MODULAR MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR WALL HUNG DISPENSERS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Wall hung dispenses, such as those shown in FIGS. 1-16, are usually mounted on a wall one of two ways. In the first way, the dispenser is directly connected to the wall by a fastening device, such as screws, nails, adhesive, and the like. In the second way, the dispenser is mounted to a piece of wood or the like and the plywood is then connected directly to the wall. As discussed below, both of these techniques are not always ideal.

[0002] The first way of hanging a dispenser can be quite complicated, especially is multiple dispensers are hung side-by-side as a single modular unit. Generally, in this situation, it is desirable to have each unit hung at the same height and level. However, when hanging a dispenser on a concrete wall, tile wall, brick wall, stone surface, or other hard surface, it can be extremely difficult to achieve this. Furthermore, if a template is not provided, it can be very difficult for a single person to hold the dispenser while attempting to secure the dispenser to a wall.

[0003] The second way of hanging a dispenser can be substantially easier in the circumstances discussed above. However, the final appearance of the dispensing assembly can be unattractive with a sheet of plywood hanging behind the dispenser. This is especially problematic when the dispenser is mounted within a public area or in view of a public area, such as in a kitchen of a restaurant. Furthermore, this second option can be fairly labor intensive compared to the present invention to size the wood to the dispenser, especially if the dispenser is modular and adjustable with regard to the number of modules utilized. Additionally, for modular units, a board for each possible configuration of the modular assembly may be needed, which can require unnecessary storage of these multiple configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a modular mounting system for mounting a dispenser or dispenser assembly to a wall or other surface. The modular mounting system can also include one or more connectors that connect adjacent modular mounting members. The connectors can be sized and configured to align adjacent modular mounting members and substantially prevent relative movement between the members.

[0005] In one embodiment, the connectors snap into engagement with the modular mounting members.

[0006] The connectors can also be provided with an edge or a side having a configuration or pattern of recesses and projections matching a configuration or pattern of projections and recesses on the modular mounting members.

[0007] In some embodiments, a channel is coupled to the mounting members. This channel can be utilized to hang the dispenser. Furthermore, the dispenser can then be secured to the mounting member with a screw or other fastener.

[0008] The modular mounting system includes one or more mounting members sized and configured to substantially match or at least partially match the mounting profile or foot print of the dispenser.

[0009] Further aspects of the present invention, together with the organization and operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIGURE 1 is a front, left side perspective view of a dispenser embodying aspects of the invention. A dispensable container is shown in phantom in an engaged position with the dispenser.

[0011] FIGURE 2 is a front view of the dispenser shown in FIGURE 1.

[0012] FIGURE 3 is a top view of the dispenser shown in FIGURE 1.

[0013] FIGURE 4 is a right side view of the dispenser shown in FIGURE 1.

[0014] FIGURE 5 is a left side view of the dispenser shown in FIGURE 1.

[0015] FIGURE 6 is a front, left side perspective view of a dispenser embodying aspects of the invention.

[0016] FIGURE 7 is a front, right side perspective view of the dispenser shown in FIGURE 6.

[0017] FIGURE 8 is a front view of the dispenser shown in FIGURE 6.

[0018] FIGURE 9 is a top view of the dispenser shown in FIGURE 6.

[0019] FIGURE 10 is a bottom view of the dispenser shown in FIGURE 6.

[0020] FIGURE 11 is a right side view of the dispenser shown in FIGURE 6.

[0021] FIGURE 12 is a left side view of the dispenser shown in FIGURE 6.

[0022] FIGURE 13 is a front view of a multi-product dispensing assembly embodying aspects of the invention and comprising two dispensers.

[0023] FIGURE 14 is a front view of a multi -product dispensing assembly embodying aspects of the invention and comprising three powder or granular product dispensers and one liquid product dispenser.

[0024] FIGURE 15 is a front view of a multi-product dispensing assembly embodying aspects of the invention and comprising three powder or granular product dispensers and two liquid product dispenser.

[0025] FIGURE 16 is a front view of a multi-product dispensing assembly embodying aspects of the invention and comprising three powder or granular product dispensers and three liquid product dispenser.

[0026] FIGURE 17 is a perspective view of a modular mounting assembly embodying aspects of the invention.

[0027] FIGURE 18 is an exploded view of the mounting assembly shown in FIGURE 17.

