U.S. patent application number 17/189134 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-26 for squeezable fluid dispenser.
The applicant listed for this patent is PresentCare Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas R. Olsen, Bret Siarkowski.
Application Number | 20210259481 17/189134 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005570114 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210259481 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olsen; Thomas R. ; et
al. |
August 26, 2021 |
SQUEEZABLE FLUID DISPENSER
Abstract
A fluid dispenser can have a bottle holder and a dispenser bulb,
and a bottle can be placed in the bottle holder so that fluids can
drain down into the dispenser bulb. The dispenser bulb can have a
dispenser pore that can be a slit. A user can squeeze the dispenser
bulb, so that the fluid within the dispenser bulb can be dispensed
through the dispenser opening.
Inventors: |
Olsen; Thomas R.; (Natick,
MA) ; Siarkowski; Bret; (Marlborough, MA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PresentCare Inc. |
Marlborough |
MA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
1000005570114 |
Appl. No.: |
17/189134 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16219116 |
Dec 13, 2018 |
10932626 |
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17189134 |
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62639452 |
Mar 6, 2018 |
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62599627 |
Dec 15, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 5/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 5/12 20060101
A47K005/12 |
Claims
1. A fluid dispenser comprising: a dispenser bulb comprising, an
inner reservoir; an opening at a top of the bulb for fluid to drain
into the bulb; and a dispenser pore, wherein the dispenser pore
remains closed when the dispenser bulb is in a relaxed
conformation, and wherein the dispenser pore is adapted to open and
release a fluid stored in the inner reservoir when the bulb is
squeezed by a user.
2. The fluid dispenser of claim 1, wherein a size of an opening in
the dispenser pore is correlated with the amount the bulb is
squeezed, wherein the dispenser pore is adapted to open more when
the bulb is squeezed more by the user.
3. The fluid dispenser of claim 2, wherein the dispenser pore is a
slit in the dispenser bulb.
4. The fluid dispenser of claim 1, wherein a width of the dispenser
bulb is greater than a depth of the dispenser bulb.
5. The fluid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a packaging
holder, wherein the packaging holder is configured to hold a
packaging with an opening of the packaging facing downwards into
the dispenser bulb, and wherein the packaging can be removably
sealed to the fluid dispenser so that the fluid can only be
released through the dispenser opening.
6. A fluid dispenser comprising: a dispenser bulb comprising, an
inner reservoir; an opening at a top of the bulb for fluid to drain
into the bulb; and a dispenser pore, wherein the dispenser pore
remains closed in a relaxed conformation, and wherein the dispenser
pore is adapted to open and release a fluid stored in the inner
reservoir when the bulb is squeezed by a user; and a packaging
holder configured to hold a packaging with an opening of the
packaging facing downwards into the dispenser bulb.
7. The fluid dispenser of claim 6, wherein the dispenser bulb is
made of silicone.
8. The fluid dispenser of claim 7, wherein the dispenser pore is a
slit cut in the dispenser bulb.
9. The fluid dispenser of claim 6, wherein the fluid dispenser is
unitary and made of a silicone.
10. The fluid dispenser of claim 9, wherein the dispenser pore is a
slit cut in the dispenser bulb.
11. The fluid dispenser of claim 9, further comprising at least one
hook on an exterior surface of the packaging holder, the hook being
unitary with the packaging holder.
12. The fluid dispenser of claim 6, wherein the packaging holder
further comprises an air-release mechanism on an inner surface of
the packaging holder, the air release mechanism selected from the
group consisting of vertical ribs, bumps, and horizontal ribs.
13. The fluid dispenser of claim 6, wherein the packaging holder
has at least one air-release hole through a wall of the packaging
holder.
14. The fluid dispenser of claim 6, further comprising at least one
supporter mount adapted to engage with a supporter.
15. The fluid dispenser of claim 14, wherein the at least one
supporter mount is thicker at the bottom and thinner at the top, so
that the fluid dispenser is held farther away from a mounting
surface at the bottom of the supporter mount.
16. The fluid dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a stand-off
extension extending outwards from the packaging holder below the
supporter mount.
17. The fluid dispenser of claim 6, wherein a width of the
dispenser bulb is greater than a depth of the dispenser bulb.
18. The fluid dispenser of claim 6, wherein the packaging holder is
configured to be removably sealed to the packaging.
19. A method of dispensing a fluid comprising: removing a cap from
a packaging; holding a fluid dispenser over the packaging; sliding
the fluid dispenser downwards over the packaging until the fluid
dispenser is engaged with the packaging; turning the fluid
dispenser and the packaging over so that an opening of the
packaging is facing downwards towards a dispenser bulb of the fluid
dispenser, and a fluid within the packaging flows down into a
reservoir in the dispenser bulb; and squeezing the dispenser bulb
to open a dispenser pore in the dispenser bulb and dispense the
fluid within the reservoir out of the dispenser pore in the
dispenser bulb.
20. The method of dispensing a fluid of claim 19, further
comprising releasing the dispenser bulb so that the dispenser pore
closes and fluid within the packaging drains down into the
reservoir of the dispenser bulb.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/219,116, filed Dec. 13, 2018, entitled
SQUEEZABLE FLUID DISPENSER, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/599,627, entitled FLUID
DISPENSER, filed Dec. 15, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application
Ser. No. 62/639,452, entitled FLUID DISPENSER, filed Mar. 6, 2018,
the teachings of each of which applications are expressly
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to liquid dispensers, and more
particularly to dispensers for shower products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This application relates broadly to dispensers for fluids.
Fluid dispensers have been used for the dispensing of liquid soaps
and other hygiene products for many years. Many of these dispensers
require a user to purchase fluid products in packaging that is
specially designed for use in a particular dispenser. As an
example, many hand-soap dispensers in use in public bathrooms
dispense soap that has been packaged in plastic bags that often
have built in nozzle features, and are often custom designed to fit
within a particular dispenser. This type of dispenser often
requires a user to purchase soap that comes in a container that has
been designed to be compatible with a particular dispenser, and
significantly reduces the choice of soaps or other liquid products
available to a user. Other fluid dispensers can require a user to
carefully pour a fluid into the top of the dispenser so that it can
be dispensed from the bottom. This can be messy and
inconvenient.
[0004] Fluid dispensers for liquid soaps or other hygiene products
often have various moving parts that can be prone to breaking or
otherwise wearing out. Hand-soap dispensers often have a lever or
other mechanical device that a user can physically push or pull,
which in turn causes fluids to be dispensed through mechanical
mechanisms. Other hand-soap dispensers can have mechanical pumps or
other machinery that requires a power source and can break down
through repeated usage. Still other dispensers, such as hygiene
product dispensers in public showers, can also have push buttons or
other mechanical mechanisms that can break down through repeated
usage.
[0005] Given the inconveniences of various fluid dispensers
currently available, many consumers chose to use shampoos and other
liquid soaps in original bottles, which are often stored in an
upright position on a flat bottom, and turned upside down to
dispense so that the fluid can flow to an opening in the cap.
Particularly in homes with more than one user, the limited number
of flat surfaces in an average shower can result in insufficient
space for storing everyone's various bottles in the upright
position in the shower. A user who has shampooed his or her hair
but has not yet rinsed the shampoo out may also keep his or her
eyes closed while fumbling amongst the various bottles strewn about
the shower for a second bottle, such as a body wash. This blind
groping can be inconvenient and possibly dangerous.
