Personal Dispenser Refilling Station

Abstract

A refilling station for personal dispensers includes a housing having one or more docks that are configured to receive and retain compatible personal dispensers therein. The refilling station also includes a manifold system that fluidly couples a refill container to one or more personal dispensers. Thus, when a personal dispenser is placed in the dock, it is automatically refilled with material, such as sanitizer, from the refill container. The refilling station may also include a sanitizing light to disinfect the personal dispensers as they are being refilled to reduce the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to dispensers that dispense liquid material, such as soap or sanitizer. Particularly, the present invention relates to a refilling station to refill portable personal dispensers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a refilling station that automatically refills and disinfects one or more portable personal dispensers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The public has become increasingly concerned with disease and its transmission, and as such, there is a heightened level of awareness of the importance of cleansing and hygiene in general. For example, with respect to the transmission of E. coli in the food services industry, the rhinovirus in elementary schools, and nosocomial diseases within healthcare facilities, numerous studies have cited hand hygiene as an effective measure to guard against disease transmission. In response, the health care industry, the food services industry, and the hotel and travel industries have been forced to examine their protocols and procedures to ensure that their personnel are adopting hand sanitization habits that are efficacious in the prevention of disease transmission.

[0003] In an effort to provide sufficient opportunities for individuals to have access to soap and sanitizers, many institutions and industries have adopted portable personal dispensers (i.e. personal dispensers) that carry an amount of material, such as hand sanitizer. Because such personal dispensers are portable due to their small size and convenient form factor, they can be carried via a clip on an individual's belt or pocket, and therefore can be accessed any time the individual's hands require sanitization. Unfortunately, such personal dispensers only carry a limited amount of sanitizing material, and as a result, they exhaust their contents over a relatively short period of time. Thus, to replenish the supply of sanitizing material, an individual may simply dispose of the exhausted personal dispenser and acquire a new filled personal dispenser. However, disposing of exhausted personal dispensers generates significant waste, is not sustainable, and as such is not an environmentally responsible practice.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a refilling station for a personal dispenser that is configured to automatically refill such personal dispensers. In addition, there is a need for a refilling station for a personal dispenser that includes a sanitizing system to automatically sanitize personal dispensers as they are refilled by the refilling station. Furthermore, there is a need for a refilling station for use with one or more personal dispensers that is user-friendly and easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In light of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a refilling station for refilling one or more personal dispensers with material from a refill container, the refilling station comprising a housing having one or more docks each configured to carry a personal dispenser; a manifold carried by said housing, said manifold having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, said inlet adapted to be fluidly coupled to the refill container, and each said outlet adapted to be fluidly coupled to said personal dispenser; a valve in fluid communication with each said outlet, each said valve configured to control the flow of material through each said outlet and into each said personal dispenser fluidly coupled thereto; and an actuator coupled to said valve; wherein when said actuator is actuated, said valve is transitioned from its normally closed state to an opened state to allow material from the refill container to flow through said manifold and into each said personal dispenser.

[0006] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a refilling station for refilling one or more personal dispensers with material from a refill container, the refilling station comprising a housing having one or more docks each configured to carry the personal dispenser, said housing including a bias member configured to apply a biasing force against the refill container carried by said housing to pressurize the material; a manifold carried by said housing, said manifold having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, said inlet adapted to be coupled to the refill container, and each said outlet adapted to be fluidly coupled to one of the one or more personal dispensers; a valve in fluid communication with each said outlet, said valve configured to control the flow of material through said outlet and into the personal dispenser coupled thereto; and an actuator coupled to said valve; wherein when said actuator is actuated, said valve is transitioned from its normally closed state to an opened state to allow material from the refill container to flow through said manifold and into each of the one or more personal dispensers.

[0007] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a refilling station for refilling a personal dispenser with material from a refill container, the refilling station comprising a housing having one or more docks each configured to carry the personal dispenser; a manifold carried by said housing, said manifold having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, said inlet adapted to be coupled to the refill container, and each said outlet adapted to be fluidly coupled to the personal dispenser; a valve in fluid communication with each said outlet, said valve configured to control the flow of material through said outlet and into the personal dispenser coupled thereto; a pump in operative communication with said inlet of said manifold, so as to supply air to the refill container to pressurize the material therein; a controller coupled to each said valve and to said pump; and an actuator coupled to said controller; wherein when said actuator is actuated, said controller activates said pump to pressurize the material in the refill container and opens one or more of said valves to allow material from the refill container to flow through said manifold and into each personal dispenser fluidly coupled to each said outlet.

[0008] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a personal dispenser comprising a housing; a refill container carried by said housing, a refill port in fluid communication with said refill container adapted to receive liquid material to refill said refill container, and a dispensing port in fluid communication with said refill container; and a slide member slideably carried by said housing to selectively compress said refill container to dispense liquid material from said refill container through said dispensing port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0010] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a refilling station used to fill one or more portable personal dispensers in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the refilling station when an actuator arm has been actuated so as to refill one or more portable personal dispensers in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable personal dispenser configured for use with the refilling station in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the refilling station in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the components of the refilling station in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative refilling station in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the components of the alternative refilling station in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an another alternative refilling station in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the components of the other alternative refilling station in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 9A is an elevational view of an alternative dock for the refilling station and an alternative portable personal dispenser inserted into the alternate dock in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 9B is an elevational view of the alternative dock and alternative portable personal dispenser fully inserted into the dock in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view of the alternative portable personal dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 10B is an exploded cross-sectional view of the alternative portable personal dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the upper section of the alternative portable personal dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 11B is another perspective view of the upper section of the alternative portable personal dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 11C is a further perspective view of the upper section of the alternative portable personal dispenser including a slide member in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 11D is yet another perspective view of the upper section of the alternative portable personal dispenser including a partition member that passes through the slide member in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the slide member of the alternative portable personal dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 12B is another perspective view of the slide member of the alternative portable personal dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the alternative portable personal dispenser showing a refill container removed from the lower section of the alternative portable personal dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the alternative portable personal dispenser showing the refill container disposed in the lower section of the alternative portable personal dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 13C is a top plan view of the lower section of the alternative portable personal dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the alternative portable personal dispenser when the upper and loser sections of the housing are assembled in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 14B is another perspective view of the alternative portable personal dispenser when the upper and lower sections of the housing are assembled in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the alternative portable personal dispenser when the slide member is fully retracted in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the alternative portable personal dispenser when the slide member is depressed in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of the alternative portable personal dispenser when the slide member is slid forward so as to compress the bladder of the alternative portable personal dispenser in order to dispense material therefrom in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; and

[0037] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the components of an alternative refilling station that provides hygiene compliance monitoring functions in accordance with the concepts of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] A refilling station configured for use with one or more personal dispensers 10 is generally referred to by the numeral 100, as shown in FIGS. 1A-B of the drawings. It should be appreciated, that the term "personal dispenser," as used herein, is defined as a portable dispenser that is capable of being carried by or attached to an individual or to their clothing or other article carried upon or by the individual, such as a clipboard. As such, the refilling station 100 is configured to conveniently fill and sanitize one or more portable personal dispensers 10.

[0039] The personal dispenser 10, shown clearly in FIG. 2, includes a hollow body or vessel 110 that defines a cavity 120 configured to carry any suitable liquid material, such as soap, sanitizer, or moisturizer for example. Disposed at one end of the body 110 is an attachment aperture 130 that is formed by a clip 132 that is configured to attach the personal dispenser to an individual's belt loop or other item. At another end, the personal dispenser 10 includes a dispensing port or nozzle 140 that is circumscribed by vent apertures 142 that facilitate the flow of material through the dispensing port 140 during a refilling event to be discussed. Specifically, the dispensing port 140 is located at a position that is distal to the attachment aperture 130, such that the dispensing port 140 and the attachment aperture 130 are located at opposite ends of the body 110. It should be appreciated that the vessel or body 110 of the personal dispenser 10 is configured of suitably pliable or flexible material, such as flexible plastic, that is able to be compressed using the force applied by an individual's hand and fingers, so as to allow the liquid material carried therein to be dispensed from the dispensing port 140. Thus, the personal dispenser 10 is configured as a portable dispenser that carries any suitable material, such as soap, sanitizer, moisturizer, or the like.

[0040] The personal dispenser 10 also includes a removable cover 150 that is pivotably attached to the body 110 at a point proximate to the dispensing port 140. It should be appreciated that the cover 150 may be attached to the body 110 of the personal dispenser using a living hinge 152, or any other suitable pivoting means. The cover 150 is configured to seal or cover the dispensing port 140 to prevent the inadvertent dispensing of material when the personal dispenser 10 is not in use. In one aspect, the cover 150 may include a sealing member 160 that extends from an inner surface 170 of the cover 150 and that is dimensioned to be seated within the dimension of the dispensing port 140, so as to seal the dispensing port 140 to prevent the flow of material there through when the cover 150 is pivoted to a closed position.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1A-B, the refilling station 100 includes a housing 200 having a base 202 that includes a docking section 210 that provides one or more docks 212 that are dimensioned to selectively receive and retain one or more personal dispensers 10 therein. In one aspect, it is contemplated that the shape and dimension of the body 110 of the portable dispenser 10 is compatible with the shape and dimension of the docks 212, so as to allow only compatible portable dispensers 10 to be used with the refilling station 10. A container cavity 220 disposed in the housing 200 above the docking section 210 is configured to carry one or more replaceable refill containers 222. The refill container 222 may be formed of any suitable material and is configured to carry any desired liquid material, such as soap, sanitizer, moisturizer, and the like. The body 221 of the refilling station 100 also includes an inlet port 224 that is configured to receive therein a container outlet 225 provided by the refill container 222, as shown in FIG. 3. Fluidly coupled to the inlet port 224 is a manifold 240 that delivers the material from the refill container 222 to one or more refill nozzles 230. The refill nozzles 230 are carried by a support section 232 that is provided by the body 221 of the housing 200 beneath the container section 220. That is, the refill nozzles 230 are in fluid communication with the manifold 240 that is fluidly coupled to the refill container 222 that is retained within the container cavity 220. As such, the refill nozzles 230 are configured to be selectively received within the outlet port or nozzle 140 of the personal dispenser 10 to enable its refilling with liquid material in a manner to be discussed.

[0042] It is also contemplated that the refilling station 100 may include a key holder 242 that is attached to the base 202, which allows a user to attach one or more keys thereto.

[0043] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, fluid valves 250, such as gate valves, are fluidly coupled in-line between the manifold 240 and the refill nozzles 230, and are configured to move from a normally closed state to an opened state in a manner to be discussed. Specifically, the valves 250 have a primary and secondary trigger that must both be actuated in order for the fluid valve 250 to transition from its normally closed state to an opened state. For example, the primary trigger may be activated by the actuation of an actuator 260 coupled thereto. The actuator 260, which comprises the primary trigger, may comprise any suitable electrical and/or mechanical mechanism, including a mechanical and/or electrical pushbutton or lever mechanism, such as the lever shown in FIGS. 1A-B, that is operatively coupled to each of the fluid valves 250. It should also be appreciated that the refilling station 100 may also include a shield 272 that is movable between open and closed positions based on the position of the lever or stat of the actuator 260. In one aspect, the shield 272 may be at least partially transparent. The secondary trigger may comprise a detection switch 270, such as a microswitch that is in operative communication, such as mechanical or electromechanical communication with each of the valves 250. Furthermore, the detection switch 270 is configured to be actuated when a personal dispenser is inserted into a corresponding dock 212. That is, the detection switch 270 may comprise a switch disposed in the dock 212 that is actuated when a personal dispenser 10 is inserted therein for refilling.

[0044] Thus, when a personal dispenser 10 is inserted into the dock 212, the associated detection switch 270 is actuated, causing the secondary trigger of the valve 250 to be made active. As such, when the primary trigger is made active through the actuation of the actuator 260, the corresponding valves 250 that have their primary and secondary triggers activated are transitioned from a normally closed state to an opened state, thereby allowing material in the refill container 222 to flow through the manifold 240, the valves 250, and out of the refill nozzle 230 and into the personal dispenser 10 by gravity. Thus, the use of a primary and secondary trigger ensures that only the refill nozzles 230 associated with a dock 212 that currently retains a personal dispenser 10 therein receives material from the refill container 222.

[0045] It is also contemplated that the refilling station 100 may include a sanitizing light, such as a UV (ultra-violet) light 271, which may be powered by any suitable power source 272, such as a DC (direct current) battery or AC (alternating current) wall outlet, as shown in FIG. 4. The sanitizing light 271 is operatively coupled to the actuator 260 via switch 274 and is configured to deliver sanitizing UV light to the personal dispensers 10 that are inserted into the docks 212 of the refilling station 100 when the actuator 260 is actuated.

[0046] It should also be appreciated that the refilling station 100 may be configured without the actuator 260, such that the valves 250 of the refilling station 100 only include the secondary trigger. As such, when the secondary trigger of the valve 250 is made active upon the actuation of the detection switch of the personal dispenser 10 into the docks 212, material is dispensed via the manifold 240 into the personal dispenser 10. Alternatively, the sanitizing light 271 may be coupled to the valves 250, such that when the secondary trigger has been made active the sanitizing light 271 is activated.

[0047] Another embodiment of the refilling station referred to by numeral 100' is shown in FIGS. 5-6 of the drawings. Specifically, the refilling station 100' is configured to retain a refill container 290 formed of flexible or collapsible material, in the receiving cavity 220. In one aspect, the refill container 290 may comprise a flexible, collapsible bag or container, such as a plastic bag, that is configured to carry any desired material, such as soap, sanitizer, or moisturizer, for example. The refilling station 100' also includes the body 221 having the inlet port 222 that is configured to be fluidly coupled to the container outlet 224 provided by the refill container 222. Furthermore, the receiving cavity 220 is partially defined by a removable cover 300 having substantially opposed inner and outer surfaces 310 and 312. Disposed on the inner surface 310 of the cover 300 is a retention aperture 320 that is dimensioned to receive a spring 330 therein. A platen or plate 340 dimensioned to slide within the receiving cavity 220 is disposed adjacent to the refill container 222 and is biased by the spring 330 so that the platen 340 applies a constant force against the refill container 222. Thus, when the cover 300 is attached to the refilling station 100', the spring 330 urges the platen 340 against the flexible material of the refill container 222 to dispense material through the manifold 240, through valves 250 and out of the dispensing nozzles 230 when the primary and secondary triggers are set as previously discussed with regard to the refilling station 100.

[0048] In addition, the sanitizing light 270, such as a UV (ultra-violet) light may also be coupled to the actuator 260 to provide sanitization of the personal dispensers 10, as previously discussed.

[0049] In another embodiment, a refilling station referred to by the numeral 100'' is shown in FIGS. 7-8. In particular, the refilling station 100'' may be configured to include a base 390 that includes an inlet port 400 that is carried by the base 390, and that has opposed ends 402 and 404, such that end 402 is configured to be removably attached to a container outlet 408 provided by a refill container 410 by any suitable means of attachment, such as threaded attachment for example. It should be appreciated that the refill container 410 may comprise any suitable container, such as a rigid or flexible plastic container for example. In fluid communication with the end 404 of the inlet port 400 is the manifold 240, as previously discussed. A pump 430, such as a low-pressure pump, is operatively coupled to a tube 440 that is configured to be received within the refill container 410 when the refill container 410 is attached to the refilling station 100'' via the inlet port 400. As such, the pump 430 is configured to supply air within the refill container 410 via the tube 440, so as to pressurize the refill container 410. A controller 450 having the necessary hardware and software to carry out the functions to be discussed is coupled to the pump 430 and to an actuator 460. In one aspect, the actuator 460 may comprise any suitable arm, button, switch, or sensor. For example, the actuator 460 may comprise a motion, heat, or biometric sensor. In order to power the refilling station 100'', a power source 480, such as an AC (alternating current) electrical outlet or DC (direct current) battery is coupled to the controller 450. The valves 250 are fluidly disposed in-line between the manifold 240 and the outlet ports 230, and are coupled to the controller 450. In addition, the detection switches 270 associated with each dock 212 is coupled to the controller 450. As such, when the detection switch 270 is actuated by the receipt of a personal dispenser 10 in the dock 212, the corresponding detection switch 270 is actuated, which allows the controller 450 to open only those valves 250 associated with the dock 212 occupied with a personal dispenser 10 to be refilled. As such, the valves 250 may be configured to receive suitable control signals from the controller 450 to activate and deactivate its primary trigger as previously discussed. It is also contemplated that the valves 250 may be coupled to the actuator 460, so as to be mechanically actuated directly by the actuator 460 in lieu of coupling the valves 250 to the controller 450 to activate and deactivate the primary trigger.

[0050] In addition, the sanitizing light 270, such as a UV (ultra-violet) light may also be coupled to the controller 450 to provide sanitization of the personal dispensers 10, as previously discussed.

[0051] Thus, to place the refilling station 100'' into operation, the refill container 410 is fluidly attached to the inlet port 400, and one or more personal dispensers 10 are inserted into corresponding docks 212, such that the refill nozzles 230 are fluidly coupled to the respective dispensing ports 140 of the personal dispensers 10. Next, when the user actuates the actuator 460, the pump 430 is activated to pump air into the refill container 410, which pressurizes the refill container 410 and forces the material out of the refill container 410 through the manifold 240 and out of the dispensing nozzles 230 for receipt by the dispensing ports 140 of the personal dispenser 10. Furthermore, the controller 450 monitors the detection switch 270 associated with each dock 212, and only opens those valves 250 that are associated with a detection switch 270 that has been actuated.

[0052] In another aspect, an alternative personal dispenser 10', may also be utilized in association with any of the refilling stations 100, 100', and 100'', that is configured with an alternative dock 212', as shown in FIGS. 9A-B of the drawings. Specifically, the alternative personal dispenser 10', shown clearly in FIGS. 10A-B, includes a body 500 formed of opposed upper and lower sections 504 and 506 each having front and rear ends 507,508 and sides 509,510. The upper section 504 of the body 500 has an inner surface 510 and outer surface 514, through which a slot 518 is disposed. Disposed on the inner surface 510 of the upper section 173 are a plurality of detents 520, as shown in FIGS. 11A-D, that are located on each side of the slot 518. In addition, the inner surface 510 of the upper section 504 also includes a pair of spaced apertures 530 and 534 that are disposed at respective ends 536 and 538 of the slot 518.

[0053] Carried within the slot 518 is a slide member 550, shown clearly in FIGS. 12A-B that includes an actuator member 554 that has opposed upper and lower surfaces 556,558 and that is bounded by opposed front and rear edges 560,562 and lateral edges 564,568. Attached to the lower surface 558 of the actuator tab 554 and extending beyond each lateral edge 564,568 at a point proximate to the front edge 560 at a substantially right angle are catch members 570 that are dimensioned to be seated within the detents 520. Also attached to the lower surface 558 of the actuator member 554 and extending beyond the lateral edges 564,568 at a point proximate to the rear edge 562 at a substantially right angle to the lower surface 558 of the actuator member 554 is a push member 580. The push member 580 also includes a receiving aperture 582 therethrough.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 10A-B, the slide member 550 is slideably carried within the slot 528 in the upper section 504 of the housing 500, such that the push member 580 is positioned proximate to the end 508 of the housing 500. In order to maintain the slide member 550 in place, an elongated support member 600 is received through the receiving aperture 582 of the push member 580 and is attached to the inner surface 510 of the upper section 504. In one aspect, the support member 600 extends between the ends 507 and 508 of the upper section 504 of the housing 500, and may be attached to the upper section 504 using a threaded fastener that is received within apertures 530 and 534, although any suitable means of fixation may be used. Disposed against the lower surface 558 of the actuator member 554 and the support member 600 are one or more springs 620. In one aspect, the spring 620 may comprise a curved wire or section of metal having a curved contact surface 630 that is disposed between ends 632 and 634. Specifically, the spring 620 is positioned such that the curved contact surface 630 slides upon the support member 600 that extends within the housing 500.

[0055] Thus, when the slide member 550 is normally at its resting position, the springs 620 urge the slide member 550 upward toward the upper section 504, such that the catch members 570 are received within corresponding detents 520. This effectively locks the slide member 550 in position and prevents it from sliding within the slot 518. Alternatively, when the slide member 550 is pressed downward, the spring members 620 are compressed, allowing the catch members 570 to be moved out of the detents 520. This effectively unlocks the slide member 550, allowing it to slide within the slot 518.

[0056] Continuing to FIGS. 13A-C, the lower section 506 of the body 500 includes an inner and outer surface 640,642, such that the inner surface 640 forms a cavity 644 that is dimensioned to carry a dispensing container 700 therein. Specifically, the dispensing container 700 includes a flexible bladder or bag 704 for example that is suitable to carry any desired liquid material to be dispensed, such as soap, sanitizer, and moisturizer for example. In fluid communication with the bag 704 is a dispensing nozzle 710 and a refill port 714 that is fluidly coupled thereto.

[0057] Furthermore, the upper and lower sections 504,506 of the housing 500 are assembled together using any suitable means of attachment, such that the dispensing nozzle 710 and the refill port 714 extend through respective apertures 716,718 disposed in the end 507 of the housing 500. Additionally, when assembled, the support member 600 serves to separate the cavity 644 formed by the lower section 506 from the upper section 504.

[0058] Thus, during use of the alternative personal dispenser 10', it is configured to be received within a dock 212', as shown in FIGS. 9A-B, that may be provided by any of the refilling stations 100, 100', 100''. It should be appreciated that the dock 212' is configured to allow the refill port 714 of the personal dispenser 10' to be interfaced with the refill nozzle 230 of the refilling station 100, 100', 100'' that delivers a supply of liquid material to the personal dispenser 10' to refill the dispensing container 700. As such, as the personal dispenser 10' is inserted into the dock 212', the slide member 550 is engaged by a wall 730 provided by the dock 212' causing it be compressed downward so that the catch members 570 are released from the detents 520, so as to unlock the slide member 550, as shown in FIG. 9A. Once unlocked, the urging of the personal dispenser 10' into the dock 212 causes the slide member 550 and push member 580 to be slid back to the end of the slot 518 proximate to end 508 of the housing 500, as shown in FIGS. 9B and 14A-B. Once the push member 580 is retracted to its initial position, the bladder 704 of the dispensing container 700 is able to fully expand within the cavity 644 within the lower section 506 of the housing 500. This allows the bladder 704 to be filled with material from the refilling station 100, 100', 100'' in the manner to be discussed.

[0059] In one aspect, the dock 212' may include a retaining arm 800 that is configured to be moved between open and closed positions. In one aspect, the retaining arm 800 may be biased by a spring or other mechanism. Specifically, when the personal dispenser 10' is placed within the dock 212', the retaining arm 800 may be closed to retain the refill port 714 with the dock 212' of the refilling station 100, 100', 100'', as shown in FIG. 9B. Once the personal dispenser 10' has been refilled, the retaining arm 800 is moved to its open position, to allow the personal dispenser 10' to be removed from the dock 212', as shown in FIG. 9A. Once removed from the dock 212', the slide member 550 is proximate the rear end 508 of the housing 500, as shown in FIG. 15A. Next, the slide member 550 is pushed downward so that the catch members 570 are released from the detents 520, as shown in FIG. 15B. Once the slide member 550 is released, it can be slid forward within the slot 518 toward the front end 507 of the housing 500, as shown in FIG. 15C. As the slide member 550 is slid forward, the push member 580 applies a compressive force to the bladder 704 of the dispensing container 700, thereby forcing the liquid material through the dispensing nozzle 710. Once the desired amount of material is dispensed from the personal dispenser 10', the slide member 550 is released, allowing the springs 620 to urge the catch members 570 upward into the detents 520, so as to lock the slide member 550 into place in the slot 518. As a result, the accidental sliding of the slide member 550, which would result in the unwanted dispensing of material is prevented.

[0060] In another aspect, it is also contemplated that the personal dispensers 10,10' and the refilling station 100'' may include compliance monitoring functions. To implement such functions, the refilling station 100'', is configured to include weight sensors 810 that are coupled to the controller 450, as shown in FIG. 16. Specifically, the weight sensors 810 are positioned at the bottom of each of the docks 212,212', and are configured to determine the weight of the personal dispensers 10,10' when they are inserted therein. It should be appreciated that the weight sensors 810 may comprise any suitable solid state or electro-mechanical type sensor that is capable of sensing the weight of the personal dispenser 10,10'. In addition, a transmitter or transceiver 820 is coupled to the controller 450 to allow the refilling station 100'' to communicate various hygiene compliance data associated with, the personal dispensers 10,10' with a remote computing system 850. It should also be appreciated that the remote computing system 850 may comprise any standalone or portable/handheld computing device that is suitable for carrying out the various hygiene compliance functions to be discussed.

[0061] In order to carry out the hygiene compliance functions of the present invention, each of the personal dispensers 10,10' include an identifier 860, which may comprise any suitable identifying code, marking, or indicia, such as a serial number or bar code for example, that uniquely identifies each personal dispenser 10,10'. It should be appreciated that the identifier 860 may comprise a data tag, such as an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag or NFC (near-field communication) tag for example, that contains a digital code that is transmitted therefrom, which uniquely identifies the personal dispenser 10,10'. The unique identifier 860 of each personal dispenser 10,10' is then associated with the name or other identifying information of specific users of each of the personal dispensers 10,10' and stored at the remote computing system 850. However, it is also contemplated that the identifying indicia of the personal dispensers 10,10' may be associated with an ID code or other identifier to anonymously track hygiene compliance data in a manner without identifying the specific users of the personal dispenser 10,10'. The unique identifying code of the identifier 860 is read from the personal dispenser 10,10' via a reader 870 that is coupled to the controller 450 of the refilling station 100''. It should be appreciated that the reader 870 may comprise any suitable sensing/detecting device suitable identifying the unique identifying code provided by the identifier 860, such as a bar code/serial number, or is capable of receiving a signal the contains the identifying code that is transmitted by a data tag.

[0062] Thus, to place the hygiene compliance monitoring functions of the refilling station 100'' into use, the identifier 860 is associated with a user's name or any other suitable identifier and is stored at the remote computing system 850. Next, when the user places his or her personal dispenser 10,10' into the dock 212 for its initial filling as previously discussed, the reader 870 identifies the identification code of the personal dispenser 10,10', while the weight sensor 810 identifies the weight of the filled personal dispenser 10,10' (initial weight value). Once the personal dispenser 10,10' has been filled, the refilling station 100'' associates the identification code of the identifier 860 of the personal dispenser 10,10' with the filled weight of the personal dispenser 10,10' (i.e. initial weight value) and the time and date when the personal dispenser 10,10' was initially filled with material (i.e. initial time value). This data is then transmitted to the remote computing system 850 via the transceiver 820 where it is stored.

[0063] Continuing, once the personal dispenser 10,10' has been initially filled and weighed it is placed into an operating state, whereupon the user is free to use the personal dispenser 10,10' to dispense material therefrom in the manner previously discussed. Upon retuning the personal dispenser 10,10' into the dock 212 of the refilling station 100'' after its use, the reader 870 identifies the personal dispenser 10,10' by its unique identifier 860, as the weight sensor 800 identifies the return weight of the personal dispenser 10,10' (i.e. final weight value). In addition, the refilling station 100'' identifies the time and date in which the personal dispenser 10,10' was returned to the refilling station 100'' and inserted into the dock 212 (i.e. final time value) for subsequent refilling. Finally, the refilling station 100'' associates the identification code of the identifier 860 of the personal dispenser 10,10' with its corresponding final time/date value and final weight value, and transmits such information to the remote computing system 850 for processing.

[0064] The remote computing system 850 is configured to process the initial weight value, the initial time data, the final weight value and final time data associated with each personal dispenser 10,10', so as to compute a weight difference value and a time difference value. The weight difference value or consumption quantity value indicates the amount or quantity of material that was consumed (i.e. the difference between the initial weight value and the final weight value) during the elapsed period of time (i.e. usage time) defined by the time difference value or elapsed time in which the consumption quantity was dispensed. The remote computer system 850 may analyze the consumption quantity and elapsed time associated with each personal dispenser 10,10' and compare such values to predetermined hygiene compliance criteria or threshold values. In one aspect, the remote computing system 850 may process the acquired data, by dividing the consumption quantity value by the usage time value to obtain a usage rate. In addition, the remote computer system 850 is able to generate various reports, that present hygiene compliance trends associated with the users of the personal dispensers 10,10' as compared to various established hygiene compliance protocols and criteria.

[0065] In addition to refilling station 100'', it is also contemplated that the components used to provide the hygiene compliance monitoring functions discussed above, including the controller 450, the reader 870, and the transceiver 820 may also be incorporated with refilling stations 100 and 100' using known techniques. Thus, allowing them to communicate with the remote computing system 850 to generate various hygiene compliance reports as previously discussed.

[0066] It will, therefore, be appreciated that one advantage of one or more embodiments of the present invention is that a refilling station is configured to refill a plurality of portable personal dispensers by gravity. Another advantage of the present invention is that a refilling station provides a sanitizing light to disinfect the personal dispensers as they are being refilled. Still another advantage of the present invention is that a refilling station is configured to allow the convenient refill of multiple personal dispensers simultaneously. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that a refilling station is configured to allow only authorized personal dispensers to be refilled by the refilling station. Another advantage of the present invention is that a refilling station is able to monitor the weight and time between refills of a personal dispenser in order to allow a remote computer to provide hygiene compliance monitoring functions.

[0067] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

Claims

1. A refilling station for refilling one or more personal dispensers with material from a refill container, the refilling station comprising: a housing having one or more docks each configured to carry a personal dispenser; a manifold carried by said housing, said manifold having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, said inlet adapted to be fluidly coupled to the refill container, and each said outlet adapted to be fluidly coupled to said personal dispenser; a valve in fluid communication with each said outlet, each said valve configured to control the flow of material through each said outlet and into each said personal dispenser fluidly coupled thereto; and an actuator coupled to said valve; wherein when said actuator is actuated, said valve is transitioned from its normally closed state to an opened state to allow material from the refill container to flow through said manifold and into each said personal dispenser.

2. The refilling station of claim 1, further comprising a detection switch respectively associated with each said dock, each said detection switch respectively coupled to one said valve, such that each said detection switch is activated by the presence of said personal dispenser carried in said dock, wherein each said valve includes a first trigger set by the actuation of said actuator, and a second trigger that is set when said detection switch is activated, wherein each said valve is transitioned from its normally closed state to an opened state when said first and second triggers are set.

3. The refilling station of claim 1, further comprising: a sanitizing light coupled to said actuator; wherein when said actuator is actuated, said sanitizing light is illuminated.

4. The refilling station of claim 1, further comprising: a controller carried by said housing; a transmitter coupled to said controller, said transmitter configured to communicate with a remote computing system; a weight sensor coupled to said controller to identify the weight of said personal dispenser carried in said dock, such that said controller identifies an initial weight value of the personal dispenser and an initial time value when said personal dispenser is initially filled with material; and a reader coupled to said controller, said reader configured to acquire an identification code from an identifier disposed on the personal dispenser carried in said dock; wherein said weight sensor identifies a final weight value, and a final time value after said personal dispenser has been removed and returned to said dock, said transmitter transmitting said initial weight value, said initial time value, said final weight value, said final time value, and said identification code to said remote computing system.

5. The refilling station of claim 4, wherein said remote computing system generates a usage rate by dividing the difference between said initial weight value and said final weight value by and an elapsed time value that is defined by the difference between said final time value and said initial time value.

6. The refilling station of claim 4, wherein said remote computing system generates a report based on one or more of said initial weight value, said final weight value, said initial time value, and said final time value.

7. A refilling station for refilling one or more personal dispensers with material from a refill container, the refilling station comprising: a housing having one or more docks each configured to carry the personal dispenser, said housing including a bias member configured to apply a biasing force against the refill container carried by said housing to pressurize the material; a manifold carried by said housing, said manifold having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, said inlet adapted to be coupled to the refill container, and each said outlet adapted to be fluidly coupled to one of the one or more personal dispensers; a valve in fluid communication with each said outlet, said valve configured to control the flow of material through said outlet and into the personal dispenser coupled thereto; and an actuator coupled to said valve; wherein when said actuator is actuated, said valve is transitioned from its normally closed state to an opened state to allow material from the refill container to flow through said manifold and into each of the one or more personal dispensers.

8. The refilling station of claim 7, further comprising a detection switch associated with each said dock and coupled to each said valve, each said detection switch being activated by the presence of the personal dispenser carried in said dock, wherein each said valve includes a first trigger set by the actuation of said actuator, and a second trigger that is set when said detection switch is activated, wherein each said valve is transitioned from its normally closed state to an opened state when said first and second triggers are set.

9. The refilling station of claim 7, wherein said bias member comprises a plate that is biased by a spring.

10. The refilling station of claim 7, further comprising: a sanitizing light coupled to said actuator; wherein when said actuator is actuated, said sanitizing light is illuminated.

11. The refilling station of claim 7, further comprising: a controller carried by said housing; a transmitter coupled to said controller, said transmitter configured to communicate with a remote computing system; a weight sensor coupled to said controller to identify the weight of said personal dispenser carried in said dock, such that said controller identifies an initial weight value of the personal dispenser and an initial time value when said personal dispenser is initially filled with material; and a reader coupled to said controller, said reader configured to acquire an identification code from an identifier disposed on the personal dispenser carried in said dock; wherein said weight sensor identifies a final weight value, and a final time value after said personal dispenser has been removed and returned to said dock, said transmitter transmitting said initial weight value, said initial time value, said final weight value, said final time value, and said identification code to said remote computing system.

12. A refilling station for refilling a personal dispenser with material from a refill container, the refilling station comprising: a housing having one or more docks each configured to carry the personal dispenser; a manifold carried by said housing, said manifold having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, said inlet adapted to be coupled to the refill container, and each said outlet adapted to be fluidly coupled to the personal dispenser; a valve in fluid communication with each said outlet, said valve configured to control the flow of material through said outlet and into the personal dispenser coupled thereto; a pump in operative communication with said inlet of said manifold, so as to supply air to the refill container to pressurize the material therein; a controller coupled to each said valve and to said pump; and an actuator coupled to said controller; wherein when said actuator is actuated, said controller activates said pump to pressurize the material in the refill container and opens one or more of said valves to allow material from the refill container to flow through said manifold and into each personal dispenser fluidly coupled to each said outlet.

13. The refilling station of claim 12, further comprising a detection switch associated with each said dock and coupled to said controller, each said detection switch being activated by the presence of the personal dispenser carried in said dock, wherein each said valve includes a first trigger set by the actuation of said actuator, and a second trigger that is set when said detection switch is activated, wherein said controller transitions each said valve from its normally closed state to an opened state that has its first and second triggers set.

14. The refilling station of claim 13, further comprising: a sanitizing light coupled to said actuator; wherein when said actuator is actuated, said sanitizing light is illuminated.

15. The refilling station of claim 12, further comprising: a controller carried by said housing; a transmitter coupled to said controller, said transmitter configured to communicate with a remote computing system; a weight sensor coupled to said controller to identify the weight of said personal dispenser carried in said dock, such that said controller identifies an initial weight value of the personal dispenser and an initial time value when said personal dispenser is initially filled with material; and a reader coupled to said controller, said reader configured to acquire an identification code from an identifier disposed on the personal dispenser carried in said dock; wherein said weight sensor identifies a final weight value, and a final time value after said personal dispenser has been removed and returned to said dock, said transmitter transmitting said initial weight value, said initial time value, said final weight value, said final time value, and said identification code to said remote computing system.

16. A personal dispenser comprising: a housing; a refill container carried by said housing, a refill port in fluid communication with said refill container adapted to receive liquid material to refill said refill container, and a dispensing port in fluid communication with said refill container; and a slide member slideably carried by said housing to selectively compress said refill container to dispense liquid material from said refill container through said dispensing port.

17. The personal dispenser of claim 16, wherein said housing includes a slot having a plurality of detents that are configured to receive a catch member that extends from said slide member, said slide member being biased so that said catch member is normally received within one of said plurality of detents to prevent said slide member from sliding when said slide member is released.