Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to liquid dispensers, and more specifically to tamper and ligation resistant wall-mounted liquid dispensers. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0004]    There are many dispensers known to the art for dispensing liquid soap or other liquid material. These dispensers are used in a number of applications, including: soap dispensers in restrooms, beverage dispensers, liquid dispensers at gas stations, etc. Dispensers are used in self-service types of environments where a product is needed and it is uneconomical or undesirable to have a full-time attendant. Typically, a user activates the dispenser and an internal mechanism accesses a supply of the product. The product is removed from the internal supply and provided to the user. Since the internal supply is not unlimited, dispensers usually include some type of cover or door that allows an operator to access the internal area of a dispenser, for example for maintenance tasks or restocking of product. 
         [0005]    More particularly, there are many “bag-in-box” type wall-mounted dispensers in which the liquid soap or other material is contained in a flexible bag. The dispenser typically includes a vertically disposed base or mounting plate which can be secured to a wall or other vertical surface, and a pivoting cover which is hinged or otherwise attached to the base and is swingable between an open and closed position. When the cover is in an open position, the liquid bag is coupled to the liquid dispensing means. The cover is then closed, securing the liquid bag inside the dispenser. 
         [0006]    The liquid dispenser may also include means for securing the cover to the base, for example a locking mechanism including a key, in order to prevent vandalism or tampering. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Several embodiments of the invention advantageously address the needs above as well as other needs by providing an apparatus for dispensing a liquid stream comprising: a back housing comprising a back plate and a cartridge support assembly coupled to the back plate; a latch plate coupled to the back plate; a liquid cartridge coupled to the cartridge support assembly, the liquid cartridge comprising a pump and a liquid container including a liquid, the liquid container in fluid communication with the pump; a cover including a cover opening proximate to a lower portion of the cover, the lower portion of the cover pivotally coupled to a lower portion of the back housing such that the cover automatically pivots away from the back housing into an open position, and such that the liquid cartridge is entirely enclosed within a profile of the apparatus when the cover is in a closed position, whereby the liquid cartridge is inaccessible to a user when the cover is in the closed position; a latch coupled to the cover, whereby the latch may be removably coupled to the latch plate when the cover is in the closed position such that the cover is secured to the back housing in the closed position; and an actuator including a dispensing hole, the actuator pivotally coupled to an interior face of the cover such that a lower portion of the actuator is accessible through the cover opening, whereby the pump is actuated and the liquid stream is dispensed though the dispensing hole. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, the invention can be characterized as a pump nozzle insert configured to be wedgingly received by a pump nozzle of a pump, the pump nozzle insert including a dispensing bore configured for conveying and discharging a stream dispensed by the pump when the pump is actuated, whereby a diameter of a dispensed stream exiting the pump nozzle insert is smaller than a diameter of the dispensed stream exiting the pump. 
         [0009]    In a further embodiment, the invention can be characterized as a An actuator pivotally coupled to a liquid dispenser housing comprising: a front plate; a left flange plate integrally coupled to a left edge of the front plate, the left plate plate extending in a direction of a liquid dispenser housing interior in an orientation generally normal to the front plate, the left flange plate configured to cover a gap between the actuator and the liquid dispenser housing when the actuator is pivoted, whereby the structural strength of the actuator to resist an applied force is increased and ligation is prevented; a right flange plate integrally coupled to a right edge of the front plate, the right plate plate extending in a direction of a liquid dispenser housing interior in an orientation generally normal to the front plate, the right flange plate configured to cover a gap between the actuator and the liquid dispenser housing when the actuator is pivoted, whereby the structural strength of the actuator to resist an applied force is increased and ligation is prevented; a bottom plate integrally coupled to a bottom edge of the front plate, the bottom plate extending in a direction of a liquid dispenser housing in an orientation generally perpendicular to the front plate the bottom plate configured to cover a ligation gap between the actuator and the liquid dispenser when the actuator is pivoted, the bottom plate further including a dispensing hole, the dispensing hole including a maximum dispensing hole dimension of 0.35 inches, the bottom plate configured to cover a gap between the actuator and the liquid dispenser housing when the actuator is pivoted, whereby the structural strength of the actuator to resist an applied force is increased and ligation is prevented. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The above and other aspects, features and advantages of several embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a liquid dispenser in the closed position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the liquid dispenser in the open position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a back housing of the liquid dispenser. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a cartridge support assembly of the liquid dispenser. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a cover of the liquid dispenser. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a front plate of the cover. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a top plate of the cover. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a base plate of the cover. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the actuator of the liquid dispenser. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a bottom plan view of a bottom surface of the liquid dispenser. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of a pump of the liquid dispenser. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the pump nozzle insert. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view taken along the line  1 - 1  in  FIG. 1  showing the dispenser in the closed position. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims. 
         [0026]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0027]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0028]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a liquid dispenser  100  in a closed position, in one embodiment of the invention is shown. Shown are the liquid dispenser  100 , a back housing  102 , a cover  104 , a locking mechanism  106 , an actuator  108 , a pivot bolt  110 , a cover opening  112 , a liquid dispenser top surface  114 , and a liquid dispenser bottom surface  116 . 
         [0029]    The liquid dispenser  100  includes the back housing  102  and the cover  104  configured to hold and dispense a liquid (not shown). A lower portion of the cover  104  is pivotally coupled to a lower portion of the back housing  102  with two pivot bolts  110 , one pivot bolt  110  on each side of the cover  104 , so that the cover is automatically rotated downward and away from the back housing  102  when the locking mechanism  106  is in an unlocked configuration, as shown below in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0030]    In the present embodiment, the back housing  102 , the cover  104  and the actuator  108  are comprised of stainless steel plates, with thicknesses of approximately 14-16 gauge. 
         [0031]    The locking mechanism  106  is coupled to the liquid dispenser top surface  114 , and is configured for securing the cover  104  to the back housing  102  when the liquid dispenser  100  is in the closed position shown in  FIG. 1 . When the locking mechanism  106  is released, the cover  104  is automatically rotated about the pivot bolts  110  so that the liquid dispenser  100  is in an open position (as shown below in  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0032]    The cover  104  includes the cover opening  112  located in the lower portion of the cover  104  such that the actuator  108  is received within the cover opening  112  and pivotally hinged to an upper portion of an interior face of the cover  104 , as shown in more detail below in  FIG. 13 . The outward and inward rotation of the actuator  108  is limited by contact of the actuator  108  with the cover  104  when the actuator  108  is rotated in either direction. 
