Patent Publication Number: US-9850117-B2

Title: Liquid dispenser for a cooler and detergent bottle

Description:
The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/653,809 filed Oct. 17, 2012, which in turn claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/548,944 filed Oct. 19, 2011; 61/669,847 filed Jul. 10, 2012; and 61/672,957 filed Jul. 18, 2012, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/653,809 filed Oct. 17, 2012, which in is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/792,287 filed Jun. 2, 2010, which in turn claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/183,719 filed Jun. 9, 2009, which are both incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     The present invention is directed to a liquid pump mechanism, particularly to a liquid pump mechanism that converts a beverage container into a beverage container having a fountain-type dispenser, and more particularly to a liquid pump mechanism that converts a sports cooler into a cooler having a fountain-type dispenser. The present invention is also directed to a liquid pump mechanism, and more particularly to a liquid pump mechanism for liquid detergents and/or fabric softeners. As can be appreciated, the liquid pump mechanism can be used on or with other types of containers to dispense other types of liquids. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Sports coolers are commonly used at parties, large gatherings, sporting events and the like to contain and dispense beverages. These coolers are generally about 1-50 gallon coolers. The standard cooler includes a dispensing valve near the base of the cooler. Typically the valve is opened by pressing a button or lifting a lever. As the liquid level drops in the cooler, the liquid flow out of the valve decreases. Also, since the valve is generally positioned above the bottom of the cooler, liquid remains in the cooler unless the cooler is tilted. However, the tilting of the cooler and the simultaneous opening of the dispensing valve can be very difficult due to the weight of the cooler and the weight of the remaining liquid and/or ice in the cooler. In addition, the tilting of the cooler can be dangerous and/or cause a mess if the cooler moves off the surface upon which the cooler was sitting while the cooler is being tilted. Also, the standard bottom dispenser on the cooler sticks out from the bottom side of the cooler, thus is susceptible to damage when the cooler is transported and/or stored. 
     In view of the current state of the art of coolers, there is a need for a dispenser that can be used on a wide variety of coolers to conveniently dispense the liquid in such a cooler without the user having to tilt the cooler during the dispensing of liquid from the cooler. 
     Large liquid detergent containers are commonly used by the public. Liquid detergents and softeners are commonly used to clean laundry. Liquid detergents are also commonly used to clean dishes in a dishwasher. Liquid detergents and softeners are commonly offered in large containers (e.g., 0.5 gallon, 1 gallon, 1.5 gallon, 2 gallon, etc.). Although purchasing these large containers of liquid dishwasher or laundry machine detergents can be cost effective for consumers, it can be difficult for certain individuals (e.g., small children, elderly adults, people with disabilities, people with arthritis, etc.) to lift and pour the liquid detergent from larger containers. Furthermore, there is increased incidence of dropping a large and heavy container or spilling a beverage from the large and heavy container when attempting to pour liquid out of the container. In many situations, the liquid detergent must be poured into a certain location on the dishwasher or laundry machine and/or poured into a measuring cup so that the proper amount of detergent is used to clean the items in the dishwasher or laundry machine. As such, many people decide to purchase smaller containers of beverages which are typically less economical. In addition to problems associated with larger containers, some containers are shaped such that the container is difficult to lift and/or maneuver during the pouring of the detergent from the container. Also, some of the containers include dispensing spouts at the base of the container; however, the use of the dispenser can be difficult to use and can result in a waste of detergent and/or softener unless the container is tilted forward; which act can be difficult for many users. 
     In view of the current state of the art of containers, there is a need for a dispenser that can be used on a wide variety of detergent or fabric softener containers to conveniently dispense the liquid in such a container without the user having to lift and pour the liquid from the container. Also, in view of the current state of the art of detergent and/or softener containers, there is a need for a simple and effective device that can easily and effectively dispense detergent and/or softener from the detergent and/or softener container without having the user lift and then pour the liquid from the container. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a liquid pump mechanism that can be used with a cooler. The liquid pump mechanism is designed to dispense beverages from a cooler. As can be appreciated, the liquid pump mechanism can be used to pump liquids other than beverages. 
     In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention can be directed to a pump system that can be easily and conveniently used by consumers to dispense beverages from small and large coolers (e.g., half-gallon cooler; two-liter cooler; one-gallon cooler; two-gallon cooler; five-gallon cooler; ten-gallon cooler, 20-gallon cooler, 30-gallon cooler, 50-gallon cooler, 100-gallon cooler, etc.). For purposes of this invention, a cooler is defined as an insulated cooler that can hold at least a half gallon of liquid. The liquid pump mechanism of the present invention is particularly useful in dispensing liquids from gallon coolers and larger coolers. The liquid pump mechanism as described in the present invention enables a user to create a fountain type dispenser from a cooler so as to enable convenient dispensing of liquid from the cooler without having to lift or tilt the cooler during the dispensing of liquid from the cooler. 
     In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid pump mechanism that includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The liquid pump mechanism generally also includes an elongated body; however, this is not required. The material and/or colors of the components of the liquid pump mechanism are non-limiting. Generally, the materials are durable, water resistant, and lightweight. Non-limiting materials that can be used include plastic, rubber, metal, resinous material, composite material, etc. The size and shape of the top portion, the elongated body and the bottom portion are non-limiting. For example, the body of the top portion can include a circular, oval and/or polygonal cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal length of the top portion; the elongated body can include a circular and/or oval cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal length of the elongated body; and the bottom portion can include a circular, oval and/or polygonal cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal length of the bottom portion; however, this is not required. 
     In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the profile of the top portion is generally selected to be a low profile; however, this is not required. The low profile of the top portion, when used, enables the liquid pump mechanism to connect to the top of a cooler in a low profile mode. Generally, the maximum thickness of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is less than five inches; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is less than four inches. In another non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is less than three inches. In still another non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is about 0.5-4 inches. In yet another non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is about 0.5-3 inches. In still yet another non-limiting design, the maximum thickness of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is about 1-3 inches. 
     In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism includes one or more dispenser activators such as, but not limited to, dispensing tabs, knobs and/or buttons. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, one or more dispenser activators can be positioned at least partially on one or more sides of the body of the top portion. The one or more dispenser activators can be used to activate the liquid pump mechanism and cause liquid in a cooler to be dispensed from the liquid pump mechanism. The one or more dispenser activators can be pivotable, rotatable, depressible, contact activated, etc.; however, it can be appreciated that the activation by the one or more dispenser activators can be accomplished by other or additional means (e.g., IR sensor, RF sensor, voice activation, remote control, etc.). In one non-limiting design, at least one dispenser activator is positioned fully on or partially on the at least one side of the body of the top portion; however, this is not required. The at least one dispenser activator is designed to activate the liquid pump mechanism when 1) a cup, glass etc. is pushed up against or otherwise contacts the at least one dispenser activator, and/or a user uses his/her finger to push up against or otherwise contact the at least one dispenser activator. A button, when used, can be depressible; however, this is not required. A dispensing tab, when used, can be depressible and/or pivotable; however, this is not required. A knob, when used, can be rotatable and/or depressible; however, this is not required. One or more of the dispenser activators can include a biasing arrangement (e.g., spring, flexible material, etc.) to bias the position of the at least one dispenser activator in the non-activation position; however, this is not required. When a biasing arrangement is used, the biasing arrangement can be designed to cause the dispenser activator to move or switch from an activation position to a non-activation position; however, this is not required. The activation position causes the liquid pump mechanism to energize one or more components in the liquid pump mechanism to enable the liquid pump mechanism to pump liquid at least partially through the liquid pump mechanism. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, at least one dispenser activator is positioned fully on or partially on the top and/or side of the body of the top portion; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, one or more dispenser activators can be positioned only on the side of the body, only on the top of the body, only on the bottom of the body, or any combinations thereof. As can also be appreciated, the body of the top portion can include two or more dispenser activators (e.g., button, etc.). In one non-limiting arrangement, one dispenser activator can be used to activate the liquid pump mechanism, and another dispenser activator can be used to deactivate the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The size and shape of the one or more dispenser activators are non-limiting. As can also be appreciated, a light sensor and/or motion sensor can also or alternatively be used to activate and/or deactivate the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. 
     In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism can optionally include one or more visual indicators used to inform a user 1) when the liquid pump mechanism is activated and/or deactivated, 2) battery power level, 3) pump malfunction, and/or 4) liquid level in cooler. The visual indicator, when used, can be printed material (e.g., on, off, etc.) a light (e.g., green light indicates on, red light indicates off, LED display, LCD display, etc.), and/or a tactile indicator (e.g., raised ribs, etc.). The one or more visual indicators can be located on any portion of the body of the top portion. 
     In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism includes one or more dispenser heads that are used to dispense liquid from the liquid pump mechanism. The size and shape of the one or more dispenser heads is non-limiting. The one or more dispenser heads can be connected to the top, bottom and/or sides of the body of the top portion. The one or more dispenser heads can be fixed in a single position relative to the body of the top portion or be movable relative to the body of the top portion. In one non-limiting embodiment, the one or more dispenser heads are connected to the body of the top portion such that the one or more dispenser heads are not movable relative to the body. In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more dispenser heads are connected to the body of the top portion such that the one or more dispenser heads are movable relative to the body. In such an arrangement, the one or more dispenser heads can be rotatably and/or pivotally connected to the body of the top portion. The movement of the one or more dispenser heads can be used to 1) position the one or more dispenser heads in a desired position relative to the body of the top portion so as to dispense liquid from the liquid pump mechanism, 2) deactivate/activate the liquid pump mechanism, and/or 3) allow/prevent flow of liquid through the one or more dispenser heads. When the one or more dispenser heads are movable, one or more visual (e.g., light, electronic display, writing, arrow, marking, etc.), tactile (e.g., ribs, raised/depressed portion of body, etc.), and/or audible indicators can be used to inform a user about a desired or selectable position for the one or more dispenser heads; however, this is not required. A locking arrangement can optionally be used in association with the one or more movable dispenser heads to allow/prevent movement of the one or more dispenser heads relative to the body of the top portion; however, this is not required. The one or more dispenser heads can optionally be angled upwardly and/or include an internal passageway that angles upwardly; however, this is not required. The upward angle, when used, is designed to cause liquid contained in the one or more dispenser heads to flow back toward the top portion and/or elongated body when the one or more electric pumps are deactivated, thereby limiting or preventing liquid from dripping from the one or more dispenser heads after the one or more electric pumps are deactivate; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting design, the one or more dispenser heads are angled upwardly and/or an internal passageway in the one or more dispenser heads angles upwardly at an angle of about 0.5°-10° when a cooler is placed on a flat surface. In another non-limiting design, the one or more dispenser heads are angled upwardly and/or an internal passageway in the one or more dispenser heads angles upwardly at an angle of about 1°-5° when the cooler is placed on a flat surface. In still another non-limiting design, the one or more dispenser heads are angled upwardly and/or an internal passageway in the one or more dispenser heads angles upwardly at an angle of about 2°-3° when the cooler is placed on a flat surface. 
     In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism can include one or more power sources. As can be appreciated, one or more power sources can be also or alternatively located in the elongated body and/or bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism, or can be located external to the liquid pump mechanism. The one or more power sources generally include one or more batteries and/or solar cells; however, it can be appreciated that other or additional power sources can be used (e.g., electric plug, hand crank generator, etc.). In one non-limiting design, one or more batteries are fully or partially positioned in the body of the top portion. In such a design, the top portion can optionally include a movable and/or removable battery cover on the body to enable a user to access the battery cavity in the body of the top portion so that the user can insert/remove one or more batteries from the battery cavity. The movable and/or removable battery cover, when used, can be positioned on the top, bottom and/or sides of the body of the top portion. As can also be appreciated, the orientation of the one or more batteries in the battery cavity is non-limiting. As can also be appreciated, the type of batteries is non-limiting (e.g., A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, lantern battery, watch battery, calculator battery, etc.). One or more surfaces of the battery cover can optionally include one or more ribs or other type of gripping structures to facilitate in the moving of the battery cover on the body so that a user can access the battery cavity; however, this is not required. A locking arrangement, screws, etc. can optionally be used in association with the battery cover to lock/unlock or secure/unsecure the battery cover to the body of the top portion; however, this is not required. 