[0028] FIGURE 19 is a front view of a controller mounting module of the mounting assembly shown in FIGURE 17.

[0029] FIGURE 20 is a rear view of the controller mounting module shown in FIGURE 19.

[0030] FIGURE 21 is a side view of the controller mounting module shown in FIGURE 19.

[0031] FIGURE 22 is a front view of a dispenser mounting modπle of the mounting assembly shown in FIGURE 17.

[0032] FIGURE 23 is a rear view of the dispenser mounting module shown in FIGURE 22.

[0033] FIGURE 24 a side view of the dispenser mounting module shown in FIGURE 22.

[0034] FIGURE 25 is a front view of a mounting module coupling of the mounting assembly shown in FIGURE 17.

[0035] FIGURE 26 is a rear view of the mounting module coupling shown in FIGURE 25.

[0036] FIGURE 27 is a side view of the mounting module coupling shown in FIGURE

25.

[0037] FIGURE 28 is a front view of a left configured mounting module recess filler of the mounting assembly shown in FIGURE 17.

[0038] FIGURE 29 is a rear view of the left configured mounting module recess filler shown in FIGURE 28.

[0039] FIGURE 30 is a side view of the left configured mounting module recess filler shown in FIGURE 28.

[0040] FIGURE 31 is a front view of a right configured mounting module recess filler of the mounting assembly shown in FIGURE 17.

[0041] FIGURE 32 is a rear view of the right configured mounting module recess filler shown in FIGURE 31.

[0042] FIGURE 33 is a side view of the right configured mounting module recess filler shown in FIGURE 31.

[0043] FIGURE 34 is a front view of a coupling member of the mounting assembly shown in FIGURE 17.

[0044] FIGURE 35 is a side view of the coupling member shown in FIGURE 34.

[0045] FIGURES 36-42 illustrate an exemplary assembly operation of the mounting assembly shown in FIGURE 17.

[0046] FIGURE 43 is a side view of the mounting assembly shown in FIGURE 42.

[0047] FIGURE 44 is a top view of the mounting assembly shown in FIGURE 42.

[0048] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limited. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "coupled" are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting and coupling. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Finally, as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, other alternative mechanical configurations are possible, and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] A dispenser 14 adapted to be used as part of a modular dispensing assembly is shown in FIGURES 1-12. Details on the construction and operation of this dispenser 14 are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 11/404,518 filed on April 14, 2006, which the entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0050] FIGURES 13-16 show this dispenser 14 as part of a modular dispensing assembly 10. Specifically, FIGURE 13 illustrates two dispensers 14 and 16 coupled to a controller 12. The dispenser 14 on the left is adapted to dispense powder or granular materials from a container (not shown). The dispenser 16 on the right is adapted to dispense liquids from a container (not shown). Liquids are drawn from the dispenser via a peristaltic pump contained

within the dispenser. Both dispensers 14 and 16 are controlled by the control module 12. As shown and discussed below, substantially any combination of dispensers 14 and 16 is possible.

[0051] FIGURE 14 illustrates a modular configuration comprising three powder dispensers 14, a liquid dispenser 16, and a control module 12. Additionally a transport module 18 is positioned below the modular dispenser assembly 10 and in communication with the powder dispensers 14. The construction and operation of the transport module is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/787,583, filed March 30, 2006, which the entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference. In summary, among other things, the transport module can be used to deliver dispensed product to a desired area, such as a mechanical ware wash machine or laundry machine.

[0052] FIGURE 15 is substantially identical to FIGURE 14 except for the addition of a second dispenser 16. FIGURE 16 is substantially identical to FIGURE 15 except for the addition of yet another dispenser 16.

[0053] As illustrated in FIGURES 13-16, these dispenser components (i.e., control module, powder dispensing module, and liquid dispensing module) can be assembled into a dispensing assembly numerous ways depending upon the end use and number of different chemicals needed for that end use.

[0054] As discussed in the background above, dispensers are usually mounted on a wall. The modules and assemblies illustrated in FIGURES 1-16 are generally intended to be mounted to a wall. Due to the complications encountered with some conventional mounting approaches, a modular mounting assembly 20 and method has been invented. One particular embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGURES 17-44.

