SUNDBERG, Robin (Månstigen 4, Falun, S-791 43, SE)
MÖLLER, Per (Tommos Väg 12, Leksand, S-793 33, SE)
SUNDBERG, Robin (Månstigen 4, Falun, S-791 43, SE)
| A liquid container (100) for a dispenser (200), wherein said liquid container (100) comprises a liquid reservoir (105) and a foam pump (1 10), such that activation of said foam pump (1 10) in a first direction (V) discharges a quantity of said liquid in the form of a foam from said liquid reservoir (105) via said foam pump (1 10), wherein a nozzle cap (121 ) is arranged to at least partly enclose the foam pump (1 10) during storage, transport and use of the liquid container (100), and wherein the nozzle cap (121 ) comprises a first end surface (122) extending perpendicular to said first direction (V), characterized in that said nozzle cap (121) is integral with the replaceable liquid container (100); said nozzle cap (121 ) is displaceable in the first direction (V) so as to activate the foam pump (1 10) in said first direction (V); and that said first end surface (122) of said nozzle cap (121 ) comprises a dispensing opening (125) aligned with the foam pump (1 10) through which said quantity of said liquid in the form of a foam is discharged upon activation of said foam pump (1 10). A liquid container (100) according to claim 1 , wherein, said foam pump (1 10) comprises at least one piston (1 1 1 ), at least one cylinder (1 12) and at least one air chamber (1 13), wherein said at least one piston (1 1 1 ) is located within said at least one cylinder (1 12) and is displaceable in a first direction (V) within said cylinder (1 12), such that, upon activation of said foam pump (1 10); said at least one piston (1 1 1 ) acts within said at least one cylinder (1 12) so as to discharge a quantity of liquid from said liquid reservoir (105) and wherein said at least one air chamber (1 3) is arranged such that activation of the foam pump (1 10) compresses the air chamber (1 13) so as to force air into the liquid in the foam pump (1 10), thus creating a foam. 3. A liquid container (100) according to any of claims 1 -2, wherein, the nozzle cap (121 ) comprises a flange (126) extending at least partly in a direction perpendicular to said first direction (V). 4. A liquid container (100) according to claim 3, wherein the flange (126) is located at a second end (123) of said nozzle cap (121 ) in said first direction (V). A liquid container (100) according to any of claims 1 -4, wherein the foam pump (1 10), the nozzle cap (121 ), and the dispensing opening (125) in said first end surface (122) of said nozzle cap (121 ) each have an axis of symmetry in the first direction (V), said axes of symmetry coinciding in the first direction (V). 6. A liquid container (100) according to any one of claims 1 -5, wherein the liquid container (100) further comprises a locking collar (130), said locking collar (130) being arranged such that - in a first state (A) of said locking collar (130) - the locking collar (130) abuts the nozzle cap (121 ) and prevents the displacement of said nozzle cap (121 ) in said first direction (V), and - in a second state (B) of said locking collar (130) - the nozzle cap (121 ) can be displaced in said first direction (V). A liquid container (100) according to claim 6, wherein said locking collar (130) is displaceable in the first direction (V) between said first state (A) and said second state (B). A combination of a dispenser (200) and a replaceable liquid container (100), wherein said liquid container (100) comprises a liquid reservoir (105) and a foam pump (1 10) arranged such that activation of said foam pump (1 10) in a first direction (V) discharges a quantity of said liquid in the form of a foam from said liquid reservoir (105) via said foam pump (1 10), said dispenser (200) comprising an actuator (210) which is displaced directly by a user or displaced via a motor, wherein a lifting arrangement (120) being displaceable in the first direction (V) is situated between said actuator (210) and said foam pump (1 10), said lifting arrangement (120) being arranged so as to transfer the movement of said actuator (210) to said foam pump (1 10) in said first direction (V), so as to activate the foam pump (1 10); characterized in that said lifting arrangement (120) is integral with the replaceable liquid container (100) or is removable from the dispenser (200). The combination according to claim 8, wherein said lifting arrangement (120) is integral with the replaceable liquid container (100). 10. A combination according to any of claims 8-9, wherein the lifting arrangement (120) comprises a nozzle cap (121 ) which at least partly encloses the foam pump (1 10). 