Abstract:
A fluid dispenser  10  with a replaceable receptacle  11  containing fluid  47  positioned within a housing  12 . An inlet tube  42  and an outlet tube  43  are connected to a pump assembly  15  for drawing fluid from the receptacle and moving the fluid through a nozzle  80  having fluid discharge aperture  41 . The nozzle is secured to a hand actuatable cover  13  which is depressable to operate the pump. The pump is mounted upon a retainer  14  which is connectable to the housing. When the receptacle becomes empty, the retainer may be disengaged from the housing, and the retainer and pump are then lifted away as one unit from the housing. The empty receptacle may then be replaced with a full one, and in reverse order, the dispenser may be reassembled.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to manual spray-pump fluid dispensers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pump-type fluid dispenser that provides for easy replacement of fluid supply receptacles which also have the capability of being operable with the same hand that receives the dispensed fluid. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Pump type dispensers for dispensing a fluid have become a common staple of every day life. However, a variety of inconveniences attend the use of hand-held or small sized spray pumps and fluid dispensers. Some fluid dispensers are operated from a table top, and others are held in a hand during use. The preference for usage is usually an ergonomic one, and depends largely on the shape of the fluid container and the shape and location of the spray actuator. Creams and gels, such as hand cream, are often in a container with a pump actuator that includes a horizontal spout with the tip of the spout pointing down. Although such designs can be used for any viscosity fluid, this ergonomic design is commonly used for more viscous fluids being expelled into the hand, such as hand creams or hair gels. These pump bottles are typically operated while the container is resting on a bathroom counter or dresser top. In such a case, the user might pump the pump head with one hand, and extend the other hand underneath the pump spout to receive the dispensed product. 
   When using a hand sized pump-type fluid dispenser resting on a surface, the force imparted on the head of the dispenser can tip over if it is not steadied or braced. Similarly, such force can rotate a spray head resulting in a fluid discharge in a wrong direction. Either of these events requires that the sprayer or pump be stabilized, and the spray-head steadied or aimed. In response to this, it is not uncommon for a user to steady a pump bottle or spray bottle with one hand while pumping or spraying it with the other. In those circumstances wherein a product is being applied to the hand, the likelihood that two hands are needed is even greater. 
   While the above can be suitable for some endeavors, it is ill suited for other endeavors. For example, the work of physicians, dentists and automotive mechanics commonly requires the use of hand held tools and, therefore, demands that one, or both hands remain substantially free to work. Some occupations, however, involve work in an environment wherein a subject&#39;s hands become slippery or dirty while working. In such case, it would be preferable to regularly cleanse the hands and/or apply a tacky agent to maintain a better grip on a tool or instrument. 
   For example, physicians and dentists often use pump or spray-type germicides and disinfectants on their hands. But, it is time-consuming, burdensome and counterproductive to require the physician to hold a germicide sprayer with one unclean hand and squirt or spray germicide into the other. Then, hold the unclean sprayer with a clean hand and spray germicide into the other unclean hand. Moreover, physicians oftentimes need to move about from room to room in a hospital or clinic where traditional hand-pump dispensers may not be conveniently located. 
   The body-worn dispensers described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,683,012 and 5,927,548 overcome many of the above problems. However, the patented dispensers of the aforementioned patents do not set forth an interconnected pump, pump cover and integration structure that simplifies the exchange of fluid receptacles. 
   What is needed, therefore, is a fluid dispenser that can be conveniently refilled and reused. A further need exists for a dispenser that does not require a user to disassembly multiple parts for the purpose of exchanging a fluid receptacle or disposable cartridge. A need also exists for a dispenser that can easily be set-up to dispense multiple types of fluids. The need further exists for a spray or pump-type dispenser that requires only one hand to operate and receive fluid, thereby allowing the free hand to hold a tool or perform a task. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to a fluid dispenser that is easily located, does not require a user to depart from his or her work station in order to use the spray-pump, and can reliably be operated with a single hand without tipping over the spray pump, twisting the spray head, or otherwise discharging the sprayer contents in a wrong direction. Additionally, the invention permits one hand of a user to remain free while dispensing and receiving the discharged product. Moreover, the invention provides for the interconnection of a pump means and fluid actuating parts that are easily disengagable as a unit from a dispenser housing. 