[0055] FIGURES 17-44 illustrate many different modular components utilized to mount one or more modular dispenser components to a wall. As shown in these figures, only five different components are needed to hang any modular dispensing assembly regardless of configuration. Those five components are a controller mounting module 22, a dispenser mounting module 24, a mounting module coupling 26, a mounting module coupling recess filler 28, and a dispenser coupling member 30. In some dispensing assembly 10 configurations, such as shown in FIGURE 36, only three of these comments are necessary. Furthermore, to match the footprint of any possible configuration, no more than four different

components are necessary. Those four components are a controller mounting module 22, a dispenser mounting module 24, a mounting module coupling 26, and a mounting module coupling recess filler 28. The fifth component, the dispenser coupling member 30, is not needed to match the footprint. Rather, this component is used to hang the dispensing assembly 10 on the mounting assembly 20. Each of the mounting assembly 20 components will be described below.

[0056] Controller mounting module 22

[0057] The controller mounting module 22 of the mounting assembly 20 is best shown in FIGURES 19-21. As illustrated in the figures, this module 22 has a generally plate-like configuration. Specifically, most of the mounting module is generally planar when viewed from the side. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, generally only three features are not in this plane. These three features will be described below.

[0058] The first feature is a recess 32 is provided near the middle of the module 22 as shown in FIGURE 19. This recess 32 is dimensioned and configured to receive a module coupling 26. More specifically, this recess 32 is dimensioned and configured to receive a portion of the module coupling 26 such that the module coupling lays within the same plane as adjacent portions of the mounting module 22. An aperture 34 is provided within the recessed area to receive a projecting member from the module coupling 26. Generally, the aperture is dimensioned and configured to provide a snap fit, interference fit, or the like with the projection on the module coupling 26.

[0059] The second feature not with the same plane as the rest of the controller mounting module 22 is a projecting member 36 at least partially defining a channel 38. In some embodiments, this channel can be directly used to couple the controller 12 to the mounting module 22. However, in other embodiments, this channel 38 is adapted to receive a separate dispenser coupling member 28. The projection 36 defining this channel 38 is generally L- shaped. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiments, the channel 38 is also partially defined by a recess extending into the plane of the mounting module 22 adjacent the projection 36.

[0060] The third feature not in the same plane as the rest of the controller mounting module 22 is adjacent an aperture 40 located at the top of the mounting module 22. A recess 42 is located along the top edge of the aperture 40 to help recess a fastener extending through

the mounting module 22. Specifically, a fastener will extend through this aperture 40 to connect the mounting assembly 20 to a wall or other surface. This fastener, such as a screw, will have an enlarged head that can be received within the recess 42 to hold the mounting module 22 securely against the wall while minimizing the amount of the head extending out of the plane defined by the mounting module 22. However, since the fastener may not lay flush with the mounting module 22, even with this recess 42, the aperture is located in a position that would be positioned above the controller 12 to prevent interference when mounting. Thus, the top edge of the illustrated embodiment is not identical to the top edge of the controller 12 to allow sufficient room for the module 22 to be mounted to a wall with a fastener.

[0061] Comparing the general profile of this module to the profile of the controller 12 shown in FIGURE 13, it can be seen that these profiles substantially match. Particularly, the bottom edge and left edge of the mounting module 22 is generally linear like the bottom edge and the left edge of the controller 12. The right edge of the mounting module 22 begins and ends like the right edge of the controller 12. However, the middle appears quite different before the controller mounting module is assembled into a mounting assembly 20. Specifically, a substantial recess 44 is provided along this right edge. As best illustrated in FIGURE 18, this recess is configured to match the configuration of a mounting module coupling 26, which connects the controller mounting module 22 to the dispenser mounting module 24. Thus, with the coupling 26 in place the general profile of this mounting module 22 substantially matches the profile of the controller 12.

[0062] The recess 44 located along the right edge of the controller mounting module 22 is configured much like a puzzle piece. In other words, the recess is generally rectangular with undercut areas 46 located at each end. Alternatively, this configuration could be described as substantially trapezoidal with rounded internal corners. This undercut configuration allows the control mounting module 22 to securely engage the mounting module coupling 26 while preventing vertical and horizontal movement between these two pieces. Yet another way to describe this recess 44 is that it is partially dog boned. Another way to describe this is mirrored partial S-shaped edges connected by a substantially linear edge.

[0063] One final feature shown in the illustrations is an aperture 48 located adjacent the bottom of the mounting module 22. This aperture 48 can be used to receive a screw or other fastener to secure the controller 12 to the mounting module 22.

