Adapter Assembly for a Fluid Distribution System

Abstract

An adapter assembly for use in a dispenser for a replaceable fluid container, the replaceable fluid container including a fluid reservoir and a fluid pump. The adapter assembly is used in combination with the dispenser to allow the use of a fluid container having a pump, the pump being actuated by laterally compressing the pump. The adapter assembly includes an actuating portion that is movable when installed in the dispenser, and includes a first contact surface for abutting against a user actuator and a second contact surface for abutting against the pump. The actuator assembly further includes a first connection support for removably connecting the actuating portion to the dispenser and / or a fluid dispensing package installed in a compartment. A fluid dispensing system including the actuator assembly is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to fluid dispensing systems for dispensing skin care and cleaning products such as soaps, gels, disinfectants, and the like. The present disclosure specifically pertains to a dispenser adapter assembly for use in a fluid dispensing system to allow for the use of various types of disposable fluid dispensing packages with refill containers and fluid pumps in the dispenser. Background Art

[0002] Various types of fluid dispensers are known. In particular, for the dispensing of cleaning products such as soap, there are various manually or automatically actuated pumps that dispense a given amount of product into the user's hand.

[0003] Consumer products can include a dispensing outlet as part of the package, which is actuated by the user pressing down on the top of the package. Such packages use a draw tube extending below the liquid level and a piston pump that sucks up the liquid and dispenses it downward through the outlet nozzle.

[0004] Commercial dispensers often use inverted disposable containers that can be placed in a dispensing device, fixed to a wall, or built into a bathroom counter or the like. The pump can be integrated as part of the disposable container or can be part of a permanent dispensing device, or both form a fluid dispensing package. Such devices are robust, and if they are fixed to a wall, there is a greater degree of freedom in the direction and amount of force required for actuation.

[0005] A dispensing system for dispensing unit doses of liquid from an inverted collapsible container using a pump has been described in WO2009 / 104992. The pump is formed by only a few elements having an elastic pumping chamber and a regulator valve. The operation of the pump occurs by applying a lateral force to the pumping chamber, causing the pumping chamber to partially collapse and discharge its contents through an external valve. Once the lateral force is removed, refilling of the pumping chamber occurs through an internal valve. The filling force is provided by the inherent elasticity of the walls of the pumping chamber, which must be sufficient to overcome any backpressure resulting from the resistance of the container collapse.

[0006] Other dispensing systems use an axial force to actuate the pump, i.e., oriented in alignment with the direction in which the fluid is dispensed.

[0007] In many cases, different dispensing systems with different types of fluid dispensing packages (with different pump types) can be used at a given location. For example, a building may have a mixture of dispensers that work with different dispensing packages, thus requiring different types of fluid dispensing packages in inventory rather than just one type. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a dispensing system that can operate in different operating dispensing solutions (such as in axially operating dispensing solutions and laterally operating dispensing solutions). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is desirable to have a dispensing system that is flexible in its mode of operation and reliable in use, so as to allow different types of fluid dispensing packages, but is simple to produce, hygienic, environmentally acceptable, and economical.

[0009] The present disclosure specifically relates to an adapter assembly according to appended claims 1 and 22 and a fluid dispensing system according to appended claim 34. Embodiments are set forth in the appended dependent claims, the following description, and the drawings.

[0010] Thus, an adapter assembly for use in a dispenser for a replaceable fluid container is disclosed. The replaceable fluid container includes a fluid reservoir and a fluid pump. The dispenser includes a housing and a compartment in the housing for receiving the fluid container, and the dispenser has a front portion, a rear portion, an upper end portion, and a lower end portion. The lower end portion forms the dispensing end of the dispenser and includes a user actuator by which the dispenser is operated to dispense a dose of fluid from the fluid container through a nozzle at the lower end portion.

[0011] The compartment of the dispenser is sized to receive a fluid container having a first type of pump, the first type of pump being an axially compressible pump, and the actuator has an engagement portion for actuating the first type of pump by axially compressing the first type of pump in a vertical direction.

[0012] The adapter assembly is used in combination with the dispenser to allow a fluid container having a second type of pump to be used within the dispenser, the second type being actuated by laterally compressing the second type.

[0013] The adapter assembly includes an actuating portion that is movable between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position when installed in the dispenser. The actuating portion includes a first contact surface for abutting against the user actuator and a second contact surface for abutting against the second type of pump. Wherein a user force (P) applied to the user actuator causes the actuating portion to shift from its non-actuated position towards the actuated position, thereby transferring an actuating force (TF) from the actuating portion via the second surface to the pump, wherein the pump is laterally compressed to cause fluid to be dispensed from the fluid container.

[0014] The adapter assembly further includes a first connection support for removably connecting the actuation part to the dispenser and / or a fluid dispensing package mounted in the compartment.

[0015] As used herein, an axial force for actuation of a pump is understood to be directed to align with the direction of fluid dispensing. Similarly, a lateral force is understood to be a force generally perpendicular to the direction of fluid dispensing.

[0016] As used herein, the terms “horizontal”, “lateral” and “vertical”, “uppermost” and “lowermost”, “downward” and “upward”, “front” and “rear”, and “upper” and “lower” and similar terms shall be understood as seen when the dispenser is arranged for use.

[0017] The fluid container can be adapted to be filled with a liquid such as, for example, liquid soap, foaming soap, alcohol gel, disinfecting or antibacterial liquid or lotion. The flexible dispensing portion can be filled with the relevant liquid and subjected to an external force to dispense the liquid therefrom. The pump described herein can be sized such that a suitable or desired volume of liquid (e.g., 1 milliliter) can be dispensed when a full dispensing stroke is performed.

[0018] The adapter assembly can further include a fixed mount configured to abut against a second type of pump, wherein the second type of pump can be configured between the second contact surface of the actuation part and the fixed mount, and when a user force (P) is applied to the user actuator, the pump is laterally compressed between the second surface and the fixed mount, causing fluid to be dispensed from the fluid container.

[0019] The adapter assembly can include a second connection support for removably connecting the fixed mount to the dispenser and / or a fluid dispensing package mounted in the compartment.

[0020] The first connection support can also be configured to removably connect the fixed mount to the dispenser and / or a fluid dispensing package mounted in the compartment.

[0021] The second type of pump can have an elastic pumping chamber. The elastic pumping chamber can be an elongated and elastic lumen that extends downwardly at a lower portion of the fluid container in a direction from the bottom of the liquid reservoir to the nozzle of the elastic lumen.

[0022] The user actuator can be a user lever configured to rotate about a first pivot. Additionally, the user lever can extend from the pivot towards the user operating portion of the user lever, wherein the user actuator has a surface facing the compartment and is configured to abut against the first contact surface of the actuation part.

[0023] The user lever can extend downwardly from the first pivot.

[0024] The actuating part may include an elongate arm that extends in its longitudinal direction (L1) between two opposite ends of the arm, with the first end of the arm being connected to a first connection support and the second end having an actuating head. The head is movable between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position, wherein the actuating head includes a second contact surface for abutting against a second type of pump and a first contact surface for abutting against a user actuator.

[0025] The actuating head may project outwardly from the second end of the arm in at least one direction (W; X) that forms an angle with the longitudinal direction (L1) of the actuating arm.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the actuating part may be movably connected to the first connection support. The actuating part may be pivotally attached to the first connection support and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis.

[0027] This allows the actuating part to move between a non-actuated position and an actuated position with a lateral movement towards the rear of the gantry and the dispenser. The pivot axis may be formed by a snap connection between the first connection part and the actuating part, or it may be formed, for example, by a hinge connection or by a living hinge.

[0028] The actuating part may include an elongate arm that extends in its longitudinal direction (L1) between two opposite ends of the arm as described above, and the first end of the elongate arm is pivotally connected to the first connection support and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis to allow movement of the actuating head between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the elongate arm may be a flexible arm for allowing movement of the actuating head between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position.

[0030] The arm may be made of an elastic material (such as polyethylene or polypropylene) and sized to be flexible and elastic.

[0031] According to yet another embodiment, the first connection support is an elastic and flexible element having a recess with a lateral dimension in the lateral direction that is greater than that of the pump, and wherein the actuating part and the fixed gantry are carried by the element and a portion projecting from opposite sides is formed within the recess such that the second type of pump can be disposed between the second contact surface of the actuating part and the fixed gantry, wherein the elastic element is firmly biased against the pump in the non-actuated position, and when a user force (P) is applied to the user actuator, the element is compressed towards the gantry such that the pump is laterally compressed between the second surface and the fixed gantry, causing fluid to be dispensed from the fluid container.

[0032] The resilient and flexible element may have a circular shape with a central through opening in which a recess is formed.

