Portable dispenser for a cleaning product

Abstract

Portable dispenser for dispensing an adjustable quantity at a time of a cleaning product, of a viscous consistency, for use on hands or when washing dishes, which portable dispenser comprising: a housing arranged to store the cleaning product, and having a central opening; a shield having one or more openings to dip into the cleaning product for restricting access into the housing; wherein the housing is arranged to receive the shield; and the shield comprising a resilient element to provide a return force on the housing; the resilient element is configured to shift between an unpressed state in which the one or more openings overlap the central opening, and a pressed state in which the shield allows to pass the cleaning product, through the one or more openings, under pressure from a user, for dispensing the adjustable quantity at the time of the cleaning product, directly to a sponge or hand.

Description

D E S C R I P T I O NPORTABLE DISPENSER FOR A CLEANING PRODUCTTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure is a portable dispenser for liquid cleaning products, such as soap or detergent. This device is designed to conveniently and hygienically dispense the liquid in various settings, including kitchens, bathrooms, and during travel, by delivering the liquid through direct contact.BACKGROUND

[0002] Figure 1 illustrates that current vertical dispensers use up to 40% more plastic than the present invention (e.g., an average of 30g for 384ml content compared to less than 20g for the present invention). Also, dispensing liquid soap from existing bottled models typically requires two hands: one to hold and squeeze the bottle and another to hold the sponge. In contrast, the present invention is designed to sit horizontally, allowing for easy one-handed operation to add liquid to a sponge.

[0003] Document WO2020176622A1 relates to exemplary embodiments of pumps, refill units and dispenser systems are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit for a soap, sanitizer or lotion includes a container for holding a fluid and a pump secured to the container. The pump includes a housing, a liquid piston, a liquid pump chamber, an air piston, an air pump chamber; and a piston holder. The liquid piston is connected to the air piston. The piston holder is connected to one of the liquid pistons and the air piston. The connection comprises one or more projections and one or more grooves. The volume of the liquid pump chamber and the air pump chamber both change as a function of the engagement of the one or more projections with the one or more grooves.

[0004] US20220248915A1 provides various liquid dispensers are disclosed. Certain embodiments include a portable liquid dispenser configured for consumer use in dispensing soap, sanitizer, or ingestible liquids. The dispenser can comprise a housing, a reservoir having an interior configured to store a liquid, a fluid pathway having an openingin fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir, a pump comprising a plurality of rollers, each of the plurality of rollers being configured to contact a portion of the fluid pathway in a flexible tube such that each of the plurality of rollers compresses a portion of the flexible tube that is in contact with the roller, a nozzle, a fluid damper in communication with the pump and the nozzle, an electronic control unit in electrical communication with the pump, and a rotation-tracking feedback system in electrical communication with the electronic control unit.

[0005] Current liquid soap dispensers do not offer the following advantages:One-handed easy usage;Reduced packaging material (plastic, metal, etc.)More efficient use of space during transport, as this invention can optimize space in transport boxes, particularly when produced in the square or rectangular shapes.

[0006] These facts are disclosed in order to illustrate the technical problem addressed by the present disclosure.GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0007] The present disclosure provides an innovative and easy method for dispensing liquid soap when washing dishes, utensils, or applying soap to sponges or hands. Unlike current solutions, it sits horizontally by the sink or counter, and uses significantly less plastic than conventional dispensers since its reservoir is made of a thin plastic enclosure. Its one- handed operation simplifies adding soap to a sponge or hand. Additionally, when in square or rectangular shapes, space is optimized during transport, allowing more units per shipment, thus being more environmentally friendly. Another advantage over bottleshaped dispensers is the ease of accessing the last remaining liquid. With this design, the sponge or hand simply presses the top opening down to reach the liquid sitting at the bottom, eliminating the need to turn the container upside down as required with traditional bottles.

[0008] In an embodiment, a description of the principle of operation that is adjacent to the devices / system can be:1 - To use, open the lid to expose the surface with opening holes and remove the thin seal or label for first use. If no lid is present (also an option to use even less plastic / material without affecting functionality), simply remove the thin seal to reveal the protected content.2 - Gently press down on the flat top surface with a sponge or hand to dispense the liquid soap onto the sponge or directly onto your hand.

