Lock Actuated By Key Or Tool Patents (Class 222/153.03)
  • Patent number: 11268843
    Abstract: A module for dispensing a powder is disclosed. The module has a channel having an entry port, a hopper coupled to the entry port and configured to receive the powder, and a piston partially disposed within the channel and configured to reciprocate within the channel. The piston has a retracted position configured to allow the powder to move from the hopper through the entry port into the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: K2R2 LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Kay, Eric Plambeck, Zachary Francis
  • Patent number: 10968092
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a material, comprising: a removable container for holding the material; a receptacle for receiving the material, the receptacle comprising a top opening and a flange; a funnel for receiving the material from the removable container and guiding the material to the receptacle, the funnel comprising a valve holder at a lower end of the funnel and a lower opening aligned with the top opening of the receptacle; a valve member slidably coupled to the valve holder, the valve member comprising a valve aperture; a valve lever connected to the valve member, wherein when activated, the valve lever is configured to move the valve member to cause the valve aperture to align with the lower opening of the funnel, allowing the material to flow down from the funnel to the receptacle until the receptacle is filled to the top opening; a lever assembly coupled to the valve lever, wherein the lever assembly is configured to be activated by an operator inserting the flange of the receptacle in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: Scott David Green, Joseph Michael Wyatt
  • Patent number: 10561282
    Abstract: Dispensers with anti-ligature safety features are disclosed herein. An anti-ligature dispenser may include a back mounting plate for mounting to a surface and a front housing cover with contoured and curved features that are substantially devoid of ligature anchoring points. Dispensing systems that allow for mechanically efficient actuation without providing gaps for ligature anchoring are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Speakman Company
    Inventor: Christopher G. Miedzius
  • Patent number: 10041029
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing fluid includes a vessel provided with a sidewall including a passage and at least partially defining an interior compartment. A drain tube positioned in the interior compartment may drain fluid through the passage in the sidewall. The drain tube may be angled, and arranged such that the end in the interior compartment may be adapted for movement as the result of manipulation of a structure, such as a coupler, external to the interior compartment. Accordingly, the drain tube may be positioned along the sidewall at a reference point for movement between a first position for draining fluid above the reference point and a second position for draining fluid below the reference point. An indexing feature may also be provided for incrementally adjusting the position of the drain tube, along with an associated tool to facilitate the adjustment. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: PALL LIFE SCIENCES BELGIUM
    Inventors: Patrick Dujardin, Steven Vanhamel, Matthew Kusz
  • Patent number: 10022023
    Abstract: A dispenser assembly for dispensing a liquid product includes a bottle configured to store the product, a venting pump connected to the bottle and configured to control dispensing of the product from the bottle, a mounting component, and an enclosure connected to the mounting component and engaging the bottle, wherein the enclosure is movable relative to the mounting component between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and wherein the bottle is selectively removable from the enclosure when the enclosure is in the open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Vi-Jon, Inc.
