GB2468728A

GB2468728A - Dispensing Apparatus and Method

Info

Publication number: GB2468728A
Application number: GB0909360A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Katja Gloeckler; Johannes Schampel; Sergio Lemos Cardoso
Original assignee: ColepCCL UK Ltd
Current assignee: Colep UK Ltd
Priority date: 2009-03-10
Filing date: 2009-06-01
Publication date: 2010-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-01
Also published as: GB2468728B; GB0909360D0; GB0904110D0

Abstract

Dispensing apparatus for activating by a user to dispense a product comprises: containment means 3 for containing a quantity of a product; a first sensor arranged to detect a presence of a user's hand in a first region; a second sensor arranged to detect a presence of a user's hand in a second region; at least one product dispensing orifice 41, 42 and product ejecting means operable to eject product from the containment means out of said at least one product dispensing orifice. The apparatus further comprises control means adapted to control the product ejecting means to eject said product in response to the first and second sensors detecting the presence of a user's hand in the first region and a user's other hand in the second region simultaneously. The product ejecting means may be arranged to eject the product through each sensor member and out of a respective product dispensing orifice. The apparatus may provide a predetermined quantity of product.

Description

Dispensing Apparatus and Method

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to product dispensing apparatus, including product dispensers, for actuation by users to dispense a product. Particular embodiments relate to product dispensers for dispensing skin-care products, cleaning (i.e. washing) products, or cleansing products onto a user's hands.

Background to the Invention

A variety of product dispensers and various forms of other product dispensing apparatus are known.

For example, aerosols are well-known, and typically comprise a container for storing a substance for ejection under pressure. These aerosols typically include three components: a to be dispensed; a propellant; and a pressurized container. The container is typically cylindrical and is capable of withstanding moderate pressures. In operation, a push button or 2tr other actuator opens a valve, allowing the product to be expelled from an opening such as an : ,.*aperture in a nozzle. The propellant, which is typically a gas under ambient conditions, is expelled from the container with the dispensed product. Although such aerosols find a wide variety of applications, and indeed are used to dispense a wide variety of different forms of there are disadvantages associated with them. For example, propellant has to be provided, and occupies some of the volume inside the container. Secondly, a user typically has to operate the aerosol with one hand. This of course requires contact with the product dispenser, and also requires the application of at least some physical force by the user in order to dispense the product. Furthermore, care has to be exercised in directing the nozzle, or other outlet of the aerosol so that the ejected product is ejected in the desired direction. In the case of aerosols with nozzles, the ejection direction may not be readily apparent.

Another known form of product dispensing apparatus is a pump action soap dispenser.

Although offering some convenience, a disadvantage with such dispensers is that they again require the user to touch the pump mechanism and apply a certain force in order to operate the pumping mechanism. Also, a user can only use the dispenser to pump soap onto one hand at a time, and the pumps are typically not suitable for pumping a wide variety of different products.

Pump action dispensers are also known for dispensing hand cleansing products such as anti-bacterial alcohol-based gels for hospital use. Again, a disadvantage with such systems is that a user typically has to touch and manually actuate the pumping mechanism to dispense the cleansing product. This has obvious implications for the transmission of bacteria onto the dispensing apparatus itself.

A common disadvantage with these known, manually-actuated product dispensing systems incorporating pumps is that product may be wasted, deliberately or accidentally, if one hand is used to actuate the pumping mechanism, and the other hand is not in the correct place to catch the dispensed product.

Summary of the Invention

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the invention to solve, mitigate, or obviate, at least partly, at least one of the problems and/or disadvantages associated with the prior art.

Certain embodiments aim to provide improved dispensing apparatus and improved methods of a variety of products.

2O'Certain embodiments aim to provide improved free-standing and/or wall-mountable product : ..dispensers. I...

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided dispensing apparatus for activation *:*::e" a user to dispense a product, the apparatus comprising: containment means for containing a quantity of a product; a first sensor arranged to detect a presence of a user's hand in a first region; a second sensor arranged to detect a presence of a users hand in a second region; at least one product dispensing orifice; product ejecting means operable to eject product from the containment means out of said at least one product dispensing orifice; and control means adapted to control the product ejecting means to eject said product in response to the first and second sensors detecting the presence of a user's hand in the first region and a user's other hand in the second region at the same time.

This apparatus provides the advantage that the user is not required to directly operate the product's ejecting means. Instead, the control means controls the product ejecting means to automatically eject product when the user's hands are placed in the correct positions with respect to the first and second sensors.

It will be appreciated that the first region may also be described as a first area, a first volume, a first position, or a first range of positions. The second region may be described in the same terms.

In certain embodiments the first and second sensors are arranged such that the first and second regions do not overlap (i.e. they are separate), whereby the first and second sensors cannot detect a single hand (i.e. the same hand) at the same time.

