GB2590968A

GB2590968A - Foam soap dispensing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2590968A
Application number: GB2000365.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Allen Robert
Original assignee: Dolphin Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Dolphin Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2020-01-10
Filing date: 2020-01-10
Publication date: 2021-07-14
Also published as: GB202000365D0

Abstract

A foam soap dispensing apparatus 100 comprising a connection point 121 for a first reservoir 110, a pipe 120 connected to the connection point, a second reservoir (140, fig 4) connected to the other end of the pipe arranged vertically lower than the connection point and an outlet (143, fig 5) from the second reservoir for dispensing soap. The first reservoir comprises a removable cartridge and the path of the pipe descends vertically between the connection point and the second reservoir. The removable cartridge may form the first reservoir, and preferably the second reservoir is collapsible to provide an air-tight apparatus to isolate airborne contaminants. The path of the pipe may be a coil or spiral, connecting to the underside of the upper reservoir and to the top of the lower reservoir. To the apparatus can be refilled before empty by replacing the cartridge of the first reservoir. The apparatus may be a multi-feed dispensing apparatus (10, fig 1).

Description

Foam Soap Dispensing Apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a foam soap dispensing apparatus, of the type which is used in washrooms to supply foam soap at one or more dispensing points. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a ca rt ridge-fed, multifeed foam soap system.

Background

In this application, "foam soap" refers to soap which is supplied as a liquid to the dispensing point and is converted into a foam by aeration at the dispensing point. The soap is in liquid form within the dispensing apparatus. In liquid form, foam soap has a lower viscosity than traditional liquid soap, which is dispensed as liquid soap and not aerated at the dispensing point. A typical viscosity range for liquid foam soap is 1-100 cP (centipoise).

Current multifeed foam soap systems having a liquid soap reservoir which is manually topped up can suffer from one or more disadvantages, including: * refilling more often than needed, when the soap reservoir is not completely empty, in order to maintain operation of the system; * risk of contamination due to exposure to environmental bacteria during the reservoir topping up process; and * speed of the topping up process and risk of spillage.

The risk of contamination is a significant problem. Bacterial growth in foam soap is notorious in top up dispensers when the liquid foam soap becomes contaminated with environmental bacteria. Bacteria are present on host particles in the air such as dirt, hair, dust etc. Commercial/public washrooms contain a significant amount of these particles, particularly dust from toilet roll and paper towels. People spread bacteria and fungi onto these products and during use they give off vast amounts of dust particles into the air. The bacteria are introduced into the liquid foam soap through the topping up process, when the bulk fill reservoir is opened and refilled. The liquid foam soap is then at risk of congealing, which is caused by the bacteria forming a biofilm in the soap.

Once a system is contaminated or suffers from congealing, it can be difficult to eliminate symptoms without significant maintenance or repair costs. If the problems can be avoided in the first place, the system and attached dispensers will maintain a higher efficiency/function for longer and will therefore require less maintenance.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a foam soap dispensing apparatus, comprising a connection point for a first reservoir, the first reservoir comprising a removable cartridge for containing liquid foam soap, a pipe connected to the connection point and configured to receive liquid foam soap from the first reservoir, a second reservoir connected to the other end of the pipe for receiving liquid foam soap from the first reservoir via the pipe, the second reservoir arranged in use to be vertically lower than the connection point, and an outlet from the second reservoir for onward dispensing of the liquid foam soap, wherein the path of the pipe descends vertically in use between the connection point and the second reservoir.

In use, because the second reservoir is arranged to be vertically lower than the connection point, while the first reservoir contains liquid foam soap, the second reservoir will be substantially full of liquid foam soap. When the first reservoir becomes empty, further use of the liquid soap will cause the second reservoir to begin to empty. At this point, the first reservoir cartridge can be replaced. Therefore, the second reservoir provides the advantage that the first reservoir can be fully emptied before replacing, while the dispensing system still remains operational. This avoids any waste of liquid foam soap and reduces the servicing frequency, so is more efficient for washroom staff.

The removable cartridge avoids the need for a manual topping-up process. Because cartridges are sealed from the environment, there is significantly less risk, and almost no risk, of bacterial contamination because the exposure of the soap to the washroom environment is avoided. The risk of congealing is therefore significantly reduced. Connecting a new cartridge is quicker and cleaner than decanting soap from one container to another. The cartridge system also avoids the need for decanting at high levels in washrooms and therefore reduces the risk of spillage.

The connection point preferably comprises a releasable connector, such as a push-fit connector, to which the pipe is connected. The connector is preferably a valved connector which is open when a cartridge is present and closes when a cartridge is removed, in order to seal the liquid soap in the pipe and second reservoir from the environment when no cartridge is present. This feature further reduces the risk of contamination and congealing because air is not drawn into the system. The cartridge is preferably provided with a corresponding connector (e.g. male/female, etc.) for connection to the connection point/releasable connector.

