Patent Publication Number: US-9427117-B2

Title: Quick disconnect built-in dispenser

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/835,361, filed Jun. 14, 2013 and titled “Quick Disconnect Built-In Liquid Dispenser,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     This application is also related to: (1) U.S. application Ser. No. 14/183,881, filed Feb. 19, 2014, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/767,124, filed Feb. 20, 2013 and titled “Slide-Out Liquid Dispensing Container,” and (2) to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/493,796, filed by the Applicant on the same day as the present application and having a title of “Liquid Dispenser”, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a quick-disconnect system for storing and dispensing liquids or other materials such as, for example, soaps or moisturizers. 
     Existing sink and counter-mounted dispensers are, more or less, quite difficult to disconnect from their counter or other surface-mounted condition. The dispensers generally are surface mounted, but necessitate a messy refilling process as soap or another liquid material must be poured from above the surface and into a container mounted below the surface (e.g., through a small hole formed in the surface sized to hold the dispenser and/or container). During such refilling processes, soap frequently gets everywhere and the procedure is difficult to undertake. Also, these types of dispensers are not easily removable from their surface-mounted conditions, and thus, it makes it difficult to clean the dispenser or around and under the dispenser. 
     There is therefore a need to provide an improved system for storing and dispensing various substances. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the invention provides a dispensing system, which comprises a pump having a pump mechanism, an outlet, and an internal conduit for pumping a material through the conduit and out of the outlet, the pump having a body portion. The system further includes a mounting mechanism comprising a base member sized to extend into and through an opening in a surface, the base member being configured to securely engage the surface, wherein the body portion of the pump includes a first structure composed of a material susceptible to magnetic forces, and the mounting mechanism includes a second structure composed of a material susceptible to magnetic forces, the first and second structures adapted to act on each other through a magnetic force, such that the body portion of the pump is removably securable to the mounting mechanism through a magnetic connection. In one embodiment of this first aspect, the surface is a countertop next to a sink or a section of a sink. The dispensing system may be operable to dispense various substances such as, for example, liquid or foaming soap, moisturizer, hand sanitizer, or mouthwash. 
     A second aspect of the invention provides a dispensing system, which comprises a pump having a pump mechanism, an outlet, and an internal conduit for pumping a material through the conduit and out of the outlet, the pump having a body portion. The system further includes a mounting mechanism comprising a base member sized to extend into and through an opening in a surface, the base member being configured to securely engage the surface, wherein the body portion of the pump is removably securable to the mounting mechanism through a magnetic connection. In an embodiment of this second aspect, the magnetic connection utilizes at least one permanent magnet. 
     A third aspect of the invention includes a method of using a dispensing system comprising the steps of: (1) moving a base member of a mounting mechanism through an opening in a surface and securing the base member relative to the surface; (2) fluidly coupling an internal conduit of the dispensing system with a source of a material; (3) removably attaching a body portion of a pump with the mounting mechanism via a magnetic connection, the pump having a pump mechanism and an outlet; and (4) actuating the pump mechanism to cause the pump to draw the material from the source, through the internal conduit, and out of the outlet of the pump for use. In some embodiments of this third aspect, the surface is a countertop next to a sink or a section of a sink. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the subject matter of the present invention and of the various advantages thereof can be realized by reference to the following detailed description in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dispensing system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a front view of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2B  is a partially-exploded view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 1  mounted to a surface. 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of a liquid pump, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In describing particular embodiments of the present invention, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to any specific terms used herein, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents, which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
     A dispensing system  10  is shown in perspective in  FIG. 1 . It generally includes a material pump  20  with a pump head  22  having an outlet  160  that is operable to dispense, for example, liquid soap, moisturizer, mouth wash, foam soap, or any other like substance. A mounting system  90  is also included with dispensing system  10  and acts to mount material pump  20  within an opening  170  in a surface  80 . In some embodiments, surface  80  is the surface of a countertop (e.g., a marble counter as in a residential setting, or any other countertop), the surface of a sink, a countertop adjacent a sink, or any other like surface. As described below, material pump  20  is easily removable from mounting system  90 , and thus surface  80 , to provide a quick-disconnect dispensing system  10  for a user. 