This provides the significant advantage that the chances of inadvertently triggering the apparatus to dispense product are reduced. Furthermore, product is less likely to be wasted as a result of mischievous operation of the apparatus, as a passer-by would have to take the time and care to position both hands in the correct regions to trigger dispensing of product, whereas with the prior art a passer-by càuld simply actuate the dispensing mechanism with one hand.

In certain embodiments the first and second sensors are proximity sensors arranged to detect . : the presence of a user's hands in the first and second regions respectively without requiring a user to touch the apparatus. * *.

This feature provides clear advantages from a hygiene point of view. The contamination of a user's hands with any bacteria on a surface of the apparatus (for example bacteria transferred the apparatus as a result of a previous user touching it) can be avoided. Similarly, transfer of bacteria from a user's hands to the apparatus can also be avoided.

In certain embodiments the first and second sensors are capacitive sensors.

In certain embodiments the apparatus further comprises a housing.

In certain embodiments the housing is arranged to house the control means and at least part of the product ejecting means.

In certain embodiments the first and second sensors are arranged inside said housing.

In certain embodiments said sensors are arranged on an outer surface of the housing.

In certain embodiments said sensors are arranged such that the first region is a region outside the housing and located to a first side (e.g. a left hand side) of the housing, and the second region is a region outside the housing and located to a second side (e.g. a right hand side) of the housing.

Thus, in certain embodiments a user may activate dispensing of the product by placing their hands on either side of the housing, in close proximity to the sensors. This is a convenient way to define the actuating positions or regions for the user, and facilitate operation of the apparatus.

In certain embodiments the at least one product dispensing orifice comprises a first product dispensing orifice arranged such that product ejected from the first product dispensing orifice is ejected into the first region to hit a user's hand in the first region.

Thus, in these embodiments ejected product is directed onto an actuating hand. As the presence of a respective hand in each of the sensing regions is required to trigger the dispensing of product, this arrangement provides the advantage that the product ejected from *,,, the first product dispensing orifice is highly unlikely to be wasted as it should hit the respective hand. In addition to reducing inadvertent wastage, this arrangement also helps to deter SO'. mischievous operation of the apparatus because a person cannot trigger the apparatus to :.. dispense the product without getting at least some of the dispensed product on one of their S...

hands.

*:*::* In certain embodiments the at least one product dispensing orifice further comprises a second product dispensing orifice arranged such that product ejected from the second product dispensing orifice is ejected into the second region to hit a user's hand in the second region.

Thus, the apparatus can be arranged to direct ejected product onto both of the actuating hands, which may, for example, be on either side of the apparatus housing (e.g. a housing of a product dispenser, which may be free-standing, or wall-mounted or wall-mountable). This arrangement provides the advantage that it can deliver product onto both a user's hands simultaneously, where delivery to both hands is necessary or desirable. As with the embodiments described above, wastage of product is eliminated or at least reduced because the nozzles are arranged to direct ejected product into those regions in which the hands must be present in order to trigger the dispensing of product. Also, the arrangement acts as a further deterrent to potential mis-users of the apparatus; if a person actuates the apparatus they will not be able to avoid getting products on both of their hands.

In combination with the use* of proximity sensors for the first and second sensors, these features provide the significant advantage that a wide variety of products can be dispensed directly onto both a user's hands (e.g. for cleaning, cleansing, or other anti-bacterial purposes) without the user touching the apparatus, and thereby avoiding cross-contamination problems.

It will be appreciated that the or each product dispensing orifice may take a variety of forms, and indeed may be described in alternative terms. For example, an orifice may also be described as, or take the form of, an opening, an aperture, a hole, vent, mouth, perforation or pore. The particular form of the or each orifice may be arranged to suit the product to be dispensed. For example, the or each orifice may be dimensioned and/or otherwise arranged so that the product ejected from it is ejected in the form of a fine mist or spray. This is merely an example, however, and the dispensed product may be ejected in different forms in other embodiments.

In certain embodiments the or each product dispensing orifice is an orifice of a respective nozzle arranged to eject said product in the form of a spray.

.. : In certain embodiments the first and second product dispensing orifices are orifices of a first .. nozzle and a second nozzle respectively, the first and second nozz!es being arranged to spray : * product from respective sides (e.g. opposite sides) of a housing of the apparatus.

Thus, in certain embodiments the first and second nozzles may be arranged to spray product in opposite directions. In alternative embodiments, the directions in which product is ejected from the first and second nozzles may have a common component (e.g. in the vertical direction, such as a common component in a downward direction) and opposite components in an orthogonal direction (such as the horizontal direction, with one spray being ejected generally to the left of the apparatus, and the other spray being directed generally to the right).

In certain embodiments the product ejecting means comprises a pump arranged to pump said product from the containment means and out of the or each product dispensing orifice.

In certain embodiments the product containment means comprises a container.

In certain embodiments the container is transparent.

In certain embodiments the apparatus comprises a housing, and further comprises attachment means for releasably attaching the container to the housing, whereby the container may be detached for replacement or refilling.

