Practical retainer

Abstract

A utility holder for a liquid soap dispenser includes a fixed plate adapted to be fixed to a wall. A sleeve with a retainer bracket is adapted to be placed on a fixed plate. A ratchet-equipped sliding bracket is configured to be inserted into the sleeve. During assembly, the fixing plate is enclosed in a gap formed between the sleeve and the sliding bracket, so that the sliding bracket can be locked via the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes an elongate rod having an integrally formed serpentine spring and one or more apertures. The one or more apertures are configured to couple with a movable magnetic block that exerts a force on the spring, controls engagement and disengagement of the ratchet, and allows smooth adjustment of the slide bracket according to the height of the liquid soap dispenser.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 19 / 063,113, filed February 25, 2025, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 825,150, filed September 5, 2024, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 747,848, filed June 19, 2024, entitled "UTILITY HOLDER". The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background of the Invention 1. Field of Invention This invention relates to the field of practical retainers and dispensing systems, and more specifically, to a support and locking mechanism, such as a design for soap dispensers, for securely holding refillable containers or other variable-sized items.

[0002] 2. Description of Prior Art Practical retainers used for storing and securing items such as dispensers, cleaning tools, or leisure equipment are commonly found in residential and commercial environments. These retainers are typically made of durable materials and are designed to keep objects organized and accessible. However, many of these conventional retainers focus primarily on basic storage and lack features that address long-term functionality and maintenance.

[0003] Where soap dispenser holders are commonly used in homes, offices, hospitals, and public facilities, the typical approach involves mounting the dispenser in a fixed, upright position to prevent movement or spills. While this allows for convenient access, most holders are static in size and cannot accommodate dispensers of different shapes or sizes. As a result, users often need to replace the holder when switching to a different bottle design, which increases costs and reduces compatibility.

[0004] Another problem with existing soap dispenser retainers is the lack of reliable safety features. In public-use environments, dispensers can be tampered with, removed, or misused, leading to hygiene risks and increased replacement costs. Standard retainers rarely offer tamper-proof or controlled access to mitigate this problem.

[0005] Perhaps most critically, conventional utility retainers (including dispenser mounts) often lack consideration for routine maintenance. These products are typically not designed for easy disassembly or deep cleaning. The accumulation of soap residue, dust, or microbial deposits can impair functionality and hygiene, especially when parts are not easily accessible or removed. In many cases, the internal mechanisms are sealed or blocked, requiring specialized tools or technical expertise for basic maintenance and hindering proper maintenance practices.

[0006] US Patent 12,075,954 B2 discloses a flexible mounting system for hand hygiene dispensers, comprising a dispenser retainer body designed to support the product dispenser. The system includes a mounting device that allows the retainer body to be securely mounted to a support object while enabling removable attachment in multiple orientations. The dispenser retainer body remains firmly positioned in a selected orientation when attached to the mounting device. Additionally, the system may include an actuation sensor capable of detecting activation of the product dispenser.

[0007] While these known mounting systems offer directional flexibility, they lack advanced features such as tamper resistance, secure locking, and high adjustability. Furthermore, conventional designs do not include magnetic blocks with embedded magnets or provide an automatic front cover locking mechanism for post-cleaning. Therefore, there is a need in the art to develop a versatile and practical retainer that integrates enhanced security, adaptability, an advanced locking mechanism, and effortless maintenance, thereby ensuring reliable availability in a variety of mounting environments.

[0008] Purpose of the invention The purpose of this invention is to provide a safe and adjustable holding mechanism for soap dispensers or similar containers, designed to hold the dispenser in an upright position to minimize spillage and product loss.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to incorporate a tamper-proof design that prevents unauthorized access to or removal of the dispenser, particularly in public or shared environments.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clear visual passage for maintenance purposes, while enhancing durability by utilizing robust materials for long-term function.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide adaptability by enabling the retainer to accommodate containers of various shapes and sizes, thereby eliminating the need for separate retainers customized for specific sizes.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to enhance user convenience during regular use and refilling by utilizing a sliding mechanism that allows easy access without disassembling the entire unit.

