Adapter assembly for a fluid dispensing system

Abstract

An adapter assembly is used 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 conjunction with the dispenser to allow the use of a fluid container with a pump, actuating the pump by laterally compressing the pump. The adapter assembly includes an actuating portion 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 also includes a first connection support for removably connecting the actuating portion to the dispenser and / or the fluid container mounted in a compartment. A mounting stand is configured to abut against the pump, wherein the pump can be configured between the second contact surfaces of the actuating portion. A fluid dispensing system and dispenser including this actuator assembly are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to fluid dispensing systems for dispensing skin care and cleaning products, such as soaps, gels, disinfectants, and the like. Specifically, this disclosure points to a dispenser adapter assembly for use in a fluid dispensing system to allow the use of refill containers and fluid pumps in the dispenser of various types of disposable fluid dispensing packages. This disclosure also points to a dispenser. Background Technology

[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 may include a dispensing outlet as part of the packaging, which is actuated by the user pressing down on the top of the packaging. Such packaging utilizes a suction tube extending below the liquid surface and a piston pump that draws in the liquid and dispenses it downwards through an outlet nozzle.

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

[0005] A dispensing system using a pump to dispense unit doses of liquid from an inverted, collapsible container has been described in WO2009 / 104992. The pump consists of only a few elements: a resilient pumping chamber and a regulating valve. Operation of the pump occurs by applying a lateral force to the pumping chamber, causing it to partially collapse and discharge its contents through an external valve. Once the lateral force is removed, refilling of the pumping chamber occurs via an internal valve. The filling force is provided by the inherent elasticity of the pumping chamber walls, which must be sufficient to overcome any back pressure resulting from the resistance of the container's collapse.

[0006] Other distribution systems use axial force to actuate the pump, that is, to align it with the direction in which the fluid is being distributed.

[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 used with different dispensing packages, thus requiring different types of fluid dispensing packages in stock rather than just one type. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a dispensing system that can operate in different operating dispensing solutions (e.g., in axially operating dispensing solutions and laterally operating dispensing solutions). Summary of the Invention

[0008] The desired solution is a dispensing system that is flexible in its operation and reliable in use, allowing for the dispensing of different types of fluids into packages, while being simple, hygienic, environmentally acceptable, and economical to produce.

[0009] This disclosure specifically relates to adapter assemblies according to the invention, fluid distribution systems according to the invention, and dispensers according to the invention. Various embodiments are set forth in the appended dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Therefore, an adapter assembly for use in a dispenser for a fluid dispensing package of a replaceable fluid container is disclosed, the replaceable fluid container including a fluid reservoir and a fluid pump. The dispenser includes a housing and a compartment within the housing for receiving the fluid container. The dispenser has a front, a rear, an upper end, and a lower end. The lower end 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.

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

[0012] The adapter assembly is used in conjunction with the distributor to allow the use of a fluid container with a second type of pump within the distributor, which is actuated by laterally compressing the second type.

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

[0014] The adapter assembly also includes a first connection support for removably connecting the actuating portion to the dispenser and / or a fluid container mounted in the compartment.

[0015] The adapter assembly further includes a fixed platform configured to abut against a second type of pump. The second type of pump can be configured between the second contact surface of the actuation portion and the fixed platform, and when a force (P) is applied to the user actuator, the pump is laterally compressed between the second contact surface and the fixed platform, causing fluid to be dispensed from the fluid container.

[0016] As used herein, the axial force used to actuate the pump is understood as a force oriented in alignment with the direction of the distributing fluid. Similarly, the lateral force is understood as a force substantially perpendicular to the direction of the distributing fluid.

[0017] As used herein, the terms “horizontal,” “lateral,” and “vertical,” “topmost,” “bottommost,” “downward,” “upward,” “front,” “back,” “up,” and “down,” and similar terms, shall be understood as seen when a distribution system with dispensers and fluid containers is arranged for use, with or without adapter components.

[0018] Fluid containers can be adapted to be filled with liquids, such as liquid soap, foam soap, alcohol gel, disinfectant or antibacterial liquids, or detergents. Flexible dispensing sections can be filled with the relevant liquid and subjected to external force to dispensing the liquid. The pumps described herein can be sized such that a suitable or desired volume of liquid (e.g., 1 ml) can be dispensed during a full dispensing stroke.

[0019] Suitable materials for forming the adapter assembly can be aluminum or any suitable plastic, such as olefin plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene. The adapter assembly can be formed by injection molding, 3D printing, or any other suitable method known to a technician. The aforementioned materials and components can be used for all parts of the adapter assembly, and combinations of materials can also be considered for use in the adapter assembly or its parts.

[0020] Thus, the adapter assembly allows for a dispensing system that can operate in different dispensing solutions, namely, in axially operating dispensing solutions and laterally operating dispensing solutions. The adapter assembly makes the dispensing system flexible in its use and reliable in operation, allowing for the use of different types of fluid dispensing packages, and is also simple, hygienic, environmentally acceptable, and economical to manufacture.

[0021] The adapter assembly may include a second connection support for removably connecting the fixed platform to the dispenser and / or the fluid container mounted in the compartment.

[0022] The first connecting support can also be configured to removably connect the fixed platform to the distributor and / or the fluid container mounted in the compartment.

[0023] The second type of pump can have a flexible pumping chamber. This flexible pumping chamber can be an elongated and flexible tubular chamber that extends downward at the lower part of the fluid container in the direction from the bottom of the fluid reservoir to the nozzle of the flexible tubular chamber.

[0024] The user actuator can be a user rod configured to rotate about a first pivot.

[0025] In addition, the user rod can extend from the pivot toward the user operating section of the user rod, wherein the user actuator has a surface facing the compartment and is configured to abut the first contact surface of the actuation section.

[0026] The user pole can extend downward from the first pivot.

[0027] The actuating portion may include an elongated arm extending in its generally longitudinal direction (L1) between two opposite ends of the arm, a first end of which is connected to a first connecting support, and a second end having an actuating head. The head may be 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.

[0028] The slender arm with an actuating head provides a flexible and reliable actuating portion that can be shaped and sized for desired use, for example, it can be shaped and sized for a specific desired location on the contact surface and for a desired volume of the dispenser.

[0029] The actuating head can protrude outward from the second end of the arm in at least one direction (W; X) at an angle to the longitudinal direction (L1) of the slender arm.

[0030] The actuating head may have a dimension from the first contact surface to the second contact surface in a first direction (W) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L1) of the slender arm, which is larger than the dimension of the actuating head in a second direction parallel to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the first direction (W).

[0031] This provides means for forming a flat actuating head having an elongated contact surface that provides proper dispensing while ensuring that there is space in the dispenser for the actuating head.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the actuating portion can be movably connected to a first connecting support. The actuating portion can be pivotally attached to the first connecting support and configured to pivot about a second pivot.

[0033] This allows the actuating portion to move in a lateral direction toward the rear of the platform and dispenser between a non-actuated and an actuated position. The pivot may be formed by a snap-fit ​​connection between the first connecting support and the actuating portion, or it may be formed, for example, by a hinge connection or by a movable hinge.

[0034] The actuating portion may include an elongated arm that extends in its generally longitudinal direction (L1) between two opposite ends of the arm as described above, and a first end of the elongated arm is pivotally connected to a first connecting support and configured to pivot about a second pivot to allow movement of the actuating head between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the slender arm can be a flexible arm that allows the actuating head to move between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position.

[0036] This allows the actuating portion to move laterally toward the rear of the platform and dispenser between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The arm can be fixedly connected to the first connecting support and can be partially or completely made flexible from the unactuated position to the fully actuated position. Those skilled in the art will understand that the arm can be made flexible by using an elastic and flexible plastic material (e.g., olefin plastics such as polypropylene) and by selecting a shape and size suitable for the purpose.

[0037] Therefore, the arm can be made of an elastic material (such as polyethylene or polypropylene) and sized to be flexible and elastic.

[0038] The stationary stand has a stand surface for abutting and receiving the pump, and the stand surface faces the actuating portion. The stand surface may include a recessed surface portion.

[0039] The recessed surface portion provides a cavity for accommodating a portion of the pump, the cavity having a suitable shape and size to fit snugly against the surface. The cavity also provides the possibility of allowing the actuating portion to move into the cavity when it is displaced to the actuating position.

[0040] The recessed surface portion can be concave. Such a concave surface portion allows the cavity to be fitted into a slender and flexible tubular chamber in terms of shape.

[0041] The concave surface can form the surface of the frame.

[0042] The concave surface can be concave in the horizontal plane and can form a vertically extending recess for accommodating a portion of the pump. In this way, the concave surface portion can be shaped to match the external shape of the pump, particularly an elongated and flexible tubular chamber. Thus, the recess can have a width in the horizontal plane equal to or greater than the outward width of the pump portion configured to be accommodated in the recess.

[0043] The vertically extending recess may have a maximum width in the upper horizontal plane at the upper part of the fixed platform than its maximum width in the lower horizontal plane at the lower part of the fixed platform. In this case, when the actuating part is in the fully actuated position, the second contact surface of the actuating head may have an upper second contact surface portion facing the upper part of the recess. In this case, when the actuating part is in the fully actuated position, i.e., when the lower contact surface portion has moved to its position closest to the fixed platform, the second contact surface may have a lower second contact surface portion facing the lower part of the recess.

[0044] This allows the pump to be displaced into the cavity during dispensing, so that the pump is compressed and twisted in different ways over its length for proper and reliable dispensing of fluid.

[0045] The second contact surface of the actuating portion can have a maximum lateral width such that it can be at least partially received in the recessed surface portion. In other words, this means that the second contact surface of the actuating portion can have a width in the horizontal plane smaller than the width of the cavity formed in the horizontal plane by the recessed surface portion of the platform surface. This allows the actuating portion to move at least partially into the cavity when the actuating portion is moved to the actuated position, thereby deforming the pump in the recess.

[0046] At least a portion of the surface of the fixed frame can form a recessed surface portion, which is concave and in the form of a hollow cone half that tapers in the direction from the upper end to the lower end of the adapter assembly.

[0047] In this context, "hollow" means that cones, semi-cylinders, and similar shapes have open ends.

[0048] By forming a recessed surface portion in the shape of a semi-cone, a cavity is provided for the pump to be received therein, as well as for easy and smooth insertion of the fluid container into the distributor carrying the adapter assembly. The tapered surface portion guides the pump of the fluid container to its proper position in the distributor, i.e., to be positioned between the actuating part and the stationary frame.

[0049] Furthermore, at least the lower part of the fixed platform may form a recessed surface portion, which is concave and forms a hollow semi-cylinder.

[0050] The hollow, semi-cylindrical recessed surface allows for a close fit with pump shapes that are slender and flexible, retractable.

[0051] At least the upper part of the fixed platform surface can be formed into a recessed surface portion in the form of a hollow cone half, and the lower part of the fixed platform can be formed into a recessed surface portion forming a hollow semi-cylinder.

[0052] The adapter assembly can be configured such that at least a portion of the second contact surface abuts the pump in the non-actuated position.

[0053] The second contact surface can be adjacent to the pump in a pre-stressed manner in a non-actuated position.

[0054] This abutment capability can be provided by providing the actuating part with a resilient and flexible arm having a resting position such that at least a portion of the actuating head is received within a recessed surface portion. When the pump is inserted between the stationary platform and the actuating head, the resilient and flexible arm moves forward to a non-actuated position, in which the actuating head abuts the pump in a pre-stressed manner.

[0055] In the non-actuated position, the central portion of the second contact surface can extend at an angle relative to the vertical direction.

[0056] The upper end of the second contact surface can abut the pump in the non-actuated position and extend downward and forward from the abutment to the lower end of the second contact surface. In this case, the second contact surface can extend substantially vertically in the actuated position. This allows for gradual compression and deformation of the pump from its top to its bottom during the use of the adapter in the dispensing system.

[0057] In this configuration, the contact between the second contact surface and the pump gradually increases from the non-actuated position to the fully actuated position. The contact can gradually increase downwards from the upper end of the second contact surface towards the lower end. This allows for reliable dispensing operation, where fluid is dispensed in a controlled manner with a low risk of fluid backflow within the pump, because the upper end of the second contact surface contacts the pump first, closing the chamber for any fluid backflow within the pump.

[0058] The adapter assembly may include one or more stabilizers for preventing lateral movement and / or tilting of the adapter assembly during use, for example in the form of a protrusion extending from the bottom of the first connection support and configured to rest on the inner surface (multiple inner surfaces) of the dispenser.

[0059] The adapter assembly may further include a fluid container support configured to be received in the dispenser compartment for holding the fluid container in a desired position within the dispenser compartment.

[0060] The fluid container support provides proper holding and positioning of the fluid container in the dispenser.

[0061] The fluid container support can form the first connecting support.

[0062] The fluid container support can form a second connecting support.

[0063] The fluid container support may include one or more fluid container positioning devices for engaging corresponding one or more connections of the fluid container and preventing axial and / or rotational movement of the fluid container in the dispenser.

[0064] The adapter assembly may further include one or more positioning devices for engaging corresponding connectors in the dispenser and preventing axial and / or rotational movement of the adapter assembly within the dispenser. The adapter assembly may also include one or more positioning devices for preventing mispositioning of the adapter assembly within the dispenser.

[0065] The positioning device may be one or more corresponding recesses in the dispenser and / or one or more protruding pins or protrusions to prevent mispositioning of the adapter assembly in the dispenser.

[0066] According to another embodiment, the first connecting support may be an elastic and flexible element with a recess having a lateral dimension greater than that of the pump in the lateral direction, wherein the actuating portion and the fixed platform are supported by the element and a portion protruding from opposite sides is formed within the recess, such that a second type of pump can be configured between the second contact surface of the actuating portion and the fixed platform, wherein the elastic element is firmly biased to the pump in the non-actuated position, and when a user force (P) is applied to the user actuator, the element is compressed toward the platform, such that the pump is laterally compressed between the second contact surface and the fixed platform, causing fluid to be dispensed from the fluid container.

