of actuator carriage 106 to rotate inward and upward.
- Projections 396 push upward on actuating carriage 380 which moves the actuating carriage 380 and pump engagement blades 372 A and 372 B upwards.
- engagement blades 372 A, 372 B engage slot 206 to retain the piston 205 .
- the bottom surface 387 of piston 205 engages a surface of the actuating carriage 380 for upward movement.
- the biasing members (not shown) push actuating carriage 380 downward, which in turn moves pump engagement blades 372 A and 372 B downward which also moves piston 205 downward to reprime pump 205 .
- Refill unit 110 is installed in dispenser 120 by locating refill unit 110 above dispenser 120 and aligning alignment tab 328 with an alignment groove (not shown).
- locking tab 329 extends the entire way around locking ring 202 and alignment tab 328 is not needed.
- refill unit 110 is moved downward and container release mechanism 122 is pressed in until locking tab 329 of locking ring 202 passes locking tab 326 of locking member 320 .
- Locking member 122 is released and spring bar 324 causes locking tab 326 to move over locking tab 329 to retain refill unit 110 in dispenser 120 .
- one or more of the locking tabs 326 , 329 have sloped surfaces and simply lowering the refill unit 110 downward causes the locking member 320 to move horizontally and allow the tabs 326 , 329 to pass one another and the spring bar 324 moves the locking member 320 back to a locking position.
- lowering refill unit downward causes sloped surface 399 ( FIG. 3A ) of pistion 205 to engage sloped surface 376 A of first engagement blade 372 A and to engage sloped surface 376 B of second engagement blade 372 B, which pushes first and second engagement members outward, and/or causes surface 399 of piston 205 to deflect and pass through the opening between recess 377 A and 377 B.
- the engagement blades 372 A and 372 B fit at least partially within annular groove 206 to retain piston 205 .
- the first actuation of actuator 106 drives engagement blades 372 A and 372 B upward and forces surface 399 past engagement blades 372 A and 372 B where engagement blades 372 A and 372 B fit at least partially in annular groove 206 .
- engagement blades 372 A and 372 B are locked in annular groove 206 , engagement blades 372 A and 372 B and actuating carriage 380 move upward. Upward movement of engagement blades 372 A and 372 B causes engagement blades 372 A and 372 B to move apart when guide slots 352 A, 352 B, 391 A and 391 B diverge away from one another. Once the opening between recess 377 A and 377 B is large enough, the engagement blades 372 A and 372 B disengage or release from the annular groove 206 of piston 205 and the refill unit 110 is free to be removed.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the pump portion 204 (without the container 112 for purposes of clarity) installed in dispenser 120 .
- pump 204 is a piston pump that includes a liquid inlet, an inlet valve, an outlet valve, a pump chamber and an outlet (through outlet nozzle 114 ).
- Engagement blade 372 B is located in annular groove 206 to move piston 205 .
- engagement blades 372 A, 372 B are used to move the piston 205 downward and the that actuating carriage 380 contacts surface 397 of piston 205 to move the piston 205 upward to dispense fluid.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a dispenser 500 which is similar to the embodiment shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1-4 . Many of the components are similar and function in a substantially similar manner. Accordingly, similar components and there functions may not be described in detail with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- Dispenser 500 includes a rear housing 530 .
- Rear housing 530 includes a fist side wall 532 and a second sidewall 534 .
- First sidewall 532 includes a pair of grooves 536 A and 537 A.
- Second sidewall 534 includes a pair of identical grooves (not shown).
- a plurality of brackets 533 are included to retain support 510 .
- Support 510 connects to rear housing 530 by brackets 533 and collar 511 and to front housing 504 A by brackets 533 .
- Locking member 520 includes a locking tab 526 and biasing member 524 .
- Locking member 520 rotates with respect to housing 530 .
- Biasing member 524 biases locking member 520 toward a locked position in which locking tab 526 engages a locking member (not shown) on a lock ring (not shown) on a refill unit (not shown).
- Locking member 520 is rotated.
- Locking member 520 may include a tab that a user rotates, locking member 520 may be rotated by twisting the refill unit (not shown), or any other like means.
