Patent Publication Number: US-2016221019-A1

Title: Liquid dispenser

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the dispensement of liquids. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a device and method for dispensing liquids such as hand cleaning fluid in a vehicle or other unconventional use environments. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Liquid dispensers that incorporate push pumps are found in various places throughout the home, including in the kitchen and bathroom. These liquid dispensers can be used for dispensing soap, lotion, or other types of liquid. However, conventional liquid dispensers may be inconvenient to use in other environments including, for example, in boats, recreational vehicles (RVs), other vehicles, and other environments where liquid may need to be dispensed. 
     Moreover, the importance of hand cleaning fluids has grown due to heightened health and sanitation concerns including concerns regarding the spread of the Ebola virus as well as other disease. Thus, what is needed are devices which can be used for dispensing fluids which are well-suited for use in unconventional and non-traditional environments not typically associated with the use of liquid dispensers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Thus, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to improve upon the state of the art. 
     It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a liquid dispenser that is configured to be used in unconventional locations such as, but not limited to, within vehicles. 
     It is a still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a liquid dispenser which attaches to any smooth surface such as a window, windscreen, or any glass type surface, making the dispenser adaptable to various environments including, but not limited to the home environment, any type of motorized or non-motorized vehicle such as an automobile, boat, RV, camper, plane, train, bus, taxi, or other vehicle. 
     Another object, feature, or advantage is to provide a liquid dispenser which is configured to attach to a sun visor within a vehicle or door panel or other location. 
     Yet another object, feature, or advantage is to provide a liquid dispenser that is mounted to improve transportation safety by not having a conventional dispenser laying, rolling around, and difficult to locate. 
     A further object, feature, or advantage is to provide a mounted liquid dispenser then only requiring one hand to operate. 
     A still further object, feature, or advantage is to provide a liquid dispenser that is mounted to safely, conveniently, and clearly remind the user to use the dispensing system. 
     Yet another object, feature, or advantage is to provide a liquid dispenser which includes an offset opening to position the pump and dip extension to the lower part of the container. 
     A further object, feature, or advantage is to provide a liquid dispenser with an angled dip extension positioning it to the lower part of the container. 
     A still further object, feature, or advantage is to provide a liquid dispenser with an angled aperture to point a normal dip extension/pump towards the low point of the container. 
     Another object, feature, or advantage is to provide a liquid dispenser with a top of the liquid dispenser having a slope to thereby point the aperture, pump, and dip extension towards the low point of the container. 
     Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a liquid dispenser which has a flexible dip extension allowing gravity to place the dip extension at the low point of the container. 
     A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide for automated or handsfree dispensing. 
     These and/or other objects, features or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage as it is contemplated that different embodiments may have different objects, features, or advantages. The present invention is not to be limited by these objects, features, or advantages. 
     According to one aspect, a liquid dispenser includes a body having an inner cavity for containing liquid, and an opening providing access to the inner cavity. The liquid dispenser further includes a pump removably fitted with the aperture with a dip extension extending downwardly into the inner cavity, the dip extension having an inlet. The inlet of the dip extension is positioned within the inner cavity at a junction of a front side of the body and a bottom side of the body to thereby access fluid within the inner cavity when the fluid is nearly depleted from the inner cavity. At least one mount may be connected to the body for releasably attaching the body to a surface. The at least one mount can include one or more suction cups or clips. 
     According to another aspect, the opening may be positioned such that it is offset from a top center position on the dispenser body. Thus, the dip extension can provide better access to liquid stored in the front and bottom of the cavity formed by the dispenser body. 
     According to another aspect, the opening may be positioned in a portion of the dispenser body that protrudes outwardly from the top and/or front sides of the dispenser body. Thus, the dip extension can provide better access to liquid stored in the front and bottom of the cavity formed by the dispenser body. 
     According to another aspect, the dip extension may be bent or sloped such that the dip extension can provide better access to liquid stored in the front and bottom of the cavity formed by the dispenser body. 