[0006] This method of bottle storage can also be inconvenient for
viscous fluids, and for bottles that are nearing empty, since a
user must invert the bottle, and then wait patiently for the fluid
to flow down to the opening in the cap before the fluid can be
dispensed. Many users will waste the last bit of fluid in a bottle
rather than wait patiently for the fluid to flow down to the
opening in the cap.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The fluid dispenser of the present disclosure overcomes
disadvantages of the prior art by providing a device and method for
conveniently dispensing fluids from the original packaging. A fluid
dispenser can allow a user to store a bottle in an inverted
position and dispense fluids from the bottle without the need for
mechanical levers, buttons, motors, or other mechanical components
that are prone to breakage.
[0008] In an embodiment, a fluid dispenser can have a dispenser
bulb with an inner reservoir, an opening at the top of the bulb for
fluid to drain into the bulb, and a dispenser pore. The dispenser
pore can remain closed in a relaxed conformation, and the dispenser
pore can be adapted to open and release a fluid stored in the inner
reservoir when the bulb is squeezed by a user. The dispenser bulb
can be made of silicone. The dispenser pore can be a slit in the
dispenser bulb. A width of the dispenser bulb can be greater than a
depth of the dispenser bulb. The fluid dispenser can have a bottle
holder, and the bottle holder can be configured to hold a bottle
with the mouth of the bottle facing downwards into the dispenser
bulb, and the bottle can be removably sealed to the fluid dispenser
so that the fluid can only be released through the dispenser
pore.
[0009] In an embodiment, a fluid dispenser can have a dispenser
bulb with an inner reservoir, an opening at the top of the bulb for
fluid to drain into the bulb, and a dispenser pore. The dispenser
pore can remain closed in a relaxed conformation, and the dispenser
pore can be adapted to open and release a fluid stored in the inner
reservoir when the bulb is squeezed by a user. The dispenser can
have a bottle holder configured to hold a bottle with a mouth of
the bottle facing downwards into the dispenser bulb. The dispenser
bulb can be made of silicone. The dispenser pore can be a slit in
the dispenser bulb. The fluid dispenser can be unitary and made of
a silicone. The dispenser pore can be a slit cut in the dispenser
bulb. The fluid dispenser can have at least one hook on an exterior
surface of the bottle holder, the hook being unitary with the
bottle holder. The bottle holder can have an air-release mechanism
on an inner surface of the bottle holder, and the air release
mechanism can be vertical ribs, horizontal ribs, or bumps. The
bottle holder can have at least one air-release hole through a wall
of the bottle holder. The fluid dispenser can have at least one
suction cup mount adapted to engage with a suction cup. The suction
cup mount can be thicker at the bottom and thinner at the top, so
that a fluid dispenser is held farther away from a mounting surface
at the bottom of the suction cup mount. The fluid dispenser can
have a stand-off extension extending outwards from the bottle
holder below the suction cup mount. A width of the dispenser bulb
can be greater than a depth of the dispenser bulb. The bottle
holder can be configured to be removably sealed to the bottle.
[0010] In an embodiment, a method of dispensing a fluid can include
removing a cap from a bottle, holding a fluid dispenser over the
bottle, sliding the fluid dispenser downwards over the bottle until
the fluid dispenser is engaged with the bottle, turning the fluid
dispenser and the bottle over so that a mouth of the bottle is
facing downwards towards a dispenser bulb of the fluid dispenser,
and a fluid within the bottle flows down into a reservoir in the
dispenser bulb, and squeezing the dispenser bulb to open a
dispenser opening in the dispenser bulb and dispense the fluid out
of dispenser pore in the dispenser bulb. The method can include
releasing the dispenser bulb so that the dispenser bulb pore closes
and fluid within the bottle drains down into the reservoir of the
dispenser bulb.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention description below refers to the accompanying
drawings, of which:
[0012] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser,
according to an illustrative embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 1B is a cutaway view of a fluid dispenser with an
inserted bottle, according to an illustrative embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2A is a bottom view of a fluid dispenser showing the
dispenser pore in an open conformation, according to an
illustrative embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 2B is a bottom view of a fluid dispenser showing the
dispenser pore in a relaxed, closed conformation, according to an
illustrative embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser dispensing
fluid, according to an illustrative embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 4A is a bottom view of a fluid dispenser with exemplary
dimensions, according to an illustrative embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 4B is a front cross section of a fluid dispenser taken
along line 4B-4B of FIG. 4A with exemplary dimensions, according to
an illustrative embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 4C is a side cross section of a fluid dispenser along
line 4C-4C of FIG. 4A with exemplary dimensions, according to an
illustrative embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 5A is a bottom view of a fluid dispenser showing an
alternative dispenser pore, according to an illustrative
embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 5B is a bottom view of a fluid dispenser showing
another alternative dispenser pore, according to an illustrative
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bottle partially inserted
into a fluid dispenser, according to an illustrative
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the top of a fluid
dispenser with internal vertical ribs, according to an illustrative
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 7B is front cross section of the fluid dispenser with
internal vertical ribs along line 7B-7B of FIG. 7A, according to an
illustrative embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser with
internal bumps, according to an illustrative embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 8B is a front cross section of the fluid dispenser with
internal bumps along line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A, according to an
illustrative embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser with
internal rib rings, according to an illustrative embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 9B is a front cross section of the fluid dispenser with
internal rib rings along line 9B-9B of FIG. 9A, according to an
illustrative embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a fluid dispenser with
air release holes, according to an illustrative embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a suction cup mount of a
fluid dispenser with a suction cup, according to an illustrative
embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser with a
suction cup mount and a stand-off bump, according to an
illustrative embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a side view of a fluid dispenser with integral
suction cups, according to an illustrative embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a rear view of a multi-dispenser unit, according
to an illustrative embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser with
integrated hooks, according to an embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser with a
razor on the hooks, according to an illustrative embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser with a
cut-out window, according to an illustrative embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 16B is a front view of a fluid dispenser with a cut-out
window showing dimensions, according to another illustrative
embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 16C is a side view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 16B
with a cut-out and relief slot, and showing dimensions, according
to the illustrative embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 16D is a cross-section view of the bottle holder of
FIG. 16C, taken along cross-section line 16D-16D of FIG. 16C,
showing the rear portion of the fluid dispenser with relief slots
and dimensions, according to the illustrative embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a bottle holster, according
to an illustrative embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 18 is a side view of a bottle holster, according to an
illustrative embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 19 is a side view of a bottle holster with an inserted
bottle, according to an illustrative embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bottle holster with
multiple suction cups, according to an illustrative embodiment;
and
[0044] FIG. 21 is a side view of a bottle holster with multiple
suction cups holding a bottle, according to the embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser,
according to an illustrative embodiment. A fluid dispenser 100 can
have a suction cup 103, a suction cup mount 104, and grips 106. A
fluid dispenser can have a front side 108 that can be oriented
towards a user. A fluid dispenser 100 can have a bottle holder 110
and a dispenser bulb 120. A fluid dispenser 100, including a bottle
holder 110 and a dispenser bulb 120, can be molded or otherwise
manufactured as a single, unitary component. The fluid dispenser
100 of the present disclosure can accommodate a bottle 102 placed
within the bottle holder 110 of the fluid dispenser 100. FIG. 1B is
a cutaway view of a fluid dispenser with an inserted bottle,
according to an illustrative embodiment. A bottle holder 110 can
define a bottle pocket 112 within the fluid dispenser 100. A bottle
holder 110 can have a shoulder 114 and a tapered region 116 below
the shoulder 114. A user can remove the cap from a bottle 102 and
can insert the bottle 102 into the bottle pocket 112. The fluid
dispenser 100 and bottle 102 can be oriented with the bottle
opening facing downwards, so that fluid within the bottle can flow
downwards under the force of gravity into the dispenser bulb 120.
