A refillable dispenser for liquid soap or the similar
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/SE2025/010052
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-24
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images

Figure SE2025010052_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] A refillable dispenser for liquid soap or the similar
[0002] Technical field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a refillable dispenser system comprising a cover portion and a wall mount. The refillable dispenser system is intended for a refillable dispenser container, also referred to as a refill-container, containing liquid soap or the similar.
[0004] Background art
[0005] Many industries are experiencing a shift towards more sustainable solutions. Instead of relying on single-use containers, various sectors are transitioning to refillable solutions. Both manufacturers and service providers in the hospitality industry have seen a growing popularity in refillable dispensers to be used multiple times and by multiple users.
[0006] For manufacturers, dispensers are an attractive commercial spot for brands to display elements of design and provide users with an opportunity to test the products. Therefore, it is not uncommon that manufacturers invest in the refillable dispenser having a distinctive design and content of high quality. However, with increasing the quality of both the dispenser and its content, production costs increase and as a consequence a growing likelihood of a user removing a dispenser and its content from the intended place of use. This has led businesses to implement preventative measures, such as wall-mounted and / or lockable dispensers. Other aspects to be considered in the hospitality industry are the hygiene and safety of the refillable dispenser. One the one hand, there is a need for the refillable dispensers to be compatible with frequent, thorough and robust cleaning routines, to remain hygienic despite frequent use. On the other hand, the refilling of the refillable dispenser needs to be easily and efficiently performed. Additionally, when the same dispenser is used by multiple users, it is crucial to ensure that the content on the inside of the refillable dispenser remains untampered with, maintaining its quality and safety for every user. This needs to be combined with a user-friendly experience where the user may utilize the refillable dispenser and access the content such as liquid soap and similar items. These challenges are not limited to any single industry but are relevant wherever refillable dispensers are used.
[0007] Previous attempts at finding a solution to a wall-mounted, tamper-proof and lockable dispenser holder for liquid soap can be found in WO 2024 / 236141. The document describes a lockable receptacle holder, a receptacle base, and a cap lock. The cap lock prevents a cap from being removed upwards when being locked.In view of the above, there is a need for an improved refillable dispenser which is lockable and tamper-proof, while being compatible with various kinds of refillable containers, along with the fulfillment of the other mentioned criteria of a wall-mounted dispenser which is hygienic, easily refillable, safe and user-friendly.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and disadvantages of the prior art and solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems associated with the prior art.
[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided a cover portion for a refillable dispenser for liquid soap or the similar, configured to house a refill-container when said cover portion is connected to a wall mount, wherein said cover portion comprises: a first opening in a wallfacing side, extending from the lower edge of the cover portion and configured to be engaged to a wall mount; and a second opening positioned on a top portion of the cover, configured to align and enable engagement of a protruding member of the wall mount to a circumference of a dispenser head assembly in a manner that prevents rotational movement, when the cover portion is in a locked position, and wherein the first opening enables a sliding interaction with the wall mount into and out of the locked position and prevents removal in an outward direction of a wall.
[0010] Thus, having a cover portion being configured to house a refill-container enables the use of refill-containers that vary in size, shape and / or material. The cover portion being configured to be connectable to a wall-mount provides a theft-proof solution, prevents removal of the refillable dispenser and / or the refill-container from the intended place of use. By having a first opening in a wall-facing side, extending from the lower edge of the cover portion and configured to be engaged to a wall mount the cover portion enables the cover portion to be applied onto a wall mount holding a refill-container as well as allowing a protruding member to run through said second opening and be engageable with an engaged dispenser head assembly, thus obtaining a tamper-proof solution. Further, the separate connectable units further allow for independent exchange of the units, making the solution cost effective and better for the environment.
[0011] Furthermore, having a first opening that enables a sliding interaction of the cover portion when applied to the wall mount, into and out of a locked position, allows for a guided and smooth connection / disconnection of the cover portion and the wall mount of therefillable dispenser. In turn, this allows for easy and efficient refilling and cleaning processes to be performed.
[0012] According to one embodiment, the cover portion is configured to fully enclose the refill-container when the cover portion is connected to a wall mount.
[0013] Furthermore, the enclosure accommodates the refill-container by covering and shielding the refill-container, thus protecting it from abrasions from frequent use. Further, the full enclosure of the refill-container still allows for the use of refill-containers that vary in size, shape and / or material. Even further, the full enclosure of the refill-container allows for the use of refill-container that would otherwise be accessible to be disengaged by a user intending to remove the refill-container from its intended place of use. Moreover, this also allows for the use of a refill-container that may be of a shape and / or material that allows for more effective and thus environmentally friendly shipping conditions.
