CONCENTRATE CARTRIDGE

Abstract

A reusable concentrate cartridge adapted to be supporting between a diluent container for combining at least two separate components of a multi-component system and an associated dispenser is disclosed. The concentrate cartridge is provided with a hollow cylindrical body and a hollow tube with a closure portion. The concentrate cartridge is caused to open by the rotating engagement of a closure cap on a dispensing sprayer which causes the closure portion of the hollow tube to disengage and release the concentrate material into the diluent container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other, objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to one skilled in the art from reading the following detailed description of the invention when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view partially in section of a concentrate cartridge incorporating the features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view partially in section of an alternative embodiment of the cartridge illustrated in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is an elevational view partially in section of another embodiment of the cartridge illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Claims

1. A concentrate cartridge comprising: a hollow main body having a first open end forming a closure seat and a spaced apart second end;a hollow tube having a first end portion in substantially fluid-tight sliding relation with the main body, and a second end portion including a closure adapted to selectively seat with the closure seat of the main body to form a substantially fluid-tight closure therebetween;a means for coupling the first open end of the main body to a diluting and dispensing container; anda means for coupling the second end of the main body to a dispensing sprayer.

2. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the main body includes a neck finish having threads formed on an exterior surface thereof.

3. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the second end of the main body includes an annular collar formed thereon.

4. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 3, wherein an annular web interconnects the annular collar and the neck finish.

5. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a threaded cap attached to the first open end of the main body for coupling the main body to a neck finish of the diluting and dispensing container.

6. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the concentrate cartridge is formed from plastic.

7. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the closure of the second end of the hollow tube has a sealing surface formed thereon.

8. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a means for unseating the closure of the hollow tube from the closure seat of the main body.

9. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 8, wherein means for unseating the closure of the hollow tube from the closure seat of the main body is the coupling of the second end of the main body to the dispensing sprayer.

10. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the main body is disposed between the diluting and dispensing container and the dispensing sprayer.

11. A concentrate cartridge comprising: a hollow main body having a first open end forming a closure seat and a spaced apart second end including a neck finish, an annular collar, and an annular web having a generally U-shaped cross-section interconnecting the annular collar and the neck finish of the first cylindrical element;a hollow tube having a first end portion in substantially fluid-tight sliding relation with the main body, and a second end portion including a closure adapted to selectively seat with the closure seat of the main body to form a substantially fluid-tight closure therebetween;a means for coupling the first open end of the main body to a diluting and dispensing container; anda means for coupling the second end of the main body to a dispensing sprayer; wherein the main body is disposed between the diluting and dispensing container and the dispensing sprayer.

12. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the second end of the main body includes a neck finish having threads formed on an exterior thereof.

13. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 11, further comprising a threaded cap attached to the first open end of the main body for coupling the main body to a neck finish of the diluting and dispensing container.

14. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the concentrate cartridge is formed from plastic.

15. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the closure of the second end of the hollow tube has a sealing surface formed thereon.

16. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 11, further comprising a means for unseating the closure of the hollow tube from the closure seat of the main body.

17. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 16, wherein means for unseating the closure of the hollow tube from the closure seat of the main body is the coupling of the second end of the main body to the dispensing sprayer.

18. A concentrate cartridge comprising: a hollow cylindrical main body having a first open end forming a closure seat and a second end including a neck finish, an annular collar, and an annular web having a generally U-shaped cross-section interconnecting the collar and the finish of the first cylindrical element;a hollow tube having a first end portion in substantially fluid-tight sliding relation with the annular collar of the main body, and a second end portion terminating into a radially outwardly extending closure adapted to selectively seat with the closure seat of the main body to form a substantially fluid-tight closure therebetween; anda cap attached to the first open end of the hollow cylindrical element for attachment to the finish of a diluting and dispensing container.

19. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 18, wherein the neck finish of the second end of the main body is adapted to be coupled to a dispensing sprayer.

20. The concentrate cartridge according to claim 19, wherein the main body is disposed between the diluting and dispensing container and the dispensing sprayer.