TAMPER RESISTANT LATCH FOR PRODUCT DISPENSERS

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments of the present invention generally relate to product dispensers and, more particularly to, latches for opening or otherwise providing access to portions/components of the product dispensers, such as for performing maintenance operations regarding the product dispensers.

BACKGROUND

Product dispensers are used to provide on-demand product (e.g., sheet product (e.g., paper towel, tissue, napkin, etc.), soap, cutlery, air freshener, etc.) to users. For example, in response to a user request or after a certain amount of time, a mechanism (e.g., a motor, a pump, etc.) of the dispenser may cause dispensing of the product (or a portion thereof) to occur. Additionally or alternatively, the product dispenser may provide access to a user to utilize a mechanism (e.g., a roll holder, a lever, etc.) to cause dispensing of the product (or a portion thereof), such as ripping off a sheet of tissue.

The product dispenser may include a housing that can store and/or provide access to a supply of product. It may be desirable to limit access to the supply of product or other components of the product dispenser, such as to a maintainer for maintenance operations (e.g., to replace the supply of product, to fix a component, to replace batteries, etc.). In this regard, some product dispensers include a lock feature that restricts such access, such as by preventing opening of the housing without a key.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present invention provide tamper resistant latches for product dispensers. In this regard, some embodiments provide a latch that includes two (or more) independently movable arms, where each arm must be disengaged from a latch capture feature of the housing to enable opening of the housing of the product dispenser. Such a latch, in some embodiments, may include two flexible alms that are connected at an end, but utilize one or more living hinges to enable independent flexing of the arms. In other example embodiments, the arms may form cantilevered members such that they are not connected at their ends.

Notably, in some embodiments, by providing independently movable arms, a single instrument (e.g., a screwdriver) would be unable to facilitate opening of the housing because only one arm would be disengaged from the latch capture feature (with the other arm still being engaged with the latch capture feature)—thereby providing a tamper resistant latch. In some embodiments, a two legged key may be utilized to move each independent arm to an unlocked position to enable opening of the housing of the product dispenser.

Various example latches described herein may be utilized with any type of product dispenser, such as to limit access to portions or components of the product dispenser (or any housing generally). Regarding product dispensers, some example product dispensers include paper towel dispensers, napkin dispensers, tissue dispensers, cutlery dispensers, soap dispensers, and air freshener dispensers.

In an example embodiment, a product dispenser for dispensing product from a supply of product is provided. The product dispenser comprises a housing comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein, when in the closed position, the first portion and the second portion define an at least partially enclosed internal space for receiving the supply of product and limiting access to the supply of product. The product dispenser further includes a latch comprising a base portion mounted to the first portion. The latch further comprises a first arm that extends from the base portion. The first arm is capable of being moved from a biased locked position to an unlocked position. The first arm defines a first arm engagement feature that is configured to engage a latch capture feature of the second portion of the housing when the first arm is in the locked position and the first portion of the housing is in the closed position so as to prevent the first portion from moving from the closed position. The latch further includes a second arm that extends from the base portion. The second arm is capable of being moved from a biased locked position to an unlocked position. The second arm defines a second arm engagement feature that is configured to engage the latch capture feature of the second portion of the housing when the second arm is in the locked position and the first portion of the housing is in the closed position so as to prevent the first portion from moving from the closed position. The first arm is independently movable with respect to the second arm such that either of the first arm or the second arm may move to the unlocked position without causing the other of the first arm or the second arm to also move to the unlocked position.

In some embodiments, the latch defines a first end and a second end. The base portion of the latch is mounted to the first portion of the housing proximate the first end. The first arm extends from the base portion toward the second end of the latch. The second arm extends from the base portion toward the second end of the latch.

In some embodiments, the latch further comprises a connection arm extending between the first arm and the second arm proximate the second end of the latch such that the first arm and the second arm are connected. In some embodiments, the connection arm comprises at least one living hinge that enables the first arm to independently flex with respect to the second arm. In some embodiments, the connection arm comprises a first living hinge proximate the first arm and a second living hinge proximate the second arm.

In some embodiments, the first arm forms a first cantilever and the second arm forms a second cantilever such that the first arm and the second arm are not connected proximate the second end of the latch.

In some embodiments, the product dispenser further comprises a lock comprising a first hole and a second hole and a rib positioned therebetween. The lock is positioned proximate the latch on one of the first portion or the second portion and such that the first hole aligns with the first arm of the latch and that the second hole aligns with the second arm of the latch. The first hole and the second hole enable insertion of a portion of a key to move the first arm to the unlocked position and the second arm to the unlocked position at a same time.

In some embodiments, the key defines a first key leg and a second key leg. When the key is inserted into the lock, the first key leg is configured to fit within the first hole and engage the first arm to move the first arm to the unlocked position and the second key leg is configured to fit within the second hole and engage the second arm to move the second arm to the unlocked position.