     Dispensing system  10  is shown in an exploded view in  FIG. 3 . As depicted therein, material pump  20  includes a pump head  22  having an outlet  160 , a pump cap  24 , a decorative sleeve  26 , a foaming or liquid pump mechanism  28 ,  60 , a pump base  40  having a gasket  46 , and a pump seat  48 . While the remainder of the components of material pump  20  are described in more detail below, it is worthwhile to first note that foaming and liquid pump mechanisms  28 ,  60  may be any conventional foaming or liquid pump mechanisms known in the art. In other words, it is contemplated that a wide variety of existing foam and liquid pump mechanisms can be incorporated into dispensing system  10  in the manner described in more detail below. The salient difference between foaming pump mechanism  28  and liquid pump mechanism  60  is, of course, the ability of pump mechanism  28  to generate a foam (e.g., as used for foaming soaps or sanitizers) and the ability of pump mechanism  60  to dispense a liquid (e.g., as used for liquid soaps, moisturizers, or the like). 
     Pump head  22  includes a cylindrical stem  23  that houses a fluid conduit  27 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4A -B. In some embodiments, fluid conduit  27  of pump head  22  of foam pump mechanism  28  is larger than fluid conduit  27  of pump head  22  of liquid pump mechanism  60 , as exemplified when comparing  FIG. 4A  to  FIG. 4B . Pump head  22  is, in some cases, inserted through an opening in cap  24 . Pump cap  24  includes threading  25  for engaging with threading  42  on pump base  40 , as described in more detail below. 
     Decorative sleeve  26  is a cylindrical structure that may be composed of various metallic finishes (e.g., brushed bronze, brushed nickel, silver, etc.) or alternatively it may be composed of a decorative plastic material. Sleeve  26  fits over pump base  40  and is easily removable therefrom so that material pump  20  has a pleasing decorative look. In an alternate embodiment, pump base  40  can be molded to be smooth and decorative without the need for sleeve  26 . However, decorative sleeve  26  allows a user to easily interchange sleeves  26  to choose a finish of their choice or otherwise change design aesthetics. 
     Each pump mechanism  28 ,  60  includes a pump stem  34 ,  61  with a fluid conduit  35 ,  66  therethrough. Fluid conduits  35 ,  66  are shown best in cross-section in  FIGS. 4A-B . Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4A -B, a first end  36 ,  63  of each pump stem  34 ,  61  may engage with a portion of pump head  22 , in particular its cylindrical stem  23 , and a second end  38 ,  65  of each pump stem  34 ,  61  may engage with a portion of a pump seat  48 . Specifically, in one embodiment pump seat  48  is a hollow disc that has opposing pump stems  52 ,  54  extending from either side of seat  48 . As shown in  FIGS. 4A-B , a conduit is formed through pump stems  52 ,  54  and second end  38 ,  65  of each pump stem  34 ,  61  of pump mechanisms  28 ,  60  may be inserted into the conduit. A seal  56  may also seal the connection. 
     A spacer  32 ,  68  is also included with each pump mechanism  28 ,  60  to assist with engaging mechanisms  28 ,  60  with pump base  40 . In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-B , spacers  32 ,  68  sit on a top perimeter region of pump base  40  and are in contact with respective flanges  33 ,  67  extending from pump mechanisms  28 ,  60 . 
     Pump base  40  has a cylindrical body with threading  42  on a top portion thereof for engaging with threading  25  on pump cap  24 . Pump base  40  is also sized to allow decorative sleeve  26  to fit over pump base  40 &#39;s body, and to accept either of pump mechanisms  28 ,  60  within base  40 &#39;s interior cavity. A perimetrical recess  44  is also formed in pump base  40  for accepting a gasket  46 . 