         [0033]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the liquid dispenser  100  in the closed position is shown. The liquid dispenser  100  is operated conventionally, with a liquid cartridge  200  (as shown below in  FIGS. 12 ,  14 ) disposed so that a pump nozzle  1106  is near to or in contact with an interior face of the actuator  108 . When the actuator  108  is pushed, the pump  202  is activated, dispensing the liquid through the pump nozzle  1106  and through the cover opening  112  to a user (not shown). The amount of the liquid dispensed is limited by the pump  202  configuration and also by configuring the cover  104  so that the actuator contacts the cover  104  after the pump  202  has been pushed inward a prescribed distance, halting the flow of liquid (as described further below in  FIG. 13 ). 
         [0034]    However, conventional liquid dispensers as shown in the prior art are not suitable for installation in a high-security facility, such as a prison, where tampering, vandalism and ligation are concerns. The present invention advantageously includes a number of innovations to increase the structural strength of the liquid dispenser  100  to prevent tampering of and vandalism to the liquid dispenser  100 , and prevent ligation caused by securing a ligature in an opening, crevice or gap of the liquid dispenser  100 , as described in more detail below. The structural strength of the dispenser  100  is defined as the measure of the ability of the dispenser to resist breakage or deformation when subjected to expected applied forces, for example, the forces applied by a person attempting to pry, fracture, or bend the dispenser  100 . 
         [0035]    A plurality of plates comprising the liquid dispenser  100  are comprised of stainless steel, providing resistance to vandalism and tampering. Those skilled in the art will note that the design may be modified for use with other suitably structurally strong and corrosion-resistant materials, such as mild steel or aluminum. The dispenser  100  may also be configured to receive paint or a coating, for example a powder coating. In the embodiment shown, the plate edges are generally rounded or smoothed. 
         [0036]    The configuration of the liquid dispenser  100  is such that the liquid cartridge  200 , which includes a liquid container  204  and the pump  202 , is entirely enclosed within a perimeter of the liquid dispenser  100  when the liquid dispenser  100  is in the closed position, reducing the possibility of tampering with or removal of the pump  202  or liquid container  204 . The term “ligation gap” is herein defined as a gap between members or portions of the liquid dispenser which is wide enough to wedgingly receive an article available to the person in the high-security facility, for example, a shoelace. 
         [0037]    The locking mechanism  106  prevents the liquid cartridge  200  from being opened without an unlocking device (not shown), further preventing tampering, vandalism or possible ligation. The locking mechanism  106  is described further below in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0038]    Referring next to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the liquid dispenser  100  in the open position is shown. Shown are the liquid dispenser  100 , the back housing  102 , the cover  104 , the locking mechanism  106 , the pivot bolt  110 , the liquid cartridge  200 , the pump  202 , and the liquid container  204 . 
         [0039]    As described previously in  FIG. 1 , when the locking mechanism  106  is in the unlocked configuration, due to the location of the pivot bolts  110  proximate to a bottom of the liquid dispenser  100 , the cover  104  automatically rotates outward and downward when the back housing  102  is coupled to a vertical surface, for example, a wall (not shown). 
         [0040]    The liquid cartridge  200  includes the pump  202  and the liquid container  204 . The liquid container  204  is in fluid communication with the pump  202  to allow the liquid to flow through the pump  202  when the pump  202  is activated. The liquid cartridge  200  is demountably coupled to the back housing  102  so that the pump  202  is positioned for activation by the actuator  108  when the liquid dispenser  100  is in the closed position. The liquid container  204  is of a size, shape and material suitable for use in the present embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown, the liquid container  204  is a bag-type container comprising a thin plastic, for example, PET. 
         [0041]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the liquid dispenser  100  is shown in the unlocked configuration, resulting in the open position. The automatic rotation of the cover  104  allows for access to the liquid cartridge  200  for maintenance or replacement. While in the present embodiment the entire liquid cartridge  200  is replaced to prevent cross-contamination of bacteria, those skilled in the art will note that alternate embodiments include the pump demountably coupled to the liquid container  204 , so that one may be replaced without replacing the other. 
         [0042]    Referring next to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the back housing  102  of the liquid dispenser  100  is shown. Shown are the back housing  102 , a back plate  300 , a cartridge support assembly  302 , a back plate rear wall  304 , a plurality of back plate side walls  306 , a back plate top flange  308 , a plurality of mounting holes  310 , a latch plate  312 , a plurality of latch plate rivets  314 , a back housing top edge  316 , a back housing bottom edge  318 , a plurality of rivet holes  320 , a hinge hole  322 , a plurality of back plate front flanges  324 , a cartridge support plate side wall  326 , a cartridge support plate front wall  328 , and a pump cutout  330 , and a back plate bottom flange  332   
         [0043]    The back housing  102  includes the back plate  300  and the cartridge support assembly  302 . The back plate  300  is shaped to form a general vertical channel-shape, with the opening of the channel facing outward and the channel walls generally perpendicular to the channel base. The back plate rear wall  304  corresponds to the base of the channel shape, and the two back plate side walls  306  correspond to the two channel walls. 
         [0044]    The back plate rear wall  304  comprises 14-gauge stainless steel, and is generally rectangular-shaped, with the addition of the back plate top flange  308  extending outward from a top edge of the back plate  300  in a generally perpendicular direction, and the back plate bottom flange  332  extending outward from a bottom edge of the back plate  300  in a generally perpendicular direction. 
         [0045]    The back plate rear wall  304  includes the plurality of mounting holes  310  used for coupling the liquid dispenser  100  directly to the vertical support. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the size and location of the mounting holes  310  are dependent on the type of mounting equipment (for example, screws, drywall anchors or masonry anchors) and type of vertical support structure to be mounted to, for example, wood studs, drywall or concrete masonry units. 
         [0046]    The latch plate  312  comprises 14-gauge stainless steel, is coupled to the back plate rear wall  304  and includes a lateral jog. In the present embodiment, one end of the latch plate  312  is coupled to an interior face of the back plate rear wall  304  using at least one hollow latch plate rivet  314 . In the present embodiment, two latch plate rivets  314  are used. The latch plate rivets  314  are installed so that the end of a latch plate rivet shaft is generally flush with an exterior face of the back plate rear wall  304 . The latch plate  312  is coupled to the back plate rear wall  304  to provide a latch point for the locking mechanism  106  when the liquid dispenser  100  is closed and the locking mechanism  106  is in the locked configuration. It should be noted that while a latching mechanism is shown, alternate methods of securing the cover  104  to the back housing  102  may be used. 