In some embodiments, the product dispenser further comprises a button that is configured to be removably mounted within the lock and moved between a first position and a second position. When the button is moved to the second position, the button is configured to engage the first arm to move the first arm to the unlocked position and engage the second arm to move the second arm to the unlocked position.

In some embodiments, the product dispenser further comprises a mechanism for enabling dispensing of product from the supply of product, wherein the supply of product comprises a roll of sheet product, and wherein the mechanism comprises a roll holder for receiving the roll of sheet product and enabling dispensing from the product dispenser.

In some embodiments, the product dispenser further comprises a mechanism for enabling dispensing of product from the supply of product, wherein the supply of product comprises a roll of sheet product, wherein the mechanism comprises a drive roller and a motor, and wherein the motor operates to cause the drive roller to dispense a portion of the roll of sheet product from the product dispenser.

In some embodiments, the product dispenser further comprises a mechanism for enabling dispensing of product from the supply of product, wherein the supply of product comprises a reservoir of flowable material, and wherein the mechanism comprises a pump that is configured to activate to cause a portion of the flowable material to dispense from the product dispenser.

In some embodiments, the product dispenser further comprises a mechanism for enabling dispensing of product from the supply of product, wherein the supply of product comprises a reservoir of air freshener, and wherein the mechanism comprises a spray pump that is configured to activate to cause a portion of the air freshener to dispense from the product dispenser.

In another example embodiment, a product dispenser for dispensing product from a supply of product is provided. The product dispenser comprises a housing comprising a base and a cover. The cover is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein, when the cover is in the closed position, the base and the cover define an enclosed internal space for the supply of product. The product dispenser further comprises a latch comprising a first arm, wherein the first arm is capable of being moved from a locked position to an unlocked position. The first arm defines a first arm engagement feature that is configured to engage a latch capture feature of the housing when the first arm is in the locked position and the cover of the housing is in the closed position so as to prevent the cover from moving from the closed position. The latch further comprises a second arm, wherein the second arm is capable of being moved from a locked position to an unlocked position. The second arm defines a second arm engagement feature that is configured to engage the latch capture feature of the housing when the second arm is in the locked position and the cover of the housing is in the closed position so as to prevent the cover from moving from the closed position. The first arm is independently movable with respect to the second arm such that either of the first arm or the second arm may move to the unlocked position without causing the other of the first arm or the second arm to also move to the unlocked position.

In some embodiments, the latch defines a first end and a second end, wherein the latch is mounted to the housing proximate the first end. The first arm extends toward the second end of the latch and the second arm extends toward the second end of the latch. In some embodiments, the latch further comprises a connection arm extending between the first arm and the second arm proximate the second end of the latch such that the first arm and the second arm are connected. The connection arm comprises at least one living hinge that enables the first arm to independently flex with respect to the second arm.

In yet another example embodiment, a latch for a product dispenser for dispensing product from a supply of product is provided. The latch comprises a base portion and a first arm that extends from the base portion. The first arm is capable of being moved from a biased locked position to an unlocked position when installed in the product dispenser. The first arm defines a first arm engagement feature that is configured to engage a latch capture feature of a housing of the product dispenser when the first arm is in the locked position and the housing is closed so as to prevent the housing from opening. The latch further comprises a second arm that extends from the base portion. The second arm is capable of being moved from a biased locked position to an unlocked position when installed in the product dispenser. The second arm defines a second arm engagement feature that is configured to engage the latch capture feature of the housing when the second arm is in the locked position and the housing is closed so as to prevent the housing from opening. The first arm is independently movable with respect to the second arm such that either of the first arm or the second aim may move to the unlocked position without causing the other of the first arm or the second arm to also move to the unlocked position.

In some embodiments, the latch defines a first end and a second end. The first arm extends from the base portion toward the second end of the latch and the second arm extends from the base portion toward the second end of the latch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example product dispenser with a user inserting a key into a lock to open a housing of the product dispenser, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of another example product dispenser with a key inserted in a lock for opening a housing of the product dispenser, wherein the cover portion is in the closed position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the example product dispenser shown in FIG. 2A, wherein the cover portion is in the open position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example latch, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the example product dispenser of FIG. 2, wherein an example latch and lock for limiting access to the product dispenser are shown, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the portion of the example product dispenser shown in FIG. 4, where an example key has been initially inserted into the lock, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the portion of the example product dispenser shown in FIG. 5, where the key has been further inserted into the lock and the arms of the latch have moved to an unlocked position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates another example latch shown mounted in a portion of a product dispenser with a key inserted in a lock and engaged with the arms of the latch, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the product dispenser shown in FIG. 7 with a screwdriver being inserted into the lock in an effort to open the housing of the product dispenser, wherein only one of the arms disengages from a latch capture feature such that the housing is still not able to be opened, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates another example latch, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 10 illustrates installation of an example button for use with example latches described herein;

FIG. 11 illustrates the button of FIG. 10 installed in the lock and ready for use with example latches described herein, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of an example product dispenser usable with various embodiments discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Though various example embodiments described herein relate to sheet product dispensers, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate use of various described embodiments with any type of dispensers, product dispensers, or the like. For example, some embodiments of the present invention can be utilized with respect to sheet product dispensers (e.g., paper towel dispensers, napkin dispensers, tissue dispensers, etc.), cutlery dispensers, soap dispensers, or air freshener dispensers.

