Sustainable fluid dispenser assembly, as well as a method for manufacturing and using the same

Abstract

A fluid dispenser assembly having a base with a bottom wall having a fluid channel therethrough. The base further includes side walls attached to the bottom wall. Side walls including a base rotation mechanism. The fluid dispenser assembly further includes a lever having an operating area and a lever rotation mechanism. The base rotation mechanism and the lever rotation mechanism are configured to engage such that the lever can rotate at least partially within the base. The base and the lever are composed of sustainable materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a reusable fluid dispenser assembly, as well as methods of manufacturing and using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Plastic waste has become a major environmental problem, accounting for up to 14% of landfill space. This large amount of plastic waste in landfills decomposes very slowly, causing various environmental problems. Despite numerous ways to recycle plastic waste, plastic waste pollution continues to increase and pollute the planet. Many in-house composition products are distributed in disposable plastic containers. As a result of structural preferences, chemical compatibility, and cost, such disposable plastic containers are formed from traditional plastic materials. Since they are designed and sold as disposable containers, the entire container may be discarded when all of the in-house composition has been used, and it takes time to decompose. Therefore, disposable fluid dispensers contribute to the plastic waste problem. There remains a need to develop a substantially reusable, optionally bio-derived fluid dispenser that helps reduce the production and consumption of plastic materials.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] This specification discloses various embodiments of a fluid dispenser assembly, the fluid dispenser assembly comprising a base having a bottom wall with a fluid channel passing therethrough, the base further comprising side walls attached to the bottom wall, the side walls comprising a base rotation mechanism, a base; a lever comprising an operating area and a lever rotation mechanism, the base rotation mechanism and the lever rotation mechanism being configured to engage such that the lever can rotate at least partially within the base, a lever, the base and the lever being composed of a sustainable material. In some embodiments, the base and the lever are composed of the same sustainable material. The fluid dispenser assembly may have a carbon dioxide emissions reduction of about 90% to about 99% less than a conventional fluid dispenser assembly and / or about 15% to about 30% less plastic waste per unit compared to a conventional fluid dispenser assembly. In some embodiments, the base rotation mechanism is a recess or aperture in the side wall configured to receive the lever rotation mechanism. In one or more embodiments, the lever rotation mechanism is a protrusion configured to be received by the base rotation mechanism. The lever may further comprise an aperture configured to dispense fluid. In some embodiments, the lever has an outer diameter configured to fit within the inner diameter of the side wall. The lever may have a width smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall and a length substantially the same as the inner diameter of the side wall. According to some embodiments, the sustainable material includes biodegradable materials, polymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, nylon, or combinations thereof. The sustainable material can include single layers, multilayers, and / or mixtures of biodegradable materials, polymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, nylon, or combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the sustainable material includes one or more polyethylenes (e.g., a compound having a plurality of repeating polyethylene groups of the same or different molecular weights). In some embodiments, the one or more polyethylenes have a molecular weight of about 1,000 Da to about 10,000,000 Da as measured using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6474 or ASTM D6474-20.In some embodiments, the material contains polyethylene compounds having various molecular weights. In some embodiments, the sustainable material includes a degradable polymer, a recycled composition, or a combination thereof. The sustainable material includes recycled resin, biodegradable plastic, plastic meeting ASTM D6400-04, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) material, or a combination thereof.

[0004] In a further embodiment, a method is disclosed herein, the method comprising the steps of forming a base having a bottom wall with a fluid channel penetrating therethrough, the base further comprising side walls attached to the bottom wall, the side walls comprising a base rotation mechanism; forming a lever comprising an operating area and a lever rotation mechanism; and engaging the base rotation mechanism with the lever rotation mechanism such that the lever can rotate at least partially within the base, wherein the base and the lever are composed of a sustainable material. In some embodiments, the step of forming the base includes at least one of compression molding or extrusion molding. The step of forming the lever can include at least one of compression molding or extrusion molding. In some embodiments, the base rotation mechanism is a recess or hole in the side wall, the lever rotation mechanism is a protrusion, and the step of engaging includes receiving the protrusion in the recess or hole.

