Abstract:
A soap dispenser has a base and a cover attached to the base by two sets of hinges. A container of soap is housed between the cover and the base and is attached to a liquid or foam dispensing pump. The pump is housed within a mounting device which surrounds the pump and has several diameters and at least one shoulder. In at least one embodiment, the mounting device has a flexible arm that biases the cover to a non-actuated position. The portion of the mounting device farthest from the pump&#39;s dispensing orifice and located closest to the soap container is flat in at least one embodiment on two opposite surfaces, which assists in orienting the pump correctly. As the portion is not circular, it must be oriented correctly. In at least one embodiment, as the cover is depressed, the pump actuates to dispense foam or soap.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This claims priority to European Patent Application Number 05076055.2 filed on May 37, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/700,819, filed on Jul. 20, 2005, the contents of each application are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many prior art soap dispensing apparatuses have a housing defined by a cover connected to a base. A cartridge, bag, or pouch of soap is stored within the housing such that it can be selectively dispensed. In such dispensing apparatuses, the cover may need to be detached from the base part to change the cartridge. 
     Furthermore, the insertion of a new cartridge can be somewhat challenging. A pump assembly may need to be connected to and properly aligned on the cartridge to place the pump nozzle in the correct position for dispensing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is intended to provide an improved dispensing apparatus which is easy to operate and cartridges can be exchanged easily. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus or components thereof for dispensing certain quantities of liquid or foamed soap contained in disposable or reusable containers which can be replaced when the container is empty. 
     Some embodiments are particularly directed toward a dispenser utilizing a container or cartridge discussed above. Generally, such dispensers have a base and cover. In order to change the cartridge, the cover on the dispenser should be released from the base plate. This operation should only be performed by certain authorized people, whereas it should be impossible or at least not easy for users of the dispensing apparatus to release the cover. 
     The dispenser of some embodiments utilizes the cover as an operating button for dispensing. By pushing on the cover, product will be dispensed. For replacing the cartridge of some embodiments, it must be possible to pivot the cover to a cartridge-loading position while it keeps connected to the base part. The cover can also be pivoted about a hinge point with respect to the base plate in order to dispense the product. The cover can be opened for replacing the cartridge when the hinge point between the cover and the base plate is released. 
     In some embodiments, the dispensing apparatus is characterized in that a second hinge point is arranged between the cover and a mounting element, which is locked in the base part. Upon unlocking the mounting element, the mounting element with cover can be moved relative to the base part for releasing the first hinge point. 
     In a preferred embodiment the locking of the mounting element is realized in that the mounting element comprises at least an extended portion cooperating with an opening in the base part. 
     In some embodiments, the base part comprises at least a retention rib cooperating with the extended portion of the mounting element for preventing the cover from separating from the base part. An unintended removal of the cover from the base part is herewith prevented. 
     In a preferred embodiment the first hinge point is arranged between the cover and the base part and releasable by relative movement between those two. After the mounting element is unlocked from the base part, the cover can be moved relative to the base part in a direction of releasing the first hinge point. 
     Additionally, cooperating blocking means between the cover and the base part for blocking relative movement between those two are preferably provided. In this embodiment, the mounting element, should be unlocked from the base part and the blocking means between the cover and the base part should be brought into their non-cooperating position in order to move the cover with respect to the base part and release the first hinge point. 
     In a further embodiment the dispensing apparatus also comprises resilient means for returning the cover about the first hinge point to a non-dispensing position after releasing the cover wherein the resilient means are integrally connected to the mounting element. 
     In a preferred embodiment the resilient means comprise at least a flexible arm of the mounting element. The mounting element can preferably be produced from plastic. Flexibility of the arm is obtained by having proper dimensions and material. 
     In a further preferred embodiment a first part of the second hinge point is integrally connected to the flexible arm of the mounting element and a second part of the second hinge point is connected to the cover. 
     In another preferred embodiment the first part comprises a pivot hole in the flexible arm and the second part comprises a pivoting pin integrally connected to the cover. 