The shoulder of the bottle 102 can rest in the shoulder 114 of the
fluid dispenser, and the shoulder 114 and/or the tapered region 116
below the shoulder can act as a stop on which the bottle 102 can
rest. The shoulder 114 and/or the tapered region 116 below the
shoulder 114 can prevent the neck of the bottle 102 from entering
the dispensing bulb region. The taper from the shoulders to the
bulb allows any liquid contents that may be in the shoulder region
to flow down into the dispensing bulb 120. The dispenser bulb 120
can define a dispenser reservoir 122 that can hold fluid that has
drained from the bottle 102. Fluid can drain from the bottle 102
until the dispenser reservoir 122 is full. The dispenser bulb 120
can have a neck 128, and the reservoir 122 can be wider than the
neck 128. Turning to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the dispenser bulb can have a
dispenser opening that can be a dispenser pore 124. Dispenser pore
can be a slit 126 that passes through the dispenser bulb 120. When
a user squeezes the dispenser bulb 120, fluid within the reservoir
122 can be dispensed through the open dispenser pore 124.
[0046] FIG. 2A is a bottom view of a fluid dispenser showing the
dispenser pore in an open conformation, according to an
illustrative embodiment. The dispenser pore 124 can be a slit that
can be oriented along a line between the front side 108 and the
back side 202 of the fluid dispenser 100. A user can squeeze the
dispenser pore 124 open by pressing the front of the bulb and the
rear of the bulb towards each other. The user can press the front
and back of the bulb 120 towards each other by squeezing them
between the user's fingers or fingers and thumb. Squeezing the bulb
120 open does not require the front of the bulb and the rear of the
bulb to be pressed into contact with each other. As shown in FIG.
2A, the dispenser pore 124 can be opened by a moving the front of
the bulb and the rear of the bulb towards each other over a small
distance. The distance that the front and/or the rear of the bulb
must be moved towards each other to open the dispenser pore can be
a small percentage of the relaxed distance between the front of the
bulb and the back of the bulb when they are in a closed, relaxed
conformation. However, a user can squeeze the front and back of the
bulb together so that the front of the bulb and the back of the
bulb can be in contact with each other.
[0047] There can be a correlation between how close a user squeezes
the front of the bulb and the back of the bulb together and the
amount of liquid that is dispensed in a given amount of time. When
the bulb is squeezed, the size of the pore can increase, the fluid
reservoir space can decrease, and the fluid within the reservoir
can be forcibly ejected. The closer the front of the bulb and the
back of the bulb are squeezed together, the more the dispenser pore
can be opened, and the more the reservoir space can decrease. The
rate that the fluid flows out from the dispenser pore can be
correlated with how close the front of the bulb and the back of the
bulb are squeezed together. A user who squeezes the front and the
back of the bulb a small distance towards each other can dispense a
small amount of the fluid in a given amount of time when compared
to a user who squeezes the front and the back of the bulb towards
each other a greater distance for the same amount of time. The rate
of fluid flow from the dispenser can be correlated with the
distance the front and back of the bulb are squeezed toward each
other. The amount of fluid that flows from the dispenser can be
correlated with the distance the front and back of the bulb are
squeezed toward each other. A user can control the rate and/or
amount of flow by controlling the distance the user squeezes the
front of the bulb and the back of the bulb towards each other.
[0048] The dispenser bulb 120 can be narrower from front to back,
and wider from side to side. The narrow front-to-back dimension of
the dispenser bulb can allow the dispenser pore 124 to open easily
when the front of the dispenser bulb and the back of the dispenser
bulb are squeezed towards each other, as shown in FIG. 2A. A wider
side-to-side dimension can allow the reservoir to have a sufficient
capacity, while still allowing the front and back of the reservoir
to be close enough together so that the dispenser pore can open
easily when the front and back of the dispenser bulb are squeezed
towards each other. A dispenser pore 124 that has a slit 126 can
efficiently dispense the contents of the reservoir 122 when the
bulb 120 is squeezed. A narrower front-to-back dimension can allow
a user to fully empty the reservoir easily by squeezing the front
and back together, while a wider side-to-side dimension can allow
the reservoir to hold a sufficient amount of fluid.
[0049] FIG. 2B is a bottom view of a fluid dispenser showing the
dispenser pore in a relaxed, closed conformation, according to an
illustrative embodiment. When the dispenser bulb 120 is released,
the dispenser pore 124 can return to the relaxed, closed
conformation shown in FIG. 2B, so that fluids cannot drip out from
the closed opening. In the relaxed, closed conformation, the pore
124 seals and prevents fluid from leaking through the pore 124,
because the sides of the pore contact each other in the closed
conformation. The dispensing bulb 120 automatically re-inflates and
refills after every dispensing operation, regardless of the type or
viscosity of the liquid inside. A dispenser pore that has a slit
126 in the silicone bulb can effectively prevent the fluid from
leaking through the slit 126 when the bulb 120 is in a relaxed,
closed conformation. By cutting a slit 126 into the bulb after the
bulb has been manufactured, no material is removed from the bulb,
and the sides of the slit can seal together in the relaxed
conformation to prevent fluid from leaking through the dispenser
pore 124.
[0050] In the illustrative examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
dispenser pore is shown and described as a slit that is oriented
along a line from the front to the back, and opening the dispenser
pore is shown and described as squeezing the front of the bulb and
the rear of the bulb towards each other. However, it should be made
clear that in various embodiments, the dispenser opening can be
alternate shapes, and/or can be oriented in different directions,
such as side to side. In a side-to-side embodiment, the bulb may be
longer in a front-to-back dimension and narrower in a side-to-side
embodiment, and a user may squeeze the sides of the bulb towards
each other. In another alternate embodiment, a bulb may be oriented
at a convenient ergonomic angle, such as 45.degree., so that a user
may easily grasp the bulb between the thumb and forefinger of the
right hand. In various embodiments, a bulb can be axisymmetric,
spheroid, or other shapes. In various embodiments, the bulb and
dispenser opening can have a wide variety of shapes and
orientations without departing from the present disclosure. In the
interest of clarity and convenience, the present disclosure refers
mainly to the embodiment having a bulb that is narrower in the
front-to-back direction compared to a wider side-to-side direction,
and a dispenser opening that is a slit oriented from front to back
along the narrower direction. Although other embodiments are
possible besides this particular arrangement, there can be
advantages to having the dispenser pore be a slit oriented along a
narrower direction, because the dispenser pore can be easier to
open, and because the wider direction allows for a larger reservoir
while still allowing the slit to open easily by squeezing a small
distance along the narrower direction. A slit that is oriented
along a line that connects the areas where a user will place a
thumb and/or fingers to squeeze the bulb can be most effective,
because the inward force exerted by a user on the bulb can be along
the same line as the slit, and can result in the slit being opened
easily. In another embodiment, a fluid dispenser may be free of a
squeezable dispensing bulb. A fluid dispenser without a bulb can
rely on compression of the bottle to dispense the contents of the
bottle. A fluid dispenser without a bulb can have a dispensing pore
124 that can open to dispense fluid when the bottle is squeezed or
compressed. A fluid dispenser without a bulb can have a dispensing
pore that can have a slit 126. A fluid dispenser without a bulb can
have a plastic dispensing pore that can have two slits forming an
"X". The two "X" slits can form a seal that can prevent leakage and
can allow product to dispense when the bottle is compressed.
