Abstract:
Systems and methods concerned with design advancements with respect to the dispenser technical art. Some of these design advancements have led to increased water shedding effectiveness, minimization of dispensing head size, and higher quality resonance from the dispenser.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Dispensers used with soap, e.g., generally in a liquid or semi-liquid form, are well known in the art. Compared with using solid soap bars for cleansing/sanitizing activities, the use of liquid soap dispensers offers a variety of advantages. For example, because only a certain amount of liquid soap is distributed per user activation of the dispenser, the remainder of the soap is kept within the dispenser, thereby being protected from the spread of germs between subsequent users. Additionally, because only a small amount of the entire amount of liquid soap is handled during any cleansing activity, there is generally less soapy mess left over from such activity (as opposed to a user handling an entire solid bar soap during such activity). Finally, with the dispensers allowing for a large amount of liquid soap to be stored (as compared to a single solid soap bar), the whole of the liquid soap can be generally found to last longer, with soap replacement being less frequent. 
         [0002]    Generally, liquid soap dispenser assemblies include a dispensing head that works in conjunction with a reservoir that holds the liquid soap. In some cases, when the assembly is designed with the dispensing head below the liquid soap reservoir, a simple activation of the dispensing head (e.g., via a pulling/pushing of the dispensing head) can result in an opening being temporarily provided to the reservoir. In such cases, the liquid soap can be briefly enabled to pass from the reservoir to the dispensing head via the opening, whereupon the liquid soap passing through the opening flows freely out of the dispensing head. In some cases, the design may further include a pump assembly. For example, such pump assembly can be found in designs in which the dispensing head is located above the liquid soap reservoir, where the pump assembly may include a flexible tube and a pump. Accordingly, when the dispensing head is activated (e.g., via a pushing of the head in a conventional way), the pump is engaged to draw liquid soap through the tube, through the dispensing head, and eventually into a user&#39;s hand. 
         [0003]    While the primary purpose of using either solid or liquid soap is to cleanse or sanitize, the amount of soap used is often variable. As described above, a liquid soap dispenser can be used to limit the amount of soap used as the dispenser is generally configured to release a set amount of soap per activation of the dispensing head. Accordingly, excessive soap amounts are generally prevented from being used during cleansing. Another variable with respect to using soap, either solid or liquid, is the amount of time one spends in lathering the soap and spreading the lathered soap, e.g., over one&#39;s hands and/or face, for effective cleansing. 
         [0004]    As should be appreciated, the amount of time needed to cleanse something generally depends on the size of that which is being cleansed. For example, in the case where one&#39;s hands and/or face are being cleansed, one minute may be considered a sufficient amount of time for such activity. One manner by which the dispenser may keep track of such time duration for the user is through the use of a timing circuit. In one known exemplary design, upon activation of the dispensing head, an initial beep may be sounded from an electrical circuit of the dispenser, signaling a start to the cleansing cycle, e.g., lathering and cleansing using the soap provided from the dispenser. In turn, the electrical circuit, e.g., via a timer, initiates a counter with respect to a set time period, e.g., one minute. Once the set time period is counted, i.e., elapses, the circuit can be configured to induce a second beep, signaling both an end to the time period and an end to the cleansing cycle. 
         [0005]    As can be appreciated, such beeping from an electrical circuit in signaling start and end times with respect to a cleansing cycle can be rather mundane. Further, to better hold people&#39;s attention during a cleansing cycle, especially the attention of children, it has generally been found to be more effective to provide continuous auditory stimulation during the entire cleansing cycle. To that end, liquid soap dispensers have been designed to play music following the activation of the dispenser. Accordingly, once the dispensing head is activated, circuitry can be provided that along with a speaker or other transducer plays a song or song segment. The continuous auditory stimulation may signal that hand washing should continue. The end of the song or song segment may also signal that hand washing may be stopped. 
         [0006]    While musical dispensers, as exemplified above, are known, there are various manners in which such designs can be further advanced. Embodiments of the present invention are focused on addressing such advancements. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Certain embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods concerned with design advancements with respect to the dispenser technical art. Some of these design advancements have led to increased water shedding effectiveness, minimization of dispensing head size, and higher quality resonance from the dispenser. 