[0064] Dispenser mounting module 24

[0065] The dispenser mounting module 24 of the mounting assembly 20 is best shown in FIGURES 22-25. As illustrated in the figures, this module 24, like the controller mounting module 22, has a generally plate-like configuration. Specifically, most of the mounting module 24 is generally planar when viewed from the side. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, generally only three features are not in this plane. These three features are the same three features discussed above relative to the controller mounting module 22. Again, these features will be described below.

[0066] The first feature is a pair of recesses 32 is provided near the middle of the module 34 as shown in FIGURE 22 and located adjacent the coupling recesses 44. These recesses 32 are dimensioned and configured identical to the similarly situated recess 32 on the controller mounting module 22. Thus, they are dimensioned and configured to receive a module coupling 26. More specifically, each recess 32 is dimensioned and configured to receive a portion of the module coupling 26 such that the module coupling lies within the same plane as adjacent portions of the mounting module 24. An aperture 34 is provided within the recessed area to receive a projecting member from the module coupling 26. Generally, the aperture is dimensioned and configured to provide a snap fit, interference fit, or the like with the projection on the module coupling 26.

[0067] Like the controller mounting module 22, the second feature not with the same plane as the rest of the dispenser mounting module 24 is a pair of projecting members 36 at least partially defining a channel 38. In some embodiments, this channel can be directly used to couple a dispenser 14 or 16 to the mounting module 24. However, in other embodiments, this channel 38 is adapted to receive a separate dispenser coupling member 28. The projection 36 defining this channel 38 is generally L-shaped. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiments, the channel 38 is also partially defined by a recess extending into the plane of the mounting module 24 adjacent the projection 36. Although two separate projecting members are shown in the illustrated embodiment, in some embodiments, one continuous projection 36 can be utilized.

[0068] Again, like the controller mounting module 22, the third feature not in the same plane as the rest of the dispenser mounting module 24 is adjacent an aperture 40 located at the top of the mounting module 24. A recess 42 is located along the top edge of the aperture

40 to help recess a fastener extending through the mounting module 24. Specifically, a fastener will extend through this aperture 40 to connect the mounting assembly 20 to a wall or other surface. This fastener, such as a screw, will have an enlarged head that can be received within the recess 42 to hold the mounting module 24 securely against the wall while minimizing the amount of the head extending out of the plane defined by the mounting module 24. However, since the fastener may not lay flush with the mounting module 24, even with this recess 42, the aperture is located in a position that would be positioned above the dispenser 14 or 16 to prevent interference when mounting. Thus, the top edge of the illustrated embodiment is not identical to the top edge of the dispenser 14 or 16 to allow sufficient room for the module 24 to be mounted to a wall with a fastener.

[0069] Comparing the general profile of this module 24 to the profile of the dispensers 14 or 16 shown in FIGURE 13, it can be seen that these profiles substantially match, except for the top edge as discussed above. Particularly, the bottom edge of the mounting module 24 is generally linear like the bottom edge the dispensers 14 or 16. The right and left edge of the mounting module 24 begins and ends like the right and left edge of the dispensers 14 or 16. However, the middle appears quite different before the mounting module 24 is assembled into a mounting assembly 20. Specifically, a substantial recess 44 is provided along each of these edges. As best illustrated in FIGURE 22, these recesses 44 are mirror images of each other and they are configured to match the configuration of a mounting module coupling 26, which connects the controller mounting module 22 to the dispenser mounting module 24. Thus, with the coupling 26 in place the general profile of this mounting module 24 substantially matches the profile of the dispensers 14 or 16.

[0070] The recesses 44 located along both the right edge and the left edge of the dispenser mounting module 24 are configured much like a puzzle piece, hi other words, each recess 44 is generally rectangular with undercut areas 46 located at each end. Alternatively, this configuration could be described as substantially trapezoidal with rounded internal corners. This undercut configuration allows the dispenser mounting module 24 to securely engage the mounting module coupling 26 while preventing vertical and horizontal movement between these two pieces. Yet another way to describe each recess 44 is that it is partially dog boned. Another way to describe each recess is that is has mirrored partial S-shaped edges connected by a substantially linear edge.