[0051] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser dispensing
fluid, according to an illustrative embodiment. A user can squeeze
the dispenser bulb 120 to dispense a fluid 302, such as shampoo or
other hygiene product. When the user applies inward pressure on the
front and on the back of the dispenser bulb 120, thereby squeezing
the front and the back of the dispenser bulb towards each other,
the dispenser pore opens into an open conformation. When the user
squeezes the front and back of the dispenser bulb towards each
other, fluid within the reservoir can be squeezed out through the
pore 124. The amount of fluid dispensed can be a predetermined
quantity that can depend on the volume of the reservoir. A user can
continue to hold the dispenser pore open by continuing to hold the
front and the back of the dispenser bulb closer together than they
would be in the relaxed, closed conformation. When a user continues
to hold the dispenser pore open, fluid can drain downward from the
bottle and through the dispenser pore 124. A user can hold the
dispenser pore open until a desired amount of fluid has been
dispensed. When the desired amount of fluid has been dispensed, the
user can release the dispenser bulb, so that the bulb can return to
the relaxed and closed conformation shown in FIG. 2B. When the user
releases the dispenser bulb 120, the dispenser pore can close, the
dispenser bulb can re-inflate to the relaxed shape, and the fluid
can flow downwards from the bottle to refill the reservoir 122.
After the reservoir has been refilled by the downward flow of
fluid, the fluid dispenser 100 is ready to dispense another
predetermined quantity of fluid from the reservoir. The fluid
dispenser can dispense liquids of various viscosities ranging from
very low viscosity fluids to high viscosity fluids such as thick
pasty conditioners, and the fluid dispenser can prevent fluids of
various viscosities from leaking out of the fluid dispenser when
the dispenser is in the closed conformation.
[0052] The dispenser bulb can be made of a flexible material such
as a silicone, urethane, rubber, or other materials that are
flexible and stretchable. A dispenser bulb can be made of a
silicone at least because silicone is safe for human contact,
non-reactive with many shampoos, conditioners, body wash products,
etc., and is durable, non-porous, able to stretch and deform
elastically, is resistant to tearing, able to be color dyed,
translucent, or opaque as desired, inexpensive, no/low odor, etc. A
dispenser bulb 120 can be made of a transparent or translucent
silicone that can have a platinum catalyst. The dispenser bulb 120
can be made of a silicone rubber with a durometer in a range of
approximately Shore 30 A to Shore 50 A. The dispensing bulb 120 can
be made of a silicone rubber with a durometer of approximately
Shore 40 A. By way of non-limiting example, the dispenser bulb 120
can be made of a silicone rubber such as Smooth-On SORTA-Clear 40
Translucent Silicone Mold Rubber that has appropriate tear and
tensile strength. In various embodiments, other materials with a
Shore hardness outside of the between 30 A and 50 A may be
acceptable, depending on the wall thickness of the bulb, the
sleeve/bulb geometry, the desired function, the viscosity of the
fluids to be dispensed, etc. The dispensing bulb can be made of a
translucent material such as silicone rubber so that the fluid can
be seen within the bulb, or the material of the dispensing bulb can
be pigmented or otherwise colored. The bottle holder 110 can be
made of the same or similar materials as the dispenser bulb 120.
The bottle holder can be made of a translucent material so that a
user can view the label or packaging of the bottle 102. The fluid
dispenser 100 can be made of the same or similar materials as the
dispenser bulb 120.
[0053] FIG. 4A is a bottom view of a fluid dispenser with exemplary
dimensions, according to an illustrative embodiment. A dispenser
bulb 120 can have a opening that can be a slit 126. A slit 126 can
have a slit length SL in a range from approximately 0.25 inches to
approximately 0.50 inches. A slit 126 can have a slit length SL of
approximately 0.375 inches. A slit length of 0.375 inches can
effectively dispense fluids of various viscosities when the bulb is
squeezed, and can prevent fluids from leaking through the slit when
the slit is closed. Although various slit lengths are possible, a
slit that is too short can create too much of an impediment to the
outflow of the bulb's contents. This can cause the contents of the
bulb to be pushed back upwards into the bottle instead of
dispensing properly when a user squeezes the bulb. However, a slit
that is too long can allow an excess of fluid to flow out when the
opening 124 is opened. This can be especially true when the fluid
has a low viscosity. A slit that is too long can also be prone to
leakage. An optimal slit length allows an appropriate amount of
fluid to be dispensed, regardless of viscosity.
[0054] FIG. 4B is a front cross section of a fluid dispenser taken
along line 4B-4B of FIG. 4A with exemplary dimensions, according to
an illustrative embodiment. A fluid dispenser 100 can have an
overall height OH of approximately 8.8 inches. The top of the fluid
dispenser can have a top width TW of approximately 3 inches. When
viewed from the front, the sides of the bottle holder 110 can have
a bottle holder angle FHA relative to each other of approximately
4.degree.. The bottle holder 110 can have a bottle holder length
BHL of approximately 7.3 inches. A bottle holder 110 can have a
shoulder 114 with a shoulder height SH of 2.9 inches from the
shoulder 114 to the bottom of the dispenser. The shoulder 114 can
have a shoulder width SW of approximately 2.3 inches. A bottle
holder can have a tapered region 116 that can have a tapered length
TL between the shoulder 114 and the neck 128 that can be
approximately 1.4 inches. The neck 128 can have a neck width NW of
approximately 1 inch. A dispenser bulb 120 can have a dispenser
bulb height DBH from the neck 128 to the bottom of the dispenser
bulb of 1.5 inches. At the widest portion of the dispenser bulb
120, the dispenser bulb can have a maximum bulb width MBW of
approximately 1.4 inches. The maximum bulb width MBW can be at a
wide portion height WPH of approximately 0.5 inch. When viewed from
the front, the sides of the dispenser bulb above the maximum bulb
width can have a bulb angle FBA relative to a central axis 402 of
approximately 4.5.degree.. When viewed from the front, the lower
portion of the dispenser bulb below the maximum bulb width can have
a radius R1 of approximately 1.1 inches.
[0055] FIG. 4C is a side cross section of a fluid dispenser along
line 4C-4C of FIG. 4A with exemplary dimensions, according to an
illustrative embodiment. The top of the fluid dispenser 100 can
have a bottle pocket 112 with an inner depth at the top TD of
approximately 1.8 inches. When viewed from the side, the sides of
the bottle holder 110 can have a bottle holder angle SHA relative
to each other of approximately 2.degree.. The shoulder 114 can have
a shoulder depth SD of approximately 1.5 inches. The neck 128 can
have a neck depth ND of approximately 1 inch. The bulb 120 can have
a first bulb depth BD of approximately 0.9 inches. The bulb 120 can
have a second bulb depth SBD that can be the same as the first bulb
depth BD, or can be more or less than the first bulb depth, When
viewed from the side, at least a portion of the front side and the
back side of the dispenser bulb can be parallel. In various
embodiments, the front side and the back side of the dispenser bulb
may not be parallel, and the second bulb depth can be greater or
less than the first bulb depth. Various relationships between the
first bulb depth and second bulb depth can promote fluid flow,
provide increased ergonomics, or other potential benefits that can
depend on the relationship between the first bulb depth and the
second bulb depth. When viewed from the side, the lower portion of
the dispenser bulb can have a radius R2 0.5 inches. It should be
obvious that the above dimensions are provided as a non-limiting
example, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0056] A bottle holder 110 can have a wall thickness HWT in a range
between approximately 0.050 inches and approximately 0.150 inches.