As used herein, a “user” of example sheet product dispensers may be a maintainer (e.g., a maintenance person, a janitor, a facility manager, etc.) or a consumer (e.g., a person retrieving a dispensed portion of the product).

As used herein, the term “sheet product” may include a product that is relatively thin in comparison to its length and width. Further, the sheet product may define a relatively flat, planar configuration. In some embodiments, the sheet product is flexible or bendable to permit, for example, folding, rolling, stacking, or the like. In this regard, sheet product may, in some cases, be formed into stacks or rolls for use with various embodiments described herein. Some example sheet products include towel, bath tissue, facial tissue, napkin, wipe, wrapping paper, aluminum foil, wax paper, plastic wrap, or other sheet-like products. Sheet products may be made from paper, cloth, non-woven, metallic, polymer or other materials, and in some cases may include multiple layers or plies. In some embodiments, the sheet product (such as in roll or stacked form) may be a continuous sheet that is severable or separable into individual sheets using, for example, a tear bar or cutting blade. Additionally or alternatively, the sheet product may include predefined areas of weakness, such as lines of perforations, that define individual sheets and facilitate separation and/or tearing. In some such embodiments, the lines of perforations may extend along the width of the sheet product to define individual sheets that can be torn off by a user.

Example Access Limitation

Depending on the configuration of the product dispenser and the desired set-up, it may be beneficial to limit access to various components/features/portions of a product dispenser, such as may be secured within a housing of the product dispenser. Such access may, for example, be limited to a maintainer (e.g., maintenance personnel) to avoid tampering or stealing of such components/feature/portions. Additionally, hygiene is often a concern, and it may be desirable to limit access to the stored supply of product to maintain proper hygiene (e.g., avoid unnecessary touching of the supply of product).

As noted herein, example embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a tamper resistant latch for limiting access to various components/features/portions of a product dispenser. In some embodiments, the latch may limit the ability to open a housing of the product dispenser. In this regard, certain components/features/portions of the product dispenser may be secured within the housing. In some such embodiments, a key may be required to manipulate (e.g., move) the latch (or a portion thereof) to enable opening of the housing.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example product dispenser 10 that includes a housing 13 that is formed of a cover portion 12 and a base portion 14. A lock 90 is positioned on a top wall 16 of the base portion 14 (although it could be in the cover portion 12). As illustrated, a user 17 (e.g., a maintainer) has inserted a key 95 into the lock 90 to move the latch (not shown) to the unlocked position to enable opening of the housing 13 (e.g., the cover portion 12 may now be moved to an open position, such as through rotation).

FIG. 2A illustrates another example product dispenser 100 that is configured to dispense sheet product from an installed roll of sheet product. The product dispenser 100 includes a housing 113 that is formed of a cover portion 112 and a base portion 114. A lock 190 is positioned on a top wall 116 of the cover portion 112 (although it could be in the base portion 114). FIG. 2A illustrates the cover portion 112 in the closed position, whereas FIG. 2B illustrates the cover portion 112 in the open position (such as after a user inserted the key 195 into the lock 190 to move the latch to the unlocked position and rotated the cover portion 112 downwardly).

When the cover portion is in the closed position, the housing defines an internal space sized to receive one or more supplies of product and/or one or more components of the product dispenser. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate example components of an example non-automated sheet product dispenser. As illustrated, the product dispenser 100 includes a rotary 130 that includes a plurality of roll holders 135 that are each configured to receive a roll of sheet product (not shown). One of the roll holders 135 may be positioned proximate a dispensing opening 125 such that a user may pull off a portion of the installed roll of sheet product (e.g., by ripping at a perforation). Additional information regarding a non-automated sheet product dispenser similar to the shown product dispenser 100, including components and functionality thereof, can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2018/0325332, which is assigned to the owner of the present invention and incorporated by reference in its entirety.

With the cover portion 112 in the open position, the user (e.g., a maintainer) may perform various maintenance operations that may not have otherwise been able to be performed with the cover portion 112 in the closed position. For example, the maintainer may replace previously used supplies of product (e.g., replace a used (or substantially used) roll of sheet product with a replacement roll of sheet product). Additionally, depending on the configuration of the product dispenser, the maintainer may replace batteries of the product dispenser or fix or clean various components.