   The invention comprises an outer housing containing a fluid-filled receptacle that is removable from the housing. A pump assembly comprising a pump head that reciprocates within a pump body is used to move fluid out of the receptacle. The body is connected to an intake tube extending into the fluid. The pump body has an outlet tube in communication with a depressible nozzle having a fluid discharge aperture. 
   A cover is used to actuate the pump assembly. The cover is dome-shaped with a side opening in alignment with the discharge aperture. In an assembled state, the cover is attached to the nozzle so that when a down and then upward force is imparted to the cover, the nozzle, outlet tube and pump head will move down and up, causing fluid to be drawn from the receptacle into the pump body and then out through the outlet tube, nozzle and discharge aperture. The nozzle is oriented so that fluid discharged through the nozzle aperture will pass through the cover side opening. 
   The pump body is secured to a connector means which, in turn, releasably constrains the receptacle within the outer housing. The connector means also provides retention constraints for the movable cover. In this way, a fluid actuating unit is created comprising the cover, pump assembly and connector means which can be moved as a unit from the housing to provide ready access to the removable receptacle. This allows the receptacle to be refilled and replaced, or be discarded. 
   An attachment means may be used to couple the fluid dispenser to the body of a user. The attachment means may be any one or combination of a member selected from the group consisting of a clip, clasp, clamp, cord, chain, pin, lanyard, belt, magnet and velcro™. 
   The cover is ergonomically configured so the user can depress the cover using the heel of a hand while the palm of the same hand is in front of the side opening. In this arrangement, fluid being discharged from the side opening will be directed toward the user&#39;s palm. The type of fluids useful with the fluid dispenser of the present invention include germicide agents, antiseptics, anti-bacterial agents, disinfectants, sanitizers, moisturizers, skin care preparations, soaps, degreasers, cleansers and tackifying agents. 
   As used herein, the terms “solution” and “fluid” include gels, creams, pastes, foam, liquids, solid-liquid mixtures and mists which are known to be dispensed by various hand-sized pump and spray dispensers. Similarly, the terms “sprayer” and “spraying” and related terms are also used inclusively, and can refer herein to spraying, pumping, expelling or discharging any of the referenced fluid forms noted above. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown in the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the overall fluid dispenser of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of the dispenser shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 2   a  is an isometric view of a portion of the housing used within the fluid dispenser of this invention taken along line  2   a — 2   a  of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines  3 — 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged isometric view of the interior of the cover shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the back of the housing shown in  FIG. 1  with an attachment clip broken away from the housing; 
       FIG. 6  is a right-side elevational view of the dispenser shown in  FIG. 1  attached to a user&#39;s belt shown in phantom; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a user dispensing a fluid from the attached dispenser shown in  FIG. 6 ; and 
       FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the underside of the retainer shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   With attention to  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  7 , the fluid dispenser of the present invention is shown generally by reference  10 . The dispenser is configured to discharge a fluid  47  into the palm  86  of the actuating hand (H) of a user. The overall dispenser has a generally polygonal shape with a dome-shaped upper cover  13 . The cover has a top surface  27  and an open interior  35 . From the top surface  27  is a downwardly extending peripheral skirt  29 . A front portion of the skirt is provided with a concave indentation  30  that includes a side opening  31 . The skirt  29  terminates at bottom edge  28 . 
   Extending inwardly from the bottom edge  28  of opposing sides of the skirt  29 , are lip flanges  32 . The lip flanges  32  are configured to engage corresponding shoulder flanges  22  of a retainer  14 , in a manner to be hereinafter described. 