     In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism includes a bottom portion that is designed to be inserted through an opening in a lid of a cooler and be partially or fully submerged in a liquid in the cooler. The bottom portion shape, size and materials are non-limiting. Generally, the bottom portion is formed of a lightweight, durable water-resistant material (e.g., plastic, rubber, composite material, metal, etc.). The bottom portion is designed to be positioned at the bottom of the cooler or close to the bottom of the cooler when the liquid pump mechanism is connected to the lid of the cooler and the lid of the cooler is connected to the body of the cooler; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the bottom portion has a longitudinal length of at least about 0.25 inches and generally no more than about 10 inches. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a longitudinal length of about 0.5-6 inches. In another non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a longitudinal length of about 1-4 inches. The longitudinal length of the bottom portion is generally equal to or less that the longitudinal length of the elongated body; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting design, the ratio of the longitudinal length of the bottom portion to the longitudinal length of the elongated body is about 0.01-1:1. In another non-limiting design, the ratio of the longitudinal length of the bottom portion to the longitudinal length of the elongated body is about 0.05-0.5:1. In still another non-limiting design, the ratio of the longitudinal length of the bottom portion to the longitudinal length of the elongated body is about 0.05-0.4:1. The cross-section size and shape of the bottom portion is also non-limiting; however, the size and shape should be selected so that the bottom portion can be inserted into an opening in the lid of the cooler which the liquid pump mechanism is to be used with. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment, the bottom portion has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a maximum diameter of about 0.1-3 inches. In another non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a maximum diameter of about 0.25-2 inches. In still another non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a maximum diameter of about 0.5-1.5 inches. The maximum cross-sectional area of the bottom portion can be greater, equal to or less than the maximum cross-sectional area of elongated body. In one non-limiting design, the ratio of the maximum cross-sectional area of the bottom portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of elongated body is about 0.5-3:1. In another non-limiting design, the ratio of the maximum cross-sectional area of the bottom portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of elongated body is about 0.75-2:1. In still another non-limiting design, the ratio of the maximum cross-sectional area of the bottom portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of elongated body, when used, is about 1-1.8:1. In yet another non-limiting design, the ratio of the maximum cross-sectional area of the bottom portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of elongated body is about 1.01-1.75:1. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting one embodiment, the bottom portion has a weight and density that is generally selected so that the bottom portion will sink in water and in most beverages that are consumed by humans; however, this is not required. As such, the average density of the bottom portion is generally greater than the average density of water at 25° C. (997.0479 kg/m 3 ) such that the bottom portion will naturally sink in the water. In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment, the bottom portion has one or more openings designed to enable liquid in a container to be drawn to the interior of the bottom portion. The location, shape and size of the one or more openings on the bottom portion are non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion includes at least one opening at the bottom end of the bottom portion. One of the openings can be centrally located in the bottom end; however, this is not required. The one or more openings can be circular; however, it can be appreciated that the one or more openings can have cross-sectional shapes other than a circular shape. As can also be appreciated, the one or more openings can be positioned on other or additional locations on the bottom portion (e.g., one or more openings can be positioned on the side of the bottom portion, etc.). 
     In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism includes optionally one or more electric pumps. The one or more electric pumps are designed to 1) draw liquid into the bottom portion, 2) cause liquid to travel up through the elongated body (when used), and 3) cause liquid to flow to the top portion and out of one or more dispenser heads on the top portion. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or more electric pumps can be partially or fully located in the top portion, the elongated body and/or the bottom portion. In one non-limiting design, the one or more electric pumps are partially or fully positioned in the elongated body and/or bottom portion. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the one or more electric pumps are fully positioned in the bottom portion. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the liquid pump mechanism includes a single electric pump that is partially or fully positioned in the elongated body and/or bottom portion. In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the liquid pump mechanism includes a single electric pump that is fully positioned in the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism. The positioning of the electric pump fully or partially in the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism can result in the sound generated by the operation of the electric pump to be significantly muffled, especially when the bottom portion is partially or fully immersed in liquid in a container; however, this is not required. The one or more electric pumps generally include one or more blades that are rotated by the electric pump so as to cause liquid to flow through the liquid pump mechanism. As can be appreciated, the electric pumps can be used to also or alternatively power one or more pistons that cause liquid to flow through the liquid pump mechanism. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the electric motor of one or more of the electric pumps is generally sealed from the liquid that enters the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The sealing of the electric motor of the one or more electric pumps has one or more advantages, namely 1) the electric motor is not damaged by the liquid, 2) the liquid is not contaminated by the electric motor, and/or 3) the portion of the liquid pump mechanism that includes the one or more electric pumps can be partially or fully submerged in liquid. In one non-limiting design, one or more sealing rings are used to isolate the electric motor of the one or more electric pumps from liquid flowing through the liquid pump mechanism; however, other or additional types of sealing arrangements can be used. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the top portion, the elongated body and/or the bottom portion are designed to fully or partially contain the one or more electric pumps and to fully or partially isolate the electric motor of the one or more electric pumps from liquid flowing through the liquid pump mechanism. For example, the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism can include a chamber that houses a single electric pump and includes an opening for the shaft of the electric pump to extend therethrough, which opening includes a sealing ring to create a liquid seal between the electric motor of the electric pump shaft and the opening in the chamber; however, this is not required. Such a chamber, when used, can be centrally located on the bottom portion; however, this is not required. 
     In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism includes an elongated body connected between the top portion and the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The elongated body, when used, includes one or more channels along the longitudinal length of the elongated body so that liquid can flow from the bottom portion, through the elongated body and to the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. Generally, the elongated body is a single piece component; however, this is not required. The elongated body can be a separate component or be integrally formed with the top portion and/or the bottom portion. The length, shape, cross-section shape, color and/or materials of the elongated body are non-limiting. The elongated body can be partially or fully formed of a flexible material (e.g., plastic, rubber, composite material, metal, etc.); however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the elongated body is a separate component from the top portion and/or the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism. The elongated body can be designed to be permanently or detachably connected to the top portion and/or the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism. When the elongated body is connected to the bottom portion, the elongated body is fluidly connected to one or more openings in the bottom portion. Generally, the bottom portion includes one or more openings in the top of the bottom portion that allows liquid to flow out of the bottom portion after the liquid has been drawn into the bottom portion; however, it can be appreciated that one or more openings can be positioned on other or additional regions of the bottom portion. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion includes a single top opening and a bottom portion of the elongated body is designed to be connected to the top opening (e.g., positioned into the opening in the bottom portion, fitted about the opening in the bottom portion, etc.). In another and/or alternative one non-limiting embodiment, the elongated body has a generally cylindrical shape; however, the elongated body can have other or additional shapes. The cross-section shape and size of the elongated body can be generally uniform along the longitudinal length of the elongated body; however, it can be appreciated that the cross-section shape and/or size of the elongated body can vary along the longitudinal length of the elongated body. The length of the elongated body is non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, the elongated body has a length of about 1-50 inches. In another non-limiting design, the elongated body has a length of about 2-40 inches. In still another non-limiting design, the elongated body has a length of about 6-30 inches. The cross-section size of the elongated body is also non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, when the elongated body has a circular cross-section shape, the diameter is about 0.1-3 inches. In another non-limiting design, when the elongated body has a circular cross-section shape, the diameter is about 0.25-2 inches. In still another non-limiting design, when the elongated body has a circular cross-section shape, the diameter is about 0.5-1.25 inches. In still another and/or alternative one non-limiting embodiment, one or more portions of the elongated body can be designed to be flexible and/or be formed of a flexible material; however, this is not required. When the elongated body is designed to be partially or fully flexible, such a design allows the elongated body to be more conveniently positioned in different shaped and/or sized cooler. In one non-limiting design, the elongated body is formed of a flexible tubular material. The tubular material can be clear, partially clear, or colored to prevent viewing of the interior of the elongated body. 
     In still yet another and/or alternative one non-limiting embodiment, the elongated body can be a multi-piece component that is telescoping; however, this is not required. The telescoping elongated body can include two telescoping sections; however, it can be appreciated that the telescoping elongated body can be formed of three or more telescoping sections (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.). The telescoping elongated body can be designed to adjust the length of the elongated body based on the depth of the interior portion of the cooler to which the liquid pump mechanism is connected. Generally, the telescoping sections are formed of a rigid material so that the telescoping sections can move relative to one another; however, this is not required. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment, one or more electric wires can partially or fully extend through the elongated body; however, this is not required. For example, when one or more electric pumps are located in the elongated body and/or the bottom portion, and the power supply is located in the top portion, elongated body and/or the bottom portion, one or more electric wires may be required to be positioned within the elongated body and/or along the outside of the elongated body. In one non-limiting design, when the power supply for the one or more electric pumps is separated from the one or more electric pumps that are partially or fully positioned in the elongated body and/or bottom portion the liquid pump mechanism, one or more electric wires are positioned in one or more portions of the interior of the elongated body so as to electrically connect one or more electric pumps to the power supply. When one or more electric wires are positioned in one or more portions of the interior of the elongated body, the one or more electric wires can be isolated from liquid that flows through one or more passageways in the interior of the elongated position that are used to allow liquid to flow through the elongated body; however, this is not required. The isolation of the one or more electric wires has one or more advantages, namely 1) the one or more electric wires are not damaged by the liquid, and/or 2) the liquid is not contaminated by the one or more electric wires. The isolation of the one or more wires (when used) can be achieved in several ways such as, but not limited to, 1) creating a separate passageway in the interior of the elongated body for the one or more electric wires which separate passageway is not in liquid communication with the one or more passageways for the liquid, 2) encasing the one or more electric wires in a tubing or other type of material, which tubing or material creates a separate passageway that is not in liquid communication with the one or more passageways for the liquid, and/or 3) coating the one or more electric wires with a coating (e.g., plastic coating, etc.) to isolate the current conducting wire from the liquid flowing in the elongated body. When a coating or tubing is used, such coating or tubing is generally water resistant and does not react or contaminate water or other types of beverages for human consumption; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting design, a tube is positioned in the at least one of the fluid passageways in the interior of the elongated body. One or more electric wires are positioned in the tube so as to isolate the one or more electric wires from any liquid that flows in the fluid passageway that includes the tube. 
     In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention is designed to fit into and is removably or irremovably connected to the lid of a cooler. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is rotatably connected to the lid of the cooler to enable the top portion be swivel relative to the lid; however, this is not required. The lid can optionally include structures that control the amount of rotation of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism on the lid. The lid can optionally include structures that can be used to inhibit or prevent dispensement of liquids from the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism when the top portion is rotated to a certain portion on the lid. 
     The present invention is also directed to a liquid pump mechanism that is designed to conveniently dispense liquids from detergent containers, fabric softener container and the like. As can be appreciated, the liquid pump mechanism can be used to pump fluids other than detergent and fabric softener (e.g., general liquid cleaners, floor cleaning solution, bleach, other types of liquid cleaning and/or disinfecting products, etc.). 
     In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention can be directed to a pump system that can be easily and conveniently used by consumers to dispense detergent and/or fabric softener from large containers (e.g., quart container; liter container; half-gallon container; two-liter container; one-gallon container; two-gallon container; five-gallon container; etc.). For purposes of this invention, a large container is defined as a container that can hold a quart or more of fluid. The liquid pump mechanism of the present invention is particularly useful in dispensing fluids from half-gallon containers and larger containers. The liquid pump mechanism as described in the present invention enables a user to create a dispenser for a variety of detergent and/or fabric softener containers so as to enable convenient dispensing of the liquid detergent and/or fabric softener from the container without having to lift and then pour the liquid detergent and/or fabric softener from the container. 
     In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid pump mechanism that includes a top portion that connects to the top opening of the container and a tube that extends into the interior of the container. The material and/or colors of the components of the liquid pump mechanism are non-limiting. Generally, the materials are durable, water resistant, and lightweight. Non-limiting materials that can be used include plastic, rubber, metal, resinous material, composite material, etc. The size and shape of the top portion the tube are non-limiting. 
     In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism includes one or more dispenser activators such as, but not limited to, dispensing tabs, knobs and/or buttons. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, one or more dispenser activators can be positioned at least partially on one or more sides of the body of the top portion. In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, one or more dispenser activators can be positioned at least partially on the top of the body of the top portion. The one or more dispenser activators can be used to activate the liquid pump mechanism and cause fluid in a container to be dispensed from the liquid pump mechanism. The one or more dispenser activators can be pivotable, rotatable, depressible, contact activated, etc.; however, it can be appreciated that the activation by the one or more dispenser activators can be accomplished by other or additional means (e.g., IR sensor, RF sensor, voice activation, remote control, etc.). In one non-limiting design, at least one dispenser activator is positioned fully on the top of the body of the top portion; however, this is not required. The at least one dispenser activator is designed to activate the liquid pump mechanism when a user uses his/her finger to press down upon the dispenser activator. A button, when used, can be depressible; however, this is not required. A knob, when used, can be rotatable and/or depressible; however, this is not required. One or more of the dispenser activators can include a biasing arrangement (e.g., spring, flexible material, etc.) to bias the position of the at least one dispenser activator in the non-activation position; however, this is not required. When a biasing arrangement is used, the biasing arrangement can be designed to cause the dispenser activator to move or switch from an activation position to a non-activation position; however, this is not required. The activation position causes the liquid pump mechanism to energize one or more components in the liquid pump mechanism to enable the liquid pump mechanism to pump fluid at least partially through the liquid pump mechanism. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, at least one dispenser activator is positioned fully on or partially on the top of the body of the top portion; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, one or more dispenser activators can be positioned only on the side of the body, only on the top of the body, only on the bottom of the body, or any combinations thereof. As can also be appreciated, the body of the top portion can include two or more dispenser activators (e.g., button, etc.). In one non-limiting arrangement, one dispenser activator can be used to activate the liquid pump mechanism and another dispenser activator can be used to deactivate the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The size and shape of the one or more dispenser activators are non-limiting. As can also be appreciated, a light sensor and/or motion sensor can also or alternatively be used to activate and/or deactivate the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. 
