Soap dispenser nozzle valve and reservoir assembly

Abstract

This application relates to a soap dispenser nozzle valve and reservoir assembly, and more particularly to a soap dispenser with an anti-drip function to prevent soap from dripping when the dispenser is not in use. The soap dispenser can be used with a sink system having a sink and a soap reservoir. The sink may include a skirt, and the soap reservoir may be positioned within the skirt. The soap reservoir may include a pumping mechanism configured to pump soap to the soap dispenser. The soap reservoir may include an inlet actuated between a dispensing position and a non-dispensing position, in which soap can be dispensed from the nozzle and in a non-dispensing position, soap cannot be dispensed from the nozzle. The dispenser may further include a valve proximate to the nozzle to prevent soap from dripping when the dispenser is not in use. The skirt may be detachable or openable to allow access to the soap reservoir for refilling when the soap is depleted.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 759,612, filed February 18, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a soap dispenser. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a soap dispenser with anti-drip and anti-spill functions. Background Technology

[0003] Soap dispensers and reservoirs have been widely used in home, commercial, and industrial environments for many years. Typically, the reservoir stores a certain amount of soap, while the connected dispenser releases the soap for cleaning or washing purposes. These systems can be integrated with sink countertops or faucets, or they can be positioned nearby. Soap dispensers are often activated by applying pressure, which forces soap from the reservoir through a nozzle into the dispenser. Once the pressure is released, the dispenser returns to its original position. However, after dispensing, residual soap may occasionally drip from the nozzle, resulting in unnecessary waste and potential mess on surfaces below or near the dispenser. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A non-limiting example of this disclosure provides a sink system including a sink with a skirt, a soap dispenser positioned within the skirt, the dispenser including a pumping mechanism configured to pump soap from the dispenser to a soap dispenser including an orifice and positioned remotely from the dispenser (e.g., on a sink countertop). The orifice is actuable between a dispensing position, in which soap can be dispensed from a nozzle (or nozzle valve), and in a non-dispensing position, soap cannot be dispensed from a nozzle (or nozzle valve). The orifice can be actuated to dispense soap by rotating the nozzle relative to the soap dispenser to position the nozzle above the sink basin.

[0005] The dispenser may further include a valve near the nozzle, or may further include a nozzle valve, to prevent soap dripping when the dispenser is not in use. A pumping mechanism may be configured to pump soap from the reservoir to the dispenser. The skirt containing the reservoir may be detachable or openable to allow access to the reservoir, thereby allowing the reservoir to be refilled with soap when depleted, or the reservoir to be completely replaced.

[0006] In some examples, the reservoir may also include a valve (e.g., a duckbill valve) to prevent soap from spilling from the reservoir when the skirt is opened to contact the skirt (e.g., when the reservoir is refilled with soap). The reservoir valve may also be used to prevent soap from spilling into the skirt when the reservoir pumps soap to the dispenser during a dispensing operation. In some examples, the dispenser valve (or nozzle valve) may include one of an anti-drip valve and a check valve.

[0007] A non-limiting example of this disclosure provides a dispenser including a housing and an orifice connectable to the housing and defining a nozzle (or nozzle valve). The orifice is actuable between a dispensing position, in which soap solution can be dispensed from the nozzle (or nozzle valve), and in a non-dispensing position, soap solution cannot be dispensed from the nozzle (or nozzle valve). The dispenser may further include a valve proximate to the nozzle (in an example where a nozzle valve is not used). Similar to a nozzle valve, the valve may be configured to prevent soap solution from dripping from the orifice when the dispenser is not in use.

[0008] The above overview is not intended to describe every illustrative example or every embodiment of the subject matter. The following figures and detailed descriptions illustrate various examples in more detail. Attached Figure Description

[0009] This disclosure can be understood more fully by taking into account the following detailed description of examples of the disclosure relating to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example sink system according to the present disclosure, the sink system including a sink, a soap dispenser positioned within a sink skirt and a soap dispenser positioned on a sink countertop; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a soap dispenser in a dispensing position, as exemplified by this disclosure; Figure 3A This is a perspective view of a soap dispenser as an example of the present disclosure; Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A side cross-sectional view of the soap liquid reservoir; Figure 4A A perspective cross-sectional view of a cap for a soap dispenser, as exemplified by this disclosure; and Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A top view of the cap.

