Patent Description:
Conventional cartridge based soap and sanitizers dispensers use disposable refill cartridges. The disposable refill cartridges typically include a container and a pump. These disposable refill cartridges are single-use type and thus incapable of being refilled. <CIT> discloses a dispensing system according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The present invention provides a dispensing system according to claim <NUM>.

An exemplary dispensing system includes a housing, a pump, an outlet nozzle, a reservoir, a liquid passage, an air passage, and a refill container. The pump and reservoir are attached to the housing, and both the outlet nozzle and the reservoir are in fluid communication with the pump. The reservoir has at least one engagement member, and the liquid passage and the air passage are located in the engagement member. The refill container has at least one sealing member, and the refill container is configured to be releasably attached to the reservoir such that the refill container is in fluid communication with the reservoir. When the refill container is attached to the reservoir, the engagement member engages the sealing member to cause the liquid passage and the air passage to be in fluid communication with the refill container.

Another exemplary dispensing system includes a housing, a reservoir, an air passage, a liquid passage, at least one engagement member, a pump, an outlet nozzle, and a refill container. The reservoir is secured to the housing and includes a cavity located in its upper portion, in which the cavity is configured so that air in the reservoir migrates to the cavity. The air passage extends upward from the cavity, and the liquid passage extends upward from the reservoir. A bottom of the liquid passage is located below a bottom of the air passage. The engagement member is configured to mate with a refill container. The pump has a pump chamber that is in fluid communication with the reservoir and the outlet nozzle. The refill container is configured to releasably attach to the reservoir such that the refill container is in fluid communication with the reservoir through the at least one engagement member. The refill container also has at least one sealing member.

Another exemplary dispensing system includes a housing, a reservoir, a pump having a pump chamber, an outlet nozzle, a liquid passage, an air passage, a refill container, and a vent valve. The reservoir is attached to the housing and includes at least one engagement member. Both the reservoir and the outlet nozzle are in fluid communication with the pump chamber. The liquid passage as a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, and the air passage has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is disposed above the liquid outlet when the dispensing system is in use. The refill container has a sealing member and is configured to be attached to the reservoir such that the refill container is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The vent valve allows air into at least one of the reservoir and the refill container. When the refill container is attached to the reservoir, the engagement member engages the sealing member to cause the liquid passage and the air passage to be in fluid communication with the refill container. Operation of the pump causes liquid to move from the refill container to the reservoir through the liquid passage, and causes air to move from the reservoir to the refill container through the air passage if there is air in the reservoir.

Another exemplary dispenser includes a semi-permanent reservoir that is releasably secured to the dispenser. A pump is connected to the semi-permanent reservoir. A vent valve located on a top surface of the semi-permanent reservoir and a reservoir connector is located on a top surface of the semi-permanent reservoir. The exemplary dispenser includes a refill unit. The refill unit has a refill connector. The refill connector connects to the reservoir connector to transfer fluid between the refill unit and the semi-permanent reservoir.

Another exemplary dispenser includes a semi-permanent reservoir. A pump is in fluid communication with the semi-permanent reservoir. A vent valve located on a top surface of the semi-permanent reservoir and a reservoir connector is located on a top surface of the semi-permanent reservoir. The reservoir connector is configured to mate with a refill connector when a refill unit is placed in the dispenser.

Exemplary embodiments of inserts for dispensers are disclosed herein. an exemplary insert includes a semi-permanent reservoir and a pump in fluid communication with the semi-permanent reservoir. A vent valve is located on a top surface of the semi-permanent reservoir. A reservoir connector is located on a top surface of the semi-permanent reservoir. The reservoir connector is configured to mate with a refill connector when a refill unit is placed in the dispenser.

Another exemplary insert for a dispenser includes a refill unit. The refill unit has a refill connector. The refill connector connects to a reservoir connector to transfer fluid between the refill unit and the semi-permanent reservoir.

The Detailed Description describes exemplary embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. Indeed, the invention is broader than and unlimited by the exemplary embodiments, and the terms used in the claims have their full ordinary meaning. Features and components of one exemplary embodiment may be incorporated into the other exemplary embodiments. Inventions within the scope of this application may include additional features, or may have less features, than those shown in the exemplary embodiments.

Fluid dispensers often include inverted containers that hold a liquid (e.g., soap, sanitizer, lotion, etc.) and have pumps attached thereto. The fluid is pumped out through a nozzle and into the hands of a user. Fluid dispensers may be disposed in various locations, such as, for example, hospitals, patient rooms, restrooms, schools, restaurants, or any other suitable location. As people use the fluid dispensers, the inverted containers run out of fluid and need to be replaced. As the inverted containers are running low on fluid, the maintenance staff at these locations needs to decide when to replace the near empty containers with new containers so that the dispensers are always in condition to be used by a user. If refill containers are not replaced until completely empty, there is a risk that a user will attempt to use the fluid dispenser without being able to obtain any fluid. On the other hand, if the maintenance staff replaces a refill container when the container is not completely empty, the remaining fluid in the container is wasted.

The exemplary fluid dispensers disclosed herein are configured to transfer fluid from a non-collapsing refill container to a reservoir of the fluid dispenser such that the non-collapsing refill container can be removed and replaced when empty while still maintaining a quantity of fluid in the reservoir. This allows a refill container to be removed while there is still fluid in the fluid dispensing system, which prevents the risk that a user will attempt to use the fluid dispenser without being able to obtain any fluid, such as, for example, soap, sanitizer or lotion. This also allows refill containers to be removed when they are completely empty, which prevents the waste of fluid that remains in the refill container.

In some exemplary embodiments, the reservoir and pump attached thereto are removeable and replaceable. The reservoir and pump may be removed and replaced according to selected time intervals, selected throughput of fluid, and/or when the reservoir or pump fails, such as, for example, if the pump clogs or wears out.

