U.S. patent application number 14/205957 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for reusable dispenser.
The applicant listed for this patent is John Linehan. Invention is credited to John Linehan.
Application Number | 20140270892 14/205957 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51527551 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140270892 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Linehan; John |
September 18, 2014 |
REUSABLE DISPENSER
Abstract
A reusable antiperspirant and/or deodorant dispenser with a
removable front face that allows for the replacement of hygiene
stick. The front face may be removed by sliding it upwards relative
to a dispenser body until the front face disengages from the
dispenser body. The front face may be re-attached to the dispenser
body by snapping engagement tabs together. The used hygiene stick
may then be removed by turning a rotational device such that a
keyhole in the device aligns with a key on a spindle. A replacement
hygiene stick may then now be inserted and seated on an elevator
platform in the dispenser. In one embodiment, the hygiene stick may
be sold as a set with the spindle and the elevator platform.
Inventors: |
Linehan; John; (Seattle,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Linehan; John |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51527551 |
Appl. No.: |
14/205957 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61791189 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/68 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2040/0031 20130101;
A45D 40/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/68 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/06 20060101
A45D040/06 |
Claims
1. A reusable dispenser comprising: a housing body; a removable
front panel detachably coupled to the housing body, the front panel
and the housing body forming a cavity to hold an applyable hygiene
set, wherein the hygiene set includes a hygiene stick, a spindle
and an elevator platform, the elevator platform located within the
cavity, the elevator platform configured to support the hygiene
stick; and a rotational device detachably coupled to the spindle,
wherein rotation of the rotational device turns the spindle and
causes the elevator platform to move upward to expose the hygiene
stick for application.
2. The reusable dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a keyhole
opening formed in the rotational device.
3. The reusable dispenser of claim 2, further comprising a key
coupled to the spindle, wherein the key is selectably alignable
with the keyhole opening for detaching the rotational device from
the spindle when replacing the hygiene set.
4. The reusable dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a lid
configured to engage the housing body and the front panel.
5. The reusable dispenser of claim 4, wherein the housing body and
the front panel include recessed portions for receiving the
lid.
6. The reusable dispenser of claim 1, wherein the spindle is
threadably coupled to the elevator platform.
7. The reusable dispenser of claim 1, wherein the front panel
slidably attaches to and detaches from the housing body.
8. The reusable dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing body and
the front panel are made from a plastic material.
9. The reusable dispenser of claim 1, wherein the rotational device
engages the housing body such that the rotational device is
rotatably relative to the housing body yet not translatable
relative to the housing body.
10. The reusable dispenser of claim 1, wherein the hygiene stick
includes a deodorant stick.
11. The reusable dispenser of claim 1, wherein the hygiene stick
includes an antiperspirant stick.
12. The reusable dispenser of claim 1, wherein the reusable
dispenser is recyclable.
13. A replaceable hygiene set comprising: a spindle; an elevator
platform; and a hygiene stick, wherein the spindle is threadably
coupled to the elevator platform and the spindle extends through a
substantial portion of the hygiene stick.
14. The replaceable hygiene set of claim 13, wherein the wherein
the hygiene stick includes a deodorant stick.
15. The replaceable hygiene set of claim 13, wherein the hygiene
stick includes an antiperspirant stick.
16. The replaceable hygiene set of claim 13, wherein the elevator
platform includes a base portion for supporting the hygiene
stick.
17. The replaceable hygiene set of claim 13, wherein rotation of
the spindle causes the elevator to discharge the hygiene stick
upward through a reusable dispenser.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/791,189 filed on Mar. 15, 2013, and the
subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a reusable
antiperspirant and/or deodorant dispenser in which a dispenser
housing may be refilled and reused.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional stick deodorant dispensers typically take the
form of hollow tubes with an elevator platform inside that moves up
to dispense the deodorant. In some dispensers, the elevator
platform may be pushed up by hand; whereas in other dispensers the
elevator platform may be moved up by turning a screw that moves the
deodorant upward relative to a central threaded post. The
conventional stick deodorant dispensers are disposed of after the
deodorant stick has been sufficiently exhausted or used up.
