NZ541633A - Improved fluid dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid dispenser (1) which includes a plurality of fluid reservoirs (2a, 2b) and a fluid channel (3a, 3b) connected to each reservoir, the fluid channels being adapted to carry fluid from the reservoir to which the fluid channel is connected, an actuator mechanism (5) configured to engage with a fluid channel to trigger the dispensing of fluids, and a movable channel mounting (4) connected to at least two of the fluid channels. The movable channel mounting is adapted to move at least one fluid channel into an engagement position to allow the at least one fluid channel to be engaged by the actuator. The movable channel mounting includes a selector switch (10) depending from under the fluid dispenser configured to allow a user to move the movable channel mounting.

Description

t* 1 6 3 3 ;PATENTS FORM NO. 5 ;Fee No. 4: $250.00 ;PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION ;IMPROVED FLUID DISPENSER ;WE Ecolab PTY Limited, an Australian company of 6 Hudson Avenue, Castle Hill ;2154, NSW, Australia. ;hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: ;1 ;Followed by Page 1A ;iiifeslkictua! Proiarty Office of HZ. ;- ? inns; ;RECEIVED ;IMPROVED FLUID DISPENSER ;TECHNICAL FIELD ;This invention relates to the provision of an improved fluid dispenser. ;Preferably, a dispenser provided in accordance with the present invention may 5 incorporate two or more independent fluid reservoirs from which fluid can be dispensed through a single outlet port. Preferably the present invention may also provide an improved and potentially robust design for the implementation of such a dispenser. ;BACKGROUND ART ;10 Fluid dispensers have been developed for a number of applications. These types of apparatus can be used to dispense know volumes of, for example, relatively viscous fluids on demand in a controlled manner. ;For example, liquid soap dispensers have been developed for use in public restrooms and other similar facilities. Liquid soap dispensers allow controlled 15 volumes of soap to be dispensed through a single activation of a dispenser incorporating a single reservoir of fluid soap. ;However, single reservoir dispensers can be emptied prior to the state of the dispenser being noticed by maintenance or janitorial workers responsible for ensuring the dispenser provided works effectively. ;20 One attempt to address this issue has been through the development of dispensers with dual fluid reservoirs, an example of which is disclosed in Australian Patent No. AU 603018. This document describes a dual reservoir fluid dispenser which employs a selector mechanism to determine which ;1A ;reservoir has an associated pump hose which is compressed to deliver fluid. The dispenser described in this document employs an activation handle or lever which extends downward below the main body of the dispenser and which is pulled forward by a user to trigger the dispensing of soap or fluid. ;5 This type of dispenser allows for the continuous delivery of fluid or soap even in the event of the exhaustion of one of the reservoirs. If a reservoir is emptied, a user need only operate a selector switch provided to trigger dispensing of soap from the alternate reservoir. ;However, there are some problems associated with this type of dual reservoir 10 dispenser. ;The dispenser provided has a number of relatively large moving parts which provide a complicated design, and which can potentially increase manufacturing costs associated with the dispenser. ;In some instances this dispenser is also not suitable for installation in public 15 restrooms which can be susceptible to vandalism, or where the dispenser mechanism provided may experience rough handling by users. The actuation lever of this type of dispenser extends a reasonable distance down below the main body of same to provide a weak point or portion of the design. This activation lever may be broken or ripped from its mounting either accidentally or 20 through vandalism. ;US Patent No. 5944227 Schroeder addresses some of the problems with the prior art. However, this has an indented face in which is positioned the selector switch. ;A problem with the positioning of the switch in the indent is that the switch can 25 be fiddly and difficult to access. Further the indent can be difficult to clean and ;2 ;is not aesthetically pleasing. ;It would be desirable if there could be provided a dispenser which is aesthetically pleasing, had a substantially smooth facade for aesthetic and hygienic reasons. ;5 Further, it would be desirable if such a dispenser could be easy to operate as it can be appreciated in such an environment often the user's hands are slippery and wet. Therefore any switches or levers required to be operated should ideally be placed in a position that is readily accessible and movable. ;An improved dispenser assembly, system or apparatus which addressed any or 10 all of the above problems would be of advantage. In particular a dispenser assembly which incorporated a plurality of independent fluid reservoirs and which was implemented through a