U.S. patent application number 15/351795 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-17 for dispenser.
The applicant listed for this patent is COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY. Invention is credited to Scott BECKERMAN, Andrew LANZA.
Application Number | 20180132673 15/351795 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62106225 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180132673 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BECKERMAN; Scott ; et
al. |
May 17, 2018 |
Dispenser
Abstract
A dispenser includes a body having a lower portion and an upper
portion. The lower portion of the body is substantially
dome-shaped. The lower portion of the body has a first density. The
upper portion of the body defines an internal volume. The internal
volume is configured to receive a composition that has a second
density that is less than the first density.
Inventors: |
BECKERMAN; Scott; (South
Orange, NJ) ; LANZA; Andrew; (West New York,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62106225 |
Appl. No.: |
15/351795 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 5/18 20130101; B65D
11/04 20130101; B65D 81/365 20130101; A47K 5/12 20130101; A47K
5/1201 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 5/18 20060101
A47K005/18; B65D 47/08 20060101 B65D047/08; B65B 3/02 20060101
B65B003/02; B65B 3/04 20060101 B65B003/04; B65D 8/00 20060101
B65D008/00 |
Claims
1. A dispenser, comprising: a body comprising: a lower portion that
is substantially dome-shaped, wherein the lower portion of the body
has a first density the body being configured so that, in response
to being tilted, the body rocks back and forth until the body
returns to an upright state; an upper portion that defines an
internal volume, wherein the internal volume is configured to
receive a composition that has a second density that is less than
the first density; a neck that extends upward from the upper
portion, the neck having a concave contour; and a lid coupled to
the upper portion of the body, wherein the lid id formed with a
convex contour.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a
dentifrice composition.
3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein an area of an outer surface of
the lower portion of the body, that is in contact with a surface on
which the body sits, is less than or equal to 1 cm.sup.2.
4. (canceled)
5. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a coating on an
inner surface of the upper portion of the body, wherein a
coefficient of friction between the composition and the coating is
less than a coefficient of friction between the composition and the
inner surface of the upper portion of the body.
6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the lower portion of the body
comprises an insert that is coupled to the body.
7. (canceled)
8. A dispenser, comprising: a body comprising: a lower portion that
is substantially conical with a cross-sectional width that
increases proceeding away from a lowermost point; and an upper
portion, wherein the lower portion, the upper portion, or both
define an internal volume that is configured to receive a
composition through an opening in the body.
9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the composition comprises a
dentifrice composition.
10. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the upper portion of the body
is substantially conical with a cross-sectional width that
decreases proceeding away from the lowermost point.
11. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the body is configured to
spin about a central longitudinal axis through the body, and
wherein the lowermost point is the only point on the body that
contacts a surface on which the body sits when the body is
spinning.
12. The dispenser of claim 11, further comprising a coating on an
inner surface of the body, wherein a coefficient of friction
between the composition and the coating is less than a coefficient
of friction between the composition and the inner surface of the
body.
13. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the body comprises a widest
portion between the lower and upper portions, and wherein the
lowermost point and the widest portion contact the surface on which
the body sits when the body is not spinning.
14. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the lower portion comprises
an insert that is coupled thereto, wherein the insert comprises the
lowermost point.
15. A method for manufacturing a dispenser, comprising: forming a
body having an internal volume; forming an insert having a width
that increases proceeding away from a lowermost point; coupling the
insert to a lower portion of the body; and introducing a
composition into the internal volume of the body.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein forming the body comprises
blow-molding a first polymer.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the insert comprises
injection-molding a second polymer.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the insert is made of a
different material than the body.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the insert is substantially
dome-shaped and has a first density, and wherein the body, the
composition, or both has a second density that is less than the
first density.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the insert is substantially
conical.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Compositions are typically stored in a dispenser. For
example, toothpaste may be stored in a tube that is squeezed to
eject the toothpaste therefrom. In another example, a shampoo may
be stored in a bottle, and the shampoo may be poured out of the
bottle. The composition may have a tendency to separate into
portions of higher and lower densities in conventional dispensers.
In addition, conventional dispensers do not appeal to children, and
thus, provide no incentive for the children to use the composition.
What is needed is an improved dispenser.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0002] A dispenser includes a body having a lower portion and an
upper portion. The lower portion of the body is substantially
dome-shaped. The lower portion of the body has a first density. The
upper portion of the body defines an internal volume. The internal
volume is configured to receive a composition that has a second
density that is less than the first density.
[0003] In another embodiment, the dispenser includes a body having
a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is
substantially conical with a cross-sectional width that increases
proceeding away from a lowermost point. The lower portion, the
upper portion, or both define an internal volume that is configured
to receive a composition through an opening in the body.
[0004] A method for manufacturing a dispenser is also disclosed.
The method includes forming a body having an internal volume,
forming an insert having a width that increases proceeding away
from a lowermost point, coupling the insert to a lower portion of
the body, and introducing a composition into the internal volume of
the body.
[0005] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawing, wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a dispenser, according
to an embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the dispenser,
according to an embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the dispenser showing a
lid in an open position, according to an embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the dispenser wobbling,
according to an embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of another dispenser,
according to an embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the dispenser
of FIG. 5, according to an embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 5
spinning, according to an embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a
dispenser, according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0016] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for
describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value
within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In
addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by
referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a
definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference,
the present disclosure controls.
[0017] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a perspective view and a
cross-sectional side view, respectively, of a dispenser 100,
according to an embodiment. The dispenser 100 may include a body
110. The body 110 may be made of a polymer or elastomer. For
example, the body 110 may be made of a blow-molded polyethylene
terephthalate ("PET"). The body 110 may define an internal volume.
A composition 132 may be stored in the internal volume. The
composition 132 may be or include a dentifrice composition (e.g.,
toothpaste, tooth powder, tooth soap, mouthwash). In other
embodiments, the composition 132 may be or include personal care or
home care compositions such as lotions, soap, shampoo, conditioner,
dish detergent, laundry detergent, fabric softener, surface
cleaners, etc.
[0018] The body 110 may include a lower portion 120 and an upper
portion 130. The lower portion 120 and the upper portion 130
together may be substantially spheroid or egg-shaped. As shown, the
lower portion 120 may be substantially dome-shaped (e.g., partially
spherical). A central longitudinal axis 112 may extend through the
body 110. When a cross-section is taken through the lower portion
120 and/or the upper portion 130 of the body 110 in a plane that is
perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 112, the
cross-sectional shape of the body 110 may be substantially circular
at any height along the central longitudinal axis 112. The central
longitudinal axis 112 may intersect the lower portion 120 at a
lowermost point 122. A width 124 of the lower portion 120 may
increase proceeding upward from the lowermost point 122.
[0019] The lower portion 120 of the body 110 may contain or include
a material having a first density or weight. The material may be a
liquid, a gel, or a solid. In one embodiment, the material may be
positioned within an internal volume of the body 110. In another
embodiment, the material may be part of an insert 126 that is a
separate component that is coupled to the body 110. For example,
the insert 126 may screw or snap onto the lower portion 120 and/or
the upper portion 130 of the body 110. In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the insert 126 may have the dome-shaped outer
surface.
[0020] The upper portion 130 of the body 110 may be at least
partially filled with the composition 132, and the upper portion
130 of the body 110 and/or the composition 132 has/have a second
density or weight. The first density or weight may be greater than
the second density or weight. For example, the first density or
weight may be from about 110% to about 150%, from about 150% to
about 200%, from about 200% to about 400%, from about 400% to about
600%, from about 600% to about 800%, or from about 800% to about
1000% of the second density or weight. In one specific embodiment,
the first density is about 300% of the second density.
[0021] The outer surface of the lower portion 120 and/or the upper
portion 130 may have a convex contour. As shown, in at least one
embodiment, the body 110 may also include a neck 140 that extends
upward from the upper portion 130 when the body 110 is positioned
on a horizontal surface. The neck 140 may be shaped substantially
like a hyperboloid, as shown, where the outer surface of the neck
140 may have a concave contour. The neck 140 may define an opening
(shown in FIG. 2) through which the composition 132 may be
introduced into the internal volume of the body 110 or be dispensed
from the internal volume of the body 110.