A bottle holder 110 can have a wall thickness HWT of approximately
0.090 inches. The thickness of the bottle holder wall can vary
depending on various factors including material durometer, sleeve
geometry, and desired function. The bottle holder wall thickness
HWT can be thin enough to stretch and can conform to the various
contours of the bottle, so that it can create a tight seal. The
thicker bottle holder wall can create a particularly tight seal
near the bottle opening. The bottle holder wall can form a seal
with the bottle, so that fluid within the bottle can only be
released through the dispenser opening. The bottle holder wall can
prevent fluid from leaking out of the fluid dispenser, or being
pushed back up into the bottle pocket outside of the bottle. The
bottle holder wall thickness HWT can be thick enough to retain some
structural rigidity and to prevent tearing of the bottle holder
wall. A bottle holder can have regions of various wall thicknesses.
A fluid dispenser can have regions with various wall thicknesses. A
dispenser bulb 120 can have a wall thickness BWT in a range between
approximately 0.05 inches and approximately 0.15 inches. A
dispenser bulb 120 can have a wall thickness BWT of approximately
0.09 inches. The thickness of the dispenser bulb wall can vary
depending on various factors including material durometer, bulb
geometry, and desired function. The measurements presented here are
intended as illustrative examples, however, other measurements are
possible without departing from the present disclosure.
[0057] The bulb wall should be thick enough so that the two
abutting edges of a slit can properly align and offer enough of a
joining surface area to create a seal and hold back the contents of
the bulb. The bulb wall should be thick enough so that the bulb
will have enough structural rigidity re-inflate after being
collapsed by the user when dispensing a fluid. The structural
rigidity of the bulb in addition to the shape and size of the bulb
can allow it to overcome any potential vacuum pressure that is
created when the contents of the bottle are expelled. However, if
the bulb wall is too thick, the dispenser opening 124 may not open
sufficiently and may impede the outflow of the contents. The bulb
can pull air back into the bulb through the slit as the user
releases the bulb and the bulb is in transition from an open,
dispensing state to the closed, sealed state. The air that flows
back into the bulb can rise into the bottle, and fluid from within
the bottle can flow down into the bulb. As the bulb returns to the
relaxed shape, vacuum pressure caused by the bulb decompressing can
pull fluid into the reservoir.
[0058] A bulb 120 should be large enough to hold a desired quantity
of fluid to be dispensed. A bulb width that is relatively close to
the width of an average person's fingers or thumb can make it
easier for a user to vacate the contents of the bulb, because when
a user squeezes a bulb that has this width, the contents of the
bulb do not have another space within the bulb to flow to. Because
there is nowhere inside the bulb for the fluid to flow when the
bulb is squeezed, the path of least resistance is out the dispenser
opening, and most of the contents of the reservoir can be emptied
when the bulb is squeezed.
[0059] When the bulb is squeezed, the front and back faces of the
bulb can be brought together internally so the front and back faces
of the bulb are brought into contact with each other. This can
create a partial pseudo-seal that can help prevent the contents
from squeezing back up into the bottle. However, because this is
not a tight seal, additional contents from the bottle can continue
to flow down into the bulb and out the dispenser opening if the
user keeps the bulb squeezed and the dispenser opening open.
Various dimensions of the bulb relative to each other, including
the depth, width, height, wall thickness, and curve radii of the
bulb can have some impact on the bulb's ability to re-inflate after
being squeezed.
[0060] The percentage that the slit is open when the bulb is
squeezed can be proportional to the percentage the bulb is
compressed and deflated due to the squeezing motion of the user.
When the slit is open, some air may travel back into the bulb and
prevent permanent deflation due to vacuum suction within the bulb.
The bulb shape can contribute to the functions of the bulb,
including the dispensing and re-inflating functions of the bulb.
The large radius curves that can make up the left and right sides
of the bulb can help give structural rigidity to the bulb, and can
help the bulb re-expand due to the release of elastic potential
energy stored in the material when they are deformed. The sidewalls
of the bulb can be approximately vertical with the sidewalls of the
bulb flaring slightly outward toward the bottom. This can help the
contents of the bottle easily flow into the tip due to gravity. The
flared-out design can help prevent the bulb contents from pushing
back up into the bottle. The slight curvature of the bottom face of
the bulb can help pull the two abutting edges of a slit apart when
the bulb is squeezed.
[0061] The width and depth of the neck 128 can be sized to be large
enough to allow the bottle contents to flow into the bulb without
impediment. However, the width and depth of the neck can also be
small enough so that the fluid does not have an easy path to flow
back upwards when the bulb is squeezed. The contour of the fluid
dispenser just above the neck can be tapered down into the neck to
create a funnel. Gravity can pull the fluid down into the tip
without impediment.
[0062] FIG. 5A is a bottom view of a fluid dispenser showing an
alternative dispenser opening, according to an illustrative
embodiment. A bulb can have a dispenser opening 124, and a
dispenser opening 124 can have multiple slits 126. The slits 126
can be arranged transverse to each other, so that when the bulb is
squeezed, the multiple slits can open to form a larger opening than
a single slit. The angle between the slits can vary, so that the
slits 126 can be perpendicular to each other, or form a different
angle. The number of slits can vary, so that there may be more or
less than two slits, and the slits can be arranged so that the
angles between them are the same or different. Multiple slits can
be parallel with each other, or otherwise separate from each other,
so that there can be two distinct openings when the bulb is
squeezed. A fluid dispenser 100 can have a suction cup mount 104,
and a suction cup mount can have side rails 502. Side rails 502 can
be configured to engage with a standard suction cup 103, explained
more fully below. FIG. 5B is a bottom view of a fluid dispenser
showing another alternative dispenser opening, according to an
illustrative embodiment. A dispenser bulb 120 can have a dispenser
pore 124 that can consist of multiple stoma 504 in the dispenser
bulb 120. When the dispenser bulb 120 is squeezed, the flexible and
stretchable material of the bulb can allow the multiple stoma 504
to open and dispense fluid.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bottle partially inserted
into a fluid dispenser, according to an illustrative embodiment. A
user can remove the cap from a bottle 102 before inserting the
bottle into a fluid dispenser 100. With the bottle upright, the
user can move the fluid dispenser 100 along direction arrow 602,
thereby sliding the bottle holder 110 over the bottle 102, and
thereby inserting the bottle 102 into the bottle pocket 112. Grips
106 can help a user to grip the sleeve during installation or
removal of a bottle 102. The flexible and stretchy silicone sleeve
can conform to the contours of a wide variety of sizes and shapes
of bottles. When the bottle 102 is fully inserted into the bottle
pocket, the bottle holder 110 can be wrapped snugly around the
bottle. A user can then invert the fluid dispenser 100, and can
attach the fluid dispenser to a surface such as a shower wall,
tile, mirror, or other appropriate surface with a suction cup.
[0064] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the top of a fluid
dispenser with internal vertical ribs, according to an illustrative
embodiment, and FIG. 7B is front cross section of the fluid
dispenser with internal vertical ribs along line 7B-7B of FIG. 7A,
according to the embodiment. A bottle holder 110 can have one or
more internal vertical ribs 702. Vertical ribs 702 can make sliding
the bottle into the bottle pocket easier. A bottle that is slid
into the bottle pocket 112 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and
7B can slide along the vertical ribs 702. The vertical ribs 702 can
decrease the friction between the bottle and the inner walls of the
bottle pocket 112 because a portion of the side walls can be kept
out of contact with the bottle by the vertical ribs 702. The
vertical ribs 702 can decrease the contact area between the bottle
and the side walls of the bottle pocket 112. The vertical ribs 702
can be limited to an upper portion of the bottle pocket, so that
the lower portion of the bottle pocket can seal tightly around a
bottle. The vertical ribs 702 can also allow air to escape as the
bottle holder is slid over the bottle, so that air is not trapped
within the fluid dispenser. Similarly, the vertical ribs 702 can
allow air to flow into the bottle holder 110 when a bottle is
removed from the bottle holder, so that the bottle is not held in
place by a vacuum once the bottle is slid out of the sleeve to the
internal region with the internal vertical ribs.
