US20220047125A1 - Liquid dispenser - Google Patents
Liquid dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220047125A1 US20220047125A1 US16/990,344 US202016990344A US2022047125A1 US 20220047125 A1 US20220047125 A1 US 20220047125A1 US 202016990344 A US202016990344 A US 202016990344A US 2022047125 A1 US2022047125 A1 US 2022047125A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- dispenser
- cap
- dispenser head
- bottle
- head
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
- A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
- A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
- A47K5/1202—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap dispensing dosed volume
- A47K5/1204—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap dispensing dosed volume by means of a rigid dispensing chamber and pistons
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
- A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
- A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
- A47K5/1217—Electrical control means for the dispensing mechanism
Definitions
- Hand hygiene is critical to preventing a spread of infection, germs, and disease. Washing or sanitizing hands at regular intervals or in view of certain actions such as entering a room or other enclosed environment or touching communal surfaces is especially critical for preventing such spread. Consequently, there is a need for convenient access to hand sanitizer, and by extension a device that is sufficiently compact and mobile for being disposed in a variety of locations to conveniently provide hand sanitizer.
- communal hand sanitizer devices activated by direct contact with a user ultimately require multiple users touch the same surface for access to hand sanitizer, which can communicate germs from one user to another to, in certain cases, encourage the spread of infection, germs, and disease.
- known hand sanitizer devices distribute hand sanitizer over an empty space a user's hand is intended to occupy, however, when the user's hand does not catch the sanitizer, known hand sanitizer devices lack means for preventing the sanitizer from spilling. Consequently, there is also a need for a hand sanitizer device that is activated without direct contact and is configured for catching hand sanitizer distributed therefrom in the event the hand sanitizer is not caught by a user.
- An overhang is formed from the top dispenser head portion, the overhang being located above the cavity when the dispenser is oriented in an upright position.
- An outlet is located on the overhang, the outlet being configured for dispensing the contents of the bottle.
- a ledge is formed from the bottom dispenser head portion and spaced from the overhang across the cavity. The ledge is located below the cavity when the dispenser is oriented in the upright position.
- a platform is formed from the ledge and positioned underneath the outlet. The platform is configured for catching and collecting contents dispensed from the outlet.
- a liquid dispenser includes a bottle, a cap, and a dispenser.
- the bottle defines an interior configured for storing contents, and defines an opening to the interior from an exterior.
- the cap is configured for engaging the bottle such that the cap is positioned over the opening and in fluid communication with the interior of the bottle.
- the dispenser head is configured for engaging the cap at a side of the cap opposite the bottle, rotating relative to the cap about a dispenser head rotational axis, and dispensing contents of the bottle through the opening and the cap.
- the dispenser head rotational axis is directed through the cap and the bottle when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap and the cap is engaged with the bottle.
- a pin is extended from one of the cap and the dispenser head and a corresponding slot is defined in the other of the cap and the dispenser head.
- the slot is shaped as an arc along a rotational direction of the dispenser head with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap.
- the slot has a first end and a second end oppositely disposed from each other along an arc length of the slot, the slot being configured for receiving the pin when the dispenser head engages the cap.
- a projection is extended from one of the cap and the dispenser head, and a recess is defined in the other of the cap and the dispenser head respectively corresponding with the projection.
- the recess is shaped as an arc along a rotational direction of the dispenser head with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap.
- the recess has a first end and a second end oppositely disposed from each other along an arc length of the recess.
- the recess is configured for receiving the projection when the dispenser head engages the cap.
- the dispenser head When the dispenser head is engaged with the cap and is rotated relative to the cap about the dispenser head rotational axis such that the pin travels in the slot from a first pin position that is closer to the first end of the slot as compared to the second end of the slot to a second pin position that is closer to the second end of the slot as compared to the first end of the slot, the projection respectively travels in the recess from a first projection position that is closer to the first end of the recess as compared to the second end of the recess to a second projection position that is closer to the second end of the recess as compared to the first end of the recess.
- a bottle assembly for use with a liquid dispenser includes a bottle, a cap, a plug and shrink wrap.
- the bottle includes a bottle side wall defining an interior configured for storing contents, and defines an opening to the interior from an exterior.
- the side wall is concentric about a central axis.
- the cap connects with the bottle and is positioned over the opening.
- the cap defines an aperture centered along the central axis.
- the plug is received in and removable from the aperture.
- the shrink wrap is disposed over at least a portion of the bottle and the plug.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser.
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the dispenser.
- FIG. 3 is a front view of a dispenser head of the dispenser.
- FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser head.
- FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the dispenser head.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cap and a bottle of the dispenser.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cap and the bottle.
- FIG. 8 is a top view of the cap.
- FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the cap.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bottle.
- FIG. 11 is a top view of the bottle.
- FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bottle and the cap in a prepackaged state.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the bottle and the cap in a packaged state.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a dispenser 100 including a dispenser head 102 and a bottle 104 .
- the bottle 104 defines an interior 110 configured for storing contents 112 from an exterior 114
- the dispenser head 102 is configured for dispensing the contents 112 from the bottle 104 when the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the bottle 104 .
- the dispenser head 102 is configured to rotate relative to the bottle 104 about a dispenser head rotational axis 120 between and including a first dispenser head position where the dispenser head 102 is removable from the bottle 104 and a second dispenser head position where the dispenser head 102 is locked in position with the bottle 104 .
- the dispenser head 102 and the bottle 104 are, as a whole, sized to form the dispenser 100 in a mobile, handheld configuration.
- the bottle 104 is formed from a transparent material such that the contents 112 are visible to a user from the exterior 114 . With this, a user is able to visibly determine an amount of the contents 112 in the bottle 104 including a state where the bottle 104 is full of the contents 112 and a state where the bottle 104 is empty of the contents 112 .
- the contents 112 are a sanitizing agent, such as a hand sanitizer.
- the dispenser head 102 has an exterior surface 122 extended between a top dispenser head portion 124 and a bottom dispenser head portion 130 .
- the exterior surface 122 of the dispenser head 102 is formed from a single unitary piece such that the exterior surface 122 of the dispenser head 102 is continuous from the top dispenser head portion 124 to the bottom dispenser head portion 130 .
- the exterior surface 122 of the dispenser head 102 defines a cavity 132 that is a negative space of the dispenser head 102 interposed between the top dispenser head portion 124 and the bottom dispenser head portion 130 .
- the cavity 132 is formed in the shape of an arc (e.g., a C-shaped arc) taken from a side view of the dispenser 100 .
- the cavity 132 is sized such that the cavity 132 is configured to accommodate a hand of a user positioned in the cavity 132 .
- An overhang 134 formed from the top dispenser head portion 124 is located above and at least partially defines the cavity 132 when the dispenser head 102 is provided in an upright position.
- the upright position of the dispenser 100 including the dispenser head 102 and the bottle 104 is achieved when the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the bottle 104 and the dispenser 100 is positioned with a bottom surface 140 of the bottle 104 on a supporting surface 142 that is substantially horizontal.
- An outlet 144 located on the overhang 134 is configured for dispensing the contents 112 from the bottle 104 into the cavity 132 and away from the exterior surface 122 of the dispenser head 102 .
- a power button 150 located on the top dispenser head portion 124 at least partially defines a top surface 152 of the dispenser head 102 .
- the power button 150 faces upwards when the dispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position, while the outlet 144 is located on a bottom surface 154 of the top dispenser head portion 124 and directed to dispense the contents 112 downwards when the dispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position.
- the top dispenser head portion 124 is interposed between and separates the outlet 144 and the power button 150 in a vertical direction when the dispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position.
- the outlet 144 is configured to dispense the contents 112 away from the top dispenser head portion 124 including the power button 150 . As such, the contents 112 do not contact the power button 150 when dispensed from the outlet 144 .
