Abstract: A dispenser housing has a closure mechanism that serves to hold the dispenser housing closed. A key either can be carried by an individual to be employed to override the closure mechanism to permit the opening of the dispenser or can be selectively mounted to the dispenser housing to position a release mechanism appropriately to permit the release mechanism to be manipulated to override the closure mechanism. When the key is not mounted to the dispenser, the release mechanism cannot be appropriately manipulated to override the closure mechanism.

Abstract: A foam dispenser and method of operation of the foam dispenser provides that a cartridge of liquid having an air head is retained in the dispenser and maintained under pressure by an air compressor when at rest, i.e., when the foam dispenser in not being actuated. Air and liquid conduits communicate respectively between the air head and liquid maintained in the cartridge and a foam generating head. Valves selectively close flow through the conduits. In this way, when the foam dispenser is actuated the valves can simply be opened for the appropriate amount of time to advance air and liquid to the foam generating head and dispense foam at a dispensing location.

Abstract: A handheld dispenser includes a collapsible liquid container, a liquid pump, an air pump, and a mixing chamber. The liquid pump provides a collapsible liquid chamber collapsed from an expanded volume to a compressed volume to expel liquid from the collapsible liquid chamber into the mixing chamber. The air pump provides a collapsible air chamber collapsed from an expanded volume to a compressed volume to expel air from the collapsible air chamber into the mixing chamber. The liquid pump and air pump are secured to the collapsible liquid container so as to be capable of being manipulated with one hand. Air expelled into the mixing chamber mixes with liquid expelled into the mixing chamber so that a mixed product is dispensed.

Abstract: A foam dispenser having a selectively pressurized cartridge that includes a dispenser housing maintaining a motor driving an air compressor with a compressed air conduit extending therefrom. Also maintained within the dispenser is a foam generating head that receives air and liquid conduits that include dispensing valves. A control circuit controls the motor and dispensing valves, and further is interconnected with a hand sensor positioned in association with the dispensing head. In one embodiment of the invention, a disposable and replaceable cartridge of liquid soap or the like is adapted to sealingly and removably receive the compressed air conduit as well as the liquid and air outlet conduits, along with a vent valve and a pressure sensor, the vent valve and pressure sensor communicating with a control circuit. In another embodiment, the various conduits, valves and sensors, as well as the dispensing head, comprise a portion of the cartridge.

Abstract: A portable liquid dispenser includes a blow molded housing defining a cavity within the entire interior thereof. A centralized walled aperture is provided to receive an appropriate dispensing pump, the pump being configured to extend outwardly in a usable position and to lock in an inwardly position where the dispensing nozzle of the pump does not extend beyond the sidewalls of the dispenser itself. A fill and relief valve is provided to accommodate rapid filling of the dispenser during a manufacturing process, and to accommodate breathing of the container during the dispensing operation such that the unvented pump does not result in any distortion of the dispenser as the liquid therein is depleted.

Abstract: A foam pump having a flexible member for engagement with a dispenser, the pump being part of a refill unit including a product reservoir. The flexible connecting member extends from an extreme end of the pump and is received by an actuating carriage that is movably connected to an actuating mechanism. The flexible connecting member permits insertion of the pump into a dispenser, and may act to dampen actuating forces to reduce foam shearing. The flexible connecting member may be provided in the form of a flared tip that is received through an oval opening in the product dispenser, and the pump may include a locking member to prevent unwanted actuation thereof during insertion of the refill unit into the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a cover pivotally secured to a backplate to move between an open position, at which the dispenser can be refilled, and a closed position, at which the dispenser may be actuated. The cover includes a latch that engages a catch held on the backplate. An elongate bar secured to the backplate is provided to engage the latch and remove it from the catch to permit the cover to be moved to the open position. The elongate bar includes a yoke extending to left and right terminal ends that are accessible outside of a dispensing zone of the dispenser. This invention is particularly applicable to dispensers that employ sensors to sense the presence of a hand at a dispensing zone.

Abstract: A bifurcated stem foam pump for use in foam dispensers. An air compressor portion of the bifurcated pump is attached to and maintained as a portion of the dispenser housing. A portion of the pump for transferring liquid and including a portion for generating foam is attached to and provided as a portion of a replaceable liquid-containing cartridge in the foam dispenser. The two portions mate and form a completed pump assembly operative for generating foam from the liquid of the cartridge when the cartridge is placed within the dispenser housing and the two pump portions are mated. The air compressor portion includes a collar having an air piston reciprocatingly received therein. The collar is attached to the dispenser housing. A collar receiving a hollow stem pump is attached to the liquid cartridge. Actuation of the air piston correspondingly actuates the stem pump such that air and liquid are forced together in the stem pump and through a foam generating member.

Abstract: A bifurcated stem foam pump for use in foam dispensers. An air compressor portion of the bifurcated pump is attached to and maintained as a portion of the dispenser housing. A portion of the pump for transferring liquid and including a portion for generating foam is sealingly attached to and provided as a portion of a replaceable liquid-containing cartridge in the foam dispenser. The two portions mate and form a completed pump assembly operative for generating foam from the liquid of the cartridge when the cartridge is placed within the dispenser housing and the two pump portions are mated. The air compressor portion includes a collar having an air piston reciprocatingly received therein. The collar is attached to the dispenser housing. A collar receiving a hollow stem pump is attached to the liquid cartridge. Actuation of the air piston correspondingly actuates the stem pump such that air and liquid are forced together in the stem pump and through a foam generating member.

