Dispenser with Roll Transfer Mechanism

A dispenser for dispensing dispensable product is provided. The dispenser includes a housing having an interior volume so as to retain the dispensable product. The dispenser also includes a front cover assembly and a backplate that each form at least a portion of the housing. The front cover assembly includes a front plate having a first side and a second and opposite side. The first side forms the exterior of the dispenser and the second side faces the interior volume. A printed circuit board is disposed on the second side of the front plate. The back plate includes a first side and a second and opposite side facing the interior volume. One or more power packs are disposed on the second side of the backplate. The printed circuit board is powered by the one or more power packs when the front cover assembly is in a closed position.

BACKGROUND

Washrooms in commercial and residential buildings typically include products such as toilet tissue, paper towels, diapers, feminine products, liquid products such as soap, and aerosol products such as air fresheners. These products are typically housed by a dispenser and are dispensed as needed by the user. Those skilled in the art have spent considerable time designing smart dispensers that are intended to overcome the problems noted above. For instance, dispensers have been designed that can monitor product usage and product levels in order to prevent waste. The control systems and mechanical aspects of dispensers are wide and varied.

Problems still remain, however, in incorporating different functionalities into dispensers. For example, as additional sensors and control circuitry are added to dispenser problems exist with appropriate ways to connect circuitry components with a power source. For example, certain system utilize a complicated system of connections and wires that can increase the cost of the dispenser and can also increase the complexity of manufacturing. In view of the above, improved mechanisms for powering dispensers are needed.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure is directed to a dispenser for dispensing a dispensable product. The dispenser includes a housing having an interior volume so as to retain dispensable product. The dispenser also includes a front cover assembly that forms at least a portion of the housing. The front cover assembly includes a front plate having a first side and a second and opposite side. The first side of the front cover assembly forms an exterior of the dispenser and the second side faces the interior volume. A printed circuit board is disposed on the second side of the front cover assembly. The dispenser includes a backplate forming at least a portion of the housing. The backplate includes a first side and a second and opposite side. The first side forms an exterior of the dispenser and the second side faces the interior volume. One or more power packs are disposed on the second side of the backplate. The printed circuit board is powered by the one or more power packs when the front cover assembly is in a closed position with respect to the backplate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms “communicate,” “communicating,” “communicative,” and the like refer to both direct communication as well as indirect communication such as through a memory system or another intermediary system.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially”, are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 1, 2, 4, 10, 15, or 20 percent margin. These approximating margins may apply to a single value, either or both endpoints defining numerical ranges, and/or the margin for ranges between endpoints.

The embodiments including dispenser and methods of the present disclosure, including components thereof, can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the embodiments described herein, as well as any additional or optional components or limitations described herein or otherwise useful.

As used herein, the terms “sheet material” and “paper” means a material that is thin in comparison to its length and breadth. Generally speaking, sheet materials should exhibit a relatively flat planar configuration and be flexible to permit folding, rolling, stacking, and the like. Exemplary sheet materials and papers include, but are not limited to, paper tissue, bath/toilet tissue, paper towels, wipes, label rolls, or other fibrous, film, polymer, or filamentary products. The terms “sheet material” and “paper” may be used interchangeably.

Dispensers for numerous dispensable products, including liquid products, rolled sheet materials, and folded sheet materials have been developed. Many of these dispensers include components that require some type of power (e.g., sensors, controllers, etc.). For instance, activation sensors are capable of dispensing product upon sensing a user. Other sensors include refill detection sensors, that are capable of sensing when a refill is needed. Dispensers can also include control circuit designed to operate a number of functions of the dispenser. Additionally, certain “smart” dispensers can be equipped with other receivers or beacons that are capable of storing and/or transmitting data via certain wireless connections to cloud-based systems useful for overall dispenser management.