- Rear housing 530 includes a base 539 and an aperture 540 .
- Guide plate 546 is similar to guide plate 346 and connected to rear housing 504 B.
- Guide plate 546 includes a tee groove 556 down its center. Tee groove 556 retains an actuator tee bar (not shown) and allows actuator 580 to move up and down with respect to guide plate 546 .
- Guide plate 546 includes a pair of slots 552 A and 552 B. The upper portion of slots 552 A, 552 B curve outward away from one another. A similar set of slots 591 A and 591 B are located on support 510 .
- slots 591 A and 591 B may be on front housing 504 as shown and described with respect to dispenser 120 .
- First pump engagement blade 572 A and second engagement blade 572 B are substantially similar to engagement blades 372 A and 372 B and are connected to dispenser 500 and operate as described above.
- a backer plate 560 and actuator carriage 580 are also included in dispenser 500 .
- Backer plate 560 is substantially similar to backer plate 360 described above and actuating carriage 580 is substantially similar to actuator carriage 380 described above.
- Actuator 506 pivotally connects to front housing member 504 and includes projections 596 that engage actuating carriage 580 to move pump engagement blades 572 A and 572 B upwards. Accordingly, when actuator 580 is pressed inward, the actuating carriage 580 moves upward to dispense fluid and when actuator 580 is released, actuating carriage 580 moves downward due to a biasing member (not shown) located between carriage 580 and backer plate 560 .
- dispensers 120 , 520 may be mounted on a wall, a stand, may include a base and be free standing, may be mountable on a bed rail or other point of care location in a patients room or the like.
Abstract
Exemplary embodiments of top loading and unloading dispensers are disclosed herein. One embodiment, includes a housing having a guide plate located in the housing. The guide plate includes two or more guide members, the two or more guide members have a first portion and a second portion. The first portions of the two or more guide members are closer together then the second portions of the two or more guide members. The dispenser also includes an actuator carriage and a pair of engagement blades carried by the actuator carriage. Each engagement blade has a first end that engages with one of the two or more guide members. The engagement members having opposing recesses for engaging the nozzle of a pump of a refill unit. When the pair of engagement blades move along the second portion of the two or more guide members, the size of the recess expands.
Description
- This non-provisional utility patent application claims priority to and the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/869,254 filed on Aug. 23, 2013 and entitled DISPENSER HAVING TOP LOADING AND UNLOADING REFILL UNITS. This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to liquid dispenser systems and more particularly to top loading and unloading dispensers.
- Liquid dispenser systems, such as liquid soap and sanitizer dispensers, provide a user with an amount of liquid upon actuation of the dispenser. It is desirable to provide such a dispenser having a refill unit that is loaded and unloaded from the top by simply lowering the refill unit downward with a vertical motion and lifting the refill unit vertically to remove. Prior art dispensers allow a user to insert a refill unit using a vertical motion, but require the refill unit to be moved laterally to remove the refill unit.
- Exemplary embodiments of top loading and unloading dispensers are disclosed herein. One embodiment, includes a housing having a guide plate located in the housing. The guide plate includes two or more guide members, the two or more guide members have a first portion and a second portion. The first portions of the two or more guide members are closer together then the second portions of the two or more guide members. The dispenser also includes an actuator carriage and a pair of engagement blades carried by the actuator carriage. Each engagement blade has a first end that engages with one of the two or more guide members. The engagement members having opposing recesses for engaging the nozzle of a pump of a refill unit. When the pair of engagement blades move along the first portion of the two or more guide members the size of the recess remains constant, and when the pair of engagement blades move along the second portion of the two or more guide members, the size of the recess expands.
- Another exemplary top loading and unloading dispenser includes housing having a guide plate located in the housing. The guide plate has two or more guide members. At least one guide member that extends vertically and has retaining portion and a release portion. The release portion is above the retaining portion. The dispenser also includes an actuator carriage and an engagement member carried by the actuator carriage. The engagement member is linked to the at least one guide member. The engagement member engages with the nozzle of a pump of a refill unit when the refill unit is installed in the dispenser. When the engagement member moves along the retaining portion of the at least one guide member the nozzle of the pump is remains engaged with the engagement member. When the engagement member moves along the release portion of the at least one guide member, the engagement member disengages with the nozzle.
