Patent Publication Number: US-2020281417-A1

Title: Soap dispenser system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates in general to a soap dispenser system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a soap dispenser system including visual and/or audible indication of operation and status of the soap dispenser system. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a soap dispenser system including top-fill functionality of the soap container. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     Many washrooms include wash basins with separate water faucets and soap dispensers for each wash basin. The water faucet and soap dispenser extend out over the wash basin to allow a user to use both the water and soap without removing his hands from the wash basin and getting excess water and soap on the countertop. Each soap dispenser is fluidically connected to and dispenses soap from a soap container. As the soap dispenser is used over time, the soap container needs to be refilled by a maintenance worker. If the soap container is not refilled, the soap dispenser will no longer dispense soap once the soap container is empty. However, it is also inconvenient for a worker to check the soap level of each soap container each time they are in the washroom. Further, when a worker is refilling a soap container, there is a risk of overflow of the soap container. Overflow results in unnecessary excess waste and excess mess. 
     In addition, a pump assists in pulling soap from the soap container and pumping the soap out of the soap dispenser. A power supply, such as a battery, is required to operate the pump. If the power supply dies, the soap dispenser will no longer dispense soap. However, the worker has no way of knowing if a power supply has low power. 
     As such, there is a need in the art for a soap dispenser system with a visual and/or audible indication system that is seamlessly incorporated into a mounting base to notify a user of the operation and statuses of the elements of the soap dispenser system. For instance, high and low soap level in a soap container and power level of a power supply. 
     Current soap dispensers also require inefficient tubing connections or inefficient removal of pieces to refill the soap container, when the soap container is empty. That is, refilling the soap container can be a troublesome task for a worker. As such, there is also a need in the art for a soap dispenser system having a fixture that is easily removable from a mounted base, which is fluidically coupled to a soap container. 
     SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a soap dispensing system including a main body fixture that is removably coupled to a fixture mount. Additionally, the fixture mount includes an indication system for generating visual indication of status and operation of the soap dispensing system. Meanwhile, the soap dispensing system may also include an audible indication of status and operation of the soap dispensing system. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, a soap dispenser system includes a fixture disposed above a countertop and a soap container disposed below the countertop. The fixture includes a main body and a mount attached to the countertop. The main body includes a soap dispensing element that is fluidically coupled to the soap container via a fluid supply line. The mount includes an indication system and a refill port for accessing the soap container. The main body is removably coupled to the mount in order to expose the refill port and access the soap container. The indication system is configured to indicate a power status of the system and a soap level status of the soap container. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the fluid supply line may be disposed within the fixture main body. The fluid supply line includes a first fluid connector disposed at an end of the fluid supply line and a second fluid connector extending from the fixture mount. The second fluid supply connector is configured to detachably couple with the first fluid connector. That is, when the fixture main body is removed from the fixture mount, the first and second fluid connectors detach from each other. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the indication system may include a translucent collar and an illumination device placed adjacent the translucent collar. Further, the soap container may include a low soap level sensor and a high soap level sensor. The illumination device is configured to provide a visual low soap level indication when the low soap level sensor detects a predetermined low soap level. For example, the low soap level may be 25% or lower of the volume of the soap container  18 . The illumination device is also configured to provide a visual high soap level indication when the high soap level sensor detects a predetermined high soap level, for example, 75% or higher of the volume of the soap container  18 . It is also contemplated that the indication system may include an audible device to provide an audible high soap level indication when the high soap level sensor detects the high soap level. Further yet, the indication system may also be configured to provide a visual low battery level indication when a power supply is at a low battery level. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a soap dispensing fixture includes a main body with a soap dispensing element and a mount secured to the countertop. The mount includes an indication system and a refill port fluidically coupled to a soap container. Further, the indication system is configured to provide a visual indication of a soap level and/or a battery level. The main body is removably coupled to the mount and configured to transition between an open orientation and a closed orientation. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the indication system includes an illumination device and a translucent collar affixed to the mount. The illumination device provides a visual indication of a low soap level and a visual indication of a high soap level. Additionally, the indication system may provide an audible warning of the high soap level. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the soap dispensing fixture may also include a locking mechanism configured to maintain the main body and the mount in the closed orientation. Further, the soap dispensing fixture may include a proximity sensor configured to detect whether the main body and the mount are in the closed orientation or the open orientation. In turn, the proximity sensor is configured to prevent activation of the soap dispensing element when the main body and the mount are in the open orientation. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the mount may include a plurality of supports extending upward from the mount and into the main body, when the main body and the mount are in the closed orientation. Further, the soap dispensing fixture may include a fluid supply line disposed within the main body. The fluid supply line includes a first fluid connector disposed at one end and a second fluid connector extending from the mount. The second fluid connector is configured to couple with the first fluid connector when the main body and the mount are in the closed orientation and detach from the first fluid connector when the main body and the mount are in the open orientation. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a soap dispenser system includes a fixture having a mount coupled to a countertop and a main body removably coupled to the mount. The mount includes a refill port and an indication system. The indication system includes a translucent collar placed adjacent a top surface of the countertop and an illumination device placed adjacent the translucent collar. Meanwhile, the main body includes a soap dispensing element. The mount and main body are configured to transition between an open orientation and a closed orientation. Further, a soap container may be fluidically coupled to the soap dispensing element via a supply line. The soap container may also be refillable via the refill port of the mount. In addition, the soap container may include a high-level soap sensor and a low-level soap sensor. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the indication system may provide a visual indication of a low soap level determined by the low soap level sensor and a high soap level determined by the high soap level sensor. The indication system may also provide an audible warning of the high soap level determined by the high soap level sensor. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a front surface of the collar may be flush with a front surface of the mount. Further, the fixture may include a locking mechanism with a locked position configured to maintain the main body and the mount in the closed orientation. 
     These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a soap dispenser system above and below a countertop according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the soap dispenser system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a soap dispensing fixture of the soap dispenser system of  FIG. 1  in a closed orientation; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the soap dispensing fixture of  FIG. 3  in an open orientation; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged front view of a collar of the soap dispensing fixture of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a mount of the soap dispensing fixture of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a soap dispensing fixture, according to another embodiment of the present invention, in an open orientation; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a mount of the soap dispensing fixture of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view of a detached body of the soap dispensing fixture of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view of the soap container of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  10 - 10 ; and 
         FIG. 10B  is an enlarged view of portion  10 B of  FIG. 10A . 
     
    
    
     In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected 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. For example, the word connected, attached, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. 
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description. 
     Throughout this description, various terms denoting direction, such as left and right, front and rear, up and down, top and bottom, and the like may be used. The directions are not intended to be limiting but are used to describe relationships of elements with respect to each other in the accompanying drawings. Unless mutually exclusive, it is contemplated that the elements may be reversed, for example, by turning a component around or upside down without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a soap dispensing system  10  is shown. The soap dispensing system  10  includes a soap dispensing fixture  12  mounted to an upper surface  14  of a countertop  16 . The soap dispensing system  10  also includes a soap container  18 , pump  20 , and control box  21  disposed below the countertop  16  so as to be hidden from the user. A battery (not shown) may be disposed below the countertop  16  and electrically connected to the control box  21 , which operates the electrical components of the system  10 . As further shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the soap dispensing fixture  12  includes a main body  22  removably coupled to a fixture mount  24 . The fixture mount  24  is mounted to the countertop  16 . 
