Abstract:
A soap dispenser system includes a venturi suction tube having a soap supply bore intersecting the main through bore; a soap dispenser controlling dispensing of soap from a container; and a supply tube connecting the soap dispenser to the soap supply bore of the suction tube; the soap dispenser including an inner tube having fluidly connected with the supply tube, an outer tube movably mounted over the inner tube and connected with the container, the outer tube fluidly connected with soap from the container and adapted to be fluidly connected with the inlet of the inner tube, a spring applying pressure between the inner tube and the outer tube in a direction to move them apart, a valve permitting soap to enter the inlet of the inner tube only when the outer tube is moved toward the inner tube against the force of the biasing device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to soap dispensers, and more particularly, is directed to a soap dispenser system particularly suitable for invalids and a valve arrangement therefor.  
         [0002]     Most people use bar soap or liquid soap from a conventional squeeze bottle when taking a shower. Alternatively, it is known to provide a wall mounted soap dispenser in a shower with a push button at the bottom or side of the dispenser. However, the use of bar soap and conventional pump dispenser bottles can be difficult by invalids who have limited mobility and strength. Further, the valve arrangements used in the conventional pump dispenser bottles and the wall mounted soap dispensers are not entirely adequate for delivering metered doses of soap. Lastly, such arrangements are separate and apart from the water delivery in the shower.  
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a soap dispenser system and valve arrangement therefor that overcomes the problems with the aforementioned prior art.  
         [0004]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a soap dispenser system and valve arrangement therefor in which the soap is delivered to the shower head to mix with the water.  
         [0005]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a soap dispenser system and valve arrangement therefor in which the soap that is delivered to the shower head is a metered dose of soap.  
         [0006]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a soap dispenser system and valve arrangement therefor in which the soap dispenser is easily activated by an invalid or any other person pressing down on the top of the soap dispenser.  
         [0007]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a soap dispenser system and valve arrangement therefor that is easy and economical to use and manufacture.  
         [0008]     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a soap dispenser system comprises a suction tube including a main through bore for supplying water from a water line pipe to a shower head, and a soap supply bore intersecting the main through bore; a soap dispenser positioned remote from the suction tube for controlling dispensing of soap from a container having soap therein; and a supply tube connecting the soap dispenser to the soap supply bore of the suction tube in order to provide soap from the soap dispenser to the suction tube by means of suction created by the water traveling through the main through bore of the suction tube; the soap dispenser including an inner tube having an inlet and an outlet fluidly connected with the supply tube, an outer tube movably mounted over the inner tube and connected with the container, the outer tube having an inlet adapted to be fluidly connected with soap from the container and an outlet adapted to be fluidly connected with the inlet of the inner tube, a biasing device for applying pressure between the inner tube and the outer tube in a direction to move the inner tube and outer tube apart, a valve for permitting soap to enter the inlet of the inner tube when the outer tube is moved toward the inner tube against the force of the biasing device and which prevents soap from entering the inlet of the inner tube when the outer tube is moved away from the inner tube by the biasing device.  
         [0009]     In a preferred embodiment, the valve includes a member which covers the inlet of the inner tube when the biasing device moves the inner tube and the outer tube apart and which uncovers the inlet of the inner tube when the outer tube is moved toward the inner tube against the force of the biasing device. The member of the valve includes an inner wall which covers and uncovers the inlet of the inner tube and an outer wall connected with the inner wall and which engages with the outer tube for moving the inner wall relative to the inner tube to cover and uncover the inlet of the inner tube. The outer wall is in frictional engagement with the outer tube.  
         [0010]     The inner tube includes a first stop for limiting movement of the inner wall therealong in a first direction to a first position in covering relation to the opening and a second stop for limiting movement of the inner wall therealong in a second opposite direction to a second position in uncovering relation to the opening.  
         [0011]     The biasing device includes a coil spring connected between the inner tube and the outer tube. There is also a free floating ball between the spring and the outer tube for providing a seal of the inlet of the outer tube when the outer tube is moved toward the inner tube against the force of the biasing device and which releases the seal of the inlet of the outer tube when the outer tube is maintained in a position moved toward the inner tube.  
