Abstract:
A dispenser including a housing with a backplate, an intermediary member pivotally connected to the backplate, and a cover pivotally connected to the intermediary member. The intermediary member is pivotally connected to the backplate adjacent to a first end of the housing, and the cover is pivotally connected to the intermediary member adjacent to a second end of the housing. The dispenser also includes a refill unit including a pump and a product reservoir. The product reservoir is flexible and resilient so that it can be compressed repeatedly.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention herein resides in the art of product dispensers. More particularly, the invention relates to a product dispenser wherein product is dispensed by compressing a flexible and resilient product container. In addition, the invention relates to a product dispenser wherein a housing cover pivots relative to an intermediary member of the housing, which is pivotally connected to a backplate of the housing. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    For many years, it has been known to dispense liquids, such as soaps, sanitizers, cleansers, disinfectants, lotions, and the like from a dispenser housing maintaining a refill unit that holds the liquid in a product reservoir and provides the pump mechanisms for dispensing the liquid from the reservoir. These dispenser housings generally include a backplate that is wall-mounted and a cover that includes an actuating mechanism to actuate the pump mechanism. The cover is typically hinged to the backplate adjacent to the top of the dispenser to allow it to pivot between an open position, wherein a refill unit can be removed or installed, and closed position, wherein the dispenser can be actuated to dispense product. 
         [0003]    A pushbar is often hinged to the cover and pivoted to cause the dispensing of product from a refill unit retained in the housing. However, some dispensers employ a single piece integral cover and pushbar in which the cover pivots as a whole to actuate the pump mechanics of the refill unit within the housing. These types of dispensers are often desired due to their appearance and simplicity of construction since the pushbar is not a separate hinged element. The pump mechanism employed with such dispensers has typically been a liquid pump or a foam generating pump, simply emitting a predetermined quantity of the liquid or foam upon movement of the cover/pushbar. In most cases, the pivoting cover engages the pump mechanism as it is pressed, thereby actuating the pump and causing the dispensation of liquid or foam. In some cases, an inwardly extending projection is provided on the interior of the pivoting cover, and the projection engages the pump mechanism. 
         [0004]    It is also known in the art to provide an inwardly extending projection sized and spaced to engage a flexible product reservoir of the refill unit. The compression of the product reservoir by the projection causes actuating of the pump mechanism, and the dispenser housing must therefore provide some room for the flexing and expansion of the product reservoir. It has been found, however, that the prior art dispensers of this type provide an insufficient amount of space and therefore do not within the housing around the product reservoir to allow the pump to work effectively. Open space is necessary around the flexible product reservoir to allow for the flexing and expansion thereof in several directions during compression so as to permit the pump to function at a high efficiency, using all of the force and displacement provided by the engagement of the inwardly extending projection. With insufficient open space surrounding the product reservoirs, these known pump housings may require several actuations of the pump mechanism in order to dispense the desired volume of liquid or foam. 
         [0005]    Another common disadvantage of prior art pump housings results from the connection between the pivoting cover and the backplate of the housing. The cover is typically pivotally connected to the backplate adjacent to the top surface of the housing. Thus, when the cover is opened to allow for replacement of the refill unit, the cover has a tendency to fall back to a closed position. A maintenance worker must either hold the cover in the open position while replacing the refill unit, or risk having the housing cover fall while working. This tendency for the cover to return to the closed position can be frustrating for maintenance workers trying to replace refill units, and can also increase the time necessary to perform the task. 
         [0006]    As a result of the deficiencies of the prior art discussed above, it is apparent that a need exists for an improved dispenser housing that is simple, efficient, and is easy to refill. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In one or more embodiments, the present invention includes a dispenser having a housing with a backplate, an intermediary member pivotally connected to the backplate, and a cover pivotally connected to the intermediary member. The intermediary member is pivotally connected to the backplate adjacent to a first end of the housing, and the cover is pivotally connected to the intermediary member adjacent to a second end of the housing. The dispenser also includes a refill unit including a pump and a product reservoir. The product reservoir is flexible and resilient so that it can be compressed repeatedly. 
