MXPA01002866A - Dual use dispensing system - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid dispensing system is disclosed herein, the system including a container adapted to hold a material, the container having a first recess positioned on an outer surface of the container and a passageway extending into the container, the passageway positioned within the recess of the container. A pump assembly is provided which is adapted to dispense fluid from the container. The pump assembly is further adapted to engage the passageway of the container and having a storage position wherein the pump assembly is disposed substantially within the recess. In selected embodiments, a mounting bracket is provided which is adapted to support the container. The mounting bracket may include a base, a column extending upwardly from the base, and an upper member which may be pivotably mounted to the column. In some embodiments, a boss and detent may be provided so that the boss engages the detent upon placement of the container within the mounting bracket. The boss and detent are adapted to inhibit relative movement between the mounting bracket and container. A pump actuator may be provided, the pump actuator including an upper portion flexibly attached to a lower portion, the lower portion operable to actuate the pump assembly and dispense fluid from the container.

Description

? - DUAL USE ASSORTMENT SYSTEM This application claims the benefit of the provisional application of the United States of America No. 60/102, 455 filed on September 30, 1999, the entirety of which is incorporated in by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to dispensing systems, and more particularly to assortment systems having a dual-use container.

BACKGROUND 15 The dispensing systems for flowable cleaning products such as soaps and the like are commonly used in institutional and industrial places to supply portions of the cleaning product to a user. Such systems d The assortment may include a spout which can be mounted on a wall or anotsurface. A bag or otsuitable reservoir containing the cleaning product is typically enclosed within the dispenser outside the user's view. A pump is typically inserted into a bag or reservoir.

The tank and the pump are then enclosed within a spout so that the pump can be activated from outside the spout. With the application of pressure to a jet pump or otsimilar member, the pump is operated to supply a single use part of the material from the pump system.

An example of such a dispensing system is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,165.57 issued to Ophardt. The dispensing system described in includes a disposable plastic element which includes a disposable liquid reservoir and a disposable pump assembly. The disposable liquid reservoir and the disposable pump assembly are each entirely made of recyclable plastic. The dispensing system also includes a permanent non-disposable enclosure for the reservoir and pump assembly including a permanent actuator system for operating the pump assembly. As shown t, the disposable liquid reservoir is hidden within the permanent non-disposable enclosure.

Although a wide variety of dispensing systems are currently available, t is still a need for a more convenient and economical dispensing system that simplifies and reduces the maintenance required. The system can clearly display the remaining product level within the supplier system. Additionally, the selected embodiments of the present invention reduce the cleaning efforts required by the support personnel by reducing the spout area that needs to be cleaned during replacement of the cleaning product. Because the selected additions the container is replaced ratthan refilled as conventional suppliers so the only item which is reused is the corbel. Tfore, the bracket only needs to be cleaned. Additionally, it is desirable that the components of a dispensing system can both be cheaply and easily used with otdispensing systems. Such a supplier system can also be sent and stored compatible.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a dispenser system which includes a container having a first recess placed on an outer surface of the container and a conduit extending inside the container, the conduit being placed inside the recess of the container. The container can be used with a mounting bracket such as, for example, the mounting bracket described in, it can be used with a spare which fits within a conventional dispenser and which essentially encloses the refill.

The selected embodiments of the present invention may furtinclude a mounting bracket adapted to support the container. The mounting bracket, and particular additions also include a base and column extending upwardly from the base.

The mounting bracket and the container may be adapted to engage with one anotin a manner which inhibits relative movement between the mounting bracket and the container. To accomplish this, the mounting bracket may include a protruding member such as a key protrusion that engages an indentation in the container such as a retainer or slot. Alternatively, the projecting member can be placed on the container while the indentation is formed on the mounting bracket.

The mounting bracket may also include a top member which may extend outward from the column. One end of the upper member can be pivotally or rotatably held to the column so that the upper member can move out of the column and base to allow the container to be placed inside the mounting bracket. Once the container is placed within the mounting bracket, the upper member can be moved towards the container to assist in retaining the container within the bracket. In other embodiments, the upper member, the column and the base of the mounting bracket can be formed as a single piece such as, for example, a C-shaped bracket.

The base and the upper member can flex outwardly relative to the column to allow the container to be inserted into and contact the mounting bracket.

In selected embodiments of the dispenser system, the container can further include a second recess which can be placed on the outer container surface such as, for example, the upper container surface. The upper member can be placed within second recess so that the dispensing system can have a more compact configuration.

The selected embodiments may also include a fixing mechanism which allows the container to be fixed in the mounting bracket. Fixing mechanisms such as, for example, latch and similar post mechanisms are suitable for use with the present invention.