         [0012]     Preferably, the outer tube is secured to a neck of the container.  
         [0013]     In another embodiment, the valve of the soap dispenser includes a first biased seal for permitting soap to travel through the inner tube when a release force is applied to the container and for preventing soap to travel through the inner tube when a the release force is not applied to the container, a second biased seal for preventing soap from escaping from the container through the outer tube when the release force is applied to the container and for permitting soap to escape from the container through the outer tube when the release force is not applied to the container, and a chamber between the first and second biased seals for accumulating a metered dosage of soap for supply to the supply tube, such that the chamber is loaded with the metered dosage of soap when the release force is not applied to the container, and the metered dosage of soap is supplied through the inner tube when the release force is applied to the container.  
         [0014]     In the other embodiment, the inner tube includes an inner sealing surface and the first biased seal includes a ball and a spring mounted in the inner tube for biasing the ball into sealing engagement with the inner sealing surface, and the outer tube includes an inner sealing surface and the second biased seal includes a ball and a spring mounted in the outer tube between the inner tube and the ball for biasing the ball into sealing engagement with the inner sealing surface. The inner sealing surface of the outer and inner tubes is a part-spherical surface.  
         [0015]     The suction tube is a venturi suction tube having a main through bore which flares outwardly in diameter from an inner end to an outer end thereof the soap supply bore is fluidly connected to the main through bore adjacent the inner end. In one embodiment, the suction tube includes an outer surface having a recess therein, and a hollow central post in the recess which is in fluid communication with the soap supply bore, the hollow central post having a free end which substantially does not extend radially outward past the outer surface.  
         [0016]     The soap dispenser includes a cup adapted to be mounted to a wall of a shower, the cup having a spout connected with the supply tube, and the inner tube being mounted in the cup in fluid communication with the spout. The cup also includes a bottom wall and an internal boss connected with the bottom wall for mounting the container in spaced relation from the bottom wall. There is also at least one opening in the bottom wall, with the container in spaced relation from the bottom wall.  
         [0017]     The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description thereof which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]      FIG. 1  is an elevational view of a soap dispenser system and valve arrangement therefor according to a first embodiment of the present invention in use in a shower;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged elevational view of the soap dispenser system and valve arrangement therefor;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the soap dispensing bottle and cup holder;  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the cup and hose barb, assembled with the bottle and valve arrangement;  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the cup, hose barb and valve arrangement, assembled with the bottle;  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the cup mounted to the mounting plate;  
         [0024]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement in its inoperative position;  
         [0025]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement in its operative position;  
         [0026]      FIG. 9  is cross-sectional view of the venturi suction tube;  
         [0027]      FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional view of a soap dispenser system and valve arrangement therefor according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the cup of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement of  FIG. 10  when the bottle is depressed;  
         [0030]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement of  FIG. 10  when the bottle is not depressed;  
         [0031]      FIG. 14  is an elevational view of the inner tube of the valve arrangement of  FIGS. 12 and 13 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view of the inner tube of  FIG. 14 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the valve of the valve arrangement of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 17  is an elevational view of a modified soap dispenser system according to the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 18  is a blown apart, elevational view of the venturi suction tube of  FIG. 9  and water line pipe of  FIG. 17 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 19  is a blown apart, elevational view of the venturi suction tube and water line pipe of  FIG. 18 , from a view 90 degrees turned from  FIG. 18 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of a venturi section tube according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 21  is an elevational view of a further modified soap dispenser system according to the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 22  is an elevational view of a modified bottle according to the present invention; and  
         [0040]      FIG. 23  is an elevational view of cap and valve assembly with a shorter outer tube. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0041]     Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2  thereof, a soap dispenser system  10  according to the present invention includes a conventional shower head  12  connected to a water line pipe  14  through a venturi suction tube  16 . A soap dispenser  18  is mounted to the shower wall  20  and is connected via a supply tube  22  to venturi suction tube  16  in order to provide a metered dose of soap which is supplied to venturi suction tube  16  by means of suction created by the water traveling therethrough.  
