COUNTER MOUNT ABOVE-COUNTER FILL DISPENSING SYSTEMS AND REFILL UNITS FOR SAME

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of dispensing systems and refill units for dispensing systems are provided. One exemplary refill unit for a counter mount dispenser includes a collapsed bag and a tube extending down into the collapsed bag. A fitment is secured to the collapsed bag. The fitment has a filling orifice. A pump for pumping fluid out of the bag is also provided. The collapsed bag fits through an opening in a countertop so that the collapsed bag may be inserted from above the countertop through the opening and at least a part of the collapsed bag extends below the countertop. The collapsed bag is configured to be filled with a liquid after being inserted through the opening in the countertop and the volume of the collapsed bag expands when the collapsed bag is filled with liquid.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to counter mount dispensing systems, and more particularly to counter mount dispensing systems that may be filled from above the counter in a sanitary method, and sanitary refill units for such dispensing systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Liquid dispenser systems, such as liquid soap and sanitizer dispensers, provide a user with a predetermined amount of liquid upon actuation of the dispenser. In addition, it is sometimes desirable to dispense the liquid in the form of foam by, for example, injecting air into the liquid to create a foamy mixture of liquid and air bubbles. Some dispensing systems are mounted to a counter top and have a spout on top of the counter while having pumps and containers for holding liquid that are located under the counter. These types of systems are commonly referred to either as under-counter mount dispensing systems or counter mount dispensing systems. As used herein, the term counter mount or under-counter mount is used to describe a dispenser system that has a spout located above the counter and the liquid that is dispensed is retained below the counter.

There a few basic types of under-counter mount systems. The first has a refillable container that a user removes, refills with liquid and reinstalls, or simply pours liquid into the opening that is located above the counter in some manual dispensers. These types of dispensers are not desirable because bacteria can grow in the container and contaminate the liquid. Another type of dispenser has a refill unit that includes a liquid pump and a container. When the container is empty, a user must go underneath the counter, remove the empty refill unit and thrown it away. The new refill unit is installed from underneath the counter. Although these types of refills are more sanitary than refilling the container, these types of refill units require a user to go underneath the counter to refill the dispensing system.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of dispensing systems and refill units for dispensing systems are provided. One exemplary refill unit for a counter mount dispenser includes a collapsed bag and a tube extending down into the collapsed bag. A fitment is secured to the collapsed bag. The fitment has a filling orifice. A pump for pumping fluid out of the bag is also provided. The collapsed bag fits through an opening in a countertop so that the collapsed bag may be inserted from above the countertop through the opening and at least a part of the collapsed bag extends below the countertop. The collapsed bag is configured to be filled with a liquid after being inserted through the opening in the countertop and the volume of the collapsed bag expands when the collapsed bag is filled with liquid.

An exemplary refill system for a counter-mount dispenser includes a container for holding a liquid. A refill bag having a width and a length is also provided. A tube extends into the refill bag. The refill bag is folded toward the tube to reduce the overall width of the refill bag so that it fits through a standard hole in a countertop. The container is configured to be releasably placed in fluid communication with the refill bag to transfer fluid from the container to the refill bag after the refill bag is inserted through the hole in the countertop and the refill bag unfolds as it fills with liquid.

An exemplary “never out” counter-mount dispenser system is also disclosed. The system includes a spout for mounting above a countertop, a first container for mounting below a countertop and a second container for mounting below a countertop. At least a portion of the spout is movable to expose an opening from the spout to the first container and an opening from the spout to the second container. The first container is for receiving a first refill bag and the second container is for receiving a second refill bag. The exemplary system includes circuitry for causing the never out counter-mount dispenser system to dispense fluid from a first refill bag in the first container until the first refill bag is empty. It also includes circuitry for causing the never out counter-mount dispenser system to dispense fluid from the second refill bag in the second container when the first refill bag is empty.

