Soap pump device and adaptor

Abstract

A soap pump device includes an activation element configured to transition between an active position and a neutral position and a pressure mechanism. The pressure mechanism includes a compression pump and a soap pump adaptor configured to activate and deactivate the compression pump. The soap pump adaptor has an activation surface, a deactivation surface, and an opening disposed therebetween configured to receive the activation element. When the activation element transitions to the active position, the activation element applies pressure on the activation surface of the soap pump adaptor to activate the compression pump. Conversely, when the activation element transitions to the neutral position, the activation element applies pressure to the deactivation surface of the soap pump adaptor to deactivate the compression pump.

Description

SOAP PUMP DEVICE AND ADAPTORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 603,233, filed on November 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into this application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates in general to the field of soap pumps. More particularly, the present invention relates to a soap pump device and a soap pump adaptor. More Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a soap pump device including a soap pump adaptor configured to return the soap pump actuation element to a neutral state.2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0003] Soap pump devices are known in the prior art for providing replenishable soap from a soap container to a soap dispenser. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a known soap pump device 2, such as that found in U.S. Patent No. 8,668,1 18. As shown, the FIG. 1 , a soap pump device 2 is located above a soap container 1. A support rack 3 includes a first support portion 31 for holding the soap dispenser device 2 and a second support portion 32 for holding the soap container 1. The soap pump device 2 includes a pressure mechanism 23 having a soap intake tube (not shown) connected at a bottom end of the pressure mechanism 23 and a soap discharge tube (not shown) connected at an opposite top end of the pressure mechanism 23. The soap intake tube is disposed within the soap container 1, while the soap discharge tube is connected to a soap dispenser. The pressure mechanism is configured to increase the pressure within the soap container 1 to draw the soap from the soap container 1 via the soap intake tube and send the soap to the soap dispenser via the soap discharge tube.

[0004] The pressure mechanism 23 includes a compression pump 231 with a flat deck 234 fastened to an opening 12 of the soap container 1. The compression pump 231 has a press portion 238 disposed adjacent to an activation element 232 in the form of a sway portion. The activation element 232 is driven by a driving module (not shown) disposed within a housing 237of the soap pump device 2. In response to sensing the presence of a user, the driving module causes the sway clement 232 to sway down to an active position and press the press portion 238 of the compression pump 231 to increase the pressure in the soap container 1. After a predetermined period of time, the sway element 232 sways up and returns to a neutral or inactive position.

[0005] In certain instances, when the sway element 232 returns to the inactive position, press portion 238 can become stuck and not return to its own neutral or inactive position. As a result, the press portion 238 can become stuck in its active position and continue to put pressure on the soap container 1 to provide soap to the soap dispenser. The above can result in waste of soap and creating a mess at the soap dispenser.

[0006] Thus, it would be desirable to provide a soap pump and soap pump adaptor including features configured to return the press portion to its neutral or inactive state as the activation element transitions to its neutral or inactive state to prevent the soap pump from continuing to attempt to pump soap from the soap container to the soap dispenser.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is directed to soap pump including a soap pump adaptor configured to return the soap pump actuation element to a neutral state.

[0008] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a soap pump device includes an activation element configured to transition between an active position and a neutral position and a pressure mechanism. The pressure mechanism includes a compression pump and a soap pump adaptor configured to activate and deactivate the compression pump. The soap pump adaptor has an activation surface, a deactivation surface, and an opening disposed therebetween configured to receive the activation element. When the activation element transitions to the active position, the activation element applies pressure on the activation surface of the soap pump adaptor to activate the compression pump. Conversely, when the activation element transitions to the neutral position, the activation element applies pressure to the deactivation surface of the soap pump adaptor to deactivate the compression pump.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the soap pump adaptor includes one or more extensions extending outward from a body of the soap pump adaptor, which itself extends upward from a base of the soap pump adaptor. In turn, the activation surface is an upper surface of the base and the deactivation surface is a bottom surface of the one or more extensions.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the bottom surface of the one or more extensions may be oriented at an angle with respect to the upper surface of the base portion. Preferably, the angle of the bottom surface of the one or more extensions is between 0° and 45° with respect to the upper surface of the base portion. More preferably, the angle of the bottom surface of the one or more extensions is between 15° and 25° with respect to the upper surface of the base portion. Even more preferably, the angle of the bottom surface of the one or more extensions is 20° with respect to the upper surface of the base portion.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the soap pump adaptor includes a channel formed therein. The channel extends from an opening in the base of the soap pump adaptor, through the body of the soap pump adaptor, through a connector extending upward from the body of the soap pump adaptor and to an opening formed in the connector. In turn, the channel is configured to allow soap to pass through the soap pump adaptor.

[0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a soap pump adaptor for a soap pump device includes an activation surface and at least one deactivation surface disposed opposite the activation surface. An opening is disposed between the activation surface and the at least one deactivation surface. Further yet, the opening is configured to receive an activation element of the soap pump device.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the soap pump adaptor includes a body portion extending upward from a base portion. Additionally, at least one wing extends outward from at least one side surface of the body portion. In some instances, the at least one wing includes a first wing and a second wind extending outward from opposing side surfaces of the body portion. The activation surface is an upper surface of the base portion and the deactivation surface is a bottom surface of the at least one wing.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the activation surface is oriented parallel to a horizontal plane and the deactivation surface is oriented at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane. Preferably, the deactivation surface is oriented at an angle between 0° and 45° with respect to the horizontal plane. More preferably, the deactivation surface is oriented at an angle between 15° and 25° with respect to the horizontal plane. Even more preferably, the deactivation surface is oriented at an angle of 20° with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0015] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a method for operating a soap pump device includes transitioning an activation element between an active position and aneutral position based on activation of the soap pump device by a user. When transitioning to the active position, the activation clement engages an activation surface of a soap pump adaptor to cause soap delivery. Conversely, when transitioning to the neutral position, the activation element engages a deactivation surface of the soap pump adaptor to stop soap delivery.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the method includes disposing the activation element within an opening disposed between the activation surface and the deactivation surface of the soap pump adaptor. The soap pump adaptor may include one or more extensions extending outward from a body of the soap pump adaptor that extends upward from a base of the soap pump adaptor. In turn, the activation surface is an upper surface of a base of the soap pump adaptor and the deactivation surface is a bottom surface of the one or more extensions.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the bottom surface of the one or more extensions may be oriented at an angle with respect to the upper surface of the base portion. Preferably, the angle of the bottom surface of the one or more extensions is between 0° and 45° with respect to the upper surface of the base portion.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, the method further includes delivering soap through a channel formed in the soap pump adaptor. The channel may extend from an opening in the base of the soap pump adaptor, through the body of the soap pump adaptor, through a connector extending upward from the body of the soap pump adaptor, and to an opening formed in the connector.

[0019] These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting,embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a soap pump device known in the prior art;

[0022] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the soap pump device of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIGS. 3 and 4 are isometric views of a soap pump device including a soap pump adaptor according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a isometric view of the soap pump adaptor initially shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a front side elevation view of the soap pump adaptor of FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a back side elevation view of the soap pump adaptor of FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0027] FIGS. 8 and 9 are left and right side elevation views of the soap pump adaptor of FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a top view of the soap pump adaptor of FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0029] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the soap pump adaptor of FIGS. 3 and 4; and

[0030] FIG. 12 is an alternative isometric view of the soap pump adaptor of FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0031] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected, attached, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

[0033] Throughout this description, various terms denoting direction, such as left and right, front and rear, up and down, top and bottom, and the like may be used. The directions are not intended to be limiting but are used to describe relationships of elements with respect to each other in the accompanying drawings. Unless mutually exclusive, it is contemplated that theelements may be reversed, for example, by turning a component around or upside down without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] Turning initially to FIGS. 3 and 4, a soap pump device 1002 with a soap pump adaptor 1238 is shown according to one embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 3, the soap pump device 1002 is shown in an activated state 1410. Conversely, the soap pump device 1002 is shown in a neutral or deactivated state 1412 in FIG. 4. As shown, the soap pump adaptor 1238 is an improvement to the press portion 238 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the prior art. As will be described in further detail, the soap pump adaptor 1238 includes features configured to prevent the soap pump adaptor 1238 and the compression pump 231, 1231 from becoming stuck in an active position that increases the pressure within the soap container 1. In varying embodiments of the invention, the soap pump adaptor 1238 may be configured to replace the press portion 238 or be inserted over the existing press portion 238. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the soap pump adaptor 1238 is shown to replace the press portion 238 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0035] Soap pump device 1002 is shown mounted to a first support portion 1031 of a support rack 1003. A lower support portion 1032 of the support rack 1003 is configured to hold a soap container (not shown) that is fluidically coupled to the soap pump device 1002 via a soap intake tube 1021. The soap intake tube 1021 is connected to the compression pump 1231 at a bottom end of the soap pump device 1002 and extends into the soap container device. As will be discussed further, a soap discharge tube (not shown) may be coupled to a connector 1428 of the soap pump adaptor 1238. In turn, soap is able to travel from the soap container device to a soap dispenser.

[0036] In the active position 1410 shown in FIG. 3, an activation element 1232 of the soap pump device 1002 presses the soap pump adaptor 1238 down to cause the compression pump 1231 to increase the pressure within the soap container to cause delivery of soap from the soap container to the soap dispenser by way of at least the soap intake tube 1021, the compression pump 1231, the soap pump adaptor 1238, and the soap delivery tube. Interactions between the activation element 1232 and portions of the soap pump adaptor 1238 to facilitate this movement of the soap pump adaptor 1238 will be described in further detail below.

[0037] Conversely, in the neutral position 1412 shown in FIG. 4, the activation element 1232 of the soap pump device 1002 lifts the soap pump adaptor 1238 up to cause the compressionpump 1231 to stop increasing the pressure within the soap container to stop the delivery of soap from the soap container to the soap dispenser by way of at least the soap intake tube 1021, the compression pump 1231, the soap pump adaptor 1238, and the soap delivery tube. Interactions between the activation element 1232 and portions of the soap pump adaptor 1238 to facilitate this movement of the soap pump adaptor 1238 will be described in further detail below.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 5-12, various views of the soap pump adaptor 1238 are shown to further illustrate the soap pump adaptor 1238 according to one embodiment of the invention. The soap pump adaptor 1238 includes a base portion 1414 having an upper surface 1416 and a lower surface 1418. As will be described in further detail below, the upper surface 1416 of the base portion 1414 may also be referred to as an activation surface 1416 of the soap pump adaptor 1238. An orifice 1420 formed in the lower surface 1418 of the base portion 1414 is configured to allow the soap pump adaptor 1238 to be coupled to the compressions pump 1231.

[0039] The soap pump adaptor 1238 further includes a body portion 1422 extending upward from the upper surface 1416 of the base portion 1414. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the body portion 1422 may include a circular central portion 1422a and a rectangular forward portion 1422b. Various embodiments of the invention may shape and size the central and forward portions 1422a, 1422b in various arrangements. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the central portion 1422a of the body portion 1422 is centrally aligned with the orifice 1420 formed in the lower surface 1418 of the base portion 1414 in order to form a channel 1424 extending through the soap pump adaptor 1238 to allow soap to travel through the soap pump adaptor 1238. Meanwhile, the forward portion 1422b is disposed forward of the central portion 1422 (away from the soap pump device 1002 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). Both the central and forward portions 1422a, 1422b are sized to be at least partially surrounded by the activation element 1232.

[0040] The body portion 1422 further includes an upper surface 1426 having a connector 1428 extending upward therefrom. Preferably, the connector 1428 is centrally aligned with the orifice 1420 formed in the lower surface 1418 of the base portion 1414, the central portion 1422a of the body portion 1422. As a result, the above-described channel 1424 extends from the opening 1420 formed in the lower surface 1418 to an opening 1430 formed in the connector 1428 to allow fluid to travel completely through the soap pump adaptor 1238. In turn, a soap discharge tube may be coupled to the connector 1428.

[0041] The body portion 1422 may further include one or more extension wings 1432 extending outward from the body portion 1422. While the representative embodiment of the invention illustrates first and second wings 1432a, 1432b extending from opposing sides 1434, 1436 of the forward portion 1422b, alternative embodiments of the invention may include any number of wings 1432 extending from any combination of opposing sides of the central portion 1422a and / or the forward portion 1422b of the body portion 1422.

[0042] Each wing 1432 includes a bottom surface 1438 and an upper surface 1440. In varying embodiments of the invention, the upper surface 1440 of each wing 1432 may be in line with or offset from the upper surface 1426 of the body portion 1422. Meanwhile, the bottom surface 1438 of each wing 1432 is spaced apart from the upper surface 1416 of the base portion 1414 to form an opening 1442 between the bottom surface 1438 of each wing 1432 and the upper surface 1416 of the base portion 1414. As will be described in further detail below, the bottom surface 1438 of each wing 1432 may also be referred to as a deactivation surface 1438 of the soap pump adaptor 1238. The surfaces 1438, 1416 are separated by a distance greater than a thickness of the activation element 1232. In turn, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the activation element 1232 of the soap pump device 1002 is able to extend through one or more openings 1442.

[0043] While the representative embodiment of the invention illustrates first and second deactivation surfaces 1438a, 1438b disposed on first and second extension wings 1432a, 1432b extending outward from the body portion 1422 of the soap pump adaptor 1238, alternative embodiments of the invention may include any number of activation surfaces, deactivation surfaces, and resultant openings therebetween configured to receive any number of portions of the activation element 1232.

[0044] In use, the activation element 1232 transitions between the active position 1410, which causes an increase pressure within the soap container to move soap from the soap container to the soap dispenser, and the neutral position 1412 which reduces the pressure within the soap container to prevent soap from being dispensed by the soap dispenser. When transitioning to the active position 1410, a portion of the activation element 1232 within the opening 1442 puts pressure on and pushes on the activation surface 1416 of the soap pump adaptor 1238. In turn, the soap pump adaptor 1238 is pushed downward and causes the compression pump 1231 to increase pressure within the soap container to move soap from the soap container to the soap dispenser. Conversely, when transitioning to the neutral position 1412, a portion of theactivation element 1232 within the opening 1442 puts pressure on and pushes on the deactivation surface 1438 of the soap pump adaptor 1238. In turn, the soap pump adaptor 1238 is pushed upward and causes the compression pump 1231 to reduce pressure within the soap container and moving soap from the soap container to the soap dispenser.

[0045] As shown clearest in FIGS. 8 and 9, the deactivation surface 1438 may be oriented at an angle with respect to the activation surface 1416. Preferably, the deactivation surface is oriented at an angle between 0° and 45° degrees with respect to the horizontal plane of the activation surface 1416 to mimic the angle of the activation element 1232 when in the active position 1410. As a result, a reduced amount of stress is placed on the activation element 1232 as it interacts with the deactivation surface 1438 to transition to the neutral position 1412. More preferably, the deactivation surface 1438 is oriented at between a 15° and 25° angle with respect to the horizontal plane of the activation surface 1416. Even more preferably, the deactivation surface 1438 is oriented at a 20° angle with respect to the horizontal plane of the activation surface 1416.

[0046] Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that the various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept.

[0047] Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.

[0048] It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI CLAIM:

1. A soap pump device comprising: an activation element configured to transition between an active position and a neutral position; a pressure mechanism including: a compression pump; and a soap pump adaptor configured to activate and deactivate the compression pump, the soap pump adaptor having an activation surface, a deactivation surface, and an opening disposed therebetween configured to receive the activation element; wherein when the activation element transitions to the active position, the activation element applies pressure on the activation surface of the soap pump adaptor to activate the compression pump; and wherein when the activation element transitions to the neutral position, the activation element applies pressure to the deactivation surface of the soap pump adaptor to deactivate the compression pump.

2. The soap pump device of claim 1, wherein the soap pump adaptor further comprises one or more extensions extending outward from a body of the soap pump adaptor, the body extending upward from a base of the soap pump adaptor.

3. The soap pump device of claim 2, wherein the activation surface is an upper surface of the base and the deactivation surface is a bottom surface of the one or more extensions.

4. The soap pump device of claim 3, wherein the bottom surface of the one or more extensions is oriented at an angle with respect to the upper surface of the base portion.

5. The soap pump device of claim 4, wherein the angle of the bottom surface of the one or more extensions is between 0° and 45° with respect to the upper surface of the base portion.

6. The soap pump device of claim 2 wherein the soap pump adaptor includes a channel formed therein and extending from an opening in the base of the soap pump adaptor, through the body of the soap pump adaptor, through a connector extending upward from the body of the soap pump adaptor and to an opening formed in the connector; wherein the channel is configured to allow soap to pass through the soap pump adaptor.

7. A soap pump adaptor for a soap pump device, the soap pump adaptor comprising: an activation surface; at least one deactivation surface disposed opposite the activation surface and having an opening disposed therebetween, the opening configured to receive an activation element of the soap pump device;8. The soap pump adaptor of claim 7 further comprising a body portion extending upward from a base portion.

9. The soap pump adaptor of claim 8 further comprising at least one wing extending outward from at least one side surface of the body portion.

10. The soap pump adaptor of claim 9 wherein the at least one wing includes a first wing and a second wind extending outward from opposing side surfaces of the body portion.

11. The soap pump adaptor of claim 8 wherein the activation surface is an upper surface of the base portion and the deactivation surface is a bottom surface of the at least one wing.

12. The soap pump adaptor of claim 7 wherein the activation surface is oriented parallel to a horizontal plane and the deactivation surface is oriented at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane.

13. The soap pump adaptor of claim 12 wherein the deactivation surface is oriented at an angle between 0° and 45° with respect to the horizontal plane.

14. A method of operating a soap pump device, the method comprising: transitioning an activation element between an active position and a neutral position based on activation of the soap pump device by a user; when transitioning to the active position, the activation element engages an activation surface of a soap pump adaptor to cause soap delivery; and when transitioning to the neutral position, the activation element engages a deactivation surface of the soap pump adaptor to stop soap delivery.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising disposing the activation element within an opening disposed between the activation surface and the deactivation surface of the soap pump adaptor.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the soap pump adaptor includes one or more extensions extending outward from a body of the soap pump adaptor, the body extending upward from a base of the soap pump adaptor; and wherein the activation surface is an upper surface of a base of the soap pump adaptor and the deactivation surface is a bottom surface of the one or more extensions.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the bottom surface of the one or more extensions is oriented at an angle with respect to the upper surface of the base portion.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the angle of the bottom surface of the one or more extensions is between 0° and 45° with respect to the upper surface of the base portion.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising delivering soap through a channel formed in the soap pump adaptor.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the channel extends from an opening in the base of the soap pump adaptor, through the body of the soap pump adaptor, through a connector extending upward from the body of the soap pump adaptor, and to an opening formed in the connector.

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