relatively robust design with a minimal cost to manufacture would also be of advantage. ;All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this 15 specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this 20 reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. ;It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of 25 this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an ;3 ;inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method 5 or process. ;It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. ;Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. ;10 DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION ;According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fluid dispenser which includes, ;a plurality of fluid reservoirs, and a fluid channel connected to each reservoir, said fluid channel being adapted to 15 carry fluid to be dispensed from the reservoir to which the fluid channel is connected, and an actuator configured to engage with a fluid channel to trigger the dispensing of fluids, and a movable channel mounting connected to at least two of said fluid channels, 20 wherein the movable channel mounting is adapted to move at least one fluid channel into an engagement position to allow said at least one fluid channel to be engaged by the actuator, ;characterised in that the movable channel mounting includes a selector switch ;4 ;depending from under the fluid dispenser configured to allow a user to move the movable channel mounting. ;The present invention is adapted to provide a fluid dispenser which may be employed by users to dispense fluids on demand. Reference throughout this 5 specification will also be made to the present invention being used as a liquid soap dispenser employed to dispense relatively viscous liquid soap. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that a fluid dispenser configured in accordance with the present invention may also be used in alternative applications and reference to the dispensing of liquid soap only throughout this 10 specification should in no way be seen as limiting. For example those skilled in the art should appreciate that in other applications the dispenser may be adapted to dispense any number of a range of viscous fluids. ;Preferably a fluid dispenser provided in accordance with the present invention may include a plurality of reservoirs. These reservoirs may hold or retain a set 15 volume of fluid to be dispensed, preferably in an air tight or at least fluid tight package. Such reservoirs may be installed within a dispenser and subsequently removed when empty. ;In a further preferred embodiment a fluid reservoir may be formed from a flexible bladder which has an outlet port adapted to be connected to a fluid 20 channel. These types of reservoirs may be manufactured at relatively low cost (preferably from plastic material) and also disposed of easily when empty. ;Reference throughout this specification will also be made to the dispenser provided including two reservoirs only. The provision of two reservoirs allows for the continuous dispensing of fluid even in the instance where one of the 25 reservoirs is exhausted. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that three or more fluid reservoirs may also be provided to allow, for example, the ;5 ;dispensing of various different types of fluid on demand for users. ;Preferably a fluid dispenser provided in accordance with the present invention may include a plurality of fluid channels. A fluid channel can be employed to carry fluid from an outlet or exit port of a reservoir. In a further preferred 5 embodiment a single fluid channel may be provided for each and every reservoir employed in a fluid dispenser. A single fluid channel only can function effectively to carry fluid to be dispensed and also control the dispensing of such fluid. ;Reference throughout this specification will also be made to the provision of a 10 single fluid channel with a single reservoir, but those skilled in the art should appreciate that multiple channels may also be provided if required. ;Preferably a fluid channel may be formed from or incorporate a flexible conduit. ;In a further preferred embodiment such a flexible conduit may have one open end connected to an outlet port of a reservoir. The opposite end of such a 15 flexible conduit may then be placed in proximity to a dispensing port of the dispenser. The use of flexible conduits allows a fluid channel to be manipulated and moved without necessarily disconnecting the end of a fluid channel from its associated reservoir. ;The actuator mechanism may be adapted to engage with one or more fluid 20 channels to in turn trigger the dispensing of fluid sourced from the reservoir to which a channel is connected. ;Preferably the actuator mechanism has an associated engagement position at which a fluid channel is to be located in to allow the actuator to engage with the channel. This static engagement position will allow the actuator to engage with 25 any fluid channel or channels placed in the engagement position. ;6 ;In a further preferred embodiment the engagement position of the actuator may locate the free end of a channel opposite to the reservoir above or adjacent to a common dispensing port of the dispenser. This then allows fluid present within the channel to be released from same and to exit the dispenser through such a 5 dispensing port. ;Reference throughout this specification will also be made to the actuator mechanism being adapted to engage with a single channel only at any one time with this channel being placed in the actuator's engagement position. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that the actuator mechanism employed 10 may also be adapted to engage with two or more channels at one time if required and the engagement position involved may also be adapted to accommodate two or more channels if required. Reference to the engagement of a single channel only at one time with the actuator throughout this specification should in no way be seen as limiting. ;15 In a preferred embodiment a fluid dispenser provided in accordance with the present invention may include a movable channel mounting. This channel mounting may be connected to at least two fluid channels and may be moved to position or locate at least one of these fluid channels into the engagement position of the actuator. ;20 In a further preferred embodiment each and every fluid channel provided within the fluid dispenser is directly connected to the movable channel mounting. In such a preferred embodiment the movable channel mounting may be positioned or manoeuvred so that one of any of the fluid channels to which the channel is connected may be positioned or located within the actuator's engagement 25 position. ;In a preferred embodiment a movable channel mounting may incorporate a ;7 ;plate or shelf on which at least a portion of the channels involved may be located or connected to. A face or exterior surface of a channel may lie on such a mounting shelf which also may include at least one locating rib or projection, preferably configured to at least partially enclose a channel in place. ;5 The movable channel mounting may also include a selector switch. Such a switch can allow a user to move the channel mounting to in turn adjust which of the connected fluid channels are placed in the engagement position of the actuator. The selector may be formed from, for example, by a lug projecting out into a region accessible by a user on the exterior of the dispenser to allow a 10 user to push or pull the movable channel mounting to a desired position. In a further preferred embodiment a selection control may be formed by a lug projecting from a plate adapted to form at least a portion of the movable channel mounting. ;In preferred embodiments, the selector switch depends from under the fluid 15 dispenser. This positioning has a number of advantages. ;Firstly, this enables the face of the dispenser to be substantially smooth which is more aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean. ;Secondly, with a switch depending from the base, it can be readily used by an operator and does not require fine motor control which can be difficult when 20 hands are wet. As a consequence of depending downwards, the switch can be operated either by thumb and finger or by the back of the hand as required by the operator. ;In preferred embodiments, the movement of the switch is on an arcuate path, again making it easy to push across for the operator. ;25 In a preferred embodiment each fluid channel may include a valve. In a further ;8 ;preferred embodiment each valve incorporated in a fluid channel may have a pressure sensor configuration. ;In a preferred embodiment each fluid channel may include or incorporate a valve at the opposite end of the channel to its connection to a reservoir. This 5 valve may be employed to prevent fluid from leaking from the free open end of the fluid channel. ;In a further preferred embodiment a valve located at the end of a fluid channel may have a pressure sensitive configuration. In such embodiments if the pressure of the fluid present within the channel increases, this will in turn force 10 the valve at the end of the channel to open and subsequently dispense the pressurised fluid from same. ;In a preferred embodiment the actuator may include a plate or compression surface adapted to move or be placed into contact with a surface or face of a fluid channel. The working or contact face of an actuator may bear against a 15 surface of a fluid channel to engage with the fluid channel and subsequently trigger the dispensing of a set volume of fluid from the dispenser. ;Preferably the engagement position of the actuator mechanism may pinch or sandwich a section of a fluid channel between a compression surface of the actuator and the movable channel mounting on which the fluid channel involved 20 is mounted. This configuration of the actuator mechanism and channel mounting will allow the compression surface of the actuator to push against a channel to in turn increase the fluid pressure present within the channel. In such embodiments movement of the actuator mechanism will squeeze or pressurise a section of the fluid channel and pinch same against the channel 25 mounting to in turn trigger dispensing of a set volume of fluid. ;9 ;Preferably the actuator mechanism may be configured to present a user operable button on an exterior face or external housing of the dispenser provided. To activate or operate the dispenser a user may simply depress the button associated with the actuator to in turn move the compression surface of 5 the actuator into engagement with the fluid channel placed in the engagement position. ;In a further preferred embodiment the actuators user operable button may be provided with a pivoting connection to a main body or housing of the dispenser so that when the button is depressed, the free end of the button will swing 10 inwards through an arc. In such an embodiment an interior face of the swinging edge of the button may form the actuator's compression surface as it is swung into contact with a fluid channel placed in the actuator's engagement position. ;A fluid dispenser as configured in accordance with the present invention may provide significant advantages with respect to the prior art. ;15 The use of a button as the actuator which is depressed by a user greatly reduces the chances of vandalism or damage occurring through actuation components of the dispenser extending out from the main body housing. ;By having the selector switch depending from underneath the dispenser, a smooth aesthetically pleasing and readily cleanable face can be used on the 20 dispenser. Further positioning of the switch enables the user to readily have access to it and move it without the need of fine motor control. ;Furthermore, the use of a single movable channel mounting greatly increases the simplicity of the resulting dispenser design. A minimal number of movable parts can be incorporated into such a design and furthermore the size and 25 complexity of these moving parts are reduced. This in turn provides a relatively ;10 ;robust design with less opportunity for breakage, and potentially with a lower manufacturing cost. ;BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS ;Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following 5 description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: ;Figures 1a & 1b show front schematic cross section views of a dispenser provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment when fluid is to be dispensed from alternate reservoirs, and ;10 Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the entire dispenser discussed with respect to figures 1a and 1b, and ;Figure 3 shows a front view of the dispenser discussed with respect to figures 1a, 1b and 2. ;Figures 4a &4b shows side cross section views of the dispenser discussed 15 with respect to figures 1a and 1b both prior to and during activation of the dispenser involved. ;BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION ;Figures 1a & 1b show front schematic cross section views of a dispenser provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment when fluid is to be 20 dispensed from alternate reservoirs. ;Figures 1a and 1b show the dispenser (1) when configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The dispenser includes a pair of reservoirs (2a, 2b) where each reservoir has a fluid channel (3a, 3b) connected to an outlet port ;11 ;(not shown) of the reservoir. ;Each of the fluid channels (3) are in turn also connected to a movable channel mounting (4) which is adapted to adjust the positions of the attached channels without necessarily disconnecting each channel from its associated reservoir (2). ;5 The dispenser (1) also includes an actuator, formed in the embodiment shown via a pivoting button (5) (shown in Figures 4a & 4b). This button is configured to be depressed by a user to swing the free edge defining a compression surface (6) of the button (5) down into contact and engagement with one of the fluid channels (3). ;The dispenser (1) illustrated is adapted to allow fluid to be dispensed from a single 10 reservoir (2) only on the depression of the actuator button (5). In the configuration shown with respect to figure 1a, a fluid is to be dispensed from the right hand reservoir (2b) whereas in the configuration shown with respect to figure 1b, fluid is to be dispensed from the left hand reservoir (2a). ;As can be seen from figures 1a and 1b, a single channel (3) only will be placed 15 within the engagement position of the actuator provided at one time. Pressure applied by the actuator button (5) will then pressurise the fluid contained within a channel and trigger the opening of a pressure sensitive valve (7) located at the free end of each channel (3). A set volume of fluid will be trapped and pressurised by the descending compression surface (6) of the actuator button (5) where this set 20 volume of fluid will be subsequently dispensed on the opening of each end valve assembly (7). ;ui * a! Proparty - 2 NOV 2005 12 A selector switch (10) depends from underneath the fluid dispenser (1). The selector switch (10) is connected to move the channel mounting (4) so as to select from which reservoir (2a or 2b) to dispense fluid.

As can be seen in all of the figures, the selector switch (10) is positioned in a 5 way that it can be readily accessed by the user. The arcuate movement of the switch from one side to the other allows for easy operation. Further its positioning ensures that the front of the dispenser (1), as clearly exemplified in figures 2 and 3 is smooth, aesthetically pleasing and easily cleaned.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the entire dispenser discussed with 10 respect to figures 1 a and 1 b.

Figure 2 shows in more detail the channel mounting (4) discussed with respect to figures 1a and 1b. As can be seen from figure 2, the channel mounting (4) forms a movable plate or shelf on which each channel (3) is located. The mounting also includes the projecting selector switch (10) which can be pushed 15 or pulled by a user to move the mounting relative to the main body or housing of the dispenser.

Figure 3 shows a front view of the dispenser discussed with respect to figures 1a, 1b and 2.

As can be seen from figure 3, a relatively compact dispenser is provided in 20 conjunction with the present invention. This dispenser eliminates any weak projecting components which are susceptible to damage and has an aesthetically pleasing minimalist external appearance.

Figures 4a &4b shows side cross section views of the dispenser discussed with respect to figures 1a and 1b both prior to and during activation of the dispenser 25 involved. 13 Figure 4a shows the dispenser provided in a rest position prior to the triggering of dispensing of fluid. Conversely figure 4b shows the situation where the actuator button (5) is depressed to trigger the opening of the pressure sensitive valve located at the free end of one particular fluid channel.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims. 14

Claims (21)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A fluid dispenser which includes, a plurality of fluid reservoirs, and a fluid channel connected to each reservoir, said fluid channels being adapted to carry fluid from the reservoir to which the fluid channel is connected, and an actuator mechanism configured to engage with a fluid channel to trigger the dispensing of fluids, and a movable channel mounting connected to at least two of said fluid channels, wherein the movable channel mounting is adapted to move at least one fluid channel into an engagement position to allow said at least one fluid channel to be engaged by the actuator, characterised in that the movable channel mounting includes a selector switch depending from under the fluid dispenser configured to allow a user to move the movable channel mounting.

2. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the dispenser is configured to dispense viscous fluids.

3. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the dispenser is configured to dispense liquid soap.

4. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim wherein the dispenser includes two reservoirs.

5. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim wherein a reservoir is formed from a flexible bladder. 15

6. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim which includes a single fluid channel for each reservoir, said single fluid channel being connected to an outlet port of the reservoir.

7. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim wherein a fluid channel is formed from a flexible conduit.

8. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim wherein each fluid channel includes a valve.

9. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 8 wherein each fluid channel includes a pressure sensitive valve.

10. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim wherein all fluid channels of the dispenser are connected to the movable channel mounting.

11. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim wherein the movable channel mounting includes a plate which fluid channels are connected to.

12. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim wherein the movable channel mounting includes at least one locating projection.

13. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim wherein the selector switch is formed from a lug projecting from a plate adapted to form at least a portion of the movable channel mounting.

14. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim wherein the actuator includes a compression surface which moves against a surface of a fluid channel.

15. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim wherein the actuator has an associated engagement position which a fluid channel is to be located in to allow the actuator to engage with said channel. 16

16. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 15 wherein the engagement position of the actuator pinches a section of fluid channel between a compression surface of the actuator and the movable channel mounting.

17. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim wherein the operation of the actuator increases fluid pressure present within a section of a fluid channel.

18. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim wherein the actuator includes a user operable button configured to move a compression surface of the actuator to contact a fluid channel located in the actuator's engagement position.

19. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any previous claim wherein the actuator is provided with a pivoting connection to a housing of the dispenser.

20. A method of manufacturing a fluid dispenser substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

21. A fluid dispenser substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples. intellectual Pronsrty Office of N.Z.