         [0008]    In other embodiments, the present invention includes a dispenser housing having a backplate with a back wall, sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The dispenser housing also includes an intermediary member pivotally connected to the backplate adjacent to the bottom wall, and a cover having a front wall, sidewalls, and a top wall, and is pivotally connected to the intermediary member adjacent to the top wall. A projection may be provided on the interior of the front wall of the cover that extends inwardly toward the back wall of the backplate. Another projection may be provided on the interior of the back wall of the backplate extending inwardly toward the front wall of the cover. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the dispenser of the present invention in a closed position. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the dispenser housing of the present invention with the cover and intermediary member in an open position to allow for insertion of a refill unit. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the dispenser housing as in  FIG. 2  showing the refill unit within the housing. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the cover and intermediary member of the dispenser housing. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a section view of the dispenser housing of  FIG. 1 , including a refill unit, where the cover is in an unactuated position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a section view as in  FIG. 5 , where the cover is in an actuated position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a section view as in  FIG. 5 , where the pivoting intermediary member and the cover are open to allow refilling of the dispenser. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    A dispenser according to the concepts of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-7  and is indicated generally by the numeral  10 . Dispenser  10  includes a dispenser housing  12  having a backplate  14 , an intermediary member  16 , and a cover  18 . Intermediary member  16  is pivotally secured to backplate  14  at a first end of backplate  14 . In a preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , intermediary member  16  is pivotally secured to backplate  14  adjacent a bottom end of housing  12 , and cover  18  is pivotally secured to intermediary member  16  adjacent the top end of dispenser housing  12 . Backplate  14 , intermediary member  16 , and cover  18  define an inner cavity within dispenser  10 . Cover  18  is adapted to pivot relative to intermediary member  16 , thereby acting as a push bar to actuate dispenser  10 . Intermediary member  16  pivots relative to back late  14  so as to open housing  12  for refilling or replacing a refill unit therein. 
         [0017]    Backplate  14  is adapted to be secured to a wall or other surface, and may be so secured by any attachment mechanism known in the art. In one or more embodiments, backplate  14  may be adapted to be secured within a shower or other bathroom surface. Backplate  14  includes a back wall  20 , side walls  22 , a top wall  24 , and a bottom wall  26 . The side walls  22  extend from opposing edges of back wall  20 , and are oriented generally perpendicular thereto. Top wall  24  and bottom wall  26  extend from opposing edges of back wall  20  between side walls  22 . Bottom wall  26  may include an opening or recess therein to facilitate dispensing of liquid or foam from dispenser  10 , as will be discussed in detail below. Backplate  14  also includes a pair of journals  28 , one extending outwardly from each side wall  22  adjacent bottom wall  26 . Journals  28  are positioned coaxially on side walls  22  and define a pivot axis about which intermediary member  16  rotates. 
         [0018]    Backplate  14  also includes projections  30  extending inwardly from back wall  20 . Projections  30  are generally perpendicular to back wall  20  and are oriented substantially vertically within housing  12 . While a pair of parallel projections  30  are shown in the drawings, it is contemplated that other forms of projections  30  may be utilized. For example, a solid block-like projection may be provided having a width approximately equal to the space between projections  30  shown in the drawings. A retaining collar  32  also extends from back wall  20  and is oriented generally perpendicular thereto. Retaining collar  32  includes a radiused recess on an inner edge thereof that is adapted to receive a refill unit and secure it within dispenser  10 . 
         [0019]    Intermediary member  16  includes a body  34  that is arched in the transverse direction creating a radiused inner surface. Body  34  includes an opening  36  therethrough to allow for actuation of the dispenser  10 , as will be discussed below. Ears  38  are provided on opposing sides of body  34  adjacent to bottom wall  26  of backplate  14 . Ears  38  include apertures  40  therethrough that are adapted to receive journals  28  of backplate  14 , thereby pivotally securing intermediary member  16  to backplate  14 . 
         [0020]    A retaining collar  42  extends from the interior surface of body  34 , and is positioned opposite retaining collar  32  of backplate  14  when intermediary member  16  is in a closed position. Retaining collar  42  includes a radiused recess on an interior edge thereof so that together with retaining collar  32  a generally circular opening is defined. A pair of slots  44  are provided through body  34  of intermediary member  16  below retaining collar  42  to help to secure cover  18  to intermediary member  16 , as will become apparent from the description below. Intermediary member  16  also includes journals  46  extending outwardly from opposing sides of body  34  adjacent to a top end thereof. Journals  46  are positioned coaxially, and define a cover pivot axis about which cover  18  rotates. Intermediary member  16  may also include a latch  47  extending therefrom, which acts to secure the top end of intermediary member  16  to backplate  14 . A release bar may be provided in backplate  14  which, when pressed upward, causes latch  47  to disengage and allows dispenser  12  to be opened. Release bar may optionally be keyed so that only authorized personnel have access to the interior of dispenser  12 , as is well known in the art. 
