U.S. patent application number 14/511208 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-14 for method of dispensing a fluid composition from a multi-functional dispensing device.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Dominic Robert DOYLE, Ruben GARCIA FABREGA, Cedric GOBBER, Paulus Antonius Augustinus HOEFTE, Olga LAHUERTA SALAS.
Application Number | 20160100718 14/511208 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54330098 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160100718 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LAHUERTA SALAS; Olga ; et
al. |
April 14, 2016 |
METHOD OF DISPENSING A FLUID COMPOSITION FROM A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL
DISPENSING DEVICE
Abstract
A method of dispensing a composition from a dispensing device
includes use of a dispensing device. The dispensing device includes
a base and a refill removably connectable with the base. The base
has a first actuator and the refill having a second actuator. The
method includes the steps of: activating the first actuator to
dispense a quantity of a composition from the base; and
disconnecting the refill from the base; and activating the second
actuator to dispense the composition from the refill.
Inventors: |
LAHUERTA SALAS; Olga;
(Singapore, SG) ; HOEFTE; Paulus Antonius Augustinus;
(Astene, BE) ; DOYLE; Dominic Robert; (Barcelona,
ES) ; GOBBER; Cedric; (Barcelona, ES) ; GARCIA
FABREGA; Ruben; (Barcelona, ES) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54330098 |
Appl. No.: |
14/511208 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 5/12 20130101; A47K
5/1211 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 5/12 20060101
A47K005/12 |
Claims
1. A method of dispensing a composition from a dispensing device,
the dispensing device comprising a base and a refill removably
connectable with the base, the base having a first actuator and the
refill having a second actuator, wherein the refill comprises a
sidewall, the method comprising the steps of: activating the first
actuator to dispense a quantity of a composition from the base;
disconnecting the refill from the base; and activating the second
actuator to dispense the composition from the refill.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first actuator is
communicably connected with an electronic dispensing system to
dispense the composition from the base.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first actuator is
communicably connected with a mechanical dispensing system to
dispense the composition from the refill.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of holding a
cleaning implement in a user's hand, wherein the step of activating
the first actuator further comprises activating the first actuator
with the user's hand that is holding the cleaning implement.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first actuator comprises a
mechanical actuator.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the second actuator comprises the
sidewalls of the refill.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising dispensing the
composition onto a target surface.
8. A method of dispensing a composition from a dispensing device,
the dispensing device comprising a base and a refill removably
connectable with the base, the base having a first actuator and the
refill having a second actuator, the method comprising the steps
of: arranging the device on a rigid surface with the refill
connected with the base; activating the first actuator with one
hand; dispensing a composition toward the same hand used to
activate the first actuator; removing the refill from the base; and
activating the second actuator to dispense the composition from the
refill.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of dispensing the
composition toward the same hand used to activate the first
actuator further comprises the step of dispensing the composition
onto a cleaning implement.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the first actuator comprises a
mechanical actuator.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the refill comprises a sidewall,
wherein the second actuator comprises the sidewalls of the
refill.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the first actuator is
communicably connected with an electronic dispensing system.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the second actuator is
communicably connected with a mechanical dispensing system.
14. A method of dispensing a composition from a dispensing device,
the dispensing device comprising a base, a refill removably
connectable with the base, an electronic dispensing system in fluid
communication with the refill, and a mechanical dispensing system
in fluid communication with the refill and base, the method
comprising the steps of: arranging the base on a rigid surface with
the refill connected with the base; activating the electronic
dispensing system to dispense a composition from the base; removing
the refill from the base; and activating the mechanical dispensing
system to dispense the composition from the refill.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the electronic dispensing
system is activated with a sensor.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the electronic dispensing
system is mechanically activated.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the base comprises a first
actuator and the refill comprises a second actuator.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the composition is a
detergent.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the mechanical dispensing
system is activated while the refill is removed from the base.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the base comprises a nozzle,
wherein the step of activating the electronic dispensing system
dispenses the composition from the nozzle of the base.
21-35. (canceled)
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure is generally directed to a dispensing
device for dispensing compositions, and more particularly, to
dispensing devices for dispensing cleaning and personal care fluid
compositions.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cleaning with liquid detergent, such as dishwashing
detergent, often involves the frequent application of a detergent
to a cleaning implement, such as a cloth or sponge, or directly
onto the item (e.g. plate, saucepan) being washed. Current methods
of applying dishwashing detergent include providing the detergent
in a bottle that must be picked up, inverted, and squeezed to
dispense. This action adds time to the cleaning process.