     According to another aspect, the dip extension may be flexible such that the dip extension can be positioned to provide better access to liquid stored in the front and bottom of the cavity formed by the dispenser body. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a push pump used in one embodiment of a liquid dispenser of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a push pump used in one embodiment of a liquid dispenser of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a push pump used in one embodiment of a liquid dispenser of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4A-C  illustrate one embodiment of a liquid dispenser with suction cup adapter and an offset opening according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-C  illustrate one embodiment of a liquid dispenser with suction cup adapter and bent dip extension according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6A-C  illustrate one embodiment of a liquid dispenser with suction cup adapter and flexible dip extension according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 7A-C  illustrate one embodiment of a liquid dispenser with suction cup adapter and a protruding surface according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 8A-C  illustrate one embodiment of a liquid dispenser with suction cup adapter and an angled top according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9A-C  illustrate one embodiment of a liquid dispenser with suction cup adapter and an angled aperture according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of one embodiment of a liquid dispenser attached to an automotive windshield according to the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11A-C  illustrate one embodiment of a liquid dispenser with visor clip adapter and an offset opening according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 12A-C  illustrate one embodiment of a liquid dispenser with visor clip adapter and bent dip extension according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 13A-C  illustrate one embodiment of a liquid dispenser with visor clip adapter and flexible dip extension according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 14A-C  illustrate one embodiment of a liquid dispenser with visor clip adapter and a protruding surface according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 15A-C  illustrate one embodiment of a liquid dispenser with visor clip adapter and an angled top according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 16A-C  illustrate one embodiment of a liquid dispenser with visor clip adapter and an angled aperture according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of one embodiment of a liquid dispenser attached to an automotive sun visor according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a push pump. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a liquid dispenser using the push pump shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  illustrates another embodiment of a push pump. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates an embodiment where the pump is located at a bottom of the liquid dispenser. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates another embodiment of a liquid dispenser where the push pump would be located at the bottom of the liquid dispenser and a push pin is in an extended position. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates the liquid dispenser of  FIG. 21  except that the push pin is in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates an embodiment where an electric pump is used instead of a push pump. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention provides for a liquid dispenser that can be removably attached to an automobile windshield interior or other surface using one or more suction cups. The liquid dispenser can also be attached to a sun visor or other location using a clip. Embodiments of the invention include all technically compatible combinations of the various features disclosed herein. 
     The present invention is may be used in various environments. The environments shown and described are not to be limiting, but merely representative of the environments in which the liquid dispenser of the present invention is used. It should be appreciated that different types of liquid may be used in different environments. The present invention is in no way limited to the particular type of liquid used. The liquid can be, without limitation, soap, lotion, shampoo, gel, foam, hair care liquid, a cleaning liquid, or any other type of liquid. However, the liquid dispenser is especially well-suited for mounting to a the inward slope of a front windshield, windshield, window, sun visor or other locations, especially in vehicles, and for containing disinfecting or sanitizing liquids such as those used to minimize spread of diseases such as Ebola, influenza, the common cold, and other diseases. 
       FIGS. 1, 2, and 3  illustrate various embodiments of a push pump. In  FIG. 1 , the push pump assembly  10  includes a neck  16 . The neck  16  can extend above the dispenser body. The push pump assembly  10  fits within the dispenser body. One method of attaching the push pump assembly  10  to the dispenser body is by securing it with a threaded cap member  18 . The push pump assembly  10  shown has an inside spring  24  and a piston pump area  22  in which a piston pump  20  is positioned. A straight dip tube or pump extension or dip extension  25  for the dispenser body is shown and an outlet  14  is shown on the pump head  13 . Liquid, such as sanitizing liquid, is drawn through the inlet  76  and is secreted through the outlet  14 . In contrast to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2  illustrates a push pump assembly  11  which fits within the dispenser body. One method of attaching the push pump assembly  11  to the dispenser body is by securing it with a threaded cap member  18 . The push pump assembly  11  shown has an inside spring  24  and a piston pump area  22 . Push pump assembly  11  utilizes a bent or sloped dip extension  26  for the dispenser body. An outlet  14  is shown on the pump head  13 . Liquid is drawn through the inlet  77  and is secreted through the outlet  14 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a push pump assembly  12  which fits within the dispenser body similar to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The push pump assembly  12  uses a flexible dip extension  27  which allows gravity to place the dip extension  27  at the low point of the container. 
