Patent Publication Number: US-8528787-B2

Title: Interchangable access device for a dispenser

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/237,844, filed Sep. 25, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a dispenser, and in particular to a dispenser that provides an interchangeable access feature to different levels of security to prevent unauthorized access to product within the dispenser. 
     Dispensing equipment is used in a wide variety of applications, such as in the delivery of soap or sheet product for example. Dispensers are used in self-service types of environments where a product is needed and it is uneconomical or undesirable to have a full time attendant. Typically, a user activates the dispenser and an internal mechanism accesses a supply of the product. The product is removed from the internal supply and provided to the user. Since the internal supply is not unlimited, dispensers usually include some type of cover or door that allows an operator to access the internal area of a dispenser, such as for maintenance tasks or restocking of product for example. 
     In some environments, it is desirable to secure the cover of the dispenser with a lock. The locking of the dispenser prevents unauthorized access that discourages theft of product and vandalism of the dispenser. However, the use of a lock increases the amount of time it takes for the operator to restock the dispenser. The lock may further create a logistical issue for the operator in making sure that maintenance personnel with the correct keys are dispatched to appropriate locations to prevent losing time if the maintenance personnel are unable to open the dispenser. To avoid this situation, operators in environments with less exposure to vandalism and theft typically install dispensers without locks. This unsecured cover is held closed by a simple catch arrangement. Unfortunately, this results in manufacturers and installers of dispensers having to fabricate and stock multiple models or stock keeping units (SKU&#39;s) of dispensers in order to meet the needs of end customers. 
     While existing dispensers are suitable for their intended purposes, there still remains a need for improvements, particularly regarding the access mechanisms for restocking the dispenser and the reduction of manufacturing costs through the use of interchangeable parts. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A dispenser is provided having a back-housing. A catch is coupled to the back-housing. A cover is movably coupled to the back-housing, the cover having a first opening. A latch is coupled to the cover, where the latch cooperates with the catch to hold the cover against the back-housing when the cover is in a first position. A push button lock is disposed to be removably coupled to the first opening. A keyed device is disposed to be removably coupled to the first opening, wherein the push button lock and the keyed device are mutually interchangeable with each other for being removably coupled to the first opening by a user. 
     A dispenser is also provided having a back-housing with a first end and a second end. The back-housing includes a catch adjacent the first end. A cover has a first opening adjacent a third end, and a fourth end opposite the third end. The cover fourth end is coupled for rotation to the back-housing second end, wherein the cover is movable between a first position and a second position. A latch member is coupled to the cover. The latch member is removably coupled to the catch when the cover is in the first position. An interchangeable access device is provided having a tab. The tab is sized to allow the access device to be removably coupled to the cover in the first opening and operably coupled to the latch, wherein the access device is user selectable between a push-button device or a keyed device. 
     A dispenser kit is also provided having a back-housing that includes a catch. A cover is rotatably coupled to the back-housing at a first end, the cover movable between a first and second position and having a first opening. A latch is coupled to the cover adjacent the first opening and positioned to engage the catch when the cover is in the first position. A first access device is sized to movably fit in the first opening, the first access device being movable between a third position and a fourth position when positioned in the first opening. A second access device is sized to fit in the opening with a snap-fit; the second access device includes a second opening. The first access device and the second access device are mutually interchangeable with each other for being positioned in the first opening and the first access device and the second access device each cooperate with the latch to disengage the latch from the catch. 
     A dispenser is disclosed having a back-housing, a cover movably coupled to the back-housing, and a latch coupled to the back-housing. A catch is coupled to the cover. The latch cooperates with the catch to hold the cover against the back-housing when the cover is in a first position. The cover has an opening. A key insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the opening of the cover. A push button insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. A key device is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. The push button insert and the key device are mutually interchangeable with each other for being removably coupled to the key insert by a user. 
     A dispenser is disclosed having a back-housing, a cover movably coupled to the back-housing, and a latch coupled to the back-housing. A catch is coupled to the cover. The latch cooperates with the catch to hold the cover against the back-housing when the cover is in a first position. The cover has an opening. The dispenser is configured to receive at least one of: a key insert disposed to be removably coupled to the opening of the cover; a push button insert disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert; a twist insert disposed to be removably coupled to the opening of the cover; and, a keyed twist insert disposed to be removably coupled to the opening of the cover. The dispenser is also configured to receive a key device disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert and the keyed twist insert. The push button insert and the key device when present are mutually interchangeable with each other for being removably coupled to the key insert by a user. The twist insert and the keyed twist insert when present are mutually interchangeable with each other for being removably coupled to the cover. 