         [0042]     As shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , soap dispenser  18  includes a cylindrical cup  24  having a cylindrical wall  24   a,  a closed bottom wall  24   b  and an open upper end  24   c  mounted to a bracket  26  having opposing vertically oriented channels  28  which are closed off at the upper ends thereof by a closure plate (not shown). A bracket plate  30  is mounted to shower wall  20  by a bolt  32 , with opposite side edges of bracket plate  30  fitting in channels  28  in order to secure cup  24  to shower wall  20 .  
         [0043]     A hollow cylindrical spout  34  extends down coaxially from closed bottom wall  24   b  and can be provided with internal threads  36 . The inner surface of spout  34  is provided with an annular shoulder  34   a.  Further, the inner surface of cylindrical wall  24   a  is provided with an annular shoulder  24   d,  the purpose for which will become apparent from the discussion hereinafter.  
         [0044]     A hose barb  38  or other suitable means such as a tube is secured to the lower end of spout  34  so as to extend down therefrom. Hose barb  38  includes a securing section  38   a  which is secured to the lower end of spout  34  by any suitable means, such as adhesive or screw threads which engage threads  36 . A nozzle section  38   b  extends down from securing section  38   a  and has barbs  38   c  on the outer surface thereof. In this manner, one end of plastic supply tube  22  can be secured over barbs  38   c  to nozzle section  38   b.    
         [0045]     A bottle  40  containing soap  42  or any other household bathing product has a reduced diameter neck  44  at one end with external threads  46  for receiving a closure cap (not shown) as is conventional.  
         [0046]     In accordance with the present invention, a valve arrangement  48  is provided in neck  44  of bottle  40  for dispensing a metered amount of soap to spout  34 , and then through hose barb  38  to supply tube  22 . Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 5, 7  and  8 , valve arrangement  48  includes an outer tube  50  having a generally cylindrical wall  52  with a reduced diameter neck  54  having an open upper end  54   a.  An annular shoulder  56  is defined between the upper end of cylindrical wall  52  and reduced diameter neck  54 . Cylindrical wall  52  is fixed within reduced diameter neck  44  of bottle such that reduced diameter neck  54  extends into bottle  40  to receive soap  42  therefrom. However, reduced diameter neck  44  can be much smaller in height, or can even be eliminated in order to receive all of the soap from bottle  40 . A hollow stub post  58  extends down from annular shoulder  56 , coaxially with outer tube  50 , and has a part spherical inner surface  58   a  at the lower end thereof. The lower end of cylindrical wall  52  is partially closed by an annular sealing member  60 .  
         [0047]     Valve arrangement  48  further includes an inner tube  62  slidably mounted within outer tube  50 . The outer diameter of inner tube  62  is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of annular sealing member  60  so as to be slidably arranged therein with a sealing fit so as to prevent fluid escape. An enlarged diameter cup-shaped member  64  is secured to the upper end of inner tube  62  and is positioned within cylindrical wall  52 . When bottle  40  is assembled in its upside down or inverted position shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , inner tube  62  seats within spout  34 . Specifically, an annular shoulder  62   b  at the lower end of inner tube  62  mates with annular shoulder  34   a  of spout  34 .  
         [0048]     A first coil spring  66  is mounted within inner tube  62 . A pin  68  or any other suitable means such as an annular shoulder is provided at the lower end of inner tube  62  for restraining the lower end of first coil spring  66 . The inner surface at the upper end of inner tube  62  is formed with a part spherical surface  62   a,  and a ball  70  provided in inner tube  62  on top of the opposite end of first coil spring  66  is biased by first coil spring  66  into engagement with part spherical surface  62   a  to provide a seal thereat in the inactivated position, as shown in  FIG. 7 . This prevents soap  42  from entering inner tube  62 .  
         [0049]     A second coil spring  72  is mounted within enlarged diameter cup-shaped member  64 , and particularly, is restrained by restraining member  74  at the lower end of enlarged diameter cup-shaped member  64 , but which permits soap to pass therethrough. A ball  76  sits on the upper end of second coil spring  72 , and in the inactivated position, ball  76  is positioned below and out of contact with annular shoulder  56 , as shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0050]     The opposite end of supply tube  22  is connected with venturi suction tube  16 . Specifically, venturi suction tube  16  includes a main through bore  77  including a large diameter threaded inlet opening  78  for threaded connection to water line pipe  14 , a smaller diameter opening  80  in open communication with inlet opening  78  and an outward flared section  79  which flares outwardly in diameter to a larger diameter outlet opening  82  at the opposite end of venturi suction tube  16 .  