         [0008]    These and various other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates an elevation perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an exploded side perspective view of a dispensing head of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a base of the dispensing head of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a top plane view of a button of the dispensing head of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a bottom plane view of a cover of the dispensing head of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0014]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are elevation and top perspective views of an electrical circuit assembly used in the dispenser of  FIG. 1  in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of the dispensing head of  FIG. 1  along the lines VII-VII. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0016]    The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered identically. Embodiments shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, unless otherwise noted. It will be understood that embodiments shown in the drawings and described herein are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the invention to any embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, while embodiments described herein involve dispensers for liquid soap, the embodiments could just as well be applied to any dispenser that provides material stored therein upon activation of the dispenser by a user. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. As shown, in such embodiments, the dispenser  10  can be a liquid soap dispenser. The dispenser  10  generally includes a reservoir  12  and a dispensing head  14 . As shown, the reservoir  12  contains the liquid soap  16 , while the dispensing head  14  facilitates the transport of the soap  16  from the reservoir  12 , and eventually, outside the dispenser  10 . 
         [0018]    In certain embodiments, as described above, the dispensing head  14  includes a pump assembly  18 . The pump assembly  18  is operatively coupled to the dispensing head  14  and works in conjunction with the liquid soap reservoir  12 . As shown, in certain embodiments, a neck  20  of the dispensing head  14  can be inserted in a recess  22  of the pump assembly  18 . While not visibly shown, by way of such coupling, tubing from each of the dispensing head neck  20  and the pump assembly  18  can be simultaneously connected. The pump assembly  18  can be further operatively coupled to the reservoir  12 . For example, while not visibly shown, a neck of the pump assembly  18  may be threadably engageable with a neck of the reservoir  12 . 
         [0019]    With further reference to  FIG. 1 , the pump assembly  18  includes a flexible tube  24  that extends into the liquid soap reservoir  12  in a well known manner. In certain embodiments, the pump assembly  18  includes a pump  26  that, in certain embodiments, extends from the pump assembly  18  and operates with the flexible tube  24 . In certain embodiments, when the dispensing head  14  is activated, e.g., pushed down, the pump  26  is engaged to draw the liquid soap  16  up through the tube  24 , through the dispensing head  14 , and eventually into a user&#39;s hands. In certain embodiments, upon activation of the dispensing head  14 , the pump  26  is further configured to pull air from the surrounding environment into the liquid soap  16  that is drawn up through the tube  24 . In turn, the pulled-in air mixes with the soap  16  to form foam, which is subsequently output from the dispensing head  14 . 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the dispensing head  14  in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. The head  14  includes a base  30 , a button  32 , and a cover  34 . When the head  14  is assembled, the button  32  and cover  34  are each positioned above the base  30 . In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the base  30  includes a platform  36  with a chamber  38  generally extending from the platform  36 . The platform  36  and chamber  38  are collectively used to support an electrical circuit (not shown) of the dispenser  10 , which is shown and further described herein with reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6B . In certain embodiments, the chamber  38  is formed to be generally circular; however, the invention should not be so limited. 
         [0021]    The button  32  is configured to facilitate triggering of the electrical circuit of the dispenser  10 , with such triggering caused by the button  32  being activated, e.g., pressed downward. In certain embodiments, such activation of the button  32  can be performed separate from an activation of the dispensing head  14  (e.g., via depression of button  32  without depression of the entire dispensing head  14 ). As such, the circuit can be triggered solely without also requiring soap to be dispensed. However, it should be appreciated that both the dispensing head  12  and button  32  can be both simultaneously activated with a single action, e.g., simultaneous depression of both the dispensing head  14  and the button  32 . 
         [0022]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the button  32  has an inner portion  40  and an outer portion  42 . In certain embodiments, the inner portion  40  is defined with a plurality of holes  44  there through, and the outer portion  42  forms a shelf  46  for the button  32 . When in a non-activated state, i.e., not depressed, the button  32  is suspended above the chamber  38 . In certain embodiments, as further detailed herein with respect to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , such suspension of the button  32  is provided by one or more electrical components of the electrical circuit being in continuous contact with a lower surface  48  of the button shelf  46 . In certain embodiments, with further reference to  FIG. 7 , when the button  32  is activated, e.g., depressed, the lower surface  48  of the button shelf  46  results in a force, e.g., a downward force, on one or more electrical components of the electrical circuit, thereby triggering the circuit. 
