Multiple Dispenser Container

Abstract

The present invention comprises a multiple dispenser container. The container comprises a dispenser at one end and a second dispenser at a second end. Each dispenser may comprise of a variety of dispensing devices, such as, a pump, a spray nozzle, a snap lid, a screw lid, a thumb slide, a foam dispenser, and the like. Moreover the invention may comprise a third and/or fourth dispensing device of the variety noted above and that is situated elsewhere among the container. Finally, the container may comprise a dispenser that is interchangeable among the variety of dispensing devices noted above.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/590,550 filed Jul. 23, 2004.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a dispensing container and, more specifically, to a multiple dispenser container for dispensing a product in more than one fashion. The present invention allows a user a variety of options, based upon preference and/or circumstance, for dispensing the product.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003] The development of product containers has evolved in order to deliver a product to a user in more effective and easier fashions. In the past, soap products, for example, consisted primarily in a solid, bar form. In an effort to gain greater customer approval, companies began offering such products in different forms to provide a variety of choices. Some of the more popular configurations comprise pumps, wherein soap is contained in a liquid or gel format. A user "pumps" the liquid or gel product in controlled amounts for use. As such, little dexterity is required and there is little or no mess resulting from such use. These dispensers, using a liquid and gel form of soap, have become quite popular.

[0004] In response to the popularity of the liquid or gel soaps, other types of dispensers have emerged to offer even more variety to the user. For example, another dispenser consists of a snap type lid, wherein the user avoids the strength needed to operate a pump, the user can merely open the snap lid and allow the liquid or gel product to pour or squeeze out for use. In yet another example, a thumb slide mechanism allows for one-handed use to dispense a product. In this type of dispenser, a user holding the container with a sliding mechanism can use their thumb to actuate the thumb slide to reveal an opening to dispense the product.

[0005] Some dispensers are more conducive for complete product dispersement than others. For example, while pumps are very popular, as the product is used up, dispensing the product at the bottom of the container becomes difficult, until a point is ultimately reached where no amount of pumping will dispel the final remaining amount. The snap type lid is superior in this fashion because it can be held to pour out the final amount. But a disadvantage to a "top" snap type lid is the amount of time it takes for a viscous gel to pour out. Many users, conscious of this, will place this type of container upside down so that the last remaining amount will be at the container's opening upon the last few subsequent uses. However, turning the container upside down can be unsightly, and problematic for the less coordinated user. In response, some companies began offering a "bottom" snap type lid. But this has problems also because the large head pressure from a full container may cause excessive dispensing, more so than one might normally be able to control with other dispensing mechanisms.

[0006] What is needed is a dispenser to accommodate the varied preferences among users, as well as overcome the disadvantages from the different types of dispensers. Alternately, while it may be beneficial to provide a container with a multiple use type dispenser, some users may not necessarily prefer the aesthetics or functionality of such containers. It may be preferable to provide a system that allows a user to change between optional dispensing mechanisms. The container could allow a user to incorporate a snap type lid, or a screw type lid, or a pump, or a spray type nozzle, or a thumb slide, and the like.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] Briefly, the present invention is directed towards a multiple dispensing container where the container comprises a container body to house a product, and at least two mechanisms to dispense the product. For example, the various mechanisms may include combinations of pumps, spray nozzles, snap lids, screw lids, foam dispensers, thumb slides, or the like.

[0008] In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the multiple dispensing container comprises at least two mechanisms to dispense a product wherein one dispensing mechanism is located on the top of the container and a second mechanism is located on the bottom of the container. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multiple dispensing container with two mechanisms to dispense a product has a pump located on the top of the container and a snap lid is located on the bottom of the container.

[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing container may comprise a container body to house a product and is configured to allow for changing between preferred dispensing mechanisms, such as pumps, spray nozzles, snap lids, screw lids, foam dispensers, or the like. In accordance with still another embodiment, the container may be portioned into two or more distinct volumes, for example, to separate different products, with various numbers of dispensing mechanisms in communication with each partition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The subject matter of the present invention is described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements, and:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a dispensing container comprising a mechanism located on the top and bottom of the container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a dispensing container comprising a product container, a pump dispensing mechanism at the top of the container and a snap lid at the bottom of the container;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a dispensing container comprising a mechanism located on the top of the product container, another mechanism located at the bottom of the container, and a third mechanism located along the periphery of the container;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a dispensing container comprising a mechanism on the top of the container and another mechanism located along the periphery of the container; and

[0015] FIG. 5 is a dispensing container comprising, a changeable dispensing mechanism on the top of the container and a second dispensing mechanism located along the periphery of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following descriptions are of exemplary embodiments of the invention only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, though not specifically described, various shapes and orientations of the housing, and various dispensing and pumping mechanisms should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0017] That said, in general, a multiple dispensing container in accordance with the present invention, comprises various types of containers for dispensing a product with various product dispensing mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment, the present invention comprises a solid, transparent, polymeric type container body for housing a product such as soap or a bodywash. However, it should be appreciated that the container body may comprise any device that may contain product, for example a bag or pouch type container, a metallic body, or the like and fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, with reference to FIG. 1, multiple dispensing container 100 comprises a container body 110 and at least two mechanisms, 112 and 114, for dispensing product 50. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the multiple dispensing container comprises a container having a base to support the container in an upright position, wherein the base further comprises a dispensing mechanism, such as a snap lid. The container may also comprise a dispensing mechanism at the top of the upright container, wherein one exemplary embodiment the top mechanism is configured to draw product from within the container.

[0019] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 shows a pump dispenser 120 and a snap lid 130, though it should be appreciated that any type of dispensing mechanism, now known or as yet unknown, may be used, for example, a screw lid, a spray nozzle, a foam dispenser, a thumb slide, or the like. Thus, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention, by having more than a single dispensing mechanism, various advantages may be realized. For example, a user may choose between preferable dispensing options. For example, with continued reference to FIG. 2, some users may desire the discrete distribution generally produced by pump dispenser 120, whereas other users may prefer a continuous pour from snap lid 130. Likewise, as the last of product 50 is dispensed, a "bottom" snap lid 130 facilitates dispensing.

[0020] In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, snap lid 130 may be a wide base closure such that, for example, when situated on the bottom of body 110 and in a closed position, body 110 maintains a stable, upright position. Pump dispenser 120 comprises components generally known, or as yet unknown, to those skilled in the art, and generally comprise any type of pump dispenser that effectively dispenses product 50 may be used, and still falls within the context of the present invention.

[0021] Further, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, dispensing container 100 may have more than two dispensing mechanisms. For example, with reference to FIG. 3, multiple dispensing container 1 00 further comprises a dispensing mechanism located on the top of body 110, another mechanism located at the bottom of body 110, and a third mechanism located along the periphery of body 110. For example, screw lid 140 may be located on the top, snap lid 130 may be located on the bottom, and another snap lid 130 may be located on one side of body 110. It should thus be appreciated that additional mechanisms might also be added to body 110, in a variety of locations on container 100.

[0022] Moreover, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the locations of the dispensing mechanisms may be located on nearby surface of body 110. For example, with reference to FIG. 4, multiple dispensing container 100 further comprises a dispensing mechanism located on the top of body 110 and another mechanism located along the periphery of body 110. For example, snap lid 130 may be located at the top, and thumb slide 170 may be located on one side of body 110.

[0023] In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, with reference to FIG. 5, dispensing container 100 may comprise of body 110 to house product 50, and be further configured to allow changing between preferred dispensing mechanisms, such as pump 120, snap lid 130, screw lid 140, as well as other dispensing mechanisms described herein.

[0024] For example, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, body 110 comprises an opening at the top with a screw type opening wherein each changeable dispensing mechanism may screw onto. In yet another aspect, the benefit of changing between preferred product dispensers, dispensing container 100 may also claim benefit to other exemplary embodiments of the present invention by including other dispensing mechanisms located along the periphery of body 110. For example, continuing with reference to FIG. 5, dispensing container 110 comprises a changeable dispensing mechanism on the top of body 110 and a dispensing mechanism located on the bottom of body 110, in this example, snap lid 130. Thus, numerous configurations not described specifically herein should be apparent and still fall within the ambit of the present invention.

[0025] Further, in accordance with still another embodiment, the container may be portioned into two or more distinct volumes, for example, to separate different products, with various numbers of dispensing mechanisms in communication with each partition.

[0026] Finally, the present invention sets forth a multiple dispenser container system. It should be appreciated that the foregoing description is of exemplary embodiments of the invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific forms shown. That is, various modifications may be made in the design and arrangement of the elements set forth herein without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, while the embodiments are described, in connection with specific dispensing mechanisms, it should be appreciated that these mechanisms are merely exemplary of the type of product dispensing mechanism that may be used, other dispensing mechanisms not described herein, now known or hereinafter developed, may be used without detracting from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multiple dispenser device comprising: a container; and at least two mechanisms for dispensing a material.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said container comprises: a first end and a second end; a first mechanism is located at said first end; and a second mechanism is located at said second end.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein a third mechanism is on the periphery of said container.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said first mechanism is located at said first end of said container; and said second mechanism is on the periphery of said container.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein a fourth mechanism is on the periphery of said container.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said material comprises a personal hygiene product.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said material comprises a food stuff.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said material comprises a medicine.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said material comprises a household maintenance product.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said material comprises a gel or liquid.

11. A multiple dispenser device comprising: a container; and an attachment configured for optional switching between a dispensing mechanism.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein said dispensing mechanism comprises; a pump, a spray nozzle, a snap lid, a screw lid, a thumb slide, and a foam dispenser.

13. A multiple dispenser device comprising: a container; a base configured to support said container in an upright position; a top, opposite said base, having a first dispensing mechanism configured to draw a product from within said container; and said base having a second dispensing mechanism.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein said dispensing mechanism comprises; a pump, a spray nozzle, a snap lid, a screw lid, a thumb slide, and a foam dispenser.