    Inventors: Donna M. Santoro, Andy Lee Kirkpatrick, Kacey James Kreuter, Stephen John Kocis, Lesley S. Corker, Stephen Joel Zwonitzer, Russell Kroll, Randal Porter
  • Patent number: 9597423
    Abstract: A system and for diffusing. The system includes a diffuser body and two angled sides. The diffuser also includes a removable cover which is coupled to the diffuser body via a coupling device. Further, a shield is coupled to the diffuser body. The diffuser houses a container which is at least partially filled with a fragrance which is to be emitted by the diffuser. The removable cover hides the container from view. The diffuser is shaped to allow the diffuser to be placed in a corner. Further, because the cover can be removed, the cover can be customized and adjusted for a more aesthetically pleasing diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jamie Furrate, Kristin Maples
  • Patent number: 9408502
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a dispense mechanism that provides for increased mechanical advantage. The dispense mechanism includes a lever member and an actuator. The lever member includes a first lever section that receives application of an input force and a second lever section that applies an output force to the actuator. The lever member and/or the actuator are configured to provide at least two contact points between the actuator and the second lever section during the course of a dispensing stroke such that the mechanical advantage provided at a first one of the at least two contact points is greater than the mechanical advantage provided at a second one of the at least two contact points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Pelkey
  • Patent number: 9204765
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system includes a dispenser housing and a replaceable refill unit. The replaceable refill unit has a container that has a neck portion and a horizontal foam pump. The pump has an inlet orientated along an inlet axis and an outlet orientated along an outlet axis. A fluid passage extends from the pump chamber to the outlet. The inlet axis is offset from the outlet axis and the outlet axis is located closer to the front of the dispenser. An actuator is also located within the housing. In addition, an air compressor and an air passage to direct air into the fluid passage to mix the air with the fluid are included. The actuator is configured to drive the horizontal pump toward the front of the dispenser to dispense a fluid in the form of a foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McNulty, Cory J. Tederous, Robert L. Quinlan, Nick E. Ciavarella, Donald R. Harris
  • Patent number: 9155428
    Abstract: The present invention is a toiletries dispensing device with a back plate that supports a non-evasive means for mounting the toiletries dispensing device on a wall or other vertical mounting surface, a plurality of dispensing bottles with a pump disposed on top of each dispensing bottle to dispense toiletries as desired by a user, a flange assembly with a top surface and a removable section with a plurality of attachment tabs, a stationary section with a plurality of receiving slots and a plurality of pump apertures that hold and secure the dispensing bottles. There is also a mountable lock to lock the dispensing bottles in place and a bottom support surface with a smooth surfacing that the dispensing bottles are set on. There is also a method for replacing the dispensing bottles as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: WE CAN DO THAT INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Kenneth Raymond Haworth
  • Patent number: 9120662
    Abstract: A gathering and dispensing scoop with agitating gate valve provides a scoop body defining an upper opening, a bottom opening, and a channel extending therebetween. A handle extends radially from an outer peripheral surface of the scoop body. A gate valve transects the channel obstructing the bottom opening and has a user operable finger tab adjacent to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventor: Susan A. Thomson
  • Patent number: 8984803
    Abstract: Locks for use with pest-control devices such as bait stations or other loadable devices, kits that include a lock and key, and pest control devices that include a lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: VM Products Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Covington
  • Patent number: 8905060
    Abstract: Tamper-proof cap systems and methods for use with an access valve, such as a refrigeration access valve, are provided. A tamper-proof cap assembly for use with an access valve can include a cylindrical outer cap and a cylindrical inner cap, wherein the inner cap captively resides within and rotates freely within the outer cap. The inner cap of a tamper-proof cap assembly can threadingly receive the threaded end of an access valve. A tamper-proof cap system can include a tamper-proof cap assembly and a tool for manipulating the inner cap such that a user with the tool can manipulate the tamper-proof cap and screw it onto or off of an access valve. Without the tool the tamper-proof cap cannot be removed from the access valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Dill Air Controls Products, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Schlesinger, Brian P. Rigney
  • Patent number: 8893929