         [0023]    In assembling the dispensing head  14 , the button  32  is positioned above the chamber  38 . In certain embodiments, the button  32  and the chamber  38  have substantially similar outer diameters D. Having such similar outer diameters D enables the chamber  38  to generally mate with the button outer portion  42 . In certain embodiments, such mating of the button outer portion  42  with the chamber  38  is facilitated via tabs  50  stemming from the button  32 , where the tabs  50  extend from the button outer portion  42  toward respective slots  52  defined by the chamber  38 . In certain embodiments, each slot  52  is defined from an upper surface  54  of the chamber  38  and is sized to mate with the corresponding tabs  50  of the button  32 . As shown, the tabs  50  are similar in size; however, the invention should not be limited to such, as the tabs  50  can be formed in any combination of differing sizes so long as the corresponding slots  52  are defined to mate therewith. While two tabs  50  are shown protruding from the button  32 , with two corresponding slots  52  defined in the chamber  38 , the invention should not be limited to such quantities. Tabs  50  and slots  52  may cooperate to prevent the button from rotating relative to the base  30  yet tabs  50  are relatively short enough to allow axial movement (relative to the pump head  14 ) downward further into slots  52  when the button  32  is depressed. 
         [0024]    As described above, when in its non-activated state, the button  32  is suspended above the chamber  38 . Accordingly, when the button  32  is in its non-activated state, the tabs  50  are aligned with the corresponding slots  52 , yet not fully inserted therein. In certain embodiments, upon activation of the button  32 , the tabs  50  are, in turn, lowered into their corresponding slots  52  of the chamber  38 . Such mating of the tabs  50  to the slots  52  achieves general alignment of the button  32  with respect to the chamber  38 , and in turn, the electrical components thereon. As such, in certain embodiments, upon activation of the button  32 , the lower surface  48  of the button shelf  46  subjects a force, e.g., a downward force, on one or more electrical components of the electrical circuit, and thereby triggers the circuit. 
         [0025]    In further assembling the dispensing head  14 , the cover  34  is placed over both the base  30  and the button  32 , with the cover  34  being fastened to the base  30  using a plurality of fasteners (not shown). With reference to  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments, the base  30  is defined with a plurality of apertures  56 , with each aperture  56  being aligned with a corresponding boss  58  defined in the underside of the cover  34  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) when the cover  34  is positioned over the base  30 . Accordingly, when the cover  34  is secured to the base  30 , the fasteners are each inserted into one of the apertures  56  and further secured to the respective bosses  58  of the cover  34 . 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the cover  34  further includes an opening  60  sized to mate with the button inner portion  40 . In certain embodiments, the opening  60  is sized to allow penetration of the button inner portion  40  yet deny penetration of the button outer portion  42 . Consequently, when the button  32  is suspended above the chamber  36  in its non-activated state (as described above), the button outer portion  42  contacts the inner surface of the cover  34 , thereby limiting the extent by which the button inner portion  40  passes through the opening  60 . In certain embodiments, the button inner portion  40  is allowed to penetrate the opening  60  to an extent whereby an upper surface  62  of the inner portion  40  is aligned with, or slightly protruding above, an outer surface  64  of the cover  34 . 
         [0027]    As described above, the platform  36  and chamber  38  of the base  30  are collectively used to support an electrical circuit of the dispenser  10 . Such electrical circuit  70  is exemplarily shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 6A  illustrates an elevation view of the electrical circuit  70 , while  FIG. 6B  illustrates a top view of the circuit  70 . The electrical circuit  70 , in certain embodiments, includes a circuit board  72  having a microchip  74 , a momentary switch  76  operatively coupled to the microchip  74 , and a power source  78 , e.g., in the form of one or more batteries, to power the microchip  74 . Also provided and electrically connected to the circuit board  72  is a speaker  80 . 
         [0028]    The electrical circuit  70 , when triggered, is designed to provide an audible response. In certain embodiments, such audible response involves playing music. In certain embodiments, the played music involves a recorded song being played. As described above, liquid soap dispensers have been designed to play music for a set period of time when activated, with the set period of time representing the requisite time for a cleansing activity, e.g., cleansing one&#39;s hands and/or face. However, embodiments of the invention should not be limited to such. Instead, the song played by the electrical circuit  70  can be geared to solely entertain the user during cleansing regardless of how long the cleansing lasts. As such, the played song may last longer than a cleansing cycle, or conversely, may stop before a cleansing cycle is finished. As described above, the electrical circuit  70  can be triggered via an activation of the button  32 , and such activation can be performed separate from any activation of the dispensing head  14 . Consequently, if the played song stops before the user finishes his cleansing activity, the user can trigger the electrical circuit one or more further times so as to play the music one or more further times without having further soap dispensed from the dispensing head  14 . 