     A dispenser is disclosed having a back-housing with an opening, a latch coupled to the back-housing, a cover movably coupled to the back-housing, and a catch coupled to the cover. The latch cooperates with the catch to hold the cover against the back-housing when the cover is in a first position. A key insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the opening of the back-housing. A push button insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. A key device is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. The push button insert and the key device are mutually interchangeable with each other for being removably coupled to the key insert by a user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring now to the drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustration of a dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view illustration the dispenser cover of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustration of the dispenser back-housing of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view illustration of the catch portion of the back-housing of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustration of a push-button device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a reverse perspective view illustration of the push-button device of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustration of a keyed-button device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a reverse perspective view illustration of the keyed-button device of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view illustration of the keyed-button device of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustration of a keyed-button device having a cylinder tumbler lock; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial sectional perspective view of the dispenser cover with the push-button device installed and the back-housing removed; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial sectional reverse perspective view of the dispenser cover with the push-button device installed; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial sectional perspective view of the dispenser with the keyed-button device installed; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective exploded assembly view illustration of an alternative dispenser to that of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial perspective exploded assembly view illustration of the cover, back-housing, and push button access device of the dispenser of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial cutaway side view illustration of the cover, back-housing, and access device of the dispenser of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17A  is a perspective view illustration of a key insert usable in the dispenser of  FIG. 14  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 17B  is a first orthogonal side view illustration of the key insert of  FIG. 17A ; 
         FIG. 17C  is a second orthogonal side view illustration of the key insert of  FIG. 17A ; 
         FIG. 17D  is a top orthogonal view illustration of the key insert of  FIG. 17A ; 
         FIG. 17E  is a bottom orthogonal view illustration of the key insert of  FIG. 17A ; 
         FIG. 18A  is a perspective view illustration of a push button insert usable in the key insert of  FIG. 17A  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 18B  is a first orthogonal side view illustration of the push button insert of  FIG. 18A ; 
         FIG. 18C  is a second orthogonal side view illustration of the push button insert of  FIG. 18A ; 
         FIG. 18D  is a top orthogonal view illustration of the push button insert of  FIG. 18A ; 
         FIG. 18E  is a bottom orthogonal view illustration of the push button insert of  FIG. 18A ; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial cutaway side view illustration of the cover and the back-housing of  FIG. 14 , and of an alternative access device for use in the dispenser of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 20A  is a perspective view illustration of a twist insert access device usable in place of the key insert and push button insert access device of  FIGS. 14-16  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 20B  is a first orthogonal side view illustration of the twist insert of  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 20C  is a second orthogonal side view illustration of the twist insert of  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 20D  is a top orthogonal view illustration of the twist insert of  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 20E  is a bottom orthogonal view illustration of the twist insert of  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 21A  is a perspective view illustration of a keyed twist insert access device usable in place of the key insert and push button insert access device of  FIGS. 14-16 , and usable in place of the twist insert access device of  FIGS. 20A-20E , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 21B  is a first orthogonal side view illustration of the keyed twist insert of  FIG. 21A ; 
         FIG. 21C  is a second orthogonal side view illustration of the keyed twist insert of  FIG. 21A ; 
         FIG. 21D  is a top orthogonal view illustration of the keyed twist insert of  FIG. 21A ; 
         FIG. 21E  is a bottom orthogonal view illustration of the keyed twist insert of  FIG. 21A ; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective partial assembly view illustration of an alternative dispenser to that of  FIG. 1  with the dispenser cover open, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a partial schematic cross-section side view of an alternative dispenser latching scheme for the dispenser of  FIG. 22  with the cover closed; 
         FIG. 24  is a partial schematic cross-section side view of an alternative dispenser latching scheme to that depicted in  FIG. 23  with the cover open; and 
         FIG. 25  is a partial perspective view of portions of the latching scheme depicted in  FIG. 24 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser  20 . The dispenser  20  may be any type of dispenser that provides a product when activated by a user. As such, the dispenser  20  may be a soap dispenser, a liquid soap dispenser, a foam dispenser or a sheet product dispenser for example. While reference may be made to soap or liquid soap, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not so limited, and extends to other flowable products, such as liquid, foam, gel, lotion, detergent, or any other flowable product capable of being pumped from a dispenser, for example. Further, the term “sheet products” as used herein is inclusive of natural and/or synthetic cloth or paper sheets. Sheet products may include both woven and non-woven articles. There are a wide variety of nonwoven processes and they can be either wetlaid or drylaid. Some examples include hydroentagled (sometimes called spunlace), double re-creped (DRC), airlaid, spunbond, carded, paper towel, and meltblown sheet products. Further, sheet products may contain fibrous cellulosic materials that may be derived from natural sources, such as wood pulp fibers, as well as other fibrous material characterized by having hydroxyl groups attached to the polymer backbone. These include glass fibers and synthetic fibers modified with hydroxyl groups. Examples of sheet products include, but are not limited to, wipers, napkins, tissues, rolls, towels or other fibrous, film, polymer, or filamentary products. 