Additionally, this action can be physically awkward, requiring a
two-handed action with one hand holding the cleaning implement and
the other hand holding the bottle. Nonetheless, there are
situations where a consumer may prefer dispensing methods using
conventional liquid bottles. For example, a conventional liquid
bottle may be convenient for direct application onto a soiled
surface, to for dispensing detergent directly into the sink, and
for uses that require the consumer to carry the detergent container
outside of the kitchen or wash room.
[0003] Methods exist that use wall mount detergent dispensers for
one-handed dispensing action. While wall mount detergent dispensers
may provide ease of use, such a dispenser may be impractical for
home use. For example, mounting a detergent dispenser on a wall in
a kitchen or wash room may be physically awkward or aesthetically
displeasing to a consumer. Moreover, wall mount detergent
dispensers may not be movable for dispensing directly onto soiled
items or for carrying the dispenser outside of the kitchen or wash
room.
[0004] Methods of dispensing liquids also exist that use
stand-alone dispensers. Such dispensers may be configured with
sensors, such as optical sensors, for one-handed dispensing action.
However, the bulk of the dispenser may make it inconvenient or
impractical for a user to pick up and carry the dispenser outside
of the kitchen or wash room.
[0005] Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a method of
dispensing liquid that involves a single-handed action, while
offering the flexibility of dispensing compositions using
conventional methods and providing a dispensing method that allows
for convenient placement of the dispensing device.
SUMMARY
[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of
dispensing a liquid from a dispensing device. The dispensing device
comprises a base and a refill removably connectable with the base.
The base has a first actuator and the refill having a second
actuator. The refill also comprises sidewalls. The method comprises
the steps of: activating the first actuator to dispense a quantity
of liquid from the base; disconnecting the refill from the base;
and activating the second actuator to dispense liquid from the
refill.
[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure also include a method of
dispensing a liquid from a dispensing device. The dispensing device
comprises a base and a refill removably connectable with the base.
The base has a first actuator and the refill has a second actuator.
The method comprises the steps of: arranging the device on a rigid
surface with the refill connected with the base; activating the
first actuator with one hand; dispensing a liquid toward the same
hand used to activate the first actuator; removing the refill from
the base; and activating the second actuator to dispense the liquid
from the refill.
[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure also include a method of
dispensing a liquid from a dispensing device. The dispensing device
comprises a base and a refill removably connectable with the base.
The dispensing device also comprises an electronic dispensing
system that is in fluid communication with the refill and a
mechanical dispensing system that is in fluid communication with
the refill and base. The method comprising the steps of: arranging
the base on a rigid surface with the refill connected with the
base; activating the electronic dispensing system to dispense a
liquid from the base; removing the refill from the base; and
activating the mechanical dispensing system to dispense liquid from
the refill.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic, front elevation view of a dispensing
device having a base and a refill connected with the base.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of a refill
disconnected from a base.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic, front elevation view of a dispensing
device with a refill disconnected from a base.
[0012] FIG. 4A is a schematic, side elevation view of a portion of
a dispensing device, including a refill and a first dispensing
system.
[0013] FIG. 4B is a schematic, side elevation view of a portion of
a dispensing device, including a refill and a second dispensing
system.
[0014] FIG. 4C is a schematic, side elevation view of a portion of
a dispensing device, including a refill and a first dispensing
system.
[0015] FIG. 5A is a schematic, sectional view of portion of a
refill and a portion of a base of a dispensing device.
[0016] FIG. 5B is a schematic, sectional view of portion of a
refill and a portion of a base of a dispensing device.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic of a first dispensing system
configured as an electronic dispensing system.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic, side elevation view of a dispensing
device having a base and a refill connected with the base.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic, side elevation view of a dispensing
device having a power switch.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic, side elevation view of a dispensing
device having a first actuator configured as a sensor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Various non-limiting exemplary configurations of the present
disclosure will now be described to provide an overall
understanding of the principles of the structure, function,
manufacture, and use of the dispensing device and methods disclosed
herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting exemplary
configurations are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those
of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the dispensing
devices and dispensing methods described herein and illustrated in
the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example configurations
and that the scope of the various non-limiting configurations of
the present disclosure are defined solely by the claims. The
features illustrated or described in connection with one
non-limiting exemplary configuration may be combined with the
features of other non-limiting exemplary configurations. Such
modifications and variations are intended to be included within the
scope of the present disclosure.