         [0051]     A soap supply bore  84  is provided transversely in venturi suction tube  16 , and is connected to a hose barb  86  which extends down therefrom. Hose barb  86  includes a securing section  86   a  which is secured to venturi suction tube  16  by any suitable means, such as adhesive or screw threads. A nozzle section  86   b  extends down from securing section  86   a  and has barbs  86   c  on the outer surface thereof. In this manner, the opposite end of plastic supply tube  22  can be secured over barbs  86   c  to be in fluid communication with soap supply bore  84 .  
         [0052]     In operation, in the inoperative position shown in  FIG. 7 , ball  70  is sealingly engaged with part spherical surface  62   a  to prevent any soap from entering inner tube  62 . At the same time, ball  76  is displaced from part spherical surface  58   a  to permit soap to enter the chamber between balls  70  and  76 .  
         [0053]     When a person presses down on the bottom of inverted bottle  40 , bottle  40  slides downwardly within cylindrical cup  24 . Since outer tube  50  is fixed to neck  44  of bottle  40 , outer tube  50  travels down with bottle  40  until it is restrained by annular shoulder  24   d.  However, the lower end of inner tube  62  is restrained by annular shoulder  34   a  of spout  34 , so that outer tube  50  slides down around inner tube  62 . At this time, part spherical surface  58   a  engages ball  76  and pushes it down against the force of spring  72  so as to close the chamber between balls  70  and  76 . This prevents further soap from bottle  40  from entering the chamber. This, however, results in an increased pressure in this chamber. This is because this chamber is filled with soap and the volume has just been reduced, as shown in  FIG. 8 . The increased pressure forces ball  70  away from part spherical surface  62   a,  against the force of spring  66 . Accordingly, the soap in the chamber drains down through inner tube  62  to supply line  22 . Because of the water passing from water line pipe  14  to shower head  12  via venturi suction tube  16 , and specifically, because of the venturi action of venturi suction tube  16 , a suction is created in supply line  22 . This suction results in the metered amount of soap that had just been provided to supply line  22 , being sucked into soap supply opening  84  of venturi suction tube  16  and mixing with the water passing therethrough, so that a mixture of water and soap is supplied through shower head  12 .  
         [0054]     When the person releases the downward pressure on bottle  40 , the pressure differential in bottle  40  and the chamber between balls  70  and  76 , along with the spring pressure from coil spring  72 , results in outer tube  50  sliding upwardly relative to inner tube  62 , to return to the position shown in  FIG. 7 . Since the pressure on ball  70  is released, spring  66  once again biases ball  70  into engagement with part spherical surface  62   a  to seal off inner tube  62 . Thus, once again the chamber fills with soap, ready for another dispensing operation.  
         [0055]     Thus, in accordance with the present invention, a soap dispenser system and valve arrangement therefor is provided in which a metered amount of the soap is delivered to the shower head to mix with the water. Further, soap dispenser  18  is easily activated by an invalid pressing down on the top of bottle  40 .  
         [0056]     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-16 , there is shown a modified soap dispenser system  110  according to the present invention in which common elements are referenced by the same reference numerals, but augmented by 100, and a detailed description of the common elements will be omitted.  
         [0057]     Referring first to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a cylindrical cup  124  includes an inwardly extending central post  134  having a central circular recess  134   b  at the upper portion thereof and a through bore  134   c  extending from the lower end of recess  134   b  through the lower end of cup  124 . In this manner, a lower annular shoulder  134   a  is defined at the lower wall of recess  134   b  in surrounding relation to through bore  134   c.  A small diameter stub tube  138  extends downwardly from the lower surface of bottom wall  124   b  of cup  124  in surrounding relation to through bore  134   c  in order to frictionally receive one end of a tube  122 , the other end of which connects to venturi suction tube  16  associated with shower head  12 . In addition, bottom wall  124   b  of cup  124  includes a plurality of openings  124   e  therein.  