     Pump seat  48  is a cylindrical hollow disc with one or more metal rings  50  in its interior, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-B . Metal rings  50  can be formed of any material that has magnetic properties including, for example, steel, iron, or nickel. Alternatively, rings  50  may be a permanent or electromagnet instead. As alluded to above, pump seat  48  also includes opposing stems  52 ,  54  that have a conduit extending therethrough. A seal  56  may also be positioned in stem  52  of pump seat  48  to enhance contact with second end  38 ,  65  of pump mechanisms  28 ,  60 . In addition, stem  54  can include an over-molded seal as well to enhance contact with other components (e.g., base tube  106 , as discussed below). In one embodiment, pump seat  48  may be sonic welded to an interior of pump base  40 , as shown in  FIGS. 4A-B , such that pump stem  52  extends into the interior of base  40  and pump stem  54  extends outwards out of base  40 . This is shown, for example, in  FIG. 4B . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , mounting system  90  is also shown in an exploded view. Mounting system  90  includes a base tube  106 , a threaded base  92 , and a nut  98 . Base tube  106  includes a fluid conduit  107  therethrough, a barbed end  108 , and a flanged portion  110  that is sized so as to fit within a portion of threaded base  92 , in particular its circumferential groove  95 . In one embodiment, flanged portion  110  is sonic welded or otherwise securely affixed to threaded base  92  along its circumferential groove  95  with the remainder of base tube  106  extending into an interior cavity of threaded base  92 . 
     Threaded base  92  includes a hollow threaded body portion  96  and a flanged section  94 . A top internal cavity is also formed in threaded base  92  to securely hold one or more magnets  104 . In particular, as shown in  FIG. 4A , a lip  97  is formed in the interior of threaded base  92 , such that lip  97  may engage with a section of magnets  104  and retain magnets  104  in an upper portion of base  92 &#39;s internal cavity. Then, flanged portion  110  of base tube  106  may be sonic welded or otherwise secured to groove  95  of base  92  to secure magnets  104  in base  92  via lip  97  and flanged portion  110 . 
     Nut  98  is an internally threaded cylindrical structure adapted to engage with threaded portion  96  of threaded base  92 . It also includes a circumferential groove  100  configured to receive a gasket  102 , and several surface features (e.g., projections) making it easier for a user to rotate nut  98 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , mounting system  90  also optionally includes a valve. In one embodiment, the valve is a ball valve having a check valve insert  112 , a ball  114 , and a cover  116 . Cover  116  may be perforated or otherwise have a small opening(s). Check valve insert  112  can be inserted into conduit  107  of base tube  106 , ball  114  may be positioned inside of check valve insert  112 , and cover  116  may be utilized to retain ball  114  in check valve insert  112 . 
     The operation and assembly of dispensing system  10  will now be described. To assemble material pump  20 , a user may simply insert either pump mechanism  28 ,  60  into the interior of pump base  40  so that second end  38 ,  65  of the respective pump mechanism  28 ,  60  is inserted into pump stem  52  of seat  48  and sealed via seal  56 . Also, flanges  33 ,  67  of mechanisms  28 ,  60  may rest upon spacers  32 ,  68 , which in turn are positioned on the top circumferential section of pump base  40 . With pump seat  48  sonic welded to the bottom of pump base  40 , the respective pump mechanism  28 ,  60  may thereby be retained in pump base  40 . 
     Particularly with reference to liquid pump mechanism  60 , it may also include a part allowing it to fit within the same pump base  40  as foaming pump mechanism  28 . Specifically, in one embodiment, liquid pump mechanism  60  includes a pump fixer  64  arranged about pump stem  61  of liquid pump mechanism  60 . Pump fixer  64  includes the above-described flange  67 , which allows liquid pump mechanism  60  to rest upon the top of pump base  40 . As such, even though portions of liquid pump mechanism  60  are smaller than other like portions of foaming pump mechanism  28 , pump fixer  64  may be used to adapt liquid pump mechanism  60  so that it can be used with the same pump base  40 . In an alternative embodiment, the size of pump base  40  may simply be altered to fit the sizing of liquid pump mechanism  60  without pump fixer  64 . 
     With the respective pump mechanism  28 ,  60  secured to pump base  40 , decorative sleeve  26  may then be slid over pump base  40  to cover a major portion of its body. This provides good aesthetics for material pump  20  (e.g., a brushed bronze or nickel look, etc.) Then, pump cap  24  may be screwed to pump base by way of the threading  25  on pump cap  24  and the threading  42  on pump base  40 . Lastly, pump head  22  can be engaged with second end  36 ,  63  of the respective pump mechanism  28 ,  60  via its cylindrical stem  23 , and gasket  46  can be press fit or otherwise secured into recess  44  in pump base  40 . In this assembled condition, material pump  20  is ready for engagement with mounting system  90 . 