     In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism can optionally include one or more visual indicators used to inform a user 1) when the liquid pump mechanism is activated and/or deactivated, 2) battery power level, 3) pump malfunction, and/or 4) liquid level in container. The visual indicator, when used, can be printed material (e.g., on, off, etc.) a light (e.g., green light indicates on, red light indicates off, LED display, LCD display, etc.), and/or a tactile indicator (e.g., raised ribs, etc.). The one or more visual indicators can be located on any portion of the body of the top portion. 
     In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism includes one or more dispenser heads that are used to dispense fluid from the liquid pump mechanism. The size and shape of the one or more dispenser heads is non-limiting. The one or more dispenser heads can be connected to the top, bottom and/or sides of the body of the top portion. The one or more dispenser heads can be fixed in a single position relative to the body of the top portion or be movable relative to the body of the top portion. In one non-limiting embodiment, the one or more dispenser heads are connected to the body of the top portion such that the one or more dispenser heads are not movable relative to the body. The one or more dispenser heads can be optionally angled upwardly and/or include an internal passageway that angles upwardly; however, this is not required. The upward angle, when used, is designed to cause fluid contained in the one or more dispenser heads to flow back toward the top portion when the one or more motors are deactivated, thereby limiting or preventing fluid from dripping from the one or more dispenser heads after the one or more motors are deactivated; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting design, the one or more dispenser heads are angled upwardly and/or an internal passageway in the one or more dispenser heads is angled upwardly at an angle of about 0.5°-10° when a container that has a top opening and includes the liquid pump mechanism is placed on a flat surface. In another non-limiting design, the one or more dispenser heads are angled upwardly and/or an internal passageway in the one or more dispenser heads angles upwardly at an angle of about 1°-5° when a container that has a top opening and includes the liquid pump mechanism is placed on a flat surface. In still another non-limiting design, the one or more dispenser heads are angled upwardly and/or an internal passageway in the one or more dispenser heads angles upwardly at an angle of about 2°-3° when a container that has a top opening and includes the liquid pump mechanism is placed on a flat surface. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or more dispenser heads can include a valve that is only open when the liquid pump mechanism is activated to so as to inhibit or prevent liquid from flowing out of the one or more dispenser heads when the liquid pump mechanism is not activated. 
     In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism can include one or more power sources. As can be appreciated, one or more power sources can be also or alternatively be located external to the liquid pump mechanism. The one or more power sources generally include one or more batteries and/or solar cells; however, it can be appreciated that other or additional power sources can be used (e.g., electric plug, hand crank generator, etc.). In one non-limiting design, one or more batteries are fully or partially positioned in the body of the top portion. In such a design, the top portion can optionally include a movable and/or removable battery cover on the body to enable a user to access the battery cavity in the body of the top portion so that the user can insert/remove one or more batteries from the battery cavity. The movable and/or removable battery cover, when used, can be positioned on the top, bottom and/or sides of the body of the top portion. As can also be appreciated, the orientation of the one or more batteries in the battery cavity is non-limiting. As can also be appreciated, the type of batteries is non-limiting (e.g., A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, lantern battery, watch battery, calculator battery, etc.). One or more surfaces of the battery cover can optionally include one or more ribs or other type of gripping structures to facilitate in the moving of the battery cover on the body so that a user can access the battery cavity; however, this is not required. A locking arrangement can optionally be used in association with the battery cover to lock/unlock the battery cover to the body of the top portion; however, this is not required. 
     In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism can optionally include a connector adaptor. The connector adaptor, when used, is designed to maintain the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism on one or more fluid containers. Different containers can have different sized/shaped openings that allow a user to pour a liquid from the container. The connector adaptor, when used, is designed to be able to connect the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism to one or more different sized container openings. The connector adaptor can also be designed to form a liquid seal between the top opening of the container and a portion of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The color, shape and materials of the connector adaptor are non-limiting. The connector adaptor generally includes a cavity designed to receive at least a portion of a container to which the liquid pump mechanism is to be connected. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity is non-limiting (e.g., circular, oval, polygonal, etc.). The cross-sectional size and/or shape of the cavity can be constant or vary along the longitudinal length or central axis of the cavity. The inner surface of the cavity can optionally include connection members (e.g., thread, ribs, etc.) for use in connecting the connector adaptor to a container; however, this is not required. The connector adaptor, when used, can be permanently or removably connected to the bottom and/or sides of the body of the top portion. The connector adaptor, when used, can optionally be designed to be threaded onto a container opening, snap connected onto a container opening, and/or frictionally engage a container opening. In one non-limiting embodiment, the connector adaptor is removably connected to the top portion for customized connecting of the liquid pump mechanism to a container; however, this is not required. In such an arrangement, multiple sized/shaped connector adaptors can be used to customize the connector adaptor for connection to a particular container opening. For example, a user merely selects a connector adaptor for a particular container with which the liquid pump mechanism is to be used and merely connects the connector adaptor to the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment, the connector adaptor is removably connected to the top portion for easy cleaning and/or replacement of the connector adaptor; however, this is not required. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment, the connector adaptor includes one or more removable inserts that can be used to customize the connector adaptor for connection to a particular container opening; however, this is not required. For example, a user merely selects a removable insert for a particular container with which the liquid pump mechanism is to be used and merely connects the removable insert to the connector adaptor so that the connector adaptor can be connected to the fluid connector. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism includes a connector that is designed to secure the top portion onto a particular container or a particular opening size of a container. The connector can be designed to be snapped on, screw-threaded on, etc. to a container. The connector adaptor can be designed to form a liquid seal between the top opening of container and the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The connector adaptor can be removably or irremovably secured to the bottom surface of the body of the top portion by a variety of means (e.g., adhesive, clamp, thread, snap ring, friction connection, etc.). The connector adaptor can be designed to be removably connected to the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism so that a variety of adaptors can be connected to the top portion, and/or to facilitate in the cleaning of one or more components of the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The connector adaptor can have a wedge-type configuration; however, this is not required. The wedge-type connector can be inserted into the opening of a container and then be press fit in the opening to create a friction fit. The wedge-type connector, when used, is generally formed of a material that can slightly deform (e.g., plastic, rubber, polymer material, cork, synthetic cork material, etc.); however, this is not required. The wedge-type connector functions similar to a placing of a cork in a bottle. The wedge-type connector can have a variable cross-sectional area that increases in size between the bottom surface of the wedge-type connector and the top surface of the wedge-type connector. The increase in cross-sectional area along the longitudinal length of the wedge-type connector can be constant or variable. The outer surface of the wedge-type connector can be smooth or include one or more surface features (e.g., ridges, flaps, etc.). The outer surface of the wedge-type connector can include a plurality of surface features in the form of a plurality of landings that create an increase in cross-sectional area; however, this is not required. The shape of the wedge-type connector enables the wedge-type connector to be inserted into and secured to different sized openings in containers. As can be appreciated, the shape and size of the wedge-type connector is non-limiting. The liquid pump mechanism can include a screw-on cap. The screw-on cap can be designed to be connected to a certain sized opening in a container or bottle that is designed to receive a threaded cap. The screw-on cap can be designed to rotatably connect to or rigidly connect to the bottom surface of the body of the top portion. The outer surface of the screw-on cap can optionally include gripping features (e.g., ribs, grooves, etc.) to facilitate in the gripping of the screw-on cap when inserting or removing the screw-on cap from the opening of a bottle or container. 
     In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism includes a bottom portion that is designed to be inserted through an opening in a container and be partially or fully submerged in a liquid in the container. The bottom portion shape, size and materials are non-limiting. Generally, the bottom portion is formed of a lightweight, durable water resistant material (e.g., plastic, rubber, composite material, metal, etc.). The bottom portion is designed to be positioned at the bottom of the container or close to the bottom of the container when the liquid pump mechanism is connected to the container; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the bottom portion has a longitudinal length of at least about 0.25 inches and generally no more than about 20 inches. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a longitudinal length of about 0.5-18 inches. In another non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a longitudinal length of about 1-15 inches. The cross-section size and shape of the bottom portion is also non-limiting; however, the size and shape should be selected so that the bottom portion can be inserted into a container opening to which the liquid pump mechanism is to be used with. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment, the bottom portion has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a maximum diameter of about 0.1-3 inches. In another non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a maximum diameter of about 0.15-2 inches. In still another non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a maximum diameter of about 0.25-1 inches. In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment, the bottom portion has one or more openings designed to enable fluid in a container to flow into the interior of the bottom portion. The location, shape and size of the one or more openings on the bottom portion is non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion includes at least one opening at the bottom end of the bottom portion. One of the openings can be centrally located in the bottom end; however, this is not required. The one or more openings can be circular; however, it can be appreciated that the one or more openings can have cross-sectional shapes other than a circular shape. As can also be appreciated, the one or more openings can be positioned on other or additional locations on the bottom portion (e.g., one or more openings can be positioned on the side of the bottom portion, etc.). 
     In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism includes optionally one or more electric motors. The one or more electric motors can be designed to 1) draw fluid into the bottom portion, and 2) cause the fluid to flow to the top portion and out of one or more dispenser heads on the top portion. The one or more electric motors can alternatively be designed to 1) pressurize the container to cause fluid to flow into the bottom portion, and 2) cause the fluid to flow to the top portion and out of one or more dispenser heads on the top portion. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or more electric motors can be partially or fully located in the top portion and/or the bottom portion. In one non-limiting design, the one or more motors are partially or fully positioned in the top portion. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the liquid pump mechanism includes a single motor that is partially or fully positioned in the top portion. In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the liquid pump mechanism includes a single motor that is fully positioned in the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. The one or more motors generally include one or more blades or pistons. The one or more electric motors can be designed to 1) draw liquid into the top portion, 3) pump liquid toward the top portion, and/or 3) pressurize the container to cause liquid to be forced into the bottom portion and up to the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. In one non-limiting arrangement, one or more air pumps are located in the top portion and are designed to pump air into the container when the liquid pump mechanism is connected to the container. In such an arrangement, the air from the one or more air pumps causes pressure in the top of the container to increase, thereby causing the liquid in the container to flow into the bottom opening of the bottom portion, up through the bottom portion and into the top portion and out through the dispenser opening in the top portion. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or more electric motors are generally sealed from the fluid that enters the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The sealing of the one or more motors has one or more advantages, namely 1) the electric motor is not damaged by the fluid, 2) the fluid is not contaminated by the motor, and/or 3) the portion of the liquid pump mechanism that includes the one or more motors can be partially or fully submerged in fluid. In one non-limiting design, one or more sealing rings are used to isolate the one or more electric motors from liquid flowing through the liquid pump mechanism. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, one or more chambers located in the top portion are designed to fully or partially contain the one or more motors and to fully or partially isolate the one or more electric motors from liquid flowing through the liquid pump mechanism. For example, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism can include a chamber that houses a single motor, which opening includes a sealing ring or a separate chamber to create a liquid seal; however, this is not required. 
     One non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that can be used to enable convenient dispensing of liquid from coolers without having to lift and then pour or tip and then pour a liquid from the cooler. 
     Another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that can convert a cooler into a fountain-type drink dispenser. 
     Still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that includes a electric pump in the base portion to pump liquid upwardly through an elongated body and to the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. 
     Another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that can be use to dispense detergents. 
     Still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that includes a motor in the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. 
     Yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that includes a connector adaptor that can be used to connect the liquid pump mechanism to openings in containers. 
     Still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that includes an air pump that pressurizes the container to cause liquid to flow into the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism and into the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. 
     Another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that includes a valve in the dispenser head that inhibits or prevents liquid flowing from the dispenser head when the liquid pump mechanism is not activated. 
     These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate several non-limiting embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangements of parts wherein; 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of one non-limiting cooler in accordance with the present invention wherein the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is portioned in an activation position; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the cooler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the cooler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the cooler of  FIG. 1  wherein the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism as been rotated to a non-activation position; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the cooler of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of the cooler of  FIG. 1  without the lid; 
         FIG. 7  is a front elevation view of the lid of the cooler without the liquid pump mechanism; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the cooler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of the one non-limiting liquid pump mechanism; 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the liquid pump mechanism of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom elevation view of the liquid pump mechanism of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom plan view of the liquid pump mechanism of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the liquid pump mechanism of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 14  front view of the bottom portion and a section of the elongated body of the liquid pump mechanism of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion and a section of the elongated body of the liquid pump mechanism of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged elevation view of the bottom portion and lower portion of the elongated body of the liquid pump mechanism of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a front elevation view of one non-limiting embodiment of the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a sectional view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 19  which is absent the connector adaptor; 
         FIG. 24  is a sectional view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 19  which includes a connector adaptor; 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 19  absent the connector adaptor; 
         FIG. 27  is a front elevation view of another non-limiting embodiment of the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 27  in the closed position; 
         FIG. 29  is a side view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 27  in the open or dispensing position; 
         FIG. 30  is a side view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 27  position above a container; 
         FIG. 31  is a side view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 27  positioned above a container and positioned above the connector adaptor; 
         FIG. 32  is a sectional view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 27  in the closed position; and, 
         FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 27  in the open or dispensing position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting same,  FIGS. 1-18  illustrate one non-limiting embodiment of the cooler that includes a liquid pump mechanism in accordance with the present invention. Referring now to  FIGS. 1-8 , there is illustrated a cooler  100  that is formed of a cooler body  200 , a cooler lid  300  and a liquid pump mechanism  400 . 