[0033] The adapter assembly may further include a fluid container support configured to be received in a compartment of the dispenser for holding the fluid container in a desired position within the compartment of the dispenser.

[0034] The fluid container support provides proper holding and positioning of the fluid container within the dispenser.

[0035] The fluid container support may form a first connection support.

[0036] The fluid container support may form a second connection support.

[0037] The adapter assembly may further include one or more positioning devices for engaging corresponding one or more connectors in the dispenser and preventing axial and / or rotational movement of the adapter assembly within the dispenser.

[0038] The one or more positioning devices may be one or more protruding pins for engaging corresponding one or more recesses in the dispenser.

[0039] There is further provided an adapter assembly for use in a dispenser for a replaceable fluid container. The adapter assembly includes an actuating portion connected to a first connection support to removably connect the adapter assembly to the dispenser, wherein the actuating portion includes a first contact surface for abutting against a user actuator of the dispenser and a second contact surface for abutting against a fluid pump. The adapter assembly further includes a fixed mount connected to the first connection means and having a mount surface for abutting against the pump, wherein the fixed mount and the actuating portion are connected to one side of the first connection support and the mount surface faces the actuating portion.

[0040] The actuating portion may include an elongate arm extending between two opposite ends of the arm in its longitudinal direction (L1), a first end of the arm being connected to the first connection support and a second end having an actuating head, wherein the head is movable between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position, and wherein the actuating head includes a second contact surface for abutting against the pump and a first contact surface for abutting against the user actuator of the dispenser.

[0041] The actuating head may project outwardly from the second end of the arm in at least one direction (W; X) forming an angle with the longitudinal direction (L1) of the actuating arm.

[0042] In one embodiment, the actuating portion may be movably connected to the first connecting support. The actuating portion may be pivotally attached to the first connecting support and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis.

[0043] The actuating portion may include an elongate arm that extends in its longitudinal direction (L1) between two opposite ends of the arm, wherein a first end of the arm is pivotally connected to the connecting support and configured to pivot about the second pivot axis to permit the movement of the actuating head between the non-actuated position and the fully actuated position.

[0044] In one embodiment, the elongate arm may be a flexible arm for permitting the movement of the actuating head between the non-actuated position and the fully actuated position.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first connecting support may be an elastic and flexible element having a recess, on which the actuating portion and the fixed mount are carried by the element, and portions projecting from opposite sides formed within the recess, wherein a second contact surface of the actuating portion and the mount surface face each other. The elastic and flexible element may have a circular shape having a central through-opening in which the recess is formed.

[0046] The first connecting support may form a fluid container support configured to be received in a compartment of the dispenser for holding the fluid container in a desired position within the compartment of the dispenser.

[0047] The adapter assembly may further include one or more positioning devices for engaging corresponding one or more connectors in the dispenser and preventing axial and / or rotational movement of the adapter assembly mounted in the dispenser. The one or more positioning devices may be one or more projecting pins for engaging corresponding one or more recesses in the dispenser.

[0048] There is also provided a fluid dispensing system for dispensing fluid from a replaceable fluid container. The dispensing system includes a dispenser, a fluid container, and an adapter assembly as described above. The dispenser includes a housing and a compartment in the housing for receiving the fluid container, and has a front portion, a rear portion, an upper end portion, and a lower end portion. The lower end portion forms a dispensing end of the dispenser and has an actuator by which the dispensing system is operated to dispense a dose of fluid through a nozzle at the lower end portion. The fluid container includes a fluid reservoir and a fluid pump, the fluid reservoir extending downwardly from an upper portion to the fluid pump positioned at the lower end portion, wherein the nozzle is disposed at the lower end of the fluid container.

[0049] In a dispensing system without an adapter assembly, the compartments of the dispenser are sized to receive a fluid container having a first type of pump, the first type of pump being an axially compressible pump, and the actuator having an engagement portion for actuating the first type of pump by axially compressing the first type of pump upward in the vertical direction.

[0050] The adapter assembly adapts the compartment to be sized to receive a fluid container having a second type of pump within the dispenser, the second type being actuated by laterally compressing it, wherein the fluid container has the second type of pump and the actuator includes an engagement portion for actuating the first type of pump and a portion for moving the actuating portion toward the second type of pump.

[0051] The second type of pump may have an elastic pumping chamber. The elastic pumping chamber may be an elongate and elastic lumen that extends downward at a lower portion of the fluid container in a direction from the bottom of the liquid reservoir to the nozzle of the elastic lumen.

[0052] The user actuator may be a user rod configured to pivot about a first pivot axis and extend from the pivot axis toward a user-operated portion of the user rod, and the user actuator has a surface facing the compartment and configured to abut a first contact surface of the actuating portion.

[0053] The user rod may extend downward from the first pivot axis.

[0054] The fluid dispensing system may further include a seat on which the fluid container support of the adapter assembly rests and holds the fluid container in a desired position within the compartment of the dispenser.

[0055] The dispenser may include engagement means for holding the fluid container support in place within the dispenser. The engagement means may include an element displaceable between a non-holding position and a holding position.

[0056] The fluid dispensing system may further include one or more connectors for engaging one or more positioning means of the adapter assembly. The one or more connectors may be one or more recesses for engaging one or more pins of the adapter assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be understood by reference to the following drawings of multiple exemplary embodiments, in which:

[0058] Figure 1 A perspective view of the dispensing system is shown;

[0059] Figure 2 Showing the Figure 1 dispensing system in an open configuration;

[0060] Figure 3 Side view of a disposable container having a pump of the first type according to the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 4A and Figure 4B shows Figure 1 the dispensing system of Figure 3 and a partial cross-sectional side view of the pump assembly of

[0062] Figure 5 Perspective view of a fluid container having a pump of the second type according to the present disclosure;

[0063] Figures 6A to 6C Perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter assembly;

[0064] Figure 7 Schematically shows the components of a fluid dispensing system, which includes Figure 1 the dispenser of Figure 5 the disposable container of Figures 6A to 6C and the adapter assembly of

[0065] Figures 8A to 8C Shows an enlarged perspective view of the lower rear portion of the fluid dispensing system of Figure 7 viewed from an upper angle, to show the interior of the fluid dispensing system and Figures 6A to 6C the details of the assembly of the adapter assembly of Figure 1 into the fluid dispenser shown in

[0066] Figures 9A to 9B Shows a perspective view of the lower portion of the fluid dispensing system formed by the portion shown in Figure 7 where a portion of the dispenser is cut away to show the details of the interior of the fluid dispensing system in operation;

[0067] Figure 10A and Figure 10B is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter assembly;

[0068] Figure 10C Shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid dispensing system including Figure 10A and Figure 10C the adapter assembly of Figure 5 and the fluid container of

[0069] Figure 11A and Figure 11B is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter assembly;

[0070] Figure 11C Shows a fluid dispensing system including Figure 11A and Figure 11C the adapter assembly of Figure 5Partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid distribution system of a fluid container;

[0071] Figure 12A and Figure 12B is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter assembly;

[0072] Figure 12C shows an adapter assembly including Figure 12A and Figure 12C and a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid distribution system of a fluid container of Figure 5 ;

[0073] Figure 13A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter assembly;

[0074] Figure 13B shows a perspective view of a fluid container of an adapter assembly attached with Figure 13A ; and Figure 5

[0075] Figure 13C Figure 13B shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid distribution system including the fluid container and the adapter assembly shown in . Detailed Description

[0076] Hereinafter, the fluid distribution system and the adapter assembly according to the present disclosure will be illustrated by several exemplary embodiments. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to these exemplary embodiments. Other fluid distribution system and adapter assembly embodiments may also be considered to be within the scope of the appended claims. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, the disclosed features of the exemplary embodiments may be combined. Throughout the text, like reference numerals refer to like elements. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or constructions will not be described in detail.

[0077] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a fluid distribution system 1 in which the present disclosure as claimed in the appended claims can be implemented. The distribution system 1 includes a reusable dispenser 100 of the type used in washrooms and the like and available from SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB under the name Tork TM . The dispenser 100 is described in more detail in WO2011 / 133085, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It will be understood that this embodiment is merely exemplary, and the present disclosure can also be implemented in other distribution systems.

[0078] The dispenser 100 includes a rear portion 110 and a front portion 112 joined together to form an enclosed housing 116, which can be secured using a lock 118 at the upper portion 101 of the dispenser 100. The housing 116 is secured to a wall or other surface by a bracket portion 120. At the lower portion 102 of the dispenser and at the lower side of the housing 116 is an actuator 124, by which the dispensing system 1 can be manually operated to dispense a dose of cleaning fluid or the like.

