Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
DEVICE FOR DISPENSING GEL OR LIQUID
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for dispensing gel or liquid. It
applies, in
particular, to the field of equipment in collective or public places, such as
offices, factories,
shops, restaurants, and official establishments. More particularly, this
invention applies to
dispensing hydroalcoholic gel for hand disinfection or to dispensing food
ingredients, sauces,
mayonnaise, ketchup, and the like.
STATE OF THE ART
The known gel dispensers are of three types. Personal dispensers, which are
vials with
a finger-operated dispensing head, are stolen if they are made available to
the public. And
the very fact of handling them can contaminate them and cause contamination of
other
users. Wall-mounted dispensers have two disadvantages. First, they are only
compatible
with one type, and usually one brand, of gel container. Secondly, handling
them requires
touching a part of the container, which can become contaminated. Their use is
therefore
costly since a specific delivery of containers must be provided for and the
lack of competition
generally increases the unit cost of the containers. Wall-mounted electrical
dispensers, for
example, equipped with a one-handed presence detector and a motorized spout,
require
either a stand-alone power source or a connection to the electrical grid. They
are therefore
expensive to install and operate.
In addition, to be sure that a person accessing a room has properly
disinfected his
hands, it is necessary to place a guard, who may or may not authorize the
person's access to
the room This process is slow, expensive and source of misunderstanding. Some
automatic
soap dispensers have a pump that is activated after the presence of a hand is
detected.
These products are slow, with a reaction time of more than one second.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is intended to remedy all or some of these
disadvantages.
To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a
device for
dispensing gel or liquid, that comprises a body comprising:
- in the lower part, an actuating pedal,
- at the top, a space for receiving a gel or liquid container on a container
tank support,
- a piston or rod for transferring the vertical movement of the pedal to the
tank support,
setting the tank in upward movement under the action of the pedal, and
- a stop for holding a pump of the container stationary when the tank is set
in upward
movement, said pump being provided with a pouring spout, which pump causes a
part of the
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
gel or liquid contained in the container to be expelled when the tank is moved
by the action of
the pedal.
Thanks to these provisions, the device is completely mechanical and does not
require
any energy source. Moreover, the user does not have to touch the device except
with the
foot that operates the pedal. There is therefore no risk of the device
becoming contaminated
during use. The device is compatible with all containers that can fit over the
holder.
Preferably, the space for receiving a container is configured to receive any
container up
to a predetermined maximum width, e.g., 150 mm. or preferably higher than 150
mm. e.g.,
230 mm. and a predetermined maximum height, e.g., 300 mm or preferably higher
than 300
mm, e.g. 450 mm.
In embodiments, the device for dispensing gel or liquid also comprises a
support plate
on the floor and/or wall supporting the body of the device. Thanks to these
provisions, the
device cannot be stolen and can be supported or fixed to the floor and/or the
wall.
In embodiments, the body has a lateral opening below the stop, configured to
allow
several fingers of a user to pass under the spout of the gel or liquid
container. Thanks to
these provisions, to receive the gel or liquid, the user is not in danger of
touching and thus
contaminating part of the device or container.
In embodiments, the stop is removable and provided with a locking means.
Thanks to
these provisions, the public cannot access the container and steal it, on the
one hand, but an
operator can easily unlock the stop and replace an empty container.
In embodiments, the body is equipped with internal piston guides, the piston
being
configured to slide on the inside wall of the body. Thanks to these
provisions, the piston is
free to slide in the body without risk of jamming.
In embodiments, the body has an opening facing the container. Thanks to these
provisions, an operator can see the filling level of the container.
Preferably, the opening is
closed by a glass pane or is not on the pedal side so as not to encourage a
child to put his
fingers in it.
In embodiments, the piston or rod has a means of adjusting its length between
the
pedal and the tank support. Thanks to these provisions, when changing the
height of the
container, the length of the piston is adjusted so that the movement of the
container support
causes the pump to be actuated by the movement of the reservoir.
In embodiments, the adjusting means is a combination of a screw associated
with one
part of the piston and a thread formed in another part of the piston.
In embodiments, the adjusting means comprises a key carried by one part of the
piston, which penetrates into one of a plurality of orifices carried by
another part of the piston
at different distances from one of its ends.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
In embodiments, the adjusting means comprises means for restraining the
movement
of the piston in its direction of movement towards the container by pinching a
rod or linkage
of the piston. Thanks to these provisions, the piston can have any length
within a
predetermined range of lengths.
In embodiments, the piston has a position indicator visible from outside the
device.
This indicator, for example a ruler moving in front of an opening in the
device or a lug
protruding from an opening formed in the body of the device, allows an
operator to visualize
the filling level of the container.
In embodiments, the device comprises a container spout extension.
In embodiments, the plate comprises elements for fixing to the floor and/or
wall.
Thanks to these provisions, the device can be made non-removable and therefore
uninhabitable.
In embodiments, the device has a larger dimension of between 90 cm and 110 cm.
Thanks to these provisions, the delivery of the gel or liquid is done at the
height of one hand
with a substantially horizontal arm for the average height of adults and
adolescents.
In embodiments, the piston forms a rod between the pedal and the container
support.
In embodiments, the body is cylindrical and closed outside the pedal passage
opening
and the delivery opening for the gel or liquid.
In embodiments, the device further comprises a means for transmitting
information
representative of a movement of the pedal
According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for
access to a
place, which comprises a device for dispensing gel or liquid according to the
present
invention, a receiver of information representative of the movement of the
pedal, and means
for inhibiting an access actuator configured to disable the actuator for a
predetermined period
of time following the movement of the pedal.
According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a device for
dispensing gel
or liquid, which comprises:
- a support plate on the floor and/or on the wall,
- a body supported by the plate comprising, in the lower part, a pedal for
actuating a
pump connected, on the one hand, to a gel or liquid reservoir and, on the
other hand, to a
pipe for raising the gel or liquid pumped, the pipe opening out in the upper
part of the body.
Thanks to these provisions, the device is completely mechanical and does not
require
any energy source. Moreover, the user does not have to touch the device,
except with the
foot that operates the pedal. There is therefore no risk of the device
becoming contaminated
during use. The device cannot be tampered with and can be fixed to the floor
and/or wall.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
In embodiments, the body has an opening facing the tank. Thanks to these
provisions,
an operator can see the tank filling level. Preferably, the opening is closed
by a window or is
not on the side of the pedal so as not to encourage a child to put his fingers
in it.
In embodiments, the plate is fitted with floor and/or wall mounting elements.
Thanks to
these provisions, the device can be made non-removable and therefore
uninhabitable.
In embodiments, the device has a larger dimension of between 90 cm and 110 cm.
Thanks to these provisions, the delivery of the gel or liquid is done at the
height of one hand
with a substantially horizontal arm for the average height of adults and
adolescents.
In embodiments, the body is cylindrical and closed outside the pedal passage
opening
and the gel or liquid delivery opening.
In embodiments, the liquid or gel reservoir is made of:
- a cap provided with a distributor connection passage defining a translation
axis, the
cap having a first part of a first retaining means,
- a passage obturator mounted on the plug and comprising
o a second part of the first means of restraint, complementary to the first
part of the
first means of restraint, and
o a first part of a second retaining means on a coupling head comprising a
second
part of the second retaining means complementary to the first part of the
second retaining
means,
- the restraint means being configured:
o to engage and disengage by translation along the axis of translation,
o so that the engagement force of the second restraining means is less than
the
disengagement force of the first restraining means, and
o so that the engagement force of the first means of restraint is less than
the
disengagement force of the second means of restraint.
Thanks to these provisions, when the tank is filled, for transport or before
it is mounted
on the distributor connection, the obturator is fixed on the cap and the tank
is hermetically
sealed. When the tank is mounted on the distributor fitting, the distributor
fitting engages in
the valve and then disengages the valve from the cap by moving the valve
through the
connection passage. When the tank is to be removed, even when partially or
completely full,
by sliding the coupling in the opposite direction, the valve engages in the
cap and the
coupling disengages from the valve. Moreover, to refill the tank, a user must
separate the
obturator from the cap, so that the obturator falls to the bottom of the tank
and does not re-
engage with the cap. The contents of the tank can therefore be traced.
At least a part of at least one retaining means has at least one edge tooth
perpendicular to the axis of translation, said tooth having a smaller angle to
the axis of
translation on the side of the tooth used for engagement than on the side of
the tooth used
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
for disengagement. Thanks to these provisions, the realization of the
retaining means is
facilitated and of low cost.
In embodiments, at least part of at least one means of restraint comprises a
tooth with
a frustoconical face. This truncated cone facilitates the engagement of the
means of
restraint.
In embodiments, at least part of at least one retaining means comprises a
tooth with
one face substantially in a plane perpendicular to the axis of translation.
This planar face
increases the force to be provided to disengage the retaining means.
In embodiments, at least part of at least one retaining means comprises a
tooth having
a truncated torus face. This truncated torus facilitates the engagement of the
restraint.
In embodiments, at least part of at least one retainer has a receptacle for a
tooth.
In embodiments, the mouth of the reservoir comprises a first part of a third
retaining
means and the cap comprises a second part of the third retaining means
complementary to
the first part of the retaining means.
According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a distributor
fitting for
assembly with a reservoir object of the invention, which comprises a part of a
retaining
means, at least one seal and at least one channel for the passage of gel or
liquid, which
channel opens between the part of the retaining means and the seal.
According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a device for
dispensing gel
or liquid, which comprises:
- a fitting which is the object of the invention,
- a floor and/or wall support plate, and
- a body supported by the plate comprising, in the lower part, a pedal for
actuating a
pump connected, on the one hand, to a gel or liquid reservoir and, on the
other hand, to a
pipe for raising the gel or liquid pumped, the pipe opening out in the upper
part of the body.
Thanks to these provisions, the device is completely mechanical and does not
require
any energy source. Moreover, the user does not have to touch the device,
except with the
foot that operates the pedal. There is therefore no risk of the device
becoming contaminated
during use. The device cannot be tampered with and can be fixed to the floor
and/or wall. In
embodiments, the dispenser comprises a reservoir which is the subject of the
invention.
Since the advantages, purposes, and particular characteristics of this
dispenser and of
this connection are similar to those of the tank which is the subject of the
invention, they are
not recalled here.
The present invention relates, according to a sixth aspect, to a device for
the automatic
dispensing of liquid, which comprises:
- a body supported by the plate comprising a product reservoir provided with
an outlet
pipe,
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
- a pump on the outlet line, configured to pump the product,
- a pocket of pressurized liquid downstream, on the pipe, of the pump,
- an electric valve downstream of the bag, followed by a liquid ejection
opening,
- a sensor for detecting the presence of a hand in the axis of the ejection
opening, and
- a circuit for controlling the electric valve which opens the electric valve
for a first
predetermined period of time upon detection of a hand by the sensor and for
controlling the
pump for a second predetermined period of time after detection of a hand by
the sensor.
Thanks to these provisions, a reserve of liquid is constantly under pressure
in the bag
so that the ejection of a dose is very fast and allows dispensing liquid to a
large number of
successive users, for example at the entrance to a public place such as a
public transport
network building or a public transport vehicle or a shop. In addition,
compared to pressurising
the entire tank, the risk of explosion in the event of a leak in the
pressurised part is limited by
the small volume under pressure. And some liquids are flammable, e.g.
hydroalcoholic gel.
In embodiments, the difference between the volume of the pressure bag and its
volume
if the electric valve is permanently open is less than 12 ml.