1 1 . A combination according to claim 10, wherein the nozzle cap (121 ) comprises a first end surface (122) extending perpendicular to said first direction (V), said first end surface (122) comprising a dispensing opening (125) aligned with the foam pump (1 10) to allow discharge a quantity of said liquid through said dispensing opening (125) 12. A combination according to any of claims 10-11 , wherein the nozzle cap (121 ) comprises a flange (126) extending at least partly in a direction perpendicular to said first direction (V), said flange (126) arranged to cooperate with said actuator (210) of said dispenser (200). 13. A combination according to any of claims 8-12, wherein the liquid container (100) further comprises a locking collar (130), said locking collar (130) being arranged such that - in a first state (A) of said locking collar (130) - the locking collar (130) abuts the nozzle cap (121 ) and prevents the displacement of said nozzle cap (121 ) in said first direction (V), and - in a second state (B) of said locking collar (130) - the nozzle cap (121 ) can be displaced in said first direction (V). A combination according to claim 13, wherein said locking collar (130) is displaceable in the first direction (V) between said first state (A) and said second state (B). 15. A combination according to any of claims 8-14, wherein said actuator (210) is an integral part of the dispenser (200). 16. A combination according to any of claims 8-15, wherein said dispenser (200) comprises a housing (220) for containing the liquid container (100). 17. A combination according to any of claims 8-15, wherein the liquid container (100) is the liquid container (100) of any of claims 1 -7. |
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a combination of a dispenser and a replaceable liquid container. The combination allows a simple construction of both the dispenser and the liquid container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Liquid dispensers, particularly soap dispensers, of the type which contain a replaceable liquid container are becoming more and more popular. Using a replaceable liquid container allows users and suppliers to rapidly refill an empty dispenser, or to change the type of liquid dispensed without having to clean or change the dispenser itself.
Certain prior-art liquid dispensers have incorporated a foam pump into the dispenser, and not the replaceable liquid container. The liquid container only has the function of containing liquid, and is pierced, punctured or otherwise opened when refilling the dispenser. However, such arrangements cause problems due to liquid leaking from the container during its replacement, as the seal formed between the liquid container and the foam pump is not always tight. These problems are particularly noticeable with dispensers which dispense liquid from the bottom of the dispenser (i.e. in which the liquid container is upended when refilling the dispenser). A move has therefore been made towards liquid dispensers which have integral pump mechanisms.
Liquid containers having integral pump mechanisms can be activated by the user's hand on the pump mechanism. An example of this is provided in WO00/04812. Disadvantages with such arrangements include: direct force being applied to the foam pump (leading to wear and breakage of the pump mechanism), variations in the force applied to the pump mechanism, and the fact that dispensing action is generally limited to one direction (the direction of activation of the pump). Activation of an integral foam pump by direct action on the foam pump is not generally ergonomically effective, as the liquid tends to be dispensed on that part of the user's hand which is applying pressure to the pump mechanism. Alternatively, the integral pump mechanisms of liquid containers can be activated by a dispensing mechanism which is integral with the dispenser. The user wishing to dispense liquid therefore activates the dispensing mechanism of the dispenser, which in turn activates the integral foam pump of the liquid container. For a manual dispenser, the dispensing mechanism of the dispenser typically comprises a combination of levers, buttons, springs and other such actuators. Examples of such dispenser/liquid container combinations can be found in e.g. US 6 082 586, EP 0 703 831 , US2009/0032552, US 5445 288, CA 2 164 341 , US 7 086 567 and WO2007/125355. Dispensers having integral dispensing mechanisms have the disadvantage that they require a number of moving parts within the dispenser, which may require regular maintenance or cleaning, and are often complicated and expensive to manufacture.
It is therefore desirable to provide a simplified dispenser and liquid container combination; inter alia to reduce the number of moving parts in the dispenser. A simpler dispenser would also improve the refilling process, making it easier to guarantee correct placement of the liquid container.
These, and further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a liquid container for a dispenser. The liquid container comprises a liquid reservoir and a foam pump, such that activation of said foam pump in a first direction (V) discharges a quantity of said liquid in the form of a foam from said liquid reservoir via said foam pump.