[0067] The elastic and flexible element can have a circular shape with a central through opening in which a recess is formed.

[0068] A further adapter assembly is provided for use in a dispenser for replaceable fluid containers. The adapter assembly includes an actuating portion connected to a first connection support for removably connecting the adapter assembly to the dispenser. The actuating portion includes a first contact surface abutting against a user actuator of the dispenser and a second contact surface abutting against a fluid pump. The adapter assembly further includes a mounting frame connected to the first connection support and having a mounting surface for abutting and receiving the pump, wherein the mounting frame and the actuating portion are connected to one side of the first connection support, with the mounting surface facing the actuating portion.

[0069] The adapter component provides all the advantages and effects described above. Some features that an adapter component may have are described below, corresponding to similar features described above and adding to the similar advantages and effects described herein. Any additional features described herein may also be used in the adapter component described here.

[0070] The actuating portion may include an elongated arm extending in its generally longitudinal direction (L1) between two opposite ends of the arm, a first end of the arm being connected to the first connecting support, and a second end having an actuating head movable between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position, wherein the actuating head includes a second contact surface for abutting against a pump and a first contact surface for abutting against a user actuator of the dispenser.

[0071] The actuating head can protrude outward from the second end of the arm in at least one direction (W; X) at an angle to the longitudinal direction (L1) of the slender arm.

[0072] The actuating head may not have a dimension in which the first contact surface extends to the second contact surface in a first direction (W) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L1) of the slender arm, which is greater than the dimension of the actuating head in a second direction parallel to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the first direction (W).

[0073] 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.

[0074] The actuating portion may include an elongated arm extending in its generally longitudinal direction (L1) between two opposite ends of the arm, wherein a first end of the elongated arm is pivotally connected to a connecting support and configured to pivot about a second pivot to allow movement of the actuating head between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position.

[0075] In one embodiment, the slender arm may be a flexible arm that allows the actuating head to move between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position.

[0076] The fixed stand may have a stand surface for abutting and receiving the pump, wherein the stand surface faces the actuating portion and includes a recessed surface portion.

[0077] The recessed surface can be concave. The platform surface can be concave.

[0078] The concave surface can be concave in the horizontal plane and form a vertically extending recess for accommodating a portion of the pump.

[0079] The vertically extending recess may have a maximum width in the upper horizontal plane at the upper part of the fixed platform than the maximum width of the recess in the lower horizontal plane at the lower part of the fixed platform.

[0080] When the actuating part is in the fully actuated position, the second contact surface of the actuating head may have an upper second contact surface portion facing the upper part of the recess and a lower second contact surface portion facing the lower part of the recess.

[0081] The second contact surface may have a maximum lateral width such that it can be at least partially received in the recessed surface portion.

[0082] The actuating portion may include an elastic and flexible arm having a resting position such that at least a portion of the actuating head is received within a recessed surface portion.

[0083] At least a portion of the platform surface may form a recessed surface portion, which is concave and in the form of a hollow cone that tapers from the upper end to the lower end of the recessed surface portion.

[0084] At least the lower part of the fixed frame can be formed into a concave surface portion that forms a hollow semi-cylindrical shape.

[0085] The upper part of the fixed platform surface can be formed into a concave surface portion in the form of a hollow half of a cone, and the lower part of the fixed platform surface can be formed into a concave surface portion in the form of a hollow semi-cylinder.

[0086] The adapter assembly can be further configured such that the central portion of the second contact surface extends at an angle to the vertical direction in the non-actuated position.

[0087] The adapter assembly may further include one or more stabilizers to prevent lateral movement and / or tilting of the adapter assembly during use.

[0088] The first connecting support can form a fluid container support, which is 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.

[0089] The fluid container support may have one or more fluid container positioning devices for engaging corresponding one or more connections of the fluid container and preventing axial and / or rotational movement of the fluid container in the dispenser.

[0090] The adapter assembly may further include one or more positioning devices for engaging corresponding connectors in the dispenser and preventing axial and / or rotational movement of the adapter assembly mounted in the dispenser. The adapter assembly may also include one or more positioning devices for preventing mispositioning of the adapter assembly in the dispenser. These positioning devices may be one or more recesses in the dispenser for engaging corresponding recesses in the dispenser or one or more protruding pins or projections for preventing mispositioning of the adapter assembly in the dispenser.

[0091] In one embodiment, the first connecting support may be an elastic and flexible element with a recess, on which an actuating portion and a fixing frame are supported, and portions protruding from opposite sides are formed within the recess, wherein a second contact surface of the actuating portion and a frame surface face each other. The elastic and flexible element may have a circular shape with a central through-opening in which the recess is formed.

[0092] A fluid dispensing system for dispensing fluid from a replaceable fluid container is also provided. The dispensing system includes a dispenser, a fluid container, and an adapter assembly as described above. The dispenser includes a housing and a compartment within the housing for receiving the fluid container, and has a front, a rear, an upper end, and a lower end. The lower end 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. The fluid container includes a fluid reservoir and a fluid pump, with the fluid reservoir, extending downwards from the upper end to the fluid pump, positioned at the lower end, wherein the nozzle is arranged at the lower end of the fluid container.

[0093] In a distribution system without an adapter assembly, the compartment of the distributor is sized to receive a fluid container with a first-type pump, which is an axially compressible pump, and the actuator has a joint for actuating the first-type pump by axially compressing it upwards in the vertical direction.

[0094] The adapter assembly adapts the compartment to be sized to receive a fluid container with a second type of pump within the dispenser, the second type being actuated by laterally compressing it, wherein the fluid container has a second type of pump, and the actuator includes a joint for actuating a first type of pump and a portion for moving the actuating portion toward the second type of pump.

[0095] The second type of pump can have a flexible pumping chamber. This flexible pumping chamber can be an elongated and flexible tubular chamber that extends downward in the direction from the bottom of the fluid reservoir to the nozzle of the flexible tubular chamber at the lower part of the fluid container.

[0096] The user actuator may be a user lever configured to pivot about a first pivot axis and extend from the pivot axis toward the user operating portion of the user lever, and the user actuator has a surface facing the compartment and configured to abut the actuation portion of a first contact surface.

[0097] The user rod can extend downward from the first pivot axis.

[0098] The fluid distribution 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 dispenser's compartment.

[0099] The dispenser may include engagement means for holding a fluid container support in place within the dispenser. This engagement means may include elements displaceable between a non-holding position and a holding position.

[0100] The fluid distribution system may further include one or more connectors for engaging one or more positioning devices 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.

[0101] A dispenser is also provided, comprising a dispensing mechanism for a fluid container having a pump, the pump having a resilient pumping chamber. The dispensing mechanism includes an actuating portion connected to a connecting support attached to the dispenser, wherein the actuating portion includes an actuating head having a first contact surface abutting against a user actuator of the dispenser and a second contact surface abutting against the fluid pump. The dispensing mechanism further includes a fixed platform connected to the connecting support and having a platform surface for abutting and receiving the pump. The fixed platform and the actuating portion are connected to one side of the first connecting support, and the platform surface faces the actuating portion, wherein:

[0102] - The actuated head can move between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position;

[0103] - The connecting support is any of the first connecting supports as described above;

[0104] - An actuating part is any actuating part as described in this document; and

[0105] - A fixed platform is any fixed platform described above.

[0106] The dispenser having this dispensing mechanism allows the connecting support to be a non-integral or integrated part of the dispenser, and simultaneously provides all the advantages described herein of using the first connecting support, the actuating part, and the fixed platform. Attached Figure Description

[0107] The features and advantages of this disclosure will be understood by referring to the following figures, in which:

[0108] Figure 1 A perspective view of the distribution system is shown;

[0109] Figure 2 Showing the open construction Figure 1 The allocation system;

[0110] Figure 3 A side view of a disposable container having a pump of the first type according to this disclosure is shown;

[0111] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Show Figure 1 The allocation system and Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional side view of the pump assembly in operation;

[0112] Figure 5 A perspective view of a fluid container having a pump of the second type according to this disclosure is shown;

[0113] Figures 6A to 6C A perspective view showing one embodiment of the adapter component;

[0114] Figure 7 The components of a fluid distribution system are schematically shown, including... Figure 1 Distributor Figure 5 disposable containers and Figures 6A to 6C adapter components;

[0115] Figures 8A to 8C Showing the view from above Figure 7 An enlarged perspective view of the lower rear part of the fluid distribution system to show the interior of the fluid distribution system and Figures 6A to 6C adapter components to Figure 1 Details of the assembly in the fluid distributor shown;

[0116] Figures 9A to 9B Shown by Figure 7 The diagram shows a perspective view of the lower end of the fluid distribution system, where a portion of the distributor has been cut away to show details of the interior of the fluid distribution system in operation.

[0117] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter component;

[0118] Figure 10C Showing includes Figure 10A and Figure 10B adapter components and Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid distribution system for a fluid container;

[0119] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter component;

[0120] Figure 11C Showing includes Figure 11A and Figure 11B adapter components and Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid distribution system for a fluid container;

[0121] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter component;

[0122] Figure 12C Showing includes Figure 12A and Figure 12B adapter components and Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid distribution system for a fluid container;

[0123] Figure 13A This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter component;

[0124] Figure 13B Showing attached Figure 13A adapter components Figure 5 A perspective view of a fluid container;

[0125] Figure 13C Showing includes Figure 13B A partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the fluid distribution system of the fluid container and adapter assembly shown in the figure;

[0126] Figure 14A and Figure 14B This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter component;

[0127] Figure 15 Schematic illustration including Figure 1 Distributor Figure 5 disposable containers and Figure 14A and Figure 14B The adapter component is a component of the fluid distribution system;

[0128] Figures 16A to 16C Showing the view from above Figure 15 An enlarged perspective view of the lower rear part of the fluid distribution system to show the interior of the fluid distribution system and Figure 14A and Figure 14B adapter components to Figure 1 Details of the assembly in the fluid distributor shown;

[0129] Figure 17 Show Figure 1 The lower end of the fluid distributor shown and Figure 14A and Figure 14B The diagram shows a bottom-view perspective view of the adapter component, with a portion of the distributor cut away to reveal details of the distributor and the interior of the adapter component.

[0130] Figures 18A to 18B Shown by Figure 15 The diagram shows a perspective view of the lower end of the fluid distribution system, where a portion of the distributor has been cut off to reveal details of the interior of the fluid distribution system in operation.

[0131] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter component;

[0132] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter component;

[0133] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter component;

[0134] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter component, and

[0135] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter component. Detailed Implementation

[0136] In the following, the fluid distribution system and adapter assembly according to this disclosure will be illustrated by way of several exemplary embodiments. However, this disclosure should not be construed as limiting itself to these exemplary embodiments. Other embodiments of the fluid distribution system and adapter assembly may also be considered within the scope of the appended claims. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, the features disclosed in the exemplary embodiments may be combined. Throughout the text, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or constructions will not be described in detail.

[0137] Figure 1 A perspective view of a fluid dispensing system 1 is shown, in which the present disclosure, as claimed in the appended claims, can be implemented. Dispensing system 1 includes fluids from Essity Hygiene and Health AB under the name Tork. TM A reusable dispenser 100 of the type available for use in restrooms and similar facilities is described in more detail in WO2011 / 133085, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. It will be understood that this embodiment is merely exemplary, and this disclosure may also be implemented in other dispensing systems.

[0138] The dispenser 100 includes a rear portion 110 and a front portion 112 joined together to form a closed housing 116, which can be secured using a lock 118 at the upper end 101 of the dispenser 100. The housing 116 is secured to a wall or other surface by a support portion 120. An actuator 124 is located at the lower end 102 of the dispenser and on the underside of the housing 116, by which the dispensing system 1 can be manually operated to dispense a dose of cleaning fluid or the like.

[0139] Figure 2 The dispenser 100 is shown in perspective, with the housing 116 in an open configuration and a compartment 150 therein housing a disposable, replaceable fluid container 200. 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 contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The reservoir 250 is generally cylindrical in form and is made of polyethylene. Those skilled in the art will understand that other volumes, shapes, and materials are equally applicable and can be adapted to the shape of the dispenser 100 and to the fluid to be dispensed. At the lower end of the dispenser 100 is a pump 300 for the fluid container 200, which is activated by the user manually pushing the user operation part of the actuator 124 to press down the pump and dispense fluid from the container.

[0140] This disclosure relates to a fluid distribution system 1 and an adapter assembly to allow different fluid containers 200 to be used with different types of pumps 300.

[0141] A fluid container 200 having a first-type pump 300a is sized to be received in a compartment 150 of a distributor 100 without the use of an adapter assembly. The first-type pump is an axially compressible pump 300a, and the actuator 124 of the distributor 100 has an engagement to actuate the first-type pump 300a by axially compressing it toward the upper end 101 of the distributor 100 in the vertical direction.

[0142] The fluid container 200 having a second-type pump 300b requires the use of the adapter assembly of this disclosure. This adapter assembly adapts a compartment 150 to be sized to receive the fluid container 200 having the second-type pump within a distributor 100, allowing the second-type pump to be actuated by laterally compressing it, causing fluid to be dispensed from the fluid container. The actuator 124 can move the actuating portion of the adapter assembly toward the second-type pump 300b and laterally compress it.

[0143] 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 comprises two parts: a rigid section 210 and a flexible section 212. Sections 210 and 212 are made of the same material but have different thicknesses. When the reservoir 250 is emptied, the flexible section 210 collapses into the rigid section 212 when liquid is dispensed by the pump assembly 300a. This construction avoids the problem of vacuum buildup within the reservoir 250. Those skilled in the art will understand that although this is one example of a reservoir form, other types of reservoirs may also be used in the context of this disclosure, including but not limited to bags, sacs, tubes, and the like that are closed to and open to the atmosphere. The container may 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, including oils, solvents, alcohols, and the like, may be used where appropriate. Furthermore, although liquids will be referred to below, the dispenser 100 may also dispense fluids such as dispersions, suspensions, or particles.