     Mounting system  90  may be assembled by first inserting check valve insert  112 , ball  114 , and cover  116  into base tube  106 , and then sonic welding or otherwise securing base tube  106  (in particular its flanged portion  110 ) to threaded base  92 . As shown in  FIGS. 4A-B , this results in magnets  104  being positioned within threaded base  92  and retained by way of lip  97  and flanged portion  110  of base tube  106 . In such a condition, barbed section  108  of base tube  106  may extend out of threaded base  92 . Threaded portion  96  of base  92  may then be inserted through an opening  170  in surface  80  and slid through opening  170  until flange  94  of threaded base  92  rests on a top portion of surface  80  above opening  170 . In this condition, threaded portion  96  of base  92  can extend through opening  170  and below surface  80  by some predetermined distance. Subsequently, gasket  102  is inserted into groove  100  of nut  98 , and nut  98  is screwed onto threaded portion  96  of base  92  until it is in tight contact with a bottom section of surface  80 . This causes an opposing action to occur between nut  98  and flange  94  of base  92  to securely retain mounting system  90  within opening  170  in surface  80 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . And, with gasket  102  arranged in groove  100  of nut  98 , as depicted in  FIG. 2B , a tight seal is formed at a bottom section of surface  80  so that no water or other substance can accidentally enter the internal components of mounting system  90  beyond gasket  102 . Gasket  102  also provides dampening/friction to prevent nut  98  from loosening with use. Likewise, gasket  46  of material pump  20  creates a seal at a top section of surface  80  and/or provides a friction effect. With mounting system  90  securely retained in opening  170  in surface  80 , magnets  104  are positioned near an upper part of opening  170  in surface  80  so that material pump  20  can be easily engaged with mounting system  90 . The position of magnets  104  is shown best in  FIG. 4A . 
     To engage material pump  20  with mounting system  90 , the user simply positions a bottom of pump  20 , particularly its pump seat  48  with a metal ring(s)  50 , near and around flange  94  of threaded base  92  and a magnetic force between metal ring(s)  50  and magnets  104  causes material pump  20  to snap into contact with mounting system  90 . If the user desires to remove or alter the position of material pump  20 , he/she can simply pull material pump  20  out of engagement with mounting system  90  so that magnets  104  no longer act on metal ring(s)  50 , or the user can rotate material pump  20  while it is engaged with mounting system  90  so that pump  20  is situated in the correct/desirable position. 
     With material pump  20  engaged to mounting system  90 , the user can actuate pump head  22  and cause either foam or liquid (depending on whether foam or liquid pump mechanism  28 ,  60  is used) to travel out of outlet  160  of head  22  for use. Indeed, barbed section  108  of base tube  106 , as shown in  FIG. 4A , can be connected with vinyl or other material tubing  120 , which in turn is associated with a container of foaming or liquid soap, moisturizer, or another such substance. Such a container, while not depicted in the figures, may be the container shown and described in detail in Applicant&#39;s U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/183,881 (“the &#39;881 Application”), which is incorporated by referenced herein in its entirety above. The container of the &#39;881 Application is positioned under the countertop surface  80  (e.g., within a cabinet under the countertop) and is easy to use and refill. Combined with the present dispensing system  10 , the user is therefore provided with a comprehensive system for containing soap or another material (e.g., in the container of the &#39;881 Application or otherwise) and dispensing the soap or other material via dispensing system  10 . 
     During pumping of a liquid or foam through material pump  20 , a user actuates pump head  22  by pushing it downwards, which in one embodiment causes ball  114  of valve insert  112  to move into an open position. A fluid material can then, for example, travel through conduit  107  of base tube  106 , into valve insert  112 , past ball  114 , and through cover  116  into the remainder of material pump  20 &#39;s mechanisms. The liquid material may subsequently travel through the conduit of pump seat  48 &#39;s stems  52 ,  54  and into either foaming or liquid pump mechanism  28 ,  60 . Stem  54  may seal with conduit  107  of base tube  106  by way of its over-molded seal to provide an air-tight connection. In some embodiments, foaming and liquid pump mechanisms  28 ,  60  may also include their own ball valve, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-B , which restricts passage of fluid in one direction. Indeed, once the actuation of pump head  22  is stopped, ball  114  of valve insert  112  (and optionally the ball valve of pump mechanisms  28 ,  60 ) may move back into their closed positions to stop liquid from travelling completely out of dispensing system  10  and/or tubing  120  and back into the container, for example the container of the &#39;881 Application. This decreases the amount of pumps needed to expel a substance from pump head  22  during the next use by the user as the above-discussed fluid material is retained in tubing  120  and in portions of dispensing system  10  for re-use. 