[0005] According to a further embodiment, a method is disclosed herein of using a fluid dispenser assembly according to any preceding claim, the method comprising attaching a container to the base, the container including cosmetics, moisturizers, sunscreens, beauty serums, creams, lotions, gels, lipsticks, lip moisturizers, lip glosses, blushes, foundations, eyeliners, eyeshadows, deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, or combinations thereof, or surface cleaners, wood cleaners, glass cleaners, metal cleaners, stone cleaners, wood humidifiers, surface disinfectants, surface dust removers, surface fragrances, or combinations thereof.

[0006] This disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the examples, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1-1

Figure 1-2

Figure 2-1

Figure 2-2

Figure 3-1

Figure 3-2

Figure 4

Figure 5-1

Figure 5-2

Figure 6-1

Figure 6-2

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Definition For example, references to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "one or more embodiments", "in an embodiment", or "an embodiment" throughout this specification mean that the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in relation to that embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one or more embodiments", "in an embodiment", "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", or "in an embodiment" in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment of the present invention. Further, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0009] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural references as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a lift pin" includes not only a single lift pin but also two or more lift pins.

[0010] As used herein, the term "about" with respect to a measured quantity refers to the normal variations in that measured quantity that would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art when making a measurement and taking into account the degree of care appropriate to the purpose of the measurement and the accuracy of the measuring instrument. In one embodiment, the term "about" includes ±10% of the stated number, so that "about 10" includes 9 to 11.

[0011] The term "at least about" with respect to a measured quantity refers to the normal variation of that measured quantity that would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art when making a measurement and taking into account the degree of care commensurate with the purpose of the measurement and the accuracy of the measuring device, and any quantity greater than that. In certain embodiments, the term "at least about" includes the number obtained by subtracting 10% from the stated number and any quantity greater than that; thus, "at least about 10" would include 9 and any value greater than 9. This term may also be expressed as "about 10 or more." Similarly, the term "less than about" typically includes the number obtained by adding 10% to the stated number and any quantity less than that; thus, "less than about 10" would include 11 and any value less than 11. This term may also be expressed as "about 10 or less."

[0012] Unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are by weight. Weight percent (wt%) is based on the total composition, exclusive of volatile materials, i.e., on dry solids, unless otherwise indicated.

[0013] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "cosmetic" may refer to an article that is defined by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) as "an article intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body... for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance" (21 U.S.C. § 201(i)) (December 11, 2020). In embodiments, the article can be a semi-solid or solid insert, portion, segment, or stick of a topical composition (e.g., deodorant, antiperspirant, lipstick, lip cream, lip gloss, blush stick, foundation stick, eyeliner, eyeshadow, or other topical composition) that can be refilled according to embodiments herein.

[0014] Reusable fluid dispenser assembly Figures 1A and 1B show one embodiment of the base 100 of a sustainable fluid dispenser assembly according to an embodiment of the present specification. The fluid dispenser assembly base 100 includes a side wall portion 104 configured to support a lever (e.g., shown in Figures 2A and 2B) and engage with the lever. The rotation mechanism of the lever may be configured to engage with a rotation mechanism 110 within the side wall 104. The lever can be actuated (e.g., pressed, moved downward, etc.), whereby the dispenser channel of the lever aligns with the fluid channel 111. When aligned, fluid can flow from the container through the fluid channel 111 and out of the fluid dispenser opening. The cutout 107 in the side wall 104 enables the lever to be pressed or moved downward during actuation, creating space for, e.g., a finger or other mechanism used for actuation.

[0015] The base 100 further includes a flange portion 106 configured to be attached to a container (not shown) for storing fluid according to an embodiment of the present specification. A fluid barrier (also referred to herein as a bottom, base platform, bottom wall) 105 configured to prevent fluid from flowing out of the outlet of the container attached to the base and into the cavity 116.