   Extending downwardly from the top underside of cover  13  is a nozzle enclosure shown as connector part  33 . The connector part  33  includes frictional engagement means for releasable securing nozzle  40  of pump assembly  15 . Typically, the nozzle  40  has a cylindrical plug-like shape whereby the connector part  33  will have a corresponding tubular shape with an inner surface that frictionally interfits with respective outer surfaces of the nozzle  40 . As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the inner walls of the connector part include spaced-apart vertical ribs  34  for frictionally effecting a secure, but releasable connection with the pump nozzle  40 . 
   As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , nozzle  40  includes a fluid discharge aperture  41  through which fluid passes upon operation of the pump assembly  15 . To ensure proper alignment between the skirt side opening  31  and discharge aperture  41 , the nozzle  40  may have an alignment means such as a key slot  41   a  that is engagable with a predetermined rib or key projection  33   a.    
   A connector means, shown as retainer  14 , functions to attach the cover  13  and pump assembly  15  to the housing  12  and to hold the receptacle  11  securely within the housing  12 . Because embodiments are envisioned wherein the cover  13  may be coupled directly to the housing  12 , or the receptacle  11 , the particular structure and elements forming the retainer  14  are not intended to limit other applications of the present invention, and are exemplary only. 
   The retainer  14  comprises a platform  18  having an upwardly extending peripheral retainer wall  17 . The retainer wall  17  is offset inwardly from the platform outer periphery to create an outer ledge  18   a . On opposing upper side edges of the retainer wall  17  are the aforementioned shoulder flanges  22  forming an upper snap configuration for engagement with the cover lip flanges  32 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the shoulder flanges  22  and the lip flanges  32  have corresponding beveled surfaces that allow these structures to slide past each other, thereby facilitating a snap fit assembly. The distance A in  FIG. 1  between a pair of facing arrows from ledge  18   a  and shoulder flange  22  defines the maximum reciprocation movement of cover  13 . 
   A flex arm  25  extends downwardly from the underside of each opposing side of retainer bottom  18 . Each flex arm  25  is constructed of a resilient material and may include finger ridges  21 . At the lower end portion of each flex arm  25  is a connector element shown as retention opening  19 . 
   As seen in  FIG. 2 , upper rear wall  24  of a retainer  14  is provided with two spaced-apart guide slots  26 ,  26 . The guide slots  26 ,  26  are open at the upper rear wall top edge and extend vertically downward to platform  18 . Each slot  26  is sized to engage a corresponding guide track  3 ,  36  that extends inwardly from skirt back wall  37  of cover  13 . The above-described guide means function to ensure proper alignment and movement of cover  13  when it is moving up and down during operation of the dispenser. 
   In the middle portion of platform  18  is a connector opening  20 . Extending upwardly from the platform upper surface on opposing sides of the connector opening  20  are detents  16 ,  16 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , extending downwardly from the platform underside on the front and rear sides of the connector opening  20  are washer tabs  23 ,  23 . The washer tabs  23 ,  23  extend inwardly from opposing lower washer  33   b  in a manner to be described. The above detents and tabs function to secure pump assembly  15  to the retainer connector opening  20 . 
   The pump assembly  15  includes a pump means comprising a pump body  39  that encloses a fluid flow chamber  38  within which is a reciprocating pump head  46 . The pump head is biased by spring means shown as compression spring  50  into an upper inoperative position. The chamber includes a check valve  51  that permits fluid to be drawn from a fluid source  47  through intake tube  42  and into the chamber  38  during upward movement of the pump head  46 . Upon downward movement of the pump head  46 , against the force of spring  50 , the check valve  51  prevents fluid from flowing back into the fluid source  47 , whereby fluid in the chamber will be expelled through one-way passageways in the pump head  46 , then through outlet tube  43  and into nozzle flow channels (not shown) in communication with nozzle discharge aperture  41 . 
