Product dispensing system and a method of installation thereof

Abstract

The feeding member 51 has a carrier means 53, attachable in use to wires and tubing 15 etc. to carry them through ducting 35. It has a slug or head member 55 which leads the carrier, and a connecting

Description

The invention to which this application relates is a product dispensing system for dispensing a foamed product. More specifically, the invention relates to a system for dispensing a foamed soap product. Soap dispensers are commonly used for supplying cleaning liquids such as soap or shampoo in kitchens, bathrooms or washrooms. An air-liquid mixing assemblies are sometimes arranged in the soap dispenser. The dispenser housing may be mounted on the worktop adjacent a sink, or in some locations, the housing may be wall-mounted. Modern washrooms tend to provide such dispensers that may be activated to dispense a foamed soap product without the need to contact the dispenser in any way — this is achieved via the provision of some sensor means located in an optimum place. It is also known to pump liquid soap and air to the soap dispenser separately, having them subsequently mix in a mixing chamber generally comprising a foam assisting mesh to form the foamed soap. It is accepted practice to try and minimise the length and duration the air and liquid soap mix before being deposited on to a user’s hand — an extended mixing pathway can reduce the quality of the foamed soap. Consequently, it is known to locate the mixing chamber in the dispenser housing. However, issues with the quality of the foamed soap product still remain. It is also common for the liquid soap storage tanks and associated pumps which draw soap and air through to the dispenser to be located behind the wall on which the dispensers are mounted. This is inconvenient for at least two reasons — it makes it difficult to access for maintenance or replacement of product, and it also requires a larger cavity space behind the wall be provided, thereby reducing the usable space in the washroom in which the dispenser is located. It also makes the physical installation of such systems awkward and cumbersome. It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved product dispensing system which overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of installing an improved product dispensing system which overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a product dispensing system for dispensing a foamed product, said system including: liquid product storage means; liquid product supply means; air supply means; and at least one product dispensing apparatus, said at least one product dispensing apparatus including a dispenser housing; and a mixing member, the mixing member having: a liquid product inlet and an air inlet, and arranged to receive liquid product and air therethrough from the respective supply means; a mixing chamber m which liquid product and air are arranged to mix; and an outlet arranged to deliver and dispense the foamed product to a user, in use, characterized in that the mixing member further includes conduit means, located intermediate the liquid product and air inlets, and the mixing chamber, arranged to permit air and liquid product to combine and flow to the mixing chamber, in use. Typically, the mixing chamber include a first, upstream end and second, downstream end. Preferably, a first filter or mixing member is located at or near the first end and a second filter or mixing member is located at or near the second end. Preferably, the conduit means has a minimum path length of 10mm and a maximum path length of 30mm. In one embodiment, said conduit means is formed of a flexible material. In one embodiment, said conduit means is arranged to be flexible. Numerous examples in the prior art provide dispensing apparatus for foamed products having a mixing chamber in which the liquid product and air immediately enter from their respective inlets and initially combine and mix to form the foamed product. Typically, such chambers are bookended by the provision of filters, meshes or other such elements through which the liquid product and air pass on entry to the chamber and again on exit from the chamber to the outlet. This is aimed at improving the mixing of the products and thus the quality of the foamed product. The Applicant has found, however, that the provision of the conduit means located intermediate the respective inlets and the entry to the mixing chamber allows the liquid product and air to initially combine and flow together into the mixing chamber actually provides for a higher quality foamed product. The air and liquid product are allowed to combine and flow for a limited amount prior to entering the mixing chamber, potentially through a first filter or mixing member, wherein the products are then mixed more thoroughly to form the foamed product. In some embodiments, the mixing chamber has an outer profile including a sunken channel along a length thereof. Typically, said sunken channel is arranged to receive one or more wires of components of the dispensing apparatus. Typically, the liquid product supply means includes pump means, arranged to draw liquid product from the storage means to the at least one dispensing apparatus and associated mixing member, and through the outlet, in use. Typically, the air supply means includes pump means, arranged to draw air from the storage means to the at least one dispensing apparatus and associated mixing member, and through the outlet, in use. In one embodiment, the outlet includes further conduit means, extending to a nozzle member of the dispensing apparatus, through which foamed product is dispensed from the dispenser housing, in use. Typically, said nozzle member is located at a distal end of the dispenser housing. In one embodiment, the at least one dispensing apparatus includes sensor means, provided to detect proximity of a user and / or a user’s hand or hands, and signal activation of the supply means to supply and dispense foamed product, in use. Typically, said sensor means are located at or near a nozzle member of the dispensing apparatus. Further typically, said sensor means and nozzle member are located at a distal end of the dispenser housing. In one embodiment, the at least one product dispensing apparatus includes actuation means. Typically, said actuation means are provided in communication with the sensor means and the liquid product and air supply means, and are arranged to activate respective pump members of each supply means to draw liquid product and air from the storage means, upon detection by the sensor means of a user and / or a user’s hand or hands, in use. In one embodiment, the product dispensing apparatus includes a wall-mounted member, having a first end to which the dispenser housing is attachable. Typically, said wall-mounted member includes a channel or aperture through which wires, tubing and the like may be fed, allowing the supply of liquid product and air to the at least one dispensing apparatus. In one embodiment, the system further includes ducting means, provided to be attachable to a second end of the wall-mounted member and arranged to receive wires, tubing and the like of the system, which connect the liquid product storage means, liquid product supply means and air supply means with the at least one product dispensing apparatus. Preferably, the ducting means is arranged, in use, to be located in a cavity space behind a wall on to which the at least one product dispensing apparatus is mounted, via the wall-mounted member. In preferred embodiments, the wall-mounted member includes a wall plate, a dispenser housing receiving member and a ducting means receiving member. Preferably, the wall plate, in use, is arranged to be located between a top or exterior layer of a wall on which it is mounted, and a substrate layer of the same, such that the dispenser housing receiving member is arranged, in use, to protrude from the said wall. The provision of the wall-mounted member enables the space in which the product dispenser system is to be located to be fully constructed and completed prior to the final installation of the product dispensing apparatus. This makes it far more convenient to complete the tiling or painting etc. of a wall without unnecessary obstacles such as the dispenser housing being present. Furthermore, by providing ducting means attachable to a second, interior end of the wall-mounted member and extending through a cavity spacing in the wall, this enables the liquid product storage means, liquid product supply means and air supply means to be located in a more convenient position and not taking up space in the cavity itself. This has two particular advantages: access to the components thus becomes far more convenient; and the size of the cavity spacing behind the wall can be kept to a minimum, thereby maximising the usable space in the location in which the product dispensing system is positioned. In some embodiments of the invention, the system includes two or more product dispensing apparatus. Typically, the liquid product storage means, liquid product supply means and air supply means are provided m communication with and arranged to supply each of the two or more product dispensing apparatus. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a product dispensing system as defined above, said method including the steps of: providing liquid product storage means, liquid product supply means and air supply means to be located in a first location; providing at least one product dispensing apparatus to be located at a second location, said second location being a wall on to which the apparatus is to be mounted; mounting a wall-mounted member to a wall, said wall-mounted member having a first end which comprises a housing receiving member, to which a dispenser housing of the product dispensing apparatus is attached; mounting ducting means to a second opposing end of the wall-mounted member which comprises a ducting means receiving member, said ducting means located in a cavity spacing of the wall to which the product dispensing apparatus is mounted; wherein said ducting means enables the feeding of wires, tubing and the like of the system from the at least one product dispensing apparatus, as it is attached to the wall-mounted member, to the liquid product supply means and air supply means. In preferred embodiments, said wires, tubing and the like of the system are fed through the ducting means via the provision of a feeding member. Preferably, said feeding member includes: carrier means attachable to wires, tubing and the like of the system and arranged to carry the same through the ducting means; a slug or head member arranged to lead the carrier means and thus the wires, tubing and the like of the system through the ducting means; and a connecting member, arranged to connect the carrier means with the slug or head member. Typically, said feeding member further includes a length of semi-rigid tubing, wherein the carrier means, slug or head member and connecting member are attached to a distal end thereof, the semi-rigid tubing enabling a user to feed the same through the ducting means as required. Preferably, said slug or head member and connecting member are removable from the feeding member after the feeding process has been completed. In some embodiments, the connecting member comprises a pivot, joint or ball member, thereby enabling the feeding member to be pivotable when encountering corners, turns, bends or the like in the ducting means. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a feeding member for the installation of a product dispensing system as described above, said feeding member including: carrier means, attachable to wires, tubing and the like of the system and arranged to carry the same through ducting means of the system, in use; a slug or head member, arranged to lead the carrier means and thus the wires, tubing and the like of the system through the ducting means, in use; and a connecting member, arranged to connect the carrier means with the slug or head member. Typically, said feeding member further includes a length of semi-rigid tubing, wherein the carrier means, slug or head member and connecting member are attached to a distal end thereof. Preferably, said slug or head member and connecting member are detachably attachable to the carrier means. In some embodiments, the connecting member comprises a pivot, joint or ball member, thereby enabling the feeding member to be pivotable. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figures la i) illustrate a perspective schematic and a front view of a product dispensing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and its general location and placement on a wall; Figures 2a-b illustrate a cross-sectional view of a product dispensing system along the line A-A in Figure lb, and a detailed close-up (B) of a section of a product dispensing apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3a-b illustrate a prior art example of a mixing member of a product dispensing system, and a mixing member of a product dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively; and Figures 4a-b illustrate detached and attached views of a product dispensing apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to the figures, there is shown a product dispensing system in the form of a foamed soap dispenser 1. The dispenser 1 comprises a control unit 3 which includes a liquid soap storage tank, and supply means for air and the liquid soap in the form of respective pump housings. The dispenser 1 further includes a dispensing apparatus 5 wherein the foamed soap product is ultimately dispensed, through a nozzle 7 located at a distal end of a dispenser housing 9. The dispenser housing 9 is wall-mountable, details of which are discussed further below. Within the housing 9, there is provided a mixer unit 11, shown in detail in Figure 3b. The mixer unit 11 according to the present invention includes a pair of inlets in the form of nom return valves 13, 13’, located at proximal or upstream end of the mixer unit 11, and connected via tubing 15, 15’ to the respective liquid product and air pump housings of the control unit 3. When the system 1 is activated, air and liquid product are pumped through the tubing 15, 15’ and through the respective inlets 13, 13’ into the mixer unit 11. Towards a distal or downstream end of the mixer unit 11 there is provided a mixing chamber 17 followed by a single outlet 19, through which the mixed and foamed product travels, ultimately, to the nozzle 7 and out on to the hand of a user. The mixing chamber 17 may include filter or mixing elements in the form of one or more meshes, gauzes and the like. Generally, a pair of such elements are provided, with a first located at the upstream entrance to the chamber 17, and a second located at a downstream exit from the chamber 17, prior to the outlet 19. The mixer unit 11 further includes, disposed between the inlets 13, 13’ and the mixing chamber 17, a conduit 21. The conduit 21 serves to act as a short pathway through which air and liquid product are initially combined and then flow to the mixing chamber 17. The Applicant found that by providing the conduit 21 in such a location, the air and liquid product are allowed to combine and flow for a limited amount prior to entering the mixing chamber 17 through the first mesh or gauze, wherein the products are then mixed more thoroughly to form the foamed product. Such a pathway provided by the conduit 21 goes against current convention wherein it is commonplace to ensure the air and liquid product enter the mixing chamber as soon as possible after foaming — such an example is illustrated in Figure 3a, which shows a standard mixing unit C: the inlets lead directly to the mixing chamber wherein the air and liquid product are combined at the entrance thereof. The conduit 21 is provided to have a length of between 10mm and 30mm and is provided to be flexible and / or formed from a flexible material. The flexible nature of the conduit 21 also allows for more convenient placement of the mixer unit 11 as a whole within the dispenser housing 9, in particular around bends or corners, enabling it to be placed as a closely as possible to the nozzle 7, thereby minimizing the time and length of travel of the final foamed product to the user’s hand - the longer the time and length of such travel, the lower the quality of foamed product. The mixing chamber 17 in some embodiments is provided as having an outer profile which includes a sunken channel 23 along its length. Such a channel 23 enables wires and other components of the system to be fed along without taking up additional space inside the dispenser housing 9. In particular, this is advantageous if the mixing chamber 17 is located at or near a corner or bend in the housing 9. Depending on the exact location of the mixing chamber 17 within the housing 9, a further conduit 25 may be provided, connecting the outlet 19 to the nozzle 7. In embodiments of the invention, the dispenser apparatus 5 further includes a sensor 27 which is arranged to detect proximity of a user and / or a user’s hand or hands, and subsequently signal activation of the pumps to dispense the foamed product through the nozzle 7. Given that the user’s hand or hands will almost certainly be located below the nozzle 7 in order to receive the foamed product, the sensor 27 is provided to be located also at the distal end of the housing 9, adjacent the nozzle 7. Typically, the dispenser apparatus 5 includes an actuation member (not shown), which is provided in communication with the sensor 27 and the control unit 3, and which is arranged to activate the respective pump members to draw liquid product from the storage means, and air, upon detection by the sensor 27 of a user’s hand or hands. As mentioned above, the dispenser housing 9 is wall-mountable. This is achieved by providing the dispensing apparatus 5 with a wall-mountable member 29, having a first end which protrudes to an exterior side of a wall on which it is mounted, comprising a receiving member 31 to which the dispenser housing 9 is attachable. The wall-mountable member 29 then has a second end which faces inwardly of the wall into a cavity spacing and comprises a further receiving member 33 to which ducting 35 is attachable thereto. Maintaining the member 29 in place and located intermediate the receiving members 31, 33 is a wall plate 37. The first receiving member 31 comprises a rigid tubular member having a channel located therethrough, and through which wires, tubing and the like may be fed, allowing the supply of liquid product and air to the dispensing apparatus 5. The wires, tubing and the like extend through the wall-mountable member 29 and through the ducting 35 which leads back to the control unit 3. The ducting 35 itself locates within a cavity spacing 39 of a wall 41 on to which the dispensing apparatus 5 is mounted, via the wall-mountable member 29. The wall plate 37 locates securely between an exterior layer 43 of the wall 41, for example a tiled layer 43, and a substrate layer 45, for example, plasterboard or the like. The provision of the wall-mountable member 29 thus enables the space m which the system 1 of the present invention is to be located to be fully constructed and completed prior to the final installation of the dispensing apparatus 5. By providing ducting 35 to act as a conduit in the cavity spacing 39 in the wall 41, this enables the control unit 3 to be located in a more convenient position and not taking up space in the cavity 39 itself. In some embodiments of the invention, two or more dispensing apparatus 5 may be provided and each connected to and in communication with the control unit 3, each of which may be independently activated as required by a user, and subsequently drawing soap product from the single control unit 3. The provision of the wall-mountable member 29 ensures that installation of the dispenser housing 9 can be achieved conveniently as a final step, however, it can still be awkward or tricky to feed the various wires and tubing 15, 15’ through to connect the mixing unit 11 with the control unit 3. The present invention provides a method of achieving this and installing the system, and further provides a bespoke feeding member 51 for the installation of the wires and tubing 15, 15’ etc., described below. The feeding member 51 includes a carrier portion 53 which is attachable to the wires and tubing 15, 15’ and is provided to carry the same through the ducting 35. A slug or head 55 of the feeding member 51 is provided at a distal end thereof and is arranged to act as a lead to guide the carrier portion 53 through the duction 35. Finally, a connection portion 57 is provided to link the carrier 53 with the slug 55. The feeding member 51 further includes a length of semi-rigid tubing 59 to which the carrier portion 53 is attached at a distal end thereof. Typically, the semi-rigid tubing 59 is formed of heat shrink, and so that and the carrier portion 53 remain attached to the wires and tubing 15, 15’ after they have been fed through the ducting 35 and attached to the control unit 3. The slug 55 and connecting portion 57 are detachable from the carrier portion 53 and thus may be re-used and detachable attached to subsequent carrier portions for further feeding. To further improve feeding through the ducting 35, the connection portion may comprise a pivot, joint or ball member, enabling the feeding member 51 to be pivotable when encountering corners, turns, bends or the like in the ducting; 35. o

Claims

1. A feeding member for the installation of a product dispensing system, said feeding member including:carrier means, attachable in use to wires, tubing and the like of the system and arranged to carry the same through ducting means of the system, in use;a slug or head member, arranged to lead the carrier means and thus the wires, tubing and the like of the system through the ducting means, in use; anda connecting member, arranged to connect the carrier means with the slug or head member.

2. A feeding member according to claim 1, wherein said feeding member further includes a length of semi-rigid tubing, and wherein the carrier means, slug or head member and connecting member are attached to a distal end thereof.

3. A feeding member according to claim 2, wherein the semi-rigid tubing is arranged to enable a user to feed the same through ducting means as required.

4. A feeding member according to claim 2, wherein the semi-rigid tubing is formed from heat shrink.

5. A feeding member according to claim 1, wherein the semi-rigid tubing and carrier portion are arranged to remain attached to wires and tubing which is to be fed, in use, after they have been fed through ducting or the like.

6. A feeding member according to claim 1, wherein said slug or head member and connecting member are detachably attachable to the carrier means.

7. A feeding member according to claim 6, wherein the slug or head member and connecting member are reusable with second and further carrier means.

8. A feeding member according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member comprises a pivot, joint or ball member, thereby enabling the feeding member to be pivotable.

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