         [0021]    Cover  18  includes a front wall  48 , a top wall  50 , and a bottom wall  52 . Front wall  48  is arched in the transverse direction, thereby creating a radiused outer surface. Bottom wall  52  may include a dispensing opening  54  to facilitate the dispensation of liquid or foam from dispenser  10 . A projection  56  extends inwardly from the inner surface of front wall  48  toward projections  30  on backplate  14 . Projection  56  of cover  18  extends through opening  36  in intermediary member  16 . A pair of flexible arms  58  may extend inwardly from the interior surface of front wall  48  to secure cover  18  to intermediary member  16 . The flexible arms  58  extend through slots  44  in intermediary member  16  and may include latch members on the ends thereof to prevent cover  18  from being pulled away from intermediary member  16 . Cover  18  also includes inwardly facing pivot apertures  60  on opposing sides of front wall  48  adjacent to top wall  50 . Pivot apertures  60  are adapted to receive journals  46  of intermediary member  16 , thereby pivotally securing cover  18  to intermediary member  16 . 
         [0022]    A refill unit  62  is positioned within dispenser  10  and includes a valve mechanism  64  and a product reservoir  66 . Valve mechanism  64  may be any such valve mechanism known to those skilled in the art, and may be adapted to dispense a liquid or a foam product. For example, it is contemplated that valve mechanism  64  may be a foam producing valve such as the EZi® Foamer manufactured and sold by Rexam Airspray, Inc. Product reservoir  66  may be flexible and resilient, thus allowing it to be compressed and providing it with the capability of returning to its original form. Sufficient space is provided around product reservoir  66  within housing  12  to allow it to flex or expand in various directions when compressed. In one or more embodiments, sufficient space is provided within housing  12  to allow product reservoir to expand or flex in the lateral direction (perpendicular to the direction of compression) by at least 5% of it&#39;s original size, in other embodiments at least 10%, and in still other embodiments at least 15%. Product reservoir  66  includes a shoulder  68  at its lower edge that is adapted to rest on retaining collar  32  and retaining collar  42  to support refill unit  62  within dispenser  10 . Valve mechanism  64  may be provided with a circumferential flange  70  at its extreme end, flange  70  acting to position and secure valve mechanism  64  within dispenser  10 . 
         [0023]    As seen in  FIG. 6 , cover  18  may be pressed toward backplate  14  to actuate dispenser  10 . Projection  56  extends through opening  36  when cover  18  is pressed, thereby engaging and compressing product reservoir  66  to force product therein through valve mechanism  64 . Projections  30  on back wall  20  of backplate  14  maintain product reservoir  66  in a displaced position relative to back wall  14  of housing  12 , thereby maintaining a sufficient amount of space around product reservoir  66  to allow it to flex. This ability of product reservoir  66  to flex when compressed improves the performance of valve mechanism  64 . 
         [0024]    When product reservoir  66  is compressed by projection  56 , a volume of liquid or foam is caused to be dispensed from valve mechanism  64 . The liquid or foam passes through dispensing opening  54  of cover  18 , and may be retrieved by the person actuating dispenser  10 . The natural resiliency of product reservoir  66  causes it to return to its original shape, thereby forcing cover  18  into an unactuated position by acting upon projection  56 . The expansion of product reservoir  66  after compression also creates a vacuum therein, which draws air in through valve mechanism  64 . This air intake, or “suck back” causes any product remaining in the valve mechanism  64  to be drawn back into product reservoir  66 , and also provides air within valve mechanism  64  to be used to generate foam product, where necessary. This air intake function may also be accomplished by one-way valves in the product dispenser. Dispenser  10  is then in a condition to be actuated again. 
         [0025]    Upon actuation cover  18  pivots relative to intermediary member  16  and backplate  14  by virtue of journals  46  and pivot apertures  60 , both positioned adjacent top wall  50  of cover  18 . This arrangement allows a user to press the lower portion of cover  18  to actuate dispenser  10  and cause liquid or foam to be dispensed. Thus, it is possible for a person to press cover  18  to actuate dispenser  10  and cover dispensing opening  54  to catch the liquid or foam dispensed with one hand. 
         [0026]    To refill or replace refill unit  62 , housing  12  may be opened by pressing latch  47  and pivoting intermediary member  16  and cover  18  relative to backplate  14 . Intermediary member  16  pivots by virtue of journals  28  and apertures  40  in ears  38 , which connect it to backplate  14  adjacent to bottom wall  26 . This arrangement allows housing  12  to be opened by pivoting intermediary member  16  and cover  18  downward, as shown in  FIG. 7 . Thus, the refill unit  62  may be replaced without worrying that part of the housing may swing close. 
         [0027]    In light of the foregoing, it should be clear that this invention provides improvements in the art of skin-care product dispensers. While a particular embodiment has been disclosed herein for the purpose of teaching the inventive concepts, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to or by any particular structure shown and described. Rather, the claims shall serve to define the invention.