Abstract:
A refillable fluid container for a fluid dispenser is provided. The refillable fluid dispenser includes a body, an output port and a dispensing mechanism. The body includes at least one wall that defines a reservoir for storing fluid therein. The output port is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The dispensing mechanism is associated with the output port. The dispensing mechanism is selectively operable between a closed position and an opened position. A fluid dispenser is also provided.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    A fluid dispenser assembly includes first and second fluid containers that are selectively installable in a fluid dispenser. The first fluid container is refillable from the second fluid container. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Conventional cartridge based soap dispensers use disposable refill cartridges. These disposable refill cartridges are single-use type cartridges and thus incapable of being refilled. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In accordance with one embodiment, a first fluid container and a second fluid container is provided. Each of the first fluid container and the second fluid container comprise a body, an input port, an output port, and a dispensing mechanism. The body comprises at least one wall that defines a reservoir for storing fluid therein. The input port is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The output port is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The dispensing mechanism is associated with the output port. The dispensing mechanism is selectively operable between a closed position and an opened position. The output port of the second fluid container is configured for insertion into the input port of the first fluid container. When the output port of the second fluid container is inserted into the input port of the first fluid container, the first fluid container facilitates movement of the dispensing mechanism into an opened position to facilitate dispensation of fluid from the reservoir of the second fluid container, through the output port of the second fluid container, through the input port of the first fluid container, and into the receptacle of the first fluid container. 
         [0004]    In accordance with another embodiment, a fluid dispenser comprises a housing, a first container support, a second container support, and a conduit. The housing includes an upper wall and a lower wall. The housing at least partially defines an interior chamber for storing a first fluid container and a second fluid container therein. The first container support is coupled with the housing and is disposed at a lower portion of the housing. The first container support is configured to support a first fluid container. The second container support is movably coupled with the housing and is movable between a released position and an actuated position. The second container support is disposed between the first container support and an upper portion of the housing and is configured to support the second fluid container. The conduit is coupled with the second container support and comprises a first end and a second end. A first area is defined between the first container support and the second container support. A second area is defined between the second container support and the upper wall of the housing. The first end of the conduit extends into the first area. The second end of the conduit extends into the second area. 
         [0005]    In accordance with yet another embodiment, a fluid dispenser assembly comprises a fluid dispenser, a first fluid container, and a second fluid container. The fluid dispenser comprises a housing, a first container support, and a second container support. The housing includes at least one wall, a lower portion, and an upper portion. The housing at least partially defines an interior chamber. The first container support is coupled with the housing and is disposed at the lower portion of the housing. The second container support is movably coupled with the housing and is movable between a released position and an actuated position. The second container support is disposed between the first container support and the upper portion of the housing. A first area is defined between the first container support and the second container support. A second area is defined between the second container support and the upper portion of the housing. A conduit is coupled with the second container support and comprises a first end and a second end. The first end extends into the first area and the second end extends into the second area. The first fluid container is selectively installable onto the first container support. The first fluid container comprises a body and a first output port. The body comprises at least one wall that defines a first reservoir for storing fluid therein. The first output port is in fluid communication with the first reservoir. The second fluid container is selectively installable onto the second container support. The second fluid container comprises a body and a second output port. The body comprises at least one wall that defines a second reservoir for storing fluid therein. The second output port is in fluid communication with the second reservoir. When the first fluid container and the second fluid container are installed onto the respective first container support and the second container support, the first end and the second end of the conduit extends into the respective reservoirs of the first fluid container and the second fluid container such that the reservoirs are in fluid communication with each other via the conduit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    Various embodiments will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is front perspective view depicting a fluid dispenser in association with a pair of refill bottles according to one embodiment, wherein a lid of the fluid dispenser is shown in an opened position; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a cross section view taken along the line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a cross section view taken along the line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1  depicting the pair of refill bottles of  FIG. 1  but with one of the refill bottles shown mounted on top of the other refill bottle; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is front perspective view depicting a fluid dispenser in association with a pair of refill bottles according to another embodiment, wherein a lid of the fluid dispenser has been removed for clarity of illustration; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a cross section view depicting the fluid dispenser of  FIG. 4 , with one of the refill bottles shown installed in the fluid dispenser; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a cross section view similar to  FIG. 4 , but with the other refill bottle shown installed in the fluid dispenser above the refill bottle of  FIG. 4  and with a lid of the fluid dispenser shown in a closed position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    Embodiments are hereinafter described in detail in connection with the views of  FIGS. 1-6 , wherein like numbers indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the views.  FIG. 1  illustrates a fluid dispenser  10  which can dispense a variety of different types of fluids or liquids, such as, for example, soap, sanitizer, soil removing cleaner, lotion, shampoo, or conditioner, to the hands of a user. The fluid dispenser  10  can include a housing  12  that includes a base  14  and lid  16 . The base  14  and the lid  16  can cooperate to define an interior chamber  18 , which can house various components of the fluid dispenser  10 , and can be configured to receive first and second fluid containers  20 ,  22 . The lid  16  can be pivotable with respect to the base  14  to permit installation and replacement of the first and second fluid containers  20 ,  22 . 
         [0014]    The fluid dispenser  10  can include a lower support  24  that is configured to support the first fluid container  20 . The fluid dispenser  10  can also include a motor  26  and batteries  28  for powering the motor  26 . With the first fluid container  20  installed on the lower support  24 , the motor  26  can actuate a pump (not shown) to facilitate dispensation of fluid onto a user&#39;s hands placed below. The fluid dispenser  10  can include a proximity sensor (not shown) or other detection device that defines a detection zone (not shown) below the fluid dispenser  10 . A user can actuate the fluid dispenser  10  by placing his/her hands (or other object) within the detection zone, which can initiate operation of the motor  26  to dispense fluid onto the user&#39;s hands. In an alternative embodiment, a user can actuate the fluid dispenser  10  by manually actuating a push bar (not shown) that facilitates dispensation of fluid onto the user&#39;s hands. 
         [0015]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the lid  16  can define a viewing window  30 , which can facilitate viewing into the interior chamber  18  defined by the base  14  and lid  16 , for example, to determine whether the first fluid container  20  is disposed within the fluid dispenser  10  and/or to determine the fill level of the first fluid container  20 . 
         [0016]    The first fluid container  20  can include a sidewall  32 , an upper wall  34 , and a lower wall  36  that cooperate with one another to define a reservoir  38  for storing fluid or liquid to be dispensed from the fluid dispenser  10 . An output port  40  can be provided at the lower wall  36  and can be in fluid communication with the reservoir  38 . The output port  40  can include a neck portion  42  and a flow pump  44  that is releasably secured to the neck portion  42  by a collar member  46 . When the first fluid container  20  is installed in the fluid dispenser  10 , the collar member  46  can be supported by the lower support  24  with the flow pump  44  extending therethrough such that the lower support  24  does not obstruct dispensation of fluid from the flow pump  44  to the dispensation zone. The output port  40  of the first fluid container  20  can further include a circumferential flange  82  to releasably secure the first fluid container  20  to another fluid container. 
         [0017]    The flow pump  44  can be movable between an opened position and closed position to facilitate selective dispensation of fluid from the output port  40 . The flow pump  44  can be biased into the closed position, such as with a biasing member (not shown), to prevent fluid from inadvertently being dispensed from the output port  40 . The flow pump  44  can be associated with the motor  26  which can facilitate selective opening of the flow pump  44  to dispense fluid from the first fluid container  20 . It is to be appreciated that although a flow pump is described as controlling dispensation of fluid from the output port  40 , any of a variety of suitable alternative dispensation mechanisms can be provided, such as, for example, a valve. 
         [0018]    The first fluid container  20  can also include an input port  48  that is defined by the upper wall  34  and in fluid communication with the reservoir  38 . Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the input port  48  of the first fluid container  20  can include a concave wall  50  that defines an aperture  52 . A sealing member  54  can be associated with the aperture  52  for selectively sealing the input port  48  to prevent fluid from inadvertently leaking from the aperture  52 . A vent  56  can be provided in the concave wall  50 . The vent  56  can be in fluid communication with the reservoir  38  and configured to facilitate venting of air from the reservoir  38  (e.g., during refilling of the first fluid container  20 ). 
         [0019]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the second fluid container  22  can be similar to, or the same as in many respects, the first fluid container  20  illustratively shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example, the second fluid container  22  can include a sidewall  58 , an upper wall  60 , and a lower wall  62  that cooperate with one another to define a reservoir  64 . The second fluid container  22  can further include an output port  66  and an input port  68 . The output port  66  can include a neck portion  70 , a flow pump  72 , and a collar member  74 . 
         [0020]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the output port  66  of the second fluid container  22  can be inserted into the input port  48  of the first fluid container  20  to facilitate refilling of the first fluid container  20  with the second fluid container  22 . When the output port  66  is inserted into the input port  48 , the flow pump  72  can extend through the sealing member  54 , through the aperture  52 , and into the reservoir  38 . In one embodiment, the sealing member  54  of the input port  48  can be formed of a frangible material, such as foil, that is irreparably punctured by the output port  66  (e.g., a single use-type seal). In another embodiment, the sealing member  54  can be formed of a resilient material, such as an elastomeric material, that allows for repeated sealing of the aperture  52  when the output port  66  is removed from the aperture  52  (e.g., a self-sealing seal). 
         [0021]    When the output port  66  of the second fluid container  22  is inserted into the input port  48  of the first fluid container  20 , the first fluid container  20  can facilitate movement of the flow pump  72  into an opened position to facilitate dispensation of fluid from the reservoir  64  of the second fluid container  22 . For example, when the output port  66  is inserted into the aperture  52 , the concave wall  50  of the input port  48  can contact a tip portion  78  of the flow pump  72  and can urge it into the opened position such that the reservoirs  38 ,  64  are in fluid communication with each other. Fluid from the second fluid container  22  can thus flow from the reservoir  64 , through the output port  66 , and into the reservoir  38  of the first fluid container  20  thus refilling the first fluid container  20 . As the first fluid container  20  is being refilled, air from the reservoir  38  can urge a plunger  76  of the vent  56  into an opened position to allow air to exhaust therethrough. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, the output port  66  of the second fluid container  22  and the input port  48  of the first fluid container  20  can be configured for selective retention with each other. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the concave wall  50  of the first fluid container  20  can include a groove  80  that is proximate the upper wall  34 . The output port  66  of the second fluid container  22  can similarly include a circumferential flange  83 . When the second fluid container  22  is installed on the first fluid container  20 , the circumferential flange  93  of the output port  66  can extend into the groove  80  of the input port  48  to releasably secure the first and second fluid containers  20 ,  22  together in a snap-fit type arrangement. It is to be appreciated that the first and second fluid containers  20 ,  22  can be provided with any of a variety of suitable alternative retention features, such as, for example, corresponding threads that facilitate threaded engagement between the input and output ports  48 ,  66 . 
         [0023]    The first fluid container  20  can be configured as a one-time refillable container that includes a feature (not shown) that is activated upon removal of the second fluid container  22  to prevent additional refill containers from being installed on the first fluid container  20 . In one embodiment, the concave wall  50  of the first fluid container  20  can include a frangible portion (not shown) that breaks away and extends upwardly from the concave wall  50  when the second fluid container  22  is removed. The frangible portion can extend far enough from the concave wall  50  to obstruct another fluid container from being fully installed into the input port  48  of the first fluid container  20 . In another embodiment, in lieu of the circumferential groove  80 , the concave wall  50  can include tabs (not shown) that are configured to grasp the circumferential flange  83  of the output port  66 . The tabs can be configured to break away when the second fluid container  22  is removed to prevent another fluid container from being properly retained to the first fluid container  20 . In yet another embodiment, the portion of the concave wall  50  that defines the aperture  52  can break away to define a larger aperture. When a refill container (e.g., a third fluid container) is installed onto the first fluid container  20 , the aperture is too large to allow the concave wall to push the flow pump of the refill container open, thus rendering the refill container inoperable. 
         [0024]    Refilling of the first fluid container  20  with the second fluid container  22  can be a more cost effective and less wasteful refill solution than some conventional fluid dispenser refill arrangements. For example, conventional self-contained refill cartridges (i.e., non-refillable) must be replaced each time the fluid dispenser should be refilled. For fluid dispensers that are refilled according to a predefined schedule (e.g., weekly), the installed cartridge is oftentimes replaced irrespective of whether any fluid still remains in the cartridge thus resulting in excess waste and cost. The fluid dispenser  10 , however, can be refilled with the second fluid container  22  to supplement the fluid in the first fluid container  20  which can thus be more cost effective and less wasteful than conventional arrangements. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, the first and second fluid containers  20 ,  22  can be substantially identical such that the first or second fluid container  20 ,  22  are interchangeable. The first and second fluid containers  20 ,  22  can thus be capable of being installed as either the top container or the bottom container in the fluid dispenser  10  which can encourage efficient installation in the fluid dispenser  10 . In addition, since the first and second fluid containers  20 ,  22  are substantially identical, the same refill cartridge can be used to replace either fluid container  20 ,  22  thus alleviating the need for different cartridge types for the fluid dispenser  10 . 
         [0026]      FIGS. 4-6  illustrate a fluid dispenser  110  according to another embodiment. The fluid dispenser  110  can be similar to, or the same in many respects as, the fluid dispenser  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . For example, the fluid dispenser  110  can include a housing  112  ( FIG. 6 ) that includes a base  114  and lid  116  ( FIG. 6 ) that cooperate to define an interior chamber  118 . The fluid dispenser  110  can also include a lower support  124 , a motor  126  and batteries  128  for powering the motor  126 . However, the fluid dispenser  110  can include an upper support  184  that will be described in more detail below. A first fluid container  120  can be supported by the lower support  124  and a second fluid container  122  can be supported by the upper support  184 . 
         [0027]    The first and second fluid containers  120 ,  122  can be similar to, or the same in many respects as, the first and second fluid containers  20 ,  22  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . For example, the first fluid container  120  can include a sidewall  132 , an upper wall  134 , a lower wall  136 , a reservoir  138 , and an output port  140 . The second fluid container  122  can include a sidewall  158 , an upper wall  160 , a lower wall  162 , a reservoir  164 , and an output port  166 . However, each of the first and second fluid containers  120 ,  122  might not include respective input ports (e.g.,  48 ,  68 ) configured for receipt of an output port (e.g.,  40 ,  66 ) from another fluid container. 
         [0028]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the upper support  184  can be disposed between the lower support  124  and the upper wall  115  of the base  114  of the housing  112 . The upper support  184  can include a back portion  186  and a support portion  187  that extends substantially horizontally from the back portion  186 . The support portion  187  can define a substantially U-shaped slot  188  for receiving the second fluid container  122 . When the second fluid container  122  is installed on the support portion  187 , a collar member  175  of the second fluid container  122  can be retained within the U-shaped slot  188  (e.g., through frictional engagement) such that the second fluid container  122  is supported by the upper support  184 . 
         [0029]    Referring again to  FIGS. 4-6 , a hollow conduit  190  can be coupled with the support portion of the upper support  184  adjacent to the U-shaped slot  188 . The hollow conduit  190  can include an upper end  192  and a lower end  194 . The upper end  194  can extend into an upper area Al defined between the upper support  184  and the upper wall  115  of the base  114  of the housing  112 . The lower end  194  can extend into a lower area A 2  defined between the lower support  124  and the upper support  184 . In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the upper and lower ends  192 ,  194  can include respective barbed tips  193 ,  195 . 
         [0030]    The hollow conduit  190  can include upper and lower sleeves  196 ,  198  that surround the hollow conduit  190  at the respective upper and lower ends  192 ,  194 . Each of the upper and lower sleeves  196 ,  198  can be slidably coupled with the hollow conduit  190  and slidable between a concealing position ( FIG. 5 ) and a revealing position ( FIG. 6 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the barbed tips  193 ,  195  can be concealed when the upper and lower sleeves  196 ,  198  are in their respective concealing positions. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the barbed tips  193 ,  195  can be revealed when the upper and lower sleeves  196 ,  198  are in their respective revealing positions. In one embodiment, the upper and lower sleeves  196 ,  198  can be biased into their respective concealing positions by respective springs  196   a,    198   a  to prevent a user from inadvertently contacting the barbed tips  193 ,  195 . 
         [0031]    The upper support  184  can be slidably coupled with a rear wall  117  of the base  114  of the housing  112  and slidable between a released position ( FIG. 5 ) and an actuated position ( FIG. 6 ). The upper support  184  can be biased into the released position by a spring  184   a.  When the upper support  184  is in the released position, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the lower support  124  and the upper support  184  are spaced apart enough to allow the first fluid container  120  to be installed in the lower area A 2  of the fluid dispenser  110  without being adversely contacted by the lower end  194  of the hollow conduit  190 . Once the first fluid container  120  is installed in the fluid dispenser  110 , the upper support  184  can be slid to the actuated position, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , to provide sufficient clearance between the upper wall  115  of the base  114  and the upper support  184  for the second fluid container  122 . When the upper support  184  is slid into the actuated position, the barbed tip  195  at the lower end  194  of the hollow conduit  190  can puncture the first fluid container  120  such that the lower end  194  extends into, and is in fluid communication with, the reservoir  138  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). The upper wall  134  of the first fluid container  120  can include frangible area  199  ( FIG. 4 ) that encourages puncturing of the upper wall  134  with the barbed tip  195 . 
         [0032]    The second fluid container  122  can then be installed on the upper support  184  by inserting the output port  166  into the U-shaped slot  188  with the second fluid container  122  at an angle. It is to be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the output port  166  can be inserted into the U-shaped slot  188  with enough downward force to cause the upper support  184  to move to the actuated position simultaneously with the installation of the second fluid container  122 , while in other embodiments, the upper support  184  can be moved to the actuated position prior to installation of the second fluid container  122  (e.g., with a user&#39;s hand). 
         [0033]    The second fluid container  122  can then be pivoted into the upright position which can cause the barbed tip  193  of the upper end  192  of the hollow conduit  190  to pierce the lower wall  162  of the second fluid container  122  and allow the upper end  192  of the hollow conduit  190  to extend into the reservoir  164 . The lower wall  162  of the second fluid container  122  can include a frangible area (similar to  199 ) that allows for easy puncturing of the lower wall  162  with the barbed tip  193 . 
         [0034]    The reservoirs  138 ,  164  of the first and second fluid containers  120 ,  122  can be in fluid communication with each other via the hollow conduit  190  to allow refill fluid from the second fluid container  122  to flow from the reservoir  164 , through the hollow conduit  190 , and into the reservoir  138  of the first fluid container  120 . 
         [0035]    Once the first and second fluid containers  120 ,  122  are properly installed in the housing  112 , the lid  116  can be secured to the base  114 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , an upper puncture member  200  of the lid  116  can puncture the upper wall  160  of the second fluid container  122 . As the first fluid container  120  is being refilled, air can be introduced into the reservoir  164  of the second fluid container  122  through the puncture member  200  to encourage the dispensation of fluid from the second fluid container  122 . 
         [0036]    The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described for illustration of various embodiments. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples or embodiments set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope be defined by the claims appended hereto. Also, for any methods claimed and/or described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented and may be performed in a different order or in parallel.