[0022] A lid 150 may be coupled to the body 110 (e.g., on the neck
140) proximate to the opening. In one embodiment, the outer surface
of the neck 140 proximate to the opening may have a plurality of
threads formed thereon that may engage a corresponding plurality of
threads on the inner surface of the lid 150. In another embodiment,
the outer surface of the neck 140 proximate to the opening may have
one or more protrusions that be configured to be received within
one or more corresponding recesses on the inner surface of the lid
150. In this embodiment, the lid 150 may "snap onto" the neck 140
in response to a predetermined downward force on the lid 150.
[0023] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the dispenser 100
showing the lid 150 in an open position, according to an
embodiment. The lid 150 may include a base 152 and a cap 154, which
is shown in the open position in FIG. 3. The cap 154 is shown in a
closed position in FIGS. 1 and 2. The base 152 of the lid 150 may
be coupled to the body 110 of the dispenser 100. The base 152 may
have an opening (e.g., a nozzle) 156 formed therethrough. The
central longitudinal axis 112 may extend through the opening 156,
or it may be offset from the central longitudinal axis 112.
[0024] The cap 154 may be coupled to the base 152 by one or more
hinges. In another embodiment, the cap 154 may screw or snap onto
the base 152. The cap 154 may prevent the composition 132 from
flowing through the opening 156 when the cap 154 is in the closed
position. The cap 154 may pivot or rotate about the hinge(s) into
an open position, as shown in FIG. 3. The composition 132 may flow
through the opening 156 when the cap 154 is in the open position,
for example, to be applied into a user's mouth or onto a user's
toothbrush.
[0025] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the dispenser 100
wobbling, according to an embodiment. Due to the shape of the body
110 and the difference in densities between the material in the
lower portion 120 of the body 110 (e.g., the insert 126) and the
composition 132 in the upper portion 130 of the body 110, the
dispenser 100 may have a single position in which it tends to
achieve stable mechanical equilibrium. This position may be when
the lowermost point 122 sits on a substantially horizontal surface,
such as the ground or a counter top, and the central longitudinal
axis 112 is perpendicular to the substantially horizontal surface
(i.e., when the dispenser 100 is upright). When the dispenser 100
is tilted such that the central longitudinal axis 112 is not
perpendicular to the substantially horizontal surface, the
dispenser 100 may then wobble or rock back and forth under the
effects of gravity until the central longitudinal axis 112 is once
again perpendicular to the ground, and the dispenser 100 returns to
its upright position. Thus, the dispenser 100 may function in a
similar manner to roly-poly toys, round-bottomed dolls, tilting
dolls, tumblers, or the like.
[0026] A surface area of the body 110 (e.g., the lower portion 120)
that is in contact with the substantially horizontal surface, when
the dispenser 100 is upright and/or when the dispenser 100 is
wobbling/rocking, may be less than or equal to about 1 cm.sup.2,
less than or equal to about 0.5 cm.sup.2, or less than or equal to
about 0.25 cm.sup.2. The surface area of the body 110 (e.g., the
lower portion 120) that is in contact with the substantially
horizontal surface, when the dispenser 100 is upright and/or when
the dispenser 100 is wobbling/rocking may be less than or equal to
about 2.5% of total a surface area of the entire body 110.
[0027] An inner surface of the upper portion 130 of the body 110
that defines the internal volume may include a coating 134 (see
FIG. 2). A coefficient of friction between the composition 132 and
the coating 134 may be less than a coefficient of friction between
the composition 132 and an inner surface of the body 110. As a
result, the coating 134 may prevent the composition 132 from
sticking to the inner surface of the body 110, thereby allowing the
composition 132 to slide or slosh or otherwise move around within
the internal volume of the body 110 when the dispenser 100 is
wobbling or rocking back and forth. In at least one embodiment, the
coating 134 may be or include a liquid-impregnated surface, as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,940,361. For example, the coating 134
may include a matrix of solid features spaced sufficiently close to
stably contain a liquid therebetween or therewithin. In at least
one embodiment, the coating 134 may be or include LiquiGlide.RTM.
manufactured by LiquiGlide Inc. of Cambridge, Mass.
[0028] In operation, a user may grab the dispenser 110 and open the
lid 150. The user may then rotate the dispenser 100 such that the
composition 132 flows out of the dispenser 100 (e.g., through the
opening 156 in the lid 150) due to gravity. In another embodiment,
the user may squeeze the body 110 of the dispenser 100 to cause the
composition 132 to flow out of the dispenser 110 through the
opening 156 in the lid 150. The user may then close the lid 150 and
set the dispenser 100 down on a horizontal surface such that the
central longitudinal axis 112 is slightly offset from perpendicular
to the horizontal surface, and the dispenser 100 will wobble gently
to a still and upright position. In another scenario, the user may
throw or toss or severely tilt the dispenser 100, rather than
setting the dispenser 100 down as described above, and the
dispenser 100 may wobble or rock back and forth vigorously before
returning to its upright position.
[0029] Due to its ability to return to its upright position, the
user need not worry about inadvertently knocking into or tipping
over the dispenser 100 over while reaching for other bathroom
products. In addition, the wobbling or rocking of the dispenser 100
may serve to mix the composition 132 within the internal volume of
the body 110 to help the composition remain substantially uniform
over time, rather than potentially separating into a higher density
portion and a lower density portion. Furthermore, the
wobbling/rocking of the dispenser 100 may amuse, entertain, or
appeal to young children, which may encourage them to use the
composition 132 (e.g., brush their teeth).
[0030] FIGS. 5 and 6 depict a perspective view and a
cross-sectional side view, respectively, of another dispenser 500,
according to an embodiment. The dispenser 500 may include a body
510. The body 510 may be made of a polymer or elastomer. For
example, the body 510 may be made of a blow-molded polyethylene
terephthalate ("PET"). The body 510 may define an internal volume.
A dentifrice (or other) composition 532 may be stored in the
internal volume.
[0031] The body 510 may include a lower portion 520 and an upper
portion 530. A central longitudinal axis 512 through the body 510
may intersect the lower portion 520 at a lowermost point 522. A
width 524 of the lower portion 520 may increase proceeding upward
from the lowermost point 522 to a widest portion 528, which is
positioned between the upper and lower portions 520, 530. Thus, the
lower portion 510 may be substantially conical or frustoconical in
shape. The width 524 of the upper portion 530 may then decrease
proceeding upward from the widest portion 528. Thus, the upper
portion 530 may also be substantially conical or frustoconical in
shape, with a truncated apex. When a cross-section is taken through
the body 510 in a plane that is perpendicular to the central
longitudinal axis 512, the cross-sectional shape of the body 510
may be substantially circular at any height along the central
longitudinal axis 512.
[0032] In at least one embodiment, the lower portion 520 may
include an insert 526 coupled thereto, and the insert 526 may
include the lowermost point 522. The insert 526 may screw onto or
snap onto the lower portion 520 of the body 510. The insert 526 may
be made of a different (e.g., harder and/or more dense) material
than the remainder of the body 510. In addition, the insert 526 may
be injection molded, as opposed to blow-molded, to make the insert
526 more rigid and durable than the remainder of the body 510.
[0033] The upper portion 530 of the body 510 may define an opening
(shown in FIG. 6) through which the composition 532 may be
introduced into the internal volume of the body 510 or be dispensed
from the internal volume of the body 510. A lid 550 may be coupled
to the upper portion 530 proximate to the opening. In one
embodiment, the outer surface of the upper portion 530 proximate to
the opening may have a plurality of threads formed thereon that may
engage a corresponding plurality of threads on the inner surface of
the lid 550. In another embodiment, the outer surface of the upper
portion 530 proximate to the opening may have one or more
protrusions that be configured to be received within one or more
corresponding recesses on the inner surface of the lid 550. In this
embodiment, the lid 550 may "snap onto" the upper portion 530 when
the lid 550 is subjected to a predetermined downward force.
[0034] The lid 550 may include a base 552 and a cap 554. The base
552 may be coupled to the upper portion 530 of the body 510. The
base 552 may have an opening (e.g., a nozzle) formed therethrough.
The central longitudinal axis 512 may extend through the opening,
or the opening may be offset from the central longitudinal axis
512.
[0035] The cap 554 may be coupled to the base 552 by one or more
hinges (not shown). The cap 554 may prevent the composition 532
from flowing through the opening when the cap 554 is in the closed
position, as shown. The cap 554 may pivot or rotate about the
hinge(s) into an open position to allow the composition 532 to flow
through the opening, for example, into a user's mouth or onto a
user's toothbrush.
[0036] In operation, a user may grab the dispenser 510 and open the
lid 550. The user may then rotate the dispenser 500 such that the
composition 532 flows out of the dispenser 500 (e.g., through the
opening in the lid 550) due to gravity. In another embodiment, the
user may squeeze the body 510 of the dispenser 500 to cause the
composition 532 to flow out of the dispenser 510 through the
opening in the lid 550. The user may then close the lid 550 and set
the dispenser 500 down. When set at rest on a substantially
horizontal surface, such as a counter top, the dispenser 500 will
tend to sit on the lowermost point 522 and a point on the edge of
the widest portion 528, such that the central longitudinal axis 512
is at an angle other than perpendicular to the substantially
horizontal surface.
[0037] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the dispenser 500
spinning about the central longitudinal axis 512, according to an
embodiment. In some embodiments, the user may apply a rotational
force to the upper portion 530 of the body 510. For example, the
user may place the upper portion 530 of the body 510 between two
fingers (e.g., the thumb and middle finger), and then move those
two fingers rapidly with respect to one another (e.g., a snap-like
motion), to cause the body 510 to rotate about the central
longitudinal axis 512. When the body 510 is rotating, as shown in
FIG. 7, only the lowermost point 512 may be in contact with (e.g.,
sit upon) the horizontal surface. When rotation slows, and the body
510 eventually comes back to rest (i.e., is stationary), the
lowermost point 522 and a point or small part of the widest portion
528 may be in contact with the horizontal surface, similar to the
position illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus, the dispenser 500 may be able
to function like a "spinning top."
[0038] The spinning of the dispenser 500 may serve to mix the
composition 532 within the internal volume of the body 510 to help
the composition remain substantially uniform over time, rather than
potentially separating into a higher density portion and a lower
density portion. In some embodiments, this may make the composition
532 easier to dispense (e.g., onto a toothbrush) than before the
spinning. Furthermore, the spinning of the dispenser 500 may amuse,
entertain, or appeal to young children, which may encourage them to
use the composition 532 (e.g., brush their teeth).
[0039] A surface area of the body 510 that is in contact with the
ground, when the dispenser 500 is stationary (FIG. 5) and/or when
the dispenser 500 is spinning (FIG. 7), may be less than or equal
to about 0.5 cm.sup.2, less than or equal to about 0.25 cm.sup.2,
or less than or equal to about 0.1 cm.sup.2. The surface area of
the body 510 that is in contact with the ground, when the dispenser
500 is stationary and/or when the dispenser 500 is spinning may be
less than or equal to about 2% of a surface area of a plane that is
perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 512 at the widest
portion 528 of the body 510.
[0040] An inner surface of the body 510 (e.g., the lower portion
520 and/or the upper portion 530) that defines the internal volume
may have a coating 534 disposed thereon (see FIG. 6). A coefficient
of friction between the composition 532 and the coating 534 may be
less than a coefficient of friction between the composition 532 and
an inner surface of the body 510. As a result, the coating 534 may
allow the composition 532 to slide or slosh or otherwise move
around within the internal volume of the body 510 when the
dispenser 500 is spinning. In at least one embodiment, the coating
534 may be or include LiquiGlide.RTM..
[0041] FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of a method 800 for manufacturing
a dispenser 100, 500, according to an embodiment. The method 800
may include forming a body 110, 510 having an internal volume, as
at 802. Forming the body 110, 510 may include blow-molding a
polymer and may include forming two parts or portions of the body,
such as an upper portion 130, 530 and a lower portion 120, 520. The
method 800 may also include forming an insert 126, 526, as at 804.
The insert 126, 526 may have a width 124, 524 that increases
proceeding away from a lowermost point 122, 522. Forming the insert
126, 526 may include injection-molding a polymer. The insert 126,
526 may be made from a different material than the body 110, 510.
The method 800 may also include coupling the insert 126, 526 to a
lower portion of the body 110, 510, as at 806. The method 800 may
also include introducing a composition into the internal volume of
the body 110, 510, as at 808.
* * * * *