The exemplary fluid dispensers are also configured to transfer air from the reservoir to the refill container during use. The transfer of air from the reservoir to the refill container allows a chamber of the dispenser's pump to prime more easily. In addition, the transfer of air from the reservoir to the refill container ensures that the pump will draw in liquid after each pump and not air. In addition, the movement of the air from the reservoir to the refill container prevents the refill container from collapsing as fluid moves from the refill container to the reservoir. Exemplary embodiments of the fluid dispenser can also be configured such that the reservoir does not become air locked, i.e. air is permitted to move from the reservoir to the refill container.

<FIG> illustrate various embodiments of a fluid dispenser <NUM> for dispensing a fluid (soap, sanitizer, lotion, etc.) to a user. The fluid dispenser includes a housing <NUM> (see <FIG>), an inverted refill container <NUM>, a reservoir <NUM>, a pump <NUM>, and an outlet nozzle <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the reservoir <NUM>, the pump <NUM>, and the outlet nozzle <NUM> are fixed to the housing <NUM>. In other embodiments, any of the reservoir <NUM>, the pump <NUM>, and the outlet nozzle <NUM> can be removeable from the housing <NUM> and replaceable. In some embodiments, the reservoir <NUM> has a volume between about <NUM> milliliters and about <NUM> milliliters. In some embodiments, the reservoir <NUM> has a volume between about <NUM> milliliters and about <NUM> milliliters. In some embodiments, the reservoir <NUM> has a volume between about <NUM> milliliters and about <NUM> milliliters. In some embodiments, the reservoir <NUM> has a volume of less than about <NUM> milliliters, including about <NUM> milliliters, including about <NUM> milliliters, including about <NUM> milliliters, including about <NUM> milliliters, including about <NUM> milliliters. The term "about" as used herein means +/- <NUM>%,.

The inverted refill container <NUM> is configured to be removably connected to the reservoir <NUM> such that the interiors of the containers are in fluid communication with each other when they are connected together. The inverted refill container <NUM> is non-collapsible container. The refill container <NUM> includes at least one sealing member <NUM> that is configured to seal the interior of the refill container <NUM> until the refill container <NUM> is connected to the reservoir <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> can be, for example, a poppet, a silicon seal, a slit valve, combinations thereof, or the like. The reservoir <NUM> includes at least one engagement member <NUM> that is configured to engage the at least one sealing member <NUM> of the refill container <NUM> to connect the refill container to the reservoir <NUM> and open the at least one sealing member <NUM> such that the interiors of the refill container <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> are in fluid communication with each other. The engagement member <NUM> can be, for example, a post, a puncture needle. In addition, the engagement member <NUM> and/or the reservoir <NUM> has a liquid passage <NUM> and an air passage <NUM>, and both the liquid passage <NUM> and air passage <NUM> are in fluid communication with the interior of the refill container <NUM> when the engagement member <NUM> engages the sealing member <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the liquid passage <NUM> and the air passage <NUM> are disposed within the engagement member <NUM>.

The reservoir <NUM> is in fluid communication with the pump <NUM> such that the pump can pump liquid from the reservoir <NUM> through the nozzle <NUM>. The pump <NUM> can be, for example, a displacement pump, such as, a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, a rotary pump, or the like. In certain embodiments, the pump <NUM> may be a sequentially activated multi-diaphragm pump. Exemplary embodiments of sequentially activated multi-diaphragm pumps are shown and disclosed in: <CIT> and titled HIGH QUALITY NON-AEROSOL HAND SANITIZING FOAM; <CIT> and titled SEQUENTIALLY ACTIVATED MULTI-DIAPHRAGM FOAM PUMPS, REFILL UNITS AND DISPENSER SYSTEMS; <CIT> and titled SEQUENTIALLY ACTIVATED MULTI-DIAPHRAGM FOAM PUMPS, REFILL UNITS AND DISPENSER SYSTEMS; <CIT> and titled IMPROVED FOAMING CARTRIDGE; <CIT> and titled FOAM DISPENSING SYSTEMS, PUMPS AND REFILL UNITS HAVING HIGH AIR TO LIQUID RATIOS; and <CIT> and titled FOAM DISPENSING SYSTEMS, PUMPS AND REFILL UNITS HAVING HIGH AIR TO LIQUID RATIOS.

In certain embodiments, the pump <NUM> may be a foam pump, and the fluid dispenser may include a foam cartridge (not shown). In certain of these exemplary embodiments, the foam pump may create a liquid-air mixture that travels through the foam cartridge to create a rich foam. Exemplary embodiments of foam pumps are shown and described in, <CIT> titled Stepped Pump Foam Dispenser; <CIT> titled Split Engagement Flange for Soap Piston; <CIT> titled Engagement Flange for Fluid Dispenser Pump Piston; <CIT> titled Engagement Flange for Removable Dispenser Cartridge; <CIT>, Angled Slot Foam Dispenser; <CIT> titled Split Engagement Flange for Soap Dispenser Pump Piston; <CIT> titled Split Engagement Flange for Soap Dispenser Pump Piston; <CIT> titled Draw Back Push Pump; <CIT> titled High Quality Non-Aerosol Hand Sanitizing Foam; <CIT> titled Sequentially Activated Multi-Diaphragm Foam Pumps, Refill Units and Dispenser Systems; <CIT> titled Diaphragm Foam Pump; <CIT> titled Gear Pump and Foam Dispenser. These exemplary foam pumps may be converted to liquid pumps by removing the air components.