[0144] At the lower side of the fluid container 200, a first-type pump 300a is provided, which has an external configuration generally corresponding to the external structure 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 fixed sleeve 310 of the pump assembly 300a. The pump assembly 300a also includes a sliding sleeve 312 terminating at an orifice 318. The sliding sleeve 312 carries the actuating flange 314 and the fixed sleeve has a positioning flange 316. Both sleeves 310 and 312 are injection molded from polycarbonate, although those skilled in the art will know that other relatively rigid moldable materials can be used. In use, as will be described in further detail below, the sliding sleeve 312 is displaceable relative to the fixed sleeve 310 in the axial direction A by a distance D in order to perform a single pumping action.

[0145] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Showing through Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the distributor 100 shows a first-type pump 300a in operation. According to... Figure 4A The positioning flange 316 rests on the front shelf 130 and the rear shelf 131 and is engaged by a positioning groove 135 formed between the rear shelf 131 and the rear portion 110. The actuator 124 pivots at the first pivot 132 to the front portion 112 and includes a joint 134 engaged below the actuating flange 314.

[0146] Figure 4B The diagram shows the position of the first-type pump 300a once the user has applied a force P to the actuator 124. In this view, the actuator 124 has been rotated counterclockwise about the first pivot 132, causing the engagement 134 to act on the actuating flange 314 with a force F, thereby causing it to move upward. Up to this point, the fluid distribution system 1 including the fluid container 200 with the first-type pump 300b and its operation are substantially the same as those of existing fluid distribution systems and their operations known from WO2011 / 133085.

[0147] So far, the fluid distribution system 1 has been described with regard to the use of the dispenser 100 with a fluid container 200 having a pump 300a of the first type. It is desirable to be able to use a fluid container 200 having a pump 300b of the second type in the aforementioned dispenser 100 without affecting the possibility of still being able to load a fluid container 200 having a pump 300a into the dispenser 100. The removable adapter assembly according to this disclosure provides this possibility. Hereinafter, the fluid distribution system 1, the dispenser, and the adapter assembly will be illustrated in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments.

[0148] Figure 5 A perspective view of a fluid container 200 with a second type of pump is shown. As can be seen, for simplicity, the reservoir 250 is shown as having a generally cylindrical shape. Nevertheless, those skilled in the art will understand that the reservoir 250 can have the same shape as described above. Figure 3 The fluid container 200 shown has the same construction as described above. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the above-described and may be consistent with... Figure 3 Any other type of reservoir 250 used with the container 200 shown can also be used in the context of a fluid container 200 having a second type of pump. The container 200 can be filled with fluids such as soap, detergent, disinfectant, skin care preparations, moisturizers, or as described above. Figure 3 Any other suitable fluid mentioned.

[0149] At the lower side of the fluid container 200, a second type of pump 300b is provided, which has an external structure of an elongated and flexible tube forming a resilient pump chamber 300b. This chamber is in fluid communication with the inside of the fluid reservoir and is connected to the rigid neck 214a of the fluid reservoir via a connector cap 360 for connecting and sealing the fluid reservoir to the chamber 300b. A nozzle 365 is provided at the lower end of the chamber. A valve can be arranged in the chamber 300b near the nozzle 365 to prevent liquid from dripping from the fluid container when the chamber is not compressed. Similarly, a valve can be arranged between the chamber 300b and the fluid reservoir to prevent liquid from being forced back into the reservoir when the chamber is compressed. Such valves are known in the art. Examples of this type of pump and examples of pump-to-fluid-reservoir connections are described in WO2009 / 104992. Those skilled in the art will understand that although the elongated and flexible tubular 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 this disclosure, including pumps 300b with flexible or elastic pump chambers of other shapes besides the elongated and flexible tubular chamber 300b.

[0150] Figures 6A to 6C An embodiment of an adapter assembly 400 is shown, which is intended to be coupled to a fluid container 200 having a pump 300b of the second type, particularly having, for example, Figure 5 The fluid container 200 is used with the elastic and slender tubular chamber 300b shown.

[0151] The adapter assembly includes a connection support forming a first connection support 410 of this disclosure for removably connecting the adapter assembly to the fluid distribution system 1. For example... Figures 6A to 6CAs shown, the first connecting 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 it to rest on the seat of the dispenser 100 formed by the shelves 130 and 131 of the dispenser 100, and in accordance with the provisions herein. Figure 3 and Figures 8A to 8C The positioning groove 135 on the rear shelf 131 of the described dispenser 100 engages. The thickness of the plate is also selected to match the engagement device described in more detail below, see [link to details]. Figures 8A to 8C The first connecting support 410 shown also forms a fluid container support 470, which is configured to be received in the compartment 150 of the dispenser 100 for holding the fluid container 200 in a desired position within the compartment 150 of the dispenser 100. This is achieved by having a matching... Figure 5 The connector cap 360 shown is provided with a circular central through-opening 412 of the required size and shape. The plate forms a seat on which the connector cap 360 rests, wherein a laterally projecting flange 368 disposed at the upper end of the connector cap 360 contacts and rests on the 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 downwards through the through-opening 412 of the plate. See also Figure 5 and Figures 6A to 6C .

[0152] Those skilled in the art will understand that while the disc-shaped plates 410, 470 with a central through-hole 412 are examples of the first connection support 410 and fluid container support 470 used in the context of this disclosure, other types of first connection supports 410 and fluid container supports 470 for fluid container 200 may be used in the context of the illustrated adapter assembly 400, including first connection supports of other shapes than the disc-shaped plate with a central through-hole 412, including but not limited to plates that are partially circular, have two or more straight edges or external polygonal shapes, such as hexagonal or octagonal shapes, and still have portions resting on the seats of the shelves 130 and 131 of the dispenser 100. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the circular through-hole 412 may take other shapes, including but not limited to polygonal shapes, which may still form a seat or the like for the fluid container 200 and connector cap 360. The technician also understands that the panels can take various forms, such as one or more U-shaped panels or the like, which employ distributor 100 to have, for example, two C-shaped panels in the region of shelves 130, 131, each C-shaped panel being configured to rest on a corresponding shelf 130, 131 and having an external shape that matches the surrounding distributor. These panels can be held together by one or more connecting devices or portions arranged below or above the panels and connected to suitable panel surfaces.

[0153] Adapter component 400 further includes, for example, Figures 6A to 6C The actuating portion 420 is shown. The actuating portion 420 includes an elongated arm 422 extending in its longitudinal direction (L1) between two opposite ends of the arm. A first end 424 is configured to form a snap-fit ​​connection 416 with a corresponding recess 414 in the disc plate in the region between the edge of the plate and the central opening 412, allowing the actuating portion 420 to be connected to a first connecting 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 a user actuator 124 and a second contact surface 428 for abutting against a second type of pump 300b. The actuating head 426 protrudes outward from the second end of the arm in two opposite directions (W; X) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L1) of the elongated arm 422 to form the first contact surface 428 and the second contact surface 427 facing each other. The first contact surface 427 is convex in shape to allow for contact with the actuator 124 in a shape-fitting manner.

[0154] The snap-fit ​​connection 416 is configured to form a second pivot 418 in the fluid dispensing system 1, about which the actuating portion 420 is pivotable. The pivoting function is provided by forming two tapered portions 423 on the opposite side of the arm near the first end 424, snapping into a recess 414 that tapers from both sides of the plate, allowing pivoting movement of the arm 422 to occur along a plane. In this way, when the adapter assembly 400 is mounted in the dispenser 100 together with the fluid container 200, the actuating portion 420 can pivot about the second pivot 418 and allow the head to move along the rotational direction (Z) between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position to allow fluid to be dispensed from the fluid container 200.

[0155] Those skilled in the art will understand that while the actuating portion 420 being pivotally connected to the connecting support and having an actuating head 426 is an example of the actuating portion 420 being movably connected to the first connecting support 410 and carrying two contact surfaces 427, 428 for use with a pump of the second type 300b, other actuating portions 420 of this type can be used, including but not limited to actuating portions with heads formed of other shapes, such as heads having a spherical shape, and the second contact surface 428 being concave to match the shape of the pump, or convex to better support complete fluid distribution. Those skilled in the art will also understand that other types of movable connections can be used, including but not limited to a second pivot 418 formed by a hinged connection or a movable hinge.

[0156] Instead of forming a pivotal connection between the actuating portion 420 and the first connecting support 410, those skilled in the art also envision that the arm 422 can be fixedly connected to the first connecting support 410 and is partially or completely made flexible from a non-actuated position to a fully actuated position in the same direction of rotation (Z) as when the actuating portion 420 is pivotally connected to the first connecting portion 410. Those skilled in the art understand that the arm 422 can be made flexible by using an elastic and flexible plastic material such as olefin plastics (e.g., polypropylene) and by selecting a shape and size suitable for this purpose.

[0157] like Figures 6A to 6CAs further shown, the adapter assembly 400 includes a dolly 430 configured to abut against a second-type pump 300b when installed in the fluid distribution system 1. The dolly 430 is fixedly connected to the disc plate 410 on the same side of the plate as the actuation portion 420 but on the opposite side of the central through-hole 412 in the plate. The dolly 430 includes a support structure extending from the plate 410 in a direction perpendicular to the main plane of the plate 410, having a protrusion 432 extending toward the actuation portion 420 and one end having a dolly surface 434 configured to abut against the second-type pump 300b, wherein the dolly surface 434 faces the actuation portion 420. In this configuration, the second-type pump 300b can be positioned between the second contact surface 428 of the actuation portion 420 and the dolly 430. When a force is applied to the actuating portion 420 to move the actuating head 426 toward the pump, the pump 300b is compressed between the second contact surface 428 of the actuating head 426 and the bench surface 434, causing fluid to be dispensed from the pump. Figures 6A to 6C In the diagram, the frame surface 434 is shown as flat. Those skilled in the art will understand that the frame surface 434 can take any suitable shape to serve as the second contact surface for fixing the frame 430 and mating with the actuating portion 420; for example, the frame surface 434 can be an inclined, rounded, convex, or concave surface. The frame 430 can be divided into several frame sections or fixed frames, each frame section or fixed frame presenting the frame surface 434. In this way, the fixed frame 430 can be adjusted to provide an appropriate reaction force to the actuating portion 420 for providing an appropriate distributing action.

[0158] A protruding pin 436 is provided on the surface away from the platform surface 434. For example, in... Figures 8A to 8BAs further elaborated in the related description below, the pin 436 acts as a positioning device for engaging a corresponding recess 142 in the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100, and this provides proper positioning of the adapter assembly 400 in the dispenser 100 during the assembly of the fluid distribution system 1. Thus, the recess 142 forms a connector for the pin 436. 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 mounted. Those skilled in the art will understand that the positioning device can take any suitable shape or form that can assist in positioning the adapter assembly 400 in the dispenser 100 and prevent any movement of the adapter assembly 400 within the dispenser 100, for example, by providing a frictional contact between the adapter assembly 400 and any other shape of the dispenser 100, which prevents rotational and / or axial movement of the adapter assembly 400 mounted in the dispenser 100 in a mating manner. The positioning device can also be configured at other portions of the adapter assembly 400. Further examples of positioning devices will be described below.

[0159] Suitable materials for forming the adapter assembly 400 may be aluminum or any suitable plastic, such as an olefin plastic, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene. The adapter assembly may be formed by injection molding, 3D printing, or any other suitable method known to those skilled in the art. The materials and formation methods mentioned herein may be used in all embodiments described herein.

[0160] Furthermore, the described adapter assembly may have the following dimensional examples: The circular plate may have an outer diameter of 50 mm and a through-hole diameter of 31 mm. The plate thickness may be 4 mm, which is provided with frictional retention by the engagement device 140 described below. The actuating portion extends from the plate with a length of 38 mm, and the platform extends from the plate with a length of 39 mm. The platform 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 elongated and flexible tubular chamber may have a diameter of 14 mm, and the cap length is approximately 56 mm.

[0161] Figure 7 The components of a fluid distribution system 1 are schematically shown, the fluid distribution system including... Figure 1 Distributor 100 Figure 5 disposable containers and Figures 6A to 6C Adapter component 400.

[0162] At the front portion 112 of the dispenser 100, a housing forms a front cover 113, which is pivotally connected to the rear portion 110 at its lower end 102. The front cover 113 is opened by unlocking a lock 118 at its upper end and rotating the cover about its pivot at its lower end to expose the interior of the dispenser 100. At the lower end of the rear portion 110 is a section for holding the fluid container 200 and the pump. The adapter assembly 400 is installed in the dispenser 100 by inserting it through a retaining opening 139 to hold the fluid container 200 at the lower end 102 of the dispenser 100, which... Figures 8A to 8C The best illustration shows an enlarged view of the lower part of the dispenser 100, with and without the adapter assembly 400 inserted and secured within the dispenser 100, viewed from above towards the rear portion 110 of the lower end 102. Figure 8A As shown, the opening 139 remains circular, and the rear shelf 131 and the positioning groove 135 formed between the rear shelf 131 and the pin 136 are arranged at the rear 110, as described above regarding Figure 4A And described relative to the fluid container 200 having a pump 300a of the first type.

[0163] For example Figure 8A As shown, the positioning groove 135 extends rearward through the 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.

[0164] Below the retaining opening 139 at the lower end 102 of the portion forming the fluid pump for accommodating the fluid container 200, the rear portion 110 has two vertical flanges 141a, 141b extending forward therefrom. These flanges form positioning recesses 142 therebetween. The adapter assembly 400 is inserted into the retaining opening 139, wherein the load-bearing actuating portion 420 of the first connecting support / plate 410 and one side of the fixing frame 430 face downward toward the lower end 102 of the dispenser 100, and wherein the fixing frame 430 is positioned toward 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 This includes its amplified portion. Furthermore, the protruding pin 436 of the mounting bracket 430 engages with the positioning recess 142 formed by the vertical flanges 141a, 141b in the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100. This engagement provides proper positioning of the adapter assembly 400 within the dispenser 100 during insertion of the adapter assembly 400 into the fluid dispenser 100. The engagement between the pin 436 and the recess 142 also prevents rotational movement of the adapter assembly 400 within the dispenser 100.