Example Latches and Use

Embodiments of the present invention contemplate latches that are designed to be tamper resistant. FIGS. 3-9 illustrate various such example latches and their use in product dispensers. Notably, however, embodiments of the present invention also contemplate other latches that have similar features (e.g. there are more than two arms, different material, different hinges or flexing, among other things).

FIG. 3 illustrates an example latch 150, such as for use in various product dispensers described herein to limit access to various components/features/portions of the product dispensers. The latch 150 defines a first end 156 and a second end 158 and includes a base portion 159, a first arm 152a, and a second arm 152b. The first arm 152a extends from the base portion 159 toward the second end 158. The second arm 152b extends from the base portion 159 toward the second end 158. In the illustrated embodiments, the first arm 152a extends in a parallel fashion to the second arm 152b—although other configurations are contemplated.

In some embodiments, the latch 150 (or portions thereof) may be formed of a flexible material such that the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b may flex or bend with respect to the base portion 159. In some embodiments, the material may be flexible, but have a high fatigue life. Example materials include nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polypropylene, among others.

As detailed herein, some embodiments of the present invention provide for a latch with independently movable arms so as to provide for a tamper resistant latch. In order to open the housing of the product dispenser, a user would have to move both arms at the same time, as moving just one arm will not automatically cause the other arm to move. This is true even in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, where the latch 150 also includes a connection arm 165 that extends between the first arm 152a and the second arm 154b proximate the second end 158 of the latch 150. To accomplish this, the latch 150 includes at least one living hinge along the connection arm 165 that enables independent movement among the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b. In the depicted embodiment, the latch 150 includes a first living hinge 160a proximate the first arm 152a and a second living hinge 160b proximate the second arm 152b. Though termed a “hinge” the living hinges 160a, 160b may be molded from the same material as the rest of the latch 150 and form an area or line of reduced thickness so as to form the “hinge” that enables independent movement of the arms.

The latch 150 may include one or more mounting features 157a, 157b that enable mounting of the latch 150 in the product dispenser. In the depicted embodiment, the mounting features 157a, 157b extend from the base portion 159 outwardly in opposite directions. Each mounting feature may be biased to a position and include one or more protrusions or other features that are designed to interact with corresponding mounting features of the product dispenser to enable mounting of the latch 150. For example, FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the latch 150 mounted within the cover portion 112 of a product dispenser 100 (although, in some embodiments, the latch 150 may be mounted within the base portion 114 of the product dispenser 100).

Notably, as will be described herein, while the base portion 159 of the latch 150 is mounted in a stationary manner (e.g., through an interference fit), the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b are not held in place and instead are free to move between a locked position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) and an unlocked position (shown in FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b are each biased to the locked position such that the latch 150 will automatically return to the locked position to keep the housing closed when the cover portion is in the closed position and there is no key (or button) pushing on the arms of the latch 150.

In some embodiments, the latch may include one or more engagement features that are configured to interact with a corresponding latch capture feature of the product dispenser when the latch is in the locked position to keep the housing closed. For example, the latch 150 shown in FIG. 3 includes an opening 162 sized to receive a protrusion (e.g., a latch capture feature 118) that extends downwardly from a top wall 116 of the base portion 114 (see e.g., FIGS. 3-5). In some embodiments, the first arm 152a may define a portion (e.g., a corner 153a) that forms an engagement feature (or a part thereof) and the second arm 152b may define a portion (e.g., a corner 153b) that forms an engagement feature (or a part thereof). Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the connection arm 165 may also form an engagement feature (or a part thereof). In this regard, some or all of the engagement features may interact with (e.g., receive) the latch capture feature 118 of the product dispenser 100 to secure the cover portion 112 in the closed position such that the housing is closed and access is limited.

In some embodiments, the connection arm 165 may provide a secure engagement feature that provides extra support for maintaining engagement with the latch capture feature 118 until both the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b (and, thus, the connection arm 165) move below the bottom of the latch capture feature 118. For example, FIGS. 4-5 show the connection arm 165 engaged with the latch capture feature 118 (e.g., extending across the entire latch capture feature 118), whereas FIG. 6 shows the connection arm 165 positioned in an unlocked position below the latch capture feature 118 such that the first portion 112 can be opened.

Although the depicted embodiment illustrates a protrusion as an example latch capture feature, other configurations of latch capture features are contemplated, such as a locking element, a curved catch feature, multiple protrusions, or similar structures that can be used to prevent lateral movement relative to the latch (e.g., the latch and corresponding portion of the housing are unable to move away from the other portion of the housing or vice versa such that the cover portion is unable to move to the open position).