The foam pumps typically include foaming media or foaming cartridges. Exemplary foaming media include, screens, porous material, sponge, and the like and may be in the form of foaming cartridges. Exemplary embodiments of foaming cartridges <NUM> are shown and described in <CIT>, titled Foam Cartridges, Pump, Refill Units and Foam Dispensers Utilizing The Same.

In various embodiments, the dispenser <NUM> is a "touch free" dispenser and includes an actuator <NUM> that activates the pump <NUM> to pump liquid from the reservoir <NUM> and out of the outlet nozzle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the incorporated dispensers need certain modifications to receive the reservoir <NUM>/pump <NUM> and refill container <NUM>. Exemplary touch-fee dispensers are shown and described in <CIT> titled Electronically Keyed Dispensing System And Related Methods Utilizing Near Field Response; <CIT> title Power Systems For Touch Free Dispensers and Refill Units Containing a Power Source; <CIT> titled Apparatus for Hands-Free Dispensing of a Measured Quantity of Material; <CIT> titled Apparatus for Hands-Free Dispensing of a Measured Quantity of Material; <CIT> titled Electronically Keyed Dispensing Systems and Related Methods Utilizing Near Field Response; and <CIT> titled Touch-Free Dispenser with Single Cell Operation and Battery Banking. In embodiments that include a touch-free feature, the dispenser <NUM> may include a power source (not shown), a sensor (not shown) for detecting the presence of a hand, a controller (not shown), and a motor (not shown), which are all known in the art. The power source is in electrical communication with and provides power to the sensor, controller, and motor. The power source may be an internal power source, such as, for example, one or more batteries or an external power source, such as, for example, solar cells, or a conventional <NUM> VAC power supply, or combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, the dispenser is a manual dispenser. In such embodiments, the actuator <NUM> may require manual activation, such as, for example, a user engages a push bar, a user engages a foot pedal, a pushbutton, or the like. In some embodiments that require manual activation, the actuator <NUM> is a push bar that is mechanically coupled to the pump <NUM> and, when a user engages the push bar, the pump <NUM> causes liquid from the reservoir <NUM> to exit the outlet nozzle <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM>.

Referring to the illustrated embodiments, the pump <NUM> has a pump chamber <NUM> that is in fluid communication with the reservoir <NUM>. In these embodiments, activation of the pump <NUM> causes fluid to flow from the pump chamber <NUM> and through the outlet nozzle <NUM>. Subsequently, on the return stroke the pump <NUM> is primed, which causes liquid to flow from the reservoir <NUM> and into the pump chamber <NUM>. When the refill container <NUM> is attached to the reservoir <NUM>, the priming of the pump <NUM> also causes liquid to flow from the refill container <NUM> and into the reservoir <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>.

As liquid flows through the liquid passage <NUM> and into the reservoir <NUM>, air may be transferred from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM> through the air passage <NUM>. This movement of air from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM> is facilitated by a negative pressure that is created in the refill container <NUM> due to the transfer of liquid from the refill container <NUM> and into the reservoir <NUM>. Movement of air from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM> prevents collapsing of the refill container due to this negative pressure. In addition, this movement of air into the refill container <NUM> eliminates the vacuum pressure required to collapse the container and thus allows liquid to more easily flow from the reservoir <NUM> and into the pump chamber <NUM>.

Air may enter the reservoirs disclosed herein by several means. First, prior to the first use, the entire reservoir will be filled with air. In some embodiments, when the refill container is empty, air that is in refill container is sucked into reservoir prior to refill container being removed from the dispenser. In some embodiments, air enters reservoir through the liquid passage or air passage when the refill container is removed and the dispenser is used, or due to vacuum pressure in reservoir that draws in air when the refill container is removed. In some embodiments, air will flow into the reservoir through use of a container venting pumps. Exemplary embodiments of container venting pumps are shown and disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. In addition to providing air to the reservoir, or leu of providing air to the reservoir, the venting techniques and components shown and described in the first four of these patents may be incorporated into the reservoir <NUM> (or other reservoirs disclosed herein) to allow air directly into the non-collapsing container. In such embodiments, there may be two methods of venting the non-collapsing container, one transferring air from the reservoir to the refill container and one transferring atmospheric air directly into the refill container. In some embodiments, the vent valve that allows air directly into the refill container may be selected to ensure that substantially all of the air in the reservoir is transferred to the refill container before allowing atmospheric air into the reservoir.

Referring back to <FIG>, the liquid passage <NUM> has a liquid outlet <NUM> that is in fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir <NUM> and a liquid inlet <NUM> in fluid communication with the interior of the refill container <NUM>. The air passage <NUM> has an air inlet <NUM> that is in fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir <NUM> and an air outlet <NUM> in fluid communication with the interior of the refill container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the air outlet <NUM> is located above the liquid inlet <NUM>, which prevents air exiting air outlet <NUM> from being sucked into the liquid inlet <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the air inlet <NUM> is disposed above the liquid outlet <NUM>.

This exemplary embodiment is advantageous because it prevents air lock of the liquid passage <NUM>. That is, priming of the pump <NUM> will cause a pressure differential between reservoir <NUM> and the refill container <NUM>. This pressure differential will cause air to move from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM>. By placing the air inlet <NUM> of the air passage <NUM> above the liquid outlet <NUM> of the liquid passage <NUM>, the air will move towards the air passage <NUM> in order to move into the refill container <NUM>. If the air inlet <NUM> were not disposed above the liquid inlet <NUM>, the air may try to enter the refill container <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>, which would prevent liquid from entering the reservoir <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>. The air inlet <NUM> and the liquid outlet <NUM> can, however, be disposed in any suitable manner relative to each other that allows liquid to enter the reservoir <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM> and air to enter the refill container <NUM> through the air passage <NUM>.