     The soap container  18  includes at least one soap sensor  19  to detect a fluid level within the soap container  18 . In the representative embodiment of the invention, the container  18  includes a first soap sensor  19   a  and a second soap sensor  19   b . The first soap sensor  19   a  is disposed within the soap container  18  at a location below the second soap sensor  19   b . As such, the first soap sensor  19   a  is disposed within the soap container  18  at a location to determine when the soap level is below a predetermined low point. While the predetermined low point may be at any location, an example predetermined low point is 25% or lower of the volume of the soap container  18 . In turn, the second soap sensor  19   b  is disposed within the soap container  18  at a location to determine when the soap level is above a predetermined high point. While the predetermined high point may be at any location, an example predetermined high point is 80% or higher of the volume of the soap container  18 . 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the soap dispensing system  10  to further illustrate the elements disposed within a cavity  13  within the fixture  12 . The fixture  12  includes a dispensing element  36  disposed at an outlet  38  thereof. The outlet  38  of the fixture  12  is located at a first end  40  of the main body  22 , while a second end  42  of the main body  22  is in contact with the fixture mount  24 . In the representative embodiment of the invention, the main body  22  of the fixture extends from the first end  40  to the second end  42  in an arced shaped. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the fixture main body  22  may extend from the first end  40  to the second end  42  in any shape. Further, a hand sensor  44  may be disposed within the outlet  38  of the fixture main body  22  and adjacent to the dispensing element  36 . 
     A fluid supply line  46  extends from the dispensing element  36  at the first end  40  of the fixture  12  to a first fluid connector  48  at the second end  42  of the fixture  12 . The fixture mount  24  of the fixture  12  includes a second fluid connector  50  extending upward therefrom. In  FIG. 2 , the first and second fluid connectors  48 ,  50  are shown as detachably connected to each other. The benefits of the detachable connection between the first and second fluid connectors  48 ,  50  will be described in further detail below. 
     The wiring  52  may be tethered from the control box  21  underneath the countertop  16  to the hand sensor  44  and dispensing element  36  at the first end  40  of the fixture  12 . It is contemplated that the fixture mount  24  of the fixture  12  may include a wire guide  56  formed therein and having an opening therethrough to allow the wiring  52  to extend through the fixture mount  24  and into the opening  13  of the fixture main body  22 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the wiring  52  may be coiled in order to allow the wiring  52  to move as necessary and without exerting any forces on the on the control box  21 , the sensor  44 , or the dispensing element  36  when the main body  22  of the fixture  12  is displaced from the fixture mount  24  of the fixture  12 . Additionally, the coiling of the wiring  52  assists in fitting the wiring  52  within the main body  22  without unnecessary duress by the user or maintenance workers. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the wiring  52  may be configured to detachably connect, similar to the fluid supply line  46  described above. In such an embodiment, the wiring  52  may extend from the first end  40  of the fixture to a first wire connector at the second end  42  of the fixture  12 . The fixture mount  24  of the fixture  12  may then include a second wire connector disposed at guide  56  and extending upward from the fixture mount  24 . In turn, the first and second wire connectors may be detachably connected to each other in order to detach when the main body  22  is displaced from the fixture mount  24 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the fixture mount  24  of the fixture  12  includes a refill port  58  extending from above the countertop  16  to below the countertop  16 . A lower portion  60  of the refill port  58  may be threaded to engage with a refill hose  59  extending between the refill port  58  and an opening  62  of the soap container  18  (see e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). It is contemplated that the refill hose  59  may be made from a flexible material that allows the hose  59  to be manipulated during installation, as necessary. An upper mount  64  extends laterally from an upper end  66  of the refill port  58  to engage the upper surface  14  of the countertop  16 . Meanwhile, a lower mount  68  slidably engages the refill port  58 . In the representative embodiment of the invention, the lower mount  68  surrounds the lower portion  60  of the refill port  58  and rotated until it contacts a lower surface  72  of the countertop  16  so as to engage the lower surface  72  of the countertop  16 . In the representative embodiment of the invention, a lower surface  74  of the upper mount  64  is spaced apart from an upper surface  76  of the lower mount  68  by a distance equal to or approximately equal to the thickness of the countertop  16 . As a result, the countertop  16  is sandwiched between the upper and lower mounts  64 ,  68 . In turn, a mounting nut  69  is further secured to the lower portion  60  of the refill port  58 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the mounting nut  69  and the lower portion  60  of the refill port  58  are both configured to threadably engage with each other to secure the mounting nut  69  to the refill port  58 . As such, the mounting nut  69  assists in securing the lower mount  68  in place. 