[0016] Figures 2A and 2B show one embodiment of the lever 200 of a sustainable fluid dispenser assembly according to an embodiment of the present specification. The lever 200 includes an actuation area 202 configured to be pressed, moved downward, or otherwise moved. The lever 200 pivots about a rotation mechanism 212. The rotation mechanism 212 is configured to engage with a rotation mechanism (e.g., 112) of the base (e.g., 100) of the sustainable fluid dispenser assembly. The dispenser opening 208 is configured to align with the fluid channel passage 211 when the lever 200 is actuated (e.g., opened). The lever 200 further includes a lever support 213 configured to rest on the fluid barrier (also referred to herein as a bottom, base platform, bottom wall) of the base. A fluid channel interface 215 is disposed in the passage between the fluid channel passage 211 and the dispenser opening 208.

[0017] Figures 3A and 3B show an embodiment of a sustainable fluid dispenser head assembly 300. The fluid dispenser assembly 300 includes a base portion that supports a lever 301 and has a side wall 304 configured to engage with the lever 301. A rotation mechanism (not shown) of the lever 301 may be configured to engage with a rotation mechanism (not shown) within the side wall 304. The lever 301 can be actuated (e.g., depressed, moved downward, etc.), whereby the dispenser opening 308 aligns with the fluid channel 311. When aligned, fluid can flow from the container through the fluid channel 311 and out of the fluid dispenser opening 308. The cutout 307 in the side wall 304 enables the lever 301 to be depressed or moved downward during actuation to create space for, for example, a finger or other mechanism used for actuation. The flange 306 is configured to be attached to a container (not shown) that houses the fluid according to the embodiments herein. The fluid barrier (also referred to herein as a bottom, base platform, bottom wall) 305 is configured to prevent fluid from flowing out through the outlet of the attached container and into the cavity within the base.

[0018] The lever 301 includes an actuation area 302 configured to be depressed, moved downward, or otherwise moved. The lever 301 moves about a rotation mechanism 312. The rotation mechanism 312 is configured to engage with a rotation mechanism of the base of the sustainable fluid dispenser assembly. The dispenser opening 308 is configured to align with the fluid channel passage 311 when the lever 301 is actuated (e.g., opened). The lever 301 further includes a lever support 313 configured to rest on the fluid barrier of the base. A fluid channel interface 315 is disposed in the passage between the fluid channel passage 311 and the dispenser opening 308.

[0019] Figures 4A - 4D show one embodiment of a fluid dispenser assembly 400 that includes a tube head and a circular top. The fluid dispenser assembly 400 includes a base portion that supports a lever 401 and has a side wall 404 configured to engage the lever 401. A rotation mechanism (not shown) of the lever 401 may be configured to engage a rotation mechanism (not shown) within the side wall 404. The lever 401 can be actuated (e.g., depressed, moved downward, etc.), whereby the dispenser opening 408 aligns with the fluid channel 411. When aligned, fluid can flow from the container, through the fluid channel 411, and out of the fluid dispenser opening 408. The cutout 407 in the side wall 404 allows for creating space for depressing or moving the lever 401 downward during actuation, for example, for a finger or other mechanism used for actuation. The flange 406 is configured to be attached to a container (not shown) that houses fluid according to the embodiments herein. The fluid barrier (also referred to herein as bottom, base platform, bottom wall) 405 is configured to prevent fluid from flowing out through the outlet of the attached container and into the cavity within the base.

[0020] The lever 401 includes an actuation area 402 configured to be depressed, moved downward, or otherwise moved. The lever 401 moves about a rotation mechanism 412. The rotation mechanism 412 is configured to engage a rotation mechanism of the base of the sustainable fluid dispenser assembly. The dispenser opening 408 is configured to align with the fluid channel passage 411 when the lever 401 is actuated (e.g., opened). The lever 401 further includes a lever support 413 configured to rest on the fluid barrier of the base. A fluid channel interface 415 is disposed in the passage between the fluid channel passage 411 and the dispenser opening 408.

[0021] The fluid dispenser assembly 400 differs from the fluid dispenser assembly 300 in that the side wall 404 has a greater vertical dimension. Also, the fluid dispenser assembly 400 does not include a lever support 313.

[0022] Figures 5A - 5G illustrate one embodiment of a fluid dispenser assembly 500 including a tube head and a circular top. The fluid dispenser assembly 500 includes a base portion that supports a lever 501 and has a side wall 504 configured to engage with the lever 501. The rotation mechanism (not shown) of the lever 501 may be configured to engage with a rotation mechanism (not shown) within the side wall 504. The lever 501 can be actuated (e.g., pressed down, moved downward, etc.), whereby the dispenser opening 508 aligns with the fluid channel 511. When aligned, fluid can flow from the container, through the fluid channel 511, and out of the fluid dispenser opening 508. The cutout 507 in the side wall 504 enables creating space for pressing down or moving down the lever 501 during actuation, for example, for a finger or other mechanism used for actuation. The flange 506 is configured to be attached to a container (not shown) that houses the fluid according to the embodiments herein. The fluid barrier (also referred to herein as the bottom, base platform, bottom wall) 505 is configured to prevent fluid from flowing out through the outlet of the attached container and entering the cavity within the base.

[0023] The lever 501 includes an actuation area 502 configured to be pressed down, moved downward, or moved in other ways. The lever 501 moves about a rotation mechanism 512. The rotation mechanism 512 is configured to engage with a rotation mechanism at the base of the sustainable fluid dispenser assembly. The dispenser opening 508 is configured to align with the fluid channel passage 511 when the lever 501 is actuated (e.g., opened). The lever 501 further includes a lever support 513 configured to rest on the fluid barrier of the base. A fluid channel interface 515 is disposed in the passage between the fluid channel passage 511 and the dispenser opening 508.

[0024] The fluid dispenser assembly 500 is different from the fluid dispenser assemblies 300 and 400 in that the lever 501 is thinner and does not occupy the entire area at the top. While the lever 501 is rectangular, the levers 301 and 401 are circular.

[0025] Figures 6A - 6G show one embodiment of a fluid dispenser assembly 600 that includes a tube head and a circular top. The fluid dispenser assembly 600 includes a base portion having a side wall 604 that supports and is configured to engage a lever 601. The rotation mechanism of the lever 601 may be configured to engage a rotation mechanism (not shown) within the side wall 604. The lever 601 can be actuated (e.g., pressed down, moved downward, etc.), whereby the dispenser opening 608 aligns with the fluid channel 611. When aligned, fluid can flow from the container, through the fluid channel 611, and out of the fluid dispenser opening 608. The cutout 607 in the side wall 604 allows for creating space for, for example, a finger or other mechanism used for actuation by pressing down or moving the lever 601 downward during actuation. The flange 606 is configured to be attached to a container (not shown) that houses the fluid according to the embodiments herein. The fluid barrier (also referred to herein as the bottom, base platform, bottom wall) 605 is configured to prevent fluid from flowing out through the outlet of the attached container and into the cavity within the base.

[0026] The lever 601 includes an actuation area 602 configured to be pressed down, moved downward, or otherwise moved. The lever 601 moves about a rotation mechanism 612. The rotation mechanism 612 is configured to engage a rotation mechanism of the base of the sustainable fluid dispenser assembly. The dispenser opening 608 is configured to align with the fluid channel passage 611 when the lever 601 is actuated (e.g., opened). The lever 601 further includes a lever support 613 configured to rest on the fluid barrier of the base. A fluid channel interface 615 is disposed in the passage between the fluid channel passage 611 and the dispenser opening 608.

[0027] The fluid dispenser assembly 600 differs from the fluid dispenser assemblies 300 and 400 in that the lever 601 is thinner and does not occupy the entire upper area. While the lever 601 is rectangular, the levers 301 and 401 are circular. The fluid dispenser assembly 600 differs from the fluid dispenser assembly 500 in that the flange 606 is thicker and has a greater vertical height than the flange 506.

[0028] Sustainable materials suitable for the components of the fluid dispenser assembly (e.g., flexible plastic tubes, flanges, flow paths, etc.) according to the embodiments of this specification include, but are not limited to, flexible materials, biodegradable polymers, polymers, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), nylon, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the components can be composed of single-layer, multi-layer materials, and / or mixtures of materials to provide a full range of flexibility and protective barriers. In some embodiments, materials suitable for the components of the fluid dispenser assembly (e.g., tubes, flanges, flanges, flow paths, etc.) according to the embodiments of this specification include, but are not limited to, various blends of polyethylene and / or polyethylene having various molecular weights. According to one or more embodiments, the polyethylene used as the material for the components of the fluid dispenser assembly described herein can have a molecular weight of about 1,000 Da to about 10,000,000 Da, about 2,000 Da to about 8,000,000 Da, about 5,000 Da to about 5,000,000 Da, about 10,000 Da to about 1,000,000 Da, about 20,000 Da to about 800,000 Da, about 50,000 Da to about 500,000 Da, or any individual molecular weight or sub-range within those ranges, as measured using ASTM D6474 or ASTM D6474 - 20 of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the sustainable material is a biodegradable polymer, a recycled composition, or a combination thereof. For example, the screw mechanism 203, the cup 207, at least one fastener 212, the upper flange portion 204, the flange member 205, the outer base 201, and the outer cap 210 are each independently composed of at least one of a recycled composition such as a biodegradable polymer or a recycled resin. For example, biodegradable plastics, i.e., plastics that meet the ASTM D6400-04 standard specification for compostable plastics, may be used. Desirably, the biodegradable plastic is completely biodegradable and does not merely fragment into very small particles upon biodegradation. An example of such a completely biodegradable plastic can be a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) material.

[0030] The sustainable fluid dispenser assembly according to various embodiments herein has a lower carbon dioxide emissions than a conventional fluid dispenser assembly. In some embodiments, the sustainable fluid dispenser assembly according to one or more embodiments has a carbon dioxide emissions that is about 99%, about 98%, about 97%, about 96%, about 95%, about 94%, about 93%, about 92%, about 91%, about 90%, about 85%, about 80%, or any individual value or sub-range within these ranges less than that of a conventional fluid dispenser assembly. In some embodiments, the fluid dispenser assembly has a carbon dioxide emissions that is about 80% to about 99% less than that of a conventional fluid dispenser assembly, or any individual value or sub-range within this range less.

[0031] Sustainable fluid dispenser assemblies according to various embodiments of this specification produce less plastic waste per unit compared to conventional fluid dispenser assemblies. In some embodiments, a sustainable fluid dispenser assembly according to one or more embodiments produces about 30%, about 29%, about 28%, about 27%, about 26%, about 25%, about 24%, about 23%, about 22%, about 21%, about 20%, about 19%, or about 15% less plastic waste per unit, or any individual value or sub-range within these ranges, than a conventional fluid dispenser assembly.

[0032] According to some embodiments, a sustainable fluid dispenser assembly consists of fewer components, for example, 3 fewer, 2 fewer, or 1 fewer component than a prior art flexible tube using a standard closure system that stays on a molded tube head by screw or snap. As a result, significantly less material is used compared to current plastic tube manufacturing methods. In one example, Example 1, a sustainable fluid dispenser assembly according to an embodiment of this specification resulted in a 93% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to known fluid dispenser assemblies, as shown in the graph below. The sustainable fluid dispenser assembly of Example 1 also had about 19% less plastic per unit than known fluid dispenser assemblies.

[0033]

Number

[0034] According to one or more embodiments, all components of a sustainable fluid dispenser assembly may be manufactured from the same material, which simplifies recyclability without requiring disassembly by the consumer. Conventional fluid dispensers often use a combination of a first polymer for molding the sleeve and tube head and a second polymer for forming the closure / dispensing system.

[0035] Manufacturing method Figure 7 is a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a fluid dispenser 700 including a tube head and a circular top, according to some embodiments. At block 702, method 700 includes attaching a tube sleeve to a tube sleeve support.

[0036] At block 704, method 700 includes applying a mold adjacent to the tube sleeve. At block 706, method 700 further includes forming a tube head using the mold. The tube head and the tube sleeve may be composed of substantially the same material. In some embodiments, the tube head and the tube sleeve share one or more contact areas.

[0037] In some embodiments, the components of the sustainable fluid dispenser assembly described herein can be formed using injection molding and / or extrusion molding. In some embodiments, the rigid lever and base components can be formed by injection molding. In some embodiments, the tube sleeve and / or the container can be formed using extrusion molding. In some embodiments, the method can include molding molten plastic under pressure to form a desired shape. After manufacturing the tube sleeve, the sleeve is attached to a mandrel and fastened into an injection mold. Since both components are made of the same material, this injection mold forms the tube head and welds it to the tube sleeve. Then, without using other mechanical connections or adhesives, the lever components snap fit together to seal the formulation within the completed tube and dispense the product when opened.

[0038] Method of Use The sustainable fluid dispenser assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is suitable for use as a container head for dispensing fluid. Such containers include, but are not limited to, bottles, vials, bags, jars, and balloons. According to one or more embodiments, the container may be formed from a flexible material that allows the container to be squeezed or compressed to increase the force and / or pressure on the fluid within the container. Such force and / or pressure can cause the fluid to flow upward toward the sustainable fluid dispenser assembly head and through an internal flow path that functions as a storage cap and outlet for the container system. In some embodiments, the container includes internal components (such as a pump, elevator platform, etc.) coupled to an actuating mechanism (such as a button, spring, spout, etc.) that causes the fluid to flow upward through the container and toward the sustainable fluid dispenser assembly head and through the flow path therein.

[0039] In use, the push level can be depressed to rotate the circular top on the hinge. This rotation aligns the fluid passage within the circular top with the open head of the container attached thereto. The fluid can then flow from the container through the fluid passage of the circular top. The fluid exiting the fluid passage of the sustainable fluid dispenser assembly may then be applied to a surface as needed and / or in response to an instruction.

[0040] Fluids suitable for storage and / or dispensing using the sustainable fluid dispenser assembly described herein include liquids, slurries, viscous liquids, pastes, Bingham plastics, and the like. In one or more embodiments, the suitable fluid may be configured to be applied to a surface by painting, pouring, introducing, or otherwise. In some embodiments, the surface is, for example, skin, and the fluid is applied, for example, for cleaning, beautifying, enhancing attractiveness, and / or altering appearance. In some embodiments, the surface is, for example, a non-biological surface, and the fluid is applied, for example, for purification, polishing, humidifying, deodorizing, sterilizing, dust removal, and the like.

[0041] Suitable fluids include, but are not limited to, cosmetics and household cleaners. Suitable cosmetics include, but are not limited to, makeup, moisturizers, sunscreens, beauty serums, creams, lotions, gels, lipsticks, lip moisturizers, lip glosses, blushes, foundations, eyeliners, eyeshadows, deodorants, antiperspirants, and / or perfumes. Suitable household cleaners include, but are not limited to, surface cleaners, wood cleaners, glass cleaners, metal cleaners, stone cleaners, wood humidifiers, surface disinfectants, surface dust removers, surface fragrances, and / or combinations thereof.

[0042] Although the exemplary systems have been described in terms of terms specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. The specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claimed systems, methods, and structures.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the size, shape, and arrangement of such structures can vary according to specific applications. In addition to the functional aspects provided by the structures, they also provide novel decorative elements. Those skilled in the art will recognize the decorative possibilities provided by such shapes.

[0044] The foregoing has been described with reference to specific examples for purposes of explanation. However, the discussion for the above description is neither exhaustive nor limiting of the disclosure to the forms disclosed. Many changes and modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. The examples were selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to make various changes suitable for the particular uses contemplated and to utilize the disclosure and various examples in the best manner.