Another exemplary counter-mount dispenser includes a housing mountable on a countertop. At least a portion of the housing is movable to expose an opening through the counter. An actuator is provided for causing a fluid to be pumped from a refill bag. A receiving area is provided for receiving a first empty refill bag and at least a portion of the first empty refill bag is configured to pass through the opening. The first refill bag is inserted into the dispenser from above the counter when the refill bag is empty and the first refill bag is fillable while in the dispenser. The first refill bag is also configured to be removed from the counter-mount dispenser after the fluid is pumped out of the first refill bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cross-section of an exemplary counter mount dispensing system with two refill units;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a cross-section of an exemplary refill bag for the counter mount dispenser system of FIG. 1 in a folded condition;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a cross-section of an exemplary refill bag for the counter mount dispenser system of FIG. 1 in an unfolded condition;

FIG. 3A-3D illustrate an exemplary method of folding a refill bag for the counter mount dispenser system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a cross-section of an exemplary refill unit including a refill bag in a folded condition and refill container for an counter mount dispenser system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a cross-section of the counter mount dispenser system of FIG. 1 with the exemplary refill unit of FIG. 4 inserted into the dispenser and with the refill bag being filled;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a cross-section of an exemplary counter mount foam dispensing system with two refill units;

FIGS. 7A-7H illustrate another exemplary counter mount dispensing system with a single refill unit and the process of filling the exemplary counter mount dispensing system;

FIGS. 8A-8G illustrate another exemplary counter mount dispensing system with a single refill unit and the process of filling the exemplary under-counter mount dispensing system;

FIGS. 9A-9G illustrate another exemplary counter mount dispensing system with a single refill unit and the process of filling the exemplary counter mount dispensing system;

FIGS. 10A-10H illustrate another exemplary counter mount dispensing system with a single refill unit and the process of filling the exemplary under-counter mount dispensing system; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of exemplary circuitry for operating touch free counter mount dispensing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment of a counter mount top-fill dispenser system 100 is disclosed herein. The dispenser system 100 includes a spout 102 secured to a counter top 104. Spout 102 may be secured to spout 102 by any means, such as, for example, by being secured to housing 107. The exemplary spout 102 has a hinged cover 103 that may be opened to insert refill units 120, 140 into dispenser system 100. Housing 107 extends through the opening 105 in the countertop 104. System 100 is designed to fit in a standard opening 105, which is about 1 inch wide. Accordingly, the sanitary refill bags 120, 130 are sized and folded to fit through housing 107.

Dispenser system 100 includes a electronics package 170. Electronics package 170 includes a power supply, such as, a plurality of batteries. In some embodiments, the power supply may be a 120 volt power source and electronics package 170 may include a transformer. An exemplary electronics package is described in more detail with respect to FIG. 11. Object sensor and display circuitry 180 provides a signal to electronics package 170 if an object is present and alerts a user if one or both of the refill bags 120, 140 are empty and need to be replaced. Dispenser system 100 also includes an actuator 172 to pump liquid from the refill bag 128, 148 to the end 134, 154 of their respective dispense tubes 132, 152.

Dispenser system 100 includes a first protective container 112 and a second protective container 114. Protective containers 112, 114 may be rigid containers. In the present embodiment, protective containers 112, 114 are bags. In some embodiments, the protective containers 112, 114 may be made of a mesh type material. In some embodiments, protective containers 112, 114 provide support and protection for refill bags 128, 148, and in others merely provide support. In some embodiments, containers 112, 114 retain liquid in the event one of the refill bags 128, 148 rupture. In some embodiments, containers 112, 114 have the ability to be removed or opened to clean out any liquid that enters containers 112, 114 through a ruptured refill bag 128, 148. Refill bags 128, 148 may be made of any material, such as, for example, Polyethylene, LLDPE, LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, Nylon, Vinyl and EVA

Secured to refill bags 128, 148 are fitments 122, 142. On the lower side of fitments 122, 142 are dip tubes 130, 150. Dip tubes 130, 150 extend down into the bottom of refill bags 128, 148 and are used to draw liquid up from the bottom of refill bags 128, 148. Fitments 122, 142 include pumps 126, 146 which are connected to the dip tubes 130, 150. Fitments 122, 142 also include annular projections 124, 144 for receiving delivery tubes 132, 152. Movement of the pumps 126, 146 up and down pumps fluid from the refill bags 128, 148 out through the dispense tubes 132, 152. In some embodiments, the pumps 126, 146 are located in the bottom of their respective refill bags 128, 148 and tubes 130, 150 are delivery tubes to deliver the liquid products upward.