[0013] Another objective is to provide a retainer with an ergonomic, space-saving design that can be disassembled with minimal effort for deep cleaning and maintenance. Invention Overview The present invention provides, for example, an adjustable and safe practical retainer for soap dispensers, which not only prevents unauthorized removal and accommodates containers of different sizes, but also facilitates regular maintenance and hygiene through its accessible and cleanable design.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the invention, a practical retainer for a soap dispenser includes a mounting plate that serves as the primary mounting surface, ensuring a secure connection to a wall. A sleeve is positioned on the mounting plate and includes a retainer bracket that provides additional structural support for the dispenser. A sliding bracket is integrated within the sleeve and is characterized by a ratchet system that allows the sliding bracket to be securely inserted and locked in place. During assembly, the mounting plate is enclosed within a gap formed between the sleeve and the sliding bracket, thereby ensuring stability and controlled movement. The locking mechanism facilitates this engagement by combining an elongated rod with an integrally formed serpentine spring and one or more holes. These holes are strategically formed to engage with a movable magnetic block that interacts with the serpentine spring to engage or disengage the ratchet of the sliding bracket, thereby allowing height adjustment of the sliding retainer so that the practical retainer can be adjusted to fit the size of the soap dispenser while maintaining a secure and reliable mounting structure.

[0015] In one embodiment, the fixing plate is configured as a flat and rectangular structure.

[0016] In another embodiment, the sleeve is configured as a hollow and rectangular structure and includes a plurality of guide channels for inserting a sliding support into the sleeve.

[0017] In another embodiment, one or more holes include a first hole at the top of the rod, a second hole at the midpoint of the rod, and a third hole at the bottom of the rod.

[0018] In another embodiment, the first hole is connected to a magnetic block, while the second and third holes are used to limit the movement of the rod during the application of force.

[0019] In another embodiment, the ratchet of the sliding bracket includes multiple teeth and protruding protrusions.

[0020] In another embodiment, during the application of force to the rod by the movable magnetic block, a plurality of teeth are adapted to engage with pawls formed at the edge of the elongated rod.

[0021] In one embodiment, the protrusion restricts the extension of the sliding bracket and prevents the sliding bracket from completely detaching from the fixed plate.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the movable magnetic block moves back and forth in the lateral direction when attracted by a magnetic key.

[0023] In one embodiment, the movable magnetic block includes a neodymium magnet, which causes the movable block to move due to the attraction of the magnetic key.

[0024] In another embodiment, the height of the retainer is adjusted according to the height of the soap dispenser to be fixed between the retainer and the sliding bracket.

[0025] In another embodiment, the size of the retainer is adjustable to accommodate a tall-necked bottle.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the sliding bracket further includes an auxiliary keyhole for receiving an auxiliary key for removing internal components of the retainer for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Brief description of the attached diagram The invention will be more fully understood when referenced to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, and further advantages will become apparent, wherein: Figure 1A A perspective view of a practical retainer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 1B Is it through Figure 1A A sectional view taken by line AA; Figure 2A and Figure 2B An enlarged perspective view of the sleeve and sliding bracket of a practical retainer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figures 3A to 3C A front view of the fixed plate of a utility retainer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the locking mechanism associated with the utility retainer, in the engaged and disengaged states, is shown. Figure 4A and Figure 4B An enlarged view of the disassembly mechanism of a practical retainer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C A perspective view of a practical retainer according to the present invention is shown. Invention Details The embodiments described herein, along with their various features and advantageous details, are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Many variations, modifications, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternative forms of the embodiments of this disclosure described herein may be employed.

[0027] First, for ease of reference, certain terms used in this application and their meanings as used herein are explained. Where a term used herein is not defined below, the broadest definition already given to that term by a person skilled in the art should be given, as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, the technology is not limited to the terms used in this application, as all equivalents, synonyms, new developments, and terms or technologies used for the same or similar purposes are considered to be within the scope of the claims herein.

[0028] The articles “a” and “an” used herein, when applied to any feature in the embodiments of the invention described in the specification and claims, mean one or more. The use of “a” and “an” does not limit the meaning to a single feature unless such limitation is explicitly stated. The article “the” preceding a singular or plural noun or noun phrase indicates one or more specific designated features and can have either a singular or plural meaning depending on the context in which it is used. The adjective “any” means any number of one, some, or all.

[0029] This invention relates to a practical retainer configured to securely accommodate liquid soap dispenser bottles of varying sizes, providing high adjustability and tamper-proof protection. The practical retainer is designed to maximize space efficiency, enhance user convenience, and prevent unauthorized removal in public and private environments.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a utility retainer 100 for a soap dispenser. The utility retainer 100 includes a sleeve 102 equipped with a retainer bracket 104. The sleeve 102 is adapted to be positioned onto a mounting plate (not shown) and configured to be fixed to a wall, thereby providing structural stability to the sleeve 102 of the utility retainer 100. A sliding bracket 106 is configured to be inserted into the sleeve 102 for connection via a ratchet 204 (as shown in the figure) fitted within the sliding bracket 106. Figure 2B (As shown) It is engaged within the fixing plate. The fixing clamp 108 is fastened to the end of the sliding bracket 106, thereby forming a complete assembly of the utility retainer 100, which allows for the reception of the soap dispenser bottle.

[0031] Figure 2A and Figure 2BAn enlarged perspective view of the sleeve and sliding bracket associated with the utility retainer is shown. The foregoing figures depict the structural orientation of the sleeve 102 and the sliding bracket 106. The sleeve 102 shown here has an elongated hollow rectangular structure configured to receive the sliding bracket 106 via a plurality of guide channels 200, which allows the sliding bracket 106 to be easily and smoothly inserted into the sleeve 102. The sleeve 102 is made of any material selected from, but not limited to, metal, plastic, or wood, thereby providing robustness or rigidity to the utility retainer 100. A notch 202 is formed at the end of one of the guide channels 200 for locking the sleeve 102 to the sliding bracket 106. An auxiliary keyhole 206 is provided in the sliding bracket 106, and the auxiliary keyhole 206 is adapted for use with an auxiliary key (such as...) Figure 4A and Figure 4B (As shown) Remove the utility retainer 100, which is operated manually by the auxiliary key for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

[0032] At the top of the sleeve 102, a retainer bracket 104 is attached to hold the top portion of the soap dispenser bottle. The bottom portion of the soap dispenser bottle is secured with a retaining clamp 108, which is attached to the bottom end of the sliding bracket 106 (e.g., Figure 2A and Figure 2B (As shown). This, in turn, provides support for the received soap dispenser bottle when the sliding bracket 106 is inserted into the sleeve 102, thereby providing stability for the received soap dispenser. In one embodiment, the retaining bracket 104 is attached to the sleeve 102 by a plurality of screws, nuts and / or fasteners.

[0033] In one embodiment, the retaining bracket 104 of this document includes a semi-circular shape, while the fixing clamp has a circular plate or annular structure (as shown in Figure 1) to securely clamp the soap dispenser.

[0034] Figure 3A A front view of a mounting plate equipped with a locking mechanism 302 and several internal components associated with said locking mechanism are shown. The mounting plate 300 disclosed herein comprises a flat rectangular structure configured to be mounted to a wall using various fasteners. In one embodiment, the fasteners may include screws, nuts and bolts, nails, etc.

[0035] refer to Figure 1B It shows along Figure 1AThe image shows a cross-sectional view of the fixing plate 300 taken along line AA. The fixing plate 300 is fixed to the wall in such a way that when the sleeve 102 is mounted on the fixing plate 300 and the sliding bracket 106 is simultaneously inserted into the sleeve 102, a small gap or interval is formed between the sleeve 102 and the sliding bracket 106, which allows the fixing plate 300 to be conveniently accommodated therebetween. In other words, the fixing plate 300 is sandwiched between the sleeve 102 and the sliding bracket 106 to provide stability to both the sleeve 102 and the sliding bracket 106.

[0036] When the fixed plate 300 is positioned within the gap, the sliding bracket 106 is enclosed within the sleeve 102 and locked due to the engagement of the multiple teeth of the ratchet 204 with the locking mechanism 302 of the fixed plate 300. This further facilitates safe height adjustment and tamper-proof locking of the utility retainer 100.

[0037] In addition, Figure 3A The locking mechanism disclosed herein includes an elongated rod 306 having an integrally formed serpentine spring 308 and one or more holes 310. In one embodiment, the one or more holes 310 include a first hole located at the top end of the rod 306. A second hole is located at the midpoint of the rod, and a third hole is located at the bottom end of the rod 306. The first hole is configured to engage with a movable magnetic block 304, which is integrated with the locking mechanism 302. The other two holes are configured to pivot at the ends and midpoint of the rod 306. The attachments of the elongated rod 306 and the magnetic block 304 are arranged such that when the magnetic key 312 (denoted by M) is positioned near the sleeve 102, the movable magnetic block 304 moves back and forth in the lateral direction due to the magnetic attraction of the magnetic key 312.

[0038] This tilts the elongated rod 306 to apply force to the serpentine spring 308, causing the pawl 314 formed at the edge of the rod 306 to engage or disengage from the plurality of teeth of the ratchet 204. This locks the sliding bracket 106 within the sleeve 102 to hold the soap dispenser in a locked position. In one embodiment, the height of the utility retainer 100 is adjustable according to the height of the soap dispenser to be secured between the retainer bracket 104 and the sliding bracket 106. The elongated rod 306 and the serpentine spring 308 are typically made of stainless steel. In one embodiment, the serpentine spring 308 is made of plastic.

[0039] In another embodiment, the movable magnetic block 304 includes a neodymium magnet 316 that facilitates movement of the magnetic block 304 toward the magnetic key 312, thereby promoting engagement and disengagement of the teeth of the ratchet 204 and the pawl 314. In another embodiment, the neodymium magnet 316 is strategically aligned within the movable magnetic block 304 for precise engagement or disengagement of the pawl 314 and the ratchet 204.

[0040] In one embodiment, the tilting of the elongated rod 306 engages or disengages the ratchet 204 of the sliding bracket 106 to allow adjustment of the height of the sliding bracket 100 according to the size of the soap dispenser (e.g., Figures 3B to 3C (As shown).

[0041] Figures 3B to 3C The engagement state of the pawl 314 and ratchet 204 of the sliding bracket 106 is shown, wherein the sliding bracket 106 is neither extended nor fully extended. Figures 3B to 3C The diagram depicts how the pawl 314 engages with multiple teeth of the ratchet 204. Furthermore, Figures 3B to 3C A protrusion 316 is depicted on the ratchet 204, which restricts the extension of the sliding bracket 106 to a specific length. The geometry between the pawl 314 and the ratchet 204 allows the sliding bracket 106 to be easily pushed upwards, but prevents downward sliding once locked. This highly locking feature provides stability, adjustability, and allows for the installation of dispensers of various sizes.

[0042] In one embodiment, the protrusion on the ratchet 204 serves as a stop to prevent the sliding bracket 106 from completely disengaging from the sleeve 102.

[0043] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The disassembled state of the practical retainer used for deep cleaning and maintenance purposes is shown. Specifically, Figure 4A and Figure 4B An auxiliary key 400 is depicted inserted into an auxiliary keyhole 206, which is appropriately exposed when the sliding bracket 106 is fully lowered. As the sliding bracket 106 moves further down to its limit opening end, the auxiliary keyhole 206 becomes visible and adapted to receive the auxiliary key 400.

[0044] When the auxiliary key 400 is inserted into the keyhole 206, it needs to be turned counterclockwise to push the lock spring 402 to the left; this unlocks the cover (not shown) of the sleeve 102 and allows the sliding bracket 106 to slide downwards and the sleeve 102 to move upwards. With this arrangement, the sleeve 102 and the sliding bracket 106 can be completely separated.

[0045] Similarly, the utility retainer 100 can be reassembled by simply sliding the sleeve 102 on the retaining plate 300 to lock the sleeve 102 in place until the locking spring (10) engages in the designated locking position. Then, slide the sliding bracket from the bottom inside the sleeve 102 until the pawl 314 engages with the ratchet 204. This again locks the soap dispenser inside the utility retainer 100.

[0046] refer to Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5CThis illustrates a mechanism that allows a liquid soap dispenser bottle to move up and down using a ratchet locking / unlocking system. A spring-loaded pawl engages in a linear ratchet with a built-in spring force to lock the slider in place. When a magnetic key is placed in the correct position (e.g., Figure 5B As shown, a magnetic key disengages the ratchet by unlocking the slider, allowing free downward movement. A spring-loaded pawl, engaged with the linear ratchet, provides the appropriate amount of force to safely support the weight of the object. In this embodiment, the weight is the weight of a full bottle of liquid soap. The ratchet slider can also be used to support or secure various other types of liquid-containing products.

[0047] Magnetic blocks are made by inserting a magnet into injection-molded plastic and then sealing the surface with epoxy resin to ensure corrosion resistance. The positioning of the magnetic block and the use of a magnetic key to disengage the ratchet are essential safety features. The mechanism allowing the liquid soap bottle to move up and down can only disengage (open) when the magnetic key is placed in the correct position. The relative force between the spring-loaded pawl and the magnet allows the pawl to engage and disengage from the ratchet mounted on the slider. When the magnetic key is placed, the magnetic block is attracted toward the magnetic key, overcoming the spring force and disengaging the pawl from the linear ratchet. Once the pawl is disengaged from the linear ratchet, the soap bottle slides downwards with its holder and slider, allowing the bottle to be removed for refilling (e.g., ...). Figure 5C (As shown). Another key feature of this design is deep-clean access. Once the slider is fully down, the keyhole becomes visible (as shown). Figure 5C (As shown), this allows the insertion of a key, which makes it possible to remove the front cover for thorough cleaning of the entire mechanism.

[0048] The foregoing description of specific embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein. Others can readily modify and / or adapt these specific embodiments for various applications by applying existing knowledge without departing from the general concept. Therefore, such modifications and adaptations should and are intended to be understood as the wording or terminology used herein being descriptive rather than limiting. Thus, although embodiments herein have been described according to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0049] The aforementioned advantages, as well as those obvious from the foregoing description, are effectively achieved. Since certain changes can be made to the above-described construction without departing from the scope of the invention, all content contained in the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0050] It should also be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all general and specific features of the invention as described herein, and all statements within the scope of the invention as a language problem may fall therein.

[0051] The invention has been described in considerable detail. It should be understood that these details need not be strictly followed, but rather that further changes and modifications can be conceived by those skilled in the art, all of which fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A practical retainer for a soap dispenser, comprising: A fixing plate, the fixing plate being adapted to be fixed to a wall; A sleeve having a retainer bracket adapted to be placed on the fixing plate; A sliding bracket, integral with the ratchet, is adapted to be inserted into the sleeve. When the sleeve is placed and inserted into the sliding bracket, the fixing plate is closed within the gap formed between the sleeve and the sliding bracket, so as to lock the sliding bracket inside the sleeve via a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes an elongated rod having an integrally formed serpentine spring and one or more holes. The one or more holes are configured to engage with a movable magnetic block that applies force to the serpentine spring to engage or disengage the ratchet of the sliding bracket, thereby allowing the height of the sliding bracket to be adjusted according to the size of the soap dispenser.

2. The practical retainer according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing plate is formed into a flat and rectangular structure.

3. The practical retainer according to claim 1, wherein, The sleeve is formed into a hollow rectangular structure, and the sleeve includes a plurality of guide channels for inserting the sliding bracket into the sleeve.

4. The practical retainer according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more holes include a first hole located at the top of the rod, a second hole located at the midpoint of the rod, and a third hole located at the bottom of the rod.

5. The practical retainer according to claim 4, wherein, The first hole is configured to connect with the magnetic block, while the second and third holes are used to limit the movement of the rod during the application of force.

6. The practical retainer according to claim 1, wherein, The ratchet of the sliding bracket includes multiple teeth and protruding protrusions.

7. The practical retainer according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of teeth are adapted to engage with pawls formed at the edge of the elongated rod during the application of force on the rod by the movable magnetic block.

8. The practical retainer according to claim 6, wherein, The protruding protrusion restricts the extension of the sliding bracket and prevents the sliding bracket from completely detaching from the fixing plate.

9. The practical retainer according to claim 1, wherein, The movable magnetic block moves back and forth in the lateral direction when attracted by a magnetic key.

10. The practical retainer according to claim 9, wherein, The movable magnetic block includes a pair of neodymium magnets, which move the movable block due to the attraction of the magnetic key.

11. The practical retainer according to claim 1, wherein, The height of the retainer is adjusted according to the height of the soap dispenser to be fixed between the retainer and the sliding bracket.

12. The practical retainer according to claim 1, wherein, The retainer bracket has a semi-circular shape and is configured to hold the head cap of the soap dispenser.

13. The practical retainer according to claim 1, wherein, The sliding bracket also includes an auxiliary keyhole configured to receive an auxiliary key for disassembling internal components of the retainer for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

14. The practical retainer according to claim 1, wherein, The serpentine spring is made of plastic.

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