[0165] For example Figures 8A to 8C As shown, the dispenser 100 includes an engagement device 140 for holding a disc plate in place within the dispenser 100. Since the disc plate also forms a fluid container support 470 in this embodiment, the engagement device 140 also provides means for holding the fluid container support 470 in place when the fluid container 200 is inserted into the dispenser 100, when the dispenser 100 is used, and when the fluid container 200 is removed from the dispenser 100. Those skilled in the art will understand that the engagement device 140 described herein can be used with many of the fluid container supports 470 described herein.

[0166] The engagement device 140 includes an element that is displaceable between a non-holding position and a holding position. The illustrated engagement device 140 is a C-shaped element that extends in the horizontal plane from... Figure 8B The non-holding position shown can be shifted in the rearward direction to, for example... Figure 8C The retaining position is shown. In the retaining position, the engaging device 140 has portions 140a, 140b that engage with the disc-shaped plate. The plate may have a thickness that provides the engaging device 140 to be locked in the retaining position through frictional interaction with the plate. Those skilled in the art will understand that the plate may also include a pattern of cutouts or protrusions that engage with the engaging device 140. Alternatively, the engaging device 140 may also be retained in its retaining position by other means, such as by a housing described below.

[0167] Those skilled in the art will understand that the engagement device 140 can take many forms, such as a bayonet-type fitting, a screw fitting, one or more movable jaws or "claws" fittings in the dispenser 100, into which the adapter assembly 400 or the fluid container support 470 engages. The engagement device 140 can be a fixed part of the dispenser 100 or movable within the dispenser 100. If the engagement device 140 is movable within the dispenser 100, it can be spring-loaded or otherwise elastically arranged such that it is displaced when the adapter assembly 400 is inserted into the dispenser 100, but returns to the engaged position when the adapter assembly 400 is correctly positioned. The engagement device 140 can also be manually activated as illustrated in the example shown. The engagement device 140 may include one or more angled surfaces that facilitate proper insertion and engagement of the adapter assembly 400 in the dispenser 100. The engagement device 140 can be elastically suspended in the dispenser 100 such that when the housing 116 is opened, the engagement device 140 is held in the open position by, for example, a spring. The adapter assembly 400 can be removed from the dispenser 100 and a new adapter assembly 400 can be placed in the dispenser 100. When the housing 116 is being closed, the engagement device 140 is pushed into the engaged and held position by the housing 116 against the spring, in which the adapter assembly is engaged.

[0168] As in Figure 7 As schematically shown, the next step in assembling 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 into the central through-opening 412 of the fluid container support 470 of the pump-in-disc plate, whose elongated and flexible chamber 300b is inserted until the connector cap 360 of the fluid container 200 rests with its flange 368 on the seat formed by the adapter assembly 400 in the dispenser 100, as described above and also from... Figure 9A It was conceived. Figure 9A It is also shown that the fluid container 200 is inserted such that the elongated tube of the pump 300b is placed between the second contact surface 428 of the actuation portion 420 and the platform surface 434 of the fixed platform 430.

[0169] Assembly of the fluid distribution system 1 is then completed by closing the dispenser 100 by moving the upper part of the front cover to the rear 110 and optionally locking the cover to the rear. The dispenser 100 is then ready for use.

[0170] Figure 9A and Figure 9B Showing when assembled to, as Figure 1 When the fluid distribution system 1 shown is used Figure 7A perspective view of the lower end 102 of the fluid distribution system 1, wherein a portion of the distributor 100 is cut off to show details of the interior of the fluid distribution system 1 in operation.

[0171] according to Figure 9A A fluid container 200 rests in a dispenser 100 with its seat formed by a disc-shaped plate of a fluid container support 470 forming an adapter assembly 400, which is removably mounted in the dispenser 100. A second type of fluid pump 300b, consisting of an elongated and flexible tubular chamber 300b, extends downward from the fluid container 200 and extends to a nozzle 365 at the bottom of the dispenser 100 between a second contact surface 428 of the actuation portion 420 and a platform surface 434 of the fixed platform 430. The nozzle 365 is positioned at the lowest point of the dispenser 100 to prevent the risk of contamination of any dispensing portion when dispensing any fluid from the fluid container 200, but is not clearly visible to the user 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 the fluid container 200 can have in the dispenser 100. A person skilled in the art understands how the fluid container support 470 or its position is used to adjust the position of the nozzle 365. The adapter assembly 400 can also be modified to adjust its position relative to the pump 300b, as well as the shape of the pump 300b and the maximum volume desired to be dispensed from the fluid container 200. (This is for the current...) Figure 9A Examples of the dimensions and shapes of the adapter assembly 400 shown in the embodiments have already been presented above. These dimensions and shapes can be contemplated for use in other embodiments shown herein. For example, the dimensions of the actuating head 426 and the mounting platform 430 can be adjusted such that the second type of pump 300b, positioned therebetween in the dispenser 100 and in the non-actuated position, should be in a non-compressible and non-torsional form, and still provide sufficient dispensing when actuated. Alternatively, the dimensions and shapes can be adjusted to allow the actuating head 426 to rest on the pump 300b in a pre-stressed manner in the non-actuated position to allow immediate and proper dispensing when the actuating head 426 moves to the activated position.

[0172] exist Figure 9A In this view, actuator 124 pivots at a first pivot 132 to the front portion 112 and includes a contact surface 145 facing the compartment 150 of dispenser 100 and configured to abut a first contact surface 427 of actuation portion 420. Surface 145 of actuator 124 is concave to match the convex form of the first contact surface 427. In this view, actuation portion 420 is held in its non-actuated position between actuator 124 and an elongated, resilient tubular chamber 300b forming a pump 300b of the second type.

[0173] Figure 9B This diagram illustrates a fluid distribution system 1 where, once the user has applied force P to actuator 124 via hand, the user actuator has displaced actuation portion 420 and actuation head 426 from their non-actuated position toward the actuated position, thereby transmitting actuating force TF from actuation portion 420 to pump 300b via second contact surface 428. The pump has been laterally compressed toward the rear portion 110 of distributor 100 and bench surface 434. This has caused fluid to be distributed downwards in the Y direction from fluid container 200 and its nozzle 365. In this view, actuator 124 has been rotated counterclockwise about first pivot 132 to actuate distributor 100. Once the user removes their hand from actuator 124, the actuator rotates clockwise toward front portion 112 to the position it had before the user applied force P to it. When the pumping chamber is refilled by providing a filling force through the inherent elasticity of the wall (not shown) of the pumping chamber 300b, the actuating part 420 then returns to its non-actuated position.

[0174] Figures 10A to 10B An embodiment of an adapter assembly 400 is shown, which is intended to be coupled to a fluid container 200 having a pump 300b of the second type, particularly having, for example, Figure 5 The fluid container 200 is used with the elastic and slender tubular chamber 300b shown.

[0175] Adapter component 400 is generally similar to Figures 6A to 6C The embodiment shown has 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 an elongated arm extending in its longitudinal direction (L1) between two opposite ends of the arm. The first end 424 is about Figure 6A The first end is connected to the first connecting support 410 in any manner described in the embodiment of the arm 6C, i.e., the first end can be pivotally or fixedly connected to the first connecting support 410. When fixedly connected to the first connecting support 410, the arm can be made flexible or resilient to allow movement toward the fixed platform 430. The second end of the arm carries an actuation 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 actuation head 426 projects outwardly from the second end of the arm in a direction (W) generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L1) of the elongated arm to form an actuation head 426 having a first contact surface 427 and a second contact surface 428 facing each other. The first contact surface 427 is shown here as an elongated flat surface for contacting a lateral flange 147 on the actuator 124 and providing a sliding surface for the flange 147, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 10CHowever, the shape can be modified to allow desired contact with the flange 147 or to adopt any shape for proper contact with the surface of the actuator 124 in a shape-fitting manner, such as using Figure 6B The shape shown allows 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 may have other shapes suitable for contact pumps.

[0176] In this embodiment, the first connecting support 410 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 shape-fitting manner, just like the disc-shaped plate. This shape can provide some additional rigidity to the first connecting support 410. Compared to the disc-shaped plate described above, it can also provide some additional stability to the fluid container 200 supported by the connecting support (for the fluid container support 470). However, the sleeves 410, 470 provide a seat for the fluid container 200 in a manner similar to that of the disc-shaped element. The sleeve includes an upper portion 411 and a lower portion 413, the outer diameter and inner diameter of the upper portion 411 being larger than the corresponding dimensions of the lower portion 413. In this way, the sleeve forms a circular surface 411a, which faces downward from the upper portion 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, which is configured to form a seat on which the flange 368 of the connector cap 360 for the fluid container 200 rests. Thus, the lower portion 413 is configured to be positioned in a retaining opening 139 of the dispenser 100 below the area of ​​the shelves 130, 131. This provides some stability to the adapter assembly 400 and the fluid container 200 inserted therein when mounted in the dispenser 100. The sleeve also surrounds the fluid container 200 on its sides.

[0177] Furthermore, pin 439 extends rearward from the upper part 411. For example... Figure 8A and Figure 10C As shown, pin 439 serves as a positioning device for engaging at the positioning groove 135 with a corresponding positioning opening 137 formed in the rear portion 110 of the connector. During insertion of the adapter assembly 400 into the fluid dispenser 100, the engagement between pin 439 and the positioning opening 137 provides correct and easy positioning of the adapter assembly 400 within the dispenser 100. The engagement between pin 439 and the positioning opening 137 also prevents axial and rotational movement of the adapter assembly 400 and the fluid container support 470 within the dispenser 100 during installation. Figures 10A to 10CThe adapter assembly 400 shown has no positioning device on the fixed stand 430. However, as for Figures 6a to 6b Figure 6C The embodiment shown can be used with a positioning device arranged on any suitable part, such as on a fixed stand 430, for connecting the corresponding part in the dispenser 100 in a suitable manner.

[0178] exist Figures 10A to 10B In this design, the fixed platform 430 is L-shaped, having a generally rigid arm with one end fixedly connected to the bottom of the sleeve. The other end of the rigid arm has a platform portion 432 extending toward a second contact surface 428 of the actuating portion 420, wherein a concave platform surface 434 faces the actuating portion 420. The concave surface conforms to the shape of the elongated and resilient lumen 300b. Furthermore, as shown, the second contact surface 428 of the actuating portion 420 may have a width in the horizontal plane smaller than the width of the cavity formed at the platform surface 434, to allow the actuating portion 420 to move into the cavity when it moves to the actuated position. This provides good compressibility of the elongated and resilient lumen 300b during fluid dispensing. As mentioned above, the shapes of the various surfaces can be selected depending on the type of fluid container 200 used or the desired dispensing operation.

[0179] include Figure 1 Distributor 100 Figure 5 disposable containers and Figures 10A to 10B The fluid distribution system 1 of the adapter component 400 is similar to the components including Figures 6A to 6C The adapter assembly 400 shown is a component of the fluid distribution system 1. It is noteworthy that... Figure 10A and Figure 10B The embodiment shown has a positioning device in the form of a pin 439, which, for example, is positioned with... Figure 6A The adapter components 400 are shown in different locations. As described above, Figure 10A and Figure 10B The pin 439 shown is configured to engage at the locating groove 135 with a corresponding locating opening 137 (i.e., connector) formed in the rear portion 110, as shown. Figure 8A and Figure 10C As shown. Thus, by simply inserting the adapter assembly 400 into the retaining opening 139, with one side of the bearing actuation portion 420 of the sleeve 410 and the fixing stand 430 facing downward toward the lower end 102 of the dispenser 100, the assembly of the adapter portion can be very simple. The pin 439 and the fixing stand 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 surface 411a rests properly in the dispenser 100, i.e., on the shelves 130, 131.

[0180] like Figure 8A and Figure 8C The engagement device 140 shown can then be used to hold the sleeve in place within the dispenser 100, as described above, for engaging and holding the disc plate. The fluid container 200 is inserted into the dispenser 100 of the retaining adapter assembly 400 in a similar manner to that described above, wherein the assembled fluid dispensing system 1 rests on the sleeve as described above.

[0181] like Figure 10C As shown, and in the assembled fluid distribution system 1, the position of the actuation head 426 and the platform surface 434 is slightly lower than... Figure 9A The corresponding portion of the embodiment shown. This changes the position for extruding the elongated and flexible lumen 300b. Those skilled in the art will understand that any position can function depending on the position of the elongated and flexible lumen 300b and the characteristics of the lumen 300b. Furthermore, even if the position is suitable for the shape of the actuating portion 420 that allows the first surface to contact the rearwardly pointing lateral flange 147 of the actuator 124, those skilled in the art will understand that the head 426 of the actuating portion 420 and the second contact surface 428 can be arranged in a more upwardly positioned position. The position or shape of the fixing frame 430 can then be adjusted accordingly.

[0182] Including, for example Figure 10C The operation of the fluid distribution system 1 of the adapter assembly 400 shown is largely similar to Figure 9A and Figure 9B The operation of the fluid distribution system 1 shown in the figure involves the actuating part 420 compressing the elongated and elastic tubular chamber 300b at its lower part and the tube being compressed into the cavity formed by the bench surface 434.

[0183] Figures 11A to 11B An embodiment of an adapter assembly 400 is shown, which is intended to be coupled to a fluid container 200 having a pump 300b of the second type, particularly having, for example, Figure 5 The fluid container 200 is used with the elastic and slender tubular chamber 300b shown.

[0184] The adapter assembly 400 has two separate parts instead of a single unit as described above. This provides a simple adapter assembly 400 with minimal material usage. The adapter assembly 400 includes a first part that forms an actuating portion 420 having a first connecting portion in the form of a lateral slit 410, which can be attached to the rearwardly pointing lateral flange 147 of the actuator 124 in a form-fitting manner. When the first part is properly mounted to the actuator, the first contact surface 427 of the actuating portion 420 near the slit 410 can also be shaped to match the surface area of ​​the actuator 124 surrounding the flange. The overall shape of the actuating portion 420 largely corresponds to Figure 10A and Figure 10B The actuation head 426 shown.