[0009] One of the main advantages is that it allows to:Convenience: A portable dispenser offers easy access to soap or detergent in various settings, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or while travelling. It eliminates the need for bulky or fixed dispensers, providing a compact and portable solution.Eco-friendly: This design uses less plastic than current offerings and reduces transport costs, contributing to environmental sustainability.Portability: Portable dispensers are lightweight and designed for easy transportation. Versatility: Portable dispensers feature adaptable designs that can accommodate different types or capacity of soap or detergent containers.

[0010] The packaging may come in different shapes (round, squared,...) and capacity (250ml, 500ml,..). The mechanism that enables gently moving down and a follow up return force can have various versions, as described above (straight or round legs, spring). The materials used, whether plastics or other materials, must be both sufficiently hard and flexible to allow for the lowering and "springing" back up motion.

[0011] There are several potential benefits to this:1 - Economic: Current offerings are vertical bottles and use as much as 40% or more plastic (example: average 30g vs 20g on a 384ml container) than this innovation. Easy access to every drop of product within (when in configuration such as in Figure 3 and 4a square and round). More efficient transport.2 - the present disclosure allows operation with 1 hand.

[0012] The present disclosure describes a portable dispenser for dispensing an adjustable quantity of soap, sanitizer, or other detergents with a semi-gelatinous, thick, and viscous consistency. This portable dispenser comprises: a housing reservoir arranged to store the soap, sanitizer, or other detergent, featuring a central opening (with one or more holes);shield means with one or more openings to dip into the stored substance, restricting access into the housing and its content; the housing is designed to accommodate the shield means, with the central opening fitting the shield means; the shield means includes a resilient element that provides a return force on the housing; the resilient element can switch between: an unpressed state, where the shield means fits the central opening; a pressed state, where the shield means allows the soap, sanitizer, or other detergent to pass through one or more openings holes under user pressure, dispensing an adjustable quantity at a time.

[0013] The disclosure describes a portable dispenser for dispensing an adjustable quantity of a viscous cleaning product, intended for hand or dishwashing. The portable dispenser comprises: a housing reservoir arranged to store the cleaning product, with a central opening; a shield with one or more opening holes designed to dip into the cleaning product and restrict access into the housing; the housing is arranged to accommodate the shield; the shield includes a resilient element that provides a return force to the housing; the resilient element is configured to switch between: an unpressed state, where spring is in natural position and opening holes sit just above content to be delivered; a pressed state, where the shield allows the cleaning product to pass through the one or more openings under user pressure, dispensing an adjustable quantity of the cleaning product directly onto a sponge, hand, or as intended. The dispenser of the present disclosure provides a hygienic, user-controlled release of detergents without the need for multiple moving parts or complex mechanisms, enhancing both usability and reliability.

[0014] It is disclosed a portable dispenser for dispensing an adjustable quantity at a time of a cleaning product, of a viscous consistency, for use in a hand or dishwashing, said portable dispenser comprising: a housing arranged to store the cleaning product, and having a central opening; a shield having one or more openings configured to dip into the cleaning product for restricting access into the housing; wherein the housing is arranged to receive the shield; and the shield comprising a resilient element to provide a return force on the housing; wherein the resilient element is configured to shift between an unpressed state, in which the one or more openings overlap the central opening, and a pressed state, in which the shield allows the cleaning product to pass through the one or more openings under pressure from a user, for dispensing the adjustable quantity of the cleaning productdirectly to a sponge, hand, cleaning tools like brushes or specialized scrubbing pads for cleaning tasks or as intended.

[0015] In an embodiment, the one or more openings can have different sizes.

[0016] In an embodiment, the resilient element is made from flexible plastic, elastic or rubbery material, cork, or any flexible element. Although flexible materials may wear out and gradually lose their ability to return to their original shape over time, they still provide the necessary return force for the dispenser's operation.

[0017] In an embodiment, one or more openings can have between 0.1 - 1 cm, in particular 0.5 - 0.8 cm. The one or more openings can be multiple of the embodiments above, in particular: 0.1; 0.2; 0.3; 0.4; 0.5; 0.6; 0.7; 0.8; 0.9 or 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm or more.

[0018] In an embodiment, the shield means comprising at least one and / or two groups having one or more openings with different sizes. It can also have multiple groups to allow versatility of options.

[0019] In an embodiment, the portable dispenser includes a lid that fits the central opening to close the dispenser. The lid can feature a click-to-close mechanism to minimize spillage and liquid evaporation. Alternatively, the dispenser may be designed without a lid to reduce plastic usage. Examples of click-to-close mechanisms to minimize spillage and liquid evaporation include snap-on lids, flip-top caps with snap closures, twist-lock caps, pushbutton lids, child-resistant caps, snap-fit pump closures, and lever-lock mechanisms. Click- to-close mechanisms offer several advantages, including minimized spillage, reduced evaporation, ease of use, enhanced safety, improved portability, extended product life, versatility for various applications, and potential environmental benefits through reduced plastic usage.

[0020] In an embodiment, a dispenser can comprise a fixed or refillable cartridge that may be removably attached to the housing, allowing for convenient replenishment of soap, sanitizer, or other detergent. The advantages of a dispenser with a fixed or refillable cartridge include the convenience of easily replenishing soap, sanitizer, or other detergents, as the cartridge can be removably attached to the housing.

[0021] In an embodiment, the housing is or can be transparent or translucent, to allow the user to monitor the remaining quantity of soap, sanitizer, or other detergent within.

[0022] In an embodiment, a portable dispenser can comprise a nozzle or spout attached to the shield means, enabling precise and controlled dispensing of the soap, sanitizer, or other detergent.

[0023] In an embodiment, a portable dispenser can comprise a locking means for preventing accidental or unauthorized dispensing of the soap, sanitizer, or other detergent during transport or storage.

[0024] In an embodiment, the locking means is attached to the shield for securing the shield in the unpressed state, for preventing accidental dispensing.

[0025] In an embodiment, a portable dispenser can comprise a sealing means for preventing leakage or spillage of the soap or detergent, thereby maintaining cleanliness and preventing waste.

[0026] In an embodiment, a portable dispenser can comprise a non-slip or grooved surface or grip for handling and preventing accidental dropping or slipping of the dispenser.

[0027] In an embodiment, the shield means is made of low-density polyethylene, plastic, biodegradable materials or combinations thereof.In an embodiment, the portable dispenser comprises the lid and locking means; wherein the one or more openings having different sizes; wherein the resilient element is formed from flexible materials, such as plastic, cork, biodegradable materials which return to original shape; wherein the shield means comprising at least one group having one or more openings with different sizes. This innovative dispenser includes several key components:Housing Reservoir: Designed to store the viscous substance, the housing features a central opening equipped with one or more apertures for dispensing.Shield Mechanism: Positioned within the housing, the shield has one or more openings and serves to limit direct access to the contents of the housing. This design prevents contamination and facilitates controlled dispensing.Resilient Element: Integrated within the shield, this element exerts a return force against the housing. It enables the shield to toggle between two states:Unpressed State: In this default position, the shield snugly fits into the central opening, effectively sealing the reservoir; andPressed State: When pressed, the shield retracts, aligning its openings with those of the housing, allowing the stored substance to pass through under user-applied pressure. This mechanism dispenses a precise quantity of the detergent.

[0028] In an embodiment, a portable dispenser can have one thin removable shield, Figure 9, to secure content prior to first use.

[0029] In an embodiment, a portable dispenser can have a thin removable shield, Figure 9, which can be split in two or more parts to allow individual removal of shield seals and secure content prior to first use and allow the choice of quantity of content to be dispensed.

[0030] In an embodiment, the cleaning product is soap, sanitizer, or other detergent.

[0031] In an embodiment, the cleaning product has a semi-gelatinous and / or a thick consistency nature.

[0032] In an embodiment, the central opening is configured to fit with the shield.

[0033] It is also disclosed a method of producing a portable dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, the method comprising: forming a housing with a central opening, the housing being arranged to store a cleaning product; providing a shield with one or more openings configured to dip into the cleaning product for restricting access into the housing; arranging the housing to receive the shield; integrating a resilient element into the shield to provide a return force on the housing; wherein the resilient element is arranged to shift between an unpressed state, in which the one or more openings overlap the central opening, and a pressed state, in which the shield allows the cleaning product to pass through the one or more openings under pressure from a user; dispensing an adjustable quantity of the cleaning product directly onto a sponge, hand, or cleaning tools such as brushes or specialized scrubbing pads for cleaning tasks.

[0034] It is also disclosed a kit comprising a portable dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments and a set of cleaning tools including sponges, brushes, and specialized scrubbing pads. The kit can include a portable dispenser for dispensing an adjustable quantity of cleaning product, along with a variety of cleaning tools such assponges, microfiber cloths, scouring pads, bottle brushes, scrub brushes, magic erasers, steel wool pads, cleaning mitts, grout brushes, dish wands, floor mops, squeegees, and duster brushes.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The following figures provide preferred embodiments for illustrating the disclosure and should not be seen as limiting the scope of disclosure.