     The dispenser  20  includes a front cover  22  and a back-housing  24  that are arranged to hold and dispense a product (not shown). In one embodiment, the cover  22  is coupled to the back-housing  24  by a hinge  26  and an access device  28 . As will be discussed further herein, the access device  28  is an interchangeable device that allows the operator to change the security access to the internal portions of the dispenser  20 . When the user activates the access device  28 , the cover is allowed to rotate providing the operator with access to the internal portions of the dispenser  20 . Once the operator has completed the desired tasks, such as refilling the supply of product for example, the operator rotates the cover until the access device  28  re-engages the back-housing  24 . 
     The dispenser  20  may include further features that allow a user to interact and receive products. The dispenser  20  may have one or more handles  30  for example. When the handle  30  is pushed by the user an internal mechanism (not shown) is activated, such as a pump for example. The internal mechanism retrieves product from a supply and delivers the product to the user. Alternatively, the dispenser  20  may have a so-called “touchless” system that uses a sensor, such as an infrared sensor for example, that senses the presence of the user and provides the product in response. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the cover  22  is formed from a material that is suitable for the environment in which operation is intended. The cover  22  may be formed from an injection molded plastic such as polypropylene or polyethylene for example. The cover  22  may further be made from a transparent or semi-transparent material such as poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate or polysulphone for example. A transparent or semi-transparent cover  22  provides advantages to the operator in checking the supply of product remaining in the dispenser  20 . The cover  22  includes a hole  32 , shown in  FIG. 2 , which is sized to receive the access device  28 . In the exemplary embodiment, the hole  32  is positioned in the cover  22  in an area opposite the hinge  26 . 
     A latch member  34  is positioned adjacent to the hole  32 . In the exemplary embodiment, the latch  34  is integrally molded with the cover  22  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . However, the latch  34  may also be formed separately from the cover  22  and attached via fasteners for example. For reasons that will be made clearer herein, the latch member  34  is sized to be sufficiently elastic to allow repeated deflection under pressure from the access device  28  for the life of the dispenser  20 . The latch member  34  also includes one or more holes  36 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the holes  36  engage projections in the back-housing  24  to secure the top of the dispenser against the back-housing  24  when the cover  22  is in the closed position. It should be appreciated that while discussions herein refer to the latch member  34  being coupled to the cover  22  and a catch as part of the back-housing  24 , these parts may be reversed without deviating from the intended scope of claimed invention. 
     The back-housing  24  includes features to support subassemblies (not shown) used in the storage and dispensing of product the user. The back-housing  24  may also incorporate features that allow the dispenser  20  to be mounted, such as to a wall, a pole or a sink for example. An exemplary embodiment back-housing  24  is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . As discussed above, the dispenser  20  includes a hinge  26  that allows the cover  22  to rotate relative to the back-housing  24 . A portion of the hinge  26  may be incorporated into the back-housing  24 , such as with a projection  38 . On an end opposite the hinge projection  38 , a catch  40  is integrated into the back-housing  24 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the catch  40  includes a pair of tabs  42  that are sized and spaced to align with the holes  36  in latch member  34 . The tabs  42  include an angled surface  48  and a planar surface  49 . The angled surface  48  facilitates the deflection of the latch member  34  when the cover  22  is moved towards the closed position. At a certain point during the closing of the cover  22 , the leading edge of holes  32  will extend past the planar surface  49  allowing the latch member  34  to return to its original position as the tabs  42  enter into the holes  36 . To facilitate the engagement of the tabs  42  into the holes  36 , the back-housing  24  further includes a slot  44  adjacent to the tabs  42 . The slot  44  provides clearance for the latch member  34  to extend past the surface  46  of the back-housing  24  to allow the latch member  34  to engage the tabs  42  into the holes  36 . The slot  44  is further sized to allow the deflection of the latch member  34  during the engagement and disengagement of the latch member  34  from the catch  40 . 