       FIGS. 4A-C  illustrate a dispenser body  62  which forms an inner cavity for containing liquid. The dispenser body  62  has a front side  44  and a rear side  45  which are generally wider than the left side  48  and the right side  49  in the embodiment shown. The front side  44  and the rear side  45  are generally parallel to each other. The left side  48  and the right side  49  are generally parallel to each other. A top side  46  and a bottom side  47  are generally parallel to each other. Thus sides  44 ,  45 ,  46 ,  47 ,  48 , and  49  form the dispenser body  62 . The top side  46  has a mounting opening  34  for the pump assembly which is offset from the center towards the front side  44 . The opening  34  remains centered between the left and right sides  48  and  49 . A removable pump assembly (such as the pump assembly  10  from  FIG. 1 ) may be connected at the opening  34 . A mounting attachment  38  allows for a suction cup  40  to be easily attached to and removed from the dispenser body  62 . The offset opening  34  positions the dip extension  25  and thus the inlet  76  of the pump assembly  10  towards the lower part of the dispenser body  62  where the front side  44  and the bottom side  47  meet. In other words, the inlet  76  of the dip extension  25  is positioned within the inner cavity at or near a junction of the front side  44  of the body and a bottom side  47  of the body to thereby access fluid within the inner cavity when the fluid is nearly depleted from the inner cavity. This arrangement provides for maximizing the amount of product the liquid dispenser can deliver between refills when attached to a vehicle windshield, window, or visor and more fully use liquid within the dispenser body  62  when the liquid dispenser is attached in the vehicle. 
       FIGS. 5A-C  illustrate a dispenser body  30  which forms an inner cavity for containing liquid. The dispenser body  30  has a front side  44  and a rear side  45  which are generally wider than a left side  48  and a right side  49 . The front side  44  and the rear side  45  are generally parallel to each other. The left side  48  and the right side  49  are generally parallel to each other. A top side  46  and a bottom side  47  are generally parallel to each other. Thus the sides  44 ,  45 ,  46 ,  47 ,  48 , and  49  are joined together to form the dispenser body  30 . The top side  31  has a mounting opening  33  for a pump assembly which is centered on the top side along a major and a minor axis. A removable pump assembly (such as pump assembly  11  from  FIG. 2 ) may be attached at the opening  33 . A mounting attachment  38  allows for a suction cup  40  to be easily attached to and removed from the dispenser body  30 . The centered opening  33  positions the dip extension  26  such that its inlet  77  is towards the front lower part of dispenser body  30  where the front side  44  and the bottom side  47  meet. In other words, the inlet  77  of the dip extension  26  is positioned within the inner cavity at a junction of the front side  44  of the body and a bottom side  47  of the body to thereby access fluid within the inner cavity when the fluid is nearly depleted from the inner cavity. This provides for maximizing the amount of product the liquid dispenser can deliver between refills when attached to a vehicle windshield, window, or other location. 