     The cooler body is not limited in shape, size, material or color. Generally, the cooler body is formed of a durable material such as a plastic material; however, other or additional materials can be used. The cooler body generally is formed of multiple layers to facilitate in the insulation of a liquid in the interior of the cooler body; however, this is not required. The cooler body includes an internal cavity  202  that is designed to hold a liquid. The capacity of the internal cavity is non-limiting. Generally, the internal cavity is designed to hold 1-60 gallons of liquid; however, other sizes can be used. The general shape of the internal cavity is generally cylindrical as illustrated in  FIG. 6 ; however, this is not required. The bottom of the cooler body is generally flat; however, this is not required. 
     The top portion  210  of the cooler body generally includes a threaded region  212  that is designed to engage a corresponding threaded region on the cooler lid  300  so that the cooler lid can be connected and disconnected from the top portion of the cooler body; however, this is not required. The threaded region can fully or partially encircle the top portion of the cooler body. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the threaded region only partially encircles the top portion of the cooler body. As can be appreciated, the cooler lid can be connected to the top portion of the cooler body in other or additional ways (e.g., snap or friction fit, latch connection, etc.). 
     The top portion of the cooler body can optionally include one or more handles  214 ,  216 . The number of handles, and the size and shape of the one or more handles are non-limiting. Generally, the one or more handles are integrally formed with and non-detachable from the cooler body; however, it can be appreciated that the handles can be designed to be detachable from the body of cooler body. 
     The cooler body can optionally include one or more outer surface structures that can be used to facilitate in the carrying of the cool body, movement of the cooler body, and/or the securing of the cooler body to a fixture. The number, shape and size of the outer surface structures are non-limiting. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the outer surface of the cooler body includes two ridged regions  220 ,  230 . As can be appreciated, the less than two or more than two ridged regions can be formed on the cooler body. One or both of the ridged regions can be used to facilitate in securing the cooler body to a fixture (e.g., truck bed, table top, bench, etc.). For example, bungee cords, rope, etc. can be inserted in or under the ridges to facilitate securing the cooler body in a fixed position during the transport and/or use of the cooler; however, this is not required. 
     The cooler lid  300  is designed to be removable connected to the cooler body; however, this is not required. The cooler lid is not limited in shape, size, material or color. Generally, the cooler body is formed of a durable material such as a plastic material; however, other or additional materials can be used. The cooler lid can be formed of multiple layers to facilitate in the insulation of a liquid in the interior of the cooler body; however, this is not required. The materials used to form the cooler lid can be the same or different from the materials used to form the cooler body. The bottom of the cooler lid includes one or more threads that are designed to engage with the threaded region  212  on the cooler body to facilitate in the connection and detachment of the cooler lid from the cooler body. As can be appreciated, the cooler lid can include other or additional structures to enable the cooler lid to be connected to the cooler body in other ways. 
     The cooler lid is generally shaped such that when connected to the top portion of the cooler body, one or more corresponding structures on the cooler body and cooler lid are aligned; however, this is not required. For example, the cooler lid includes two handle portions  310 ,  312 . The handles are generally positioned on the outer peripheral regions of the cooler lid; however, this is not required. These handle portions can be used to facilitate in the insertion and/or removal of the cooler lid form the cooler body. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 , when the cooler lid is fully inserted onto the cooler body, handle portions  310 ,  312  are aligned with handles  214 ,  216  on the cooler body. As is also illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 , other structures of the cooler lid such as the bottom edge  302  of the lower outer peripheral region  301  of the cooler lid have a similar shape and size such that when the cooler lid is fully inserted onto the cooler body, the bottom edge  302  closely aligns with the adjacently positioned top portion of the cooler body. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the top portion  304  includes several structures. The top portion can optionally include one or more cup or container cavities  320 ,  322  which an be used to receive a bottom portion of a cup or container so that one or more cups or container can be placed on the top portion of the cooler lid. The number, size, shape and location of the one or more container cavities on the cooler lid, when used, are non-limiting. 
     The top portion of the cooler lid can include a recessed pump cavity  330 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a ridge  324  divides the container cavities from the pump cavity. The bottom surface  332  of the recessed pump cavity is positioned below the top surface of ridge  324 . The ridge generally represents the highest structure on the cooler lid (e.g., thickest point on the cooler lid or most elevated point on the top portion of the cooler measured from the bottom edge  302 ); however, this is not required. The depth of the recessed pump cavity is selected so that a majority or all of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is positioned even with or below the top surface of the ridge or highest structure on the cooler lid when the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is fully connected to the cooler lid as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Generally, at least about 60 percent of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is positioned below the top surface of the ridge or highest structure on the cooler lid when the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is fully connected to the cooler lid. Typically, at least about 75 percent of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is positioned below the top surface of the ridge or highest structure on the cooler lid when the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is fully connected to the cooler lid. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a majority of the perimeter of the recessed pump cavity is generally raised above the bottom surface of the cooler lid as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Generally, at least about 60% of the perimeter of the recessed pump cavity is raised above the bottom surface of the cooler lid. Typically, at least about 70% of the perimeter of the recessed pump cavity is raised above the bottom surface of the cooler lid. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the front portion of the recessed pump cavity does not include a raised portion or ridge; however, this is not required. In the other regions of the recessed pump cavity, rims  334 ,  336  and ridge  324  form the raised perimeter regions of the recessed pump cavity. The shape and height of rims  334 ,  336  and ridge  324  are non-limiting. The two rims are illustrated as having an arcuate shape and an upper sloped portion  335 ,  337 ; however, this is not required. The shape of the rims and the sloped portion of the rims are designed to facilitate in the support and rotational movement of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism when the liquid pump mechanism is connected to the cooler lid. 
     The bottom surface of the recessed pump cavity includes a pump opening  340 . The pump opening passes fully through the cooler lid as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The pump opening can include a tapered top edge  342 ; however, this is not required. The tapered top edge, when used, can facilitate in the insertion and/or connection of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism to the cooler lid. The size and shape of the pump opening is non-limiting. Generally, the pump opening has a circular cross-sectional shape. Generally, the pump opening is positioned at the center of the recessed pump cavity as illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; however, this is not required. 
     Positioned about the pump opening is one or more rotational slots  350 ,  352 . The one or more slots may or may not fully penetrate through the cooler lid. The one or more rotational slots can fully or partially encircle the pump opening. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , both of the rotational slots only partially encircle the pump opening, are spaced from one another, have generally the same length and shape and size, and are spaced generally the same distance from the pump opening; however, this is not required. Generally, when the two or more slots are positioned at similar distances from the pump opening, the length of the two or more slots is generally the same; however, this is not required. However, when the two or more slots are positioned at different distances from the pump opening, the length of the two or more slots is generally different; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting arrangement, one or more slots fully encircle the pump opening. In another non-limiting arrangement, one or more slots do not fully encircle the pump opening. In such an arrangement, one or more slots only encircle up to about 90 percent of the pump opening, typically up to about 75 percent of the pump opening, more typically up to about 50 percent of the pump opening, still more typically up to about 49 percent of the pump opening, yet still more typically up to about 45 percent of the pump opening, and yet more typically up to about 40 percent of the pump opening. 
     The cooler lid can optionally include a dispenser tab cavity  360 . The dispenser tab cavity, when used, can be positioned on one or more sides of the recessed pump cavity. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the dispenser tab cavity is located on only one side of the recessed pump cavity. The dispenser tab cavity is designed to receive a dispenser tab that is located on the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism when the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is rotated on the cooler lid to a non-operation position. The dispenser tab cavity is designed to both receive the dispenser tab and limit or prevent depression of the dispenser tab so as to inhibit or prevent the activation of the liquid pump mechanism and dispensement of liquid from the liquid pump mechanism when the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is rotated on the cooler lid to a non-operation position. Generally, the rotational slots are designed to enable the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism to be rotated on the cooler lid between and operation position and a non-operation position, and to also limit the movement of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism so that the dispenser tab can enter and exit the dispenser tab cavity and limiting or preventing damage to the dispenser tab when the dispenser tab enters and exits the dispenser tab cavity. When the dispenser tab is positioned in the dispenser tab cavity, the dispenser tab cavity can inhibit or prevent damage to the dispenser tab during the movement of the cooler and/or non-use of the liquid pump mechanism. The size and shape of the dispenser tab cavity is non-limiting. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is illustrated one non-limiting embodiment of a liquid pump mechanism  400  in accordance with the present invention. The liquid pump mechanism is designed to dispense liquid, not shown, from the cooler body  200  of cooler  100  into a glass, cup, container or the like. A variety of liquids can be dispensed by the liquid pump mechanism. Most liquids consumed by humans (e.g., water, fruit juice, vegetable juice, milk, soda, energy drinks, protein drinks, tea, coffee, etc.) can be dispensed by the liquid pump mechanism. The liquid pump mechanism of the present invention enables a user to create a fountain type dispenser from a cooler to enable convenient dispensing of liquid from the cooler without having to lift or tilt the cooler and then dispense liquid from the cooler. 
     The liquid pump mechanism  400  includes a top portion  410 , an elongated body  440  and a bottom portion  460 . The materials and/or colors of the components of the liquid pump mechanism are non-limiting. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the bottom portion  460  of the liquid has a generally cylindrical shape body  462  which has upper and lower tapered ends  464 ,  466 ; however, it can be appreciated that the bottom portion can have many other shapes. The bottom portion is generally formed of a plastic material; however, other or additional materials can be used to form all or a portion of the bottom portion. The length of the bottom portion is non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a length of about 0.5-8 inches, typically about 1-6 inches, and more typically about 1-4 inches. The cross-section size and shape of the bottom portion is also non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, when the bottom portion has a circular cross-section shape, the diameter is about 0.25-3 inches, typically about 0.5-2 inches, and more typically about 0.5-1.5 inches. The cross-sectional size and/or shape of the bottom portion can be constant or vary along the longitudinal length or central axis of the bottom portion. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16 , the bottom end  468  of the bottom portion  460  includes an opening  470 . As can be appreciated, the bottom portion can include more than one opening; however, this is not required. As can also be appreciated, the opening can be located in other or additional locations on the bottom portion; however, this is not required. The opening  470  is designed to enable liquid (not shown) in the body of the cooler to be drawn to the interior  472  of the bottom portion. The bottom portion is illustrated as including a centrally located circular opening in the bottom end; however, it can be appreciated that 1) the opening can have shapes other than a circular shape, 2) the opening does not have to be in the center of the bottom end, 3) the bottom portion can include more than one opening, 4) one or more openings can be positioned on the side of the bottom portion, and/or 5) an opening does not need to be positioned at the bottom end of the bottom portion. One or more base ribs  474  can be optionally connected to or formed on the bottom end of the bottom portion. The base ribs can be used to elevate the bottom end from a bottom surface of a container when the bottom portion is placed into a container. The spacing of the bottom end  168  from the bottom of a container facilitates in preventing the opening  470  from forming a seal with the bottom surface of the container and thereby inhibiting or preventing liquid in the container from being drawn through the opening  470  and into the interior  472  of the bottom portion. As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , four ribs  474  are positioned on the bottom end  468  of the bottom portion. As can be appreciated, when ribs are used, more than four or less than four ribs can be used. The shape of the ribs, when used, is non-limiting. 
     Positioned in the interior  472  of the body  462  of the bottom portion  460  is an electric pump  480 . The electric pump is designed to rotate a blade  482  which causes liquid in the cooler body to be drawn through opening  470  and into the interior  472  of bottom portion  460  as illustrated by the arrows in  FIG. 15 . A rotatable shaft  484  is connected between the electric pump and the blade. A sealing ring  486  can be used to form a liquid seal to inhibit or prevent liquid from contacting the electric pump and/or entering the interior of the electric pump. The electric pump in the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism is generally partially or fully sealed from the liquid that enters the interior of the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The sealing of the electric pump has one or more advantages, namely 1) the electric pump is not damaged by the liquid, and/or 2) the liquid is not contaminated by the electric pump. The blade  482  includes a plurality of fins  483 . As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the blades can have an arcuate shape to facilitate in drawing liquid into the bottom portion when the electric pump rotates the blade. An electric pump mount chamber or brackets  488  can be used to mount the electric pump in the interior  472  of the bottom portion. As can be appreciated, more than one electric pump can be used to rotate one or more blades. As can also be appreciated, all or a portion of the electric pump can also or alternatively be positioned in the top portion and/or elongated body of the liquid pump mechanism. It has been found that by placing the electric pump fully or partially in the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism, the sound generated by the operation of the electric pump is significantly muffled, especially when the bottom portion is partially or fully immersed in liquid in a container. Furthermore, by placing the electric pump in the bottom portion, a smaller profile for the top portion can be obtained. 