[0079] Figure 2 The dispenser 100 is shown in perspective, with the housing 116 in an open configuration and a disposable and replaceable fluid container 200 received in a compartment 150 therein. The replaceable fluid container 200 includes a fluid reservoir 250 and a fluid pump 300. The reservoir 250 is a 1000 ml collapsible reservoir of the type described in WO2011 / 133085 and also in WO2009 / 104992, the content of which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The reservoir 250 is of generally cylindrical form and is made of polyethylene. Those skilled in the art will understand that other volumes, shapes and materials are equally applicable and the reservoir 250 can be adapted according to the shape of the dispenser 100 and according to the fluid to be dispensed. At the lower portion of the dispenser 100 is the pump 300 of the fluid container 200, which is activated by a user manually pushing a user-operated portion of the actuator 124 to depress the pump and dispense fluid from the container.

[0080] The present disclosure relates to a fluid dispensing system 1 and an adapter assembly to allow different fluid containers 200 to be used with different types of pumps 300.

[0081] A fluid container 200 having a first type of pump 300a is sized to be received in the compartment 150 of the dispenser 100 without using an adapter assembly. The first type of pump is an axially compressible pump 300a, and the actuator 124 of the dispenser 100 has an engagement portion to actuate the first type of pump 300a by axially compressing the first type of pump 300a towards the upper portion 101 of the dispenser 100 in a vertical direction.

[0082] A fluid container 200 having a second type of pump 300b requires the use of the adapter assembly of the present disclosure. The adapter assembly adapts the compartment 150 to be sized to receive the fluid container 200 having the second type of pump within the dispenser 100 to allow the second type of pump to be actuated by laterally compressing it to cause fluid to be dispensed from the fluid container. The actuator 124 can move an actuating portion 420 of the adapter assembly towards the second type of pump 300b and laterally compress the pump.

[0083] Figure 3 A fluid container 200 with a pump 300a of the first type is shown in a side view. As can be seen, the reservoir 250 includes two parts, a rigid part 210 and a flexible part 212. Parts 210 and 212 are made of the same material but have different thicknesses. When the reservoir 250 is emptied and when liquid is dispensed by the pump assembly 300a, the flexible part 210 collapses into the rigid part 212. This configuration avoids the problem of vacuum accumulation within the reservoir 250. Those skilled in the art will understand that although this is an example of a reservoir form, other types of reservoirs can also be used in the context of the present disclosure, including but not limited to bags, bladders, cartridges, and the like that are closed and open to the atmosphere. The container can be filled with soap, detergent, disinfectant, skin care preparation, moisturizer, or any other suitable fluid and even pharmaceuticals. In most cases, the fluid will be aqueous, although those skilled in the art will understand that other substances can be used as appropriate, including oils, solvents, alcohols, and the like. Additionally, although liquids will be referred to hereinafter, the dispenser 100 can also dispense fluids such as dispersions, suspensions, or granules.

[0084] At the lower side of the fluid container 200, a pump 300a of the first type is provided, which has an external configuration that generally corresponds to the external configuration described in WO2011 / 133085. The fluid container has a rigid neck 214 provided with a connecting flange 216. The connecting flange 216 engages with a fixing sleeve 310 of the pump assembly 300a. The pump assembly 300a further includes a sliding sleeve 312 that terminates at an orifice 318. The sliding sleeve 312 carries an actuating flange 314 and the fixing sleeve has a positioning flange 316. Sleeves 310 and 312 are both injection molded from polycarbonate, although those skilled in the art will be familiar with other relatively rigid moldable materials that can be used. In use, as will be described in further detail hereinafter, the sliding sleeve 312 is axially displaceable relative to the fixing sleeve 310 by a distance D in the axial direction A to perform a single pumping action.

[0085] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser 100 is shown through Figure 1 showing the pump 300a of the first type in operation. According to Figure 4A , the positioning flange 316 rests on a front shelf 130 and a rear shelf 131 and is engaged by a positioning groove 135 formed between a pin 136 on the rear shelf 131 and the rear part 110. The actuator 124 pivots at a first pivot 132 to the front part 112 and includes an engaging portion 134 that engages below the actuating flange 314.

[0086] Figure 4BShows the position of a first type of pump 300a once a user has applied a force P on actuator 124. In this view, actuator 124 has rotated counterclockwise about a first pivot 132, causing engagement portion 134 to act on actuating flange 314 with a force F, thereby causing it to move upward. So far, the fluid dispensing system 1 including the fluid container 200 having the first type of pump 3 and its operation can be substantially the same as the fluid dispensing system and its operation of the existing system known from WO2011 / 133085.

[0087] So far, the fluid dispensing system 1 has been described in view of using the dispenser 100 together with the fluid container 200 having the first type of pump 300a. It is desirable to be able to use the fluid container 200 having the second type of pump 300b in the above-mentioned dispenser 100 without affecting the possibility of still being able to load the dispenser 100 with the fluid container 200 having the first type of pump 300a. The removable adapter assembly according to the present disclosure provides such a possibility. Hereinafter, the fluid dispensing system 1 and the adapter assembly will be illustrated in more detail by reference to the drawings and a plurality of exemplary embodiments.

[0088] Figure 5 Perspective view showing the fluid container 200 having a second type of pump. As can be seen, for simplicity, the reservoir 250 is shown as having a generally cylindrical form. Nevertheless, those skilled in the art will understand that the reservoir 250 can have the same construction as that described above with respect to Figure 3 the fluid container 200 shown. Those skilled in the art will also understand that any other type of reservoir described above and that can be used with the Figure 3 container shown can also be used in the context of the fluid container 200 having the second type of pump. The container can be filled with a fluid such as soap, detergent, disinfectant, skin care preparation, moisturizer or any other suitable fluid as mentioned above with respect to Figure 3 that.

[0089] At the lower side of the fluid container 200, a second type of pump 300b is provided, which has an external configuration of an elongate and elastic tube forming an elastic pump chamber 300b. The chamber is in fluid communication with the inside of the fluid reservoir and is connected to the rigid neck 214a of the fluid reservoir through a connector cap 360 for connecting and sealing the fluid reservoir to the chamber. A nozzle 365 is provided at the lower end of the chamber. A valve may be arranged in the chamber 300b near the nozzle 365 to prevent liquid from dripping out of the liquid container when the chamber is not being squeezed. Similarly, a valve may be arranged between the chamber 300b and the fluid reservoir to prevent liquid from being pressed back into the reservoir when the chamber is being squeezed. Such valves are known in the art. An example of this type of pump and an example of the connection of the pump to the fluid reservoir are described in WO2009 / 104992. Those skilled in the art will understand that although the elongate and elastic tube chamber 300b is an example of the second type of pump 300b, other types of second type pumps may also be used in the context of the present disclosure, including pumps with flexible or elastic pump chambers of other shapes in addition to the elongate and elastic tube chamber 300b.

[0090] Figures 6A to 6C Shows an embodiment of an adapter assembly 400, which is to be used with a fluid container 200 having a second type of pump 300b, in particular a fluid container 200 having an elastic and elongate tube chamber 300b as shown Figure 5 and is to be used in conjunction with a fluid container 200 having an elastic and elongate tube chamber 300b as shown.

[0091] The adapter assembly includes a connection support forming a first connection support 410 of the present disclosure for removably connecting the adapter assembly to the fluid distribution system 1. As Figures 6A to 6C shown, the first connection support 410 is a disc-shaped plate 410, 470, with a central through-opening 412 passing through the main plane of the plate. The plate has a shape and external dimensions that allow the plate to rest on a seat of the dispenser 100 formed by the shelves 130 and 131 of the dispenser 100, and to engage with a positioning groove 135 at the rear shelf 131 on the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100 as described herein with respect to Figure 3 and Figures 8A to 8C The thickness of the plate is also selected to match the engagement means described in more detail below, see Figure 7 . The connection support shown also forms a fluid container support 470, which is configured to be received in a compartment 150 of the dispenser 100 for holding the fluid container 200 in a desired position in the compartment 150 of the dispenser 100. This is achieved by having a matching Figure 5Provided by the circular central through-opening 412 in the size and shape of the connector cap 360 shown. The plate forms a seat on which the connector cap 360 rests by means of a laterally projecting flange 368 disposed at the upper end of the connector cap 360. The flange 368 contacts and rests on a portion of the upper surface 435 of the plate near its through-opening 412, and the remaining portion 367 of the connector cap 360 below the flange 368 is configured to project downward through the through-opening 412 of the plate. See Figure 5 and Figures 6A to 6C .

