U.S. patent application number 11/668018 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for motorized household liquid dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to CONOPCO, INC., D/B/A UNILEVER, CONOPCO, INC., D/B/A UNILEVER. Invention is credited to David BOLL, Jeffery KALMAN, Craig M. SAUNDERS, Michael SCHIAVONI.
Application Number | 20070119873 11/668018 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32775759 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070119873 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BOLL; David ; et
al. |
May 31, 2007 |
MOTORIZED HOUSEHOLD LIQUID DISPENSER
Abstract
A household liquid dispensing apparatus includes a container for
holding a household liquid and a pump for pumping the household
liquid out of the container. The pump includes a pump chamber. A
dip tube is adapted to be positioned in the container and
communicates with the pump chamber. An exhaust tube communicates
with the pump chamber and an outlet for the household liquid. A
pump actuator mechanically drives the pump. A motor operatively
engages the pump actuator. The motor is electrically connected to a
power source. A switch is electrically connected to the motor and
the power source. A trigger assembly is operatively connected to
the switch to control power delivered to the motor. The trigger
assembly is positioned under the outlet for the household liquid
for easy actuation by an upturned hand.
Inventors: |
BOLL; David; (Avon, OH)
; KALMAN; Jeffery; (Cleveland Heights, OH) ;
SCHIAVONI; Michael; (Euclid, OH) ; SAUNDERS; Craig
M.; (Rocky River, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
UNILEVER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
700 SYLVAN AVENUE,
BLDG C2 SOUTH
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS
NJ
07632-3100
US
|
Assignee: |
CONOPCO, INC., D/B/A
UNILEVER
700 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs
NJ
07632
|
Family ID: |
32775759 |
Appl. No.: |
11/668018 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10669761 |
Sep 24, 2003 |
7191920 |
|
|
11668018 |
Jan 29, 2007 |
|
|
|
60413310 |
Sep 25, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/333 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 5/1205 20130101;
B05B 11/3052 20130101; B05B 11/0054 20130101; A47K 5/1217 20130101;
B05B 11/3057 20130101; B05B 11/3087 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/333 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/54 20060101
B65D088/54 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for dispensing a liquid from an associated pump
bottle, wherein the associated pump bottle includes a container for
storing a household liquid, a pump for pumping the household liquid
out of the container, a pump driving member for driving the pump,
and an outlet for the household liquid, the apparatus comprising: a
housing adapted to receive the associated pump bottle; an actuator
adapted to engage the pump driving member of the associated pump
bottle; a motor operatively connected to said actuator and
electrically connected to a power source; a switch electrically
connected to said motor and the power source for selectively
supplying power to said motor; and a trigger attached to said
housing such that said trigger is positioned under the outlet of
the associated pump bottle when the associated pump bottle is
received by said housing, said trigger selectively engaging said
switch.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing includes a
platform upon which the container of the associated bottle rests
when the associated bottle is received by said housing.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said trigger is spaced from
the platform of said housing to define an open space between said
trigger and the platform.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said housing includes a wall
extending from the platform.
5. An apparatus for pumping liquid from an associated bottle
comprising: a housing adapted to receive an associated pump bottle;
an actuator movably mounted to said housing; a motor operatively
connected to said actuator and electrically connected to a power
source; a switch electrically connected to said motor and the power
source for selectively supplying power to said motor; a trigger
movably mounted to said housing such that an opening is defined by
said trigger and a wall of said housing, wherein the opening is
adapted to receive a portion of the associated pump bottle.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said housing includes a
platform adapted to allow the associated pump bottle to rest on the
platform.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said trigger is spaced above
the platform on the same side of said housing.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said trigger is positioned
between said actuator and the platform.
9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said trigger is positioned
below said actuator.
10. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said actuator reciprocates up
and down in relation to said housing.
11. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the opening is substantially
rectangular.
12. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said trigger includes a first
arm pivotally mounted to the housing.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said trigger includes a
second arm spaced from the first arm, wherein the arms further
define the opening.
14. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising: a container for
holding a liquid; a pump for pumping the liquid out of the
container; an inlet in communication with the pump and the
container; an outlet in communication with the pump; a motor for
driving the pump; a switch electrically connected to the motor and
an associated power source; a moveable trigger operatively
connected to the switch to control power delivered to the motor,
wherein the trigger is positioned in relation to the outlet such
that the same hand of a user that moves the trigger is also
positioned to receive liquid from the outlet.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the trigger is positioned
below the outlet.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the outlet is disposed above
the container.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the outlet is disposed above
the container.
18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the trigger comprises an
optical sensor.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the trigger is positioned
below the outlet.
20. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a gear reduction
transmission interposed between the motor and the pump.
21. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the trigger comprises a
trigger pad.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the trigger pad is
positioned in relation to the outlet such that an object that
exerts a force on the trigger pad is also positioned to receive the
liquid dispensed from the outlet.
23. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a conduit
disposed between the pump and the outlet.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a shroud mounted
to the container and covering the conduit.
25. A dispenser for delivering liquid from an associated bottle to
a person's hand, the dispenser comprising: a pump for pumping
liquid from the associated bottle; a conduit in fluid communication
with the pump and an outlet for the dispenser; a motor operatively
connected to the pump for driving the pump; a switch electrically
connected to the motor and a power source; a moveable trigger
selectively mechanically engaging the switch, wherein the trigger
is positioned in relation to the outlet such that the same hand of
the person that moves the trigger is also positioned to receive
liquid from the outlet.
26. The dispenser of claim 25, wherein the trigger comprises a
trigger assembly that includes a trigger pad.
27. The dispenser of claim 26, wherein the trigger pad is disposed
below the outlet.
28. The dispenser of claim 27, wherein the pump includes a pump
inlet, the outlet being disposed above the pump inlet.
29. The dispenser of claim 25, wherein the motor engages the pump
via a gear reduction transmission.
30. The dispenser of claim 25, further comprising a dip tube in
communication with the pump.
31. The dispenser of claim 25, further comprising a housing, the
pump and the conduit being at least partially disposed in the
housing.
32. The dispenser of claim 31, further comprising a dip tube
adapted to be positioned in the associated container.
33. The dispenser of claim 32, wherein the housing includes an
opening in communication with the dip tube.
34. The dispenser of claim 33, wherein the opening in the housing
aligns with an opening in the associated bottle when the associated
bottle is attached to the housing.
Description
[0001] THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF SER. NO. 10/669,761 FILED SEP. 24,
2003, WHICH CLAIMS PRIORITY TO SER. NO. 60/413,310 FILED ON SEP.
25, 2002
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a pumping mechanism. More
particularly, this invention relates to a motorized soap
dispenser.
[0003] In public restrooms along with household bathrooms and
kitchens, sanitation is an important concern. Hand washing can
greatly reduce the spread of germs. Liquid soap is more and more
popular among consumers as the hand soap of choice. Liquid soap is
usually dispensed through a hand pump that delivers the liquid soap
from a bottle. The user pumps the handle using one hand and the
liquid soap is delivered onto the user's other hand.
[0004] When a person has particularly dirty hands prior to washing,
he may leave some dirt on the hand pump which can create a sanitary
problem. Limiting this sanitary problem can reduce the spread of
germs. Not only is a dirty hand pump a sanitary problem; a dirty
hand pump is an unsightly mess. Eliminating this unsightly mess
results in a more attractive soap dispenser. Also, many consumers
use more liquid soap than is necessary when washing their hands.
Limiting the amount of wasted hand soap, especially at a large
facility such as a factory or a sports stadium, can lead to an
appreciated economic savings.
[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a hand soap
dispenser that is more sanitary than the prior art. It is also
desirable to provide a hand soap dispenser that uses less soap than
the prior art, while still delivering the proper amount of soap to
wash one's hands.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A household liquid dispensing apparatus includes a container
for holding a household liquid and a pump for pumping the household
liquid out of the container. The pump includes a pump chamber. A
dip tube is adapted to be positioned in the container and
communicates with the pump chamber. An exhaust tube communicates
with the pump chamber and an outlet for the household liquid. A
pump actuator mechanically drives the pump. A motor operatively
engages the pump actuator. The motor is electrically connected to a
power source. A switch is electrically connected to the motor and
the power source. A trigger assembly is operatively connected to
the switch to control power delivered to the motor. The trigger
assembly is positioned under the outlet for the household
liquid.
[0007] A household liquid dispenser for use with an associated
bottle for storing a household liquid is provided. The dispenser
includes a housing and a pump for pumping a household liquid from
the associated bottle. The pump is disposed in the housing and
includes a pump chamber. A nozzle communicates with the pump
chamber and defines an outlet. A pump actuator connects to the
pump. A motor operatively engages the pump actuator and
electrically connects to a power source. A switch electrically
connects to the motor and the power source for selectively
supplying power to the motor. A trigger assembly mounts to the
housing and selectively mechanically engages the switch.
[0008] An apparatus for dispensing a liquid from an associated pump
bottle is provided. The associated pump bottle includes a container
for storing a household liquid, a pump for pumping the household
liquid out of the container, a pump driving member for driving the
pump, and an outlet for the household liquid. The apparatus
includes a housing, an actuator, a motor, a switch, and a trigger.