[0071] Further, as shown in the illustrations, one or more apertures 48 are located adjacent the bottom of the mounting module 24. These apertures 48 can be used to receive a screw or other fastener to secure the dispenser 14 or 16 to the mounting module 24. One or more of these apertures 48 can also be used to secure the bottom edge of the mounting plate 24 to the wall.

[0072] It should be noted that the same dispenser mounting module can be used regardless of dispenser type (i.e., powder or liquid) illustrated because each dispense has the same general footprint.

[0073] Mounting module coupling 26

[0074] The mounting module coupling 26 is best illustrated in FIGURES 25-27. However, as shown in FIGURES 17 and 18, this component of the modular mounting system 20 is used to tie or connect two adjacent components together. For example, the mounting module coupling 26 can connect a dispenser mounting module 24 another dispenser mounting module 24 as shown in FIGURE 17. Additionally, the mounting module coupling 26 can also connect a dispenser mounting module 24 to a controller mounting module 22, also as shown in FIGURE 17.

[0075] With reference to FIGURES 17 and 27, it can be seen that this component is substantially planar. Specifically, one side of the entire component 26 (i.e., left side as shown in the figure) lies within a single plane except for a pair of projecting members 36 at least partially defining a channel 38. In some embodiments, this channel can be directly used to couple at least a portion of a dispenser 14 or 16 or controller 12 to the coupling 26, However, in other embodiments, this channel 38 is adapted to receive a separate dispenser coupling member 28. The projection 36 defining this channel 38 is generally L-shaped. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiments, the channel 38 is also partially defined by a recess extending into the plane of the coupling 26 adjacent the projection 36. Although two separate projecting members are shown in the illustrated embodiment, in some embodiments, one continuous projection 36 can be utilized.

[0076] As best illustrated in FIGURES 25 and 26, the shape and contour of this coupling 26 is substantially symmetrical about a vertical axis extending through the center of the coupling. Furthermore, the shape and contour of this coupling 26 is configured to substantially match and interlock within adjacent recesses 44 of either two dispenser

mounting modules 24 situated side by side or a dispenser mounting module 24 positioned adjacent a controller mounting module 22. Describing this shape more particularly, the shape of the coupling 26 can be described as an elongated bow tie. Alternatively, this shape can be described as a generally rectangular shape with a concave recess 50 extending along the top and bottom of the rectangle (i.e., concave relative to the body of the coupling 26). This generally rectangular shape further has rounded corners. Additionally, as illustrated, rectangular projections 52 extend from the elongated sides of the rectangle in opposite directions.

[0077] The rectangular projections 52 discussed above are dimensioned and configured to be received within a recess 32 of either the controller or dispenser mounting module 22 or 24. More specifically, these projections are dimensioned and configured to rest within the recess without substantially extending beyond a plane defined by the front surface of the controller or dispenser mounting module 22 or 24. As illustrated in FIGURE 26, each projection 52 is provided with a projecting member 54 that is dimensioned and configured to be received within aperture 34. More specifically, the projecting member can have a barb, rib, shoulder, or other feature to cause an interference fit or snap fit engagement between the projecting member and the aperture 34.

[0078] Mounting module coupling filler 28 (L and R)

[0079] FIGURES 28-33 best illustrate the mounting module coupling filler 28. As shown in FIGURES 28-30, the mounting module coupling filler 28 can be configured to fill the left recess 44 on the dispenser coupling module 24. Also, as shown in FIGURES 31-33, the mounting module coupling filler 28 can be configured to fill the right recess 44 on the dispenser coupling module 24. As shown in the FIGURES 28-33, by placing a right recess configured mounting module coupling filler 28 adjacent a left recess configured mounting module coupling filler 28, with elongated flat sides in contact the overall shape and configuration is substantially identical to the shape and configuration of the coupling 26 discussed above. Accordingly, please reference the description related to the coupling 26 to fully understand the features of the mounting module coupling filler 28.

[0080] As best illustrated in FIGURES 17 and 36, the coupling filler 28 fills the recess 44 in the dispenser mounting module 24 when no other module is placed adjacent this recess 44. For example, in FIGURE 36, both a left configured and a right configured filler 28 is utilized

for a single dispenser mounting assembly 20 configuration. However, in a other configurations of the mounting assembly 20 wherein a controller is provided, only the right configured filler 28 is needed (see FIGURE 17).