- Another exemplary top loading and unloading dispenser includes a housing and a guide plate located in the housing. The guide plate has a pair of guide slots. A first portion of the slots extend vertically and a second portion of the slots diverge away from one another. The dispenser includes an actuator carriage and a pair of engagement blades carried by the actuator carriage. Each engagement blade has a projection that engages with one of the guide slots. The engagement members having opposing recesses for engaging the nozzle of a pump of a refill unit. When the pair of engagement blades move along the first portion of guide slot the size of the recess remains a substantially constant size, and when the pair of engagement blades move along the second portion of the two or more guide members, the size of the recess expands to release the nozzle of a pump.
- For a complete understanding of the aspects, structures and techniques of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is front elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser system. -
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the dispenser system ofFIG. 1 with the refill unit removed from the dispenser. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded prospective view of the dispenser system; -
FIG. 3A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a nozzle of a pump of the refill unit; -
FIG. 4 is a prospective partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser system; -
FIG. 5 is an exploded prospective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser; and -
FIG. 6 is a prospective partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser ofFIG. 5 . -
FIGS. 1 and 2 are front elevational views of an exemplary embodiment ofdispenser system 100. Theexemplary dispenser system 100 includes a refill unit 200 and adispenser 120.Refill unit 110 includes acontainer 112, alocking ring 202 and apump 204.Pump 204 includes anannular recess 206, apiston 205 and anoutlet nozzle 114.Dispenser 120 includes afront housing 104A, acontainer release member 122 and anactuator 106. -
Container 112 is preferably a non-collapsible container made of a thin plastic material. In someembodiments container 112 may be a collapsible container.Container 112 may contain a fluid, such as a sanitizer, a foamable sanitizer, a lotion, liquid soap, a foamable liquid soap, cosmetics or the like. -
Pump 204 is a springless pump. Piston 205 requires an actuator to physically moved up to dispense a dose of fluid and to physically moved down to reprime thepump 204.Pump 204 may be any type of pump, such as, for example, a piston pump. An exemplary springless piston pump is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,815,076 entitled Vacuum Released Valve, which is incorporated herein by reference.Pump 204 may be made entirely of a recyclable material, such as, for example, plastic, becausepump 204 does not require a spring. - As described in more detail below,
dispenser 120 is top loadable and top unloadable by moving therefill unit 110 vertically. To installrefill unit 110 in a dispenser,refill unit 110 is simply moved abovedispenser 120 and lowered straight downward.Lock ring 202 engages a container locking mechanism 320 (FIG. 4 ) and is retained indispenser 120. To removerefill unit 110,container release member 122 is pushed, which releasescontainer locking mechanism 320 andrefill unit 110 is lifted straight upward. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of theexemplary dispenser system 100.Refill unit 112 includespump 204, which includes afirst portion 204A and asecond portion 204B.First portion 204A includes acollar 309 that connects tocontainer 112 by a snap-fit connector; however, the two components may be joined together by any means, such as, for example, a threaded connection, a welded connection, an adhesive connection, or the like.Collar 309 connects to lockring 202. The connection may be a snap-fit connection, a friction-fit connection, adhesive connection, a welded connection, or the like. -
Lock ring 202 includes alocking tab 329 and analignment tab 328.Second pump portion 204B includes apiston 205 having anannular recess 206. In addition,piston 205 includes aangled surface 399, abottom surface 397 and anoutlet 114. -
Dispenser 100 includes arear housing 330.Rear housing 330 includes afist side wall 332 and asecond sidewall 334.First sidewall 332 includes a pair ofgrooves Second sidewall 334 includes a pair of identical grooves (not shown).Groves 336A, 336B (not shown) are located toward the front of the first andsecond sidewalls -
