System and method for dispensing soap

• US 6,651,851 B2
• Filed: 06/04/2002
• Issued: 11/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Technical Concepts LLC (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Technical Concepts LLC (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Inventors: Hsieh, Rocky, Muderlak, Kenneth J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mancene, Gene
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nicolas, Frederick C.
• Application Number:
  US10/163,137
• Publication Number:
  US 20020185500A1
• Time in Patent Office: 539 Days
• Field of Search: 285/325, 285/360, 285/376, 285/401, 222/333
• US Class Current: 222/333
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 2005/1218 Table mounted; Dispensers integrated with the mixing tap
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 5/1217 Electrical control means for the dispensing mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/12 Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/145 air-liquid contact processes, e.g. scrubbing
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 11/1001 Piston pumps B05B11/1087, B05B11/1088, B05B11/109 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 11/1008 by adjusting or modifying the pump end-of-dispensing-stroke position
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 11/1052 Actuation means locking means therefor B05B11/1059; the dispensing stroke being affected by the stored energy of a spring B05B11/109
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 12/02 for controlling time, or sequence, of delivery
• CPC Class Codes: E03D 9/007 Devices for eliminating smells by diffusing deodorants in lavatories
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 11/38 for liquid or semiliquid

Abstract

An automatic fluid soap dispensing apparatus and method comprising a dispensing spout, housing operatively connected to the dispensing spout and the housing adapted to removably receive and hold a fluid soap containing reservoir module in communication with the dispensing spout. The reservoir module has a central axis, and includes a pump mechanism and delivery tube mounted on the reservoir module in alignment with the central axis. The dispensing tube is adapted to move in the dispensing spout when the pump mechanism is actuated.

Claims

1. In a fluid dispensing system, a mounting clip adapted to couple a motor housing and support assembly to a reservoir module, the mounting clip comprising:

a flange;

a lower plate defining a perimeter about an axis and having a plurality of protuberances that extend from the lower plate perimeter towards the axis, wherein two adjacent protuberances define a space; and

a wall disposed between the flange and the lower plate to define a channel.

2. The mounting clip of claim 1, further comprising:

a stop member disposed in the channel.

3. By The mounting clip of claim 2, wherein the stop member is disposed above a protuberance at a position that is adjacent to a space.

4. The mounting clip of claim 1, wherein the flange defines a perimeter, the flange having two opposing nubs disposed on the perimeter of the flange.

5. The mounting clip of claim 1, wherein at least one protuberance includes at least one friction surface, wherein the at least one friction surface includes an indentation at an end of the at least one friction surface.

6. The mounting clip of claim 5, wherein the lower plate includes an opening disposed through the lower plate.

8. The mounting clip of claim 1 wherein said perimeter is substantially circular.

7. In a fluid dispensing system, a mounting clip adapted to couple a motor housing and support assembly to a reservoir module, the mounting clip comprising:

a flange;

a lower plate defining a substantially continuous perimeter about an axis and having a plurality of alternating protrusions and indentations that extend from the lower plate perimeter towards the axis; and

a wall disposed between the flange and the lower plate to define a channel.

9. The mounting clip of claim 7 further comprising a stop member disposed in said channel.

10. In a fluid dispensing system comprising:

a motor housing;

a support assembly;

a reservoir module; and

a mounting clip, said mounting clip comprising a flange, a lower plate defining a perimeter having an axis therethrough, said perimeter having a plurality of alternating protrusions and grooves, and a wall disposed between the flange and the lower plate to define a channel;

wherein said mounting clip removably affixes said motor housing and support assembly to said reservoir module.

11. The fluid dispensing system of claim 10 further comprising at least one friction surface on at least one of said protrusions.