   Fixed to the upper portion of pump body  39  is a pump engagement means shown as crown structure  52 . The crown structure  52  has a center body  58  with an outwardly extending brim  45 . An axial bore  55  extends longitudinally through the center body. Pump outlet tube  43  reciprocates within the bore  55  and functions as a rigid stem mounting element for nozzle  40 . The outer open end  48  of the outlet tube is in fluid communication with the nozzle flow channels to permit fluid flow from outlet tube  43  to nozzle discharge aperture  41 . 
   The outlet tube  43  is also structurally fixed to pump head shaft  49 . Therefore, when nozzle  40  is depressed via cover  13 , outlet tube  43 , shaft  49  and pump head  46  will move down simultaneously. When downward force on cover  13  is removed, compression spring  50  will provide an upward force and reverse movement of the aforementioned parts. Alternatively, the pump spring means may include, or comprise, a tension spring interconnecting the crown structure  52  and pump head  46 . The tension spring would also provide an upward force, and could supplement compression spring  50 . 
   The brim  45  has a diameter that corresponds to the space between opposing detents  16 ,  16 . This relationship allows the brim  45  to snap into the detents  16 ,  16  and connect the overall pump assembly  15  to the retainer  14 . Preferably, resilient sealing means, shown as upper washer  44   a  and lower washer  44   b , are used to effect a seal over and under center opening  20 . The upper washer  44   a  fits between the upper annular margins of platform  18  that surround connector opening  20  and the underside of brim  45 . The outer periphery of lower washer  44   b  is held between the underside annular margins of platform  18  that surround center opening  20  and the undercut spaces of tabs  23 ,  23 . When the dispenser is assembled, outlet rim  66  of receptacle  11  is impressed against the lower washer  44   b.    
   Alternative pump assembly engagement means could be used. For example, the crown structure  52  or the pump body  39  could be provided with external threads which would engage corresponding inner threads formed in connector opening  20 . Further, the crown structure could be permanently fused, bonded or adhered to platform  18 . 
   The receptacle  11  contains the source of fluid  47  being discharged. It is a hollow polygonal shaped structure with a top wall  59  from which extends an upraised neck  65 . The neck  65  terminates at an outwardly extending outlet rim  66  that defines receptacle top opening  62 . Each lateral side of the top wall  59  merges downwardly into a recessed shoulder area  63 ,  63  to accommodate respective flex arms  25 ,  25  extending downwardly from the retainer platform  18 . Each lateral side of the receptacle  11  also includes a vertical groove  64  that extends from the base of each shoulder  63 ,  63  to the receptacle bottom. The groove  64  is sized to permit passage of respective retention parts shown as tabs  53 ,  53  that project inwardly from respective inside surfaces of the housing sidewalls  92 ,  92 . See  FIG. 2   a.    
   Housing  12  provides a base support for the overall fluid dispenser  10 . It has a polygonal cross-section that is larger than the cross-section of receptacle  11 . It has a closed bottom  78  from which extend front wall  90 , opposing sidewalls  92 ,  92  and back wall  94 . The walls  92  and  94  define an open top and interior having a configuration that permits insertion of the receptacle  11 . Each sidewall  92  and  94  includes an inverted arch opening  54 ,  54  to accommodate a respective flex arm  25  when the receptacle  11  is nested within the housing interior. 
   To facilitate insertion and removal of the receptacle  11  into the housing, the interior surface of back wall  94  may include multiple slide rails  57 . The rails  57  further provide for air passage and prevent a vacuum lock from occurring when removing the receptacle  11  from the housing. The back wall may also include an optional upper extension  95  to facilitate connection to an external attachment means. 
