Abstract:
An automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing hand-sanitizer lotion, which is powered using a rechargeable battery pack rechargeable via solar cells, which battery pack is pivotally mounted in the upper interior section of the main frame of the dispenser, above the liquid-storage bag, whereby as the liquid storage bag is depleted after continual use, the weight of the battery pack serves to compress the storage bag to thereby increase the pressure therein, so that the delay of the dispensing of the liquid does not increase over time as the bag becomes depleted. Also provided is a lower, pivotal tray located below the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing apparatus by which drippings and excess dispensed amounts are caught by the tray and do not fall upon the floor therebelow. A front cover is rotatable to an upper position such that it does not rotate back down by itself in order to allow unencumbered access to the interior of the apparatus for changing storage bags and batteries. The apparatus also contains an aerosol spray canister for spraying a sanitizing mist into the ambient surroundings after the apparatus has dispensed sanitizing fluid onto the hands.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a dispensing device or apparatus for dispensing measured or metered amounts of a hand-sanitizer or hand-antiseptic lotion, liquid, fluids and the like, for use in sanitizer hands in hospitals, doctor offices, health clinics, and the like. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,752, which reference is incorporated by reference herein, there is disclosed an automatic liquid dispenser that is powered by rechargeable batteries rechargeable by solar power cells or panels. The liquid, such as soap, is provided in a disposable cartridge containing a dispensing bag or pouch, to which cartridge is attached the rechargeable batteries. The solar cells are mounted to the frame of the dispensing device and generate electricity for recharging the batteries via ambient fluorescent lights in the room or location in which the dispenser is mounted. The dispenser is also provided with a pump assembly for dispensing metered amounts of the liquid, and electric circuitry for controlling the pump to mete out this measured amount. The device is activated automatically when a hand or hands are located at the dispensing station via a light-sensitive receiver that detects LED-reflected light as the hand or hands are located at the dispensing nozzle. The metered dispensing of the contents of the bag or pouch is, however, delayed, and as the contents of the bag is depleted over continual dispensed amounts, the delay becomes more pronounced because of the reduced pressure in the bag or pouch. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide an automatic dispensing apparatus that is powered using a rechargeable battery pack rechargeable via solar cells, which battery pack is pivotally mounted in the upper interior section of the main frame of the dispenser, above the liquid-storage bag, whereby, as the liquid-storage bag or refill-pouch is depleted after continual use, the weight of the battery pack serves to compress the storage bag to thereby increase the pressure therein, so that the delay of the dispensing of the liquid does not increase over time as the pouch becomes depleted. 
     It is also a primary objective of the present invention to provide a lower, pivotal tray located below the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing apparatus by which drippings and excess dispensed amounts are caught by the tray and do not fall upon the floor therebelow, which tray is rotatable to an upper, closed position where access to the dispensing nozzle of the apparatus is prevented. 
     It is also a primary objective of the present invention to provide sensors that deactivate the dispensing apparatus when either the front cover is lifted for access to the interior of the apparatus, or when the lower tray is pivoted upwardly, so as to prevent the dispensing of the fluid. 
     It is also a primary objective of the present invention to provide sensors that deactivate the dispensing apparatus when either the front cover is lifted for access to the interior of the apparatus e fluid onto the floor. 
     It is also a primary objective of the present invention to provide a canister of sanitizing fluid which is activated upon the sensing of a hand at the apparatus Orr when a person enters the room, in order to provide a spray of sanitizing mist into the ambient surroundings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be more readily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the automatic dispensing apparatus of the invention showing the pivotal lower tray thereof in its downward position; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the automatic dispensing apparatus of the invention showing the pivotal tray in its upper, closed position; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the automatic dispensing apparatus of the invention with the cover thereof raised for showing the interior working components; 
         FIG. 4  is an assembly isometric view of the automatic dispensing apparatus of the invention with the cover thereof raised showing the mounting of the lower pivotal tray to the main housing of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a broken-away, side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing the rechargeable battery pack pivoted in a first, upper position for contact against the upper portion of the storage bag for increasing the pressure within the bag; a 
         FIG. 6  is a view similar to  FIG. 5  but showing the rechargeable battery pack pivoted in a second, lower position for contact against the upper portion of the storage bag for increasing the pressure within the bag after part of the contents of the bag have been dispensed over time; 
         FIG. 7  is an assembly isometric view of the automatic dispensing apparatus of the invention showing the attachment of the pivotal front cover panel thereof to the main housing of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 8 , is an isometric view showing the automatic dispensing apparatus of the invention according to a second embodiment thereof; 
         FIG. 9  is an assembly isometric view similar to  FIG. 4  thereof; 
         FIG. 10  is an assembly isometric view similar to  FIG. 7  thereof; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the automatic dispensing apparatus of the invention of  FIG. 8  with the cover thereof raised for showing the interior working components; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8  with the front cover in is closed state; 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the of the apparatus of  FIG. 8  showing the connector inserted in the housing used for connecting multiple units together; 
         FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the of the apparatus of  FIG. 8  showing the intermediate stage of the connection of two units together; 
         FIG. 15  is an isometric view of the of the apparatus of  FIG. 8  showing the final stage of the connection of two units together; 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric view of the dispensing apparatus of the invention in which an aerosol container is placed in the interior thereof and which is activated by a sensor to spray ambient sanitizing or disinfecting mist into the surroundings; and 
         FIG. 17  is an isometric view of the dispensing apparatus showing a modification where the spray canister is located in an upper location. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, the automatic dispensing apparatus of the invention is indicated generally by reference numeral  10 . The apparatus  10  consists of a main housing  12  defining a pair of side walls  14 ,  16 , top or upper wall  18 , rear wall  20  which is typically mounted to a wall or vertical surface, and a pivotally-mounted, front cover panel or door  22 . The front panel  22  is provided with a first, conventional solar panel  24  by which power is generated for recharging a 6-Volt battery pack, for example, described hereinbelow. Also provided on the front cover panel is an LCD advertising display unit  24 ′ for displaying advertising or other visual and audio material, or for giving instructions on how to use the apparatus. The side walls  14 ,  16  of the main frame are provided with an intermediate cutout-section by which access to the interior of the apparatus is enhanced when refilling the storage bag or refill-pouch, or for replacing the battery pack. Thus, each side wall  14 , 16  defines an upper wider section  14 ′,  16 ′, and a lower wider section  14 ″,  16 ″, respectively, as best seen in  FIG. 3 . 
     The front panel  22  is pivotally mounted to the main frame via conventional pivots or posts, such that, when lifted to its upper, open position, its center of gravity is located such that it causes the front panel to pivot backwardly or rearwardly, in order that it will stay or remain in its opened position, so that it does not interfere with the refilling procedure of the refill or storage bag. The front cover panel  22  consists of a front surface  30 , to which are mounted the first solar panel  24  and LCD advertising or instructional display  24 ′ with speakers  24 ″, and a pair of side walls  32 ,  34  projecting rearwardly from the side edge-surfaces of the front surface  30 , as best see in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The side walls  32 ,  34  are, also, provided with solar panels  38  for generating additional power for the battery pack, described hereinbelow. As can best seen in  FIG. 7 , each of the side walls  32 ,  34  has an inwardly-projecting pivot post  40 ,  42 , respectively, located at the upper end when viewing the front cover panel in its closed or downwardly-pivoted position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . These pivot posts  40 ,  42  are skewed or closer to the front surface  30  so that when the front cover panel  20  is pivoted to its upward, open position, its center of gravity is located such that it causes the front panel to pivot backwardly or rearwardly, in order that it will stay or remain in its opened position, so that it does not interfere with the refill procedure when the refill-bag is empty and must be refilled. A pair of holes  40 ′,  42 ′ are provided in the upper wider sections  14 ′,  16 ′ of the side walls  14 ,  16 , respectively, of the main frame  12 , which holes are also located more toward the front the apparatus in order to allow for the above-described rearward pivoting of the front cover door when in its opened position. 
     The dispensing apparatus  10  is also provided with a lower, pivotal tray  50  that is has a first upper section  50 ′ and a second lower section  50 ″ connected by an intermediate connecting curved surface  52 . The second lower section  50 ″ defines an upper, generally concave or depressed surface  54 , whereby any dispensed liquid falling of the hands or dispensed after the hands have been removed will fall upon this upper concave surface  54  and thus be caught and prevented from falling to the floor below, where the fallen liquid is unsightly and may constitute a hazard of a foot slipping thereon. As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the upper section  50 ′ has a pair of oppositely-disposed, outwardly-projecting ears  52 ,  54  with each having a pivot post  52 ′,  54 ′, respectively projecting laterally for reception in grooves  56 ,  58 , respectively, formed in the lower wider sections  14 ″,  16 ″, respectively. Each groove  56 ,  58  has an enlarged entrance opening  56 ′,  58 , respectively, for receiving the respective posts  52 ′,  54 ′. Each groove  56 ,  58  defines a first straight section and an end-curved section  60  that defines a bottom trough in which the respective post rests. During assembly, the posts  52 ′,  54 ′ are placed into the entrance openings  56 ′  58 ′, and slid rearwardly along the straight section of the grooves  56 ,  58  until reaching the curved section  60  whereupon the post rests in the bottom trough thereof. This downwardly-curved section  60  with its bottom trough allows the tray  50  to be maintained or kept in its pivoted, downward position, as seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . This is owing to the fact that any upper, pivotal movement of the tray is prevented by contact of the upper edge of the upper section  50 ′ thereof against the rear wall  20  of the main frame  12 , as can be seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In order to the pivot the tray  50  to its upper, closed position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the oppositely-disposed, outwardly-projecting ears  52 ,  54  with post  52 ′,  54 ′ are slid upwardly in the end-curved section  60  of the grooves  56 ,  58  until reaching the straight sections of the grooves, whereupon the enough clearance is provided between the upper edge of the upper section  50 ′ and the rear wall  20  of the main frame  12 , as can be seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The tray  50  is maintained in its upper closed position by any conventional means, such as by magnets, and the like, whereby access to the dispensing nozzle is prevented, such as when the refill pouch has to be refilled or when the batteries have to replaced. This upper, pivotal position of the tray also provides advantages in packaging and shipping of dispensers. 
