Stationary soap dispenser assembly

• US 7,527,174 B2
• Filed: 07/22/2004
• Issued: 05/05/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/16/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Delta Faucet Company (Masco Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Masco Corporation Of Indiana (Masco Corporation)
• Inventors: Crowe, Darrell Scott, Meehan, Steven Kyle, Nelson, Alfred C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shaver; Kevin P
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cartagena; Melvin A
• Application Number:
  US10/896,827
• Publication Number:
  US 20050155988A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,748 Days
• Field of Search: 222/180, 222/186, 222/321.1, 222/324, 222/383.1, 222/173, 222/190, 222/420, 222/195, 222/185.1, 222/321.9, 222/321.7, 222/385, 428/6, 429/4, 469/6, 239/333, 264/12, 264/43, 141/2, 141/320, 141/332
• US Class Current: 222/180
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 1/08 Accessories for toilet tables, e.g. glass plates, supports therefor towel holders A47K10/00
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 2005/1218 Table mounted; Dispensers integrated with the mixing tap
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 5/1205 Dispensing from the top of the dispenser with a vertical piston
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 11/021 of the piston type G01F11/04 takes precedence

Abstract

A fluid dispenser system includes a container that is mounted below a mounting surface for containing a fluid. A base is mounted above the mounting surface, and the base defines an opening configured to allow passage of the fluid when filling the container. A dispenser body is detachably coupled to the base to allow removal of the dispenser for filling the container with the fluid from above the mounting surface. The dispenser body has a moveable handle that is moveable for manually pumping the fluid and a fixed spout that is fixed in position relative to the mounting surface when the fluid is dispensed from the spout.

Claims

1. A fluid dispenser system, comprising:

a container mounted below a mounting surface for containing a fluid;

a base mounted above the mounting surface, the base defining an opening configured to allow passage of the fluid when filling the container, the base having a retention groove defined in the opening in the base;

a dispenser body detachably coupled to the base to allow removal of the dispenser for filling the container with the fluid from above the mounting surface, the dispenser body having a moveable handle that is moveable for manually pumping the fluid and a fixed spout that is fixed in position relative to the mounting surface when the fluid is dispensed from the spout, the dispenser body including a retainer configured to detachably couple the dispenser body to the base;

the retainer including one or more retention clips detachably coupled to the retention groove in the base;

the spout defining an outlet from where the fluid is dispensed;

a pump mechanism including a pump head and a pump body with a feed tube extending in the container, the pump head configured to move in a telescoping fashion relative to the pump body for pumping the fluid;

an insert coupled between the handle and the pump mechanism to transfer movement of the handle to the pump mechanism for pumping the fluid;

a dispensing tube configured to transport the fluid from the pump mechanism to the outlet of the spout, the dispensing tube including

an outlet opening secured to the outlet of the spout to remain at a fixed location when the fluid is dispensed, and

a pump connector connected to the pump head, the pump connector being moveable with the pump head as the pump head moves in the telescoping fashion; and

the dispensing tube being flexible to flex as the pump connector moves with the pump head and the outlet opening remains at the fixed location.

2. A fluid dispenser system, comprising:

a container mounted below a mounting surface for containing a fluid;

a base mounted above the mounting surface, the base defining an opening configured to allow passage of the fluid when filling the container;

a dispenser body detachably coupled to the base to allow removal of the dispenser for filling the container with the fluid from above the mounting surface, the dispenser body having a moveable handle that is moveable for manually pumping the fluid and a fixed spout tat is fixed in position relative to the mounting surface when the fluid is dispensed from the spout, the dispenser body including a retainer configured to detachably couple the dispenser body to the base, and the dispenser body including a housing that defines an internal cavity with a clip arm groove defined inside the internal cavity; and

the retainer includes one or more clip arms engaged to the clip arm groove;

the spout defining an outlet from where the fluid is dispensed;

a pump mechanism including a pump head and a pump body with a feed tube extending in the container, the pump head configured to move in a telescoping fashion relative to the pump body for pumping the fluid;

an insert coupled between the handle and the pump mechanism to transfer movement of the handle to the pump mechanism for pumping the fluid;

a dispensing tube configured to transport the fluid from the pump mechanism to the outlet of the spout, the dispensing tube including

an outlet opening secured to the outlet of the spout to remain at a fixed location when the fluid is dispensed, and

a pump connector connected to the pump head, the pump connector being moveable with the pump head as the pump head moves in the telescoping fashion; and

the dispensing tube being flexible to flex as the pump connector moves with the pump head and the outlet opening remains at the fixed location.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein:

the housing defines an orientation notch; and

the retainer has an orientation tab received in the orientation notch.

4. A fluid dispenser system, comprising:

a container mounted below a mounting surface for containing a fluid;

a base mounted above the mounting surface, the base defining an opening configured to allow passage of the fluid when filling the container;

a dispenser body detachably coupled to the base to allow removal of the dispenser for filling the container with the fluid from above the mounting surface, the dispenser body having a moveable handle that is moveable for manually pumping the fluid and a fixed spout that is fixed in position relative to the mounting surface when the fluid is dispensed from the spout, the dispenser body includes a retainer configured to detachably couple the dispenser body to the base;

the spout defining an outlet from where the fluid is dispensed;

a pump mechanism including a pump head and a pump body with a feed tube extending in the container, the pump head configured to move in a telescoping fashion relative to the pump body for pumping the fluid;

an insert coupled between the handle and the pump mechanism to transfer movement of the handle to the pump mechanism for pumping the fluid, wherein the insert is slidably coupled to the retainer;

the retainer defines one or more guide slots; and

the insert has one or more guide arms slidably disposed in the guide slots;

a dispensing tube configured to transport the fluid from the pump mechanism to the outlet of the spout, the dispensing tube including

an outlet opening secured to the outlet of the spout to remain at a fixed location when the fluid is dispensed, and

a pump connector connected to the pump head, the pump connector being moveable with the pump head as the pump head moves in the telescoping fashion; and

the dispensing tube being flexible to flex as the pump connector moves with the pump head and the outlet opening remains at the fixed location.

5. A fluid dispenser system, comprising:

a container mounted below a mounting surface for containing a fluid;

a base mounted above the mounting surface, the base defining an opening configured to allow passage of the fluid when filling the container;

a dispenser body detachably coupled to the base to allow removal of the dispenser for filling the container with the fluid from above the mounting surface, the dispenser body having a moveable handle that is moveable for manually pumping the fluid and a fixed spout that is fixed in position relative to the mounting surface when the fluid is dispensed from the spout, the dispenser body defining a connection opening;

the base having a connection flange received in the connection opening when the fluid is dispensed from the spout;

the spout defining an outlet from where the fluid is dispensed;

a pump mechanism including a pump head and a pump body with a feed tube extending in the container, the pump head configured to move in a telescoping fashion relative to the pump body for pumping the fluid;

an insert coupled between the handle and the pump mechanism to transfer movement of the handle to the pump mechanism for pumping the fluid;

a dispensing tube configured to transport the fluid from the pump mechanism to the outlet of the spout, the dispensing tube including

an outlet opening secured to the outlet of the spout to remain at a fixed location when the fluid is dispensed, and

a pump connector connected to the pump head, the pump connector being moveable with the pump head as the pump head moves in the telescoping fashion; and

the dispensing tube being flexible to flex as the pump connector moves with the pump head and the outlet opening remains at the fixed location.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a decorative vase defining a receptacle configured to receive the connection flange of the base when the dispenser body is removed from the base.

7. A fluid dispenser system, comprising:

a container mounted below a mounting surface for containing a fluid;

a base mounted above the mounting surface, the base defining an opening configured to allow passage of the fluid when filling the container;

a dispenser body detachably coupled to the base to allow removal of the dispenser for filling the container with the fluid from above the mounting surface, the dispenser body having a moveable handle that is moveable for manually pumping the fluid and a fixed spout that is fixed in position relative to the mounting surface when the fluid is dispensed from the spout;

the spout defining an outlet from where the fluid is dispensed;

a pump mechanism including a pump head and a pump body with a feed tube extending in the container, the pump head configured to move in a telescoping fashion relative to the pump body for pumping the fluid;

an insert coupled between the handle and the pump mechanism to transfer movement of the handle to the pump mechanism for pumping the fluid;

a dispensing tube configured to transport the fluid from the pump mechanism to the outlet of the spout, the dispensing tube including

an outlet opening secured to the outlet of the spout to remain at a fixed location when the fluid is dispensed, and

a pump connector connected to the pump head, the pump connector being moveable with the pump head as the pump head moves in the telescoping fashion; and

the dispensing tube being flexible to flex as the pump connector moves with the pump head and the outlet opening remains at the fixed location, and the dispensing tube including an integral flange to secure the dispensing tube to the spout.

8. A fluid dispenser system, comprising:

a container mounted below a mounting surface for containing a fluid;

a base mounted above the mounting surface, the base defining an opening configured to allow passage of the fluid when filling the container;

a dispenser body detachably coupled to the base to allow removal of the dispenser for filling the container with the fluid from above the mounting surface, the dispenser body having a moveable handle that is moveable for manually pumping the fluid and a fixed spout that is fixed in position relative to the mounting surface when the fluid is dispensed from the spout;

the spout defining an outlet from where the fluid is dispensed;

a pump mechanism including a pump head and a pump body with a feed tube extending in the container, the pump head configured to move in a telescoping fashion relative to the pump body for pumping the fluid;

an insert coupled between the handle and the pump mechanism to transfer movement of the handle to the pump mechanism for pumping the fluid;

a dispensing tube configured to transport the fluid from the pump mechanism to the outlet of the spout, the dispensing tube including

an outlet opening secured to the outlet of the spout to remain at a fixed location when the fluid is dispensed, and

a pump connector connected to the pump head, the pump connector being moveable with the pump head as the pump head moves in the telescoping fashion;

the dispensing tube being flexible to flex as the pump connector moves with the pump head and the outlet opening remains at the fixed location;

and a funnel for filling the fluid through the opening in the base, wherein the funnel includes one or more ribs for venting the container when the fluid is filled.

9. A fluid dispenser, comprising:

a housing with a fixed spout for dispensing fluid, wherein the housing defines an internal cavity, the housing having a retainer groove defined inside the internal cavity, the fixed spout being fixed in position relative to a mounting surface when the fluid is dispensed from the spout;

a retainer coupled inside the internal cavity to the housing, wherein the retainer includes at least one retention clip for securing the retainer to a base, the retainer including at least one clip arm clipped to the retainer groove to permit the retainer to be installed into other housing styles;

a handle extending from the housing, wherein the handle is moveable relative to the housing for manually dispensing the fluid;

an insert slidably coupled to the retainer;

the insert including a tube coupling portion;

a dispensing tube coupled between the tube coupling portion of the insert and the spout of the housing, the tube being flexible to permit movement of the dispensing tube inside the internal cavity as the handle is moved;

a pump mechanism coupled to the dispensing tube at the coupling portion of the insert for supplying the fluid to the spout via the dispensing tube, wherein the insert transmits the movement of the handle to actuate the pump mechanism;

the pump mechanism including a pump head and a pump body with a feed tube, the pump head configured to move in a telescoping fashion relative to the pump body; and

the dispensing tube including

an outlet opening secured to the fixed spout to remain at a fixed location as the handle is moved, and

a pump connector connected to the pump head, the pump connector being moveable with the pump head as the pump head moves in the telescoping fashion.

10. A fluid dispenser, comprising:

a housing with a fixed spout for dispensing fluid, wherein the housing defines an internal cavity, the fixed spout being fixed in position relative to a mounting surface when the fluid is dispensed from the spout;

a retainer coupled inside the internal cavity to the housing, wherein the retainer includes at least one retention clip for securing the retainer to a base, the retainer defining at least one guide slot;

a handle extending from the housing, wherein the handle is moveable relative to the housing for manually dispensing the fluid;

an insert slidably coupled to the retainer, the insert including a tube coupling portion, the insert having at least one guide arm slidably disposed in the guide slot;

a dispensing tube coupled between the tube coupling portion of the insert and the spout of the housing, the tube being flexible to permit movement of the dispensing tube inside the internal cavity as the handle is moved;

a pump mechanism coupled to the dispensing tube at the coupling portion of the insert for supplying the fluid to the spout via the dispensing tube, wherein the insert transmits the movement of the handle to actuate the pump mechanism;

the pump mechanism including a pump head and a pump body with a feed tube, the pump head configured to move in a telescoping fashion relative to the pump body; and

the dispensing tube including

an outlet opening secured to the fixed spout to remain at a fixed location as the handle is moved, and

a pump connector connected to the pump head, the pump connector being moveable with the pump head as the pump head moves in the telescoping fashion.

11. A fluid dispenser, comprising:

a housing with a fixed spout for dispensing fluid, wherein the housing defines an internal cavity, the fixed spout being fixed in position relative to a mounting surface when the fluid is dispensed from the spout;

a base;

a retainer coupled inside the internal cavity to the housing, wherein the retainer includes at least one retention clip for securing the retainer to the base, the base including a retainer groove to which the retention clip of the retainer is secured for permitting detachment of the housing from the base;

a handle extending from the housing, wherein the handle is moveable relative to the housing for manually dispensing the fluid;

an insert slidably coupled to the retainer, the insert including a tube coupling portion;

a dispensing tube coupled between the tube coupling portion of the insert and the spout of the housing, the tube being flexible to permit movement of the dispensing tube inside the internal cavity as the handle is moved;

a pump mechanism coupled to the dispensing tube at the coupling portion of the insert for supplying the fluid to the spout via the dispensing tube, wherein the insert transmits the movement of the handle to actuate the pump mechanism;

the pump mechanism including a pump head and a pump body with a feed tube, the pump head configured to move in a telescoping fashion relative to the pump body; and

the dispensing tube including

an outlet opening secured to the fixed spout to remain at a fixed location as the handle is moved, and

a pump connector connected to the pump head, the pump connector being moveable with the pump head as the pump head moves in the telescoping fashion.

12. A fluid dispenser, comprising:

a housing with a fixed spout for dispensing fluid, wherein the housing defines an internal cavity, the fixed spout being fixed in position relative to a mounting surface when the fluid is dispensed from the spout;

a retainer coupled inside the internal cavity to the housing, wherein the retainer includes at least one retention clip for securing the retainer to a base;

a handle extending from the housing, wherein the handle is moveable relative to the housing for manually dispensing the fluid;

an insert slidably coupled to the retainer, the insert including a tube coupling portion;

a dispensing tube coupled between the tube coupling portion of the insert and the spout of the housing, the tube being flexible to permit movement of the dispensing tube inside the internal cavity as the handle is moved, the dispensing tube including an integral flange securing the dispensing tube to the spout;

a pump mechanism coupled to the dispensing tube at the coupling portion of the insert for supplying the fluid to the spout via the dispensing tube, wherein the insert transmits the movement of the handle to actuate the pump mechanism;

the pump mechanism including a pump head and a pump body with a feed tube, the pump head configured to move in a telescoping fashion relative to the pump body; and

the dispensing tube including

an outlet opening secured to the fixed spout to remain at a fixed location as the handle is moved, and

a pump connector connected to the pump head, the pump connector being moveable with the pump head as the pump head moves in the telescoping fashion.

13. A fluid dispenser, comprising:

a housing with a fixed spout for dispensing fluid, wherein the housing defines an internal cavity, the fixed spout being fixed in position relative to a mounting surface when the fluid is dispensed from the spout;

a retainer coupled inside the internal cavity to the housing, wherein the retainer includes at least one retention clip for securing the retainer to a base;

a handle extending from the housing, wherein the handle is moveable relative to the housing for manually dispensing the fluid;

an insert slidably coupled to the retainer, the insert including a tube coupling portion;

a dispensing tube coupled between the tube coupling portion of the insert and the spout of the housing, the tube being flexible to permit movement of the dispensing tube inside the internal cavity as the handle is moved, the dispensing tube including a retention ridge;

a collar engaged to the retention ridge to couple the dispensing tube to the spout;

a pump mechanism coupled to the dispensing tube at the coupling portion of the insert for supplying the fluid to the spout via the dispensing tube, wherein the insert transmits the movement of the handle to actuate the pump mechanism;

the pump mechanism including a pump head and a pump body with a feed tube, the pump head configured to move in a telescoping fashion relative to the pump body; and

the dispensing tube including

an outlet opening secured to the fixed spout to remain at a fixed location as the handle is moved, and

a pump connector connected to the pump head, the pump connector being moveable with the pump head as the pump head moves in the telescoping fashion.

14. A fluid dispenser, comprising:

a housing with a fixed spout for dispensing fluid, wherein the housing defines an internal cavity, the fixed spout being fixed in position relative to a mounting surface when the fluid is dispensed from the spout;

a retainer coupled inside the internal cavity to the housing, wherein the retainer includes at least one retention clip for securing the retainer to a base;

a handle extending from the housing, wherein the handle is moveable relative to the housing for manually dispensing the fluid;

an insert slidably coupled to the retainer, the insert including a tube coupling portion defining a notch;

a dispensing tube coupled between the tube coupling portion of the insert and the spout of the housing, the tube being flexible to permit movement of the dispensing tube inside the internal cavity as the handle is moved, the tube having a tab engaged in the notch of the tube coupling portion;

a pump mechanism coupled to the dispensing tube at the coupling portion of the insert for supplying the fluid to the spout via the dispensing tube, wherein the insert transmits the movement of the handle to actuate the pump mechanism;

the pump mechanism including a pump head and a pump body with a feed tube, the pump head configured to move in a telescoping fashion relative to the pump body; and

the dispensing tube including

an outlet opening secured to the fixed spout to remain at a fixed location as the handle is moved, and

a pump connector connected to the pump head, the pump connector being moveable with the pump head as the pump head moves in the telescoping fashion.