For example, the container may be provided with a screw thread adapted to mate with a corresponding screw thread provided on the housing or some other component attached to the housing, such as a collar. It will be appreciated, however, that this screw thread is merely one example of the type of attachment means which may be used, and other embodiments may utilise other forms of attachment means.

In certain embodiments the apparatus further comprises means arranged to prevent operation of the product ejecting means when the container is not attached to the housing. For example, this inhibiting means in certain embodiments takes the form of a switch which is arranged so as to be actuated only when the container is correctly mated with the housing. The control means and/or the product dispensing means can then be appropriately arranged to respond to the state of the switch. For example, power supply to the product ejecting means may be interrupted when the switch state indicates that the container has been removed, or is not fully screwed into position in embodiments where the attachment means between the housing and : container takes the form of a screw thread. *... * .

* *, In certain embodiments the container is adapted to form a base of the apparatus on which the apparatus can stand when the container is attached to the housing.

*.. For example, the container may have a flat base on which the apparatus as a whole can stand.

25' Thus, certain embodiments provide a free-standing product dispenser.

In certain embodiments the apparatus further comprises lighting means operable to emit light, the controller being arranged to control the lighting means to emit light in response to the first and second sensors detecting the presence of a user's hand in the first region and a user's other hand in the second region at the same time.

This lighting means may take a wide variety of forms. For example, it may comprise a light source arranged to emit visible light. The operation of the lighting means by the controller can therefore be used as a visual indication to a user that he or she has correctly positioned his or her hands to activate the dispensing apparatus. This visual indication may be provided simultaneously with the switching on of the product ejecting means in certain embodiments, or alternatively may be provided a predetermined time interval before product dispensing begins, so that the user is given an indication that product dispensing is about to commence.

In certain embodiments, the lighting means may be arranged simply to provide this visual indication to the user, for example by emitting light from an upper part of the apparatus housing. In alternative embodiments, however, the lighting means may be arranged to illuminate the hands positioned in the first and second regions.

In certain embodiments, the lighting means may comprise a light source arranged to emit non-visible light, such as ultra-violet light, for example to be useful in conjunction with products adapted to interact with ultra-violet light to provide an indication of hand cleaning or cleansing efficacy.

In certain embodiments, the controller is arranged to control the lighting means to emit light continuously while the product ejecting means is operating to eject the product.

In certain embodiments the controller is arranged to control the lighting means to emit light for a first predetermined period of time before controlling the product ejecting means to begin ejecting said product in response to the first and second sensors detecting the presence of a 2t7 user's hand in the first region and a user's other hand in the second region at the same time. * .* * * * see

In certain embodiments the controller is adapted to control the product ejecting means to eject said product for a second predetermined period of time (or for up to a predetermined maximum period of time) in response to the first and second sensors detecting the presence of a user's hand in the first region and a user's other hand in the second region at the same time.

In certain embodiments the apparatus comprises means for setting at least one of the first and second predetermined periods of time.

In certain embodiments the controller is adapted to control the product ejecting means to eject a predetermined quantity (or up to a predetermined maximum quantity) of product in response to the first and second sensors detecting the presence of a user's hand in the first region and a user's other hand in the second region at the same time.

In certain embodiments the controller is adapted to control the product ejecting means to cease ejecting product in response to either or both of the first and second sensors ceasing to detect the presence of a user's hand.

Thus, the apparatus can switch off the dispensing of product immediately that any actuating hand is removed, thereby avoiding or at least reducing product wastage.

In certain embodiments the apparatus further comprises a battery arranged to power the control means and product ejecting means.

Thus, the product ejecting means may comprise an electrical pump. This pump may take a variety of forms to suit the product being dispensed. For example, in certain applications the pump is a diaphragm pump, and in other applications the pump may be a peristaltic pump.

These are merely examples, however, and embodiments of the invention may utilise any known pump type.

In certain embodiments the battery is rechargeable, and the apparatus further comprises a solar panel arranged to charge the battery.

Thus, certain embodiments may be fully seIfsufficient from a power point of view. The *... electrical energy generated by the solar panel and stored in the battery may be sufficient for ::::. every operation or actuation of the apparatus, particularly if the dispensing apparatus is given 2t? only intermittent use. * *e * * *

In alternative embodiments, however, the apparatus may be adapted to receive power from an external source, such as the mains electricity supply. * ** ** * * **

In certain embodiments at least one of the first and second sensors comprises a respective sensor member (which may also be described as a sensor element) and the product ejecting means is arranged to eject the product through the or each sensor member and out of a respective product dispensing orifice).

This is particularly advantageous because by ejecting product out through the sensor member or members the apparatus can accurately deliver product onto a hand actuating (or being detected by) a respective sensor, and hence wastage of product is further reduced.