[0185] The second part of this embodiment includes a second connecting support 460 and also functions as a fluid container support 470 to which a fixed platform 430 is attached. This second part corresponds to Figure 10A and Figure 10B The adapter component 400 shown is different in that it does not include any actuation part 420.

[0186] include Figure 1 Distributor 100 Figure 5 disposable containers and Figures 11A to 11B The adapter assembly 400 is a component of the fluid distribution system 1 and includes... Figure 10A and Figure 10B The difference in the components of the fluid distribution system 1 in this embodiment is that the first portion 420 needs to be removably attached to the distribution system by fitting the slit 410 of the first portion to the central portion of the flange 147 of the actuator 124. The attachment of the first portion 420 can be performed before or after the second portions 460, 470, 430 are assembled into the dispenser 100. The attachment of the second portion is as follows... Figure 10A and Figure 10B The adapter assembly 400 is performed as described. The fluid container 200 is inserted into the dispenser 100 into which the second part is assembled.

[0187] like Figure 11C As shown in the diagram and in the assembled fluid distribution system 1, the positioning of the actuation head 426 and the platform surface 434 is similar to that shown in the diagram. Figure 10C The positions of the corresponding portions are shown in the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the first portion forming the actuating portion 420 can be shaped to present the second contact surface 428 in a more upwardly positioned position. The position or shape of the fixing frame 430 can then be adjusted accordingly.

[0188] Including, for example Figure 11CThe operation of the fluid distribution system 1 of the adapter assembly 400 shown is largely similar to Figure 9A and Figure 9B The operation of the fluid distribution system 1 shown in the figure, except that the first part forming the actuation portion 420 becomes part of the actuator 124 and is movable together with the actuator 124, wherein a user force (P) applied to the actuator 124 displaces the actuation portion 420 from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, thereby compressing the elongated and elastic tube at the lower part, wherein the tube is compressed into the cavity formed by the bench surface 434.

[0189] Figures 12A to 12B This illustrates a fluid container 200 to be coupled with a pump 300b of the second type, particularly having, for example... Figure 5 An embodiment of an adapter assembly 400 used with a fluid container 200 and a flexible and elongated tubular chamber 300b is shown.

[0190] The adapter assembly 400 is divided into three separate parts, rather than forming two parts or as a single unit. This provides a simple adapter assembly 400 with minimal material usage. The adapter assembly 400 includes a first part that forms an actuating portion 420 with a first connecting portion in the form of a lateral slit 410, which can be attached to the rearwardly pointing lateral flange 147 of the actuator 124 in a form-fitting manner. When the first part is properly mounted to the actuating portion 420, the first contact surface 427 of the actuating portion 420 surrounding the slit 410 can also be form-fitted with the surface area of ​​the actuator 124 surrounding the flange 147. The overall shape of the actuating portion 420 largely corresponds to Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 11A , Figure 11B The actuation head 426 shown.

[0191] The second part of this embodiment includes a fixing frame 430 with a second connecting support 460 having vertical slits 460a and 460b, which can be attached to the fixture arranged as described above in a form-fitting manner. Figure 8A The vertical flanges 141a and 141b at the rear 110 shown in the figure.

[0192] The third part corresponds to Figure 10A and Figure 10B The sleeve shown is only used to form the fluid container support 470. Therefore, this sleeve is not connected to the actuation part 420 and the fixed platform 430.

[0193] include Figure 1 Distributor 100 Figure 5disposable containers and Figures 12A to 12B The adapter assembly 400 is a component of the fluid distribution system 1 and includes... Figure 10A and Figure 10C The difference in the components of the fluid distribution system 1 in this embodiment is that the three parts of the adapter assembly 400 need to be individually attached to the dispenser 100. The first part, forming the actuation portion 420, needs to be removably attached to the distribution system by fitting the slit 410 of the first part to the central portion of the lateral flange 147 of the actuator 124. The second part, forming the mounting frame 430, needs to be removably attached to the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100 by fitting the vertical slits 460a, 460b of the second part to two vertical flanges 141a, 141b, which are arranged at a suitable height matching the height of the first part at the rear portion 110. The attachment of the third part is generally as described for... Figure 10A and Figure 10B The adapter component 400 is described in the description. The attachment of different parts to the dispenser 100 can occur in any order before the fluid container 200 is inserted into the dispenser 100.

[0194] like Figure 12C As shown in the diagram and in the assembled fluid distribution system 1, the positioning of the actuation head 426 and the platform surface 434 is similar to that for... Figure 10C and Figure 11C The positions of the corresponding portions are shown in the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the first portion forming the actuating portion 420 can be shaped to present the second contact surface in a more upwardly positioned position. The position or shape of the fixing frame 430 can then be adjusted accordingly.

[0195] Including, for example Figure 12C The operation of the fluid distribution system 1 of the adapter assembly 400 shown is largely similar to Figure 11C As shown and as Figure 9A And the operation of the fluid distribution system 1 shown in 9B. Thus, the first part forming the actuation portion 420 becomes part of the actuator 124 and is movable together with the actuator 124, wherein a user force (P) applied to the actuator 124 causes the actuation portion 420 to move from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, thereby compressing the elongated and elastic tube at the lower part, wherein the tube is compressed into the cavity formed by the bench surface 434.

[0196] Figure 13A An embodiment of an adapter assembly 400 is shown, which includes a first connection support 410, the first connection support 410 being an elastic and flexible element having a recess 480 having a lateral dimension in the lateral direction greater than that of the pump. Figure 13A As shown, the elastic and flexible element has a circular shape, with a central through-hole 480 forming a recess within this circular shape. The actuating portion 420 and the fixed platform 430 are supported by this element and have portions protruding from opposite sides within the recess, allowing a second type of pump 300b to be positioned between the second contact surface 428 of the actuating portion 420 and the fixed platform 430. Figure 13B As shown in the figure, Figure 5 The elongated and flexible pump chamber 300b of the fluid container 200 shown can be inserted into the through opening 480 of a ring and positioned between two protrusions, wherein the flexible ring securely biases the opposing protrusions to the pump 300b (i.e., in the unacted position) in a non-compressible and non-torsional manner. Those skilled in the art will understand that the size, shape, and material can be adjusted to provide proper biasing of the structure in the unacted position.

[0197] Figure 13C A partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the fluid distribution system 1, viewed from the side. The fluid distribution system 1 includes, as shown in the image,... Figure 13B The fluid container 200 and adapter assembly 400 are shown.

[0198] A flexible and resilient element forms a first connecting support 410 and an actuating portion 420. The first connecting support 410 is used to hold the fixed platform 430. The actuating portion 420 is in the form of two portions protruding into a through opening 480 of the flexible and resilient element, which is shown here as an elastic ring. An elastic ring with protrusions may also form a fluid container support 470. It provides a connection to the fluid container 200 and is configured to rest on the front 110 and rear 112 of the dispenser 100 at the lower end 102. Thus, the diameter of the elastic ring has a size that fits precisely in the seat between the rear 110 and the actuator 124. Optionally, the adapter assembly 400 may additionally or alternatively include... Figure 12A and Figure 12B The fluid connection support 470 or the like in the embodiment shown.

[0199] Figure 13C The included Figure 1 Distributor 100 Figure 5 disposable containers and Figures 13A to 13BAssembly of the fluid distribution system 1 of the adapter assembly 400 is simple and involves only a few steps. After opening the front cover of the distributor 100, the fluid container 200 is inserted into the distributor 100 from the top, wherein an elongated and flexible pump chamber is inserted through the retaining opening 139 of the distributor 100. Then, the flexible and flexible element is brought from the bottom of the distributor 100 onto the elongated and flexible chamber 300b of the fluid container 200 inserted into the distributor 100, such that the chamber 300b is positioned between the protrusions of the elastic ring, one of which should be configured near the rear 110 and the other near the front 112 and its actuator 124, see Figure 13C The height can be adjusted to provide proper fluid connection support 470 and distribution.

[0200] Including, for example Figure 13C The operation of the fluid distribution system 1 of the adapter assembly 400 shown is generally similar to Figure 9A and Figure 9B The operation of the fluid distribution system 1 is shown in the diagram. When a user force (P) is applied to the user actuator 124, the elastic ring is compressed from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, i.e., the elastic ring is compressed toward the platform 430 and the rear 110 of the dispenser 100, causing the elongated and elastic pump chamber 300b to be laterally compressed between the second contact surface 428 and the fixed platform 430, resulting in fluid distribution from the fluid container 200. Those skilled in the art will understand that the size, shape, and material can be adjusted to provide proper bias of the structure in the non-actuated position and to provide the possibility for the user to press the actuator 124 with their hand to actuate the fluid distribution and for the elastic ring to return to the non-actuated position when the user removes their hand from the actuator 124. The adapter assembly 400 can therefore be made of a plastic material, such as an olefin plastic, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0201] Figures 14A to 14B This illustrates a fluid container 200 to be coupled with a pump 300b of the second type, particularly having, for example... Figure 5 An embodiment of an adapter assembly 400 used with a fluid container 200 and a flexible and elongated tubular chamber 300b is shown.

[0202] Figure 14A and Figure 14B The adapter component 400 shown has a similar design to Figures 6A to 6C as well as Figure 10A and Figure 10B The embodiments shown have similar functional and structural components, but with some differences that will be explored in more detail below.

[0203] By forming such Figure 14A and Figure 14BThe adapter assembly 400 shown, having the shape of an actuating part 420, a fixed stand 430, and a first connecting support 410, provides an adapter assembly 400 that is easily and securely installed in the dispenser 100 and allows easy and reliable insertion and use of the fluid container 200 having a second type of pump 300b.

[0204] In this embodiment, the adapter assembly includes a first connection support 410 as disclosed herein for removably connecting the adapter assembly 400 to the fluid distribution system 1. Figure 14A and Figure 14B As shown, the first connecting support 410 includes an upper portion 411 forming a disc-shaped plate portion 411 and a lower portion 413 forming a sleeve portion 413 extending downward from the plate portion 411. The sleeve portion 413 is formed to have an outer diameter smaller than that of the plate portion 411. An axially extending through opening 412 spans the main plane of the plate portion 411 and extends through the sleeve portion 413. The plate portion 411 has a shape and external dimensions to allow it to rest on a seat portion of the dispenser 100 formed by the shelves 130 and 131 of the dispenser 100, and to partially engage with a positioning groove 135 at the rear shelf 131 in the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100, as described herein. Figure 3 and Figures 16A to 16C As described.

[0205] If in Figures 16A to 16C As further explored in the related description below, the first pin 439 extends rearward and upward from the plate portion 411. This pin forms a positioning device 439 for engaging with a corresponding positioning groove 135 and a positioning opening 137 formed in the rear portion 110 at the positioning groove 135.

[0206] As shown in this embodiment, the plate portion 411 can be larger than Figures 6A to 6C The plate shown is thinner. Thus, pin 439 has a shape and size for engaging the positioning groove 135 and the positioning opening 137. This shape and size also allow for a thin and flexible plate portion 411, which, when the adapter assembly 400 is installed in the dispenser 100, further allows for a snap-fit ​​function for engaging the first pin 439 with the positioning groove 135 and the positioning opening 137. The first connecting support 410, or only the plate portion 411, can be a flexible and resilient material, such as an olefin plastic, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene. The use of such a material allows for the snap-fit ​​function.

[0207] As also shown, the protrusion forming the ridge 446 extends upward from the front portion of the upper surface 435 of the plate portion 411 at the front of the plate portion 411 and along a portion of the outer periphery of the plate portion 411. The ridge 446 provides a positioning means for preventing mispositioning of the adapter assembly 400 during insertion into the dispenser 100. This will be explored in more detail below when describing the assembly of the fluid dispensing system 1.

[0208] Furthermore, engaging protrusions 447a and 447b extend upward from the upper surface 435 of each end of the plate portion 422 near the ridge. These engagement portions are shaped and sized to engage the engaging device 140 when the adapter assembly 400 is installed in the dispenser 100 to hold the disc plate 411 in place within the dispenser 100. This will be about Figure 18A Further description is provided in Figure 18C.

[0209] The lower portion 413 is configured to be positioned within the retaining opening 139 of the dispenser, below the areas of the shelves 130, 131. This provides some stability to the adapter assembly 400 when installed in the dispenser 100 and to the fluid container 200 inserted therein. Additionally, four stabilizers 448a-d are provided to prevent lateral movement and / or tilting of the adapter assembly during use. The stabilizers 448a-d are flat, radial portions extending downward from the plate portion 411 and outward from the sleeve portion 413, wherein two 448c, 448d are positioned near the rear and two 448a, 448b are positioned near the front. Figure 17 As shown, stabilizers 448a-d are designed to be supported on the vertical inner surfaces 160a, 160b in the retaining opening of the distributor, directly below the shelves 130, 131.

[0210] The first connecting support 410 shown also forms a fluid container support 470, which is configured to be received in the compartment 150 of the dispenser 100 for holding the fluid container 200 in a desired position within the compartment 150 of the dispenser 100. This is achieved by having a matching... Figure 5 The connector cap 360 shown is provided with a circular central through-opening 412 of the required size and shape. The fluid container support 470 has a seat on which the connector cap 360 rests. In the axially extending through-opening 412, an upward-facing circular edge surface 413a formed by a sleeve portion 413 is provided. This surface 413a is configured to form a seat on which the flange 368 of the connector cap 360 for the fluid container 200 rests.

[0211] As also shown, the plate portion 411 of the first connecting support 410 and the fluid container support 470 include a second pin 472 extending forward from the first pin 439 toward the central through opening 412. A positioning groove 474 is formed between the second pin 472 and the rounded edge surface 413a for engaging the connection portion of the fluid container 200, which is the flange 368 of the connector cap 360, and thereby providing a fluid container positioning device to prevent axial and / or rotational movement of the fluid container 200 in the dispenser 100 when the fluid container is mounted on the dispenser 100.

