Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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COMPLIANCE BRACKET BOTTLE STRAP LOCK
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/839,169, titled "COMPLIANCE BRACKET BOTTLE STRAP LOCK" and filed
on June 25, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The instant application is generally directed towards a dispensing
system.
For example, the instant application is directed towards a dispensing system
that is
lockable.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Dispensing systems can store and selectively dispense a sanitizing
material
(e.g., soap, hand sanitizer, cleaners, disinfectants, moisturizers etc.). As
such,
dispensing systems are commonly used in a number of different environments to
improve sanitation and cleanliness, for example. Dispensing systems can be
used, for
example, in schools, hospitals, factories, restaurants, etc., whereupon a user
of the
dispensing system can dispense the sanitizing material to clean his/her hands,
clean an
area within one of these environments, or the like.
SUMMARY
[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description.
This
summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the
claimed
subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the
claimed subject
matter.
[0005] In an example, a dispensing system is provided. The dispensing
system
comprises a housing configured to removably support a dispenser from which a
material is dispensed. In an example, the dispensing system comprises a
retention
structure movably supported with respect to the housing, the retention
structure
movable between an opened position, in which the dispenser is removable from
the
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housing, and a closed position, in which the retention structure maintains the
dispenser in a fixed position relative to the housing. In an example, the
dispensing
system comprises a locking structure supported by the housing. The locking
structure
may be movable between a first position, in which the locking structure does
not
engage the retention structure such that the retention structure is movable
from the
closed position to the opened position, and a second position, in which the
locking
structure engages the retention structure such that the retention structure is
not
movable from the closed position to the opened position in the absence of a
keying
structure engaging the retention structure.
[0006] In another example, a dispensing system is provided comprising a
housing
configured to removably support a dispenser from which a material is
dispensed. In
an example, the dispensing system comprises a retention structure movably
supported
with respect to the housing. The retention structure may be movable between an
opened position, in which the dispenser is removable from the housing, and a
closed
position, in which the retention structure maintains the dispenser in a fixed
position
relative to the housing. In an example, the retention structure comprises a
first
retention portion configured to selectively engage the housing such that the
retention
structure is movable between the opened position and the closed position when
the
first retention portion is disengaged from the housing and the retention
structure is not
movable between the opened position and the closed position when the first
retention
portion is engaged with the housing. In an example, the retention structure
comprises
a second retention portion. In an example, the dispensing system comprises a
locking
structure supported by the housing and movable between a first position, in
which the
locking structure does not engage the retention structure such that the first
retention
portion is disengaged from the housing in the absence of a keying structure
engaging
the first retention portion, and a second position, in which the locking
structure
engages the second retention portion such that the first retention portion is
not
disengaged from the housing in the absence of a keying structure engaging the
first
retention portion.
[0007] In another example, a method of operating a dispensing system is
provided. In an example, the method comprises receiving into a housing a
dispenser.
In an example, the method comprises maintaining the dispenser in a fixed
position
relative to the housing with a retention structure that is movable with
respect to the
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housing between an opened position, in which the dispenser is removable from
the
housing, and a closed position, in which the retention structure maintains the
dispenser in the fixed position. In an example, the method comprises locking
the
retention structure in the closed position such that the retention structure
is not
movable from the closed position to the opened position in the absence of a
keying
structure engaging the retention structure.
[0008] The following description and annexed drawings set forth certain
illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of
the
various ways in which one or more aspects can be employed. Other aspects,
advantages, and/or novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from
the
following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed
drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example dispensing system in which a
dispenser is supported by a housing;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating an example dispensing system
in
which a retention structure and locking structure are supported by a housing;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating an example dispensing system
and a
manner for disengaging a retention structure from a housing;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating an example dispensing system
in
which a locking structure is in a locked position;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating an example dispensing system
in
which a retention structure is disengaged from a housing;
[0014] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example dispensing system in which a
dispenser is in a removed state from a housing;
[0015] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example dispensing system in which a
retention structure is in an opened position;
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[0016] FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example dispensing system in which a
dispenser is supported by a housing and a retention structure is in an opened
position;
and
[0017] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of operating
a
dispensing system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like
elements
throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the
claimed
subject matter. It is evident, however, that the claimed subject matter can be
practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are
illustrated
in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject
matter.