         [0058]     By providing a raised up post  134  extending within cup  124  and openings  124   e  in bottom wall  124   b,  bottle  140  sits above the upper surface of bottom wall  124   b  of cup  124 . This allows water that enters between cup  124  and bottle  140  to drain out, and also provides for air to enter in through openings  124   e  and enter through bore  134   c  which has a sloppy or loose fit with inner tube  162  of valve arrangement  148 . It has been found that the additional air entering into through bore  134   c  from openings  124   e  provides for more aeration of the water, resulting in a greater lather of the soap exiting shower head  12 . Specifically, with soap dispenser system  10  according to the first embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9 , the lather of the soap was not as great as compared with soap dispenser system  110  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 10-16 .  
         [0059]     Further, unlike conventional devices which require an on/off knob or button and in which any suction is lost when the knob is turned to the off position, there is always a constant suction with the present invention, as long as the shower is running. This constant suction allows the shower head  12  to constantly have air sucked into it, aerating the shower and creating more volume which makes for an economical and faster shower, particularly when the soap is added. This is enhanced further by the use of openings  124   e  which permit even more air to enter.  
         [0060]     In addition, there is-a disadvantage of soap dispenser system  10  according to the first embodiment in that some soap could remain in spout  34  and be captured in threads  36 . If water from the shower traveled between cup  24  and bottle  40 , the soap held by threads  36  would lather up. Because of suction in tube  22 , the lathered soap would be sucked up into shower head  12  at a time when soap was not desired. By using small diameter stub tube  138  in place of spout  34 , no soap remains therein after cut-off by valve arrangement  148 , and no soap coats the inner walls of tube  138 . For example, stub tube  138  can have an outer diameter of approximately 3 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 2 mm. Therefore, this problem of soap retention and undesirable lather is effectively eliminated. Further, the use of a smaller tube  138  in place of spout  34  and hose barb  38  also reduces the size of soap dispenser system  110  and results in a faster delivery time and better cut-off of soap.  
         [0061]     As shown best in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , valve arrangement  148  has also changed from valve arrangement  48  of the first embodiment. Valve arrangement  148  has been modified from a commercially available valve arrangement sold by Emsar, Inc., 125 Access Road, Stratford, Conn. 06615, which is presently used for a dispenser pump for a bottle. The present invention uses much of the Emsar valve arrangement, but in an inverted configuration from the present use thereof, and removes various components therefrom.  
         [0062]     Specifically, valve arrangement  148  is provided in the neck of bottle  140  for dispensing soap to through bore  134   c,  and then through stub tube  138  to supply tube  122 . Specifically, valve arrangement  148  includes an outer tube  150  having a generally cylindrical lower wall  152  which is connected at its upper end to a smaller diameter generally cylindrical wall  153 , which in turn, is connected at its upper end to a tapering frusto-conical wall  156 , which in turn, is connected at its upper end with a reduced diameter neck  154  having an open upper end  154   a.  The lower end of cylindrical lower wall  152  is open at  152   a.  In addition, the inner surface of cylindrical wall  153  is provided with inwardly extending ribs  161  that extend partially along the inner surface of frusto-conical wall  156 .  
         [0063]     Cylindrical wall  152  is rotatably mounted to a cap  157  which is shown in cross-section on the right side of  FIG. 12  and has internal threads  159  for threadedly securing cap  157  to the threaded neck of bottle  140 . In this manner, reduced diameter neck  154  extends into bottle  140  to receive soap therefrom.  
         [0064]     Valve arrangement  148  further includes an inner tube  162  with a hollow cylindrical section  163  having a circumferential recess  165  spaced slightly from the open lower end  167  thereof. The outer diameter of cylindrical section  163  is less than the inner diameter of cylindrical wall  152  of outer tube  150  so as to permit inner tube  162  to freely move within cylindrical wall  152 . The upper end of cylindrical section  163  is connected to a hollow, smaller. diameter cylindrical section  169 . An annular stop  171  is connected around the lower end of cylindrical section  169  and has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of cylindrical section  163 . The upper end of cylindrical section  169  is connected to a hollow, smaller diameter cylindrical section  173  having a curved rectangular opening  175  near the upper end thereof. The upper end of cylindrical section  173  is connected to a solid cylindrical section  177  of similar diameter, which in turn, has its upper end connected to a tapering solid frusto-conical section  179  with a closed upper end  181 . An annular stop  183  of similar outer diameter to annular stop  171  is connected to the lower end of cylindrical section  177  in spaced relation above opening  175 .  