A nozzle cap is arranged to at least partly enclose the foam pump during storage, transport and use of the liquid container. The nozzle cap comprises a first end surface extending perpendicular to said first direction (V). The nozzle cap is integral with the replaceable liquid container, and is displaceable in the first direction (V) so as to activate the foam pump in said first direction (V). The first end surface of the nozzle cap comprises a dispensing opening aligned with the foam pump through which said quantity of said liquid in the form of a foam is discharged upon activation of said foam pump. Suitably, the foam pump comprises at least one piston, at least one cylinder and at least one air chamber, wherein said at least one piston is located within said at least one cylinder and is displaceable in a first direction (V) within said cylinder. Upon activation of said foam pump, the at least one piston acts within the at least one cylinder so as to discharge a quantity of liquid from said liquid reservoir. The at least one air chamber is arranged such that activation of the foam pump compresses the air chamber so as to force air into the liquid in the foam pump, thus creating a foam.
Suitably, the nozzle cap comprises a flange extending at least partly in a direction perpendicular to said first direction (V). The flange may be located at a second end of said nozzle cap in said first direction (V).
The foam pump , the nozzle cap , and the dispensing opening in said first end surface of said nozzle cap may each have an axis of symmetry in the first direction (V), said axes of symmetry coinciding in the first direction (V).
The liquid container may further comprise a locking collar, said locking collar being arranged such that - in a first state (A) of said locking collar - the locking collar abuts the nozzle cap and prevents the displacement of said nozzle cap in said first direction (V), and - in a second state (B) of said locking collar - the nozzle cap can be displaced in said first direction (V).
The locking collar is suitably displaceable in the first direction (V) between said first state (A) and said second state (B). The invention also provides the combination of a dispenser and a replaceable liquid container, wherein said liquid container comprises a liquid reservoir and a foam pump arranged such that activation of said foam pump in a first direction (V) discharges a quantity of said liquid in the form of a foam from said liquid reservoir via said foam pump. The dispenser comprises an actuator which is displaced directly by a user or displaced via a motor. A lifting arrangement being displaceable in the first direction (V) is situated between the actuator and the foam pump, said lifting arrangement being arranged so as to transfer the movement of said actuator to said foam pump in said first direction (V), so as to activate the foam pump.
The lifting arrangement is integral with the replaceable liquid container or is removable from the dispenser. Suitably, the lifting arrangement is integral with the replaceable liquid container. The lifting arrangement may comprise a nozzle cap which at least partly encloses the foam pump. The nozzle cap suitably comprises a first end surface extending perpendicular to said first direction (V), said first end surface comprising a dispensing opening aligned with the foam pump to allow discharge a quantity of said liquid through said dispensing opening. The nozzle cap suitably comprises a flange extending at least partly in a direction perpendicular to said first direction (V), said flange arranged to cooperate with said actuator of said dispenser.
The liquid container may further comprise a locking collar, said locking collar being arranged such that - in a first state (A) of said locking collar - the locking collar abuts the nozzle cap and prevents the displacement of said nozzle cap in said first direction (V), and - in a second state (B) of said locking collar - the nozzle cap can be displaced in said first direction (V). The locking collar may be displaceable in the first direction (V) between said first state (A) and said second state (B). The actuator is suitably an integral part of the dispenser.
The dispenser suitably comprises a housing for containing the liquid container. The invention also provides a combination as set out above, wherein the liquid container is the liquid container described above.
DEFINITIONS
If a first component is defined as being "integral" with a second component, it is meant that the two components in question are connected together in an intimate fashion, and that the two components cannot be separated without damaging or destroying one or both components or their functions. Components which are integral are not meant to be separated from one another through the lifetime of the components in question - i.e. the components are substantially permanently connected. Connection of two "integral" components may e.g. be mechanical (e g through mechanical locks) or via adhesive, or by other such means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a liquid container of the invention, Figure 1A being an exploded view thereof.
Figure 2 is a view of the liquid container of Figure 1 , in cross-section through the axis of the foam pump, in an uncompressed state.
Figure 3 shows the liquid container of Figure 2 in a compressed state.
Figures 4A and 4B show one design of the locking collar of the invention.
Figures 5A and 5B show another design of the locking collar of the invention.
Figure 6A shows the combination of a dispenser and a replaceable liquid container according to the invention.
Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view through the dispenser/container.
Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the mechanism of the dispenser, with the activator depressed
Figure 8 shows a similar cross-sectional view as Figure 7, but with the liquid container in place.
Figure 9 shows an alternative lifting arrangement to the nozzle cap of Figure 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in Figures 1 -5, the present invention provides a liquid container 100. The liquid container 100 is designed to securely and safely store and transport liquid prior to use, and to be inserted into the dispenser 200 of the invention for dispensing of the liquid. The liquid container 100 is designed for use in dispensers 200, in which the dispensing takes place from the bottom of the dispenser (see Figure 6A and 6B).
The liquid container 100 comprises a liquid reservoir 105 and a foam pump 1 10. The liquid reservoir 105 is that portion of the liquid container 100 in which liquid is stored. It is shown as having a generally cylindrical form, but other three-dimensional forms are possible (e.g. cuboid). The reservoir 105 is hollow. The liquid reservoir 105 is suitably made of a material which tolerates the liquid contained, without degradation of the liquid or the liquid reservoir 105. Suitable materials for the liquid reservoir 105 are plastics, e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene.
As can be seen in Figure 1 , the liquid reservoir 105 may comprise two portions. One portion is softer than the other, and collapses as liquid is dispensed from the liquid reservoir 105. This construction avoids the problem with a build-up of vacuum within the liquid reservoir 105, while maintaining a portion of the reservoir 105 which is rigid, suitably for displaying information thereon.
The liquid contained within the liquid reservoir 105 is preferably soap or detergent. However, other liquids are conceivable, within the scope of the invention. Other liquids include e.g. disinfectants, skin -care liquids (e.g. moisturizers) and even medicaments. The liquid is typically aqueous. The composition of the liquid within the liquid reservoir 105 can be varied by the skilled person depending on the nature of the liquid and the desired result.
The liquid container 100 comprises a foam pump 1 10. The foam pump 1 10 acts to transfer liquid from the liquid reservoir 105 and dispense it in the form of a foam. Activation of the foam pump 1 10 in a first direction (V) discharges a quantity of said liquid in the form of a foam from said liquid reservoir 105 via said foam pump 1 10. In the illustrated invention, the foam pump 1 10 is located at one end of the liquid reservoir 105, and the first direction V corresponds to the axis of the cylindrical liquid reservoir 105. The foam pump 1 10 also has a generally cylindrical form, but other shapes are possible.
Foam pumps 1 10 suitable for use in the present invention are available from Rexam Airspray. Additionally, those foam pumps described in US 5,445,288 and WO 95/26831 are typical examples of foam pumps.
The foam pump 1 10 of the invention typically comprises at least one piston 1 1 1 , at least one cylinder 1 12 and at least one air chamber 1 13. The at least one piston 1 1 1 is located within said at least one cylinder 1 12 and is displaceable in a first direction (V) within said cylinder 1 12. Upon activation of the foam pump 1 10, the at least one piston 1 1 1 acts within said at least one cylinder 1 12 so as to discharge a quantity of liquid from said liquid reservoir 105. The at least one air chamber 1 13 is arranged such that activation of the foam pump 1 10 compresses the air chamber 13 so as to force air into the liquid in the foam pump 1 10, thus creating a foam. Various net or mesh materials may also be present in the foam pump 1 10 to promote foam formation. Constructional details of the foam pump 1 10 are provided in e.g. WO 95/26831.
As shown in Figures 1 -4, a nozzle cap 121 is arranged to at least partly enclose the foam pump 1 10 during storage, transport and use of the liquid container 100. The nozzle cap 121 provides protection for the foam pump 1 10 during storage, transport and use of the liquid container 100. It therefore encloses substantially the entire foam pump 1 10, as illustrated. The nozzle cap 121 suitably has a form which is similar to that of the foam pump 1 10, so that a close fit about the foam pump 1 10 can be achieved. In the illustrated case, the nozzle cap 121 is approximately cylindrical, although other forms are possible. The nozzle cap 121 encloses the foam pump 1 10 as it protrudes from the liquid reservoir 105.