     In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a container of the product and a pump connected thereto, although it is also possible to have a separate pump arranged in the dispensing apparatus which is not replaced when the cartridge is empty. There are several different types of pumps possible for use with the container of product, such as a bellows pump, a foam pump, a hose pump or a container having a flexible wall which can be depressed by some kind of pushing element. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention when the dispensing apparatus is suited for a cartridge with a bellows pump, an actuating element is provided which is pivotally connected to the mounting element for actuating the bellows pump. The pivoting movement of the cover with respect to the base part for dispensing product is translated into an actuation movement of the bellows pump by this actuating element. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing apparatus is suited for a cartridge with a foam pump. The pivoting movement of the cover with respect to the base part for dispensing product causes direct actuation of the foam pump. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a new housing for connecting a foam pump to the soap container. The housing can have a generally cylindrical body with one or more alignment features for aligning the pump on a container of soap in a proper dispensing position. Furthermore, the housing can have features that allow the pump to be coupled to the pump in a faster manner. 
     Further aspects of the present invention, together with the organization and operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a dispensing apparatus according the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a mounting element. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a base part. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an actuating element. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the mounting element of  FIG. 2  arranged in the base part of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  shows a cartridge comprising a container and a bellows pump. 
         FIG. 7  shows the actuating element of  FIG. 4  arranged in the assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  shows the cartridge of  FIG. 6  arranged in the assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a cover. 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a dispensing apparatus according to the invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows a partly cut away view of the bottom side of the dispensing apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a cartridge comprising a container with a new housing and a foam pump coupled to the housing. 
         FIG. 13  is an exemplary illustration of a mounting device for receiving the housing on the soap container. 
         FIG. 14  is another exemplary illustration of the mounting device shown in  FIG. 13  with a housing and pump positioned in the mounting device. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a new housing that is adapted to connect a soap container to a pump. 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of the housing illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of the housing illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the housing illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of the housing illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-section of the housing illustrated in  FIG. 15  with the cross-section taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 17 . The housing is also shown coupled to a soap container and a soap pump is shown coupled to the housing. 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-section of the housing illustrated in  FIG. 15  with the cross-section taken along line  21 - 21  of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limited. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “mounted,” “connected,” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting and coupling. Finally, as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, other alternative mechanical configurations are possible, and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  gives a perspective view of a first embodiment of the dispensing apparatus according to the invention. The dispensing apparatus comprises a base part  1 , a cover  2  connected to the base part  1  by means of two hinge points  3   a , 3   b  resp.  4   a , 4   b  and a mounting element  5  for mounting a cartridge  6  of product between the cover  2  and the base part  1 . The cartridge  6  of this first embodiment comprises a container  7  filled with product and a bellows pump  8  connected thereto. Furthermore, an actuating element  9  is arranged on the mounting element  5  and in contact with the cover  2  for actuating the bellows pump  8  of the cartridge  6 . 
     The mounting element  5  of  FIG. 1  is clearly shown in  FIG. 2 . The mounting element  5  is shown from the back, i.e. the side which is directed to the base part  1  of the dispensing apparatus of  FIG. 1 . The mounting element  5  is a one-piece structural component, preferably produced from plastic, which accommodates several functions for the dispensing apparatus, as will be explained later on. 
     The mounting element  5  comprises an upper wall  20  with a recessed part  21  in the centre thereof. This recessed part  21  is more clearly shown in  FIG. 5 . This recessed part  21  is provided at the front of the mounting element  5  with a substantially U-shaped recess  22 . Furthermore, a rib  23  is provided in the recessed upper wall  21 . 
     Two flexible arms  24  extend from the upper wall. Pivot holes  25  and extended portions  26  are integrally connected to these flexible arms  24 . Furthermore, the mounting element  5  is provided with two upright walls  27  projecting from the upper wall  20  at right angles. In these upright walls  27 , slotted holes  28  are provided. 
     The base part  1  is clearly shown in  FIG. 3 . The base part  1  consists mainly of a back plate  30  with a curved lower end and two side walls  31 ,  32 . The back plate  30  is provided with several slotted holes  33  of different dimensions for mounting the base part  1  to a wall of a sanitary room or space where the dispensing apparatus is to be used. Two openings  34  are arranged in the curved lower end of the back plate  30 . These openings  34  are limited by retention ribs  35 . The front edge  36  of the back plate  30  comprises a recessed part  37 . Furthermore, connecting elements  38 ,  39  are integrally connected to the back plate  30  for cooperating with corresponding portions of the mounting element  5  to connect this element to the base part  1 . The side walls  31 , 32  of the base part  1  have front edges in which slotted holes  40  at the upper end of the dispensing apparatus and interruptions  41  near the lower end of the dispensing apparatus are provided. Finally, the base part  1  has on its inner side positioning elements  42  for positioning a cartridge in its proper location. 