[0010] While various modifications and alternatives may be made to the various examples, their specific details have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to limit the claimed invention to the specific examples described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the subject matter defined by the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar or identical elements in different drawings have the same numbering. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and depict illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered restrictive. Unless a specific definition is provided, the terminology used herein generally adopts its general definition. Where a term provided herein has both a general definition and a specific definition, the term should be interpreted according to its specific definition.

[0012] Examples of this disclosure include sink systems having a sink, a soap dispenser, and a soap dispenser positioned on or near a sink countertop or another surface. The soap dispenser may be located within a cavity or hollow area of ​​a sink skirt (e.g., a tilt-out sink skirt). The soap dispenser may include a valve (e.g., a duckbill valve) to prevent soap from overflowing the dispenser when the sink skirt is removed from the outside or opened. In some examples, the soap dispenser may include a pumping mechanism or engine positioned within the dispenser housing. In other examples, the pumping mechanism or engine may be positioned in a different area of ​​the cavity or hollow area of ​​the sink skirt, outside the soap dispenser.

[0013] The soap dispenser can be positioned on the sink countertop away from the soap reservoir (e.g., the soap reservoir can be positioned within the sink skirt at one end of the sink, and the soap dispenser can be positioned at a second end of the sink, where a faucet is located). The soap dispenser can be actuated or moved between a dispensing position and a non-dispensing position. For example, the nozzle of the soap dispenser can be rotatably actuated between the dispensing and non-dispensing positions using any suitable visual, auditory, or tactile feedback (e.g., non-contact feedback) (e.g., by the user physically moving the soap dispenser nozzle between positions). Soap can be dispensed from the soap dispenser in the dispensing position (e.g., by pressing a button or by non-contact feedback), but typically not in the non-dispensing position. In some examples, the soap dispenser may include a check valve or anti-drip valve positioned near the soap dispensing nozzle. In other examples, the valve and nozzle will be a combined component (e.g., a check valve or anti-drip nozzle valve). The valve can prevent unwanted soap dripping from the nozzle when the soap dispenser is not in use or immediately after soap dispensing is complete.

[0014] The pumping mechanism or engine can be actuated using a mechanical component (e.g., a button, switch, or lever) positioned on the dispenser, or actuated based on detected user movement, or actuated based on various visual, auditory, or tactile feedback mechanisms (e.g., contactless mechanisms). Actuation of the pumping mechanism or engine allows soap solution to be pumped from the soap solution reservoir to the soap solution dispenser via a tube or conduit connecting the reservoir and the dispenser. Adjusting the soap solution dispenser port from the non-dispensing position to the dispensing position allows the delivered soap solution to be dispensed from a nozzle or nozzle valve, typically included in the port. A check valve or anti-drip valve (or nozzle valve) prevents unwanted soap solution from dripping after dispensing (e.g., if the soap solution dispenser remains in the dispensing position after dispensing). This operation can be repeated until a certain volume of soap solution in the soap solution reservoir is depleted. When this occurs, the sink skirt can be opened or removed from the sink to access the soap solution reservoir positioned therein. The soap dispenser can then be refilled with a certain volume of soap solution to resume the soap dispensing operation. A duckbill valve or other valve included in the soap dispenser prevents soap solution from overflowing into or from the sink skirt during refilling and during the dispensing operation of the soap dispenser.

[0015] Accordingly, examples of this disclosure provide soap dispensers and soap reservoirs with anti-drip or spill protection. Examples of this disclosure advantageously reduce soap waste during dispensing and prevent mess near the soap dispenser or soap reservoir caused by undesirable drips or spills. The soap dispenser can be positioned away from the soap reservoir to provide a reduced footprint along the sink countertop. The soap reservoir, with a pumping mechanism or engine, can be positioned within the sink skirt to further reduce the footprint associated with the dispenser-reservoir combination. Thus, examples of this disclosure further provide a space-compressing sink system that reduces the sink countertop space occupied by the soap dispenser and soap reservoir components. This arrangement is illustrated throughout the accompanying drawings, as now discussed.

[0016] Figure 1An example sink system 100 according to this disclosure is depicted, comprising a sink 110, a soap dispenser 180, and a soap dispenser 160 positioned on the sink countertop. The sink system 100 is compatible with a variety of faucets, including single-hole faucets, center-mounted faucets, widely distributed faucets, container faucets, and wall-mounted faucets. The sink 110 may include various sink types commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. For example, the sink 110 may include an undermount sink; a double-basin sink or a double-recessed sink; a recessed sink; a farmhouse sink or a skirted sink; a single-basin sink or a single-recessed sink; a top-mounted sink; a sink made of stainless steel, cast iron, refractory clay, ceramic, granite, or copper; a corner sink; a workstation sink; a container sink; an island sink; a pre-sink; or other sink types commonly used in these settings.

[0017] In some examples, sink 110 may include a farmhouse-style or skirted sink having a basin 112 having a floor 114a and multiple walls (e.g., front wall 114b, rear wall 114c, left side wall 114d, and right side wall 114e). Sink 110 may further include a drain hole 116 defined in basin 112, a partition wall 118 dividing basin 112 into two parts, an inner wall shelf 122 located at an intermediate position along the multiple walls within basin 112, a top edge 124 extending outward from basin 112, and an outer edge 126 connectable to the top edge 124 at the front end of sink 110. Sink 110 may further include a skirt 128 having multiple walls (e.g., front wall 129a, left side wall 129b, right side wall 129c, and bottom wall 129d). Skirt 128 may define at least one internal cavity 132 to receive soap reservoir 180. In some examples, skirt 128 may be removed from base 112 or otherwise opened to allow access to at least one internal cavity 132 containing soap reservoir 180.

[0018] For example, the soap dispenser 160 can be positioned on the sink countertop near the sink 110 or near the faucet used with the sink system 100. The soap dispenser 160 can be configured to dispense soap received from a soap reservoir 180 located within the skirt panel 128. The soap dispenser 160 and the soap reservoir 180 can be connected via pipes or conduits, for example, pipe or conduit 172 of the dispenser 160 can be connected to pipe or conduit 196 of the reservoir 180, or the dispenser 160 and the reservoir 180 can be connected via a single pipe or conduit 172 / 196. When the soap dispenser 160 is activated using any suitable visual, auditory, or tactile feedback mechanism (e.g., a contactless feedback mechanism), soap can be delivered between pipes or conduits 172, 196.

[0019] Figure 2 A soap dispenser 160 in a dispensing position, as exemplified by this disclosure, is depicted. The soap dispenser 160 can be in the dispensing position ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 Actuation is performed between a dispensing position (shown in the figure) and a non-dispensing position (not shown). Typically, soap can be dispensed from the soap dispenser 160 when in the dispensing position, but not in the non-dispensing position. This is because the dispensing position typically positions the nozzle 166 of the dispenser 160 in an outward position, away from the dispenser housing and suitable for soap dispensing. Conversely, the non-dispensing position can be characterized as the nozzle 166 being generally aligned with the dispenser housing, and thus not in a suitable or physically usable position for soap dispensing. The soap dispenser 160 includes an anti-drip function to prevent unwanted soap dripping or spillage after dispensing.

[0020] The soap dispenser 160 may include a housing 162 configured to receive a quantity of soap from a soap reservoir 180 for soap dispensing operations. The soap dispenser 160 may further include a cap 164 positioned above an opening defined in the housing 162; an inlet 166 coupling to the housing 162 and actuable about a rotational axis between a dispensing position and a non-dispensing position; an anti-drip valve or check valve 168 positioned near the soap dispensing nozzle and configured to prevent unwanted soap dripping or spillage (in other examples, a check valve or anti-drip nozzle valve); and a tube or conduit 172 coupling to a tube or conduit 196 (or directly coupling to the soap reservoir 180) configured to facilitate the transfer of soap from the soap reservoir 180 to the soap dispenser 160. In the example, the check valve 168 does not extend beyond the surface of the port 166, such that when the port 166 is in the non-dispensing position, the check valve 168 does not interfere with the housing 162. The soap dispenser 160 may further include various mechanical or circuitry 174 to power or actuate the mechanical or electrical components of the soap dispenser (e.g., actuating the port 166 between the dispensing and non-dispensing positions). This may include buttons, sensors, or any of various actuators.

[0021] In some examples, the soap dispenser 160 may further include an air gap member 176 positioned within the housing 162. The air gap member 176 may provide several functions to the soap dispenser 160, such as preventing soap from flowing back into the soap reservoir 180; providing a consistent pressure and flow rate of soap from the dispenser 160 (e.g., by allowing air into the dispenser 160 during dispensing, thus preventing the formation of a vacuum that could inhibit or otherwise impede the smooth flow of soap); and helping to prevent soap from dripping from the nozzle 166 after dispensing, similar to an anti-drip valve or check valve 168 (or nozzle valve) discussed later herein.

[0022] In some examples, housing 162 may have an elongated geometry, with a cross-sectional geometry of slotted, rectangular, circular, triangular, or other polygonal shapes. Housing 162 may have a variable height or depth depending on the volume of soap dispensed from soap dispenser 160. Housing 162 may be hollow, such that a volume of soap can be received within the hollow housing region, in addition to receiving other components of soap dispenser 160 therein. Housing 162 may define an opening, with cap 164 positioned above the opening. Cap 164 may be removably coupled to the opening of housing 162, allowing access to the hollow housing region as needed (e.g., to remove additional, unused soap from soap dispenser 160).

[0023] The nozzle 166 may have an elongated geometry that matches or complements the geometry of the housing 162 (e.g., a slotted, rectangular, circular, triangular, or other polygonal cross-sectional geometry). The nozzle 166 may be positioned relative to the housing 162 at a dispensing location (e.g., Figure 2 The nozzle 166 can be actuated, moved, or rotated between a dispensing position (depicted in the diagram) and a non-dispensing position (not depicted), in which the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 166 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 162. Soap can be dispensed from the nozzle 166 in the dispensing position, but not typically in the non-dispensing position, due to the misalignment or approximate alignment between the nozzle 166 and the housing 162. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. When actuated or moved to the dispensing position, the nozzle 166 can be offset longitudinally from the housing 162 (e.g., offset by an angle of approximately 90 degrees). In other examples, the nozzle 166 can be offset from the housing 162 by an angle ranging from approximately 15 to 180 degrees, or in other examples by an angle greater than 180 degrees (e.g., the nozzle 166 can be rotated 360 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the housing 162, thereby offsetting the angle by up to but less than 360 degrees). The nozzle 166 may include a conduit or passageway connectable to a region of the hollow housing, allowing soap solution in the housing 162 to flow through the conduit or passageway to the nozzle 166.

[0024] A check valve or anti-drip valve 168 may be positioned near the soap dispenser nozzle defined in the orifice 166. In other examples, the check valve or anti-drip nozzle valve 168 may be included together with the orifice 166. The check valve or anti-drip valve 168 (or nozzle valve) may be configured to prevent soap from dripping when the soap dispenser 160 is not in use. For example, after soap has been dispensed through the nozzle in the dispensing position, the check valve or anti-drip valve 168 (or nozzle valve) may prevent soap remaining in the orifice 166 from dripping or overflowing onto the sink countertop where the soap dispenser 160 is located, or into the sink 110 near the soap dispenser 160. This reduces wasted soap and prevents mess or spills near the soap dispenser 160 caused by unwanted soap dripping or overflowing. The check valve or anti-drip valve 168 (or nozzle valve) can be directly integrated with the through-hole nozzle of the port 166, or can completely replace the through-hole nozzle in examples where a check valve or anti-drip nozzle valve 168 (e.g., the nozzle valve provides combined nozzle dispensing and anti-drip functionality) is used. The check valve or anti-drip valve 168 (or nozzle valve) is typically designed with a low profile to not inhibit actuation of the port 166 between dispensing and non-dispensing positions.

[0025] In some examples, the soap dispenser 160 may be connected to the soap reservoir 180 via a tube or conduit 172. The tube or conduit 172 may be connected to a tube or conduit 196 included in the soap reservoir 180, allowing soap to flow between the reservoir 180 and the dispenser 160 via the tube or conduit pair 172 / 196. In other examples, the tube or conduit 172 may be directly connected to the soap reservoir 180, rather than to a separate tube or conduit 196 included in the reservoir 180.

[0026] The soap dispenser 160 can be manufactured using any suitable additive or subtractive manufacturing process, and in some examples can be assembled from two or more separate components. The soap dispenser 160 can be made of a variety of materials, including metals (e.g., stainless steel or aluminum), polymers, ceramics, glass, or composites thereof, as in the examples. In most examples, the components of the soap dispenser 160 will be made of different materials (e.g., metals and polymers). The components of the soap dispenser 160 can be connected using, for example, one or more fasteners or another suitable fastening mechanism. In some examples, the soap dispenser 160 can be made of a material that is at least partially transparent.

[0027] Figure 3A and Figure 3B These are, respectively, a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of a soap dispenser 180 as an example according to this disclosure.

[0028] The soap reservoir 180 can be configured to hold a certain amount of soap or other material for use in conjunction with the sink system 100 for dispensing soap or other materials. The soap reservoir 180 may include a housing 182 for storing a certain amount of soap, a tray 184 received within the housing 182, a cover 186 positioned above an opening defined in the housing 182, a cap 188 connectable to the opening of the cover 186, a pumping mechanism 192 housed within the housing 182, a duckbill valve or other check valve 194 formed in the cap 188 to prevent soap from overflowing from the soap reservoir 180, a pipe or conduit 172 (or a pipe or conduit 196) connectable to the soap dispenser 160, and various mechanical or electrical circuits 198 for supplying power to or actuating certain mechanical or electrical components of the soap reservoir (e.g., supplying power to or actuating the pumping mechanism 192). In other examples, the reservoir 180 may contain materials other than soap (e.g., other cleaning compositions or hand sanitizers).

[0029] In some examples, the housing 182 may have an elongated geometry, with a cross-sectional geometry that is rectangular, slotted, circular, triangular, or another polygon. The housing 182 may have a variable height or depth depending on the volume of soap solution stored therein. The housing 182 may be hollow, such that a certain amount of soap solution can be received within a first hollow housing region 183a, while certain components of the soap solution reservoir 180 can be received within a second hollow housing region 183b. The first hollow housing region 183a and the second hollow housing region 183b may be separated by a wall 183c to prevent soap solution from the reservoir 180 from entering the second hollow housing region 183b. In some examples, the housing 182 may be at least partially transparent to provide a visual representation of the volume of soap solution or other components of the reservoir 180 disposed therein.

[0030] Tray 184 can be positioned along the bottom surface of the second hollow housing region 183b. In the example, tray 184 can hold certain components of the soap dispenser (e.g., pumping mechanism or engine 192, pipes or tubing 196, and various mechanical or electrical components 198). Generally, tray 184 can extend substantially or entirely along the bottom surface of the second hollow housing region 183b.

[0031] The housing 182 may define an opening, with a cap 186 positioned above the opening. The cap 186 may be removably coupled to the opening of the housing 182, allowing access to the first hollow housing region 183a as needed (e.g., to refill the volume of soap solution provided therein). The cap 186 may have an elongated geometry (e.g., a rectangular, slotted, circular, triangular, or other polygonal cross-sectional geometry) that matches or complements the geometry of the housing 182. The cap 186 may define an opening, with a lid 188 positioned above the opening. The lid 188 may be removably coupled to the opening of the cap 186, allowing the lid 188 to be removed from the cap 186 to refill the housing 182 with a given volume of soap solution. Accordingly, soap solution can be replenished within the reservoir 180 by removing the lid 188 to access the first hollow housing region 183a.

[0032] The pumping mechanism or engine 192 may be housed within a housing 182 (e.g., received in a second hollow housing region 183b that includes the tray 184 and the reservoir 180, among other components). The pumping mechanism or engine 192 may be actuated using mechanical components (e.g., a button, switch, or lever), or actuated based on detected user actions, or actuated based on various visual, auditory, or tactile feedback mechanisms (e.g., non-contact feedback mechanisms). Actuation of the pumping mechanism or engine 192 enables soap solution to be pumped from the soap solution reservoir 180 to the soap solution dispenser 160 via tubing or conduit 172 / 196 connecting the reservoir 180 and the dispenser 160. In some examples, the pumping mechanism or engine 192 may include various mechanical components, including actuators for dispensing soap solution into the tubing or conduit 196, and a cylinder for controlling the flow of soap solution in the reservoir 180, the cylinder including a piston that moves within the cylinder to create pumping suction. The pumping mechanism or engine 192 may also include a spring to return the actuator to its original position after pumping soap solution. The pumping mechanism or engine 192 may include other mechanical or electrical components as needed to enable the pumping or delivery of soap solution from the soap solution reservoir 180 to the soap solution dispenser 160.

[0033] The soap dispenser 180 may further include a duckbill valve or other valve 194 to prevent soap from overflowing from the soap dispenser 180 and entering the skirt 128 of the sink 110. This is useful, for example, when the skirt 128 is separated from the sink 110 or otherwise opened to access the soap dispenser 180 therein for refilling with soap. The duckbill valve or other valve 194 can prevent soap from overflowing from the dispenser 180 or otherwise removed during and after soap refilling (e.g., when soap is pumped or delivered from the soap dispenser 180 to the soap dispenser 160).

[0034] When the user activates the soap dispenser 160, soap or other materials can be delivered from the soap reservoir 180 to the soap dispenser 160. Activating the dispenser 160 enables the pumping mechanism or engine 192 to pump a certain amount of soap from the housing 182 through the pipe or conduit 196 to the dispenser 160. The soap dispensing operation can then begin as previously described. When the material volume in the soap reservoir 180 is depleted, the reservoir 180 can be refilled with soap by first removing the cap 188 from the cover 186 to expose the interior of the housing 182, and then filling the reservoir 180 with soap from an external soap source.

[0035] The soap dispenser 180 can be manufactured using any suitable additive or subtractive manufacturing process, and in some examples can be assembled from two or more separate components. The soap dispenser 180 can be made of a variety of materials, including metals (e.g., stainless steel or aluminum), polymers, ceramics, glass, or composites thereof, as in the examples. In most examples, the components of the soap dispenser 180 will be made of different materials (e.g., metals and polymers). The components of the soap dispenser 180 can be joined using one or more fasteners (e.g., or another suitable fastening mechanism). In some examples, the soap dispenser 180 can be made of a material that is at least partially transparent.

[0036] In operation, the soap reservoir 180 can be filled with a certain volume of soap and positioned within a cavity 132 defined by the skirt 128 of the sink 110. Among other components, the soap reservoir 180 may also include a pumping mechanism or engine 192 configured to pump soap from the reservoir 180 to a soap dispenser 160, which is positioned on the sink countertop or another suitable surface near the sink 110 or a faucet. The soap reservoir 180 and the soap dispenser 160 can be operatively connected via pipes or conduits 172 / 196, allowing soap to be delivered to the dispenser 160 through the pipes or conduits 172 / 196. The soap dispenser 160 can be activated by at least one of the following: pressing a button connected to the dispenser 160 and the reservoir 180; providing visual, auditory, or tactile feedback (e.g., no tactile feedback) to the dispenser 160; or actuating (e.g., rotating) the nozzle 166 of the dispenser 160 between a dispensing position and a non-dispensing position, which automatically prompts or enables the soap reservoir 180 to pump or deliver soap to the dispenser 160.

[0037] Activation of the soap dispenser 160 can trigger or activate the pumping mechanism or engine 192 in the soap reservoir 180. The pumping mechanism or engine 192 can then pump or deliver soap from the soap reservoir 180 to the soap dispenser 160 for dispensing operations. The nozzle 166 can be actuated to the dispensing position to dispense or apply soap received from the soap reservoir 180. After dispensing, a check valve or anti-drip valve 168 (or nozzle valve) prevents unwanted soap dripping from the nozzle 166, thereby reducing soap waste and preventing mess near the soap dispenser 160. Soap dispensing using this process can continue until the volume of soap in the reservoir 180 is depleted.

[0038] When depleted, the volume of soap or other material can be refilled by detaching the skirt 128 from the sink 110 or by otherwise opening the skirt 128 to expose the soap dispenser 180 therein. A cap 188 or cover 186 can be removed from the housing 182 of the soap dispenser 180, and the housing 182 can be refilled with a volume of new soap from an external source of soap (e.g., a bottle or other container of soap purchased by a consumer). The cap 188 or cover 186 can be replaced at the corresponding opening in the housing 182, and the skirt 128 with the soap dispenser 180 therein can be reattached to the sink 110 or otherwise closed. Soap dispensing operations using the soap dispenser 180 and soap dispenser 160 can then be resumed.

[0039] Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are, respectively, a perspective cross-sectional view and a top view of a cap 188 for a soap dispenser 180 according to examples of this disclosure. In some examples, the cap 188 may have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional geometry, or in other examples it may have another polygonal cross-sectional geometry (e.g., a circular cross-sectional geometry). In one example, as depicted, the cap 188 may include a tapered sidewall 200 terminating in a base plate 202, thereby forming a recessed region 204 having a wall 206 dividing the recessed region 204 into two parts. When the cap 188 is removed from the lid 186 to refill the soap dispenser 180 with soap, the user can grasp the wall 206.

[0040] A lip or flange 208 may extend from the bottom edge of the sidewall 200, which abuts a ledge 209 extending from the bottom of the reservoir cap 186, while a second lip 210 may extend from the top edge of the sidewall 200 to abut a similar ledge or shoulder 211 extending from the top of the cap 186, thereby sealing the reservoir 180 to prevent overflow. A vent or pressure relief check valve 194 is formed in and extends downward from the underside of the base plate 202 and may include a structure defining a sealed outlet 214 (e.g., in the form of a longitudinal slit) for venting the reservoir 180. More specifically, the check valve 194 in the cap 188 will serve as a breather vent to prevent the formation of a vacuum in the reservoir 180 during dispensing, and also to prevent overflow when the front of the skirt is opened or tilted outward. More specifically, when dispensing soap, the volume of soap in reservoir 180 decreases, requiring replacement by air to prevent the formation of a negative pressure in reservoir 180, thus allowing sufficient soap flow. Cap 188 can form a tight seal on reservoir 180, preventing not only spillage from the reservoir but also air replacement of the dispensed soap volume. A check valve 194 is introduced into cap 188 to allow air to enter reservoir 180 during the dispensing event while maintaining a fluid seal between cap 188 and reservoir 180.

[0041] This disclosure may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the examples shown should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.

[0042] Various examples of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These examples are given by way of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that the various features of the described examples can be combined in various ways to produce many additional examples. In addition, while various materials, sizes, shapes, configurations, and locations have been described for use in the disclosed examples, other materials may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the disclosure herein.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter of this invention may include fewer features than those described in any single example above. The examples described herein are not intended to be an exhaustive list of ways in which various features of the subject matter can be combined. Therefore, these examples are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various examples may include combinations of different individual features selected from different individual examples, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, an element described in one example may be implemented in other examples, even if not described in those examples.

[0044] Any reference to the foregoing documents is further limited to the fact that any claims contained herein are not incorporated herein by reference. Any reference to the foregoing documents is further limited to the fact that any definitions provided herein are not incorporated herein by reference unless expressly included herein.

[0045] For the purpose of interpreting the claims, unless the specific terms “means” or “step” are used in the claims, it is expressly indicated that the provisions of 35 USC § 112(f) are not invoked.

Claims

1. A water tank system, comprising: Water tank, the water tank having a skirt; A storage container, located within the skirt panel, includes a pumping mechanism configured to pump soap solution. as well as A dispenser is positioned outside the skirt panel and away from the reservoir. The dispenser is fluidly coupled to the reservoir and actuated between a dispensing position, in which soap can be dispensed, and a non-dispensing position, in which soap cannot be dispensed. The pumping mechanism is configured to pump soap solution from the reservoir to the dispenser.

2. The sink system of claim 1, wherein the dispenser includes a first valve to prevent soap dripping from the dispenser when the dispenser is in the non-dispensing position.

3. The water tank system according to claim 2, wherein the first valve includes a drip-proof check valve.

4. The sink system of claim 2, wherein the reservoir further includes a second valve to prevent soap spillage from the reservoir, to prevent the formation of a vacuum in the reservoir during dispensing, or both of these functions simultaneously.

5. The water tank system according to claim 4, wherein the second valve comprises a duckbill check valve.

6. The sink system of claim 1, wherein the distributor includes a housing and an inlet having a first valve formed therein, the inlet being movably coupled to the housing and capable of rotating about an axis of rotation between a non-distribution position and a distribution position, wherein in the non-distribution position the inlet is substantially aligned with the housing, and in the distribution position the inlet and the first valve are positioned outward from the housing.

7. The sink system of claim 6, wherein the first valve includes a check valve positioned within the port such that the check valve does not extend beyond the outer surface of the port.

8. The sink system of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is located within an inner portion of the skirt panel, the inner portion being accessible to allow contact with the reservoir.

9. A soap dispenser, comprising: A housing configured to contain soap solution; A nozzle is fluidly and movably coupled to the housing, and the nozzle is actuable between a dispensing position and a non-dispensing position in which soap can be dispensed from the housing and in which soap cannot be dispensed. as well as An anti-drip nozzle valve is positioned on or inside the nozzle, the anti-drip nozzle valve is configured to dispense soap solution from the nozzle, and is configured to prevent soap solution from dripping from the nozzle when the dispenser is not in use.

10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the orifice is rotatable about an axis of rotation between the non-dispensing position and the dispensing position, wherein in the non-dispensing position, the longitudinal axis of the orifice is substantially parallel to the top surface of the housing, and in the dispensing position, the orifice is positioned outward from the housing and the anti-drip nozzle valve is positioned at the distal end of the orifice away from the housing.

11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein when the orifice is positioned in the dispensing position, the orifice is longitudinally offset from the housing by an angle ranging from approximately 15 degrees to 180 degrees.

12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein when the orifice is positioned in the dispensing position, the orifice is longitudinally offset from the housing by an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

13. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein when the port is positioned in the dispensing position, the port is longitudinally offset from the housing by an angle greater than 180 degrees.

14. The dispenser of claim 9, further comprising a reservoir housing a pump, wherein the housing is fluidly coupled to the reservoir located remotely from the housing, and wherein the dispenser is configured to receive soap solution pumped from the reservoir when the dispenser is actuated.

15. The dispenser of claim 9, further comprising an air gap component positioned within the housing.

16. A soap dispenser and reservoir assembly for a front-skirted sink, the assembly comprising: A storage device, the storage device including a pumping mechanism; as well as A dispenser, positioned remotely from the reservoir, fluidly coupled to the reservoir, and having an inlet with a first valve actuable between a dispensing position and a non-dispensing position, in which soap solution can be dispensed from the first valve and in which soap solution cannot be dispensed from the first valve. The pumping mechanism is configured to pump soap solution from the reservoir to the dispenser.

17. The soap dispenser and reservoir assembly of claim 16, wherein the reservoir is fluidly connected to the reservoir via one or more tubes or pipes.

18. The soap dispenser and reservoir assembly of claim 16, wherein the first valve includes a drip-proof check valve.

19. The soap dispenser and reservoir assembly of claim 18, wherein the reservoir includes a second valve to prevent soap spillage from the reservoir, to prevent the formation of a vacuum in the reservoir during dispensing, or both.

20. The soap dispenser and reservoir assembly of claim 16, wherein the reservoir is configured to be located inside the skirt of the front skirt-type sink, and wherein the dispenser is configured to be mounted to the top surface of the sink countertop.

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