       FIGS. 6A-C  illustrate a dispenser body  30  which forms an inner cavity for containing liquid. The dispenser body  30  has a front side  44  and a rear side  45  which are generally wider than the left side  48  and the right side  49 . The front side  44  and the rear side  45  are generally parallel to each other. The left side  48  and the right side  49  are generally parallel to each other. A top side  46  and a bottom side  47  are generally parallel to each other. The top side  31  has a mounting opening  33  for the pump assembly  12  which is centered on the top side  31  along both the major axis and the minor axis. A removable pump assembly (such as removable pump assembly  12  shown in  FIG. 3 ) is attached into the opening  33 . A mounting attachment  38  allows for a suction cup  40  to be easily attached and removed to the dispenser body  30 . The centered opening  33  positions a dip extension  27  of the pump assembly towards the front lower part of dispenser body  30  where the front side  44  and the bottom side  47  meet to maximize the amount of product the liquid dispenser can deliver between refills when attached to a vehicle windshield or window or other location. The dip extension  27  is flexible allowing the inlet  78  to follow the edge created by the front side  44  and the bottom side  47 . In other words, the inlet  78  of the dip extension  27  may be positioned within the inner cavity at a junction of the front side  44  of the body and a bottom side  47  of the body to thereby access fluid within the inner cavity when the fluid is nearly depleted from the inner cavity. 
       FIGS. 7A-C  illustrate a dispenser body  64  which forms an inner cavity for containing liquid. The dispenser body  64  has a front side with portions  73 ,  74 , on opposite ends of a protruding portion  36 . The left side  48  and the right side  49  are generally parallel to each other. A top side  72  and a bottom side  47  are generally parallel to each other. The corners at the junctions of the sides are generally rounded. The top side has a mounting opening  37  for a pump assembly. The opening  37  is offset towards the protruding portion  36 . The opening  37  remains centered between left and right sides  48  and  49 . A removable pump assembly (such as removable pump assembly  10  from  FIG. 1 ) may be attached into the opening  37 . A mounting attachment  38  allows for a suction cup  40  to be easily attached and removed to the dispenser body  64 . The location of the opening  37  positions the dip extension  25  of the pump assembly  10  and its inlet  76  towards the lower part of the dispenser body  64  to maximize the amount of product liquid dispenser can deliver between refills such as when the liquid dispenser is attached to a vehicle windshield or window. 
       FIGS. 8A-C  illustrate a dispenser body  66  which forms an inner cavity for containing liquid. The dispenser body  66  has a front side  80  and a rear side  45 , a left side  48  and right side  49 . The front side  80  and the rear side  45  are generally parallel to each other. The left side  48  and the right side  49  are generally parallel to each other. The top side  32  has a mounting opening  39  for the pump assembly  10  which is centered front to rear and left to right. The top side  32  is not parallel to the bottom side  47 . The angle  81  formed by the surface of the top side  32  and the surface of the rear side  45  is obtuse. The angle  82  formed by the surface of the front side  80  and the surface of the top side  32  is acute. A mounting attachment  38  allows for a suction cup  40  to be easily attached and removed to the dispenser body  66 . The angled opening  39  positions the inlet  76  of the dip extension  25  of the pump assembly towards the lower part of the dispenser body  66  where the front side  80  and bottom side  47  converge to maximize the amount of product the liquid dispenser can deliver between refills when attached to a vehicle windshield or window. 
       FIGS. 9A-C  illustrate a dispenser body  68  which forms an inner cavity for containing liquid. The dispenser body  68  has a front side  44  and a rear side  45  which are generally wider than the left surface  48  and the right side  49 . The front side  44  and the rear side  45  are generally parallel to each other. The left side  48  and the right side  49  are generally parallel to each other. A top side  46  and a bottom side  47  are generally parallel to each other and the corners are generally rounded. On the top side  46  is an angled mounting aperture  35 . The mounting aperture  35  is centered between surfaces of the sides  44 ,  45 ,  48 , and  49 . A removable pump assembly is attached into the opening  35 . A mounting attachment  38  allows for a suction cup  40  to be easily attached and removed to the dispenser body  68 . Instead of a single suction cup, multiple suctions cups could be used or alternative mounting mechanisms may be used. The mounting aperture  35  positions the inlet  76  of the dip extension  25  of the pump assembly towards the lower part of the dispenser body  68  where surfaces of the front side  44  and the bottom side  47  converge or join to maximize the amount of product the liquid dispenser can deliver between refills when attached to a car windshield or window. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the liquid dispenser is attached to a vehicle windshield. The vehicle cabin generally has a seat  58 , a steering wheel  60  and a dash  56 . The liquid dispenser  28  is attached to a windshield or windscreen  52  via a suction cup  40  within the vehicle cabin  50 . The liquid dispenser  28  may also be attached to a window  53  of the vehicle. In either position, the dispenser is preferably positioned within a safe reaching distance of the driver and/or passenger. In this embodiment, the liquid dispenser may be particularly useful when used to dispense a sanitizing fluid or disinfecting fluid. Thus, a person could sanitize their hands and/or surfaces of the vehicle each time they entered or exited the vehicle. This may assist in stopping the spread of diseases. 