     The disengagement of the latch member  34  from the catch  40  is accomplished by the activation of the access device  28  that is positioned adjacent to the latch member  34  in the cover  22 . The access device  28  may be any device that may be interchangeably installed in the hole  32  in cover  22 . It should be appreciated that the interchangeable access device  28  provides advantages in reducing the inventory of the installer and manufacturer. The interchangeability of the access device  28  allows the manufacture and stocking of a single dispenser  20  that may be used in different applications that have different security requirements. 
     Exemplary interchangeable access devices  28  are illustrated in  FIGS. 5-10 . The first exemplary access device is a push-button device  50  illustrated in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 . The push-button device  50  includes a top surface  52  that provides an activation surface for the user to interact with the latch member  34 . A plurality of walls  54  extends generally perpendicular to the surface  52  and end in a bottom surface  56 . Push-button device  50  further includes a first tab  58  and a second tab  60  arranged on either side of the push-button device  50 . To install the push-button device  50 , the installer positions the push-button device  50  over the hole  32 . The angled surfaces  62 ,  64  on the tabs  58 ,  60  contact the edge of the hole  32  causing the tabs  58 ,  60  to deflect inward as the installer pushed on the push-button device  50 . The tabs  58 ,  60  provide a snap-fit into the hole  32  and retain the push-button device  50  in the cover  22 . During operation, the surface  56  contacts the surface of latch member  34  in response to the operator applying a force to the surface  52  such as with one of their fingers. To replace the push-button device  50 , the operator opens the cover  22  and deflects the tabs  58 ,  60  and pushes the push-button device  50  away from the latch member  34 . 
     It should be appreciated that the push-button device  50  provides little security for the product contained in the dispenser  20 . In applications where vandalism or theft is of concern to the operator, the installer may use an access device that requires a key or a tool to cause the deflection of latch member  34 , such as the keyed-device  66  ( FIGS. 7-9 ) or rotary-tumbler device  68  ( FIG. 10 ). In these embodiments, the operator uses a key or tool to cause the latch member  34  to disengage from the catch  40 . This provides a higher level of security that prevents or inhibits unauthorized access to the interior of the dispenser  20 . 
     The keyed-device  66  includes a top surface  70  having an opening  72  that extends through the keyed-device  66  as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 . A post  74  extends across the opening  72  bifurcating the opening into two slots  76 ,  78 . Similar to the push-button device  50 , the keyed-device  66  has walls  80  that extend away from the surface  70 . However, the walls  80  are offset from the edge of the surface  70  forming a lip  82 . A first tab  84  and second tab  86  are formed in the walls  80 . The tabs  84 ,  86  each include an angled surface  88 ,  90  to facilitate the installation of keyed-device  66  into the hole  32 . The tabs  84 ,  86  are sized to provide a snap-fit that secures the keyed-device  66  to the cover  22 . The keyed-device  66  operates with a key  92  ( FIG. 13 ) that includes a pair of arms  94  that are sized to fit within the slots  76 ,  78 . 
     As with the push-button device  50 , the keyed-device  66  may be installed or removed at the point of installation of the dispenser  20 . Due to the snap-fit created by the tabs  84 ,  86 , the keyed-device  66  is installed by aligning the keyed-device  66  to the hole  32  and pushing the keyed-device into the hole. This causes the tabs  84 ,  86  to deflect until the keyed-device  66  is fully inserted whereupon the tabs  84 ,  86  will revert to their original position. The surfaces  96 ,  98  on tabs  84 ,  86  engage the underside of the cover  22  retaining the keyed-device  66  in the cover  22 . To remove the keyed-device  66 , the operator opens the cover, deflects the tabs  84 ,  86  causing the snap-fit to disengage and allowing the keyed-device to be pushed out of the hole  32 . 
     The rotary-tumbler device  68  illustrated in  FIG. 10  is similar to the keyed-device  66 . However instead of having a slot that extends through, the rotary-tumbler device  68  includes a rotary pin tumbler mechanism  100 . The rotary pin tumbler mechanism  100  is a lock mechanism that uses pins of varying lengths to prevent the lock from opening without the correct key. The mechanism  100  has a straight-shaped keyway  102  at one end to allow the key to enter the mechanism  100 . Opposite the keyway  102  is a cam or lever (not shown) that activates the latch member  34 . With a key properly cut and inserted into the keyway  102 , the pins (not shown) in the mechanism  100  will rise causing them to align allowing the mechanism  100  to rotate and activate the latch member  34 . When the key is not in the lock, the pins in the mechanism  100  prevent the mechanism from rotating. Similar to the push-button device  50  and the keyed-device  66 , the rotary-tumbler device  68  includes tabs  104  that provide a snap-fit into the cover hole  32 . 
     During operation, the method used by the operator to access the interior portion of the dispenser  20  will depend on which access device  28  is installed in the cover  22 . Referring now to  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , the operation of the push-button device  50  will be described. When the cover  22  is moved from the open to the closed position, the latch member  34  approaches the slot  44  in the back-housing  24 . The leading surface  106  of the latch member  34  contacts the angled-surface  48  on the tab  42 . Due to the relative stiffness of the tab  42  in comparison to the latch member  34 , the latch member  34  deflects in the direction indicated by arrow  108 . As the operator continues to rotate the cover  22  towards the closed position, the latch member  34  remains in a deflected position until the holes  36  align with the tabs  42 . Once the edges of the holes  36  move past the surfaces  49  of the tabs  42 , the elasticity of the latch member  34  causes the latch member  34  to return to its original position. At this point, if there is an attempt to open the cover  22 , the surfaces  49  of the tabs  42  will contact the sides of the holes  36  and prevent further movement. Thus, the cover is in a latched closed position and cannot be opened without taking additional action. 
     To open the cover  22 , the operator exerts a force, such as with their hand for example, in the direction indicated by arrow  110 . This causes the surface  56  on the push-button device  50  to contact the top surface  112  of the latch member  34 . If the force in the direction  110  is sufficient, the latch member  34  will deflect in the direction of arrow  108  and the holes  36  will offset from the tabs  42 . Once the holes  36  are clear of the tabs  42 , the cover  22  may freely rotate to the open position and restocking of the product supply or maintenance tasks may be performed. 
     The operation of the keyed-device  66  is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In this embodiment, the keyed-device  66  does not contact the latch member  34  since the lip  82  and the tabs  84 ,  86  prevent movement relative movement between the cover  22  and the keyed-device  66 . To open the cover  22 , the operator needs the key  92 . The key  92  has a pair of arms  94  that straddles either side of the post  74  when the key  92  is inserted into the opening  72  in the direction indicated by arrow  114 . Once inserted in the opening  72 , the key  92  contacts the surface  112  of the latch member  34 . If sufficient force is applied by the operator, the key  92  will cause the latch member  34  to deflect in the direction indicated by arrow  108 . As described above with the push-button device  50 , the deflection of the latch member  34  allows the holes  36  to clear the tabs  42  and the cover  22  may be rotated to the open position. It should be appreciated that the operation of the latch member  34  and the tabs  42  during the process of closing the cover  22  remains the same as that described above with respect to the push-button device  50 . 
     As discussed above, it should be appreciated that while embodiments have been discussed herein referring to a (flexible) latch member  34  being coupled to the cover  22 , and a (rigid) catch member  40  being part of the back-housing  24 , these parts may be reversed without deviating from the intended scope of the claimed invention. That is, the flexible latch member may be coupled to the back-housing  24 , and herebelow referred to as latch  34 ′, and the rigid catch member may be coupled to the cover  22 , and herebelow referred to as catch  40 ′. Also as discussed above, the access device  28  may be any device that may be interchangeably installed in a suitably shaped hole  32  in the cover  22 . Yet further as discussed above, the dispenser  20  may be any type of dispenser, such as a soap dispenser, a liquid soap dispenser, a foam dispenser or a sheet product dispenser. Accordingly, and where  FIGS. 5-13  discussed example interchangeable access devices  28  for a soap dispenser  20  in the form of a push-button device  50 , a keyed-device  66  utilizing a key  92 , and a rotary-tumbler device  68 ,  FIGS. 14-20  (where reference to  FIG. 17  means reference to  FIGS. 17A-17E , reference to  FIG. 18  means reference to  FIGS. 18A-18E , reference to  FIG. 20  means reference to  FIGS. 20A-20E , and reference to  FIG. 21  means reference to  FIGS. 21A-21E ) will now be discussed in connection with other alternative access devices  28  for a sheet product dispenser  20 ′. However, it will be appreciated that any and all such access devices may be employed in any type of dispenser. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14-18 , an example sheet product dispenser  20 ′ includes a front cover  22 ′ and a back-housing  24 ′, where the cover  22 ′ is coupled to the back-housing  24 ′ by an access device  28  in the form of a push button insert  300  disposed in a key insert  200 , which is coupled to the cover  22 ′ via an opening  32 ′. As used herein, reference numerals identical to those discussed above in connection with  FIG. 1-13 , but with the addition of a prime symbol (′), are intended to refer to similar structure as that discussed above in connection with  FIGS. 1-13 , but for use with the alternative access device  28  described herebelow. 
     In an embodiment, the key insert  200  is disposed to be removably coupled to an opening  32 ′ of the cover  22 ′, a push button insert  300  is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert  200 , and a key device  92  (see  FIG. 13 ) is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert  200 , via an opening  204  (see  FIGS. 17A and 17D ) sized to receive the key device  92 , which is configured to cooperate with a flexible latch  34 ′ formed on the back-housing  24 ′ to disengage the latch  34 ′ from a rigid catch  40 ′ formed on the cover  22 ′ when the key device  92  is inserted in the opening  204  of the key insert  200 . The push button insert  300  and the key device  92  are mutually interchangeable with each other for being removably coupled to the key insert  200  by a user. 
     With reference briefly to  FIGS. 2 and 14 , it can be seen that opening  32  has a non-circular shape, while opening  32 ′ has a circular shape. As such, it will be appreciated that the shape of the opening  32 ,  32 ′ is selected to appropriately match the type of access device  28  to be employed, and in no way is intended to limit the scope of the invention disclosed herein. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the latch  34 ′ is a flexible cantilevered member having a fixed end  250  formed on the back-housing  24 ′ and an opposing flexible end  252  disposed a distance away from the fixed end  250 , such that the flexible end  252  is capable of deflecting downward when a downward force (as viewed from the perspective of  FIG. 16 ) is exerted at the flexible end  252 . As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the latch  34 ′ has a ramp portion  254  that forms a latching surface  256  that engages with a mating surface on the catch  40 ′. Sufficient downward deflection of the latch  34 ′ permits the latching surface  256  to clear the catch  40 ′ to allow the cover  22 ′ to be opened relative to the back-housing  24 ′. 
     The key insert  200  (best seen by referring to  FIGS. 17A-17E ) includes a pair of diametrically opposed ribs  206 , and a pair of diametrically opposed flexible tabs  208  with each tab  208  having a snap-fit edge  210  that snap-fit engages with an underside surface of the cover  22 ′. The ribs  206  are disposed to align and mate with a pair of slots  212  in the cover  22 ′ when the key insert  200  is positioned in the opening  32 ′ of the cover  22 ′ to prevent undesired rotation of the key insert  200  once installed in the cover  22 ′. The snap-fit edges  210  removably secure the key insert  200  to the cover  32 ′. 
     While an embodiment of the invention in disclosed herein having slots  212  in the cover  22 ′, and ribs  206  as part of the key insert  200 , it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not so limited to only slots and ribs used for the purpose of aligning one member with another, but also encompasses any other type of alignment feature for the purpose disclosed herein. As such, the term “slots” as used herein is intended to mean a “first alignment feature”, and the term “ribs” as used herein is intended to mean a “second alignment feature”. 
     The push button insert  300  (best seen by referring to  FIGS. 18A-18E ) includes a pair of diametrically opposed flexible tabs  302  with each tab  302  having a snap-fit edge  304  that passes through respective openings  204  of the key insert  200  and snap-fit engages with an underside surface  214  of the key insert  200 . The push button insert  300  also includes a pair of actuation legs  306  that also pass through the respective openings  204 . The push button insert  300  is in a first detent position when the push button insert  300  is first inserted into the key insert  200  and the snap-fit edges  304  are in close proximity to the underside surface  214  of the key insert  200 . When disposed in the key insert  200 , the actuation legs  306  of the push button insert  300  cooperate with the flexible end  252  of the latch  34 ′ to disengage the latch  34 ′ from the catch  40 ′ when the push button insert  300  is moved downward (as viewed from the perspective of  FIG. 16 ) from its first detent position to a second depressed position. The flexible action of the latch  34 ′ biases the push button insert  300  toward the first detent position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , an alternative assembly to that depicted in  FIG. 16  includes an access device  28  formed by a twist insert  400  that is rotatably engaged with the cover  22 ′ via opening  32 ′. As best seen by now referring to  FIGS. 20A-20E , the twist insert  400  includes a ramp portion  402  that engages with the flexible end  252  of the latch  34 ′, which itself has a ramp portion  254  that forms a latching surface  256  that engages with the catch  40 ′ (as clearly depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 19 ). In a first detent position, the ramp portion  402  of the twist insert  400  does not engage the ramp portion  254  of the latch  34 ′ (as depicted in  FIG. 19 ), but when twisted up to 180-degrees to a second position, the ramp portion  402  engages the ramp portion  254  with a cam action to cause deflection of the latch  34 ′ sufficient to disengage the latch  34 ′ from the catch  40 ′ so that the cover  22 ′ can be opened relative to the back-housing  24 ′. 
     As depicted by  FIGS. 20A-20E , an embodiment of the twist insert  400  includes a cylindrical body portion  404  configured to removably fit in the opening  32 ′ of the cover  22 ′, a flange portion  406  that engages with an outer surface of the cover  22 ′ when the twist insert  400  is disposed in the opening  32 ′ of the cover  22 ′ and an engagement portion  408  disposed to be accessible to a user when the twist insert  400  is disposed in the opening  32 ′ of the cover  22 ′. Flexible tabs  410 , each having a snap-fit edge  412 , snap-fit engages with an underside surface of the cover  22 ′ when the twist insert  400  is fit into the opening  32 ′ of the cover  22 ′. 
     In an embodiment, the engagement portion  408  forms a projection or rib (also referred to by reference to numeral  408 ) that extends across the twist insert  400 , the projection being configured to be accessible by a user&#39;s fingers for twisting the twist insert  400  from the first position to the second position. In an embodiment, the twist insert  400  includes pockets  414  on each side of the projection/rib  408  for allowing a user&#39;s fingers to sufficiently engage with the engagement portion  408 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 21A-21E , an alternative access device  28  to that depicted in  FIGS. 20A-20E  is illustrated as being a keyed twist insert  500  that is rotatably engaged with the cover  22 ′ via opening  32 ′. As with the twist insert  400 , the keyed twist insert  500  also includes a ramp portion  502  that engages with the flexible end  252  of the latch  34 ′ in a similar manner as discussed above in relation to the twist insert  400 . That is, in a first detent position, the ramp portion  502  of the keyed twist insert  500  does not engage the ramp portion  254  of the latch  34 ′ (as depicted in  FIG. 19 ), but when twisted up to 180-degrees to a second position, the ramp portion  502  engages the ramp portion  254  with a cam action to cause deflection of the latch  34 ′ sufficient to disengage the latch  34 ′ from the catch  40 ′ so that the cover  22 ′ can be opened relative to the back-housing  24 ′. 
     Similar to the twist insert  400 , the keyed twist insert  500  includes a cylindrical body portion  504  configured to removably fit in the opening  32 ′ of the cover  22 ′, a flange portion  506  that engages with an outer surface of the cover  22 ′ when the keyed twist insert  500  is disposed in the opening  32 ′ of the cover  22 ′, and flexible tabs  510 , each having a snap-fit edge  512  that snap-fit engages with an underside surface of the cover  22 ′ when the keyed twist insert  500  is fit into the opening  32 ′ of the cover  22 ′. 
     Notably different from the twist insert  400  is the absence of an engagement portion  408  in the keyed twist insert  500 . In place of an engagement portion  408 , the keyed twist insert  500  includes an opening  508  (see  FIGS. 17A ,  17 D and  17 E) sized to receive the key device  92 , which is configured to cooperate with the keyed twist insert  500  to serve a function similar to the function of the engagement portion  408  of the twist insert  400 . That is, when the key device  92  is inserted into the opening  508  of the keyed twist insert  500 , the key device  92  can be twisted by a user to cause the keyed twist insert  500  to rotate between a first position and a second position. As with the twist insert  400 , when the keyed twist insert  500  is twisted up to 180-degrees from the first position to the second position, the ramp portion  502  engages the ramp portion  254  with a cam action to cause deflection of the latch  34 ′ sufficient to disengage the latch  34 ′ from the catch  40 ′ so that the cover  22 ′ can be opened relative to the back-housing  24 ′. The twist insert  400  and the keyed twist insert  500  are mutually interchangeable with each other. In this manner, a dispenser  20  may be equipped with either a twist insert  400  that permits any user to unlatch the cover  22 ′, or a keyed twist insert  500  that permits only authorized personnel to unlatch the cover  22 ′. 