[0022] The present disclosure includes a dispensing device. The
dispensing device includes a base and a refill removably
connectable with the base. The refill may be configured to contain
a cleaning or personal care composition. The dispensing device may
be selectively operable in a first mode of operation and a second
mode of operation. In a first mode of operation, a user is able to
dispense a quantity of cleaning or personal care composition from
the base using a single-handed action while the refill is connected
with the base of the device. In a second mode of operation, a user
is able to quickly remove the refill from the base and dispense a
desired quantity of cleaning or personal care composition directly
from the refill.
[0023] The dispensing device of the present disclosure may be used
to dispense a wide range of fluid compositions in the form of
liquid, gel, foam, spray, mousse, mist, and the like. The
composition may be a multi-phase composition, comprising a liquid
and a gas, for example. For example, the dispensing device of the
present disclosure is capable of dispensing compositions such as
detergents or soaps, including dish washing compositions, hand
washing compositions, laundry compositions, hard surface cleaning
compositions, and personal cleansing compositions. The dispensing
device may also be used to dispense various other cleaning and
personal care compositions. The dispensing device may be configured
to dispense liquids, gels, foams, sprays, and mists of various
different viscosities. It is to be appreciated that the form of the
composition dispensed from the dispensing device may be different
from the form of the composition contained within the refill. For
example, the composition contained within the refill may be in the
form of a liquid, and the composition dispensed from the dispensing
device may be in the form of foam. While the present disclosure
discusses the use of the dispensing device for dispensing cleaning
compositions, it is to be appreciated that various compositions may
be used with the dispensing device disclosed herein.
[0024] The base of the dispensing device may have a feed tube and a
nozzle. The dispensing device may include a first dispensing system
that is in fluid communication with the feed tube of the base for
dispensing the composition from the base. The dispensing device may
include a first actuator communicably connected with the first
dispensing system. The refill of the dispensing device may comprise
a reservoir having a sidewall and an orifice. The refill may also
comprise a second dispensing system in fluid communication with the
orifice of the refill and a second actuator communicably connected
with the second dispensing system.
[0025] The first dispensing system may be configured as an
electronic dispensing system or a mechanical dispensing system. The
second dispensing system may be configured as an electronic
dispensing system or a mechanical dispensing system. The first
dispensing system may be configured as an electronic dispensing
system and the second dispensing system may be configured as a
mechanical dispensing system.
[0026] In a first mode of operation, the orifice of the refill is
in fluid communication with the feed tube of the base. In the first
mode of operation, activating the first actuator triggers the first
dispensing system to dispense a composition from the refill. In a
second mode of operation, the orifice of the refill is disconnected
from the feed tube of the base. In the second mode of operation,
activating the second actuator triggers the second dispensing
system of the refill to dispense the composition from the
refill.
[0027] The first actuator may be configured as an electronic
actuator or a mechanical actuator. The second actuator may be
configured as an electronic actuator or a mechanical actuator. In
some exemplary configurations, the first actuator comprises an
optical sensor. In some exemplary configurations, the second
actuator comprises the sidewall of the refill. In such a
configuration, compression of the sidewall of the refill causes the
fluid composition to release through the orifice.
[0028] In some situations, a user may place the dispensing device
on a rigid surface, such as a countertop or sink. In some methods,
the refill may be connected with the base and the user may activate
the first actuator of the dispensing device to dispense a quantity
of a composition from the base. In some exemplary configurations,
activation of the first actuator may cause the first dispensing
system to dispense a quantity of the composition from the refill
through the nozzle of the base.
[0029] The user may dispense a composition from the dispensing
device onto a target surface. The target surface may include a
user's hand. The target surface may include a soiled surface. The
target surface may include a cleaning implement.
[0030] In some instances, a user may hold a cleaning implement in
one hand and may use the same hand to activate the first actuator
to dispense a quantity of composition onto the cleaning implement.