[0014] According to one embodiment, the first opening of the cover portion extends horizontally along a portion of the wall-facing side of the cover portion.
[0015] Thus, the cover portion forms an overlapping portion with a wall mount and thereby prevents the removal of the refill dispenser in the direction out from the wall.
[0016] According to one embodiment, the first opening comprises an edge configured to be engageable with a groove on the wall mount, and wherein the edge extends from the circumference of the first opening and towards the center of the first opening.
[0017] According to one embodiment, the cover portion further comprises a first part of a snap-fit locking mechanism comprising a locking pin configured to be engageable with a lock recess of the wall mount.
[0018] Moreover, by having a first part that is a locking pin allows for a mechanical interlock with the corresponding second part, a lock recess, of the wall mount. Together the locking pin and lock recess enables the snap-fit locking mechanism. This enables a lockable engagement to form and allows the refillable dispenser to be in a locked position, when said snap-fit locking mechanism parts are engaged, and an unlocked position when said snap-fit locking mechanism parts are disengaged. This in turn prevents the removal of the refillable dispenser by preventing removal of the cover portion in an upwards direction, unless the snap-fit locking mechanism parts are disengaged.According to one embodiment, the cover further comprises a neck extending from the top portion of the cover portion, wherein the neck is threaded only on a portion of the neck, and wherein said threaded portion is configured to be engageable with a corresponding threaded portion of a dispenser head assembly.
[0019] A neck extending from the top portion of the cover portion allows for further guidance when assembling the cover portion and wall mount of the refill dispenser, allowing for easy and effective refills to be performed. Being on the top portion and engageable with a dispenser head assembly also has the added benefits of being a drip-proof solution. Thus, wasteful dispensing or leakage of the refill-containers content that may be caused by misuse is avoided. The neck having a threaded portion enables the cover portion to be engageable with and utilize an interchangeable and lockable dispenser head assembly. The cover portion being engageable with a dispenser head assembly allows for the cover portion to be exchanged independently of the dispenser head assembly.
[0020] According to one embodiment, the neck is configured to be engageable with a dispenser head assembly comprising a pump.
[0021] Thus, having a pump provides the refillable dispenser with means of dispensing the liquid soap or the similar contained in the refill-container covered by the cover portion.
[0022] According to a second aspect, there is provided a wall mount for a refillable dispenser for liquid soap or the similar, configured to receive a refill-container, and configured to be connectable to a cover portion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall mount comprises: at least one locking element; and a protruding member, configured to run through a second opening of the cover portion to align with a portion of the circumference of a dispenser head assembly, and be engageable with a dispenser head assembly, in a manner that prevents rotational movement, when the wall mount is in a locked position. At least one locking mechanism is configured to connect with a first opening of said cover portion to enable a sliding interaction into and out of said locked position and prevent removal in an outward direction of a wall.
[0023] Hence, having the wall mount being configured to be connectable to a cover portion, and having at least one locking element, enables the refillable dispenser to be theft-proof by preventing the removal of the refill-container from the refillable dispenser. The wall mount being configured to receive a refill-container allows accommodation of refill-containers of various characteristics, such as size, shape, and / or materials. This further enables the refill-container to have more sustainable characteristics while still enabling the refill-container to be lockable in the refillable dispenser. The wall mount being connectable to a cover portion allows for the wall mount to be utilized and exchanged independently of the cover portion. This may be desired by businesses due to functional aspects, such as wear and tear of the cover portion, whereas the wall mount may be made from a more durable material and require less frequent exchange. Further, having a protruding member configured to be engageable with a dispenser head assembly in a manner that prevents rotational movement, when the wall mount is in a locked position, provides a tamper-proof refillable dispenser, wherein this ensured the quality of the content of the refill-containers and thus the safety of the user.
[0024] Thereby, by being configured to interact with the first opening of the cover portion and allowing the cover portion to slide into and out of a locked position, a guided and smooth connection / disconnection of the wall mount and the cover portion of the refillable dispenser is enabled. This in turn allows for easy and effective refills to be performed.
[0025] According to one embodiment, the wall mount comprises at least one attachment element for attaching the wall mount to a wall.
[0026] Furthermore, being mountable to a wall prevents the refillable dispenser from being removed from the wall and thus preventing the refillable dispenser and / or the refill-container from being removed from the intended place of use.
[0027] According to one embodiment, the wall mount is configured to fully enclose the refillcontainer, when the wall mount is engaged with the cover portion.
[0028] Thus, forming a full enclosure of the refill-container provides further protection of the refill-container. The full enclosure of the refill-container still allows for the use of refillcontainers that vary in size, shape and / or material. Further, the full enclosure of the refillcontainer allows for the use of refill-container that would otherwise be accessible to be disengaged by a user intending to remove the refill-container from its intended place of use. Even further, the full enclosure is beneficial where the refill-container is made from a material that is biodegradable, since the cover shields the refill-container that otherwise would have to endure abrasion while in use. Further, this allows for the refillable dispenser to be used with a refill-container being of a size that allows for optimal shipment conditions, allowing for use of more sustainable and cost-effective refill-containers.According to one embodiment, an overlapping portion of the wall mount comprises a groove configured to receive and direct an edge on the first opening of the cover portion, and wherein the groove of the wall mount extends outwards along at least a portion of the sides of the wall mount.
[0029] Thus, the overlapping portion of the wall mount with the cover portion, enables a locking mechanism that prevents the removal of the refill dispenser in an outward direction of the wall. The overlapping portion comprises a groove that is configured to receive an edge of the cover portion provides said edge with a guide for a smooth sliding interaction when connecting / disconnecting the cover portion and the wall mount of the refillable dispenser. This in turn allows for easy and effective refilling and cleaning processes to be performed. The wall mount being mounted to the wall provides the connected cover portion, and thereby the refillable dispenser as a whole, to be prevented from being removed in a direction out from the wall.
[0030] According to one embodiment, the at least one locking element of the wall mount comprises a second part of a snap-fit locking mechanism in a manner that prevents removal in an upwards direction.
[0031] Hence, the second part of a snap-fit locking mechanism enables a lockable engagement to form and allows the refillable dispenser to be in a locked position, when said snap-fit locking mechanism parts are engaged, and an unlocked position, when said snap-fit locking mechanism parts are disengaged. This in turn prevents the removal of the refillable dispenser by preventing removal of the cover portion in an upwards direction, unless the snap-fit locking mechanism parts are disengaged.
[0032] According to one embodiment, the second part of the snap-fit locking mechanism comprises of a lock recess configured to receive a locking pin of the wall mount.
[0033] According to one embodiment, the protruding member comprises the means for preventing rotational movement comprising a set of teeth.
[0034] Moreover, the set of teeth enables the formation of a mechanical interlock between the corresponding means for preventing rotational movement of the dispenser head assembly. Thereby preventing tampering of the content of the refill-container, and in turn ensuring quality and safety of the content of the refillable dispenser.According to a third aspect, there is provided a system for a refillable dispenser for liquid soap or the similar, comprising a cover portion, and a wall mount, wherein the cover portion and wall mount, when connected, are configured to be lockable and prevent a rotational movement of an engaged dispenser head assembly.
[0035] Furthermore, being lockable / unlockable and comprising reconnectable units, the system allows for easy and effective hygiene maintenance and refilling of the refillable dispenser. Having a cover portion and a wall mount being configured to enclose a refillcontainer enables the use of refill-containers that vary in size, shape and / or material. Having less restrictions on the characteristics of the refill-container enables the refill-container to have more sustainable characteristics while still enabling the refill-container to be lockable in the refillable dispenser. The cover portion and wall-mount being connectable provides a theftproof solution, preventing the removal of the refillable dispenser and / or the refill-container from the intended place of use. By having a first opening in a wall-facing side of the cover portion, extending from the lower edge of the cover portion and configured to be engaged to a wall mount, the cover portion forms an overlapping portion. This overlapping portion of the cover portion together with a corresponding overlapping portion of the wall mount enables a locking mechanism which prevents the refillable dispenser from being removed in an outwards direction from the wall, when said wall mount is mounted to the wall. The system being lockable allows for prevention of removal of the dispenser system. By having the cover portion able to be applied onto a wall mount as well as allowing a protruding member to run through said second opening and be engageable with an engaged dispenser head assembly, thus obtaining a tamper-proof solution, wherein this ensured the quality of the content of the refill-containers and thus the safety of the user. Further, the separate connectable units further allow for independent exchange of the units, making the solution cost effective and better for the environment.
[0036] According to one embodiment, the system further comprises a dispenser head assembly configured to be in fluid connection with a refill-container.
[0037] Thus, the refillable dispenser enables the use of a variety of dispenser heads depending on the intended place of use and / or the content of the refill-container, being a liquid soap or the similar.
[0038] According to one embodiment, the system further comprises a key configured to disengage the cover portion from the wall mount.Hence, the system can be unlocked by anyone with access to a key configured to disengage a locking mechanism. The key can advantageously be configured to allow for intuitive use even if the locking mechanism is hidden from the user.
[0039] Brief of the
[0040]
[0041] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0042] Figure 1 shows a wall-facing side view of a cover.
[0043] Figure 2 shows wall-facing side view of a wall mount.
[0044] Figure 3 shows wall-facing side view of a refillable dispenser system wherein a cover portion connected to a wall mount.
[0045] Figure 4 shows a wall-facing side view of a refillable dispenser system further comprising a dispenser head assembly.
[0046] Figure 5 shows a wall-facing side view of a refillable dispenser system further comprising a dispenser head assembly and a key.
[0047] Figure 6A shows a dispenser head assembly and a protruding member of a wall mount to be engaged to one another.
[0048] Figure 6B shows a dispenser head assembly and a protruding member of a wall mount engaged to one another.
[0049] Detailed
[0050] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the disclosure are shown.
[0051] Figure 1 shows a wall-facing side view of a cover portion of the refillable dispenser, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cover portion 100 for said refillable dispenser for liquid soap or the similar, is configured to cover a refill-container (notshown) when the cover portion is connected to a wall mount (shown in Figure 3 and 4).
[0052] According to the disclosure, a first opening 110 in a wall-facing side 101 (shown in Figure 1 and 3) extending from the lower edge of the cover portion 102 (shown in Figure 1 and 3) and configured to be engaged to a wall mount; and a second opening 140 positioned on a top portion 103 (shown in Figure 1 and 3) of the cover, configured to align and enable engagement of a protruding member of the wall mount to a circumference of a dispenser head assembly in a manner that prevents rotational movement, when the cover portion is in a locked position, and wherein the first opening enables a sliding interaction with the wall mount into and out of the locked position and prevents removal in an outward direction of a wall. By connecting the cover portion to a wall mount, in a reversable connection, an improved refillable dispenser is obtained which may be configured to receive and enclose a variety of refillable-containers varying in size, shape and / or material. A theft-proof solution is obtained, preventing the removal of the refillable dispenser and / or of the refill-container from the intended place of use. By having a cover portion that allows for engagement of a protruding member of a wall mount with a dispenser head assembly, an improved refillable dispenser is obtained, which may be configured to withstand rotational forces attempting to remove said dispenser head assembly from the refillable dispenser. A tamper-proof solution is thus obtained. The cover portion when connected with a wall mount and in a locked position obtains the solution of a refillable dispenser solution providing the service providers with a refillable dispenser that is theft-proof and tamper-proof, while being hygienic, easily refillable, safe and user-friendly.
[0053] The area of the first opening that enables the sliding interaction may be in relation to the length of the extension of the first opening in the horizontal direction and affects the force the locked and mounted refillable dispenser may withstand in the direction out from the wall. The tolerable force of removal may further be affected by the choice of the material of the cover portion and / or the wall mount. The sliding interaction provides the refillable dispenser with a guided motion when moving the cover portion into and out of a locked position. A smooth and easy process of cleaning and / or refilling is obtained.
[0054] In some embodiments of the disclosure, the cover portion is configured to fully enclose the refill-container (not shown) when the cover portion is connected to a wall mount. The degree of enclosure may be dependent on the cover portion's relation to the refill-container and the characteristics of the refill-container. The cover portion may be configured to be used with a refill-container of a size, shape and / or material that together with the cover portion, when connected with the wall mount, provides sufficient enclosure to prevent the removal ofthe refill-container from the refillable dispenser. For example, the cover portion may be configured to allow for a refill-container of a size which may be compatible with supplying an amount which may be predicted to be consumed in-between the replacements of the refillcontainer. For example, the cover portion may be configured to allow for a refill-container of a shape that allows for optimized utilization of the content of the refill-container, without the need for intervention, such as being of a tapered or curved shape thereby accumulating the liquid soap or the similar making it easier to be accessed and dispensed by a dispenser head assembly connected to the refillable dispenser. Another example is where the cover portion is configured to cover and shield the refill-container from the environment of the place of use. For example, where the refillable dispenser is positioned on a shower wall, the cover portion shielding the refill-container from frequent water exposure allows for the use of a refillcontainer that may be of a more sustainable or biodegradable material, such as being comprised of a paper material comprising a plastic lining. Another example is where the cover portion may be configured to allow for the use of a refill-container that may be of a shape and / or material that allows for more effective and thus environmentally friendly shipping conditions, such as a soft pouch.
[0055] In some embodiments of the disclosure, the first opening extends horizontally along a portion of the wall-facing side (shown in Figure 1). The horizontal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction of the refillable dispensers when in the upright position as the refillable dispenser is intended to be used. The length of the extension of the first opening in the horizontal direction is in relation to the structural integrity of an overlapping portion for preventing the removal of the cover portion from the wall mount by applying a force on the locked refillable dispenser in an outward direction from the wall. The overlapping portion of the cover portion and the wall mount need to be sufficient to able to withstand a removal force in the direction from the wall.
[0056] The area of the overlapping portion may be in relation to the length of the extension of the first opening in the horizontal direction and affects the force the locked and mounted refillable dispenser may withstand in the direction out from the wall. The tolerable force of removal may further be affected by the choice of the material of the cover portion and / or the wall mount. The sliding interaction of the overlapping portion provides the refillable dispenser with a guided motion when moving the cover portion into and out of a locked position. A smooth and easy process of cleaning and / or refilling is obtained.In some embodiments, the first opening comprises an edge Illa (shown in Figure 1) configured to be engageable with a groove on the wall mount, and wherein the edge extends from the circumference of the first opening and towards the centre of the first opening. The groove and edge together form the overlap of the cover portion and the wall mount. The first opening may in other embodiments comprise a groove 111b (not shown in Figure 1) configured to receive and direct an edge on the wall mount, and wherein the groove extends from the circumference of the first opening and towards the centre of the first opening. Both configurations achieve the effects of generating an overlapping portion that prevents the refillable dispenser from being removed by a force applied in the direction out from the wall, when said refillable dispenser is in a locked position and mounted to the wall.
[0057] In some embodiments, the cover further comprises a first part of a snap-fit locking mechanism 120 (shown in Figure 1) in a manner that prevents removal in an upwards direction. The interlock of a snap-fit locking mechanism provides mechanical means of locking the refillable dispenser and, when the wall mount is mounted to the wall, this prevents the refillable dispenser from being removed by a force applied in an upwards direction.
[0058] In some embodiments, the first part of the snap-fit locking mechanism comprises a locking pin 121a (shown in Figure 1) configured to be engageable with a lock recess of the wall mount. The locking pin interlocks with a lock recess on the wall mount forming a snap-fit locking mechanism, thus together they form an interlock locking the refillable dispenser. The locking pin being engaged with a lock recess can be disengaged by means of a key (shown in Figure 5). Further, the action of disengaging the parts of the snap-fit locking mechanism with a key exerts a snapping force lodging the cover portion in an upwards motion. This upwards motion of the cover portion together with the sliding interaction of the cover portion and wall mount, further enables the performance of an effective and easy refill process. Further, the locking pin may be positioned on the upper portion of the first opening, thus the snap-fit locking mechanism becomes hidden between the cover portion and the wall when the locking pin is interlocked with a lock recess of the wall mount, where the wall mount is mounted to the wall. Even if hidden from the user, the snap-fit locking mechanism is accessible for anyone provided with the means of a key.
[0059] In some embodiments, the cover further comprises a neck 130 (shown in Figure 1) extending from the top portion of the cover portion, wherein the neck is threaded only on a portion 131 of the neck (shown in Figure 1), and wherein said threaded portion is configured to be engageable with a corresponding threaded portion of a dispenser head assembly. The positionof the neck may have a direct correlation to the location of the second opening, since the second opening may affect the structural integrity of the cover portion depending on where it is located. Preferably the neck may be located at the centre of the top portion of the cover portion to provide the cover portion with a configuration having an optimal structural integrity. There is however, other embodiments wherein the material and / or size of the second opening may compensate for structural weaknesses. For example. This may be applicable where there is a desire for the neck to be located at another position on the top of the cover portion. In some embodiments the neck may comprise a non-threaded portion, wherein the non-threaded portion is configured to form a space between the non-threaded portion and the dispenser head assembly engaged with the threaded portion of the neck. By accommodating a protruding member in the formed space, the non-threaded proximal portion allows for an optimal engagement between the protruding member and a dispenser head assembly engaged with the neck.
[0060] In some embodiments, the cover portion comprises a second opening positioned on a top portion and a neck, the second opening is configured to extend around a portion of the circumference of the neck, and wherein neck is threaded only on a portion of the neck and said threaded portion is configured to be engageable with a corresponding threaded portion of a dispenser head assembly. The cover portion is further configured to allow a protruding member to run through the second opening of the cover portion to align with a portion of the inner circumference of the engaged dispenser head assembly, and be engageable in a manner that prevents rotational movement, when the wall mount is in a locked position (shown in Figure 3, 6A and 6B).
[0061] In other embodiments, the cover portion comprises a second opening positioned on a top portion, wherein the second opening is configured allow a neck of a refill-container to run through said second opening to allow a threaded portion on said neck of the refill-container to be engageable with a corresponding threaded portion of a dispenser head assembly. The cover portion is further configured to allow a protruding member to run through the second opening of the cover portion to align with a portion of the inner or outer circumference of the engaged dispenser head assembly, and be engageable in a manner that prevents rotational movement, when the wall mount is in a locked position (not shown).
[0062] In some embodiments, the neck is configured to be engageable with a dispenser head assembly comprising a pump (shown in Figure 4 and 5). The neck may be configured to be engageable with a dispenser head assembly that may be any suitable dispenser head assemblyallowing for dispensing of a liquid soap or the similar. Wherein the dispenser head assembly may be any of the following, but not limited to; a pump head, a spray head, or a foam head. The dispenser head assembly may be dependent on the content of the refill-container which may be a liquid soap or the similar. For example, a pump head, also referred to as a pump, may be used to dispense any of the following, but not limited to; a liquid soap, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, dishwashing liquid, hand sanitizer, cleaning solutions, or oils. For example, a spray head may be used to dispense any of the following, but not limited to; perfumes and fragrances, hair products, hand sanitizes, cleaning solutions, or oils. For example, a foam head may be used to dispense any of the following, but not limited to; shaving foam, foaming hand soap, foaming body wash, foaming facial cleanser, hair products, foaming dish soap, foaming hand sanitizer, or foaming cleaning solutions.
[0063] Figure 2 discloses a wall mount 200 for a refillable dispenser for liquid soap or the similar, configured to receive a refill-container (not shown), and configured to be connectable with a cover portion. According to the disclosure, the wall mount comprises: at least one locking element 210 / 220 (shown in Figure 2 and 3); and a protruding member 230 (shown in Figure 2, 3, 6A and 6B), configured to run through a second opening of the cover portion to align with a portion of the circumference of a dispenser head assembly, and be engageable with a dispenser head assembly, in a manner that prevents rotational movement, when the wall mount is in a locked position, and wherein at least one locking mechanism, is configured to connect with a first opening of said cover portion to enable a sliding interaction into and out of said locked position and prevent removal in an outward direction of a wall. The wall mount being connectable with a cover portion to be connected in a locked position an improved refillable dispenser is obtained. The wall mount may be configured to receive and enclose a variety of refillable-containers varying in size, shape and / or material. A theft-proof solution is obtained, preventing the removal of the refillable dispenser and / or the refillcontainer from the intended place of use. Further, the protruding member runs through the cover portion and accesses a dispenser head assembly when said dispenser head assembly is engaged to the refillable dispenser. The protruding member can thus engage the dispenser head assembly and interlock in a manner that prevents rotational movement of the dispenser head assembly in the removal direction. The protruding member may align with an inner or outer circumference of an engaged dispenser head assembly, by having a corresponding shape, such as having a curve. The circumferential thickness of the protruding member may be limited by the space formed between a neck of the cover portion or a neck portion of a refillcontainer, and the inner circumference of a dispenser head assembly. The circumferentialthickness of the protruding member may also be in relation to the height and / or width of the means for preventing rotational movement of the protruding member. There needs to be a sufficient area of engagement between the protruding member and the corresponding means of engagement of a dispenser head assembly, to withstand a rotational force in the direction of removal of the dispenser head assembly. Thereby, an improved refillable dispenser is obtained which may be configured to withstand rotational forces attempting to remove said dispenser head assembly from the refillable dispenser. A tamper-proof solution is obtained. The wall mount when connected with a cover portion and in a locked position obtains the solution of a refillable dispenser solution providing the actor with a refillable dispenser that is theft-proof and tamper-proof, while being hygienic, easily refillable, safe and user-friendly. Moreover, the wall mount is configured to receive a refill-container. The means of receiving the refill-container may be in the form of a holding portion. The holding portion may be configured to receive a neck portion of a refill-container, and to support said neck portion in a manner that enables the dispenser head assembly to be in fluid connection with the refillcontainer. Said holding portion may be any of the following: a bracket, a fork or the similar. Said fluid connection may be a tube of said dispenser head assembly that extends into said refill container.
[0064] In some embodiments the wall mount comprises at least one attachment element 201 (not shown in Figure 2) for attaching the wall mount to a wall. The at least one attachment allows for attachment of the wall-facing side of the wall mount to the wall. Said at least one attachment element may be: an adhesive, a screw, or the similar.
[0065] In some embodiments the wall mount is configured to fully enclose the refill-container (not shown), when the wall mount is engaged with the cover portion. For example, the wall mount may comprise a bottom plate (shown in Figure 2) connected to the wall-facing side of the wall mount, to enclose the refill-container when the wall mount connected with a cover portion. In other examples, the wall mount may further comprise at least one upwards extending wall sections, extending from the front and / or side(s) of said bottom plate (shown in Figure 2). This further shielding the refill-container in a manner such that a user cannot access the refill-container without having to disconnect the units. The wall mount comprising further means of enclosure allows for the refillable dispenser to be used with containers if various characteristics. For example, the refillable dispenser comprising a wall mount with a bottom plate may be compatible with refill-containers, such as a soft pouch.
[0066] In some embodiments, an overlapping portion of the wall mount comprises a groove 211b (shown in Figure 2) configured to receive and direct an edge on the first opening of thecover portion, and wherein the groove of the wall mount extends outwards along at least a portion of the sides of the wall mount. The groove and edge together form the overlap of the cover portion and the wall mount. In other embodiments the wall mount comprises of an edge 211a (not shown in Figure 2) configured to be engageable with a groove on the first opening of the cover portion, and wherein edge of the wall mount extends outwards along at least a portion of the sides of the wall mount. Both configurations achieve the effects of generating an overlap that prevents the refillable dispenser from being removed by a force applied in the direction out from the wall, when said refillable dispenser is in a locked position and mounted to the wall.
[0067] In some embodiments, the wall mount comprises at least one locking element that comprise a second part of a snap-fit locking mechanism 220 (shown in Figure 3) in a manner that prevents removal in an upwards direction. The snap fit locking mechanism may be disengaged by means of a key (shown in Figure 5). The second part of a snap-fit locking mechanism may comprise a keyhole corresponding to said key.
[0068] In some embodiments, the second part of the snap-fit locking mechanism comprises of a lock recess 221 configured to receive a locking pin of the wall mount. The locking recess is configured to correspond with a locking pin on the cover portion to interlock.
[0069] In some embodiments, the protruding member comprises a set of teeth 231 (shown in Figure 6A and 6B). Figure 6A disclose a dispenser head assembly being applied onto the protruding member wherein the teeth and the corresponding means of preventing rotational movement align to interlock. Figure 6B disclose a dispenser head applied to the protruding member wherein the teeth are interlocked with the corresponding means of preventing rotational movement. The teeth of the protruding member are configured to interlock with corresponding means of the dispenser head assembly to prevent rotational movement in the direction of removal of the dispenser head, when the wall mount is connected to the cover portion engaged to a dispenser head assembly. The dispenser head is engaged to a neck of the cover portion, or a neck portion of the refill container, prior to applying the dispenser head to the protruding member of the wall mount (not shown in Figure 6A or 6B), thus the connection of the cover portion and the wall mount allows for the interlocking of both of the means for preventing the rotational movement, thereby obtaining a tamper-proof solution. The engagement of the dispenser head and a neck may be by interlocking corresponding means of threaded portions.Figures 3, 4 and 5 disclose a wall-facing side view of the refillable dispenser system 300, comprising the cover portion 100 and the wall mount 200 being connected, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 4 and 5 it is further shown a dispenser head assembly 310 engaged to the neck of the cover portion, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 5 it is even further shown a key 320. According to the disclosure, the system for a refillable dispenser for liquid soap or the similar, comprises a cover portion and a wall mount, wherein the cover portion and wall mount, when connected, are configured to be lockable and prevent a rotational movement of an engaged dispenser head assembly (shown in Figure 3, 4 and 5). The refillable dispenser system comprising separate units provides the possibility of exchanging said units independently of each other. This may be desired in regard to functional aspects, such as wear and tear, or due to aesthetic aspect, such as exchanging the brand, design and / or reflecting the content information of the exchangeable refill-container.
[0070] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a dispenser head assembly 310 (shown in Figure 4 and 5) configured to be in fluid connection with a refill-container (not shown). A dispenser head assembly being engageable with a refillable dispenser system allows for the dispenser head assembly to be utilized and exchanged independently of the cover portion and / or wall mount of the system. For example, the dispenser head assembly may require more frequent replacement due to wear and tear. The refillable dispenser system comprising separate units further allows easy and efficient cleaning and refilling of the system. This is allowed by easy access to areas where impurities may be accumulated. When the system is dismounted, the refill-container is made easily accessible for being exchanged. The separate components of the system are specially designed to be easily guided when reconnected.
[0071] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a key (shown in Figure 5) configured to disengage the cover portion from the wall mount. The key is configured to disengage the interlock between the locking recess and locking pin when the key is inserted into the snap-fit locking mechanism, through said keyhole in the lock recess, and a force may be applied to drive the key towards the snap-fit locking mechanism. The key may be configured with a straight wall-facing side, to intuitively prompt the person performing the refill of the refillable dispenser to position the key in the correct direction at the get go (shown in Figure 5).
Claims
CLAIMS1. A cover portion (100) for a refillable dispenser for liquid soap or the similar, configured to house a refill-container when said cover portion is connected to a wall mount, wherein said cover portion comprises:a first opening (110) in a wall-facing side (101), extending from the lower edge of the cover portion (102) and configured to be engaged to a wall mount,a second opening (140) positioned on a top portion (103) of the cover, configured to align and enable engagement of a protruding member of the wall mount to a circumference of a dispenser head assembly in a manner that prevents rotational movement, when the cover portion is in a locked position, andwherein the first opening enables a sliding interaction with the wall mount into and out of the locked position and prevents removal in an outward direction of a wall.
2. The cover portion according to claim 1, wherein the cover portion is configured to fully enclose the refill-container when said cover portion is connected to a wall mount.
3. The cover portion according to any preceding claim, wherein the first opening extends horizontally along a portion of the wall-facing side.
4. The cover portion according to any preceding claim, wherein the first opening comprises an edge (Illa) configured to be engageable with a groove on the wall mount, and wherein the edge extends from the circumference of the first opening and towards the centre of the first opening.
5. The cover portion according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover portion further comprises a first part of a snap-fit locking mechanism (120) in a manner that prevents removal in an upwards direction.
6. The cover portion according to any preceding claim, wherein the first part of the snap-fit locking mechanism comprises a locking pin (121a) configured to be engageable with a lock recess of the wall mount.
7. The cover portion according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover further comprises a neck (130) extending from the top portion of the cover portion, wherein the neck is threaded only on a portion (131) of the neck, and wherein said threaded portion is configured to be engageable with a corresponding threaded portion of a dispenser head assembly.
8. The cover portion according to claim 8, wherein the neck is configured to be engageable with a dispenser head assembly comprising a pump.
9. A wall mount (200) for a refillable dispenser for liquid soap or the similar, configured to receive a refill-container, and configured to be connectable to a cover portion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall mount comprises:at least one locking element (210, 220),a protruding member (230), configured to run through a second opening of the cover portion to align with a portion of the circumference of a dispenser head assembly, and be engageable with a dispenser head assembly, in a manner that prevents rotational movement, when the wall mount is in a locked position, andwherein at least one locking mechanism is configured to connect with a first opening of said cover portion to enable a sliding interaction into and out of said locked position and prevent removal in an outward direction of a wall.
10. The wall mount according to claim 9, wherein the wall mount comprises at least one attachment element (201) for attaching the wall mount to a wall.
11. The wall mount according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the wall mount is configured to fully enclose said refill-container, when said wall mount is engaged with a said cover portion.
12. The wall mount according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein an overlapping portion of the wall mount comprises a groove (211b) configured to receive and direct an edge on the first opening of the cover portion, and wherein the groove of the wall mount extends outwards along at least a portion of the sides of the wall mount.
13. The wall mount according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the at least one locking element comprise a second part of a snap-fit locking mechanism in a manner that prevents removal in an upwards direction.
14. The wall mount according to claim 13, wherein the second part of the snap-fit locking mechanism comprises of a lock recess (221) configured to receive a locking pin of the wall mount.
15. The wall mount according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the protruding member comprises a set of teeth (231).
16. A system (300) for a refillable dispenser for liquid soap or the similar, comprising a cover portion (100) according to claims 1 to 8, and a wall mount (200) according to any ofclaims 9 to 15, wherein the cover portion and wall mount, when connected, are configured to be lockable and prevent a rotational movement of an engaged dispenser head assembly.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the system further comprises a dispenser head assembly (310) configured to be in fluid connection with a refill-container.
18. The system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the system further comprises a key (320) configured to disengage the locking mechanism of the cover portion and the wall mount.