Tamper-resistant and tamper-evident soap dispenser for public use and capable of reducing plastic use

Abstract

The application discloses a theft-proof and tamper-proof soap liquid device for public use and capable of reducing plastic use, relates to the technical field of soap liquid devices, and discloses a structure of an inner shell and an outer shell sliding sleeve cooperation. The inner shell and the outer shell are matched to form a closed space for accommodating and containing a refillable bottle or a disposable bag. The inner shell and the outer shell are fixed and locked through a spring and a metal bolt. A clamping groove is arranged at the back of the device to enhance the connection strength, and only a magnetic key is allowed to open the device. The soap liquid device solves the problems of poor theft-proof and tamper-proof effect, serious plastic waste, pollution caused by repeated refilling, maintenance difficulty, unattractive appearance and poor user experience of the existing soap liquid devices through a plurality of technical innovations and design optimization, and has important significance for improving the use efficiency and user experience of cleaning supplies in public places.

Description

Anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispensers for public spaces that reduce plastic use Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of soap dispenser technology, specifically to an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic usage. Background Technology

[0002] With the growing awareness of environmental protection, countries around the world have called for reducing the use of single-use plastic products and have enacted regulations to restrict their use. Among these, the most significant impact on industries such as hotels and airlines is the replacement of small bottles of toiletries with larger containers of soap dispensers that connect to walls or tabletops.

[0003] Currently, the main function of commonly used soap dispensers is to secure large plastic bottles to walls, which can prevent users from stealing large bottles of liquid to some extent. However, ensuring the liquid inside the bottle is not contaminated is either impossible, as existing soap dispensers generally have difficulty locking the screw-on pump head; or, if a check pump head is used, it is difficult for staff to refill the large plastic bottles, resulting in the need to replace the bottle and pump head together after the liquid is used up, wasting plastic. Relatively few soap dispensers on the market simultaneously meet the requirements of preventing theft and tampering.

[0004] In summary, existing soap dispensers typically suffer from problems such as poor anti-theft and anti-tampering effects, significant plastic waste, pollution caused by repeated refilling, difficult maintenance, unattractive appearance, and poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic usage, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic usage, comprising an inner shell and an outer shell with a sliding fit, the inner shell and the outer shell forming a closed space after fitting together, for accommodating and holding refillable bottles or disposable bags, and the inner shell and the outer shell being fixed and locked together by springs and metal pins, with a slot on the back to enhance the connection strength, allowing only the use of a magnetic key to open.

[0007] Furthermore, the back of the inner shell is set as a flat plane and is provided with at least one threaded hole, which allows the inner shell to be fixed to the wall by means of adhesive or screws. At the same time, the locking mechanism of the inner shell and the outer shell allows the whole soap dispenser to be fixed to the wall.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes an anti-tampering mechanism consisting of a pump head, a pump core sleeve, and a magnetic key. The pump core sleeve extends from inside the outer casing and is locked to the middle section of the pump core sleeve using the hexagonal wrench at the end of the key. After the pump core sleeve is screwed onto the pump head, the relationship between static and dynamic friction is controlled to ensure that the pump head cannot be unscrewed for tampering from the outside. Only staff can open the inner and outer casings and use the key to disassemble the pump head.

[0009] Furthermore, two liquid storage options are provided: one is a refillable bottle, and the other is a disposable bag.

[0010] Furthermore, the refillable bottle pumps liquid through a pump core sleeve that works with the pump head, and the bottle is equipped with a sealing cap to prevent liquid evaporation and contamination.

[0011] Furthermore, the disposable bag needs to be used in conjunction with a baffle. The bag is secured by the buckle and slot structure between the baffle and the inner shell, and the pump core sleeve punctures the bag to allow liquid use.

[0012] Furthermore, the bottles can be refilled a fixed number of times before being cleaned, disinfected, or replaced. The bags are for single use only, and the pump head and pump core sleeve are detachable and can also be cleaned, disinfected, or replaced.