     The rear surface of the upper section  50 ′ as well as the intermediate connecting curved surface  52  of the lower tray  50 , define a projecting or protruding knob or protuberance  90 , as best seen in  FIGS. 2 ,  5  and  6 . The knob  90  defines a rearward-most surface  90 ′ that abuts against the wall surface to which the apparatus  10  is mounted. The overall depth of knob from its integral connection with the rear surface of the upper section  50 ′ and the intermediate connecting curved surface  52  is such that when the rearward-most surface  90 ′ abuts against wall, the overall tray assumes a pivoted position, said tray further comprising a rearwardly-extending protuberance for contact against a wall to which is mounted said rear wall of said main housing for orienting said tray in a pivoted state such that said the forward edge surface of horizontal section  50 ″ is positioned or located forwardly of the dispensing nozzle so that the tray captures excess fluid dispensed through said nozzle. 
     As mentioned above, the automatic dispensing apparatus  10  is provided with a rechargeable battery pack  66  best seen in  FIGS. 3 ,  5  and  6 . The battery pack consists of rechargeable batteries that receive recharging current via the solar panels  24  and  38 . The electric circuitry for converting the solar energy of the solar panels to electric current is conventional, and may be that disclosed in above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,752. The battery pack also has its own, backup, conventional recharging device for recharging the batteries if for some reason the solar power fails or if the solar power is not able to provide the necessary power, as, for example, during heavy usage of the apparatus over a short period of time. The battery pack  66  is used to power a conventional pump unit that is housed in a housing  70  located in the lower interior section of the main housing  12 , which pumps out fluid from the refill-pouch  86  via its integral tubing  86 ′ having a lower, nozzle-dispensing end  86 ″, in the manner disclosed in above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,752, which patent is incorporated by reference herein. A groove  70 ′ is provided in which the conventional tubing  86 ′ is secured. 
     The battery pack  66  consists of a housing  72  defining a pair of side plates or walls  74 , 76  from the rear of which project a pair of pivot pins  80 ,  82  which are received in the corresponding holes formed in the upper wider sections  14 ′,  16 ′ of the side walls  14 ,  16 , whereby the battery housing  72  is pivotal. The battery housing also defines a bottom surface  72 ′, a portion of which rests or is seated upon the upper portion of a replaceable storage bag or refill-pouch  86 , as best seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . By having the battery pack rest upon the top of the refill-pouch  86 , the refill-pouch is itself compressed, as seen in  FIG. 6 , where the original pressure in the bag is substantially maintained, to thus ensure constant-speed dispensing of the fluid contents of the bag regardless of the fill-state of the refill-pouch. This is especially important as the contents of the bag become depleted over many dispensed amounts, when the fluid pressure from the fluid contents itself would become diminished if not for the pressure provided via the battery pack. The refill-pouch  86  is provided with an upper ring  86 ″ ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) for mounting it to a hook  88  projecting from the front surface of the rear wall  20 . 
     By way of example, the dispensing apparatus  10  may typically have an overall length from the top wall to the bottom of the lower pivotal tray of about 1 foot, 5-/8 inch, an overall width of about six inches, and a depth of about 4⅝ inches. The lower pivotal tray is about, for example, 4⅞ inches in width. These dimensions are only given by way of example and are not to be construed as limiting in any manner. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-15 , there is shown a second embodiment of the automatic dispensing apparatus of the invention and is indicated generally by reference numeral  110 . The apparatus  110  consists of a main housing  112  defining a pair of side walls  114 ,  116 , top or upper wall  118 , rear wall  120  which is typically mounted to a wall or vertical surface, and a pivotally-mounted, front cover panel or door  122 . The front panel  122  is provided with a first, conventional solar panel  124  by which power is generated for recharging a 6-Volt battery pack, for example, as described above. Also provided on the front cover panel is an LCD advertising display unit  124 ′ for displaying advertising or other visual and audio material, or for giving instructions on how to use the apparatus. The side walls  114 ,  116  of the main frame in this embodiment are not provided with an intermediate cutout-section as in the first embodiment, but rather each of the side walls  114 ,  116  are complete, as can be seen in  FIGS. 8-10 . 
     The front panel  122  is pivotally mounted to the main frame via conventional pivots or posts  140 ,  142 , that are received in holes  140 ′,  142 ′ in the upper portion of the housing as seen in  FIG. 10 . Each of the pivot posts  140 ,  142  is connected to a mounting bracket  146 ,  148 , respectively, each defining an arcuate main section  146 ′,  148 ′, respectively, from which extends a linear section  146 ″,  148 ″ at the end of which is provided the respective pivot post. The mounting brackets  146 ,  148  ensure that the front panel  122  remains in its open position when refilling the refill or storage bag or when replacing the battery pack, and such that is positioned well above the top wall  118  so as to allow ready and easy access to the interior of the housing  112 . 
     The front cover panel  122  consists of a front surface  130 , to which are mounted the first solar panel  124  and LCD advertising or instructional display  124 ′ with speakers  124 ″, but has no side walls, so as to ensure ease of access to the interior of the housing. The dispensing apparatus  110  is also provided with a lower, pivotal tray  150  that is substantially similar to the lower tray  50  of the first embodiment. 
     The apparatus  110  is also provided with separate sensors at the front of the device. A first one  158  is a conventional one that detects the positioning of a hand or hands at the dispensing station in order to activate the device. A second sensor  160  activates that the display  124 ′ upon the positioning of a hand or hands thereat. 
     It is also noted that the apparatus is also provided with a shut-off sensor for disabling the pump for dispensing the liquid from the refill-pouch whenever the front panel or the lower tray is pivoted upwardly. The sensor controls a conventional shut-off device for disabling the pump assembly when the sensor is activated. This ensures that whenever access to the interior of the apparatus occurs, no accidental dispensing of liquid from the refill-pouch occurs, so as not to sully the floor therebelow. 
     The main housing is also provided with downwardly tapering grooves  170  formed in the side walls  114 ,  116 . Each groove  170  is used for accepting a connecting element  172  having a pair of end-flanges  172 ′,  172 ″ connected via a shaft  174 . The connecting element is first inserted into upper, wider gap section of a groove  170  and then slid downwardly toward the narrower lower gap section of the groove  170 , such that the enlarged flanges  172 ′,  172 ″ sandwich therebetween the side wall  114 , as best seen in  FIG. 13 , with the flange  172 ″ being positioned interiorly of the side wall and the flange  172 ′ being positioned exteriorly thereof, and such that the shaft  174  thereof frictionally retains the connecting element  172  in place at the bottom of the groove  170 . Then, the exteriorly located flange  172 ′ is inserted into the upper, wider gap section of another groove  170  of a second main housing of another dispensing apparatus  110 , and then that second unit is slid upwardly until the two units are nestled side-by-side, as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . This arrangement allows may such units to be provided at a site, and with only one of the units needing to be actually fastened to a wall. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , there is shown a modification for use in either of the first and second embodiments. In this modification, the dispensing apparatus is provided with one or more pressurized, aerosol-spray canisters or containers  200 ,  202 , or misters, which are mounted interiorly in the main housing adjacent to the upper, interior surfaces of the side walls  204 ,  206 . Each canisters is of an approximate size of a AA battery, and rests in a track or compartment. In order to dispense a mist from the canister, the can is attached at its rear to a rod of a conventional solenoid  210 . The above-mentioned sensor  158  is also used for activating this mister, which mister sprays a mist into the air after a five-second delay. This delay is the amount of time that the dispensing nozzle is activated, so that after each time the nozzle dispenses liquid, immediately thereafter the mister is activated to spray the air to sanitize it. Alternatively, a separate sensor may be used and is activated by someone entering the room, for example, which will activate the solenoid switch  210  to extend its rod to push the canister forwardly, by which the spray nozzle thereof is forced against interior surface of the front panel  220  to this depress the nozzle and cause the nozzle to spray a fine mist. The front panel is provided with an opening  226  located in close juxtaposition to and in alignment with the spray nozzle of the canister, through which hole the sprayed mist exits into the room for providing a sanitizing and pleasant mist to the ambient surroundings. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , there is shown a modification  210  where the pressurized sanitizing spray canister  220  is mounted to bottom of the top surface  224  of the main housing  222 . In this modification, the pressurized canister  220  of sanitizing spray emits a mist or spray after a valve is activated by the solenoid  230 , causing the spray to exit out extension tube  232  and out through exit-opening  234  formed in the front surface of the front cover  240 . 
     While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that numerous changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.