Patent Application
20240409298
An accessible product can be used by a person that may not have as wide a range of capabilities as another person. Products can be designed to address the accessibility challenges for people within, for example, a senior or disabled demographic. Products designed for accessibility help improve the quality of life for people and help them share experiences with their friends and colleagues.
In the following description, various embodiments will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details or with different specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiments being described.
As men and women age, their hand functionality decreases due to the changes in their musculoskeletal, vascular, and nervous systems. The decrease in hand functionality can include a loss of grip strength, where the loss of grip strength can affect a person's hand dexterity. Age and grip strength can impact how a person interacts with common household items, such as bottles. For example, the loss of grip strength can prevent a person from squeezing a bottle to remove the product from the bottle. For a person without assistance, this can mean that the person is unable to squeeze ketchup from a bottle while eating, squeeze talcum powder from a bottle for personal care, or squeeze shampoo from a bottle while showering.
Embodiments described herein address the above-referenced issues by providing a dispenser with a bellows member that includes expandable and contractible bellows that can be depressed to cause a product to be expelled from the dispenser. The dispenser can further include a cap with an opening to direct the product to be expelled from the cap. The cap can be a removable cap that can be connected to the bottle at an interface of the bellows member.
The bellows member of the dispenser can be fabricated from a flexible material that permits the bellows member to expand and compress. The bellows member can further include one or more folds that can expand or compress in response to application of, for example, temperature or pressure. The folds of the bellows member can be arranged inward from two end plates that provide rigidity and structure support for the bellows member. The end plates can provide a landing area for a person to use their hand to depress the bellows member to cause the product to be expelled from the dispenser. The dispenser can further include a fastener to fasten the dispenser to an object.
A user can dispense a product from the dispenser using a variety of methods. In some instances, the dispenser can be squeezed at both end plates to cause the bellows to compress and the product to be expelled from the dispenser. In other instances, the dispenser can be arranged against a rigid surface, such as a wall, and a person can apply a force to one end plate to depress the dispenser against the rigid surface. As the dispenser is pressed against the rigid surface, a reactive force causes pressure to be applied to the dispenser and thus causing the product to be expelled from the dispenser.
In an example, a user can have a household product dispenser in their home or office. The household product dispenser can be used for a variety of household products, such as a hand soap dispenser, a toothpaste dispenser, or a condiments dispenser. In the instance that the user wants to use the household product dispenser, the user can hold the dispenser in one hand, and pinch the top of the end plates with the other hand to expel the product from the dispenser. In another example, the household product dispenser can include a fastener, which permits the dispenser to be fastened to another object. For example, if the household product dispenser is being used to hold shampoo, the fastener can include a hook for fastening the dispenser to a shower head or another hook, or the fastener can be suction cups to fasten the dispenser to a shower wall. In either case, the household product dispenser can be arranged against a shower wall. Rather than pinching both end plates, the user can push against one end plate and the household product dispenser can be compressed against the wall, which causes the product to be expelled from the dispenser.