       FIGS. 11A-C  illustrate a dispenser body  62  which forms an inner cavity for containing liquid. The dispenser body  62  has a front side  44  and a rear side  45  which are generally wider than the left side  48  and the right side  49 . The front side  44  and the rear side  45  are generally parallel to each other. The left side  48  and the right side  49  are generally parallel to each other. A top side  46  and a bottom side  47  are generally parallel to each other. The corners may be generally rounded. The top side  46  has a mounting opening  34  for a pump assembly which is offset from center towards the front side  44 . The opening  34  remains centered between left and right sides  48  and  49 . A removable pump assembly may be attached into the opening  34 . A mounting attachment  38  allows for a clip  42  to be easily attached and removed to the dispenser body  62 . The offset opening  34  positions the dip extension  25  and thus the inlet  76  towards the lower part of dispenser body  62  where the front side  44  and the bottom side  47  meet to maximize the amount of product the liquid dispenser can deliver between refills when attached to a vehicle sun visor or door panel or other location. 
       FIGS. 12A-C  illustrate a dispenser body  30  which forms an inner cavity for containing liquid. The dispenser body  30  has a front side  44  and a rear side  45  which are generally wider than the left side  48  and the right side  49 . The front side  44  and the rear side  45  are generally parallel to each other. The left side  48  and the right side  49  are generally parallel to each other. A top side  46  and a bottom side  47  are generally parallel to each other. The top side  31  has a mounting opening  33  for a pump assembly which is centered between sides  44 ,  45 ,  48 , and  49 . A removable pump assembly may be attached into the opening  33 . A mounting attachment  38  allows for a clip  42  to be easily attached and removed to the dispenser body  30 . The centered opening  33  positions the inlet  77  of the dip extension  26  towards the front lower part of the dispenser body  30  where the front side  44  and the bottom side  47  meet to maximize the amount of product the liquid dispenser can deliver between refills when attached to a car sun visor or door panel or other location. 
       FIGS. 13A-C  illustrate a dispenser body  30  which forms an inner cavity for containing liquid. The dispenser body  30  has a front side  44  and a rear side  45  which are generally wider than a left side  48  and a right side  49 . The front side  44  and the rear side  45  are generally parallel to each other. The left side  48  and the right side  49  are generally parallel to each other. A top side  46  and a bottom side  47  are generally parallel to each other. The top side  31  has a mounting opening  33  for this pump assembly, the opening  33  centered between sides opposite pairs of sides  44 ,  45  and  48 ,  49 . A removable pump assembly may be attached into the opening  33 . A mounting attachment  38  allows for a clip  42  to be easily attached and removed to the dispenser body  30 . The centered opening  33  positions the inlet  78  of the dip extension  27  towards the front lower part of the dispenser body  30  where the front side  44  and the bottom side  47  meet to maximize the amount of product the liquid dispenser can deliver between refills when attached to a vehicle sun visor or door panel or other location. The dip extension  27  is flexible thereby allowing inlet  78  to follow the edge created by front side  44  and bottom side  47 . 