     A top opening  490  is positioned at or near the upper tapered end  464  of the bottom portion. As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , a connection flange  492  extends upwardly from tapered end  464  and terminates at top opening  490 . The lower end  442  of elongated body  440  is illustrated as being fitted about connection flange  492  to form a connection between the elongated body  440  and the bottom portion  160 . As illustrated by the arrows in  FIG. 15 , when the electric pump  480  rotates blade  482 , liquid in the cooler body is drawn into the interior  472  of the bottom portion via opening  470 , and then flows upwardly through the interior and out of the bottom portion via top opening  490  and into the inner passageway  444  of the elongated body. As can be appreciated, the bottom portion can include more than one top opening. As can also be appreciated, the size and/or shape of the one or more top openings are non-limiting. Furthermore, the location of the one or more top openings on the bottom portion is non-limiting. 
     Generally, the lower end of the elongated body  440  is irremovably connected to the bottom portion  460 ; however this is not required. The elongated body is illustrated as having a generally cylindrical shape; however, the elongated body can have other or additional shapes. The cross-section shape and size of the elongated body is illustrated as being generally uniform along most of the longitudinal length of the elongated body; however, it can be appreciated that the cross-section shape and/or size of the elongated body can vary along the longitudinal length of the elongated body. The length of the elongated body is non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, the elongated body has a length of about 2-50 inches, and typically about 5-30 inches. The cross-section size of the elongated body is also non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, when the elongated body has a circular cross-section shape, the diameter is about 0.25-3 inches, and typically about 0.5-2 inches. One or more portions of the elongated body can be designed to be flexible and/or be formed of a flexible material; however, this is not required. When the elongated body is designed to be partially or fully flexible, such a design allows the elongated body to be more conveniently positioned in different shaped and sized containers. In one non-limiting design, the elongated body is formed of a flexible tubular material. The tubular material can be clear, partially clear, or colored or coated to partially or fully prevent viewing of the interior of the elongated body. Generally, the elongated body is a single, flexible piece of material; however, this is not required. 
     As mentioned above, the interior of the elongated body includes one or more passageways  444  to enable liquid to flow from the lower end of the elongated body to the upper end  446  of the elongated body  440 . The lower end  442  is illustrated as being stretched about connection flange  492  on the bottom portion. An adhesive can also be used to secure the elongated body to the bottom portion; however, this is not required. The outer surface of the connection flange  492  can include one or more connection ribs  493  to facilitate in maintaining the connection between the elongated body and the bottom portion; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, other or additional arrangements can be used to form a connection between the bottom portion and the elongated portion. Generally, the connection between the bottom portion and the elongated body forms a liquid-proof seal; however, this is not required. 
     The elongated body can include one or more inner passageways. The inner passageway  444  of the elongated body can include one or more electric wires  500 ,  502 ; however, this is not required. The electric wires can be coated with an insulating and/or protective material  504 ,  506 ; however, this is not required. When the power supply for the electric pump is partially or fully positioned in the top portion  410  and/or elongated body  440 , one or more electric wires are typically positioned in one or more portions of the inner passageway of the elongated body so as to electrically connect the electric pump to the power supply. When one or more electric wires are positioned in the inner passageway of the elongated body, the one or more electric wires can be isolated from the liquid in the inner passageways; however, this is not required. The isolation of the one or more electric wires has one or more advantages, namely 1) the one or more electric wires are not damaged by the liquid, and/or 2) the liquid is not contaminated by the one or more electric wires. The isolation of the one or more wires, when used, can be achieved in several ways such as, but not limited to, 1) creating a separate passageway in the interior of the elongated body for the one or more electric wires which separate passageway is not in fluid communication with the one or more passageways for the liquid, 2) encasing the one or more electric wires in a tubing or other type of material, which tubing or material, and/or 3) coating the one or more electric wires with a coating (e.g., plastic coating, etc.). As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the electric wires  500 ,  502  are coated with a protective/insulative coating  504 ,  506  and are also positioned in the inner cavity of protective tube  600 . The lower end  604  of the protective tube  600  is illustrated as being connected to the top of electric pump  480 . Generally, a liquid seal is formed between the lower end of the protective tube and the electric pump; however, this is not required. The top end of the protective tube is designed to be connected to the top portion  410  of the electric pump. Generally, a liquid seal is formed between the top end of the protective tube and the top portion; however, this is not required. In such an arrangement, the protective tube extends partially or fully along the length of the elongated body. In the non-limiting arrangement illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 18 , the electric wires are positioned in the protective tube so as to isolate the electric wires from any liquid that flows in the inner passageway of the elongated body. The lower end of the protective tube is connected to the electric pump so that liquid flowing from the bottom portion into the elongated body does not enter the tube and/or contact the one or more electric wires. Likewise, the upper end of the protective tube is connected to the top portion of the electric pump so that liquid flowing in the elongated body into the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism does not enter the protective tube and/or contact the electric wires. The protective tube is generally formed of a flexible material; however, this is not required. The electric wires are also generally flexible; however, this is not required. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-13 , the top portion  410  of the liquid pump mechanism  400  includes a dispenser head  414  and a dispenser tab  420 . As indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 13 , the dispenser tab  420  is designed to be slidably connected to the dispenser head  414 . The dispenser tab is designed to slide in a rearward and forward direction as illustrated by the arrow in  FIG. 13 . The dispenser tab is designed to be depressed by a user or a cup or container to move the dispenser tab rearwardly to an actuation position to cause the actuation of the electric pump, which in turn causes liquid to flow into the bottom portion, through elongated body, into the body of top portion and out of dispenser opening  416  of dispenser head  414 . The dispenser tab is generally biased in a forward position or non-activation position by a biasing arrangement, such as a spring  415  or the like; however, this is not required. When the dispenser tab is in the non-activation position, the electric pump is not actuated by the power supply. As can be appreciated, many other arrangements can be used to enable a user to cause liquid to be dispensed from the dispenser opening of dispenser head (e.g., switch, knob, button on top portion, motion sensor, touch sensor, etc.). The depression of the dispenser tab can be accomplished in at least two ways. The first method is by the user placing a glass, cup or other type of container under the dispenser opening of dispenser head and then manually pressing the dispenser tab. The top section  421  includes a curved surface that is designed to be conveniently depressed by the finger of a user. The top section can optionally include ribbed portions  423  or a non-smooth surface to facilitate in the user gripping and pushing the dispenser tab as the dispenser tab is moved rearwardly to the activation position. The second method is by positioning a cup or container below the dispenser opening and then pushing or pressing a portion of the cup or container against the bottom section  425  of the dispenser tab to move the dispenser tab rearwardly to the activation position. The bottom section can optionally include ribbed portions  427  or a non-smooth surface to facilitate in the cup or container gripping the dispenser tab as the dispenser tab is moved rearwardly to the activation position. The size and configuration of the top and bottom sections of the dispenser tab is non-limiting. Generally, the two sections have a different shape and the bottom section is larger than the top section as illustrated in  FIG. 13 ; however, this is not required. The front face of the bottom section is generally 70-100° to bottom surface of the dispenser opening, and more particularly about 90° to the bottom surface of the dispenser opening; however, this is not required. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , when the rear face  429  of the dispenser tab is moved a sufficient rearward distance, the rear face contacts an activation switch  431  which causes the electric pump to activate. Once a cup or container is removed from the bottom section of the dispenser tab and/or a user removes his/her finger from the top section of the dispenser tab, the spring  415  causes the dispenser tab to move forward thereby causing the rear face to move off the switch  431 , which causes the electric pump to deactivate. As can be appreciated, may other arrangements can be used to activate and deactivate the electric pump. 
     The body  412  of the top portion  410  of the liquid pump mechanism  400  has a generally oval or circular cross-sectional shape; however, it will be appreciated that the body can have many different shapes and/or sizes. The maximum cross-sectional size of the body is generally selected so that the body properly fits in the recessed pump cavity of the cooler lid and larger than in the pump opening in the recessed pump cavity. Such a design can be used to prevent the top portion from inadvertently falling inside the cooler. However, with respect to the bottom portion and the elongated body, the maximum cross sectional size is generally selected so that the bottom portion and the elongated portion can fit through the pump opening in the recessed pump cavity. 
     The dispenser head  414  is illustrated as being positioned on the top surface of body  412 ; however, it will be appreciated that the dispenser head can be positioned on other or additional regions of the body of the top portion. Likewise, dispenser tab  420  is illustrated as being positioned on the dispenser head; however, it will be appreciated that the dispenser tab  420  can be positioned on other or additional regions of the top portion  410 . As can further be appreciated, the size and/or shape of the dispenser head and the dispenser tab is non-limiting. The dispenser tab, body of the top portion, and/or the dispenser head can include a safety feature (e.g., tab lock, deactivation switch, dispenser head lock and unlock position, etc.) to prevent inadvertent actuation of the electric pump by a user; however this is not required. 
     The dispenser head includes a fluid channel  417  that is positioned between and fluidly connected to the dispenser opening  416  and central channel  419 . The shape and size of fluid channel  417 , dispenser opening  416  and central channel  419  is non-limiting. Fluid channel  417  is generally angled upwardly between the point of connection to the central channel and the fluid channel. The upward angle of the fluid channel can be at a constant slope; however, this is not required. The upward angle is generally at about 1-10°, typically 2-7°, and more typically about 2-5°; however, other angles can be used. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the upward angle of the fluid channel is at a constant slope along the majority or fully length of the fluid channel; however, this is not required. As a result of this design, the elevation of the dispenser opening is greater than the lower point of connection  419 A of the fluid channel to the central channel. As such, when the liquid pump mechanism is connected to the cooler lid and the cooler lid is connected to the cooler body, and the bottom of the cooler body is resting on a flat surface, the elevation of the dispenser opening is greater than the lower point of connection of the fluid channel to the central channel, there causing liquid in the fluid channel to flow back to the central channel when the electric pump is deactivated so that little of no liquid drips from the dispenser opening during the deactivation of the electric pump. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the base  433  of the central channel  419  is connected to upper end  446  of the elongated body  440 . An adhesive can be used to secure the elongated body to the central channel; however, this is not required. The inner surface of the base of the central channel can include one or more connection ribs to facilitate in maintaining the connection between the elongated body and the central channel; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, other or additional arrangements can be used to form a connection between the central channel and the elongated portion. Generally, the connection between the central channel and the elongated body forms a liquid proof seal; however, this is not required. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , the bottom surface  435  of body  412  of the top portion includes a battery cover  430  that is removable to enable a user to access the battery cavity  432  in the body of the top portion. The top portion can include one or more battery cavities. Positionable in the battery cavity is a power supply that is typically in the form of one or more batteries. The power supply is designed to supply electrical power to the electric pump when the dispenser tab is moved rearwardly to the actuation position. As can also be appreciated, the orientation of the one or more batteries in the battery cavity and the top portion is non-limiting. As can also be appreciated, the type of batteries used to power the electric pump is non-limiting. The battery cavities generally include electric connectors that are in turn directly or indirectly connected to wires  500 ,  502 . The battery cover  430  can be connected to the bottom of the top portion by one or more screws  437 ; however, other or additional connection arrangements can be used. 
     The top portion  410  of the liquid pump mechanism is designed to be rotatably connected to the cooler lid; however, this is not required. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , a connection flange  439  that extends downwardly from the bottom surface  435  that is designed to be inserted into the pump opening  340  in the cooler lid. Generally, the cross-sectional shape of the connection flange is circular; however, this is not required. The length, size and shape of the connection flange are non-limiting. Generally, the cross-sectional shape of the connection flange is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the pump opening. The outer surface of the connection flange and/or the inner surface of the pump opening can include one or more engage arrangements (e.g., ribs, slots, etc.) to facilitate is connecting the connection flange in the pump opening; however, this is not required. Generally, the connection flanges enables the liquid pump mechanism to be connected and disconnected from the cooler lid; however, this is not required. The disconnecting of the liquid pump mechanism from the cooler lid can be used to facilitate in the cleaning of the component of the cooler, enable batteries to be replaced in the liquid pump mechanism, etc. The top portion of the liquid pump mechanism can be designed to be friction/compression fitted, snap fitted, twist fitted, etc. to the cooler lid; however, other or additional connection arrangements can be used. 