[0019] Turning to FIG. 1, a dispensing system 100 is illustrated. In
general, the
dispensing system 100 can be used for storing and/or dispensing a material.
The
dispensing system 100 includes a dispenser 102. The dispenser 102 is somewhat
generically/schematically depicted, as the dispenser 102 includes any number
of sizes,
shapes, and structures. It will be appreciated that the dispenser 102
illustrated in FIG.
1 includes one of any number of types of containers, bottles, vessels, or the
like.
[0020] The dispenser 102 includes a body portion 104 that defines a
substantially
hollow interior into which a material 106 can be held. The body portion 104
includes
any number of sizes, so as to hold a variety of quantities of the material
106. The
material 106 includes any type of liquid, semi-liquid, gel, powder, foam based
materials, etc. The material 106 includes, for example, cleaning materials
such as
sanitizers, antiseptics, soaps, moisturizers, or the like. In other examples,
the material
106 may include water or other non-cleaning liquid materials. Indeed, the
material
106 is not specifically limited to these examples, and could include any type
of
materials.
[0021] The dispenser 102 includes a nozzle 108 for selectively restricting
the
ingress/egress of the material 106 into/out of the body portion 104. The
nozzle 108 of
FIG. 1 comprises only one of many different types of nozzles that can be used
with
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the dispenser 102. In an example, the nozzle 108 can be coupled (e.g., screwed
onto)
the body portion 104, with the nozzle 108 comprising a removable cap. In other
examples, however, the nozzle 108 could include a spray dispenser or nearly
any
other suitable dispensing nozzle configurations. The nozzle 108 can be
selectively
removed from the body portion 104 to allow for emptying and/or refilling of
the
dispenser 102.
[0022] The dispensing system 100 further includes a housing 120 that can
removably support the dispenser 102. In an example, the housing 120 can
support the
dispenser 102 by receiving the dispenser 102 within the housing 120. The
housing
120 is not limited to the illustrated design, and in other examples, the
housing 120 can
support the dispenser 102 by being removably coupled/attached to the dispenser
102.
[0023] The housing 120 includes a base portion 122. The base portion 122
defines an end of the housing 120. In an example, the base portion 122
includes a
generally planar surface onto which the dispenser 102 can rest. In some
examples, the
base portion 122 may include an upturned/raised perimeter portion so as to
limit
inadvertent removal/uncoupling of the dispenser 102 from the housing 120. In
some
examples, the base portion 122 includes one or more walls or similar retaining
devices
so as to limit/reduce inadvertent removal/uncoupling of the dispenser 102.
[0024] The housing 120 includes a holding portion 124. The holding portion
124
is spaced a distance apart from the base portion 122. In an example, the
holding
portion 124 can surround and/or contain a portion of the dispenser 102 so as
to
maintain the dispenser 102 in a fixed position with respect to the housing
120. In
some examples, the holding portion 124 can surround/contain a portion of the
nozzle
108, so as to limit inadvertent removal of the dispenser 102 from the housing
120.
[0025] Turning now to FIG. 2, a sectional view of the holding portion 124
of the
housing 120 is illustrated. In an example, the dispensing system 100 can
include a
retention structure 130. The retention structure 130 is an elongated structure
that can
support the dispenser 102 in a fixed position relative to the housing 120. In
an
example, the retention structure 130 defines a dispenser opening 132 through
which a
portion of the dispenser 102 (e.g., the nozzle 108) can pass. In some
examples, the
retention structure 130 defines a rounded shape that can generally match a
shape of
the nozzle 108. In other examples, however, the retention structure 130 is not
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to the rounded shape as illustrated, and instead could include other linear
shapes (e.g.,
by extending along a straight line), non-linear shapes (e.g., rectangular
shapes, etc.),
or the like.
[0026] The retention structure 130 comprises a first end 134 and a second
end
136. The first end 134 can be movably (e.g., pivotably) attached with respect
to the
housing 120. In an example, the first end 134 of the retention structure 130
defines an
opening 138. The opening 138 can be sized and shaped to receive a portion of
the
housing 120, such as an attachment portion 139 of the housing 120. In an
example,
the attachment portion 139 extends outwardly from the housing and is
sized/shaped to
pass through the opening 138 (e.g., a hinge arrangement). In some examples,
the
opening 138 and attachment portion 139 include a rounded/circular shape, such
that
the retention structure 130 is movably supported with respect to the
attachment
portion 139 of the housing 120. The retention structure 130 is movable between
an
opened position (e.g., FIG. 7), in which the dispenser 102 is removable from
the
housing 120, and a closed position, in which the retention structure 130
maintains the
dispenser 102 in a fixed position relative to the housing 120.
[0027] The retention structure 130 can include a retention wall 140 located
near
the second end 136 of the retention structure 130. In an example, the
retention wall
140 defines a substantially planar surface extending in a direction that is
substantially
perpendicular to a direction along which the retention structure 130 extends.
In the
illustrated example, the retention wall 140 can be positioned substantially
flush with
respect to the housing 120 when the retention structure 130 is in the closed
position.
For example, the retention wall 140 can be substantially flush with a first
housing
surface 142 of a first housing wall 143 and a second housing surface 144 of a
second
housing wall 145. In this example, the first housing surface 142 and second
housing
surface 144 together define a substantially planar surface that is flush with
the
retention wall 140 when the retention structure 130 is in the closed position.
[0028] The retention structure 130 can include a first retention portion
150. The
first retention portion 150 can be located at the second end 136 of the
retention
structure 130. The first retention portion 150 can extend outwardly from the
retention
structure 130 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a plane
defined by the
retention wall 140. In an example, the first retention portion 150 extends
into the
housing 120 when the retention structure 130 is in the closed position. For
example,
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the first retention portion 150 extends through a housing opening 152 defined
by the
first housing wall 143 and the second housing wall 145.
[0029] The first retention portion 150 can include a retention protrusion
154. The
retention protrusion 154 is located at an end of the first retention portion
150 opposite
the retention wall 140. The retention protrusion 154 defines an extension,
protuberance, outcropping, etc. that protrudes outwardly from the first
retention
portion 150. In an example, the retention protrusion 154 extends outwardly in
a
direction substantially perpendicular to a direction along which the first
retention
portion 150 extends. In some examples, the retention protrusion 154 defines a
hook-
like structure.
[0030] The retention protrusion 154 of the first retention portion 150 can
selectively engage a gripping portion 160 of the housing 120. In an example,
the
gripping portion 160 is formed in the first housing wall 143 of the housing
120. In an
example, the gripping portion 160 is formed at an inner surface of the first
housing
wall 143. The gripping portion 160 defines a projection, outcropping,
extension, etc.
that projects inwardly towards an interior of the housing 120. In an example,
the
retention protrusion 154 can engage the gripping portion 160 when the
retention
structure 130 is in the closed position. For example, the retention protrusion
154 can
contact and grip the gripping portion 160 while the retention wall 140
contacts the
first housing surface 142 and second housing surface 144. As such, the
retention
structure 130 is movable between the opened position and the closed position
when
the first retention portion 150 does not engage the gripping portion 160. In
an
example, the retention structure 130 is not movable between the opened
position and
the closed position when the first retention portion 150 is engaged with the
gripping
portion 160.
[0031] The retention structure 130 comprises a second retention portion
170. In
an example, the second retention portion 170 is formed adjacent the first
retention
portion 150 and the retention wall 140. In the closed position, the second
retention
portion 170 can extend into the housing 120 through the housing opening 152.
The
second retention portion 170 includes any number of sizes and shapes. In an
example,
the second retention portion 170 is smaller than the housing opening 152. As
such, in
some examples, the second retention portion 170 is separated a distance from
the
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second housing wall 145 to define a recess 172 between the second retention
portion
170 and the second housing wall 145.
[0032] The housing 120 can include a keying feature 180 to facilitate
disengagement of the first retention portion 150 from the gripping portion
160. In an
example, the keying feature 180 extends through the first housing wall 143 of
the
housing 120. The keying feature 180 can define an opening extending from a
first
side 182 to a second side 184 of the first housing wall 143. The keying
feature 180
includes any number of sizes and shapes. In the illustrated example, the
keying
feature 180 comprises a generally rounded, S-shaped opening (illustrated in
FIG. 1).
The keying feature 180 is not limited to such a shape, and in other examples,
may
include quadrilateral shapes, circular shapes, elliptical shapes, star polygon
shapes,
linearly extending openings, non-linearly extending openings, etc.
[0033] The keying feature 180 is located in the first housing wall 143
adjacent the
gripping portion 160. In an example, the keying feature 180 extends along the
first
housing wall 143 adjacent the retention protrusion 154 when the retention
structure
130 is in the closed position.
[0034] The keying feature 180 can mate with a keying structure 186. In some
embodiments, the keying structure 186 has a size/shape that substantially
matches a
size/shape of the keying feature 180. In the illustrated example, the keying
structure
186 has a rounded, S-shaped cross-section that substantially matches the
rounded, S-
shaped opening of the keying feature 180. As such, the keying structure 186
can be
inserted into the keying feature 180. In other examples, the keying structure
186
includes any number of shapes that match a shape of the opening of the keying
feature
180. For example, the keying structure 186 can include quadrilateral cross-
sectional
shapes, circular cross-sectional shapes, elliptical cross-sectional shapes,
star polygon
cross-sectional shapes, linearly extending structures, non-linearly extending
structures, etc.
[0035] The dispensing system 100 can include a locking structure 200. The
locking structure 200 can be supported by the housing 120 within a housing
recess
202. In an example, the housing recess 202 borders the dispenser opening 132.
The
housing recess 202 can extend between a first end 204 and a second end 206. In
some
examples, the housing recess 202 has a non-linear shape, such as by being
curved,
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rounded, etc. In an example, the housing recess 202 is located on a first side
210 of a
locking wall 212. The locking wall 212 can have a generally similar shape as
the
housing recess 202, such as by having a non-linear shape (e.g., curved,
rounded, etc.).
In an example, the locking wall 212 includes a recess opening 214 that extends
through the locking wall 212 from the first side 210 to a second side 218. In
some
examples, the locking wall 212 includes a projection 220 at the second side
218, with
the projection 220 defining an increased width of the locking wall 212 that
extends
into the recess opening 214.
[0036] The locking wall 212 can include one or more locking recesses
located on
the second side 218. In an example, the locking wall 212 includes a first
locking
recess 224 and a second locking recess 226. The first locking recess 224 is
positioned
closer to the first end 204 than the second locking recess 226. The second
locking
recess 226 is positioned closer to the second end 206 than the first locking
recess 224.
In some examples, the first locking recess 224 and second locking recess 226
define a
groove, indentation, or the like that projects into the locking wall 212. In
some
examples, one side of the first locking recess 224 and second locking recess
226 (e.g.,
side closer to the first end 204) includes a right angle. In some examples, an
opposite
side of the first locking recess 224 and second locking recess 226 (e.g., side
closer to
second end 206) includes an obtuse angle having a generally gradual slope.
[0037] Turning to the locking structure 200, the locking structure 200 can
include
a first locking portion 240. The first locking portion 240 can be positioned
within the
housing recess 202. The first locking portion 240 comprises a first locking
end 242
and a second locking end 244. In some examples, the first locking portion 240
includes a shape that generally matches the shape of the housing recess 202.
For
example, the first locking portion 240 can include a non-linear shape (e.g.,
curved,
rounded, etc.) that has a shorter length than a length of the housing recess
202. As
such, the first locking portion 240 can move within the housing recess 202,
such as
between the first end 204 and second end 206.
[0038] In an example, the first locking portion 240 includes a textured
surface
246. The textured surface 246 is oriented to face the dispenser opening 132.
The
textured surface 246 can include one or more undulations, furrows, grooves,
projections, etc., such that the textured surface 246 facilitates moving the
locking
structure 200 between the first position and the second position. In an
example, the
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textured surface 246 increases a user's gripping ability by having an
increased
friction. As such, the textured surface 246 allows for relatively easier
movement of
the first locking portion 240 by the user.
[0039] The locking structure 200 can include an attachment portion 248. The
attachment portion 248 is located on an opposite side of the first locking
portion 240
from the textured surface 246. The attachment portion 248 projects outwardly
from
the first locking portion in a direction that is substantially perpendicular
to a direction
along which the first locking portion 240 extends. The attachment portion 248
can be
positioned to extend through the recess opening 214, such that the attachment
portion
248 extends from the first side 210 to the second side 218 of the locking wall
212. In
some examples, the attachment portion 248 has a smaller length (e.g., from the
first
end 204 to the second end 206) than a length of the recess opening 214. As
such, the
attachment portion 248 is movable with respect to the recess opening 214.
[0040] The locking structure 200 can include a second locking portion 250.
In an
example, the second locking portion 250 is attached to the first locking
portion 240 by
the attachment portion 248. The first locking portion 240 is separated from
the
second locking portion 250 by the locking wall 212 of the housing 120. As
such, the
first locking portion 240 is positioned on the first side 210 of the locking
wall 212 and
the second locking portion 250 is positioned on the second side 218 of the
locking
wall. The second locking portion 250 comprises a first end 252 and a second
end 254.
In an example, the second locking portion 250 has a shape that generally
matches the
shape of the first locking portion 240 and the locking wall 212. For example,
the
second locking portion 250 includes a non-linear shape (e.g., curved, rounded,
etc.).
In an example, the second locking portion 250 extends substantially parallel
to the
first locking portion 240 while being radially offset from the first locking
portion 240.
[0041] In an example, the second locking portion 250 is circumferentially
offset
from the first locking portion 240. For example, the first end 252 of the
second
locking portion 250 is circumferentially offset from the first locking end 242
of the
first locking portion 240. Likewise, the second end 254 of the second locking
portion
250 is circumferentially offset from the second locking end 244 of the first
locking
portion 240. In an example, the second locking portion 250 is positioned in
closer
proximity to the second end 206 of the second housing surface 144 than the
first
locking portion 240.
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[0042] The second locking portion 250 can include an engagement portion
260.
The engagement portion 260 can project radially inwardly from the second
locking
portion 250 towards the first locking portion 240. In some examples, the
engagement
portion 260 is located between the first end 252 and the second end 254 of the
second
locking portion 250. The engagement portion 260 is located along an inner
surface of
the second locking portion 250, such that the engagement portion 260 faces the
locking wall 212. In an example, the engagement portion 260 has a size and
shape
that substantially matches a size and shape of the first locking recess 224
and second
locking recess 226. For example, the engagement portion 260 can include a
right
angle surface 261 and a sloped surface 264. The sloped surface 264 can be
positioned
in closer proximity to the second locking end 244 than the first locking end
242. In an
example, the sloped surface 264 defines a gradual slope that may be linear or
non-
linear (e.g., curved, bowed, bent, etc.).
[0043] In the illustrated example, the retention structure 130 is in the
closed
position while the locking structure 200 is in a first position. For example,
the
retention structure 130 can engage the housing 120, such that the retention
structure
130 is generally limited from moving to the opened position. In this closed
position,
the first retention portion 150 of the retention structure 130 can engage and
grip the
gripping portion 160.
[0044] In the first position, the locking structure 200 does not engage the
retention
structure 130. For example, the first locking portion 240 can be moved towards
the
first end 204 of the housing recess 202. The locking structure 200 can be
moved such
that the engagement portion 260 of the second locking portion 250 mates with
the first
locking recess 224 in the locking wall 212 when the locking structure 200 is
in the
first position. Due, at least in part, to the second locking portion 250
engaging the
first locking recess 224, the locking structure 200 is generally limited from
inadvertently being moved out of the first position. In the first position,
the second
locking portion 250 does not extend into the recess 172 between the second
retention
portion 170 and the second housing wall 145. In some examples, in the first
position,
the second locking portion 250 does not mate with the second locking recess
226 in
the locking wall 212 when the locking structure 200 is in the first position.
As such,
in some examples, the second retention portion 170 is movable towards the
second
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housing wall 145 to allow the retention structure 130 to move from the closed
position
to the opened position.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 3, when the locking structure 200 does not
engage
the retention structure 130, the retention structure 130 can be moved from the
closed
position (illustrated in FIG. 2) to the opened position. In this example,
since the
locking structure 200 does not engage the retention structure 130, the first
retention
portion 150 may be disengaged from the housing 120 in the absence of the
keying
structure 186 engaging the first retention portion 150. In an example, a force
300
(illustrated generically with arrowhead) can be applied to the retention
structure 130.
The force 300 can be applied in any number of ways, such as by a user gripping
and
compressing the retention structure 130, for example. The force 300 can be
applied at
the second end 136 of the retention structure 130 in a direction towards the
dispenser
opening 132.
[0046] In an example, the retention structure 130 comprises a flexible
material,
such that the retention structure 130 can compress in response to the force
300. As
the retention structure 130 is compressed, the second end 136 of the retention
structure moves away from the first housing wall 143 and towards the second
housing
wall 145. In an example, the first retention portion 150 disengages from the
gripping
portion 160 by moving away from the gripping portion 160. The second retention
portion 170 can move within the housing opening 152 towards the second housing
wall 145. Once the first retention portion 150 is disengaged from the gripping
portion
160, the retention structure 130 can be moved to the opened position. In an
example,
during this movement, the first retention portion 150 and second retention
portion 170
are withdrawn from the housing opening 152 as the retention structure 130 is
rotated
about the attachment portion 139 in a clockwise direction.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 4, the locking structure 200 is movable between
the
first position (illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3) and a second position. In an
example, the
locking structure 200 can be moved in a locking direction 400 towards the
second end
206 and into the second position. For example, a user may grip, manipulate,
and/or
contact the textured surface 246, such as with his/her finger(s). As the
locking
structure 200 is moved, the engagement portion 260 will disengage from the
first
locking recess 224. In an example, the sloped surface 262 will contact a side
of the
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first locking recess 224 such that the engagement portion 260 moves along and
disengages from the first locking recess 224.
[0048] Once the engagement portion 260 is disengaged from the first locking
recess 224, the locking structure 200 can move towards the second end 206. The
locking structure 200 can be moved such that the engagement portion 260 of the
second locking portion 250 mates with the second locking recess 226 in the
locking
wall 212 when the locking structure 200 is in the second position. In some
examples,
the second end 244 of the first locking portion 240 will contact the
projection 220 of
the locking wall 212, such that the first locking portion 240 is biased away
from the
locking wall 212 by the projection 220. This biasing can cause the second
locking
portion 250 to remain mated with the second locking recess 226, thus limiting
the
likelihood of the second locking portion 250 disengaging from the second
locking
recess 226.
[0049] Once the engagement portion 260 of the second locking portion 250
mates
with the second locking recess 226, the second end 254 of the second locking
portion
250 can extend into the recess 172. In an example, the second locking portion
250 of
the locking structure 200, when in the second position, can extend into the
recess 172
between the second retention portion 170 and the second housing wall 145. As
such,
in some examples, the second retention portion 170 is not movable towards the
second housing wall 145 when the locking structure 200 is in the second
position.
The second locking portion 250 can include a dimension that substantially
matches a
dimension of the recess 172, such that the second retention portion 170 is
generally
limited from flexing into the recess 172. Rather, if a force (e.g., force 300)
is applied
to the second end 136 of the retention structure 130, the second retention
portion 170
will contact and engage the second locking portion 250, thus limiting
compression
and/or flexion of the retention structure 130. In an example, the second
retention
portion 170 can engage the second end 254 of the second locking portion 250
when
the locking structure 200 is in the second position. As such, the retention
structure
130 is not movable from the closed position to the opened position in the
absence of
the keying structure 186 engaging the retention structure 130.
[0050] Turning now to FIG. 5, the retention structure 130 can be moved from
the
closed position (as illustrated) to the opened position when the locking
structure 200
is in the second position. In an example, the keying feature 180 can
accommodate the
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keying structure 186 to allow the keying structure 186 to engage the retention
structure 130. The keying structure 186 can be moved in a keying direction 402
such
that the keying structure 186 is inserted into the keying feature 180. As the
keying
structure 186 is further moved through the keying feature 180 and into the
housing
120, the keying structure 186 can engage the first retention portion 150. In
an
example, the first retention portion 150 can flex inwardly away from the first
housing
wall 143. This flexion of the first retention portion 150 can cause the first
retention
portion 150 to disengage from the gripping portion 160. Once the first
retention
portion 150 is disengaged from the gripping portion 160, the retention
structure 130
can be moved to the opened position. In an example, during this movement, the
first
retention portion 150 and second retention portion 170 are withdrawn from the
housing opening 152 as the retention structure 130 is rotated about the
attachment
portion 139 in a clockwise direction.
[0051] The locking structure 200 can be selectively moved from the second
position back to the first position. For example, a user can contact the
textured
surface 246 and provide a pushing force onto the locking structure 200. This
force
can disengage the engagement portion 260 from the second locking recess 226.
With
the engagement portion 260 disengaged from the second locking recess 226, the
user
can move the locking structure 200 towards the first end 204 and, thus, back
to the
first position.
[0052] Turning now to FIG. 6, the dispensing system 100 is illustrated with
the
retention structure 130 in the closed position. It will be appreciated that
the
dispensing system 100 is illustrated without the dispenser 102. In this
example, the
locking structure 200 can be positioned in the first position (as illustrated
in FIGS. 2
and 3) or the second position (as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0053] Turning now to FIG. 7, the dispensing system is illustrated with the
retention structure 130 in the opened position. It will be appreciated that
the
dispensing system 100 is again illustrated without the dispenser 102 in this
example.
The retention structure 130 can be moved from the closed position to the
opened
position in multiple ways. For example, when the locking structure 200 is in
the first
position, the second end 136 of the retention structure 130 can be compressed
in
response to the force 300. In such an example, the retention structure 130 can
be
unlocked, such that the retention structure 130 is movable from the closed
position to
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the opened position in the absence of the keying structure 186 engaging the
retention
structure 130.
[0054] In another example, the retention structure 130 can be moved from
the
closed position to the opened position when the locking structure 200 is in
the second
position. For example, when the locking structure is in the second position,
the
keying structure 186 can be inserted into the keying feature 180. The keying
structure
186 can engage and flex the first retention portion 150. This flexion can
cause the
first retention portion 150 to disengage from the gripping portion 160. Once
the first
retention portion 150 is disengaged from the gripping portion 160, the
retention
structure 130 can be moved from the closed position to the opened position.
[0055] Turning now to FIG. 8, the dispenser 102 can be inserted into the
housing
120 when the retention structure 130 is in the opened position. In an example,
the
dispenser 102 can be positioned to rest upon the base portion 122. The nozzle
108 of
the dispenser 102 can extend between the retention structure 130 and the
housing 120.
In an example, prior to inserting the dispenser 102 into the housing 120, the
locking
structure 200 can be adjusted between the first position and the second
position. With
the locking structure 200 set and the dispenser 102 supported by the housing,
the
retention structure 130 can be closed, such that the dispenser 102 is limited
from
inadvertent removal from the housing 120.
[0056] Turning now to FIG. 9, an example method 900 of operating a
dispensing
system, such as dispensing system 100, is illustrated. The method 900 can be
used in
association with some or all of the features illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8. At
902, the
method 900 includes receiving into the housing 120 the dispenser 102. At 904,
the
method 900 includes maintaining the dispenser 102 in a fixed position relative
to the
housing 120 with the retention structure 130. The retention structure can be
movable
with respect to the housing 120 between the opened position, in which the
dispenser
102 is removable from the housing 120, and the closed position, in which the
retention structure 130 maintains the dispenser 102 in the fixed position. At
906, the
method 900 includes locking the retention structure 130 in the closed position
such
that the retention structure 130 is not movable from the closed position to
the opened
position in the absence of the keying structure 186 engaging the retention
structure
130.
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[0057] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific
to
structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the
subject matter
defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific
features or
acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above
are
disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims.
[0058] Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order in
which some or all of the operations described should not be construed to imply
that
these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be
appreciated having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be
understood that
not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment provided herein.
Also, it
will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments.
[0059] Many modifications may be made to the instant disclosure without
departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless
specified
otherwise, "first," "second," or the like are not intended to imply a temporal
aspect, a
spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as
identifiers,
names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first end and a
second
end generally correspond to end A and end B or two different or two identical
ends or
the same end.
[0060] Moreover, "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example,
instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used in
this
application, "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an
exclusive "or".
In addition, "a" and "an" as used in this application are generally to be
construed to
mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be
directed to
a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B or the like generally means A
or B or
both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that "includes", "having", "has",
"with", or
variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims,
such terms
are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to "comprising".
[0061] Also, although the disclosure has been illustrated and described
with
respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and
modifications will
occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of
this
specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such
modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the
following claims.
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In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described
components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such
components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any
component
which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that
is
functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the
disclosed
structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have
been
disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature
may be
combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may
be
desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.
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