- a ledge 160 is formed from the bottom dispenser head portion 130 and spaced from the overhang 134 across the cavity 132 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the ledge 160 at least partially defines the cavity 132 and is located below the cavity 132 and the overhang 134 when the dispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position.
- the ledge 160 includes a platform 162 oriented substantially horizontally and positioned vertically underneath the outlet 144 when the dispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position. As such, contents 112 that fall from the outlet 144 and through the cavity 132 otherwise impeded land directly on the platform 162 . In this manner, the platform 162 is configured for catching and collecting the contents 112 dispensed from the outlet 144 , preventing the contents from spilling onto the supporting surface 142 .
- the platform 162 may feature a raised perimeter configured for collecting larger volumes of the contents 112 without overfilling the platform 162 .
- the dispenser head 102 includes a visible light source 164 (depicted in phantom) positioned behind a light source cover 170 , which can be formed from tinted plastic.
- a visible light source 164 which each can be an LED that emits visible light, are depicted in FIG. 3 ; however, a fewer or greater number of visible light sources 164 can be provided.
- Each visible light source 164 is configured to create visible light that is disposed from the cavity 132 to illuminate the contents 112 dispensed from the outlet 144 , and is located in the top dispenser head portion 124 .
- An infrared light source 168 (depicted in phantom) cooperates with an infrared light sensor 172 (depicted in phantom), which can both be positioned behind the light source cover 170 and located in the top dispenser head portion 124 , detect the presence of a hand of a user, or other object such as a dish or plate, in the cavity 132 .
- the infrared light source 168 and the infrared light sensor 172 can each be offset from a plane in which the dispenser head rotational axis 120 and the outlet 144 reside and that is normal to the supporting surface 142 on which the bottle 104 rests when the dispenser 100 is in a use position.
- the aforementioned plane is coincident with the dispenser head rotational axis 120 depicted in FIG. 3 .
- the infrared light source 168 and the infrared light sensor 172 are offset closer to this plane as compared to each respective visible light source 164 .
- the visible light source is an LED light configured to visually indicate various aspects of the dispenser 100 such as an operational status of the dispenser 100 , and whether the dispenser 100 is turned on or off.
- the power button 150 is pressed, causing the dispenser 100 to turn on and the visible light source 164 to briefly actuate with a first signal, indicating the dispenser 100 is turned on and in a normal dispensing mode.
- the power button 150 is pressed again, causing the dispenser 100 to change an operational state, for example to an extra portion dispensing mode, and the visible light source 164 briefly actuates with a second signal, indicating the dispenser 100 is turned on and in the extra portion dispensing mode.
- the power button 150 is pressed again, causing the dispenser 100 to turn off, and the visible light source 164 briefly actuates a third signal, indicating the dispenser 100 is turned off.
- FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the dispenser head 102 taken from a plane 174 drawn in FIG. 3 .
- a dispenser head side wall 180 extends from a dispenser head bottom wall 182 and a recess 184 is defined in an interior side 190 of the dispenser head side wall 180 .
- the recess 184 has a first end 192 and a second end 194 oppositely disposed from each other along an arc length of the recess 184 .
- the interior side 190 of the dispenser head side wall 180 further defines a detent 200 at the second end 194 of the recess 184 .
- a cutout 202 is defined in the interior side 190 of the dispenser head side wall 180 at the bottom dispenser head portion 130 with the recess 184 .
- the cutout 202 extends in a longitudinal direction of the dispenser 100 that is parallel to the dispenser head rotational axis 120 and substantially vertical when the dispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position.
- the cutout 202 respectively connects with the recess 184 at a position along the recess 184 closer to the first end 192 of the recess 184 as compared to the second end 194 of the recess 184 .
- a battery 206 (or batteries) located in the dispenser head 102 is removable from the dispenser head 102 through the dispenser head bottom wall 182 .
- the battery 206 is received in a battery housing 208 that is biased toward the dispenser head bottom wall 182 by a spring 214 .
- a battery cover 216 which is made from a flexible material such as silicone, covers a lower portion of the battery housing 208 and is accessible from a bottom surface 218 of the dispenser head bottom wall 182 .
- the battery cover 216 forms a liquid-tight seal with the dispenser head bottom wall 182 effective to prevent the contents 112 from leaking to the battery 206 in a case where the contents 112 leak from between the bottle 104 and the cap 220 .
- Providing access to the battery 206 through the dispenser head bottom wall 182 hides the battery compartment, i.e., it is not visible from an exterior to the dispenser head 102 , when the bottle 104 is connected to the dispenser head 102 .
- To install the battery housing 206 one inserts the battery housing 208 through the opening in the dispenser head bottom wall 182 and presses against the bias of the spring 214 until the battery housing 206 is caught. To release the battery housing, one presses again against the spring 214 .
- the recess 184 is plural recesses 184 defined in the interior side 190 of the dispenser head side wall 180 with a similar construction, and circumferentially spaced relative to the dispenser head rotational axis 120 .
- each recess 184 is defined along the interior side 190 of the dispenser head side wall 180 and shaped as an arc with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis 120 .
- the dispenser head bottom wall 182 features a pin 204 extended therefrom, and an inlet 210 fluidly connected with a conduit 212 configured for transporting the contents 112 through the dispenser head 102 to the outlet 144 .
- the dispenser head 102 is configured to engage the bottle 104 through a cap 220 .
- the cap 220 is configured for being fixed with the bottle 104 .
- the cap 220 includes a plug 222 configured for blocking an aperture 224 depicted in FIG. 7 in fluid communication with the interior 110 of the bottle 104 through a dip tube 230 .
- FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of the cap 220 engaged with the bottle 104 .
- the bottle 104 defines the interior 110 within a bottle top wall 232 , a bottle side wall 234 , and a bottle bottom wall 240 .
- the bottle top wall 232 defines an opening 242 to the interior 110 from the exterior 114 , and a neck 244 extends from the bottle top wall 232 at a perimeter of the opening 242 with a catch 250 and a stop 252 circumferentially disposed around the neck 244 .
- the bottle side wall 234 is cylindrical and concentric about the dispenser head rotational axis 120 .
- the cap 220 includes a cap seal 254 and a cap inner side wall 260 extended downward from a cap top wall 262 when the dispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position.
- the cap seal 254 and the cap inner side wall 260 are cooperatively engaged with the neck 244 such that the cap top wall 262 covers the opening 242 .
- a distal end 264 of the cap inner side wall 260 includes a cap hook 270 disposed between the catch 250 and the stop 252 in a direction parallel with the dispenser head rotational axis 120 .
- the catch 250 includes a sloped surface 272 extended from an outer surface 274 of the neck 244 and the cap hook 270 includes a complementary sloped surface 280 extended from an inner surface 282 of the cap inner side wall 260 such that the cap hook 270 is deflected over the catch 250 when the cap 220 engages the bottle 104 , and is locked between the catch 250 and the stop 252 to prevent removing the cap 220 from the bottle 104 when the cap 220 is engaged with the bottle 104 .
- the stop 252 is extended from the outer surface 274 of the neck 244 and disposed beneath the catch 250 when the dispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position. The stop 252 is impassible by the cap hook 270 so as to support the cap hook 270 on the neck 244 when the cap 220 is engaged with the bottle 104 .
- the cap seal 254 engages an inner surface 284 of the neck 244 , forming a seal between the bottle 104 and the cap 220 effective for preventing the contents 112 from leaking out of the dispenser 100 between the bottle 104 and the cap 220 .
- the cap top wall 262 extends radially outward over the cap seal 254 to rest on a distal end 290 of the neck 244 when the cap 220 is engaged with the bottle 104 , supporting the cap top wall 262 on the bottle 104 over the opening 242 .
- a cap outer side wall 292 is extended downward from a radially outer periphery of the cap top wall 262 with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis 120 when the dispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position.
- a distal end 294 of the cap outer side wall 292 contacts the bottle top wall 232 when the cap 220 is engaged with the bottle 104 .