The dispensing system of the present invention may also include a pump assembly adapted to engage the container conduit, the pump assembly having a storage position wherein the pump assembly is essentially placed within the first recess. The container and pump assembly may be used with a mounting bracket ta, such as the mounting bracket described herein, or may be used as a spare which fits within a conventional dispenser.

Particular embodiments of the dispenser system of the present invention may also include a pump actuator which is operable to drive a pump assembly and deliver the material from the container. The pump drive may also include a lower part and an upper part. The lower part of the pump actuator is attached to the upper part of the pump actuator so that the lower part can rotate towards the upper part to a storage position.

The container can be formed of a material which allows the level of material inside the container to be seen. A variety of transparent or translucent materials can be used such as, for example, polyethylene natura and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dispensing system of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container according to the present invention Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the container, the pump assembly and the pump actuator of the present invention, the pump assembly and the pump actuator being shown in the dispenser position.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the mounting bracket according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the container, the pump assembly and the pump actuator according to the present invention, the pump assembly and the pump actuator being shown in their storage positions.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of yet another alternate embodiment of the bomb assembly vessel according to the present invention, the pump assembly being shown therein in its dispensing position.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the incorporation of the container and the pump assembly shown in Figure 6, the pump assembly being shown in its storage position.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the dispensing system of the present invention, the system includes a container, the mounting bracket and the pump assembly.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the dispensing system of the present invention, the system includes a container and a mounting bracket.

Figure 10 is a perspective schematic of a container according to the present invention.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the bracket according to the present invention Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 9.

Figure 13 is a top view of the embodiment of the spout system shown in Figures 9-12.

Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of the container of the present invention that is being used within a conventional dispenser as a spare.

Figure 15 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the container according to the present invention.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the container and the pump assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 17 is a top view of yet another alternate embodiment of the container according to the present invention.

Figure 18 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a protrusion according to the present invention.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of another alternate incorporation of a protrusion according to the present invention.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the container and the pump assembly according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is directed to a dispenser system, an embodiment of such a system being shown in FIGS. 1 to 10. The dispenser system 10 includes a container 12 adapted to retain a flowable material 13 such as, for example, a soap, a lotion. and similar. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a large part of the container is visible to the user, clearly showing the amount of material remaining in the container 12.

The container 12 can be formed by a variety of processes such as, for example, blow molding, injection molding and the like. The recipient can be shaped in a varied form such as from a box a sphere or other geometric shape.

As shown in Figure 2, the container 1 includes a first recess 14 placed along an outer surface 16 of the container 12. In the selected embodiments, the first recess 14 and another surface 16 are positioned facing a user.

As best shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5-7, the container 12 includes a conduit 18 extending into the container 12. The conduit 18 is positioned within the first recess 14 of the container 12. The conduit 18 is configured to receive a pump assembly 20 as shown in Figures 4-7. The pump assembly 20 may be commercially available or be custom-made pumping means, such as, for example, a piston, bellows or other suitable pump such as a peristaltic pump of the flexible tubing type. The pump assembly 20 can engage the conduit 1 in a variety of ways, such as, for example, a latch d type of automatic closure or a threaded latch. The pump assembly 20 can be permanently attached to the container 12 can be removably attached to the container 12.

As shown in Figure 3, a pump assembly 20 has been hooked to the conduit 18. The part of the pump assembly that extends outwardly of the container 12 is in a dispensing position, allowing the material within the container to be supplied to a container. user. As shown in FIG. 5, the part of the pump assembly 20 that extends outwardly of the container 12 has been moved to a storage position by rotating it 180 degrees so that it is contained within the first recess 14. In another incorporations, the pump assembly 20 extending outwardly from the container 12 can be rotated less than 18 degrees or more than 180 degrees to reach its storage position. The part of the pump assembly when the pump assembly 20 is in its storage position, the container can be stored and transported without damage to the pump assembly. Additionally, the storage and shipping of such containers will take less space and therefore will be more economical. Similarly, Figures 6 and 7 show a currently available hose type bomb. The pump is attached to a rotating accessory, which allows the pump to be turned to its storage position.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, there is shown a pump actuator 22. A user can apply pressure to the pump actuator 22 by causing the pump actuator 22 to drive the pump assembly 20 and feed the material from the container. Even though the pump actuator may be configured in a varied manner to achieve this purpose, and selected embodiments, the pump driver 22 includes a lower part 24 and an upper part 26. The lower part 24 of pump actuator 22 can be attached to the upper part 26 so that the lower part 24 can be rotated towards the upper part to a storage position. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a living hinge is used. Other configurations of the lower and upper portions may be used indicated to one another in a variety of ways.