         [0047]    The two back plate side walls  306  extend outward in a generally perpendicular direction from the back plate rear wall  304 . The back plate side walls  306  include a narrow portion proximate to the back housing top edge  316 , then slope steeply outward to approximately 2.75″ in width. Proximate to a top extent of the cartridge support assembly  302 , the width of each back plate side wall  306  decreases to approximately 2.5″. Proximate to a bottom extent of the cartridge support assembly  302  the width of each back plate side wall  306  decreases to about 1.25″. 
         [0048]    Each back plate side wall  306  includes the hinge hole  322  proximate to the back housing bottom edge  318  for receiving the pivot bolts  110  shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 . The back plate side walls  306  also include a plurality of rivet holes  320  sized and located for coupling the cartridge support assembly  302  to the back plate  300  using a plurality of rivets  600  (not shown). It should be appreciated that the size, number and location of rivets  600  may vary depending on the type and size of rivets  600  used, the thicknesses of the plates, the spacing of the rivets  600 , and other connection variables. 
         [0049]    Each back plate side wall  306  includes the integral back plate front flange  324  extending inward perpendicular to the back plate side wall  306  at an edge of the back plate side wall  306  distal to the back plate rear wall  304 . The back plate front flange  324  is generally included for a widest segment of the back plate side wall  306 . 
         [0050]    The cartridge support assembly  302  is formed in a shallow rectangular tray shape. Each cartridge support plate side wall  326  is coupled to the corresponding back plate side wall  306 . The cartridge support plate front wall  328  includes a generally u-shaped pump cutout  330 . The cartridge support assembly  302  is described further below in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0051]    Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the back housing  102  is generally configured to provide a structurally strong, mountable base for the pivoting cover  104 , be capable of receiving the locking mechanism  106  of the cover  104 , and support the liquid cartridge  200  in the position required to dispense the liquid to the user, while ensuring that the liquid cartridge  200  is entirely enclosed by the perimeter of the liquid dispenser  100  when the liquid dispenser  100  is in the closed position. 
         [0052]    The shape of the back plate  300 , a general vertical channel, provides a holding cavity for the liquid cartridge  200 . The back plate side walls  306  prevent the liquid cartridge  200  from coming into contact with the liquid cartridge  200  when the liquid dispenser  100  is closed, and protects the liquid container  204  from puncture. In addition, the back plate side walls  306  increase the structural strength of the back housing  102 . 
         [0053]    The back plate  300  also includes the back plate bottom flange  332 , which advantageously reduces a bottom gap between the back housing bottom edge  318  and a bottom of the cover  104 , preventing tampering and a ligation point, as shown further below in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0054]    Similarly, the back plate top flange  308  reduces a top gap between the back housing top edge  316  and a top of the cover, preventing tampering and a ligation point. 
         [0055]    The back plate rear wall  304  includes the plurality of mounting holes  310  for securing the liquid dispenser  100  to the vertical support. The liquid dispenser  100  is coupled directly to the vertical support without the use of an intermediate wall mounting bracket, advantageously preventing the possibility of removal of the liquid dispenser  100  as a result of tampering with the intermediate wall mounting bracket. 
         [0056]    The latch plate  312  coupled to the back plate rear wall  304  provides a secure latch point for the locking mechanism  106  attached to the cover  104 . The use of latch plate rivets  314  to attach the latch plate  312  to the back plate rear wall  304 , and providing a latch plate  312  comprised of steel, secures the cover  104  against removal due to bending or detachment of the latch plate  312  from the back plate  300 . It should be noted that other latch plate  312  materials, shapes, and methods of coupling may be suitable to provide cover  104  securement to the back plate  300 . The latch plate rivets  314  are installed flush with the exterior face of the back plate rear wall  304  so that the liquid dispenser  100  may be mounted flush against the vertical support in order to eliminate a possible pry point. 
         [0057]    The back plate side walls  306  are generally shaped to provide the holding cavity, as noted above, and to overlap with an interior face of the front plate side walls  502  to prevent access to the interior of the dispenser  100 , and reduce the possibility of ligation, when the dispenser  100  is in the closed position. 
         [0058]    The back plate side walls  306  are narrowed proximate to the back housing bottom edge  318  and the back housing top edge  316  to allow the cover  104  to rotate into the closed position. The width of the back plate side walls  306  proximate to the back housing bottom edge  318  are of suitable width for including the hinge hole  322 . The back plate side walls  306  also include the back plate front flanges  324  to provide additional restraint for the liquid cartridge  200  coupled to the back housing  102  and rigidity to the back housing  102 . 
         [0059]    The cartridge support assembly  302  is configured to support the liquid cartridge  200 , allow for maintenance and replacement of the liquid cartridge  200 , and maintain the pump  202  in the required location and orientation for activation by and dispensing through the actuator  108 . The pump cutout  330  is configured for demountable coupling of the pump  202  to the cartridge support assembly  302 , and is described further in  FIGS. 4 ,  11 . 
         [0060]    Referring next to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of the cartridge support assembly  302  in one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Shown are the cartridge support assembly  302 , the plurality of rivet holes  320 , the plurality of cartridge support plate side walls  326 , the cartridge support plate front wall  328 , the pump cutout  330 , a cartridge support plate  400 , a pump shim plate  402 , a cartridge support assembly base  404 , and a pump shim plate cutout  408 . 
         [0061]    The cartridge support assembly  302  includes the cartridge support plate  400  and the pump shim plate  402 . As shown above, the cartridge support plate  400  is shaped in a generally rectangular shallow tray shape, and is rivetedly coupled to the back plate side walls  306  so that the cartridge support assembly base  404  provides support for the liquid container  204 . 
         [0062]    The cartridge support plate front wall  328  forms the front side of the rectangular tray shape, and generally aligns with a plane of the back plate front flanges  324 . The cartridge support plate front wall  328  includes the generally U-shaped pump cutout  330  extending from a top edge of the cartridge support plate front wall  328  to a bottom edge of the cartridge support plate front wall  328 . The pump cutout  330  is configured for demountable coupling of the liquid cartridge  200  in a dispensing position. 
         [0063]    In the present embodiment, the cartridge support plate front wall  328  location and angle with respect to the cartridge support assembly base  404  is configured to ensure that the pump  202  is in the correct dispensing position when the liquid dispenser  100  is in the closed position and the liquid dispenser  100  is locked. 
         [0064]    The cartridge support assembly  302  includes the pump shim plate  402  rivetedly coupled to the front face of the cartridge support plate front wall  328 . The pump shim plate  402  includes the pump shim plate cutout  408  in a shape aligning with the pump cutout  330  when the pump shim plate  402  is coupled to the cartridge support plate  400 . 