     The fixture mount  24  of the fixture  12  further includes a collar  30  disposed adjacent the countertop  16 . In turn, an illumination device  32 , such as, but not limited to LED, may be disposed adjacent the collar  30  in order to illuminate the collar  30  and provide a visual indication of the status or operation of the soap dispensing system  10 . As such, the collar  30  and the illumination device  32  combine to create an indication system  31 . While the representative embodiment of the invention depicts the illumination device  32  as being located above the collar  30  and at the front of the fixture mount  24 , it is contemplated that other embodiments of the invention may locate the illumination device  32  above, below, or in-line with the collar  30  and at any location around the fixture mount  24  including, but not limited to, the front, sides, and rear of the fixture mount  24 . The collar  30  is preferably a translucent material that allows the illumination device  32  to illuminate the collar  30 . For example, the collar  30  may be a translucent silicone. The operation of the LED  32  will be further described below. Additionally, the LED  32  may be electrically coupled to the control box  21  by way of wiring  51 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the upper mount  64  may include a recess or notch  78  formed in an outer surface  80  thereof. The recess  78  is formed to receive the collar  30 , so that the depth of the recess  78  is equal to the width of the collar  30 . As a result, an outer surface  82  of the collar  30  is aligned with the outer surface  80  of the upper mount  64  to form a flush transition between the respective outer surfaces  80 ,  82 . The collar  30  is sandwiched between the upper mount  64  and the upper surface  14  of the countertop  16 . 
       FIG. 1  further depicts the pump  20  fluidically coupled to the soap container  18 . In turn, the pump  20  is fluidically coupled to the second fluid connector  50 . As a result, the pump  20  transfers soap from the soap container  18  to the supply line  46 , which are connected to each other via the first and second fluid connectors  48 ,  50 . The supply line  46  then transfers the soap from the first fluid connectors  48  to the dispensing element  36 . Upon activation of the hand sensor  44 , the dispensing element  36  dispenses the soap into a user&#39;s hands. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the soap dispensing fixture  12  in a closed orientation  26 . In the closed orientation  26 , the main body  22  of the fixture  12  is coupled to the fixture mount  24  of the fixture  12 . In the closed orientation  26 , the first and second fluid connectors  48 ,  50  are coupled together to allow fluid to flow from the pump  20 , through the supply line  46 , and to the dispenser  36 . 
     Meanwhile,  FIG. 4  illustrates the soap dispensing fixture  12  in an open orientation  28 . In the open orientation  28 , the main body  22  of the fixture  12  is decoupled from the fixture mount  24  of the fixture  12 . Additionally, the first and second fluid connectors  48 ,  50  are decoupled from each other to fluidically decouple the supply line  46  and the pump  20 . As a result, the fixture  12  is unable to dispense fluid while in the open orientation  28 . In addition, the fixture  12  may include a proximity sensor configured to detect whether the main body  22  and the fixture mount  24  are in the open orientation  28  or the closed orientation  26 . The proximity sensor may be disposed within the main body  22  and electrically coupled to the sensor  44  and/or dispensing element  36 . As such the proximity sensor may prevent activation of the dispensing element  36  when it detects that the main body  22  and the fixture mount  24  are in the open orientation  28 . An exemplary configuration of the proximity sensor may be seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in which the proximity sensor  154  is shown and will be later described in fuller detail. 
       FIG. 4  also provides a further representative embodiment of the fixture mount  24 . As shown, the fixture mount  24  includes a plurality of supports  34  extending upward from a top surface  84  of the upper mount  64  of the fixture mount  24 . The supports  34  may be in the form of tapered pins disposed on opposite sides of a rear end  37  of the fixture mount  24 . However, it is also contemplated that the supports  34  may be in the form of other shapes. The supports  34  are also configured to prevent movement and provide structural support for the fixture  12  when in the closed orientation  26  by extending upward and into the cavity  13  of the fixture  12 . While  FIG. 4  illustrates the use of two (2) supports  34  disposed at the rear of the fixture mount  24 , it is contemplated that varying embodiments of the invention may include more or less than two (2) supports  34  extending upward from the fixture mount  24  at a variety of locations surrounding the refill port  58 . Additionally, the fixture mount  24  may include at least one additional support wall  70  extending upward from the top surface  84  of the fixture mount  24  at locations between the supports  34  and surrounding or at least partially surrounding the refill port  58 . In turn, the additional support walls  70  extend into the cavity  13  of the fixture  12  and provide additional structural support. 