Although not shown, a fixing mechanism can be provided to fix the lower part 24 in its storage position. Such mechanisms can be removed once the pump actuator 22 is in the actuator position, and can include, for example, hook and loop fasteners such as VELCR fasteners or adhesives. In the alternate embodiments, the container 12 and / or the pump actuator 22 can be configured to fix the lower part 24 in its storage position. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a flange 30 can be provided within the first recess 14. In incorporation, the lower portion 24 can be automatically closed beyond the flange 30 in its storage position. To move the lower part 24 of the pump drive to its actuating position, the lower part 24 can be pulled out of the first recess 14 beyond the flange 30. In other embodiments, the first recess 14 can increase in width as it approaches the conduit 18. so that, while the lower part 24 can oscillate freely in its actuating position, the lower part 24 can comfortably fit in the first recess 14 in its storage position.

The container 12 and the pump assembly 20 can be used as separate spout systems and where the container 12 can rest on a surface ta such as a shelf or a counter. In certain applications, it is desirable to secure the container 12 to the surface or to a wall. In such cases, a mounting bracket 34 such as l shown in Figure 4 can be used with the container 12 The mounting bracket 34 can be configured to support the container 12 and inhibit relative movement between the container 12 and the mounting bracket 34. A wide variety of mounting brackets can be used. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the mounting bracket 34 includes a base 36 having a rear edge 38 and a front edge 40. A column 42 extends upwardly from the base 3 near the rear edge 38. The column 42 can be fastened to a wall or other surface in a variety of ways including, for example, by adhesive, mechanical fasteners and the like.

A top member 40 is pivotally mounted at its first end 46 to the column 42. The upper member 40 can be L-shaped as shown in Fig. 4. The second end 48 of the upper member 44 can be pivoted towards up and out of the base 36 to allow placement of the container 12 within the bracket 34. After the container 12 is placed in the base 36, the upper member 40 can be pivoted down to secure the container 12 in a fixed position on the base 36. The end secund 48 may further include a fixing mechanism ta such as, a fastening flange (not shown) which may contact a fixing feature on the recipient 12 or on the pump actuator 22 This would allow vessel 12 to be fixed to base 38.

Additionally, the base 38 and / or the container 1 may include detents and protuberances which are enclosed to further secure the container 12 to the base 38. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 4Four protuberances 50 are placed on and extend up from the base 36. The protuberances 50 can be arranged so that the container 12 is prevented from slipping in any direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 the detents 52 are provided on the container 12. When said container 12 is placed inside the mounting bracket 34, the protuberances 50 engage in the detents 52, thus preventing the container 12 from Slide in relation to mounting bracket 34. The placement of the protuberances may vary widely and still perform the function attempted. Additionally it is evident that the protuberances 50 can be formed in the container 12 and / or the mounting bracket 34 and the detents 52 can be formed in the mounting bracket 34 and / or in the container 12.

As clearly shown in Figure 5, the container 12 can further include a second recess 56 placed on an upper surface 58 of the container 12. As shown in Figure 1, the second recess 55 can be configured such that the upper member 40 can be placed within the second recess 56. Additionally, a third recess 60 can be placed on the rear surface 62 of the container 12 The column 42 can be configured to fit within the third recess 60. By lowering the mounting bracket 3 in the container 12, the dispensing system 10 has a more aligned and potentially more stable view than the assortment systems where the brackets merely wrap around a container.

The embodiment shown in Figure 6 includes a peristaltic pump which rotatably engages the opening 18 so that, during use, the pump 20 rotated down to an assortment position so that a user can operate the pump and supply the material. 13 from the container 12. As shown in Figure 7, the pump 20 can be turned upward to a storage position, the pump 20 being placed within the first recess 14 of the box 12.

The incorporation of the container 12 shown in Figures 6 and 7 includes a first recess 14, a second recess 5 and a third recess 60 within which a bracket 34 can be positioned as to minimize the space occupied by the dispenser system 10 during shipment or storage.

To allow a user to clearly see the amount of material 13 remaining in the container 12, container 12 can be formed of a transparent translucent material such as, for example, natural polyethylene.

The system shown in figure 8 in point 1 includes a container 12 in which a material 13 is contained. In selected embodiments, the container 12 s is made of a material through which the material level 1 within the container can be seen from the outside of the container 12. The container 12 can be transparent translucent, and includes a recess 14. Placed inside the recess 14 is a conduit 18 through which a pump assembly 20 is inserted. As shown in Fig. 8, the pump assembly front 20 extends down from the base 36 of the bracket 34. The front part of the The pump assembly 20 can be rotated with respect to the container 12 so that the front part of the pump assembly 20 can be turned upwardly to a storage position. This allows the front part of the pump assembly 20 to be placed within the recess 14 thereby minimizing the amount of space required for the delivery and storage of the spout system 10.

The container 12 can be formed in various forms with the scope of the present invention. For example, the container 12 shown in Figure 8 includes a rear surface 62, the upper part of which is angled with respect to the lower part.

The embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 9 includes a container 12 and a mounting bracket 34. The container 12 includes an indentation or slot 64 which is formed in the rear surface 62 of the container 12. E the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 9, the groove extends upwards through the upper surface 58 of the container 12. As best shown in Figure 10, the indentation or groove 64 may be T-shaped and may also include a shoulder pa Fixation 72, each fixing shoulder 72 is placed on opposite sides of the indentation or slot 64. As shown there, the indentation or slot 64 s extends through the bottom of the container 12. L bracket 34 shown in figure 11 it includes a key protrusion 66 which engages the indentation or groove 64. In the embodiment shown in figure 11, the protrusion or key 66 extends to the length of the column 42, even though the protrusion or key 66 may extend along only or apart from column 42 in other embodiments. Alternate indentation and protrusion configurations can be used, as long as the indentation is configured to match the protrusion. The alternate configurations of the protrusion or key 66 are shown in Figs. 17-19, although many other configurations may be used with the present invention.

Also shown in Figure 11 is a lock 74 which includes two locking arms 76 extending upwardly from the base of the lock 74. The closing arm includes a cut 78. The rear surface the lock 74 is positioned against it. of the key protrusion 66 and the base of the lock 74 is placed against the base 36 of the mounting bracket 34. The upper surface 79 of the lock arms 76 is positioned against the release members 80 which are extends outward from the protrusion or key 66. As shown in Figure 12, an opening 70 is formed in the base 36 of the bracket 34, the opening being positioned below the lock 72 so that a user can reach inside of the aperture 70 and push the lock 72 up and out from the base 36. In doing so, the upper surfaces 79 are forced against the release members 80, making the closing arms 76 sec. and flex inwards.

When the mounting bracket 34 is engaged in the container 12, the protrusion or key 66 engages the indentation or groove 64 When the protrusion or groove 6 moves further into the groove or indentation 64, the closing arms 76 find the sides of the groove or indentation 64 causing the locking arms 76 to flex inwardly. When the mounting bracket 34 is sufficiently hooked to the container 12 to move the locking arms past the shoulders 72 of the groove or indentation 64 the locking arms 76 flex outwards and the recessed portions 78 of the locking arms latch 76 engages the shoulders 72 In this manner, the bracket 34 is fixed to the container 12.

To release the container 12 from the bracket, user reaches through the opening 70 in the base 36 of the bracket 34 and pushes the lock 74 upwards. As the lock 74 is moved upward, the upper surfaces 79 the closing arms 76 engage the release members 80 causing the locking arms 76 to flex inwardly. When the locking arms 76 are bent inwardly, the cutout part 76 of each closing arm 76 is moved outwardly by the closing shoulders 72 of the indentation or groove 66.

A top view of the container 12 and the bracket 34 described above is shown in Figure 13.

In the alternate embodiments, the indentation groove 66 can be placed in the bracket 34 and the protrusion key 66 can be placed on the container 12. Additionally, the alternate configurations of the bracket 34 of the container 12 can be used to allow the bracket and container being fixed together.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the header 34 may include the mounting holes 68. Mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, similar nails may be used to secure the bracket, through the mounting holes 68. To a surface Additionally, the holes 66 can be configured to engage the mounting features which are already present on the surface to which the bracket is to be secured. The bracket 43 can also be mounted to a surface with adhesive, such as a tape with two similar sides.

As shown in Figure 14, the container 1 of the present invention can be used within a conventional dispenser 82 having a front cover 84 and a rear cover 86. The conduit 18 can be placed on the container 12 so that the The conduit 18 can be aligned with the opening 88 placed in the front cover 84 of the conventional dispenser 82. Additionally, the bomb assembly 20 can be used with the container shown in Fig. 1 so that the pump assembly 20 can be extended through from opening 88 in front cover 84 through conduit 18 and to container 12.

An alternate configuration of the slot and an indentation are shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. An additional closure member 92 extends outward from each of the protrusion 66 (only one shown). Each fixing member 92 engages a cutout 94 in the slot 64.

An alternate incorporation of the container is shown partially in FIG. 15, the lower surface of container 12 being approximately V-shaped. Ot alternate incorporation of container 12 is shown in FIG. 16 where the lower surface of the container includes an arc in the vicinity of conduit 18 and a pump actuator 22.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 20, the recess 14 extends through the front of the container 12 The conduit 18 and the pump assembly 20 are positioned in the recess 14.

The dispenser system of the present invention additionally allows the use of a wide variety of graphics which can be applied to the container 12. The graphics can carry information to the user such as, for example, type and source of material 13 inside the container 12. E use of graphs with the previous assortment systems difficult f, since the graphs were applied to the cover of the pump. In the present invention, the graphs can be applied to the container 12. This allows the graphs to be easily changed by simply removing the empty container and installing a full container 12 to which it has been applied or different graphs have been placed.

Claims (17)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A fluid spout system comprising a container adapted to hold a material the container has a first recess placed on an exterior surface of the container, a duct extending into a container, the duct is positioned within the container recess; A pump assembly adapted to engage the container conduit, the pump assembly has a storage position wherein the pump assembly is positioned essentially within the recess, the pump assembly is adapted to supply fluid from the container.

2. The fluid spout system as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it includes a mounting bracket adapted to support the container.

3. The fluid spout system as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the mounting bracket comprises: one base; a column that extends upwards from the base; Y a top member pivotally mounted to the column.

4. The dispenser system as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that it also includes at least one detent and a protrusion, the protrusion is placed on the mounting bracket, the retainer is placed on the container, the protrusion makes contact with the ret with the placement of the container inside the mounting bracket the protrusion and retainer are adapted to inhibit relative movement between the mounting bracket and the recipient

5. The fluid spout system as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it includes a pump actuator having an upper part flexibly fastened to a lower part, the lower part is operable to drive the pump assembly and supply fluid from e container.

6. The dispensing system as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the lower part of the pump actuator is connected to the upper part of the pump drive so that the lower part can rotate towards the upper part to a storage part.

A dispensing system comprising: a container having a first recess placed on an exterior surface of the container, and a conduit extending inside the container, the conduits are placed within the recess of the container.

8. The dispenser system as claimed in clause 7, further characterized in that it includes a pump assembly adapted to engage the container assembly, and the pump assembly has a storage position in which the pump assembly is essentially located within the pump assembly. rebate

9. The dispensing system as claimed in clause 7, characterized in that the container further includes a second recess placed on a surface of the container.

10. The dispensing system as claimed in clause 7, further characterized in that it includes a pump actuator operable to drive the pump assembly and to supply the material from the container.

11. The dispenser system as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that the pump actuator further includes a lower part and an upper part, the lower pair of the pump actuator is attached to the upper part of the pump actuator so that the lower part can rotate towards the top to a storage position

12. The spout system as claimed in clause 7, further characterized in that it includes a mounting tool adapted to support the container.

13. The spout system as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the mounting bracket further includes a base and a column extending upwards from the base.

14. The spout system as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the mounting bracket further includes an upper member pivotally mounted to the column.

15. The spout system as claimed in clause 8, the mounting bracket engages the container through a slot and key configuration, the slot can be placed on any mounting bracket or slot

16. The spout system as claimed in clause 8, further characterized in that it includes at least one protrusion and a retainer, the protrusion engages and retains with the placement of the container within the mounting bracket, the protrusion and retainer are adapted to inhibit relative movement between the mounting bracket and container.

17. The dispensing system as claimed in clause 8, further characterized in that it includes a fixing mechanism adapted to fix the container to the mounting bracket. SUMMARY A fluid dispensing system is described herein the system includes a container adapted to contain or material, the container has a first recess placed on an outer surface of the container and a conduit extending into the container, the conduit is placed within the recess of the container. container. A pump assembly is provided which is adapted to supply fluid from the container. The pump assembly is further adapted to engage the container's conduct and which has a storage position e where the pump assembly is essentially located within the recess. In selected embodiments, a mounting bracket is provided which is adapted to support the container. The mounting bracket may include a base, a column extending upwardly from the base, and an upper member which may be pivotally mounted. to the column. In some embodiments, a recess and a protrusion may be provided so that the protrusion engages the retreat with the placement of the container within the mounting bracket. The protrusion and retainer are adapted to inhibit relative movement between the mounting bracket and the mounting bracket. Container The pump actuator may be provided, the pump actuator includes an upper part flexibly attached to the lower part, the lower part operable to drive the pump assembly and supply the fluid from the container.