         [0065]     As best shown in  FIG. 16 , valve arrangement  148  further includes a valve  185  slidably mounted on inner tube  162  for movement between an upper position limited by annular stop  183  and a lower position limited by annular stop  171 . Valve  185  is made of a rubber, plastic or rubberized plastic material that is slightly flexible. Valve  185  includes an outer circumferential wall  187  which tapers in diameter toward a mid-section thereof and an inner circumferential wall  189  spaced inwardly from outer circumferential wall  187  and connected at a mid-section thereof by an annular connecting wall  191 . The upper edge of inner circumferential wall  189  is spaced slightly higher than the upper edge of outer circumferential wall  187 , although the present invention is not limited thereto. The outer diameter of outer circumferential wall  187  at the upper and lower edges thereof is slightly larger than the inner diameter of cylindrical section  152  of outer tube  150 . As a result, outer circumferential wall  187  can slide along the inner surface of cylindrical section  152  with a friction sliding arrangement. On the other hand, the inner diameter of inner circumferential wall  189  is of a similar diameter to the outer diameter of hollow cylindrical section  169 , and is therefore slidably therealong, but is restrained at its upper edge by annular stop  183  and at its lower edge by annular stop  171 . As will be appreciated from the discussion hereafter, the frictional engagement by outer circumferential wall  188  with cylindrical section  152  is greater than the frictional engagement by inner circumferential wall  189  with hollow cylindrical section  169 .  
         [0066]     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , inner tube  162  having valve  185  positioned therearound, is inserted into outer tube  150 . A coil spring  193  has one end engaged around solid cylindrical section  177  and solid frusto-conical section  179 , and rests on the upper surface of annular stop  183 . The opposite end of coil spring  193  is restrained at its upper end by ribs  161 . A free floating ball  195  rests on the upper end of coil spring  193 .  
         [0067]     An annular spacer (not shown) is also preferably provided between cylindrical section  163  of inner tube  162  and cylindrical wall  152  of outer tube  150  to permit relative rotation therebetween, to reduce free play, thereby ensuring that outer tube  150  and inner tube  162  remain concentric with each other.  
         [0068]     In operation, lower end  167  of inner tube  162  is positioned with a loose or sloppy fit in recess  134   b  of central post  134 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . In this position, with no external downward force being applied to bottle  140 , spring  193  biases inner tube  162  down to the position shown in  FIG. 13 . Since the lower end  167  of inner tube  162  is seated in recess  134   b,  this has the effect of forcing bottle  140  upwardly within cup  124 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the upper edge of inner circumferential wall  189  of valve  185  abuts against the underside of annular stop  183 , thereby closing off opening  175  to prevent any soap from bottle  140  or from the chamber between outer tube  150  and inner tube  162 , entering opening  175 . In this position, ball  195  rests on the upper end of spring  193 .  
         [0069]     When a person presses down on bottle  140 , bottle  140  is moved downwardly in cup  124 . This results in cap  157  and outer tube  150 , which are connected to bottle  140 , also moving downwardly. Since the lower end  167  of inner tube  162  is constrained in recess  134   b,  coil spring  193  is compressed. Because of frictional engagement by outer circumferential wall  187  with cylindrical wall  152 , valve  185  is moved down with cylindrical wall  152  until the lower edge of inner circumferential wall  189  abuts against the upper surface of annular stop  171 . In this position, opening  175  is exposed, so that soap from bottle  140  can flow through open upper end  154   a  through the annular space between outer tube  150  and inner tube  162  and is thereby delivered to supply tube  122 , where it is suctioned to the shower head in the manner described in the first embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9 .  