[0065] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser with
internal bumps, according to an illustrative embodiment, and FIG.
8B is a front cross section of the fluid dispenser with internal
bumps along line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A, according to the embodiment. A
bottle holder 110 can have one or more internal bumps 802. Internal
bumps 802 can make sliding the bottle into the bottle pocket
easier. A bottle that is slid into the bottle pocket 112 of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B can slide along the internal
bumps 802. The internal bumps 802 can decrease the friction between
the bottle and the inner walls of the bottle pocket 112 because a
portion of the side walls can be kept out of contact with the
bottle by the internal bumps 802. The internal bumps 802 can
decrease the contact area between the bottle and the side walls of
the bottle pocket 112. The internal bumps 802 can be limited to an
upper portion of the bottle pocket, so that the lower portion of
the bottle pocket can seal tightly around a bottle. The internal
bumps 802 can also allow air to escape as the bottle holder is slid
over the bottle, so that air is not trapped within the fluid
dispenser. Similarly, the internal bumps 802 can allow air to flow
into the bottle holder 110 when a bottle is removed from the bottle
holder, so that the bottle is not held in place by a vacuum once
the bottle is slid out of the sleeve to the internal region with
the internal vertical bumps.
[0066] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser with
internal rib rings, according to an illustrative embodiment, and
FIG. 9B is a front cross section of the fluid dispenser with
internal rib rings along line 9B-9B of FIG. 9A, according to an
illustrative embodiment. A bottle holder 110 can have one or more
internal ring ribs 902. Internal ring ribs 902 can make sliding the
bottle into the bottle pocket easier. A bottle that is slid into
the bottle pocket 112 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B
can slide along the internal ring ribs 902. The internal ring ribs
902 can decrease the friction between the bottle and the inner
walls of the bottle pocket 112 because a portion of the side walls
can be kept out of contact with the bottle by the internal ring
ribs 902. The internal ring ribs 902 can decrease the contact area
between the bottle and the side walls of the bottle pocket 112. An
individual internal ring rib 902 can help to form a seal between
the bottle and the bottle holder, because an individual ring can
make contact around the circumference of the bottle, while still
allowing a decreased contact area between the bottle and the bottle
pocket. The internal ring ribs 902 can be limited to an upper
portion of the bottle pocket, so that the lower portion of the
bottle pocket can seal tightly around a bottle. The internal ring
ribs 902 can make it easier for air to escape as the bottle holder
is slid over the bottle, because the decreased contact area between
the bottle and the bottle pocket means the exiting air only needs
to get past the smaller contact area between the rib rings and the
bottle. Similarly, the internal rib rings 902 can make it easier
for air to flow into the bottle holder 110 when a bottle is removed
from the bottle holder, so that the bottle is not held in place by
a vacuum once the bottle is slid out of the sleeve to the internal
region with the internal rib rings.
[0067] In various embodiments, the internal surface of a bottle
holder can have vertical ribs, internal bumps, horizontal rings,
various surface textures that can include matte or textured
surfaces, repeating surface patterns, rough textures,
cross-hatches, zig-zag texture lines, blind holes, through holes,
and/or other various other surface treatments to the interior
surface of the bottle holder. Various possible surface treatments,
alone or in combination, could help with the removal of a bottle
for the same reasons as explained above in regard to the exemplary
internal surfaces described in regard to FIGS. 8A-9B, including
allowing air to enter and/or escape from the fluid dispenser as a
bottle is inserted or removed from the fluid dispenser. In various
embodiments, different regions of a bottle holder can have
different surface textures. Regions of glossed or smooth surface
finishes can be used to promote grip between the silicone sleeve
and a bottle. Regions of glossed or smooth surface finishes can
include regions around the window that can help to prevent
puckering of the material when the material is stretched around a
bottle, and/or regions around the top rim of the sleeve that can
help to keep the bottle seated in the bottle dispenser. The
exemplary surface treatments for the interior of the bottle holder
that are described herein are intended only as examples, and
various surface treatments are specifically contemplated for the
interior of the bottle holder, including but not limited to the
ones named herein. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the
external surface of a fluid dispenser can have vertical ribs,
internal bumps, horizontal rings, various surface textures that can
include glossy or polished textures, repeating surface patterns,
rough textures, cross-hatches, zig-zag texture lines, blind holes,
through holes, and/or other various other surface treatments to the
exterior surface of the fluid dispenser. Various outer surface
textures or treatments can improve aesthetics and/or increase
friction to help the user grip the outer surface. Various possible
surface treatments, alone or in combination, could be beneficial on
the outside of the fluid dispenser to improve the user's grip on
the fluid dispenser as the user is inserting or removing a bottle.
The exemplary surface treatments for the exterior of the fluid
dispenser that are described herein are intended only as examples,
and various surface treatments are specifically contemplated for
the exterior of the fluid dispenser, including but not limited to
the ones named herein.
[0068] FIG. 10 is a rear view of a fluid dispenser with air release
holes, according to an illustrative embodiment. A fluid dispenser
can have air release holes 1002. Air release holes can allow air to
escape through the air release holes 1002 when a bottle 102 is
being inserted into the bottle holder 110. Air can easily escape as
the bottle is being inserted, however, when the bottle has been
fully inserted, the bottle pocket can wrap snugly around the bottle
102, effectively closing the air release holes 1002. When a bottle
is removed from a fluid dispenser, a user can pull slightly on the
suction cup mount 104, which can pull the side wall of the bottle
pocket away from the bottle, and can allow air to enter the bottle
pocket through the air release holes 102. Allowing air to enter
through the air release holes 1002 can release a vacuum between a
bottle pocket and a bottle so that the bottle can be removed more
easily once the bottle is slid out of the sleeve to the internal
region with the air release holes.
[0069] Suction cup mount 104 can have a notch 1010. Notch 1010 can
have a holding area 1012 and side rails 502. When viewed from the
rear, side rails 502 can be angled so that notch 1010 can be wider
at the base 1016, and notch 1010 can be narrower near the top 1018
of the suction cup mount 104. Side rails 502 can be farther apart
near the base 1016, so that a user can more easily slide the fluid
dispenser 100 over a suction cup nub. The side rails 502 can taper
to a narrower area near the top 1018, so the side rails 502 can
guide a suction cup nub into the holding area 1012 as a user places
the fluid dispenser on the suction cup. Holding area 1012 can
accommodate a nub of a standard suction cup 103.
[0070] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a suction cup mount of a
fluid dispenser with a suction cup, according to an illustrative
embodiment. Suction cup mount 104 can accommodate a standard-type
suction cup. A standard suction cup 103 can have a nub 1102, and a
gap 1104 separating the nub 1102 from the body of the suction cup.
Side rails 502 can have a thickness that is approximately equal to,
or slightly less than, the width of the gap 1104 on a suction cup.
A user can place a fluid dispenser onto a suction cup by moving the
fluid dispenser along direction arrow 1106, so that the nub 1102 of
the suction cup can easily enter the notch 1010 that is
conveniently wider near the base 1016. Side rails 502 can engage
with the gap 1104, and the nub 1102 can be guided into the holding
area 1012. A suction cup can be slid into the notch 1010, so that
the fluid dispenser can be suspended from the suction cup. The
notch 1010 is wider near the base 1016 so that a user can easily
place the notch around the nub 1102 without needing to see the
notch 1010 or nub 1102. Suction cup mount 104 can allow a user to
remove a fluid dispenser from its location quickly and easily by
lifting up on the fluid dispenser and disengaging the fluid
dispenser from the suction cup while the suction cup can remain
attached to the mounting surface. Because the suction cup can be a
separate component that can remain attached to the mounting
surface, the user can return the fluid dispenser to the position on
the suction cup without having to press on the fluid dispenser to
engage the suction cup to the mounting surface, and without having
to risk any unwanted release of the contained fluid caused by
pressing on the fluid dispenser.
