Embodiments of the invention relate to dispensers and more particularly to dispensers for pumping or gravity feeding viscous fluids into a container for distribution or use.
Dispensing devices are widely used for many different products. In the field of laundry care, liquid laundry detergent is often dispensed from a large container into a smaller container or measuring device before being added to a load of laundry. For example, the press-tap system is a common feature used with laundry dispensing systems. The press-tap feature consists of a press-tap valve that, when pressed, allows laundry detergent to flow under gravitational forces through the open valve into a cup or dispenser being held underneath the press-tap output opening. Releasing the press-tap stops the flow of product therethrough.
While press-tap systems are widely used with laundry products, they are not ideal. In fact, press-tap systems are not always preferred by users and consumers for a number of reasons, including, among others, leakage, force to actuate issues, messiness, complexity, and number of steps required to complete dosing. Thus, there exists a need for better dispensing systems and methods for using such, especially for use with liquid laundry products.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
According to various embodiments of the invention, a two-piece dispensing system 100 includes a body 102 and a valve 104 as illustrated in
A body 102 according to various embodiments of the invention may be attached to a container as desired. For example, as illustrated in
In certain embodiments of the invention, the body 102 and valve 104 may be molded from a resin or plastic. In some embodiments, the body 102 and valve 104 may be made of the same material to facilitate recycling. In other embodiments, while the materials of the body 102 and valve 104 may be different, they may both be recyclable.
A dispensing system 130 according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
According to various embodiments of the invention, an on/off toggle 136 may include a rotatable component that can be rotated from a position where product is allowed to flow into the body 132—an “on” position—to a position where product is prevented from flowing from the container 900 into the body 132—an “off” position. Rotation of the on/off toggle 136 may be facilitated by a wing or projection extending off of the on/off toggle 136. For example, as illustrated in
In some embodiments of the invention, rotation of the on/off toggle 136 may rotate the body 132 of the dispensing system as illustrated in
In other embodiments of the invention, an on/off toggle 136 may rotate a component within the body 132 or between the body 132 and the container 900 opening such that fluid is stopped from flowing into the body 132 when the on/off toggle 136 is in the “off” position.
A dispensing system 130 according to various embodiments of the invention may also include a vent 138 attached to a first opening in the container 900 as illustrated in
A dispensing system 150 according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
A dispensing system 180 according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
An alternative version of the dispensing system 180 according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
As illustrated in
A dispensing system 200 according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
A dispensing system 210 according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
In use, the base 214 may attach to an opening in the container 900 as illustrated in
A dispensing system 220 according to some embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
A dispensing system 230 according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
For example, as illustrated in
A dispensing system 250 according to some embodiments of the invention includes a washing machine 950 having a product compartment 952 into which a container 900 having a sealed opening may be inserted as illustrated in
In still other embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system 270 may include a dispenser 272 and a container 900 as illustrated in
According to embodiments of the invention, a user may buy a container 900 of product 910—for example a refill container 900—and insert it into the dispenser 272 as illustrated in
A dispensing system 290 according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
A dispensing system 300 according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
According to various embodiments of the invention, a cup may include a pour feature 975 as illustrated in
In other embodiments of the invention, a cup may include a hydrophobic texture molded into the cup as illustrated in
A dispensing system 310 according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
A dispensing system 320 according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
A dispensing system 330 according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
A dispensing system 350 according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
A dispensing system 400 according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in
As illustrated in the cross-sectional views of
In some embodiments of the invention, a tube 415 may not be needed. Rather, the tube retainer 410 itself may have a sufficient length such that it may have one end capable of being inserted into the vent path 940 and forming a seal therewith, forming a path from the vent hole 408 to the vent path 940.
While a tube 415 or tube retainer 410 may seal against the walls of the vent path 940 in sufficient manner to provide the necessary seal, additional features may be added to the end of a tube 415 or tube retainer 410 to assist in sealing the point of contact with the vent path 940. For example, in some embodiments of the invention an o-ring may be placed around an end of a tube 415 or tube retainer 410 to facilitate a fluid tight seal. In other embodiments, the end of the tube 415 or tube retainer 410 may be bi-injected with a material that can provide a better sealing contact with the vent path 940. In still other embodiments of the invention, the end of the tube 415 or tube retainer 410 may include ridges that facilitate a better seal against the interior walls of the vent path 940.
An improved dispensing system 400 may also include a body 402 having a snap-fit or bayonet connection 403 capable of securing the body 402 to the container 900 as illustrated. A snap-fit or bayonet connection 403 may allow the body 402 to be attached to the container 900 while aligning the tube 415 or tube retainer 410 with the landing 942 of the vent path 940. This may help to facilitate insertion of the tube 415 or tube retainer 410 into the vent path 940 during assembly of a body 402 with a container 900.
According to other embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system may include the combination of the two-piece dispensing system 100 of the present invention with a vent hole 408, tube retainer 410, tube 415, and container 900 having a vent path 940. The two-piece dispensing system 100 may be modified to include a vent hole 408 and a tube retainer 410. In some embodiments, the tube retainer 410 may be inserted into a vent path 940 of a container 900. In other embodiments, a tube 415, inserted into the tube retainer 410 at one end and the vent path 940 at the other end, may provide a vent path from an interior of the body 102 of the two-piece dispensing system 100 into the vent path 940.
According to still other embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system 580 may include a closure body 582, a chamber body 550, a gasket 578, a chamber cap 570, and a valve 510 as illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
According to various embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system 580 as illustrated in
In various embodiments of the invention, a dispensing ball 502 is removable from the dispensing system 580. In some embodiments, a dispensing ball 502 may include one or more latches, projections, or other features extending away from the mouth of the dispensing ball 502. For example, a dispensing ball 502 may include two or more projections extending outward or inward from an opening or mouth in the dispensing ball 502. The projections may be configured to mate with a portion of the chamber body 550 to facilitate movement of the chamber body 550 relative to the closure body 582. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, a dispensing ball 502 may include a mouth configured to seal with a portion of the dispensing system 580 when the dispensing ball 502 is positioned under the dispensing system 580 as illustrated in
In particular embodiments of the invention, a closure body 582 may include a closure deck 583. A closure attachment 586 may extend outward, upward, downward, or away from the closure deck 583. The closure attachment 586 may include features configured to attach the closure body 582 to a container 900. For example, as illustrated in
A plug seal 589 may also extend off of the closure deck 583 to facilitate a tight seal with a container 900. For instance, as illustrated in
A closure deck 583 may also include at least one inlet 584 opening passing through the closure deck 583. At least one vent 585 opening passing through the closure deck 583 may also be present in various embodiments of the invention. An additional opening 588 or openings may also be configured in the closure deck 583 as illustrated in
A closure body 582 may also include a skirt 587. A skirt 587 may be integrally formed with the closure body 582 or may be a separate piece that snaps to or otherwise connects with the closure body 582.
As illustrated in
The at least one body connection 552 may connect to the body closure 582. For example, a body connection 552 may include compression latches that may be forced into an opening 588 in the body closure 582 such that when the end of the body connection 552 extend past the opening 588 they spring out, holding the chamber body 550 in contact with the closure body 582. In various embodiments of the invention, the body connection 552 is configured to allow the chamber body 550 to rotate relative to the closure body 582 once attached.
A valve 510 may be seated over a valve post 556 of the chamber body 550 such that the valve post 556 extends through an opening in the valve 510. A chamber cap 570 may snap-fit, screw-on, or otherwise connect to the cap seal portion 554 of the chamber body 550.
The chamber body 550 may include a vent opening 559 and a product opening that are aligned with the vent 585 and inlet 584 in a dispensing mode and not aligned in a non-dispensing mode. For instance, in a non-dispensing mode the product opening 558 in the chamber body 550 is adjacent to a portion of the closure deck 583 such that fluid or product cannot pass therethrough. Similarly, in the non-dispensing position or mode, the vent opening 559 may be aligned with or in contact with a portion of the closure deck 583 such that air cannot flow through the vent 585. Upon rotation of the chamber body 550 into a dispensing position or mode, the product opening 558 is aligned with the inlet 584 in the closure body 582 such that product in a container 900 may flow through the inlet 584, through the product opening 558, and into the product chamber 540. Similarly, upon rotation of the chamber body 550 into a dispensing position or mode, the vent opening 559 is aligned with the vent 585 in the closure body 582 such that air may pass from within the product chamber 540, through the vent opening 559, through the vent 585, and into a container 900 attached to the dispensing system 580.
According to various embodiments of the invention, rotation of the chamber body 550 may be accomplished by attaching a dispensing ball 502 to the dispensing system 580 and rotating the dispensing ball 502. In other embodiments, a lever or other device could be used, attached to, or molded with the chamber body 550 to allow movement of the chamber body 550 relative to the closure body 582 in order to align the product opening 558 with the inlet 584 and the vent opening 559 with the vent 585.
A valve 510 according to various embodiments of the invention may include a valve body having an outlet end 512 at one end and a vent seal 516 at an opposite end. The vent seal 516 may be part of, attached to, or adjacent to a spring 514. An opening 518 through the valve 510 may pass through the outlet end 512 and may provide access to an interior surface of the valve 510 and the spring 514.
In some embodiments of the invention, a valve 510 may be made of an elastomeric material such that the spring 514 is part of the entire valve. Movement of the spring 514—or forces applied to the spring 514—may allow movement of the outlet end 512 and the vent seal 516.