Actuator 172 is a long rod that extends from the electronics package 170 below the counter top to above the counter top where pumps 124, 144 are located. One or more level detection sensors provide a signal to the electronics package 170 so that the electronics package 170 can determine when a refill bag 128, 148 is empty. Once a refill bag 128, 148 is empty, electronics package 170 illuminates an indicating light on object sensor and display circuitry 180. In addition, actuator 172 rotates about 180 degrees so that actuator arm 174 operates the pump on the refill unit 120 or 140 that is not empty. In embodiments with the liquid pump located in the bottom of the refill bag or below the refill bag, the actuator need not extend above the counter top.

The level sensors (not shown) may be optical sensors, proximity sensors, floats, conductive sensors, weight sensors, or the like. In some embodiments, conductive ink tracers (not shown) extend down the dip tubes 130, 150, or inside of refill bags 128, 148. The conductive ink tracers may be used to provide a signal to the electronics package. If there is fluid present in the refill bag 128, 148, the fluid completes a circuit between two conductive ink tracers. If the circuit is broken, the electronics package 170 may determine that the refill bag 128, 148 is empty.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an exemplary refill bag 128 (refill bag 140 is identical and will not be described in detail herein). FIG. 2 illustrates refill bag 128 in a folded state and FIG. 3 illustrates refill bag 128 in an unfolded state. As described above, refill bag 128 includes fitment 122 a pump 124 and an annular projection 123 that receives a dispense tube (not shown). In addition, fitment 122 includes an opening (not shown) for connecting to a container (not shown) to fill the refill bag 128 after the refill bag 128 is inserted into a dispenser system. In some embodiments, the bottom of refill bag 128 tapers and is lower in the center to cause liquid in the refill bag 128 to flow to the dip tube 630 which is at the lowest point in the refill bag 128.

FIG. 3A is a cross-section of refill bag 128 and dip tube 130 of refill unit 120. The outer ends of refill bag 128 are folded in and over again and again, see FIGS. 3B and 3C until the folds are proximate the dip tube 130. The two folded portions are folded together as shown in FIG. 3D and are held together by one or more small pieces of tape 375. When refill bag 128 is filled with liquid, the tape 375 releases and the refill bag 128 unfolds.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary refill unit 400 having a container 402 connected to fitment 122. In some embodiments, refill unit 400 is shipped to the customer as illustrated with the refill unit 120 and dip tube connected to container 402. In some embodiments, a user connects refill unit 120 to container 402. Container 402 may be a rigid container with a vent (not shown), a collapsible container, a plastic bag or the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates refilling the exemplary foam dispenser system 100. Refill 120 is inserted through the opening in housing 107 and the refill bag 128 and dip tube 130 are directed to protective container 112. Refill bag 128 and dip tube 130 are directed to protective container 112 by one or more partitions (not shown). In some embodiments, housing 107 holds fitment 122 above the counter top 104 and off-set (particularly if two refill units 120, 140 are used in the dispensing system 100). Because the opening 105 in the counter top 104 is only about 1 inch wide, raising fitment 122 above the counter top 104 and off-set form the center of the hole allows the upper portion 129 of refill bag 128 to expand and fill as much of the opening 105 as possible. This allows fluid from container 402 to flow into refill bag 128 as quickly as possible.

When container 402 is empty, container 402 is twisted to remove the container 402. Twisting container 402 seals the opening (not shown) in fitment 122 to seal refill bag 128. In some embodiments, twisting container 402 permanently seals refill bag 128. In some embodiments, the opening (not shown) in fitment 122 has a one-way connector for connecting to container 122. In some embodiments, container 122 moves a one-way valve to allow fluid to flow into container 128. Once the container 402 is removed, a user inserts dispensing tube 132 into annular projection 126 and closes hinged cover 103 of spout 102 and the dispensing system is ready for use. In some embodiments, removing container 402 breaks of a frangible portion of the container 402 or fitment 122 to permanently seal the opening in fitment 122 to prevent a user from refilling refill bag 128 multiple times.