    Abstract: A wall-mounted metering dispenser for liquids, comprising a wall mounting element, on which a reservoir is detachably mounted, which can be actuated by applying compressive force to the reservoir wall. The reservoir and removal device form an exchangeable refilling unit, detachably connectable to the wall mounting element at two fastening points, the first fastening point is a connecting element detachably mounted on the wall mounting element and the second fastening point engages at the end face area of the reservoir facing away from the connecting element such that the refilling unit is secured against forces acting in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The second fastening point has a fastening hook. In the mounted position of the refilling unit, the fastening hook is inserted into a depression on the end face area of the reservoir facing away from the connecting element so the refilling unit is secured against swiveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: ADA Cosmetic GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Geiberger
  • Patent number: 8844769
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E Rosenkranz, Robert L Quinlan, Jr., David D Hayes
  • Patent number: 8657160
    Abstract: Fluid dispensers can be provided with a pump bottle that can have a fluid retaining portion, a pump neck that can be engaged with the fluid retaining portion such that the pump neck can be fluid communication with the fluid retaining portion, and a pump head that can be associated with the top portion of the pump neck, where the pump head can be configured to dispense a fluid retained in the fluid retaining portion of the pump bottle. The fluid dispenser can have an adapter ring that can be engaged with the pump neck, where the adapter ring can be selectively movable along a vertical length of the pump neck. The fluid dispenser can have a lock member, where the locking member can be associated with the adapter ring and the locking member can have a first unlocked position and a second locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Better Science, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Lashells, Jeff Fiessinger
  • Patent number: 8602262
    Abstract: An interlocking mechanism for a fluid dispenser includes a container body and a top portion. The container body includes a first sidewall having a first slot therein and a second sidewall having a second slot therein. The top portion includes a first lock channel, a first magnet adjacent to the first lock channel, a second lock channel, and a second magnet adjacent to the second lock channel. A first sliding lock member is positioned within and slidable along the first lock channel. The first sliding lock member has a tip portion configured to engage and disengage with the first slot, and a base portion having a third magnet disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Sports Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurie Schmidt, John Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20130306677
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Rosenkranz, Robert L. Quinlan, JR., David D. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20130292417
    Abstract: A lockable pushbutton includes a locking mechanism configurable to provide a pushbutton locked position and a pushbutton unlocked position. When the locking mechanism is positioned in the locked orientation, the locking mechanism prevents actuation of the pushbutton. When the locking mechanism body is positioned in the unlocked orientation the locking mechanism permits actuation of the pushbutton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Pelkey, Brian P. Carlson, Troy A. Anderson, Brian K. Stahel
  • Patent number: 8573447
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a container securing mechanism configured to secure a container in a fully engaged position suitable for dispensing a substance held within the container and further configured to release the container from the fully engaged position upon the actuation of a container release actuator. The system can further include a container stop mechanism configured to stop the container in a disengaged position upon release of the container from the container securing mechanism, the disengaged position being between the fully engaged position and a position in which the container is fully released from the system. The system can include a movable multiple use hammer assembly that functions to automatically release the container from the system under predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dispensing Dynamics International
    Inventors: Ken Muderlak, Todd Muderlak
  • Patent number: 8561847
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Rosenkranz, Robert L. Quinlan, Jr., David D. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8528787
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a back-housing, a cover movably coupled to the back-housing, and a latch coupled to the back-housing. A catch is coupled to the cover. The latch cooperates with the catch to hold the cover against the back-housing when the cover is in a first position. The cover has an opening. A key insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the opening of the cover. A push button insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. A key device is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. The push button insert and the key device are mutually interchangeable with each other for being removably coupled to the key insert by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Antonio M. Cittadino, William R. Mathias, Alan P. Paal
  • Publication number: 20130186485