     In view of the above-described twist insert  400  and keyed twist insert  500 , it will be appreciated that a twist-type insert for releasing a latched cover may be keyless (twist insert  400 ) or keyed (keyed twist insert  500  plus key device ( 92 ). 
     In comparing the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-13  with the embodiments of  FIGS. 14-21 , it can be seen that different alternative embodiments are envisioned where the latch may be coupled to the cover or to the back-housing. Similarly, it will also be appreciated that the access device may also be coupled with the cover or with the back-housing. With consideration to the latter, an embodiment having an access device coupled to the back-housing will now be discussed with reference to  FIGS. 22-23 , where  FIG. 22  depicts an embodiment of the dispenser  20  having a back-housing  24 ″ and a cover  22 ″ similar to those of the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-21 , but where the back-housing  24 ″ has a deeper profile with a depth “D” that provides an outer surface  600  for receiving an access device  28 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 23 , a schematic cross-section side view of the cover  22 ″, back-housing  24 ″, and access device  28  can be seen where the latch  34 ″ is coupled to the back-housing  24 ″. As with the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-21 , the latch  34 ″ of  FIGS. 22-23  is a cantilevered latch having a substantially fixed end  602  and a substantially flexible end  604 . Toward the flexible end  604  there is an opening  36 ″ (see opening  36  depicted in  FIG. 2  for reference purposes) that provides a latching surface for a catch  40 ″ that is arranged on the inside surface of the cover  22 ″. As the cover  22 ″ is closed onto the back-housing  24 ″, a cam surface disposed on either the latch  34 ″ or catch  40 ″ causes the flexible end  604  of the latch  34 ″ to deflect downwards (relative to the perspective of  FIG. 23 ) until the catch  40 ″ engages with the opening  36 ″, at which time the latch  34 ″ springs upward to securely engage the cover  22 ″ in place relative to the back-housing  24 ″. 
     To disengage the latch  34 ″ from the catch  40 ″, an access device  28  disposed in an opening  32 ″ in the back-housing  24 ″ is accessed by a user, which when pressed downward engages with the latch  34 ″ causing the latch  34 ″ to flexibly release itself from the catch  40 ″. 
     From all of the foregoing discussions associated with  FIGS. 1-21 , it will be appreciated that the access device  28  of  FIGS. 22-23  may be any of the foregoing access devices, including push-button device  50 , keyed-device  66 , rotary-tumbler device  68 , key insert  200  with push-button insert  300 , twist insert  400 , keyed twist insert  500 , or any other access device suitable for the purpose disclosed herein. Any and all such access devices are contemplated and considered within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 24-25 , it will be appreciated that while discussions above have referred to the latch member  34  of  FIG. 2  and the latch member  34 ″ of  FIG. 23  having one or more holes  36 ,  36 ″ that engage with projection portions of the catch  40 ,  40 ″, other means of securing the top of the dispenser against the back-housing when the cover is in the closed position are contemplated. For example, a stepped latch  34 ″′ having an engagement step  620  that is coupled to the cover  22 ″′ may engage a similarly stepped catch  40 ′″ having an engagement step  630  that is coupled to the back-housing  24 ″′. The arrangement of latch  34 ″′ and catch  40 ″′ depicted in  FIGS. 24-25  is similar to the latch  34 ′ and catch  40 ′ depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 19 , but with slightly different profiles and degree of flexibility associated with the catch. As such, any latch and catch arrangement suitable for the purpose disclosed herein is contemplated and is considered within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. 
     A dispenser having interchangeable access devices  28  described herein provide a number of advantages to the manufacturer and installer of dispenser  20 . By providing a fast and convenient means of changing the type of access device  28  used, the dispenser  20  reduces inventory requirements for the manufacturer and installer since only one common model of dispenser  20  needs to be stocked. The dispenser  20  also allows late point identification by the installer, or the operator, on what level of security is desired for a given application. The dispenser  20  further allows the level of security to be changed at a later date if the application or the operator so desired. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, front, rear, top, bottom etc. do not denote any orientation, order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.