This useful volume (volume corresponding to the volume of liquid that can be
dispensed) corresponds to at least four recommended doses (3 ml) for the
hygienic
treatment and surgical disinfection of hands with hydroalcoholic gel. Thus,
even if several
people follow one another very quickly to obtain liquid, the pouch is able to
provide the
required doses very quickly.
The second predetermined pump operating time is preset to complete the filling
of the
pouch in less than two seconds after a first predetermined time of opening the
electric valve.
Thanks to these provisions, even if the dispenser is under heavy load, every
two
seconds a dose can be delivered to a user.
In embodiments, the control circuit comprises means for estimating the
pressure in the
pressure bag and/or the useful volume of liquid available in the pressure bag,
and the control
circuit is configured to determine the first predetermined time according to a
decreasing
function of the estimated pressure in the pressure bag and/or of the useful
volume.
Thanks to these provisions, the ejection flow rate being higher when the
pressure
and/or the useful volume is higher, this higher flow rate is compensated for
by a first lower
duration. As a result, the volume of liquid dispensed to each successive user
is substantially
constant.
The device also comprises, in embodiments, a means for transmitting
information
representative of the opening of the electric valve or movement of the pedal.
Thanks to these provisions, by transmitting information representative of the
distribution of liquid, the device allows the control of an access, for
example the
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
disengagement of a lock or an electric strike or the activation of motors for
opening a sliding
or pivoting door.
In embodiments, the device comprises a means for transmitting information
representative of the level of liquid in the tank. Thanks to these provisions,
an operator can
be warned that the tank of the device needs to be refilled or replaced.
The means for transmitting information representative of the level is
configured to count
the number of openings of the electric valve from the supply. Thanks to these
provisions, the
available liquid level can be estimated indirectly.
In embodiments, the means of transmission of information representative of the
level
comprises a pressure or force sensor positioned in a support of the tank.
Thanks to these
provisions, the liquid level can be estimated precisely, without the circuit
needing to know
that a supply has taken place.
In embodiments, the means of transmitting information representative of the
liquid level
in the tank is configured to transmit this information only when the estimated
level is below a
predetermined value.
In embodiments, the means for transmitting information representative of the
liquid
level in the tank is configured to measure an average daily consumption of
liquid, the
predetermined value being this average daily consumption multiplied by a
predetermined
number of days.
Thanks to these provisions, the operator always has the same time to
intervene,
whatever the actual daily consumption of liquid.
In embodiments, the device further comprises a temperature sensor supported at
the
average height of the user's head by an arm connected to the body, this
temperature sensor
being configured to estimate the temperature of the user's forehead, a circuit
being
configured to, in the event that this temperature is higher than a
predetermined value,
transmit an alert or alarm.
Thanks to these provisions, access to a place can be refused to a user with a
fever.
According to a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to a device for
access to a
place, which comprises a dispensing device which is the object of the
invention, a receiver of
information representative of the opening of the electric valve, and means for
inhibiting an
access actuator configured to disable the actuator for a predetermined period
of time
following depression of the opening of the electric valve.
The advantages, purposes, and characteristics of said access device being
similar to
those of the dispensing device which is the subject of the invention.
The different aspects and embodiments of the invention and their particular
features
are to be combined to form gel or liquid dispensing devices having the
advantages of these
different aspects.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Other advantages, purposes and special features of the invention shall be
apparent
from the following non-exhaustive description of at least one particular
embodiment of the
dispensing device, a distributor fitting and device for access to a place
which is the subject of
this invention, in relation to the drawings annexed hereto, in which :
- Fig. 1 represents, in elevation and in front view, a particular embodiment
of the
dispensing device which is the subject of the invention,
- Fig. 2 is an enlargement of the upper part of the device shown in Fig.
1,
- Fig. 3 is an enlargement of the lower part of the device shown in Fig.
1,
- Fig. 4 is a top view of the device shown in Figs. 1 to 3,
- Fig. 5 is a side view of the lower part of the device shown in Figs. 1
to 4,
- Fig. 6 is a side view of the entire device shown in Figs. 1 to 5,
- Fig. 7 is a perspective photograph of the upper part of the device shown
in Figs. 1 to 6,
- Fig. 8 represents, in elevation and front view, an embodiment of a
dispensing device,
- Fig. 9 is an enlargement of the upper part of the device shown in Fig.
8,
- Fig. 10 is an enlargement of the lower part of the device shown in Fig.
8,
- Fig. 11 represents an embodiment a liquid dispensing device,
- Fig. 12 represents a front temperature measuring system integrated in
variants of the
embodiment shown in Fig. 11,
- Fig. 13 represents a frontal zone for taking the temperature with the
measuring system
shown in Fig. 12,
- Fig. 14 represents an embodiment of an automatic liquid or gel
dispensing device,
- Fig. 15 is a part of the device shown in Fig. 14,
- Fig. 16 shows, in vertical axial section, a tank mouth, two tank closures
and a pump
connection,
- Fig. 17 shows, in vertical axial section, the elements shown in Fig. 16 when
the tank is
assembled with the closure parts,
- Fig. 18 shows, in vertical axial section, the elements illustrated in Figs.
16 and 17 when
the tank is being installed on the pump connection and
- Fig. 19 shows, in vertical axial section, the elements illustrated in
Figs. 16 to 18 when the
tank is in operating position.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
This description is given as a non-exhaustive list, as each characteristic of
one
embodiment may be combined with any other characteristic of any other
embodiment in an
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
advantageous manner. It should be noted that the figures are each to scale and
that the
scales of the different figures may be different.
Throughout the description, "upper" or "top" is used to refer to that which is
at the top,
or facing upwards, in Figures Ito 3, 5 to 11 and 14 to 19, which correspond to
the normal
operating configuration of dispenser. Lower" or "bottom" is used to refer to
what is down or
facing down in these figures. The concepts of vertical and horizontal are
derived from these
definitions. "Internal" means close to or oriented towards a vertical
longitudinal axis 30, 60
and 111 of the device and "external" means oriented away from that vertical
axis. The height
of the device is defined according to this vertical axis. Throughout the
present specification, a
system that dispenses the contents of a container is referred to
interchangeably as a
dispenser, a dispensing device, or a distribution device. Throughout the
present
specification, the words "reservoir" and "tank" have the same meaning.
In Figs. 1 to 7, a gel or liquid dispensing device 10 is represented. This
device
comprises a body comprising:
- in the lower part, an actuating pedal 14,
- at the top, an internal space 31 for receiving a gel or liquid container 19
on a
container tank support 18,
- a piston 17 or rod for transferring a vertical movement of the pedal to the
tank
support, setting the tank in upward movement under the action of the pedal,
and
- a stop 21 for holding a pump 27 of the container stationary when the tank is
set in
upward movement, said pump being provided with a pouring spout 20, which pump
causes a
part of the gel or liquid contained in the container to be expelled when the
tank is moved by
the action of the pedal.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 7, the device 10 comprises a ground
support
plate 29. In some variants, the plate is used as a means of anchoring to a
wall or to the floor
and wall. A body 11 is supported by the plate 29. The body 11 connects a lower
part 12, at
the height of a user's feet, and a higher part 13, at the height of a user's
hands. The lower
part 12 has an actuating pedal 14 extending outside the body 11 to receive the
vertical
downward action (from top to bottom as shown by arrow 22 in figure 3) of a
user's foot and
extending inside the body 11 to a horizontal axis of rotation 15. As a result
of the support of
the user's foot, the inner part of the pedal 14 which is, in relation to the
outer part, on the
other side of the axis of rotation 15 rises inside the body 11. A lower part
24 of a piston 17,
resting on this part of the pedal 14, thus describes an upward movement, as
illustrated by
arrow 23. The piston 17 transmits this upward movement to a support 18 of a
container 19 of
gel or liquid, as shown in figure 2. Thus, the body 11 has, in its interior; a
piston 17
transferring the movement of the pedal 14 to a support 18 of a container 19 of
gel or liquid
set in motion by the piston 17 under the action of the pedal 14.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
A stop 21, in the upper part 13 of device 10, retains the container 19 inside
the body 11
of device 10. The stop 21 for retaining container 19 is configured to, during
the movement of
container 19, pressurize the gel or liquid inside container 19 and cause a
part of this gel or
liquid to be expelled.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 7, container 19 is a reservoir, for
example a vial,
equipped with a movable pump 27 in a known manner. In this type of vial,
pressing this pump
with the finger or palm causes a dose of gel or liquid to be ejected. It is
noted that other
ejection or spray heads, known to the man in the trade, exist. In the
embodiment shown, the
head of the bottle, which operates the pump, remains stationary in abutment
against stop 21
and the container 19 moves towards the pump with the vertical upward movement
of holder
19. The pump is thus actuated and releases gel or liquid from the container 19
reservoir.
As can be understood, device 10 is completely mechanical and does not require
any
energy source. In addition, the user does not have to touch device 10 except
with the foot
that operates the pedal. There is therefore no risk of the device becoming
contaminated
during use. Device 10 may not be tampered with, in particular if it is fixed
to the floor or wall.
Device 10 is compatible with all containers capable of holding in the upper
internal space
31of the body 11 above support 18.
In embodiments such as the one shown in Figs. 1 to 7, body 11 has, around the
stop
21, a lateral opening 26 configured to allow several fingers of a user to pass
under a spout
20 of container 19. Thus, to receive the gel or the liquid, the user does not
risk touching and
thus contaminating a part of the device 10 or the container 19. For example,
the lateral
opening has a vertical planar section having a horizontal width of at least
ten centimeters and
a vertical height of at least four centimeters. Preferably, the stop 21 is
removable and
provided with a locking means (not shown). This locking means can be a nut, a
padlock, for
example. This prevents the public from accessing and stealing container 19,
but an operator
can easily unlock stop 21 and replace an empty container 19.
In embodiments such as the one shown, piston 17 is equipped with guides
internal to
body 11, guides consisting of the lower parts 24 and support 18, guides that
are configured
to slide on the inner wall of body 11. For example, body 11 is cylindrical and
the lower part
24 and the support 18 rest on the walls of body 11, with a clearance that
allows them to slide
freely in body 11. The piston is thus free to slide in the body without risk
of jamming.
In embodiments (not shown), the body 11 has an opening facing the container
19. An
operator can thus see the filling level of container 19. Preferably, the
opening is closed by a
glass pane or is not on the side of the pedal 14 so as not to incite a child
to put his fingers in
it.
Preferably, the piston or rod has a means 32 of adjusting the piston 17 length
between
the pedal 14 and the tank support 18. In embodiments, the adjusting means 32
comprises a
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
combination of a screw associated with one part of the piston and a thread
formed in another
part of the piston. In embodiments, the adjusting means 32 comprises a key
carried by one
part of the piston, which penetrates into one of a plurality of orifices
carried by another part of
the piston at different distances from one of its ends. In embodiments, the
adjusting means
32 comprises means for restraining the movement of the piston in its direction
of movement
towards the container by pinching a rod or linkage of the piston. The piston
17 is thus
incrementally advanced and can progressively compress a pocket 19 of gel or
liquid present
above the support 18. The person skilled in the art can be inspired by glue or
putty guns to
make this type of piston with incremental advance.
In embodiments (not shown), the piston 17 has a position indicator visible
from outside
the device 10. This indicator, for example a ruler moving in front of an
opening of device 10
(for example opening 26 or an opening symmetrical with respect to the axis 30)
or a lug
projecting from an opening formed in the body of device 10, enables an
operator to visualize
the filling level of the container 19, in particular in the case of a pocket.
In embodiments (not shown), device 10 has a spout extension 20 of container
19. This
extension, e.g. a hose, is force-fitted to the spout and allows gel or liquid
to be dispensed
over the outside of the body 11.
In the illustrated versions, the plate 29 is equipped with floor fixing
elements 28. These
fixing elements are conical screw head housings. By means of these
arrangements, the
device 10 can be made immovable and therefore unremovable.
Preferably, device 10 has a larger dimension, its height being between 90 cm
and 110
cm. Thus, the delivery of the gel or the liquid is done at the height of one
hand with a
substantially horizontal arm for the average height of adults and adolescents.
In embodiments (not shown), the piston forms a rod between the pedal and the
support
18 of container 19. In embodiments, the body is cylindrical and closed outside
the pedal
passage opening and the opening for dispensing the gel or liquid.
For example, the parts of device 10 are made of brushed stainless steel. This
device is
self-stable, vandal-proof and very resistant, it adapts to all standard
bottles and flasks.
For example, the dimensions of device 10 are:
Height: 1000 mm
Body diameter 11: 114 mm
Plate diameter 29: 330 mm
Maximum container width, e.g., diameter, 110 mm
Maximum container height: 300 mm
The mechanical construction of the different types of connected liquid
dispensers is
first described in Figures 8 to 11. Next, means of transmitting information
representative of
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
the movement of the pedal are described. Figures 8 to 10 show the elements
already
described above, with the same numerical references.
Figure 11 shows a liquid dispenser. This device 40 consists of a container 60
and a
connector 65. This device also has a ground support plate 43. In some
variants, the plate
provides a means of anchoring to a wall or to the floor and wall.
The device 40 comprises a body 41 supported by the plate 43 comprising, in the
lower
part, a pedal 42 for actuating a pump 44 connected, on the one hand, to the
liquid tank 60 via
connection 65 and, on the other hand, to a pipe 45 for pumped liquid, the pipe
leading to a
delivery port 47 in the upper part of the body 41. Port 47 is preferably
surrounded by a rigid
part 50 to prevent a user from deforming pipe 45. A spring 46 ensures that the
pedal 46 is
lifted up. A shaft 48 allows the rotation of the pedal 42 when a user presses
down with his
foot.
The pump 44, of known type, ensures the pumping in any tank, through any
connection.
The 41 body connects a low part at a user's foot height to a high part at a
user's hand
height. The lower part has an actuating pedal 42 extending outside the body 41
to receive
the vertical downward action (from top to bottom in figure 11) of a user's
foot and extending
inside the body 41 to the horizontal axis of rotation 48.
As can be understood, the dispenser device 40 is completely mechanical and
does not
require any power source. In addition, the user does not have to touch the
device 40 except
with the foot that operates the pedal 42. Therefore, there is no risk of
contaminating the
device 40 during use. Because of its weight and size, device 40 cannot be
tampered with, in
particular if it is fixed to the floor or wall.
Preferably, the upper part 49 of the body 41 is removable, to give access to
the inside
of the body 41 and to change the container 60, and provided with a locking
means (not
shown). This locking means can be a nut, lock or padlock, for example. Thus,
on the one
hand, the public cannot access and steal container 60, but on the other hand,
an operator
can easily replace an empty container 60. In particular, preferably, tank 60
is fitted with a
handle 51, for example moulded, on the side opposite the mouth of tank 60.
Preferably,
vertical rails 52 form guides so that the central opening of the cap 63 is
coaxial with the fitting
65 when the operator slides a full tank into the body 41. In embodiments, body
41 has a port
53 opposite tank 60. An operator can thus see the filling level of tank 60.
Preferably, the port
53 is closed with a glass pane or is not on the side of the pedal 42, e.g. it
is offset by at least
one third of the circumference of body 41, in order not to encourage a child
to put his fingers
in it.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
In embodiments (not shown), the plate 43 has floor fixing elements. These
fastening
elements are, for example, conical screw head housings. By means of these
arrangements,
the device 40 can be made immovable and therefore unremovable.
Preferably, device 40 has a larger dimension, its height being between 90 cm
and 110
cm. Thus, the liquid is delivered through port 47 at the height of one hand of
a substantially
horizontal arm for the average height of adults and adolescents. In
embodiments, the body
41 is cylindrical and closed outside the pedal passage opening 42 and the pipe
passage
opening 45.
We will now describe means of transmitting information representative of
movement of
the pedal or pedal pressure 14 or 42. This information may be received by a
means of
access (not shown) to a space or room, by a means of statistical processing,
e.g. for the
purpose of determining whether the liquid container needs to be recharged or
replaced.
In a first (non-represented) embodiment, the means of transmission of
information
representative of pedal 14 or 42 depression is passive, i.e. it does not
comprise a power
source. For example, this means consists of a dry contact which changes state
with the
movement of the pedal. This dry contact, connected in series with an electric
striker, for
example, prevents the opening of a door locked by such an electric striker as
long as both
the pedal has not been depressed and the control for opening the striker, e.g.
a push button,
an electronic tag reader (e.g. Vigik, registered trademark), a smartphone
recognition or a
digicode (registered trademark), has not been triggered. A time delay may
allow these two
actions to be performed successively within a limited time interval, for
example fifteen
seconds. For example, a room that is already protected by an electric strike
can easily be
equipped with a liquid dispenser.
In a second embodiment (not shown), the means of information representative of
pedal
14 or 42 depression comprises an electric power generator. For example, this
generator is a
piezoelectric crystal deformed by the pedal pressure. This generator powers
for a few
seconds a circuit for emitting a signal transmitted in a wired or unwired
manner. This signal
is, for example, a code assigned to the liquid dispenser. As indicated above,
this signal is
used to disable access to a space or room. In other words, access to the space
or room is
again inhibited a few seconds (e.g. fifteen) after this signal is received and
remains inhibited
until the signal is received again.
In a third embodiment, the means of information representative of pedal 14 or
42
depression comprises a permanent source of electrical energy and/or electrical
energy
storage 71, e.g. a battery or accumulator battery. The source of energy may be
mains power
or a solar panel, for example. A sensor, e.g. a switch or microswitch (reed
switch), built into
the storage circuit 71 detects the depression of pedal 14 or 42. A coding
circuit built into the
storage circuitry 71 transmits a coded signal as soon as the pedal 14 or 42 is
depressed,
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
either wired or unwired, as soon as the pedal is depressed. In Figures 8 to
14, an antenna 70
is used to transmit this code. This transmission can be carried out according
to a Bluetooth,
NFC, RFID or Wifi or GSM (registered trademarks) protocol, for example.
Circuit 71
preferably comprises a means of transmitting information representative of the
liquid level in
tank 19 or 60. This level is determined by circuit 71 by counting the number
of times the
pedal 14 or 42 has been depressed from the supply or by a pressure or force
sensor 74
positioned in a support of the tank 60. The means of transmitting information
representative
of the level of liquid in tank 19 or 60 only transmits this information when
the estimated level
is below a predetermined value, e.g. one tenth of the maximum level, or
equivalent to a
predetermined number of days of liquid consumption, the average daily
consumption being
measured in the same way on the device (counting of pedal strokes or weight
measurement). In other words, the means 71 for transmitting information
representative of
the liquid level in tank 19 or 60 is configured to measure a daily average
consumption of
liquid, the predetermined level value, which triggers the transmission, being
this daily
average consumption multiplied by a predetermined number of days.
In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 11, the device 40 additionally comprises
a sensor
73 of the user's body temperature, for example a thermal camera or a system as
described
opposite Figs. 12 and 13, supported at medium height of the users' heads by an
arm 72
connected to the body 41. This temperature sensor 73 estimates the temperature
of the
user's forehead and transmits it to circuit 71. In case this temperature is
higher than a
predetermined value, for example 38 C, an alert or alarm is transmitted to
this user (for
example with a light 75 changing from green to red or a vocal message) and/or
remotely, for
example to inhibit access to a room or space. For example, the parts of device
40 are made
of brushed stainless steel. This device 40 is self-stabilised, vandal-proof
and highly resistant.
For example, the dimensions of device 40 are:
Height: 1700 mm (including support 72)
Height: 1000 mm (excluding support 72)
Body diameter: 250 mm
Diameter of the plate 43: 450 mm
Maximum tank width, e.g., diameter: 230 mm
Maximum container height: 900 mm
Figure 12 shows a front-end temperature measurement system 80 integrated in
variants of the device 40. Figure 13 shows part of an image of a face captured
by camera 73.
This system 80 consists of camera 73, an image processing module 76 and a
motorized temperature sensor 77. The field of view 78 of camera 73 allows a
user to position
his or her face in front of camera 73. For example, a visible message on the
device 40
prompts the user to stand straight in front of the camera. Alternatively, a
visual guide, such
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
as a mirror, allows the user to verify that his or her face 83 is
approximately horizontally
centered in the field of view 78. The image processing module 76 extracts an
area 85 of the
user's forehead from the captured image. Various image processing techniques
can be used
by the image processing module 76, including techniques from facial
recognition systems or
from the focus ("autofocus") systems of cameras and mobile communicating
devices, such
as smartphones. A simplified example of image processing and position control
of the
motorized temperature sensor is given below 77. First, contours are extracted
and compared
with stored contours from an image without a user in front of the camera 73.
The user's face
is then checked to ensure that it is correctly centered horizontally by
recognizing shoulders
and a head in the contours that are the most different from the stored
contours. If the user is
not correctly positioned, he is asked to position himself better (by means of
an audible and/or
visual message). Then, a vertical zone 82 is extracted from the image, zone 82
passing
through the user's horizontally centred face. This zone 82 has a width
proportional (for
example a quarter) to the width of the previously marked shoulders. This area
82 has a
height proportional (for example twice) to the width and extends above line 84
of the
previously marked shoulders. In this zone 82, the chin, mouth, nose and eyes
are searched
for by their shadows and contours and/or around their presumed predetermined
position.
Once these organs have been identified, an area 85 is determined, below the
hair, which is
identified by its high contour density, and above the eyes.
Once the frontal area 85 of the face has been located, the image processing
module
controls the angular motor of the motorised temperature sensor 77 to orient
the
measurement area towards the forehead, preferably taking into account the
parallax linked to
the offset between the optical axis of camera 73 and the axis of rotation of
the temperature
sensor, given that the measurement of the dimension of face 83 in the captured
image is
representative of the distance between this face 83 and the optical center of
the lens of
camera 73. Depending on the variants, the temperature sensor 77 is motorized
to perform a
single rotational movement around a horizontal axis or is motorized to
perform, in addition, a
rotation around a vertical axis.
The temperature sensor 77 is equipped with a lens for focusing light rays in
the infrared
thermal range around an axis 79 and an electronic sensor of a type known from
non-contact
thermometers that receives the focused rays. Depending on the measured
temperature, the
dispenser 40 may or may not allow access to the room. For example, if the
measured
temperature is higher than 37.8 C, access is denied.
Below is a description of an automatic liquid dispensing device in which the
lower part,
without pedal or pump 44, is simplified, as shown in figures 14 and 15. In
Figures 14 and 15
an automatic liquid dispensing device 88 similar to the device 40 shown in
Figure 11, except
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
that the foot pedal 42 is replaced by an electric pump 86 and an automatic
dispensing
system 90 is mounted on line 45. The system 90 consists of:
- a pump 92 on line 45, configured to pump the liquid from tank 60,
- a bag 93 of liquid pumped under pressure, downstream, on line 45, of the
pump 92,
- a electric valve 94 downstream of bag 93, followed by liquid ejection
opening 47,
- a sensor 91 for detecting the presence of a hand in the axis of the ejection
opening 47
and
- a circuit 95 for controlling the electric valve 94, which opens the electric
valve for a
first predetermined time after the detection of a hand by the sensor 91, and
for controlling the
pump 92 for a second predetermined time after the detection of a hand by the
sensor 91.
It is noted that if the wall of the tank 60 is rigid, preferably a top
opening, e.g. half a
millimeter in diameter, is provided in the tank 60 so that air can enter the
tank 60 as the liquid
is pumped by the pump 92.
Pump 92 is of a known type, e.g. peristaltic. The pressurized liquid bag 93 is
made of a
stretchable material, e.g. silicone or rubber. The "useful" volume of bag 93
is the maximum
volume that can be dispensed by a drop in its internal pressure without
refilling by pump 92.
It is the difference in volume of bag 93 between its volume under pressure and
its volume if
the electric valve is permanently open. In embodiments, this useful volume is
less than 12
ml.
The electric valve 94 is preferably "all or nothing". The sensor 91 for
detecting the
presence of a hand in the axis of the ejection opening 47 is, for example, a
photocell, an
infrared radiation detector, a capacitive sensor or a transceiver for sound,
light, or
electromagnetic radiation. The control circuit 95 for the electric valve 94
and the pump 92 is,
for example, a microcontroller card.
The first predetermined time t1 is, for example, between a quarter and half a
second.
The second predetermined time t2 is, for example, two seconds. It corresponds
to the
pumping of one dose of liquid to be dispensed per user. Preferably, the second
predetermined pump operating time is set to complete the filling of the bag in
less than two
seconds after a first predetermined time of opening the electric valve.
Preferentially, the control circuit 95 comprises means for estimating the
pressure in the
pressurized bag and/or the useful volume of liquid available in the
pressurized bag, and the
control circuit 95 determines the first predetermined duration according to a
decreasing
function of the estimated pressure in the pressurized bag and/or of the useful
volume.
For example, the control circuit 95 estimates:
- the pressure P in the pocket 93 under pressure as inversely proportional to
the
effective volume V of liquid available in the pocket (with a proportionality
coefficient r),
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
- the flow rate dl in electric valve 94 as proportional to the pressure P in
the pocket
(with proportionality coefficient k),
- the flow rate d2 in pump 92 as a constant value when the pump is operated.
In stationary operation, i.e. when the time between two openings of electric
valve 94 is
greater than the second predetermined time t2, we have (" ." being the sign of
the
multiplication)
d2.t2 - d1.t1 = 0 and dl = k P so P = d2.t2 / (k.t1) and V = P/r = d2.t2 /
(r.k.t1)
The volume Vd of liquid dispensed during the opening of electric valve 94 and
the
activation of pump 92 is equal to
Vd = d1.t1 = k.P.t1 = k.r.V.t1.
Knowing this volume Vd to be dispensed and the first predetermined duration
t1, in
stationary state, the useful volume V of pocket 93 is determined in stationary
state. V =
Vd/(k.r.t1). When the system is initialized, the pump is operated for a period
of time
corresponding to this useful volume, i.e. for a period of time during which
the volume
required to start pressurizing bag 93 plus the volume V = Vd/(k.r.t1) is
delivered.
When the dispensing system is no longer in stationary operation, i.e. when the
time
between two hand detections by the sensor 91 is less than the second
predetermined time
t2, the control unit 95 determines the drop in volume between the two
successive openings
of the electric valve 94 and then, as a function of this drop in volume, the
drop in pressure in
the bag 93 and the increase in the first predetermined opening time of the
electric valve 94
necessary to deliver the volume Vd of liquid to be dispensed. The control unit
95 then keeps
the pump 92 activated until the volume in steady state is obtained again. More
generally, the
control circuit 95 determines the first predetermined time according to a
decreasing function
of the estimated pressure in the pressure bag and/or the useful volume.
Preferably, device 88 also comprises a means of transmitting information
representative of the opening of the electric valve, equivalent to the means
of transmitting
information representative of the pedal pressure explained above in figures 8
to 11, and
having the same consequences on access to a place.
Preferably, and as explained above in relation to figures 8 to 11, device 88
comprises a
means of transmitting information representative of the liquid level in the
container. For
example, this means of transmission counts the number of electric valve
openings from the
supply. In another example, the means 71 for transmitting information
representative of the
level comprises the pressure or force sensor 74 positioned in a support of the
tank 60.
In embodiments, the means 71 for transmitting information representative of
the liquid
level in tank 60 is configured to transmit this information only when the
estimated level is
below a predetermined value. For example, the means for transmitting
information
representative of the liquid level in tank 60 is configured to measure an
average daily
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
consumption of liquid, the predetermined value being this average daily
consumption
multiplied by a predetermined number of days for a routine replenishment
intervention.
The device for accessing a location corresponding to the device shown in Figs.
8-15
comprises a receiver for information representative of the opening of the
electric valve and
means for inhibiting an access actuator configured to disable the actuator for
a
predetermined period of time following the opening of the electric valve.
In Figures 16 to 19, a container 110 comprising a container 112 (partially
shown), a cap
113 and a plug 114 is observed. A valve port 115 is also partially shown. A
vertical axis 111
corresponds to the translation axis of port 115 in a central opening of plug
113. All the
elements shown in Figure 16 are rotationally symmetrical about axis 111,
except for the four
cylindrical side openings 124 oriented perpendicular to axis 111 and
symmetrical to axis 111
of port 115.
In other embodiments, these parts are not rotationally symmetrical.
When container 112, cap 113 and shutter 114 are assembled and not connected to
a
dispenser, as shown in Figure 17, the cap and shutter make container 110
hermetic, except
for a micro-opening at the top (the topmost one in the configuration shown in
the figures) to
allow air to enter as container 110 empties of its contents, gel or liquid.
The cap 113 has a
first part 118, 130 of a first means of retaining the plug 114. The plug 114
has a second part
119, 132 of the first retaining means, complementary to the first part of the
first retaining
means.
In the embodiment shown in figures 16 to 19, 130 is an outer housing for an
inner tooth
119 and 132 is an inner housing for an outer tooth 118.
The obturator 114 has, in addition to a first part 120, 131 of a second
retaining means
on a head of the coupling 115. Fitting 115 has a second part 121, 133 of a
second retaining
means complementary to the first part of the second retaining means.
In the embodiment shown in figures 16 to 19, 133 is an outer housing for an
inner tooth
120 and 131 is an inner housing for an outer tooth 121.
The first retainer 118, 130, 119, 132 and the second retainer 120, 131, 121,
133 are
configured:
- to engage and disengage by translation along the translation axis 111,
- so that the engagement force of the second restraining means is less than
the
disengagement force of the first restraining means, and
- so that the engagement force of the first means of restraint is less than
the
disengagement force of the second means of restraint.
To configure the restraint means, one skilled in the art can vary the shapes,
materials
and thicknesses of the restraint means.
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
In the embodiment shown, the shapes of the means of restraint are configured
to
perform the three functions stated above. The realization of the means of
restraint is easy
and low cost.
In embodiments, including the one shown, at least part of at least one means
of
restraint (the two means of restraint in the figures) has at least one tooth
118, 119, 120 and
121 with an edge perpendicular to the axis of translation 111. Each tooth 118
to 121 has a
smaller angle to the translation axis 111 on the side of the tooth serving for
engagement
(upper side for teeth 118 and 121 and lower side for teeth 119 and 120) than
on the side of
the tooth serving for disengagement (lower side for teeth 118 and 121 and
upper side for
teeth 119 and 120).
In embodiments, including the one shown, at least one part of at least one
retaining
means (both retaining means in the figures) comprises a tooth with a
frustoconical face.
These are teeth 118 and 120 in the embodiment shown. This truncated cone
facilitates the
engagement of the retaining means.
In embodiments, including the one shown, at least part of at least one
retaining means
(the two retaining means in the figures) comprises a tooth one face of which
is substantially
in a plane perpendicular to the axis of translation. In the figures, these are
the upper faces of
teeth 119 and 120 and the lower faces of teeth 118 and 121. In practice, these
planes are
slightly deformed into cones, making it very slightly easier to disengage the
teeth. This
practically planar conical face increases the force required to disengage the
retainer.
In embodiments, including the one shown, at least part of at least one
retaining means
(both retaining means in the figures) has a tooth with a truncated torus on
one side. In the
figures, this is the upper face of tooth 121, quarter toroidal, and the lower
face of tooth 119,
half toroidal. This torus facilitates the engagement of the retainer.
In embodiments, including the one shown, at least part of a retainer (both
retainers in
the figures) has a housing for one tooth. In the figures, these are housings
130 to 133.
In unrepresented embodiments, at least one retaining means operates by
friction on
smooth or preferably rough, possibly granular surfaces. In unrepresented
embodiments, at
least one internal tooth is replaced by an external tooth, and/or vice versa,
and at least one
internal housing is replaced by an external housing, and/or vice versa.
When tank 110 is filled, for transport or before it is mounted on the
distributor
connection 115, as shown in the upper part of figure 17, the valve 114 is
fixed on the cap 113
and tank 110 is hermetically sealed. When the tank 110 is mounted on the valve
fitting 115,
the valve fitting 115 engages in the center passage of cap 113 and then the
valve plug 114,
as shown in Figure 18. Continuing its movement relative to tank 110, fitting
115 pushes
against the bottom 126 of valve plug 114 and disengages valve plug 114 from
cap 113 by
continuing to move through the cap passage parallel to the axis 111, as shown
in Figure 19.
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
The side openings 124 of port 115 are then in communication with the interior
of container
112 and the contents of container 112 can flow or be pumped through port 115
for
dispensing by a liquid or gel dispenser.
When the container is to be removed from the dispenser, even when partially or
completely full, by sliding port 115 in the opposite direction (downward in
the figures), the
valve plug 114 engages with cap 113, as shown in Figure 18, and then port 115
disengages
from valve plug 114, as shown in Figure 17. Tank 110 is then sealed again and
can be
removed from the valve. In addition, if the tank is to be refilled, the mouth
of container 112
has to be moved upwards and the plug 114 has to be separated from the cap 113,
so that
the plug 114 falls into container 112 and does not re-engage with the cap 113.
Traceability of
the contents of container 110 can therefore be ensured.
In embodiments, including that shown, the mouth of container 112 has a first
part 116,
128 of a third retaining means and the cap 113 has a second part 117, 129 of
the third
retaining means complementary to the first part of the retaining means. What
is described
above with respect to the first and second retaining means is valid for the
third retaining
means, except that the third retaining means is not intended to be disengaged,
at least not
during the relative movement of the coupling 115 and the tank 110.
The present invention also relates to the distributor fitting 115 for assembly
with a
reservoir which is the subject of the invention. This connector comprises a
part of the second
retaining means, at least one joint 134, 135 in a joint housing 122, 123, and
at least one
channel, or opening 124 for the passage of gel or liquid, which channel opens
between the
part of the retaining means and the joint.
The present invention also relates to a device for dispensing gel or liquid,
which
comprises a fitting which is the subject of the invention and/or a reservoir
which is the subject
of the invention, such as the devices illustrated in Figures 11 or 14.
The different aspects and embodiments of the invention and their particular
features
are to be combined to form gel or liquid dispensing devices having the
advantages of these
different aspects and embodiments.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-06-08