[0071] The suction cup mount can be positioned so that the holding
area 1012 can be at or above the center of gravity of the fluid
dispenser in the dispensing position, so that the fluid dispenser
can be maintained in the dispensing position when the fluid
dispenser is hanging on the suction cup 103. The location of the
holding area 1012 of the suction cup mount 104 at or above the
center of gravity of the fluid dispenser can prevent the fluid
dispenser from tipping forward or swiveling into an upside-down
position with the dispensing bulb at the top. In an embodiment, the
suction cup mount 104 is located approximately halfway up the fluid
dispenser. This location can allow for weight distribution of the
bottle on the mount so that it neither tips forward nor becomes
susceptible to rotating or spinning around the axis of the suction
cup. In various embodiments, a fluid dispenser can have more than
one suction cup mount 104, and a fluid dispenser can hang from more
than one suction cup 103.
[0072] When viewed from the side, the back face 1110 of the suction
cup mount 104 can be angled so that it is farther away from the
bottle holder 110 near the base, and closer to the bottle holder
110 near the top 1018. The suction cup mounting feature can have a
partial wedge shape that can narrower at the top and wider at the
base. This wedge shape of the suction cup mount can hold the bottom
of the bottle holder out from the mounting surface. This wedge
shape and resulting offset from the mounting surface can allow the
user to comfortably position their hand around the bulb during
dispensing. The wedge shape and resulting offset can help prevent
the top of bottle holder 110 from tilting forwards away from the
mounting surface when holding a heavy bottle. The suction cup mount
can be sufficiently long and angled outward at the bottom to
compensate for any flexing or compression of the material of the
bottle holder when a heavy bottle is held in the bottle holder. In
an exemplary embodiment, suction cup mount 104 can be approximately
0.369 inches thick near the top 1018, so the back face 1110 of the
suction cup mount 104 can be approximately 0.369 inches from the
bottle holder 110 near the top 1018. Suction cup mount 104 can be
approximately 0.564 inches thick near the base 1016, so that the
back face 1110 of the suction cup mount can be approximately 0.564
inches from the bottle holder 110 near the base 1016. In an
exemplary embodiment, suction cup mount 104 can be approximately
2.000 inches long. In an exemplary embodiment, suction cup mount
104 can be approximately 1.100 inches wide. It should be clear that
these suction up mount dimensions are exemplary, and various
dimensions are possible without departing from the scope of the
disclosure.
[0073] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser with a
suction cup mount and a stand-off bump, according to an
illustrative embodiment. A fluid dispenser 100 can have a suction
cup mount 104 can be located at the same height as the center of
gravity, or above the center of gravity of the fluid dispenser. In
an embodiment, the suction cup can be mounted close to the top of
the bottle holder, and a stand-off bump can be positioned between
the suction cup mount and the bottom of the bottle. The stand-off
bump can be positioned halfway up the overall length of the fluid
dispenser. This can further help prevent the bottle from tipping
forward or rotating around the suction cup axis. As shown in FIG.
12, a suction cup mount 104 can be located near the top of the
fluid dispenser 100. A fluid dispenser with a suction cup mount 104
located at or near the top of the fluid dispenser can have a
stand-off bump 1202. The stand-off bump can extend out from the
back of the fluid dispenser a sufficient distance to create a gap
between the fluid dispenser and the mounting surface. In an
embodiment, the stand-off bump 1202 can extend outwards from the
back of the fluid dispenser 100 approximately 0.433 inches,
however, various dimensions for the stand-off bump are possible
without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The stand-off
bump 1202 can extend outwards enough to provide adequate clearance
between the dispensing bulb and the mounting surface, so that a
user's hand or fingers can easily fit between the dispensing bulb
and the mounting surface.
[0074] FIG. 13 is a side view of a fluid dispenser with integral
suction cups, according to an illustrative embodiment. A fluid
dispenser 100 can have one or more integral suction cups 1302.
Integral suction cups 1302 can be molded-in as an integral part of
the fluid dispenser, and the fluid dispenser and integral suction
cups can be a single piece.
[0075] FIG. 14 is a rear view of a multi-dispenser unit, according
to an illustrative embodiment. A multi-dispenser unit 1400 can have
multiple fluid dispensers 100 that can be joined together by
connectors 1402. Each of the individual fluid dispensers can be
individually supported by one or more separate suction cups, or the
entire multi-dispenser unit can be supported by one or more suction
cups that support the entire unit. With a multi-dispenser unit, a
user can easily dispense fluids from several different bottles of
fluid that can be maintained in close proximity and can help to
support each other.
[0076] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser with
integrated hooks, according to an embodiment. A fluid dispenser can
have at least one hook 1502. Hooks 1502 can be an integral part of
the fluid dispenser, and can be molded-in as part of the fluid
dispenser during manufacturing. FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a
fluid dispenser with a razor 1504 hanging on the hooks 1502,
according to an illustrative embodiment. Hooks 1502 can be designed
to hold a razor, the string for a loofah, other shower accessories,
or any other item that a user would like to store by hanging on the
fluid dispenser. A fluid dispenser can have any number of hooks
1502 that can be located on the front and/or the side(s) of the
fluid dispenser, so that various items can be suspended from the
fluid dispenser.
[0077] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser with a
cut-out window, according to an illustrative embodiment. A fluid
dispenser 100 can be manufactured with one or more cut-out windows
1602 in the bottle holder 110. The cut-out window can be molded
into the fluid dispenser, or the cut out window can be cut away
after the fluid dispenser has been molded. The cut-out window 1602
can allow the user to view the bottle within the fluid dispenser,
so that a user with multiple fluid dispensers can see which bottle
is in which fluid dispenser. The cut-out window can make it easier
for air to escape when a bottle is inserted into the fluid
dispenser, or for air to flow in to release a vacuum when a bottle
is removed from the fluid dispenser. The cut-out window can make
insertion and removal of the bottle easier by decreasing the amount
of friction between the bottle surface and the inside surface of
the sleeve. The cut-out window can also be used for insertion and
removal of a bottle. A bottle can be inserted or removed through
the cut-out window.
[0078] FIG. 16B is a front view of a fluid dispenser with a cut-out
window showing dimensions, according to another illustrative
embodiment. A fluid dispenser 100 can have a cut-out window 1602
with a window length WL of approximately 4.2 inches. A fluid
dispenser 100 can have a cut-out window 1602 with a window height
from the bottom of the window to the bottom of the dispenser bulb
WH of approximately 3.9 inches. A fluid dispenser 100 can have a
cut-out window 1602 with a window width WW measured from one side
of the window to the other side of the window of approximately 2.1
inches. A cut-out window 1602 can have an upper radius R3 of
approximately 1.5 inches. A cut-out window 1602 can have a lower
radius R4 of approximately 1 inch.
[0079] FIG. 16C is a side view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 16B
with a cut-out and relief slot, and showing dimensions, according
to the illustrative embodiment. A fluid dispenser 100 can have a
window 1602, a stand-off bump 1202, a suction cup mount 104, and at
least one relief slot 1604. Stand-off bump 1202 can have a
stand-off bump height BH from the stand-off bump to the bottom of
the bulb of approximately 3.2 inches. Suction cup mount 104 can
have a holding area 1012 that can be above the center of gravity of
the fluid dispenser, so that more than half of the weight of the
fluid dispenser, bottle, and fluid can be below the holding area
1012. Holding area 1012 can be near the top of the fluid dispenser.
Holding area 1012 can have a holding area height HH from the
holding area to the bottom of the bulb of approximately 7.4
inches.