     Additionally, the support walls  70  may be used to guide the main body  22  it is transferred between the open orientation  28  and the closed orientation  26 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , an outer surface  71  of the support walls  70  is configured to be directly adjacent an inner surface  23  of the main body  22 . As a result, the support walls  70  are able to guide movement of the main body  22  and the fixture mount  24  without providing friction between the components. This concept is further illustrated in  FIG. 6 , which illustrates the close arrangement of the support walls  70  and the main body  22 . That is, the close arrangement of the support walls  70  that result in the above guidance of the main body  22  and the mount  24  may take place at one or more locations A, B, and C. 
     In addition, while  FIG. 4  illustrates the second fluid connector  50  and wire guide  56  as being disposed at rear locations of the fixture mount  24 , it is contemplated that the second fluid connector  50  and the wire guide  56  may be located at any locations on the fixture mount  24  surrounding the refill port  58 . Additionally, the second fluid connector  50  may extend upward from the top surface  84  of the fixture mount  24  a distance equal to the height of the support wall  70 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , or a distance more or less than the height of the support wall  70 . Similarly, the wire guide  56  may extend upward from the top surface  84  of the fixture mount  24  a distance greater than the height of the support wall  70 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , or a distance equal to or less than the height of the support wall  70 . For example, at least one of the second fluid connector  50  and wire guide  56  may be flush with a top surface  84  of the fixture mount  24 . 
     Next,  FIG. 5  illustrates an enlarged front view of the fixture mount  24  and, more specifically, the collar  30 . As shown, the fixture mount  24  includes an upper mount  64  disposed above the countertop  16  and a lower mount  68  disposed below the countertop  16 . In turn, the upper mount  64  and the lower mount  68  are each sized larger than the orifice  17  in the countertop  16  (see  FIG. 2 ), to sandwich the countertop  16  between the upper mount  64  and the lower mount  68 . Further, the collar  30  is disposed within the previously described recess  78  formed in the outer surface  80  of the upper mount  64 . As such, the collar  30  is disposed between the upper mount  64  of the fixture mount  24  and the countertop  16 . As previously discussed, the collar  30  is sized to fit within the recess so that the outer surface  80  of the fixture mount  24  is flush with the outer surface  82  of the collar  30 . In other embodiments of the invention, the collar  30  may be sized so that its outer surface  82  extends beyond are is spaced inward from the outer surface  80  of the fixture mount  24 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 6 , a top cross-sectional view of the main body  22  and the fixture mount  24  of the fixture  12  shown in  FIG. 3 . As shown, the fixture  12  includes a locking mechanism  86  to maintain the fixture  12  in the closed orientation  26  of  FIG. 2 . In the representative embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism  86  includes an orifice  88  formed in the fixture mount  24  aligned with an orifice  90  formed in the fixture main body  22 . In turn, a locking screw or pin  92  may be inserted into both orifices  88 ,  90  to prevent the fixture main body  22  from being removed from the fixture mount  24 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the orifice  90  of the fixture main body  22  may be formed in a tab  94  extending into the cavity  13  of the fixture  12  from an inner surface  96  of the main body  22 . Meanwhile, the orifice  88  of the fixture mount  24  may be formed in a raised portion  96  extending upward from the upper surface  84  of the fixture mount  24 . 