First sidewall 332 also includes anaperture 333A.Aperture 333A is partially surrounded by projectingmember 333B. Projectingmember 333B retainscontainer release member 122 as it moves inward and outward. In addition, projectingmember 333B includes anaperture 335A for connecting tomember 392A of front housing 104.Second sidewall 334 includes agroove 340.Groove 340 is sized to freely acceptlock bar 326 ofcontainer locking member 320, which moves in and out ofgroove 340. The upper projecting member that formsgroove 340 includes anaperture 335B that connectd tomember 392B of front housing 104.Rear housing 104B includes abase 339 and anaperture 340 which, in some embodiments, is sized larger thanoutlet 114 ofrefill unit 110. -
Container locking member 320 includescontainer release member 122,tee bar 322,spring bar 324 andlocking tab 326.Tee bar 322 is received withintee groove 350 ofguide plate 346.Container release member 122 is received in projectingmember 333B and is accessible throughaperture 333A. Lockingtab 326 is sized to fit at least partially withingroove 340.Guide plate 346 is connected torear housing 104B. Accordingly, whenguide plate 346 is secured torear wall 104B, lockingmember 320 is retained to guideplate 346 bytee bar 322 andtee grove 350, which allows lockingmember 320 to move horizontally.Spring bar 324 engagessecond sidewall 334 and biases locking member away fromsecond sidewall 334. Thus, absent inward pressure oncontainer release member 122, lockingtab 326 protrudes outward fromgroove 340 to engage lockingtab 329 when the refill unit is installed. -
Guide plate 346 includes atee groove 356 in its center.Tee groove 356 retainsactuator tee bar 384 and allowsactuator 380 to move vertically up and down with respect to guideplate 346.Guide plate 346 includes a pair ofslots slots slots - A pair of
pump engagement blades 370 are included in thedispenser 120. Firstpump engagement blade 372A includes a first projectingmember 374A that engages withslot 352A and asecond projection member 375A that engages withslot 391A. In addition, firstpump engagement blade 372A includes arecess 377A and asloped surface 376A. - Similarly,
second engagement blade 372B includes a first projectingmember 374B that engages withslot 352B and asecond projection member 375B that engages withslot 391B. Secondpump engagement blade 372B also includes arecess 377B and asloped surface 376B. - As first and
second engagement blades first portion slots second engagement blades engagement blades annular groove 206 inpiston 205. - As first and
second engagement blades second portion slots slots second engagement blades recesses engagement blades annular groove 206 inpiston 205. - A
backer plate 360 is also included indispenser 120.Backer plate 360 includes fourprojections baker plate 360.Projection 364A fits withinslot 336A ofsidewall 332 andprojection 365A fits withinslot 337A ofsidewall 332. Similarly,projection 364B fits within slot 336B ofsidewall 334 andprojection 365B fits within slot 337B ofsidewall 334.Backer plate 360 includes anaperture 362 that is larger thanpiston 205 which fits through theaperture 362. When therefill unit 110 is installed indispenser 120,lock ring 202 rests onbacker plate 360. -
Dispenser 120 includes anactuating carriage 380.Actuating carriage 380 includesprojections Projection 382A fits withinslot 336A offirst sidewall 332 andprojection 383A fits withinslot 337A. Similarly,projections sidewall 334. In addition,tee bar 384 fits withintee groove 356 ofguide plate 346. Accordingly,actuator carriage 380 is retained withinrear housing 104A but is free to travel up and down in a vertical motion. - Actuator carriage has
slots pump engagement blade 372A andslots pump engagement blade 372B. Theslots pump engagement blade 372A and secondpump engagement blade 372B, which allows theengagement blades slots cause engagement blades actuator carriage 380 moves up and down vertically. - One or more biasing members (not shown), such as, for example, springs, are located between actuating
carriage 380 andbacker plate 360 to bias actuatingcarriage 380 downward.Actuating carriage 380 includes anaperture 389 that is sized larger thanoutlet 114 ofpiston 205. In addition, actuatingcarriage 380 includes projections 386 (one on each side) thatcontact projections 396 onactuator 106 to move theactuating carriage 380 upward. -
Actuator 106 includes connectingmembers actuator 106 causes the bottom ofactuator carriage 106 to rotate inward and upward.Projections 396 push upward on actuatingcarriage 380 which moves theactuating carriage 380 and pumpengagement blades refill unit 110 is installed in thedispenser 120,engagement blades slot 206 to retain thepiston 205. The bottom surface 387 ofpiston 205 engages a surface of theactuating carriage 380 for upward movement. The biasing members (not shown)push actuating carriage 380 downward, which in turn moves pumpengagement blades piston 205 downward toreprime pump 205. -
