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    • 专利摘要:
    An adapter (9) for connecting a removable liquid container (10) to a liquid dispenser (1), said adapter having at a first end thereof a liquid container connector and at a second end thereof a dispenser connector, said liquid container connector having a probe part (12) adapted to pierce an outlet comprising a self-sealing valve or membrane of said removable liquid container (10), said probe part (12) being hollow and having at least one inlet for liquid from said removable liquid container, said dispenser connector being hollow and having at its end remote from said probe part an outlet for liquid from said removable liquid container, wherein the outlet of the dispenser connector is adapted to fit tightly around an existing feed tube of the liquid dispenser (1). The adapter (9) can be part of an adapter assembly, which can optionally comprise a liquid transfer regulating means (11) adapted to cooperate with and regulate liquid transfer through said adapter (9).(FIGURE 2B)
    公开号:SE1730050A1
    申请号:SE1730050
    申请日:2017-02-28
    公开日:2017-09-02
    发明作者:Stolk Christopher
    申请人:R Products Ab；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    TITLEADAPTER AND ADAPTER ASSEMBLY FOR CONNECTING A REIVIOVABLE LIQUIDCONTAINER TO A LIQUID DISPENSER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an adapter for connecting a removable liquidcontainer to a liquid dispenser. The invention also relates to an adapterassembly comprising such an adapter and further relates to a method ofinstalling and using such an adapter assembly.
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Worldwide many offices, private and public institutions, hotels, etc. usecombined coolers and dispensers for drinking water and for other types ofdrinks. One kind of such combined coolers and dispensers comprises a unitwhere a substantially rigid water bottle made of plastic and having a narrowneck forming the bottle opening is placed bottom up on the top of the waterdispenser. The bottle-shaped container has a standardized shape and mostoften a volume of 5 or 3 gallons.
    Currently most water bottles are closed and sealed with a valved bottle capwhich automatically opens when the bottle is placed bottom-up on the top ofthe dispenser. These types of capped bottles require a water dispenser whichhas a water inlet probe (feed tube) located in the centre of the downwardlyextended opening of the water dispenser. The feed tube has a standardizedshape and most water dispensers have this feature nowadays. When the bottleis placed bottom-up on the top of feed tube of the water dispenser the valve inthe cap of the bottle is in open position, the inner volume of the container willcommunicate with a reservoir in the dispenser and with the dispensing unitwhere water can be tapped into drinking cups or the like.
    When using the above mentioned bottles, water tapped from the bottle has tobe substituted by air. Air is supplied to the bottle as water is being tapped fromthe dispenser. It has, however, been found that by using this kind of container,the air supplied to the container may contain bacteria and as the containerwhich its content is normally kept at room temperature, the bacteria whichenter the container may multiply in number and may give rise to infectionswhen drinking the water. Exposure to UV light can also influence the quality of the water, storage of water in transparent containers in a Warm environmentmay also increase the number of bacteria in the container.
    The water bottles are relatively expensive and are generally reusable. Fullwater bottles are delivered to the site of the water dispenser and empty waterbottles are picked up, refilled, and reused. In order to reuse the bottles theyneed to be sorted, disinfected, cleaned and tested for leakage before they canbe refilled with clean water. A lot of energy and (clean) water needs to be usedduring this process. Further, the use of bottle-shaped containers is not veryefficient for transport and storage, also special equipment is required to storeand ship such containers. Rectangular shaped containers would on the otherhand occupy far less space and require no special equipment for storage ortransport. Using a collapsible liquid container such as a bag-in-box containerwould save a lot of transport and storage space, especially when transportingand storing empty packaging one can save around 80% of space.
    One problem when replacing rigid liquid containers with collapsible non-rigidliquid containers is that non-rigid containers will immediately empty themselves(due to gravity dispensing) of their contents once inverted upon a traditionalliquid dispenser and in fluid communication with the reservoir therein. Someliquid dispensers provide a mechanism to solve this problem as the sameoccurs when bottles have small cracks in them and will empty themselves.
    Furthermore, connecting a non-rigid liquid container such as a bag-in-box liquidcontainer to the liquid dispenser should not require more, additional actionscompared to connecting a regular liquid bottle.
    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide an adapterwhich reduces the risk of air- and light-induced bacterial contamination andproliferation in water or other liquid in liquid dispensers and which also reducesthe high costs and high environmental impact associated with the use of rigidliquid bottles as liquid containers in liquid dispensers.
    This first object is achieved by means of an adapter for connecting a removableliquid container to a liquid dispenser, according to claim 1, having at a first endthereof a liquid container connector and at a second end thereof a dispenserconnector, said liquid container connector having a probe part adapted to pierce an outlet comprising a self-sealing valve or membrane of said removable liquidcontainer, said probe part being hollow and having at least one inlet for liquidfrom said removable liquid container, said dispenser connector being hollowand having at its end remote from said probe part an outlet for liquid from saidremovable liquid container, wherein said outlet of said dispenser connector isadapted to fit tightly around an existing feed tube of said liquid dispenser. Byproviding such an adapter, the rigid and space-consuming bottles commonlyused as containers for water and other liquids in existing liquid dispensers canbe replaced with less costly and more environmentally friendly collapsible liquidcontainers such as bag-in-box liquid containers. Furthermore the risk ofbacterial contamination and proliferation in water or other liquid induced by airand/or light is reduced.
    A second object of the present invention is to provide an adapter withappropriate dimensions to ensure that it functions properly and safely whenmounted on an existing dispenser for water or other liquid.
    This second object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 2,which, when in use, is adapted to transfer liquid from said at least one inlet ofsaid probe part to one or several inlets of said feed tube of said liquid dispenserand that said adapter is dimensioned so that, when in use, said at least oneinlet of said probe part is positioned higher than said self-sealing valve ormembrane of said outlet of said removable liquid container in a verticaldirection and so that said outlet of said dispenser connector is positioned lowerthan said one or several inlets of said feed tube of said liquid dispenser in avertical direction.
    A third object of the present invention is to provide an adapter which reducesthe risk of air-borne bacterial contamination when replacing a removable liquidcontainer in the liquid dispenser with a new one.
    This third object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 3, inwhich said probe part has a circular shape with a closed top and that said atleast one inlet of said probe part is placed below said closed top. Such a designof the probe part reduces the risk of air-borne bacteria entering the adapterwhile replacing a removable liquid container with a new one.
    A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter whichminimizes the modifications necessary to be able to mount the adapter on anexisting liquid dispenser.
    This fourth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 4, inwhich said outlet of said dispenser connector is adapted to fit within an existingrecessed area around said feed tube of said liquid dispenser.
    A fifth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter which fits tomany of the liquid dispensers on the market.
    This fifth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 5, inwhich said outlet of said dispenser connector is adapted to fit within a recessedarea formed by an existing liquid dispenser support of said liquid dispenser,which is designed for receiving and supporting a liquid bottle in an invertedposition.
    A sixth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter which ensures atight connection between itself and an existing feed tube of a liquid dispenserand which can be manufactured in a particularly advantageous manner.
    This sixth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 6, inwhich an area around said outlet of said dispenser connector is made of anelastomeric material, or a material with similar characteristics, adapted tocreate an air- and liquid-tight connection between said adapter and said feedtube of said liquid dispenser. By providing such an elastomeric material, or amaterial with similar characteristics, around the outlet of the dispenserconnector, an air- and liquid-tight connection can be ensured and the dispenserconnector can be manufactured in an advantageous manner by co-mouldingtwo different polymers.
    A seventh object of the present invention is to provide an adapter having adesign which ensures a problem-free replacement of an empty liquid container.
    This seventh object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 7, inwhich said elastomeric material, or material with similar characteristics, isadapted to provide a friction between itself and said feed tube that is higherthan between said probe part and said self-sealing valve or membrane of said outlet of said removable liquid container. By selecting an elastomeric materialor a material with similar characteristics with a suitable friction, it is ensuredthat the adapter stays connected to the feed tube of the liquid dispenser whenreplacing an empty liquid container.
    An eight object of the present invention is to provide an adapter with a feedtube seal which can be manufactured in a flexible and cost-effective manner.
    This eight object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 8, inwhich said elastomeric material, or material with similar characteristics, isprovided in the form of an expandable circular feed tube seal having a slightlysmaller inner diameter than an outer diameter of said feed tube of said liquiddispenser. Such a circular feed tube seal can easily be designed so as to fitdifferent types of feed tubes and can be manufactured at a low cost.
    A ninth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter with a feed tubeseal having a shape which ensures a leak-free transport of liquid from theremovable liquid container through the adapter into the feed tube.
    This ninth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 9, inwhich said feed tube seal has a profiled inner surface allowing said feed tubeseal to expand around said feed tube and create an air and liquid-tightconnection between said feed tube seal and said feed tube. Such a feed tubeseal ensures an air and liquid-tight connection between the adapter and thefeed tube.
    A tenth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter with a feed tubeseal which fits to the feed tubes of many of the existing liquid dispensers on themarket.
    This tenth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 10, inwhich said inner diameter of said feed tube seal is between 15.0 and 18.0 mmin a non-expanded state.
    An eleventh object of the present invention is to provide an adapter which isflexible in its design and easy to manufacture and transport.
    This eleventh object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 11,in which said liquid container connector is connected to said dispenserconnector with at least one packing ring. By designing the liquid containerconnector and the dispenser connector as two separate connectablecomponents sealed by a packing ring, the adapter will be easier to manufactureand adapt to a specific type of removable liquid container or liquid dispenserand, in addition, the components of the adapter can be packed into a smallerpackage for delivery to a user who can easily assemble the components andinstall the adapter in a liquid dispenser. A smaller package is advantageous inthat it is less expensive and space-consuming to transport and store, e.g. in containers, trailers, trucks, trains, ships, planes, in warehouses, on pallets, etc.
    A twelfth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter which has asimple design and facilitates a rigid and firm connection between a removableliquid container and a liquid dispenser.
    This twelfth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 12, inwhich said liquid container connector and said dispenser connector form aunitary, substantially rigid hollow body.
    A thirteenth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter with aliquid container connector designed as a box connector which ensures that aremovable liquid container in the form of a bag-in-box container remains in itsintended position.
    This thirteenth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim13, in which said liquid container connector is designed as a box connectorprovided with support surfaces adapted to support and/or hold a removablebag-in-box liquid container in a fixed position on top of said adapter and with arecessed area around said probe part for receiving an outlet with a self-sealingvalve or membrane of said removable bag-in-box container whilst the bottomsurface of said removable bag-in-box container rests on said support surfacesof said box connector.
    A fourteenth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter with a boxconnector with a design which facilitates the handling of bag-in-box liquidcontainers for a user.
    This fourteenth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim14, in which side surfaces of said box connector are lower at their centre thanat their corners to provide easier user access to cut-outs for handles of saidremovable bag-in-box liquid container.
    A fifteenth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter with adesign which improves the functional reliability of the liquid dispenser.
    This fifteenth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 15,in which the adapter comprises a duckbill valve or other non-return valvepreventing return of liquid into said removable liquid container.
    A sixteenth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter which canbe mounted on a liquid dispenser having no means for controlling the liquidlevel in a liquid reservoir of the dispenser.
    This sixteenth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 16,wherein said adapter, when in use, is adapted to cooperate with a liquidtransfer regulating means, which is mounted in a top opening of a liquidreservoir of said liquid dispenser and connected to an outlet of said feed tubevia a feed tube connector so as to regulate liquid transfer through said adapter,wherein said feed tube is integrated into an existing liquid dispenser support ofsaid liquid dispenser.
    A seventeenth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter adaptedfor cooperation with a particularly advantageous liquid transfer regulatingmeans.
    This seventeenth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim17, wherein said liquid transfer regulating means cooperating with said adaptercomprises a valve shaft attached to a float connector and a float connected tosaid float connector, wherein said float has a buoyancy adapted to press avalve surface of said valve shaft against a valve surface of said feed tubeconnector so as to close an open valve area and stop liquid transfer throughsaid adapter and feed tube into said liquid reservoir when a liquid level in saidliquid reservoir is high and wherein gravity acting on said liquid transferregulating means will keep said valve area open so that liquid can flow through said adapter and out of said feed tube into said liquid reservoir when said liquidlevel is low.
    An eighteenth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter adaptedfor cooperation with a liquid transfer regulating means with a float which can beadjusted in height to fit different liquid dispensers.
    This eighteenth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim18, wherein said valve shaft and/or said float has different connection points forsaid float connector enabling different heights of said float relative to said valveshaft.
    A nineteenth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter adaptedfor cooperation with a liquid transfer regulating means in a liquid dispenserwhich is not placed on a flat surface.
    This nineteenth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim19, wherein said valve shaft has a reduced diameter at said connection pointsthat is smaller than a diameter of a connection surface of said float connectorsurrounding said valve shaft so as to allow the float to tilt at least 5 degreesrelative to said valve shaft, wherein said valve shaft preferably also hasbevelled surfaces adjacent to said reduced diameter at said connection pointsto allow said valve shaft to be made shorter without losing the tilting ability ofsaid float.
    A twentieth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter adapted forcooperation with a liquid transfer regulating means comprising a float fittinginto many of the existing liquid dispensers on the market.
    This twentieth object is achieved by means of an adapter according to claim 20,wherein said float has a maximum dimension of 170 mm and forms a centralopening having a diameter greater than 70 mm.
    A twenty-first object of the present invention is to provide a complete adapterassembly for connecting a removable liquid container to a liquid dispenserwhich can provide the same advantages as the adapter according to theinvention.
    This twenty-first object is achieved by means of an adapter assembly accordingto claim 21, which comprises at least an adapter according to the invention.
    A twenty-second object of the present invention is to provide an adapterassembly which offers even more advantages than the adapter according to theinvention alone.
    This twenty-second object is achieved by means of an adapter assemblyaccording to claim 22, which further comprises a liquid transfer regulatingmeans, which is adapted to be mounted in a top opening of a liquid reservoir ofsaid liquid dispenser and connected to an outlet of said feed tube via a feedtube connector so as to cooperate with and regulate liquid transfer through saidadapter, wherein said feed tube is integrated into an existing liquid dispensersupport of said liquid dispenser. By including such a liquid transfer regulatingmeans in the adapter assembly, it becomes possible to use the adapteraccording to the invention also on a liquid dispenser having no means forcontrolling the liquid level in a liquid reservoir of the dispenser.
    A twenty-third object of the present invention is to provide an adapterassembly including a liquid transfer regulating means which has a simple andreliable design.
    This twenty-third object is achieved by means of an adapter assemblyaccording to claim 23, in which said liquid transfer regulating meanscooperating with said adapter comprises a valve shaft attached to a floatconnector and a float connected to said float connector, wherein said float has abuoyancy adapted to press a valve surface of said valve shaft against a valvesurface of said feed tube connector so as to close an open valve area and stopliquid transfer through said adapter and feed tube into said liquid reservoirwhen a liquid level in said liquid reservoir is high and wherein gravity acting onsaid liquid transfer regulating means will keep said valve area open so thatliquid can flow through said adapter and out of said feed tube into said liquidreservoir when said liquid level is low.
    A twenty-fourth object of the present invention is to provide an adapterassembly including a liquid transfer regulating means in which the height of thefloat relative to the valve shaft can easily be adjusted to fit different liquiddispensers.
    This twenty-fourth object is achieved by means of an adapter assemblyaccording to claim 24, in which said valve shaft and/or said float has/havedifferent connection points for said float connector enabling different heights ofsaid float relative to said valve shaft.
    A twenty-fifth object of the present invention is to provide an adapter assemblyincluding a liquid transfer regulating means in which the float can tilt relative tothe valve shaft to ensure a reliable function of the adapter assembly also wheninstalled in a liquid dispenser placed on an uneven surface.
    This twenty-fifth object is achieved by means of an adapter assembly accordingto claim 25, in which said valve shaft has a reduced diameter at said connectionpoints that is smaller than a diameter of a connection surface of said floatconnector surrounding said valve shaft so as to allow the float to tilt at least 5degrees relative to said valve shaft, wherein said valve shaft preferably alsohas bevelled surfaces adjacent to said reduced diameters at said connectionpoints to allow said valve shaft to be made shorter without losing the tiltingability of said float.
    A twenty-sixth object of the present invention is to provide an adapterassembly including a liquid transfer regulating means which has a float that fitsto many of the existing liquid dispensers on the market.
    This twenty-sixth object is achieved by means of an adapter assemblyaccording to claim 26, in which said float has a maximum dimension of 170 mmand forms a central opening having a diameter greater than 70 mm.
    A twenty-seventh object of the present invention is to provide a method ofinstalling and using an adapter assembly according to the invention.
    This twenty-seventh object is achieved by means of method according to claim27, wherein said outlet of said adapter is fitted tightly around said feed tube ofsaid liquid dispenser and wherein said removable liquid container is mounted ontop of said liquid dispenser and said hollow probe part of said adapter is causedto pierce said outlet comprising a self-sealing valve or membrane of saidremovable liquid container to removably connect said removable liquidcontainer to said liquid dispenser. 11 A twenty-eight object of the present invention is to provide a method ofinstalling and using an adapter assembly according to a preferred embodimentof the invention.
    This twenty-eight object is achieved by means of method according to c|aim 28,wherein said liquid dispenser support of said liquid dispenser is removed fromsaid top opening of said liquid reservoir of said liquid dispenser, wherein saidliquid transfer regulating means is connected to said outlet of said feed tubeintegrated into said liquid dispenser support via said feed tube connector, andwherein said liquid dispenser support with said liquid transfer regulating meansconnected thereto is reinserted into said top opening before fitting said outlet ofsaid adapter tightly around said feed tube.
    A twenty-ninth object of the present invention is to provide a preferred methodof using an adapter assembly according to the preferred embodiment of theinvention.
    This twenty-ninth object is achieved by means of method according to c|aim 29,wherein said adapter assembly, when installed, is used for connectingremovable bag-in-box liquid containers to said liquid dispenser by means ofsaid adapter and preferably also for regulating liquid transfer from saidremovable bag-in-box liquid containers through said adapter to said liquiddispenser.
    A thirtieth object of the present invention is to provide a particularlyadvantageous method of using an adapter assembly according to the invention.
    This thirtieth object is achieved by means of a method according to c|aim 30,wherein said adapter assembly is also used for enabling text and/or imagesprinted on one or several external box surfaces of said removable bag-in-boxliquid containers to be displayed to users of said liquid dispenser.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedetailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of theinvention; and, wherein: 12 FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example of a liquid dispenser mounted witha (5 gallon) water bottle; FIG. IB is an assembly view similar to that of FIG. 1A, but partly showing someinner parts of the liquid dispenser and in specific the feed tube part of the liquiddispenser which connects to a non-spill water bottle cap; FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a liquid dispenser assembled with theremovable liquid container adapter and a removable liquid container inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2A showing a liquid dispenser,the liquid transfer regulating means, the removable liquid container adapterand a removable liquid container; FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective exploded view from below showing the partsof the liquid transfer regulating means, the liquid dispenser support of a liquiddispenser, the removable liquid container adapter and a removable liquidcontainer; FIG. 3B is a view similar to that of FIG. 3A, but in this case showing the liquidtransfer regulating means assembled to the liquid dispenser support; FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective bottom view of the parts of the removableliquid container adapter; FIG. 4B is a perspective top view of the assembled removable liquid containeradapter; FIG. 4C is a perspective bottom view of FIG. 4B; FIG. 4D is a sectioned view of FIG. 4B; FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective bottom view of the parts of the liquidtransfer regulating means; FIG. 5B is a perspective top view of the liquid transfer regulating means withthe float part assembled in the most compact configuration; FIG. 5C is a perspective top view of the liquid transfer regulating means withthe float part assembled in the most extended configuration; FIG. 5D is a top view of FIG. 5C; FIG. 5E is a top view of FIG. 5B; FIG. 5F is a sectioned side view of FIG. 5D; FIG. 5G is a sectioned side view of FIG. 5E; FIG. 5I is an enlarged detail view of portion 'A' shown in FIG. 5F; FIG. 5J shows the same detail as in FIG. 5I, but showing the valve shaft underan angle; 13 FIG. 6A is a sectioned perspective top view of the feed tube detail of a liquiddispenser support, feed tube connector and valve shaft in 'open' position; FIG. 6B is the same view as FIG. 6B, but with the valve shaft in 'closed'position; FIG. 6C is a front view of FIG. 6A; FIG. 6D is a front view of FIG. 6B; FIG. 6E shows the same as in FIG. 6A but from a sectioned perspective bottomview; FIG. 6F shows the same as in FIG. 6B but from a sectioned perspective bottomview; FIG. 6G is a non-sectioned view of FIG. 6E; FIG. 6H is a non-sectioned view of FIG. 6F; FIG. 7A is a sectioned front view of FIG. 2B but without the removable liquidcontainer; FIG. 7B is a sectioned front view similar to that of FIG. 7A, but showing theliquid transfer regulating means mounted into the liquid dispenser and showinga schematic section of a removable liquid container; FIG. 8A is a sectioned front view of FIG. 2A showing a schematic section of theinner parts of a liquid dispenser with an open valve outlet to the liquidreservoir; FIG. 8B shows the same as in FIG. 8A, but with a closed valve outlet; FIG. 8C is an enlarged detail view of portion 'B' shown in FIG. 8A; FIG. 8D is an enlarged detail view of portion 'C' shown in FIG. 8B; FIG. 9A is a sectioned front view similar to that of FIG. 8B, but showing theliquid dispenser placed on a non-horizontal angled surface; FIG. 9B is an enlarged detail view of portion 'D' shown in FIG. 9A; FIG. 9C shows the same detail as in FIG. 9B, but with an open valve outlet tothe liquid reservoir; FIG. 10 is an enlarged detail view of the parts of the liquid transfer means.
    FIG. 11A is a perspective top showing the inner details of the feed tube seal;FIG. 11B is a perspective top showing the outer details of the feed tube seal;FIG. 12C is a sectioned view of the feed tube seal; FIG. 12A is an exploded perspective top view of the parts of a basic version ofthe removable liquid container adapter; FIG. 12B is a perspective top view of the parts shown in FIG. 12A; FIG. 12C is a sectioned perspective top view of FIG. 12B; FIG. 12D is a sectioned front view of the simplified adapter mounted on theliquid dispenser support; 14 FIG. 12E is a sectioned perspective top view of the simplified adapter mountedon the liquid dispenser support with a removable bag-in-box liquid containermounted on the adapter; FIG. 12F is an exploded perspective top view of the parts of a basic version ofthe removable liquid container adapter as in FIG. 12B including a support for aremovable liquid container designed as a bag-in-box holder; FIG. 12G is a perspective top view of the parts shown in FIG. 12F; FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a liquid dispenser assembled with theremovable liquid container adapter and a bag-in-box carton container.
    FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a liquid dispenser assembled with the basicversion of the removable liquid container adapter and a bag-in-box cartoncontainer.
    Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, andspecific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will neverthelessbe understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is therebyintended.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Basically, the present invention relates to an adapter, which is designed totransport a liquid from a removable liquid container to a sealed liquid reservoirof a liquid dispenser, and optionally also to a liquid regulating means, which isdesigned to control the level of liquid in a liquid reservoir inside the liquiddispenser. More specifically, this invention relates to a body which has an outletwhich can sealingly be connected to the feed tube of a conventional liquiddispenser and has an inlet shaped as a probe which can sealingly be connectedto a removable container with a self-sealing outlet (fitment). The body mayinclude a support surface for the removable container. Additionally thisinvention relates to a floating body which is connected to the feed tube outlet ofthe liquid dispenser. The floating body includes parts which can regulate theliquid flow from the outlet of the feed tube into the liquid reservoir.
    Basically, the adapter according to the invention comprises a body which onone side can sealingly be connected to the standardized feed tube of a liquiddispenser (e.g. a water dispenser) and on the other side has a probe which fitsinto an outlet comprising a self-sealing valve or membrane, which can be anoutlet fixed to the flexible bag of a bag-in-box container or to another type ofremovable liquid container. The adapter can include surfaces to hold a bag-in- box container in a fixed position. Thus the adapter can transfer liquid from abag-in-box container with a self-sealing membrane or valve to the (liquid)reservoir of a dispenser without any contact with the outer environment.
    A solution is also provided should the adapter be used on a (liquid) dispenserwhich has not got a means to control the liquid level in the liquid reservoir inthe case that the adapter is connected to such a dispenser. This solution is afloat assembly fitted into the outlet of the feed tube of a dispenser.
    Some main features of the adapter according to the invention are:~ A body chamber fitting within the recessed area around the feed tube ofa (liquid) dispenser. On one side of the body there is an inlet and on theopposite side an outlet.~ The inlet side of the chamber is probe shaped and fits to a removableliquid container by piercing through a self-sealing membrane, e.g. theLMS SimpliSeal, or a duckbill (or other type of) valve mounted in theoutlet of the removable liquid container.~ The outlet side of the chamber has a cylindrical shape and fits onto thefeed tube of a (liquid) dispenser. The area around the outlet is made ofan elastomeric material, or a material with similar characteristics, tocreate an air and liquid-tight connection between the adapter and thefeed tube.~ The inlet side of the body chamber can include surfaces to supportand/or hold a bag-in-box container in a fixed position on top of the bodychamber.The same functionality of the adapter can be obtained by combining and/orseparating different parts of the adapter and assembling these in a differentway and it will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended.
    Some main features of the float assembly adapted to cooperate with theadapter according to the invention are:~ A floating volume fitting into the (liquid) reservoir. This floating part ismade of material with a high buoyancy, complies with FDA foodregulations and is liquid resistant in particular to water.~ An element connecting the floating part to the valve shaft, the floatconnector. This part could be integrated into the floating part, but usingtwo parts creates multiple connection possibilities. 16 ~ An element connecting into the outlet side of the feed tube connector ofa liquid dispenser such as a water cooler. This part is made of anelastomeric material, or a material with similar characteristics, and isone side of the valve.~ A valve shaft. The top end of the shaft fits into the feed tube connectorand the bottom end of the shaft connects to the float connector. Fluidwill not be able to pass through the feed tube when the connectionsurface of the valve shaft is flush against the bottom of the feed tubeconnector.The same functionality of the float assembly can be obtained by combiningand/or separating different parts of the float assembly and assembling these ina different way and it will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of thescope of the invention is thereby intended.
    The apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 1A and 1B is a water dispenser, as can befound in many offices, work places and homes world wide. The illustrated waterdispenser 1 comprises a water dispenser support 2 upon which the water bottle3 is mounted in an inverted position onto a feed tube 7 which is most oftenintegrated into the water dispenser support 2. The housing of the dispenser 1includes a reservoir 8 for containing a supply of water which can be dispensedon demand via one or more faucet valves. Water flows from the bottle 3through the feed tube 7 to the water reservoir 8. Water can be dispensed fromthe dispenser through the water outlet in the dispenser housing which here isembodied by ambient faucet valve 4 and cold faucet valve 5. The water fromcold faucet valve 5 is supplied from the water reservoir 8, while the water fromambient faucet valve 4 is not cooled and is supplied from the bottle 3 directly.Some water dispensers can, in addition to cold and/or ambient water, alsosupply heated water. In that case, the water dispenser 1 will include a heatingsystem for water, and a hot water reservoir.
    FIG. 2A shows a preferred embodiment of a liquid transfer means, which asfrom now on is referred to as “adapter” 9, positioned on top of an existing liquiddispenser 1, in place on the liquid dispenser support 2, and supporting aremovable liquid container 10 on top of the liquid dispenser 1 instead of thewater bottle 3 shown in FIG. 1A. As an example, the removable liquid containerhas been illustrated as a bag-in-box container and the removable liquidcontainer may therefore also be referred to as a “bag-in-box container' or “bag-in-box liquid container' in the present description. The bag-in-box container 10 17 in the shown embodiment is mounted on and received by an adapter 9 sizedand configured to receive and support the bag-in-box container 10 thereon. Theadapter 9 will fit to different types, configurations, and brands of liquiddispensers which use a feed tube 7 to connect to a water bottle 3. The adapter9 and optionally a liquid transfer regulating means 11 can be connected to anexisting water dispenser without requiring any alteration to it, neither will theuse of special tools be necessary.
    FIG. 2B is an exploded view of FIG. 2A which shows a liquid transfer regulatingmeans 11 which is assembled to the liquid dispenser support 2 to be mountedinto the top opening 13 of the liquid reservoir of a liquid dispenser 1. In theshown embodiment, the liquid transfer regulating means 11 must be assembledand placed into the liquid dispenser prior to using the adapter 9 with aremovable liquid container 10 as the liquid will otherwise continue to flow out ofthe bag-in-box container 10 into the liquid reservoir 8 until the bag-in-boxcontainer 10 is empty which could cause the liquid reservoir 8 to overflow.Some liquid dispensers include means for regulating the liquid transfer and theliquid transfer regulating means 11 may then not be necessary to use with theadapter 9. Examples of patents disclosing water transfer regulating means forwater dispensers are WIPO Pat. No. 2012/165774 (A2), U.S. Pat. No.2007/0131709 (A1), 2012/074166 (A1), 2003/094213 (A1), Korean PatentKR20120025952 (A) and European Patent EP1506935 (A1).
    When the liquid transfer regulating means 11 of the liquid dispenser are inplace, the adapter 9 is connected to the liquid dispenser support 2 to create thepossibility to connect a bag-in-box container 10 via the probe 12 of the adapter9 to the liquid dispenser 1.
    FIG. 3A shows an exploded view obliquely from below. More specifically, it isshown how the liquid transfer regulating means 11 is connected to the liquiddispenser support 2 with a feed tube connector 14. Further shown is the bottomsurface of the bag-in-box container 10, where the fitment, or outlet 15 with aself-sealing dispensing valve which will be pierced by the probe 12 of theadapter 11 is shown. Such fitments are available from DS Smith, Scholle andLiquibox. The preferred placement of the fitment is in the absolute centre of thebottom surface of the bag-in-box container 10, but alternative positions of thefitment on the bottom surface or other surfaces of the bag-in-box container arenot excluded from the invention. 18 FIG. 3B is a similar view to FIG. 3A, showing the liquid transfer regulatingmeans 11 and the feed tube connector 14 assembled to the liquid dispensersupport 2.
    FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of the adapter 9, which as previouslymentioned is a means for transferring liquid from a removable liquid container,e.g. a bag-in-box container, with an outlet 15 with a self-sealing membrane orvalve, to the liquid reservoir 8 of a conventional liquid dispenser 1, which usesa feed tube 7 as connection between the liquid dispenser 1 and the standardnon-spill water bottle caps 6. The adapter 9 in the shown embodiment consistsof a holder for a bag-in-box container, further on also referred to as a “boxconnector" 17, a dispenser connector 18, a feed tube seal 19, a packing 20 anda duckbill valve 21. The feed tube seal 19 is fixed to the dispenser connector 18and mounted with a packing, in the figure drawn as an O-ring 20, to the boxconnector 17, creating an enclosed area to transfer liquid through the adapteroutlet 25 at the bottom of the dispenser connector 18. The packing is made ofan elastomeric material or a material with similar characteristics. The duckbillvalve 21 is added to the assembly to prevent liquid flowing back into the bag-in-box container 10. All the parts of the adapter 9 are made of (food grade)materials suitable for contact with drinking water and will comply togovernment regulations, like FDA and EC No. 1935/2004. The invention is notrestricted to the configuration of the adapter in the shown embodiment, otherconfigurations with different parts creating the same or similar functionality asthe described configuration are not excluded from the invention.
    In FIGS. 4B and 4C it is illustrated that the sides of the box connector 17 arelower in the centre then in the corners. In this way the cut-outs for the handles16 of the bag-in-box carton can be placed closer to the bottom of the bag-in-box carton, which decreases the height to lift the bag-in-box container 10 ontothe liquid dispenser 1. The front and back of the box connector 17 do notrequire this decreased height and the shape shown in the illustration is purelyfor aesthetic reasons. The bottom edges 24 of the box connector 17 are lowerin the centre than in the corners which gives the box connector 17 a somewhatthinner impression and is purely for aesthetic reasons. The optimal shape of abag-in-box container 10 to be used with the adapter 9 is that it has equal widthand depth. The height of the bag-in-box container 10 is variable creating avariety of volumes. The outlet (fitment) connected to the flexible bag is 19 preferably positioned in the exact centre of the bottom surface of the bag-in-box container 10. A bag-in-box container 10 with a square bottom (and top)surface has no fixed orientation of the sides surfaces. The most optimal size ofthe width and depth the bottom (and top) surface is between 225 and 235 mm,this size gives optimal packaging sizes for transport and storage on standardpa|ets, for both US and EU format. It should be clear that alternative sizes ofthe surfaces of the bag-in-box container 10 are not excluded from theinvention. The shape and size of the adapter 9 is optimized to fit the optimalsizes of a bag-in-box container. It should be clear that alternative sizes of thesurfaces of the adapter 9 are not excluded from the invention.
    FIG. 4D shows a sectioned view of the assembled parts of the adapter 9. Moreparticularly, it is shown that there are inlets on the probe 12 - defined as probeinlets 26 - making it possible for liquid to transfer through the probe 12 out ofthe probe outlet 27 into the dispenser connector 18 and from there out of theadapter outlet 25 into the feed tube 7 of a liquid dispenser. The preferred shapeof the probe 12 shown in the drawings has a circular shape with a closed topand two holes on the side close to the top of the probe to let liquid enter theprobe. The preferred shape probe 12 has a closed top to prevent dirt enteringinto the probe while there is no bag-in-box container 10 fitted onto the adapter9. It should be clear, however, that alternative liquid inlet points, e.g. anopening on the top of the probe 12 are possible and are not excluded from theinvention. The dispenser connector 18 is connected to the box connector 17with an O-ring 20 to make the created enclosed area air- and liquid tight. Thefeed tube seal 19 is press fitted into the dispenser connector 18. A duckbillvalve 21 is attached to the probe outlet 27 and ensures that liquid cannotreturn into a bag-in-box container 10. The valve is not a required part for thefunctionality of the invention, but does increase the functionality of theinvention. Different types of duckbill valves or other non-return valves can beused in different configurations in the invention and these are not excludedfrom the invention. The recessed area 28 around the probe 12 of the boxconnector 17 allows the outlet 15 with a self-sealing valve or membrane of abag-in-box container 10 to fit into this area whilst the bottom surface of thebag-in-box container rests on the support surface 29 of the box connector 17.FIG. 10 shows a more detailed view of how a self-sealing outlet 15 fits into therecessed area 28 around the probe 12.
    In FIG. 5A it is shown how the parts of a liquid transfer regulating means 11intended to cooperate with the adapter 9 should be assembled. The valve shaft30 is attached to the float connector 31 which is connected to the float 32.
    FIGS. 5B, FIG. 5E and FIG. 5G show the liquid transfer regulating means 11with the float 32 connected to the float connector 31 in the upper connectionslots 33 and FIG. 5C, FIG. 5D and FIG. 5F show the liquid transfer regulatingmeans 11 with the float 32 connected to the float connector 31 in the lowerconnection slots 34. Having the possibility to fit the float connector 31 to thefloat 32 at different heights gives the liquid transfer regulating means 11different sizes and therefore the possibility to be mounted into different typesof liquid dispensers. The cut-outs of the slots in the float 32 to connect the floatconnector 31 to the float 32 are only two examples of heights and positions,other configurations are possible and these are not excluded from theinvention.
    FIGS. 5F and FIG. 5G show two connection possibilities for how the valve shaft30 can be connected to the float connector 31. The valve shaft 30 has differentconnection points to create a variation of distances how close the floatconnector 31 will be positioned to the feed tube seal 19 and thus to the bottomof the feed tube 7. FIG. 5F illustrates a configuration where the valve shaft 30is connected at a minimum connection position 35 to the float connector 31 andFIG. 5G illustrates a configuration where the valve shaft 30 is connected at amaximum connection position 37 to the float connector 31.
    FIG. 5H shows the detail 'A' of FIG. 5G and shows in more detail the threepossible connection positions of the valve shaft 30 - minimum connectionposition 35, medium connection position 36 and maximum connection position37. Fitting these parts at different heights gives the liquid transfer regulatingmeans 11 the possibility to be mounted into a variety of feed tube outlets ofliquid dispensers and also creates additional variations of height and positionsof the liquid transfer regulating means 11 creating more possibilities formounting into different types of liquid dispensers 1. More or less than threeconnection points may be provided on the valve shaft and these are notexcluded from the invention.
    FIG. 5I shows the detail 'A' under the circumstance that the liquid dispenser 1is not placed on a flat surface but under angle ß which causes the valve shaft 21 to also have an angle ß in relation to the vertical axis of the liquid dispenser1 (which is perpendicular to the liquid level in the liquid reservoir 8). Thediameter of the axis of the valve shaft 30 at the connection points (35, 36 and37) is smaller than the diameter of the connection surface of the floatconnector 31. The connection will therefore not be a fixed connection, but willallow the float connector 31 to rotate with maximum angle ß around the valveshaft 30 without the shaft receiving a non-axial force from the float connector31.
    All FIGS. 6 illustrate examples of the feed tube 7 part of the liquid dispensersupport 2 of a liquid dispenser 1. The figures in particular show how the feedtube connector 14 is assembled to the probe outlet 27 (see FIG 4D) and howthe valve shaft 30 is fitted into the feed tube connector 14. The float connector31 and float 32 are not shown in these illustrations to simplify the drawings.
    The top part of the valve shaft 30 has a cross shaped body so that liquid canrun past the shaft. The top part of the crossed shaped part 39 has a slightlylarger diameter then the lower part creating a stop surface 38. At the end ofthe cross shaped part there is a cylindrical surface 42 which fits perfect againstthe plane surface of cylindrical surface 43 of the feed tube connector. The lowerpart consists of an inner axis 45 and an outer axis 46. In this example the valveaxis has three connections points (35, 36 and 37) as illustrated. Other numbersof connection points can be used in the invention and such embodiments arenot excluded from the invention.
    An 'open' position of the valve shaft 30 in the assembly is shown in FIGS. 6A,6C, 6E and 6G. In this configuration the valve shaft is resting its stop surfaces38 on to the top surface of the feed tube connector 14 as illustrated in FIGS. 6Aand 6C. The 'open' position is the natural configuration of the assembly as thegravity force on the liquid transfer regulating means 11 will keep the valve areaopen 44 so that liquid can flow out of the feed tube 7. In FIGS. 6A and 6C thearrows marked with 'L' show how a liquid can flow from the probe inlet 26 pastthe crossed shaped part 39 of the valve shaft through the feed tube connector14 into a liquid reservoir 8 of a dispenser. FIG. 6G shows the open valve area44 from a bottom perspective view.
    A 'closed' position of the valve shaft 30 in the assembly is shown in FIGS. 6B,6D, 6F and 6H. When liquid runs through the feed tube 7 into the liquid 22 reservoir 8 the buoyancy of the float 32 will push the liquid transfer regulatingmeans 11 further into the feed tube connector 14 until a valve surface 42 of thevalve shaft is pressed against a valve surface 43 of the feed tube connector 14and thus closes the open valve area 44 and stops liquid flowing through thefeed tube 7 into the liquid reservoir 8. When liquid is taken from the liquiddispenser 1 the liquid level in the liquid reservoir 8 will sink and the liquidtransfer regulating means 11 will follow downwards according to this liquidlevel. This will open up the valve area 44 and liquid will flow out of the bag-in-box container 10 through the feed tube 7 into the liquid reservoir 8.
    In FIG. 6D an angle ö is illustrated between the surfaces of the connectionposition 36 defining how many degrees float connector 31 can rotate freelyaround the inner valve shaft axis 45. Angle ö is equivalent to twice the angle ß.The distance 'y' between the angled surfaces is larger than the distance 'x' ofthe float connector 31 shown in detail in FIG. 5I enabling float connector 31 torotate freely around the inner valve shaft axis 45. The same angle ö anddistance “y' apply to the surfaces of the other connection points 37, 38 of thevalve shaft.
    FIG. 7A is an exploded sectioned front view showing schematically some of theinner parts of a liquid dispenser 1, the assembled liquid transfer regulatingmeans 11 connected to the liquid dispenser support 2 and the adapter 9. Morespecifically, it illustrates an example of a baffle 47, a common part of a liquiddispenser 1, which is required in liquid dispensers with the option to serve bothcold and ambient water. Liquid dispenser baffles come in different sizes anddesigns. All have the same function namely separating the supplied water fromcold water, hot water, or room temperature water respectively. The baffle 47can create a very tight area between baffle 47 and bottom of the liquiddispenser support 2 as shown in FIG. 7B. The various connection possibilities ofthe parts of the liquid transfer regulating means 11, as described previously,will create various options for the parts to fit into such a tight area.
    FIG. 7B is similar to FIG. 7A but shows the liquid transfer regulating means 11mounted into the liquid dispenser 1. In addition a bag-in-box carton 49 with aflexible bag 50 and an outlet 15 with a self-sealing valve 48 are illustrated. Firstthe adapter will be placed onto the top liquid dispenser support 2 of the liquiddispenser 1, pressing the feed tube seal 19 onto the feed tube 7. The bottomsurface 51 of the adapter 9 will rest on the top surface 52 of the liquid 23 dispenser support 2. A water tight connection is formed from the liquid in|et 26of the adapter to the liquid out|et 44 of the feed tube connector 14. A bag-in-box container with an out|et comprising a self-sealing valve or membrane 48can now be placed onto the adapter 9. By placing the bag-in-box container 10onto the adapter, the weight of the bag-in-box carton 49 and flexible bag 50filled with liquid will see to it that the probe 12 of the adapter will piercethrough the self-sealing valve 48 or membrane of the out|et 15 allowing liquidto run from the flexible bag 50 through the adapter 12 and through the feedtube 7 into the liquid reservoir 8 of the liquid dispenser 1.
    FIG. 8A schematically shows a sectioned front view of a liquid dispenser fullyassembled with an adapter 9 according to the invention and a cooperatingliquid transfer regulating means 11, including a schematically illustrated bag-in-box container with the flexible bag 50 filled with liquid. This view shows asnapshot of the situation that the liquid in the flexible bag 50 is runningthrough the adapter's probe 12 into the liquid tight area of the dispenserconnector 18 and from there through the feed tube 7 of the liquid dispenser 1out through the open valve area 44 into the liquid reservoir 8. The liquid level52 in the liquid reservoir 8 in this situation is under the liquid transferregulating means 11.
    FIG. 8B shows the same parts as FIG. 8A but now the liquid level 53 has risenabove the liquid transfer regulating means 11 closing the valve area 44 andprohibiting liquid to flow into the liquid reservoir 8.
    FIG. 8C is a more detailed view of the area 'B' of FIG. 8A showing the positionof the liquid transfer regulating means 11 in the liquid reservoir 8. Morespecifically it is shown that the liquid level 52 in the liquid reservoir 8 has notreached the liquid transfer regulating means 11 and thus liquid will continue toflow into the liquid reservoir 8 until the liquid raises to level 53 as shown in FIG.8B and in more detail in FIG. 8D where the liquid level 53 has reached theliquid transfer regulating means 11 and the buoyancy force of the liquid ontothe float 32 has moved the valve shaft 30 up into the feed tube connector 14.The valve surface of the valve shaft 30 is pressed against the valve surface ofthe feed tube connector 14 closing the valve and thus the liquid out|et area 44.
    Note that to simplify the drawings liquid has not been illustrated in all parts inFIGS. 8C and 8D. 24 FIG. 9A shows the same configuration as FIG. 8B, but in this case the liquiddispenser is standing on an uneven surface 54 causing the liquid dispenser tohave an angle ß in relation to the (level) horizontal plane. This is a verycommon situation, as most often when installing and placing a liquid dispenserin position one will not check if the liquid dispenser is placed level with thehorizontal surface. As the liquid dispenser is angled the liquid reservoir 8 in theliquid dispenser will be non-horizontal. The liquid in the liquid reservoir on theother hand will be horizontal.
    FIG. 9B is a more detailed view of the area 'D' of FIG. 9A showing that as theliquid dispenser 1 is angled the liquid reservoir 8, the liquid dispenser support 2and thus also the feed tube 7 will have the same angle ß in relation to thevertical axis (perpendicular to the horizontal plane). The liquid level in the liquidreservoir 8 will always be horizontal. As the float connector 31 can rotatearound an angle ß around a connection point 35, 36, 37 of the valve shaft 30,the float 32 will remain level with the liquid level 55. In this way there will be avery small amount of non-axial force on the valve shaft 30 which ensures thatthere is no leakage at the liquid outlet area 44. If the float connector 31 wouldhave a fixed (stiff) connection to the valve shaft 30 and the float 32 would thenwant to be level with the liquid level 55 this would create a non-axial force onthe valve shaft 30 which could cause leakage at the liquid outlet area 44.
    FIG. 9C shows the same details as in FIG. 9B but in this illustration the liquidlevel 56 is below the bottom surface of the float 32. The liquid transferregulating means 11 is now above the liquid level 56 and the liquid outlet area44 is now open so that liquid can flow into the liquid reservoir 8.
    FIG. 10 shows a sectioned front view of the area where the liquid dispenser 1 isconnected to the adapter 9 and the adapter is connected to a bag-in-box carton49, a flexible bag 50 and an outlet 15. The probe 12 of the adapter is insertedinto the opening of the outlet 15 so that flowable material can be withdrawnfrom the flexible bag. The outlet 15 has a self-sealing membrane 48 which ismade of an elastomeric material or a material with similar characteristics, onesuch membrane is available from LMS of Illinois. The connection area 58between the probe 12 and the self-sealing membrane 48 is an air- and liquid-tight connection allowing the content of the flexible bag 50 only to leave thebag through probe inlet 26. The friction between the probe 12 and the self- sealing membrane 48 ensures a sturdy connection between the bag-in-boxcontainer 10 and the adapter 9. FIG. 10 also shows the feed tube sea| 19 whichis designed to create an air- and liquid-tight connection between the adapter 9and the feed tube 7 of a water dispenser 1. The feed tube sea| 19 is made of anelastomeric material or a material with similar characteristics. When theadapter 9 is connected to a feed tube 7 the feed tube sea| 19 will expandaround the feed tube 7 creating an air- and liquid-tight connection between thetwo parts. Due to the tight connection there will be a certain friction betweenthe surfaces where the two parts connect 59. This friction will be large enoughthat the connection of the parts can be considered as a fixed connection, butnot too large, so that the parts can be disassembled with normal human force.The friction between the feed tube sea| 19 and the feed tube 7 must be higherthan the friction between the self-sealing membrane 48 and the probe 12 of theadapter so that when removing the bag-in-box container 10 the adapter 9 willstay connected to the feed tube 7 of the liquid dispenser 1. The length of thedispenser connector 18 is such that the inlets 40 of the feed tube are inside thedispenser connector 18 and have passed the connecting surface area 59 of thefeed tube 7 and feed tube sea| 19.
    FIGS. 11 show the feed tube sea| 19 in more detail. In FIG 11A the inner detailsof the feed tube sea| 19 are illustrated, overhanging parts 60 can be pushedinto the outlet of the dispenser connector 18 as the flexible material of the feedtube sea| 19 can be compressed into the hole due to the cut-out areas 61besides the overhanging parts 60. The profiled contact area 62 will be in directcontact with the feed tube 7, the profile has alternating inner surface areaswhich have a smaller diameter 67 and parts which have a larger diameter 66,as shown in FIG. 11C. This creates the possibility for the feed tube sea| 19 toexpand around the feed tube 7 and create an air and liquid-tight connectionbetween the two parts. In FIGS. 11B and 11C it is illustrated that the outersurface has a couple of ribs 64, these strengthen the connection of the feedtube sea| 19 to the feed tube 7. The inlet surface of the feed tube sea| 19 has achamfered angle 63 which will help guide the feed tube 7 into the adapter 9.The invention is not restricted to the illustrated features of the feed tube sea|,other features creating the same or similar functionality as the describedconfiguration are not excluded from the invention.
    FIG. 12A shows the parts of a basic adapter 70 which has the samefunctionality as the previously described adapter 9 to transfer liquid from a 26 bag-in-box container 10 to a liquid dispenser 1 but without the part forsupporting a bag-in-box container 10. This basic adapter 70 has a basic liquidtransfer part 68 and a basic feed tube sea| 69.
    FIG. 12B shows an assembled basic adapter 70, the top part of the basicadapter 70 has a probe shaped part 71 which can be connected to a bag-in-boxcontainer 10. Liquid can enter the basic adapter 70 through basic liquid in|ets72 situated on the sides of the probe 71 close to its top.
    The sectioned view of the basic adapter 70 in FIG. 12C shows two differenttypes of internal ribs. The upper ribs 73 and in particular the bottom part 74 ofthe ribs serve as a stop surface. The feed tube 7 will be able to enter throughthe basic probe outlet 76 and can penetrate through the basic feed tube sea| 69up to the bottom part 74 of the ribs. The lower ribs 75 serve as a supportsurface for the feed tube 7. The diameter of the internal surfaces of the lowerribs 75 are slightly larger than a standard feed tube 7 and keeps the basicadapter 70 aligned with the feed tube.
    In the sectioned cut of the basic adapter 70 assembled on a liquid dispensersupport 2 shown in FIG. 12D it is clear how the support surface 74 of the upperribs 73 connects to the top of the feed tube 7. It is impossible for the feed tube7 to penetrate the basic adapter 70 further than this point. The characteristicsand functionality of the basic feed tube sea| 69 is the same as that of the feedtube sea| 19 explained in connection with FIG.10.
    In FIG. 12E it is shown that a bag-in-box container can rest on the top surfaceof the liquid dispenser support 2 without the necessity of a special supportsurface or holder for the bag-in-box carton 49. The basic adapter 70 cantransfer liquid from a bag-in-box container 10 through the feed tube 7 into theliquid reservoir 8 of a liquid dispenser 1.
    FIGS. 12F and 12G show how the basic adapter 70 can be connected to a basicholder 78 for a bag-in-box container 10 creating a similar construction as theadapter 9 shown in FIG.4. The basic holder or support 78 can be connected tothe basic adapter 70 by means of various known techniques such as pressfitting, snapping or screwing the parts together by which the basic adapter 70and basic support 78 will form a rigid body. 27 FIG. 13A shows a liquid dispenser 1 with an adapter 9 fitted with a bag-in-boxcontainer 10. More specifically, the figure illustrates how the surfaces of thebag-in-box carton can be used to print on, this could be pictures and/or text.Most liquid dispensers are placed in environments where many different peoplewill use the liquid dispenser. When a person dispenses liquid from the dispenserthey will be close to the dispenser (or cooler) for a period of 10 to 30 seconds,or even longer and will be looking at the dispenser. The printed surface of thecarton box would most likely to be looked at during the interaction with thedispenser, the printed surface could be a message from a company, forinstance an advertisement. The printed messages can be placed on the front ofthe box 79, on the sides of the box 80, on the top of the box 81 or even on theback of the box. Liquid dispensers are often placed in surroundings wherecompanies do not have an opportunity to advertise, printed messages on thebag-in-box carton could create unique marketing opportunities. For example awater company can give away water in special printed boxes, or sell such waterboxes at a lower price, as the water is paid for by the printed message on thebox.
    FIG. 13B shows similar assembly as in FIG. 13A but with a basic adapter 70(indicated with dashed lines) fitted with a bag-in-box container 10. When usinga basic adapter 70 the complete sides of bag-in-box container 10 are visible,making it possible to use the whole visible surface of the box for picturesand/or text.
    In the foregoing, the present invention has been described with the aid of anumber of different embodiments and with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited tothe described embodiments and to what is shown in drawings, but that alsoother embodiments are conceivable within the scope of the invention as it isdefined by the following claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (30)
    [1] 1. An adapter for connecting a removable liquid container (10) to a liquiddispenser (1), said adapter (9; 70) having at a first end thereof a liquidcontainer connector (17) and at a second end thereof a dispenser connector(18), said liquid container connector (17) having a probe part (12; 71) adaptedto pierce an out|et (15) comprising a self-sealing valve or membrane of saidremovable liquid container (10), said probe part (12; 71) being hollow andhaving at least one inlet (26; 72) for liquid from said removable liquid container(10), said dispenser connector (18) being hollow and having at its end remotefrom said probe part an out|et (25; 76) for liquid from said removable liquidthat said out|et (25; 76) of saiddispenser connector (18) is adapted to fit tightly around an existing feed tube container (10),characterized in (7) of said liquid dispenser (1). that saidadapter (9; 70), when in use, is adapted to transfer liquid from said at least
    [2] 2. The adapter according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in one inlet (26; 72) of said probe part (12; 71) to one or several inlets (40) ofsaid feed tube (7) of said liquid dispenser (1) and that said adapter (9; 70) isdimensioned so that, when in use, said at least one inlet (26; 72) of said probepart (12; 71) is positioned higher than said self-sealing valve or membrane ofsaid out|et (15) of said removable liquid container (10) in a vertical directionand so that said out|et (25; 76) of said dispenser connector (18) is positionedlower than said one or several inlets (40) of said feed tube (7) of said liquiddispenser (1) in a vertical direction. that saidprobe part (12; 71) has a circular shape with a closed top and that said at least
    [3] 3. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in one inlet (26; 72) of said probe part (12; 71) is placed below said closed top.
    [4] 4. Thecharacterized in adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,that said out|et (25; 76) of said dispenserconnector (18) is adapted to fit within an existing recessed area around said feed tube (7) of said liquid dispenser (1).
    [5] 5. Thecharacterized in adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, that said out|et (25; 76) of said dispenser 29 connector (18) is adapted to fit within a recessed area formed by an existingliquid dispenser support (2) of said liquid dispenser (1), which is designed forreceiving and supporting a liquid bottle (3) in an inverted position.
    [6] 6. Thecharacterized in adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,that an area around said outlet (25; 76) of saiddispenser connector (18) is made of an elastomeric material, or a material withsimilar characteristics, adapted to create an air- and liquid-tight connectionbetween said adapter (9; 70) and said feed tube (7) of said liquid dispenser (1)- that saidelastomeric material, or material with similar characteristics, is adapted to
    [7] 7. The adapter according to claim 6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in provide a friction between itself and said feed tube (7) that is higher thanbetween said probe part (12; 71) and said self-sealing valve or membrane ofsaid outlet (15) of said removable liquid container (10). that saidelastomeric material, or material with similar characteristics, is provided in the
    [8] 8. The adapter according to claim 6 or 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in form of an expandable circular feed tube seal (19; 69) having a slightly smallerinner diameter than an outer diameter of said feed tube (7) of said liquiddispenser (1).
    [9] 9. The adapter according to claim 8, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said feedtube seal (19; 69) has a profiled inner surface (66, 67) allowing said feed tubeseal (19; 69) to expand around said feed tube (7) and create an air and liquid-tight connection between said feed tube seal (19; 69) and said feed tube (7).
    [10] 10. The adapter according to claim 8 or 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in thatsaid inner diameter of said feed tube seal (19; 69) is between 15.0 and 18.0mm in a non-expanded state.
    [11] 11. Thecharacterized in adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, that said liquid container connector (17) isconnected to said dispenser connector (18) with at least one packing ring (20).
    [12] 12. Thecharacterized in adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,that said liquid container connector and said dispenser connector form a unitary, substantially rigid hollow body (68).
    [13] 13. Thecharacterized in adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,that said liquid container connector (17) isdesigned as a box connector provided with support surfaces (29) adapted tosupport and/or hold a removable bag-in-box liquid container (10) in a fixedposition on top of said adapter (9) and with a recessed area (28) around saidprobe part (12) for receiving an outlet (15) with a self-sealing valve ormembrane of said removable bag-in-box container (10) whilst the bottomsurface of said removable bag-in-box container (10) rests on said support surfaces (29) of said box connector (17). that sidesurfaces of said box connector (17) are lower at their centre than at their
    [14] 14. The adapter according to claim 13, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n corners to provide easier user access to cut-outs for handles (16) of saidremovable bag-in-box liquid container (10).
    [15] 15. Thecharacterized in adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,that the adapter (9) comprises a duckbill valve(21) or other non-return valve preventing return of liquid into said removable liquid container (10).
    [16] 16. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said adapter (9), when in use, is adapted tocooperate with a liquid transfer regulating means (11), which is mounted in atop opening (13) of a liquid reservoir (8) of said liquid dispenser (1) andconnected to an outlet (44) of said feed tube (7) via a feed tube connector (14)so as to regulate liquid transfer through said adapter (9), wherein said feedtube (7) is integrated into an existing liquid dispenser support (2) of said liquiddispenser (1).
    [17] 17. The adapter according to claim 16,c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said liquid transfer regulating means (11)cooperating with said adapter (9) comprises a valve shaft (30) attached to afloat connector (31) and a float (32) connected to said float connector (31), wherein said float (32) has a buoyancy adapted to press a valve surface (42) of 31 said valve shaft (30) against a valve surface (43) of said feed tube connector(14) so as to close an open valve area (44) and stop liquid transfer throughsaid adapter (9) and feed tube (7) into said liquid reservoir (8) when a liquidlevel (53; 55) in said liquid reservoir (8) is high and wherein gravity acting onsaid liquid transfer regulating means (30, 31, 32) will keep said valve area (44)open so that liquid can flow through said adapter (9) and out of said feed tube(7) into said liquid reservoir (8) when said liquid level (52; 56) is low.
    [18] 18. The adapter according to claim 17, that said valve shaft (30) and/or said float (32)has/have different connection points for said float connector (31) enablingdifferent heights of said float (32) relative to said valve shaft (30). characterized in
    [19] 19. The adapter according to claim 18,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said valve shaft (30) has a reduced diameterat said connection points (35, 36, 37) that is smaller than a diameter of aconnection surface of said float connector (31) surrounding said valve shaft soas to allow the float (32) to tilt (ß) at least 5 degrees relative to said valveshaft (30), wherein said valve shaft (30) preferably also has bevelled surfacesadjacent to said reduced diameters at said connection points (35, 36, 37) toallow said valve shaft (30) to be made shorter without losing the tilting ability (ß) of said float (32).
    [20] 20. The adapter according to any one of the claims 17-19,c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said float (32) has a maximum dimension of 170 mm and forms a central opening having a diameter greater than 70 mm.
    [21] 21. An adapter assembly for connecting a removable liquid container (10) to aliquid dispenser (1), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said adapter assembly comprises at least an adapter (9; 70) according to any one of the claims 1-15.
    [22] 22. The adapter assembly according to claim 21,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said adapter assembly further comprises aliquid transfer regulating means (11), which is adapted to be mounted in a topopening (13) of a liquid reservoir (8) of said liquid dispenser (1) and connectedto an outlet (44) of said feed tube (7) via a feed tube connector (14) so as to cooperate with and regulate liquid transfer through said adapter (9), wherein 32 said feed tube (7) is integrated into an existing liquid dispenser support (2) ofsaid liquid dispenser (1).
    [23] 23. The adapter assembly according to claim 22,c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said liquid transfer regulating means (11)cooperating with said adapter (9) comprises a valve shaft (30) attached to afloat connector (31) and a float (32) connected to said float connector (31),wherein said float (32) has a buoyancy adapted to press a valve surface (42) ofsaid valve shaft (30) against a valve surface (43) of said feed tube connector(14) so as to close an open valve area (44) and stop liquid transfer throughsaid adapter (9) and feed tube (7) into said liquid reservoir (8) when a liquidlevel (53; 55) in said liquid reservoir (8) is high and wherein gravity acting onsaid liquid transfer regulating means (30, 31, 32) will keep said valve area (44)open so that liquid can flow through said adapter (9) and out of said feed tube (7) into said liquid reservoir (8) when said liquid level (52; 56) is low.
    [24] 24. The adapter assembly according to claim 23, that said valve shaft (30) and/or said float (32)has/have different connection points for said float connector (31) enablingdifferent heights of said float (32) relative to said valve shaft (30). characterized in
    [25] 25. The adapter assembly according to claim 24,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said valve shaft (30) has a reduced diameterat said connection points (35, 36, 37) that is smaller than a diameter of aconnection surface of said float connector (31) surrounding said valve shaft soas to allow the float (32) to tilt (ß) at least 5 degrees relative to said valveshaft (30), wherein said valve shaft (30) preferably also has bevelled surfacesadjacent to said reduced diameters at said connection points (35, 36, 37) toallow said valve shaft (30) to be made shorter without losing the tilting ability (ß) of said float (32).
    [26] 26. The adapter assembly according to any one of the claims 23-25,c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said float (32) has a maximum dimension of 170 mm and forms a central opening having a diameter greater than 70 mm.
    [27] 27. A method of installing and using an adapter assembly according to any oneof claims 21-26, 33 c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said outlet (25; 76) of said adapter (9; 70) isfitted tightly around said feed tube (7) of said liquid dispenser (1) and that saidremovable liquid container (10) is mounted on top of said liquid dispenser (1)and said hollow probe part (12; 71) of said adapter (9; 70) is caused to piercesaid outlet (15) comprising a self-sealing valve or membrane of said removableliquid container (10) to removably connect said removable liquid container (10) to said liquid dispenser (1).
    [28] 28. The method according to claim 27,c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said liquid dispenser support (2) of said liquiddispenser (1) is removed from said top opening (13) of said liquid reservoir (8)of said liquid dispenser (1), that said liquid transfer regulating means (11) isconnected to said outlet (44) of said feed tube (7) integrated into said liquiddispenser support (2) via said feed tube connector (14), and that said liquiddispenser support (2) with said liquid transfer regulating means (11) connectedthereto is reinserted into said top opening (13) before fitting said outlet (25) of said adapter (9) tightly around said feed tube (7).
    [29] 29. The method according to claim 27 or 28,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said adapter assembly, when installed, isused for connecting removable bag-in-box liquid containers (10) to said liquiddispenser (1) by means of said adapter (9) and preferably also for regulatingliquid transfer from said removable bag-in-box liquid containers (10) through said adapter (9) to said liquid dispenser (1).
    [30] 30. The method according to claim 29,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said adapter assembly is also used forenabling text and/or images printed on one or several external box surfaces(79, 80, 81) of said removable bag-in-box liquid containers (10) to be displayed to users of said liquid dispenser (1).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    WO2018160126A1|2018-09-07|
    EP3672905A4|2021-09-08|
    PH12019501974A1|2020-06-29|
    BR112019017948A2|2020-05-19|
    US10926992B2|2021-02-23|
    SE542179C2|2020-03-10|
    CN110573452B|2021-07-20|
    US20200031657A1|2020-01-30|
    CN110573452A|2019-12-13|
    EP3672905A1|2020-07-01|
    AU2018227314A1|2019-10-17|
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    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201662301972P| true| 2016-03-01|2016-03-01|US16/489,444| US10926992B2|2016-03-01|2018-02-28|Adapter and adapter assembly for connecting a removable liquid container to a liquid dispenser and also a method of installing and using an adapter assembly|
    PCT/SE2018/050195| WO2018160126A1|2016-03-01|2018-02-28|Adapter and adapter assembly for connecting a removable liquid container to a liquid dispenser and also a method of installing and using an adapter assembly|
    AU2018227314A| AU2018227314A1|2016-03-01|2018-02-28|Adapter and adapter assembly for connecting a removable liquid container to a liquid dispenser and also a method of installing and using an adapter assembly|
    BR112019017948A| BR112019017948A2|2016-03-01|2018-02-28|adapter and adapter set for connecting a removable liquid container to a liquid dispenser|
    CN201880027913.9A| CN110573452B|2016-03-01|2018-02-28|Adapter and adapter assembly for connecting a removable liquid container to a liquid dispenser and methods of installing and using the adapter assembly|
    EP18760930.0A| EP3672905A4|2016-03-01|2018-02-28|Adapter and adapter assembly for connecting a removable liquid container to a liquid dispenser and also a method of installing and using an adapter assembly|
    PH12019501974A| PH12019501974A1|2016-03-01|2019-08-28|Adapter and adapter assembly for connecting a removable liquid container to a liquid dispenser|
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