The present invention claims priority on United States Provisional Application Serial Nos. 61/548,944 filed October 19, 2011 ; 61/669,847 filed July 10, 2012; and 61/672,957 filed July 18, 2012, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention is directed to a liquid pump mechanism, and more particularly to a liquid pump mechanism for liquid detergents and/or fabric softeners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Large liquid detergent containers are commonly used by the public. Liquid detergents and softeners are commonly used to clean laundry. Liquid detergents are also commonly used to clean dishes in a dishwasher. Liquid detergents and softeners are commonly offered in large containers (e.g., 0.5 gallon, 1 gallon, 1.5 gallon, 2 gallon, etc.). Although purchasing these large containers of liquid dishwasher or laundry machine detergents can be cost effective for consumers, it can be difficult for certain individuals (e.g., small children, elderly adults, people with disabilities, people with arthritis, etc.) to lift and pour the liquid detergent from larger containers. Furthermore, there is increased incidence of dropping a large and heavy container or spilling a beverage from the large and heavy container when attempting to pour liquid out of the container. In many situations, the liquid detergent must be poured into a certain location on the dishwasher or laundry machine and/or poured into a measuring cup so that the proper amount of detergent is used to clean the items in the dishwasher or laundry machine. As such, many people decide to purchase smaller containers of beverages which are typically less economical. In addition to problems associated with larger containers, some containers are shaped such that the container is difficult to lift and/or maneuver during the pouring of the detergent from the container. Also, some of the containers include dispensing spouts at the base of the container; however, the use of the dispenser can be difficult to use and can result in a waste of detergent and/or softener unless the container is tilted forward; which act can be difficult for many users.

In view of the current state of the art of containers, there is a need for a dispenser that can be used on a wide variety of detergent or fabric softener containers to conveniently dispense the liquid in such a container without having the user lift and pour the liquid from the container. Also, in view of the current state of the art of detergent and/or softener containers, there is a need for a simple and effective device that can easily and effectively dispense detergent and/or softener from the detergent and/or softener container without having the user lift and then pour the liquid from the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a liquid pump mechanism that is designed to conveniently dispense liquids from detergent containers, fabric softener container and the like. As can be appreciated, the liquid pump mechanism can be used to pump fluids other than detergent and fabric softener (e.g., general liquid cleaners, floor cleaning solution, bleach, other types of liquid cleaning and/or disinfecting products, etc.).

In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention can be directed to a pump system that can be easily and conveniently used by consumers to dispense detergent and/or fabric softener from large containers (e.g., quart container; liter container; half gallon container; two liter container; gallon container; two gallon container; five gallon container; etc.). For purposes of this invention, a large container is defined as a container that can hold a quart or more of fluid. The liquid pump mechanism of the present invention is particularly useful in dispensing fluids from half gallon containers and larger containers. The liquid pump mechanism as described in the present invention enables a user to create a dispenser for a variety of detergent and/or fabric softener containers so as to enable convenient dispensing of the liquid detergent and/or fabric softener from the container without having to lift and then pour the liquid detergent and/or fabric softener from the container.

In another and/or alterative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid pump mechanism that includes a top portion that connects to the top opening of the container and a tube that extends into the interior of the container. The material and/or colors of the components of the liquid pump mechanism are non-limiting. Generally, the materials are durable, water resistant, and lightweight. Non-limiting materials that can be used include plastic, rubber, metal, resinous material, composite material, etc. The size and shape of the top portion the tube are non-limiting.

In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism includes one or more dispenser activators such as, but not limited to, dispensing tabs, knobs and/or buttons. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, one or more dispenser activators can be positioned at least partially on one or more sides of the body of the top portion. In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, one or more dispenser activators can be positioned at least partially on the top of the body of the top portion. The one or more dispenser activators can be used to activate the liquid pump mechanism and cause fluid in a container to be dispensed from the liquid pump mechanism. The one or more dispenser activators can be pivotable, rotatable, depressible, contact activated, etc.; however, it can be appreciated that the activation by the one or more dispenser activators can be accomplished by other or additional means (e.g., IR sensor, RF sensor, voice activation, remote control, etc.). In one non-limiting design, at least one dispenser activator is positioned fully on the top of the body of the top portion; however, this is not required. The at least one dispenser activator is designed to activate the liquid pump mechanism when a user uses his/her finger to press down upon the dispenser activator. A button, when used, can be depressible; however, this is not required. A knob, when used, can be rotatable and/or depressible; however, this is not required. One or more of the dispenser activators can include a biasing arrangement (e.g., spring, flexible material, etc.) to bias the position of the at least one dispenser activator in the non-activation position; however, this is not required. When a biasing arrangement is used, the biasing arrangement can be designed to cause the dispenser activator to move or switch from an activation position to a non-activation position; however, this is not required. The activation position causes the liquid pump mechanism to energize one or more components in the liquid pump mechanism to enable the liquid pump mechanism to pump fluid at least partially through the liquid pump mechanism. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, at least one dispenser activator is positioned fully on or partially on the top of the body of the top portion; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, one or more dispenser activators can be positioned only on the side of the body, only on the top of the body, only on the bottom of the body, or any combinations thereof. As can also be appreciated, the body of the top portion can include two or more dispenser activators (e.g., button, etc.). In one non-limiting arrangement, one dispenser activator can be used to activate the liquid pump mechanism, and another dispenser activator can be used to deactivate the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The size and shape of the one or more dispenser activators are non-limiting. As can also be appreciated, a light sensor and/or motion sensor can also or alternatively be used to activate and/or deactivate the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required.

In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism can optionally include one or more visual indicators used to inform a user 1) when the liquid pump mechanism is activated and/or deactivated, 2) battery power level, 3) pump malfunction, and/or 4) liquid level in container. The visual indicator, when used, can be printed material (e.g., on, off, etc.) a light (e.g., green light indicates on, red light indicates off, LED display, LCD display, etc.), and/or a tactile indicator (e.g., raised ribs, etc.). The one or more visual indicators can be located on any portion of the body of the top portion.

In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism includes one or more dispenser heads that are used to dispense fluid from the liquid pump mechanism. The size and shape of the one or more dispenser heads is non-limiting. The one or more dispenser heads can be connected to the top, bottom and/or sides of the body of the top portion. The one or more dispenser heads can be fixed in a single position relative to the body of the top portion or be movable relative to the body of the top portion. In one non-limiting embodiment, the one or more dispenser heads are connected to the body of the top portion such that the one or more dispenser heads are not movable relative to the body. The one or more dispenser heads can be optionally angled upwardly and/or include an internal passageway that angles upwardly; however, this is not required. The upward angle, when used, is designed to cause fluid contained in the one or more dispenser heads to flow back toward the top portion when the one or more motors are deactivated, thereby limiting or preventing fluid from dripping from the one or more dispenser heads after the one or more motors are deactivated; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting design, the one or more dispenser heads are angled upwardly and/or an internal passageway in the one or more dispenser heads is angled upwardly at an angle of about 0.5- 10 ^° when a container that has a top opening and includes the liquid pump mechanism is placed on a flat surface. In another non- limiting design, the one or more dispenser heads are angled upwardly and/or an internal passageway in the one or more dispenser heads angles upwardly at an angle of about 1-5 when a container that has a top opening and includes the liquid pump mechanism is placed on a flat surface. In still another non-limiting design, the one or more dispenser heads are angled upwardly and/or an internal passageway in the one or more dispenser heads angles upwardly at an angle of about 2-3° when a container that has a top opening and includes the liquid pump mechanism is placed on a flat surface. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or more dispenser heads can include a valve that is only open when the liquid pump mechanism is activated to so as to inhibit or prevent liquid form flowing out of the one or more dispenser heads when the liquid pump mechanism is not activated.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism can include one or more power sources. As can be appreciated, one or more power sources can be also or alternatively be located external to the liquid pump mechanism. The one or more power sources generally include one or more batteries and/or solar cells; however, it can be appreciated that other or additional power sources can be used (e.g., electric plug, hand crank generator, etc.). In one non-limiting design, one or more batteries are fully or partially positioned in the body of the top portion. In such a design, the top potion can optionally include a movable and/or removable battery cover on the body to enable a user to access the battery cavity in the body of the top portion so that the user can insert/remove one or more batteries from the battery cavity. The movable and/or removable battery cover, when used, can be positioned on the top, bottom and/or sides of the body of the top portion. As can also be appreciated, the orientation of the one or more batteries in the battery cavity is non-limiting. As can also be appreciated, the type of batteries is non-limiting (e.g., A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, lantern battery, watch battery, calculator battery, etc.). One or more surfaces of the battery cover can optionally include one or more ribs or other type of gripping structures to facilitate in the moving of the battery cover on the body so that a user can access the battery cavity; however, this is not required. A locking arrangement can optionally be used in association with the battery cover to lock/unlock the battery cover to the body of the top portion; however, this is not required.

In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism can optionally include a connector adaptor. The connector adaptor, when used, is designed to maintain the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism on one or more fluid containers. Different containers can have different sized/shaped openings that allow a user to pour a liquid from the container. The connector adaptor, when used, is designed to be able to connect the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism to one or more different sized container openings. The connector adaptor can also be designed to form a liquid seal between the top opening of the container and a portion of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The color, shape and materials of the connector adaptor are non- limiting. The connector adaptor generally includes a cavity designed to receive at least a portion of a container that the liquid pump mechanism is to be connected. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity is non-limiting (e.g., circular, oval, polygonal, etc.). The cross-sectional size and/or shape of the cavity can be constant or vary along the longitudinal length or central axis of the cavity. The inner surface of the cavity can optionally include connection members (e.g., thread, ribs, etc.) for use in connecting the connector adaptor to a container; however, this is not required. The connector adaptor, when used, can be permanently or removably connected to the bottom and/or sides of the body of the top portion. The connector adaptor, when used, can optionally be designed to be threaded onto a container opening, snap connected onto a container opening, and/or frictionally engage a container opening. In one non-limiting embodiment, the connector adaptor is removably connected to the top portion for customized connecting of the liquid pump mechanism to a container; however, this is not required. In such an arrangement, multiple sized/shaped connector adaptors can be used to customize the connector adaptor for connection to a particular container opening. For example, a user merely selects a connector adaptor for a particular container the liquid pump mechanism is to be used with, and merely connects the connector adaptor to the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment, the connector adaptor is removably connected to the top portion for easy cleaning and/or replacement of the connector adaptor; however, this is not required. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment, the connector adaptor includes one or more removable inserts that can be used to customize the connector adaptor for connection to a particular container opening; however, this is not required. For example, a user merely selects a removable insert for a particular container the liquid pump mechanism is to be used with, and merely connects the removable insert to the connector adaptor so that the connector adaptor can be connected to the fluid connector. In another and/or alternative non- limiting embodiment of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism includes a connector that is designed to secure the top portion onto a particular container or a particular opening size of a container. The connector can be designed to be snapped on, screw-threaded on, etc. to a container. The connector adaptor can be designed to form a liquid seal between the top opening of container and the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The connector adaptor can be removably or irremovably secured to the bottom surface of the body of the top portion by a variety of means (e.g., adhesive, clamp, thread, snap ring, friction connection, etc.). The connector adaptor can be designed to be removably connected to the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism so that a variety of adaptors can be connected to the top portion, and/or to facilitate in the cleaning of one or more components of the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The connector adaptor can have a wedge-type configuration; however, this is not required. The wedge-type connector can be inserted into the opening of a container and then be press fit in the opening to create a friction fit. The wedge-type connector, when used, is generally formed of a material that can slightly deform (e.g., plastic, rubber, polymer material, cork, synthetic cork material, etc.); however, this is not required. The wedge-type connector functions similar to a placing of a cork in a bottle. The wedge-type connector can have a variable cross-sectional area that increases in size between the bottom surface of the wedge-type connector and the top surface of the wedge-type connector. The increase in cross-sectional area along the longitudinal length of the wedge-type connector can be constant or variable. The outer surface of the wedge-type connector can be smooth or include one or more surface features (e.g., ridges, flaps, etc.). The outer surface of the wedge-type connector can include a plurality of surface features in the form of a plurality of landings that create an increase in cross-sectional area; however, this is not required. The shape of the wedge-type connector enables the wedge- type connector to be inserted into and secured to different sized openings in containers. As can be appreciated, the shape and size of the wedge-type connector is non-limiting. The liquid pump mechanism can include a screw-on cap. The screw-on cap can be designed to be connected to a certain sized opening in a container or bottle that is designed to receive a threaded cap. The screw-on cap can be designed to rotatably connect to or rigidly connect to the bottom surface of the body of the top portion. The outer surface of the screw-on cap can optionally include gripping features (e.g., ribs, grooves, etc.) to facilitate in the gripping of the screw-on cap when inserting or removing the screw-on cap from the opening of a bottle or container.

In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism includes a bottom portion that is designed to be inserted through an opening in a container and be partially or fully submerged in a liquid in the container. The bottom portion shape, size and materials are non-limiting. Generally, the bottom portion is formed of a lightweight, durable water resistant material (e.g., plastic, rubber, composite material, metal, etc.). The bottom portion is designed to be positioned at the bottom of the container or close to the bottom of the container when the liquid pump mechanism is connected to the container; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the bottom portion has a longitudinal length of at least about 0.25 inches and generally no more than about 20 inches. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a longitudinal length of about 0.5-18 inches. In another non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a longitudinal length of about 1-15 inches. The cross-section size and shape of the bottom portion is also non-limiting; however, the size and shape should be selected so that the bottom portion can be inserted into a container opening to which the liquid pump mechanism is to be used with. In another and/or alternative non- limiting embodiment, the bottom portion has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a maximum diameter of about 0.1-3 inches. In another non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a maximum diameter of about 0.15-2 inches. In still another non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a generally circular cross-sectional shape and has a maximum diameter of about 0.25-1 inches. In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting one embodiment, the bottom portion has one or more openings designed to enable fluid in a container to flow into the interior of the bottom portion. The location, shape and size of the one or more openings on the bottom portion is non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion includes at least one opening at the bottom end of the bottom portion. One of the openings can be centrally located in the bottom end; however, this is not required. The one or more openings can be circular; however, it can be appreciated that the one or more openings can have cross-sectional shapes other than a circular shape. As can also be appreciated, the one or more openings can be positioned on other or additional locations on the bottom portion (e.g., one or more openings can be positioned on the side of the bottom portion, etc.).

In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the liquid pump mechanism includes optionally one or more electric motors. The one or more electric motors can be designed to 1) draw fluid into the bottom portion, and 2) cause the fluid to flow to the top portion and out of one or more dispenser heads on the top portion. The one or more electric motors can alternatively be designed to 1) pressurize the container to cause fluid to flow into the bottom portion, and 2) cause the fluid to flow to the top portion and out of one or more dispenser heads on the top portion. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or more electric motors can be partially or fully located in the top portion and/or the bottom portion. In one non-limiting design, the one or more motors are partially or fully positioned in the top portion. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the liquid pump mechanism includes a single motor that is partially or fully positioned in the top portion. In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the liquid pump mechanism includes a single motor that is fully positioned in the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. The one or more motors generally include one or more blades or pistons. The one or more electric motors can be designed to 1) draw liquid into the top portion, 3) pump liquid toward the top portion, and/or 3) pressurize the container to cause liquid to be forced into the bottom portion and up to the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. In one non-limiting arrangement, one or more air pumps are located in the top portion and are designed to pump air into the container when the liquid pump mechanism is connected to the container. In such an arrangement, the air form the one or more air pumps causes pressure in the top of the container to increase, thereby causing the liquid in the container to flow into the bottom opening of the bottom portion, up through the bottom portion and into the top portion and out through the dispenser opening in the top portion. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or more electric motors are generally sealed from the fluid that enters the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required. The sealing of the one or more motors has one or more advantages, namely 1) the electric motor is not damaged by the fluid, 2) the fluid is not contaminated by the motor, and/or 3) the portion of the liquid pump mechanism that includes the one or more motors can be partially or fully submerged in fluid. In one non-limiting design, one or more sealing rings are used to isolate the one or more electric motors from liquid flowing through the liquid pump mechanism. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, one or more chambers located in the top portion are designed to fully or partially contain the one or more motors and to fully or partially isolate the one or more electric motors from liquid flowing through the liquid pump mechanism. For example, the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism can include a chamber that houses a single motor, which opening includes a sealing ring or a separate chamber to create a liquid seal; however, this is not required.

One non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that can be used to enable convenient dispensing of fluid from containers without having to lift and then pour a liquid from the container.

Another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that can be use to dispense detergents.

Still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that includes a motor in the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism.

Yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that includes a connector adaptor that can be used to connect the liquid pump mechanism to openings in containers.

Still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that includes an air pump that pressurizes the container to cause liquid to flow into the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism and into the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism.

Another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present invention is the provision of a liquid pump mechanism that includes a valve in the dispenser head that inhibits or prevents liquid flowing from the dispenser head when the liquid pump mechanism is not activated.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate several non-limiting embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangements of parts wherein;

FIGURE 1 is a front elevation view of one non-limiting embodiment of the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side view of one non-limiting embodiment of the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is a top view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 1 ;

FIGURE 4 is a front view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 1 ;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 1 which is absent the connector adaptor;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 1 which includes a connector adaptor;

FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in FIGURE

1; and,

FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid pump mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 1 absent the connector adaptor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIGURES 1-8 illustrate one non-limiting embodiment of the liquid pump mechanism 100 in accordance with the present invention. Liquid pump mechanism 100 that is designed to dispense fluid, not shown, from a container into a glass, cup, dishwasher, washing machine, sink, or the like. The type of container that the liquid pump mechanism can be used with is non-limiting. The liquid pump mechanism is particularly designed to pump detergents or fabric softener from a container; however, the liquid pump mechanism can be used to dispense other types of liquids. Detergents (e.g., washing machine detergent, dishwasher detergent, etc.) and fabric softeners generally have a higher viscosity than liquids such as water, milk, soft drinks, fruit juices, glass cleaners, ammonia, etc. Liquids such as water, milk, soft drinks, fruit juices, glass cleaners, ammonia and the like generally have a viscosity of about 0.9-1.1 centipoise at 20C. The viscosity of detergents is generally at least about 3-200 centipoise at 20C, and typically about 5- 175 centipoise at 20C, and more typically about 10-130 centipoise at 20C. Prior art liquid pump mechanisms that are designed to pump lower viscous liquids cannot be used to pump higher viscous liquids such as detergents and fabric softeners. The liquid pump mechanism of the present invention is specifically designed to pump higher viscous liquids such as detergents and fabric softeners at an average rate of about 0.05-20 ounces per second, typically about 0.1-10 ounces per second, more typically about 0.1-10 ounces per second, and still more typically about 0.2-5 ounces per second.

The liquid pump mechanism of the present invention enables a user to create a dispenser for a variety of detergent and/or fabric softener containers so as to enable convenient dispensing of detergent and/or fabric softener from containers without having to lift and then pour a liquid from the container.

The liquid pump mechanism 100 includes a top portion 110 and a bottom portion 200.

The materials and/or colors of the components of the liquid pump mechanism are non-limiting.

The bottom portion 200 of the liquid pump mechanism has a generally cylindrical shape body 210; however, it can be appreciated that the bottom portion can have many other shapes.

The bottom portion is generally formed of a plastic material; however, other or additional materials can be used to form all or a portion of the bottom portion. The length of the bottom portion is non-limiting. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion has a length of about 0.5-

20 inches, typically about 1-18 inches, and more typically about 3-15 inches; however, other lengths can be used. The cross-section size and shape of the bottom portion is also non-limiting.

In one non-limiting design, when the bottom portion has a circular cross-section shape, the diameter is about 0.15-1 inches, typically about 0.2-0.5 inches, and more typically about 0.25-0.4 inches; however, other diameters can be used. The cross-sectional size and/or shape of the bottom portion can be constant or vary along the longitudinal length or central axis of the bottom portion. The bottom end of the bottom portion 200 includes an opening, not shown. As can be appreciated, the bottom portion can include more than one opening; however, this is not required. As can also be appreciated, the opening can be located in other or additional locations on the bottom portion; however, this is not required. The opening is designed to enable fluid, not shown, in a container to flow to the interior of the bottom portion. The bottom portion generally includes a centrally located circular opening in the bottom end; however, it can be appreciated that 1) the opening can have shapes other than a circular shape, 2) the opening does not have to be in the center of the bottom end, 3) the bottom portion can include more than one opening, and/or 4) one or more openings can be positioned on the side of the bottom portion. The bottom end of the bottom portion is generally spaced from the bottom of a container to facilitate in preventing the opening from forming a seal with the bottom surface of the container and thereby inhibiting or preventing fluid in the container from flowing into the opening and into the interior of the bottom portion.

One or more portions of the bottom portion 200 can be designed to be flexible and/or be formed of a flexible material; however, this is not required. When the bottom portion is designed to be partially or fully flexible, such a design allows the bottom body to be more conveniently positioned in different shaped and sized containers. In one non-limiting design, the bottom portion is formed of a flexible tubular material. The tubular material can be clear, partially clear, or colored or coated to partially or fully prevent viewing of the interior 212 of the bottom body. The top end 220 of the bottom portion is designed to be connected to a connection flange 124 that extends downwardly from the top surface 122 of the connection cavity 120 of the top portion. The connection flange can optionally include a rib 126 to facilitate in the connection of the bottom portion to the connection flange. Generally, a liquid seal is formed between the top end of the bottom portion and the connection flange; however, this is not required.

Referring now to FIGURES 7 and 8, the top portion can be designed to connect to different types of container. FIGURE 7 illustrates a connection adaptor 140 connected inside of connection cavity 120. FIGURE 8 illustrates the connection cavity that is absent the connection adaptor. The use of the connection adapter is optional. Referring now to FIGURE 8, the connection cavity 120 includes a plurality of connection arrangement to enable the connection cavity 120 to be connected to a plurality of different sized openings on a container. The connection cavity includes a first threaded surface 132 and a second threaded surface 136. The first threaded surface 132 is located on the inner surface of the outer flange 130, and the second threaded surface 136 is located on the inner surface of inner flange 134. The diameter of the outer flange is greater than the diameter of the inner flange. As such, the first threaded surface 132 is designed to be threaded onto and connected to a larger diameter opening than the second threaded surface 136. When the first threaded surface 132 is threaded onto the corresponding outer threaded surface of a container opening, the lip of the container opening is positioned between first threaded surface 132 and the outer surface of the inner flange 134. When the second threaded surface 136 is threaded onto the corresponding outer threaded surface of a container opening, the lip of the container opening is positioned between second threaded surface 136 and the outer surface of the third flange 138.

When the adapter connector is used, the adaptor connector can be designed to be threaded to the first and/or second threaded surface 132, 136. As illustrated in FIGURE 7, the adaptor connector 140 is threaded to the first threaded surface 132. The upper portion 142 of the adaptor connector 140 includes a threaded surface 144 on the outer surface of the upper portion that is designed to be threaded onto the first threaded surface 132. The adapter connector can optionally include a stop flange 146 to limit the distance that the adaptor connector 140 can be threaded into the connection cavity 120. The lower portion 148 of the adaptor connector includes a threaded surface 149 on the outer surface of the lower portion. As can be appreciated, the inner surface can also or alternatively include a threaded surface; however, this is not required. The diameter of the lower portion is less than the diameter of the upper portion. The positioning of the threads on the outer surface of the lower portion enables the lower portion of the adaptor connector to connect to containers having threads on the inner surface of the container opening.

Positioned in the interior of the top portion 110 of the liquid pump mechanism is motor chamber 150 that includes one or more electric pumps 152. The electric pump generally includes an electric motor that is designed to drive an air pump to cause air to be pumped into a container to which the liquid pump mechanism is attached. Generally, the electric motor drives a piston of the air pump, which in turn causes air to be pumped into a fluid tube 160. Generally, the fluid tube is connected at one end to the air pump and the other end is fluidly connected to the connection cavity 120 so that air from the air pump can flow into the connection cavity. As can be appreciated, other arrangements can be used to enable the air to flow from the air pump to the connection cavity. A valve can be included in the electric pump 152 to inhibit or prevent liquid from flowing into the air pump; however, this is not required. The air that is pumped into the top of the container causes the pressure in the container to increase, and thereby cause the fluid in the container to flow into the bottom opening of the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism and into the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. The electric motor in the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism is generally partially or fully sealed from the fluid that enters the top portion from the bottom portion; however, this is not required. The sealing of the motor has one or more advantages, namely 1) the electric motor is not damaged by the fluid, and/or 2) the fluid is not contaminated by the motor.

The body 112 of the top portion includes a battery cover 170 that is movable to enable a user to access the battery cavity 177 in the body of the top portion. One or more battery cavities can be located in the top portion. The one or more battery cavities are designed to contain one or more batteries 176. The power supply is designed to supply electrical power to the electric motor when the dispensing tab is actuated by a user. As can also be appreciated, the orientation of the one or more batteries in the battery cavity and the top portion is non-limiting. As can also be appreciated, the type of batteries used to power the electric motor is non-limiting. The battery cover 170 can be designed to be fully removable from body 112; however, this is not required. The outer surface of the battery cover 170 can optionally include one or more ribs 172 or other type of gripping structures to facilitate in the moving of the battery cover on the body so that a user can access the battery cavity; however, this is not required. The top of the battery cover also includes an optional arrow that functions as a visual indicator to inform a user how to open the battery cover; however, this is not required. The battery cover can optionally include one or more connection tabs that can be used to connect the battery cover to the body; however, this is not required. The body of the top portion can optionally include one or more connection tabs 176 that are designed to releasably secure the battery cover to body 112. The top portion 110 of the liquid pump mechanism 100 includes a dispenser head 180 that includes a dispensing button 182. The dispensing button 182 is generally designed to be depressible. The dispensing button is located at the front portion of the top portion; however, it can be appreciated that the dispensing button can be located in other regions of the top portion. The dispensing button is designed to be pushed downwardly; however, this is not required. The dispensing button can optionally includes a recessed region 184 that visually or tactilely identifies the location on the dispensing button to be depressed by a user's finger. The depression of the dispensing button causes the dispensing button to move to the actuation position which is designed to cause the actuation of the electric motor. The dispensing button is optionally biased in the deactuation position by a spring 186 or some other biasing arrangement. As can be appreciated, many other arrangements can be used to enable a user to cause fluid to be dispensed from the dispenser opening of the dispenser head (e.g., switch, knob, button on top portion, motion sensor, touch sensor, etc.).

The dispenser head 180 can optionally include a liquid valve 190 that controls the fluid flow through dispenser opening 192. When the dispensing button is moved to the actuation position, the liquid valve, when used, is caused to move downwardly to thereby unseal the dispenser opening 192 to thereby allow fluid that is flowing through dispenser channel 194 and include dispenser cavity 197 to flow out through dispenser opening 192. When the dispensing button is released by the user, the dispensing button is biased by spring 186 back to the deactuation position, thereby causing the liquid valve to move upwardly to reseal the dispenser opening 192 to terminate the flow of liquid from the dispenser opening.

As illustrated in FIGURES 7 and 8, liquid that flows upwardly through the bottom portion is directed into dispenser channel 194 that directs the fluid to the dispenser cavity 197. The dispenser channel 194 can be in the form of a tube or formed channel in the interior of the top portion; however, this is not required. When the dispenser channel 194 is in the form of a tube, the bottom end of the tube is designed to connect to a connection flange 178 that extends upwardly from the base of the top portion. The connection flange can optionally include a rib 179 to facilitate in the connection of the bottom end of the dispenser channel 194 to the connection flange. Generally, a liquid seal is formed between the bottom end of the dispenser channel and the connection flange 178; however, this is not required. The top end of the tube is designed to connect to a connection flange 195 that extends outwardly from the dispenser cavity 197. The connection flange can optionally include a rib 196 to facilitate in the connection of the top end of the dispenser channel 194 to the connection flange. Generally, a liquid seal is formed between the top end of the dispenser channel and the connection flange 195; however, this is not required.

As illustrated in FIGURES 7 and 8, the dispenser opening is oriented on the top portion so as to direct the dispensed liquid downwardly from the top portion; however, this is not required. Generally, the liquid is dispensed downwardly at a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid pump, which longitudinal axis is also generally parallel to or the same as the longitudinal axis of the bottom portion. When the dispenser button is depressed to cause actuation of the electric pump, which causes liquid in the container to flow from the dispenser opening, a user can optionally place a container and/or measuring cup under the dispenser opening to measure or obtain a desired amount of detergent and/or fabric softener from the container, and/or the user can position the container over a washing machine opening or dishwasher door and dispense the detergent and/or fabric softener directly into the washing machine or dishwasher.

The body of the top portion 110 of the liquid pump mechanism has a maximum cross- sectional size that is generally selected so that the body cannot be inserted through the opening of a container; however, this is not required. Such a design can be used to prevent the top portion from inadvertently falling inside the container. Most containers that are used to hold detergents or fabric softeners have openings that are between about 0.5-3 inches. Generally, the maximum cross-sectional size of the body is selected so that the body of the top portion cannot be inserted through an opening of a container having a diameter of less than 5 inches, typically less than 4 inches, more typically less than 3 inches, and even more typically less than about 2.5 inches. However, with respect to the bottom portion, the maximum cross sectional size is generally selected so that the bottom portion can fit through an opening in a container. Generally, the maximum cross-sectional size of the bottom portion is selected so that the bottom portion can be fully inserted through an opening of a container having a diameter of less than 5 inches, typically less than 4 inches, more typically less than 3 inches, even more typically less than about 2.5 inches, still even more typically less than about 1.5 inches, yet still even more typically less than about 1 inch, and still even more typically less than about 0.75 inch.

The top portion can be rotatably connected to the container; however, this is not required. The dispensing button can include a safety feature (e.g., tab lock, deactivation switch, etc.) to prevent inadvertent actuation of the electric pump by a user; however this is not required.

As illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the body 112 of the top portion can optionally include one or more recess side portions 113 that can be used by the user to facilitate in the gripping of the top portion during the actuation of the liquid pump mechanism.

The liquid pump mechanism of the present invention is designed to easily and effectively dispense detergent and/or softener from the detergent and/or softener container without having the user lift or tilt the container. The liquid pump mechanism can be designed to easily and simply fit onto the top opening of a detergent and/or softener container, and then the liquid pump mechanism can be activated by a user to dispense the liquid detergent and/or softener from the detergent and/or softener container without having to lift and pour the liquid detergent and/or softener from the container. The liquid pump mechanism is of particular use with dispensing liquid detergents and/or softeners; however, it will be appreciated that the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention can be used to dispense other types of liquids (e.g., bleach, other types of liquid cleaning and/or disinfecting products, etc.).

The liquid pump mechanism can be pre-connected to the container at the time of purchase of the liquid detergent and/or softener container, and/or the liquid pump mechanism can be a reusable device that is connected to a standard container and then removed from the container after the container is emptied and then connected to a new container.

The shape, size and materials used for the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention are non-limiting. Generally the liquid pump mechanism of the present invention will have a low profile configuration when inserted onto a detergent and/or softener container; however, this is not required. The liquid pump mechanism includes a tubular insert that is designed to be inserted into the detergent and/or softener container and to draw the detergent and/or softener out of the container. The tubular insert can be designed to be removable from the body of the liquid pump mechanism; however, this is not required.

The body of the liquid pump mechanism includes a connecting/sealing arrangement that is designed to secure the liquid pump mechanism to the top opening of the detergent and/or softener out of the container. As can be appreciated, the sealing arrangement can have a variety of configurations and be formed of a variety of materials. One non-limiting arrangement is a threaded connection that is twisted onto the threaded rim of the detergent and/or softener of the container.

The body of the liquid pump mechanism includes one or more electric pumps and a pump actuator. The electric pump is designed to cause the detergent and/or softener in the detergent and/or softener container to flow into the bottom portion of the liquid pump mechanism and then be dispensed from the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism. The electric pump can be designed to 1) direct air into the detergent and/or softener container to pressurize the detergent and/or softener container and cause the detergent and/or softener in the detergent and/or softener container to flow into the bottom opening of the tubular insert and up through and out of the liquid pump mechanism dispenser opening or hose opening, 2) direct air into bottom portion and/or a fluid passageway connected or interconnected to the bottom portion so as to cause a pressure drop within the lower portion of the bottom portion that results in the detergent and/or softener being drawn into the bottom opening of the bottom portion and up through and out of the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism, 3) use one or more rotary blades or reciprocating pistons to draw the detergent and/or softener into the bottom opening of the bottom portion and up through and out of the top portion of the liquid pump. As can be appreciated, other or additional arrangements can be used to cause the detergent and/or softener to be dispensed from the detergent and/or softener container by the liquid pump mechanism. The body of the liquid pump mechanism can include one or more actuators designed to activate/deactivate the one or more electric pumps in the liquid pump mechanism. The actuator can be in many different forms and be in many different locations on the liquid pump mechanism. As can be appreciated, many other arrangements can be used to actuate the one or more electric pumps in the liquid pump mechanism (e.g., switch, etc.). As can be appreciated, the push button can be located on the body of the liquid pump mechanism. When the push button is depressed, the button activates the one or more electric pumps and causes the detergent and/or softener to be dispensed from the top portion of the liquid pump mechanism.

The body of the liquid pump mechanism can include one or more power compartments that are used to hold one or more power cells (e.g., batteries, etc.) to power the one or more electric pumps; however, this is not required. The batteries, when used, can be designed to be replaceable and/or rechargeable; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the one or more electric pumps can be also or alternatively be powered by other means (e.g., solar cells, electric power cord, etc.).

The liquid pump mechanism can optionally include a dispensing hose that enables a user to easily and conveniently direct the dispensed detergent and/or softener only a desired location (e.g., into a washer, onto a laundry item, etc.); however, this is not required. The dispensing hose, when used, can be designed to be detachably connected to the top portion; however, this is not required. The length of the dispensing hose is non-limiting. Generally, the dispensing hose is flexible; however, this is not required.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein. This invention is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

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