The housing is adapted to receive the associated pump bottle. The
actuator is adapted to engage the pump driving member of the
associated pump bottle. The motor is operatively connected to the
actuator and electrically connected to a power source. The switch
is electrically connected to the motor and the power source for
selectively supplying power to said motor. The trigger is attached
to the housing such that the trigger is positioned under the outlet
of the associated pump bottle when the associated pump bottle is
received by the housing. The trigger selectively engages the
switch.
[0009] An apparatus for pumping liquid from an associated bottle
includes a housing, an actuator, a motor, a switch, and a trigger.
The housing is adapted to receive an associated pump bottle. The
actuator is movably mounted to the housing. The motor is
operatively connected to the actuator and electrically connected to
a power source. The switch is electrically connected to the motor
and the power source for selectively supplying power to the motor.
The trigger is movably mounted to the housing such that an opening
is defined by the trigger and a wall of the housing. The opening is
adapted to receive a portion of the associated pump bottle.
[0010] An object of the invention is to provide a hand soap
dispenser that is more sanitary than prior art dispensers.
[0011] Another object of the invention is reduce the likelihood of
an unsightly mess left on a trigger assembly of the soap
dispenser.
[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a hand
soap dispenser that does not waste liquid soap.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a soap
dispenser that can deliver foam to the user that is easier to
lather than conventional liquid soap.
[0014] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a soap
dispenser that does not require manual pumping by the user.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a hand soap
dispenser that is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is front perspective view of a dispenser according to
a first embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the dispenser of FIG.
1,
[0018] FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the upper portion of the
dispenser of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the lower portion of the
dispenser of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a dispenser according
to another embodiment showing a container removed from a
housing.
[0021] FIG. 4B is a close-up view of the bottom of the dispenser of
FIG. 4A.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view according to another
embodiment showing a container removed from a housing.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view according to another
embodiment showing a container removed from a housing.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of
FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a rear cross-sectional view of the dispenser of
FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a dispensing apparatus
used to dispense household liquid from a conventional retail hand
soap pump.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the dispensing
apparatus of FIG. 9 having received a conventional retail hand soap
pump bottle with the dispensing apparatus and the hand soap pump in
an upstroke.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the dispensing
apparatus of FIG. 9 having received a conventional retail hand soap
pump bottle with the dispensing apparatus and the hand soap pump in
a downstroke.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] It is to be understood that specific devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the
following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of
inventive concepts. Hence, specific examples of characteristics
relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be
considered as limiting.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a motorized hand soap
dispenser 10 includes a container 12, a housing 14 positioned
behind the container 12, and a shroud 16 positioned above the
container and the housing. Generally, the container stores a
liquid, the housing encloses mechanical and electrical components,
and the shroud covers a conduit for the liquid. For ease of
explanation of the figures only, and not to limit the invention to
only that described, the terms "front," "rear," "top," and
"bottom," and the like will be used to describe the figures;
however, such terms are simply to describe the figures and not to
limit the invention to the embodiments described.
[0031] The container 12 stores a household liquid such as hand
soap, dishwashing soap, shampoo, conditioner and the like. The
container can be made of plastic or another durable material. With
reference to FIG. 3A, the container includes a front wall 18, a
rear wall 22, and side walls 24 and 26. The front wall 18 in the
preferred embodiment is rounded or arcuate for an aesthetically
pleasing appearance; however, the front wall can be another
suitable shape. The rear wall 22 is substantially flat or planar.
The side walls 24 and 26 extend beyond the central portion of the
rear wall 22. The rear wall thus defines an indented central
portion or notch. The container further includes a top wall 28 and
a base wall 32. A neck 34, which in this embodiment is circular, is
positioned on the top wall 28 and defines an opening 36. A
container seal 38 (FIG. 3B) can be positioned in the circular neck
34. The base wall 32 has a central indented portion, as seen in
FIG. 7.
[0032] A pump assembly draws the household liquid from the
container 12. Referring to FIG. 3B, the pump assembly includes a
dip tube 42, a pump diaphragm 44, and an exhaust tube 46. The pump
diaphragm 44 is disposed in a pump housing 48. The dip tube 42
communicates with the pump diaphragm 44 which includes a pump
chamber (not visible) that communicates with the exhaust tube 46 to
draw liquid out of the container. The dip tube 42 can include an
intake check valve (not shown). The intake check valve can be
positioned anywhere upstream of the pump chamber. The exhaust tube
46 can also include an exhaust check valve (not shown); however,
the exhaust check valve can be positioned anywhere downstream of
the pump chamber. Alternatively, a single check valve can be
disposed in the pump diaphragm. The pump diaphragm 44 and the pump
housing 48 can compromise a positive displacement pump similar to a
traditional hand soap pump powered by a user depressing on a
nozzle.
