Supported On Vertical Wall By Container Integral With Wall Or By A Plate Support Means Patents (Class 222/181.3)
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Patent number: 7234612Abstract: A delay mechanism including one or more suction cups which during a normal cycle of dispensing from a liquid dispenser come to engage on a surface and thereby delay the return of an actuating member in the dispenser to a position for further dispensing until such time as the suction cup disengages from the surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Hygiene-Technik Inc.Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
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Patent number: 7232045Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a dispenser which permits its cover to be either locked when closed or unlocked a dispensing device including a lock mechanism for locking a cover to a housing and providing therewith a blocking member which is either coupled to the housing in an inoperative position or can be coupled to the housing in a position which prevents locking of the lock mechanism. The blocking member may preferably be integrally formed from plastic as the same material as another component of the dispenser, preferably from injection molded integrally with a back plate for the housing, at a location which is not visible when the dispenser is used and with the blocking member being removably connected to the housing back plate by a frangible connection which may readily be broken to separate the blocking member from the housing back plate such that the blocking member may be suitably positioned and coupled to the dispenser in a position which prevents locking of the lock mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Hygiene-Technik Inc.Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Srdjana Jankovic
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Patent number: 7225948Abstract: A replaceable fluid container carrying a spray pump with a nozzle which directs spray directionally in which an arrangement is provided for orientating the nozzle into a desired orientation on insertion of the container into a dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Hygiene-Technik Inc.Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Srdjana Jankovic
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Patent number: 7156353Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying dispenser containers at point of sale locations. The device includes a drip tray or base for holding the product container and a back member that extends upwardly from the base. An adjustable loop is then looped around the product container, attached to the device and placed in tension to hold the product container firmly in the base and bias the product toward the back member. After placing the product container in the device, the device can then be used to display the product container for sampling or other purposes at a point of purchase location, including mounting the device to a store shelf.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: News America Marketing Properties LLCInventors: George N. Kringel, Frank Calderazzo, Robert S. Frichette, Arthur A. Rotelli, III
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Patent number: 7124765Abstract: A dishwasher includes a door, a washing tub closable by the door, and a water softener including an ion exchanger and a salt container. The salt container is disposed in an area of the door and includes a first and a second side wall, a bottom, narrow connecting walls, a water inlet and a brine outlet. Two side walls are disposed in the salt container, the dividing walls extending from the side walls to the bottom, dividing the salt container into a water distribution duct including the water inlet, a salt chamber, and a brine collecting duct including the brine outlet. The dividing walls, each including a respective screen surface in a region adjacent to the bottom, separate the water inlet and a brine outlet from each other. The screen surfaces are arranged in a v-shape relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Miele & Cie, KGInventor: Volker Marks
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Patent number: 7114639Abstract: A self-contained viscous liquid dispenser having an improved vent valve is provided. The vent valve includes a plug member having a sealing ridge at its perimeter. The vent valve is activated at reduced pressure differentials between the inside and outside of the dispenser. The vent valve also provides redundant sealing capability.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Richard Paul Lewis, Randall Marc Bachtel
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Patent number: 7100801Abstract: A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. Another aspect is a supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Fresh Products, Inc.Inventors: Douglas S. Brown, David F. Scherger, George C. Heilman, Robert B. Brown
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Patent number: 7086567Abstract: A dispenser for releasably receiving a collapsible bottle having a neck and a pump projecting from the neck. The dispenser includes a back plate with a cover hinged thereto and a container receiving bracket carried on the back plate for receiving the neck of the bottle. The bottle may include a security collar fixed to the neck with a rib geometry on its periphery for mating with a complemental geometry on the bracket to fix the bottle in place on the back plate. The cover carries a projecting transverse rib on its inner surface so that, when the cover is closed, the rib engages the security collar to further assist in retaining and locating the bottle. The cover also includes a transparent sight window located adjacent its lower end for observing the level of the contents of the bottle, a light window adjacent its upper end for admitting ambient light into the closed dispenser and a push bar for activating the pump to dispense material from the bottle.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David Hayes, John P. Cichello, II