[0004] The deodorant in conventional stick deodorant systems
generally starts as a molten deodorant product inserted into empty
deodorant containers with a dispensing nozzle as the containers are
moved along a conveyor belt. The exact filling process may vary
depending on whether the empty deodorant container is designed to
be filled from the top or bottom. The molten deodorant product is
generally maintained slightly above its congealing temperature so
that it flows easily through the dispensing nozzle. If the molten
deodorant product is too hot then dispersed solids may settle to
the bottom. If the molten deodorant product is too cool then air
bubbles trapped within the deodorant stick.
[0005] Generally, the deodorant stick is made using a batching
process where the ingredients are combined in a jacketed stainless
steel kettle. Heat, such as steam heat, is applied to melt the
ingredients while the batch is blended by a mechanical mixing
device. During the blending process, the temperature of the
ingredients must be controlled to avoid scorching the waxy
ingredients.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is generally directed toward a
reusable dispenser with a removable front face that allows for the
replacement of a hygiene stick such as, but not limited to an
antiperspirant and/or deodorant stick. The front face may be
removed by sliding it upwards relative to a dispenser body until
the front face disengages from the dispenser body. The front face
may be re-attached to the dispenser body by snapping engagement
tabs together. The used hygiene stick may then be removed by
turning a rotational device such that a keyhole in the device
aligns with a key on a spindle. A replacement hygiene stick may
then now be inserted and seated on an elevator platform in the
dispenser. In one embodiment, the hygiene stick may be sold as a
set with the spindle and the elevator platform.
[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a reusable dispenser
includes a housing body; a removable front panel detachably coupled
to the housing body, the front panel and the housing body forming a
cavity to hold an applyable hygiene set, wherein the hygiene set
includes a hygiene stick, a spindle and an elevator platform, the
elevator platform located within the cavity, the elevator platform
configured to support the hygiene stick; and a rotational device
detachably coupled to the spindle, wherein rotation of the
rotational device turns the spindle and causes the elevator
platform to move upward to expose the hygiene stick for
application.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a replaceable hygiene
set includes a spindle; an elevator platform; and a hygiene stick.
The spindle is threadably coupled to the elevator platform and the
spindle extends through a substantial portion of the hygiene
stick.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present
invention are described in detail below with reference to the
following drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a reusable
dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a reusable dispenser
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a reusable dispenser
according to still another embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional, close-up view an elevator
platform, a spindle, and a rotational device of the reusable
dispenser of FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 4A is a an exploded, perspective view of a reusable
dispenser having a dispenser body and a front panel that are
detachable and re-attachable to each other using a plurality of
engagement tabs according to still another embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 4B is another exploded, perspective view of the
reusable dispenser of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In the following description, certain specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various
embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will
understand that the invention may be practiced without these
details. In other instances, well-known structures associated with
antiperspirant and/or deodorant dispensers and methods of making
and using the same may not necessarily be shown or described in
detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the
embodiments of the invention.
[0017] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
reusable dispenser with a removable front face that allows for the
replacement of a hygiene stick such as, but not limited to an
antiperspirant and/or deodorant stick (hereinafter referred to as
simply a deodorant stick). The front face may be removed by sliding
it upwards relative to a dispenser body until the front face
disengages from the dispenser body. The used deodorant stick may
then be removed by turning a rotational device such that a keyhole
in the device aligns with a key on a spindle. A replacement
deodorant stick may then now be inserted and seated on an elevator
platform in the dispenser.
[0018] In one embodiment, the deodorant stick, the spindle and the
elevator platform may be sold as a set. The dispenser could be sold
with one deodorant stick. A consumer could purchase refill sets
separately, either as a single set or as multiple sets. The
consumer would have the option of switching out deodorant sticks at
any time, for example for the purpose of changing the
scent/strength of the deodorant stick.
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a reusable dispenser 100 having a removable
front face 102 and a dispenser body 104. The front face 102 and the
dispenser body 104 may include a recessed surface 106 for receiving
a cap or lid 108 for the reusable dispenser 100. An elevator
platform 109 is located in a lower portion 110 of the body 104. The
elevator platform 109 provides a seat or a support for a deodorant
stick (not shown). The elevator platform 109 includes an opening
112. A spindle 114 extends through the opening 112 for engagement
with the deodorant stick. In one embodiment, the spindle 114
includes a coupling device 116, which will hereinafter be referred
to as a coupling key 116. A rotational device 118, which will
hereinafter be referred to as a wheel may be releasably attached to
the coupling key 116.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of another reusable
dispenser 200 having a removable front face 202 and a dispenser
body 204. The front face 202 and the dispenser body 204 may include
recessed surfaces 206 for receiving a lid 209 for the reusable
dispenser 100. The elevator platform 209, which provides the
support for the deodorant stick 220, may include a bottom support
222, outer side walls 224, and threaded inner walls 226 configured
to receive a spindle 214. The spindle 214 extends through the
threaded inner walls 226 and into the deodorant stick 220. A bottom
portion of the spindle 214 is attached to a coupling device 216,
which will hereinafter be referred to as a coupling key 216. A
rotational device 218 engages with the coupling key 216.
[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the deodorant stick 220, the
elevator platform 209, and the spindle 214 may be sold as a set
such that once the deodorant stick 220 has been sufficiently used
the set (i.e., deodorant stick 220, the elevator platform 209, and
the spindle 214) may be discarded. As will be explained in more
detail below, the spindle 214 may be removed by aligning the
coupling key 216 with a keyhole (not shown) formed in the
rotational device 218. The rotational device 218 engages with the
dispenser body 204 such that the rotational device 218 rotates
relative to the dispenser body 204, but does not translate relative
to the dispenser body 204. In this respect, turning the rotational
device 218 causes the deodorant stick 220 to move upward relative
to the dispenser body 204, which allows a user to apply the
deodorant stick 220 until it disengages from an upper portion of
the spindle 214.
[0022] FIGS. 3A and 3B show another reusable dispenser 300 having a
dispenser body 302 and a dispenser lid 304. FIG. 3A shows many of
the features described above, so they will be merely mentioned
herein for the purposes of brevity. The dispenser 300 includes an
elevator platform 306, a rotational device 308, a spindle 310, and
a deodorant stick 312.
[0023] FIG. 3B is a close-up view showing a portion of the elevator
platform 306, a portion of the spindle 310 threadably engaged with
the elevator platform 306, the rotational device 308. The
rotational device 308 includes a keyhole opening 314 configured to
receive a key 316 extending from a head 318 of the spindle 310. In
one embodiment, the key 316 of the spindle 310 takes the form of a
"flat," similar to a flat head screwdriver. Nevertheless, the key
316 may take a variety of shapes that allows the key 316 to be
received and locked into the rotational device 308 by way of the
keyhole opening 314.
[0024] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a reusable dispenser 400 having a
dispenser body 402 and a removable front panel 404. The front panel
404 includes a plurality of front panel tabs 406 that slidably
engage with a plurality of body tabs 408. Thus, removable of the
front panel 402 from the dispenser body 402 includes sliding the
front panel 404 upward relative to the dispenser body 404, which
allows the tabs 406, 408 to disengage. Alternatively, the tabs 406,
408 may also take the form of snap lock tabs 406, 408 in which
pressing the front panel 404 into the dispenser body 404 causes the
snaps lock tabs 406, 408 to lockably engage when reattaching the
front panel 404 to the dispenser body 402.
[0025] Preferably, the dispenser body 402 and the front panel 404
are made of a plastic material. However, the dispenser body 402 and
the front panel 404 may be made from other materials such as metal.
In addition, the dispenser body 402 and the front panel 404 may
have a variety of finishes or designs to make the reusable
dispenser 400 more aesthetically appealing to consumers or may be
customized for a particular brand or manufacturer or personalized
for a gift.
[0026] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In
addition, other advantages will also be apparent to those of skill
in the art with respect to any of the above-described embodiments
whether viewed individually or in some combination thereof.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the
disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention
should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that
follow.
* * * * *