[0013] Furthermore, the outer casing is equipped with a locking mechanism consisting of welded structural components, springs, and metal pins, which allows for quick unlocking by using a magnetic key to compress the spring and attract the pin, facilitating the replacement of contents. At the same time, the outer casing and baffle are equipped with transparent or semi-transparent observation windows for easy monitoring of the remaining liquid level.

[0014] Furthermore, all removable parts are designed to be easy to clean and replace, and both the outer and inner shells are made of corrosion-resistant and easy-to-clean materials.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, it has the following advantages:

[0016] 1. Significantly enhanced anti-theft performance: Through the sliding cooperation between the inner shell and the outer shell, as well as the fixing and locking mechanism of the spring and the metal locking pin, combined with the slot design on the back, the anti-theft performance of the soap dispenser is greatly improved, ensuring that unauthorized personnel cannot easily open and steal the liquid inside the container.

[0017] 2. Effectively prevents tampering: The unique pumping components, along with the outer casing, inner casing, and magnetic key, work together to lock the pump head, making it impossible for external parts to unscrew and tamper with it. Only personnel can disassemble the pump head using the magnetic key, thus ensuring the safety and integrity of the liquid.

[0018] 3. Reduce plastic waste: Two options are provided: refillable soap dispenser bottles and disposable soap dispenser pouches. The reusability of the soap dispenser bottles reduces plastic consumption, while the soap dispenser pouches, although disposable, use far less plastic than traditional disposable bottles and do not need to be replaced at the same time as the pump head, further reducing plastic waste.

[0019] 4. Reduced risk of contamination from refilling: Soap dispenser bottles can be refilled and cleaned, disinfected, or replaced after a fixed number of refills, while soap dispenser bags are for single use, avoiding potential contamination issues from refilling. The pump head and pump cartridge are also designed to be detachable for cleaning, further ensuring hygiene and safety.

[0020] 5. Easy maintenance and content replacement: The magnetic key allows for quick and easy unlocking of the inner and outer shells, as well as the observation window design on the outer shell and baffle, enabling staff to easily monitor the liquid level and replace it in a timely manner, greatly simplifying the maintenance process.

[0021] 6. Enhanced User Experience: The innovative connection method eliminates traditional external limiting mechanisms, simplifies the appearance, reduces user wariness, and improves the overall user experience. At the same time, the robust installation design and convenient operation also enhance user satisfaction.

[0022] In summary, through multiple technological innovations and design optimizations, significant improvements have been achieved in ensuring safety, reducing waste, minimizing pollution, and facilitating maintenance. These advancements are of great significance for improving the efficiency of cleaning products in public spaces and enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0024] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed herein, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives that the present invention can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1 is a split perspective view of an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic usage, provided by some embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 is a first-view perspective view of the inner shell of an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic usage, provided by some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 is a second-view perspective view of the inner shell of an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic usage, provided by some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the casing of an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic usage, provided by some embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the pump core sleeve of an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic usage, provided by some embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of an anti-theft and anti-tampering soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic usage, provided by some embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the magnetic key disassembled for an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic usage, provided by some embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8 is a top view of a locking mechanism that is opened by a magnetic key in an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser provided in some embodiments of the present invention for use in public places and to reduce the use of plastic.

[0033] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the baffle of an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic usage, provided by some embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the baffle of an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic usage, provided by some embodiments of the present invention, with the baffle engaged inside the inner shell.

[0035] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the internally installed soap dispenser bottle of an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic usage, provided by some embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser with an internal soap bag installed, which is provided by some embodiments of the present invention for use in public places and can reduce the use of plastic.