A gasket 578 may be positioned on an exterior portion of the chamber body 550 and held in place by the chamber cap 570. A gasket 578 may be made of any material required to help seal an opening of a dispensing ball 502 with the dispensing device 580 in use.
A chamber cap 570 according to various embodiments of the invention may include a product outlet 572 and a seal ring 575. The seal ring 575 may be configured to attach to a chamber body 550. For example, the seal ring 575 may screw-on, snap-to, or otherwise connect with the chamber body 550.
The product outlet 572 of the chamber cap 570 is in contact with the outlet end 512 of a valve 510 when assembled. The contact between the outlet end 512 of the valve 510 and the product outlet 572 forms a fluid tight seal, preventing product in the product chamber 540 from being dispensed through the product outlet 572.
According to various embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system 580 may be attached to a container 900 filled with a product 910 or to a container 900 which is then filled with a product 910. Once attached, the dispensing system 580 may be used to regulate flow of the product 910 from the container 900.
In some embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system 580 will be attached to a dispensing ball 502 when attached to a container 900. In other embodiments, a dispensing ball 502 may be separate from and distributed with the container 900 or separately from the container 900.
In order to operate a dispensing system 580 according to various embodiments of the invention, a user may attach a dispensing ball 502 to the dispensing system 580. The opening of a dispensing ball 502 may be inserted towards the dispensing system 580 such that the opening engages a chamber body 550 or a gasket 578 between the chamber body 550 and the dispensing ball 502. Rotation of the dispensing ball 502 rotates the chamber body 550. Sufficient rotation will align—and unlock—the dispensing system 580 such that the product opening 5508 of the chamber body 550 is aligned with the inlet 584 of the closure body 582. In addition, in the unlocked position, the vent opening 5509 of the chamber body 550 is aligned with the vent 585 of the closure body 582. A user may then squeeze the dispensing ball 502—which may be made of an elastomeric material—forcing air contained in the dispensing ball 502 through the opening 518 in the valve 510 and into the air chamber 530. The pressure caused by the user's squeezing of the dispensing ball 502 unseats the vent seal 516 of the valve from the chamber body 550 wall, allowing air to flow into the product chamber 540 and out through the vent opening 5509 and vent 585 into the container 900. Upon release of the pressure—or a balancing thereof in the air chamber 530—the vent seal 516 of the valve 510 seals back against the wall of the chamber body 550, forming a seal therewith. At the same time, back-pressure or a vacuum formed in the dispensing ball 502 applies force to the spring 514, causing the spring 514 to lift the outlet end 512 of the valve 510 away from the product outlet 572 in the chamber cap 570. This opens a path for fluid or product 910 in the product chamber 540 to pour into the dispensing ball 502. In addition, because the product opening 5508 and inlet 584 are aligned, product 910 from within the container 900 may flow into the product chamber 540 and into the dispensing ball 502.
Once the dispensing ball 502 has returned to its normal shape, the outlet end 512 of the valve 510 reseats against the product outlet 572, forming a seal therewith and preventing further fluid flow into the dispensing ball 502.
If additional product is desired in the dispensing ball 502, the dispensing ball 502 may be squeezed again to force air through the vent system, creating a vacuum which allows the valve 510 to unseat and allow additional product into the dispensing ball 502. Once the desired amount is reached in the dispensing ball 502, a user may rotate the dispensing ball 502, sealing off the product opening 5508 and vent opening 5509 so that the dispensing ball 502 may be removed from the dispensing system 580 without leaking. The product 910 in the dispensing ball 502 may then be used as desired.
During the priming or squeezing of the dispensing ball 502, air pressure may prevent product 910 from entering the air chamber 530. However, if some product 910 does enter the air chamber 530, that product 910 may drip out of the opening 518 in the valve 510 and into the dispensing ball 502. Thus, to further avoid dripping, a user may wish to keep the dispensing ball 502 attached to the dispensing system 580 when not in use.
While various embodiments of the invention are described herein, it is understood that the particular embodiments defined by the appended claims are not to be limited by particular details set forth in the description, as many apparent variations thereof are contemplated. Furthermore, while various embodiments are described with respect to laundry applications, it is understood that such dispensers may be used for or with other applications and that the dispensers are not limited to laundry solutions. Rather, embodiments of the invention are limited only by the appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods which operate according to the principles of the embodiments of the invention described and which are not limited by an intended use.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/074,503, filed Aug. 1, 2018, which is a U.S. National Stage Filing of PCT/US2017/015963, filed Feb. 1, 2017, which claims the benefit of each of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/290,142 filed Feb. 2, 2016, Provisional Application No. 62/290,573 filed Feb. 3, 2016, and Provisional Application No. 62/337,051, filed May 16, 2016, the entire contents of each being incorporated herein by reference.
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