         [0065]    Referring again to  FIG. 4 , the cartridge support assembly  302  of the back housing  102  is shown. The cartridge support assembly  302  provides demountable coupling of the liquid cartridge  200  to the back housing  102 . In the present embodiment, the pump  202  is a type manufactured by Rexam Airspray for use with a liquid container  204 . The exemplary pump  202  includes a pump flange  1104  for sliding into the pump cutout  330  for coupling of the pump  202  to the liquid dispenser  100 . The pump cutout  330  is configured to wedgingly receive the exemplary pump  202 , but those skilled in the art will note that the cartridge support assembly  302  may be modified to accommodate alternate pumps and liquid cartridges. The liquid cartridge  200  is described further below in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0066]    Also due to the configuration of the exemplary pump  202 , the pump shim plate  402  is sized and located to provide a shim to the cartridge support plate front wall  328  in order to wedgingly couple the exemplary pump  202  to the cartridge support assembly  302 . The pump shim plate  402  is shown riveted to the cartridge support plate  400 , but alternate forms of coupling, for example screws or welding, may also be used. The pump shim plate  402  may not be required if alternate means for mounting the pump  202  are used. 
         [0067]    The cartridge support assembly base  404  provides support for the liquid container  204  when the liquid dispenser  100  is in either the open or the closed position. 
         [0068]    Referring next to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of the interior of the cover in one embodiment of the invention is shown. Shown are the cover  104 , the locking mechanism  106 , the plurality of pivot bolts  110 , the opening h 112 , the liquid dispenser bottom surface  116 , the plurality of hinge holes  322 , a front plate front wall  500 , a plurality of front plate side walls  502 , a pivot plate  504 , a plurality of actuator pivot holes  506 , a lock plate  508 , a base plate  510 , a front plate  512 , and a top plate  514 . 
         [0069]    The front plate  512  is formed in a general vertical channel shape, where the front plate front wall  500  corresponds to the channel base and the two front plate side walls  502  correspond to the channel sides. Each front plate side wall  502  includes the hinge hole  322  proximate to a bottom rear corner of the front plate side wall  502 . 
         [0070]    The pivot plate  504  is generally channel-shaped, with the base of the channel coupled to an interior face of the front plate front wall  500  above the cover opening  112 , the channel sides each including one actuator pivot hole  506  for pivotally coupling the actuator  108  to the pivot plate  504  using an actuator pivot bolt  1302  (as shown below in  FIG. 13 ). In the present embodiment, the pivot plate  504  is welded to the front plate front wall  500 . The front plate front wall  500  includes the cover opening  112  proximate to a bottom of the front plate front wall  500 , as described further below in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0071]    The top plate  514  is rivetedly coupled to a top edge of the front plate front wall  500  and a top edge of each front plate side wall  502 , and includes the locking mechanism  106  and the lock plate  508 . The top plate  514  is described further below in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0072]    The base plate  510  is rivetedly coupled to the front plate front wall  500  above the cover opening  112  and to the front plate side walls  502  proximate to a bottom edge of each front plate side wall  502 , and is described further below in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0073]    Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the cover  104  is shown in one embodiment of the present invention as being comprised of the front plate  512 , the top plate  514  and the base plate  510 . The coupling of the front plate  512 , the top plate  514  and the base plate  510  forms a generally trapezoidal prism shape, with the smaller trapezoidal prism base forming a front of the liquid dispenser  100  and the wider trapezoidal base open to receive the back housing  102  within the trapezoidal prism shape when the liquid dispenser  100  is in the closed position. The trapezoidal prism shape results in sloping of the liquid dispenser top surface  114  and the liquid dispenser bottom surface  116  when the liquid dispenser  100  is in the closed position. 
         [0074]    The front plate side walls  502  are configured so that each rear vertical edge of the front plate  512  generally aligns with the exterior face of the back plate rear wall  304  when the liquid dispenser  100  is in the closed position, minimizing a ligation gap between the front plate side walls  502  and the vertical support. Likewise, the top plate  514  is configured so that a rear horizontal edge of the top plate  514  generally aligns with the exterior face of the back plate rear wall  304  when the liquid dispenser  100  is in the closed position. As a result, the possibility of tampering or ligation is prevented when the liquid dispenser  100  is mounted on the vertical support and in the closed position and locked configuration. 
         [0075]    Due to the location of the pivot bolts  110  proximate to the liquid dispenser bottom surface  116 , the bottom gap must be maintained between the cover  104  and the back housing  102  to allow the cover  104  to pivot relative to the back housing  102 . The bottom gap is described further below in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0076]    Referring next to  FIG. 6 , the front plate  512  of the cover  104  is shown. Shown are the plurality of rivet holes  320 , the plurality of hinge holes  322 , the front plate front wall  500 , the plurality of front plate side walls  502 , the pivot plate  504 , the front plate  512 , the plurality of rivets  600 , and a cover reinforcing plate  602 . 
         [0077]    As described previously in  FIG. 5 , the front plate  512  is part of the generally trapezoidal prism shape. The front plate  512  includes the plurality of rivet holes  320  for coupling to the top plate  514  and to the base plate  510 . The front plate  512  also includes the hinge hole  322  proximate to the bottom rear corner of each front plate side wall  502  for pivotally coupling the cover  104  to the back housing  102 . 
         [0078]    The front plate front wall  500  includes the generally rectangular cover opening  112  proximate to the bottom of the front plate front wall  500 . 
         [0079]    The cover reinforcing plate  602  is rivetedly coupled to an exterior face of the front plate front wall  500  above the cover opening  112  using the same rivets  600  as used for coupling the base plate front tabs  802  (as shown below in  FIG. 8 ) to the interior face of the front plate front wall  500 . 
         [0080]    The pivot plate  504  is coupled to the interior face of the front plate front wall  500 , as previously described in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0081]    Referring again to  FIG. 6 , the front plate  512  of the cover  104  is shown according to one embodiment of the invention. The front plate  512  is shaped to provide minimal gaps between the front plate  512  and the back housing  102 , the top plate  514  and the base plate  510  when the liquid dispenser  100  is in the closed position. The liquid dispenser bottom surface  116  and the liquid dispenser top surface  114  are sloped, preventing an item (not shown) from being placed on top of the liquid dispenser  100  when the liquid dispenser  100  is in the closed position. 
         [0082]    The cover reinforcing plate  602  provides additional rigidity and structural strength to the front plate front wall  500 , preventing deformation and tear-out of the front plate  512  if the actuator  108  is subject to a force causing outward leverage of the actuator  108  against the front plate  512  at the cover opening  112 . The cover reinforcing plate  602  also provide additional stiffness and structural strength to the cover  104  where the stiffness and strength has been reduced due to the proximity of the cover opening  112 . 
         [0083]    Referring next to  FIG. 7 , the top plate  514  of the cover  104  is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. Shown are the liquid dispenser top surface  114 , the lock plate  508 , the top plate  514 , the plurality of rivets  600 , a top plate front flange  700 , two top plate side flanges  702 , a tubular cam lock  704 , and a cam lever  706 . 
         [0084]    As previously described, the top plate  514  is rivetedly coupled to the front plate  512  to form the sloping top of the liquid dispenser  100 . In the present embodiment, the top plate  514  includes three flanges, the top plate front flange  700  aligning generally with the front plate front wall  500  and each top plate side flange  702  aligning generally with one front plate side wall  502 . The top plate flanges  700 ,  702  are oriented downward and riveted to the top edges of the front plate side walls  502  using the plurality of rivets  600 . At each front vertical corner of the liquid dispenser  100 , the vertical edges of the top plate flanges  700 ,  702  forming the corner are juxtaposed. 
         [0085]    The locking mechanism  106  is coupled to the top plate  514  proximate to a rear edge of the front plate  512  such that a keyhole (not shown) is located on the liquid dispenser top surface  114 . In the present embodiment the locking mechanism  106  is the tubular cam lock  704  including the L-shaped cam lever  706 . The tubular cam lock  704  is locked and unlocked by a tubular key unlocking device (not shown). The locking mechanism  106  is located and configured so that when the tubular cam lock  704  is in the unlocked position, and the liquid dispenser  100  is in the closed position, locking the tubular cam lock  704  will rotate the cam lever  706  so that it is received by the latch plate  312  (shown in  FIG. 2-3 ) and the cover  104  is secured to the back housing  102 . 
         [0086]    The lock plate  508  is coupled to an interior face of the top plate  514  by sandwiching it between the shaft of the cam lock  704  and the top plate  514 . 
         [0087]    Referring again to  FIG. 7 , the top plate  514  is rivetedly coupled to the top edges of the front plate  512 , providing a sloping surface which advantageously prevents an item from being placed on the liquid dispenser top surface  114 , as previously shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0088]    The top plate flanges  700 ,  702  are rivetedly coupled to the front plate  512  to prevent removal of or vandalism to the top plate  514 . The vertical edges of the top plate flanges  700 ,  702  are juxtaposed at each front vertical corners of the liquid dispenser  100 , preventing tampering with the liquid dispenser  100  by using a gap between the top plate flanges  700 ,  702  to pry up the top plate flanges  700 ,  702 . The juxtaposition of the vertical edges of the top plate flanges  700 ,  702  also removes a ligation gap on the liquid dispenser  100 , and prevents objects from being inserted through a corner gap into the interior of the dispenser  100  and puncturing the liquid container  204 . 
         [0089]    The tubular cam lock  704  coupled to the top plate  514  secures the cover  104  to the back housing  102  so that only authorized persons with the corresponding unlocking device (in this embodiment the tubular key unlocking device) may access the interior of the liquid dispenser  100 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that locking mechanisms configured for alternate locking devices, such as a combination lock or a cut key lock, may be used. 
         [0090]    The lock plate  508  coupled to the interior face of the top plate  514  at the locking mechanism  106  location provides additional structural strength to the top plate  514  to prevent pull-out of the locking mechanism  106  if the cover  104  is tampered with. 
         [0091]    Referring next to  FIG. 8 , one embodiment of the base plate  510  is shown. Shown are the liquid dispenser bottom surface  116 , the base plate  510 , a base plate side flange  800 , a plurality of base plate front tabs  802 , a base plate bottom  804 , a plurality of front tab flanges  806 , a base plate notch  808 , the base reinforcing plate  810 , and a plurality of base plate notch shoulders  812 . 
         [0092]    As previously described in  FIG. 5 , the base plate  510  is rivetedly coupled to the front plate  512 . The base plate bottom  804  includes the base plate side flange  800  located on each side of the liquid dispenser  100 , each base plate side flange  800  overlapped with the bottom edge of the corresponding front plate side wall  502  to form two bottom side corners of the liquid dispenser  100 . The base plate side flange  800  is configured to overlap with an interior face of the front plate side wall  502 . In the present embodiment, the base plate side flanges  800  are coupled to the front plate side walls  502  using the plurality of rivets  600  (not shown). Rear edges of the base plate side flanges  800  are sloped linearly away from the rear of the liquid dispenser  100  to allow the cover  104  to pivot to the closed position without the base plate side flanges  800  contacting the back housing  102 . 
         [0093]    The base plate  510  includes the base plate front tabs  802  extending upward from a front edge of the base plate bottom  804  at an angle of approximately 20 degrees. Each base plate front tab  802  is configured so that an inner vertical edge of the base plate front tab  802  aligns with the extent of the cover opening  112  when the base plate  510  is coupled to the cover  104 . An outer vertical edge of each base plate front tab  802  is configured so that the outer vertical edge of the base plate front tab  802  is adjacent to a proximate front vertical corner of the cover  104  when the base plate  510  is coupled to the front plate  512 . Thus, the width of the base plate front tab  802  is generally equal to an interior width of the front plate front wall  500  proximate to the cover opening  112 . Each base plate front tab  802  includes a front tab flange  806 , extending inward from the inner vertical edge of the base plate front tab  802  (proximate to the cover opening  112 ), in a generally perpendicular direction. In the present embodiment, the front tab flange  806  extends from a top edge of the base plate front tab  802  downward to a location proximate to the base plate bottom  804 . 
         [0094]    The base plate  510  includes the base plate notch  808 , located in a center front portion of the base plate bottom  804 . The base plate notch  808  is stepped inward towards the rear of the base plate bottom  804 , such that a front portion of the base plate notch  808  is wider that a rear portion of the base plate notch  808 , forming the base plate notch shoulder  812 . The extent of the front portion of the base plate notch  808  is configured to align with the cover opening  112  when the front plate  512  is coupled to the base plate  510 . 
         [0095]    The base reinforcing plate  810  is rivetedly coupled to an exterior face of the base plate bottom  804 . The base reinforcing plate  810  is generally rectangular in shape, and oriented to cover a longitudinal rear portion of the base plate notch  808 . 
         [0096]    Referring again to  FIG. 8 , the base plate  510  of the cover  104  is shown. The base plate  510  is configured to provide flush bottom corners and to be coupled to at least one interior face of the front plate  512 , in order to provide additional structural strength to the cover  104  to discourage and prevent tampering. In addition, the base plate front tabs  802  coupled to the interior face of the front plate front wall  500  proximate to the cover opening  112  provide additional structural strength to the front plate  512  at a comparatively weak area of the front plate  512 . The front tab flanges  806  provide even more structural strength to the front plate front wall  500 , and also prevent access to the interior of the liquid dispenser  100  when the actuator  108  is rotated inwards, which would otherwise form a ligation gap between the front plate front wall  500  and the actuator  108 . 
         [0097]    The base plate notch  808  is configured for receiving the actuator  108  in both the at-rest and actuated positions. The base plate notch shoulders  812  halts the rotation of the actuator  108  when the actuator  108  contacts the base plate notch shoulder  812  as the actuator  108  is pushed inward. This prevents damage of the pump  202  due to excessive force on the pump  202  when the actuator  108  is pushed inward. 
         [0098]    The base plate notch  808  is also sized to minimize a ligation gap between the actuator  108  and the base plate notch  808  during operation of the liquid dispenser  100 , to prevent tampering with the liquid dispenser  100  or ligation using external materials wedged in the gap. In addition, the base reinforcing plate  810  is coupled to the exterior face of the base plate bottom  804 , partially overlapping the base plate notch  808 . The base reinforcing plate  810  adds structural strength to the base plate  510  at a location weakened by the base plate notch  808 , and also minimizes an actuator bottom ligation gap between the actuator  108  and the base plate bottom  804  when the actuator  108  is rotated inward, preventing tampering and ligation. 
         [0099]    Referring next to  FIG. 9 , the actuator  108  is shown in one embodiment of the invention. Shown are the actuator  108 , the plurality of actuator pivot holes  506 , a top actuator plate  900 , a pump guide  902 , a horizontal bend  904 , a top actuator plate top segment  906 , a top actuator plate bottom segment  908 , a plurality of top segment side flanges  910 , a plurality of bottom segment side flanges  912 , a pump guide top segment  914 , a pump guide middle segment  916 , a plurality of pump guide side flanges  918 , a plurality of bottom tabs  920 , a plurality of guide tabs  922 , a dispensing hole  924 , and a plurality of gusset plates  926 . 
         [0100]    As previously shown in  FIG. 1 , the actuator  108  is pivotally coupled, proximate to a top edge of the actuator  108 , to the interior face of the front plate front wall  500  and is partially accessible through the cover opening  112 . 
         [0101]    The actuator  108  is comprised of two primary members: the top actuator plate  900  and the pump guide  902 . An exterior face of the top actuator plate  900  is oriented generally parallel to the front plate front wall  500 . The pump guide  902  forms a general L-shape, with a vertical portion of the pump guide  902  rivetedly coupled to the interior face of the top actuator plate  900 , and a horizontal portion of the pump guide  902  extending inward towards the rear of the liquid dispenser  100 . 
         [0102]    The top actuator plate  900  includes the outward horizontal bend  904 , of approximately 15 degrees, located proximate to a vertical midpoint of the top actuator plate  900 , such that when the actuator  108  is coupled to the cover  104 , a bottom portion of the actuator  108  extends outward past a perimeter of the cover  104 . The top actuator plate top segment  906  is defined as a portion of the top actuator plate  900  located above the horizontal bend  904 , and the top actuator plate bottom segment  908  is defined as a portion of the top actuator plate  900  located below the horizontal bend  904 . 
         [0103]    The top actuator plate top segment  906  includes the integral top segment side flanges  910  at each vertical edge of the top actuator plate top segment  906 . Each top segment side flange  910  extends inward from the top actuator plate top segment  906  in a generally perpendicular direction. Each top segment side flange  910  includes the actuator pivot hole  506  proximate to a top edge of the top segment side flange  910 . 
         [0104]    The top actuator plate bottom segment  908  also includes integral bottom segment side flanges  912  at each vertical edge of the top actuator plate bottom segment  908 , similar in orientation to the top segment side flanges  910 . Due to the horizontal bend  904 , a gap between a bottom edge of the top segment side flange  910  and a top edge of the proximate bottom segment side flange  912  forms a V-shape, with the point of the V coinciding with the horizontal bend  904  location. The bottom segment side flanges  912  each include a bottom tab  920  proximate to a bottom edge of each bottom segment side flange  912 . 
         [0105]    Two chevron-shaped gusset plates  926  are coupled to the top actuator plate  900 . The angle of each gusset plate  926  is configured to approximately match an angle between the top actuator plate top segment  906  and the top actuator plate bottom segment  908 . Each gusset plate  926  is coupled to both a bottom portion of the top segment side flange  910  and a top portion of the bottom segment side flange  912 , thus coupling each top segment side flange  910  to the proximate bottom segment side flange  912  and covering the V-shaped gap between the side flanges  910 ,  912 . 
         [0106]    The pump guide  902  includes three integral segments forming a general L-shape. A lower end of the pump guide top segment  914  is integrally coupled to an upper end of the pump guide middle segment  916 , forming the generally vertical portion of the L-shape. The pump guide top segment  914  and the pump guide middle segment  916  are coupled at an angle to match the angle between the top actuator plate top segment  906  and the top actuator plate bottom segment  908 . The pump guide bottom segment  928  is coupled to a lower end of the pump guide middle segment  916 , the pump guide bottom segment  928  extending inward at an angle of approximately 80 degrees, forming the generally horizontal portion of the L-shape. Each pump guide side flange  918  is coupled to a lower side portion of each pump guide middle segment  916  proximate to the pump guide bottom segment  928 , and extends generally vertically inward along a portion of a horizontal edge of the pump guide bottom segment  928 , forming a generally horizontal corner where the lower edge of the pump guide side flange  918  abuts a horizontal edge of the pump guide bottom segment  928 . 
         [0107]    The pump guide middle segment  916  includes two vertical guide tabs  922  formed by cutting an I-shape into the pump guide middle segment  916  and folding the resulting guide tabs  922  inward. The guide tabs  922  are located such that a pump nozzle  1106  is between the guide tabs  922  when the cover  104  is in the closed position. 
         [0108]    The pump guide bottom segment  928  includes the oval dispensing hole  924  located proximate to a front edge of the actuator  108 . The dispensing hole  924  is equidistant from each guide tab and is located in a position suitable for dispensing of the liquid from the pump nozzle  1106  through the dispensing hole  924  when the cover  104  is in the closed position, as shown below in  FIG. 12 ). The configuration of the dispensing hole  924  is the minimum required to allow the liquid to be entirely dispensed through the dispensing hole  924  when the pump nozzle  1106  includes a nozzle insert  1108  as described further below in  FIGS. 11 ,  12 . 