    Abstract: Tamper-proof cap systems and methods for use with an access valve, such as a Schrader valve, are provided. A tamper-proof cap assembly for use with an access valve can include a cylindrical outer cap and a cylindrical inner cap, wherein the inner cap captively resides within and rotates freely within the outer cap. The inner cap of a tamper-proof cap assembly can threadingly receive the threaded end of an access valve. A tamper-proof cap system can include a tamper-proof cap assembly and a tool for manipulating the inner cap such that a user with the tool can manipulate the tamper-proof cap and screw it onto or off of an access valve. Without the tool the tamper-proof cap cannot be removed from the access valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Larry Schlesinger, Brian P. Rigney
  • Patent number: 8479956
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a personal care product includes a housing, a first panel disposed inside the housing and including a plurality of receptacles, and a first key that is sized to be interchangeably received in each of the receptacles. The apparatus further includes a container sized and shaped to be secured in a particular orientation within the housing, and having a surface that faces the panel when the container is secured in the particular orientation within the housing. A first depression is formed in the container surface to complement with specificity the first key's exterior shape and positioned to pair with the key when the container is secured in the particular orientation within the housing and the key is received in one of the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald A. Lewis, II, Todd Gatzulis
  • Patent number: 8434650
    Abstract: A package for flaked and/or granular, consumable material includes a container having a bottom surface and sidewalls that transition through a funnel shape to a dispenser chute terminating in a container opening. A rotating dispenser wheel disposed in the dispenser chute includes a plurality of fillable compartments, and the wheel has a fill position, wherein one of the compartments is filled with contents contained in the enclosure, and a dispense position wherein the contents are released through the package opening following a predetermined rotation of the dispenser wheel. In the preferred embodiment the dispenser wheel has four quadrants defined by panels extending outwardly from a central hub. Two opposing quadrants may define fillable compartments, whereas the other two quadrants may define non-fillable compartments. The dispenser wheel is contained within a holder disposed in the dispenser chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Tarek Hassan
  • Publication number: 20130092708
    Abstract: A wall-mounted metering dispenser for liquids, comprising a wall mounting element, on which a reservoir is detachably mounted, which can be actuated by applying compressive force to the reservoir wall. The reservoir and removal device form an exchangeable refilling unit, detachably connectable to the wall mounting element at two fastening points, the first fastening point is a connecting element detachably mounted on the wall mounting element and the second fastening point engages at the end face area of the reservoir facing away from the connecting element such that the refilling unit is secured against forces acting in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The second fastening point has a fastening hook. In the mounted position of the refilling unit, the fastening hook is inserted into a depression on the end face area of the reservoir facing away from the connecting element so the refilling unit is secured against swiveling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: ADA COSMETIC GMBH
    Inventor: Christoph Geiberger
  • Patent number: 8413851
    Abstract: A security device protects the vulnerable portions or accessories of a bulk storage tank or container against unauthorized access. The device includes a housing that covers the vulnerable portions of the tank, the housing having two or more lockable doors that selectively permit access to the tank or container via two or more respective apertures. A first door is openable after unlocking a readily-accessible lock, while the second movable door is openable after an elongate lock member that is positioned internally within the housing is moved to an unlocking position. The elongate lock member can be moved to its unlocking position after the first door is opened. Certain tank operations, such as dispensing fuel, may be carried out after unlocking and opening a single door, while other operations, such as refilling the tank, may be accomplished after opening a second door once the first door has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Burlingame Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark W. Bruinius
  • Publication number: 20130062367
    Abstract: An interlocking mechanism for a fluid dispenser includes a container body and a top portion. The container body includes a first sidewall having a first slot therein and a second sidewall having a second slot therein. The top portion includes a first lock channel, a first magnet adjacent to the first lock channel, a second lock channel, and a second magnet adjacent to the second lock channel. A first sliding lock member is positioned within and slidable along the first lock channel. The first sliding lock member has a tip portion configured to engage and disengage with the first slot, and a base portion having a third magnet disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SPORTS SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: SPORTS SOLUTIONS, INC.
  • Patent number: 8322569
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an integrated valve regulator assembly that comprises an integral body having a base portion that includes an axis for mounting on and coaxially with the neck portion of a pressurized source vessel and an assembly outlet, a defined internal passage in the integral body that extends through and between the base portion of the integral body and the assembly outlet, a sub-atmospheric pressure regulator assembled within the integral body of the integrated valve regulator assembly, an isolation valve positioned within the defined internal passage of the integral body and located downstream from and in communication with the sub-atmospheric pressure regulator, and a filling port disposed between the axis for mounting on and coaxially with the neck portion of the pressurized source vessel and the sub-atmospheric pressure regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignees: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude, American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Udischas, Denis Muller, Werner Schleser
  • Patent number: 8302818
    Abstract: An interlocking mechanism for a fluid dispenser includes a container body and a top portion. The container body includes a first sidewall having a first slot therein and a second sidewall having a second slot therein. The top portion includes a first lock channel, a first magnet adjacent to the first lock channel, a second lock channel, and a second magnet adjacent to the second lock channel. A first sliding lock member is positioned within and slidable along the first lock channel. The first sliding lock member has a tip portion configured to engage and disengage with the first slot, and a base portion having a third magnet disposed therein. A second sliding lock member is positioned within and slidable along the second lock channel. The second sliding lock member has a tip portion configured to be engaged and disengaged with the second slot, and a base portion having a fourth magnet disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sports Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurie Schmidt, John Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20120080445
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a door that includes a liquid dispensing system. A gas cylinder mounted on the refrigerator provides regulated gas flow to ports on the dispensing system. A bottle with a dispense head attached then can have liquid displaced by utilization of a valve component of the dispense head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Nick Moezidis, Morris Taradalsky, Ross Rittiman, Jeffrey Brooks
  • Patent number: 8100297
    Abstract: A locking gasoline cap and integrated portable container to restrict unauthorized access and removal of the container and contents. An outer freely rotating cap is selectively engaged by a key locking cylinder to an inner fluid sealing access cap. A reversible pour spout provides for direct fluid transfer from the container after unlocking and repositioning. A static security cable links the locking cap with the container and an immovable object attachment point therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventors: Gerald Anish, Paul Berman, Rob Lefler
  • Publication number: 20110303699
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a back-housing, a cover movably coupled to the back-housing, and a latch coupled to the back-housing. A catch is coupled to the cover. The latch cooperates with the catch to hold the cover against the back-housing when the cover is in a first position. The cover has an opening. A key insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the opening of the cover. A push button insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. A key device is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. The push button insert and the key device are mutually interchangeable with each other for being removably coupled to the key insert by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: GEORGIA-PACIFIC CONSUMER PRODUCTS LP
    Inventors: Antonio M. Cittadino, William R. Mathias, Alan P. Paal
  • Patent number: 7984829
    Abstract: An interchangeable access device for a dispenser is provided. The interchangeable access devices include a push-button device and a keyed-device. Each of the access devices includes a retaining feature that allows the access device to be removably coupled to a dispenser cover. The access devices cooperate with a latch member to disengage the latch member from a catch coupled to a back-housing. The access devices may be removed and interchanged by a dispenser operator to reflect changes in the application environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Antonio M. Cittadino, Alan P. Paal
  • Publication number: 20110114670
    Abstract: An interlocking mechanism for a fluid dispenser includes a container body and a top portion. The container body includes a first sidewall having a first slot therein and a second sidewall having a second slot therein. The top portion includes a first lock channel, a first magnet adjacent to the first lock channel, a second lock channel, and a second magnet adjacent to the second lock channel. A first sliding lock member is positioned within and slidable along the first lock channel. The first sliding lock member has a tip portion configured to engage and disengage with the first slot, and a base portion having a third magnet disposed therein. A second sliding lock member is positioned within and slidable along the second lock channel. The second sliding lock member has a tip portion configured to be engaged and disengaged with the second slot, and a base portion having a fourth magnet disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: LAURIE SCHMIDT, JOHN WISEMAN