While these electronic components increase the overall usability of the dispenser, powering these components still remains an issue. For example, while electronic components can be powered by a traditional AC/DC power source, often times there are not suitable amounts of AC/DC outlets configured in commercial restroom settings, especially in locations where it is desirable to provide a product dispenser. Furthermore, users enjoy the flexibility in being able to place product dispensers in a manner of locations within restroom establishments. Accordingly, a battery pack can be used in order to power the electrical components of the dispenser. Battery packs however can add substantial weight to the dispenser and, as such, manufacturing designs can be limited. Moreover, connecting the battery packs internally to the electrical components of the dispenser can involve complicated combinations of wires.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is generally directed to a dispenser for dispensing a disposable product. The dispenser includes a housing having an interior volume capable of holding a dispensable product. The dispenser includes a front cover assembly forming at least a portion of the housing. The front cover assembly includes a front plate having a first side and a second and opposite side, the first side forming an exterior of the dispenser, the second side facing the interior volume. A printed circuit board is disposed on the second side of the front cover assembly. A backplate forming at least a portion of the housing is also provided. The backplate includes a first side and a second an opposite side, the first side forming an exterior of the dispenser, the second side facing the interior volume. One or more power packs are disposed on the second side of the backplate. The printed circuit board powered by the one or more power packs when the front cover assembly is in a closed position with respect to the backplate.

The dispenser according to example embodiments of the present disclosure can provide numerous benefits and technical effects. For instance, moving the electronics to the front plate of the dispenser can simplify the design and features of the backplate, thus decreasing manufacturing time and costs. Furthermore, the power packs can be disposed in other features already present on the backplate for dispensing the dispensable product. For example, the power packs can be disposed in a housing, such as an overfill housing, disposed on the backplate. The overfill housing can be present in dispensers configured to dispense folded sheet materials. Additionally, the electrical connection between the printed circuit board and the power packs is simplified. Indeed, one or more plugs are disposed on the internal surface of the front cover and are design to contact the electrical connections on the housing holding the power packs in order to electrically couple the printed circuit board to the power packs when the dispenser is in a closed position. Such electrical connection does not require running any additional wiring from the backplate to the front cover assembly. Furthermore, disposing the printed circuit board in the front plate assembly allows for easier access and programming of the printed circuit board. Additionally, upgraded or improved front cover assemblies can be easily replaced by the end user. Lastly, one or more light emitting devices (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) can be disposed on the printed circuit board to light features of the front cover. Indeed, this eliminates the need for a strip of LEDs to be strategically positioned on the front cover and electronically wired to the power source, reducing the overall complexity of the design.

FIG.1illustrates an example embodiment of a dispenser10for dispensing a dispensable product in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The dispenser10, as shown, is configured for dispensing paper products, such as stacked folded individual sheets of paper towels or sheets of rolled paper products, such as paper towels, toilet paper, and/or toilet tissue. The dispenser10is particularly suited for dispensing paper towels, tissues, and the like. However, it should be appreciated that a dispenser according to the disclosure is not limited in this regard. Indeed, the features of the example embodiments of the dispenser10illustrated herein are applicable to any type of product dispenser including liquid product dispensers (e.g., hand-soap dispenser, hand sanitizer dispensers), sheet material product dispensers (e.g., dispenser for dispensing sheet material from a rolled sheet), and any other dispensable product dispenser. Furthermore, the dispensers disclosed herein can include in-counter mounted product dispensers, wall-mounted product dispensers, including dispensers mounted to the walls of bathroom stalls, and/or stand-alone product dispensers.

The dispenser will be described herein as it relates to a paper towel dispenser for clarity and ease of explanation. It should also be appreciated that a dispenser according to the disclosure is not limited in its overall shape or configuration. This particular dispenser is illustrated merely as an example of one embodiment of a dispenser incorporating the unique features of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.1, the dispenser10includes a housing16having a interior volume17that is designed to house one or more dispensable products. The housing16may be formed of any suitable materials. The dispenser10includes a front cover assembly20and a backplate30. The front cover assembly20is shown in an open position. In certain embodiments, the front cover assembly20can define one or more of the sidewalls21of the dispenser10. In other embodiments, however, the front cover assembly20can form at least a portion, but not substantially all, of the sidewalls21of the dispenser. In other embodiments, however, the front cover assembly20does not form any portion of the sidewalls21of the dispenser. The front cover assembly20can be pivotally coupled to the backplate30. For example, one or more hinges can be used to pivotally coupled the front cover assembly20to the backplate30. Any conventional pivotal attaching mechanism may be used in this regard. For example, in certain embodiments, a simple rotatable rod is provided and retained by rod holders. It should be appreciated that any number of conventional pivotal arrangements are known by those skilled in the art that may be utilized to pivotally mount the front cover assembly20to the backplate30. In other embodiments, the front cover assembly20can be completely removable or detachable from the backplate30.