[0092] Those skilled in the art will understand that although the disk-shaped plates 410, 470 with a central through-opening 412 are examples of connection supports and fluid container supports 470 to be used in the context of the present disclosure, other types of connection supports and fluid container supports 470 for the fluid container 200 can be used in the context of the adapter assembly 400 shown, including supports of other shapes in addition to the disk-shaped plates with a central through-opening 412, including but not limited to plates that are partially circular, having two or more straight edges or an external polygonal shape, such as a hexagonal or octagonal shape, still having a portion that rests on the seats of the shelves 130 and 131 of the dispenser 100. Those skilled in the art also understand that the circular through-opening 412 can take other shapes, including but not limited to polygonal shapes, which can still form a seat or the like for the fluid container 200 and the connector cap 360. Those skilled in the art also understand that the plate can take various forms, such as one or more U-shaped formed plates or the like, which adopt a circular shape in the area of the shelves 130, 131 of the dispenser 100, for example two C-shaped plates, each C-shaped plate being configured to rest on the corresponding shelves 130, 131 and having an external shape that matches the surrounding dispenser. These plates can be held together by one or more connecting devices or parts, devices disposed below or above the plates and connected to appropriate plate surfaces.

[0093] The adapter assembly 400 further includes as Figures 6A to 6CThe actuating part 420 shown. The actuating part 420 includes an elongated arm 422 extending in its longitudinal direction (L1) between two opposite ends of the arm. The first end 424 is configured to form a snap connection 414 with a corresponding recess 414 in the disk-shaped plate in the area between the edge of the plate and the central opening 412, to allow the actuating part 420 to be connected to the first connection support 410. The arm 422 then extends in a direction (L1) forming an angle with the main plane of the plate. The second end of the arm carries an actuating head 426, which includes a first contact surface 427 for abutting against the user actuator 124 and a second contact surface 428 for abutting against the second type of pump 300b. The actuating head 426 projects outward from the second end of the arm in two opposite directions (W; X) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L1) of the actuating arm 422 to form the first contact surface 428 and the second contact surface 427 facing away from each other. The first contact surface 427 is convex in shape to allow shape-conforming contact with the actuator 124.

[0094] The snap connection is configured to form a second pivot 418 in the fluid distribution system 1, where the actuating part 420 is pivotable about the second pivot 418. The pivoting function is provided by forming two tapered portions 423 on opposite sides of the arm near the first end 423 that snap into the recess 414, and the recess 414 tapers from both sides of the plate, where the pivoting movement of the arm 422 becomes possible along a plane. In this way, when the adapter assembly 400 is installed in the dispenser 100 together with the fluid container 200, the actuating part 420 can pivot about the second pivot 418 and allow the head to move between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position along the rotational direction (Z) to allow fluid to be dispensed from the fluid container 200.

[0095] Those skilled in the art will understand that although the actuating part 420 being pivotally connected to the connection support and having the actuating head 426 is an example of the actuating part 420 being movably connected to the connection support and carrying two connection surfaces, for the second type of pump 300b, other actuating parts of this type can be used, including but not limited to other shapes of the head, such as a head having a spherical shape, and the first contact surface 427 is concave to match the shape of the second type of pump, or convex to better support the full dispensing of the fluid. Those skilled in the art also understand that other types of movable connections can be used, including but not limited to forming the second pivot 418 through a hinge connection or a living hinge.

[0096] Instead of forming a pivotal connection between the actuating part 420 and the connecting support, the skilled person also conceives that the arm could be fixedly connected to the connecting part and be made at least partly or fully flexible in the same direction (Z) from the non-actuated position to the fully actuated position as the actuating part 420 is pivotally connected to the connecting part. The skilled person understands that the arm can be made flexible by using an elastic and flexible plastic material such as polypropylene and by choosing a shape and dimensions suitable for this purpose.

[0097] As Figures 6A to 6C further shown in, the adapter assembly 400 includes a fixed dolly 430 which is configured to abut against a second type of pump 300b when installed in the fluid distribution system 1. The dolly 430 is fixedly connected to the disc-shaped plate on the same side of the plate as the actuating part 420 but on the opposite side of the central through-opening 412 in the plate. The dolly 430 includes a support structure which extends from the plate in a direction perpendicular to the main plane of the plate to a part having its protrusion 432 which extends towards the actuating part 420, where the dolly surface 434 is configured to abut against the second type of pump 300b, where the dolly surface 434 faces the actuating part 420. In this configuration, the second type of pump 300b can be positioned between the second contact surface 428 of the actuating part 420 and the fixed dolly 430, and when a force is applied to the actuating part 420 to move the actuating head 426 towards the pump, the pump 300b is compressed between the second contact surface 428 of the actuating head 426 and the dolly surface 434, causing fluid to be dispensed from the pump. In Figures 6A to 6C it, the dolly surface 434 is shown as flat. The skilled person understands that the dolly surface 434 can take any suitable shape to serve as the fixed dolly 430 and match the second surface of the actuating part 420, for example, the dolly surface 434 can take an inclined, rounded, convex or concave surface. The dolly 430 can be divided into a number of dolly parts or fixed dollies, each dolly part or fixed dolly presenting the dolly surface 434. In this way, the fixed dolly 430 can be adjusted to provide an appropriate reaction force to the actuating part 420 for providing an appropriate dispensing action.

[0098] At a surface remote from the dolly surface 434, there is provided a protruding pin 436. As will be in Figures 8A to 8BAs further elaborated in the relevant descriptions hereinafter, the pin 436 serves as a positioning device for engaging a corresponding recess 142 in the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100, and this provides correct positioning of the adapter assembly 400 within the dispenser 100 during the assembly of the fluid dispensing system 1. The engagement between the pin 436 and the recess 142 also prevents rotational movement of the adapter assembly 400 within the dispenser 100, in which the adapter assembly 400 is installed. Those skilled in the art understand that the positioning device can take any suitable shape or form that can assist in the positioning of the adapter assembly 400 within the dispenser 100 and prevent any movement of the adapter assembly 400 within the dispenser 100. For example, by providing frictional contact between the adapter assembly 400 and the dispenser 100 of any other shape, such frictional contact prevents rotational and / or axial movement of the adapter assembly 400 installed in the dispenser 100 in a mating manner. The positioning device can also be configured at other parts of the adapter assembly 400. Further examples of the positioning device will be described hereinafter.

[0099] Suitable materials for forming the adapter assembly can be aluminum or any suitable plastic, such as olefin plastics, for example polyethylene or polypropylene. The adapter assembly can be formed by injection molding, 3D printing, or any other suitable method known to those skilled in the art. The materials mentioned and the formation of the components can be used in all embodiments described herein.

[0100] In addition, the described adapter assembly can have the following dimensional examples. The circular plate can have an outer diameter of 50 mm, and the diameter of the through opening can be 31 mm. The thickness of the plate can be 4 mm, which provides frictional retention through the engagement device 140 described hereinafter. The actuating portion extends from the plate with a length of 38 mm, and the ledge extends from the plate with a length of 39 mm. The ledge surface has a width of approximately 12 mm and a height of approximately 13 mm. The second contact surface has a width of approximately 13 mm and a height of 9 mm. The diameter of the elongated and elastic lumen can be 14 mm, and the length from the cap is approximately 56 mm.

[0101] Figure 7 Schematically shows the components of the fluid dispensing system 1, which includes Figure 1 a dispenser 100, Figure 5 a disposable container, and Figures 6A to 6C an adapter assembly 400.

[0102] At the front portion 112 of the dispenser 100, the housing forms a front cover 113 which is pivotally connected to the rear portion 110 at the lower portion 102 of the rear portion 110. The front cover 113 is opened by unlocking the lock 118 at its upper end and rotating the cover about its pivot at the lower end to expose the interior of the dispenser 100. At the lower portion of the rear portion 110 is a portion for holding the fluid container 200 and the pump. The adapter assembly 400 is installed in the dispenser 100 by inserting it through the holding opening 139 to hold the fluid container 200 at the lower portion 102 of the dispenser 100, as Figures 8A to 8C best shown in, which shows an enlarged view of the lower portion of the interior of the dispenser 100 with and without the adapter assembly 400 inserted and fixed in the dispenser 100 as viewed at an angle from above towards the rear portion 110 of the lower portion 102. As Figure 8A shown, the holding opening 139 is circular in shape, and the rear portion 110, the rear shelf 131, and the positioning groove 135 formed between the rear shelf 131 and the pin 136 are arranged at the rear portion 110 as described above with respect to Figure 4A and the fluid container 200 having the first type of pump 300a.

[0103] Also as Figure 8A shown, the positioning groove 135 extends rearwardly through an opening 137 formed in the wall of the rear portion 110 to form a positioning opening 137. The purpose of this positioning opening 137 will be explained in more detail below with respect to other embodiments of the adapter assembly 400.

[0104] Below the holding opening 139 at the lower portion 102 of the portion forming the fluid pump for holding the fluid container 200, the rear portion 110 has two vertical flanges 141a, 141b extending forwardly therefrom. These flanges form a positioning recess 142 therebetween. The adapter assembly 400 is inserted into the holding opening 139 with the side of the load-bearing actuation portion 420 and the fixed mount 430 of the connecting portion / plate facing downward towards the lower portion 102 of the dispenser 100 and with the fixed mount 430 positioned towards the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100. When the adapter is fully inserted, the plate-shaped first connecting support 410 rests on the front shelf 130 and the rear shelf 131 and engages the positioning groove 135 between the rear shelf 131 and the pin 136, see Figure 8B , including its enlarged portion. Further, the protruding pin 436 of the fixed mount 430 engages the positioning recess 147 formed by the vertical flanges 141a, 141b in the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100. This engagement provides correct positioning of the adapter assembly 400 in the dispenser 100 during insertion of the adapter assembly 400 into the fluid dispenser 100. The engagement between the pin 436 and the recess 147 also prevents rotational movement of the adapter assembly 400 in the dispenser 100.

[0105] Also as Figures 8A to 8C shown, the dispenser 100 includes engagement means 140 for holding a disc-shaped plate in place within the dispenser 100. Since in this embodiment the disc-shaped plate also forms the fluid container support 470, providing the engagement means 140 also provides means for holding the fluid container support 470 in place when inserting the fluid container 200 into the dispenser 100, when using the dispenser 100, and when removing the fluid container 200 from the dispenser 100. Those skilled in the art will understand that the engagement means 140 described now can be used with any fluid container support 470 described herein.

[0106] The engagement means 140 includes an element displaceable between a non-holding position and a holding position. The engagement means 140 shown is a C-shaped element which is displaceable in a backward direction from the non-holding position as Figure 8B shown to the holding position as Figure 8C shown. In the holding position, the engagement means 140 has portions 140a, 140b which engage the disc-shaped plate. The plate may have a thickness which provides for the engagement means 140 to be locked in the holding position by frictional interaction with the plate. Those skilled in the art will understand that the plate may also include a pattern of cut-outs or protrusions which engage the engagement means 140.

[0107] Those skilled in the art will understand that the engagement means 140 can take various forms, for example, a bayonet-type fitting, a screw fitting, one or more movable jaws or "claw" fittings within the dispenser 100, into which the adapter assembly 400 or the fluid container support 470 engages. The engagement means 140 can be a fixed part of the dispenser 100 or can be movable within the dispenser 100. If the engagement means 140 is movable within the dispenser 100, the engagement means 140 can be spring-loaded or otherwise elastically arranged such that the engagement means 140 is displaced when the adapter assembly 400 is inserted into the dispenser 100 but returns to the engaged position upon correct placement of the fluid container 200. The engagement means 140 can also be manually activated as shown in the example. The engagement means 140 can include one or more angled surfaces which facilitate correct insertion and engagement of the fluid container 200 within the dispenser 100.

[0108] As in Figure 7As schematically shown in, the next step in the assembly of the fluid distribution system 1 is to insert the fluid container 200 into the dispenser 100 which now holds the adapter assembly 400. The fluid container 200 is inserted such that the pump of its elongated and elastic lumen chamber 300b enters the central through-opening 412 of the fluid container support 470 of the disc-shaped plate of the dispenser until the connector cap 360 of the fluid container 200 rests with its flange 368 on a seat formed in the dispenser 100, as described above and also as envisaged from Figure 9A envisaged. Figure 9A It is also shown that the fluid container 200 is inserted such that the elongated tube of the pump is placed between the second surface of the actuating part 420 and the bench surface 434 of the fixed bench 430.

[0109] The assembly of the fluid distribution system 1 then ends by closing the dispenser 100 by moving the upper part of the front cover rearwardly towards the rear part 110 and optionally locking the cover to the rear part. The dispenser 100 is then ready for use.

[0110] Figure 9A and Figure 9B is shown when assembled to the fluid distribution system 1 as Figure 1 shown Figure 7 a perspective view of the lower part 102 of the fluid distribution system 1, in which a part of the dispenser 100 is cut away to show details of the interior of the fluid distribution system 1 in operation.

[0111] According to Figure 9A , the fluid container 200 rests with its seat in the dispenser 100, which seat is formed by the disc-shaped plate of the fluid container support 470 forming the adapter assembly 400, which disc-shaped plate is removably mounted in the dispenser 100. A second type of fluid pump 300b for the elongated and elastic lumen chamber 300b extends downwardly from the fluid container 200 and extends between the second surface of the actuating part 420 and the bench surface 434 of the fixed bench 430 to a nozzle 365 at the bottom of the dispenser 100. The nozzle 365 is placed at the lowermost part of the dispenser 100 in order to prevent any risk of contamination of any dispensing part when dispensing any fluid from the fluid container 200, but is not clearly visible to the user at the same time when using the dispenser 100. The position of the nozzle 365 depends, for example, on the size of the fluid container 200 and the position that the fluid container 200 can have in the dispenser 100. A person skilled in the art understands how to employ the fluid container support 470 or its position in order to adjust the position of the nozzle 365. The adapter assembly 400 can also be modified in order to adjust the position it has relative to the pump and the shape of the pump and the maximum volume desired to be dispensed from the fluid container 200. For now at Figure 9AIn the embodiments shown, some examples of the size and shape of the adapter assembly 400 have been presented above. These sizes and shapes can be envisioned for other embodiments shown herein. For example, the sizes of the actuator head 426 and the fixed mount 430 are adjusted such that the pump disposed therebetween in the dispenser 100 and in the non-actuated position should be in a non-compressed and non-distorted form and still provide sufficient dispensing when actuated.

[0112] In Figure 9A it, the actuator 124 pivots at the first pivot 132 to the front portion 112 and includes a contact surface 145 that faces the compartment 150 of the dispenser 100 and is configured to abut the first contact surface 427 of the actuating portion 420. The surface 145 of the actuator 124 is concave-shaped to match the convex-shaped first contact surface 427. In this view, the actuating portion 420 is held in its non-actuated position between the actuator 124 and the elongate and elastic lumen 300b that forms the second type of pump 300b.

[0113] Figure 9B Shown is the fluid dispensing system 1 once the user has applied the force P on the actuator 124 by hand, where the user actuator has displaced the actuating portion 420 and the actuator head 426 from their non-actuated position towards the actuated position, and thereby transferred the actuating force TF from the actuating portion 420 via the second surface to the pump. The pump has been laterally compressed towards the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100 and the mount surface 434. This has caused the fluid to be dispensed downward in the Y direction from the fluid container 200. In this view, the actuator 124 has rotated counterclockwise about the first pivot 132 to cause the actuation of the dispenser 100. Once the user removes the hand from the actuator 124, the actuator rotates clockwise towards the front portion 112 to the position it had before the user applied the force P on it. When the pumping chamber is refilled by providing the filling force provided by the inherent elasticity of the wall of the pumping chamber (not shown), the actuating portion 420 then returns to its non-actuated position.

[0114] Figures 10A to 10B Shown is an embodiment of the adapter assembly 400 that is to be used with a fluid container 200 having a second type of pump 300b, in particular a fluid container 200 having an elastic and elongate lumen 300b as Figure 5 shown.

[0115] The adapter assembly 400 is generally similar to Figures 6A to 6C the embodiment shown therein, with only a few differences. The first difference is the shape of the actuating portion 420. In this embodiment, the actuating portion 420 is generally L-shaped in form, with the elongate arm extending between two opposite ends of the arm in its longitudinal direction (L1). The first end is with respect toFigure 6A is connected to the first connection support 410 in any of the ways described for the embodiment of the to-protrusion 6C, i.e., the first end can be pivotally connected or fixedly connected to the first connection support 410. In the case where it is fixedly connected to the first connection support 410, the arm can be made flexible or elastic to allow movement towards the fixed mount 430. The second end of the arm carries an actuating head 426, and the actuating head 426 includes a first contact surface 427 for abutting against the user actuator 124 and a second contact surface 428 for abutting against the second type of pump 300b. The actuating head 426 protrudes outward from the second end of the arm in a direction (W) that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L1) of the actuating arm, so as to form an actuating head 426 having the first contact surface 427 and the second contact surface 428 facing away from each other. The first contact surface 427 is herein shown as an elongated flat surface for contacting the lateral flange 147 on the actuator 124 and providing a sliding surface for the flange 147, see Figure 10C . However, the shape can be modified to allow the desired contact with the flange 147 or to adopt any shape for properly contacting the surface of the actuator 124 in a form-fitting manner, for example, adopting Figure 6B the shape shown and allowing the first contact surface 427 to contact the actuator surface 145 directly above the flange 147. In this embodiment, the second contact surface 428 is also shown as planar. As discussed above, it can have other shapes suitable for contacting the pump.

[0116] In this embodiment, the connecting support forms a circular sleeve 410 instead of a disc-shaped plate. However, this shape will rest on the seat in the dispenser 100 in a form-fitting manner in the same way as the disc-shaped plate. This shape can provide some additional rigidity to the first connecting support 410. Compared with the disc-shaped plate in the above text, it can also provide some additional stability to the fluid container 200 supported by the connecting support (the fluid container support 470). However, the sleeves 410, 470 provide a seat for the fluid container 200 in a manner similar to the disc-shaped element. The sleeve includes an upper part 411 and a lower part 413, and both the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the upper part 411 are larger than the corresponding dimensions of the lower part 413. In this way, the sleeve forms a circular surface 411a that faces downward from the upper part 411 and is configured to rest on the front shelf 130 and the rear shelf 131 of the dispenser 100. In the axially extending through-opening 412 of the sleeve, an upward-facing circular edge surface 413a is provided, and this circular edge surface 413a is configured to form a seat on which the flange 368 of the connector cap 360 of the fluid container 200 rests. Thus, the lower part 413 is configured to be positioned below the area of the shelves 130, 131 in the holding opening 139. This can provide some stability to the adapter assembly 400 when installed in the dispenser 100 and the fluid container 200 inserted therein. The sleeve will also surround the fluid container 200 on its sides.

[0117] In addition, a pin 439 extends rearward from the upper part 411. As Figure 8A and Figure 10C shown, the pin 439 serves as a positioning device for engaging with a corresponding positioning opening 137 formed in the rear part 110 at the positioning groove 135. During the insertion of the adapter assembly 400 into the fluid dispenser 100, the engagement between the pin 439 and the positioning opening 137 provides correct and simple positioning of the adapter assembly 400 in the dispenser 100. The engagement between the pin 439 and the positioning opening 137 also prevents axial movement and rotational movement of the adapter assembly 400 and the fluid container support 470 in the dispenser 100 when installed in the dispenser 100. As Figures 10A to 10C shown, the adapter assembly 400 does not have any positioning device on the fixed gantry 430. However, as for Figures 6A to 6C the embodiment shown, this embodiment can be used together with a positioning device arranged on any suitable part, such as on the fixed gantry 430, for connecting corresponding parts in the dispenser 100 in a suitable manner.

[0118] In Figures 10A to 10BIn [the above description], the fixed mount 430 has an L-shaped form and has a generally rigid arm, one end of which is fixedly connected to the bottom of the sleeve. The other end of the rigid arm has a mount portion extending toward the second surface of the actuating portion 420, where the concave mount surface 434 faces the actuating portion 420. The concave surface matches in shape the elongate and flexible lumen 300b. Further, as shown, the second surface of the actuating portion 420 may have a horizontal width smaller than the width of the cavity formed at the mount surface 434 to allow the actuating portion 420 to move into the cavity when the actuating portion 420 moves to the actuating position. This can provide good compression of the elongate and flexible lumen 300b during fluid dispensing. As mentioned above, the shape of the different surfaces may be selected depending on the type of fluid container 200 used or the desired fluid dispensing.

[0119] including Figure 1 the dispenser 100, Figure 5 the disposable container, and Figures 10A to 10B the components of the fluid dispensing system 1 of the adapter assembly 400 are similar to those including Figures 6A to 6C the components of the fluid dispensing system 1 of the adapter assembly 400 shown in [the above description]. Note the fact that Figure 10A and Figure 10B the embodiments shown in [the above description] have a positioning device in the form of a pin 439, which is, for example, in a different position from the adapter assembly 400 shown in Figure 6A [the above description]. As described above, Figure 10A and Figure 10C the pin 439 shown in [the above description] is configured to engage a corresponding positioning opening 137 formed in the rear portion 110 at the positioning slot 135, as shown in Figure 8A and Figure 10C [the above description]. Thus, by simply inserting the adapter assembly 400 into the holding opening 139 such that the side of the sleeve carrying the actuating portion 420 and the fixed mount 430 faces downward toward the lower portion 102 of the dispenser 100, the assembly of the adapter portion can be very simple. The pin 439 and the fixed mount 430 should be positioned toward the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100 to ensure that the pin 439 is inserted into the corresponding positioning opening 137 in the wall of the rear portion 110 and to ensure that the sleeve is properly seated in the dispenser 100, i.e., on the shelves 130, 131.

[0120] As Figure 8A and Figure 8C shown in [the above description], the engaging device 140 can then be used to hold the sleeve in place within the dispenser 100, as described above, for engaging and holding the disc-shaped plate. The fluid container 200 is inserted into the dispenser 100 that holds the adapter assembly 400 in a similar manner as described above, where the assembled fluid dispensing system 1 will rest on the sleeve as described above.

[0121] As Figure 10C shown, and in the assembled fluid dispensing system 1, the position of the actuator head 426 and the bench surface 434 is slightly lower than Figure 9A the corresponding parts of the embodiment shown in. This changes the position for squeezing the elongate and resilient lumen 300b. Those skilled in the art understand that depending on the position of the elongate and resilient lumen 300b and the characteristics of the lumen 300b, either position can function. Additionally, even though the position is adapted to the shape of the actuator portion 420 that allows the first surface to contact the rearwardly directed lateral flange 147 of the actuator 124, those skilled in the art understand that the head of the actuator portion 420 and the second surface can be arranged in a more upwardly placed position. Then, the position or shape of the fixed bench 430 can be adjusted accordingly.

[0122] The operation of the fluid dispensing system 1 including the adapter assembly 400 as Figure 10C shown is largely similar to Figure 9A and Figure 9B the operation of the fluid dispensing system 1 shown in, except that the actuator portion 420 compresses the elongate and resilient lumen 300b at the lower portion of the elongate and resilient lumen 300b and the tube is compressed into the cavity formed by the bench surface 434.

[0123] Figures 11A to 11B shows an embodiment of the adapter assembly 400 that is to be used with a fluid container 200 having a second type of pump 300b, in particular a fluid container 200 having an elastic and elongate lumen 300b as Figure 5 shown.

[0124] The adapter assembly 400 has two separate parts instead of the single unit adapter assembly 400 described above. This provides a simple adapter assembly 400 with minimal use of materials. The adapter assembly 400 includes a first part that forms an actuator portion 420 having a first connection portion in the form of a lateral slit 410 that can be attached in a form-fitting manner to the rearwardly directed lateral flange 147 of the actuator 124. When the first part is correctly installed on the actuator, the first contact surface 427 of the actuator portion 420 near the slit 410 can also match in shape the surface area of the actuator 124 around the flange. The overall shape of the actuator portion 420 largely corresponds to Figure 10A and Figure 10B the actuator head 426 shown in.

[0125] The second part of this embodiment includes a second connection support 460 and also serves as a fluid container support 470 to which the fixed bench 430 is attached. This second part corresponds toFigure 10A and Figure 10B the adapter assembly 400 shown in Figure 10B , except that it does not include any actuation part 420.

[0126] comprises Figure 1 the dispenser 100 of Figure 1 , Figure 5 the disposable container of Figure 5 , and Figures 11A to 11B the components of the fluid dispensing system 1 of the adapter assembly 400 of Figures 11A to 11B differ from the components of the fluid dispensing system 1 of the embodiments comprising Figure 10A and Figure 10C in that the first part needs to be removably attached to the dispensing system by fitting the slit 410 of the first part to the central part of the flange 147 of the actuator 124. The attachment of the first part can be carried out before or after assembling the second part into the dispenser 100. The attachment of the second part is carried out as described for the adapter assembly 400 of Figure 10A and Figure 10B . The fluid container 200 is inserted into the dispenser 100 into which the second part is assembled.

[0127] As shown in Figure 11C and in the assembled fluid dispensing system 1, the positioning of the actuator head 426 and the ledge surface 434 is similar to the position of the corresponding parts shown in the embodiment of Figure 10C . Those skilled in the art understand that the first part forming the actuation part 420 can be shaped to present a second surface in a more upwardly placed position. Then, the position or shape of the fixed ledge 430 can be adjusted accordingly.

[0128] comprises Figure 11C The operation of the fluid dispensing system 1 including the adapter assembly 400 shown in Figure 11C is largely similar to the operation of the fluid dispensing system 1 shown in Figure 9A and Figure 9B , except that the first part forming the actuation part 420 becomes part of the actuator 124 and is movable together with the actuator 124, wherein the user force (P) applied to the actuator 124 displaces the actuation part 420 from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, thereby compressing the elongated and elastic tube at the lower part of the tube, wherein the tube is compressed into the cavity formed by the ledge surface 434.

[0129] Figures 12A to 12B shows an embodiment of the adapter assembly 400 to be used with a fluid container 200 having a second type of pump 300b, in particular with a fluid container 200 having an elastic and elongated tube chamber 300b as shown in Figure 5 .

[0130] The adapter component 400 is divided into three separate parts instead of forming two parts or being an adapter component 400 as a single unit. This provides a simple adapter component 400 with the least amount of material used. The adapter component 400 includes a first part that forms an actuating part 420 with a first connecting part in the form of a lateral slit 410, and the lateral slit 410 can be attached in a form-fitting manner to the rearward-facing lateral flange 147 of the actuator 124. When the first part is correctly installed on the actuating part 420, the first contact surface 427 of the actuating part 420 around the slit 410 can also match in shape the surface area of the actuator 124 around the flange 147. The overall shape of the actuating part 420 largely corresponds to Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 11A , Figure 11B the actuating head 426 shown in

[0131] The second part of this embodiment includes a fixed mount 430 with a second connecting support 460 in the form of vertical slits 460a, 460b, and the vertical slits 460a, 460b can be attached in a form-fitting manner to the vertical flanges 141a, 141b arranged at the rear part 110 as described above and shown in Figure 8A .

[0132] The third part corresponds to Figure 10A and Figure 10B the sleeve that only forms the fluid container support 470 shown in

[0133] Includes Figure 1 the dispenser 100, Figure 5 the disposable container, and Figures 12A to 12B the components of the fluid distribution system 1 of the adapter component 400 are different from the components of the fluid distribution system 1 of the embodiment including Figure 10A and Figure 10C in that the three parts of the adapter component 400 need to be separately attached to the dispenser 100. The first part forming the actuating part 420 needs to be removably attached to the distribution system by fitting the slit 410 of the first part to the central part of the lateral flange 147 of the actuator 124. The second part forming the fixed mount 430 needs to be removably attached to the rear part 110 of the dispenser 100 by fitting the vertical slits 460a, 460b of the second part to the two vertical flanges 141a, 141b, and the two vertical flanges 141a, 141b are arranged at the rear part 110 at an appropriate height that matches the height of the first part. The attachment of the third part is generally as for Figure 10A and Figure 10Bas described for the adapter assembly 400. Attachment of the different parts to the dispenser 100 can occur in any order prior to insertion of the fluid container 200 into the dispenser 100.

[0134] As Figure 12C shown and in the assembled fluid dispensing system 1, the positioning of the actuator head 426 and the bench surface 434 is similar to the position of the corresponding parts as shown for Figure 10C and Figure 11C the embodiments of. Those skilled in the art understand that the first part forming the actuating part 420 can be shaped to present a second surface in a more upwardly placed position. Then, the position or shape of the fixed bench 430 can be adjusted accordingly.

[0135] The operation of the fluid dispensing system 1 including the adapter assembly 400 as Figure 12C shown is largely similar to Figure 11C that shown and as Figure 9A and the operation of the fluid dispensing system 1 shown in 9B. Thus, the first part forming the actuating part 420 becomes part of the actuator 124 and is movable with the actuator 124, wherein the user force (P) applied to the actuator 124 causes the actuating part 420 to shift from a non-actuated position to an actuated position, thereby compressing the elongated and elastic tube at the lower portion of the elongated and elastic tube, wherein the tube is compressed into the cavity formed by the bench surface 434.

[0136] Figure 13A shows an embodiment of the adapter assembly 400 that includes a first connection support 410 that is an elastic and flexible element having a recess 480 that has a lateral dimension greater than that of the pump in the lateral direction. As Figure 13A shown, the elastic and flexible element has a circular shape with a central through-opening 480 forming the recess in the circular shape. The actuating part 420 and the fixed bench 430 are carried by the element and form parts protruding from opposite sides within the recess such that a second type of pump 300b can be configured between the second contact surface 428 of the actuating part 420 and the fixed bench 430. As Figure 13B shown in Figure 5 the elongated and elastic pump chamber of the fluid container 200 shown can be inserted into the through-opening 480 of the ring and placed between the two protrusions, wherein the elastic ring firmly biases the opposing protrusions to the pump (i.e., in the non-actuated position) in a non-compressed and non-twisted manner. Those skilled in the art understand that the dimensions, shape, and material can be adjusted to provide proper biasing of the structure in the non-actuated position.

[0137] Figure 13CA partial cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the fluid distribution system 1 as seen from the side. The fluid distribution system 1 includes a fluid container 200 as shown in Figure 5 and an adapter assembly 400 as shown in Figure 13B .

[0138] Flexible and elastic elements form both the first connection support 410 and the actuation portion 420. The first connection support 410 is for holding the fixed mount 430. The actuation portion 420 is in the form of two parts protruding into the through-opening 480 of the flexible and elastic element, which is shown here as an elastic ring. The elastic ring with protrusions can also form the fluid container support 470. It provides a connection to the fluid container 200 and is configured to rest on the front part 110 and the rear part 112 of the dispenser 100 at the lower part 102 of the dispenser 100. Thus, the diameter of the elastic ring has a size that fits exactly into the seat between the rear part 110 and the actuator 124. Optionally, the adapter assembly 400 can additionally or alternatively include Figure 12A and Figure 12B a fluid connection support or the like of the embodiment shown in

[0139] Figure 13C . The fluid distribution system 1 including the dispenser 100 shown in Figure 1 , the disposable container shown in Figure 5 , and the adapter assembly 400 shown in Figures 13A to 13B is simple to assemble and only involves a few steps. After opening the front cover of the dispenser 100, the fluid container 200 is inserted into the dispenser 100 from the top, where the slender and elastic pump chamber is inserted through the holding opening 139 of the dispenser 100. Then, the elastic and flexible element is brought from the bottom of the dispenser 100 onto the slender and elastic lumen 300b of the fluid container 200 inserted into the dispenser 100, such that the lumen 300b is placed between the protrusions of the elastic ring, one of the protrusions should be configured to be near the rear position, and the other near the front part 112 and its actuator 124, see Figure 13C . The height can be adjusted to provide proper fluid connection support and distribution.

[0140] The operation of the fluid distribution system 1 including the adapter assembly 400 as shown in Figure 13C is generally similar to that of Figure 9A and Figure 9BOperation of the fluid dispensing system 1 shown. When a user force (P) is applied to the user actuator 124, the resilient ring is compressed from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, i.e., the resilient ring is compressed towards the bench 430 and the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100 such that the elongate and resilient pump chamber is laterally compressed between the second surface and the fixed bench 430, causing fluid to be dispensed from the fluid container 200. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the dimensions, shape, and material can be adjusted to provide appropriate biasing of the structure in the non-actuated position and to provide the possibility for the user to press the actuator 124 by hand to dispense the fluid and for the resilient ring to return to the non-actuated position when the user removes their hand from the actuator 124. The adapter assembly 400 can thus be made of a plastic material such as an olefin plastic, for example polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0141] As those skilled in the art will understand, the specific embodiments are intended to be illustrative, and within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims, many embodiments and alternatives are possible. For example, the adapter assembly can take other shapes than those shown in the figures. For example, the adapter assembly can include a unit having a first connection portion and an actuating portion as shown for the Figures 6A to 6C and Figures 10A to 10B embodiments, and the fixed bench can be arranged as shown for the Figure 12A and Figure 12B embodiments.

[0142] Note the fact that the use of the adapter assembly does not require removal of the engagement means 134 of the actuator for axial compression of the first type of pump 300a, see the figures.

Claims

1. An adapter assembly for use in a dispenser for a replaceable fluid container, the replaceable fluid container including a fluid reservoir and a fluid pump, wherein the dispenser includes a housing and a compartment in the housing for receiving the fluid container, the dispenser having a front portion, a rear portion, and upper and lower ends, the lower end forming a dispensing end of the dispenser and including a user actuator by which the dispenser is operable to dispense a dose of fluid from the fluid container through a nozzle at the lower end, wherein the compartment of the dispenser is sized to receive a fluid container having a first type of pump, the first type of pump being an axially compressible pump, and the actuator having an engagement portion for actuating the first type of pump by axially compressing the first type of pump in a vertical direction, and wherein the adapter assembly is used in combination with the dispenser to permit use in the dispenser of a fluid container having a second type of pump, the second type being actuated by lateral compression thereof, the adapter assembly comprising: - an actuating portion movable between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position when installed in the dispenser, wherein the actuating portion includes a first contact surface for abutting against the user actuator and a second contact surface for abutting against the second type of pump, wherein a user force (P) applied to the user actuator causes the actuating portion to shift from its non-actuated position towards the actuated position, thereby transmitting an actuating force (TF) from the actuating portion via the second contact surface to the pump, wherein the pump is laterally compressed to effect dispensing of fluid from the fluid container, - a first connecting support for removably connecting the actuating portion to the dispenser and / or a fluid dispensing package installed in the compartment, and - a fixed mount configured to abut against the second type of pump, wherein the second type of pump can be disposed between the second contact surface of the actuating portion and the fixed mount, and when a user force (P) is applied to the user actuator, the pump is laterally compressed between the second contact surface and the fixed mount, effecting dispensing of fluid from the fluid container, and wherein the first connecting support is configured to removably connect the fixed mount to the dispenser and / or the fluid dispensing package installed in the compartment.

2. The adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second type of pump has an elastic pumping chamber.

3. The adapter assembly according to claim 2, wherein the elastic pumping chamber is an elongate and elastic lumen extending downwardly in a direction from the bottom of the fluid reservoir to the nozzle of the elastic lumen at a lower portion of the fluid container.

4. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user actuator is a user rod configured to pivot about a first pivot and extend from the pivot towards a user-operated portion of the user rod, and the user actuator has a surface facing the compartment and configured to abut the first contact surface of the actuating portion.

5. The adapter assembly according to claim 4, wherein the user rod extends downwardly from the first pivot.

6. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuating portion includes an elongate arm extending in a longitudinal direction (L1) of the arm between two opposite ends of the arm, a first end of the arm being connected to the first connection support, and a second end having an actuating head, wherein the head is movable between the non-actuated position and the fully actuated position, and wherein the actuating head includes the second contact surface for abutting against the second type of pump and the first contact surface for abutting against the user actuator.

7. The adapter assembly according to claim 6, wherein the actuating head projects outwardly from the second end of the arm in at least one direction (W; X) forming an angle with the longitudinal direction (L1) of the arm.

8. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuating portion is movably connected to the first connection support.

9. The adapter assembly according to claim 8, wherein the actuating portion is pivotally attached to the first connection support and configured to pivot about a second pivot.

10. The adapter assembly according to claim 6, wherein the actuating portion is pivotally attached to the first connection support and configured to pivot about a second pivot, wherein the first end of the elongate arm is pivotally connected to the first connection support and configured to pivot about the second pivot to allow the movement of the actuating head between the non-actuated position and the fully actuated position.

11. The adapter assembly according to claim 6, wherein the elongate arm is a flexible arm for allowing the movement of the actuating head between the non-actuated position and the fully actuated position.

12. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first connection support is an elastic and flexible element having a recess, the recess having a lateral dimension greater than the lateral dimension of the pump in the lateral direction, and wherein the actuating portion and the fixed mount are carried by the element and form portions protruding from opposite sides within the recess such that the second type of pump can be configured between the second contact surface of the actuating portion and the fixed mount, wherein the elastic and flexible element is firmly biased towards the pump in the non-actuated position, and when a user force (P) is applied to the user actuator, the element is compressed towards the mount such that the pump is laterally compressed between the second contact surface and the fixed mount, causing fluid to be dispensed from the fluid container.

13. The adapter assembly according to claim 12, wherein the elastic and flexible element has a circular shape with a central through-opening forming the recess therein.

14. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a fluid container support configured to be received in the compartment of the dispenser for holding the fluid container in a desired position within the compartment of the dispenser.

15. The adapter assembly according to claim 14, wherein the fluid container support forms the first connection support.

16. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising one or more positioning means for engaging corresponding one or more connectors in the dispenser and preventing axial movement and / or rotational movement of the adapter assembly within the dispenser.

17. The adapter assembly according to claim 16, wherein the one or more positioning means are one or more projecting pins for engaging corresponding one or more recesses in the dispenser.

18. An adapter assembly for use in a dispenser for a replaceable fluid container, wherein the adapter assembly includes an actuating portion connected to a first connection support for removably connecting the adapter assembly to the dispenser, wherein the actuating portion includes a first contact surface for abutting against a user actuator of the dispenser and a second contact surface for abutting against a fluid pump, and the adapter assembly further includes a fixed mount connected to the first connection support and having a mount surface for abutting against the pump, wherein the fixed mount and the actuating portion are connected to one side of the first connection support, wherein the mount surface faces the actuating portion, and wherein the first connection support is configured to removably connect the actuating portion and the fixed mount to the dispenser.

19. The adapter assembly according to claim 18, wherein the actuating portion includes an elongate arm that extends in a longitudinal direction (L1) of the arm between two opposite ends of the arm, a first end of the arm being connected to the first connection support, and a second end having an actuating head, wherein the head is movable between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position, wherein the actuating head includes a second contact surface for abutting against the pump and a first contact surface for abutting against the user actuator of the dispenser.

20. The adapter assembly according to claim 19, wherein the actuating head projects outwardly from the second end of the arm in at least one direction (W; X) that forms an angle with the longitudinal direction (L1) of the arm.

21. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the actuating portion is movably connected to the first connection support.

22. The adapter assembly according to claim 21, wherein the actuating portion is pivotally attached to the first connection support and is configured to pivot about a second pivot axis.

23. The adapter assembly according to claim 19, wherein the actuating portion is pivotally attached to the first connection support and is configured to pivot about a second pivot axis, wherein the first end of the elongate arm is pivotally connected to the first connection support and is configured to pivot about the second pivot axis to permit the movement of the actuating head between the non-actuated position and the fully actuated position.

24. The adapter assembly according to claim 19, wherein the elongate arm is a flexible arm for permitting the movement of the actuating head between the non-actuated position and the fully actuated position.

25. The adapter assembly according to claim 18, wherein the first connection support is an elastic and flexible element having a recess, the actuating portion and the fixed mount being carried by the element on the recess and forming portions that project from opposite sides within the recess, wherein the second contact surface of the actuating portion and the mount surface face each other.

26. The adapter assembly according to claim 25, wherein the elastic and flexible element has a circular shape with a central through-opening that forms the recess therein.

27. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the first connection support forms a fluid container support configured to be received in a compartment of the dispenser for holding the fluid container in a desired position within the compartment of the dispenser.

28. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising one or more positioning devices for engaging corresponding one or more connectors in the dispenser and preventing axial movement and / or rotational movement of the adapter assembly within the dispenser.

29. The adapter assembly according to claim 28, wherein the one or more positioning devices are one or more projecting pins for engaging corresponding one or more recesses in the dispenser.

30. A fluid dispensing system for dispensing fluid from a replaceable fluid container, the dispensing system comprising a dispenser, a fluid container, and an adapter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the dispenser comprises a housing and a compartment in the housing for receiving the fluid container, the dispenser having a front end, a rear end, an upper end, and a lower end, the lower end forming the dispensing end of the dispenser and having an actuator by which the dispensing system is operable to dispense a dose of fluid through a nozzle at the lower end, wherein the fluid container comprises a fluid reservoir and a fluid pump, the fluid reservoir extending downwardly from the upper end to the fluid pump located at the lower end, wherein the nozzle is disposed at the lower end of the fluid container, wherein in a dispensing system without the adapter assembly the compartment of the dispenser is sized to receive a fluid container having a first type of pump, the first type of pump being an axially compressible pump, and the actuator having an engagement portion for actuating the first type of pump by axially compressing the first type of pump in a vertical direction towards the upper end, wherein the adapter assembly adapts the compartment to be sized to receive a fluid container having a second type of pump in the dispenser, the second type being actuated by lateral compression thereof, wherein the fluid container has the second type of pump, and the actuator comprises the engagement portion for actuating the first type of pump and a portion for moving the actuating portion towards the second type of pump.

31. The fluid dispensing system according to claim 30, wherein the second type of pump has an elastic pumping chamber.

32. The fluid dispensing system according to claim 31, wherein the elastic pumping chamber is an elongate and elastic lumen that extends downwardly in a direction from the bottom of the fluid reservoir to the nozzle of the elastic lumen at the lower portion of the fluid container.

33. The fluid dispensing system according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the user actuator is a user rod configured to pivot about a first pivot axis and extending from the pivot axis towards a user-operated portion of the user rod, and the user actuator has a surface facing the compartment and configured to abut the first contact surface of the actuating portion.

34. The fluid dispensing system according to claim 33, wherein the user rod extends downwardly from the first pivot axis.

35. The fluid dispensing system according to any one of claims 30 to 32, further comprising a seat on which a fluid container support of the adapter assembly rests and holds the fluid container in a desired position in the compartment of the dispenser.

36. The fluid dispensing system according to claim 35, wherein the dispenser includes engaging means for holding the fluid container support in place in the dispenser.

37. The fluid dispensing system according to claim 36, wherein the engaging means includes an element displaceable between a non-holding position and a holding position.

38. The fluid dispensing system according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the adapter assembly further includes one or more positioning means, and the fluid dispensing system further includes one or more connectors for engaging the one or more positioning means of the adapter assembly.

39. The fluid dispensing system according to claim 38, wherein the one or more connectors are one or more recesses for engaging one or more pins of the adapter assembly.

Images