Transfer of liquid from the reservoir <NUM> and into the pump chamber <NUM> can also create a negative pressure in the reservoir <NUM>. In order to prevent the reservoir <NUM> from collapsing, in various embodiments, the reservoir <NUM> is vented to allow air into the reservoir <NUM> during priming of the pump <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump <NUM> is a vented pump that includes a vent <NUM> for allowing air into the reservoir <NUM>. Exemplary embodiments of vented pumps are identified in the patents mentioned herein. In certain embodiments, a vent (not shown) is disposed on a wall of the reservoir <NUM> that allows air to enter the reservoir <NUM> during priming of the pump <NUM>. The vent can take any suitable form, such as, for example, any form, such as, for example, the form of the components described in the patents mentioned herein.

Referring to <FIG>, a fluid dispenser <NUM> including a refill container <NUM> and a reservoir <NUM> with a pump <NUM> are illustrated. Reservoir <NUM> and pump <NUM> are semi-permanently secured in a dispenser (not shown). The reservoir <NUM> and pump <NUM> are "semi-permanently" secured, is meant to mean that the reservoir <NUM> and pump <NUM> may be easily removed from the dispenser (not shown) by a quick release mechanism (not shown), however, the reservoir <NUM> and pump <NUM> are retained in the dispenser and are only periodically removed and replaced. During normal operation reservoir <NUM> and pump <NUM> stay with the dispenser when refill units <NUM> are removed and replaced.

In some exemplary embodiments, the refill container <NUM> includes a neck portion <NUM> that is configured to connect to a receiving portion <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM>. The neck portion <NUM> of the refill container <NUM> includes an attachment element <NUM> that is configured to engage an groove portion <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) of the receiving portion <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> to secure the refill container <NUM> to the reservoir <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, receiving portion <NUM> includes a rotatable locking member <NUM> (<FIG>). Rotatable locking member includes a release tab <NUM>. Release tab <NUM> is biased in its resting position shown in <FIG> by a biasing member <NUM>. Release tab <NUM> may be rotated in direction R which moves retention members <NUM>, which include groove portions <NUM>, in direction R out of the way and allows refill container <NUM> to be removed from the dispenser (not shown) by moving the refill container <NUM> upward. The refill container <NUM> may be installed by rotating the release tab <NUM> in direction R and lowering the refill container <NUM> downward so that engagement member <NUM> engages sealing member <NUM>. Sealing member <NUM> seals refill container <NUM> when refill container <NUM> is not installed in the dispenser (not shown) and in fluid communication with reservoir <NUM>. Sealing member may be, for example, a valve, such as, for example, a shuttle valve that is moved by engagement member <NUM>, or such as, for example, a slit valve, or the like.

Referring to <FIG>, the neck portion <NUM> of the refill container <NUM> includes an inner wall <NUM> and a sealing member <NUM> that are configured to seal the interior of the refill container <NUM> until the refill container is connected to the reservoir <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member <NUM> is a silicone seal. However, the sealing member <NUM> can take any suitable form, such as, for example, any form described in the present application. The receiving portion <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> includes an engagement member <NUM>, a liquid passage <NUM>, and an air passage <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member <NUM> is a post, and the liquid passage <NUM> and the air passage <NUM> are disposed within the post. However, the engagement member <NUM> can take any suitable form, such as, for example, any form described in the present application. The engagement member <NUM> is configured to engage the sealing member <NUM> such that the sealing member <NUM> opens to allow the refill container <NUM> to be in fluid communication with the reservoir <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

In addition, in some embodiments, refill container <NUM> includes a vent valve <NUM>. Vent valve <NUM> may be any type of valve configured to allow air to enter refill container <NUM> and prevents fluid from flowing out of refill container <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, vent valve <NUM> may be a mushroom valve, a flapper valve, a wiper valve, a ball and spring valve, a slit valve or the like. In some embodiments, the vent valve <NUM> is configured to allow air to flow into refill container <NUM> only after a selected vacuum pressure is achieved in the refill container <NUM>. In some embodiments, vent valve <NUM> engages vent member <NUM> and only after engaging vent member <NUM> is vent valve <NUM> permitted to open and allow air to flow into the refill container <NUM>. Preferably, vent valve <NUM> is configured to require a minimum vacuum pressure inside of refill container <NUM> before allowing air from the atmosphere to flow into the container. Vent member <NUM> has an opening <NUM> in its top and includes a vent passage <NUM> that extends to the atmosphere.

Referring to <FIG>, connection of the refill container <NUM> to the reservoir <NUM> causes the engagement member <NUM> to engage and open the sealing member <NUM> such that the engagement member <NUM> extends into the refill container <NUM>. When the engagement member <NUM> extends into the refill container <NUM>, the liquid passage <NUM> and the air passage <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> both extend into the refill container <NUM> such that the refill container is in fluid communication with the reservoir <NUM>. Sealing member <NUM> seals around engagement member <NUM> and prevents leaking of fluid. When refill container <NUM> is removed, sealing member <NUM> disengages with engagement member <NUM> and seals, which prevents residual fluid in refill container <NUM> from leaking out.

The reservoir <NUM> is in fluid communication with a pump <NUM> that includes a pump chamber <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump <NUM> is a piston pump, but, in other embodiments, the pump can take any other suitable form, such as, for example, any form described in the present application. A one-way liquid inlet valve <NUM> is disposed between the reservoir <NUM> and prevents liquid in the pump chamber <NUM> from moving back into the reservoir <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, during operation, activation of the pump <NUM> causes liquid in the pump chamber <NUM> to be pumped out through the outlet nozzle <NUM>. Subsequently, on the return stroke, the pump <NUM> is primed, which causes liquid in the reservoir <NUM> to flow past the one-way liquid inlet valve <NUM> and into the pump chamber <NUM>. This movement of liquid from the reservoir <NUM> and into the pump chamber <NUM> causes liquid to flow from the refill container <NUM> and into the reservoir <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>. The movement of liquid from the refill container <NUM> creates a negative pressure in the refill container <NUM>, which causes any air in the reservoir <NUM> to flow from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM>. Air that is in reservoir <NUM> flows to the highest point, which is in cavity <NUM>. The inlet end <NUM> of air passage <NUM> is located at the top of cavity <NUM> which is above the outlet end <NUM> of liquid passage <NUM>. This helps insure that air is transferred up into refill container <NUM> as opposed to liquid.