In certain embodiments, each sensor member has a respective aperture extending through it, and the product ejecting means is arranged to eject product through the or each aperture and out of the respective product dispensing orifice. For example, a sensor member may take the form of a metal plate having a hole extending generally through its centre, and the product ejecting means may be arranged such that product ejected from the apparatus passes through this hole in the plate. Such a plate or other sensor member or element may form part of a contactfess sensor system, so that mere proximity of a user's hand to the sensor member may trigger the dispensing of product through the hole in its sensor onto the triggering hand.

In certain embodiments the sensor members may be metal plates, but other forms of sensor member, and indeed other sensor materials, may be used in alternative embodiments.

in certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises two sensor members and Iwo nozzles, each nozzle being arranged to extend through the aperture in the respective sensor member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of dispensing a product, the method comprising: providing a quantity of a product in product containment means; providing at least one product dispensing orifice; providing product ejecting means operable to eject product from the containment means out of said at least one product dispensing orifice; arranging a first sensor to detect a presence of a user's hand in a first region; arranging a second sensor to detect a presence of a user's hand in a second region; and operating the product ejecting means to eject said product out of the at least one orifice in : *.* response to detecting the presence of a user's hand in the first region at the same time as detecting the presence of a user's other hand in th second region.

will be appreciated that methods embodying the invention may also incorporate features corresponding to any of the apparatus features discussed above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a product dispenser embodying the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the exterior of another product dispensing apparatus embodying the invention; Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 4 illustrates part of another dispenser embodying the invention.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention Referring now to Fig.1, this is a diagram showing the electronic, electrical, and mechanical parts of a product dispenser embodying the invention. The dispenser comprises an upper housing 8 attached to a central collar 83 and containment means in the form of a transparent glass container 3 containing a quantity of a product P. This container 3 is releasably attached to the collar 83 and housing 8 by attachment means not shown in the figure, so that the container 3 can be removed to replenish product P. The container 3 has a flat base 31 on which the assembled dispenser can stand. The product P in this example is a liquid product.

However, in alternative embodiments the product may be a solid (in the form of a powder, for example), a gel, a gas, or have some other form.

The products dispenser 100 comprises a first sensor I arranged inside the housing 8, the sensor itself comprising first sensor electronics 11 and a first metal plate 12. The sensor electronics 11 and metal plate 12 form a first contactless proximity sensor arranged to detect a presence of a user's hand in a first region RI to the left of the dispenser 100 as arranged in the figure. The dispenser 100 also comprises a second sensor 2, also contained within the housing 8, and comprising second sensor electronics 21 and a second metal plate 22. As with the first sensor, the second sensor electronics 21 and second metal plate 22 form a contactless S...

proximity sensor (in fact the first and second sensors are also capacitive sensors) arranged to detect a presence of a user's hand in a second region R2. As can be seen in the figure, the first and second regions Ri and R2 are separate, and do not overlap. They are generally to either side of the dispenser housing 8, generally beneath its widest portion. It will be *:::* appreciated that by arranging the sensors in this manner, in order to place hands in the detection regions RI and R2, a user's hands would generally need to be presented with palms facing upwards and slightly inclined towards the centre of the apparatus. This is convenient for receiving the ejected material 410, 420 as discussed below. The apparatus 100 also comprises a first product dispensing orifice 41 arranged on a left hand side of the housing 8, and a second product dispensing orifice 42 arranged on a right hand side of the housing 8. The first orifice 41 is an orifice of a first nozzle 51, and the second orifice 42 is an aperture in a second nozzle 52.

The orifices 41 and 42 of the nozzles 51 and 52 are arranged such that when product is ejected from them it emerges in the form of a spray. The dispenser 100 further comprises product ejecting means comprising an electrical pump 61 arranged to receive a driving current from a power driver circuit 62. A first conduit in the form of a tube 63 extends from the electrical pump down into the container 3 (which in alternative embodiments need not be transparent) so as to communicate with the contained product P. Further conduits in the form of tubes 64 connect the electrical pump to the first and second nozzles and their respective orifices 41 and 42.

When the electrical pump is being driven (i.e. when it is switched on) it pumps the prdduct up through the first conduit 63 from the container 3, then along conduits 64, and then ejects the pumped product out of the orifices 41 and 42 in the form of product sprays 410, 420.

The dispenser 100 further comprises control means 7 in the form of a microprocessor which is connected to the sensors 1, 2 and the product ejecting means 6. The control means 7 is adapted to control the product ejecting means 6 to eject product in the form of sprays 410 and 420 in response to the first sensor 1 detecting the presence of a user's hand in the first region RI at the same time as the second sensor 2 detects the presence of a user's hand in the second region R2. Thus, the presence of both a user's hands, one on either side of the apparatus, is required in order to activate the dispensing of the product.

Advantageously, the first nozzle 51 is arranged such that the spray of product 410 ejected from it is directed into the sensor region RI and so would hit a user's hand in that region. Similarly, the second nozzle 52 is arranged to direct its spray 420 into the second sensor region R2.