As shown the nozzle cap 121 comprises a first end surface 122 extending perpendicular to said first direction (V). This first end surface 122 acts to protect the foam pump 1 10 and to apply pressure to the foam pump 1 10 under activation of said foam pump 1 10.
The nozzle cap 121 is integral with the replaceable liquid container 100. In other words, it is permanently joined to the liquid container 100, and cannot be removed therefrom without destroying the nozzle cap 121 , the liquid container 100 and/or the function thereof. As shown in Figure 1 , the nozzle cap 121 is integrally connected to the liquid container 100 by means of hooks on the liquid container 00 which engage in grooves in the nozzle cap 121 . Other arrangements which act to integrate the nozzle cap 121 with the liquid container 100 are also possible. Integration of the nozzle cap 121 with the liquid container 100 must be carried out such that displacement of the nozzle cap 121 is possible, as described in the following.
Importantly, nozzle cap 121 is displaceable in the first direction (V). This is achieved by the function of the grooves in the nozzle cap 121 . Displacement of the nozzle cap 121 in the first direction (V) activates the foam pump 1 10, by compressing the foam pump 1 10 in said first direction (V). The foam pump 1 10 in uncompressed and compressed states are shown in Figures 2 and 3.
To allow the liquid in the form of a foam to be discharged from the liquid container 100 upon activation of the foam pump 1 10, the first end surface 122 of the nozzle cap 121 comprises a dispensing opening 125. The dispensing opening 125 is aligned with the foam pump 1 10.
The nozzle cap 121 provides protection for the foam pump 1 0 during storage, transport and use of the liquid container 100. However, in that the nozzle cap 121 remains integral with the liquid container 100 when the container 100 is placed in the dispenser 200, a safer, more leakproof solution is obtained. In addition, the nozzle cap 121 is not removed and discarded prior to the liquid container 100 being placed in the dispenser 200, meaning less waste.
As shown in Figures 1 -5, the nozzle cap 121 may comprise a flange 126 extending at least partly in a direction perpendicular to said first direction (V). This flange 126 cooperates with the mechanism of the dispenser 200. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flange 126 may take the form of a protruding ring which extends from the nozzle cap 121 in substantially all directions. The flange 126 may also be present in only portions of the nozzle cap 121 . Suitably, as shown in particular in Figures 1 and 2, the flange 126 is located at a second end 123 of said nozzle cap 121 in said first direction (V). The flange 126 being located at the second end 123 of the nozzle cap 121 means that the required lever effect can be placed on the nozzle cap 121. Further function of the flange 126 will be discussed below in relation to the mechanism of action of the dispenser 200.
Suitably, the foam pump 1 10, the nozzle cap 121 , and the dispensing opening 125 in said first end surface 122 of said nozzle cap 121 each individually have an axis of symmetry in the first direction (V). The axis of symmetry may be rotational, reflectional or translational. The axes of symmetry of these components should coincide in the first direction (V), and may coincide with an axis of symmetry of the entire liquid container 100. Most suitably, the foam pump 1 10, the nozzle cap 121 and the dispensing opening 125 have a substantially circular form in a plane perpendicular to the first direction (V), with the axis of symmetry of these components coinciding in the first direction (V) as shown in Figures 1 - 5. The liquid reservoir 105 may also have an axis of symmetry extending in the first direction (V), which may or may not be aligned with one or more symmetry axes of the foam pump 1 10, the nozzle cap 121 and the dispensing opening 125.
As shown in Figure 1 , and in detail in Figures 4 and 5, the liquid container 100 may further comprise a locking collar 130. The locking collar 130 shown has the form of a ring extending about the foam pump 1 10. The locking collar 130 may extend fully or partially about the foam pump 1 10. The locking collar 130 acts to prevent the nozzle cap 121 from moving in the first direction (V) when such movement is not desired (e.g. during transport and storage of the liquid container 100). However, the locking collar 130 may be moved to another position on the liquid container 100, or completely removed therefrom when movement of the nozzle cap 121 in the first direction (V) is desirable (i.e. during dispensing of the liquid). In other words, the locking collar 130 is arranged such that - in a first state (A) of the locking collar 130 - the locking collar 130 abuts the nozzle cap 121 , preventing the displacement of the nozzle cap 121 in the first direction (V). In a second state (B) of said locking collar 130 - the nozzle cap 121 can be displaced in said first direction (V). Figure 4A illustrates one design for the locking collar 130. In Figure 4A, the locking collar 130 abuts the nozzle cap 121 , and is maintained in this state (A) by means of locking elements on the liquid container 100 which engage with corresponding locking elements on the locking collar 130. Twisting the locking collar 130 releases the locking elements, allowing the locking collar 130 to be displaced in the first direction to a second state (B), in which the locking collar 130 does not abut the nozzle cap 121 . In this second state (B), the nozzle cap 121 is free to move in the first direction (V), and liquid can be dispensed. Suitably, therefore, the locking collar 130 is displaceable in the first direction (V) between said first state (A) and said second state (B). Suitably, the locking collar 130 may be locked in position in both state (A) and state (B).