This movement of air into the refill container <NUM> ensures that air is not drawn in to liquid pump chamber <NUM> during subsequent operation of pump <NUM> and helps to prevent collapsing of the refill container due to this negative pressure. In addition, this movement of air into the refill container <NUM> will allow liquid to more easily flow from the reservoir <NUM> and into the pump chamber <NUM>.

If there is no air in the liquid reservoir <NUM>, or the vacuum pressure in refill container <NUM> is greater than a selected cracking pressure of vent valve <NUM>, vent valve <NUM> opens and allows air from the atmosphere to flow into refill container <NUM>. Once the vacuum pressure in refill container <NUM> drops below the cracking pressure of vent valve <NUM>, vent valve <NUM> closes.

The air inlet <NUM> of the air passage <NUM> is disposed above the liquid outlet <NUM> of the liquid passage when the fluid dispenser <NUM> is in use, which prevents air lock from occurring. That is, as discussed above, priming or charging of the pump <NUM> causes liquid to flow from the refill container <NUM> and into the reservoir <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>, and causes air to move from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM> through the air passage <NUM>. In some situations, if the air inlet <NUM> is not located above the liquid outlet <NUM>, air may attempt to move from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>, which may prevent liquid from flowing into the reservoir <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in certain embodiments, a fluid dispenser <NUM> having a refill container <NUM> is disclosed. The refill container <NUM> includes a neck portion <NUM> that is configured to connect to a receiving portion <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM>. The neck portion <NUM> of the refill container <NUM> includes an attachment element <NUM> that is configured to engage an attachment element <NUM> of the receiving portion <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> to secure the refill container <NUM> to the reservoir <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the refill container <NUM> is secured to and released from in the same manner as described above with respect to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the neck portion <NUM> of the refill container <NUM> includes an inner wall <NUM>, a first sealing member 514a, and a second sealing member 514b that are configured to seal the interior of the refill container <NUM> when the refill container <NUM> is not connected to the reservoir <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing members 514a,b are a silicone seals. However, the sealing members 514a,b can take any suitable form, such as, for example, any form described in the present application. The receiving portion <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> includes a first engagement member 512a, a second engagement member 512b, a liquid passage <NUM>, and an air passage <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement members 512a,b are posts, and the liquid passage <NUM> is disposed within the first engagement member 512a and the air passage <NUM> is disposed within the second engagement member 512b. However, the engagement members 512a,b can take any suitable form, such as, for example, any form described in the present application. The first engagement member 512a is configured to engage the first sealing member 514a such that the first sealing member opens to allow the air passage <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> to be in fluid communication with the refill container <NUM>. The second engagement member 512b is configured to engage the second sealing member 512b such that the second sealing member opens to allow the liquid passage <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> to be in fluid communication with the refill container <NUM>. Pump <NUM> is a venting pump and includes a vent valve <NUM> that allows air to flow into the reservoir <NUM> when there is a sufficient vacuum pressure created in the refill container <NUM> and reservoir <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, connection of the refill container <NUM> to the reservoir <NUM> causes the engagement members 512a,b to engage and open the sealing members 514a,b such that the engagement members 512a,b extend into the refill container <NUM>. Sealing members 514a,b seal around engagement members 512a,b to prevent leaking. When the engagement members 512a,b extend into the refill container <NUM>, the liquid passage <NUM> and the air passage <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> both extend into the refill container <NUM> such that the refill container is in fluid communication with the reservoir <NUM>.

The first sealing member 514a is disposed above the second sealing member 514b on the refill container <NUM>, and a top portion <NUM> of the first engagement member 512a is disposed above a top portion <NUM> of the second engagement member 512b on the reservoir <NUM>. In this embodiment, the engagement members 512a,b and the sealing members 514a,b can act as a key for the fluid dispenser <NUM>. That is, a refill container that does not have the above-mentioned configuration (i.e., the configuration of refill container <NUM> in <FIG>) may not be able to attach to the reservoir <NUM>, which prevents user's from replacing the refill container <NUM> with a refill container that does not have the above-mentioned configuration. In other embodiments, sealing members 514a,b can be disposed at the same height, or the second sealing member 514b can be disposed above the first sealing member 514a. The top portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the engagement members 512a, 512b can also be disposed at the same height, or preferably, the top portion <NUM> of the second engagement member 512b can be disposed below the top portion <NUM> of the first engagement member 512a. In addition, reservoir <NUM> includes a cavity <NUM> that creates a space for air to accumulate at the top of the reservoir <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> to air passage <NUM> is located at the top of cavity <NUM>. Location of the air inlet <NUM> of air passage <NUM> helps to ensure air flows through air passage <NUM> into refill container <NUM> rather than liquid.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the reservoir <NUM> is in fluid communication with a pump <NUM> that includes a pump chamber <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump <NUM> is a piston pump, but, in other embodiments, the pump can take any other suitable form, such as, for example, any form described in the specification by reference. A one-way liquid inlet valve <NUM> is disposed between the reservoir <NUM> and the pump chamber <NUM> that allows liquid in the reservoir <NUM> to enter the pump chamber <NUM> and prevents liquid in the pump chamber <NUM> from moving back into the reservoir <NUM>.