     As stated above, the orifices  88 ,  90  are configured to align with each other when the fixture  12  is in the closed orientation  26 . The locking screw  92  is able to transition between a locked position  98 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , and an unlocked position (not shown). The locking screw  92  may include a shaft  100  and a screw head  102 , wherein the shaft  100  and screw head  102  are maintained within the orifice  88  of the fixture mount  24  in both the locked position  98  and the unlocked position, but the shaft  100  of the locking screw  92  is configured to be positioned within the orifice  90  of the main body  22  when in the locked position  98 . That is, when in the locked position, the locking screw  92  is positioned within both orifices  88 ,  90 . Additionally, another orifice  104  may be formed through the main body  22  of the fixture and further aligned with the orifice  88 . Orifice  104  is configured to allow a tool to extend through the main body  22  and into the orifice  88  of the fixture mount  24 . In turn, the tool may interact with the screw head  102  and allow a user to transition the locking screw  92  between the locked position  98  and the unlocked position. 
     In the representative embodiment of the invention, the orifice  104  in the main body  22  may be sized to have a diameter smaller than that of the screw head  102 . As a result, the screw head  102  is unable to traverse through the orifice  104 , which prevents a user or maintenance worker from losing the locking screw  92 , while the fixture  12  is in the closed orientation  26 . 
     It is contemplated that the LED  32  of the collar may illuminate differently for different statuses and operations of the system  10 . For example, the LED  32  may illuminate by flashing green, red, or any other color when the system  10  is turned on. The LED  32  may flash any number of times or for any predetermined period of time. In one particular embodiment, the LED may flash green three (3) times. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the LED  32  may illuminate steadily for any number of seconds. 
     In another example, the LED  32  may illuminate to indicate a low soap level in response to the low soap sensor  19   a  being triggered. For example, the low soap level sensor  19   a  may be disposed within the soap container  18  to be triggered when the soap level of the container is at or below a designated low soap level, such as 20%, 25%, or the like of the volume of the soap container  18 . In other embodiments of the invention, the designated low soap level may be above or below 20% of the volume of the soap container  18 . The LED  32  may illuminate by flashing red or any other color until the low soap sensor  19   a  indicates that the soap has been filled past the designated low soap level. The LED  32  may cycle between on and off for any number of seconds. In one example, the LED  32  may flash by cycling between on for 0.2 seconds and off for 2 seconds. However, this is not a limiting example. In other embodiments of the invention, the LED  32  may illuminate steadily for any number of seconds. It should also be noted that the system  10  is still able to dispense soap while the LED  32  indicate a low soap level. 
     The LED  32  may also illuminate to indicate a high soap level in response to the high soap level sensor  19   b  being triggered. The high soap level sensor  19   b  may be disposed within the soap container  18  to be triggered when the soap level of the container is at or above a designated high soap level, such as, but not limited to, 75%, 80%, or the like of the volume of the soap container  18 . In other embodiments of the invention, the designated low soap level may be above or below 80% of the volume of the soap container  18 . The LED  32  may illuminate one or more of any color steadily for any number of seconds. For example, the LED  32  may illuminate red for 2.5 seconds. In other embodiments of the invention, the LED  32  may illuminate another color, such as, but not limited to, green, for any amount of time. It is also contemplated that the indication system  31  may include an audible notification device  33  disposed away from the mount  24  and within the control box  21  and configured to generate an audible warning. For example, the audible warning may be at a volume of 80 decibels. The volume of the audible warning may also be set louder or quieter than 80 decibels. Additionally, the audible warning may be in conjunction with the visual indication provided by the LED  32  and last for the same amount of time as the visual indication provided by the LED  32 . However, it is also contemplated that the audible warning may last longer or shorter than the visual indication. It is also contemplated that the audible notification device  33  may be disposed in any location, not just within the control box  21 . Once the fixture  12  is returned to the closed orientation  26  after filling, the system  10  will then be able to dispense soap. 
     In another example, the LED  32  may illuminate by flashing green, red, or any other color when the power source, such as the previously discussed battery, is determined to have low power, for example, but not limited to, less than 5 volts. When the low and high soap level sensors  19   a ,  19   b  are triggered and the LED  32  illuminate accordingly, the power level of the power source is detected until the LED  32  turn off. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the LED indications for soap levels are prioritized over the LED indication for low power. To indicate that the power source has low power, the LED  32  may cycle between on and off for any number of seconds. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the LED  32  may flash by cycling between on for 0.2 seconds and off for 2 seconds. Further, the LED  32  may use a number of colors when on. For example, the LED  32  may switch between red and green for the 0.2 seconds. That is, the LED  32  may be red for 0.1 seconds, green for 0.1 seconds, and then turn off for 2 seconds. It is further contemplated that the LED  32  may remain operational for low power indication until the power source is detected to reach a certain minimum, for example, but not limited to, 3 volts or more. At this point, the power level detection and the soap level detection may be deactivated in order to save power. 