       FIG. 5  shows how the mounting element  5  of  FIG. 2  is mounted to the base part  1  of  FIG. 3 . The extended portions  26  of the mounting element  5  are positioned in the openings  34  of the lower curved end of the base part  1  (see also  FIG. 11 ). The connecting elements  38 , 39  on the back plate  30  connect the mounting element  5  to the base part  1 . The flexible arms  24  project forward with the pivot holes  25  at the lower end of the back part  1 . 
     The actuating element  9  is more clearly shown in  FIG. 4 . This element comprises two parallel walls  50  mutually connected by a rib  51 . Each wall  50  is connected to a flange  52 , which has a curved end  53  at the front of the actuating element  9  (right side in  FIG. 4 ). These curved ends  53  cooperate with ribs  10  on the inner side of cover  2  (see  FIG. 1 ). Furthermore, pivoting pins  54  are provided at the back side of the actuating element  9 , whereas a slotted opening  55  is provided at the front thereof. The pivoting pins  54  cooperate with the slotted holes  28  of the mounting element  5  (see  FIG. 2 ). In this way, the actuating element  9  is pivotally connected to the mounting element  5 . 
       FIG. 7  shows how the actuating element  9  of  FIG. 4  is mounted to the assembly of  FIG. 5 . The actuating element  9  can rotate freely about a hinge point consisting of the pivoting pins  54  of the actuating element  9  and the slotted holes  28  of the mounting element  5 . This hinge point is not shown in  FIG. 7 , because it lies at the back side (i.e. between the element  5 , 9  and the back plate  30 ). 
       FIG. 6  shows one example of a cartridge  6  for loading in the dispensing apparatus according to the invention. This cartridge  6  comprises a container  7  filled with product and a bellows pump  8 . When the bellows pump  8  is pushed toward the container  7 , a quantity of product will be dispensed. The bellows pump  8  is provided with a nozzle  60  through which the product will leave the cartridge  6 . Furthermore, the bellows pump  8  is provided with retention rings  61 , 62 . Between these retention rings  61 , 62  the bellows part  63  of the pump is located. 
     In  FIG. 8 , the assembly of cartridge  6  and assembly according to  FIG. 7  is depicted. The container  7  is supported by the upper wall  20  of the mounting element  5 . Thereby, the container  7  rest against the positioning elements  42  on the back plate  30  of the base part  1 . The bellows pump  8  is retained by means of its retaining rings  61 , 62  in the U-shaped recess  22  of the mounting element  5  and the slotted opening  55  of the actuating element  9 . The nozzle  60  of the bellows pump  8  extends downwardly. 
     The cover  2  is more clearly shown in  FIG. 9 . The cover has a front wall  90  and two side flanges  91 . At the upper end of the cover  2  there are provided two pivoting pins  92 . Two further pivoting pins  93  are provided at the lower end of the cover  2 . The side flanges  91  are provided with ribs  94  near the lower end of the cover  2 . The pivoting pins  92 , 93  and ribs  94  are all integrally connected to the side flanges  92  of the cover  2 . A recessed portion  95  of the front wall  90  is meant to be touched by a user when product has to be dispensed. Ribs  10  at the inner side of front wall  90  cooperate with the curved ends  53  of the actuating element  9  for actuating the bellows pump. Ribs  1  have a similar function when a cartridge comprising a foam pump is loaded in the dispensing apparatus (see  FIG. 10 ). The flexible arms  24  provide for returning the cover  2  to its rest position when it is released. 
       FIG. 1  shows the complete assembly, including the cover  2  of  FIG. 9 . The pivoting pins  92  of the cover  2  and the slotted holes  40  of the base part  1  cooperate to form the first hinge point  3   a , 3   b  of the cover  2 . The pivoting pins  93  of the cover  2  and the pivot holes  25  of the mounting element  5  cooperate to form the second hinge point  4   a , 4   b  of the cover  2 . The second hinge point  4   a , 4   b  is not operative in the position shown in  FIG. 1 . It is only operative when the first hinge point  3   a , 3   b  is released, i.e. the pivoting pins  92  are lifted from the slotted holes  40 . Releasing of the first hinge point  3   a , 3   b  is locked due to the connection between the extended portions  26  of the mounting element  5  and the openings  34  of the base part  1 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a second embodiment of the dispensing apparatus according to the invention. This embodiment is suited for a cartridge comprising a container  7  filled with product and a foam pump  100 . The base part  1 , the cover  2  and the mounting element  101  are substantially identical to those of the first embodiment. The mounting element  101 , however, comprises fixing lips  102  extending from the upper wall  20  in a forward downward direction for fixing the foam pump  100 . Another difference is that the actuating element  9  of the first embodiment is not needed in this second embodiment. Pivoting movement of the cover about first hinge point  3   a , 3   b  directly results in an actuating movement of the foam pump and thus a dispensing of product. 
       FIG. 11  shows a detail of the lower end of the dispensing apparatus of the first embodiment. The mounting element  5  is locked in the base part  1  by means of the extended portions  26  cooperating with the openings  34 . From this situation it is not possible to lift the cover with respect to the base part because this relative movement is prevented by the ribs  94  cooperating with the interruptions  41 . For bringing the cover  2  in a cartridge-loading position, the extended portions  26  have to be pushed inward. The extended portions  26  will release from the back plate  30  and the mounting element  5  can be pulled forward (right side in  FIG. 11 ). This movement in forward direction is limited by ribs  35  on the curved lower end of the back plate  30  in order to prevent a complete removal of the cover  2  from the base part  1 . As soon as the cover  2  is pulled forward, the ribs  94  will release from the interruptions  41 . At that moment it is possible to lift the cover and release the first hinge point  3   a , 3   b  so that the cover  2  can be rotated about the second hinge point  4   a , 4   b  to the cartridge-loading position. 
     According to this embodiment of the invention a dispensing apparatus is provided having a maximum of four structural elements: a base part, a cover, a mounting element and an actuating element (only in case of a bellow pump type of cartridge). The mounting element combines the functions of mounting the cartridge in the dispensing apparatus, returning the cover after dispensing of product, providing a hinge point for opening the cover in order to unload and load a cartridge and locking the movement of the cover to its cartridge-loading position. 
       FIG. 10  shows a second embodiment of the dispensing apparatus according to the invention. This embodiment is suited for a cartridge comprising a container  7  filled with product and a foam pump  100 . Such a cartridge is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The foam pump illustrated is manufactured by Bentfield Europe BV of the Netherlands. The base part  1 , the cover  2  and the mounting element  101  of this dispenser are substantially identical to those of the first embodiment. The mounting element  101 , however, comprises fixing lips  102  extending from the upper wall  20  in a forward downward direction for fixing the foam pump  100 . This manner of fixation and orientation will be discussed in greater detail below. Furthermore, due to the manner in which the foam pump  100  is mounted in the mounting element  101 , the actuating element  9  of the first embodiment is not needed in this second embodiment. Specifically, the foam pump  100  is mounted such that pivoting movement of the cover about first hinge point  3   a , 3   b  directly results in an actuating movement of the foam pump and thus a dispensing of product. 
     As shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 10 and 13 , the fixing lips  102  have a stepped profile to receive a specific portion of the cartridge and or the pump  100 . Specifically, the fixing lips  102  of this embodiment receive a portion of a housing  106  attached to the cartridge and portions of the pump  100  coupled to the housing  106 . The stepped profile of the fixing lips  102  along with other features discussed herein allow for easier alignment and orientation of the cartridge within the dispenser. 
     The stepped profile of the fixing lips  102  can be described in some embodiments to include three portions with each portion specifically sized to receive a particular part of the housing  106  and/or pump  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sections sequentially step from a larger to small steps. However, in other embodiments, the size or profile of each section can vary in different manners. Focusing on the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10 and 13 , the three portions are co-axial and each portion is substantially symmetric about the axis. The first portion  108  is sized to receive a cap  110  on the foam pump  100 , as well as a flange  160  on the housing  106 . Specifically, this portion has two substantially parallel walls  112  positioned a first distance X from the axis. On either axial end of the walls  112 , another wall  114  extends a short distance in the radial direction to define a recess or channel  116  to receive the pump cap  110  or more particularly, a rib  111  extending around the cap  110 . Although this first portion  108  is described as having two walls  112 , it should be understood that one annular wall can replace the two discreet walls. 
     The second portion  118  of the fixing lips  102  is positioned adjacent the first portion  108 . The second portion  118  is sized to receive a portion of the housing  106 . Specifically, this second portion  118  has two substantially parallel walls  120  positioned a second distance Y from the axis. As illustrated, the second distance Y of this embodiment is less than the first distance X. On one axial end of the walls  120 , another wall  122  extends a short distance in the radial direction to define a recess  124  to receive a portion of the housing  106 . Although this second portion  118  is described as having two walls  120 , it should be understood that one annular wall can replace the two discreet walls. 
     The third portion  126  of the fixing lips  102  is positioned adjacent the second portion  118 . The third portion  126  is sized to receive another portion of the housing  106  described below. Specifically, this portion  126  of the fixing lips  102  has two substantially parallel walls  128  positioned a third distance Z from the axis. As illustrated, the third distance Z of this embodiment is less than the second distance Y. Although this third portion  126  is described as having two walls  128 , it should be understood that in other embodiments one annular wall may be able to replace the two discreet walls. 
     The housing  106  and cap  110  are shown received in the fixing lips  102  of the mounting element  101  in  FIG. 14 . This figure will be described in greater detail below once the housing of  FIGS. 15-21  is described. 
     The housing  106  shown in  FIGS. 15-21  has a generally cylindrical body  130  having first end  132  and a second end  134 . An opening is formed in each end  132 ,  134  of the body. A base  136  is coupled to first end  132  of the generally cylindrical body  130 . The base  136  is used to couple the housing  106  to the soap container within the cartridge. The base  136  can be coupled to the container many different ways. For example, it can be adhesively or cohesively bonded, it can be welded, and the like. The illustrated housing  106  is particularly adapted to be ultra sonically welded to the container. The base  136  has an aperture  138  to allow communication between the contents of the soap container and the housing  106 . As illustrated, the aperture  138  of this embodiment is centered on the base  136 . A tube or conduit  140  is coupled to the base  136  and is aligned with the aperture  138  of the base. The conduit  140  is cylindrically shaped and extends from the base  136  into the housing  106 . The conduit  140  is sized and configured to receive a dip tube  141  from the pump  100 . 
     The housing  106 , like the mounting element  101 , is configured to allow the cartridge to be easily inserted and oriented within the dispenser. Accordingly, the housing  106  is provided with one or more alignment and configuration features. Specifically, the housing  106  has two chambers that are configured differently for alignment and configuration purposes. A first chamber  142  is coupled to the base  136  and extends from the base  136 . This first chamber  142  has an outer periphery with an orientation member that can only be received within the dispenser as select number of ways. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, this member includes at least one substantially flat surface  144 . More specifically, the orientation member of the illustrated embodiment includes two substantially flat surfaces  144  extending along the first chamber  142  in the axial direction. Two cylindrical or arcuate surfaces connect the two flat sections long the periphery of the first chamber. The flat surfaces reduce the cross-sectional area of the first chamber  142 . It is this reduced cross-sectional area that is designed to mate with a portion of the mounting element  101  and more specifically, with the third portion  126  of the fixing lips  102 . Due to the need of this reduced cross-sectional area to properly align with the mounting element  101 , the housing  106  can only be oriented two different ways relative to the dispenser, wherein each different way is 180 degrees apart. Accordingly, the proper orientation of the housing  106  should be fairly obvious once the housing  106  is coupled to the soap container. These flat portions  144  also help prevent unwanted rotation of the housing within the fixing lips  102 . 