     The bottom surface  435  of the top portion can also include one or more positioning tabs  441 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the bottom surface includes two positioning tabs. The positioning tabs are designed to fit into rotational slots  350 ,  352  on the cooler lid. The position tabs in combination with rotational slots control or limit the amount of rotation of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism on the cooler lid. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is positioned in the activation or operational position. As mentioned above, in this position, liquid in the cooler body can be dispensed from the dispenser opening on the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism by moving the dispenser tab rearwardly to the activation position. As illustrated by the arrow in  FIG. 1 , the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism can be rotated counter-clockwise to cause the dispenser tab to move into the dispenser tab cavity  360  as illustrated in  FIGS. 4-5 . As mentioned above, the design of the dispenser tab cavity enables the dispenser tab to move into the dispenser tab cavity, but also inhibits or prevents the rearward movement of the dispenser tab while in the dispenser tab cavity, thereby inhibiting or preventing activation of the liquid pump mechanism. When the liquid pump mechanism is to be used again, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is rotated in the clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 5  until the dispenser tab exits the dispenser tab cavity. During the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism, the positioning tabs on the top portion and the rotational slots in the cooler lid control and limit the amount to which the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism can rotated in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. As can be appreciated, the cooler lid and liquid pump mechanism can be designed such that the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is rotated in the clockwise direction to cause the dispenser tab to move into the dispenser tab cavity. 
     As can be appreciated, the cooler lid can be designed for use with two or more liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. In such an arrangement, the cooler lid would include a plurality of the structures discussed above to enable two or more liquid pump mechanism to be simultaneously used on the cooler as described above with regard to the single liquid pump mechanism. 
     The cooler of the present invention has the advantage over the standard dispensers on cooler in that 1) the dispensing arrangement of the present invention can dispense liquids in the cooler even when the liquid level in the cooler is low without having to tip the cooler, 2) the dispensing arrangement provides for more convenient dispensing of liquid from the cooler to a user, and/or 3) the dispensing arrangement can reduce damage to the dispenser during the transport and/or storage of the cooler. As can be appreciated, the cooler lid and/or liquid pump mechanism can be offered or sold separately from any standard cooler. In such a situation, the cooler lid to the standard cooler is merely substituted for the cooler lid and/or liquid pump mechanism. As can be appreciated, the cooler lid and liquid pump mechanism of the present invention can be used on other coolers that can be used with a similar sized top portion or lid. As such, the liquid pump mechanism arrangement can be designed to be used with different coolers that can accommodate the lid that includes the liquid pump mechanism. 
     As mention above, the ability to swivel the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism has the advantage of moving at least a portion of the dispenser head into the interior region of the cooler lid so as to reduce or prevent damage to the dispenser head when the cooler is being transported or not in use. The swiveling of the top portion can also be used to activate/deactivate the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The swiveling of the top portion can also be used to stop or limit flow of flow through the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19-26 , the liquid pump can be used to dispense detergent and/or other types of cleaning solutions. In one non-limiting embodiment, the liquid pump is designed to easily and effectively dispenses detergent and/or softener from the detergent and/or softener container without having the user lift or tilt the container. Non-limiting liquid pumps in accordance with the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 19-26 . The liquid pump can be designed to easily and simply fit onto the top opening of a detergent and/or softener container, and then the liquid pump can be activated by a user to dispense and aerate the liquid detergent and/or softener from the detergent and/or softener container without having to lift and pour the liquid detergent and/or softener from the container. The liquid pump is of particular use with dispensing liquid detergents and/or softeners; however, it will be appreciated that the liquid pump of the present invention can be used to dispense other types of liquids (e.g., bleach, ammonia, other types of liquid cleaning and/or disinfecting products, etc.). 
     The shape, size and materials used for the liquid pump of the present invention is non-limiting. Generally, the liquid pump of the present invention will have a low profile configuration when inserted onto a detergent and/or softener container; however, this is not required. The liquid pump includes a tubular insert that is designed to be inserted into the detergent and/or softener container and to draw the detergent and/or softener out of the container. The tubular insert can be designed to be removable from the body of the liquid pump; however, this is not required. 
     The body of the liquid pump includes a connecting/sealing arrangement that is designed to secure the liquid pump to the top opening of the detergent and/or softener out of the container. As can be appreciated, the sealing arrangement can have a variety of configurations and be formed of a variety of materials. One non-limiting arrangement is a threaded connection that is twisted onto the threaded rim of the detergent and/or softener of the container. 
     The body of the liquid pump includes one or more pumps and a pump actuator. The pump is designed to cause the detergent and/or softener in the detergent and/or softener container to flow into the tubular insert and then be dispensed from the detergent and/or softener container. The pump can be designed to 1) direct air into the detergent and/or softener container to pressurize the detergent and/or softener container and cause the detergent and/or softener in the detergent and/or softener container to flow into the bottom opening of the tubular insert and up through and out of the liquid pump dispenser opening or hose opening, 2) direct air into a tubular insert and/or a fluid passageway connected to the tubular insert so as to cause a pressure drop within the lower portion of the tubular insert that results in the detergent and/or softener being drawn into the bottom opening of the tubular insert and up through and out of the liquid pump dispenser opening or hose opening, and/or 3) use one or more rotary blades to draw the detergent and/or softener into the bottom opening of the tubular insert and up through and out of the liquid pump dispenser opening or hose opening. As can be appreciated, other or additional arrangements can be used to cause the detergent and/or softener to be dispensed from the detergent and/or softener container by the liquid pump. The body of the liquid pump can include one or more actuators designed to activate/deactivate the one or more pumps in the liquid pump. The actuator can be in many different forms and be in many different locations on the liquid pump. One non-limiting form is a push button that is located on the top of the dispensement head that is attached to a hose as illustrated in  FIGS. 19-26 . As can be appreciated, many other arrangements can be used to actuate the one or more pumps in the liquid pump (e.g., switch, etc.). As can be appreciated, the push button can be located on the body of the liquid pump. When the push button is depressed, the button activates the one or more pumps and causes the detergent and/or softener to be dispensed from the detergent and/or softener container. 
     The body of the liquid pump can include one or more power compartments that are used to hold one or more power cells (e.g., batteries, etc.) to power the one or more pumps; however, this is not required. The batteries, when used, can be designed to be replaceable and/or rechargeable; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the one or more pumps can be also or alternatively be powered by other means (e.g., solar cells, electric poser cord, etc.). 
     The liquid pump can include a dispensing hose as illustrated in  FIGS. 19-26  that enables a user to easily and conveniently direct the dispensed detergent and/or softener only a desired location (e.g., into a washer, onto a laundry item, etc.); however, this is not required. The actuator can be used to control the amount of detergent and/or softener that is dispensed from the detergent and/or softener container. The use of the dispensing hose is optional. The length of the dispensing hose is non-limiting. Generally, the dispensing hose is flexible; however, this is not required. 
     The liquid pump can also be designed to not include a dispensing hose as illustrated in  FIGS. 19-26 . The dispensing opening is illustrated as being positioned on the body of the liquid pump. An actuation lever is also positioned on the body of the liquid pump and is used to activate the one or more pumps and cause the detergent and/or softener to be dispensed from the detergent and/or softener container. As can be appreciated, other types of actuation arrangements (e.g., button, switch, etc.) can be used to activate the one or more pumps of the liquid pump. 
       FIGS. 19-26  illustrate one non-limiting embodiment of the liquid pump mechanism  100  in accordance with the present invention. Liquid pump mechanism  100  is designed to dispense fluid (not shown) from a container into a glass, cup, dishwasher, washing machine, sink, or the like. The type of container with which the liquid pump mechanism can be used is non-limiting. The liquid pump mechanism is particularly designed to pump detergents or fabric softener from a container; however, the liquid pump mechanism can be used to dispense other types of liquids. Detergents (e.g., washing machine detergent, dishwasher detergent, etc.) and fabric softeners generally have a higher viscosity than liquids such as water, milk, soft drinks, fruit juices, glass cleaners, ammonia, etc. Liquids such as water, milk, soft drinks, fruit juices, glass cleaners, ammonia and the like generally have a viscosity of about 0.9-1.1 centipoise at 20° C. The viscosity of detergents is generally at least about 3-200 centipoise at 20° C., and typically about 5-175 centipoise at 20° C., and more typically about 10-130 centipoise at 20° C. Prior art liquid pump mechanisms that are designed to pump lower viscous liquids cannot be used to pump higher viscous liquids such as detergents and fabric softeners. The liquid pump mechanism of the present invention is specifically designed to pump higher viscous liquids such as detergents and fabric softeners at an average rate of about 0.05-20 ounces per second, typically about 0.1-10 ounces per second, more typically about 0.1-10 ounces per second, and still more typically about 0.2-5 ounces per second. 
     The liquid pump mechanism of the present invention enables a user to create a dispenser for a variety of detergent and/or fabric softener containers so as to enable convenient dispensing of detergent and/or fabric softener from containers without having to lift and then pour a liquid from the container. 
     The liquid pump mechanism  100  includes a top portion  110  and a bottom portion  200 . The materials and/or colors of the components of the liquid pump mechanism are non-limiting. 
     The bottom portion  200  of the liquid pump mechanism has a generally cylindrical shape body  210 ; however, it can be appreciated that the bottom portion can have many other shapes. The bottom portion is generally formed of a plastic material; however, other or additional materials can be used to form all or a portion of the bottom portion. The length of the bottom portion is non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a length of about 0.5-20 inches, typically about 1-18 inches, and more typically about 3-15 inches; however, other lengths can be used. The cross-section size and shape of the bottom portion is also non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, when the bottom portion has a circular cross-section shape, the diameter is about 0.15-1 inches, typically about 0.2-0.5 inches, and more typically about 0.25-0.4 inches; however, other diameters can be used. The cross-sectional size and/or shape of the bottom portion can be constant or vary along the longitudinal length or central axis of the bottom portion. 
     The bottom end of the bottom portion  200  includes an opening (not shown). As can be appreciated, the bottom portion can include more than one opening; however, this is not required. As can also be appreciated, the opening can be located in other or additional locations on the bottom portion; however, this is not required. The opening is designed to enable fluid (not shown) in a container to flow to the interior of the bottom portion. The bottom portion generally includes a centrally located circular opening in the bottom end; however, it can be appreciated that 1) the opening can have shapes other than a circular shape, 2) the opening does not have to be in the center of the bottom end, 3) the bottom portion can include more than one opening, and/or 4) one or more openings can be positioned on the side of the bottom portion. The bottom end of the bottom portion is generally spaced from the bottom of a container to facilitate in preventing the opening from forming a seal with the bottom surface of the container and thereby inhibiting or preventing fluid in the container from flowing into the opening and into the interior of the bottom portion. 
     One or more portions of the bottom portion  200  can be designed to be flexible and/or be formed of a flexible material; however, this is not required. When the bottom portion is designed to be partially or fully flexible, such a design allows the bottom body to be more conveniently positioned in different shaped and sized containers. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion is formed of a flexible tubular material. The tubular material can be clear, partially clear, or colored or coated to partially or fully prevent viewing of the interior  212  of the bottom body. The top end  220  of the bottom portion is designed to be connected to a connection flange  124  that extends downwardly from the top surface  122  of the connection cavity  120  of the top portion. The connection flange can optionally include a rib  126  to facilitate in the connection of the bottom portion to the connection flange. Generally, a liquid seal is formed between the top end of the bottom portion and the connection flange; however, this is not required. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , the top portion can be designed to connect to different types of container.  FIG. 25  illustrates a connection adaptor  140  connected inside of connection cavity  120 .  FIG. 26  illustrates the connection cavity that is absent the connection adaptor. The use of the connection adapter is optional. Referring now to  FIG. 26 , the connection cavity  120  includes a plurality of connection arrangement to enable the connection cavity  120  to be connected to a plurality of different sized openings on a container. The connection cavity includes a first threaded surface  132  and a second threaded surface  136 . The first threaded surface  132  is located on the inner surface of the outer flange  130 , and the second threaded surface  136  is located on the inner surface of inner flange  134 . The diameter of the outer flange is greater than the diameter of the inner flange. As such, the first threaded surface  132  is designed to be threaded onto and connected to a larger diameter opening than the second threaded surface  136 . When the first threaded surface  132  is threaded onto the corresponding outer threaded surface of a container opening, the lip of the container opening is positioned between first threaded surface  132  and the outer surface of the inner flange  134 . When the second threaded surface  136  is threaded onto the corresponding outer threaded surface of a container opening, the lip of the container opening is positioned between second threaded surface  136  and the outer surface of the third flange  138 . 
     When the adapter connector is used, the adaptor connector can be designed to be threaded to the first and/or second threaded surface  132 ,  136 . As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the adaptor connector  140  is threaded to the first threaded surface  132 . The upper portion  142  of the adaptor connector  140  includes a threaded surface  144  on the outer surface of the upper portion that is designed to be threaded onto the first threaded surface  132 . The adapter connector can optionally include a stop flange  146  to limit the distance that the adaptor connector  140  can be threaded into the connection cavity  120 . The lower portion  148  of the adaptor connector includes a threaded surface  149  on the outer surface of the lower portion. As can be appreciated, the inner surface can also or alternatively include a threaded surface; however, this is not required. The diameter of the lower portion is less than the diameter of the upper portion. The positioning of the threads on the outer surface of the lower portion enables the lower portion of the adaptor connector to connect to containers having threads on the inner surface of the container opening. 