         [0109]    Referring again to  FIG. 9 , the actuator  108  is shown. The actuator  108  is comprised of two members, the top actuator plate  900  and the pump guide  902 . The top actuator plate  900  forms a continuous generally vertical exterior surface to the actuator  108 , preventing prying. The pump guide  902  is coupled to an interior face of the top actuator plate  900 , increasing the structural strength of the actuator  108 , preserving the continuous surface of the actuator  108 , and providing the guide tabs  922  for aligning the pump nozzle  1106  with the dispensing hole  924 . The pump guide  902  also forms a generally continuous underside of the actuator  108 , preventing access to and possible tampering with the liquid cartridge  200 . 
         [0110]    The coupling of the pump guide  902  to the top actuator plate  900  also advantageously increases the structural strength and resistance to deformation of the actuator  108 , preventing removal of the actuator  108  due to bending of the actuator  108 . A lower edge of the top actuator plate  900  is configured to form a salient corner with the pump guide  902 , preventing prying of the top actuator plate  900  with respect to the pump guide  902 . 
         [0111]    The top edge of each top segment side flange  910  is pivotally coupled to the interior face of the front plate front wall  500 , so as to provide pressure to the pump  202 , thus actuating the pump  202 , when the actuator  108  is pushed inward. The top actuator plate  900  includes the top segment side flanges  910  and the bottom segment side flanges  912  to provide additional structural strength and stiffness to the actuator  108 , and to prevent access to the interior of the liquid dispenser  100  when in the closed position. 
         [0112]    The top actuator plate bottom segment  908  is coupled relative to the top actuator plate top segment  906  to provide a pushing surface that projects from the perimeter of the cover  104 , while the top actuator plate top segment  906  remains generally parallel to the perimeter of the cover  104 . 
         [0113]    The gusset plates  926  coupling each top segment side flange  910  to the proximate bottom segment side flange  912  provide additional reinforcement and structural strength to the top segment side flanges  910  and bottom segment side flanges  912  to reduce the likelihood of removal of the actuator  108  from the liquid dispenser  100  due to tampering. 
         [0114]    The bottom segment side flanges  912  each include the bottom tab  920  to provide additional closure to the actuator  108  when the actuator  108  is in the outmost position, prevent objects from being inserted into the dispenser  100 , and to strengthen the actuator  108  against prying forces or forces aimed at bending the actuator  108  to gain access to the dispenser  100  interior. 
         [0115]    The pump guide  902  forms the underside of the actuator  108 , and includes the dispensing hole  924 . As described further below, the dispensing hole  924  is intentionally small in order to prevent a ligation gap at the dispensing hole  924  location. As a result, the margin of error of placement of the pump nozzle  1106  relative to the dispensing hole  924  is small. To ensure the correct pump nozzle  1106  placement, the guide tabs  922  included in the pump guide  902  align and hold the pump nozzle  1106  in a position required to align the nozzle discharge with the dispensing hole  924 . 
         [0116]    Referring next to  FIG. 10 , the liquid dispenser bottom surface  116  is shown. Shown are the back housing  102 , the cover  104 , the actuator  108 , a plurality of pivot bolts  110 , the back plate  300 , the back plate bottom flange  332 , the base plate  510 , the front plate  512 , the cover reinforcing plate  602 , the base plate notch  808 , the base reinforcing plate  810 , the base plate notch shoulders  812 , the top actuator plate  900 , the pump guide  902 , the plurality of guide tabs  922 , the dispensing hole  924 , and the nozzle insert  1108 . 
         [0117]    As previously described, the liquid dispenser  100  is configured to dispense the liquid through the dispensing hole  924  when the actuator  108  is pushed inward and the pump  202  is activated. The guide tabs  922  of the pump guide  902 , shown on either side of the pump nozzle  1106 , maintain the pump nozzle  1106  in the position necessary to align the pump nozzle  1106  with the dispensing hole  924 . 
         [0118]    The base reinforcing plate  810  is shown overlapping with the base plate notch  808  to minimize the actuator gap formed between the pump guide  902  and the base plate  510  when the actuator  108  is pushed inward, thus preventing a ligation gap and tampering. Similarly, the back plate bottom flange  332  is shown overlapping with the interior face of a rear portion of the base plate  510  to prevent a ligation gap between the back plate  300  and the base plate  510  at the hinge location. 
         [0119]    The generally horizontal portion of the pump guide  902  is shown extending past a rear edge of the base plate notch  808 , preventing access to the rear edge of the pump guide  902  when the actuator  108  is rotated outward until it contacts the front plate  512 , thus preventing possible vandalism to or removal of the actuator  108  from the liquid dispenser  100 . 
         [0120]    Referring next to  FIG. 11 , the pump  202  is shown coupled to the cartridge support assembly  302  in one embodiment of the present invention. Shown are the pump  202 , the liquid container  204 , the cartridge support assembly  302 , the pump shim plate  402 , the nozzle insert  1108 , a pump body  1100 , a pump notch  1102 , a pump flange  1104 , and the pump nozzle  1106 . 
         [0121]    The pump  202  is demountably coupled to the cartridge support assembly  302  by sliding the pump body  1100  downward into the pump cutout  330  so that the pump notch  1102  is coupled to the pump shim plate  402  and the cartridge support plate  400  at the pump cutout  330 , and the pump flange  1104  is wedgingly coupled to a front face of the cartridge support plate front wall  328  and a front face of the pump shim plate  402 . Those skilled in the art will note that alternate pump types and pump mounting configurations may be used instead of the pump type and pump mounting configuration shown. 
         [0122]    The pump nozzle  1106  includes the nozzle insert  1108 , which is wedgingly coupled to the interior of the pump nozzle  1106 . The nozzle insert  1108  is comprised of a compressible plastic material, for example, a thermoplastic elastomeric material. When the nozzle insert  1108  is coupled to the pump nozzle  1106 , a lower portion of the nozzle insert  1108  projects from the pump nozzle  1106 . The nozzle insert  1108  is described further below in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0123]    Referring again to  FIG. 11 , the pump  202  is demountably coupled to the cartridge support assembly  302  to allow for replacement of the liquid cartridge  200  while also securing the pump  202  in the required location for dispensing the liquid through the dispensing hole  924 . 
         [0124]    The nozzle insert  1108  reduces the diameter of a liquid stream dispensed from the pump nozzle  1106 , as the liquid stream diameter dispensed from the pump  202  lacking the nozzle insert  1108  would be too wide for the entire liquid stream to exit through the dispensing hole  924 . In the present embodiment, the pump  202  is a liquid-to-foam type pump, but it will be apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art that the reduction in diameter applies equally to a foam stream. The nozzle insert  1108  is described further below in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0125]    Referring next to  FIG. 12 , a perspective view of the nozzle insert  1108  is shown in one embodiment of the invention. Shown are the nozzle insert  1108 , a body segment  1200 , a projection segment  1202 , a direction of liquid flow  1204 , an outer edge  1206 , an exterior surface  1208 , a front surface  1210 , a dispensing bore  1212 , and a rear corner  1214 . 
         [0126]    In the present embodiment, the nozzle insert  1108  comprises thermoplastic elastomeric material. The nozzle insert  1108  includes the body segment  1200  and the projection segment  1202 . The body segment  1200  is shaped to wedgingly fit within the pump nozzle  1106 . In the present invention, the body segment  1200  is in a general triangular prism shape, with the longitudinal axis of the prism parallel to the direction of liquid flow  1204  through the nozzle insert  1108 . The body segment  1200  includes the outer edge  1206 , corresponding to the end of the triangular prism shape distal to the pump nozzle  1106 . 
         [0127]    The projection segment  1202  is integrally coupled to the outer edge  1206  and is generally tubular in shape. The nozzle insert  1108  exterior surface  1208  is configured so that when the body segment  1200  is wedgingly received in the pump nozzle  1106 , the outer edge  1206  generally aligns with the edge of the pump nozzle  1106 , and the projection segment  1202  projects outward from the pump nozzle  1106 . 
         [0128]    The front surface  1210  of the nozzle insert  1108  corresponds to a face of the triangular prism that faces generally outward when the pump  202  is coupled to the liquid dispenser  100 . The front surface  1210  is formed in a slightly convex shape. 
         [0129]    The nozzle insert  1108  includes the dispensing bore  1212 . The longitudinal axis of the center of the dispensing bore  1212  is located proximate to the body segment rear corner  1214  located proximate to the rear of the liquid dispenser  100  (not shown) when the pump  202  is installed in the liquid dispenser  100 . The dispensing bore  1212  is approximately 0.087″ in diameter. 
         [0130]    The nozzle insert  1108  includes the cavity  1218  in a portion of the body segment  1200  proximate to the outer edge  1206 . The cavity  1218  is located proximate to the front surface  1210  of the nozzle insert  1108 . 
         [0131]    Referring again to  FIG. 12 , as previously described, the nozzle insert  1108  decreases the diameter of the liquid stream so that the liquid stream is dispensed through the narrow dispensing hole  924  in the actuator  108 . The nozzle insert  1108  is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomeric material, providing flexibility and durability. The combination of material flexibility and the nozzle insert  1108  shape results in a watertight seal between the exterior surface  1208  of the nozzle insert  1108  and the pump nozzle  1106 , preventing liquid leakage between the pump nozzle  1106  and the nozzle insert  1108 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the nozzle insert may comprise other suitably flexible and durable materials, for example, rubber. 
         [0132]    The front surface  1210  is formed in a shape that is slightly more convex than a shape of a front interior surface of the pump nozzle  1106 . In addition, the cavity  1218  proximate to the front surface  1210  allows for greater flexibility of movement of the front surface  1210 . As a result, when the nozzle insert  1108  is inserted into the pump nozzle  1106 , the front surface  1210  is compressed and moves towards the dispensing bore  1212 , resulting in a less convex shape and providing a tight seal between the front surface  1210  and the front interior surface for the pump nozzle  1106 . The resulting compression also pushes out the other sides of the body segment  1200 , providing a tight seal between the pump nozzle  1106  and all sides of the body segment  1200 , preventing liquid leakage when the pump  202  is actuated. 
         [0133]    The dispensing bore  1212  diameter is configured to provide the maximum rate of liquid flow while providing a liquid stream diameter small enough to entirely flow through the dispensing hole  924 , as previously noted. 
         [0134]    The projection segment  1202  projects from the edge of the pump nozzle to extend the dispensing bore  1212  to a location adjacent to the dispensing hole  924  so that the liquid stream remains compressed until just before it passes through the dispensing hole  924 . As the liquid stream will widen gradually once it leaves the dispensing bore  1212 , the projection segment  1202  allows the dispensing hole  924  to be made smaller than if the projection segment  1202  were not included and the liquid stream widened before passing through the dispensing hole  924 . The smaller dispensing hole  924  is necessary to prevent ligation using the dispensing hole  924 . In the present embodiment, the dispensing hole  924  is configured to prevent a knot in a standard showlace from being passed through the dispensing hole  924 . Those skilled in the art will note that the dispensing hole may be configured to prevent other articles from being passed through the dispensing hole  924 . 
         [0135]    As noted previously, the exemplary pump  202  is a liquid-to-foam pump, resulting in the foam stream dispensed from the pump  202 . As the foam stream expands more quickly than the comparative liquid stream, the projection segment  1202  allows the foam to pass through the dispensing hole  924  immediately after exiting the nozzle insert  1108 , allowing the foam stream to entirely exit the liquid dispenser  100  while still accommodating the small dispensing hole  924 . 
         [0136]    Referring next to  FIG. 13 , a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispenser  100  with the liquid cartridge  200  installed is shown. Shown are the back housing  102 , the cover  104 , the locking mechanism  106 , the actuator  108 , the pivot bolt  110 , the liquid cartridge  200 , the pump  202 , the cartridge support assembly  302 , the top actuator plate  900 , the pump guide  902 , the dispensing hole  924 , the nozzle insert  1108 , an activation force arrow  1300 , and an actuator pivot bolt  1302 . 
         [0137]    As previously described, the liquid dispenser  100  is operated when the actuator  108  is pushed inward (as indicated by the activation force arrow  1300 ), causing the actuator  108  to pivot at the actuator pivot holes  506  and rotate inward towards the back housing  102 , pushing in a movable portion of the pump  202  and dispensing the liquid through the pump nozzle  1106 , through the nozzle insert  1108 , through the dispensing hole  924  and then to the user. The pump  202 , including the nozzle insert  1108 , does not extend past the perimeter of the liquid dispenser  100 , in order to prevent tampering of the pump  202  or nozzle insert  1108 . The combination of the nozzle insert  1108  and the dispensing hole  924  allow for dispensing of the liquid through the small dispensing hole  924  while still using a standard pump  202 , while reducing the size of the dispensing hole  924  in order to prevent a ligation point. 
         [0138]    While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, examples and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.

Technology Category: 1