U.S. patent application number 09/823343 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-01 for storage and dispensing system for multiple liquids.
Invention is credited to Litscher, Paula Proko.
Application Number | 20010035430 09/823343 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26889600 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010035430 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Litscher, Paula Proko |
November 1, 2001 |
Storage and dispensing system for multiple liquids
Abstract
A portable, waterproof, and refillable storage and dispensing
system for liquid toiletries comprises a multi-tube storing and
dispensing portion and a carrying and hanging strap. The storage
and dispensing system may be used for holding a customized
arrangement of personal toiletries such as shampoo, hair
conditioner, liquid soap, etc., for easily transporting the
arrangement to remote locations, such as on vacation or to a health
spa, and for easily refilling. The assembly is completely
waterproof and designed such that when hanging, it will drip-dry
quickly and will not be damaged or adversely affected by
moisture.
Inventors: |
Litscher, Paula Proko;
(Hopkinton, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRANCIS EDWARD MARINO
394 MEREDITH NECK ROAD
MEREDITH
NH
03253
US
|
Family ID: |
26889600 |
Appl. No.: |
09/823343 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60194008 |
Apr 3, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/94 ; 222/107;
222/175 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 5/00 20130101; A45D
34/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/94 ; 222/107;
222/175 |
International
Class: |
B65D 035/22 |
Claims
1. A multi-tube dispenser comprising a plurality of juxtaposed
tubes, each tube comprising a compartment for containing a liquid,
each tube being affixed to its juxtaposed one or both tubes at a
common portion of their peripheries to thereby form a multi tube
body, said tube body being formed of a resilient material that is
impervious to moisture, a first end of said tube body having a
plurality of fill openings each communicating with one of said
compartments and adapted to receive the liquid there-through and
into said communicating compartment, and said plurality of fill
openings being adapted to receive at least one closure cap; each of
said at least one closure caps having a cap body removably affixed
to said tube body such that said at least one closure cap is
adapted to seal said fill openings, each of said at least one cap
bodies having a pour opening communicating with and smaller than
said affixed fill opening, and each of said at least one closure
cap having a lid flexibly connected to said cap body and having
open and closed states about said flexible connection, wherein each
lid seals at least one of said pour opening and therefore seals at
least one of said compartments in said closed state and exposes
said at least one pour opening and therefore exposes said at least
one compartment in said open state to allow squeeze-induced pouring
of the liquid there-from, and an adjustable loop affixed to a
second end of said body and shaped and arranged for hanging said
dispenser such that said first end and the liquid being poured are
directed downwardly.
2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said tube body further
comprises a smooth exterior surface contoured such that any
moisture caused to land on said surface will fall downwardly
towards said first end when said dispenser is hanging by said
strap, to accelerate drying thereof.
3. The dispenser of claim 2 wherein said adjustable loop comprises
a latch so that said loop can be disconnected and subsequently
reconnected through closed openings and said dispenser can thereby
be hung from said closed openings.
4. The dispenser of claim 3 wherein said tube body is integrally
molded.
5. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein said tubes are translucent to
allow viewing of the liquid therein.
6. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said fill openings each further
comprises an externally threaded neck and said at least one closure
cap is said plurality of closure caps and each of said closure caps
comprises an internally threaded cap body adapted to removably
engage one of said necks, and wherein each cap body is
independently removable from and adapted to seal said engaged
neck's fill opening thereby.
7. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein said tube body further
comprises a smooth exterior surface contoured such that any
moisture caused to land on said surface will fall downwardly
towards said first end when said dispenser is hanging by said
strap, to accelerate drying thereof.
8. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said adjustable loop comprises
a latch so that said loop can be disconnected and subsequently
reconnected through closed openings and said dispenser can thereby
be hung from said closed openings.
9. The dispenser of claim 8 wherein said tube body is integrally
molded.
10. The dispenser of claim 9 wherein at least a portion of said
tubes is translucent and adapted to allow viewing of the liquid
therein.
11. The dispenser of claim 10 wherein said fill openings each
further comprises an externally threaded neck and said at least one
closure cap is said plurality of closure caps and each of said
closure caps comprises an internally threaded cap body adapted to
removably engage one of said necks, and wherein each cap body is
independently removable from and adapted to seal said engaged
neck's fill opening thereby.
12. The dispenser of claim 11 wherein said tube body further
comprises a smooth exterior surface contoured such that any
moisture caused to land on said surface will fall downwardly
towards said first end when said dispenser is hanging by said
strap, to accelerate drying thereof.
13. A multi-tube dispenser comprising: a plurality of juxtaposed
tubes, each tube comprising a compartment for containing a liquid,
each tube being formed of a resilient material that is biased into
an expanded condition wherein said compartment is expanded and
squeezable into a squeezed condition wherein said compartment is
reduced, and each tube being affixed to its juxtaposed one or both
tubes at a common portion of their peripheries to thereby form a
multi tube body, said tube body being impervious to moisture and
smoothly contoured, a first end of said body having a plurality of
fill openings each surrounded by an externally engage-able neck,
and each fill opening communicating with one of said compartments
and adapted to receive liquid there-through and into said
communicating compartment; a plurality of closure caps, each
comprising an internally engage-able cap body adapted to engage one
of said externally engage-able necks and thereby seal said engaged
neck's fill opening, each of said cap bodies further having a pour
opening communicating with and smaller than said engaged neck's
fill opening and thereby communicating with one of said
compartments, and each closure cap having a lid flexibly connected
to said cap body and having open and closed states about said
flexible connection, wherein each lid seals said closure cap's pour
opening and therefore seals said cap's communicating compartment in
said closed state and exposes said closure cap's pour opening and
therefore exposes said cap's communicating compartment in said open
state such that when one of said caps is selectively positioned in
said open state and said body is simultaneously squeezed, liquid
contained in said compartment communicating with said open cap will
be selectively poured there-from, and an adjustable loop affixed to
a second end of said body and shaped and arranged for hanging said
dispenser such that said pour openings are directed downwardly and
liquid squeezed from said compartments will pour downwardly
there-from.
14. The dispenser of claim 13 wherein said smooth contour of said
tube body is shaped such that that any moisture caused to land
thereon will fall downwardly towards said first end when said
dispenser is hanging by said strap, to accelerate drying
thereof.
15. The dispenser of claim 14 wherein said tube body is integrally
molded of a plastic material, and wherein at least a portion of
each compartment is translucent such that the liquid with said
compartments is viewable there-through.
16. The dispenser of claim 15 wherein said externally engage-able
necks are externally threaded and said internally engage-able cap
bodies are internally threaded and adapted to threadingly engage
one of said externally threaded necks and wherein each cap closure
is independently removable from and adapted to seal said engaged
fill opening by said external and internal threads.
17. The dispenser of claim 16 wherein said adjustable loop
comprises a latch so that said loop can be disconnected and
subsequently reconnected through closed openings and said dispenser
can thereby be hung from said closed openings.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION
[0001] This application is a continuation and formalization of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/194,008, filed on Apr. 4, 2000
under the same title.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to containers for holding and
selectively dispensing a plurality of fluids. More specifically, it
relates for dispensers for fluid toiletries such as shampoos,
conditioners, skin care lotions, sunscreen lotions, cosmetic
lotions, gels, and other like liquid-based products, which are
adapted for use by travelers and those who frequent gyms, spas,
dorms and such places and therefore bathe and take showers away
from home.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Persons who travel, such as for business, or who frequent
such places as health spas, the beach, and gyms often wish to bring
with them the special toiletries that they favor. For instance, a
person who requires a medicinal shampoo or who prefers a particular
brand of liquid body soap must take the same when he/she travels.
This can be somewhat cumbersome, as most containers for such
products are not designed to fit easily within or withstand the
abuse given to luggage during travel.
[0004] When taking such toiletries to a gym, it becomes an obvious
nuisance to carry several individual containers into the public
shower. Shelving onto which to place the containers is generally
not provided, and the risk of leaving and forgetting one or more of
the containers is present.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The need for a toiletry-dispensing device for such uses as
while traveling, going to the beach, or visiting a gym or dorm, is
long-felt. The need for such a device which can be easily filled
and also a device which can be easily refilled with several of
one's favorite liquid toiletries, can be easily packed or toted to
remote locations, and can be carried as a single unit into the
shower and hung from a shower head or such, is long-felt. The need
for such a device that further simplifies the recognition of the
particular toiletry to be selectively dispensed, that is resistant
to damage from moisture and rough-handling, and that is adapted to
quickly drip dry, is long-felt.
[0006] The present invention is such a dispenser for holding and
selectively dispensing one or more of a plurality of liquid
toiletries. It is adapted to remedy these long-felt needs. It is
adapted for use while traveling, going to the beach, or visiting a
gym or dorm. It can be easily filled and refilled with several of
one's favorite liquid toiletries. It can be easily packed or hung
from a luggage handle for toting to remote locations. It can be
carried as a single unit into the shower and hung from a
showerhead, shower support bar or such. It simplifies the selection
of the particular toiletry to be dispensed. It is resistant to
damage from moisture and rough handling, and it is adapted to
quickly drip dry.
[0007] Other objects and advantages of the invention will be best
appreciated and more fully understood by considering the preferred
embodiment, of which the following is a brief description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toiletry-dispensing device
according to the preferred embodiment of the invention,
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 having
one cap opened for dispensing a selected liquid toiletry
there-from,
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 having
one cap removed for adding a selected liquid toiletry thereto,
and
[0011] FIG. 4 is an exploded cross sectional view through one of
the compartments and caps of the device of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention comprises a portable, waterproof, and
refillable storage and dispensing system for liquid toiletries.
More specifically, it comprises a multi-tube storing and dispensing
portion and a carrying and hanging strap. This storage and
dispensing system may be used for holding a customized arrangement
of personal toiletries such as shampoo, hair conditioner, liquid
soap, suncreen, etc. It is easily transported to remote locations,
such as on vacation or to a health spa, and it is easily refilled.