- the cap top wall 262 includes a thinned portion 300 located radially outward from the cap inner side wall 260 and immediately adjacent the cap inner side wall 260 such that the cap hook 270 fixes the cap 220 to the bottle 104 entirely through the thinned portion 300 of the cap top wall 262 .
- the thinned portion 300 is located radially between the cap inner side wall 260 and the cap outer side wall 292 along the cap top wall 262 with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis 120 .
- the thinned portion 300 is configured to deform in the event a user attempts to tamper with the cap 220 so as to inhibit removal of the cap 220 from the bottle 104 , or irreparably tear if the user is successful in removing the installed cap 220 . This ensures that the bottle 104 cannot be reused with the dispenser head 102 to dispense alternative contents not original within the bottle 104 .
- the cap hook 270 is plural cap hooks 270 extended from the inner surface 282 of the cap inner side wall 260 with a similar construction, and circumferentially spaced relative to the dispenser head rotational axis 120 .
- each cap hook 270 extends radially inward from the cap inner side wall 260 toward the dispenser head rotational axis 120 so as to engage the catch 250 circumferentially around the neck 244 when the dispenser head 102 engages the cap 220 .
- FIGS. 6-9 depict a slot 302 defined in the cap top wall 262 .
- the slot 302 is shaped as an arc along a rotational direction of the dispenser head 102 with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis 120 when the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the cap 220 .
- the slot 302 has a first end 304 and a second end 310 oppositely disposed from each other along an arc length of the slot 302 .
- the slot 302 is configured for receiving the pin 204 when the dispenser head 102 engages the cap 220 .
- the dispenser head 102 When the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the bottle 104 , the dispenser head 102 is capable of rotating relative to the cap 220 about the dispenser head rotational axis 120 such that the pin 204 travels in the slot 302 from a first pin position that is closer to the first end 304 of the slot 302 as compared to the second end 310 of the slot 302 to a second pin position that is closer to the second end 310 of the slot 302 as compared to the first end 304 of the slot 302 .
- the first end 304 of the slot 302 engages the pin 204 as a mechanical stop when the dispenser head 102 is rotated from the second pin position to the first pin position
- the second end 310 of the slot 302 engages the pin 204 as a mechanical stop when the dispenser head 102 is rotated from the first pin position to the second pin position such that a rotational relationship between the dispenser head 102 and the bottle 104 is restricted to an angular range corresponding with an angular range of motion of the pin 204 in the slot 302 about the dispenser head rotational axis 120 .
- the respective locations of the pin 204 and the slot 302 may be switched such that the pin 204 extends from the cap 220 and the slot 302 is defined in the dispenser head 102 , without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the dispenser 100 generally includes the pin 204 as extended from one of the cap 220 and the dispenser head 102 , and the slot 302 as defined in the other of the cap 220 and the dispenser head 102 , where the slot 302 is shaped as an arc along a rotational direction of the dispenser head 102 with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis 120 when the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the cap 220 , and the slot 302 is configured for receiving the pin 204 when the dispenser head 102 engages the cap 220 .
- a projection 312 corresponding with the recess 184 is extended radially outward from the cap outer side wall 292 when the dispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position.
- the projection 312 is extended from the cap 220 towards the dispenser head 102 , into the corresponding recess 184 .
- the recess 184 is configured for receiving the projection 312 when the dispenser head 102 engages the cap 220 .
- the projection 312 is capable of travel in the recess 184 between the first end 192 of the recess 184 and the second end 194 of the recess 184 when the dispenser head 102 is rotated relative to the cap 220 about the dispenser head rotational axis 120 between the first dispenser head position and the second dispenser head position.
- the pin 204 travels in the slot 302 from the first pin position to the second pin position
- the projection 312 respectively travels in the recess 184 from a first projection position that is closer to the first end 192 of the recess 184 as compared to the second end 194 of the recess 184 to a second projection position that is closer to the second end 194 of the recess 184 as compared to the first end 192 of the recess 184 .
- the cutout 202 respectively connects with the recess 184 at a position of the recess 184 closer to the first end 192 of the recess 184 as compared to the second end 194 of the recess 184 , the projection 312 is guided to the first projection position by the cutout 202 when the dispenser head 102 engages the cap 220 .
- the projection 312 is plural projections 312 having a similar construction, and the projections 312 are disposed on the cap outer side wall 292 along a rotational direction of the dispenser head 102 taken around the dispenser head rotational axis 120 , where each projection 312 corresponds with and is configured to engage a recess 184 when the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the cap 220 .
- the projection 312 is depicted as two projections 312 oppositely disposed form each other on the cap outer side wall 292
- the projection 312 and corresponding recess 184 may alternatively feature additional similar projections and corresponding recesses respectively, and the projection 312 and the recess 184 may be disposed about the cap outer side wall 292 in various constant or irregular intervals without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the projection 312 is a thread extended along a rotational direction of the dispenser head 102 around the dispenser head rotational axis 120 when the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the cap 220 .
- a protrusion 314 disposed on the projection 312 is extended integrally from the projection 312 .
- the detent 200 defined in the interior side 190 of the dispenser head side wall 180 corresponds with the protrusion 314 such that the detent 200 is configured to receive the protrusion 314 when the projection 312 is rotated from the first projection position to the second projection position.
- the respective locations of the projection 312 and the recess 184 may be switched such that the projection 312 extends from the dispenser head 102 and the recess 184 is defined in the cap 220 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the dispenser 100 includes the projection 312 as extended from one of the cap 220 and the dispenser head 102 , and the recess 184 as defined in the other of the cap 220 and the dispenser head 102 , where the recess 184 is shaped as an arc along a rotational direction of the dispenser head 102 with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis 120 when the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the cap 220 , and the recess 184 is configured for receiving the projection 312 when the dispenser head 102 engages the cap 220 .
- the respective locations of the protrusion 314 and the corresponding detent 200 may be switched such that the protrusion 314 extends into the recess 184 and the detent 200 is defined in the projection 312 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the dispenser 100 includes the protrusion 314 disposed on one of the projection 312 and the dispenser head 102 , and the detent 200 corresponding with the protrusion 314 as defined in the other of the projection 312 and the dispenser head 102 .
- FIG. 9 depicts a rib 320 formed in the cap 220 and extended radially inward from the inner surface 282 of the cap inner side wall 260
- FIGS. 10 and 11 depict a channel 322 corresponding to the rib 320 defined in the catch 250
- the rib 320 is configured for engaging the channel 322 and preventing rotation between the cap 220 and the bottle 104 about the dispenser head rotational axis 120 when the cap 220 is engaged with the bottle 104
- the rib 320 is plural ribs 320 extended radially inward from the inner surface 282 of the cap inner side wall 260 with a similar construction, and circumferentially spaced relative to the dispenser head rotational axis 120 .
- the channel 322 is plural channels 322 defined in the catch 250 , and circumferentially spaced relative to the dispenser head rotational axis 120 to respectively correspond with the ribs 320 .
- the respective locations of the rib 320 and the channel 322 may be switched such that the rib 320 extends radially outward from the outer surface 274 of the neck 244 and the channel 322 is defined in the inner surface 282 of the cap inner side wall 260 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the dispenser 100 includes the rib 320 as extended from one of the bottle 104 and the cap 220 , and the channel 322 corresponding with the rib 320 as defined in the other of the bottle 104 and the cap 220 .
- the thinned portion 300 of the cap top wall 262 is located radially inward of the slot 302 and the projection 312 , and positioned radially outward of the rib 320 with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis 120 when the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the cap 220 .
- the thinned portion 300 of the cap top wall 262 is configured to deform or tear the cap 220 between a connection to the dispenser head 102 and a connection to the bottle 104 .
- aspects of the thinned portion 300 are still effective for deforming or tearing so as to inhibit tampering with the cap 220 or prevent the cap 220 from again correctly interfacing with the bottle 104 if the cap 220 is successfully removed from the bottle 104 .
- FIG. 12 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser 100 .
