MULTI DISPENSING CONTAINER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001]This invention is in the field of containers and container outlets. The invention disclosed herein concerns a container with multiple dispensing routes.

Description of the Related Technology

[0002]Many types of household and industrial products are in liquid or paste form. They are typically stored in containers and dispensed to users as needed. Depending on the viscosity of the liquid, various storage and dispensing means are available.

[0003]Common dispensing methods include a hand operated pump, an opening on a container covered by a lid, or a lid with a toggle dispensing way, such as a disc cap. A hand operated pump allows for dispensing of liquid without having to move the container, but a dip tube is required. An opening on any type of container covered by a lid, cap, or squeeze tube with cap requires users to lift the container to dispense the liquid inside. A lid with a toggle dispensing way is commonly seen on shampoo bottles, which also requires lifting of the container to dispense liquid.

[0004]Operation of the dispensers on containers depends on viscosity of the liquid inside. Products such as creams may be too viscous for hand operated pump, and thus a large amount of product remains behind in the container when the level of product is low in the container.

[0005]There remains a need for a container with a dispensing route allowing for complete use of all products inside the container and enables easy refill of products into the container. This invention aims to solve the above need and other needs in the art.

SUMMARY

[0012]In frequently provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the outside of the detachable base comprises a rough surface to increase friction when gripped by a hand.

[0013]In often provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the rough surface comprises ridges.

[0014]In frequently provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the dispensing route at the top area of the body is a hand operated pump.

[0015]In often provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the dispensing route at the top area of the body is a disc cap.

[0016]In frequently provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the dispensing route at the top area of the body is a cap with thread attached to an outlet with threads.

[0017]In often provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the dispensing route at the top area of the body is a cap with an opening covered by a flip lid.

[0018]In frequently provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the detachable base is a disc cap.

[0019]In often provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the connecting mechanism on the detachable base and the connecting mechanism on the body are mating threads.

[0020]In frequently provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the connecting mechanism on the detachable base and the connecting mechanism on the body are a snap fit.

[0021]In often provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the connecting mechanism on the detachable base comprises a ring area expanding beyond the wall of the detachable base and the connecting mechanism on the body comprises a ring area expanding beyond the wall of the body to fit with the ring area on the detachable base.

[0022]In frequently provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the detachable base has holes in the wall while the container body has retractable pins with a diameter fitting the holes.

[0027]In frequently provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the connecting mechanism on the body, the upper connecting mechanism on the connector, the lower connecting mechanism on the connector, and the connecting mechanism on the cap are threads configured to mate with each other to form a seal.

[0028]In often provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the upper connecting mechanism on the connector and the lower connecting mechanism on the connector are threads present on the inside wall of the connector.

[0029]In frequently provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the connecting mechanism on the body, the upper connecting mechanism on the connector, the lower connecting mechanism on the connector, and the connecting mechanism on the cap are snap fits.

[0030]In often provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the connecting mechanism on the body, the upper connecting mechanism on the connector, the lower connecting mechanism on the connector, and the connecting mechanism on the cap are retractable pins with holes having diameters fitting the retractable pins.

[0031]In frequently provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the connecting mechanism on the body and the upper connecting mechanism on the connector are the same kind and a first kind, the lower connecting mechanism on the connector and the connecting mechanism on the cap are the same kind and a second kind, and the first kind and the second kind are different connecting mechanisms.

[0032]In often provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the connector has a rough surface on the outer surface to increase friction when gripped by a hand.

[0033]In frequently provided embodiments, there is provided an apparatus as above, wherein the rough surface comprises ridges or small particles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a bottle for dispensing liquid according to embodiments herein.

[0035]FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the bottle in FIG. 1A, with the bottle body and the detachable base in exploded view.

[0036]FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a tube for dispensing liquid according to embodiments herein.

[0037]FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the tube in FIG. 2A, with the tube body, the connector ring, and the cap in exploded view.

[0038]FIG. 2C is perspective view of the cap in FIGS. 2A and 2B with the lid in an open position.

[0039]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a tube for dispensing liquid according to an alternative embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0040]This present invention is capable of being embodied in various forms. The description below of several embodiments is made with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the claimed subject matter and is not intended to limit the attached claims to the specific embodiments illustrated. The headings used throughout this disclosure are provided for convenience only and are not to be construed to limit the claims in any way. Embodiments illustrated under any heading may be combined with embodiments illustrated under any other heading.

[0041]As used herein, the verb “to comprise” in this description, claims, and other conjugations are used in its non-limiting sense to mean those items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded.

[0042]Reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the elements are present, unless the context clearly requires that there is one and only one of the elements. The indefinite article “a” or “an” thus usually means “at least one.” Additionally, the words “a” and “an” when used in the present document in concert with the words “comprising” or “containing” denote “one or more”.

[0043]As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if by prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately”, even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonably expected range of values and/or positions.

[0044]All dimensions given herein are for illustrative purposes only and in no way will limit the inventions by these dimensions. It is to be understood that the invention may be constructed to have different dimensions than those provided herein and is still within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0045]As used herein, like numerals indicate like components even though the components may be used in different manners or at different places. Where there are multiple components of the same nature, a numeral refers to one, some, or all of the components of the same nature, depending on the context.

[0046]All dimensions specified in this specification are by way of example only and not intended to be limiting.

[0047]Embodiments of this invention provide a container with more than one type of dispensing route, enabling the complete removal and use of all products stored inside the container. In some embodiments, the container has different dispensing routes operating independently from each other and can all be used at different times to access product. In other embodiments, the container has a removable dispensing route for removal of product not dispensable from container.

[0048]Containers storing products in liquid, paste, or cream form are commonly used in household and industrial applications. Various mechanisms for dispensing products are available, including a cap with an aperture serving as product outlet, a disc top cap, which is a cap with a toggle disc having an aperture at the top serving as product outlet, a lid secured to the container and can be removed from container for access to product, a hand operated pump that a user can push on to dispense product at the top of the pump. Other dispensing mechanisms exist. However, products in liquid, paste, or cream form regularly stick to the side or bottom of a container or other parts within the container due to their viscosity. For many dispensing mechanisms and bottle configurations, removing all products from the container is not feasible. For example, products stored in a container with a hand operated pump usually reach a low level where the pump cannot access. Other container configurations may not allow for all products to exit the container.

[0049]Leaving products behind in containers is wasteful. In some cases, throwing left over products into trash results in accumulation of household products at landfill locations. For refillable containers, removing all product is important to refill, or new product fill will accumulate onto old product load, resulting in a “never new” load of product in a container. The embodiments of this invention aim to solve these problems.

[0050]In an embodiment, a container for products in liquid, paste, or cream form has at least two dispensing routes. One dispensing route allows dispensing of most, but not all of the product volume inside the container. Another dispensing route allows dispensing or removal of left over product volume inside the container. Removal of all product volume inside the container is economical and allows easy refill of products, if desired.

[0051]FIG. 1A illustrates a container according to embodiments herein. Container 100 in FIG. 1A is illustrated as a cylindrical bottle, but other shapes for the container are contemplated. At the top of container 100 is a hand operated pump 105, which has a dip tube (not shown) extending towards the bottom of container 100. The dip tube cannot reach the bottom of container 100 since a space between the dip tube and the bottom of container 100 is required for product to enter the end of the dip tube and drawn up when hand operated pump 105 is pushed. Consequently, when the product level drops below the end of the dip tube, hand operated pump 105 cannot draw any product up. Moreover, if the dip tube is obstructed for any reason, such as a clump in the product is stuck in the dip tube, or the product dries out, the hand operated pump cannot draw or dispense any product. Hand operated pump 105 may be removed from the top of the container, but the small opening at the top does not allow for complete removal of product inside, especially when the product has higher viscosity than water.

[0052]To solve this problem, an additional product dispensing route is provided. In FIG. 1A, at the bottom of container 100 is a detachable base 102. Detachable base 102 is configured to be removably attached to container body 101. As shown in FIG. 1A, detachable base 102 is in substantially round shape to mate with container body 101. Depending on the shape of container body 101, detachable base 102 may be of a corresponding shape. The outside of detachable base 102 has ridges 107 to increase friction and enable a user to grab detachable base 102 and turn it to detach or attach detachable base 102 to container 100. Other means to increase friction, such as by small particles, a rough surface, or other bumpy shapes on the surface may be used. Alternatively, the outside of detachable base 102 may be smooth.

[0053]FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of container 100 with detachable base 102 detached from container body 101. Along the inside wall of detachable base 102 is a connecting mechanism, in this case is threads 103. Detachable base threads 103 are configured to mate with a corresponding connecting mechanism 104, in this case are threads, on container body 101. Other connecting mechanisms are contemplated, such as a snap fit, an expanded ring in place of threads on the inside of the cap and a corresponding ring at the bottom of the container body, a retractable pin and hole on the corresponding mating surfaces, a plug lock lid, or a lever lock lid. In a snap fit configuration, the detachable base and the body of the container can be slid into each other and fit together to form a seal. The detachable base may have a ring area that expands beyond the wall of the cylinder, and this ring area fits with an expanded ring area on the container. In another embodiment, the detachable base has holes in the wall while the container body has retractable pins with a diameter fitting the holes. Upon mating the detachable base and the container body, the pins fit into the holes to hold the detachable base and the container body together.

[0054]In FIG. 1B, at the lower end of container body 101 is a connecting mechanism on the container body bottom 104, in this case threads. These threads 104 are configured to mate with threads on detachable base 103. If the detachable base has a different connecting mechanism, the container has a corresponding connecting mechanism to match with the detachable base.

[0055]It is noted that the height of the detachable base should be chosen with consideration of how low the product level gets with use. Inside a container with a hand operated pump, product level will drop to below the bottom of the dip tube if all products are dispensed using the hand operated pump, and there is no matter stuck in the dip tube. In that case, left over products would be contained at the detachable base. When the detachable base 102 is attached to the container body 101, the top of the side wall 106 of the detachable base is higher than the bottom of the dip tube, such that product left over is at a level that is lower than the top of the side wall 106. When the detachable base is removed from the container body, the product will not spill from the detachable base.

[0056]In operation, detachable base 102 is attached to container body 101 at the bottom, such that the connecting mechanism on detachable base 102 mates with the connecting mechanism on container body 101, creating a seal. In FIG. 1B, the connecting mechanism is shown as threads, thus detachable base 102 with threads 103 is screwed onto container body 101 at body bottom threads 104. A product in liquid form or cream form thus can be stored inside the container without leaking. A hand operated pump 105 is used to dispense the product from container 100. At any time, a user may also unscrew the detachable base 102 from container body 101 and remove the liquid product inside. With this configuration, liquid product will be discharged from the container upon removing of the detachable base, thus such action should be performed with knowledge of how much liquid product is still inside the container.

[0057]In some embodiments, the detachable base may be configured with a body to match the bottom of the container to create a smooth overall appearance, and a smaller connecting part to match a corresponding connecting part on the container bottom. This configuration allows connecting parts to be smaller than the container bottom or have smaller dimensions than the container bottom, and thus the detachable base may be easier to put on or remove. For containers with a body that is not substantially round, such as a cube or rectangular body, a cap with a body in square or rectangular shape with a smaller connecting part in round shape is required, such that connecting means can be present on the detachable base and the container body, and connecting means on these two parts can mate to engage and remove the detachable base from the container body. Connecting means in these embodiments may be by threads, a snap fit, an expanded ring in place of threads on the inside of the cap and at the bottom of the container, a retractable pin and hole on the corresponding mating surfaces, a plug lock lid, or a lever lock lid.

[0058]In other frequently included embodiments, the detachable base may be configured with a disc outlet or flip spout to discharge product from the container without removing the detachable base from the container. The disc outlet has a body in disc shape that fits and covers the bottom of the detachable base. The flip spout has a spout that fits into an indentation in a cap, in this case, the cap being the detachable base, and the detachable base fits and covers the bottom of the bottle body. The disc outlet or flip spout also has an orifice within the body of the disc outlet or the flip spout through which liquid can flow. The disc outlet or the flip spout in close position forms a uniformly flat surface with the detachable base. The disc is configured to be pressed at a finger recess, which causes the disc to tilt, and an end of the orifice is exposed to the outside, while the flip spout has a short overhang that allows the spout to be lifted easily from the indentation and securely fits back in place. Liquid can be dispensed from the container through this orifice on the disc. The detachable base having this disc outlet or flip spout may have a connecting part as described above and can connect to the container body and form a seal. In use, the product may be discharged through the hand operated pump and/or the disc outlet. When the product level has dropped to a certain degree and the user wishes to remove the rest of the product from the container, the user can remove the detachable base.

[0059]In another embodiment, a container for product in liquid, paste or cream form is provided with one outlet but the outlet is removable from the container in such a manner that the product inside can be completely removed from the container. FIG. 2A illustrates a tube container according to this embodiment. The tube container 200 has a tube body 201 with a closed top end 210 and a cap 203 at the bottom end. Cap 203 is connected to tube body 201 via connector 202, which is shown as a ring shape, but other shapes are contemplated. In assembly, connector ring 202 attaches to tube body 201 by a connecting mechanism on one end, then cap 203 attaches to connector ring 202 by another connecting mechanism on the other end.

[0060]FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of tube container 200 with tube body 201 shown detached from connector ring 202 and cap 203. At the bottom of tube body 201 is a connecting mechanism 207, in this case threads, configured to mate with an upper connecting mechanism, in this case upper threads 208, on connector ring 202. Connector ring 202 also has a lower connecting mechanism 209, in this case lower threads, which are configured to mate with threads on cap 206. The upper connecting mechanism 208 and the lower connecting mechanism 209, in this case threads, on connector ring 202, are present on the inside of connector ring 202. Connecting mechanism in these embodiments may be by threads, a snap fit, an expanded ring in place of threads on the inside of the cap and at the bottom of the container, a lever lock, or a retractable pin and hole on the corresponding mating surfaces.

[0061]There is a transition area 211 on connector ring 202 that is without any connecting mechanism, in this case without threads. When connector ring 202 is attached to tube body 201 and cap 203 at upper connecting mechanism 208 and lower connecting mechanism 209 respectively, transition area 211 is not engaged in any connecting mechanism. As shown in FIG. 2B, the outside area of connector ring 212 is smooth. In other embodiments, the outside area of connector ring 202 may have ridges or other corrugations or particles to increase friction, thereby enabling gripping and allowing users to easily turn the connector ring.

[0062]At the top of cap 203 is a connecting mechanism 206. The connecting mechanism, in this case threads 206 on cap, is configured to mate with a lower connecting mechanism, in this case threads 209 on connector ring 202. As shown herein, threads 209 are present on the inside of connector ring 202 and mate with threads 206 on the outside of the wall at the top of the cap.

[0063]FIG. 2C illustrates a front perspective view of cap 203 for tube container 200. Cap 203 is shown as having a substantially cylindrical shape, even though other shapes are contemplated. Cap 203 has lid 204, which can be opened or closed by flipping around a pivot attached to cap 203. Lid 204 covers an aperture, which serves as outlet 205, which is shown as circular shape, even though other shapes can be used. In use, opening the lid 204 and squeezing the tube body 201 causes liquid inside tube body 201 to discharge through outlet 205.

[0064]FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the tube. The tube body is the same, but the threads serving as connecting mechanisms are arranged differently. In a different arrangement, lower threads 309 serving as a connecting mechanism on the connector ring 302 are present on the outside of connector ring 302. Corresponding threads 306 to mate with threads 309 serving as lower connecting mechanism on connector ring 302 are present on the inside of the wall at the top of cap 303. At the top of connector ring 302, upper threads 308 are present on the inside of connector ring 302, and corresponding threads 307 on the tube mates with upper threads 308 to connect the tube 300 to connector ring 302. Outlet 305 is shown positioned in the middle of cap 303, and lid 304 is shown closed on cap 303. In use, when cap 303 is fitted onto connector ring 302 and connector ring 302 is fitted onto tube body 301, lid 304 can be flipped open or closed to allow dispensing of liquid inside tube 300.

[0065]The container, cap, hand operated pump, and connector ring as disclosed herein may be made from suitable materials, including plastic, metals, or alloys, among other suitable materials. The wall of the bottle, the connector ring and the cap are designed to have adequate stiffness to hold up straight and form a container that does not change shape upon assembly. When metals and alloys are used, choice of materials should take into account differential voltage to avoid Galvanic corrosion.

[0066]Preferably the container body has a stiffness adequate for a human hand to grab and hold, such that another hand can grab and remove the bottom cap in such a manner that avoids the container wall from being pushed inward of the container body, since this may cause difficulties in removing the bottom cap. Similarly, the connector ring has adequate stiffness to enable easy grabbing and holding during removal from the container body.

[0067]Parts herein are manufactured using techniques such as injection molding, or computer numerical control (CNC) machining for metal or alloy parts. Parts are manufactured and supplied together as a package. An end user receives a bottle or container according to embodiments herein filled with products in the form of liquid or cream inside. During use, the user can remove the bottom lid, the cap, and/or the connector ring to remove the product from the container as needed. After removal of the product and optionally cleaning, the container can be refilled with the same or different product. All product is thus used and not wasted, and the container is thus reuseable.

[0068]In a first embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing a liquid is provided, the apparatus comprises: a body configured to store the liquid, the body having a connecting mechanism at the bottom of the body; a dispensing route at a top area of the body; a detachable base removably attached to the body, the detachable base having a connecting mechanism at the top; wherein the connecting mechanism at the bottom of the body and the connecting mechanism at the top of the detachable base are configured to mate with each other, and wherein upon mating with each other, the detachable base forms a seal with the body.

[0069]In a second embodiment, the first embodiment includes the outside of the detachable base comprises a rough surface to increase friction when gripped by a hand.

[0070]In a third embodiment, the second embodiment includes the rough surface comprises ridges.

[0071]In a fourth embodiment, the first embodiment includes the dispensing route at the top area of the body is a hand operated pump.

[0072]In a fifth embodiment, the first embodiment includes the dispensing route at the top area of the body is a disc cap.

[0073]In a sixth embodiment, the first embodiment includes the dispensing route at the top area of the body is a cap with thread attached to an outlet with threads.

[0074]In a seventh embodiment, the first embodiment includes the dispensing route at the top area of the body is a cap with an opening covered by a flip lid.

[0075]In an eighth embodiment, the first embodiment includes the detachable base is a disc cap.

[0076]In a ninth embodiment, the first embodiment includes the connecting mechanism on the detachable base and the connecting mechanism on the body are mating threads.

[0077]In a tenth embodiment, the first embodiment includes the connecting mechanism on the detachable base and the connecting mechanism on the body are a snap fit.

[0078]In an eleventh embodiment, the first embodiment includes the connecting mechanism on the detachable base comprises a ring area expanding beyond the wall of the detachable base and the connecting mechanism on the body comprises a ring area expanding beyond the wall of the body to fit with the ring area on the detachable base.

[0079]In a twelfth embodiment, the first embodiment includes the detachable base has holes in the wall while the container body has retractable pins with a diameter fitting the holes.

[0080]In a thirteenth embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing a liquid is provided, the apparatus comprises: a tube container having a connecting mechanism at one end; a connector having an upper connecting mechanism at one end configured to mate with the connecting mechanism on the tube container, and a lower connecting mechanism at the other end of the connector; and a cap having a connecting mechanism configured to connect the cap with the lower connecting mechanism of the connector, an aperture for dispensing liquid, and a lid attached to the cap and configured to flip around a pivot point on the cap.

[0081]In a fourteenth embodiment, the thirteenth embodiment includes the connecting mechanism on the body, the upper connecting mechanism on the connector, the lower connecting mechanism on the connector, and the connecting mechanism on the cap are threads configured to mate with each other to form a seal.

[0082]In a fifteenth embodiment, the thirteenth embodiment includes the upper connecting mechanism on the connector and the lower connecting mechanism on the connector are threads present on the inside wall of the connector.

[0083]In a sixteenth embodiment, the thirteenth embodiment includes the connecting mechanism on the body, the upper connecting mechanism on the connector, the lower connecting mechanism on the connector, and the connecting mechanism on the cap are snap fits.

[0084]In a seventeenth embodiment, the thirteenth embodiment includes the connecting mechanism on the body, the upper connecting mechanism on the connector, the lower connecting mechanism on the connector, and the connecting mechanism on the cap are retractable pins with holes having diameters fitting the retractable pins.

[0085]In an eighteenth embodiment, the thirteenth embodiment includes the connecting mechanism on the body and the upper connecting mechanism on the connector are the same kind and a first kind, the lower connecting mechanism on the connector and the connecting mechanism on the cap are the same kind and a second kind, and the first kind and the second kind are different connecting mechanisms.

[0086]In a nineteenth embodiment, the thirteenth embodiment includes the connector has a rough surface on the outer surface to increase friction when gripped by a hand.

[0087]In a twentieth embodiment, the nineteenth embodiment includes the rough surface comprises ridges or small particles.

[0088]While the present invention has been discussed in detail with reference to certain embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained in this disclosure.

[0089]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.

[0090]It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that a number of modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood that any ranges, ratios, and range of ratios that can be derived from any of the data disclosed herein represent further embodiments of the present disclosure and are included as part of the disclosure as though they were explicitly set forth. This includes ranges that can be formed that do or do not include a finite upper and/or lower boundary. Accordingly, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such values are unambiguously derivative from the data presented herein.