Abstract: A bifurcated foam pump assembly for use in foam dispensers. A liquid dispensing portion of the foam pump assembly is attached to and disposable/replaceable with a liquid cartridge for the dispenser. The air compressor or air pump portion of the foam pump assembly comprises a portion of the dispenser itself and is attached to the dispenser housing. Upon replacement of a cartridge, the two portions mate and are operative as a foam pump generator. The liquid portion of the foam pump is received within a liquid chamber by gravity, and is subsequently driven from that chamber by air from the air compressor, which drives both the air and liquid through a foam generating member, such as a sponge or mesh. This foam generating member is a part of the liquid portion of the pump, and is replaced with the cartridge.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a cover pivotally secured to a backplate to move between an open position, at which the dispenser can be refilled, and a closed position, at which the dispenser may be actuated. The cover includes a latch that engages a catch held on the backplate. An elongate bar secured to the backplate is provided to engage the latch and remove it from the catch to permit the cover to be moved to the open position. The elongate bar includes a yoke extending to left and right terminal ends that are accessible outside of a dispensing zone of the dispenser. This invention is particularly applicable to dispensers that employ sensors to sense the presence of a hand at a dispensing zone.

Abstract: A pet feeding system having a support structure for supporting a feeding vessel in an elevated position. The feeding vessel is detachable from the support structure for convenient filling with foodstuff, or for use separate from the support structure. The feeding system provides a comfortable feeding position for a dog, or other such pet. Moreover, the feeding system provides a convenient internal storage compartment for storing foodstuff prior to dispensing in the feeding vessel.

Abstract: A pet feeding system having a support structure for supporting a feeding vessel in an elevated position. The feeding vessel is detachable from the support structure for convenient filling with foodstuff, or for use separate from the support structure. The feeding system provides a comfortable feeding position for a dog, or other such pet. Moreover, the feeding system provides a convenient internal storage compartment for storing foodstuff prior to dispensing in the feeding vessel.

Abstract: A pet feeding system having a support structure for supporting a feeding vessel in an elevated position. The feeding vessel is detachable from the support structure for convenient filling with foodstuff, or for use separate from the support structure. The feeding system provides a comfortable feeding position for a dog, or other such pet. Moreover, the feeding system provides a convenient internal storage compartment for storing foodstuff prior to dispensing in the feeding vessel.

Abstract: An improved elevated animal feeder apparatus that provides food at an elevated position to provide a more comfortable and healthy feeding position for animals. The animal feeder apparatus includes a support structure having removable feeder vessels. The support structure is of a unitary molded plastic construction and is configured for nested stacking with like feeder assemblies for convenient and compact storage and handling. The base of the top surface of the support structure is generally oblong in shape with flared side surfaces to provide support. The top surface has openings for receiving feeding vessels. A preferred feeding vessel has a raised back surface to act as a back splash. The raised back splash may also include a notch for easily removing the feeding vessel form the support structure for filling and cleaning the vessel.

Abstract: A crayon sharpening assembly is disclosed comprising an axially rotating cartridge block (106) having an axial bore (178) for axial receipt of a crayon with a forward end of the crayon positioned within a cutting station (152). A pair of convergent sharpening blades (158, 160) carve a conical nose into the forward crayon end; a secondary horizontal blade (180) engages the forward crayon end and cuts an annular stepped shoulder surrounding the conical nose; and a preparatory vertical blade (188) makes a vertical circumscribing cut through the jacket of the crayon proximate the forward end, whereby restoring the forward crayon end into its manufactured form. A carrying case (12, 14) is provided having a pivotal lid (16), with the sharpener drive assembly (20, 22) built into one end wall. A drawer assembly (100) is removable from the end wall and contains the cartridge block (106) and a housing (102) for collecting shavings generated in the sharpening procedure.

Abstract: A crayon sharpening assembly is disclosed comprising an axially rotating cartridge block (106) having an axial bore (178) for axial receipt of a crayon with a forward end of the crayon positioned within a cutting station (152). A pair of convergent sharpening blades (158, 160) carve a conical nose into the forward crayon end; a secondary horizontal blade (180) engages the forward crayon end and cuts an annular stepped shoulder surrounding the conical nose; and a preparatory vertical blade (188) makes a vertical circumscribing cut through the jacket of the crayon proximate the forward end, whereby restoring the forward crayon end into its manufactured form. A carrying case (12, 14) is provided having a pivotal lid (16), with the sharpener drive assembly (20, 22) built into one end wall. A drawer assembly (100) is removable from the end wall and contains the cartridge block (106) and a housing (102) for collecting shavings generated in the sharpening procedure.

Abstract: A toddler swing (10) includes a restraining bar assembly (11) having a cross bar (12) and a lower extension member (13), the restraining bar assembly (11) being positively attached to and releasable from the swing (10). A latch mechanism (19) connects the lower extension member (13) to the seat (14) of the swing (10) by engaging a generally J-shaped hook (25) of the lower extension member (13) with a generally J-shaped catch (21) located beneath the seat (14) of the swing (10) as part of a spring (20). In addition, the restraining bar assembly (11) includes bosses (34) formed on the cross bar (12) of the restraining bar assembly (11) to be received in recesses (38) in the arm rests (16) of the swing (10). Together, the latch mechanism (19) and the bosses (34) positively position and hold the restraining bar assembly (11) in place.