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate different positions of the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b of an example latch 150. For example, FIGS. 4 and 5 show the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b in the locked position, whereas FIG. 6 shows the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b in the unlocked position. With the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b in the unlocked position, the housing 113 of the product dispenser 100 can be opened. In the depicted embodiment, a key 195 is utilized for moving the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b to the unlocked position. FIG. 4 illustrates the housing 113 in the closed orientation with the cover portion 112 in the closed position and the latch 150 in the locked position. As illustrated, the engagement feature (e.g., the opening 162) of the latch 150 has received the protrusion 118 of the base portion 114.

In some embodiments, a lock of the product dispenser includes a separate hole that corresponds to each arm of the latch. For example, the lock may have a first hole and a second hole. FIG. 4 illustrates an example lock 190 that includes a first hole 198a and a second hole 198b with a rib 197 positioned therebetween.

In some embodiments, the lock may be positioned proximate where the latch is mounted. For example, the lock may be positioned on one of the first portion or the second portion and such that the first hole aligns with the first arm of the latch and that the second hole aligns with the second arm of the latch. In such a regard, the first hole and the second hole may enable insertion of a portion of a key to move the first arm to the unlocked position and the second arm to the unlocked position at a same time. FIG. 4 illustrates the example alignment of the first hole 196a with the first arm 152a and the second hole 196b with the second arm 152b.

In some embodiments, a key may be used to move the latch to the unlocked position such that the first arm is moved to the unlocked position and the second arm is moved to the unlocked position. An example key may define a first key leg and a second key leg. An example key 195 with a first key leg 196a and a second key leg 196b is illustrated in FIG. 5. Further, FIG. 5 illustrates that the key 195 may be inserted into the lock 190, with the first key leg 196a being configured to fit within the first hole 198a and the second key leg 196b being configured to fit within the second hole 198b.

With reference to FIG. 6, the key 195 may be pushed through the holes 198a, 198b in the lock 190 toward the latch 150 to cause the latch 150 to unlock by moving the arms 152a, 152b of the latch 150 to their corresponding unlocked positions. In this regard, the first key leg 196a may engage the first arm 152a and the second key leg 196b may engage the second arm 152b. Notably, the first key leg 196a and the second key leg 196b may be spaced apart and sufficiently elongated so as to fit in their corresponding holes 198a, 198b on either side of the rib 197 and still engage each of the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b, respectively. As the first key leg 196a and the second key leg 196b push against the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b, respectively, the bias of the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b may be overcome such that the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b both move to the unlocked position to cause the engagement feature(s) of the latch to disengage from the latch capture feature 118 to enable opening of the housing.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example latch 250 mounted within a base portion 214 of a product dispenser 200. The latch 250 is similar to the latch 150 shown and described with respect to FIGS. 3-6, however, the latch 250 has slightly different structure with respect to the connection arm 265. In this regard, the living hinges 260a, 260b include concave sides that together lead to a portion of reduced thickness—thereby forming the living hinges.

Like the example described in FIGS. 4-6, a key 295 can be inserted into a lock 290 in the top surface 216 of the base portion 214. A first key leg 296a may engage the first arm 252a of the latch 250 and the second key leg 296b may engage the second arm 252b of the latch 250. Upon further insertion, the first arm 252a and the second arm 252b each move to the unlocked position, causing the first arm 252a, the second arm 252b, and the connection arm 265 to disengage from a latch capture feature (not shown) to enable moving of the cover portion (not shown) to an open position—thereby providing access to an internal space of the housing (such as for replacing a supply of product or other maintenance operation).

As detailed herein, some embodiments of the present invention provide a latch that is tamper resistant. This may be accomplished by forming the latch such that the arms are independently movable to the unlocked position. In this regard, in some embodiments, an instrument without the proper structure will be unable to unlock the latch and open the housing, even if it can engage one of the arms (as it would need to engage and move all of the arms at the same time). For example, an instrument with a single leg (e.g., a screwdriver) may only engage one of the arms and the remaining arm(s) will not move to an unlocked position and, thus, keep the latch engaged with the latch capture feature. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of this ability of the latch 250. As shown, a user is attempting an unauthorized access to the product dispenser 200 using a screwdriver 271. While the screwdriver 271 fits within the lock 290, it only contacts the second arm 252b. When the second arm 252b is moved to the unlocked position (as shown), the living hinge 260b flexes to prevent the downward force being applied by the screwdriver 271 transferring to also force the first arm 252a downwardly. As such, the first arm 252a stays in the locked position despite the downward force being applied by the screwdriver 271 and maintains engagement with the protrusion 218 to keep the cover portion 212 in the closed position—thereby limiting access to the internal space of the housing.

Although the above described embodiment includes a living hinge, non-living hinges (e.g., hinges formed using non-integral components or material) may be utilized to similar effect. As an example, in some embodiments, thin-wire type features may extend between the arms. In such an example, the wire-type features may help maintain some form factor for the latch (e.g., keep the arms connected), but may also enable independent movement of the arms.

In some embodiments, one or more ribs may be present within the lock to form separate holes. Such separate holes force the instrument(s) being used to fit within each holes separately (and at the same time). Such example embodiments provide even further tamper resistance. An example is shown in FIG. 4, where the lock 190 includes a rib 197 separating a first hole 198a and a second hole 198b.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example latch 350 that is formed to enable independent movement of its arms. Similar to the latch 150 shown in FIG. 3, the latch 350 includes a base portion 359 at a first end 356 and mounting features 357a, 357b for mounting the latch 350 within the housing of the product dispenser. The latch 350 also includes a first arm 352a and a second arm 352b. Notably, however, the latch 350 is different from latch 150 shown in FIG. 3 because the first arm 352a and the second arm 352b are not connected at the second end 358 of the latch 350, whereas the first arm 152a and the second arm 152b of the latch 150 are connected via a connection arm 165 at the second end 158 of the latch 150. In this regard, the first arm 352a forms a first cantilever with a first engagement feature 366a and the second arm 352b forms a second cantilever with a second engagement feature 366b. Each of the first engagement feature 366a and the second engagement feature 366b are configured to separately engage with the latch capture feature(s) to retain the latch 350 and the mounted portion of the housing in the locked and closed position. In such an embodiment, there is no need for a living hinge as the arms are independent and not connected at the second end 358 of the latch 350. However, similar to the embodiments with living hinges, a user must move both arms to the unlocked position at the same time to unlock the latch (and open the housing).

In some embodiments, the housing (not shown) may be designed with structural features that form slots for directing desired downward movement of the first arm 352a and the second arm 352b. For example, the slots may direct the movement of the arms and prevent lateral movement so that a force applied from an authorized key will result in movement of the arms to the unlocked position (e.g., to disengage with a latch capture feature). In this regard, in some cases, non-connection of the arms to each other can lead them to be sometimes be susceptible to independent lateral movement.

In some embodiments, the lock may be designed to receive a removable (or non-removable) button that can be installed and left in the lock for enabling non-locked access to the housing of the product dispenser. For example, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a button 480 may include two legs 481a and 481b that fit within the first key hole 498a and the second key hole 498b of the lock 490 (and between the rib 497). The two button legs 481a, 481b may include one or more installation features (e.g., protrusions 482a, 482b) that keep the button 480 installed in the lock 490, so as to prevent the button 480 from being pulled out from the lock 490. In some embodiments, the two button legs 481a, 481b may be flexible and able to be moved laterally with respect to each other to enable a user to disengage the mounting features 482a, 482b and push the button 480 out of the lock 490 from the inside (e.g., when the housing is opened). Notably, with the button 480 installed, a user may simply press down on the button 480 to cause the button legs 481a, 482b to engage the first arm and the second arm of the latch to independently move both arms to the unlocked position—thereby enabling opening of the housing.

Example Product Dispensers

As noted herein, different types of product dispensers are contemplated for use with various embodiments of latches described herein. Thus, different types of components, features, or portions of the product dispenser are contemplated for having limited access within a secured housing of the product dispenser. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a generic product dispenser that illustrates some basic components of the various contemplated product dispenser. In the illustrated embodiment, a product dispenser 500 is shown. The product dispenser 500 includes a first portion 512 (e.g., a cover) and a second portion 514 (e.g., a base) of a housing. A mechanism 509 of the product dispenser 500 may enable dispensing of product from a supply of product 507.

Some specific product supplies and mechanisms are described herein, such as below and with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B. For example, for a sheet product dispenser, an example supply of product may include a roll of sheet product, and a corresponding example mechanism may comprises a roll holder for receiving the roll of sheet product and enabling dispensing from the product dispenser. As another example, for a sheet product dispenser, an example supply of product may comprise a roll of sheet product, and a corresponding example mechanism may comprise a drive roller and a motor, wherein the motor operates to cause the drive roller to dispense a portion of the roll of sheet product from the product dispenser. As yet another example, for a soap dispenser, an example supply of product may comprise a reservoir of flowable material, and a corresponding example mechanism may comprise a pump that is configured to activate to cause a portion of the flowable material to dispense from the product dispenser. As yet another example, for an air freshener dispenser, an example supply of product may comprise a reservoir of air freshener, and a corresponding mechanism may comprise a spray pump that is configured to activate to cause a portion of the air freshener to dispense from the product dispenser.

As indicated herein, some embodiments of the present invention may be utilized with a sheet product dispenser. For example, certain described embodiments herein may be utilized with tissue product dispensers. In such example embodiments, the tissue dispenser may have components (e.g., roll holders, a rotary mechanism, a motor, a controller, a drive roller, a pinch roller, etc.) that can be utilized to receive the supply of product (e.g., a roll of sheet product) and facilitate dispensing from the dispenser. Additional information regarding example tissue product dispensers, including components and functionality thereof, can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,162,252 and 7,861,964, both of which are assigned to the owner of the present invention and incorporated by reference in their entireties. Similarly, certain described embodiments herein may be utilized with napkin product dispensers. In such example embodiments, the napkin dispenser may have components (e.g., roll holders, a motor, a controller, a drive roller, a pinch roller, etc.) that can be utilized to receive the supply of product (e.g., a roll of sheet product) and facilitate dispensing from the dispenser. Additional information regarding example napkin product dispensers, including components and functionality thereof, can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,604,811, which is assigned to the owner of the present invention and incorporated by reference in its entirety. As another example, certain described embodiments herein may be utilized with paper towel dispensers. In such example embodiments, the mechanical paper towel dispensers may have components (e.g., roll holders, a lever, a motor, a controller, a drive roller, a pinch roller, etc.) that can be utilized to receive the supply of product (e.g., a roll of sheet product, a stack of sheet product) and facilitate dispensing from the dispenser. Additional information regarding automated and non-automated paper towel dispensers, including components and functionality thereof, can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,270,292, 5,441,189, U.S. Publication No. 2017/0290471, each of which are assigned to the owner of the present invention and incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Also as indicated herein, some embodiments of the present invention may be utilized with other types of product dispensers. For example, certain described embodiments herein may be utilized with cutlery product dispensers. In such example embodiments, the cutlery dispenser may have components (e.g., a lever, a motor, a controller, a dispensing mechanism, etc.) that can be utilized to receive the supply of product (e.g., a stack of cutlery) and facilitate dispensing from the dispenser. Additional information regarding example cutlery product dispensers, including components and functionality thereof, can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,237,815, which is assigned to the owner of the present invention and incorporated by reference in its entirety. As another example, certain described embodiments herein may be utilized with skincare product dispensers, such as may dispense flowable material (e.g., soap, gel, liquid, lotion, foam, etc.). In such example embodiments, the skincare product dispenser may have components (e.g., a reservoir, a cartridge, a lever, a motor, a pump, a controller, etc.) that can be utilized to receive the supply of product (e.g., a reservoir of the product) and facilitate dispensing from the dispenser. Additional information regarding example skincare product dispensers, including components and functionality thereof, can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,746,510, which is assigned to the owner of the present invention and incorporated by reference in its entirety. As yet another example, certain described embodiments herein may be utilized with air freshener product dispensers. In such example embodiments, the air freshener dispenser may have components (e.g., a reservoir, a cartridge, a lever, a motor, a pump, a spray pump, a controller, etc.) that can be utilized to receive the supply of product (e.g., a reservoir of the product) and facilitate dispensing from the dispenser. Additional information regarding example air freshener product dispensers, including components and functionality thereof, can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0030620, which is assigned to the owner of the present invention and incorporated by reference in its entirety.

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein may come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A product dispenser for dispensing product from a supply of product, the product dispenser comprising: a housing comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein, when in the closed position, the first portion and the second portion define an at least partially enclosed internal space for receiving the supply of product and limiting access to the supply of product; anda latch comprising: a base portion mounted to the first portion;a first arm that extends from the base portion, wherein the first arm is capable of being moved from a biased locked position to an unlocked position, wherein the first arm defines a first arm engagement feature that is configured to engage a latch capture feature of the second portion of the housing when the first arm is in the locked position and the first portion of the housing is in the closed position so as to prevent the first portion from moving from the closed position; anda second arm that extends from the base portion, wherein the second arm is capable of being moved from a biased locked position to an unlocked position, wherein the second arm defines a second arm engagement feature that is configured to engage the latch capture feature of the second portion of the housing when the second arm is in the locked position and the first portion of the housing is in the closed position so as to prevent the first portion from moving from the closed position,wherein the first arm is independently movable with respect to the second arm such that either of the first arm or the second arm may move to the unlocked position without causing the other of the first arm or the second arm to also move to the unlocked position.
2. The product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the latch defines a first end and a second end, wherein the base portion of the latch is mounted to the first portion of the housing proximate the first end, wherein the first arm extends from the base portion toward the second end of the latch, and wherein the second arm extends from the base portion toward the second end of the latch.
3. The product dispenser of claim 2, wherein the latch further comprises a connection arm extending between the first arm and the second arm proximate the second end of the latch such that the first arm and the second arm are connected.
4. The product dispenser of claim 3, wherein the connection arm comprises at least one living hinge that enables the first arm to independently flex with respect to the second arm.
5. The product dispenser of claim 4, wherein the connection arm comprises a first living hinge proximate the first arm and a second living hinge proximate the second arm.
6. The product dispenser of claim 2, wherein the first arm forms a first cantilever and the second arm forms a second cantilever such that the first arm and the second arm are not connected proximate the second end of the latch.
7. The product dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a lock comprising a first hole and a second hole and a rib positioned therebetween, wherein the lock is positioned proximate the latch on one of the first portion or the second portion and such that the first hole aligns with the first arm of the latch and that the second hole aligns with the second arm of the latch, wherein the first hole and the second hole enable insertion of a portion of a key to move the first arm to the unlocked position and the second arm to the unlocked position at a same time.
8. The product dispenser of claim 7, wherein the key defines a first key leg and a second key leg, wherein, when the key is inserted into the lock, the first key leg is configured to fit within the first hole and engage the first arm to move the first arm to the unlocked position and the second key leg is configured to fit within the second hole and engage the second arm to move the second arm to the unlocked position.
9. The product dispenser of claim 7 further comprising a button that is configured to be removably mounted within the lock and moved between a first position and a second position, wherein, when the button is moved to the second position, the button is configured to engage the first arm to move the first arm to the unlocked position and engage the second arm to move the second arm to the unlocked position.
10. The product dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism for enabling dispensing of product from the supply of product, wherein the supply of product comprises a roll of sheet product, and wherein the mechanism comprises a roll holder for receiving the roll of sheet product and enabling dispensing from the product dispenser.
11. The product dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism for enabling dispensing of product from the supply of product, wherein the supply of product comprises a roll of sheet product, and wherein the mechanism comprises a drive roller and a motor, wherein the motor operates to cause the drive roller to dispense a portion of the roll of sheet product from the product dispenser.
12. The product dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism for enabling dispensing of product from the supply of product, wherein the supply of product comprises a reservoir of flowable material, and wherein the mechanism comprises a pump that is configured to activate to cause a portion of the flowable material to dispense from the product dispenser.
13. The product dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism for enabling dispensing of product from the supply of product, wherein the supply of product comprises a reservoir of air freshener, and wherein the mechanism comprises a spray pump that is configured to activate to cause a portion of the air freshener to dispense from the product dispenser.
14. A product dispenser for dispensing product from a supply of product, the product dispenser comprising: a housing comprising a base and a cover, wherein the cover is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein, when the cover is in the closed position, the base and the cover define an enclosed internal space for the supply of product; anda latch comprising: a first arm, wherein the first arm is capable of being moved from a locked position to an unlocked position, wherein the first arm defines a first arm engagement feature that is configured to engage a latch capture feature of the housing when the first arm is in the locked position and the cover of the housing is in the closed position so as to prevent the cover from moving from the closed position; anda second arm, wherein the second arm is capable of being moved from a locked position to an unlocked position, wherein the second arm defines a second arm engagement feature that is configured to engage the latch capture feature of the housing when the second arm is in the locked position and the cover of the housing is in the closed position so as to prevent the cover from moving from the closed position,wherein the first arm is independently movable with respect to the second arm such that either of the first arm or the second arm may move to the unlocked position without causing the other of the first arm or the second arm to also move to the unlocked position.
15. The product dispenser of claim 14, wherein the latch defines a first end and a second end, wherein the latch is mounted to the housing proximate the first end, wherein the first arm extends toward the second end of the latch, and wherein the second arm extends toward the second end of the latch.
16. The product dispenser of claim 15, wherein the latch further comprises a connection arm extending between the first arm and the second arm proximate the second end of the latch such that the first arm and the second arm are connected, and wherein the connection arm comprises at least one living hinge that enables the first arm to independently flex with respect to the second arm.
17. A latch for a product dispenser for dispensing product from a supply of product, the latch comprising: a base portion;a first arm that extends from the base portion, wherein the first arm is capable of being moved from a biased locked position to an unlocked position when installed in the product dispenser, wherein the first arm defines a first arm engagement feature that is configured to engage a latch capture feature of a housing of the product dispenser when the first arm is in the locked position and the housing is closed so as to prevent the housing from opening; anda second arm that extends from the base portion, wherein the second arm is capable of being moved from a biased locked position to an unlocked position when installed in the product dispenser, wherein the second arm defines a second arm engagement feature that is configured to engage the latch capture feature of the housing when the second arm is in the locked position and the housing is closed so as to prevent the housing from opening,wherein the first arm is independently movable with respect to the second arm such that either of the first arm or the second arm may move to the unlocked position without causing the other of the first arm or the second arm to also move to the unlocked position.
18. The latch of claim 17, wherein the latch defines a first end and a second end, wherein the first arm extends from the base portion toward the second end of the latch, and wherein the second arm extends from the base portion toward the second end of the latch.
19. The latch of claim 18, wherein the latch further comprises a connection arm extending between the first arm and the second arm proximate the second end of the latch such that the first arm and the second arm are connected, and wherein the connection arm comprises at least one living hinge that enables the first arm to independently flex with respect to the second arm.
20. The latch of claim 18, wherein the first arm forms a first cantilever and the second arm forms a second cantilever such that the first arm and the second arm are not connected proximate the second end of the latch.

TAMPER RESISTANT LATCH FOR PRODUCT DISPENSERS

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Abstract

Description

Claims