As such, the dispensing device may be configured for one-handed
operation even in situations where a user is holding a cleaning
implement.
[0031] In other situations, the user may disconnect the refill from
the base and activate the second actuator to dispense a quantity of
a composition directly from the refill. In some exemplary
configurations, activation of the second actuator may cause the
second dispensing system to dispense a quantity of the composition
directly from the refill onto a target surface.
[0032] Dispensing Device
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, a dispensing device 100 includes a base
102 and a refill 104 that is releasably connectable with the base
102. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the refill 104 includes a
reservoir 106 configured to contain a volume of composition. The
reservoir 106 includes a sidewall 108. The sidewall 108 may
terminate at a bottom wall 110 at one end and at a top wall 112 at
the opposite end. The reservoir 106 also includes an orifice 114
for releasing the composition from the refill 104. As shown in FIG.
1, the reservoir may include an air vent 116 for replacing the
dispensed cleaning composition volume with air to prevent drawing a
vacuum. The base 102 may include a feed tube 118 that is configured
to connect with the orifice 114 of the refill 104 to provide fluid
communication between the refill 104 and the base 102. The base 102
may also have a nozzle 120 for dispensing the composition through
the base 102.
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 102 includes a
first actuator 122 and the refill 104 may include a second actuator
124. As discussed in more detail below, in a first mode of
operation, the refill 104 is connected with the base 102 and a
composition may be dispensed from the nozzle 120 by activating the
first actuator 122. In a second mode of operation, the refill 104
may be removed from the base 102 and the second actuator 124 may be
activated to dispense a composition directly from the orifice 114
of the refill 104.
[0035] With reference to FIGS. 1-4A, the first actuator 122 may be
communicably connected with a first dispensing system 130.
Activating the first actuator 122 triggers the first dispensing
system 130 to dispense an amount of composition from the nozzle 120
of the base 102. The first actuator 122 may be in electrical or
mechanical communication with the first dispensing system 130. With
reference to FIGS. 1-4B, the second actuator 124 may be
communicably connected with a second dispensing system 132.
Activating the second actuator 124 triggers the second dispensing
system 132 to dispense an amount of composition from the refill
104. The second actuator 124 may be communicably connectable with
the second dispensing system 132 in various ways, including
mechanically and electrically.
[0036] The first and second dispensing systems 130, 132 may include
one or more valves and/or pumps to control the flow of a
composition contained in the dispensing device 100. For example,
with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4A, the first dispensing system 130
may include a valve 128 disposed adjacent to the nozzle 120 of the
base 102 to control release of composition from the nozzle 120.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4B, the second dispensing system 132
may include a valve 126 disposed adjacent to the orifice 114 of the
refill 104 to control release of composition from the reservoir
106. In some exemplary configurations, the valve 126 of the second
dispensing system 132 may be disposed in the interior of the refill
102 adjacent to the orifice 114.
[0037] Any type of valve may be used in the first and second
dispensing systems 130, 132, including mechanical valves or
electronic valves. Exemplary mechanical valves include elastomeric
valve, mechanical check valve, slitted elastomeric membrane, duck
bill valves, umbrella valves, and the like. The valves of the first
and second dispensing systems 130, 132 have open and closed
configurations to control release of the composition from the
refill or nozzle of the dispensing device.
[0038] With reference to FIGS. 4A and 5A, when the refill 104 is
connected with the base 102, the feed tube 118 of the base 102 may
engage the valve 126 of the second dispensing system 132 to provide
fluid communication between the refill 104 and the base 102. In
such an exemplary configuration, the valve 126 of the second
dispensing system 132 may control release of the composition from
the dispensing device 100. With reference to FIGS. 4B and 5B, when
the refill 104 is disconnected from the base 102, the valve 126 of
the second dispensing system 132 may control the release of
composition from the refill 104.
[0039] The first dispensing system 130 may be configured as an
electronic dispensing system or a mechanical dispensing system. In
a configuration comprising an electronic dispensing system for the
first dispensing system 130, the electronic dispensing system, such
as shown in FIG. 6, may include an electric motor 134. The electric
motor 134 may power an electronic pump 138 or an electronic valve
that is configured to control the flow of the composition from the
refill 104. The electric motor 134 is powered by a power source
136. The power source 136 can be a battery or an AC outlet.
[0040] An electronic dispensing system may be configured in various
ways. With reference to FIGS. 1-4A and 6, in some exemplary
configurations, an electronic dispensing system may comprise an
electronic pump 138 for delivering a composition from the refill
104 to the nozzle 120. In such an exemplary configuration, when the
first actuator 122 is activated, the electric motor 134 turns on
and the electronic pump 138 forces the composition from the refill
104 to the nozzle 120. Various electronic pumps may be used,
including diaphragm, gear, piston pumps, peristaltic pumps, rolling
bellow pumps, and the like.
[0041] In the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 7, the
composition may flow by gravity from the refill 104 to the nozzle
120. In such an exemplary configuration, the dispensing device 100
may include an electronic valve or an electronic pump. With
reference to FIGS. 4C and 7, in an exemplary configuration
comprising an electronic valve, once the first actuator 122 is
activated, the motor 134 turns on and causes the valve 128 to open
and the composition to subsequently flow out of the nozzle 120.
[0042] The electronic dispensing system may comprise a circuit
board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The printed circuit
board may provide additional functionality to the dispensing
device. For example, the PCB may be used to optimize power
consumption, enable timed dispensing, control a light source, and
the like. The PCB may also provide a convenient mechanism for
connecting the first actuator, motor, and power source. A PCB may
also include an electronic member that is configured to recognize a
particular refill configuration in order to ensure that replacement
refills are configured to operate with the base.
[0043] In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the electronic
dispensing system comprises a power switch 140 that is capable of
controlling power to the electronic dispensing system. The power
switch 140 can be configured as a toggle switch, a push-button
switch, or a soft touch switch, for example. The power switch 140
can be turned to an "on" or "off" position to control the flow of
electricity to the electronic dispensing system. In an exemplary
configuration comprising a power switch 140, activation of the
first actuator 122 of the base 102 will only trigger the electronic
dispensing system to dispense a composition from the refill 104
when the power switch 140 is in the "on" position.
[0044] In some exemplary configurations, the first dispensing
system 130 may be configured as a mechanical dispensing system. The
mechanical dispensing system may be configured in various ways. For
example, the valve 128 of the first dispensing system 130 may be
configured as a mechanical valve. Exemplary mechanical valves
include elastomeric valves, mechanical check valves, slitted
elastomeric membranes, duck bill valves, umbrella valves, and the
like. The mechanical dispensing system may include a mechanical
pump. Exemplary mechanical pumps include a mechanically operated
piston pump. However, any mechanical pump for pumping fluids may be
used.
[0045] In the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 7, the first
dispensing system 130 of the dispensing device 100 may be
configured as a mechanical dispensing system having a mechanical
valve. In such an exemplary configuration, the composition may flow
by gravity from the refill 104 to the nozzle 120. Actuation of the
first actuator 122 may cause the mechanical valve of the first
dispensing system 130 to open and the composition to dispense from
the nozzle 120.
[0046] The second dispensing system 132 may be configured as an
electronic dispensing system or a mechanical dispensing system. For
example, the second dispensing system 132 may be configured as a
mechanical dispensing system. The mechanical dispensing system may
be configured in various ways. For example, the valve 126 of the
second dispensing system 132 may be configured as a mechanical
valve. Exemplary mechanical valves include elastomeric valves,
mechanical check valves, slitted elastomeric membranes, duck bill
valves, umbrella valves, and the like. The mechanical dispensing
system 132 may also include a mechanical pump. Exemplary mechanical
pumps include a mechanically operated piston pump, peristaltic
pumps, rolling bellow pumps, and the like. However, any mechanical
pump for pumping fluids may be used.
[0047] With reference to FIG. 2, the refill 104 may be configured
such that the composition contained therein may be poured from the
refill 104 when the refill 104 is disconnected from the base 102.
For example, the composition may flow freely from the reservoir 106
and through the orifice 114 onto a target surface. In such an
exemplary configuration, the second dispensing system may include a
mechanical valve that opens by the force of the composition
contained within the refill applying pressure to the valve. In
another exemplary configuration wherein the composition is able to
flow freely from the refill when the refill is disconnected from
the base, the second dispensing system may not comprise a valve
such that the composition is unrestricted from flowing out of the
orifice of the refill.
[0048] The second dispensing system 132 may include an electronic
dispensing system. The electronic dispensing system may include an
electric motor. The electric motor may power an electronic pump or
an electronic valve that is configured to control the flow of the
composition from the refill. The electric motor may be powered by a
power source. The power source can include battery or an AC
outlet.
[0049] The electronic dispensing system may be configured in
various ways. In some exemplary configurations, the electronic
dispensing system may comprise an electronic pump for delivering a
composition from the refill to the nozzle. In such an exemplary
configuration, when the second actuator of the base is activated,
the motor turns on and the electronic pump forces the composition
from the refill. Various electronic pumps may be used, including
diaphragm, gear, piston pumps, and the like. In some exemplary
configurations, the valve of the second dispensing system may be
configured as an electronic valve to control the flow of
composition from the refill.
[0050] The electronic dispensing system may comprise a circuit
board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB).
[0051] The first and second actuators 122, 124 of the dispensing
device 100 may be configured in different ways. For example, the
first actuator 122 may be configured as a mechanical actuator such
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, or may be configured as an electronic
actuator as shown in FIG. 9. Exemplary mechanical actuators include
levers, push-buttons, switches, and the like. Exemplary electronic
actuators include sensors such as optical sensors, motion sensors,
light sensors, pressure sensors, heat sensors, and the like. The
first actuator 122 may be positioned in various positions relative
to the base 102 and nozzle 120. For example, the first actuator 122
may be positioned above or below the nozzle 120. In an exemplary
configuration such as shown in FIG. 1, the first actuator 122 is
positioned below the nozzle 120. In such an exemplary
configuration, a user may be able to activate the first actuator
122 and dispense a composition onto a cleaning implement or into
the user's hand using only one hand.
[0052] The second actuator 124 may be configured in different ways.
For example, the second actuator 124 may be configured as a
mechanical actuator such as shown in FIG. 1. In other exemplary
configurations, the second actuator may be configured as an
electronic actuator. Exemplary mechanical actuators include levers,
push-buttons, switches, and the like. In other exemplary
configurations, the sidewall 108 may be flexible and the second
actuator 124 may comprise the flexible sidewall 108 of the
reservoir 106. In such an exemplary configuration, compression of
the sidewall 108 causes the valve 126 of the second dispensing
system 132 to open and the composition to dispense there from.
Exemplary electronic actuators include sensors such as optical
sensors, motion sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, heat
sensors, and the like.
[0053] While FIGS. 1 and 7 show two exemplary dispensing devices
100, it is to be appreciated that the components of the dispensing
device may be configured in many different ways. For example, the
base 102 of the dispensing device 100 may be configured in various
ways. The base 102 of the dispensing device 100 may be configured
to rest on a rigid surface, such as a countertop. The base 102 may
be configured to house components of the dispensing device 100,
such as the first dispensing system 130, and to support the refill
104. The base 102 and the refill 104 can be arranged in different
configurations relative to each other. For example, as shown in
FIG. 1, the nozzle 120 and first actuator 122 are arranged in a
side-by-side configuration with the refill 104. In other exemplary
configurations, such as shown in FIG. 7, the refill 104 may rest on
top of the base 102 and the nozzle 120 and first actuator 122 may
be positioned below the refill 104. In other exemplary
configurations, the refill 104 may be positioned below the nozzle
120 and first actuator 122. It is to be appreciated that the refill
104 of the dispensing device 100 shown in FIG. 7 is removably
connectable with the base 102.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the base 102 may include a buffer
reservoir 152 for containing an amount of composition. For example,
the buffer reservoir 152 may be used to hold a portion of the
composition dispensed from the refill 104 using the first
dispensing system. In a dispensing device having a buffer reservoir
152, an amount of composition can be dispensed from the base 102
while the refill 104 is disconnected from the base 102.
[0055] The base 102 may be comprised of various materials. For
example, the base 102 may be comprised of a rigid material,
including a rigid polymeric material like polypropylene, metal, or
combinations thereof.
[0056] In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the base 102 comprises
one or more feet 142 to improve the stability of the base 102
sitting on a rigid surface. Moreover, the feet 142 may be padded to
limit movement of the base 102 and to prevent scratching the rigid
surface with the bottom of the base 102.
[0057] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the reservoir 106 may be
configured in various ways. In some exemplary configurations, the
bottom wall 110 and/or top wall 112 may be removably connectable
with the sidewall 108 of the reservoir 106.
[0058] The reservoir 106 may be configured as a dual or
multi-chamber reservoir that is capable of separately containing
two or more compositions.
[0059] The reservoir 106 may be configured in an upright
configuration wherein the composition is released from the orifice
in an upward direction. The reservoir 106 may also be configured in
a downward configuration wherein the composition is released from
the orifice in a downward direction.
[0060] The reservoir 106 of the refill 104 may be comprised of
various materials. For example, the reservoir 106 may be comprised
of a rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material such as polyethylene or
polypropylene. The reservoir 104 may be comprised of other
materials such as metal or glass, for example. In some exemplary
configurations, the reservoir 106 may be configured as a polybag.
The reservoir may be configured as a multilayer laminated pouch or
a bag-in-bottle.
[0061] The refill may be configured as a bag-in-bottle system. A
bag-in-bottle system may include an inner, deformable reservoir and
an outer, rigid reservoir. The inner reservoir is configured to
contain the composition in an airless environment, thus not needing
an air vent as a conventional refill reservoir. Air can be
introduced in the space between the inner and outer reservoir,
thereby increasing the air pressure around the inner reservoir,
causing the inner reservoir to compress and the composition to
dispense therefrom. The composition may also be dispensed from a
bag-in-bottle system by sucking the composition out using
underpressure. A bag-in-bottle system may be formed using
blow-molding technology.
[0062] The refill 104 may be configured to stand on a rigid surface
independent of the base 102. For example, the bottom wall 110 of
the reservoir 106 may be flat in order to stably rest on a rigid
surface.
[0063] The refill 104 may be connected with the base 102 in various
ways. For example, the refill 104 may be slideably or threadably
connected with the base 102. In some exemplary configurations, the
refill 104 may connect with the base 102 using fasteners, pins,
latches, keys and matching key ways, and the like.
[0064] The refill 104 may be filled with a composition as presented
to the user. When the composition is depleted from the refill 104,
the refill may be discarded and replaced with a refill 104 having a
fresh supply of a composition. Alternatively, the refill 104 may be
replenished with a composition from a separate supply by the user.
In such an exemplary configuration, the refill 104 may include a
fill port for refilling the reservoir with a composition. In some
exemplary configurations, the top or bottom wall 112, 110 of the
reservoir may be removable from the sidewall 108 for the purpose of
refilling the reservoir 106.
[0065] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, in a refill configuration
comprising an air vent 116, the air vent 116 may be configured in
various ways. In some exemplary configurations, the air vent 116
may comprise a valve 150 such as an umbrella valve. An umbrella
valve is activated if the pressure inside of the refill 104 is
lower than atmospheric pressure, causing atmospheric air to push
past the umbrella valve and vent the refill 104. When the
composition is not being actively dispensed from the refill 104,
the umbrella valve is closed and the composition is unable to exit
through the umbrella valve. It is to be appreciated that a minimum
distance between the air vent 116 and the feed tube 118 prevents
the entrainment of air bubbles into the composition exiting the
refill 104. The air vent 116 can be positioned in different
locations. As shown in FIG. 2, the air vent may be positioned in
the bottom wall 110 of the reservoir 106. In other exemplary
configurations, the air vent 116 may be positioned in the top wall
112 or sidewall 108 of the reservoir 106. The air vent 116 may mate
with an air vent member 119 of the base 102. It is to be
appreciated that the air vent 116 may be configured in a closed
configuration when the refill 104 is disconnected from the base
102. When the refill 104 is connected with the base 102, the air
vent member 119 of the base 102 may be configured to open the air
vent 116 to allow air to enter the reservoir.