[0037] In the diagram: 1. Inner shell; 11. Limiting protrusion; 12. Tray; 13. Bottle cavity; 14. Reserved groove 1; 15. Locking pin hole; 16. Threaded hole; 17. Slot 1; 18. Clamping plate; 19. Outer buckle; 2. Outer shell; 21. Hollowed-out section; 22. Inner buckle; 23. Outer frame of retaining ring; 24. Reserved hole; 3. Pump core sleeve; 31. Nut; 32. Limiting retaining ring 1; 33. Threaded groove; 34. Sharp point 4. Pump head; 5. Locking mechanism; 51. Frame body; 52. Limiting post; 53. Limiting retaining ring II; 54. Locking pin; 55. Spring; 56. Inner layer frame of the retaining ring; 6. Magnetic key; 61. Handle; 62. Reserved slot II; 63. Hex wrench; 64. Magnet; 7. Baffle; 71. Locking protrusion; 72. Bag cavity; 73. Baffle buckle; 74. Slot II; 8. Soap liquid bottle; 9. Soap liquid bag. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 12, the anti-theft and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use and which reduces plastic usage in the first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes an inner shell 1 and an outer shell 2. The inner shell 1 and the outer shell 2 fit together to form a closed space for accommodating a soap dispenser bottle 8 and a soap dispenser bag 9. When placing the soap dispenser bag 9 into the closed space, it needs to be used in conjunction with a baffle 7. The baffle 7 supports the flexible soap dispenser bag 9. A pump assembly capable of drawing soap is installed on the top of the outer shell 2. The inner shell 1 and the outer shell 2 are fixedly locked together by a locking mechanism 5. The locking mechanism 5 can only be opened using a magnetic key 6.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the inner shell 1 is fixed to the wall. A limiting protrusion 11 is provided on the back of the inner shell 1, and a tray 12 is integrally connected to the bottom of the inner shell 1. The inner shell 1 has a pre-reserved bottle cavity 13 for accommodating the soap bottle 8 or the baffle 7. The top of the inner shell 1 has a reserved groove 14 for accommodating the locking mechanism 5. A locking pin hole 15 is provided on the side of the reserved groove 14. Several threaded holes 16 are provided inside the limiting protrusion 11. The inner shell 1 can be installed on the wall by screws and threaded holes 16. A slot 17 is provided at the bottom of the limiting protrusion 11. A card plate 18 is symmetrically connected at the junction of the limiting protrusion 11 and the tray 12. An "L"-shaped external buckle 19 is connected to the back of the inner shell 1 and on both sides of the limiting protrusion 11.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, a cutout portion 21 is provided on the back of the outer shell 2, and an "L"-shaped inner buckle 22 is provided on both sides of the cutout portion 21 on the back of the outer shell 2. A retaining ring outer frame 23 is provided at the top of the inner part of the outer shell 2, and a reserved hole 24 is opened at the top of the outer shell 2.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, a nut 31 is fixedly connected to the outside of the pump core sleeve 3, and a limiting ring 32 is fixedly connected above the nut 31 to the outside of the pump core sleeve 3. A threaded groove 33 that can be screwed onto the pump head 4 is reserved on the top outer side of the pump core sleeve 3, and a sharp part 34 that can puncture the soap bag 9 is provided at the bottom end of the pump core sleeve 3.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, the locking mechanism 5 includes a frame body 51. A limit post 52 is slidably connected inside the frame body 51. A second limit ring 53 is connected to the end of the limit post 52. A locking pin 54 is connected to the end of the second limit ring 53. A spring 55 is also provided inside the frame body 51. The spring 55 abuts between the frame body 51 and the second limit ring 53. The inner frame 56 of the retaining ring is integrally connected to both sides of the frame body 51.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, the magnetic key 6 includes a handle 61. One end of the handle 61 has a reserved groove 62, and the other end is connected to a hex wrench 63. The hex wrench 63 is adapted to the nut 31. A magnet 64 is fixedly installed inside the reserved groove 62.

[0045] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the back of the baffle 7 is provided with a locking protrusion 71 that matches the limiting protrusion 11, and the interior of the baffle 7 is provided with a bag cavity 72 that can accommodate the soap bag 9. The bottom of the locking protrusion 71 is connected to the baffle buckle 73. The baffle buckle 73 can deform when squeezed and return to its original shape when not squeezed. The bottom sides of the baffle 7 are provided with two slots 74.

[0046] This embodiment provides a technical solution to address issues such as poor anti-theft and anti-tampering effectiveness, significant plastic waste, contamination from repeated refilling, difficult maintenance, unattractive appearance, and poor user experience. The specific details are as follows:

[0047] I. In the anti-theft technical solution, the inner shell 1 and outer shell 2 are fitted together by a sliding mechanism, forming a space inside the shell to accommodate a soap bottle 8 or soap bag 9 for holding daily chemical liquids. A spring 55 and a metal locking pin 54 are used to securely fasten the inner shell 1 and outer shell 2. Corresponding slots on the back further enhance the connection strength between the inner and outer shells, preventing ordinary users from opening the inner shell 1 and outer shell 2 to steal the liquid container. Staff can use a magnetic key 6 to open the inner and outer shells. The limiting protrusion 11 on the back of the inner shell 1 is a flat surface with multiple threaded holes 16, allowing for adhesive or screw fastening to fix the inner shell 1 to the wall. Based on the interlocking nature of the inner and outer shells, the entire product can be fixed to the wall.

[0048] II. In the technical solution to address the problem of poor anti-tampering effectiveness, the inner shell 1 and outer shell 2 can be locked together to prevent theft. Simultaneously, a pre-drilled hole 24 is provided at the upper end of the outer shell 2 for cooperation with the pump core sleeve 3 and pump head 4. Using components such as the outer shell 2, pump core sleeve 3, pump head 4, and magnetic key 6: the pump core sleeve 3 is inserted upwards from inside the outer shell 2 through the pre-drilled hole 24, exposing the upper threaded groove 33 of the pump core sleeve 3 to the outside of the outer shell 2. Using the hexagonal wrench 63 at the tail of the magnetic key 6 and the hexagonal nut 31 in the middle of the pump core sleeve 3, the inner shell 2 is locked together. Then, the fixed pump core sleeve 3 is screwed onto the pump head 4. After screwing, the threads of the pump head 4 connect with the threaded groove 33 of the pump core sleeve 3, and the lower surface of the pump head 4 is connected to the upper surface of the outer shell 2. The upper surface of the limiting ring 32 in the middle section of the pump core sleeve 3 contacts the upper surface of the inner shell 2. By controlling the friction force, after assembly and screwing, the static friction range of the screw thread and the thread groove 33 of the pump head 4 is greater than the sum of the dynamic friction between the pump head 4 and the shell 2 and the dynamic friction between the pump core sleeve 3 and the shell 2 when the pump head 4 is rotated externally. This achieves the function that the pump head 4 cannot be unscrewed from the outside to tamper with the liquid, and the pump head 4 can be disassembled from the pump core sleeve 3 by the hexagonal wrench 63 of the magnetic key 6 after the operator opens the inner shell 1 and the shell 2.

[0049] Third, in the technical solution to address the serious problem of plastic waste, the inner shell 1 and the outer shell 2 fit together to form a space for holding liquid in either a soap bottle 8 or a soap bag 9. This embodiment provides two liquid holding solutions: a soap bottle 8 or a soap bag 9. The soap bottle 8 pumps liquid from inside the bottle through the cooperation of the pump core sleeve 3 and the pump head 4, allowing for refilling and reducing the use of disposable plastics, thus reducing plastic waste. The soap bag 9 requires a baffle 7 for use. The baffle 7 is equipped with a baffle buckle 73 and a second slot 74, which can match and engage with the first slot 17 and the second plate 18 at the bottom of the inner shell 1 to form a semi-enclosed space. The soap bag 9 can be placed through the notch, and the inner shell 2 and the baffle 7 fix the bag. The fixed soap bag 9 is punctured by the sharp part 34 at the bottom of the pump core sleeve 3 during the fitting process of the inner shell 1 and the outer shell 2, so that the soap bag 9 can be used to hold liquid. The soap bag 9 is for single use, but compared with disposable bottles, the amount of plastic used in the soap bag 9 is greatly reduced, and there is no need to match the pump head for simultaneous replacement.

[0050] IV. In the technical solution to solve the problem of contamination caused by repeated filling, two liquid storage methods are provided: soap bottle 8 and soap bag 9. The soap bottle 8 can be repeatedly filled a fixed number of times before being cleaned, disinfected or replaced. The soap bag 9 is for single use and there is no problem of contamination from repeated filling. The pump head 4 and the pump core sleeve 3 are detachable structures and can be cleaned, disinfected or replaced after a fixed number of uses.

[0051] V. In the technical solution to address the maintenance difficulties, the inner shell 1 and outer shell 2 are fixed and locked together using a spring 55 and a metal locking pin 54. A welded structural component exists at the upper interior of the outer shell 2, forming a space within it that accommodates the metal locking pin 54 and the corresponding spring 55. The locking pin 54 protrudes through a pre-drilled hole in the welded component and engages with the locking pin hole 15 at the upper end of the inner shell 1, achieving a snap-fit ​​function. Operators can use the magnet 64 at the front of the magnetic key 6 to attract the locking pin 54, compress the spring 55, and separate the locking pin 54 from the locking pin hole 15, thus completing the unlocking action. Unlocking is convenient and simple, and the contents can be quickly replaced after unlocking. Simultaneously, both the outer shell 2 and the baffle 7 have observation windows, allowing operators to easily monitor the remaining liquid level and replace the contents at appropriate times.

[0052] VI. In the technical solution to address the issues of unattractive appearance and poor user experience, an innovative connection method has been adopted to eliminate the external limiting mechanism used in traditional soap dispensers with pressure-locking pumps. This avoids a cumbersome appearance and, at the same time, reduces the need for information transmission to the user, thus improving the user experience.

[0053] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with general descriptions and specific embodiments, modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such modifications or improvements made without departing from the spirit of the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0054] The terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and "middle" used in this specification are merely for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A theft-proof and tamper-proof soap dispenser for public use that reduces plastic consumption, characterized in that: The device includes a sliding structure with an inner shell and an outer shell that fit together to form a closed space for accommodating and holding refillable bottles or disposable bags. The inner and outer shells are secured and locked together by a spring and a metal pin. A slot on the back enhances the connection strength, allowing opening only with a magnetic key. It also includes an anti-tampering mechanism consisting of a pump head, a pump core sleeve, and a magnetic key. The pump core sleeve extends from inside the outer shell and is locked using the hexagonal wrench at the end of the key against the hexagonal edge in the middle of the pump core sleeve. After the pump core sleeve is screwed onto the pump head, it is opened... By controlling the relationship between static and dynamic friction, it ensures that the pump head cannot be tampered with from the outside. Only personnel can open the inner and outer shells and disassemble the pump head with a key. By controlling the friction force, after assembly and screwing, the static friction range of the screw threads and grooves of the pump head is greater than the sum of the dynamic friction between the pump head and the outer shell and the dynamic friction between the pump core sleeve and the outer shell when the pump head is rotated from the outside. This achieves the function of preventing the pump head from being tampered with from the outside, and allowing personnel to disassemble the pump head and pump core sleeve with a hexagonal wrench with a magnetic key after opening the inner and outer shells.

2. The soap dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The back of the inner shell is set as a flat plane and is provided with at least one threaded hole, which allows the inner shell to be fixed to the wall by adhesive or screws. At the same time, the locking mechanism of the inner shell and the outer shell allows the whole soap dispenser to be fixed to the wall.

3. The soap dispenser according to any one of claims 1, characterized in that, Two liquid storage options are available: refillable bottles and disposable bags.

4. The soap dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that, The refillable bottle pumps liquid through a pump core sleeve and pump head. The bottle is equipped with a sealing cap to prevent liquid evaporation and contamination.

5. The soap dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that, The disposable bag needs to be used with a baffle. The bag is fixed by the buckle and slot structure between the baffle and the inner shell, and the pump core sleeve punctures the bag to allow the liquid to be used.

6. The soap dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottles can be refilled a fixed number of times before being cleaned, disinfected, or replaced. The bags are for single use only. The pump head and pump core sleeve are detachable and can also be cleaned, disinfected, or replaced.

7. The soap dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell has a locking mechanism consisting of welded structural components, springs, and metal pins, which allows for quick unlocking by using a magnetic key to compress the spring and pick up the pin, facilitating the replacement of contents. The outer shell and baffle also have transparent or semi-transparent observation windows for easy monitoring of the remaining liquid level.

8. The soap dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, All removable parts are designed to be easy to clean and replace, and both the outer and inner shells are made of corrosion-resistant and easy-to-clean materials.

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