Refill unit 110 is installed indispenser 120 by locatingrefill unit 110 abovedispenser 120 and aligningalignment tab 328 with an alignment groove (not shown). In someembodiments locking tab 329 extends the entire way around lockingring 202 andalignment tab 328 is not needed. In some embodiments,refill unit 110 is moved downward andcontainer release mechanism 122 is pressed in until lockingtab 329 of lockingring 202passes locking tab 326 of lockingmember 320. Lockingmember 122 is released andspring bar 324causes locking tab 326 to move overlocking tab 329 to retainrefill unit 110 indispenser 120. In some embodiments, one or more of the lockingtabs refill unit 110 downward causes the lockingmember 320 to move horizontally and allow thetabs spring bar 324 moves the lockingmember 320 back to a locking position. - In some embodiments, lowering refill unit downward causes sloped surface 399 (
FIG. 3A ) ofpistion 205 to engage slopedsurface 376A offirst engagement blade 372A and to engage slopedsurface 376B ofsecond engagement blade 372B, which pushes first and second engagement members outward, and/or causes surface 399 ofpiston 205 to deflect and pass through the opening betweenrecess surface 399 passes byengagement blades engagement blades annular groove 206 to retainpiston 205. In some embodiments, the first actuation ofactuator 106 drivesengagement blades past engagement blades engagement blades annular groove 206. - To remove
refill unit 110 fromdispenser 120, a user pushes incontainer release mechanism 122 and lifts upward. Becauseengagement blades annular groove 206,engagement blades actuating carriage 380 move upward. Upward movement ofengagement blades engagement blades guide slots recess engagement blades annular groove 206 ofpiston 205 and therefill unit 110 is free to be removed. -
FIG. 4 illustrates the pump portion 204 (without thecontainer 112 for purposes of clarity) installed indispenser 120. In addition, for purposes of clarity some components ofpump 204 are not included inFIG. 4 . Nonetheless, it will be appreciated thatpump 204 is a piston pump that includes a liquid inlet, an inlet valve, an outlet valve, a pump chamber and an outlet (through outlet nozzle 114). -
Pump 204 is retained indispenser 120 by lockingtab 326 being positioned overcorresponding locking tab 329. In addition, at least a portion ofengagement blade 372B is located inannular groove 206 to movepiston 205. As discussed above, in someembodiments engagement blades piston 205 downward and the that actuatingcarriage 380 contacts surface 397 ofpiston 205 to move thepiston 205 upward to dispense fluid. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another embodiment of adispenser 500 which is similar to the embodiment shown and described with respect toFIGS. 1-4 . Many of the components are similar and function in a substantially similar manner. Accordingly, similar components and there functions may not be described in detail with respect toFIGS. 5 and 6 . -
Dispenser 500 includes arear housing 530.Rear housing 530 includes afist side wall 532 and a second sidewall 534.First sidewall 532 includes a pair ofgrooves brackets 533 are included to retainsupport 510.Support 510 connects to rearhousing 530 bybrackets 533 andcollar 511 and tofront housing 504A bybrackets 533. -
Support 510 retains lockingmember 520. Lockingmember 520 includes alocking tab 526 and biasingmember 524. Lockingmember 520 rotates with respect tohousing 530.Biasing member 524biases locking member 520 toward a locked position in whichlocking tab 526 engages a locking member (not shown) on a lock ring (not shown) on a refill unit (not shown). To disengage lockingmember 520 from a refill unit (not shown), lockingmember 520 is rotated. Lockingmember 520 may include a tab that a user rotates, lockingmember 520 may be rotated by twisting the refill unit (not shown), or any other like means. To install a refill unit, the refill unit (not shown) is lowered down and the lockingmember 520 is rotated until a tab the refill unit (not shown) passes by lockingtab 526 andlocking tab 526 rotates to capture the tab (not shown) on a refill unit (not shown).Rear housing 530 includes a base 539 and anaperture 540. -
Guide plate 546 is similar to guideplate 346 and connected torear housing 504B.Guide plate 546 includes atee groove 556 down its center.Tee groove 556 retains an actuator tee bar (not shown) and allowsactuator 580 to move up and down with respect to guideplate 546.Guide plate 546 includes a pair ofslots slots slots support 510. Optionally,slots dispenser 120. - A pair of