     Positioned in the interior of the top portion  110  of the liquid pump mechanism is motor chamber  150  that includes one or more electric pumps  152 . The electric pump generally includes an electric motor that is designed to drive an air pump to cause air to be pumped into a container to which the liquid pump mechanism is attached. Generally, the electric motor drives a piston of the air pump, which in turn causes air to be pumped into a fluid tube  160 . Generally, the fluid tube is connected at one end to the air pump and the other end is fluidly connected to the connection cavity  120  so that air from the air pump can flow into the connection cavity. As can be appreciated, other arrangements can be used to enable the air to flow from the air pump to the connection cavity. A valve can be included in the electric pump  152  to inhibit or prevent liquid from flowing into the air pump; however, this is not required. The air that is pumped into the top of the container causes the pressure in the container to increase, and thereby cause the fluid in the container to flow into the bottom opening of the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism and into the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. The electric motor in the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is generally partially or fully sealed from the fluid that enters the top portion from the bottom portion; however, this is not required. The sealing of the motor has one or more advantages, namely 1) the electric motor is not damaged by the fluid, and/or 2) the fluid is not contaminated by the motor. 
     The body  112  of the top portion includes a battery cover  170  that is movable to enable a user to access the battery cavity  177  in the body of the top portion. One or more battery cavities can be located in the top portion. The one or more battery cavities are designed to contain one or more batteries  176 . The power supply is designed to supply electrical power to the electric motor when the dispensing tab is actuated by a user. As can also be appreciated, the orientation of the one or more batteries in the battery cavity and the top portion is non-limiting. As can also be appreciated, the type of batteries used to power the electric motor is non-limiting. The battery cover  170  can be designed to be fully removable from body  112 ; however, this is not required. The outer surface of the battery cover  170  can optionally include one or more ribs  172  or other type of gripping structures to facilitate in the moving of the battery cover on the body so that a user can access the battery cavity; however, this is not required. The top of the battery cover also includes an optional arrow that functions as a visual indicator to inform a user how to open the battery cover; however, this is not required. The battery cover can optionally include one or more connection tabs that can be used to connect the battery cover to the body; however, this is not required. The body of the top portion can optionally include one or more connection tabs  176  that are designed to releasably secure the battery cover to body  112 . 
     The top portion  110  of the liquid pump mechanism  100  includes a dispenser head  180  that includes a dispensing button  182 . The dispensing button  182  is generally designed to be depressible. The dispensing button is located at the front portion of the top portion; however, it can be appreciated that the dispensing button can be located in other regions of the top portion. The dispensing button is designed to be pushed downwardly; however, this is not required. The dispensing button can optionally include a recessed region  184  that visually or tactilely identifies the location on the dispensing button to be depressed by a user&#39;s finger. The depression of the dispensing button causes the dispensing button to move to the actuation position which is designed to cause the actuation of the electric motor. The dispensing button is optionally biased in the deactuation position by a spring  186  or some other biasing arrangement. As can be appreciated, many other arrangements can be used to enable a user to cause fluid to be dispensed from the dispenser opening of the dispenser head (e.g., switch, knob, button on top portion, motion sensor, touch sensor, etc.). 
     The dispenser head  180  can optionally include a liquid valve  190  that controls the fluid flow through dispenser opening  192 . When the dispensing button is moved to the actuation position, the liquid valve, when used, is caused to move downwardly to thereby unseal the dispenser opening  192  to thereby allow fluid that is flowing through dispenser channel  194  and include dispenser cavity  197  to flow out through dispenser opening  192 . When the dispensing button is released by the user, the dispensing button is biased by spring  186  back to the deactuation position, thereby causing the liquid valve to move upwardly to reseal the dispenser opening  192  to terminate the flow of liquid from the dispenser opening. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , liquid that flows upwardly through the bottom portion is directed into dispenser channel  194  that directs the fluid to the dispenser cavity  197 . The dispenser channel  194  can be in the form of a tube or formed channel in the interior of the top portion; however, this is not required. When the dispenser channel  194  is in the form of a tube, the bottom end of the tube is designed to connect to a connection flange  178  that extends upwardly from the base of the top portion. The connection flange can optionally include a rib  179  to facilitate in the connection of the bottom end of the dispenser channel  194  to the connection flange. Generally, a liquid seal is formed between the bottom end of the dispenser channel and the connection flange  178 ; however, this is not required. The top end of the tube is designed to connect to a connection flange  195  that extends outwardly from the dispenser cavity  197 . The connection flange can optionally include a rib  196  to facilitate in the connection of the top end of the dispenser channel  194  to the connection flange. Generally, a liquid seal is formed between the top end of the dispenser channel and the connection flange  195 ; however, this is not required. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , the dispenser opening is oriented on the top portion so as to direct the dispensed liquid downwardly from the top portion; however, this is not required. Generally, the liquid is dispensed downwardly at a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid pump, which longitudinal axis is also generally parallel to or the same as the longitudinal axis of the bottom portion. When the dispenser button is depressed to cause actuation of the electric pump, which causes liquid in the container to flow from the dispenser opening, a user can optionally place a container and/or measuring cup under the dispenser opening to measure or obtain a desired amount of detergent and/or fabric softener from the container, and/or the user can position the container over a washing machine opening or dishwasher door and dispense the detergent and/or fabric softener directly into the washing machine or dishwasher. 
     The body of the top portion  110  of the liquid pump mechanism has a maximum cross-sectional size that is generally selected so that the body cannot be inserted through the opening of a container; however, this is not required. Such a design can be used to prevent the top portion from inadvertently falling inside the container. Most containers that are used to hold detergents or fabric softeners have openings that are between about 0.5-3 inches. Generally, the maximum cross-sectional size of the body is selected so that the body of the top portion cannot be inserted through an opening of a container having a diameter of less than 5 inches, typically less than 4 inches, more typically less than 3 inches, and even more typically less than about 2.5 inches. However, with respect to the bottom portion, the maximum cross sectional size is generally selected so that the bottom portion can fit through an opening in a container. Generally, the maximum cross-sectional size of the bottom portion is selected so that the bottom portion can be fully inserted through an opening of a container having a diameter of less than 5 inches, typically less than 4 inches, more typically less than 3 inches, even more typically less than about 2.5 inches, still even more typically less than about 1.5 inches, yet still even more typically less than about 1 inch, and still even more typically less than about 0.75 inch. 
     The top portion can be rotatably connected to the container; however, this is not required. The dispensing button can include a safety feature (e.g., tab lock, deactivation switch, etc.) to prevent inadvertent actuation of the electric pump by a user; however this is not required. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the body  112  of the top portion can optionally include one or more recess side portions  113  that can be used by the user to facilitate in the gripping of the top portion during the actuation of the liquid pump mechanism. 
     The liquid pump mechanism of the present invention is designed to easily and effectively dispense detergent and/or softener from the detergent and/or softener container without having the user lift or tilt the container. The liquid pump mechanism can be designed to easily and simply fit onto the top opening of a detergent and/or softener container, and then the liquid pump mechanism can be activated by a user to dispense the liquid detergent and/or softener from the detergent and/or softener container without having to lift and pour the liquid detergent and/or softener from the container. The liquid pump mechanism is of particular use with dispensing liquid detergents and/or softeners; however, it will be appreciated that the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention can be used to dispense other types of liquids (e.g., bleach, other types of liquid cleaning and/or disinfecting products, etc.). 
     The liquid pump mechanism can be pre-connected to the container at the time of purchase of the liquid detergent and/or softener container, and/or the liquid pump mechanism can be a reusable device that is connected to a standard container and then removed from the container after the container is emptied and then connected to a new container. 
     The shape, size and materials used for the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention are non-limiting. Generally, the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention will have a low profile configuration when inserted onto a detergent and/or softener container; however, this is not required. The liquid pump mechanism includes a tubular insert that is designed to be inserted into the detergent and/or softener container and to draw the detergent and/or softener out of the container. The tubular insert can be designed to be removable from the body of the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. 
     The body of the liquid pump mechanism includes a connecting/sealing arrangement that is designed to secure the liquid pump mechanism to the top opening of the detergent and/or softener out of the container. As can be appreciated, the sealing arrangement can have a variety of configurations and be formed of a variety of materials. One non-limiting arrangement is a threaded connection that is twisted onto the threaded rim of the detergent and/or softener of the container. 
     The body of the liquid pump mechanism includes one or more electric pumps and a pump actuator. The electric pump is designed to cause the detergent and/or softener in the detergent and/or softener container to flow into the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism and then be dispensed from the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. The electric pump can be designed to 1) direct air into the detergent and/or softener container to pressurize the detergent and/or softener container and cause the detergent and/or softener in the detergent and/or softener container to flow into the bottom opening of the tubular insert and up through and out of the liquid pump mechanism dispenser opening or hose opening, 2) direct air into bottom portion and/or a fluid passageway connected or interconnected to the bottom portion so as to cause a pressure drop within the lower portion of the bottom portion that results in the detergent and/or softener being drawn into the bottom opening of the bottom portion and up through and out of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism, 3) use one or more rotary blades or reciprocating pistons to draw the detergent and/or softener into the bottom opening of the bottom portion and up through and out of the top portion of the liquid pump. As can be appreciated, other or additional arrangements can be used to cause the detergent and/or softener to be dispensed from the detergent and/or softener container by the liquid pump mechanism. The body of the liquid pump mechanism can include one or more actuators designed to activate/deactivate the one or more electric pumps in the liquid pump mechanism. The actuator can be in many different forms and be in many different locations on the liquid pump mechanism. As can be appreciated, many other arrangements can be used to actuate the one or more electric pumps in the liquid pump mechanism (e.g., switch, etc.). As can be appreciated, the push button can be located on the body of the liquid pump mechanism. When the push button is depressed, the button activates the one or more electric pumps and causes the detergent and/or softener to be dispensed from the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. 
     The body of the liquid pump mechanism can include one or more power compartments that are used to hold one or more power cells (e.g., batteries, etc.) to power the one or more electric pumps; however, this is not required. The batteries, when used, can be designed to be replaceable and/or rechargeable; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the one or more electric pumps can be also or alternatively be powered by other means (e.g., solar cells, electric power cord, etc.). 
     The liquid pump mechanism can optionally include a dispensing hose that enables a user to easily and conveniently direct the dispensed detergent and/or softener only a desired location (e.g., into a washer, onto a laundry item, etc.); however, this is not required. The dispensing hose, when used, can be designed to be detachably connected to the top portion; however, this is not required. The length of the dispensing hose is non-limiting. Generally, the dispensing hose is flexible; however, this is not required. 
       FIGS. 27-34  illustrate another non-limiting embodiment of the liquid pump mechanism  700  in accordance with the present invention. The liquid pump mechanism is particularly designed to pump detergents or fabric softener from a container; however, the liquid pump mechanism can be used to dispense other types of liquids as described above. The liquid pump mechanism is designed to pump higher viscous liquids such as detergents and fabric softeners at an average rate of about 0.05-20 ounces per second, typically about 0.1-10 ounces per second, more typically about 0.1-10 ounces per second, and still more typically about 0.2-5 ounces per second. 
     The liquid pump mechanism  700  includes a top portion  710  and a bottom portion (not shown). The materials and/or colors of the components of the liquid pump mechanism are non-limiting. 
     The bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism, not shown, has a generally cylindrical shape body which can be similar in function, shape, structure, features and materials to the bottom portion as illustrated in  FIGS. 19-26 . 
     The bottom end of the bottom portion includes an opening (not shown). As can be appreciated, the bottom portion can include more than one opening; however, this is not required. As can also be appreciated, the opening in the bottom portion can be located in other or additional locations on the bottom portion; however, this is not required. The opening is designed to enable fluid, not shown, in a container C to flow to the interior of the bottom portion. The bottom portion generally includes a centrally located circular opening in the bottom end; however, it can be appreciated that 1) the opening can have shapes other than a circular shape, 2) the opening does not have to be in the center of the bottom end, 3) the bottom portion can include more than one opening, and/or 4) one or more openings can be positioned on the side of the bottom portion. The bottom end of the bottom portion is generally spaced from the bottom of a container to facilitate in preventing the opening from forming a seal with the bottom surface of the container and thereby inhibiting or preventing fluid in the container from flowing into the opening and into the interior of the bottom portion; however, this is not required. 
     One or more portions of the bottom portion can be designed to be flexible and/or be formed of a flexible material; however, this is not required. When the bottom portion is designed to be partially or fully flexible, such a design allows the bottom body to be more conveniently positioned in different shaped and sized containers. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion is formed of a flexible tubular material. The tubular material can be clear, partially clear, or colored or coated to partially or fully prevent viewing of the interior of the bottom body. The top end of the bottom portion is designed to be connected to a connection flange  724  that extends downwardly from the top surface  722  of the connection cavity  720 . The connection flange can optionally include a rib  726  to facilitate in the connection of the bottom portion to the connection flange. Generally, a liquid seal is formed between the top end of the bottom portion and the connection flange; however, this is not required. 
     The top portion can be designed to connect to different types of containers C.  FIG. 31  illustrates a connection adaptor  740  that can be removably connected inside of connection cavity  720 . The use of the connection adapter is optional. The connection cavity  720  includes a plurality of connection arrangements to enable the connection cavity  720  to be connected to a container. The connection cavity includes a first threaded surface  732 . The first threaded surface  732  is located on the inner surface of the outer flange  730 . As such, the first threaded surface  732  is designed to be threaded onto and connected to a larger diameter opening on a container. 