[0080] At least one relief slot 1604 can be located at the back or
side(s) of the bottle holder, and can allow the bottle holder 110
to conform to the shape of a bottle without deformation of the
bottle holder 110. The relief slot(s) 1604 can flex open to allow
the circumference of the bottle holder to expand and accommodate a
bottle, thereby relieving stress on the material of the bottle
holder 110. The relief slot(s) 1604 can minimize or eliminate
deformation of the bottle holder, including puckering of the
material at the edge of the window, as a bottle is held within the
bottle holder. The relief slot(s) 1604 can also allow a bottle to
be inserted into the bottle holder more easily as the slots flex
open and allow the circumference of the bottle holder to expand and
accommodate a bottle. The relief slot(s) 1604 can be approximately
the same length as the window length WL, and the relief slots 1604
can be rounded at the top and bottom of the relief slot(s) 1604 to
prevent tearing of the slot(s) as the slot(s) are flexed open.
[0081] FIG. 16D is a cross-section view of the bottle holder of
FIG. 16C, taken along cross-section line 16D-16D of FIG. 16C,
showing the rear portion of the fluid dispenser with relief slots
and dimensions, according to the illustrative embodiment. A fluid
dispenser 100 can have a bottle holder 110, shoulders 116, a bulb
120, and at least one relief slot 1604. A relief slots 1604 can
have a relief slot length RL from the top of the slot to the bottom
of the slot of approximately 3.5 inches. Relief slots 1604 can have
a relief slot height RH from the bottom of the slot to the bottom
of the bulb 120 of approximately 4.3 inches. A relief slot 1604 can
have a relief slot width RW of approximately 0.04 inches. A bottle
holder 110 can have one, two, or more relief slots 1604 in various
embodiments. In an embodiment, a bottle holder 110 can have two
relief slots 1604, and the relief slots 1604 can be located
approximately parallel to the central axis 402, and the relief
slots can have a relief slot spacing RS from the relief slot 1604
to the central axis 402 of approximately 1 inch. It should be
obvious that the above dimensions are provided as a non-limiting
example, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0082] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a bottle holster, according
to an illustrative embodiment. A bottle holster 1700 can have a
support spine 1702, a strap 1704, a suction cup 1706, and a
dispenser 1710. The strap 1704 can hold a bottle in the bottle
holster 1700. The strap 1704 can be a flexible and/or stretchable
material that can be made of a silicone material, such as the
silicone materials described above. Dispenser 1710 can have an
insertion portion 1712 and a dispenser bulb 1714. Insertion portion
1712 can be designed to fit inside of the neck of a bottle.
Insertion portion 1712 can have insertion rings 1716. Insertion
rings 1716 can be made of a flexible material such as silicone,
described above. The insertion rings can create a seal between the
insertion portion 1712 and the interior of the neck of a bottle.
Because the insertion rings 1716 are made of a flexible material
such as silicone, they can create a seal between the insertion
portion 1712 and various different sized bottle necks. Insertion
rings 1716 can extend outwards from insertion portion 1712, and can
be compressed inwards and/or flexed downwards as insertion portion
1712 is inserted into a bottle neck. Dispenser bulb 1714 can have a
reservoir and a dispenser pore as described above. The dispenser
bulb 1714 can operate the same as the dispenser bulb explained
above. A support spine can be configured to hold multiple bottles
102 and multiple dispensers 1710. A support spine can have multiple
straps 1704.
[0083] FIG. 18 is a side view of a bottle holster, according to an
illustrative embodiment. The dispenser 1710 can be mounted in the
support spine 1702. The suction cup 103 can be affixed to the
support spine 1702. The support spine can be curved, and the
support spine can be a rigid or semi-flexible material such as a
plastic that can hold the suction cup 1706, strap 1704, and
dispenser 1710 in the correct positions.
[0084] FIG. 19 is a side view of a bottle holster with an inserted
bottle, according to an illustrative embodiment. The strap 1704 can
hold the bottle 102 in the bottle holster 1700. The bottle holster
can hold the bottle in the inverted position so that fluid flows
downward into the dispenser bulb. The dispenser bulb 1714 can allow
a user to dispense fluid from the bottle 102. The spine can hold
the bottle and the dispenser bulb such that a gap exists between
the dispenser bulb and the mounting surface. The spine 1704 can be
held in place by the suction cup, and the top of the spine 1702 can
contact the mounting surface. The rigid or semi-flexible spine that
is held in place by the suction cup in one location, and can be
held against the mounting surface in a second location, can hold
the dispensing bulb away from the mounting surface to provide
adequate clearance between the dispensing bulb and the mounting
surface so that a user's hand or fingers can easily fit between the
dispensing bulb and the mounting surface.
[0085] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bottle holster with
multiple suction cups, according to an illustrative embodiment. A
bottle holster 2000 can have a rigid or semi-flexible spine 2002
and a multitude of integral suction cups 2004. A bottle holster
2000 with multiple integral suction cups can be free of a strap.
The bottle holster 2000 can have a dispenser 1710 that is held by
the rigid or semi-flexible spine 2002. A bottle can be held in
place by at least one of the multitude of integral suction cups
2004 that can grip and hold the bottle. A bottle can also be held
in place by the insertion member 1712 of the dispenser 1710. The
insertion member can be inserted within the neck of the bottle, and
the bottle and dispenser can both be supported by the rigid or
semi-flexible spine.
[0086] FIG. 21 is a side view of a bottle holster with multiple
suction cups holding a bottle, according to an illustrative
embodiment. A bottle holster 2000 with multiple suction cups 2004
can have multiple suction cups 2004 on the front side 2102 of the
spine 2002, and the bottle holster 2000 can have multiple suction
cups on the back side 2104 of the spine 2002. The suction cups 2004
on the front side can help to hold the bottle in place, and the
suction cups 2004 on the back side 2104 can secure the bottle
holster to a mounting surface such as a shower wall.
[0087] The foregoing has been a detailed description of
illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications
and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of this invention. Features of each of the various
embodiments described above may be combined with features of other
described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a
multiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments.
Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate
embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention,
what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the
application of the principles of the present invention. For
example, in alternate embodiments, a dispenser opening can be on
the front of a dispenser bulb instead of the bottom. A bottle
holster can have a dispenser bulb with a neck region that fits
around the outside of the neck of the bottle, in addition to, or
instead of, having an insertion portion that is inserted into the
neck of the bottle. A neck region that fits around the outside of
the neck of the bottle can extend around the neck of the bottle or
can extend upwards to cover a larger portion of the bottle, and can
form a tight seal with the neck and/or higher portion of the
bottle. Also, as used herein, various directional and orientational
terms (and grammatical variations thereof) such as "vertical",
"horizontal", "up", "down", "bottom", "top", "side", "front",
"rear", "left", "right", "forward", "rearward", and the like, are
used only as relative conventions and not as absolute orientations
with respect to a fixed coordinate system, such as the acting
direction of gravity. Additionally, where the term "substantially"
or "approximately" is employed with respect to a given measurement,
value or characteristic, it refers to a quantity that is within a
normal operating range to achieve desired results, but that
includes some variability due to inherent inaccuracy and error
within the allowed tolerances (e.g. 1-2%) of the system.
Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of
example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this
invention.
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