   The attachment means shown in  FIGS. 5–7  is a spring-biased clip assembly  60  that includes a clip body  61 . With particular reference to  FIG. 5 , the clip body  61  is rotated to reveal the interior structure of the clip assembly  60 . Two fulcrums  71 A, B are affixed to the rear exterior surface of the back wall upper extension  95 . Each fulcrum  71 A, B is formed from a solid raised member having a fulcrum hole  83 A, B which is sufficient to accommodate insertion of a pivot pin  70 . The clip body  61  is formed from a single continuous solid member having a shorter arched upper wing  80  and a longer arched lower wing  81 . The wings merge to form connecting flanges  82 A, B formed on the clip body inner surface. Each connecting flange has a pivot hole  84 A,  84 B large enough to accommodate the pivot pin  70 . 
   The clip body  61  is oriented so that the connecting flanges  82 A,  82 B straddle the fulcrums  71 A,  71 B, and the pivot holes  84 A,  84 B are aligned with the fulcrum holes  83 A,  83 B. Pivot pin  70  is sized to fit snugly within the pivot holes  84 A,  84 B, and is long enough to extend through both pivot holes simultaneously. The pivot pin  70  is inserted through the holes  83 A, B and  84 A, B and fixed in place, thereby attaching the clip body  61  to the housing back wall upper extension  95 . 
   A clip spring  87 , connected to the inside of the clip body  61 , urges the upper wing  80  of the clip assembly  60  away from the outer rear surface  88  of back wall  94 , thereby urging the lower wing  81  to forcibly rotate toward the outer rear surface  88 . A retention recess  85  can be formed within the inner surface between the connecting flanges  82 A, B to house the clip spring used to exert continual tension on the clip body  61 . The inner surface at the end of the lower wing  81  may have a textured clip terminus  72  which helps to prevent the clip assembly  60  from sliding off a belt or article of clothing. 
   It will be appreciated that the clip assembly  60  described above is exemplary only and is not intended to limit the numerous types of user attachment means that may be used with the invention. For example, it is not necessary to have the dispenser confined to a stationary position on a user&#39;s body. The dispenser may be connected to one&#39;s body by a cord, chain, rope, lanyard, clip with a retractable line, band and string. 
   Generally referring to the orientation of elements in  FIG. 2 , the receptacle is filled with a desired fluid  47 . The receptacle  11  is then lowered into the interior of housing  12 . During downward movement, side grooves  64 ,  64  pass along housing retention tabs  53 ,  53 . 
   The free end of intake tube  42  and pump body  39  are passed through the upper washer  44 A, and then through the connector opening  20  in the retainer platform  18 , with the insertion continuing until brim  45  squeezes the washer  44 A against the top of the platform  18 . This action will then snap brim  45  into detents  16 ,  16 , thereby securing the pump assembly  15  to platform  18  of retainer  14 . 
   After the pump assembly  15  has been coupled to the retainer  14 , lower washer  44 B can be positioned around pump body  39  and pressed up against the underside of retainer platform  18  until it is engaged with washer tabs  23 ,  23 . 
   When the lower washer  44 B is in place, the free end of intake tube  42  is lowered into receptacle top opening  62  until the washer  44 B sealingly engages outlet rim  66  of the receptacle  11 . During insertion, the flex arms  25 ,  25  are guided down the respective arch openings  54 ,  54  until retention openings  19 ,  19  snap over retention tabs  53 ,  53 . 
   The height of receptacle  11  is selected such that when the retainer  14  and the housing  12  are joined by the cooperating retention means described above, tabs  53 ,  53  will be engaged with retention openings  19 ,  19 . Lower washer  44 B will also be effectively compressed against receptacle rim  66  to effect a fluid-tight seal and prevent spillage or leaking of the fluid  47 . 
   The cover  13  may then be lowered onto the retainer  14 . During lowering, the cover  13  is being guided by sliding engagement of cover guide tracks  36 ,  36  with retainer guide slots  26 ,  26 . If necessary, nozzle  40  may be rotated to align discharge aperture  41  with cover side opening  31 . As the cover  13  is moved downward onto the retainer  14 , the cover lip flanges  32 ,  32  are aligned with, and engage retainer shoulder flanges  22 ,  22 . In this way, the cover  13  is movably coupled to the retainer  14  in a snap fit. Alternative assembly embodiments envision a nozzle  40  being incorporated into the cover  13  in a factory process, whereby flow tube  43  may simply be inserted into the nozzle flow channels. 
   Generally referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a user may first attach the fluid dispenser to a body worn garment. This is accomplished by depressing upper wing  80  of a clip body  61 , thereby rotating lower wing  81  of the clip assembly  60  away from the outer rear surface  88  of back wall  94 . Although the clip assembly  60  can be attached to a variety of locations, such as a pocket or the waste-band of trousers, according to the preferred embodiment, the clip assembly  60  will be advantageously attached to a standard belt  73  girding the waist of a user  74 . To do this, the opened lower wing  81  of the clip is inserted behind the belt  73  and forced against upper wing  80  and then released. Spring  87  will then urge lower wing  81  toward the outer rear surface  88  of the housing  12 , thereby holding the dispenser  10  against belt  73 . 
   With particular reference to  FIG. 7 , to activate the dispenser and discharge a portion of flowable product onto a hand, the heel  75  of a user&#39;s actuating hand is placed onto cover  13 . This position will direct a user&#39;s thumb  76  laterally and locate a users palm  86  adjacent cover side opening  31 . Fingers  77  may then be partially curled beneath dispenser bottom  78 . With the actuating hand in the above position, heel  75  may easily be squeezed downwardly against the cover  13 . The cover  13  may move downwardly a maximum amount to a stop means. The stop means comprises the abutment between retainer outer ledge  18   a  and the bottom edge  28  of cover skirt  29 . As explained previously, this action will result in the discharge of product fluid  47  into palm  86 . 
   When fluid  47  in receptacle  11  is exhausted, flex arms  25 ,  25  are pressed inwardly, such as by placing fingers on ridges  21  and squeezing. This action disengages retention openings  19 ,  19  from retention tabs  53 ,  53  and allows the entire fluid actuating unit to be lifted away from the receptacle  11  and housing  10 . The empty receptacle  11  may now be removed from the housing  10  and a fluid-filled receptacle may be inserted in its place. 
   Although the subject dispenser is particularly beneficial for agents designated for the hands, the discharge of other flowable products are envisioned within the scope of the present invention. For example, the dispenser  10  could be used to dispense oils, greases, paints, sealants, adhesives, sunscreen, medications, or general purpose agents into the hand of a subject  74 , and subsequently rubbed onto other areas of the body, or onto other bodies, workpieces, tools, structures or instruments. 
   The foregoing description is directed to a spray or pump dispenser that is attached directly or indirectly to the body of a user, eliminating the need for the user to have a dispenser at each work station. This design further eliminates the need for the user to visually seek the dispenser, since it is attached to the body and travels with the user. Additionally, the motion to engage and operate the dispenser is minimal. Moreover, the dispenser is reusable whereby an empty receptacle is easily replaced with a filled receptacle. 
   Within the foregoing description, many specific details commonly known by those skilled in the art have not been recited so as to not needlessly obscure many of the essential features of the invention. In other instances, many specific details have been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments of the claimed invention. For example, the specific shape and form of many flanges, tabs, and securing members were recited for coupling the cover  13 , retainer  14 , pump assembly  15  and housing  12  around a receptacle  11 . Those skilled in the art will understand that alternative joining structures, including but not limited to snaps, pins, threaded members, adhesives, cloth fasteners, wedges and clasps, can be incorporated with the claimed invention. On the contrary, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the claimed invention may cover alternative designs, modifications, and equivalents which may be practiced without the use or incorporation of these and many other specific details. Accordingly, the specific embodiments and details of the above disclosure should not be construed so as to limit the spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto.