SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STORING AND DISPENSING DETERGENTS

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a detergent dispenser device and methods of systems related thereto. Dispensers of the present disclosure comprise a container with side walls, a base, and a lid. The dispensers and methods of use described herein are operable to store and contain a cleaning agent, allow fluid to be applied to the agent to create a cleaning solution, and further facilitate drying and fluid management.

Claims

1. A storage and dispensing device comprising: a container operable to receive a solid detergent bar, the container comprising side walls and a base; a lid operable to communicate with the container side walls at an opposing end of the side walls from the container base; wherein the lid comprises a lid top and one or more lid side walls, the lid top including one or more apertures extending through the lid top, and the container base including one or more apertures extending through the container base, such that when the lid is positioned on the container, a fluid is able to flow through the lid top, through the container and out the one or more apertures extending through the container base.

2. The storage and dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the lid top includes a first face and an opposing second face, and wherein the first face includes one or more fins extending from the first face of the lid top.

3. The storage and dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the lid top includes a central elongate aperture and a plurality of additional elongate apertures surrounding the central elongate aperture.

4. The storage and dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the lid top includes a first face and an opposing second face; and the lid side walls extend upwardly from the first face around the circumference of the lid top.

5. The storage and dispensing device of claim 4, wherein the lid side walls define a recess for receiving the container side walls.

6. The storage and dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the container side walls have an internal surface and an external surface and the internal surface of the container walls comprises at least one of a flange and a shelf to support a detergent bar.

7. The storage and dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the base of the container comprises a plurality of apertures operable to allow fluid to flow out of the device.

8. The storage and dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a tray operable to receive the base of the container.

9. A storage and dispensing device comprising: a container operable to receive a solid detergent bar, the container comprising an upper end, a lower end and side walls extending therebetween; the upper end of the device comprising at least one aperture operable to allow fluid to flow through the container and contact the solid detergent bar; the lower end comprising at least one aperture to allow fluid to flow therethrough and exit the device; and a tray operable to receive the container, and wherein the tray comprises at least one of a sump and a depression to allow fluid to drain from the container and facilitate drying and storage of the solid detergent bar.

10. The storage and dispensing device of claim 9, wherein the upper end comprises a selectively removable lid.

11. The storage and dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the selectively removable lid comprises a plurality of apertures to allow for a fluid to flow into the container.

12. The storage and dispensing device of claim 10, wherein at least one of the selectively removable lid and the container comprises a resilient projection to selectively secure the lid to the container.

13. The storage and dispensing device of claim 9, wherein the lower end of the container comprises a plurality of apertures operable to allow fluid to flow out of the device.

14. A method of preparing a cleaning agent, the method comprising: providing a container operable to receive a solid detergent bar, the container comprising an upper end, a lower end and side walls extending therebetween; the upper end of the device comprising at least one aperture operable to allow fluid to flow through the container and contact the solid detergent bar; the lower end comprising at least one aperture to allow fluid to flow therethrough and exit the device; and providing a solid detergent bar within the container; providing a flow of fluid to the container and allowing the fluid to enter the container and contact the solid detergent bar; allowing the fluid to egress the container under the force of gravity; and recapturing or using the fluid and detergent solution in one or more cleaning operations.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising a tray operable to receive the container and wherein the container is provided to the tray after the fluid is allowed to egress the container.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the upper end of the container comprises a selectively removable lid.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the selectively removable lid comprises a plurality of apertures.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the tray comprises at least one of a trough, a sump and a recess to collect fluid.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the container comprises an internal volume for receiving the solid detergent bar and the internal volume comprises a volume of not more than approximately 0.0030 cubic meters.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the container comprises a material that is at least one of biodegradable and compostable.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the Summary given above and the Detailed Description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these embodiments. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. Additionally, it should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the dispenser according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of a container base according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the dispenser according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0051] FIG. 6 is front elevation view of the dispenser according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Embodiments of the present disclosure have significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavours. It is the Applicant's intent that this specification be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The exemplary embodiment is described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, may be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0056] The detergent dispensers, methods and kits according to the various embodiments described herein allow for the dispensing of soap, solvents, and/or detergents from a solid detergent bar or similar material or bulk form into water or solvent(s). To effectively dispense detergent from a solid bar or similar initial form without oversupplying the detergent or unnecessarily wasting the detergent through aggravation, dispensing apparatus, kits, and methods of using the same are provided in the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0057] As used herein, the term “detergent” generally refers to a surfactant or mixture of surfactants with cleansing properties that are to be provided in dilute solution(s). The term “detergent” at least as provided herewith is intended to apply to various cleaning agents that are operable to, adapted to, and/or intended to interact with a fluid (including but not limited to liquid water) and form a resulting cleaning solution. The term “detergent” at least as provided herein intended to include but not be limited to materials and agents intended for use in specific applications as well as general applications (e.g. generic bar soaps).

[0058] Devices of the present disclosure comprise a container with a lid, and a tray for resting the container in. In use, a detergent (e.g. a solid detergent bar) is placed inside the container and is secured with a lid. A flow of fluid (e.g. hot running water) can be applied to the lid until the required amount of water and detergent has been dispensed from the base of the container. The container can then be placed in the tray to drain the container and allow the unused detergent to dry when not in use.

[0059] In certain embodiments, at least one of the lid and the container base comprise apertures to allow fluid to flow through the lid when desired. The fluid preferably flows into the container, over, around and/or through the detergent bar and out the base. Once a desired amount of detergent or mixture has been dispensed from the solid bar by the water running over the bar and exiting the container, the container may then be placed on the draining tray to dry the container contents prior to a next use.

[0060] FIGS. 1-2 are perspective views of a dispenser 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the dispenser 100 comprises a lid 20, a container 30 and a tray 40. The dispenser 100 is preferably provided as a free-standing dispenser that houses a detergent bar (not shown in FIGS. 1-2 but see 50 of FIG. 7) within the container 30 both during use and when not in use. The container 30 is preferably cuboid in shape, and is formed from walls 32 that may have external rounded edges as shown, straight edges or any other design or shape elements on the external surface to increase aesthetic appeal.

[0061] The container is contemplated as comprising any shape that is capable of receiving a solid detergent bar or other detergent material, and is preferably selected from a cube, cuboid, polygon, irregular polygon, cylindrical, spherical, spheroid, with or without rounded corners and edges, or organic shapes derived therefrom.

[0062] The cross-sectional shape of the of the container is preferably selected from square, rectangle, oval, circle, hexagonal, octagonal, triangle, rhombus, each shape with or without rounded corners and edges, or organic shapes derived therefrom.

[0063] Preferably, the container is sized such that the flow path created through the lid, through the container and out the base of the container without the need to hold the dispenser under running water for an extended period of time. In this respect, the container lends itself to more elongate rather than a wider, flatter shape container. A container with a more elongate shape has further advantages of being able to be easily held in the hand while placing the dispenser under running water and providing a more directed flow path that reduces splash and allows water to exit the dispenser in a smaller region. One preferred container shape is shown in the Figures, which is a cuboid or tapered cuboid with rounded corners and/or edges. The rounded edges provide a container that is comfortably held in the hand and is typically sized to be easily held single-handedly by a range of standard adult sized hands.

[0064] The internal wall surfaces of the container 30 are preferably smooth, thus reducing agitation between a detergent bar and internal walls when the detergent bar (or similar) is placed within the container. In the dispenser 100 shown in the preferred embodiments, internal walls are substantially flat and smooth. In alternative embodiments, the internal walls comprise features or curves integrally formed within the walls.

[0065] Internal walls of the container 30 are contemplated as comprising a flange or shelf (not shown) to aid in supporting the detergent bar above base 34 of container 30. In use, as the detergent bar is used up, it naturally sits within base 34 of container 30, and may become wedged within the base 34 as it becomes smaller. The inclusion of a shelf, flange, rim, sieve or similar feature to hold the detergent bar above the base 34 is contemplated as providing improved fluid flow through the container, as well as increased air flow for drying the detergent bar between uses. In further embodiments, a removable shelf apparatus is provided to support the detergent bar within the container (not shown).

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the container 30 comprises an open first end 36 defined by rim 33 and an opposing base 34 at a second end of the walls 32, with the base 34 including one or more apertures 35 to allow water entering the container to flow through the open first end 36 and out of the container 30 through aperture(s) 35 under the force of gravity.

[0067] In the embodiments shown, the apertures 35 preferably comprise four parallel elongate apertures running the width of base 34 and partially up side walls 32. Extending the apertures 35 up into side walls 32 increases air flow in contain 30 when the dispenser is not in use, allowing the detergent bar 50 to dry more quickly inside the container. It will be recognized, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the number, type, or arrangement of apertures in a lower end of the container as shown in FIG. 2. Alternative arrangements are contemplated that achieve the same or substantially the same result. For example, a plurality of circular apertures is contemplated as being provided in the lower end of the container. The apertures 35 may comprise any size or shape, for example rectangular or elongate channels, circular, pyramidal or any organically shaped aperture, but are preferably sized to allow water to readily flow through the container without backing up and submerging detergent bar 50 in water as it waits to drain through aperture 35, while still providing a solid base for detergent bar 50 to rest on. FIG. 8 shows a side cross sectional view of the container 30 where apertures 35 can be seen in the container base.

[0068] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the dispenser, with three apertures 38 in the container base 34 and extending into container side walls 32. In this embodiment, the apertures 38 may extend into the container side walls 32 between 10 mm— 30 mm to provide increased drainage around the detergent bar within the container and the container base 34.

[0069] Referring again to FIG. 2, the container walls 32 are contemplated as comprising a flange 37 on the container side walls 32 near the open first end 36. This provides a connection point for lid 20 when lid 20 is place over the first end 36 of the container 30, as seen in FIGS. 1-3. The flange 37 is contemplated as an optional feature, as the lid 20 of various embodiments is contemplated as comprising a selectively removable lid that sits directly on or around the container walls, however, the addition of a flange provides a surface to help secure the lid in position on the container. Alternative attachment means and arrangements for the lid and the container are contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, it is contemplated that the lid 20 is threadedly secured to the container 30 wherein the lid comprises a threaded portion and the container comprises an opposing and corresponding threaded portion to secure the two elements. Such threaded connection means are contemplated for use at least with cylindrical-shaped dispensing devices of the present disclosure.

[0070] FIGS. 1 and 2 show the lid 20 of one embodiment of the present disclosure. A lid 20 of alternate embodiments is shown in FIGS. 7-9. The lid 20 is contemplated as being shaped to be received on to a first end of container 30, securing a detergent bar 50 (or similar) inside the container 30. The lid 20 comprises a lid top 21 surrounded by lid side walls 22. As can be seen most clearly in cross sectional FIG. 7, the lid side walls 22 extend upward from a first upper face of lid top 21 to create a rim 23 around the lid top and extend downward from a second lower face of lid top to form a rim 24 which is adapted to fit around the outside of the container walls 32, and connect with a flange 37 to maintain the lid in a secure position. “Extending upwardly” should be taken to mean extending away from a surface on which the dispenser is resting when standing upright on container base 34 or the base of tray 40, while extending downwardly should be taken to mean extending towards said surface.

[0071] In alternative embodiments and as shown in FIG. 9, side walls 22 of the lid 20 extend upwardly from the lid top to create a rim 23, with the lid 20 adapted to engage the container 30 without overhanging side walls 22 (as in FIG. 7). The engagement between the lid 20 and the container 30 may occur using cooperating recesses, channels, threads, rims or similar.

[0072] The extension of the rim 23 upwardly from the lid top provides a barrier to direct water flow from a tap or similar through the apertures 25 in the lid top, rather than over the outside of the container, which would both reduce the flow of water through the container and therefore the amount of detergent dispensed, as well as preventing excess splashing over the user.

[0073] The side walls 22 may be formed in a variety of heights, however side walls 22 are preferably 5 mm— 50 mm in height. The extension of the rim 23 upwardly from rim top 21 is preferably 10 mm— 25 mm, however this is not intended to be limiting. While various preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are contemplated for use with dish and hand washing operations, no limitation with respect to the intended use or application of the dispensing device is provided herewith. Accordingly, no limitation with respect to device size or detergent capacity is provided herewith. In some embodiments, an internal volume of the container comprises a volume of not more than approximately 0.0030 cubic meters.

[0074] As shown at least in FIG. 1, the lid 20 comprises one or more apertures 25 extending through lid top 21, allowing water to flow through lid 20 into container 30 when dispenser 100 is held under running water. Apertures 25 may be any shape or size, but preferably cover 20-80% or more preferably, 30-60% of the lid top. In some embodiments, the apertures 25 direct and diffuse a flow of fluid to provide a generally distributed and even flow of fluid across the surface area of the lid 20.

[0075] FIGS. 1-3 depict a lid 20 with a central elongate aperture 25 surrounded by a plurality of further elongate apertures spaced apart around the lid top. An alternative example of lid apertures can be seen in FIG. 8 where the lid top 21 is formed with elongate pyramidal ridges 27, with apertures 28 through the lid top formed between each of the ridges.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, as fluid flows into the lid 20, the fluid flows down the sides of elongate pyramidal ridges 27 and is directed through apertures 28. The sloping ridges 27 maximise fluid catchment and direct fluid to a narrower aperture 28, reducing splashback of the fluid back up through the lid 20 as the fluid hits the detergent bar 50.

[0077] In alternative embodiments, the lid top 21 is formed to include a grate or mesh structure that allows water to flow through lid top 21. In one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 9, the lid top 21 includes a series of parallel fins 29 extending upwardly from a first upper face of the lid top 21, and the fins 29 directing fluid flow towards apertures located in the lid top between one or more fins.

[0078] The fins 29 may comprise a range of shapes. For example, a substantially triangular or polygonal cross section is contemplated for the fins and the fins may include one or more curves or curved edges in one or more directions. The fin shape may change or be consistent across the cross-sectional length.

[0079] The lid top 21 may alternatively be formed to include a mesh or grate type structure, where a number of cross bars in one or many directions are separated by apertures, or the lid top may be formed with three-dimensional porous scaffolding in some regions. When not being held under running fluid to dispense detergent, the container 30 is contemplated as being provided in a tray 40, which is operable to capture fluid and dissolved detergent from the bar within the container as it dries following use.

[0080] As seen most clearly in FIGS. 2, 4 and 7, the tray 40 comprises a tray surface 41 surrounded by tray side walls 42 that preferably extend upward and substantially perpendicular to the tray surface 41, providing a barrier into which container 30 can be placed. The tray surface 41 is a solid surface, but may include a range of ridges, depressions, undulations or raised features to encourage both air flow into the container and drainage from the container, at least when the container is placed on the tray.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the tray surface 41 is contemplated as comprising a central trough, recess, sump or depression 47 that sits below the tray surface edges 48, allowing the container 30 to rest on surface edges 48, while fluid drains into the depression 47.

[0082] In some embodiments, the ridges or raised features on the tray surface are positioned to correspond to the apertures in the container base, such that when the container 30 rests on the tray 40, some or all of the tray ridges and container apertures interlock for added container stability.

[0083] FIG. 2 shows a tray 40 including four elongate ridges, such that when the container base includes four elongate apertures, the elongate ridges of the tray surface are received within the elongate apertures of the container base.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the tray surface 41 may include a central depression 47 that sits below tray surface edges 48, allowing container 30 to rest on surface edges 48, while water drains into depression 47 and enables air flow through the apertures 35 in the container base 34 to dry a detergent bar 50.

[0085] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, dispensing devices are provided as an alternative solution to the use of plastics, particularly single-use plastics. While no limitation with respect to dispenser material(s) is provided herewith, it is contemplated dispensers of the present disclosure are preferably made from sustainable materials that are least one of biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable. In some embodiments, containers comprise moulded 100% bamboo fibre. In other embodiments, devices of the present disclosure are formed from a range of known materials and techniques such as polymers, plastics, nylon, recycled/recyclable plastics, aluminium, or various plant based materials such as sugar cane and plant-based plastic(s). The dispenser may be press-moulded, injection moulded, created using additive manufacturing techniques or using other suitable methods as would be recognized by a person skilled in the art.

[0086] Detergent bars and detergents contemplated for use with embodiments of the present disclosure preferably comprise a concentrated detergent bar comprising one or more surfactants and a preservative. It will be recognized, however, that inventive aspects of the present disclosure are provided that are irrespective of the detergent, soap or material to be provided within the device(s).

[0087] Preferably, the solid detergent bar comprises surfactants selected from lauryl glucoside, decyl glucoside, coco glucoside, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium C14-16 alpha olefin sulfonate, sodium coco sulphate, capryl glucoside, sodium cocoamphoacetate and/or cocamidopropyl betaine.

[0088] More preferably, the solid detergent bar comprises sodium cocoyl isethionate, lauryl glucoside, decyl glucoside, Geogard 221, citric acid and one or more essential oils. When supplied as a kit together with the dispenser of the present invention, the detergent bar is pressed and shaped such that it is easily received within container 30. To allow for maximum usage of the detergent bar, detergent bar 50 preferably fills 80-95% of container 30 when inserted, but may be sold in a wide range of sizes and shapes to provide the consumer with suitable choice.

[0089] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

[0090] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

[0091] Although the foregoing text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning.

[0092] While various embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention.