Enhanced Liquid Product Dispenser and Mounting System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved liquid product dispenser and mounting system that enhances security, ease of use, and efficiency, addressing the limitations of the original patent.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Liquid product dispenser and mounting device', presents a mounting device for liquid product dispensers in hotel rooms and similar environments. However, the original design has limitations, including the potential for unauthorized removal and the need for manual refilling. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing electromagnetically controlled locking mechanisms, self-cleaning dispensers, and sensors for detecting dispenser emptiness.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced liquid product dispenser and mounting system comprises a mounting device with an electromagnetically controlled locking housing, allowing authorized personnel to easily remove and refill the dispenser. The system also features a self-cleaning mechanism using ultrasonic waves to remove residue from the dispensing container. Additionally, the mounting device includes a built-in sensor that detects when the dispenser is empty and sends a notification to a remote device. The system is modular, allowing for the use of multiple interchangeable dispensing containers with a single mounting device.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features, including electromagnetically controlled locking mechanisms, self-cleaning dispensers, and sensors for detecting dispenser emptiness, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement over the original design, enhancing security, ease of use, and efficiency.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the locking mechanism, such as using RFID or biometric authentication. The self-cleaning mechanism could also be replaced with other cleaning methods, such as UV light or chemical cleaning. Additionally, the sensor for detecting dispenser emptiness could be replaced with other sensing technologies, such as weight sensors or optical sensors.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced liquid product dispenser and mounting system has significant commercial potential in the hospitality industry, as well as in other environments where liquid product dispensers are used, such as healthcare facilities and public restrooms. The system's improved security, ease of use, and efficiency make it an attractive solution for businesses looking to enhance their customer experience and reduce costs.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47K5/12 |
| A | A47 | A47K2005/1218 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Liquid product dispensing systems, specifically counter-top mounted dispensers for hospitality and personal care environments, involving mechanical mounting mechanisms, locking systems, and dispensing technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or industrial designer with expertise in product dispensing systems, familiar with mounting mechanisms, electromagnetic controls, sensor technologies, and modular design principles in hospitality equipment
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's core mounting and dispensing concepts. The electromagnetic locking, self-cleaning, and sensor technologies are well-known solutions in related fields that could be readily applied to improve the original dispenser design. The modular approach and enhanced functionality represent incremental improvements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to address known limitations in existing dispenser systems.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,125 |
|---|---|
| Title | Liquid product dispenser and mounting device |