Figures 5A and 5B illustrate an alternative design for the locking collar 130. In Figure 5A and 5B, the locking collar 130 is in the form of a removable ring. In the first state (A), the locking collar 130 abuts the nozzle cap 121. The locking collar of Figure 5A can be completely removed from the liquid container 100 by a user, to provide the second state (B), shown in Figure 5B, in which the nozzle cap 121 is free to move in the first direction (V), so that liquid can be dispensed.
The invention also relates to a combination of a dispenser 200 and a replaceable liquid 5 container 100, as shown in Figures 6-8. The dispenser 200 is placed in a location where the liquid is to be used (e.g. a bathroom, hospital or kitchen). When liquid in the form of a foam is desired, the dispenser 200 is activated, which in turn activates the foam pump 1 10 and dispenses foam. The dispenser 200 illustrated is designed for mounting on a vertical surface (e.g. a wall or a door), and foam is dispensed from the lower end of the dispenser
10 100. The dispenser 100 may therefore comprise mounting means for mounting the dispenser 200 on the vertical surface. The liquid container 200 is therefore mounted within the dispenser 100 with the liquid reservoir 105 located vertically above the foam pump 1 10. Other designs are also possible within the scope of the present invention (e.g. legs to allow the dispenser to stand on a horizontal surface, or an alternative
15 arrangement of the liquid container 200100
The dispenser 200 illustrated comprises a housing 220 for containing the liquid container 100. The housing 220 shown comprises a first portion 221 and a second portion 222. The first and second portions 221 , 222 are hinged against one another, and fasten via a 0 lock 223. Other fastening means between the first and second portions 221 , 222 are conceivable. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 221 comprises the front side of the housing 220, while the second portion 222 comprises the rear side of the housing 220, and the two portions are hinged towards the bottom of the housing 220, although other designs are also possible within the scope of the present invention. Housing 220 5 may be made of any suitable materials, e.g. plastic or metal.
Housing 220 holds the liquid container 100 in place, and protects it from damage and theft. A housing 220 is not entirely necessary, however, and the liquid container 100 may be held in place in the dispenser 200 by other means (e.g. elastic straps, mechanical 0 engagement between the liquid container 100 and the dispenser 200, or simply by gravitational forces).
The liquid container 100 for use in the dispenser comprises a liquid reservoir 105 and a foam pump 1 10. The liquid reservoir 105 and foam pump 1 10 are arranged such that 5 activation of said foam pump 1 10 in a first direction (V) discharges a quantity of said liquid in the form of a foam from said liquid reservoir 105 via said foam pump 1 10. The nature and mechanism of action of the liquid reservoir 105 and foam pump 1 10 are as described above in relation to Figures 1 -5. The dispenser 200 comprises an actuator 210 which is displaced directly by a user or displaced via a motor, under operation of the dispenser 200. The actuator 210 translates a displacement effected by the user or the motor into a displacement suitable to dispense liquid foam (i.e. a displacement in the first direction (V) of the liquid container 00). Displacement of the actuator 210 shown in the Figures is performed directly by the user. However, it is also possible that the dispenser 200 includes an electric motor which is actuated by a user (e.g. by a push-button, lever, IR sensor etc.) so as to displace the actuator 210. The actuator 210 is a separate component of the dispenser 200 to the lifting arrangement 120. Displacement of the actuator 210 is usually in a direction other than the first direction (V).