[0066] As discussed above and as shown in FIG. 1, the base 102 may
include a nozzle 120 for dispensing the composition. Any type of
nozzle may be used depending upon the physical characteristics of
the composition. For example, the nozzle may be configured to
dispense the composition as a stream, mist, or a spray. The nozzle
may be sized to match the desired flow rate of the composition.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing device 100 may also
comprise a cleaning implement holder 146 for holding a cleaning
implement 154. The cleaning implement holder 146 may be configured
to hold various cleaning implements, such as sponges, brushes,
towels, and the like. The cleaning implement may be configured as a
combination cleaning implement that includes, for example, a sponge
and a brush. The cleaning implement holder 146 may be configured to
hold one or more cleaning implements. The cleaning implement holder
146 may be positioned in various locations relative to the base of
the dispensing device. The cleaning implement holder 146 may be
disposed in an area of the base that is easy for a user to reach
when standing in front of the dispensing device. The cleaning
implement holder 146 may be integrally formed with the base 102, or
may be a separate component attached to the base 102. The cleaning
implement holder 146 may be comprised of the same material as the
base 102, or may be a different material than the base 102.
[0068] Method of Dispensing Liquid
[0069] With reference to FIGS. 1-5B, the dispensing device 100 may
be used in methods of dispensing various compositions, such as
cleaning and personal care compositions. For easy access, the
dispensing device 100 may be placed on a rigid surface, such as a
countertop or sink. Sometimes, a user may want to dispense a
composition 144 into the user's hand or onto a cleaning implement.
In such a situation, with the refill 104 connected with the base
102, the user may activate the first actuator 122 of the dispensing
device 100 to dispense a quantity of a composition 144 from the
base 102. In some exemplary configurations, activation of the first
actuator 122 may cause the first dispensing system 130 to dispense
a quantity of a composition 144 from the refill 104 through the
nozzle 120 of the base 102.
[0070] In some instances, a user may hold a cleaning implement in
one hand and may use the same hand to activate the first actuator
122. As such, the dispensing device 100 may be configured for
one-handed dispensing.
[0071] In another exemplary situation, a user may wish to dispense
a composition 144 directly onto a surface, such as a soiled dish or
clothing item. In such a situation, the user may disconnect the
refill 104 from the base 102 and activate the second actuator 124
to dispense a quantity of the composition directly from the refill
104. In some exemplary configurations, activation of the second
actuator 124 may cause the second dispensing system 132 to dispense
a quantity of the composition 144 directly from the refill 104. The
refill 104 may offer a user a flexible design that can be placed on
a countertop or easily held in a user's hand for various different
dispensing purposes.
[0072] In an exemplary configuration wherein the first mode of
operation includes use of an electronic dispensing system, with
reference to FIGS. 1-5B, the refill 104 is connected with the feed
tube 118 of the base 102. Activation of the first actuator 122
closes the electric circuit, causing the electric motor 134 to
start up. In an exemplary configuration comprising an electronic
pump 138 such as shown in FIG. 4, the electric motor 134 drives the
electronic pump 138 to force the composition from the refill 104
into the feed tube 118. From the feed tube 118, the composition 144
flows through the electronic pump 138 in the base 102 and out of
the nozzle 120. When the electronic dispensing system is activated,
the valve 128 adjacent to the nozzle 120 is configured to open to
allow the composition to flow out of the nozzle 120.
[0073] In an exemplary configuration wherein the second mode of
operation includes use of a mechanical dispensing system, the
refill 104 is disconnected from the base. In an exemplary
configuration such as shown in FIG. 1 wherein the second actuator
124 comprises the sidewall 108 of the reservoir 106, the user
compresses the sidewall 108, which forces the valve 126 of the
second dispensing system 132 to open and the composition to flow
out of the orifice 114.
[0074] The first dispensing system 130 may be configured to dose a
predetermined amount of composition 144 in a single activation of
the first actuator 122. The second dispensing system 132 may be
configured such that the user is able to control the amount of
composition 144 dosed from the refill 104 during a single
activation of the second actuator 124. For example, the user can
control the amount of composition dosed from the refill 104 in one
use by holding down the second actuator 124 for a certain length of
time. That is, the longer the second actuator 124 is activated the
more composition 144 that is dispensed from the refill 104. In
other exemplary configurations, a single activation of the second
actuator 124 may dose a predetermined amount of composition 144
from the refill 104.
[0075] The dispensing device 100 may be use to dispense a
composition onto a target surface. The target surface can be any
surface, including a user's hand, a cleaning implement, or a soiled
surface.
[0076] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
[0077] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application and any patent application or
patent to which this application claims priority or benefit
thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any
document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to
any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in
any combination with any other reference or references, teaches,
suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent
that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts
with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document
incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to
that term in this document shall govern.
[0078] While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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