GB2594983A

GB2594983A - Liquid sanitiser dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2594983A
Application number: GB2007158.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Tim; Lewis Robert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-05-14
Filing date: 2020-05-14
Publication date: 2021-11-17
Also published as: GB202007158D0

Abstract

A liquid sanitiser dispenser 10, with a tubular support post 12, which functions as a vessel for a liquid sanitiser. It has a base 14 which supports the post in an upright position, a dispenser cap 24 with a pump (P figure 3) which expels sanitiser from the vessel and the post has at least one channel (C figure 4) into which the end of a post and webbing barrier fits. The base and post may have a threaded connection (31 figure 5) and the base may be wider (D2 figure 4) and/or heavier than the post. The post may have several channels arranged around its circumference and the height of the base and post may be at least 0.5m. The vessel may hold at least 2L of sanitiser. The cap may be removed from the post and there may be a plate (26 figure 3) with a formation which couples to the cap, maybe by friction, and is fluid tight.

Description

Liquid Sanitiser Dispenser

Background

A liquid sanitiser dispenser is a device arranged to dispense a dose of liquid sanitiser in response to a user request action or gesture.

Typically, a liquid sanitiser dispenser consists of a vessel such as a bottle arranged to contain liquid sanitiser and a cap arranged to sealingly engage the bottle, the cap including a mechanical pump dispenser with a flexible pipe which extends downwardly into the bottle so that a user can press and release a plunger of the mechanical pump dispenser to dispense a dose of sanitiser.

It is known to locate sanitiser dispensers in public places, particularly public places in which large numbers of people gather or high volumes of people pass, to reduce the likelihood of infection between people.

The present inventors have devised a new sanitiser dispenser which can have one or more of the following advantages relative to known dispensers: * improved capacity * improved positional stability * improved security

* improved visibility 25 Summary

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid sanitiser dispenser comprising: a hollow, tubular support post having a first end and a second end, the hollow support post being arranged to define a vessel for containing liquid sanitiser; a base coupled to the first end of the support post, the base being arranged, in use, to support the support post in an upright position when the base in located on the floor; a dispenser cap coupled to the second end of the support post, the dispenser cap including a pump in fluid communication with the vessel and an outlet, the pump being configured to draw a dose of liquid sanitiser from the vessel and expel it from the outlet in response to a user input command, wherein the support post includes one or more channels extending along the support post, each channel having an opening at the second end of the support post sized to receive and retain an end fitting of an extensible web of a post and webbing barrier.

Thus, the liquid sanitiser dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention is implemented using the support post of a post and webbing type barrier as the sanitiser vessel. Although the dispenser cap is mounted at the top of the post, the present inventors have found that it is nonetheless still possible to access the web end fitting channels formed in the support post. Thus, the liquid sanitiser dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention can form an active part of a post and webbing type barrier array in places such as airports, cafes, supermarkets and the like, while at the same time providing a relatively large vessel for containing liquid sanitiser. Moreover, the additional weight of the liquid in the support post can further increase the weight of the support post, leading to a dispenser which is difficult to steal or misplace. The height of the dispenser cap due to the conventional height of the support post makes the dispenser easy to notice in a crowd.

The hollow support post can be coupled to the base in a fluid tight manner to define the vessel. This can result in a simple arrangement in which the support post defines just the wall(s) of the vessel and the base defines the lower portion of the vessel.

The hollow support post can be mechanically coupled to the base by a threaded bar and threaded hole assembly, such as a nut/plate and bolt, configured to compress a seal between the support post and base as the bar is wound through the hole. This can provide a simple implementation.

The dispenser cap can comprise a mechanical pump dispenser. This can provide a simple, cost effective implementation, use of which is easily understood by users.

The dispenser cap can includes a flexible pipe coupled to the pump and extending at least 75% of the way along the support post.

The base can have a width which is greater than the outer diameter of the support post. The base can have one or more with dimensions which is at least 50%, 1009'o or at least 200% the outer diameter of the support post.

The base and support post can be distinct parts, the weight of the base being greater than the weight of the support post.

The liquid sanitiser dispenser can have a plurality of channels, such as three or four, the channels being arranged in an equiangular arrangement around the circumference of the support post. Thus, the support post can act as an anchor for web end fittings from a plurality of adjacent, conventional post and webbing barriers.

The height defined by the base and support post including the top plate can be at least 0.5m, preferably at least 0.6m, more preferably at least 0.75m more preferably approximately lm.

The vessel can be sized to hold at least 2L, preferably at least 3L and more preferably at least 4L of liquid sanitiser.

The vessel can contain liquid sanitiser.

The dispenser cap can be removably coupled to the support post, for example via a threaded, clipped or interference fit arrangement.

The liquid sanitiser dispenser can further comprise an end fitting plate arranged to be coupled to the second end of the post in a liquid tight manner, the end fitting having an engagement formation for removably coupling the dispenser cap to the end fitting plate in a fluid tight manner.

The engagement formation can be a hole sized to receive a body portion of the dispenser cap to define a liquid tight interference fit.

Brief Description of the Drawinas

By way of example only, certain embodiments of the invention will now be described by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagram of upper and lower regions of a liquid sanitiser dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded diagram of the dispenser of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a diagram of the inside of the upper region of the dispenser of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a plan view diagram of the dispenser of Figure 1; and Figure 5 is an exploded diagram showing how the base of the dispenser of Figure 1 is attached to the post.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 and 2 shows a liquid sanitiser dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention generally at 10. The dispenser 10 is configured to dispense doses of liquid sanitizer.

The dispenser 10 has a hollow, tubular support post 12 having a lower, first end El and an upper, second end E2. The support post 12 is arranged to define a vessel for containing liquid sanitiser.

The lower end El is coupled to a base 14. The base 14 is arranged, in use, to support the support post 12 in an upright position when the base 14 in located on the floor.

Referring additionally to Figure 5, the support post 12 is mechanically coupled to the base 14 in this embodiment to create a liquid tight seal between the post 12 and base 14. Therefore, the base 14 defines a lower wall of the vessel, the post 12 and base together defining a cylindrical vessel.

The two parts can be mechanically coupled in any suitable manner. In this embodiment the lower end El of the post is placed into a cup shaped rubber gasket 27 which is shaped as a cylinder with a closed end. The axial face of the gasket 27 and the base 14 are each provided with a centrally located through-hole 29 arranged to receive a threaded bolt or machine screw 31. An elastically deformable rubber bung (not shown) is located in the lower end El of the support post 12 and has a central through-hole and a rigid compression plate disposed at an upper axial surface, which faces the top end of the post E2, the compression plate having a central threaded hole also arranged to receive the bolt 31. As such, when the bolt 31 is pushed through the holes 29 and wound through the rubber bung and into engagement with the compression plate, it draws the compression plate towards base 14, causing the elastically deformable rubber bung to radially expand or distend into engagement with the inside of the support post 12 and further winding of the bolt draws the post 12 towards the base, compressing the gasket seal 27 between them to form a fluid tight seal.

In other embodiments the support post 12 can be arranged to define a vessel by any suitable means; for example, threaded sockets can be provided in the axial face at the first end El of the post. The base can be is provided with through holes which can be aligned with the threaded sockets and machine screws or the like inserted through the holes and wound into the sockets to draw the base towards the post, clamping an annular seal between them to provide a liquid tight seal. Sealant can be applied to any gaps if required. In other embodiments the support post can be arranged with a closed end to define the vessel.

A dispenser cap 24 is coupled to the second end E2 of the support post 12 to enable liquid sanitiser within the vessel to be dispensed.

Referring additionally to Figure 3, the dispenser cap 24 in this embodiment is a conventional mechanical pump dispenser. For clarity the support post 12 is not illustrated. The workings of a mechanical pump dispenser are well known. The dispenser cap 24 includes a pump P in fluid communication with the vessel V and an outlet 0, the pump P being configured to draw a dose of liquid sanitiser L from the vessel V and expel it from the outlet 0 in response to a user pressing the plunger of the pump P. The dispenser cap 24 is preferably arranged to engage with the top plate 26 to define a fluid tight seal at the top of the post 12, thereby sealing the vessel V. In this embodiment, as best illustrated in Figure 2, the dispenser cap includes a shoulder region extending downwardly into a relatively narrow body having an outer diameter sized to enable an interference press fit with a central hole formed though the top plate 26, which is attached to the post 12 at its second end E2 in a fluid tight manner.

In other embodiments the dispenser cap 24 can for example be screwed onto an appropriate fitting on a top plate 26.

The dispenser cap 24 includes a flexible pipe 28 coupled to the pump P and extending into the vessel V. The pipe 28 can for example extend at least 75% of the way along the support post and is preferably sized to reach the bottom of the vessel V. In other embodiments, any suitable conventional dispenser cap can be provided, such as an electrically driven pump configured to provide a measured dose. It is however preferred to provide a mechanical pump dispenser since this can result in a simple, cost effective implementation, use of which is easily understood by users. In one specific example, the dispenser can be an F35 sink soap dispenser from Longan Houseware Co., Ltd. Referring additionally to Figure 4, the support post 12 includes four channels C extending along the length of support post 12. Each channel C has an opening CO at the second end E2 of the support post 12, formed though the top plate 26, which is radially spaced from the periphery of the dispenser cap 24 so as to be vertically accessible while the dispenser cap 24 is coupled to the post 12 in use. Each channel opening CO is sized and shaped to receive and retain an end fitting EF of an extensible web W of a post and webbing barrier. Thus, the support post 12 can act as an anchor for web end fittings from a plurality of adjacent, conventional post and webbing barriers (not shown). In this embodiment each channel C is dovetail in section to define a trapezoidal space for receiving a web end fitting via the channel opening CO.

In other embodiments the post 12 can be provided with one or more channels C extending some of all of the way along the post 12 from the upper end E2. Having channels which extend all the way along the post can provide ease of manufacture. Where a plurality of channels C are provided, it is preferred that the channels C are arranged in an equiangular arrangement around the circumference of the support post.

The base 14 can have a width D2 which is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the support post 12. The base 14 can have one or more with dimensions which is at least 50%, 100% or at least 200% the outer diameter of the support post 12.

The weight of the base 14 can be greater than the weight of the support post 12 for stability. In some embodiments, the weight of the base 14 can be greater than the weight of the support post 12 when the vessel V is filled with liquid sanitiser L. Referring back to Figure 1, the collective height H of the top plate 26, post 12 and base 14 can be at least 0.5m, preferably at least 0.6m, more preferably at least 0.75m more preferably approximately lm. In some embodiments the height H can be equal or roughly equal to a conventional post and webbing barrier such as a Beltrac (RTM) retractable belt barrier, to improve involvement in the barrier array. Having a height H which roughly matches the height of known posts also means that the dispenser cap 24 will sit proud of the barrier array, making it clearly visible in use.

The vessel can be sized to hold at least 2L, preferably at least 3L and more preferably at least 4L of liquid sanitiser. In one specific example where the height H is around 0.98m, the vessel V can hold around 4.1L of liquid sanitiser.

The nozzle on the dispenser cap 24 which defines the outlet 0 can have a length such that the outlet 0 is radially further from the longitudinal axis of the support post than the channels C and/or outer circumferential surface of the post 12, such that any drips from the outlet will not land in the channels and/or on the post 12. A drip tray (not shown) can be positioned to catch drips from the outlet 0.

An aluminium graphics sign 25 can be provided having a planar, circular face for example and a mounting bracket extending normal from the plane and having a hole via which the dispensing cap 24 can pass when being inserted into the plate 26 for coupling to the post 12. The graphics sign can be used as a substrate for signs, messages or the like.

Thus, the inventors have realised that a support post of a post and webbing type barrier can be used as a vessel for a liquid sanitiser dispenser while still being capable of receiving and holding the end fittings of extensible webs from post and webbing barriers, leading to an integrated sanitiser dispenser particularly suitable for places such as airports, cafes, supermarkets and the like.

In use, the dispenser cap 24 can be removed from the post 12 and liquid hand sanitiser can be poured into the vessel V. Once filled to a desired level, the dispenser cap 24 is reattached to the post 12 with the tube extending down into the pool of sanitiser L. Users may dispense a dose of sanitiser by pressing the dispenser cap 24.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A liquid sanitiser dispenser comprising: a hollow, tubular support post having a first end and a second end, the hollow support post being arranged to define a vessel for containing liquid sanitiser; a base coupled to the first end of the support post, the base being arranged, in use, to support the support post in an upright position when the base in located on the floor; a dispenser cap coupled to the second end of the support post, the dispenser cap including a pump in fluid communication with the vessel and an outlet, the pump being configured to draw a dose of liquid sanitiser from the vessel and expel it from the outlet in response to a user input command, wherein the support post includes one or more channels extending along the support post, each channel having an opening at the second end of the support post sized to receive and retain an end fitting of a post and webbing barrier.
2. The liquid sanitiser dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the hollow support post is coupled to the base in a fluid tight manner to define the vessel.
3. The liquid sanitiser dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the hollow support post is mechanically coupled to the base by a threaded bar and threaded hole assembly configured to compress a seal between the support post and base as the bar is wound through the hole.
4. The liquid sanitiser dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser cap is a mechanical pump dispenser.
5. The liquid sanitiser dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser cap includes a flexible pipe coupled to the pump and extending at least 75% of the way along the support post.
6. The liquid sanitiser dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the base has a width which is greater than the outer diameter of the support post.
7. The liquid sanitiser dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the base and support post are distinct parts, the weight of the base being greater than the weight of the support post.
8. The liquid sanitiser dispenser according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of channels, the channels being arranged in an equiangular arrangement around the circumference of the support post.
9. The liquid sanitiser dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the height defined by the base and support post is at least 0. 5m.
10. The liquid sanitiser dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the vessel is sized to hold at least 2L of liquid sanitiser.
11. The liquid sanitiser dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the vessel contains liquid sanitiser.
12. The liquid sanitiser dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser cap is removably coupled to the support post.
13. The liquid sanitiser dispenser according to claim 12, further comprising an end fitting plate arranged to be coupled to the second end of the post in a fluid tight manner, the end fitting having an engagement formation for removably coupling the dispenser cap to the end fitting plate in a fluid tight manner.
14. The liquid sanitiser dispenser according to claim 13, wherein the engagement formation is a hole sized to receive a body portion of the dispenser cap to define a fluid tight interference fit.