When a refill unit 120 or 140 is empty and needs to be replaced, a user opens hinged cover 103 of spout 102 and pulls the dispensing tube 132 or 152 out of the spout 102. The user pulls fitments 122 or 142 upward, which pulls refill bag 128 or 148 and dip tubes 130 or 150 upward through opening 105.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a foam dispensing system 600. Foam dispensing system 600 is similar to dispensing system 100 but also includes an air compressor 690 for providing compressed air to mix with the liquid to cause the liquid to be dispensed as a foam.

The dispenser system 600 includes a spout 602 secured to a counter top 604. Spout 602 may be secured to spout 602 by any means, such as, for example, by being secured to housing 607. The exemplary spout 602 has a hinged cover 603 that may be opened to insert refill units 620, 640 into dispenser system 600. Housing 607 extends through the opening 605 in the countertop 604. System 600 is designed to fit in a standard opening 605, which is about 1 inch wide. Accordingly, the sanitary refill bags 620, 630 are sized and folded to fit through housing 607 when empty and collapsed.

Dispenser system 600 includes one or more air compressors 690. In one embodiment, the one or more air compressors 690 are permanently mounted in dispensing system 600. If the one or more air compressors 690 are permanently mounted in dispenser system 600, the one or more air compressors 690 are releasably connected to fitments 622 and 642. Air passages (not shown) and liquid passages (not shown) in fitments 622 and 642 intersect in a mixing chamber (not shown) as commonly known in the industry. One or more foaming screens may be located in fitments 622, 642 or in annular projection 622 and 646 to help generate foam.

In some embodiments, an air compressor is mounted on each of fitments 622, 642 and is removable with the refill bag 628, 648 and fitments 622, 642. The one or more air compressors 690 are shown above the countertop 604, but may be located below the counter top.

Dispenser system 600 includes an electronics package (not shown) that is substantially the same as electronics package, which is not shown for clarity. An exemplary electronics package is shown and described with respect to FIG. 11. Object sensor and display circuitry 680 provides a signal to electronics package when an object is present and alerts a user if one or both of the refill bags 620, 640 are empty and need to be replaced. Dispenser system 600 also includes an actuator (not shown) to pump liquid from the refill bag 628, 648 to the end 634, 654 of their respective dispense tubes 632, 652 and to pump air from the air compressor(s) 690.

Dispenser system 600 includes a first protective container 612 and a second protective container 614. Protective containers 612, 614 may be rigid containers. In the present embodiment, protective containers 612, 614 are bags. Optionally, the protective containers 612, 614 may be made of a mesh type material. In some embodiments, protective containers 612, 614 provide support and protection for refill bags 628, 648, and in others merely provide support. In some embodiments, the protective containers 612, 614 are configured to contain any liquid that flows out of a ruptured refill bag. In some embodiments, the protective container 612, 614 are configured to be removable, or opened to be cleaned if they are contaminated by liquid from the refill bags 628, 648.

As described above, refill bags 628, 648 may be made of any suitable material that may be folded to allow them to pass through the opening 605 and strong enough to hold the liquid without leaking.

Secured to refill bags 628, 648 are fitments 622, 642. On the lower side of fitments 622, 642 are dip tubes 630, 650. Dip tubes 630, 650 extend down into the bottom of refill bags 628, 648 and are used to draw liquid up from the bottom of refill bags 628, 648. Fitments 622, 642 include pumps 626, 1646 which are connected to the dip tubes 630, 650. Fitments 122, 142 also include annular projections 624, 644 for receiving delivery tubes 632, 652. As described above, fitments 622, 644 also include air passages (not shown), a mixing chamber (not shown), and one or more screens (not shown). Movement of the pumps 626, 646 up and down pumps fluid from the refill bags 628, 648 into the mixing chamber where it mixes with air from the one or more air compressors 690, passes through the screens and turns to foam which passes out through the dispense tubes 632, 652. In some embodiments the pumps are located at the bottom of the refill bags 628, 648 and tubes 630, 650 are delivery tubes.