The bellows member 108 can include a first end 118 and a second end 120 that can be respectively connected to the first end plate 112 and the second end plate 114. Together the bellows member 108 and the first end plate 112 and the second end plate 114 form a reservoir having a variable volume of space for storing a product (e.g., a liquid or a powder). In the absence of a product, the reservoir can be filled with air. The one or more folds 110 allow the bellows member 108 to expand or compress based on an application of pressure. The contraction of the bellows member 108 can reduce the volume and cause the product or air to be expelled from an opening. A cross-section of the bellows member 108 is provided in
The cap 106 can include various forms such as a removable cap, or a permanent cap that is integrally fabricated along with the bellows member 108. In the case of a removable cap, the cap 106 can include a fastening feature, such as threaded grooves for fastening the cap 106 to the bellows member 108. Whether or not the cap 106 is removable or permanent, the cap 106 can be a flip-top cap with a hinged lid for opening and closing (see,
In some embodiments, the household product dispenser 102 can further include a fastener 122 for fastening the household product dispenser 102 to an object. The fastener 122 can be connected to a distal end of the household product dispenser 102. For example, the fastener 122 can be connected to the first end plate 112 or the second end plate 114. The fastener 122 can also be connected to the bellows 108. As illustrated, the fastener 122 can include a hook for suspending the household product dispenser 102 on an object, such as a shower head tube, or a shower hook connected to a wall. In other embodiments, the household product dispenser 102 does not include a fastener 122. In these embodiments, the household product dispenser 102 can include other features to provide support. For example, the cap 106 can include a flat surface to permit the household product dispenser 102 to stand upright (see,
The bellows member 108 can include one or more faces. As illustrated, the bellows member 108 includes a first face 122, a second face 124, a third face 126, and a fourth face 128. In a rest state (e.g., no pressure applied to body 104), the first face 122, the second face 124, the third face 126, and the fourth face 128 can have a rectangular structure. The bellows member 108 (including the first face 122, the second face 124, the third face 126, and the fourth face 128) can further have a uniform or substantially uniform width 130 while in the resting state. Therefore, as illustrated, in the instance that the first end plate 112 and the second end plate 114 are flat, the end plates can be parallel or substantially parallel while the household product dispenser 102 is in a rest state. Additionally, if the bellows member 108 is in an expanded state (e.g., the bellows member 108 is substantially filled with product or the first end plate 112 and the second end plate 114 are pulled away from each other), the bellows member 108 (including the first face 122, the second face 124, the third face 126, and the fourth face 128) can also have a uniform or substantially uniform width 130.
The folds can include a ridge 514, which is the raised portion of a fold. The folds can further include a root 516 which is a recessed portion of a fold. A pitch 518 can be the distance between two ridges. The length of a pitch 518 can be variable based on whether the folds 612 are contracted or expanded.
The bellows member 502 can further include an opening 520 for expelling a gas or a fluid. As illustrated, the opening 520 is arranged through the bellows member 506. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the opening 520 can be arranged through the first end plate 504 or the second end plate 508.
Pressure can be applied to the first end plate 504 and/or the second end plate 508. As illustrated, pressure is applied to both the first end plate 504 and the second end plate 508 to pinch one end of the bellows member 502. By applying pressure to the first end plate 504 and the second end plate 508, a user can reduce the volume of reservoir 510. The decrease in volume of the reservoir 510 can increase the pressure on any air or product in the reservoir 510. The increase in pressure can cause any air or product in the reservoir 510 to be expelled from the opening 520. It can further be seen that each pitch between the ridges of the folds proximate to the pressure are shorter in length than the pitch between the ridges of the folds at the other end of the bellows member 502. In other words, the bellows member 502 can be in a compressed state. In some instances, pressure can be applied to a central portion of the first end plate 504 and/or the second end plate 508, and the entire bellows member 502 be in a compressed state.
As indicated above, the bellows member 502 can be in a rest state, an expanded state and a compressed state. Each of the rest state, the expanded state and the compressed state can be associated with a different width.
The bellows member in a rest state 602 can be associated with a first width 610. For example, each of a first face (e.g., first face 122), a second face (e.g., second face 124), a third face (e.g., third face 126), and a fourth face (e.g., fourth face 128) of the bellows member in a rest state 602 can have uniform, or near uniform, width. The bellows member in a rest state 602 can be in the rest state for various reasons. For example, there is no product contained in bellows member in a rest state 602, or not enough product to expand the bellows member in the rest state 602.
The bellows member in an expanded state 604 can be associated with a second width 612. For example, each of a first face, a second face, a third face, and a fourth face of the bellows member in an expanded state 604 can have uniform, or near uniform, width that is greater than the uniform width of the faces of the bellows member in a rest state 602. The bellows member in an expanded state 604 can be in the expanded state for various reasons. For example, there is enough product contained in a reservoir of the bellows member in an expanded state 604 to apply a pressure and expand the bellows member in an expanded state 604. For example, the bellows member can be empty and in a rest state. A user can deposit product into the bellows member to apply a pressure on the bellows member to cause the bellows member to expand and transition from a rest state to an expanded state. In another instance, a user can pull the end plates of the bellows member away from each other to cause the bellows member to expand and transition from a rest state to an expanded state. In some embodiments, the bellows member is fabricated from an elastic material. In other words, the bellows member can deform when a pressure is applied (e.g., from the depositing the product in the bellows member or user's pull on the bellows member), but return to its original form in the instance the pressure is no longer applied. In other words, if the product is removed from the bellows member or the user discontinues pulling on the bellows member, the bellows member will transition back from the expanded state to the rest state.
The bellows member in a first compressed state 606 can be associated with a third width 614 and a fourth width 616. The third width 614 can, for example, be shorter than the fourth width. For example, each of a first face, a second face, a third face, and a fourth face of the bellows member in a first compressed state 604 can have a first portion associated with the third width 614 and a second portion associated with the fourth width 616. For example, a bellows member can be in a rest state or an expanded state, and a user can press against the bellows member at the first portion to cause the first portion to compress.
The bellows member in a second compressed state 608 can be associated with a fifth width 618. For example, each of a first face, a second face, a third face, and a fourth face of the bellows member in a second compressed state 608 can have a uniform, or near uniform fifth width 618. For example, a bellows member can be in a rest state or an expanded state, and a user can press against the bellows member at the center portion to cause the bellows member to uniformly, or near uniformly compress.
As indicated above the bellows member can be fabricated from an elastic material. The bellows member can deform when a pressure is applied (e.g., user's push on the bellows member), but return to original form in the instance the pressure is no longer applied. In other words, if the user discontinues pushing on the bellows member, the bellows member will transition back from the compressed state to the rest state.
A user can place each of the first household product dispenser 702 and the second household product dispenser 704 on a flat surface and within easy reach. Each of the first household product dispenser 702 and the second household product dispenser 704 have a size that is comparable to a commercially available shampoo bottle or soap dispenser so as to not burden the space requirements of a home or office.
At 904, the method can include applying pressure to the first end plate to cause the bellows member to compress. The pressure can be applied to the first end plate, the second end plate, or both end plates.
At 906, the method can include receiving a household product stored in the reservoir and expelled from the opening based on the contraction of the bellows member.
At 1004 the method can include connecting a first end plate connected to an end of the bellows member. At 1006, the method can include connecting a second end plate connected to an opposite end of the bellows member. The first end plate and the second end plate can provide rigid structures that provide a framework for the household product dispenser.
At 1008, the method can include forming an opening at the bellows member.
The above description of certain examples, including illustrated examples, has been presented only for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, any examples described herein can be combined or replaced with any other examples.
Although specific embodiments have been described, various modifications, alterations, alternative constructions, and equivalents are also encompassed within the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments are not restricted to operation within certain specific data processing environments but are free to operate within a plurality of data processing environments. Additionally, although embodiments have been described using a particular series of transactions and steps, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the described series of transactions and steps. Various features and aspects of the above-described embodiments may be used individually or jointly.
The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that additions, subtractions, deletions, and other modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope as set forth in the claims. Thus, although specific disclosure embodiments have been described, these are not intended to be limiting. Various modifications and equivalents are within the scope of the following claims.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosed embodiments, (especially in the context of the following claims), are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms, (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”), unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language, (e.g., “such as”), provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any nonclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.
Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is intended to be understood within the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known for carrying out the disclosure. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Those of ordinary skill should be able to employ such variations as appropriate and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
In the foregoing specification, aspects of the disclosure are described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Various features and aspects of the above-described disclosure may be used individually or jointly. Further, embodiments can be utilized in any number of environments and applications beyond those described herein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the specification. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.