The dispenser preferably includes a cartridge locating means for mounting the cartridge.

This may comprise a housing or platform in/on which the cartridge is located and supported in use. The connection point is preferably located in or adjacent to the cartridge locating means. Preferably, the connection point is positioned adjacent the underside of the cartridge in use.

When connected to the pipe, the liquid foam soap inside the cartridge is preferably sealed or isolated from the external atmosphere or environment. In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is or includes a collapsible bag or flexible pouch which collapses as the soap is used. The bag/pouch may be contained in a box or other housing, but the box should not be airtight, in order to allow atmospheric pressure to act on the bag/pouch and cause it to collapse as the soap is used.

The second reservoir is preferably designed to collapse when it begins to empty. Preferably, the second reservoir is made from a flexible material for this purpose, such as PVC, vinyl or polyurethane. The second reservoir may be in the form of a reservoir pouch. When the cartridge includes a collapsible bag or pouch and becomes empty, an effective vacuum forms at the top of the pipe which retains the liquid foam soap in the pipe, and the second reservoir begins to empty and collapse in preference. Therefore, liquid foam soap continues to flow through the system without letting air in. This is a particularly advantageous feature of the invention. In order to maintain the liquid foam soap in the pipe when changing cartridges, and to prevent air ingress, a valve is preferably provided in the pipe which can be closed during the change-over operation.

The valve may be provided as part of the releasable connector as discussed above, which is configured to shut off automatically when the cartridge is disconnected.

In a preferred embodiment when the second reservoir is collapsible, the path of the pipe is configured with a curve in plan view subtending an angle of at least 180 degrees, or more preferably at least 270 degrees.

The path of the pipe is configured with a curve in plan view, i.e. in the horizontal plane. The curve may or may not be uniform. The curve may have tighter and shallower sections. The curve may be in the form of a coil or spiral.

The second reservoir is arranged in use to be vertically lower than the first reservoir. The path of the pipe will also descend vertically between the first and second reservoirs. The path of the pipe is provided with a descending gradient to maintain the flow of liquid soap. Preferably, the downward angle of the pipe at any given point relative to the horizontal is between 2 degrees and 45 degrees.

The curve/spiral feature helps to maintain a smooth downward gradient of the pipe towards the second reservoir as the reservoir begins to collapse. The curve/spiral allows the pipe to span the increasing distance between the first and second reservoirs without causing buckling or kinking of the pipe or putting any tension on the pouch.

In a preferred embodiment, as mentioned above, the connection point is positioned adjacent the underside of the cartridge in use, to which the pipe is connected.

Preferably, the end of the pipe at the second reservoir is configured in use to be vertically lower than the connection point. The pipe may be configured to connect to the top side of the second reservoir, in which case the top side of the second reservoir will be lower than the connection point in accordance with the invention.

Preferably, the dispensing apparatus further includes an indicator to show the liquid soap level, so that the appropriate time to refill/replace the first reservoir can be determined.

The pipe may be translucent or transparent for this purpose, or a separate indicator may be provided, for example in the form of another translucent/transparent pipe. The dispensing apparatus may include a vent pipe, as described in our earlier UK patent application no. 1314060.3. The vent pipe may also have the function of a soap level indicator.

In at least preferred embodiments, the invention provides a foam soap dispensing apparatus having a reservoir pouch with a spiral entrance pipe. The invention maintains the pipe with a downwards gradient towards the pouch, in order to maintain liquid foam soap flow or, when the cartridge is empty, to span the increasing distance between the cartridge and the reservoir pouch without causing buckling or kinking of the pipe or putting any tension on the pouch. In a multifeed system having multiple soap dispensing points, the reservoir pouch allows the system to continue feeding all dispensers even when the cartridge has run out. Facilities staff can therefore have the confidence to allow the cartridge to fully drain before replacing. This greatly reduces the waste of liquid foam soap when a cartridge is replaced which is not completely empty.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a typical washroom hand-washing unit including a foam soap dispensing apparatus in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the foam soap dispensing apparatus of the 30 invention; Figs. 3 and 4 show front and rear views respectively of part of the foam soap dispensing apparatus of the invention, including the pipe, second reservoir and second reservoir housing; Figs. 5-7 show front, plan and side views respectively of part of the foam soap dispensing apparatus of the invention, including the pipe and second reservoir; and Figs. 8-9 show rear and side views respectively of part of the foam soap dispensing apparatus of the invention, including the pipe, second reservoir and second reservoir housing, with the second reservoir in a collapsed condition.

Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a typical washroom foam soap dispensing system 10 including a foam soap dispensing apparatus in accordance with the invention. The system 10 will typically be part of a washroom unit comprising one or more sinks and a wall unit, including a mirror behind which the system 10 is located. The foam soap dispensing system 10 comprises the foam soap dispensing apparatus 100 of the invention, a plurality of soap dispensers 11, a supply pipe 12 supplying liquid foam soap to the dispensers and a vent pipe 13. The vent pipe 13 is as described in our earlier UK patent application no. 1314060.3.

Fig. 2 shows the foam soap dispensing apparatus 100 of the invention in more detail. The apparatus comprises a first reservoir in the form of a cartridge 110 which mounts on a platform 111. Cartridge 110 connects to pipe 120 via a releasable connector 121 which is mounted in platform 111 in line with the outlet of cartridge 110. Connector 121 is a push-fit, valved, latched connector having a latch release button 122 for disconnecting the cartridge 110. Connector 121 may be a Universal Dispensing Coupler from Colder Products Company (CPC), St. Paul, USA.

Also visible in Fig. 2 are the supply pipe 12 for supplying the liquid foam soap to the dispensers 11 and a second vent pipe 130 which doubles as a level indicator as described below. A level indicator 131 is provided to show when the cartridge 110 needs to be replaced. A valve 14 is provided for controlling the flow of liquid foam soap to the dispensers.

The lower end of pipe 120 is connected to second reservoir 140, which is located behind second reservoir housing 141 in Fig. 2. Second reservoir 140 is arranged in use to be vertically lower than the first reservoir/cartridge 110.

Figs. 3 and 4 show front and rear views respectively of pipe 120, second reservoir 140 and housing 141.

Figs. 5-7 show front, plan and side views respectively of the pipe 120 and second reservoir 140 of the invention, with the housing 141 removed for clarity. Second reservoir inlet 142 and outlet 143 are shown. As mentioned above, the second reservoir 140 is collapsible and is made from a flexible material.

The path of the pipe 120 descends vertically between the first reservoir 110 and second reservoir 140 and is configured with a curve in plan view (Fig. 6) subtending an angle A of at least 180 degrees. In this embodiment, the angle A is approximately 240 degrees.

As mentioned above, the curve/spiral feature of the pipe path helps to maintain the downward gradient of the pipe 120 towards the second reservoir 140 as the reservoir begins to collapse. The curve/spiral allows the pipe to span the increasing distance between the first and second reservoirs without causing buckling or kinking of the pipe or putting any tension on the reservoir. A smooth downward gradient is maintained.

In terms of overall function, the second reservoir 140 allows the cartridge 110 to empty completely while still maintaining the supply of liquid foam soap.

The second vent pipe/indicator 130 shows the level of the liquid foam soap in the system, and once it can be seen that the level is below that of the platform 111 or connector 121, the cartridge 110 will be empty and can be replaced. If the level continues to fall as the system is in use, the second reservoir 140 will start to empty and collapse, due to the effective vacuum created by the empty cartridge as discussed above.

The collapsed state of the second reservoir 140 is shown in Figs. Sand 9, where the ability of the pipe to accommodate the increased spacing between the reservoirs can be seen.

The cartridge should be replaced before the second reservoir 140 is completely empty, but the system provides a convenient window of time for cartridge replacement, rather than replacement being required at a specific time. The system therefore permits some flexibility for the timing of service visits, while ensuring that only a completely empty cartridge is replaced. With a new cartridge installed, the liquid foam soap will refill second reservoir 140 under gravity.

Claims

Claims 1. A foam soap dispensing apparatus, comprising: a connection point for a first reservoir, the first reservoir comprising a removable cartridge for containing liquid foam soap; a pipe connected to the connection point and configured to receive liquid foam soap from the first reservoir, a second reservoir connected to the other end of the pipe for receiving liquid foam soap from the first reservoir via the pipe, the second reservoir arranged in use to be vertically lower than the connection point, and an outlet from the second reservoir for onward dispensing of the liquid foam soap, wherein the path of the pipe descends vertically in use between the connection point and the second reservoir.
2. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a removable cartridge forming the first reservoir.
3. The dispensing apparatus of any preceding claim, in which the connection point comprises a releasable connector, such as a push-fit connector, to connect to the cartridge and to which the pipe is connected.
4. The dispensing apparatus of claim 3, in which the releasable connector is a valved connector.
5. The dispensing apparatus of any preceding claim, in which the second reservoir is collapsible and is made from a flexible material.
6. The dispensing apparatus of claim 5, in which the path of the pipe is configured with a curve in plan view subtending an angle of at least 180 degrees and preferably an angle of at least 270 degrees.
7. The dispensing apparatus of claim 5 or 6, in which the path of the pipe is a coil or spiral.
8. The dispensing apparatus of any preceding claim, in which the path of the pipe descends vertically between the first and second reservoirs at an angle of between 2 and degrees to the horizontal.
9. The dispensing apparatus of any preceding claim, in which the connection point is positioned adjacent the underside of the cartridge in use and the pipe is connected to the top side of the second reservoir.
10. The dispensing apparatus of any preceding claim, further including an indicator to show the liquid soap level.
11. The dispensing apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is a multifeed foam soap dispensing apparatus.