The front cover assembly20includes a front plate23having a first side24defining an external surface of the dispenser10and a second side25(e.g., an internal side) facing the internal volume17of the dispenser10. One or more circuit boards, such as a printed circuit board50, are disposed on the second side25of the front cover assembly. Additionally, the second side25of the front cover assembly20can be outfitted with one or more electronic interfaces52including, for example, suitable electrical connectors and/or plugs, suitable for electrically coupling the printed circuit board50to one or more power packs56. Electrical coupling of the printed circuit board50to the one or more power packs56will be further discussed hereinbelow.

The dispenser includes a backplate30having a first side31forming an exterior of the dispenser10. The first side31may face the mounting surface (e.g., a wall or a stall door) when the dispenser10is in a mounted position. The backplate30also includes a second side32opposite from the first side31, the second side32generally facing the interior volume17of the dispenser10. The backplate30can include additional features in order for the dispenser to be properly mounted to a mounting surface. For example, the backplate30can include a variety of apertures, pins, or other features designed to facilitate mounting of the dispenser.

As shown inFIG.1, one or more power packs56are disposed on the backplate30. The term power packs56can refer to any type of portable power source. For example, in certain embodiments, the power packs56can include one or more batteries for powering certain electrical components of the dispenser10. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more power packs56are disposed directly on an internal surface31of the backplate30. (Not Shown). Indeed, while exemplary embodiments illustrate the power packs56disposed on the backplate30, the disclosure is not so limited. In fact, the power pack could be disposed anywhere within the interior volume17of the housing16. For example, the power packs56could be disposed on other modules (e.g, dispensing modules) or housings disposed within the interior volume17of the housing16.

In other embodiments, however, a housing member40is coupled to the backplate30. The housing member40can be configured in any shape or with any suitable material and is configured to house one or more power packs56. For example, in certain embodiments, the housing member40includes at least a portion of an overfill prevention mechanism42or overfill housing. For example, referring now toFIGS.2-3, illustrated is a housing member40and an overfill prevention mechanism42. The overfill prevention mechanism42is pivotally attached to an underside43of the housing member40. When the dispenser10is in an open position, a stack of sheet material (e.g., folded paper towels) can be loaded in the interior volume16of the housing16. The stacked sheet material, however, can only be loaded to a certain height before the top of the stacked sheet material encounters the overfill prevention mechanism42. Once the stacked sheet material is loaded and the dispenser10is in a closed position, the overfill prevention mechanism42is capable of pivoting upward in the y-direction in order to prevent overfill of the dispenser10. In such embodiments, void space located within the housing member40that includes the overfill prevention mechanism42can be loaded with one or more power packs56. Conveniently, in such an embodiment, no additional housing for the power packs needs to be configured to the backplate18of the dispenser10.

As shown, the housing member40includes one or more electronic interfaces54. For example, the electronic interface54can be disposed on a portion of the external surface of the housing member40such that when the front cover assembly20is in a closed position, electronic interface52is able to electrically couple to electronic interface54in order to connect the printed circuit board50to the one or more power packs56. Furthermore, while exemplary embodiments illustrate placement of electronic interface54on the housing member40, the disclosure is not so limited. Indeed, the electronic interface54can be located anywhere within the interior volume17, such that the electronic interface54is capable of interfacing with the printed circuit board50in a manner to provide power and/or functionality to the printed circuit board50.

Referring back toFIG.1, the housing16includes at least one dispensing opening22through which the paper product is dispensed from the internal volume17. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing opening22is defined in the bottom the housing16. However, the dispensing opening22could be located anywhere convenient for the dispensing of suitable product. For example, the dispensing opening22could also be defined in a bottom portion or panel member of the front cover assembly20. The dispensing opening22may be disposed in any convenient location for a user to pull and dispense the individual folded sheets from the housing16.

Referring now toFIGS.4-5, exploded views of the front cover assembly20including the printed circuit board50and sidewalls21are shown. As shown, the front cover assembly20includes a second side25configured to face the internal volume17of the dispenser10. The printed circuit board50is disposed on at least a portion of the second side25of the front cover assembly20. The printed circuit board50can be removably attached or permanently affixed to the second side25of the front cover assembly20. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more pins or fastening devices can be used to secure the printed circuit board50to the second side25of the front cover assembly20. A protection plate70can be disposed between printed circuit board50and the internal volume17of the housing16. For example, the protection plate70can protect the various components present on the printed circuit board50from exposure dirt, dust, and other contaminants that can affect the operability of the printed circuit board50. In order to ensure proper electrical connection of the printed circuit board50to the power packs56, a connection aperture72can be disposed in the protection plate70in order to allow for electrical coupling between the electronic interface52located on the second side25of the front cover assembly20and electronic interface54located on the backplate30or housing member40located on the backplate30of the dispenser10.

The printed circuit board50can include a variety of components or can be configured to operate a variety of components including sensors, control circuitry, wireless connections, etc. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more light emitting devices60(e.g., light emitting diodes) can be placed on the printed circuit board50. In such embodiments, when operated, the light emitting devices60can be configured to illuminate certain features present on the front cover assembly20. Referring now toFIGS.6-7, these features include a border80and/or logo90. As shown inFIG.6, the front cover assembly20, including sidewall21, is in a closed position on the backplate30. Whereas inFIG.7, the front cover assembly20is shown in an exploded view. The front cover assembly22includes a front plate23having a first side24that forms an externally facing portion of the dispenser10. As shown, the front plate23can include a first layer101that is generally formed from an opaque material. For example, the first layer can be formed from a suitable opaque label. The opaque label can be in-molded to a second layer102of transparent material102. The second layer102including the transparent material can form at least a portion of a border80around the front plate23. As shown inFIG.7, in embodiments, the front plate23including the border80as described, can then be connection to a internal front plate103useful for affixing the front plate23to the front cover assembly20. When utilized, the internal front plate103can also be formed from a transparent material. In such embodiments, when the light emitting devices60present on the printed circuit board50are activated, the light produced is able to filter through the border80to illuminate the border80of the front cover assembly20with light. Furthermore, the front plate23can include a logo90or any other suitable design thereon. Similar to illumination of the border80, the logo90or other front plate23design can be illuminated by the light emitting devices60present on the printed circuit board50. Advantageously, such illumination of the border80and/or logo90as described, eliminates the need to place a strip of light emitting devices60(e.g., LEDs) in a desired location, such as directly behind the border or directly behind the logo, in order to illuminate the features of the front plate.

Referring now toFIG.8, the printed circuit board50can include one or more components or features for facilitating operational functionality of the dispenser. For example, one or more smaller power packs57(i.e., power pack57is smaller or weights less than power pack56) can be disposed on or adjacent to the printed circuit board50. For example, the smaller power packs57can be used to power certain components or features of the printed circuit board50when the front cover assembly is in an open position (e.g., when electronic interfaces52and54are not connected). In such embodiments, the smaller power packs57are used to power certain functions of the printed circuit board50.

Additionally, the printed circuit board50can include one or more sensors110. A variety of sensors110can be powered-by or coupled to the printed circuit board50. For example, in certain embodiments, the printed circuit board50can include one or more refill detection sensors that can indicated when a low product condition exists. For example, the refill detection sensor can include known components for tracking the amount of product present in the interior volume of the dispenser. Upon a threshold low product condition being reached, the refill detection sensor can alert a user or maintenance personnel that the dispenser is low on product. For example, when a low product threshold is reached, and externally visible light on the dispenser can be illuminated, indicating that the product is low. For example, an illuminated red light on an external surface of the dispenser often indicates that a low product condition exists. In other embodiments, the sensors110can include a sensor that is designed to detect the presence of a user in a detection zone. Such sensors are known, and are used to detect when a user is within a certain distance from the product dispenser. In such embodiments, the user detection sensor can be used to illuminate the product dispenser or a certain amount of product can be dispensed from the dispenser upon sensing the user in the detection zone. Again, such sensors are known and can be incorporated into the printed circuit board50provided herein by those of skill in the art.

The printed circuit board can also include a controller112, receiver113, transmitter114, and/or antenna116all suitable for receiving and communicating data to and from the dispenser. For example, the controller112can include a controller and/or control circuitry configured to control and monitor all the functions of the dispenser including, for example, the amount of product being dispensed, product usage, and any other activities that are occurring within the dispenser. The control circuitry can be configured to communicate information regarding the dispenser to a server system (e.g., a cloud-based management service) via wired means or through a web-based system as will be described more particularly herein. For instance, the control circuitry can include a receiver113configured to interface with one or more beacon devices.

In other embodiments, the printed circuit board50can include at least a portion of or be configured to operate an electronic key interface115. For example, the front covers of many commercially available dispensers include a locking mechanism designed to keep users from tampering with the internal components and products located within the dispenser. Such mechanical locks require maintenance personnel to carry around keys in order to unlock dispenser for servicing. However, an electronic lock or a combination of an electromechanical lock can be used in order to open the product dispenser. For example, maintenance personnel can carry a beacon device120capable of transmitting a unique beacon signal. The beacon device120can be incorporated to the user's cell phone or the beacon device120can be carried by maintenance personnel as part of a small, portable device in the form of an attachment to a work badge, bracelet, token, dongle, ID card and so forth. When the beacon device120is detectable (e.g., within range) of the electronic key interface115on the printed circuit board50, the front cover assembly of the dispenser can be opened, such that dispensable product can be refilled.

In certain embodiments, the components of the printed circuit board50and/or dispenser10are equipped with wireless communication capability between receivers113in the dispensers and other beacon devices120or receivers located outside of the dispensers in the restroom area. In such embodiments, the dispensers are considered to be “communication-enabled” devices. In certain embodiments, it has been found that Bluetooth Low Energy technology is particularly well-suited for facilitating wireless communication of dispensers10in accordance with the present subject matter. For example, the beacon device120carried by the maintenance personnel may be a Bluetooth Low Energy beacon that transmit the unique beacon signal as a Bluetooth Low Energy formatted signal, and the receivers113are Bluetooth Low Energy scanners configured to receive and recognize the Bluetooth Low Energy formatted signal.

Bluetooth Low Energy devices are well-known to those skilled in the art, and a detailed explanation of their function and operation is not necessary for an understanding and appreciation of the present invention. Briefly, Bluetooth Low Energy beacons are a class of low-energy, low-cost radio transmitters that can alert and/or notify a receiver running Bluetooth Low Energy applications of their presence, which in turn enables the receiver to perform certain actions when in close proximity to the beacon. Each Bluetooth Low Energy beacon broadcasts a unique beacon signal using the Bluetooth Low Energy standard format. These unique signals are also known as beacon “advertisements.” The Bluetooth Low Energy receiver runs an application that enables the device to scan for and receive the signals within transmitting range of the Bluetooth Low Energy beacons. The receiver will automatically “react” to the received signal and may start other Bluetooth Low Energy-enabled applications for various purposes, including communication with a central server.

A typical use of Bluetooth Low Energy technology is relatively precise indoor geo-location (“micro-location”). A Bluetooth Low Energy-enabled application on the receiver is notified when the Bluetooth Low Energy beacon (beacon device120) moves out of range of the receiver, and thus is able to determine distance of the beacon device120(and thus the maintenance personnel) from the receiver113. The exact geo-location of the receiver113is known, and thus the exact location of the beacon device120is calculated based on relative distance from the receiver113as a function of signal strength. With this location information, the server system in communication with the receivers113can identify a dispenser that has been serviced based on location of the personnel within a washroom facility (e.g., by reacting with a receiver113located within a particular dispenser).

It should be appreciated that the present systems and methods are not limited to Bluetooth Low Energy technology. The beacon device, the receiver, and/or other wireless devices can implement any suitable wireless protocol to perform wireless communications as described herein. As examples, the wireless protocol can include, but is not limited to, Long Range (LoRa), Near Field Communication (NFC), High-Frequency (HF) RFID, Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) RFID, Ultra-wideband (UWB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.4, Thread, Zigbee, Wirepass, Encoean/ISO/IEC 14543.3.1x, WiFi or IEEE 802.11, cellular services (e.g., 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, etc.), NarrowBand-Internet of Things (NB-IoT), or any other suitable wireless protocols. Other communication technologies are also within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

As noted, inclusion of the printed circuit board on the front cover assembly allows for easier replacement of the front cover assembly and associated functionality of the printed circuit board. The functionality of the entire dispenser can be upgraded or modified just by changing out the front cover assembly. For example, the dispenser can include a second front cover assembly having a second printed circuit board disposed thereon. The second printed circuit board can be configured to provide a different functionality to the dispenser. The second front cover assembly, including second printed circuit board, can be used to replace or instead of the front cover assembly present on the dispenser. Such embodiments are not limited to dispensers including only one or two front cover assemblies. In fact, a plurality of front cover assemblies each having a printed circuit board thereon in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be provided. The printed circuit boards of each front cover assembly can include the same or different functionalities. For example, it is contemplated that at least two front cover assemblies (e.g., a first front cover assembly and a second front cover assembly) can be provided that each include printed circuit boards thereon having different functionalities. The different functionalities can correspond to operation of different sensors, controllers, light emitting devices, etc. The different printed circuit boards can also be outfitted with different features (e.g., sensors, controllers, etc.) in order to provide different functionalities to the dispenser. Providing different front cover assemblies allows the end user to have multiple options for the overall function and design of the dispenser.

The dispenser can include any number of operational components housed in the housing and/or located external to the housing. Suitable operational components can vary depending on the type of dispenser and product to be dispensed. For example, the operational components of the dispenser can be mounted directly to the backplate of the housing or can be part of a module that is received within the housing. For example, the operational components can be part of a module that may be readily removable from the housing for servicing and/or replacing components without the necessity of having to remove the entire dispenser from its support surface. For dispensing paper products, such as one or more rolls of sheet material, the operational components can include rollers, such as pressure rollers, drive rollers, drive motors, gear assemblies, and control circuitry, including, for example, controllers or microprocessors, for driving paper product from the roll of sheet material out through a dispensing opening. Additional roll holders, including main roll holders and stub roll holders, can also be included in the dispenser. Additional transfer mechanisms may also be present in order to transfer dispensing between a stub roll and a main roll. Such components are known by those of skill in the art and can be incorporated accordingly herein. Additionally, tear bars or cutting bars may be present in order to cut the paper product as it is dispensed from the dispensing material. In certain embodiments, the dispenser can be configured to dispense a particular amount of sheet material. Dispensing mechanisms can be powered by batteries in a battery component or can be powered by an AC to DC distribution system.

In certain embodiments, the dispenser can be configured as a liquid product dispenser. Liquid product dispensers are suitable for dispensing a liquid product, such as hand soap, hand sanitizer, or other personal care products. While the term “liquid product” is used, the disclosure is not so limited. Indeed, the product dispensed could be a viscous liquid, such as hand soap, or a foam product, such as foamed hand soap. The disclosure is intended to cover a variety of liquid products that can be dispensed in a viscous or foamed state. Liquid product dispensers can include a variety of features and operational components including delivery spouts, motors, motor housings, pump devices, electronic sensors, control circuitry, liquid product reservoirs, delivery tubes, power supply housings, electrical contacts, battery compartments, and combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the dispenser10can utilize refill count system for accurately tracking refills of the dispensable product and also for alerting maintenance personnel when product remaining in the dispenser is below a threshold limit (e.g., a low product condition exists). Referring now toFIG.9, the total quantity of a full product dispenser is known and can be stored on a server system106and/or computing device108in communication with the dispenser10and additionally or alternatively, one or more computing devices108. Optionally, in certain embodiments, the dispenser10may be operably in communication (either wired or wireless) with the one or more computing devices108. One or more sensors110can then be used to monitor the amount of available quantity of dispensable product in the product dispenser. For example, the sensor110can communicate the amount of product available in the dispenser to the server system106and/or the computing device108. For example, the available quantity of dispensable product can be communicated to the server system106and/or computing device108via control circuitry or sensors located on or within the dispenser10. The server system106or computing device108can then track the available quantity of dispensable product for a particular dispenser10. Once a threshold amount of available quantity of dispensable product is reached (e.g., a low product condition is detected), the server system106and/or computing device108can generate an alert that the dispenser10has reached a low quantity and needs to be refilled. In embodiments, the server system106can generate the alert and send it to one or more computing devices108. The computing device108can include any number of peripheral mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. The specific threshold limit or low product condition can be stored on the server system106or the computing device108. Once the maintenance personnel is alerted that a low product condition exists, they can open the dispenser10in order to refill the product dispenser10. Upon opening of the dispenser10electronic interface52is disconnected from electronic interface54, such disconnection can be used to indicate to the server system106and/or the computing device108that the dispenser has been refilled and is now fully stocked with product.