[0212] like Figure 14A and Figure 14B As shown, the actuating portion 420 has an elongated arm 422 that extends in its generally longitudinal direction (L1) between two opposite ends of the arm. A first end 424 of the arm is fixedly connected to a plate portion 411 of a first connecting support 410, wherein the arm 422 is made flexible and resilient to allow movement toward the fixed platform 430. Those skilled in the art will understand that the arm 422 can be moved as described above. Figures 6A to 6C Other devices described in the embodiments are movably connected to the first connecting support 410, for example, they may be pivotally connected to the first connecting support 410. The second end of the arm 422 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. Similar to... Figure 10A and Figure 10B In one embodiment, the actuating head 426 protrudes outward from the second end of the arm 422 near the arm in a direction (W) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L1) of the elongated arm, forming an actuating head 426 having a first contact surface 427 and a second contact surface 428 facing each other. The actuating head 426 is supported by a flat portion 440 having a first flange portion 441 formed by the arm at the front and a second flange portion 442 extending downward and rearward from the elongated arm 422 at an inclined angle to a third flange portion 443, the third flange portion 443 extending downward and parallel to the flange portion 441 of the arm 422. The actuating head 426 shown has a flat shape and has a longitudinally extending second contact surface 428 formed by the third flange portion 443.

[0213] The first contact surface 427 is shown here as an extension of the first flange portion 441 of the arm 422 forming the actuating head 426. The first contact surface 427 is an elongated planar surface for contacting the lateral flange 147 on the actuator 124 and providing a sliding surface for the flange 147, see... Figure 18A . and for example Figure 10A and Figure 10BCompared to the first contact surface 427 shown, Figure 14B The first contact surface 427 shown has a narrower lateral width. When the adapter assembly is used in a dispenser, this allows this embodiment of the adapter assembly 400 to fit better within the compartment 150 of the dispenser 100 without any risk of improperly abutting any unwanted portions within the dispenser 100.

[0214] Those skilled in the art will understand that the shape of the actuation head 426 may be modified to allow desired contact with the flange 147 or to adopt any shape to properly contact the surface of the actuator 124 in a shape-fitting manner, for example, adopting any other shape shown herein, such as Figure 6B The shape shown allows the first contact surface 427 to contact the actuator surface 145 directly above the flange 147.

[0215] The second contact surface 428 includes a generally planar and longitudinally (L1) elongated surface formed by the third flange 443 and an upwardly outwardly rounded surface portion 444 positioned adjacent to the second flange 443. Thus, a second contact surface 428 is provided that is adapted to contact the elongated and resilient cavity 300b over a longer vertical distance than that of the adapter assembly 400 previously shown. This will be discussed below regarding... Figures 18A to 1 8C explores in more detail. As discussed above with respect to other embodiments, the second contact surface 428 may take other shapes suitable for the contact pump 300b, such as a concave or convex surface.

[0216] exist Figure 14A and Figure 14B In this configuration, a fixed platform 430 extends downward from the sleeve portion 413 of the first connecting portion 410. The fixed platform 430 includes a recessed platform surface 434, which is concave in form and faces the actuating portion 410. The recessed platform surface 434 provides a cavity for accommodating a pump 300b, which has a suitable shape and size for fitting into the cavity. The upper portion 434a of the fixed platform 430 forms a recessed platform surface portion 434a, which is concave and takes the form of a tapered hollow half-section in the direction from the upper end to the lower end of the adapter assembly 400. The lower portion 434b of the fixed platform 430 forms a recessed platform surface portion 434b, which is concave and forms a hollow semi-cylinder. The concave surface portion 434b adopts a hollow semi-cylindrical shape, which is similar in form to... Figure 5The elongated and flexible tubular chamber 300b shown is matched. By forming the upper portion 434a into the shape of a cone-shaped half, easy and smooth insertion of the fluid container 200 into the dispenser 100 of the carrier adapter assembly 400 is provided. As will be further explored below, the tapered surface portion 434a guides the fluid container 200 into its proper position within the dispenser 100.

[0217] The second contact surface 428 of the actuating head 426 has an upper contact surface portion 428a, which faces the upper portion 434a of the hollow half-shaped recess of the cone when the second contact surface portion has been moved to its closest position to the fixed platform. The second contact surface also has a lower contact surface portion 428b, which faces the lower portion 434b of the hollow semi-cylindrical recess when the lower contact surface portion has been moved to its closest position to the fixed platform. This allows for displacement of the pump 300b into the cavity during dispensing actuation, such that the pump 300b is compressed and twisted in different ways over its length for proper and reliable fluid dispensing. Specifically, the elongated and flexible tubular form of the pump 300b is displaced by the actuating portion 420 such that the upper part of the pump 300b is compressed into the upper portion 434a of the concave hollow half-section, and the lower part of the pump 300b is compressed into the lower portion 434b of the concave semi-cylindrical section. See Figure 18B .

[0218] Furthermore, it is evident that the second contact surface 428 of the actuating portion 420 has a width in a horizontal plane that allows the actuating portion 420 to move into the cavity formed by the recessed bench surface 434. This provides good compressibility of the elongated and resilient lumen chamber 300b during fluid dispensing. As mentioned above, the shape of the different surfaces can be selected depending on the type of fluid container 200 used or the desired dispensing operation.

[0219] The actuating portion 400 has a resilient and flexible arm 422, which, in the resting (balanced) position, is formed such that a portion of the actuating head 426 is received within a recessed surface portion 434 before being used in the dispenser 100, and no pump 300b is placed between the actuating head 426 and the fixed platform 430. When the pump 300b is inserted between the fixed platform 430 and the actuating head 426, the resilient and flexible arm 422 moves forward from its resting (balanced) position toward the non-actuated position, in which the actuating head 426 abuts the pump 300b by applying a spring force to the pump 300b in a pre-stressed manner. Thus, the adapter assembly 400 is configured such that at least a portion of the second contact surface 427 abuts the pump in the non-actuated position.

[0220] The mounting bracket 430 includes a rearwardly projecting flange 437 extending from and along the rear surface 438 of the mounting bracket. This flange 437 is configured to support a lateral edge 114 at the bottom of the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100 to support and prevent any movement of the mounting bracket during operation of the dispenser. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 18A and Figure 18B .

[0221] Suitable materials for forming the adapter assembly 400 may be aluminum or any suitable plastic, such as olefin plastics, like polyethylene or polypropylene. The adapter assembly may be formed by injection molding, 3D printing, or any other suitable method known to those skilled in the art. The materials and formation methods of the adapter assembly 400 mentioned herein may be used in all embodiments described herein.

[0222] Furthermore, the described adapter assembly 400 may have the following dimensional examples: The circular plate portion 411 may have an outer diameter of approximately 51 mm, and the diameter of the through opening 412 at the plate portion may be approximately 34 mm. The diameter of the through opening 412 of the sleeve portion 413 may be approximately 31 mm. The thickness of the plate portion 411 may be approximately 2.5 mm. The sleeve portion 413 may extend from the plate with a length of approximately 6 mm, the actuating portion 420 may extend from the plate portion 411 with a length of 54 mm, and the fixing frame 430 may extend from the sleeve portion 413 with a length of approximately 47 mm. The second contact surface 428 has a width of approximately 4 to 6 mm and a height of approximately 22 mm. The dimension between the first contact surface 427 and the second contact surface may be approximately 21 mm. The upper portion 434a of the hollow half forming a cone of the fixing frame 430 may have a maximum width of 31 mm, and the lower portion 434b of the hollow semi-cylindrical portion of the fixing frame 430 may have a width of approximately 13 mm and a length of approximately 27 mm. The slender and flexible tubular chamber 300b can have a diameter of 14 mm and a distance from the cap of approximately 56 mm.

[0223] include Figure 1 Distributor 100 Figure 5 disposable containers and Figure 14A and Figure 14B The fluid distribution system 1 of the adapter component 400 is similar to the components including Figures 6A to 6C The adapter component 400 shown is a component of the fluid distribution system 1. Figure 15 Schematic illustration including Figure 14A and Figure 14B The adapter component 400 is a component of the fluid distribution system 1.

[0224] After opening the front cover 113, the adapter assembly 400 is installed in the dispenser 100 by inserting it through the retaining opening 139 to hold the fluid container 200 at the lower end 102 of the dispenser 100. This is in Figures 16A to 16C The best illustration shows a lower enlarged view of the interior of the dispenser 100, with and without the adapter assembly 400 in the insert dispenser 100, as viewed from above towards the rear 110 of the lower end 102. Figure 16A As shown, the opening 139 remains circular, and the rear shelf 131 and the positioning groove 135 formed between the rear shelf 131 and the pin 136 are arranged at the rear 110, as described above. Figure 4A and Figure 8A As described.

[0225] like Figure 16A As shown, the positioning groove 135 extends rearward through the opening 137 formed in the wall of the rear portion 110 to form a positioning opening 137. The purpose of the positioning opening 137 has been described above and will be explained in more detail below.

[0226] The adapter assembly 400 is inserted into the retaining opening 139, wherein the load-bearing actuating portion 420 of the first connecting support 410 and one side of the fixing platform 430 face downward toward the lower end 102 of the dispenser 100, and wherein the fixing platform 430 is positioned toward the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100. When the adapter is fully inserted, the first connecting support 410 and the plate portion 411 rest on the front shelf 130 and the rear shelf 131, and the first pin 439 engages the positioning groove 135 between the rear shelf 131 and the pin 136, see including its enlarged portion. Figure 16B Furthermore, the first pin 439 also engages the positioning opening 137 in the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100. This engagement provides proper positioning of the adapter assembly 400 within the dispenser 100 during insertion of the adapter assembly 400 into the fluid dispenser 100. The engagement between the first pin 439 and the positioning opening 137 also prevents axial and rotational movement of the adapter assembly 400 within the dispenser 100.

[0227] Insertion of the adapter assembly 400 is facilitated by a snap-fit ​​arrangement between the first pin 439 and the connector portion that engages with it during insertion and when the adapter assembly is installed in the dispenser, such as the portion of pin 136, locating groove 135, and locating opening 137 in the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100. This is made possible by the shape of the connector portions (such as pins 136 and 439) and by providing resilient and flexible portions (such as the resilient and flexible plate portion 411, the resilient and flexible first pin 439, the resilient and flexible pin 136, and the resilient and flexible rear portion 110 adjacent to pin 136). One or more of these portions may be made of a flexible and resilient material, such as olefin plastics, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene. The use of such a material allows for the snap-fit ​​function.

[0228] As mentioned above, the protrusion forming a ridge 446 extending upward from a portion of the upper surface 435 of the plate portion 411 at its front provides a positioning device for preventing erroneous rotational positioning of the adapter assembly 400 during insertion into the dispenser 100. Those skilled in the art will understand that the portion having the ridge has a vertical dimension / thickness that prevents it from being positioned towards the rear portion 110 to engage with the positioning groove 135 between the rear support 131 and the pin 136.

[0229] like Figure 16A and Figure 17 As shown, the four stabilizers 448a-d of the adapter assembly guide the adapter assembly 400 into the correct position in the dispenser by contacting the vertical inner surfaces 160a, 160b in the retaining opening 139 directly below the shelves 130, 131 during the insertion of the dispenser. When the adapter is fully inserted, the stabilizers 448a-d are supported on the vertical inner surfaces 160a, 160b, which prevent lateral movement and / or tilting of the adapter assembly during operation of the dispenser.

[0230] For example Figures 16A to 16C As shown, the dispenser 100 includes an engagement device 140 for retaining a first connecting support 410 and its disc-shaped plate portion 411 within the dispenser 100. Since the first connecting support 410 also forms a fluid container support 470 in this embodiment, the engagement device 140 also provides means for holding the fluid container support 470 in place when the fluid container 200 is inserted into the dispenser 100, when the dispenser 100 is used, and when the fluid container 200 is removed from the dispenser 100.

[0231] The above text has already mentioned Figures 8A to 8C The coupling device 140 is described. Thus, the coupling device 140, which is in the form of a C-shaped element, extends in the horizontal plane from... Figure 16B The non-holding position shown is in the rearward direction as... Figure 16CThe holding position shown is repositionable. In the holding position, the engagement device 140 has portions 140a, 140b that engage with the disc-shaped plate portion and upward protrusions 447a, 447b located at the front of the plate. Those skilled in the art will understand that the plate can also be adapted in other ways to engage with the engagement device 140 as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement device is held in its holding position by the housing, and the engagement device 140 is elastically suspended in the dispenser 100 such that when the housing 116 is opened, the engagement device 140 is held in the open position by, for example, a spring. The adapter assembly can be removed from the dispenser 100 and a new adapter assembly 400 can be placed in the dispenser 100. When the housing 116 is being closed, the engagement device 140 is pushed into the engaged and holding position by the housing 116 against the spring, in which the adapter assembly is engaged. Thus, the engagement device 140 does not need to be locked in the holding position by frictional interaction with the plate.

[0232] As in Figure 18A and Figure 18B As best seen, a rearwardly projecting flange 437 extending from and along the rear surface 438 of the fixed platform of the adapter assembly 400, which is already inserted into the dispenser, is supported on a lateral edge 114 at the bottom of the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100, so as to support the fixed platform and prevent any movement of the fixed platform during operation of the dispenser 100.

[0233] like Figure 15 As schematically shown, the next step in assembling 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 into the central through-opening 412 of the pump-in fluid container support 470, making its elongated and flexible chamber 300b, until the connector cap 360 of the fluid container 200 rests by its flange 368 on the seat formed by the adapter assembly 400 in the dispenser 100, as described above, and also from... Figure 18AAs described above, the plate portion 411 of the first connecting support 410 forming the fluid container support 470 is provided with a fluid container positioning device to prevent axial and / or rotational movement of the fluid container 200 within the dispenser 100 when the fluid container is mounted on the dispenser 100. The fluid container positioning device is formed by a positioning groove 474 positioned between the second pin 472 and the circular edge surface 413a of the fluid container support 470. This positioning groove 474 is configured to engage the flange 368 of the connector cap 360, which forms a connection portion for the positioning groove 474. When the fluid container 200 is inserted into its position in the dispenser and adapter assembly, the snap-fit ​​arrangement between the flange 368 of the connector cap 360 and the second pin 472 allows the flange 368 to engage the positioning groove 474 and rest on the circular edge surface 413a (not shown) of the fluid container support 470. The snap-fit ​​arrangement is made possible by the shape of the connecting portion, such as the second pin 472 with an upwardly rounded surface, and by providing elastic and flexible portions. Thus, any portion forming the joint or adjacent to these portions can be made of a flexible and elastic material, such as olefin plastics, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene. The use of such a material allows for the snap-fit ​​function.

[0234] Figure 18A It is also shown that the fluid container 200 is inserted such that an elongated and flexible tubular chamber is positioned between the second contact surface 428 of the actuating portion 420 and the platform surface 434 of the fixed platform 430. The insertion of the elongated and flexible tubular chamber 300b into this position is supported by a recessed surface portion 434a in the shape of a conical half, wherein the tapered surface portion guides the tubular chamber 300b of the fluid container 200 into its proper position in the dispenser 100, i.e., into its positioning between the actuating portion 420 and the fixed platform 430. In the inserted position, the elongated and flexible tubular chamber 300b is partially received within a cavity formed by the concave platform surface 434, i.e., the upper recessed platform surface portion 434a in the form of a conical hollow half and the lower recessed platform surface portion 434b, which is concave and forms a hollow semi-cylindrical surface, see [reference needed]. Figures 16A to 16C and Figure 18A .like Figure 18A As shown, the recessed surface portion 434b, which is in the form of a hollow semi-cylindrical tube, matches the shape of the slender and flexible tubular chamber 300b.

[0235] Assembly of the fluid distribution system 1 is then completed by closing the dispenser 100 by moving the upper part of the front cover to the rear part 110 and optionally locking the cover to the rear. The dispenser 100 is then ready for use.

[0236] Figure 18A and Figure 18B Show Figure 15 The lower end 102 of the fluid distribution system 1, when assembled to, Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the fluid distribution system 1, with a portion of the distributor 100 cut off to show details of the interior of the fluid distribution system 1 in operation.

[0237] according to Figure 18A The fluid container 200 rests in the dispenser 100 with its seat portion formed by a first connecting support member 410. Figure 16A and Figure 16B The adapter assembly 400 shown has a fluid container support 470, which is removably mounted in the dispenser 100. A second-type fluid pump 300b, consisting of an elongated and flexible chamber 300b, extends downward from the fluid container 200 and extends to a nozzle 365 at the bottom of the dispenser 100 between the second contact surface 428 of the actuation portion 420 and the platform surface 434 of the mounting platform 430. The nozzle 365 is positioned at the lowest point of the dispenser 100 to prevent the risk of contamination of any dispenser portion when dispensing any fluid from the fluid container 200, but is not clearly visible to the user when using the dispenser 100. The position of the nozzle 365 depends on, for example, the size of the fluid container 200 and the position the fluid container 200 can have within the dispenser 100. Those skilled in the art will understand how the fluid container support 470 or its position is used to adjust the position of the nozzle 365. The adapter assembly 400 can also be modified to adjust its position relative to the pump, as well as the pump's shape and the maximum volume expected to be distributed from the fluid container 200. (This is for the current...) Figure 18A The embodiments shown herein, and some examples of the dimensions and shapes of the adapter assembly 400, have already been presented above. These dimensions and shapes can be contemplated for use in other embodiments shown herein. For example, the dimensions of the actuation head 426 and the mounting platform 430 are adjusted such that the pump positioned therebetween in the dispenser 100 and in the non-actuated position can be in the desired form to provide reliable and adequate dispensing operation when actuated.

[0238] exist Figure 18AIn this view, actuator 124 is pivoted at a first pivot 132 to the front portion 112 and includes a rearwardly pointing lateral flange 147 of actuator 124, which has a compartment 150 facing dispenser 100 and is configured to abut the edge of the first contact surface 427 of actuation portion 420. In this view, actuation portion 420 is held in its non-actuated position between actuator 124 and an elongated and resilient tubular chamber 300b forming a pump 300b of the second type. As shown, actuation portion 422 and its elongated arm 422 move forward from its resting (balanced) position toward the non-actuated position, in which actuation head 426 abuts the pump 300b by applying a spring force to actuation head 426 in a pre-stressed manner. The outwardly rounded surface portion 444 and the upper contact surface portion 428a of the second contact surface abut the elongated and elastic cavity 300b in a pre-stressed manner, causing the elongated and elastic cavity 300b to deform slightly. In the non-actuated position, the central portion and the lower portion 428b of the second contact surface 428 extend in the forward and downward directions, respectively.

[0239] Figure 18B This diagram illustrates a fluid distribution system 1 where the user has applied force P to the actuator 124 via hand, causing the actuation portion 420 and actuation head 426 to move from their non-actuated position toward the actuated position, thereby transmitting actuating force F from the actuation portion 420 to the pump 300b via the second contact surface 428. The pump has been laterally compressed toward the rear portion 110 of the distributor 100 and the platform surface 434. This has caused fluid to be distributed downward in the Y direction from the fluid container 200 and its nozzle 365. In this view, the actuator 124 has been rotated counterclockwise about the first pivot 132 to actuate the distributor 100. During the displacement of the actuation head 426 toward the actuated position, the contact between the second contact surface 428 and the pump 300b gradually increases from the non-actuated position to the fully actuated position. The downward contact gradually increases from the upper end 428a of the second contact surface 428 to the lower end 428b of the second contact surface 428. This allows for reliable dispensing operations, in which fluid is dispensed in a controlled manner, while the risk of fluid backflow within pump 300b is low because the upper end 428a of the second contact surface 428 contacts pump 300b first, which allows the elongated and flexible tubular chamber 300b to be closed for any fluid backflow.

[0240] Once the user removes their hand from the actuator 124, the actuator rotates clockwise toward the front portion 112 to the position it had before the user applied force P to it. When the pumping chamber is refilled by a filling force provided by the inherent elasticity of the walls of the pumping chamber (not shown), the actuated portion 420 then returns to its non-actuated position, as... Figure 18A As shown.

[0241] Figure 18 to Figure 22 An embodiment of an adapter assembly 400 according to the present disclosure is shown, which is intended to be coupled to a fluid container 200 having a pump 300b of the second type, particularly having, for example, Figure 5 The fluid container 200 is used with the elastic and slender tubular chamber 300b shown.

[0242] The adapter component embodiment 400 shown in these figures is... Figure 14A and Figure 14B The variant of the embodiment shown has only a few differences.

[0243] like Figures 19 to 22 As shown, the disc-shaped plate portion 411 can adopt, in addition to the above-mentioned... Figure 14A and Figure 14B The embodiments described primarily depict shapes other than those specified. For example... Figures 19 to 21 As shown, the plate portion 411 may be partially circular in shape, having two straight edges 415a, 415b connecting the convex front and rear portions of the plate portion 411. This shape also allows the plate portion 411 to rest on the front shelf 130 and rear shelf 131 in the dispenser 100. Those skilled in the art will understand that, although this shape of the plate portion 411 with a central through opening 412 and the circular disc shape are examples used in the first connecting support 410 and the fluid container support 470 in the context of this disclosure, other types of first connecting supports 410 and fluid container supports 470 may also be used in the context of the variants of the adapter assembly 400 described herein. These types include first connecting support members 410 in shapes other than the disc-shaped plate portion 411 having a central through opening 412, including but not limited to plates or sleeve portions having a partially circular shape with more than two straight edges, or still having a portion of an outer polygonal shape (such as a hexagonal or octagonal shape) resting on the seats of the shelves 130 and 131 of the dispenser 100. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the circular through opening 412 can take other shapes, including but not limited to polygonal shapes, which can still form seats for fluid containers 200 and connector caps 360 and the like.

[0244] like Figures 19 to 21 As shown, the protruding pin 439 can be formed differently. For example... Figure 19As shown, pin 439 forms part of an elongated, flexible, and resilient element that extends upward and rearward from the sleeve portion 413 of the first connecting support 410 through an opening 471 formed in the rear portion of the first connecting support 410 to a position at the rear portion of the plate portion 411. The flexible and resilient element allows for snap-fit ​​engagement with pin 136, a positioning groove 135 between the rear shelf 131 and pin 136 in the rear portion 110 of the distributor 100, and a positioning opening 137 formed in the positioning groove 135 in the rear portion 110.

[0245] exist Figure 20 and Figure 21 In this configuration, pin 439 extends rearward and upward from the rear edge of plate portion 411 to engage a corresponding positioning groove 135 and a positioning opening 137 formed in the rear portion 110 at the positioning groove 135. Opening 119 is formed in the rear portion of plate portion 411. This opening 119 is formed to provide flexibility between the opening 119 and pin 439, allowing pin 439 to engage with the positioning groove 135 between the rear shelf 131 and pin 136 in the rear portion 110 of the dispenser 100, and with the positioning opening 137 formed in the positioning groove 135 in the rear portion 110.

[0246] For example Figures 19 to 22 As shown, the engaging protrusions 447a, 447b extending upward from the upper surface 435 of each end of the plate portion 422 near the ridge portion 446 can engage with... Figure 14A and Figure 14B The embodiments shown are formed differently. When the adapter assembly 400 is installed in the dispenser 100, the shown engagement protrusions 447a, 447b are all shaped and sized to engage the engagement device 140 for holding the disc plate 411 in place in the dispenser 100, see Figure 18A And Figure 18C.

[0247] like Figures 19 to 22 As shown, the actuation part 420 is also related to Figure 14A and 14B The difference shown is slight. Figure 19 and Figure 20 In this configuration, the actuating portion 420 has a longitudinally extending, elongated arm 422 fixedly connected to the plate portion 411 of the first connecting support 410. The arm 422 is made flexible and resilient to allow movement toward the fixed platform 430. Those skilled in the art will understand that the arm 422 can be positioned as follows: Figures 6A to 6C The embodiment described is movably connected to the first connecting support. Similar to... Figure 14A and Figure 14BIn one embodiment, the actuating head 426 has a first contact surface 427a-b and a second contact surface 428 facing away from each other. The actuating head 426 is supported by two flat portions 440a, 440b and a second contact surface 428, the two flat portions 440a, 440b extending between the first contact surfaces 427a, 427b formed by the two edges of the portions 440a, 440b, and the second contact surface 428 being formed by the portion connecting the portions 440a, 440b.

[0248] for Figure 14A and Figure 14B In the illustrated embodiment, the first contact surfaces 427a, 427b are configured to contact the lateral flange 147 on the actuator 124 of the distributor 100 and provide a sliding surface for the flange 147 during operation of the distributor 100. The illustrated actuator head 426 is... Figure 14A and Figure 14B The actuating head 426 shown is wider and has two first contact surfaces 427a, 427b instead of one first contact surface, to provide a good and reliable alternative for operation during fluid dispensing. As shown, the second contact surface is also made larger than... Figure 14A and Figure 14B The width shown is greater. Nevertheless, those skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions of the second contact surface 428 and other portions of the adapter assembly 400 can be adjusted to fit, for example, the dispenser 100 and the pump 300b with which it will be used, and the desired dispensing operation for the fluid to be dispensed.

[0249] Figure 21 and Figure 22 The actuating part 420 shown is... Figure 14A and Figure 14B The actuating portions shown are very similar, except that the actuating head 426 shown lacks a first flange 441 at its front. Thus, the first contact surface 427 is formed by the edge at the front of the flat portion 440. This edge 427 is also configured to contact the lateral flange 147 on the actuator 124 of the dispenser 100 and to provide a sliding surface for the flange 147 during operation of the dispenser 100. Therefore, the actuating head 426 has a narrow and flat shape that allows it to be easily received into the compartment 150 of the dispenser 100 and provides a suitable dispensing operation. The width of the flat portion 440 and its edge 427 can be adjusted to provide a suitable contact surface for the lateral flange 147.

[0250] Figure 23 The above also shows... Figures 14A to 14B and Figures 18 to Figure 22A variant embodiment of the described embodiment. This embodiment has a first connecting support 410 having a plate portion 411, the plate portion 411 being partially circular in shape with two straight edges 415a, 415b having convex front and rear portions connecting the plate portion 411. The plate portion 411 is formed to be flat in shape, and a pin 136 extends from the rear edge of the plate portion. The first connecting support 410 and Figure 10A and Figure 10B The circular sleeve shown has many functional and structural similarities.

[0251] The adapter component has the same characteristics as... Figure 21 and Figure 22 The embodiment shown has a similar actuation part 420.

[0252] like Figure 23 As shown, the fixed platform 430 has an upper portion 434a and a lower portion 434b of the fixed platform surface 434. The upper portion 434a forms a recessed surface portion in the shape of a hollow semi-cylindrical shape, and the lower portion 434b also forms a recessed surface portion in the shape of a hollow semi-cylindrical shape. The maximum width of the recessed surface portion at the upper portion 434a is greater than the maximum width of the recessed surface portion at the lower portion 434b. An inclined surface portion 434c connects these two portions 434a and 434b. Thus, the fixed platform shown is similar to, for example... Figure 14A and Figure 14B The difference in the illustrated mounting platform is that it has a 434a, the upper part of which has a recessed surface portion forming a hollow semi-cylindrical portion rather than a conical half. It should be noted that the inclined surface 434c forms a small recessed surface portion that forms the conical half. Although the illustrated embodiment may not present the same tapered surface in the position for guiding the fluid container inserted between the mounting platform 430 and the actuating head 426, the illustrated mounting platform is well-suited for receiving a pump 300b in the form of an elongated and flexible tubular chamber 300b and for providing reliable and adequate dispensing operation.