[0036] Figure 1: illustrative representation of portable dispensers of the prior art.

[0037] Figure 2: illustrative representation of an embodiment of the portable dispenser of the present disclosure exterior wherein Fig. 2a represents a rectangular or square version, while Fig. 2b represents a round version.

[0038] Figure 3: illustrative representation of an embodiment of the elastic / flexible element of the present disclosure with rounded legs (inward motion).

[0039] Figure 4: illustrative representation of an embodiment of the elastic / flexible element of the present disclosure with straight legs with motion inwards or outwards, wherein Fig. 4a represents an opening outward, squares (top or round bottom) view and Fig. 4b represents a view of the structure flexing downwards and inwards.

[0040] Figure 5: illustrative representation of an embodiment of the elastic / flexible spring element of the present disclosure with a square or rectangular shape.

[0041] Figure 6: illustrative representation of an embodiment of the elastic / flexible spring (6) element of the present disclosure with a round shape.

[0042] Figure 7: illustrative representation of an embodiment of the elastic / spring element of the present disclosure, when looking from the side.

[0043] Figure 8: illustrative representation of an embodiment of the portable dispenser of the present disclosure with example of different size holes where different quantities of liquid can go through resulting in more control of the flow of content (soap, liquid...).

[0044] Figure 9: illustrative representation of an embodiment of the portable dispenser of the present disclosure where a thin removable shield is split in 2 so one can be removed at a time or both at the same time for precise quantity desired.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present disclosure introduces a versatile portable dispenser that accurately dispenses an adjustable quantity of semi-gelatinous, thick, and viscous substances such as soap, sanitizer, or other detergents.

[0046] The present disclosure introduces an innovative and convenient method for dispensing liquid soap, ideal for washing dishes, utensils, or applying soap to sponges or hands. Unlike traditional solutions, this dispenser is designed to sit horizontally by the sink or on the counter. It utilizes significantly less plastic, as its reservoir is composed of a thin plastic enclosure. Its one-handed operation simplifies the process of adding soap to a sponge or hand.

[0047] Furthermore, when designed in square or rectangular shapes, it optimizes space during transport, allowing for more units per shipment and thus enhancing its environmental friendliness. Another advantage over traditional bottle-shaped dispensers is the ease of accessing the remaining liquid. The design allows the user to simply press the top opening to dispense the soap, eliminating the need to turn the container upside down, as is often required with conventional bottles.

[0048] Figure 8 shows round holes that are designed as openings to dispense the liquid through and allow it to contact the sponge or hands. These holes can be split into two or more sets of different sizes, as shown in Figure 9, this to regulate the amount of liquid dispensed according to the customer's preference. In Figure 8 it's fully open. Sets of holes may be factory-sealed with a thin plastic seal / label which you can peel off. Interior parts and mechanism, illustrated as follows: Figure 3: Round, flexible legs. Figures 4a and 4b: Straight, flexible legs. Figures 5 and 6: "Spring"-like flexible legs, available in both round and square shapes.

[0049] The disclosure describes a portable dispenser 1 for dispensing an adjustable quantity of a viscous cleaning product, intended for hand or dishwashing. The portabledispenser 1 comprises: a housing reservoir arranged to store the cleaning product, with a central opening 2; a shield 3 with one or more opening holes 4 designed to dip into the cleaning product and restrict access into the housing; the housing is arranged to accommodate the shield 3; the shield 3 includes a resilient element 5 that provides a return force to the housing; the resilient element 5 is configured to switch between: an unpressed state, where spring is in natural position and opening holes 4 sit just above content to be delivered; a pressed state, where the shield 3 allows the cleaning product to pass through the one or more openings 4 under user pressure, dispensing an adjustable quantity of the cleaning product directly onto a sponge, hand, or as intended.

[0050] The system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is typically comprised by: a housing arranged to store the soap, sanitizer, or other detergent, and having a central opening; a shield means having one or more openings to dip into the soap, sanitizer, or other detergent for restricting access into the housing; wherein the housing is arranged to receive the shield means; and the central opening is configured to fit with the shield means; and the shield means comprising a resilient element to provide a return force on the housing; the resilient element is configured to switch between an unpressed state in which the shield means fits the main opening, and a pressed state in which the shield means receives the soap, sanitizer, or other detergent, through one or more openings, under pressure from a user, for dispensing an adjustable quantity at a time of soap, sanitizer, or other detergent.

[0051] In one embodiment of the disclosure, illustrated in Figure 2, how this invention's exterior can look when in a rectangular shape.

[0052] The term "comprising" whenever used in this document is intended to indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, components, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. The disclosure should not be seen in any way restricted to the embodiments described and a person with ordinary skill in the art will foresee many possibilities to modifications thereof. The above-described embodiments are combinable. The following claims further set out particular embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

C L A I M S1. Portable dispenser for dispensing an adjustable quantity of a cleaning product, of a viscous consistency, for use in a hand or dishwashing, said portable dispenser comprising: a housing arranged to store the cleaning product, and having a central opening; a shield having one or more openings configured to dip into the cleaning product for restricting access into the housing; wherein the housing is arranged to receive the shield; and the shield comprising a resilient element to provide a return force on the housing; wherein the resilient element is configured to shift between an unpressed state, in which the one or more openings overlap the central opening, and a pressed state, in which the shield allows the cleaning product to pass through the one or more openings under pressure from a user, for dispensing the adjustable quantity of the cleaning product directly to a sponge, hand, cleaning tools like brushes or specialized scrubbing pads for cleaning tasks.

2. Portable dispenser according to the previous claim, wherein the one or more openings having different sizes.

3. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, wherein the resilient element is formed from flexible materials, such as plastic, cork, biodegradable materials which return to original shape.

4. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, wherein the resilient element is an elastic, a cork, biodegradable materials and / or flexible element.

5. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, wherein one or more openings having between 0.1 - 1 cm, in particular 0.5 - 0.8 cm.

6. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, wherein one or more openings having 0.2 cm or 0.3 cm or 0.4 cm or 0.6 cm or 0.7 cm or 0.9 cm, or combinations thereof.

7. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, wherein the shield means comprising at least one group having one or more openings with different sizes.

8. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a lid for fitting the central opening and closing said dispenser.

9. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a fixed or refillable cartridge that is removably attached to the housing, allowing for convenient replenishment of soap, sanitizer, or other detergent.

10. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, wherein the housing is transparent or translucent, for allowing the user to monitor the remaining quantity of soap, sanitizer, or other detergent in the housing.

11. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a nozzle or spout attached to the shield means, enabling precise and controlled dispensing of the soap, sanitizer, or other detergent.

12. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a locking means for preventing accidental or unauthorized dispensing of the soap, sanitizer, or other detergent during transport or storage.

13. Portable dispenser according to the previous claim wherein the locking means is attached to the shield for securing the shield in the unpressed state.

14. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a sealing means for preventing leakage, evaporation or spillage of the soap or detergent, thereby maintaining cleanliness and preventing waste.

15. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a nonslip surface or grip for handling and preventing accidental dropping or slipping of the dispenser.

16. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, wherein the shield means is made of low-density polyethylene, plastic, rubber, fiberglass composite, spring, biodegradable materials or combinations thereof.

17. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, wherein the cleaning product is soap, sanitizer, or other detergent.

18. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, wherein the cleaning product has a semi-gelatinous and / or a thick consistency nature.

19. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, wherein the central opening is configured to fit with the shield.

20. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, wherein the shield is removably attached to the housing for cleaning and refilling of the housing.

21. Portable dispenser according to any of the previous claims, comprising the lid and locking means; wherein the one or more openings having different sizes; wherein the resilient element is formed from flexible materials, such as plastic, cork, biodegradable materials which return to original shape; wherein the shield means comprising at least one group having one or more openings with different sizes.

22. A method of producing a portable dispenser according to any of the claims 1 - 21, the method comprising: forming a housing with a central opening, the housing being arranged to store a cleaning product; providing a shield with one or more openings configured to dip into the cleaning product for restricting access into the housing; arranging the housing to receive the shield; integrating a resilient element into the shield to provide a return force on the housing; wherein the resilient element is arranged to shift between an unpressed state, in which the one or more openings overlap the central opening, and a pressed state, in which the shield allows the cleaning product to pass through the one or more openings under pressure from a user; dispensing an adjustable quantity of the cleaning product directly onto a sponge, hand, or cleaning tools such as brushes or specialized scrubbing pads for cleaning tasks.

23. A kit comprising a portable dispenser according to any of the claims 1 - 21 and a set of cleaning tools including sponges, brushes, and specialized scrubbing pads.

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