         [0029]    As described above, the electrical circuit  70 , when triggered, is designed to provide an audible response, which, in certain embodiments, can involve playing music. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the auditory response can involve playing a message. For example, in certain embodiments, the message can involve instructions or directions played for a consumer who has purchased the dispenser or is interested in purchasing the dispenser. As such, the instructions or directions, for example, can be used to aid the consumer in using the material in the dispenser and/or in using the dispenser. Optionally, the instructions/directions may also include best practices and/or benefits that can be achieved in using the material in the dispenser and/or in using the dispenser. In certain embodiments, the message can involve promotional information for one or more of the material in the dispenser, the dispenser, or other products. As should be appreciated, in embodiments in which the dispenser plays a message, the message can involve a seemingly endless variety of information to the end consumer. Accordingly, while the above provides a few examples of what the message may be, the invention should not be limited to such. Further, in certain embodiments, the triggering of the electrical circuit  70  can trigger, in any combination, both music and a message being played. 
         [0030]    In certain embodiments, the electrical circuit  70  is triggered with a downward force on the momentary switch  76 . As shown, the switch  76  is located on the circuit board  72  below, but in contact with, the speaker  80 . The speaker  80  is a solid structure, while the momentary switch  76  is largely formed of a flexible material, e.g., rubber. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a downward force on the speaker  80  is subsequently transferred to the switch  76 . Upon absorbing a downward force, the momentary switch  76  is depressed and is operatively connected to the microchip  74 . In certain embodiments, the contact of the momentary switch  76  is normally suspended above the circuit board  72 , upon which the microchip  74  is located. Consequently, in certain embodiments, only through the momentary switch  76  absorbing a downward force can the microchip  74  be activated, thereby triggering the electrical circuit  70 . 
         [0031]    Following its activation from the momentary switch  76 , the microchip  74  facilitates providing an audible response from the dispenser  10 . As described above, in certain embodiments, the audible response can involve playing of music. In such embodiments, the played music can involve a recorded song being played. In certain embodiments, the recorded song is a WAVE file (short for waveform audio format, which is an audio file format standard for storing an audio bitstream on PCs) that is transcoded into a file format known as ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) and compressed onto the microchip  74 . Activating the microchip  74  causes the ADPCM file stored in the microchip  74  to be transmitted in the form of electrical signals to the speaker  80 . In certain embodiments, the ADPCM file will play for duration of time dependent on the size of the file and then stops. In certain embodiments, when the ADPCM file finishes playing, the user knows he has washed his hands sufficiently. In certain embodiments, several songs are stored in the microchip  74 . In one such embodiment, each time the circuit  70  is activated, a different one of such stored songs is selected and played. 
         [0032]    As described above, in certain embodiments, the audible response provided by the dispenser  10  via the microchip  74  can involving providing a message. In certain embodiments, the message provided can involve a recorded message being provided. Similar to that described above with reference to the auditory response involving a recoded song being played, the recorded message, in certain embodiments, can be a WAVE file that is transcoded into an ADPCM file format and compressed onto the microchip  74 . Activating the microchip  74  causes the ADPCM file stored in the microchip  74  to be transmitted in the form of electrical signals to the speaker  80 . In certain embodiments, the ADPCM file will play for duration of time dependent on the size of the file and then stops. In certain embodiments, several messages are stored in the microchip  74 . In one such embodiment, each time the circuit  70  is activated, a different one of such stored messages is selected and played. 
         [0033]    In certain embodiments, an on/off switch can be added to the electrical circuit  70 . Such switch can be located on the outer surface of the dispensing head  14  and electrically connected to the circuit board. In certain embodiments, the switch is located on the outer surface  64  of the cover  34 , generally opposite the soap dispensing port  28  of the dispensing head  14 . As should be appreciated, the on/off switch can be any of a number of switch types. For example, in certain embodiments, the switch can be a master switch, whereby it must be “on” for the momentary switch  76  to function as described above. In particular, if the master switch is turned “off”, any music playing via the electrical circuit  70  would be immediately halted. In other embodiments, the switch could be wired as an OR switch. In turn, either one of the on/off switch or the momentary switch  76  could be used to trigger the electrical circuit  70 , while neither of the switches solely would be able to halt the music mid-stream. 
         [0034]    In certain embodiments, a volume control may be added to the electrical circuit  70 . An actuator for the volume control can be located on the outer surface of the dispensing head. In certain embodiments, the volume actuator is located on the outer surface  64  of the cover  34 , generally opposite the soap dispensing port  28  of the dispensing head  14 . As should be appreciated, the actuator for the volume control can be any of a number of actuator types, including a thumb dial, a slide switch, and other forms well known in the art. 
         [0035]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross section of the dispensing head  14  of  FIG. 1 . As shown, the electrical circuit  70  of  FIG. 6  is provided within the dispensing head  14  of the dispenser  10 . The cross section shows the button  32  of the dispensing head  14  in a non-activated state. As such, there is no contact between the momentary switch  76  and the circuit board  72 . Consequently, the microchip  74  is not activated, leaving the electrical circuit  70  in a non-triggered state. 
         [0036]    As already described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , upon the button  32  being activated, e.g., depressed, the force placed on the button  32  is transferred to the momentary switch  76 , resulting in contact between the switch  76  and the circuit board  72  and simultaneous activation of the microchip  74 . As further described above, such activation of the microchip  74  results in music and/or a message being played over the speaker  80  of the electrical circuit. 
         [0037]    In light of the above embodiments, a number of design advancements are provided for the musical dispenser technical art. One such advancement involves the increased effectiveness of the dispensing head  14  to shed water. As is customary, in the course of washing one&#39;s hands at a sink, a person will often run water over his hands prior to lathering them with soap. In using a soap dispenser to provide the soap in this scenario, it is often the case that the person will drip water from his hands on the dispensing head of the dispenser. Dispensing heads of musical dispensers are generally formed of a plurality of parts. For example, in reference to  FIG. 2 , such dispensing head  14  includes three primary parts: a base  30 , a button  32 , and a cover  34 . It should be appreciated that water dripping on the dispensing head  14  can flow therein, e.g., between the button  32  and the cover  34 , through the holes  46  of the button, etc. The entry of water into the dispensing head can lead to a variety of adverse effects on the functionality of the dispenser, most notably with respect to prolonged contact with any electrical components housed in the dispensing head. 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIG. 2 ,  3 , and  7 , the dispensing head  14  offers a variety of designs to effectively shed water from its head  14 . For example, in certain embodiments, the base  32  of the dispensing head  14  has one or more of outer edges  90  curving downward. Accordingly, such downward curvature of the edges  90  urges water collecting in the dispensing head  14  to flow toward these edges  90 , subsequently exiting the head  14  by flowing between these edges  90  and the bordering edges of the cover  34 . As such, water entering the dispensing head  14  naturally flows toward the edges  90 , urging water to exit the head  14  quickly and effectively. While all the base outer edges  90  are shown with such curvature, the invention should not be limited to such. Any number of outer edges  90  of a dispensing head base  30  can be formed to have such downward curvature. However, it should be appreciated that providing each base outer edge  90  with such downward curvature maximizes the water shedding effectiveness of the dispensing head  14 . 
         [0039]    In certain embodiments, with continued reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , one or more notches  92  are provided in the outer edges  90  of the base  30 . Such design further urges the quick exit of water collecting in the dispensing head  14 . As described above, while the downward curvature of the base outer edges  90  urges collecting water to flow thereto, the water still must pass between these edges  90  and the bordering edges of the cover  34  to exit the head  14 . However, if the cover  34  is tightly secured to the base  30  in such area, the water may not be able to freely exit the head  14 . Accordingly, by providing one or more notches  92  in the base outer edges  90 , one or more certain exit points are correspondingly facilitated. With reference to  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments, a plurality of outer edge notches  92  are provided so as to form a uniform pattern of notches  92  around the base  30 . As such, entering water is prevented from collecting along the perimeter of the base  30 . To the extent some water or other liquid does gather, components on the circuit board may be potted and the batteries may be enclosed or overmolded with insulators to help prevent electrical shorting of the components. 
         [0040]    In certain embodiments, with further reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  7 , one or more slots  94  are further cut in the chamber  38  of the base  30 . While the chamber  38  facilitates a sturdy surrounding for aligning the speaker  80  with the button  32  and vice versa, the chamber  38  allows for an area on the base in which entering water may collect. Accordingly, by providing one or more slots  94  in the chamber  38 , one or more certain exit points are correspondingly facilitated. As shown, each slot  94  is defined from an inner lower edge  96  of the chamber  38 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments, a plurality of slots  92  are provided so as to form a uniform pattern of slots  92  around the chamber  38 . As such, slots  92  facilitate drainage of water entering chamber  38 , thereby preventing pooling of water along the inner lower edge  96  of the chamber  38 . 
         [0041]    A further advancement for the musical dispenser technical art provided by the above embodiments involves a compactness of the electrical circuit  70  within the dispensing head  14 . As should be appreciated, the size of the dispensing head is often adversely affected when housing electrical circuitry within the head. Such size increase in the dispensing head can lead to a variety of problems. For example, such would generally increase the material/fabrication costs associated with the dispenser. Further, a larger head size may be unappealing to customers, which in turn, could decrease market share. As such, keeping the dispensing head to a minimum size is generally desired. 
         [0042]    With reference to  FIGS. 6A and 7 , the dispensing head  14  is minimized using a number of differing techniques with respect to the electrical circuit  70  housed therein. For example, one or more electrical components are stacked so as to take up less space on the circuit board  72 . In certain embodiments, the speaker  80  is mounted above the momentary switch  76 . The momentary switch  76 , in certain embodiments, is provided directly above its contact point on the circuit board  72 . In certain embodiments, the power source  78 , e.g., taking the form of a plurality of batteries, involves stacked batteries. As described above, while stacked electrical components enable the use of a smaller circuit board  72 , the amount of wiring between such stacked electrical components is also limited. Accordingly, the size of the electrical circuit  70  is reduced, thereby leading to a minimized size of the dispensing head  14 . 
         [0043]    In certain embodiments, with continued reference to  FIGS. 6A and 7 , the speaker  80  has dual functionality in the electrical circuit  70 . Not only does it serve as the output apparatus for the stored music, but it also serves as a trigger for the electrical circuit  70 . To this end, the speaker  80  is located in close proximity to the circuit board  72 , thereby limiting the amount of wiring between the circuit board  72  and the speaker  80 . Accordingly, the size of the electrical circuit  70  is reduced, thereby leading to a minimized size of the dispensing head  14 . 
         [0044]    In certain embodiments, with further reference to  FIGS. 6A and 7 , the button  32  has dual functionality in the electrical circuit  70 . Not only does it serve as the actuator for the electrical circuit  70 , but it also serves as the sound port for the dispensing head  14 . This feature is somewhat similar to that described above with the dual functionality of the speaker  80 ; however, the size of the electrical circuit  70  is directly affected by the proximity of both its actuator and the sound port, requiring direct contact with each. As a result, by having the button  32  serves both functions, the electrical circuit  70  can again be concentrated in this single area within the dispensing head  14 . Accordingly, the size of the electrical circuit  70  is reduced, thereby leading to a minimized size of the dispensing head  14 . 
         [0045]    Yet a further advancement for the musical dispenser technical art provided by the above embodiments involves a higher quality resonance from the dispenser  10 . In certain embodiments, with reference to  FIG. 7 , the speaker  80  enables the suspension of the sound port, i.e., the button  32 , of the dispensing head  14 . Accordingly, the speaker  80  is always in contact with the sound port, enabling sound from the speaker  80  to resonate through the holes  44  of the sound port. In some such embodiments, cover  34  is formed of an elastomeric material, such as plastic. Cover  34  and the button  32  combine to form a speaker grill and housing that accentuate the sound produced by the speaker  80 . Holes  44  in the button  32  enable the button  32  to be a sound port for the speaker  80  following activation of the button  32 . 
         [0046]    In certain embodiments, with reference to  FIG. 7 , the sound port, i.e., the button  32 , is retained between the opening  60  of the cover  34  and the speaker  80 . In conjunction with the suspending effect provided by the speaker  80 , the close fit of the button  32  with respect to the cover  34  further eliminates any gap being formed between the speaker  80  and the sound port. 
         [0047]    Although the present invention has been described with reference to certain disclosed embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the dispenser may dispense products other than liquid soap. Dispenser need not be free-standing, such as dispenser  10 . Instead, the dispenser may be mountable to a wall or other surface.