pump engagement blades 570 are included in thedispenser 500. Firstpump engagement blade 572A andsecond engagement blade 572B are substantially similar toengagement blades - In addition, a
backer plate 560 andactuator carriage 580 are also included indispenser 500.Backer plate 560 is substantially similar tobacker plate 360 described above and actuatingcarriage 580 is substantially similar toactuator carriage 380 described above. -
Actuator 506 pivotally connects to front housing member 504 and includesprojections 596 that engageactuating carriage 580 to movepump engagement blades actuator 580 is pressed inward, theactuating carriage 580 moves upward to dispense fluid and whenactuator 580 is released, actuatingcarriage 580 moves downward due to a biasing member (not shown) located betweencarriage 580 andbacker plate 560. - The exemplary embodiments of
dispensers - While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.
Claims (20)
1. A top loading and unloading dispenser comprising:
a housing;
a guide plate located in the housing;
the guide plate having two or more guide members;
the two or more guide members have a first portion and a second portion;
wherein the first portions of the two or more guide members are closer together then the second portions of the two or more guide members;
an actuator carriage;
a pair of engagement blades carried by the actuator carriage;
each engagement blade having a first end that engages with one of the two or more guide members;
the engagement members having opposing recesses for engaging the nozzle of a pump of a refill unit;
wherein when the pair of engagement blades move along the first portion of the two or more guide members the size of the recess remains constant, and when the pair of engagement blades move along the second portion of the two or more guide members, the size of the recess expands.
2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the guide members are slots.
3. The dispenser of claim 2 wherein the first end of each engagement blade has a projection that engages with the guide members.
4. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the first portions of the two or more guide members extend in a substantially vertical direction and are substantially parallel.
5. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the second portion of the two or more guide members extend vertically and outwardly.
6. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a refill locking mechanism that secures a refill unit to the dispenser.
7. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a manual actuator that moves the actuating carriage in an upward direction.
8. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising one or more biasing members for biasing the actuator carriage in a downward direction.
9. A top loading and unloading dispenser comprising:
a housing;
a guide plate located in the housing;
the guide plate having two or more guide members;
at least one guide member that extends vertically and has retaining portion and a release portion;
wherein the release portion is above the retaining portion;
an actuator carriage;
an engagement member carried by the actuator carriage;
the engagement member linked to the at least one guide member;
the engagement member engages with the nozzle of a pump of a refill unit when the refill unit is installed in the dispenser;
wherein when the engagement member moves along the retaining portion of the at least one guide member the nozzle of the pump is remains engaged with the engagement member, and when the engagement member moves along the release portion of the at least one guide member, the engagement member disengages with the nozzle.
10. The dispenser of claim 9 wherein the at least one guide member is a slot.
11. The dispenser of claim 9 wherein the engagement member comprises a pair of engagement blades.
12. The dispenser of claim 9 wherein the retaining portion of the at least one guide member extends in a substantially vertical direction.
13. The dispenser of claim 9 wherein the release portion of the at least one guide member extends vertically and outwardly.
14. The dispenser of claim 9 further comprising a refill locking mechanism that secures a refill unit to the dispenser.
15. The dispenser of claim 9 further comprising a manual actuator that moves the actuating carriage in an upward direction.
16. The dispenser of claim 9 further comprising one or more biasing members for biasing the actuator carriage in a downward direction.