     The LED  32  may also be used to indicate usage of the system  10 . For instance, the LED  32  may flash green, red, or any other color while the soap dispensing element  36  discharges soap to the user&#39;s hands. In some embodiments of the system, the LED  32  may indicate usage every time that the sensor  44  detects a user&#39;s hands and the soap dispensing element  36  discharges soap. In other embodiments of the invention, the usage indication may be limited to activation of the soap dispensing element  36  during priming of the system, in which air is removed from the supply line  46 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts a soap dispensing fixture  112  of a soap dispensing system  110  in an open orientation  128 , according to another embodiment of the invention. The soap dispensing fixture  112  includes a main body  122  and a fixture mount  124  coupled to the countertop  116 . Similar to the open orientation  28  described in  FIG. 4  above, the open orientation  128  of  FIG. 7  shows the main body  122  of the fixture  112  as decoupled from the fixture mount  124  of the fixture  112 . Similar to the previously discussed fixture  12 , the fixture  112  includes a first fluid connector at a distal end of the supply line and a second fluid connector  150  disposed within the fixture mount  124 . The first and second fluid connectors  150  are configured to decouple from each other when the fixture  112  is moved from the closed orientation to the open orientation  128 . In turn, the supply line is fluidically decoupled from the pump, when the fixture  112  is in the open orientation  128 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the fixture mount  124  of the fixture  112  includes three (3) supports  134  extending upward from a top surface  184  of the fixture mount  124 . In other embodiments of the invention, the fixture mount  124  may include more or less than three (3) supports  134 . In addition, while the representative embodiment of the invention illustrates the supports  134  as tapered pins, the supports  134  may be configured in the form of any shape. The fixture mount  124  also includes a number of walls  170  extending upward from the top surface  184  of the fixture mount  124  and surrounding, either fully or partially, a refill port  58  fluidically coupled to the soap container. The supports  134  and walls  170  act to provide additional structural support for the fixture  112  when in the closed orientation by extending into a cavity of the main body  122 . 
     While the fluid connector  150  and the wire guide  156  of the fixture mount  124  are shown located at rear locations of the fixture mount  124 , the fluid connector  150  and wire guide  156  may be located at any location on the fixture mount  124  surrounding the refill port  158 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the fluid connector  150  extends upward from the top surface  184  of the fixture mount  124  a distance less than the height of the adjacent support wall  170 . In other embodiments of the invention, the fluid connector  150  may extend upward from the top surface  184  a equal to or more than the height of the adjacent support wall  170 . Similarly, while the wire guide  156  is shown as extending upward from the top surface  184  of the fixture mount  124  a distance equal to the height of the adjacent support wall  170 , it is also contemplated that the wire guide  156  may extend upward from the top surface  184  at distance more or less than the height of the adjacent support wall  170 . The fixture mount  124  shown in  FIG. 7  also includes a collar  130 , similar to the previously discussed collar  30  of fixture mount  24 . 