[0081] dispenser coupling member 30

[0082] FIGURES 34 and 35 best illustrate one embodiment of the coupling member 30 shown in FIGURES 17, 18 and 36. The coupling member 30 is adapted to be received in the channel 38 of the controller mounting module 22, the dispenser mounting module 24, the coupling 26, and the mounting module recess filler 28. The coupling member 30 is also adapted to couple either a controller 12 to a controller mounting module 22 or a dispenser 14 or 16 to a dispenser mounting module 24.

[0083] The illustrated coupling member 30 has a step-shaped configuration as shown in FIGURE 35. One portion of this step-shaped configuration is adapted to be received within the channel 38. The remainder of the step-shaped configuration forms a channel (when assembled to the other components 22, 24, 26, or 28) than can be used to hang a controller 12 or a dispenser 14 or 16. Specifically, as shown in FIGURE 1, 11, and 12, the dispenser has an oppositely shaped channel such that the two channels nest together to support the dispenser on the mounting module. The two channels can nest tightly, such that the dispenser must be slide onto the coupling member 30 from the side. Alternatively, the two channels can nest loosely, such that the dispenser can be placed on from the front and top.

[0084] As illustrated in FIGURES 17, 18, and 36 among other figures, this coupling member 30 also helps to hold adjacent components 22, 24, 26, or 28 of the mounting assembly 20 together. Specifically, a single coupling member 30 generally spans more than one component to help interlock the components together. As illustrated in FIGURE 36, the coupling member 30 extends across a left configured recess filler 28, a dispenser mounting module 24, and a right configured recess filler 28.

[0085] FIGURES 37-44 illustrate an exemplary assembly operation for the mounting assembly 20 shown in FIGURES 17 and 18. As shown in FIGURE 37, a dispenser mounting module 24 is coupled to a coupling 26. The coupling 26 is aligned with the recess 44 of the mounting module 24 such that the profile of the right half of the coupling aligns with the profile of the left recess 44 on the mounting module 24. The projecting member 54 on projection 52 is then pushed into engagement with the aperture 34 in recess 32. Once the

projecting member 54 is properly received within the aperture 34, the majority of the front faces of each component shown in FIGURE 37 should lie substantially within the same plane.

[0086] As shown in FIGURE 38, a second dispenser mounting module 24 is coupled the coupling 26 in substantially the same manner as described above. As illustrated, the top and bottom of each adjacent edge of the mounting modules 24 have a substantial flat portion abutting. This abutment in combination with the interlocking coupling 26 substantially prevents all relative movement between adjacent mounting modules 24.

[0087] As shown in FIGURE 39, a second coupling 26 is coupled to the second dispenser mounting module 24. This coupling 26 is attached in substantially the same manner as discussed above.

[0088] As shown in FIGURE 40, a controller mounting module 22 is coupled to the free end of the coupling 26. This module 22 is coupled to the coupling 26 essentially as described above. The controller mounting module 22 and the coupling 26 also interconnect in a manner that allows substantially all of the front face of the module 22 and the coupling 26 to lie in the same plane. Additionally, due to this same arrangement with the adjacent module 24, the front face of all three (22, 24, and 26) lies substantially in the same plane. Further, the abutting flat sections along with the engagement of this coupling 26 substantially prevents most relative movement between the controller mounting module 22 and the adjacent dispenser mounting module 24.

[0089] As illustrated in FIGURE 41, a right configured recess filler 28 is coupled to the right recess 44 of the left dispenser mounting module 24. This filler 28 is coupled in substantially the same manner as the coupling 26. Thus, the details will not be repeated. However, it should be noted that the filler 28 engages the module 24 such that substantially the entire front faces of each lie in the same plane.

[0090] Finally, as illustrated in FIGURE 42, several coupling members 30 are coupled to the assembly. The coupling members are placed in the channel 38 and extend across at least three components to interlock the three components.

[0091] Once the mounting assembly 20 is assembled as shown (or in alternate configuration), the mounting assembly 20 can then be mounted to a wall. Following that, the dispensing assembly 10 can be connected to the mounting assembly 20.

[0092] The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, various alternatives to the certain features and elements of the present invention are described with reference to specific embodiments of the present invention. With the exception of features, elements, and manners of operation that are mutually exclusive of or are inconsistent with each embodiment described above, it should be noted that the alternative features, elements, and manners of operation described with reference to one particular embodiment are applicable to the other embodiments.

[0093] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.