17. A top loading and unloading dispenser comprising:
a housing;
a guide plate located in the housing;
the guide plate having a pair of guide slots;
wherein a first portion of the slots extend vertically and a second portion of the slots diverge away from one another;
an actuator carriage;
a pair of engagement blades carried by the actuator carriage;
each engagement blade having a projection that engages with one of the guide slots;
the engagement members having opposing recesses for engaging the nozzle of a pump of a refill unit;
wherein when the pair of engagement blades move along the first portion of guide slot the size of the recess remains a substantially constant size, and when the pair of engagement blades move along the second portion of the two or more guide members, the size of the recess expands to release the nozzle of a pump.
18. The dispenser of claim 17 further comprising a refill locking mechanism that secures a refill unit to the dispenser.
19. The dispenser of claim 7 further comprising a manual actuator that moves the actuating carriage in an upward direction.
20. The dispenser of claim 7 further comprising one or more biasing members for biasing the actuator carriage in a downward direction.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/465,994 US20150053720A1 (en) | 2013-08-23 | 2014-08-22 | Dispenser having top loading and unloading refill units |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361869254P | 2013-08-23 | 2013-08-23 | |
US14/465,994 US20150053720A1 (en) | 2013-08-23 | 2014-08-22 | Dispenser having top loading and unloading refill units |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150053720A1 true US20150053720A1 (en) | 2015-02-26 |
Family
ID=51453915
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/465,994 Abandoned US20150053720A1 (en) | 2013-08-23 | 2014-08-22 | Dispenser having top loading and unloading refill units |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150053720A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015027130A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2018156537A1 (en) | 2017-02-21 | 2018-08-30 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Universal dispenser mounting brackets |
US20190110646A1 (en) * | 2016-11-11 | 2019-04-18 | Op-Hygiene Ip Gmbh | Removable Bottle Support Ledge for Fluid Dispenser |
WO2019191060A1 (en) | 2018-03-28 | 2019-10-03 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Foam pumps, refill units and dispensers with differential bore suck-back mechanism |
US10732021B2 (en) | 2016-05-17 | 2020-08-04 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Method and apparatus for calibrating remaining doses in a refillable dispenser |
US10849468B2 (en) * | 2019-01-11 | 2020-12-01 | Op-Hygiene Ip Gmbh | Fluid dispenser with improved catch mechanism |
Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20010010316A1 (en) * | 1999-05-11 | 2001-08-02 | Parsons Natan E. | Gas-driven liquid dispenser employing separate pressurized-gas source |
US7086567B1 (en) * | 2002-07-25 | 2006-08-08 | Joseph S. Kanfer | Wall-mounted dispenser assembly with transparent window |
US7621426B2 (en) * | 2004-12-15 | 2009-11-24 | Joseph Kanfer | Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods utilizing near field frequency response |
US20100059550A1 (en) * | 2008-09-11 | 2010-03-11 | Ciavarella Nick E | Pump having a flexible mechanism for engagement with a dispenser |
US20100147881A1 (en) * | 2008-12-11 | 2010-06-17 | Ciavarella Nick E | Pressure activated automatic source switching dispenser system |
US20110253744A1 (en) * | 2010-04-16 | 2011-10-20 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Taggant keying system for dispensing systems |
US20120141309A1 (en) * | 2010-12-02 | 2012-06-07 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Pump with side inlet valve for improved functioning in an inverted container |
US8313008B2 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2012-11-20 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Pull actuated foam pump |
US8387832B2 (en) * | 2009-03-06 | 2013-03-05 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Dispenser housing |
US8485395B2 (en) * | 2011-08-02 | 2013-07-16 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Dispenser lockout mechanism |
US8662355B2 (en) * | 2011-08-11 | 2014-03-04 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Split body pumps for foam dispensers and refill units |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7815076B2 (en) | 2002-04-26 | 2010-10-19 | Gotohti.Com Inc. | Vacuum released valve |
-
2014
- 2014-08-22 WO PCT/US2014/052223 patent/WO2015027130A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-08-22 US US14/465,994 patent/US20150053720A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20010010316A1 (en) * | 1999-05-11 | 2001-08-02 | Parsons Natan E. | Gas-driven liquid dispenser employing separate pressurized-gas source |
US7086567B1 (en) * | 2002-07-25 | 2006-08-08 | Joseph S. Kanfer | Wall-mounted dispenser assembly with transparent window |
US7621426B2 (en) * | 2004-12-15 | 2009-11-24 | Joseph Kanfer | Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods utilizing near field frequency response |
US8313008B2 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2012-11-20 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Pull actuated foam pump |
US8668116B2 (en) * | 2008-09-11 | 2014-03-11 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Pump having a flexible mechanism for engagement with a dispenser |
US20100059550A1 (en) * | 2008-09-11 | 2010-03-11 | Ciavarella Nick E | Pump having a flexible mechanism for engagement with a dispenser |
US20100147881A1 (en) * | 2008-12-11 | 2010-06-17 | Ciavarella Nick E | Pressure activated automatic source switching dispenser system |
US8387832B2 (en) * | 2009-03-06 | 2013-03-05 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Dispenser housing |
US20110253744A1 (en) * | 2010-04-16 | 2011-10-20 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Taggant keying system for dispensing systems |
US20120141309A1 (en) * | 2010-12-02 | 2012-06-07 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Pump with side inlet valve for improved functioning in an inverted container |
US8591207B2 (en) * | 2010-12-02 | 2013-11-26 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Pump with side inlet valve for improved functioning in an inverted container |
US8485395B2 (en) * | 2011-08-02 | 2013-07-16 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Dispenser lockout mechanism |
US8662355B2 (en) * | 2011-08-11 | 2014-03-04 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Split body pumps for foam dispensers and refill units |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10732021B2 (en) | 2016-05-17 | 2020-08-04 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Method and apparatus for calibrating remaining doses in a refillable dispenser |
US11131575B2 (en) | 2016-05-17 | 2021-09-28 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Method and apparatus for calibrating remaining doses of product in a refillable dispenser |
US20190110646A1 (en) * | 2016-11-11 | 2019-04-18 | Op-Hygiene Ip Gmbh | Removable Bottle Support Ledge for Fluid Dispenser |
US10542850B2 (en) * | 2016-11-11 | 2020-01-28 | Op-Hygiene Ip Gmbh | Removable bottle support ledge for fluid dispenser |
WO2018156537A1 (en) | 2017-02-21 | 2018-08-30 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Universal dispenser mounting brackets |
WO2019191060A1 (en) | 2018-03-28 | 2019-10-03 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Foam pumps, refill units and dispensers with differential bore suck-back mechanism |
US10849468B2 (en) * | 2019-01-11 | 2020-12-01 | Op-Hygiene Ip Gmbh | Fluid dispenser with improved catch mechanism |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2015027130A1 (en) | 2015-02-26 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20150053720A1 (en) | Dispenser having top loading and unloading refill units | |
US8640926B2 (en) | Dispenser with flexible cover | |
US10368701B2 (en) | Reservoir with removable mobile dispenser | |
CA2477584C (en) | Disposable dispenser | |
US8245881B2 (en) | Spring force adjustment system | |
US8783520B2 (en) | Dispenser | |
US9700181B1 (en) | Dispenser assembly including enclosure with handle | |
US10173234B2 (en) | Trigger pump dispenser with interchangeable piston | |
JP2009261933A (en) | Liquid pumping mechanism, and pump nozzle for dispenser | |
US7270250B2 (en) | Disposable dispenser | |
US9968227B2 (en) | Liquid dispensing system | |
US10869580B2 (en) | Actuating mechanisms for manual dispensers | |
US20240001387A1 (en) | Dispensing device with locking mechanism | |
WO2015070198A1 (en) | Dispenser reservoir release mechanism | |
ITMI20120899A1 (en) | ASSEMBLY SOCKET-POSITIONING DEVICE TO POSITION THE SOCKET ONTO FURNITURE |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC., OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WOLF, KAITLIN A.;BUELL, SHELBY J.;CORNERY, RICHARD E.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20130923 TO 20130925;REEL/FRAME:033769/0099 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |