Dispensing – With discharge assistant – With movable nozzle interconnected therewith
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-16
2001-06-19
Derakshani, Philippe (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
With discharge assistant
With movable nozzle interconnected therewith
C222S153130, C222S183000, C222S385000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247621
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to dispensing systems, and more particularly to dispensing systems having a dual use container.
BACKGROUND
Dispensing systems for flowable cleaning products such as soaps and the like are commonly used in institutional and industrial locations to dispense single-use portions of the cleaning product to a user. Such dispensing systems may include a dispenser which may be mounted to a wall or other surface. A bag or other suitable reservoir containing the cleaning product is typically enclosed within the dispenser, out of view of the user. A pump is typically inserted into the bag or reservoir. The reservoir and pump are then enclosed within a dispenser so that the pump may be activated from exteriorly of the dispenser. Upon application of pressure to a dispensing arm or other similar member, the pump is actuated to dispense a singleuse portion of the material from the dispensing system.
An example of such a dispensing system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,577 to Ophardt. The dispensing system disclosed therein includes a disposable plastic element which includes a disposable liquid reservoir and a disposable pump assembly. The disposable liquid reservoir and disposable pump assembly are each formed entirely out of recyclable plastic. The dispensing system also includes a permanent non-disposable housing for the reservoir and pump assembly including a permanent actuating system to operate the pump assembly. As shown therein, the disposable liquid reservoir is hidden within the permanent non-disposable housing.
While a variety of dispensing systems are currently available, there remains a need for a more convenient and economical dispensing system which simplifies and reduces the maintenance required. The system can clearly display the level of product remaining within the dispensing system. Additionally, selected embodiments of the present invention reduce the cleaning efforts required by support personnel by reducing the dispenser area that needs to be cleaned during replacement of the cleaning product. Because, in selected embodiments, the container is replaced rather than refilled as conventional dispensers are, the only item which is reused is the bracket. Thus, the bracket alone needs to be cleaned. Additionally, it is desirable that the components of a dispensing system may be both inexpensive and easily utilized with other dispensing systems. Such a dispensing system may also be compactly shipped and stored.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a dispensing system which includes a container having a first recess positioned on an outer surface of the container and a passageway extending into the container, the passageway positioned within the recess of the container. The container may be utilized with a mounting bracket such as, for example, the mounting bracket described herein, or may be utilized as a refill which fits within a conventional dispenser which substantially encloses the refill.
Selected embodiments of the present invention further include a mounting bracket adapted to support the container. The mounting bracket, in particular embodiments, also includes a base and a column extending upwardly from the base.
The mounting bracket and container may be adapted to engage each other in a manner which inhibits relative movement between the mounting bracket and the container. To accomplish this, the mounting bracket may include a protruding member such as a boss or key which engages an indentation in the container such as a detent or slot. Alternately, the protruding member may be positioned on the container while the indentation is formed in the mounting bracket.
The mounting bracket may further include an upper member which may extend outwardly from the column. An end of the upper member may be pivotably or rotatably attached to the column so that the upper member may move away from the column and base to permit the container to be placed within the mounting bracket. Once the container is placed within the mounting bracket, the upper member may be moved toward the container to assist in retaining the container within the bracket. In other embodiments, the upper member, column and base of the mounting bracket may be formed as a single piece such as, for example, a C-shaped bracket. The base and upper member may flex outwardly with respect to the column to permit the container to be inserted into and engage the mounting bracket.
In selected embodiments of the dispensing system, the container may further include a second recess which may be positioned on an exterior surface of the container such as, for example, the upper surface of the container. The upper member may be disposed within the second recess so that the dispensing system may have a more compact configuration.
Selected embodiments may also include a locking mechanism which permits the container to be locked to the mounting bracket. Locking mechanisms such as, for example, latch and post mechanisms and the like are suitable for use with the present invention.
The dispensing system of the present invention may further including a pump assembly adapted to engage the passageway of the container, the pump assembly having a storage position wherein the pump assembly is substantially disposed within the first recess. The container and pump assembly may be utilized with a mounting bracket such as, for example, the mounting bracket described herein, or may be utilized as a refill which fits within a conventional dispenser.
Particular embodiments of the dispensing system of the present invention may also include a pump actuator which is operable to actuate a pump assembly and dispense material from the container. The pump actuator may further including a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion of the pump actuator being attached to the upper portion of the pump actuator so that the lower portion is rotatable toward the upper portion to a storage position.
The container may be formed of a material which permits the level of material within the container to be viewed. A variety of translucent or transparent materials may be utilized, such as, for example, natural polyethylene and the like.
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Bui Thach H.
Derakshani Philippe
Garrison Scott B.
Kimberly--Clark Worldwide, Inc.
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