During operation, activation of the pump <NUM> causes liquid in the pump chamber <NUM> to move through the outlet nozzle <NUM>. Subsequently, the pump <NUM> is charged, which causes liquid in the reservoir <NUM> to flow past one-way liquid inlet valve <NUM> and into the pump chamber <NUM>. This movement of liquid from the reservoir <NUM> and into the pump chamber <NUM> causes liquid to move from the refill container <NUM> and into the reservoir <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>. The movement of liquid from the refill container <NUM> creates a negative pressure in the refill container <NUM>, which causes air to move from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM>, and also causes air to flow past vent valve <NUM> and into the liquid reservoir <NUM>. This movement of air into the refill container <NUM> prevents collapsing of the refill container due to this negative pressure. In addition, this movement of air into the refill container <NUM> will allow liquid to more easily move from the reservoir <NUM> and into the pump chamber <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the air inlet <NUM> of the air passage <NUM> is disposed above the liquid outlet <NUM> of the liquid passage when the fluid dispenser <NUM> is in use, which prevents air lock from occurring. That is, as discussed above, priming of, or charging, the pump <NUM> causes liquid to move from the refill container <NUM> and into the reservoir <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>, and causes air to move from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM> through the air passage <NUM>. In some situations, if the air inlet <NUM> is not located above the liquid outlet <NUM>, air may attempt to move from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>, which may prevent liquid from moving into the reservoir <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a dispenser <NUM> is illustrated. As with dispensers <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, dispenser <NUM> is illustrated generically and may be, for example, any of the dispensers disclosed herein (some may require minor modifications). In certain embodiments, the refill container <NUM> includes a neck portion <NUM> that is configured to connect to a receiving portion <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM>. The neck portion <NUM> of the refill container <NUM> includes an attachment element <NUM> that is configured to engage an attachment element <NUM> of the receiving portion <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> to secure the refill container <NUM> to the reservoir <NUM>. Like reservoirs and pumps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM>, reservoir <NUM> and pump <NUM> are preferably removably secured to dispenser <NUM> and normally remain in dispenser <NUM> when refill containers are removed and replaced. However, they may be removed and replaced periodically, such as, for example, upon selected time periods, upon selected throughput, and/or upon failure by one of the components. In the illustrated embodiment, refill container <NUM> releasably connects to reservoir <NUM> in the same manner as that described above.

Referring to <FIG>, the neck portion <NUM> of the refill container <NUM> includes an inner wall <NUM> that defines a passageway <NUM> and a sealing member <NUM> disposed in the passageway <NUM> that seals the interior of the refill container <NUM> until the refill container <NUM> is connected to the reservoir <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member <NUM> is a poppet seal that is movable between an open position (that allows liquid in the refill container <NUM> to flow out of the refill container <NUM>, and air in the reservoir <NUM> to flow into the refill container <NUM>) and a closed position (that prevents liquid from flowing out of the refill container <NUM>, and allows air to flow into the refill container <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM>).

The receiving portion <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> includes an engagement member <NUM>, a liquid passage <NUM>, and an air passage <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement member <NUM> is a post, and the liquid passage <NUM> and the air passage <NUM> are disposed within the post. More specifically, the liquid passage <NUM> extends through a center of the engagement member <NUM>, and the air passage <NUM> extends around the liquid passage <NUM>. The liquid passage <NUM> and air passage <NUM> may, however, be disposed within the engagement member <NUM> in many suitable manners that allows liquid to flow from the refill container <NUM> and into the reservoir <NUM>, and allows air to flow from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM>. In other embodiments, the engagement member <NUM> can take other suitable forms, such as, for example, other forms described in the present application.

The engagement member <NUM> is configured to engage the poppet seal <NUM> such that the poppet seal moves from the closed position (as shown in <FIG>) to the open position (as shown in <FIG>) in the direction D. In certain embodiments, engagement between the engagement member <NUM> and the poppet seal <NUM> causes the engagement member <NUM> to connect to the poppet seal <NUM>. In the illustrate embodiment, the poppet seal <NUM> includes a receiving connection member <NUM>, and the engagement member <NUM> includes a protruding connection member <NUM>. The protruding connection member <NUM> of the engagement member <NUM> is configured to snap into the receiving connection member of the poppet seal <NUM> to secure the engagement member <NUM> to the poppet seal <NUM> immediately prior to moving the poppet seal <NUM>. The engagement member <NUM> and the poppet seal <NUM> can, however, be connected in other suitable manners and in some embodiments a cage (not shown) at least partially surrounds the poppet valve <NUM> to ensure the poppet valve <NUM> does not travel very far up into the refill container <NUM> so that in the event the poppet seal <NUM> comes loose from the engagement member <NUM> prematurely, the poppet valve <NUM> reseats itself and seals the refill container <NUM> upon removal of the refill container <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the engagement member <NUM> is connected to the poppet seal <NUM> such that the poppet seal is in the open position, the engagement member <NUM> extends through the passageway <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM>. When the engagement member <NUM> extends into the refill container <NUM>, both the liquid passage <NUM> and the air passage <NUM> are in fluid communication with the refill container <NUM>. Liquid will enter the liquid passage <NUM> and move into the reservoir <NUM> in the direction Z. That is, liquid will enter a liquid inlet <NUM> of the liquid passage and exit the liquid outlet <NUM> into the reservoir <NUM>. Air will enter the air passage <NUM> and move into the refill container <NUM> in the direction X. That is, air will enter the air inlet <NUM> of the air passage and exit an air outlet <NUM> into the refill container <NUM>. In addition, due to the vacuum pressure created in the reservoir <NUM> and refill container <NUM>, air flows past vent valve <NUM> and up into reservoir <NUM> in direction A.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the reservoir <NUM> is in fluid communication with a pump <NUM> that includes a pump chamber <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump <NUM> is a piston pump, but, in other embodiments, the pump can take any other suitable form, such as, for example, any form described in the present application. A one-way liquid inlet valve <NUM> is disposed between the reservoir <NUM> and the pump chamber <NUM> and allows liquid to flow from the reservoir <NUM> into the pump chamber <NUM> and prevents liquid in the pump chamber <NUM> from moving back into the reservoir <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, during operation, activation of the pump <NUM> causes liquid in the pump chamber <NUM> to move through the outlet nozzle <NUM>. Subsequently, the pump <NUM> is primed or charged, which causes liquid in the reservoir <NUM> to move past one-way liquid inlet valve <NUM> and into the pump chamber <NUM>. This transfer of liquid from the reservoir <NUM> and into the pump chamber <NUM> causes liquid to flow from the refill container <NUM> and into the reservoir <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM> in the direction Z. The movement of liquid from the refill container <NUM> creates a negative pressure in the refill container <NUM>, which causes air to flow from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM> in the direction X and movement of air past vent valve <NUM> into reservoir <NUM>. This movement of air into the refill container <NUM> prevents collapsing of the refill container <NUM> due to this negative pressure. In addition, this movement of air into the refill container <NUM> nay allow liquid to more easily move from the reservoir <NUM> and into the pump chamber <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the air inlet <NUM> of the air passage <NUM> is disposed above the liquid outlet <NUM> of the liquid passage when the fluid dispenser <NUM> is in use, which prevents air lock from occurring. That is, as discussed above, charging of the pump <NUM> causes liquid to move from the refill container <NUM> and into the reservoir <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>, and causes air to move from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM> through the air passage <NUM>. In some situations, if the air inlet <NUM> is not located above the liquid outlet <NUM>, air may attempt to move from the reservoir <NUM> and into the refill container <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>, which may prevent liquid from moving into the reservoir <NUM> through the liquid passage <NUM>.