- the cap 220 is configured for engaging the bottle 104 such that the cap 220 is positioned over the opening 242 and the aperture 224 is in fluid communication with the interior 110 of the bottle 104 via the aperture 224 .
- the dispenser head 102 is configured for engaging the cap 220 at a side of the cap 220 opposite the bottle 104 and dispensing the contents 112 from the bottle 104 through the opening 242 and the cap 220 .
- the conduit 212 connects the inlet 210 of the dispenser 100 to a pump 324 , and the pump 324 to the outlet 144 , where the pump 324 is electrically connected with and powered by the battery 206 for delivering the contents 112 from the bottle 104 through the outlet 144 .
- the dispenser head rotational axis 120 is directed through the cap 220 and the bottle 104 when the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the cap 220 and the cap 220 is engaged with the bottle 104 .
- the dispenser head 102 When the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the cap 220 , the dispenser head 102 is flush with the bottle 104 such that an exterior surface 330 of the dispenser 100 is continuous between the exterior surface 122 of the dispenser head 102 and the exterior surface 332 of the bottle 104 , at a location radially outward of an outermost periphery of the cap 220 including the cap outer side wall 292 with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis 120 . In this manner, the cap 220 is hidden in the dispenser 100 from external view of the dispenser 100 when the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the cap 220 and the cap 220 is engaged with the bottle 104 .
- the dispenser head bottom wall 182 faces the cap top wall 262 when the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the cap 220 such that the battery 206 is hidden from external view of the dispenser 100 , and is not accessible or removable from the dispenser 100 . Also, because the pin 204 is extended from the dispenser head bottom wall 182 and the dispenser head bottom wall 182 faces the cap top wall 262 in which the slot 302 is defined, the slot 302 and the pin 204 are hidden from external view of the dispenser 100 when the dispenser head 102 is engaged with the cap 220 .
- FIG. 13 depicts the bottle 104 in a prepackaged state where a packaging seal 334 , such as an adhesive sticker, is adhered to the cap 220 , with the plug 222 disposed in the aperture 224 of the cap 220 .
- the aperture 224 of the cap 220 is concentric with dispenser head rotational axis 120 , which is also the central axis of the bottle 104 .
- FIG. 14 depicts the bottle 104 in a packaged state where a shrink wrap 340 is disposed over the bottle 104 , the cap outer side wall 292 , the cap top wall 262 , and a periphery of the packaging seal 334 such that the shrink wrap 340 and the packaging seal 334 cooperatively provide a tamper-evident seal around the bottle 104 and the cap 220 .
Abstract
A liquid dispenser includes a bottle, a cap, and a dispenser head. The bottle defines an interior configured for storing contents, and defines an opening to the interior from an exterior. The cap is configured for engaging the bottle such that the cap is positioned over the opening and is in fluid communication with the interior of the bottle. The dispenser head is configured for engaging the cap at a side of the cap opposite the bottle and dispensing the contents of the bottle through the cap, the dispenser head having an exterior surface extended between a top dispenser head portion and a bottom dispenser head portion. A cavity in the dispenser head is defined by the exterior surface of the dispenser head between the top dispenser head portion and the bottom dispenser head portion.
Description
- Hand hygiene is critical to preventing a spread of infection, germs, and disease. Washing or sanitizing hands at regular intervals or in view of certain actions such as entering a room or other enclosed environment or touching communal surfaces is especially critical for preventing such spread. Consequently, there is a need for convenient access to hand sanitizer, and by extension a device that is sufficiently compact and mobile for being disposed in a variety of locations to conveniently provide hand sanitizer. Notably, communal hand sanitizer devices activated by direct contact with a user ultimately require multiple users touch the same surface for access to hand sanitizer, which can communicate germs from one user to another to, in certain cases, encourage the spread of infection, germs, and disease. Further, known hand sanitizer devices distribute hand sanitizer over an empty space a user's hand is intended to occupy, however, when the user's hand does not catch the sanitizer, known hand sanitizer devices lack means for preventing the sanitizer from spilling. Consequently, there is also a need for a hand sanitizer device that is activated without direct contact and is configured for catching hand sanitizer distributed therefrom in the event the hand sanitizer is not caught by a user.
- According to an embodiment, a liquid dispenser includes a bottle, a cap, and a dispenser head. The bottle defines an interior configured for storing contents, and defines an opening to the interior from an exterior. The cap is configured for engaging the bottle such that the cap is positioned over the opening and is in fluid communication with the interior of the bottle. The dispenser head is configured for engaging the cap at a side of the cap opposite the bottle and dispensing the contents of the bottle through the cap. The dispenser head has an exterior surface extended between a top dispenser head portion and a bottom dispenser head portion. A cavity in the dispenser head is defined by the exterior surface of the dispenser head between the top dispenser head portion and the bottom dispenser head portion. The cavity is sized for accommodating a hand of a user positioned in the cavity. An overhang is formed from the top dispenser head portion, the overhang being located above the cavity when the dispenser is oriented in an upright position. An outlet is located on the overhang, the outlet being configured for dispensing the contents of the bottle. A ledge is formed from the bottom dispenser head portion and spaced from the overhang across the cavity. The ledge is located below the cavity when the dispenser is oriented in the upright position. A platform is formed from the ledge and positioned underneath the outlet. The platform is configured for catching and collecting contents dispensed from the outlet.
- According to another aspect, a liquid dispenser includes a bottle, a cap, and a dispenser. The bottle defines an interior configured for storing contents, and defines an opening to the interior from an exterior. The cap is configured for engaging the bottle such that the cap is positioned over the opening and in fluid communication with the interior of the bottle. The dispenser head is configured for engaging the cap at a side of the cap opposite the bottle, rotating relative to the cap about a dispenser head rotational axis, and dispensing contents of the bottle through the opening and the cap. The dispenser head rotational axis is directed through the cap and the bottle when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap and the cap is engaged with the bottle. A pin is extended from one of the cap and the dispenser head and a corresponding slot is defined in the other of the cap and the dispenser head. The slot is shaped as an arc along a rotational direction of the dispenser head with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap. The slot has a first end and a second end oppositely disposed from each other along an arc length of the slot, the slot being configured for receiving the pin when the dispenser head engages the cap. A projection is extended from one of the cap and the dispenser head, and a recess is defined in the other of the cap and the dispenser head respectively corresponding with the projection. The recess is shaped as an arc along a rotational direction of the dispenser head with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap. The recess has a first end and a second end oppositely disposed from each other along an arc length of the recess. The recess is configured for receiving the projection when the dispenser head engages the cap. When the dispenser head is engaged with the cap and is rotated relative to the cap about the dispenser head rotational axis such that the pin travels in the slot from a first pin position that is closer to the first end of the slot as compared to the second end of the slot to a second pin position that is closer to the second end of the slot as compared to the first end of the slot, the projection respectively travels in the recess from a first projection position that is closer to the first end of the recess as compared to the second end of the recess to a second projection position that is closer to the second end of the recess as compared to the first end of the recess.
- A bottle assembly for use with a liquid dispenser includes a bottle, a cap, a plug and shrink wrap. The bottle includes a bottle side wall defining an interior configured for storing contents, and defines an opening to the interior from an exterior. The side wall is concentric about a central axis. The cap connects with the bottle and is positioned over the opening. The cap defines an aperture centered along the central axis. The plug is received in and removable from the aperture. The shrink wrap is disposed over at least a portion of the bottle and the plug.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser. -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the dispenser. -
FIG. 3 is a front view of a dispenser head of the dispenser. -
FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser head. -
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the dispenser head. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cap and a bottle of the dispenser. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cap and the bottle. -
FIG. 8 is a top view of the cap. -
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the cap. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bottle. -
FIG. 11 is a top view of the bottle. -
FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bottle and the cap in a prepackaged state. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the bottle and the cap in a packaged state. - It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views,
FIGS. 1 and 2 depict adispenser 100 including adispenser head 102 and abottle 104. Thebottle 104 defines aninterior 110 configured for storingcontents 112 from anexterior 114, and thedispenser head 102 is configured for dispensing thecontents 112 from thebottle 104 when thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thebottle 104. Thedispenser head 102 is configured to rotate relative to thebottle 104 about a dispenser headrotational axis 120 between and including a first dispenser head position where thedispenser head 102 is removable from thebottle 104 and a second dispenser head position where thedispenser head 102 is locked in position with thebottle 104. Also, thedispenser head 102 and thebottle 104 are, as a whole, sized to form thedispenser 100 in a mobile, handheld configuration. - As depicted, the
bottle 104 is formed from a transparent material such that thecontents 112 are visible to a user from theexterior 114. With this, a user is able to visibly determine an amount of thecontents 112 in thebottle 104 including a state where thebottle 104 is full of thecontents 112 and a state where thebottle 104 is empty of thecontents 112. In an embodiment, thecontents 112 are a sanitizing agent, such as a hand sanitizer. - The
dispenser head 102 has anexterior surface 122 extended between a topdispenser head portion 124 and a bottomdispenser head portion 130. Theexterior surface 122 of thedispenser head 102 is formed from a single unitary piece such that theexterior surface 122 of thedispenser head 102 is continuous from the topdispenser head portion 124 to the bottomdispenser head portion 130. - The
exterior surface 122 of thedispenser head 102 defines acavity 132 that is a negative space of thedispenser head 102 interposed between the topdispenser head portion 124 and the bottomdispenser head portion 130. As shown inFIG. 2 , thecavity 132 is formed in the shape of an arc (e.g., a C-shaped arc) taken from a side view of thedispenser 100. Thecavity 132 is sized such that thecavity 132 is configured to accommodate a hand of a user positioned in thecavity 132. - An
overhang 134 formed from the topdispenser head portion 124 is located above and at least partially defines thecavity 132 when thedispenser head 102 is provided in an upright position. The upright position of thedispenser 100 including thedispenser head 102 and thebottle 104 is achieved when thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thebottle 104 and thedispenser 100 is positioned with abottom surface 140 of thebottle 104 on a supportingsurface 142 that is substantially horizontal. Anoutlet 144 located on theoverhang 134 is configured for dispensing thecontents 112 from thebottle 104 into thecavity 132 and away from theexterior surface 122 of thedispenser head 102. - A
power button 150 located on the topdispenser head portion 124 at least partially defines atop surface 152 of thedispenser head 102. As depicted, thepower button 150 faces upwards when thedispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position, while theoutlet 144 is located on abottom surface 154 of the topdispenser head portion 124 and directed to dispense thecontents 112 downwards when thedispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position. With this construction, the topdispenser head portion 124 is interposed between and separates theoutlet 144 and thepower button 150 in a vertical direction when thedispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position. Also, theoutlet 144 is configured to dispense thecontents 112 away from the topdispenser head portion 124 including thepower button 150. As such, thecontents 112 do not contact thepower button 150 when dispensed from theoutlet 144. - A
ledge 160 is formed from the bottomdispenser head portion 130 and spaced from theoverhang 134 across thecavity 132. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 , theledge 160 at least partially defines thecavity 132 and is located below thecavity 132 and theoverhang 134 when thedispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position. Theledge 160 includes aplatform 162 oriented substantially horizontally and positioned vertically underneath theoutlet 144 when thedispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position. As such,contents 112 that fall from theoutlet 144 and through thecavity 132 otherwise impeded land directly on theplatform 162. In this manner, theplatform 162 is configured for catching and collecting thecontents 112 dispensed from theoutlet 144, preventing the contents from spilling onto the supportingsurface 142. In an embodiment, theplatform 162 may feature a raised perimeter configured for collecting larger volumes of thecontents 112 without overfilling theplatform 162. - As depicted in
FIG. 3 , thedispenser head 102 includes a visible light source 164 (depicted in phantom) positioned behind alight source cover 170, which can be formed from tinted plastic. Two visiblelight sources 164, which each can be an LED that emits visible light, are depicted inFIG. 3 ; however, a fewer or greater number of visiblelight sources 164 can be provided. Each visiblelight source 164 is configured to create visible light that is disposed from thecavity 132 to illuminate thecontents 112 dispensed from theoutlet 144, and is located in the topdispenser head portion 124. An infrared light source 168 (depicted in phantom) cooperates with an infrared light sensor 172 (depicted in phantom), which can both be positioned behind thelight source cover 170 and located in the topdispenser head portion 124, detect the presence of a hand of a user, or other object such as a dish or plate, in thecavity 132. The infraredlight source 168 and the infraredlight sensor 172 can each be offset from a plane in which the dispenser headrotational axis 120 and theoutlet 144 reside and that is normal to the supportingsurface 142 on which thebottle 104 rests when thedispenser 100 is in a use position. The aforementioned plane is coincident with the dispenser headrotational axis 120 depicted inFIG. 3 . The infraredlight source 168 and the infraredlight sensor 172 are offset closer to this plane as compared to each respective visiblelight source 164. - In an embodiment, the visible light source is an LED light configured to visually indicate various aspects of the
dispenser 100 such as an operational status of thedispenser 100, and whether thedispenser 100 is turned on or off. In an embodiment of operating thedispenser 100, thepower button 150 is pressed, causing thedispenser 100 to turn on and the visiblelight source 164 to briefly actuate with a first signal, indicating thedispenser 100 is turned on and in a normal dispensing mode. In a further embodiment of operating thedispenser 100, thepower button 150 is pressed again, causing thedispenser 100 to change an operational state, for example to an extra portion dispensing mode, and the visiblelight source 164 briefly actuates with a second signal, indicating thedispenser 100 is turned on and in the extra portion dispensing mode. In a further embodiment of operating thedispenser 100, thepower button 150 is pressed again, causing thedispenser 100 to turn off, and the visiblelight source 164 briefly actuates a third signal, indicating thedispenser 100 is turned off. -
FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of thedispenser head 102 taken from aplane 174 drawn inFIG. 3 . As depicted inFIG. 4 , a dispenserhead side wall 180 extends from a dispenserhead bottom wall 182 and arecess 184 is defined in aninterior side 190 of the dispenserhead side wall 180. Therecess 184 has afirst end 192 and asecond end 194 oppositely disposed from each other along an arc length of therecess 184. Theinterior side 190 of the dispenserhead side wall 180 further defines adetent 200 at thesecond end 194 of therecess 184. - A
cutout 202 is defined in theinterior side 190 of the dispenserhead side wall 180 at the bottomdispenser head portion 130 with therecess 184. Thecutout 202 extends in a longitudinal direction of thedispenser 100 that is parallel to the dispenser headrotational axis 120 and substantially vertical when thedispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position. Thecutout 202 respectively connects with therecess 184 at a position along therecess 184 closer to thefirst end 192 of therecess 184 as compared to thesecond end 194 of therecess 184. - A battery 206 (or batteries) located in the
dispenser head 102 is removable from thedispenser head 102 through the dispenserhead bottom wall 182. Thebattery 206 is received in abattery housing 208 that is biased toward the dispenserhead bottom wall 182 by aspring 214. As depicted inFIG. 5 , abattery cover 216, which is made from a flexible material such as silicone, covers a lower portion of thebattery housing 208 and is accessible from a bottom surface 218 of the dispenserhead bottom wall 182. Thebattery cover 216 forms a liquid-tight seal with the dispenserhead bottom wall 182 effective to prevent thecontents 112 from leaking to thebattery 206 in a case where thecontents 112 leak from between thebottle 104 and thecap 220. Providing access to thebattery 206 through the dispenserhead bottom wall 182 hides the battery compartment, i.e., it is not visible from an exterior to thedispenser head 102, when thebottle 104 is connected to thedispenser head 102. To install thebattery housing 206, one inserts thebattery housing 208 through the opening in the dispenserhead bottom wall 182 and presses against the bias of thespring 214 until thebattery housing 206 is caught. To release the battery housing, one presses again against thespring 214. - According to an aspect, the
recess 184 isplural recesses 184 defined in theinterior side 190 of the dispenserhead side wall 180 with a similar construction, and circumferentially spaced relative to the dispenser headrotational axis 120. Taken from a bottom view of thedispenser head 102 as depicted inFIG. 5 , eachrecess 184 is defined along theinterior side 190 of the dispenserhead side wall 180 and shaped as an arc with respect to the dispenser headrotational axis 120. With continued reference toFIG. 5 , the dispenserhead bottom wall 182 features apin 204 extended therefrom, and aninlet 210 fluidly connected with aconduit 212 configured for transporting thecontents 112 through thedispenser head 102 to theoutlet 144. Thedispenser head 102 is configured to engage thebottle 104 through acap 220. As depicted inFIG. 6 , thecap 220 is configured for being fixed with thebottle 104. In a state prior to engagement with thedispenser head 102, thecap 220 includes aplug 222 configured for blocking anaperture 224 depicted inFIG. 7 in fluid communication with theinterior 110 of thebottle 104 through adip tube 230. -
FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of thecap 220 engaged with thebottle 104. As depicted, thebottle 104 defines the interior 110 within a bottletop wall 232, abottle side wall 234, and abottle bottom wall 240. Thebottle top wall 232 defines anopening 242 to the interior 110 from the exterior 114, and aneck 244 extends from thebottle top wall 232 at a perimeter of theopening 242 with acatch 250 and astop 252 circumferentially disposed around theneck 244. Thebottle side wall 234 is cylindrical and concentric about the dispenser headrotational axis 120. - The
cap 220 includes acap seal 254 and a capinner side wall 260 extended downward from a captop wall 262 when thedispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position. Thecap seal 254 and the capinner side wall 260 are cooperatively engaged with theneck 244 such that the captop wall 262 covers theopening 242. Adistal end 264 of the capinner side wall 260 includes acap hook 270 disposed between thecatch 250 and thestop 252 in a direction parallel with the dispenser headrotational axis 120. Thecatch 250 includes asloped surface 272 extended from anouter surface 274 of theneck 244 and thecap hook 270 includes a complementary slopedsurface 280 extended from aninner surface 282 of the capinner side wall 260 such that thecap hook 270 is deflected over thecatch 250 when thecap 220 engages thebottle 104, and is locked between thecatch 250 and thestop 252 to prevent removing thecap 220 from thebottle 104 when thecap 220 is engaged with thebottle 104. Thestop 252 is extended from theouter surface 274 of theneck 244 and disposed beneath thecatch 250 when thedispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position. Thestop 252 is impassible by thecap hook 270 so as to support thecap hook 270 on theneck 244 when thecap 220 is engaged with thebottle 104. - The
cap seal 254 engages aninner surface 284 of theneck 244, forming a seal between thebottle 104 and thecap 220 effective for preventing thecontents 112 from leaking out of thedispenser 100 between thebottle 104 and thecap 220. The captop wall 262 extends radially outward over thecap seal 254 to rest on adistal end 290 of theneck 244 when thecap 220 is engaged with thebottle 104, supporting the captop wall 262 on thebottle 104 over theopening 242. - A cap
outer side wall 292 is extended downward from a radially outer periphery of the captop wall 262 with respect to the dispenser headrotational axis 120 when thedispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position. Adistal end 294 of the capouter side wall 292 contacts thebottle top wall 232 when thecap 220 is engaged with thebottle 104. - The cap
top wall 262 includes a thinnedportion 300 located radially outward from the capinner side wall 260 and immediately adjacent the capinner side wall 260 such that thecap hook 270 fixes thecap 220 to thebottle 104 entirely through the thinnedportion 300 of the captop wall 262. The thinnedportion 300 is located radially between the capinner side wall 260 and the capouter side wall 292 along the captop wall 262 with respect to the dispenser headrotational axis 120. As such, the thinnedportion 300 is configured to deform in the event a user attempts to tamper with thecap 220 so as to inhibit removal of thecap 220 from thebottle 104, or irreparably tear if the user is successful in removing the installedcap 220. This ensures that thebottle 104 cannot be reused with thedispenser head 102 to dispense alternative contents not original within thebottle 104. - According to an aspect, the
cap hook 270 is plural cap hooks 270 extended from theinner surface 282 of the capinner side wall 260 with a similar construction, and circumferentially spaced relative to the dispenser headrotational axis 120. Taken from a bottom view of thecap 220 as depicted inFIG. 8 , eachcap hook 270 extends radially inward from the capinner side wall 260 toward the dispenser headrotational axis 120 so as to engage thecatch 250 circumferentially around theneck 244 when thedispenser head 102 engages thecap 220. -
FIGS. 6-9 depict aslot 302 defined in the captop wall 262. With reference toFIG. 8 , theslot 302 is shaped as an arc along a rotational direction of thedispenser head 102 with respect to the dispenser headrotational axis 120 when thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thecap 220. Theslot 302 has afirst end 304 and asecond end 310 oppositely disposed from each other along an arc length of theslot 302. Theslot 302 is configured for receiving thepin 204 when thedispenser head 102 engages thecap 220. When thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thebottle 104, thedispenser head 102 is capable of rotating relative to thecap 220 about the dispenser headrotational axis 120 such that thepin 204 travels in theslot 302 from a first pin position that is closer to thefirst end 304 of theslot 302 as compared to thesecond end 310 of theslot 302 to a second pin position that is closer to thesecond end 310 of theslot 302 as compared to thefirst end 304 of theslot 302. Thefirst end 304 of theslot 302 engages thepin 204 as a mechanical stop when thedispenser head 102 is rotated from the second pin position to the first pin position, and thesecond end 310 of theslot 302 engages thepin 204 as a mechanical stop when thedispenser head 102 is rotated from the first pin position to the second pin position such that a rotational relationship between thedispenser head 102 and thebottle 104 is restricted to an angular range corresponding with an angular range of motion of thepin 204 in theslot 302 about the dispenser headrotational axis 120. - Notably, while the depicted
pin 204 extends from thedispenser head 102 and the depictedslot 302 is defined in thecap 220, the respective locations of thepin 204 and theslot 302 may be switched such that thepin 204 extends from thecap 220 and theslot 302 is defined in thedispenser head 102, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In this manner, thedispenser 100 generally includes thepin 204 as extended from one of thecap 220 and thedispenser head 102, and theslot 302 as defined in the other of thecap 220 and thedispenser head 102, where theslot 302 is shaped as an arc along a rotational direction of thedispenser head 102 with respect to the dispenser headrotational axis 120 when thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thecap 220, and theslot 302 is configured for receiving thepin 204 when thedispenser head 102 engages thecap 220. - With continued reference to
FIG. 8 , aprojection 312 corresponding with therecess 184 is extended radially outward from the capouter side wall 292 when thedispenser 100 is oriented in the upright position. When thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thecap 220, theprojection 312 is extended from thecap 220 towards thedispenser head 102, into thecorresponding recess 184. In this manner, therecess 184 is configured for receiving theprojection 312 when thedispenser head 102 engages thecap 220. Theprojection 312 is capable of travel in therecess 184 between thefirst end 192 of therecess 184 and thesecond end 194 of therecess 184 when thedispenser head 102 is rotated relative to thecap 220 about the dispenser headrotational axis 120 between the first dispenser head position and the second dispenser head position. - When the
dispenser head 102 is engaged with thecap 220 and is rotated relative to thecap 220 about the dispenser headrotational axis 120 from the first dispenser head position to the second dispenser head position, thepin 204 travels in theslot 302 from the first pin position to the second pin position, and theprojection 312 respectively travels in therecess 184 from a first projection position that is closer to thefirst end 192 of therecess 184 as compared to thesecond end 194 of therecess 184 to a second projection position that is closer to thesecond end 194 of therecess 184 as compared to thefirst end 192 of therecess 184. Because thecutout 202 respectively connects with therecess 184 at a position of therecess 184 closer to thefirst end 192 of therecess 184 as compared to thesecond end 194 of therecess 184, theprojection 312 is guided to the first projection position by thecutout 202 when thedispenser head 102 engages thecap 220. - According to an aspect, the
projection 312 isplural projections 312 having a similar construction, and theprojections 312 are disposed on the capouter side wall 292 along a rotational direction of thedispenser head 102 taken around the dispenser headrotational axis 120, where eachprojection 312 corresponds with and is configured to engage arecess 184 when thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thecap 220. Notably, while theprojection 312 is depicted as twoprojections 312 oppositely disposed form each other on the capouter side wall 292, theprojection 312 andcorresponding recess 184 may alternatively feature additional similar projections and corresponding recesses respectively, and theprojection 312 and therecess 184 may be disposed about the capouter side wall 292 in various constant or irregular intervals without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. - According to one aspect, the
projection 312 is a thread extended along a rotational direction of thedispenser head 102 around the dispenser headrotational axis 120 when thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thecap 220. As depicted inFIG. 9 , aprotrusion 314 disposed on theprojection 312 is extended integrally from theprojection 312. Thedetent 200 defined in theinterior side 190 of the dispenserhead side wall 180 corresponds with theprotrusion 314 such that thedetent 200 is configured to receive theprotrusion 314 when theprojection 312 is rotated from the first projection position to the second projection position. - Notably, while the depicted
projection 312 extends from thecap 220 and the depictedrecess 184 is defined in thedispenser head 102, the respective locations of theprojection 312 and therecess 184 may be switched such that theprojection 312 extends from thedispenser head 102 and therecess 184 is defined in thecap 220 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In this manner, thedispenser 100 includes theprojection 312 as extended from one of thecap 220 and thedispenser head 102, and therecess 184 as defined in the other of thecap 220 and thedispenser head 102, where therecess 184 is shaped as an arc along a rotational direction of thedispenser head 102 with respect to the dispenser headrotational axis 120 when thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thecap 220, and therecess 184 is configured for receiving theprojection 312 when thedispenser head 102 engages thecap 220. Also, the respective locations of theprotrusion 314 and thecorresponding detent 200 may be switched such that theprotrusion 314 extends into therecess 184 and thedetent 200 is defined in theprojection 312 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In this manner, thedispenser 100 includes theprotrusion 314 disposed on one of theprojection 312 and thedispenser head 102, and thedetent 200 corresponding with theprotrusion 314 as defined in the other of theprojection 312 and thedispenser head 102. -
FIG. 9 depicts arib 320 formed in thecap 220 and extended radially inward from theinner surface 282 of the capinner side wall 260, whileFIGS. 10 and 11 depict achannel 322 corresponding to therib 320 defined in thecatch 250. Therib 320 is configured for engaging thechannel 322 and preventing rotation between thecap 220 and thebottle 104 about the dispenser headrotational axis 120 when thecap 220 is engaged with thebottle 104. According to an aspect, therib 320 isplural ribs 320 extended radially inward from theinner surface 282 of the capinner side wall 260 with a similar construction, and circumferentially spaced relative to the dispenser headrotational axis 120. According to a further aspect, thechannel 322 isplural channels 322 defined in thecatch 250, and circumferentially spaced relative to the dispenser headrotational axis 120 to respectively correspond with theribs 320. Notably, the respective locations of therib 320 and thechannel 322 may be switched such that therib 320 extends radially outward from theouter surface 274 of theneck 244 and thechannel 322 is defined in theinner surface 282 of the capinner side wall 260 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In this manner, thedispenser 100 includes therib 320 as extended from one of thebottle 104 and thecap 220, and thechannel 322 corresponding with therib 320 as defined in the other of thebottle 104 and thecap 220. - With continued reference to
FIG. 9 , the thinnedportion 300 of the captop wall 262 is located radially inward of theslot 302 and theprojection 312, and positioned radially outward of therib 320 with respect to the dispenser headrotational axis 120 when thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thecap 220. With this construction, the thinnedportion 300 of the captop wall 262 is configured to deform or tear thecap 220 between a connection to thedispenser head 102 and a connection to thebottle 104. As such, in the event a user attempts to leverage thedispenser head 102 with thebottle 104 to tamper with thecap 220, aspects of the thinnedportion 300 are still effective for deforming or tearing so as to inhibit tampering with thecap 220 or prevent thecap 220 from again correctly interfacing with thebottle 104 if thecap 220 is successfully removed from thebottle 104. -
FIG. 12 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of thedispenser 100. As depicted, thecap 220 is configured for engaging thebottle 104 such that thecap 220 is positioned over theopening 242 and theaperture 224 is in fluid communication with theinterior 110 of thebottle 104 via theaperture 224. Thedispenser head 102 is configured for engaging thecap 220 at a side of thecap 220 opposite thebottle 104 and dispensing thecontents 112 from thebottle 104 through theopening 242 and thecap 220. Theconduit 212 connects theinlet 210 of thedispenser 100 to apump 324, and thepump 324 to theoutlet 144, where thepump 324 is electrically connected with and powered by thebattery 206 for delivering thecontents 112 from thebottle 104 through theoutlet 144. As depicted, the dispenser headrotational axis 120 is directed through thecap 220 and thebottle 104 when thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thecap 220 and thecap 220 is engaged with thebottle 104. - When the
dispenser head 102 is engaged with thecap 220, thedispenser head 102 is flush with thebottle 104 such that anexterior surface 330 of thedispenser 100 is continuous between theexterior surface 122 of thedispenser head 102 and theexterior surface 332 of thebottle 104, at a location radially outward of an outermost periphery of thecap 220 including the capouter side wall 292 with respect to the dispenser headrotational axis 120. In this manner, thecap 220 is hidden in thedispenser 100 from external view of thedispenser 100 when thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thecap 220 and thecap 220 is engaged with thebottle 104. Also, the dispenserhead bottom wall 182 faces the captop wall 262 when thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thecap 220 such that thebattery 206 is hidden from external view of thedispenser 100, and is not accessible or removable from thedispenser 100. Also, because thepin 204 is extended from the dispenserhead bottom wall 182 and the dispenserhead bottom wall 182 faces the captop wall 262 in which theslot 302 is defined, theslot 302 and thepin 204 are hidden from external view of thedispenser 100 when thedispenser head 102 is engaged with thecap 220. -
FIG. 13 depicts thebottle 104 in a prepackaged state where apackaging seal 334, such as an adhesive sticker, is adhered to thecap 220, with theplug 222 disposed in theaperture 224 of thecap 220. Theaperture 224 of thecap 220 is concentric with dispenser headrotational axis 120, which is also the central axis of thebottle 104.FIG. 14 depicts thebottle 104 in a packaged state where ashrink wrap 340 is disposed over thebottle 104, the capouter side wall 292, the captop wall 262, and a periphery of thepackaging seal 334 such that theshrink wrap 340 and thepackaging seal 334 cooperatively provide a tamper-evident seal around thebottle 104 and thecap 220. - It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
Claims (25)
1. A liquid dispenser, the dispenser comprising:
a bottle with a bottle side wall defining an interior configured for storing contents, a bottle bottom wall, and a bottle top wall opposite the bottle bottom wall across the interior, the bottle top wall defining an opening to the interior from an exterior;
a cap with a cap side wall extended downward from a cap top wall when the dispenser is oriented in an upright position, and configured for engaging the bottle top wall such that the cap is positioned over the opening and is in fluid communication with the interior of the bottle;
a dispenser head configured for engaging the cap at a side of the cap opposite the bottle and dispensing the contents of the bottle through the cap, the dispenser head having an exterior surface extended between a top dispenser head portion and a bottom dispenser head portion, and a dispenser head bottom wall that faces the cap top wall when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap;
a cavity in the dispenser head defined by the exterior surface of the dispenser head between the top dispenser head portion and the bottom dispenser head portion, the cavity being sized for accommodating a hand of a user positioned in the cavity;
an overhang formed from the top dispenser head portion, the overhang being located above the cavity when the dispenser is oriented in an upright position;
an outlet located on the overhang, the outlet being configured for dispensing the contents of the bottle;
a ledge formed from the bottom dispenser head portion and spaced from the overhang across the cavity, the ledge being located below the cavity when the dispenser is oriented in the upright position; and
a platform formed from the ledge and positioned underneath the outlet, the platform being configured for catching and collecting contents dispensed from the outlet.
2. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the outlet is located vertically above the platform when the dispenser is in the upright position such that contents which fall through the cavity from the outlet land directly on the platform.
3. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the exterior surface of the dispenser head defines the cavity in a shape of an arc taken from a side view of the dispenser.
4. The dispenser of claim 3 , wherein the exterior surface of the dispenser head defines the cavity in a shape of a C-shaped arc taken from the side view of the dispenser.
5. The dispenser of claim 1 , further comprising a visible light source located in the top dispenser head portion, the visible light source configured to create visible light that is disposed from the cavity and illuminate the contents dispensed from the outlet.
6. The dispenser of claim 5 , further comprising an infrared light source and an infrared light sensor located in the top dispenser head portion,
wherein the infrared light source is configured to create infrared light that is disposed from the cavity and the infrared light sensor is configured to detect the infrared light such that the infrared light source and the infrared sensor are configured to cooperatively detect a hand of a user in the cavity.
7. The dispenser of claim 6 , further comprising two visible light sources and the infrared light source and the infrared light sensor are offset closer to a plane in which a dispenser head rotational axis and the outlet reside and that is normal to the supporting surface on which the bottle rests when the dispenser is in a use position as compared to each respective visible light source.
8. The dispenser of claim 1 , further comprising a power button located on the top dispenser head portion, the power button at least partially defines a top surface of the dispenser head located vertically above the cavity when the dispenser is oriented in the upright position.
9. The dispenser of claim 1 , further comprising a power button located on the top dispenser head portion, the power button at least partially defines a top surface of the dispenser head located vertically above the outlet when the dispenser is oriented in the upright position.
10. The dispenser of claim 1 , further comprising:
a battery located in the dispenser head, the battery being accessible from a dispenser head bottom wall; and
a pump electrically connected with and powered by the battery for delivering contents from the bottle through the outlet,
wherein the dispenser head bottom wall faces a cap top wall when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap, such that the battery is hidden from external view of the dispenser and is not accessible when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap.
11. A liquid dispenser, the dispenser comprising:
a bottle defining an interior configured for storing contents, and defining an opening to the interior from an exterior;
a cap configured for engaging the bottle such that the cap is positioned over the opening and in fluid communication with the interior of the bottle;
a dispenser head configured for engaging the cap at a side of the cap opposite the bottle, rotating relative to the cap about a dispenser head rotational axis, and dispensing contents of the bottle through the opening and the cap, the dispenser head rotational axis being directed through the cap and the bottle when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap and the cap is engaged with the bottle;
a pin extended from one of the cap and the dispenser head and a slot defined in the other of the cap and the dispenser head, the slot being shaped as an arc along a rotational direction of the dispenser head with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap, the slot having a first end and a second end oppositely disposed from each other along an arc length of the slot, the slot being configured for receiving the pin when the dispenser head engages the cap; and
a projection extended from one of the cap and the dispenser head, and a recess defined in the other of the cap and the dispenser head respectively corresponding with the projection, the recess being shaped as an arc along a rotational direction of the dispenser head with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap, the recess having a first end and a second end oppositely disposed from each other along an arc length of the recess, the recess being configured for receiving the projection when the dispenser head engages the cap, and
wherein when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap and is rotated relative to the cap about the dispenser head rotational axis such that the pin travels in the slot from a first pin position that is closer to the first end of the slot as compared to the second end of the slot to a second pin position that is closer to the second end of the slot as compared to the first end of the slot, the projection respectively travels in the recess from a first projection position that is closer to the first end of the recess as compared to the second end of the recess to a second projection position that is closer to the second end of the recess as compared to the first end of the recess,
the cap defines the slot,
the projection extends from the cap towards the dispenser head,
the dispenser head defines the recess, and
the pin extends from the dispenser head towards the cap.
12. The dispenser of claim 11 , further comprising a thinned portion of the cap located radially inward of the slot with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap.
13. (canceled)
14. The dispenser of claim 11 , wherein the projection is a plurality of projections disposed along a rotational direction around the dispenser head rotational axis when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap.
15. The dispenser of claim 11 , further comprising:
a protrusion respectively disposed on one of the projection and the dispenser head, and a detent corresponding with the protrusion defined in the other of the projection and the dispenser head,
wherein the detent is configured to receive the protrusion when the projection is respectively rotated from the first projection position to the second projection position.
16. The dispenser of claim 11 , wherein:
the slot is defined in a top surface of the cap and the pin is extended from a bottom surface of the dispenser head towards the cap such that the slot and the pin are hidden from exterior view of the dispenser when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap.
17. The dispenser of claim 11 , further comprising a cutout defined in one of the cap and the dispenser head with the recess, the cutout extending in a longitudinal direction of the dispenser that is parallel with the dispenser head rotational axis when the dispenser head is engaged with the cap,
wherein the cutout respectively connects with the recess at a position of the recess closer to the first end of the recess as compared to the second end of the recess such that when the dispenser head engages the cap the projection is guided to the first projection position by the cutout.
18. The dispenser of claim 11 , wherein the dispenser head is flush with the bottle such that an exterior surface of the dispenser is continuous between the exterior surface of the dispenser head and an exterior surface of the bottle at a location radially outward of an outermost periphery of the cap with respect to the dispenser head rotational axis.
19. The dispenser of claim 11 , wherein the cap is hidden in the dispenser from external view when the cap is engaged with the bottle and the dispenser head is engaged with the cap.
20. The dispenser of claim 11 , further comprising:
a rib extended from one of the bottle and the cap and a channel corresponding with the rib defined in the other of the bottle and the cap,
wherein the rib is configured for engaging the channel and preventing rotation between the cap and the bottle about the dispenser head rotational axis when the cap is engaged with the bottle.
21-24. (canceled)
25. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the bottle bottom wall has a bottom surface defining a footprint on a substantially horizontal supporting surface when the dispenser is positioned on the supporting surface in the upright position, and the cap and the dispenser are encompassed by the footprint along the supporting surface when the dispenser is positioned on the supporting surface in the upright position.
26. The dispenser of claim 25 , wherein the platform is positioned inward of the footprint on the supporting surface when the dispenser is positioned on the supporting surface in the upright position.
27. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the platform is positioned vertically above the bottle when the dispenser is in the upright position.
28. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the dispenser head is flush with the bottle such that an exterior surface of the dispenser is continuous between the exterior surface of the dispenser head and an exterior surface of the bottle.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/990,344 US20220047125A1 (en) | 2020-08-11 | 2020-08-11 | Liquid dispenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/990,344 US20220047125A1 (en) | 2020-08-11 | 2020-08-11 | Liquid dispenser |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20220047125A1 true US20220047125A1 (en) | 2022-02-17 |
Family
ID=80223638
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/990,344 Abandoned US20220047125A1 (en) | 2020-08-11 | 2020-08-11 | Liquid dispenser |
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Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20220047125A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220031049A1 (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2022-02-03 | Simplehuman, Llc | Containers with public contact devices |
-
2020
- 2020-08-11 US US16/990,344 patent/US20220047125A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220031049A1 (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2022-02-03 | Simplehuman, Llc | Containers with public contact devices |
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