       FIGS. 14A-C  illustrate a dispenser body  64  which forms an inner cavity for containing liquid. The dispenser body  64  has a front side which is formed with a left portion  73 , a right portion  74  and a protruding side  36  and a rear side  45  which are generally wider than a left side  48  and a right side  49 . The left side  48  and the right side  49  are generally parallel to each other. A top side  72  and a bottom side  47  are generally parallel to each other. The corners are generally rounded. The top side  72  has a mounting opening  37  for the pump assembly  10  which is offset within the protruding portion  36 . The opening  37  remains centered between the left and right sides  48  and  49 . A removable pump assembly may be attached into opening  37 . A mounting attachment  38  allows for a clip  42  to be easily attached and removed to the dispenser body  64 . The protruding portion  37  positions the inlet  76  of the dip extension  25  of the pump assembly towards the lower part of the dispenser body  64  to maximize the amount of product the liquid dispenser can deliver between refills when attached to a sun visor of a vehicle or door panel or other location. 
       FIGS. 15A-C  illustrate a dispenser body  66  which forms an inner cavity for containing liquid. The corners are generally rounded. The dispenser body  66  has a front side  80  and a rear side  45  which are generally wider than a left side  48  and a right side  49 . The front side  80  and the rear side  45  are generally parallel to each other. The left side  48  and the right side  49  are generally parallel to each other. The top side  32  has a mounting opening  39  for the pump assembly which is generally centered front to rear and left to right. The top side  32  is not parallel to bottom side  47 . The angle  81  formed by a surface on the top side  32  and a surface on the rear side  45  is obtuse. The angle  82  formed by a surface of the front side  80  and a surface of the top side  32  is acute. A mounting attachment  38  allows for a clip  42  to be easily attached and removed to the dispenser body  66 . The angled opening  39  positions the inlet  76  of the dip extension  25  of the pump assembly towards the lower part of dispenser body  66  where the front side  80  and the bottom side  47  converge to maximize the amount of the product the liquid dispenser can deliver between refills when attached to a sun visor of a vehicle or door panel or other location. 
       FIGS. 16A-C  illustrate a dispenser body  68  which forms an inner cavity for containing liquid. The dispenser body  68  has a front side  44  and a rear side  45  which are generally wider than left side  48  and right side  49 . Front side  44  and rear side  45  are generally parallel to each other. Left side  48  and right side  49  are generally parallel to each other. A top side  46  and bottom side  47  are generally parallel to each other. The corners are generally rounded. Top side  46  has an angled mounting aperture  35 . The mounting aperture  35  is centered on the top side  46 . A removable pump assembly may be attached into the opening  35 . A mounting attachment  38  allows for a clip  42  to be easily attached and removed to the dispenser body  68 . The mounting aperture  35  positions the inlet  76  of the dip extension  25  of the pump assembly towards the lower part of dispenser body  68  where the front side  44  and the bottom side  47  converge to maximize the amount of product the liquid dispenser  28  can deliver between refills when attached to a sun visor of a vehicle or door panel or other location. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates the liquid dispenser attached to a vehicle cabin sun visor. The vehicle cabin generally has a seat  58 , a steering wheel  60  and a dash  56 . The liquid dispenser  28  is attached to a driver or passenger sun visor  54  via clip  42  within the vehicle cabin  50 . Either position will result in the dispenser  28  being within a safe reaching distance of the driver and/or the passenger 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a push pump. In  FIG. 18 , the push pump  80  has a u-shaped dip extension  82  with an inlet  84 . Note that the u-shaped dip extension  82  extends downwardly from the spring  24  and then U-turns back upwardly towards the threaded cap member  18 . The push pump  80  may be used where the push pump is mounted at a bottom of a dispenser body.  FIG. 19  illustrates a liquid dispenser with an aperture  86  along the front side  44  and near the bottom side  47  of the dispenser body  88 . The push pump  80  of  FIG. 18  may be used in this embodiment. Thus, the inlet  84  of the dip extension is positioned within the inner cavity at a junction of a front side  44  of the body and a bottom side  47  of the body to access fluid within the inner cavity even when the fluid is nearly depleted from the inner cavity. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates another embodiment of a push pump. The push pump  100  does not have a dip extension as in certain other embodiments. Instead there are one or more inlets  104  through which a liquid product may be received into the pump housing  102  and then ultimately dispensed through the outlet  14 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an embodiment where the pump is located at a bottom of the liquid dispenser. A pump housing  110  is shown. A spring  112  is shown which is used to return a pin  118 . There are one or more inlets  114  for the product to enter the pump area once a user pushes the pin  118 . There are also one or more openings  116  through which the product may discharge. A push pump plate  120  is attached to the pin  118 . When a user presses or pushes the pin  118  and the plate  120  inwardly, the product to be dispensed is loaded into the pump. The spring  112  then returns the pin  118  and the plate  120  back out thereby expelling the product through the discharge openings  116 . 