[0253] As those skilled in the art will understand, the detailed descriptions are intended to be illustrative, and many embodiments and alternatives are possible within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. For example, the adapter assembly may take shapes other than those shown in the figures; for instance, the adapter assembly may include a unit having a first connection support and an actuating portion, such as... Figures 6A to 6C as well as Figure 10A As shown in the embodiment of 0B, the mounting frame can be as follows Figure 12A and Figure 12BThe embodiments are arranged as shown. It is noteworthy that the adapter assembly according to this disclosure does not require the removal of the engagement 134 of the actuator for axial compression of the first type of pump 300a, as shown in the figures.

[0254] The test bench surface and the second contact surface of the actuation head can be made of a soft and flexible material for soft fluid dispensing operations.

[0255] The fixed platform can also present a platform surface that can be in the form of a completely conical half.

[0256] Furthermore, a dispenser with a dispensing mechanism can be provided, which allows the connecting support to be a non-integral or integral part of the dispenser, and simultaneously provides all the advantages by using a first connecting support, an actuating part, and a fixing frame as described herein. Such a dispensing mechanism can be securely attached via a connecting support similar to the first connecting support.

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 within the housing for receiving the fluid container, the dispenser having a front, a rear, an upper end, and a lower end, the lower end forming a dispensing end of the dispenser and including a user actuator, by means of which the dispenser is operated to dispense a dose of fluid from the fluid container through a nozzle at the lower end. The compartment of the distributor is sized to receive a fluid container having a first type of pump, the first type of pump being axially compressible, and the actuator has a joint for actuating the first type of pump by axially compressing it in the vertical direction. The adapter assembly is used in conjunction with the dispenser to allow the use within the dispenser of a fluid container having a second type of pump, the second type of pump 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 abutting against the user actuator and a second contact surface abutting against a pump of the second type, wherein a user force (P) applied to the user actuator causes the actuating portion of the adapter assembly, when installed in the dispenser, to shift from its non-actuated position toward the actuated position, thereby transmitting an actuating force (TF) from the actuating portion via the second contact surface to the pump of the second type in the fluid container when installed in the compartment, wherein the pump of the second type is laterally compressed to cause fluid to be dispensed from the fluid container. - A first connecting support member connected to the actuating part, and - A fixed platform configured to abut against a pump of the second type, wherein the pump of the second type can be configured between the second contact surface of the actuation portion and the fixed platform, such that when a user force (P) is applied to the user actuator, the pump of the second type is laterally compressed between the second contact surface and the fixed platform, causing fluid to be dispensed from the fluid container. The first connecting support is configured to removably connect the actuating portion and the fixed platform to the dispenser and / or the fluid container mounted in the compartment. The fixed platform has a platform surface for abutting and receiving the pump of the second type, and the platform surface faces the actuating portion and includes a recessed surface portion. The adapter component described therein is a single unit.

2. The adapter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second connection support for removably connecting the fixed platform to the dispenser and / or the fluid container mounted in the compartment.

3. The adapter assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second type of pump has a resilient pumping chamber.

4. The adapter assembly of claim 3, wherein the resilient pumping chamber is an elongated and resilient tubular chamber that extends downward in the lower portion of the fluid container in a direction from the bottom of the fluid reservoir to the nozzle of the elongated and resilient tubular chamber.

5. The adapter assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the user actuator is a user lever configured to pivot about a first pivot and extend from the pivot toward a user operating portion of the user lever, and the user actuator has a surface facing the compartment and configured to abut the first contact surface of the actuation portion.

6. The adapter assembly of claim 5, wherein the user rod extends downward from the first pivot.

7. The adapter assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuation portion includes an elongated arm extending in a generally longitudinal direction (L1) of the arm between two opposite ends thereof, a first end of the arm being connected to the first connection support and a second end having an actuation head, wherein the actuation head is movable between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position, wherein the actuation head includes a second contact surface for abutting against a pump of the second type and a first contact surface for abutting against the user actuator.

8. The adapter assembly of claim 7, wherein the actuating head protrudes outward 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 elongated arm.

9. The adapter assembly of claim 8, wherein the actuating head has a dimension from the first contact surface to the second contact surface in a first direction (W) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L1) of the elongated arm, the dimension being greater than the dimension of the actuating head in a second direction parallel to the direction extending perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the first direction (W).

10. The adapter assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating portion is movably connected to the first connection support.

11. The adapter assembly of claim 10, wherein the actuating portion is pivotally attached to the first connection support and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis.

12. The adapter assembly of claim 7, wherein the actuating portion is pivotally attached to the first connecting support and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis, wherein the first end of the elongated arm is pivotally connected to the first connecting support and configured to pivot about the second pivot axis to allow the movement of the actuating head between the non-actuated position and the fully actuated position.

13. The adapter assembly of claim 7, wherein the elongated arm is a flexible arm that allows the actuating head to move between the non-actuated position and the fully actuated position.

14. The adapter assembly of claim 7, wherein the recessed surface portion is concave.

15. The adapter assembly of claim 14, wherein the platform surface is concave.

16. The adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the concave bench surface is concave in the horizontal plane and forms a vertically extending recess for receiving a portion of the pump of the second type.

17. The adapter assembly of claim 16, wherein the vertically extending recess at the upper part of the mounting frame has a maximum width in the upper horizontal plane that is greater than the maximum width of the recess at the lower part of the mounting frame in the lower horizontal plane.

18. The adapter assembly of claim 17, wherein when the actuating portion is in the fully actuated position, the second contact surface of the actuating head has an upper second contact surface portion facing the upper part of the recess and a lower second contact surface portion facing the lower part of the recess.

19. The adapter assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second contact surface has a maximum lateral width such that when the actuating portion is in the fully actuated position, the second contact surface can be at least partially received in the recessed surface portion.

20. The adapter assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the platform surface forms a concave surface portion in the form of a hollow half of a cone that tapers in the direction from the upper end to the lower end of the concave surface portion.

21. The adapter assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least the lower portion of the fixing frame is concave and forms a recessed surface portion of a hollow semi-cylindrical shape.

22. The adapter assembly of claim 20, wherein the upper portion of the fixed platform surface forms a recessed surface portion in the form of a hollow cone half, and the lower portion of the fixed platform surface forms a recessed surface portion, the recessed surface portion forming a hollow semi-cylinder.

23. The adapter assembly of claim 1 or 2, further configured such that at least a portion of the second contact surface abuts the pump of the second type in the non-actuated position.

24. The adapter assembly of claim 23, further configured such that at least a portion of the second contact surface abuts the pump of the second type in a pre-stressed manner in the non-actuated position.

25. The adapter assembly according to claim 1 or 2, further configured such that the central portion of the second contact surface extends at an angle to the vertical direction in the non-actuated position.

26. The adapter assembly of claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more stabilizers for preventing lateral movement and / or tilting of the adapter assembly during use.

27. The adapter assembly of claim 2, 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.

28. The adapter assembly of claim 27, wherein the fluid container support forms the first connection support.

29. The adapter assembly of claim 27, wherein the fluid container support forms the second connection support.

30. The adapter assembly of claim 27, wherein the fluid container support includes one or more fluid container positioning devices for engaging corresponding one or more connections of the fluid container and preventing axial and / or rotational movement of the fluid container in the dispenser.

31. The adapter assembly of claim 1 or 2, further comprising 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 in the dispenser, and / or for preventing mispositioning of the adapter assembly in the dispenser.

32. The adapter assembly of claim 31, wherein the one or more positioning means is a corresponding one or more recess in the dispenser and / or a protruding pin or projection for preventing mispositioning of the adapter assembly in the dispenser.

33. An adapter assembly for use in a dispenser for a replaceable fluid container, wherein the adapter assembly includes an actuation portion connected to a first connection support to removably connect the adapter assembly to the dispenser, wherein the actuation portion includes a first contact surface abutting against a user actuator of the dispenser and a second contact surface abutting against a fluid pump, and the adapter assembly further includes a mounting frame connected to the first connection support and having a mounting surface for abutting and receiving the fluid pump, wherein the mounting frame and the actuation portion are connected to one side of the first connection support, wherein the mounting surface faces the actuation portion and includes a recessed surface portion, wherein the first connection support is configured to removably connect the actuation portion and the mounting frame to the dispenser and / or the fluid container mounted in a compartment of the dispenser, and wherein the adapter assembly is a single unit.

34. The adapter assembly of claim 33, wherein the actuation portion includes an elongated arm extending in a generally longitudinal direction (L1) of the arm between two opposite ends thereof, a first end of the arm being connected to the first connection support, and a second end having an actuation head, wherein the head is movable between a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position, wherein the actuation head includes a second contact surface adjacent to the fluid pump and a first contact surface adjacent to the user actuator of the dispenser.

35. The adapter assembly of claim 34, wherein the actuating head protrudes outward 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 elongated arm.

36. The adapter assembly of claim 35, wherein the actuating head has a dimension from the first contact surface to the second contact surface in a first direction (W) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L1) of the elongated arm, the dimension being greater than the dimension of the actuating head in a second direction parallel to the direction extending perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the first direction (W).

37. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the actuating portion is movably connected to the first connection support.

38. The adapter assembly of claim 37, wherein the actuating portion is pivotally attached to the first connection support and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis.

39. The adapter assembly of any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the actuating portion is pivotally attached to the first connecting support and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis, wherein the first end of the elongated arm is pivotally connected to the first connecting support and configured to pivot about the second pivot axis to allow the movement of the actuating head between the non-actuated position and the fully actuated position.

40. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the elongated arm is a flexible arm for allowing the actuating head to move between the non-actuated position and the fully actuated position.

41. The adapter assembly of claim 34, wherein the recessed surface portion is concave.

42. The adapter assembly of claim 41, wherein the platform surface is concave.

43. The adapter assembly of claim 42, wherein the concave bench surface is concave in the horizontal plane and forms a vertically extending recess for receiving a portion of the fluid pump.

44. The adapter assembly of claim 43, wherein the vertically extending recess at the upper part of the mounting frame has a maximum width in the upper horizontal plane that is greater than the maximum width of the recess at the lower part of the mounting frame in the lower horizontal plane.

45. The adapter assembly of claim 44, wherein, When the actuating part is in the fully actuated position, the second contact surface of the actuating head has an upper second contact surface portion facing the upper part of the recess and a lower second contact surface portion facing the lower part of the recess.

46. ​​The adapter assembly of claim 45, wherein the second contact surface has a maximum lateral width such that the second contact surface can be at least partially received in the recessed surface portion.

47. The adapter assembly of claim 46, wherein the actuating portion includes a resilient and flexible arm having a resting position such that at least a portion of the actuating head is received within the recessed surface portion.

48. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein at least a portion of the platform surface forms a recessed surface portion, the recessed surface portion being concave and in the form of a hollow half of a cone tapering from the upper end to the lower end of the recessed surface portion.

49. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein at least the lower portion of the fixing frame forms a concave surface portion and a hollow semi-cylindrical recessed surface portion.

50. The adapter assembly of claim 48, wherein the upper portion of the fixing frame surface forms a recessed surface portion in the form of a hollow cone half, and the lower portion of the fixing frame surface forms a recessed surface portion forming a hollow semi-cylinder.

51. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 36, further configured such that the central portion of the second contact surface extends at an angle to the vertical direction in the non-actuated position.

52. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 36, further comprising one or more stabilizers for preventing lateral movement and / or tilting of the adapter assembly during use.

53. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the first connection support forms a fluid container support, the fluid container support being configured to be received in the compartment of the dispenser for holding the fluid container in a desired position in the compartment of the dispenser.

54. The adapter assembly of claim 53, wherein the fluid container support includes one or more fluid container positioning devices for engaging corresponding one or more connections of the fluid container and preventing axial and / or rotational movement of the fluid container in the dispenser.

55. The adapter assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 36, further comprising one or more positioning devices for engaging corresponding one or more connectors in the distributor and preventing axial and / or rotational movement of the adapter assembly mounted in the distributor, and / or for preventing mispositioning of the adapter assembly in the distributor.

56. The adapter assembly of claim 55, wherein the one or more positioning means is a corresponding one or more recess in the dispenser and / or a protruding pin or projection for preventing mispositioning of the adapter assembly in the dispenser.

57. 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 32, wherein the dispenser comprises a housing and a compartment within the housing for receiving the fluid container, the dispenser having a front, a rear, an upper end, and a lower end, the lower end forming a dispensing end of the dispenser and having an actuator by means of which the dispensing system is operated 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 downward from the upper end to the fluid pump positioned at the lower end, wherein the nozzle is arranged at the lower end of the fluid container, wherein in In a distribution 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 axially compressible, and the actuator has a engagement for actuating the first type of pump by axially compressing it in the vertical direction toward the upper end. 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 of pump being actuated by laterally compressing it. The fluid container has the second type of pump, and the actuator includes the engagement for actuating the first type of pump and a portion for moving the actuating portion toward the second type of pump.

58. The fluid distribution system of claim 57, wherein the second type of pump has a resilient pumping chamber.

59. The fluid distribution system of claim 58, wherein the resilient pumping chamber is an elongated and resilient tubular chamber that extends downward in the lower portion of the fluid container in the direction from the bottom of the fluid reservoir to the nozzle of the resilient tubular chamber.

60. The fluid distribution system according to any one of claims 57 to 59, wherein the user actuator is a user rod configured to pivot about a first pivot axis and extend from the pivot axis toward a user operating 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 actuation portion.

61. The fluid distribution system of claim 60, wherein the user rod extends downward from the first pivot axis.

62. The fluid dispensing system according to any one of claims 57 to 59, further comprising a seat on which a fluid container support of the adapter assembly rests and holds the fluid container in a desired position within the compartment of the dispenser.

63. The fluid distribution system of claim 62, wherein the distributor includes an engagement means for holding the fluid container support in place within the distributor.

64. The fluid distribution system of claim 63, wherein the engagement device includes an element displaceable between a non-holding position and a holding position.

65. The fluid distribution system according to any one of claims 57 to 59, further comprising one or more connectors for engaging one or more positioning devices of the adapter assembly.

66. The fluid distribution system of claim 65, wherein the one or more connectors are one or more pins or protrusions or recesses for engaging the adapter assembly.

67. A distributor comprising an adapter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 32 or an adapter assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 56.

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