In some embodiments, refill containers disclosed herein are collapsible. In such embodiments, a vent valve may not be required to vent the container. Any air that is in the reservoir, however, is still able to transfer up into the refill container. Transferring air up into the refill container may prevent air in the reservoir from causing malfunctions, causing inconsistent dosing, causing air lock or the like.

The various embodiments described herein are advantageous because they allow a user to remove a refill container from a fluid dispenser when the refill container is empty, but still allow a user to obtain soap, sanitizer, lotion, etc. from the fluid dispenser because of the liquid that remains in the reservoir. With traditional systems, a maintenance staff may choose to replace a refill container while some liquid remains in the refill container to prevent a situation in which the container is empty and a user attempts to use the fluid dispenser and does not obtain any fluid product. These situations lead to waste of the liquid that remains in the replaced refill container. The embodiments described herein prevents this waste because of the liquid that remains in the reservoir.

<FIG> is an exemplary dispenser <NUM>. Dispenser <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> having a front cover <NUM>. Front cover <NUM> is hingedly connected to back place <NUM> (<FIG>) by hinge pins <NUM>. Front cover <NUM> is held in a closed position by catch <NUM> when the dispenser <NUM> is ready for use. Catch <NUM> may be released allowing front cover <NUM> to rotate about hinge pins <NUM> to provide access to refill unit <NUM> and semi-permanent reservoir <NUM>. As discussed above, semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> typically remains with dispenser when the refill unit <NUM> is removed and replaced, but may itself be replaced periodically, or when a component of the reservoir or pump fails. In some embodiments, reservoir <NUM> and pump <NUM> are secured to the dispenser <NUM> by a quick release mechanism, such as, for example, the rotatable quick release mechanism described above.

In addition, dispenser <NUM> includes a window <NUM> in front cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, window <NUM> is configured so that a user can see at least a portion of the refill unit <NUM> and at least a portion of semi-permanent reservoir <NUM>. Dispenser <NUM> is manual dispenser and as a push-bar <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, dispenser <NUM> is a touch free dispenser. In such an embodiment, dispenser <NUM> would include a sensor (not shown) for sensing a user's hand, and an actuator powered by a battery or some other power source that actuates pump <NUM> to dispense the product.

<FIG> is a perspective view of dispenser <NUM> with the cover <NUM> removed and showing the refill unit <NUM> being separated from the semi-permanent reservoir <NUM>. Refill unit <NUM> includes a container connector <NUM>, which is a female connector, and it connects to connector <NUM>, which is a male connector on semi-permanent reservoir <NUM>. An exemplary connector is shown in <CIT>. In some embodiments, the refill unit <NUM> includes container <NUM> and connector <NUM>. In most cases, refill unit <NUM> can be completely drained of fluid prior to removal from the dispenser <NUM> because semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> contains enough fluid that there is little to no danger of the dispenser <NUM> being emptied prior to the refill unit <NUM> being replaced.

To separate refill unit <NUM> from semi-permanent reservoir <NUM>, the user simply lifts refill unit <NUM> upward. To connect refill unit <NUM> to semi-permanent reservoir <NUM>, the user merely aligns connector <NUM> with male connector <NUM> and lowers refill <NUM> in place. In some embodiments, dispenser <NUM> includes a socket or bracket (not shown) for receiving and holding refill unit <NUM> in place.