An actuator (not shown) operates liquid pumps 626, 646 and the one or more air compressors 690. As described above, an electronics package monitors the liquid level in the refill bag 628, 648 and when a refill bag, such as, for example, refill bag 628 is empty, the dispenser system 600 pumps liquid from the other refill bag 648.

FIGS. 7A through 7H illustrate an exemplary dispensing system 700. Dispensing system 700 may be a sanitary system in that the all of the parts that contact liquid may be disposed of each time the dispenser system is refilled. FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary refill unit 750. Refill unit 750 includes a container 751. Container 751 is a bag like container and includes a handle 760 for holding the refill unit 750. Container 751 is connected to fitment 752 which includes a pumping mechanism not shown. Located within container 751 is a dispensing tube 757. Dispensing tube 757 is protected from the liquid located within container 751 by a sheath 758. Sheath 758 is connected to container 751 so when container 751 is removed, the sheath 758 is also removed. Thus, the outside of dispensing tube 757 is not covered by liquid after the refill unit 750 is installed.

In addition, refill unit 750 includes a refill bag 754 and dip tube 756. In one embodiment, refill bag 754 is rolled around dip tube 756. In one embodiment, refill bag 754 is first folded and then rolled around dip tube 756, and in one embodiment refill bag 754 is folded.

As may be seen in FIGS. 7B and 7C, a spout 702 is releasably connected to a base 703. Pressing catch 703A inward allows spout 702 to lift off of base 703. Optionally, spout 702 may be hingedly connected to base 703 and may swing out of the way. Once spout 702 is out of the way, the empty refill unit (not shown) is pulled upward out of the dispenser system 700.

Refill unit 750 is positioned over the top of base 703 and the refill bag 754 and dip tube 756 are lowered down through an opening (not shown) in base 703 and counter top 710 as illustrated in FIGS. 7D and 7E. When fitment 752 is located in its proper place, a passage opens in fitment 752 allowing the liquid in container 751 to flow into refill bag 754 which expands as illustrated in FIG. 7F. The passage may open automatically, or be opened by the user. As shown in FIG. 7G, once the refill bag 754 is full and container 751 is empty, container 751 and sheath 758 are removed leaving dispense tube 757 extending above base 703. Dispense tube 757 is threaded up through spout 702 and spout 702 is secured to base 703.

In some embodiments, dispenser 700 is an electronically activated dispenser and includes the necessary components to sense an object and operate a pump located in fitment 752. In some embodiments, dispenser 700 is manually operated and the spout 702 may for example, move up and down with respect to base 703 to pump fluid.

FIGS. 8A through 8G illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system 800. Dispensing system 800 includes a refill unit 850. Refill unit 850 includes a container 851, a dispensing tube 860, a fitment 856, a refill bag 854 and a dip tube 855 secured to fitment 856. Fitment 856 includes a pump (not shown) and an annular projection 858 for receiving dispense tube 860. As illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 8C, spout 802 separates from base 803 leaving an opening 805 through base 803 and counter top 810. Refill bag 854 and dip tube 854 are lowered down through the opening 805 (FIG. 8D) so that the refill bag 854 hangs below the bottom of the counter top 810. Optionally, a container (not shown) may be located below the counter top 810 to support and/or protect refill bag 854.

As illustrated in FIG. 8E container 851 is connected to fitment 856 and liquid flows down into refill bag 854. Once container 851 is empty, the container 851 is removed and dispensing tube 860 is attached to annular projection 858. Dispensing tube 860 is threaded up through spout 802 and spout 802 is connected to base 803.

In some embodiments, dispenser 800 is an electronically activated dispenser and includes the necessary components to sense and object and operate a pump located in fitment 856. In some embodiments, dispenser 800 is manually operated and the spout 802 may for example, move up and down with respect to base 803 to pump fluid.

FIGS. 9A through 9G illustrate yet another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system 900. Dispensing system 900 includes a refill unit 950. Refill unit 950 includes a dispensing tube 960, a pump 956, dip tube 957, a refill bag 951 and a cylindrical housing 962. Cylindrical housing 962 is sized to fit through a standard opening in a counter top. Located below cylindrical housing 962 is a lower portion 954 of refill bag 951.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9B and 9C, cylindrical housing 962 is lowered into opening 905. A user then gently squeezes refill bag 951 (FIG. 9F) causing fluid to flow under pressure, and/or due to gravity, into lower portion 954 of refill bag 951. As the fluid flows into the lower portion 954 of refill bag 951, refill bag 951 moves downward into and through cylindrical housing 962. In some embodiments, dispensing system 900 includes a container 912 located under the countertop 910 to support and protect refill bag 951. Dispensing tube 960 is threaded up through spout 902 and spout 902 is connected to base 903. To remove an empty refill unit 950, a user simply removes spout 902 and pulls upward on dispense tube 960 and or fitment 956.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of a dispensing system 1000. Dispensing system 1000 is particularly useful in locations that require a large number of dispensers. Dispenser system 1000 includes a bulk container 1051 illustrated in FIG. 10A. Bulk container 1051 includes pumping mechanism 1055 that pumps fluid out of container 1051 through hose 1053. Hose, 1053 includes a connector 1053A.

FIG. 10B illustrates a refill unit 1058. Refill unit 1058 includes a fitment 1052 that includes a pump (not shown). A dispensing tube 1060 is secured to fitment 4052. In addition, a refill port 1053 is in the side of fitment 1052. Refill unit 1058 also includes a refill bag 1054 and dip tube 1055. Refill bag 1054 is rolled around dip tube 1055 so that the refill bag 1054 will fit through the opening in base 1003 and counter top 1010.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10C and 10D, spout 1002 is secured to base 1003. Spout 1002 is split in two halves 1002A and 1002B. First half 1002B is stationary and second half 1002A is hingedly connected to base 1003. Second half 1002A rotates outward to expose an opening in spout 1054. Refill unit 1058 is lowered through the opening in spout 1002. As illustrated in FIG. 10F, base 1003 includes a door 1003A that opens to reveal an opening 1006 in base 1003. When refill unit 1058 is inserted into spout 1002, refill port 1053 is aligned with opening 1006.

As illustrated in FIG. 10G, connector 1053A of hose 1053 is connected through opening 1006 with refill port 1053. A user pumps pump 1055 of bulk container 1051 and the refill bag 1054 is filled (see FIG. 10H). Once the refill bag 1054 is filled, the user removes hose 1053, closes door 1003A and closes the second half 1002A of spout 1002.

In some embodiments, dispenser system 1000 is an electronically activated dispenser and includes the necessary components to sense and object and operate a pump located in fitment 1052. In some embodiments, dispenser system 1000 is manually operated and the spout 1002 may for example, move up and down with respect to base 1003 to pump fluid.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of exemplary circuitry for operating touch free counter mount dispensing system 1100. Dispensing system 1100 has a spout 1102 located above counter 1108. Spout 1102 includes an object sensor 1104 and one or more indicators 1106, such as, for example, light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes may, for example, provide indication of the status of the dispensing system 1100 or the status of one or more refill units (not shown) located within the dispenser system 1100. Object sensor 1104 and indicator(s) 1106 are in circuit communication with processor 1122, which is located in electronics package 1120 located below counter top 1108.

Although the electrical components are described as being in certain locations, or as being part of an “electronics package,” the components may be located in any suitable location and more or less components may be included. The term electronics package is merely used for convenience and is not meant to limit the number of components or their location.

“Circuit communication” as used herein indicates a communicative relationship between devices. Direct electrical, electromagnetic and optical connections and indirect electrical, electromagnetic and optical connections are examples of circuit communication. Two devices are in circuit communication if a signal from one is received by the other, regardless of whether the signal is modified by some other device. For example, two devices separated by one or more of the following—amplifiers, filters, transformers, optoisolators, digital or analog buffers, analog integrators, other electronic circuitry, fiber optic transceivers or satellites—are in circuit communication if a signal from one is communicated to the other, even though the signal is modified by the intermediate device(s). As another example, an electromagnetic sensor is in circuit communication with a signal if it receives electromagnetic radiation from the signal. As a final example, two devices not directly connected to each other, but both capable of interfacing with a third device, such as, for example, a CPU, are in circuit communication.

Also, as used herein, voltages and values representing digitized voltages are considered to be equivalent for the purposes of this application, and thus the term “voltage” as used herein refers to either a signal, or a value in a processor representing a signal, or a value in a processor determined from a value representing a signal.

“Signal”, as used herein includes, but is not limited to one or more electrical signals, analog or digital signals, one or more computer instructions, a bit or bit stream, or the like.

“Logic,” synonymous with “circuit” as used herein includes, but is not limited to hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s). For example, based on a desired application or needs, logic may include a software controlled microprocessor or microcontroller, discrete logic, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other programmed logic device. Logic may also be fully embodied as software. The circuits identified and described herein may have many different configurations to perform the desired functions.

The values identified in the detailed description are exemplary and they are determined as needed for a particular dispenser and/or refill design. Accordingly, the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein are not limited to the particular values or ranges of values used to describe the embodiments disclosed herein.

Electronics package 1120 includes a power supply 1134. Power supply 1134 may be any power supply, such as, for example, a plurality of batteries. Optionally, electronics package 1120 may be wired into an AC power source and power supply 1134 may include a transformer. Power supply 1134 is in circuit communication with air compressor drive circuitry 1126, refill selection circuitry 1130, actuator drive circuitry 1136, processor 1122 and any other circuitry that requires power.

Processor 1122 is in circuit communication with memory 1124. Memory 1124 may be any type of memory, such as, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM); Read Only Memory (ROM); programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disk or tape, optically readable mediums including CD-ROM and DVD-ROM, or the like, or combinations of different types of memory. In some embodiments, the memory 1124 is separate from the processor 1122, and in some embodiments, the memory 1124 resides on or within processor 1122.

Processor 1122 is in circuit communication with refill level sensor circuitry 1140 that allows processor 1122 to monitor the liquid level in the refill units (not shown). Although certain portions of “circuitry” are shown outside of the processor 1122, some or all of the circuitry may be contained in logic in the processor 1122 or on memory 1124. As described above, the refill level sensor circuitry may include optical sensors, proximity sensors, floats, conductive sensors, weight sensors, or the like, and logic for providing an input to processor 1122. In some embodiments, conductive ink tracers extend down the dip tubes (not shown), or inside of refill bags (not shown). The conductive ink tracers may be used to provide a signal to the processor 1122. If there is fluid present in the refill bag, the fluid completes a circuit between two conductive ink tracers. If the circuit is broken, the processor 1124 may determine that the refill bag is empty.

Processor 1122 is also in circuit communication with refill selection circuitry 1130. Refill section circuitry 1130 is used by processor 1122 to select one refill unit to pump fluid out of until that refill unit is determined to be empty. If a refill unit is determined to be empty, refill selection circuitry 1130 causes the actuator to engage a second refill, and processor 1122 turns on an indicator 1106 to notify a user that a refill is empty and needs to be replaced. In some embodiments, refill selection circuitry 1130 is in circuit communication with a drive motor 1132 that repositions an actuator to operate the second refill unit.

Processor 1122 is also in circuit communication with actuator drive circuitry 1136. Actuator drive circuitry is in circuit communication with drive motor 1138 which moves the actuator to dispense fluid when processor 1122 determines that object sensor 1104 has detected an object. In addition processor 1122 is in circuit communication with air compressor drive circuitry 1126 (in a foam dispensing system). Air compressor drive circuitry is in circuit communication with drive motor 1128 which operates an air compressor (not shown) to mix air with liquid when the dispensing system 1100 is operated. Optionally, one drive motor may operate both the air compressor and the fluid pumps.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Moreover, elements described with one embodiment may be readily adapted for use with other embodiments. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicants' general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A refill unit for a counter mount dispenser comprising:

a collapsed bag;

a tube extending down into the collapsed bag;

a fitment secured to the collapsed bag;

the fitment having a filling orifice;

a pump for pumping fluid out of the bag;

wherein the collapsed bag fits through an opening in a countertop so that the collapsed bag may be inserted from above the countertop through the opening and at least a part of the collapsed bag extends below the countertop; and

wherein the collapsed bag is configured to be filled with a liquid after being inserted through the opening in the countertop and the volume of the collapsed bag expands when the collapsed bag is filled with liquid.

2. The refill unit of claim 1 further comprising a dispense tube extending upward from the fitment.

3. The refill unit of claim 2 wherein the collapsed bag may be removed from a dispenser system through the opening in the countertop after liquid is removed from the refill unit.

4. The refill unit of claim 2 further comprising:

a mixing chamber;

an air inlet into the mixing chamber;

a passageway from an output of the liquid pump to the mixing chamber; and

wherein the dispense tube is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber such that during operation a mixture of air and liquid may be forced through the dispense tube and dispensed as a foam.

5. The refill unit of claim 4 further comprising an air compressor secured to the refill unit.

6. The refill unit of claim 1 wherein the tube is a dip tube.

7. The refill unit of claim 1 wherein the collapsed bag is folded.

8. The refill unit of claim 1 wherein the collapsed bag is rolled.

9. The refill unit of claim 1 further comprising a container filled with a fluid for filling the collapsed bag.

10. A refill system for a counter-mount dispenser comprising:

a container for holding a liquid;

a refill bag having a width and a length;

a tube;

the tube extending down into the refill bag;

wherein the refill bag is compressed toward the tube to reduce the overall width of the refill bag to fit through a standard hole in a countertop;

wherein the container is configured to be releasably placed in fluid communication with the refill bag to transfer fluid from the container to the refill bag after the refill bag is inserted through the hole in the countertop and the refill bag expands as it fills with liquid.

11. A never out counter-mount dispenser system comprising:

a spout for mounting above a countertop;

a first container for mounting below a countertop;

a second container for mounting below a countertop;

at least a portion of the spout is movable to expose an opening from the spout to the first container and an opening from the spout to the second container;

the first container configured for receiving a first refill bag;

the second container configured for receiving a second refill bag;

circuitry for causing the never out counter-mount dispenser system to dispense fluid from a first refill bag in the first container until the first refill bag is empty;

circuitry for causing the never out counter-mount dispenser system to dispense fluid from the second refill bag in the second container once the first refill bag is empty.

12. The never out counter-mount dispenser system of claim 11 further comprising a housing for holding a first fitment located on a first refill bag and a second fitment located on a second refill bag above the surface of the countertop.

13. The never out counter-mount dispenser system of claim 12 further comprising a first refill bag and a second refill bag.

14. The never out counter-mount dispenser system of claim 11 further comprising an air compressor for providing compressed air to mix with a liquid.

15. A counter-mount dispenser comprising:

a housing mountable on a countertop;

at least a portion of the housing is movable to expose an opening through the counter;

an actuator for causing a fluid to be pumped from a refill bag;

a receiving area for receiving a first empty refill bag, wherein at least a portion first empty refill bag is configured to pass through the opening;

wherein the first refill bag is inserted into the dispenser from above the counter when the refill bag is empty;

wherein the first refill bag is fillable while in the dispenser; and

wherein the first refill bag is configured to be removed from the counter-mount dispenser after the fluid is pumped out of the first refill bag.

16. The counter-mount dispenser of claim 15 further comprising a first refill bag.

17. The counter-mount dispenser of claim 16 further comprising a receiving area for a second refill bag.

18. The counter-mount dispenser of claim 17 further comprising refill selection circuitry for causing the actuator to dispense fluid from the first refill bag until the first refill bag is empty and to dispense fluid from the second refill bag until the second refill bag is empty.

19. The counter-mount dispenser of claim 15 further comprising a refill level sensor for determining whether a first or second refill bag is empty.

20. The counter-mount dispenser of claim 15 further comprising an indicator for indicating whether or not a refill bag is empty.