       FIG. 22  illustrates another embodiment of a liquid dispenser where the push pump would be located at the bottom of the liquid dispenser and a push pin is in an extended position. In the embodiment shown, a threaded aperture in the liquid dispenser body could still be used. In addition, the function of the dip extension is integrated into the pump assembly to maximize the low mounting point of the pump. Note that  FIG. 22 , like the embodiment shown in  FIG. 19  provides for mounting a discharge system on the front or sides of the dispenser body.  FIG. 22  illustrates a gravity closed push pin position with no product discharging. The pin  118  is attached to a push plate  120 .  FIG. 23  illustrates the liquid dispenser of  FIG. 22  except that the push pin is in a retracted position. In operation, a user pushes the pin  118  to move the pin  118  and the plate  120  inwardly to start dispensing product from the opening(s)  116 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates another embodiment where the liquid dispenser may provide for automatic or handsfree dispensing. Where automatic or handsfree dispensing is used, an electric pump  202  may be powered with electrical energy. One or more switches or sensors  204  may be used to turn on and off the electric pump  202 . Various types of switches or sensors may be used including motion sensors, infrared sensors, capacitive sensors, or switches or sensors using other types of sensing technology. Electrical energy is provided using a power connector or other energy source  206 . Various types of power connectors or sources  206  may be used including a USB connector  208 , a 12V vehicle accessory interface  210 , an AC outlet  212 , a battery  214 , and a solar cell  216 . It is to be contemplated that depending upon the type of power source appropriate additional electronics or circuitry may be included to provide for signal conditioning and/or power conversion as well as electrical safety. In addition, multiple interfaces or connectors may be provided such as both a solar cell  216  and a battery  214 . In addition, although the switch or sensor  204  is shown directly connected to the pump  202 , it is to be understood that additional circuitry may be present such as additional relays or switches, or other circuitry depending upon the electrical source  206  and the electrical requirements of the electric pump  202 . Also, an intelligent control such as a microcontroller may also be used where additional complexity is required such as to time the dispensement, to vary the dispensing time, or to otherwise provide additional functionality. It should also be understood that where an electric pump is used the liquid dispenser may otherwise appear the same or similar to those shown and described. 
     The liquid dispenser can also be packaged with one or more sets of removable mounts such as suction cups to mount the liquid dispenser to various locations. Alternatively the liquid dispenser may have a permanent mount. The liquid dispenser is preferably comprised of a dishwasher safe material to aid in cleaning and sanitizing between uses. Alternatively, the liquid dispenser may be disposable. 
     Therefore an improved liquid dispenser has been provided. It should be understood that the liquid dispenser is configured for use in various environments especially within a vehicle, on surfaces that tilt forward, upper/top mountings, or elsewhere that is not conducive to having the liquid dispenser sit on a flat surface. The present invention contemplates numerous variations in materials used, configurations, shapes, sizes, and other variations within the scope of the invention now claimed.