     After movement of the fluid material beyond the ball valves discussed above, the material travels into the respective pump mechanism  28 ,  60 &#39;s conduit  35 ,  66  and then into and out of conduit  27  and outlet  160  extending through pump head  22 . If foaming pump mechanism  28  is used, during the foregoing process the fluid material will be converted to foam to be expressed out of pump head  22  and to the user. Such foaming components are available in existing foaming pump mechanisms  28  known in the art. If liquid pump mechanism  60  is used, the fluid material will be expressed out of pump head  22  and to the user as a liquid. The user can then wash his/her hands, apply moisturizer, use mouthwash, etc. 
     In one embodiment, a user may purchase both pump mechanisms  28 ,  60  and easily interchange them by disconnecting one from mounting system  90  and connecting the other. This could be done if a user wants to switch from a liquid to a foaming soap, for instance. Indeed, as disconnecting a particular material pump  20  only requires pulling on the pump  20  to cause disengagement of magnets  104  and metal ring(s)  50 , this is a relatively easy task. 
     Further, due to the simple magnetic connection described above, a user can accomplish a number of other tasks. The user can easily remove material pump  20  from engagement with mounting system  90  and clean the countertop surface  80  adjacent flange  94  of base  92 , and the user can simultaneously clean material pump  20  itself in the sink, if desired. Also, the user can easily remove material pump  20  and substitute in a different decorative sleeve  26  to change the look of pump  20  on occasion. As decorative sleeve  26  is easily removable from pump base  40 , this is also an easy task. Put simply, the improved magnetic connection described above allows for a variety of easy tasks to be completed, and it provides for a clean look for dispensing system  10  on surface  80 . 
     Suitable materials for magnets  104  may be neodymium or any other permanent magnetic material. Metal ring(s)  50  can be formed of steel or any other suitable metal or other magnetic material, which is capable of interacting efficiently with magnets  104  to engage material pump  20  with mounting system  90 . 
     Although the invention is described herein with reference to certain structures, others could be employed, of course. For example, although permanent magnets  104  are used in dispensing system  10 , it is equally contemplated that a small electromagnet may be utilized. It is also contemplated that while ring(s)  50  is described as being composed of metal, another magnet having an attraction opposite to magnets  104  might be utilized instead. Alternatively, ring(s)  50  and magnets  104  may be switched, such that ring(s)  50  is positioned in mounting system  90  and magnet  104  is positioned in material pump  20 . Other suitable connection structures besides a magnetic connection could also be employed such as, for example, a press-fit connection or a bayoneted connection allowing a user to twist material pump  20  into engagement with mounting system  90 . 
     In addition, while surface  80  has been primarily referenced above as a countertop in a residential setting, it could be any surface. For example, surface  80  could be a metal sink surface that accepts systems like dispensing system  10 , it could be a countertop surface in a commercial environment, a countertop next to a sink, or any other surface. 
     And, although dispensing system  10  has been described for use with the container of the &#39;881 Application, any other conventional container could be used. Further, while dispensing system  10  is described as being a manual system, it is equally contemplated that it may be an electronic system. Thus, manual pump mechanisms  28 ,  60  may be substituted for electronic systems for pumping a liquid or foam material through dispensing system  10  and out of pump head  22 . Such an electronic system could make it easier for a user to retrieve foam and/or liquid soap, for example, or could have further applications in the commercial space. 
     As another example, pump head  24  can, instead of having threading  25 , include a twist-lock or other connection feature to engage with a like twist-lock or other connection feature on pump base  40 . Thus, other connection mechanisms are contemplated. 
     Although a certain order of steps is also set forth above for the assembly and/or use of dispensing system  10 , it should be recognized that the steps need not be performed in the specified order and can be rearranged as understood by one of skill in the art. 
     Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.