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Patent number: 7086568Abstract: A household apparatus for dispensing toothpaste from a tube of toothpaste. The apparatus is a toothpaste dispenser which is removably mounted to a wall surface. The tube of toothpaste is mounted within the dispenser and can have a small volume of toothpaste dispensed by pushing inward on a plunger that is connected to the toothpaste dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Inventor: Everett Cheek
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Patent number: 7066355Abstract: A self contained viscous liquid dispenser with a foaming pump mechanism includes a housing defining an internal liquid reservoir. A foaming pump mechanism is configured with the housing and includes a horizontally disposed pump chamber fitted through an opening in the housing to extend into the reservoir. A pump cylinder is slidably disposed and retained in the chamber. Actuation of the pump cylinder results in a liquid/air mixture within the pump chamber being pressurized and dispensed from the chamber as a foam.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Victor S. Shoaf, Cleary E. Mahaffey
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Patent number: 7066356Abstract: The present invention is a foam soap dispenser (10) for push operation. The dispenser (10) houses a product bottle (18 and 18?), and the dispenser (10) includes lock-out members (12a and 12b) while the product bottle (18 and 18?) includes mating lock-out members (19a, 19b, and 19?) to ensure that the correct product is used with the dispenser (10). The dispenser (10) includes a push handle (13) that pivots on a pivot point (16) to dispense product when the push handle (13) is compressed. Pushing the push handle (13) moves the handle lever assembly (25 and 25?) components, which in turn activates a product outlet (23) to dispense the product. As the handle (13) is being compressed and released, a gap (22) is created and an anti-pinch member (14) helps prevent pinching of the hand.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Allan L. Schuman, Tina O. Outlaw, Darren M. Jahnke, Louis M. Holzman, Randall S. Williams, Paul A. Pilosi, Timothy W. Kidder
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Patent number: 7066357Abstract: A dispenser for releasably receiving a collapsible bottle having a neck and a pump projecting from the neck. The dispenser includes a back plate with a cover hinged thereto, a pump actuator carried on the back plate, and a container receiving bracket carried on the back plate for receiving the neck of the bottle. The cover carries a projecting transverse rib on its inner surface so that, when the cover is closed, the rib engages the security collar to further assist in retaining and locating the bottle. The cover also includes a transparent sight window located adjacent its lower end for observing the level of the contents of the bottle, a light window adjacent its upper end for admitting ambient light into the closed dispenser and a push bar for activating the pump to dispense material from the bottle.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David D. Hayes, John P. Cichello, II
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Patent number: 7063239Abstract: A dispenser for foamed detergents includes a cylinder (C) in which a piston (P) airtightly slides, the cylinder (C) being connected through a valve (V) to a foamer (F) where the detergent is mixed with air to form the foam which is dispensed through a dispensing chamber (U) provided with a nozzle (N), and further includes an additional piston (S) connected to the piston (P) through a shaft (A) and airtightly sliding in an additional cylinder (C?) in communication with the outside through a one-way valve (Y), a duct (D) extending between said additional cylinder (C?) and the dispensing chamber (U). In this way there is obtained the delivery of air through the duct (D) during the return travel to achieve the cleaning of the dispensing chamber (U) and of the dispensing nozzle (N) so as to prevent dripping of the foam and the development of mildew in case of a long interval before the next use.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: QTS S.R.L.Inventor: Gianandrea Niada
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Patent number: 7032782Abstract: A container holder assembly for removably receiving a product dispensing container having a flexible nozzle spout includes a wall-mounting back plate having a longitudinal axis and a container holder for receipt of the dispensing container hingedly attached to the back plate. The container holder has a through central bore for receipt of the dispensing container and the longitudinal axis of that bore is disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the back plate so that the container, when inserted, is disposed at an angle with regard to that axis and with regard to any vertical surface supporting the back plate. The product dispensing container is inserted into the container holder in an inverted condition so that the flexible nozzle projects below the container holder whereby, when the container holder is moved toward the back plate, the nozzle will contact a portion of the back plate and be deflected to dispense product.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, Rexford R. Mast, Richard C. Sayers