Description of the Reference Numerals

[0045] 100 Base 104 Side Wall 105 Fluid Barrier 106 flange 107 cutout 110 rotation mechanism 111 fluid channel 116 cavity 200 lever 201 outer base 202 operating area 203 screw mechanism 204 upper flange 205 flange member 207 cup 208 dispenser opening 210 outer cap 212 fastener 212 rotation mechanism 213 lever support 215 fluid channel interface 300 fluid dispenser head assembly 301 lever 302 operating area 304 side wall 305 fluid barrier 307 cutout 308 dispenser opening 311 fluid channel, fluid channel passage 312 rotation mechanism 313 lever support 315 fluid channel interface 400 fluid dispenser assembly 401 lever 402 operating area 404 side wall 406 flange 407 cutout 408 dispenser opening 411 fluid channel, fluid channel passage 412 rotation mechanism 405 fluid barrier 413 lever support 415 fluid channel interface 500 fluid dispenser assembly 501 lever 502 Actuation Area 504 Side Wall 505 Fluid Barrier 506 Flange 507 Cutout 508 Dispenser Opening 511 Fluid Channel, Fluid Channel Passageway 512 Rotation Mechanism 515 Fluid Channel Interface 600 Fluid Dispenser Assembly 601 Lever 602 Actuation Area 604 Side Wall 605 Fluid Barrier 607 Cutout 608 Dispenser Opening 611 Fluid Channel, Fluid Channel Passageway

Claims

1. A fluid dispenser assembly, comprising: a base having a bottom wall with a fluid channel extending therethrough, the base further comprising a side wall attached to the bottom wall, the side wall comprising a base rotation mechanism; a lever having an operating area and a lever rotation mechanism, the base rotation mechanism and the lever rotation mechanism being configured to engage such that the lever can rotate at least partially within the base; and the fluid dispenser assembly, wherein the base and the lever are made of sustainable materials.

2. The fluid dispenser assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base and the lever are made of the same sustainable material.

3. The fluid dispenser assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid dispenser assembly has a carbon dioxide emissions reduction of about 90% to about 99% compared to a conventional fluid dispenser assembly.

4. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluid dispenser assembly contains about 15% to about 30% less plastic waste per unit compared to a conventional fluid dispenser assembly.

5. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base rotation mechanism is a recess or hole in the side wall configured to receive the lever rotation mechanism.

6. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lever rotation mechanism is a protrusion configured to be received by the base rotation mechanism.

7. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lever further comprises an opening configured to dispense fluid.

8. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lever has an outer diameter configured to fit within the inner diameter of the side wall.

9. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lever has a width smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall and a length substantially the same as the inner diameter of the side wall.

10. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sustainable material comprises a biodegradable material, a polymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, nylon, or a combination thereof.

11. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sustainable material comprises a single layer, a multi-layer, and / or a mixture of the biodegradable material, a polymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, nylon, or a combination thereof.

12. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the sustainable material comprises one or more polyethylenes.

13. The fluid dispenser assembly according to claim 12, wherein the one or more polyethylenes have a molecular weight of about 1,000 Da to about 10,000,000 Da as measured using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6474 or ASTM D6474-20.

14. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the sustainable material comprises a biodegradable polymer, a recycled composition, or a combination thereof.

15. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the sustainable material comprises a recycled resin, a biodegradable plastic, a plastic that meets ASTM D6400-04, a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) material, or a combination thereof.

16. Forming a base having a bottom wall with a fluid channel penetrating therethrough, the base further comprising side walls attached to the bottom wall, the side walls comprising a base rotation mechanism; Forming a lever having an operating area and a lever rotation mechanism; Engaging the base rotation mechanism with the lever rotation mechanism such that the lever can rotate at least partially within the base; comprising wherein the base and the lever are composed of a sustainable material.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step of forming the base comprises at least one of compression molding or extrusion molding.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the step of forming the lever comprises at least one of compression molding or extrusion molding.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the base rotation mechanism is a recess or a hole in the side wall, the lever rotation mechanism is a protrusion, and the step of engaging comprises receiving the protrusion in the recess or the hole.

20. A method of using the fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising: attaching a container to the base, the container containing a cosmetic, a moisturizer, a sunscreen, a beauty essence, a cream, a lotion, a gel, a lipstick, a lip moisturizer, a lip gloss, a blush, a foundation, an eyeliner, an eyeshadow, a deodorant, an antiperspirant, a perfume, or a combination thereof, or a surface cleaner, a wood cleaner, a glass cleaner, a metal cleaner, a stone cleaner, a wood humidifier, a surface disinfectant, a surface dust remover, a surface fragrance, or a combination thereof.

Images