The actuator 210 is shown in detail in Figure 7. The actuator 210 shown in the Figures comprises an actuator surface 21 1 which is depressed by a user, pivots 212 about which the actuator 210 is hinged to the dispenser 200, and lugs 213 which engage the lifting arrangement 120 of the liquid container 100 described herein. The actuator surface 21 1 is depressed by the heel of the user's hand, and liquid in the form of a foam is dispensed into the user's palm. Alternative designs for the actuator are possible, e.g. in which the actuator 210 is reversed and the actuator surface 21 1 is pulled by one or more fingers of the user and foam is dispensed into the user's palm. The actuator 210 suitably consists of a single component, as shown in Figure 7. That is, when the actuator 210 is depressed by a user, it acts directly on the lifting arrangement 120 described herein, with no intervening components. The actuator 210 is suitably an integral part of the dispenser 200. A lifting arrangement 120 being displaceable in the first direction (V) is situated between said actuator 210 and said foam pump 1 10. The lifting arrangement 120 is arranged so as to transfer the movement of the actuator 210 to the foam pump 1 10 in said first direction (V), so as to activate the foam pump 1 10. The lifting arrangement 120 is integral with the replaceable liquid container 100 (i.e. permanently attached thereto) or is removable from the dispenser 200 (i.e. it comprises a separate component to the liquid container 100 and the dispenser 200). Most suitably, the lifting arrangement 120 is integral with the replaceable liquid container 100.
The lifting arrangement 120 has a form which allows the forces applied by the actuator 5 210 to be applied to the foam pump 1 10. As illustrated, the lifting arrangement 120 has a form which engages with the lugs 213 of the actuator 210 at opposite sides of the dispenser, and a surface which acts on the foam pump 1 10 to dispense foam. The lifting member 120 is suitably directly coupled to the foam pump 1 10 and directly coupled to the actuator 210. The lifting arrangement must also allow foam to pass from the foam pump0 to the outside of the dispenser 200.
The lifting arrangement may comprise a nozzle cap 121 which at least partly encloses the foam pump 1 10, as described above for the liquid container 100, and as illustrated in Figures 1 -5. In this embodiment, the dispenser 200 is particularly suited for the liquid5 container 100 described herein. The invention therefore provides a combination of liquid container 100 and dispenser 200, wherein the liquid container 100 is the liquid container 100 described in relation to Figures 1 -5.
As described above in relation to the liquid container 100, the nozzle cap 121 is preferably integral with the replaceable liquid container 100. As described above, the nozzle cap 121 comprises a first end surface 122 extending perpendicular to said first direction (V), said first end surface 122 comprising a dispensing opening 125 aligned with the foam pump 1 10 to allow discharge a quantity of said liquid through said dispensing opening 125. Other details of the nozzle cap 121 are disclosed in relation to the liquid container 100 described above.
As set out above, the nozzle cap 121 suitably comprises a flange 126 extending at least partly in a direction perpendicular to said first direction (V), said flange 126 arranged to cooperate with said actuator 210 of said dispenser 200. In that the flange 126 is located at the second end 123 of the nozzle cap 121 , as illustrated, suitable lever arm effects can be obtained in the dispenser 200. However, other arrangements are possible. In the illustrated embodiments, the flange 126 engages with the lugs 213 of the actuator 210 when the dispenser 200 is activated. Details of the flange 126 are the same as those disclosed above in relation to the liquid container 100. An alternative form for the lifting arrangement 120 is shown in Figure 9. The lifting arrangement 120 shown in Figure 9 has the form of a yoke, with arms arranged to engage with the lugs 213 of the actuator 210 and an inner surface arranged to engage with the foam pump 210. The lifting arrangement 120 of Figure 9 functions in a similar way to the nozzle cap 121 of the preceding embodiments. The lifting arrangement 120 of Figure 9 may be removable from both the dispenser 200 and the liquid container 100.
The illustrated combination of the dispenser 200 and the liquid container 100 functions as follows: the actuator surface 21 1 is depressed by a user, causing the actuator 210 to pivot about pivots 212. The movement is thus translated into a displacement in the first direction (V). Lugs 213 located on the actuator 210 engage the lifting arrangement 120 (nozzle cap 121 ) of the liquid container 100 described herein. The lifting arrangement 120 applies pressure to the foam pump 1 10 in the first direction (V) and liquid in the form of a foam is dispensed into the user's palm.