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Patent number: 7028861Abstract: Dispensing systems are disclosed which utilize electronically powered key devices and/or identification codes associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. A first embodiment of the device utilizes a matching code stored in a radio frequency identification tag or bar code associated with a fluid refill container and an identification code associated with the dispenser housing. Matching of the codes by a controller allows for continued use of the dispenser via some type of operational mechanism. Another embodiment employs a key which carries the matching code wherein matching of the codes allows for actuation of a motor actuated pumping device. Yet another embodiment employs a blocking mechanism to prevent use of a dispenser's push bar if a key and dispenser housing do not have matching codes. And yet another embodiment requires the use of a key that has a matching code that matches the dispenser's identification code in order to permit initial access to the dispenser housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Inventors: Richard C. Sayers, Shane Obitts, William A. Hudgins, Paul Waterhouse, Michael J. Dolan, Spencer W. Allen, R. Victor Sulkowski
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Patent number: 7025231Abstract: A container for a consumer product suitable for mounting on a wall, the container comprising: a stretch release adhesive structure located at least partially on the one or more side surfaces; and an outer label substantially covering the stretch release adhesive structure. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the container includes an inner label, in order to provide additional instructions, following removal of the outer label and/or to provide a mechanism by which to effect easy removal of the container from the wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Keith Leslie Rutherford, Mark Gregory Neuhalfen
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Patent number: 6991133Abstract: A container which is adhered, in an inverted orientation, to a vertical surface (such as a wall or other vertical surface) of a kitchen, sink, or bath room by a stretch release adhesive, wherein said stretch release adhesive is resistant or substantially resistant to water and humidity, which container comprises: a) one or more side surfaces, an end surface and a surface comprising an orifice; b) a self-sealing valve which covers said orifice; c) a construction or coating that is resistant or substantially resistant to external corrosion; and wherein said container is dispensed by hand through the application of a force whose principal component acts perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly to the vertical surface; is described.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Keith Leslie Rutherford, Guy Thompson, Mark Neuhalfen
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Patent number: 6966463Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing fluid from a container securely mounted to a wall surface including a base mounting plate and a cover attached to the base mounting plate; the cover is capable of movement between open and closed positions relative to the base mounting plate; a mini-shelf unit having a main body portion and a hook portion is attached to the base mounting plate via a connecting bracket having an L-shape; the main body portion and hook portion are segregated by a hump, and the main body portion slopes downwardly toward the hook portion; the hook portion is provided with an upwardly extending hook; and liquid received on the mini-shelf unit drains around the hump, and into a hole provided in the hook portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Inventors: Robert H. Yeager, John P. Cichello, Ken Foran
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Patent number: 6964354Abstract: A double metering dispenser for hygienic substances, consisting of a support for a pair of flexible or contractile metering receptacles in divergent projection assembled on respective arcuate support arms and housed in a lower ring provided with anchoring means which firmly fix it to the lower end of said arms, and which furthermore has a closure for the outlet opening of the receptacle and, on the upper end, is provided with an adjustment device assembled on the inside of the hood cover and inside of the upper end of the support arm with the possibility of opening vertically for releasing the receptacle retained by said hood cover.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Docian, S.L.Inventor: Sergio Arencibia Hernandez
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Patent number: 6962272Abstract: A surface mounted dispensing system includes a bracket having a circular flange and a central hub protruding therefrom with a hub including threads thereon. A bottle is providing having a flat back with a circular embossment for receiving the flange and the hub. The embossment includes a depth for enabling the flat back to flushly contact a surface supporting the flange. The embossment includes a grooved central recess for engaging a hub in order that rotation of the bottle in one direction causes the bottle to be secured to the bracket and rotation in an opposite direction causes release of the bottle from the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Gerenraich Family TrustInventor: Claude W. LeBlond
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Patent number: 6929155Abstract: An adaptor assembly is selectively received in a dispenser so that the dispenser may selectively receive first and second types of cartridge and pump assemblies. The dispenser is configured to receive a cartridge and pump of a first type, and the adapter assembly, when selectively received in the dispenser, adapts the interior of the dispenser to receive a cartridge and pump of a second type.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Inventor: Richard C. Sayers
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Patent number: 6877641Abstract: A mounting method and a mounting apparatus to enable the level mounting of a first article to a second article. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for mounting a first article to a second article to permit the level mounting of the first article comprises a bracket for fixed attachment to the second article, the bracket configured to receive the first article. The bracket has a level built into it, such that the bracket is installed such that the first article when mounted to said bracket is level.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: David Howland
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Patent number: 6832701Abstract: A self metering dispensing device for dispensing a predetermined quantity of material from an aerosol container. First and second actuating members are pivotally connected to a housing for the container and a nozzle actuating member is connected to the first actuating member. A pneumatic member in the form of a cylinder with a piston or a telescoping valve is operatively associated with the first and second actuating members. A compressive force placed on the second actuating member causes the nozzle activating member to contact the container valve to dispense product from the container. A controlled metering of product is produced by an air regulator connected to the pneumatic member.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.Inventor: Steven E. Schiller
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Publication number: 20040251271Abstract: A dispenser for a flowable product such as liquid soap is arranged to receive a can containing the liquid soap as well as two different propellants. Gaseous nitrogen under pressure acts as a primary propellant, while propane and/or butane in a liquid phase acts to foam the soap when it is released from the can. An electronically controlled valve is actuated when a sensor detects the presence of a user's hand adjacent an outlet, and a predetermined quantity of foamed soap is then dispensed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: Simon Alexander Jackson, John Edward Lewthwaite, Deanna Lowitt
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Publication number: 20040232168Abstract: A dispenser for releasably receiving a collapsible bottle having a neck and a pump projecting from the neck. The dispenser includes a back plate with a cover hinged thereto, a pump actuator carried on the back plate, and a container receiving bracket carried on the back plate for receiving the neck of the bottle. The cover carries a projecting transverse rib on its inner surface so that, when the cover is closed, the rib engages the security collar to further assist in retaining and locating the bottle. The cover also includes a transparent sight window located adjacent its lower end for observing the level of the contents of the bottle, a light window adjacent its upper end for admitting ambient light into the closed dispenser and a push bar for activating the pump to dispense material from the bottle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David D. Hayes, John P. Cichello
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Patent number: 6814261Abstract: A mouthwash dispenser comprising a housing having an inner cavity able to retain a liquid therein and an opening providing access to said inner cavity, a lid for selectively sealing said opening and thereby enclosing the liquid in said inner cavity of said housing, control means extending from said housing for selectively dispensing said liquid from said inner cavity, and a spout connected to said inner cavity for dispensing liquid from said inner cavity, wherein said control means is moveable between a first position preventing a flow of liquid from said inner cavity to said spout and a second position for allowing a flow of liquid from said inner cavity to said spout.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Inventor: Nehme Gebrayel
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Patent number: 6808090Abstract: A container and support for supporting the container on a wall or other vertical structure. The support has a flexible disk housed within a rigid shell having central opening. A stem protrudes from the disk through the shell opening. A handle is movably coupled to a distal portion of the stem to move between a first and a second position. The movement from the first to the second position causes a force on the stem distorting the flexible disk causing a supporting vacuum between the disk and any contiguous wall. The handle includes an edge for engaging a cooperating portion of a container when the handle is in the second position. The container has a tubular body with a closed bottom and an open top through which any contents of the container can be dispensed. A closure secured to the open top controls the dispensing of the container contents. The tubular body of the container includes a pocket having at least one rim shaped to cooperate with the handle to hold the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Inventor: Oeyvind Pedersen
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Patent number: 6808149Abstract: A Hands-Free Wall Mounted Bottle Holder apparatus enables a practitioner to prepare in advance a set of medicine bottles required during a medical procedure, mount the bottles in the proper position on a flat solid surface in an ergonomically preferred secure and locked condition, and then withdraw medicines in sterile fashion during the procedure without the assistance of another person.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2004Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Inventors: Merav Sendowski, Ilan Sendowski, Amikm Glass