[0033] A disc 50 attaches to a plate 52 (FIG. 3A) to sandwich the
top of the diaphragm 44 and the pump housing 48 between the two.
The diaphragm 44 is thus retained in a closed volume defined by the
pump housing 48 and the disc 50. The disc 50 includes an opening 54
that receives the exhaust tube 46. The exhaust tube 46 moves up and
down inside the opening 54. The disc 50 further includes apertures
56 that receive fasteners 58 (FIG. 3A), which are received in
apertures 60 in the plate 52 to attach the disc to the plate. The
plate includes an opening 62 to receive the pump housing 48. The
plate opening 62 surrounds the neck 34 of the container and aligns
with the container opening 36 such that the pump housing can be
received in the container 12. The plate 52 is attached to the
shroud 16 so that when the shroud is lifted the pump assembly is
removed from the container 12. The plate includes holes 64 that
align with holes 66 (only one shown in FIG. 7) in the shroud 16.
The holes 64 and 66 receive conventional fasteners 68 fixing the
plate to the shroud 16.
[0034] Referring back to FIG. 3B, the exhaust tube 46 slides up and
down in the disc opening 54 working a plunger 70 which is part of
the pump diaphragm 44. The plunger 70 is the working member for the
pump assembly. A nozzle 72 is received by the exhaust tube 46. The
nozzle 72 includes about a 90 degree bend. The nozzle 72 attaches
to a nozzle extension 74, which provides an outlet 76 for the
household liquid. In use, the household liquid is drawn through the
dip tube 42 into the pump chamber of the pump diaphragm 44 and
through the exhaust tube 46, the nozzle 72 and finally the nozzle
extension 74 before reaching the outlet 76 at the distal end of the
nozzle extension.
[0035] The exhaust tube 46 and thus the pump assembly, is driven by
a pump actuator 80 (FIG. 3B). The pump actuator 80 includes a
horseshoe shaped member 82 having a receiving slot 84 around the
inner surface of the horseshoe shaped member that receives an apron
86 of the exhaust tube 46. The pump actuator 80 is driven by a
motor and transmission assembly contained in the housing 14. The
housing 14 is seen in an exploded view in FIG. 3A.
[0036] The housing 14 can be made of plastic or another suitable
material. The housing 14 includes a front or first panel 90 and a
rear or second panel 92. The front panel 90 and the container rear
wall 22 are complementarily shaped such that the front panel 90 is
shaped to be received in the central indented portion or notch
defined by the side walls 24 and 26 and the rear wall 22 of the
container 12. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
front panel 90 includes a planar portion that abuts the rear wall
22 of the container 12. Other complementary shapes are
contemplated, including those depicted in FIGS. 4A, 5 and 6.
[0037] The front panel 90 includes a fight side wall 94 and a left
side wall 96. The right side wall 94 is a mirror image of the left
side wall 96. The side walls have lower side notches 98 having
front tabs 100 (only one visible in FIG. 3) positioned in the
notches. The rear panel 92 includes lower side flanges 102 having
rear tabs in 104 (only one shown). The lower side flanges 102 are
resilient such that the rear tabs 104 fit over the front tabs 100
to attach the front panel 90 to the rear panel 92. The rear panel
92 also includes upper tabs 106 at its top that fit into a mating
portion of the shroud 16.
[0038] A latch plate 108 is provided to hold the container 12 in a
fixed relation to the housing 14. Both the front panel 90 and the
rear panel 92 include notches 110 and 112 respectively that
slidably receive the latch plate 108. Referring to FIG. 7, the
latch plate 108 includes a protrusion or tongue 114 that is
received in a depression or groove 116 in the base wall 32 of the
container 12. As is also noticeable from FIG. 7, the bottom of the
latch plate 108 is level with the bottom most portion of the base
wall 32 of the container 12, so that the dispenser 10 can sit level
on a surface.
[0039] Referring back to FIG. 3A, the front panel also includes a
deep notch 118 defined by two upwardly extending projections 120,
which are mirror images of one another. The pump actuator 80 (FIG.
3A) is received in the deep notch 118. The actuator 80 includes two
side channels 122 (only one shown) that slide along the projections
120. The pump actuator reciprocates up and down in the notch 118 to
drive the pump assembly. The projections 118 are received inside an
opening 124 in the plate 52 (FIG. 3A), which secures the front
panel 90 firmly behind the rear wall 22 of the container 12.
[0040] As mentioned earlier, a motor 130 through a plurality of
gears drives the pump actuator 80. The motor 130 drives a pinion
132. The pinion 132 drives a first intermediate gear 134. A first
intermediate pinion 136 (FIG. 7) is attached to the first
intermediate gear 134, and is driven along with the first
intermediate gear. The first intermediate pinion 136 drives a
second intermediate gear 138. The second intermediate gear 138 has
a second intermediate pinion 140 (FIG. 7) attached to and driven
along with the second intermediate gear. The second intermediate
pinion 140 drives a third intermediate gear 142. The third
intermediate gear 142 has a third intermediate pinion 144 attached
to and driven along with the third intermediate gear. The third
intermediate pinion 144 drives a drive gear 146 WIG. 3B).
[0041] The drive gear 146 includes a hole 148 offset from its
center. A pin 150 is mounted in the hole 148 and cares an inner
sleeve 152 and an outer sleeve 154. The pin 150 engages a slot 156
in the pump actuator. The pin and slot converts the rotational
movement of the drive gear 146 into reciprocating movement of the
actuator 80. In an alternative embodiment, such a mechanism can
include a rack and pinion; however, a reversing electric motor
would be used. Other conventional mechanisms can be used to convert
the rotational movement into a reciprocal movement. The
transmission disclosed is a gear reduction transmission that
translates the high RPM output of the motor 130 to a lower RPM
rotation for the drive gear 146, other conventional transmissions
can also be used to drive the pump actuator
[0042] The intermediate gears 134, 138 and 142 are sandwiched
between a front gear plate 158 and a rear gear plate 160. The front
gear plate 158 includes axle openings 162 that are aligned with
axle openings 164 in the rear plate 160. Axles 166 are received in
the openings 162 and 164 to fix the gears between the front gear
plate 158 and the rear gear plate 160. The rear gear plate 160
includes an additional axle opening at its top 168 that receives a
fastener 170 for the drive gear 146. The rear gear plate 160 also
includes a pinion opening 172 through which the pinion 132
protrudes. A spacer 174 and bushings 176 can be provided to
appropriately space the gears between the front gear plate 158 and
the rear gear plate 160.
[0043] The motor 130 receives power from a power source 180. The
power source 180 in the preferred embodiment is a plurality of
batteries. The batteries are received in a battery pack 182 that is
electrically connected to the motor 130 in a conventional manner.
In an alternative embodiment, the power source could be an AC power
source or any suitable power source.
[0044] The plate 52 associated with the shroud 16 (FIG. 3A) her
includes a mounting wall 192 projecting upwardly from the plate 52
to which a switch 194 is mounted. The switch 194 is electrically
connected to the motor 130 and the power source 180 in a
conventional manner. The switch 194 Is activated by a trigger
assembly that includes a switch actuator 196. The switch actuator
196 includes a U-shaped member 198, an upward projection 202, and a
downward L-shaped projection 204. The U-shaped member 198 surrounds
the neck 34 of the container 12. The U-shaped member 198 mounts on
fulcrums 208 extending upwardly from the plate 52. The downward
L-shaped projection 204 limits the pivotal movement of the switch
actuator 196 by contacting the front wall 18 of the container 12.
As more clearly seen in FIG. 7, the downward L-shaped projection
204 is spaced slightly from the front wall 18 of the container 12.
The switch 194 is designed to activate with minimal force so that
the switch actuator 196 need only to be barely depressed before the
pump is actuated. The trigger assembly also includes a trigger pad
212 that mounts to the switch actuator 196 over the L-shaped
projection 204. The trigger pad 212 provides a rounded surface that
complements the back of a user's hand or fingernail such that
slight depression on the trigger 212 will result in the deposit of
the household liquid on the upward facing palm of the user. Lateral
force against the trigger pad 212 also activates dispensing. In an
alternative embodiment, the housing 14 or the shroud 16 can limit
the movement of the switch actuator 196.
[0045] In use, a consumer depresses the trigger pad 212 with the
downwardly facing surface of a cupped hand causing the L-shaped
projection 204 of the switch actuator 196 to rotate slightly on the
fulcrums 208 about an axis defined at the intersection of the
L-shaped projection 204 and the U-shaped member 198. Upon rotation
of the switch actuator 196, the end of the U-shaped member 198 is
forced upwardly closing the switch 194. With the switch closed, the
circuit between the motor 130 and the power source 180 is closed;
therefore, power is delivered from the power source to the motor.
When the user has enough soap, the hand is raised and dispensing
ceases.
[0046] Other trigger assemblies can be used to activate the trigger
assembly, including an optical sensor and other known mechanisms.
Furthermore, the shape of the trigger can be modified. In the
particular embodiment described above, the trigger pad is adapted
to be depressed by the back of the user's hand. In other
embodiments, perhaps where the bottle is storing a liquid that is
different from hand soap, the shape of the trigger can be
modified.
[0047] The trigger assembly is positioned below the outlet of the
nozzle 74 such that the hand or object used to depress the trigger
pad 212 is in position to receive the household liquid. In one
embodiment, the soap dispenser provided allows the user to lightly
depress the trigger pad with the back of the user's finger to
dispense the soap. This remedies the problem of requiring the user
to depress a hand pump with a dirty hand. Since the back of one's
hand is usually not soiled, dirt will not likely be deposited on
the trigger when the trigger is depressed. The amount of force
required to activate the trigger and thus the switch is much
smaller than the amount of force required to depress the hand pump
of a conventional hand soap pump. Accordingly, less dexterity is
needed to use the motorized dispenser than a conventional hand pump
soap dispenser. Furthermore, the dispenser can be used to deposit
dishwashing soap onto a dirty plate, pot or pan. In such a case,
the user can depress the trigger pad with the dirty plate, pot or
pan and the plate, pot or pan is positioned to receive the
dishwashing soap.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 413, an alternative embodiment of
a dispenser 310 is disclosed. The dispenser 310 includes a
container 312, a housing 314 and a shroud 316. The container 312
stores a household liquid, similar to the container 12 disclosed
above. The container 312 includes a mounting portion 318 that
includes two tongues 322, one on each side. The container also
includes a neck (not visible) that defines an opening (not
visible). A container seal 324 mounts to the neck and includes an
opening 326 that aligns with and communicates with an opening (not
visible) in the housing 314,
[0049] The pump assembly, drive mechanism and power supply used to
drive the pump assembly is similar to that described above in FIGS.
3SA and 3B. For the sake of brevity, their description will not be
provided. However, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the pump
assembly with the exception of a dip tube 328 is disposed in the
housing 314 or shroud 316. The dip tube 328 is received in the
opening 326 of the container seal 324 and communicates with the
pump assembly via the opening (not visible) in the housing 314 or
shroud 316.
[0050] The housing 314 can be made of plastic or another durable
material. In this embodiment, the housing 314 and the shroud 316
are a unitary structure; however, in an alternative embodiment, the
shroud 316 can be a separate component from the housing 314. The
housing includes a mounting portion 332 that receives the mounting
portion 318 of the container 312. In this embodiment, the mounting
portion 332 of the housing 314 is shown at a side of the housing
314, but the mounting portion can be positioned elsewhere, such as
at the rear of the housing 314. The mounting portion 332 of the
housing 314 includes two grooves 334 (only one is visible) that
receive the two tongues 322 of the container 312. The housing 314
can also include a removable wall (not shown) to provide access to
the power source.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 4B, a latching mechanism 340 is provided
to further hold the container 312 in a fixed relation to the
housing 314. The container 312 includes a notch 342 in a base wall
344 that aligns with a notch 346 in a base wall 348 of the housing
314. A latch plate 352 slides along in the notches 342 and 346 to
selectively hold the container 312 to the housing 314.
[0052] A trigger assembly 352 is positioned below an outlet 354 of
the dispenser 310. The trigger assembly 352 includes a trigger pad
356 and components similar to the trigger assembly described with
reference to FIG. 3A. The trigger assembly 352 is movably mounted
to the housing 314. In this embodiment, the trigger assembly
actuates a switch (not visible) in response to a slight downward
and/or lateral pressure on the trigger pad 356. The trigger
assembly 352 is limited in movement by the housing 314.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a dispenser 410
in exploded view is disclosed. In this embodiment the dispenser 410
includes a container 412, a housing 414 and a shroud 416. The
container 412 stores a household liquid, similar to the container
12 disclosed above. The container 412 includes a receiving portion
418, which in this embodiment is an arcuate depression 422 in a
rear wall 424 of the container 412. The container 412 also includes
a neck (not visible) that defines an opening (not visible). A
container seal 426 mounts to the neck and includes an opening 428
that aligns with and communicates with an opening (not visible) in
the housing 414 or shroud 416.
[0054] The pump assembly, drive mechanism and power supply used to
drive the pump assembly is similar to that described above in FIGS.
3A and 3B. For the sake of brevity, their description will not be
provided. However, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, the pump
assembly with the exception of a dip tube 430 is disposed in the
housing 414 or shroud 416. The dip tube 430 is received in the
opening 428 of the container seal 426 and communicates with the
pump assembly via the opening (not visible) in the housing 414 or
shroud 416.
[0055] The housing 414 can be made of plastic or another durable
material. In this embodiment, the housing 414 and the shroud 416
are a unitary structure; however, in an alternative embodiment, the
shroud 416 can be a separate component from the housing 414.
Furthermore, the shroud 416 may be removable from the housing 414
to provide access to the power source of the pump assembly. The
housing 414 is received in the receiving portion 418 of the
container 412. In this embodiment, the housing 414 is received at
the rear of the housing 414, but the receiving portion 418 can be
positioned elsewhere, such as at the side or front of the housing
414. The housing 414 has a complementary shape to the receiving
portion 418 of the container 412. A latching mechanism similar to
that described with reference to FIG. 4B or FIG, 7 can be provided
to fix the container 412 in relation to the housing 414.
[0056] A trigger assembly 452 is positioned below an outlet 44 of
the dispenser 410. The trigger assembly 452 includes a trigger pad
456 and components similar to the trigger assembly described in
FIG. 3. The trigger assembly 452 is movably mounted to the shroud
416. In this embodiment, the trigger assembly actuates a switch
(not visible) in response to a slight downward and/or lateral
pressure on the trigger pad 456. The trigger assembly 452 is
limited in movement by the container 412.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a dispenser 510
in exploded view is disclosed. In this embodiment the dispenser
includes a container 512, a housing 514 and a shroud 516. The
container 512 stores a household liquid, similar to the container
12 disclosed above. The container 512 includes a receiving portion
518, which in this embodiment is an arcuate depression 522 in a
rear wall 524 of the container 512. The container 512 also includes
a neck (not visible) that defines an opening (not visible). A
container seal 526 mounts to the neck and includes an opening 528
that aligns with and communicates with an opening (not visible) in
the housing 514 or shroud 516.
[0058] The pump assembly, drive mechanism and power supply used to
drive the pump assembly is similar to that described above in FIGS.
3A and 3B. For the sake of brevity, their description will not be
provided. However, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the pump
assembly is with the exception of a dip tube 530 disposed in the
housing 514 or shroud 516. The dip tube 530 is received in the
opening 528 of the container seal 526 and communicates with the
pump assembly via the opening (not visible) in the housing 514 or
shroud 516.
[0059] The housing 514 can be made of plastic or another durable
material. In this embodiment, the housing 514 and the shroud 516
are a unitary structure; however, in an alternative embodiment, the
shroud 516 can be a separate component from the housing 514.
Furthermore, the shroud 516 maybe removable from the housing 514 to
provide access to the power source of the pump assembly. The
housing 514 is received in the receiving portion 518 of the
container 512. In this embodiment, the housing 514 is received at
the rear of the housing 514, but the mounting portion can be
positioned elsewhere, such as at the side of the housing 514. The
housing 514 has a complementary shape to the receiving portion 518
of the container 512. A latching mechanism similar to that
described with reference to FIG. 4B or FIG. 7 can be provided to
fix the container 512 in relation to the housing 514.
[0060] A trigger assembly 552 is positioned below an outlet 554 of
the dispenser 510. The trigger assembly 552 includes a trigger pad
556 and components similar to the trigger assembly described in
FIG. 3. The trigger assembly 552 is movably mounted to the shroud
516. In this embodiment, the trigger assembly actuates a switch
(not visible) in response to a slight downward pressure on the
trigger pad 556. The trigger assembly 552 is limited in movement by
the container 516.
[0061] In each of the dispensers a screen 250 (FIG. 3B) or a
plurality of screens and/or aspiration opening can be provided in
the fluid flow path through the pump assembly to transform the
liquid soap in the bottle to a foam at the outlet of the nozzle
extension. The screen 250 provides a mixing apparatus to convert
the liquid soap into a foam. Furthermore, as apparent from the
different embodiments described, the dispenser can take many
configurations. The container can take a multitude of
configurations, as well as the trigger assembly, housing and
shroud.
[0062] With reference to FIG. 9, a dispensing apparatus 600 can
also be used with a conventional retail hand soap pump bottle A.
The dispensing apparatus 600 includes a housing 602 to receive the
pump bottle A, an actuator assembly 604 to drive the pump of the
pump bottle A, and a trigger assembly 606 to actuate the actuator
assembly. The conventional pump bottle A includes a container for
storing liquid hand soap, a pump (not shown) disposed in the
container for pumping the hand soap out of the container, a pump
driving member and an outlet for the hand soap. The pump driving
member for the pump bottle A depicted in the figures is the nozzle
of the pump bottle, which normally a user depresses with one hand
to dispense the liquid soap from inside the container onto his
other hand.
[0063] The housing 602 includes a platform 608 upon which the
bottom of the pump bottle A rests, as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. The
platform 608 is generally rectangular to complement the bottom of
the container of the pump bottle A. A small projection 610 extends
upwardly from an end of the platform 608. Projecting upwardly from
the platform 608 and spaced from the projection 610, a housing
front wall 612 along with a housing rear wall 614 enclose the major
mechanical and electrical components of the dispensing apparatus
600. The projection 610 and the front wall 612 are spaced such that
the container of the pump bottle A can be received on the platform
608. Attached to the front wall 612, two upper side walls 616
project outwardly and cover an upper portion of the pump bottle A
(FIGS. 10 and 11). The side walls 616 are spaced from the platform
608 such that the side walls cover a top wall of the container of
the pump bottle A. Referring to FIG. 10, the housing includes a top
wall 622 having an opening 624. The front of the housing 602 is
substantially open, as noticeable from the figures.
[0064] The actuator assembly 604 drives the pump of the pump
bottle. Referring to FIG. 10, the actuator assembly includes a rod
626 that is received in the opening 624 in the top wall 622 and a
follower 628 attached to an end of the rod 626. The rod 626 is
driven by a motor and transmission similar to that described with
reference to FIG. 3A, and therefore for the sake of brevity will
not he described in much detail. Basically, a motor through a gear
reduction transmission that translates the rotational movement of
the motor into a reciprocating motion of the actuator assembly 604
drives the rod 626. The motor is powered by a conventional power
source, including batteries and/or a plug that can fit into a wall
receptacle. The motor, transmission and batteries are enclosed by
the front wall 612 and the rear wall 614 of the housing 602.
[0065] The follower 628 engages a portion of the nozzle of the pump
bottle A to drive the nozzle up and down, thus dispensing liquid
soap from the container. The follower 628 can engage the nozzle in
any conventional manner that allows the nozzle to travel along with
the follower. For example, the follower can include a U-shaped
member that receives an underside of the nozzle to pull the nozzle
up on an upstroke, and a portion of the follower can push the
nozzle down on a downstroke. Similarly, the follower 628 can simply
depress the nozzle on its downstroke and the nozzle can return due
to the biasing action provided by a spring (not shown) in the pump
of the pump bottle A. This biasing is the usual action of a
conventional retail soap bottle pump where the user of which
depresses the nozzle to dispense soap.
[0066] The trigger assembly 606 actuates the actuator assembly 604.
The trigger assembly 606 includes a trigger 632 having a trigger
pad 634 formed at a distal end of the trigger. The trigger 632
mounts to the housing 602 above the platform 608 and below the
follower 628 on the same side of the housing 602 as the platform.
The trigger 632 also includes a pair of arms 636 that attach to the
housing 602. The trigger arms 636, the trigger 632 and the front
wall 612 of the housing 602 define an opening 638 (FIG. 9) through
which the pump bottle A is received. The opening 638 is shaped
similarly yet slightly larger than the container of the pump bottle
A. In this embodiment, the opening 638 is substantially rectangular
and slightly larger than the platform 608. The trigger 632 mounts
to the housing 602 by use of an axle 642.
[0067] The trigger assembly 606 closes a switch similar to the
trigger assembly described with respect to FIG. 3A. The trigger 632
pivots about the axle 642 in response to a downward and/or lateral
force on the trigger. The axle 642 can pivot such that a portion of
the axle contacts a switch that closes the circuit between the
power source and the motor. The trigger 632 can close the switch in
other conventional manners. Upon depression of the trigger pad 634,
the actuator assembly 604 drives the nozzle of the pump bottle A to
dispense hand soap. The trigger 632 is positioned under the nozzle
outlet of the pump bottle A when the pump bottle is received by the
housing 602. Accordingly, the same hand that activates the trigger
632 is also in position to receive a dose of liquid hand soap.
Furthermore, since the trigger 632 is pivotally mounted and the
nozzle is mechanically driven, a smaller force is needed by the
user to activate the dispensing apparatus 600 than is required to
dispense liquid soap from the pump bottle A in a conventional
manner. Also, the back of the handwasher's hand, which is usually
not soiled, can be used to activate the trigger 632. A small force
is used to activate the trigger 632 and the trigger is limited in
is rotation by the container of the pump bottle A.
[0068] Accordingly, a dispenser that fulfills all of the
above-mentioned objectives has been provided. The invention has
been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Obviously)
modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and
understanding the proceeding detailed description. It is intended
that the invention described be construed to include all
modifications and alterations as encompassed by the appended
claims.
* * * * *