In this embodiment, the dispenser 100 also comprises a rechargeable battery 80 providing the :. electrical power to power the microprocessor 7, the sensors 1 and 2, the power drive 62, and the electrical pump. The apparatus 100 also comprises a solar panel 81 adapted to convert t' sunlight or artificial light into electrical energy to recharge the battery 80. The apparatus 100 : .. further comprises lighting means 82 in the form of a light indicator including at least one LED, 0*SS which the microprocessor 7 switches on in response to detecting the presence of user's hands in the first and second regions Ri and R2 simultaneously. This light serves as an indication to a user that their hands are correctly positioned to actuate the device, and as a warning that either product is about to be dispensed, or indeed is currently being dispensed because the hands are appropriately arranged.

To reiterate, the product dispenser 100 shown in Fig. I comprises an electrical diaphragm pump (although other embodiments may utilise different forms of pump) where the input to the pump is connected to one straight pipe or tube 63 extending to the bottom of the inside of the glass container 3. The output of the pump 61 splits into two pipes 64 to supply pumped product to the output nozzles 41 and 42. The on/off state of the pump is controlled by the microprocessor 7, through an electrical power driver 62. The microprocessor 7 is connected to two sensors (left and right) 1 and 2, such that the microprocessor 7 receives electrical information indicative of whether or not a person's hand is near each sensor (i.e. in the sensing regions Ri and R2). Although in this embodiment the sensors are contactless, capacitive, proximity sensors, other embodiments may employ different forms of sensors. Other forms of contact less sensors may be used, but in certain embodiments the sensors may be touch sensors, requiring the user to touch each sensor with a respective hand to actuate the device.

However, it will be appreciated that touch sensors may not be appropriate for all embodiments, and contactless proximity sensors offer advantages where hygiene is an issue, and in other applications. The microprocessor 7 is connected to an LED light source, to provide visual output to a user about when the dispenser is dispensing product.

It will be appreciated that the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 provides dispensing apparatus which incorporates a hand proximity detection system to electrically trigger the release of product stored in the refillable container 3.

Referring now to Fig. 2, this shows a product dispenser embodying the invention and very similar to that shown in Fig. 1. In this example, the containment means 3 again has a flat base 31 on which the unit can stand on a surface S, but which is opaque. The container 3 in this example contains hand wash in the form of a liquid. An upper part of the apparatus is a top component in the form of a plastic housing 8 in which the pump and electronics are installed or housed. In the middle of the apparatus there is a metal component in the form of a collar 83. A lower part of the assembly comprises the opaque refillable container 3, in which the product to be dispensed (hand wash in this example) is stored. Sensors are housed within the housing 8 2t' and arranged to detect the presence of a user's hands in respective sensing regions Ri and : * R2. I..

The simultaneous presence of a user's left hand LH in the first region RI and a user's right hand RH in the second region R2 is necessary in order to trigger or actuate the product ejecting means (or mechanism) contained within the apparatus. When dispensing is triggered, the product from the container 3 is released out of orifices 41 and 42 in the form of respective sprays 410, 420 onto the user's left and right palms respectively in this example. The top of the dispenser in this example comprises a solar panel to provide electrical energy to operate the electrical components of the dispenser. Thus, the solar panel 81 here forms the top of the apparatus. In alternative embodiments, the solar panel may be arranged elsewhere, and for example may be provided beneath a window in the top of the housing 8. In yet further embodiments, no solar panel may be present, with the apparatus being powered by alternative means.

Returning to the embodiments shown in Fig. 2, the dispenser includes light emitting means in the form of a light ring 820 which is switched on at the same time as the dispenser is spraying product. This ring 820 takes the form of a fibre optic component excited by an LED light source in this particular example.

Referring now to Fig. 3, this is a flow diagram illustrating steps in the operation of the hand wash dispenser embodying the invention and shown in Fig. 2. The flow chart also represents the software structure in accordance with which the microprocessor is operating. In step Si a determination is made as to whether the first, left sensor 1 is currently detecting the presence of a user's hand in its detection region Ri. This can conveniently be described as determining whether the left sensor is on. If the answer is no then the method does not proceed (it is a prerequisite that the left sensor must be detecting a user's hand in order to proceed). If step Si determines that the left sensor is detecting a user's hand, then the method proceeds to step S2 in which a determination is made as to whether the second, right sensor 2 is detecting the presence of a user's other hand in its sensing region R2. In other words step S2 determines whether the right sensor is on. If not, the method does not proceed, because both sensors must be triggered to actuate the pumping mechanism. If steps SI and S2 determine that both sensors are detecting the presence of respective hands, the method then proceeds to step S3 in which a timer is set to 0 seconds. Then, in step S4 the control means switches the product *: ejecting, means on (in other words, where the ejecting means comprises a pump, the pump is * switched on, and in this example the LED of the light source is also switched on. Thus, at this stage the product dispensing mechanism has been triggered by the presence of two hands, :.:::* and the light source is switched on to provide a visual indication that the dispenser is ejecting product from its nozzles.

*:*:: In step S5, a cheque is made to see if the left sensor I is still detecting the presence of the user's hand. If not, the method proceeds to step S8 and pumping is ceased immediately and the LED is switched off. Alternatively, if the left sensor is still on, a determination is made in step S6 as to whether the right sensor is still detecting the presence of a user's hand in its region R2. If not, pumping is again ceased and the LED is switched off. If the continued presence of a user's hands is detected, however, then the method proceeds to step S7 in which a determination is made as to whether the timer (which was reset in step S3) has reached a predetermined maximum time. If the timer is lower than the predetermined maximum time then pumping is continued and the LED remains on (see step S9). Alternatively, if the timer has reached or exceeded the predetermined maximum time then again the method proceeds to step S8 and pumping is ceased. In this way, the apparatus is arranged to deliver up to a predetermined maximum amount of product.

Referring now to Fig. 4, this shows part of another product dispenser embodying the invention, with some components. shown in cross section and others shown schematically to aid understanding. In this embodiment the housing 8 is formed from two separate halves, 8A and 8B. One of these halves, 8B has been removed, so that only the remaining half 8A is visible in the figure. Each housing half has a substantially flat mating surface 860 which mates with the corresponding surface of the other half, and the two halves locate together using pins or protrusions 850 which are received in corresponding holes or recesses in the other half. The two halves when assembled together in this manner are further locked in place by means of a collar 83 (not shown in Fig. 4, but a similar collar is shown in Fig. 2) which slides over the cylindrical surface 830 defined when the halves are correctly located together by the pins 850 and holes. Each half 8A, 8B is moulded so as to provide a screw thread 840 when the two halves are mated together, and this screw thread is adapted to receive the corresponding screw thread on a removable container (not shown in the figure). A switch 9 is provided, having a switch body 91 which is secured in an aperture defined at the junction between the two housing halves 8A, 8B. A moveable switch member 92 extends through this aperture and generally into the threaded bore for receiving the screw thread of the container. The arrangement is such that the switch 9 is only actuated when the container is correctly screwed into place so as to *: depress the moveable switch portion 92 in the upwards direction in the figure. If the container *. is not screwed in far enough then the switch is not actuated. In this example the switch 9 is S...

connected by connection 79 to control means 7 which is responsive to the state of the switch 9.

:.::,s Only when the switch 9 is actuated by the container will the control means 7 allow operation of the pump 61 to eject product. Switch 9 can thus be regarded as a pump isolation switch. * ..

The control means 7 controls operation of the pump. 61 via connection 76. The pump 61 has an inlet 613 connected to a conduit (e.g. pipe or tube) 63 which extends downwardly from the housing so as to be positionable in product contained in a container attached to the housing.

The pump also comprises an outlet 614 connected via a T-piece 640 to tubes 64 which in turn are connected to respective nozzles 51 and 52 seated in grooves in the surface 860 of the illustrated housing half 8A. It will be appreciated that the other housing half 8B has corresponding grooves such that when the two housing halves are mated together the nozzles 51, 52 are secured between the two halves. Operation of the pump 61 is thus able to convey product from an attached container, via the tube 63, out along tubes 64, and out of respective orifices (not shown in the figure) of the nozzles 51 and 52. The ejected material 410, 420 is directed into the regions Ri and R2. As with previously described embodiments, actuation or operation of the pump 61 is triggered by a user placing one hand in region Ri and another hand simultaneously in region R2. The first and second sensors in this embodiment comprise electrically conductive metal plates 12 and 22 which are connected by respective connection means 71, 72 to sensor electronics comprised in the control means 7. Each plate 12, 22 has been arranged to conform with and is attached to a respective portion of the inner surface of the housing half 8A, and each plate 12, 22 has a respective hole or aperture 120, 220 generally in its centre. Each nozzle 51, 52 is positioned generally within the respective plate hole 120, 220, the outer end of each nozzle terminating at the outer surface of the housing. The sensor system is arranged to detect the presence of user's hands close to the plates 120, 220 in regions Ri and R2, without requiring a user to touch the apparatus. Thus, the sensor system is a contactiess, proximity sensor system. When simultaneous presence of a user's hands in regions Ri and R2 is detected the control means 7 controls the pump 61 to eject product from the nozzles 51 52 on opposite sides of the housing. The control means 7 is further operable to control an LED 82 to emit light at a desired time before, after or during the dispensing operation, as required. The LED 82 is arranged near the top of the housing, and is located at the base of a substantially conical reflector 810 arranged to direct emitted light up and out through the housing. In this example, it can be seen that the moulded housing does not have uniform thickness. The housing wall is relatively thick at its base, where the container connects to it, but is relatively thin at an upper portion 800. The thickness of the housing in region 800 is arranged such that light emitted from the LED 82 is able to pass through the housing so as to be visible to a user. * *** * . * t**

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention are able to provide a number of :.:::. advantages, as follows.

Certain embodiments can dispense product from a container containing just the product, :.. without requiring any propellant gas.

Certain embodiments can be actuated without having to be touched, by utilising hand proximity touchless sensors.

Certain embodiments are able to provide control over the amount of product dispensed.

Certain embodiments can provide self-contained, autonomous product dispensers, utilising a solar panel or panels to generate electrical energy to operate the apparatus.

Certain embodiments are able to store contents (i.e. products) under ambient pressure, with electrical pumps arranged to dispense the stored product.

The containers may be refillable and/or removable and/or transparent.

Certain embodiments are able to dispense product in the form of a spray without requiring any propellant gas.

Certain embodiments can provide hand treatment dispensers that allow refilling of the container and allow a user to see how much product the container currently has.

Certain embodiments provide a proximity touch-less actuator system to spray products stored in a refillable container.

Certain embodiments provide an electronic dispenser with energy autonomy (there is no need to replace a battery).

Certain embodiments provide an electronic dispenser with the feature of being able to define a maximum amount of product to be released per use (in other words, arranged to deliver a defined dose or quantity when actuated), to avoid product waste.

Thus, certain embodiments provide refillable systems. Certain embodiments are arranged to :::: dispense hand treatments or other products.

2t? A common feature of embodiments of the invention is that they are hand activated, and require : ** two (i.e. both) hands in order to activate the product dispensing (for example in the form of a spray). Embodiments will not dispense product if only one hand sensor is activated.

Certain embodiments can be wall-mounted, and/or may be free-standing.

Certain embodiments are adapted to spray hand treatment formulations, or indeed other products (liquids, fluids, etc) within a viscosity range of 1 mpas to 10,000 mpas.

Certain embodiments are adapted to spray products (e.g. hand treatment products) directly onto the hands activating the system.

Certain embodiments comprise proximity actuators.

Certain embodiments provide controllable dosing rates and timings by incorporating a controllable (programmable) microprocessor.

Certain embodiments activate a light or other light source to show when the system is dispensing.

Certain embodiments give the option to use rechargeable batteries, which may be solar charged.

Certain embodiments use first and second sensors based on capacitive proximity technology.

Classical proximity sensors could trigger a system when any object came within the sensor range. Embodiments of the invention overcome this technical problem by using the capacitive proximity sensors such that they are only triggered by the body (i.e. by proximity of the bare, user's hands).

In contrast with conventional aerosol dispensers, certain embodiments of the invention are simple and easy to use, particularly for elderly people that have problems with current packaging. The need to apply any kind of physical force (for example in the form of twisting motion, squeezing, or pressing) is removed by certain embodiments of the invention.

". Certain embodiments provide the advantage that they eject product in the form of a convenient ** spray onto both a user's hands. This is in contrast to conventional aerosol technology, in which one hand has to be used to hold the can and press the actuator, with the other hand receiving .:. the product. Those conventional aerosols give an increased chance of a messy application.

Certain embodiments of the invention overcome hygiene issues as there is no contact needed with the "packaging" (i.e. the dispensing apparatus containing the product) in order for the contents to be expelled onto the hands.

Certain embodiments provide the advantage that the product dispensers are convenient for use in a wide variety of environments. For example, certain embodiments can be used in hospitals and avoid the issue for visitors and health workers having to push down pump bottles, or pull and push a wall-mounted conventional dispenser. Certain embodiments provide further convenience for parents with children, as children do not have to push, pull, squeeze or otherwise operate the dispenser to dispense products. Certain embodiments also free the hands for parents with small children.

Certain embodiments provide the advantage of being refillable; their containers or other containment means can be refilled easily and can be filled with different viscosity products within a wide range.

Certain embodiments may be free-standing, and/or may be wall-mounted. The free-standing nature means that the dispensers embodying the invention can be positioned in the most optimum place for a consumer or other user, for example depending upon the height of the user and where the dispenser is needed, such as in a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, restaurant table, hospital, or laboratory.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be :::: understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein * , unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any 0' accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

It will be also be appreciated that, throughout the description and claims of this specification, language in the general form of "X for Y" (where Y is some action, activity or step and X is some means for carrying out that action, activity or step) encompasses means X adapted or arranged specifically, but not exclusively, to do Y. The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Dispensing apparatus for activation by a user to dispense a product, the apparatus comprising: containment means for containing a quantity of a product; a first sensor arranged to detect a presence of a user's hand in a first region; a second sensor arranged to detect a presence of a user's hand in a second region; at least one product dispensing orifice; product ejecting means operable to eject product from the containment means out of said at least one product dispensing orifice; and control means adapted to control the product ejecting means to eject said product in response to the first and second sensors detecting the presence of a user's hand in the first region and a user's other hand in the second region at the same time.
2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first and second sensors are arranged such that the first and second regions do not overlap, whereby the first and second *... : sensors cannot detect a single hand at the same time. *... * * ****
3. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the first and second sensors are proximity sensors arranged to detect the presence of a user's hands in the first and second regions respectively without requiring a user to touch the apparatus. * **
4. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the first and second sensors are capacitive sensors.
5. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, further comprising a housing.
6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 5, wherein the housing is arranged to house the control means and at least part of the product ejecting means.
7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the first and second sensors are arranged inside said housing.
8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said sensors are arranged on an outer surface of the housing.
9. Apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein said sensors are arranged such that the first region is a region outside the housing and located to a first side of the housing, and the second region is a region outside the housing and located to a second side of the housing.
10. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the at least one product dispensing orifice comprises a first product dispensing orifice arranged such that product ejected from the first product dispensing orifice is ejected into the first region to hit a user's hand in the first region.
11. Apparatus in accordance with claim 10, wherein the at least one product dispensing orifice further comprises a second product dispensing orifice arranged such that product ejected from the second product dispensing orifice is ejected into the second region to hit a user's hand in the second region.
12. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the or each product *: dispensing orifice is an orifice of a respective nozzle arranged to eject said product in the form *.. ofa spray.

:fc.
13. Apparatus in accordance with claim 12, as dependent upon claim 11, wherein the first and second product dispensing orifices are orifices of a first nozzle and a second nozzle respectively, the first and second nozzles being arranged to spray product from respective *:. sides of a housing of the apparatus.
14. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the product ejecting means comprises a pump arranged to pump said product from the containment means and out of the or each product dispensing orifice.
15. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the product containment means comprises a container.
16. Apparatus in accordance with claim 15, wherein said container is transparent.
17. Apparatus in accordance with claim.15 or claim 16, wherein the apparatus comprises a housing, and further comprises attachment means for releasably attaching the container to the housing, whereby the container may be detached for replacement or refilling.
18. Apparatus in accordance with claim 17, further comprising means arranged to prevent operation of the product ejecting means when the container is not attached to the housing.
19. Apparatus in accordance with claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the container is adapted to form a base of the apparatus on which the apparatus can stand when the container is attached to the housing.
20. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, further comprising lighting means operable to emit light, the controller being arranged to control the lighting means to emit light in response to the first and second sensors detecting the presence of a user's hand in the first region and a user's other hand in the second region at the same time.
21. Apparatus in accordance with claim 20, wherein the controller is arranged to control the lighting means to emit light continuously while the product ejecting means is operating to eject the product.

:.
22. Apparatus in accordance with claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the controller is arranged to ::.. control the lighting means to emit light for a first predetermined period of time before controlling * *** the product ejecting means to begin ejecting said product in response to the first and second :21:. sensors detecting the presence of a user's hand in the first region and a user's other hand in the second region at the same time.

*:*
23. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the controller is adapted to control the product ejecting means to eject said product for a second predetermined period of time in response to the first and second sensors detecting the presence of a user's hand in the first region and a user's other hand in the second region at the same time.
24. Apparatus in accordance with claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the apparatus comprises means for setting at least one of the first and second predetermined periods of time.
25. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the controller is adapted to control the product ejecting means to eject a predetermined quantity of product in response to the first and second sensors detecting the presence of a user's hand in the first region and a user's other hand in the second region at the same time.I
26. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the controller is adapted to control the product ejecting means to cease ejecting product in response to either or both of the first and second sensors ceasing to detect the presence of a user's hand.
27. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, further comprising a battery arranged to power the control means and product ejecting means.
28. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27, wherein the battery is rechargeable, and the apparatus further comprises a solar panel arranged to charge the battery.
29. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said first and second sensors comprises a respective sensor member and the product ejecting means is arranged to eject said product through the or each sensor member and out of a respective product dispensing orifice.
30. Apparatus in accordance with claim 29, wherein the or each sensor member has a : respective aperture therethrough, and the product ejecting means is arranged to eject said product through the or each aperture and out of the respective product dispensing orifice. S...
31. Apparatus in accordance with claim 30, comprising two said sensor members and two nozzles, each nozzle being arranged to extend through the aperture in the respective sensor member. * .* * S * * **
32. A method of dispensing a product, the method comprising: providing a quantity of a product in product containment means; providing at least one product dispensing orifice; providing product ejecting means operable to eject product from the containment means* out of said at least one product dispensing orifice; arranging a first sensor to detect a presence of a user's hand in a first region; arranging a second sensor to detect a presence of a user's hand in a second region; and operating the product ejecting means to eject said product out of the at least one orifice in response to detecting the presence of a user's hand in the first region at the same time as detecting the presence of a user's other hand in the second region.
33. Dispensing apparatus, or a method of dispensing a product, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.