         [0070]     During the initial pressing down on bottle  140 , because there is some soap from bottle- 140  already filling the annular space between outer tube  150  and inner tube  162 , the raising up of inner tube  162  into outer tube  150 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , results in a decrease in volume, and therefore, an increase in pressure therein. This increased pressure serves to push ball  195  up against the upper end of frusto-conical wall  156 , preventing further soap from entering therein. As the soap drains through opening  175 , the pressure reduces and ball  195  falls back down onto the upper end of spring  193 .  
         [0071]     This has the advantage that the second embodiment can operate to dispense a metered dosage of soap, or a continuous supply of soap. Specifically, if bottle  140  is depressed down and immediately let up, a small metered dose of soap will enter opening  175  for dispensing with the water from the shower head. On the other hand, if bottle  140  is depressed down and a continuous pressure is applied thereto, opening  175  remains open, so that the soap within outer tube  150  will continuously drain, and additional soap from bottle  140  that enters outer tube  150  after ball  195  falls down, will also drain through opening  175 , until the external pressure on bottle  140  is released.  
         [0072]     Once the external pressure on bottle  140  is released, spring  193  again forces bottle  140  upwardly. This carries valve  185  therewith until the upper edge of inner circumferential wall  189  abuts against the underside of annular stop  171 , thereby once again closing off opening  175 .  
         [0073]     Of course, it will be appreciated that, in order to dispense all of the soap in bottle  140 , a wall  140   a  can be provided as a lower wall for the soap, with wall  140   a  coplanar with the upper surface of reduced diameter neck  154  and having an opening coaxial with the upper opening of reduced diameter neck  154 . In such case, no soap would extend below wall  140   a.  Alternatively, outer tube  150  can be made shorter, as with outer tube  150 ′ of  FIG. 23 . In such case, the relative elements would also be modified in size accordingly, and wall  140   a  could be eliminated.  
         [0074]     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , there is shown a modified soap dispenser system  210  according to the present invention in which common elements are referenced by the same reference numerals as the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9 , but augmented by  200 , and a detailed description of the common elements will be omitted. In this embodiment, the outlet of venturi suction tube  216  is connected via a tube  217  to a hand-held shower head  212 . Further, venturi suction tube  216  is connected to water line pipe  214  at a position close to the wall, with supply line  222  connecting soap dispenser  218  to venturi suction tube  216 .  
         [0075]     As shown best in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , with the modified soap dispenser system  210 , venturi suction tube  216  is positioned close to shower wall  220 . In such case, because hose barb  286  extends outwardly therefrom, there is a problem attaching venturi suction tube  216  to water line pipe  214 .  
         [0076]     In this regard, according to the present invention, a modified venturi suction tube  316  will now be described in relation to  FIG. 20  which elements common to venturi suction tube  16  are identified by the same reference numerals, but augmented by  300 . Specifically, in place of barb  86 , venturi suction tube  316  includes an annular recess  385  having a central hollow post  386  therein which is in fluid communication with soap supply bore  384  and which extends radially out therefrom. The free end of hollow post  386  is substantially flush with the outer surface of venturi suction tube  316 . As a result, venturi suction tube  316  can be threadedly connected with water line pipe  214  which is close to shower wall  220  in  FIG. 19 , and supply tube  222  can then be fit over post  386 .  
         [0077]      FIG. 21  shows use of soap dispenser system  110  by an invalid in the manner of shower dispenser system  10  of  FIGS. 1-9 .  
         [0078]     It will be appreciated that various modifications can be made to the present invention within the scope of the claims. For example,  FIG. 22  shows a modified arrangement in which bottle  40  has a bottom closure lid  40   a  that is connected by a living hinge  40   b  so that bottle  40  can be refilled.  
         [0079]     As a further modification, supply tube  22 ,  122  can be removed and cup  24 ,  124  can be used with bottle  140  as a hand soap dispenser for dispensing a metered dosage of soap to a person&#39;s hands. In such case, the person can press down on bottle  140  in the shower to deliver a metered dosage of soap for bathing. At the same time, air is still sucked in through tube  22 ,  122  to aerate the shower head  12 .  
         [0080]     Having described specific preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention defined by the appended claims.