  • Publication number: 20110101029
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a personal care product includes a housing, a first panel disposed inside the housing and including a plurality of receptacles, and a first key that is sized to be interchangeably received in each of the receptacles. The apparatus further includes a container sized and shaped to be secured in a particular orientation within the housing, and having a surface that faces the panel when the container is secured in the particular orientation within the housing. A first depression is formed in the container surface to complement with specificity the first key's exterior shape and positioned to pair with the key when the container is secured in the particular orientation within the housing and the key is received in one of the receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald A. Lewis, II, Todd Gatzulis
  • Publication number: 20110011890
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Mark E. Rosenkranz, Robert L. Quinlan, JR., David D. Hayes
  • Patent number: 7717298
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blocking device for a beverage dispenser. The technical problem exists of providing a lock for dispensers of this type that can be opened in an uncomplicated manner by the authorized individuals but reliably prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing the contents of the dispenser, however, while at the same time not elevating the security of the lock to such an extent that a loss of a key or of a locking device would lead to a complete inaccessibility to the system, that is to say, not by the authorized individuals as a result of their negligence (loss or misplacing of the key) but by generally unauthorized individuals. To this end, the invention provides a blocking device provided for or on a beverage dispenser comprising a holding device (10) for a beverage and a cover (20) situated above the holding device while provided for covering a filled beverage supply (G). When closed, the cover, with section (21), overlaps the holding device having an edge section (11, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Wolfgang Jobmann GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Jobmann
  • Publication number: 20100112815
    Abstract: Fluid storage and dispensing systems and processes involving various devices, structures and arrangements, as well as techniques and methods, for fluid storage and dispensing, including, without limitation, pre-connect verification couplings that are usefully employed in application to fluid storage and dispensing packages, to ensure proper coupling and avoid fluid contamination issues, empty detect systems that are usefully employed for fluid storage and dispensing packages incorporating liners that are pressure-compressed in the fluid dispensing operation, ergonomically enhanced structures for facilitating removal of a dispense connector from a capped vessel, cap integrity assurance systems for preventing misuse of vessel caps, and keycoding systems for ensuring coupling of proper dispense assemblies and vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin T. O'Dougherty, Glenn M. Tom
  • Publication number: 20100072227
    Abstract: An interchangeable access device for a dispenser is provided. The interchangeable access devices include a push-button device and a keyed-device. Each of the access devices includes a retaining feature that allows the access device to be removably coupled to a dispenser cover. The access devices cooperate with a latch member to disengage the latch member from a catch coupled to a back-housing. The access devices may be removed and interchanged by a dispenser operator to reflect changes in the application environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: GEORGIA-PACIFIC CONSUMER PRODUCTS LP
    Inventors: Antonio M. Cittadino, Alan P. Paal
  • Patent number: 7654417
    Abstract: A refillable product dispenser includes a housing having a frame and a front cover with open and closed positions relative to the frame, a receptacle associated with the housing, and a pushbutton configured to be at least partially received by the receptacle in one of alternative unlocked and locked orientations. The dispenser further includes a dispensing system with a product container having a spout disposed at a first dispensing angle, a nozzle disposed at a second dispensing angle and a dispensing lever configured to activate the spout when force is applied to the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Aluta, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Rhodenbaugh, Terry Birchler
  • Patent number: 7464836
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a container that has a ribbed outer surface and a chamfered portion formed therein. A manually operable spout is in fluid communication with the container and interfitted within the chamfered portion such that a user may nest a beverage container subjacent to the spout adjoined to the chamfered portion during operating conditions. An annular lid is centrally registerable with the axis and conforms to a top opening of the container such that the annular lid becomes conjoined with the container for advantageously and effectively isolating undesirable foreign debris from the fluid housed within the cavity. Such an annular lid and container have coextensive diameters respectively. A mechanism is included for removably locking the annular lid to the container such that a user may conveniently completely detach and remove the annular lid from the container by articulating the lid to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Edna B. Deweese
  • Patent number: 7290683
    Abstract: Flush mount dispensing bottle and apparatus includes a bracket having a mounting flange and a bottle having a flat back with an embossment for receiving the flange and enabling the flat back to flushly contact a surface supporting the bracket. A button attachable to the surface at a spaced apart distance from the bracket is provided and a second embossment receiving the button enables the flat back to flushly contact the surface and further prevents unauthorized removal of the bottle from the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Gerenraich Family Trust
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Gerenraich
  • Patent number: 7246724
    Abstract: A dispenser having a socket (42) for receiving a cartridge (40) of material to be dispensed. The dispenser has a plurality of pins (44) which engage in apertures (36) in the cartridge to enable dispensing of the material. The pins are retractable, upon insertion of the cartridge into the socket, from a retracted position generally adjacent to the wall of the socket to a deployed position in which they engage with the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: GW Pharma Limited
    Inventor: Rajiv Bobby Dave
  • Patent number: 7086567
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David Hayes, John P. Cichello, II
  • Patent number: 7028861
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventors: Richard C. Sayers, Shane Obitts, William A. Hudgins, Paul Waterhouse, Michael J. Dolan, Spencer W. Allen, R. Victor Sulkowski
  • Patent number: 6966458
    Abstract: The beverage tap lock of the present invention is intended for use with a beverage tower having multiple taps. In commercial systems on the market, there is a gap (a first distance) between the back of the taps (where there is a faucet-coupling nut behind the handle and faucet of the tap) and the front of the beverage tower. The taps are spaced apart by a second distance, which is normally regular (i.e. a “pitch” between the taps). The tap lock has a back plate having a plurality of indentations towards the back. In order to allow the back plate to fit in the gap between taps and tower, the thickness of the back plate is no more than the first distance and in presently preferred embodiments and best modes now contemplated is in fact less than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Jon J. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6948636
    Abstract: A device for dispensing liquid from a bag has upper and lower casing halves and a closure holding together the casing halves. A pressure piston in the casing can press the bag against the lower casing half. This piston is operated by a rocking lever having an upper end bearing on the upper casing half and a lower end on which the piston is pivoted and a tension spring and flexible element connected between the casing halves and the upper end of the rocking lever and angularly biasing the lever for movement from a generally horizontal position with the piston raised and a tilted position with the piston lowered for applying such a force to the pressure piston that a pressure is generated in the bag that causes the discharge of a constant liquid volume per unit of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Onkoworks Gesellschaft fur Herstellung und Vertrieb Onkologischer Spezialpraparate mbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Fischer, Matthias Brücker
  • Patent number: 6929154
    Abstract: Secure dispensing apparatus is described which is adapted to dispense e.g. a prescription drug from an axial compression dispensing device (1). This is located in a housing (10) including a dispensing aperture (16). The axial compression dispensing device (1) is located in a central chamber of axial length slightly longer than that of the axial compression dispensing device, and structures (30) are provided at one end of the chamber movable with respect thereto to compress the axial compression dispensing device to cause dispensing via the dispensing aperture (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: GW Pharma Limited
    Inventors: Matthew James Grey, Martin Philip Riddiford, Geoffrey Guy
  • Patent number: 6877642
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing liquid from a collapsible bag has a back plate and a cover hingedly attached thereto for movement between open and closed positions. The back plate carries a bag retainer and pump support which receives the bag which, in turn, carries a collapsible dome-type pump on its front surface adjacent its bottom edge. The pump includes a transparent collapsible dome and the dispenser cover includes a push bar for collapsing the dome to expel material. The push bar also has a clear window overlying the collapsible dome when the cover is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Maddox, Rexford R. Mast, Robert H. Yeager
  • Patent number: 6874661
    Abstract: A cap member for a dual-compartment adhesive dispensing cartridge comprises a pair of dependent plugs, the cap member is initially integrally secured upon an upper end portion of a dispensing outlet portion by frangible connections which are defined between the plugs and upper end portions of a pair of dispensing conduits that are defined within the dispensing outlet portion by a divider wall. In addition, an axially oriented web member extends upwardly from a central region of the dispensing outlet portion, and the cap member is integrally secured to the upper extremity of the web member by another frangible connection. In this manner, when the cap member is to be separated from the dispensing cartridge, the integral connection defined between the cap member and the web member effectively serves as a pivotal fulcrum about which the cap member can be pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Timmerman, James E. Surjan, Richard P. Babrowski