     A second chamber  146  is coupled to the first chamber  142  at a shoulder  148 . The second chamber  146  is substantially co-axial with the first chamber  142 . The first and second chamber are dimensioned and configured to receive select portions of the pump  100 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the dip tube assembly  141  is received within the first chamber of the housing  106  while the pump actuation assembly  143  is received substantially within the second chamber  146 . Due in part to the configuration of the pump  100 , the first chamber  142  has a smaller cross-sectional width than the second chamber  146 . Furthermore, the first chamber  142  has a smaller volume than the second chamber  146 . 
     The shoulder  148  between the first and second chamber can be used to provide assurance that the pump  100  is positioned at the correct depth within the housing  106 , which can also assure that the dip tube  141  extends within the soap container a sufficient distance. 
     At least one cavity  150  is positioned within the housing  106  to receive an alignment member on the pump  100 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a cavity  150  extends from the shoulder  148  in the axial direction along the first chamber. The cavity  150  is positioned and shaped to receive a projecting alignment member  151  on the soap pump. Receipt of the projecting alignment member  151  within the cavity  150  allows for proper alignment of the soap pump  100  on the soap container so that the nozzle will be aimed in the correct direction once the soap container is installed in the soap dispenser. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  106  is provided with two cavities  150  that are positioned opposite each other. As such, the cross-section of the housing  106  is symmetrical. Accordingly, the housing  106  can be coupled to the soap container two ways and yet allow for proper alignment. 
     The housing  106  also has a plurality of ribs  156  extending from the outer periphery of the second chamber  146 . The plurality of ribs  156  are located at the second end  134 , or free end, of the second chamber  146 . The plurality of ribs  156  are positioned and dimensioned to engage an internal threaded surface of the soap pump. More specifically, the ribs  156  are dimensioned and configured to engage the threaded surface via a snap fit. This allows for the housing  106  to connect to the pump  100  more quickly compared to prior art devices. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs  156  are generally aligned in parallel rows. Furthermore, the ribs  156  do not extend around the entire periphery of the housing within a row. In other words, the ribs  156  only cover a portion of the circumferential area within a one row. 
     Finally, as illustrated, the housing  106  also has a larger rib or flange  160  positioned adjacent the plurality of ribs  156 . This larger rib or flange  160  can be used as a stop to prevent further movement of the pump  100  or cap  110  on the pump  100  in the axial direction while the pump  100  is being coupled to the housing  106 . Furthermore, as shown in the figures and as discussed above, the flange  160  can be received within the first portion  108  of the fixing lips  102  to further provide proper alignment of the pump  100  with the dispenser and to prevent axial movement of the pump  100  and housing  106  during operation. 
     In operation, the housing  106  is attached to the soap container prior to reaching the end user The housing  106  is attached to the container in the proper orientation such that the flats  144  and the cavities  150  are properly positioned to provide the correct orientation of the pump  100 . The pump  100  can optionally be coupled to the housing  106  before or after reaching the end user. The pump  100  is inserted into the housing  106  with the dip tube  141  end first. The dip tube  141  aligns with the product feed tube  140  and can be inserted through the product feed tube  140 . Also, the pump  100  is properly oriented so that the alignment projection  151  aligns with the proper cavity  150  to have the nozzle facing the correct direction With this proper alignment, the pump cap  110  can be force fit or snap fit onto the plurality of ribs  156  to join the pump  100  to the housing  106 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 14 , the soap container is placed in the dispenser with the housing  106  positioned toward the front of the dispenser. The housing  106  and pump assembly l 00  are aligned with the fixing lips  102  of the mounting element  101 . Specifically, the stepped profile of the housing  106  is matched with the stepped profile of the fixing lips  102 . Once the housing  106  is aligned with the fixing lips  102 , the housing  106  (and pump  100 ) can be inserted into the fixing lips  102 . The flats  144  of the housing  106  should be properly aligned with the third portion  126  of the fixing lips  102  to assure proper alignment. Once the soap container, housing  106 , and pump  100  are inserted, the cover on the soap dispenser can be closed to allow for dispensing. 
     The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, various alternatives to the certain features and elements of the present invention are described with reference to specific embodiments of the present invention. With the exception of features, elements, and manners of operation that are mutually exclusive of or are inconsistent with each embodiment described above, it should be noted that the alternative features, elements, and manners of operation described with reference to one particular embodiment are applicable to the other embodiments. 
     Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.