In some embodiments, the semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> has less than about <NUM>/8th of the volume of the refill unit container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> has less than about <NUM>/4th of the volume of the refill unit container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> has less than about <NUM>/3rd of the volume of the refill unit container <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the refill unit <NUM> and semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> (and pump <NUM>) removed from dispenser <NUM>. This can be accomplished by pressing a release mechanism (not shown) that releases semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> in pump <NUM> from the dispenser <NUM>. Located around pump <NUM> is keyed collar <NUM>. Keyed collar <NUM> may be used to insure the proper refill is installed in dispenser <NUM>. In this exemplary embodiment, pump <NUM> is a foam pump and has an outlet <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the refill unit <NUM> and semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> being separated, as described above, after removal of both the refill unit <NUM> and the semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> from dispenser <NUM>. The ability to remove the semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> from dispenser <NUM> allows a user to readily replace the semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> and pump <NUM> in the event that the pump <NUM> clogs, fails, or otherwise becomes inoperable. It also allows the ability for the semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> to be periodically replaced.

The ability to reuse pump <NUM> multiple times provides additional sustainability for dispenser <NUM> in that only the refill unit <NUM> needs to be replaced when the refill unit <NUM> is empty. In some embodiments, container <NUM> and container connector <NUM> are made from recyclable material. In some embodiments, the recyclable material for the container <NUM> and container connector <NUM> are made from material having the same recycling number. In some embodiments, the container <NUM> and container connector <NUM> are made from material having recycling number <NUM>, polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"). In some embodiments, the container <NUM> and container connector <NUM> are made from material having recycling number <NUM>, high density polyethylene ("HDPE"). In some embodiments, the container <NUM> and container connector <NUM> are made from material having recycling number <NUM>, polyvinyl chloride ("PVC"). In some embodiments, the container <NUM> and container connector <NUM> are made from material having recycling number <NUM>, low-density polyethylene ("LDPE"). In some embodiments, the container <NUM> and container connector <NUM> are made from material having recycling number <NUM>, polypropylene ("PP"). In some embodiments, the container <NUM> and container connector <NUM> are made from material having recycling number <NUM>, polystyrene ("PS").

As can be seen in <FIG>, semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> includes a vent <NUM> located in a top surface <NUM> of the semi-permanent reservoir <NUM>. Vent <NUM> allows air that has entered semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> when semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> is depleted to escape to the atmosphere when refill unit <NUM> is connected to semi-permanent reservoir <NUM>.

In this exemplary embodiment refill unit <NUM> has a collapsible container <NUM>. Accordingly, as fluid is pumped out of refill unit <NUM> vacuum pressure created inside of refill unit <NUM> causes container <NUM> to collapse. In some embodiments, refill unit <NUM> has a non-collapsible container. In such an embodiment, refill unit <NUM> may have a vent to allow atmospheric air to enter container <NUM> as fluid as being pump out of refill unit <NUM>. In some embodiments, refill unit <NUM> has a non-collapsible container and vents through a vent, such as vent <NUM>, in the semi-permanent reservoir <NUM>. In some embodiments, refill unit <NUM> has a non-collapsible container and vents through a vent in any of the manners as shown, described above.

<FIG> are an exemplary embodiment of a vent valve <NUM>. In this exemplary embodiment, vent <NUM> is a floating vent. Vent <NUM> allows filtered air to enter semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> when liquid is pumped out of semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> and the refill unit <NUM> is empty. In addition, vent <NUM> allows air to flow out of semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> when the semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> is filling with fluid, but prevents fluid and air from flowing out of semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> when semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> is full of liquid because the rise in the level of fluid causes the valve <NUM> to float upward and seal off the passage out of the semi-permanent reservoir <NUM>.

Vent <NUM> includes a reservoir float guide <NUM>, a reservoir float <NUM>, a pull-in float valve <NUM>, a filter <NUM> and a filter cap <NUM>. Vent <NUM> is configured to allow air to flow out of semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> and prevent contamination from entering semi-permanent reservoir <NUM>.

Filter <NUM> has a porosity that is sufficient to prevent bacteria from passing through the filter. In some embodiments, filter <NUM> has a porosity of about <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, filter <NUM> is a nylon syringe filter having a porosity of <NUM> and has a diameter of about <NUM>. Thus, any air flowing into semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> is free from contaminants and/or bacteria.

<FIG> illustrates dispenser <NUM> with refill unit <NUM>, semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> and pump <NUM> and a refill unit <NUM> being inserted therein. Refill unit <NUM> includes a container and a pump (not shown). In some embodiments, the refill unit <NUM>, semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> and pump <NUM> are sized to have the same footprint as a refill unit <NUM>. Accordingly, a refill unit <NUM> can be easily retrofitted to accept a refill unit <NUM>, semi-permanent reservoir <NUM> and pump <NUM>. In some embodiments, no modification to the dispenser is necessary.

Claim 1:
A dispensing system (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing;
a reservoir (<NUM>) secured to the housing;
a cavity (<NUM>) located in an upper portion of the reservoir (<NUM>), wherein the cavity (<NUM>) is configured so that air in the reservoir (<NUM>) migrates to the cavity (<NUM>);
an air passage (<NUM>) extending upward from the cavity (<NUM>);
a liquid passage (<NUM>) extending upward from the reservoir;
a bottom of the liquid passage (<NUM>) being located below a bottom of the air passage (<NUM>);
at least one engagement member (<NUM>), wherein the engagement member (<NUM>) is configured to mate with a refill container (<NUM>);
a pump (<NUM>) having a pump chamber (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the reservoir (<NUM>);
an outlet nozzle (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the pump chamber (<NUM>); and
a refill container (<NUM>) configured to be releasably attached to the reservoir (<NUM>) such that the refill container (<NUM>) is in fluid communication with the reservoir (<NUM>) through the at least one engagement member (<NUM>);
the refill container having at least one sealing member (<NUM>);
characterized in that, when the refill container (<NUM>) is attached to the reservoir (<NUM>), air flows from the cavity (<NUM>) into the container (<NUM>) and liquid flows from the container (<NUM>) into the reservoir (<NUM>).