     When the adapter connector  740  is used, the adaptor connector is designed to be threaded to the first threaded surface  732 . As can be appreciated, other connection arrangements can be used to connect the adaptor to the top portion. The upper portion  742  of the adaptor connector  740  includes a threaded surface  744  on the outer surface of the upper portion that is designed to be threaded onto the first threaded surface  732 . The adapter connector can optionally include a stop flange  746  to limit the distance that the adaptor connector  740  can be threaded into the connection cavity  720 . The lower portion  748  of the adaptor connector includes a threaded surface  749  on the outer surface of the lower portion. The diameter of the lower portion is less than the diameter of the upper portion. The positioning of the threads on the outer surface of the lower portion enables the lower portion of the adaptor connector to connect to a container C having threads T on the inner surface of the container opening O. As can be appreciated, the lower portion of the adaptor connector can include a threaded surface  751  in the interior surface to connect to smaller opening containers having threads on the outer surface of the container opening. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 30 , the top portion can be connected to a container C that has threads on the exterior of the opening or threads on the interior of the opening as illustrated in  FIG. 31 . 
     When the top portion is connected to the container C, an airtight or partially airtight seal is formed between the top portion and container so that when the pump in the top portion is activate, the interior of the container can be pressurized to cause fluid in the container to flow into the bottom portion as will be described in more detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 32-34 , positioned in the interior of the top portion  710  of the liquid pump mechanism is motor chamber  750  that includes one or more electric pumps  752 . The electric pump generally includes an electric motor that is designed to drive an air pump to cause air to be pumped into a container to which the liquid pump mechanism is attached. Generally, the electric motor drives a piston of the air pump, which in turn causes air to be pumped into a fluid tube  760 . Generally, the fluid tube is connected at one end to the air pump and the other end is fluidly connected to the connection cavity  720  so that air from the air pump can flow into the connection cavity. As can be appreciated, other arrangements can be used to enable the air to flow from the air pump to the connection cavity. A valve can optionally be included in the electric pump  752  to inhibit or prevent liquid from flowing into the air pump; however, this is not required. A pressure relief valve  753  can be optionally included to prevent over pressurization of the container during the operation of the pump. When a predetermined pressure is obtained in the container during the operation of the pump, the pressure relief valve is designed to allow air to flow from the pump and/or container and through the pressure relief valve and into the interior of the top portion  710  to inhibit or prevent over pressurization or ballooning of the container during the operation of the pump. As illustrated in  FIG. 32 , the pressure relief valve, when used, is generally positioned in the air flow path that is between the pump and the connection cavity; however, this is not required. 
     During the operation of the pump, the air that is pumped into the top of the container causes the pressure in the container to increase, and thereby causing the fluid in the container to flow into the bottom opening of the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism and into the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. The electric motor in the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is generally partially or fully sealed from the fluid that enters the top portion from the bottom portion; however, this is not required. The sealing of the motor has one or more advantages, namely 1) the electric motor is not damaged by the fluid, and/or 2) the fluid is not contaminated by the motor. 
     The body  712  of the top portion includes a battery cover  770  that is movable to enable a user to access the battery cavity  777  in the body of the top portion. One or more battery cavities can be located in the top portion. The one or more battery cavities are designed to contain one or more batteries  776 . The power supply is designed to supply electrical power to the electric motor when the dispensing tab is actuated by a user. As can also be appreciated, the orientation of the one or more batteries in the battery cavity and the top portion is non-limiting. As can also be appreciated, the type of batteries used to power the electric motor is non-limiting. The battery cover  770  can be designed to be fully removable from body  712 ; however, this is not required. The outer surface of the battery cover  770  can optionally include one or more ribs  772  or other type of gripping structures to facilitate in the moving of the battery cover on the body so that a user can access the battery cavity; however, this is not required. The top of the battery cover also includes an optional arrow that functions as a visual indicator to inform a user how to open the battery cover; however, this is not required. The battery cover can optionally include one or more connection tabs that can be used to connect the battery cover to the body; however, this is not required. The body of the top portion can optionally include one or more connection tabs that are designed to releasably secure the battery cover to body  712 . 
     The top portion  710  of the liquid pump mechanism  700  includes a dispenser head  780  that includes a dispensing button  782 . The dispensing button  782  is generally designed to be depressible. The dispensing button is located at the front portion of the top portion; however, it can be appreciated that the dispensing button can be located in other regions of the top portion. The dispensing button is designed to be pushed downwardly; however, this is not required. The dispensing button is pivotally connected to the top portion as illustrate din  FIG. 32 . The depression of the dispensing button causes the dispensing button to move to the actuation position which is designed to cause the actuation of the electric motor. The dispensing button is optionally biased in the deactuation position by a spring  786  or some other biasing arrangement. As can be appreciated, many other arrangements can be used to enable a user to cause fluid to be dispensed from the dispenser opening of the dispenser head (e.g., switch, knob, button on top portion, motion sensor, touch sensor, etc.). 
     The dispenser head  780  can optionally include a liquid valve  790  that controls the fluid flow through dispenser opening  792 . When the dispensing button is moved to the actuation position as illustrated in  FIG. 34 , the liquid valve, when used, is caused to move downwardly to thereby unseal the dispenser opening  792  to thereby allow fluid that is flowing through dispenser channel  794  to flow out through dispenser opening  792 . When the dispensing button is released by the user, the dispensing button is biased by spring  786  back to the deactuation position as illustrated in  FIG. 33 , thereby causing the liquid valve to move upwardly to reseal the dispenser opening  792  to terminate the flow of liquid from the dispenser opening. The liquid valve generally includes a flexible seal  791  to seal the dispenser opening to form a liquid seal; however, it can be appreciated that other types of valve materials can be used to form a liquid seal. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 34 , when the dispensing button is depressed, the bottom surface of the dispensing button engages a top section  793  of the liquid valve and causes the valve to move downwardly and to compress spring  786 . The top section  793  is illustrated as being optionally arcuate shaped to facilitate in the downward movement of the liquid valve when the dispensing button is depressed. The spring is illustrated as being partially encased in a spring cage  787  to ensure proper compression of the spring; however, this is not required. The bottom surface of the dispensing button is also designed to engage a pump button  753  when the dispensing button is depressed to thereby cause the pump to be activated. Generally, the spacing of the pump button from the bottom surface of the dispensing button is such that when the dispensing button is depressed, the liquid valve is moved to at least a partially opened positioned prior to the pump button being contacted by the dispensing button to activate the pump. Such an arrangement ensures that the liquid from the container can flow through the dispenser opening when the pump is activated. 
     Liquid that flows upwardly through the bottom portion is directed into dispenser channel  794  that directs the fluid to the dispenser cavity  797 . The dispenser channel  794  can be in the form of a tube or formed channel in the interior of the top portion; however, this is not required. When the dispenser channel  794  is in the form of a tube, the bottom end of the tube is designed to connect to a connection flange  778  that extends upwardly from the base of the top portion. The connection flange can optionally include a rib to facilitate in the connection of the bottom end of the dispenser channel  794  to the connection flange. Generally, a liquid seal is formed between the bottom end of the dispenser channel and the connection flange  778 ; however, this is not required. The top end of the tube is designed to connect to a connection flange  795  that extends outwardly from the dispenser cavity  797 . The connection flange can optionally include a rib  796  to facilitate in the connection of the top end of the dispenser channel  794  to the connection flange. Generally, a liquid seal is formed between the top end of the dispenser channel and the connection flange  795 ; however, this is not required. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 33 and 34 , the dispenser opening is oriented on the top portion so as to direct the dispensed liquid downwardly from the top portion; however, this is not required. Generally, the liquid is dispensed downwardly at a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid pump, which longitudinal axis is also generally parallel to or the same as the longitudinal axis of the bottom portion. When the dispenser button is depressed to cause actuation of the electric pump, which causes liquid in the container to flow from the dispenser opening, a user can optionally place a container and/or measuring cup under the dispenser opening to measure or obtain a desired amount of detergent and/or fabric softener from the container, and/or the user can position the container over a washing machine opening or dishwasher door and dispense the detergent and/or fabric softener directly into the washing machine or dishwasher. 
     The body of the top portion  710  of the liquid pump mechanism has a maximum cross-sectional size that is generally selected so that the body cannot be inserted through the opening of a container; however, this is not required. Such a design can be used to prevent the top portion from inadvertently falling inside the container. However, with respect to the bottom portion, the maximum cross sectional size is generally selected so that the bottom portion can fit through an opening in a container. These sizes can be similar to the sizes as described above with regard to the dispenser illustrated in  FIGS. 19-26 . 
     The top portion can be rotatably connected to the container; however, this is not required. The dispensing button can include a safety feature (e.g., tab lock, deactivation switch, etc.), not shown, to prevent inadvertent actuation of the electric pump by a user; however this is not required. 
     The body  712  of the top portion can optionally include one or more recess side portions that can be used by the user to facilitate in the gripping of the top portion during the actuation of the liquid pump mechanism. 
     The liquid pump mechanism of the present invention is designed to easily and effectively dispense detergent and/or softener from the detergent and/or softener container without having the user lift or tilt the container. The liquid pump mechanism can be designed to easily and simply fit onto the top opening of a detergent and/or softener container, and then the liquid pump mechanism can be activated by a user to dispense the liquid detergent and/or softener from the detergent and/or softener container without having to lift and pour the liquid detergent and/or softener from the container. The liquid pump mechanism is of particular use with dispensing liquid detergents and/or softeners; however, it will be appreciated that the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention can be used to dispense other types of liquids (e.g., bleach, other types of liquid cleaning and/or disinfecting products, etc.). 
     The liquid pump mechanism can be pre-connected to the container at the time of purchase of the liquid detergent and/or softener container, and/or the liquid pump mechanism can be a reusable device that is connected to a standard container and then removed from the container after the container is emptied and then connected to a new container. 
     The shape, size and materials used for the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention are non-limiting. Generally, the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention will have a low profile configuration when inserted onto a detergent and/or softener container; however, this is not required. The liquid pump mechanism includes a tubular insert that is designed to be inserted into the detergent and/or softener container and to draw the detergent and/or softener out of the container. The tubular insert can be designed to be removable from the body of the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. 
     The body of the liquid pump mechanism includes a connecting/sealing arrangement that is designed to secure the liquid pump mechanism to the top opening of the detergent and/or softener out of the container. As can be appreciated, the sealing arrangement can have a variety of configurations and be formed of a variety of materials. One non-limiting arrangement is a threaded connection that is twisted onto the threaded rim of the detergent and/or softener of the container. 
     The body of the liquid pump mechanism includes one or more electric pumps and a pump actuator. The electric pump is designed to cause the detergent and/or softener in the detergent and/or softener container to flow into the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism and then be dispensed from the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. The electric pump can be designed to 1) direct air into the detergent and/or softener container to pressurize the detergent and/or softener container and cause the detergent and/or softener in the detergent and/or softener container to flow into the bottom opening of the tubular insert and up through and out of the liquid pump mechanism dispenser opening or hose opening, 2) direct air into bottom portion and/or a fluid passageway connected or interconnected to the bottom portion so as to cause a pressure drop within the lower portion of the bottom portion that results in the detergent and/or softener being drawn into the bottom opening of the bottom portion and up through and out of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism, 3) use one or more rotary blades or reciprocating pistons to draw the detergent and/or softener into the bottom opening of the bottom portion and up through and out of the top portion of the liquid pump. As can be appreciated, other or additional arrangements can be used to cause the detergent and/or softener to be dispensed from the detergent and/or softener container by the liquid pump mechanism. The body of the liquid pump mechanism can include one or more actuators designed to activate/deactivate the one or more electric pumps in the liquid pump mechanism. The actuator can be in many different forms and be in many different locations on the liquid pump mechanism. As can be appreciated, many other arrangements can be used to actuate the one or more electric pumps in the liquid pump mechanism (e.g., switch, etc.). As can be appreciated, the push button can be located on the body of the liquid pump mechanism. When the push button is depressed, the button activates the one or more electric pumps and causes the detergent and/or softener to be dispensed from the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. 
     The body of the liquid pump mechanism can include one or more power compartments that are used to hold one or more power cells (e.g., batteries, etc.) to power the one or more electric pumps; however, this is not required. The batteries, when used, can be designed to be replaceable and/or rechargeable; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the one or more electric pumps can be also or alternatively be powered by other means (e.g., solar cells, electric power cord, etc.). 
     The liquid pump mechanism can optionally include a dispensing hose that enables a user to easily and conveniently direct the dispensed detergent and/or softener only a desired location (e.g., into a washer, onto a laundry item, etc.); however, this is not required. The dispensing hose, when used, can be designed to be detachably connected to the top portion; however, this is not required. The length of the dispensing hose is non-limiting. Generally, the dispensing hose is flexible; however, this is not required. 
     It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein. This invention is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.