As described above for the liquid container 100, the liquid container may further comprise a locking collar 130. The locking collar 130 is arranged such that - in a first state (A) of said locking collar 130 - the locking collar 30 abuts the nozzle cap 121 and prevents the displacement of said nozzle cap 121 in said first direction (V). In a second state (B) of said locking collar 130 - the nozzle cap 121 can be displaced in said first direction (V). The locking collar 130 is suitably displaceable in the first direction (V) between said first state (A) and said second state (B). Suitably, the locking collar 130 may be locked in position in state (A) and state (B). Details of the locking collar 130 are described above in relation to Figures 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B.
Notably, the actuator 210, the lifting member 120 and the foam pump 1 10 are separate components of the combination of dispenser 200 and liquid container 100 of the invention.
Apart from the actuator 210 and the housing 220, the dispenser 200 may comprise one or more additional components, such as locks 223, internal supports for the liquid container 100, mounting means for mounting the dispenser 200 on a vertical surface (e.g. a wall), hinges to allow the housing 220 to open, and windows to show the contents. The nature, design and incorporation of such components into the dispenser 200 of the present invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. In a particular embodiment, illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the dispenser 200 comprises engaging means 230 which engages with the liquid container 100. Engaging means 230 acts to hold the liquid container 100 in place in the dispenser 200, so that effective dispensing can occur without undesired displacement of the liquid container 100 (e.g. in the first direction (V)). As such, the engaging means 230 should not be displaceable in the first direction (V). The engaging means 230 most suitably engages with the locking collar 130 of the liquid container 100, but may engage with the liquid reservoir 105, the foam pump 1 10, or some other location on the liquid container 100. The engaging means should not engage with the lifting arrangement 120 or nozzle cap 121 , as these components are designed to be displaceable in the first direction (V).
The engaging means 230 may be designed so that only a certain design of liquid container 100 (e.g. with certain contents) can be used in combination with the dispenser 200. For example, the engaging means 230 may have a pattern of cut-outs or protrusions which engages with a corresponding pattern on the liquid container 100, so that only the desired liquid container 100 can engage with the engaging means 230.
Engaging means 230 can take a number of forms, e.g. a bayonet-type fitting, a screw- fitting, one or more moveable jaws or a "click"-fitting in the dispenser 200 into which the liquid container 100 engages. The engaging means 230 may be a fixed component of the dispenser 200, or may be moveable within said dispenser 200. If the engaging means 230 is moveable within the dispenser 200, it may be sprung or otherwise resiliently arranged such that it is displaced upon insertion of the liquid container 100 into the dispenser 200, but returns to an engaged position upon correct placement of the liquid container 100. Engaging means 230 may also be manually activated, or activated by closing the housing 220 of the dispenser 200. The engaging means 230 may comprise one or more angled surfaces which promote correct insertion and engagement of the liquid container 100 in the dispenser 200. A particular engaging means 230 is shown in Figures 7 and 8. The illustrated engaging means 230 comprises a C-shaped element which can be displaced in a plane perpendicular to the first direction (V). The engaging means 230 is coupled to the housing 220 so that opening and closing the housing 220 displaces the C-shaped element in said plane perpendicular to the first direction (V). When the housing 220 is open, the engaging means 230 is retracted so that the liquid container 100 may be inserted or removed from the dispenser 200. When the housing 220 is closed, the engaging means 230 is deployed, and engages with the liquid container 100. Suitably, the engaging means 230 engages with the locking collar 130 of the liquid container 100. The locking collar 130 of the liquid container 100 may also comprise a pattern of cut-outs or protrusions which engages with the engaging means 230.
A number of moving parts of the dispenser 200/liquid container 100 are integral with the liquid container 100, or can be removed from the dispenser. As a result, if a dispenser 200 stops functioning, the entire dispenser 200 may not need to be replaced, but, instead, a new liquid container 100 with integral foam pump 1 10 may be placed in the dispenser 200 instead.
The invention has been described in relation to a number of embodiments and Figures. However, the invention should not be considered as limited to these embodiments, and variations within the scope of the invention can be made by the skilled person. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.