The assembly is completely waterproof and designed such that when
hanging, it will drip-dry quickly and will not be damaged or
adversely affected by moisture.
[0013] The preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted in
FIGS. 1 through 5 The system 100 comprises a flexible storing and
dispensing multi-tube portion 101 and a carrying and hanging strap
portion 102.
[0014] The strap portion may be constructed of any well known and
applicable materials, but in the preferred embodiment is comprised
of a polymeric fabric strap 103 having one or more conventional
length adjustment features 106 for changing the strap's length
according to various intended uses, such as for carrying over the
shoulder, hanging around the neck, hanging from the wrist, or
hanging from a shower head. The strap length adjustment also allows
for the tube portion to be placed at any desired height when hung
from the showerhead. It is anticipated that any of the various
well-known strap length adjustment systems could be substituted for
that shown without straying from the intent of the invention.
[0015] The strap also includes a common snap-connection latch 107
for opening the strap to fit it through and around closed objects
such as the handle of a sports bag or a shower support bar.
[0016] The tube portion includes a multi-chamber tube body 108 that
is preferably blow-molded from a single extrusion of an elastic
polymer such as urethane or a soft polyethylene. The tube comprises
a multitude of parallel chambers 109,110,111, each chamber
comprising a holding reservoir 112 and a hollow neck opening 113
that includes a filling hole 114. The walls 115 of each chamber are
flexible so that the volume of that chamber, and only that chamber,
is reduced temporarily when one chamber is squeezed, but the
resiliency of the material biases the chamber to return to its
original shape and volume when the squeezing pressure is ceased. A
key feature of the invention lies in the fact that only the
squeezed chamber is affected by squeezing thereon; the adjacent
chambers are not affected and dispense no liquid when one chamber
is squeezed.
[0017] The filling hole is large enough to facilitate refilling
such as with shampoo 116 from a shampoo bottle directly into the
appropriate chamber without spilling or the need for a funnel.
[0018] The tube is preferably translucent so that the liquids,
which may be of differing colors, are viewable through the walls.
This allows the user not only to select the correct fluid for
dispensing, but also to know when a chamber is near to empty and in
need of refilling.
[0019] It is also anticipated that, through standard extrusion
blow-molding practices, each of the chambers could be of a
differing tint of translucent material for identification even with
liquids of similar color, or that the tube material could be opaque
but have a translucent longitudinal stripe along the wall of each
chamber for viewing the level of liquid therein.
[0020] The tube portion further comprises a cap 117 for each
chamber. Each cap comprises a cylindrical body 118, adapted to
removably surround the neck of the mating tube, and further adapted
for sealing engagement to the exterior of said neck. In the
preferred embodiment, each neck is externally threaded 119 and each
cap body has a mating internal thread 120. In an anticipated
alternate embodiment, the bodies and necks could be adapted for a
sealing "snap-on/snap-off" engagement.
[0021] Each cap includes a dispensing hole 122, which is an orifice
through which liquid from the mating chamber can be dispensed, by
squeezing the chamber. The dispensing hole is smaller than the fill
hole of the neck, and is sized for most effective liquid flow. Each
cap further comprises a closure lid 123 to seal the dispensing
hole. The closure lid is integrally molded with the cylindrical
body and connected to the body by a living hinge 124. In an
anticipated alternate embodiment, the closure could be flexibly
affixed to the body of the cap by an integrally molded connecting
band. It is also anticipated that the closure could be a separate
part connected to the cap by and at a flexible joint.
[0022] To make use of the storage and dispensing system of the
present invention, one would first remove each cap and fill each
chamber with the desired liquid, then re-affix the cap with its
closure closed. The filled system could then be stored indefinitely
or used immediately.
[0023] When traveling with the system, one could lengthen the
adjustable length and carry it over the shoulder, shorten the strap
and snap it through the handle of a gym bag by means of the strap
latch, or simply place it into one's baggage. It's flexible and
resilient construction lends is particularly resistant to damage or
leaking. At the point of use, for instance in the shower, one could
hang the system over the showerhead and re-adjust the strap length
such that the tube portion is head high.
[0024] To use, one would simply open the lid to the chamber having
the liquid in need, that liquid being easily recognized through the
translucent chamber wall, squeeze out the desired amount of the
selected liquid, and re-close the lid. It is worth noting that this
manner of use can all be accomplished using only one hand, either
left or right, with the fingers and palm grasping the tube while
the thumb opens and re-closes the closure
[0025] After use, the system is configured to drain and drip-dry
when hung from the strap. The tapered shape of the device allows
water to fall from the dispenser quickly and the strap allows the
dispenser to again be hung outside of the luggage so that it will
not wet articles inside the luggage while it dries.
[0026] It should be understood that the invention is not to be
limited by the above embodiment, which is merely representative of
many possible embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the
invention is to be defined only by the limitations and the
equivalents thereof, that the following claims set forth.
Accordingly, what is claimed as follows;
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