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Publication number: 20040206776Abstract: A disposable inverted dispensing system for distributing a fluid for use in a shower is disclosed. The dispensing system includes a removable hooking device that is attachable to a surface which is exposable to moist conditions. A hook integral to the removable hooking device extends from the hooking device on a side opposite the surface when the hooking device is attached to the surface. A deformable container for containing the fluid has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion defines a through-hole through the container, and the lower portion forms a container mouth through which the fluid is flowable. A dispensing valve and/or a cap is disposed over the mouth of the container for controlling the flow of the fluid. The container is positionable on the hooking device with the hook extending through the through-hole formed by the upper portion of the container so that the container hangs down from the hooking device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Jerry R. Awbrey, Michael D. Brown
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Patent number: 6805262Abstract: A mouthwash dispenser includes a housing having a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall extending between and being attached to the top and bottom walls. A dispensing outlet is fluidly coupled to the housing and extends away from the bottom wall. A valve assembly is fluidly coupled to the dispensing outlet for selectively opening or closing the dispensing outlet. A drain assembly retrieves fluid from the dispensing outlet. A mouthwash solution may be positioned in the housing such that mouthwash may be dispensed through the dispensing outlet. The drain assembly is positioned below the housing such that any spilled mouthwash will be caught in the drain assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Inventor: Daniel P. Frazier
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Publication number: 20040188470Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising an anti-fogging mirror for use in environments that usually result in visible water condensate formation on mirrored surfaces is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANYInventor: Simon David Julian Hill
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Publication number: 20040182885Abstract: The invention is a device for use by a person to dispense a medium such as a toothpaste or a gel from a disposable container. The device comprises a pump unit having medium and air pistons engaged with medium and air cylinder portions, respectively, thru a compression stroke and an intake stroke. The device further comprises an intake unit engaged with the pump unit. The intake unit comprises an inlet portion engageable with the container. The intake unit further comprises an intake valve operable from a closed position to an open position where the inlet portion is in communication with the medium cylinder portion. The device further comprises an exhaust unit engaged with the pump unit. The exhaust unit comprises a nozzle portion. The exhaust unit further comprises an exhaust medium valve operable from a closed position to an open position where the medium cylinder portion of the pump unit is in communication with the nozzle portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Ray C. Morrison, Gerald A. Sferruzza
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Patent number: 6789701Abstract: A dispenser includes a base into which the open end of a conventional tube of toothpaste is threaded, a manually operated pump in the base to draw paste from the tube and discharge the paste onto a toothbrush, a perforated tube positioned in the tube of toothpaste to prevent prematurely collapsing of the walls and resulting flow restriction as paste is drawn from the tube, and a cover that hinges to the top of the base to conceal the tube and that provides presentation area for advertising, logos and other graphic or written information.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Inventor: John T. Smith
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Patent number: 6789708Abstract: A dispenser (100) for diluting and dispensing a product concentrate into a container includes an actuation switch (108) and an actuator (115). The actuation switch (108) may either be manually activated in a first direction or it may be activated by pushing a container against the actuator (115) in a second direction which in turn pushes the actuation switch in the first direction to dispense a use solution. Therefore, the dispenser (100) readily accommodates any type of container.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventor: Jeremy J. Hansen
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Patent number: 6772916Abstract: A locking system for a dispenser having a cover and a back plate, the cover being hingedly connected at one end to the back plate and carrying a latch plate at the opposed end thereof. An elongate locking bar is slidably carried on the back plate for movement toward and away from engagement with the latch plate. This movement is achieved by provision of an engagement member of the back plate slidably movable into contact with the locking bar and a key similarly movable into the contact with the engagement member. To that end, the engagement member includes opposed resilient legs, the distal ends of which normally rest on the bottom of the interior of the cover. The key is provided with a divider which, when engaged with the resilient legs spreading them apart and enables shoulders on the key to contact the engagement member and move the locking bar upwardly to disengage the latch.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Inventor: Aaron R. Reynolds
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Patent number: 6755325Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic dispensing system capable of automatically dispensing a controlled and predetermined amount of a wide variety of products without the need for manual manipulation of the dispenser. The dispensing system includes a housing with an internal chassis contained within the housing, where said internal chassis includes a product chamber and a component chamber. The product chamber receives the dispensable product and a solenoid within the component chamber regulates the flow of the dispensable product from the product chamber. A bladder within the product chamber applies constant pressure to the dispensable product where an air pump connected to the bladder supplies air to the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Inventors: Andreas W. Haase, Wayne R. Sampson
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Patent number: 6729506Abstract: A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. Another aspect is a supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Fresh Products, Inc.Inventors: Douglas S. Brown, David F. Scherger, George C. Heilman, Robert B. Brown
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Patent number: 6729502Abstract: A self-contained viscous liquid dispenser includes a housing defining an internal liquid reservoir, and an opening defined through a front surface of the housing. An insert member is fitted through the opening, extends into the reservoir, and defines an internal pump chamber having a back end open to the reservoir and a front end open to the outside of the housing. A pump cylinder is slidably disposed and retained in the chamber. The pump cylinder is movable within the pump chamber from a rest position to a pressurizing position to pressurize and dispense liquid within the pump chamber through a delivery channel and out a dispensing orifice in the pump cylinder. The pump cylinder may be a multiple component device.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Cleary E. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Mayberry, Paul F. Tramontina, David J. Powling, Mark A. Bennett, Randall M. Bachtel
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Publication number: 20040045984Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating ready-to-use products from a concentrated form of the products is disclosed. The apparatus generally comprises a source of one or more concentrated products. These concentrated products are delivered to a point of use which typically may be a small, consumer-sized container. The apparatus dilutes the concentrated product to an appropriate level. The final, ready-to-use product can be a wide variety of cleaning products. A method is also disclosed for creating this ready-to-use product.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Allan L. Schuman, Tina O. Outlaw, Keith E. Olson, James E. Skavnak
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Publication number: 20040031816Abstract: The present invention is a foam soap dispenser (10) for push operation. The dispenser (10) houses a product bottle (18 and 18′), and the dispenser (10) includes lockout members (12a and 12b) while the product bottle (18 and 18′) includes mating lockout members (19a, 19b, and 19′) to ensure that the correct product is used with the dispenser (10). The dispenser (10) includes a push handle (13) that pivots on a pivot point (16) to dispense product when the push handle (13) is compressed. Pushing the push handle (13) moves the handle lever assembly (25 and 25′) components, which in turn activates a product outlet (23) to dispense the product. As the handle (13) is being compressed and released, a gap (22) is created and an anti-pinch member (14) helps prevent pinching of the hand.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventors: Allan L. Schuman, Tina O. Outlaw, Darren M. Jahnke, Louis M. Holzman, Randall S. Williams, Paul A. Pilosi, Timothy W. Kidder
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Publication number: 20040026455Abstract: A container which is adhered, in an inverted orientation, to a vertical surface (such as a wall or other vertical surface) of a kitchen, sink, or bath room by a stretch release adhesive, wherein said stretch release adhesive is resistant or substantially resistant to water and humidity,Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Keith Leslie Rutherford, Guy Thompson, Mark Neuhalfen
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Patent number: 6688499Abstract: A liquid dispenser operates automatically when a hand is present. The dispenser has a screw mounted on a bottle cap housing that turns to pump liquid from an inverted bottle. The screw is turned by a sensor activated motor. A valve opens to allow air to enter the bottle to replace the volume of soap dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: Jie Zhang
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Publication number: 20030178443Abstract: A container and support for supporting the container on a wall or other vertical structure. The support has a flexible disk housed within a rigid shell having central opening. A stem protrudes from the disk through the shell opening. A handle is movably coupled to a distal portion of the stem to move between a first and a second position. The movement from the first to the second position causes a force on the stem distorting the flexible disk causing a supporting vacuum between the disk and any contiguous wall. The handle includes an edge for engaging a cooperating portion of a container when the handle is in the second position. The container has a tubular body with a closed bottom and an open top through which any contents of the container can be dispensed. A closure secured to the open top controls the dispensing of the container contents. The tubular body of the container includes a pocket having at least one rim shaped to cooperate with the handle to hold the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventor: Oeyvind Pedersen
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Patent number: 6619512Abstract: A lock-out mechanism for use with a dispenser having a back plate and a cover hingedly attached thereto for receipt of a refill container with an attached pump. The cover carries a pressure member in the form of a push bar having a pump activating projection which normally activates the pump by engaging a collapsible portion thereof when the push bar is activated and the refill cartridge and pump are properly seated within the dispenser. The push bar also carries an interference rib on the push bar which projects therefrom and engages a non collapsible portion of the pump and prevents the pump activating projection from engaging the collapsible portion of the pump when the pump is misseated in the dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Inventors: Richard C. Sayers, Robert H. Yeager, Nick E. Ciavarella
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Publication number: 20030160066Abstract: A hygienic solution dispenser includes a reservoir for a hygienic solution. The reservoir has a wallward side and an opening. A tongue extends along the wallward side and is adapted to secure the reservoir to a mounting fixture. The mounting fixture secures the inventive dispenser to a substrate. A valve seals against the reservoir opening. A pressure actuator in mechanical communication with the valve upon activation discharges solution from within the reservoir onto toilet paper or another application medium. A rectangular cross section reservoir affords a thin profile projecting from the substrate. An injection molded thermoplastic preferably forms a reservoir having a tongue integral therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventor: Nick Houvras
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Patent number: 6598765Abstract: A dispenser (10) for flowable, viscous material (52) includes a housing (12) comprising a main body (18) and door (20), and a reservoir (50) for the material (52) with an elongated, synthetic resin deformable outlet tube (80) presenting an outlet end (82) coupled to the reservoir (50). A flow-controlling assembly (16) including a tube-engaging element (84, 132, 150, 158) and an actuator linkage assembly (86, 130, 144, 154); these components together with a pneumatically operated piston (54) within reservoir (50) allows precise on-off operation of the dispenser (10). In the flow-permitting position, the element (84, 132, 150, 158) is adjacent the tube (80).Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Brewer Science, Inc.Inventors: Russell T. Pagel, Jeremy W. McCutcheon, Jeffrey L. Kohne
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Publication number: 20030127470Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a liquid dispensing apparatus having improved sanitary, aesthetics and stabilizing aspects is provided. For example, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a dispensing housing designed to contain a soap filled bottle. Depending on particular configurations, the housing may be designed as an open or closed system. In any case, the housing has a sleek, streamlined design with a dispensing button which tends to have a rounded appearance that accents the shape of the remainder of housing. In accordance with various other aspects of the present invention, within the housing is a stabilization system which prevents bottles which are not designed to engage housing from being inserted into housing. In addition to (or alternatively) housing may have support structure which allows the soap bottle to rest within housing with less of a propensity to wobble.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Paul W. DeKoning, Dave Knaub
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Publication number: 20030116586Abstract: A housing for toothpaste dispensing containers with means to accommodate various pumps, squeeze-type tubes and replaceable cartridges. The housing allows for toothpaste to be cleanly, accurately and easily deposited onto a toothbrush with the use of one hand. Holders are attachable to the housing to give contamination-free storage of toothbrushes and means are provided to allow for the unit to be affixed to a vertical surface or remain free-standing on a wash basin counter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventor: Terrence Norman Back
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Patent number: 6581804Abstract: A container holder assembly for removably receiving a product dispensing container having a flexible nozzle spout includes a wall-mounting back plate having a longitudinal axis and a container holder for receipt of the dispensing container hingedly attached to the back plate. The container holder has a through central bore for receipt of the dispensing container and the longitudinal axis of that bore is disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the back plate so that the container, when inserted, is disposed at an angle with regard to that axis and with regard to any vertical surface supporting the back plate. The product dispensing container is inserted into the container holder in an inverted condition so that the flexible nozzle projects below the container holder whereby, when the container holder is moved toward the back plate, the nozzle will contact a portion of the back plate and be deflected to dispense product.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, Rexford R. Mast, Richard Sayers
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Patent number: 6575334Abstract: A viscous liquid dispenser includes a housing that defines an internal liquid reservoir. A dispensing pump mechanism is disposed in communication with the reservoir and has a delivery end extending from the housing for manual operation by a user. A mounting mechanism is configured as an integral component of the housing and provides the dispenser with the ability to be detachably connected to complimentary mounting structure on a wall surface. The configuration of the dispenser allows for a significantly increased capacity (volume) without a corresponding increase in the weight of the dispenser materials as compared to conventional dispensers.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Cleary E. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Mayberry, Paul F. Tramontina, David J. Powling, Mark A. Bennett, Randall M. Bachtel