       FIG. 8  further shows the fixture mount  124  including a locking mechanism  186  that assist in securing the fixture  112  in the closed orientation. The locking mechanism  186  is formed similar to the previously described locking mechanism  86 .  FIG. 7  depicts the orifice  188  formed in the fixture mount  124  that is aligned with an orifice  204  formed in the main body  22  of the fixture  112 . In the closed orientation, the orifices  188 ,  204  are configured to align with each other, so that a tool may be inserted through the orifice  204  in the main body and interact with the locking screw disposed within the orifice  188 . As discussed above, the locking screw of the locking mechanism may be oriented in a locked or unlocked position. In the locked position, the fixture  112  is maintained in the closed orientation. In the unlocked position, the user may transition the fixture  112  to the open orientation. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 9 , a bottom view of the main body  122  is shown and depicts the interior elements of the main body  122  at the second end  142  of the main body  122 . As shown, the main body  122  includes at least one support plate  206  extending inward from the inner surface  196  of the main body  122 . In the representative embodiment of the invention, the support plate  206  is distinguishable into a first support plate  206   a  and a second support plate  206   b , both oriented horizontally within the main body  122 . In other embodiments of the invention, the support plate  206  may be separated into any number of support plates  206   n , resulting in any amount of open space between the support plates  206   n.    
     The support plate  206  includes a number of orifices  208  corresponding to the number of supports  134  in the mount  124 . The orifices  208  are positioned so that they are aligned with the supports  134  when the main body  122  is aligned with the mount  124 . In turn, when the main body  122  and mount  124  are in the closed orientation  126 , a portion of each support  134  extends through a respective orifice  208 . For example, the support plate  206  of the representative embodiment of the invention includes three (3) orifices  208  corresponding to the three (3) supports  134  in the mount shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In other embodiments of the invention, such as that shown in  FIG. 4 , the support plate would include two (2) orifices aligned with the two (2) supports  34 . Yet other embodiments of the invention may include any number of orifices and supports. The support plate  206  further includes a connector slot  210 . The connector slot  210  is configured to receive the previously discussed first connector of the fluid supply line. That is, the connector slot  210  maintains the position of the first fluid connector within the main body  122 . It is contemplated that the first fluid connector may disposed within the slot  210  and attached to the support plate  206  by any combination of fasteners, friction fit, or other mechanical fastening methods. 
     As discussed above, the fixture  112  may include a proximity sensor  154  configured to detect whether the main body and the mount are in the closed orientation or the open orientation. While a variety of proximity sensor types are contemplated by the present invention, the representative embodiment of the invention depicts a proximity sensor  154  separated into a first element  154   a  disposed in the mount  124  and a second element  154   b  disposed within the main body  122 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the support plate  206  has a proximity sensor slot  212  formed therein and configured to hold the second element of the proximity sensor  154  in a consistent position within the main body  122 . The second element of the proximity sensor  154  may be disposed within the slot  212  and attached to the support plate  206  via at least one of a fastener, friction fit, or other known mechanical fastening method. When the fixture  112  is in the closed orientation, the first and second elements of the proximity sensor  154  are placed adjacent each other. In turn, the proximity sensor  154  is configured to detect that the first and second elements are adjacent each other and determine that the fixture  112  is in the closed orientation. Conversely, when the fixture  112  is in the open orientation, the elements of the proximity sensor  154  are spaced apart from each other. In turn, the proximity sensor  154  is able to detect that the first and second elements are not adjacent each other and determine that the fixture  112  is in the open orientation. 
     Finally,  FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the soap container  18  of  FIG. 1 . The previously described soap container  18  includes an opening  62  that is fluidically coupled to the refill port  58  by way of a refill hose  59 . In varying embodiments of the invention, the opening  62  of the soap container  18  may be vertically adjusted to shorten the distance between the opening  62  and the refill port  58 . As a result, the system  10  may be customized to fit under any countertop. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the opening  62  of the soap container  18  includes an extension tube  214 , a locking nut  216 , and a compression ring  218  that work in conjunction with each other to create a slip fit engagement. When the locking nut  216  is loosened, the extension tube  214  is able to adjust vertically in order to adjust the height at which the opening  62  of the soap container  18  is disposed. When the locking nut  216  is tightened, a compression ring  218  disposed between the locking nut  216  and the extension tube  214  is compressed in order to fluidically seal the resulting joint. As a result of the above, the height of the soap container  18  is able to be adjusted to fit an orientation of elements for a specific system. 
     Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. 
     Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive. 
     Further, the individual components discussed above are not limited to any material. That is, each component may independently be made from any material such as, but not limited to, metal, plastic, wood, etc. 
     It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.