Incremental advance dispenser and method

An incremental advance dispenser includes a barrel which has a longitudinal axis, a muzzle end, and an opposite breach end. A shuttle is slidably connected to the barrel and movable with respect to the barrel along the longitudinal axis. A cup which carries a product is movable within the barrel along the longitudinal axis. The shuttle is positionable to an extended position toward the muzzle end of the barrel, and to a retracted position toward the breach end of the barrel. Movement of the shuttle to the extended position from the retracted position causes the cup to move an incremental distance toward the muzzle end of the barrel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention pertains generally to dispensers which dispense products, and more particularly to a dispenser which advances the product an incremental distance each time a shuttle is moved from a retracted position to an extended position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dispensers are well know in the art. The dispensers carry a product which is consumed over a number of uses. An example is a deodorant dispenser. As the product is consumed it must be periodically moved to permit further uses.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an incremental advance dispenser which contains a product (also known as a bulk). The product can be any item which can be packaged in solid stick form. Examples are a deodorant, lipstick, other cosmetic or personal hygiene products, glue, a color application, etc. The product is loaded in the dispenser. As the product is consumed through use, it can be advanced an incremental distance to expose more product. The incremental advance is effected by a shuttle which moves from a retracted position to an extended. Each time the shuttle is moved from the retracted position to the extended position the product is advanced the incremental distance. The shuttle is then returned to the retracted position in preparation for the next cycle. Movement of the shuttle is the only action required to advance the product.

In accordance with an embodiment, an incremental advance dispenser includes a barrel having a longitudinal axis, a muzzle end, and an opposite breach end. A shuttle is slidably connected to the barrel and movable with respect to the barrel along the longitudinal axis. A cup which carries a product is movable within the barrel along the longitudinal axis. The shuttle is positionable to an extended position toward the muzzle end of the barrel, and to a retracted position toward the breach end of the barrel.

In accordance with another embodiment, movement of the shuttle to the extended position from the retracted position causes the cup to move an incremental distance toward the muzzle end of the barrel.

In accordance with another embodiment, the barrel has a first plurality of spaced-apart openings disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis and having an incremental distance between adjacent openings, and a second plurality of spaced-apart openings disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis and having the incremental distance between adjacent openings. The shuttle has a third plurality of spaced-apart openings disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis and having the incremental distance between adjacent openings, and a fourth plurality of spaced-apart openings disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis and having the incremental distance between adjacent openings. The cup has a first pawl which engages one of the first plurality of spaced-apart openings, a second pawl which engages one of the second plurality of spaced-apart openings, a third pawl which engages one of the third plurality of spaced-apart openings, and a fourth pawl engages one of the fourth plurality of spaced-apart openings. The cup is ejectable from the barrel from the muzzle end, and the cup is insertable into the barrel from the breach end.

In accordance with another embodiment, the cup is retained in position within the barrel by the first pawl engaging one of the first plurality of spaced-apart openings, and the second pawl engaging one of the second plurality of spaced-apart openings.

In accordance with another embodiment, the first plurality of spaced-apart openings contrapositioned with the second plurality of spaced-apart openings, and the third plurality of spaced-apart openings contrapositioned with the fourth plurality of spaced-apart openings. The first plurality of spaced-apart openings and the second plurality of spaced-apart openings define a first axis, and the third plurality of spaced-apart openings and the fourth plurality of spaced-apart openings define a second axis. The second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

In accordance with another embodiment, the first pawl, the second pawl, the third pawl, and the fourth pawl each are resiliently biased to an outward position.

In accordance with another embodiment, the shuttle includes a sleeve, an elongated member, and a second elongated member. The third plurality of spaced-apart openings are carried by the elongated member, and the fourth plurality of spaced-apart openings are carried by the second elongated member.

In accordance with another embodiment, the barrel has an elongated aperture and an opposite second elongated aperture. The elongated member is shaped and dimensioned to be received by the elongated aperture, and the second elongated member is shaped and dimensioned to be received by the second elongated aperture.

In accordance with another embodiment, the elongated member has a protrusion, and the second elongated member has a second protrusion. The barrel has a stop and a second stop. In the extended position of the shuttle, the stop and the second stop engage the protrusion and the second protrusion respectively and limit movement of the shuttle to the incremental distance.

In accordance with another embodiment, the elongated member and the second elongated member are connected to the barrel by a plurality of flexible bridges.

In accordance with another embodiment, the elongated member and the second elongated member are connected to the sleeve by an adhesive.

Other embodiments, in addition to the embodiments enumerated above, will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the incremental advance dispenser and method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially toFIGS.1-7, there are illustrated several views of an incremental advance dispenser generally designated as20. A barrel22has a longitudinal axis23, a muzzle end24, and an opposite breach end26. A base28is connected to breach end26of barrel22. A shuttle30is slidably connected to barrel and movable with respect to barrel22along longitudinal axis23. Referring toFIGS.8and26-28it is noted that barrel22has a first plurality of spaced-apart openings32disposed parallel to longitudinal axis23and having an incremental distance D between adjacent openings. Barrel22also has a second plurality of spaced-apart openings34(refer toFIG.26) disposed parallel to longitudinal axis23and having incremental distance D between adjacent openings. Incremental distance D can vary for specific applications (e.g. 0.125 inches, 0.250 inches, etc).

Referring specifically toFIGS.8and17-19it is noted that shuttle30includes a third plurality of spaced-apart openings36disposed parallel to longitudinal axis23and having incremental distance D between adjacent openings, and a fourth plurality of spaced-apart openings38disposed parallel to longitudinal axis23and having incremental distance D between adjacent openings. It is further noted that incremental advance dispenser20includes a removable cap25, and a plug27which selectively covers breach end28of barrel22. It is noted that plurality of openings32,34,36, and38each have the same number of individual openings (17in the shown embodiment).

Also referring toFIGS.9-12, incremental advance dispenser20further includes a cup40which carries a product41. It is noted that in most of the drawings contained herein product41has not been shown to better illustrate the detailed operation of the incremental advance dispenser20. Cup40is movable within barrel22along longitudinal axis23. Cup40has a first pawl42which engages one of first plurality of spaced-apart openings32, a second pawl44which engages one of second plurality of spaced-apart openings34, a third pawl46which engages one of third plurality of spaced-apart openings36, and a fourth pawl48which engages one of fourth plurality of spaced-apart openings38. It is noted that when shuttle30is in the retracted position the first32, second34, third36, and fourth38plurality of spaced-apart openings are aligned with each other along longitudinal axis23. That is, for each opening of one of the pluralities there is a corresponding opening on each of the three other three pluralities. It is noted that first pawl42, second pawl44, third pawl46, and fourth pawl48are each resiliently biased to an outward position (indicated by arrows inFIG.10). Cup40further includes ribs49which secure product41in place.

Referring toFIGS.3-5, shuttle30is positionable to an extended position toward said muzzle end24of barrel22(FIG.4), and to a retracted position toward breach end26of barrel. (FIGS.2,3,5, and6) Movement of shuttle30(by moving sleeve30A, refer toFIGS.7and8) to the extended position from the retracted position causes cup40(refer toFIGS.7and9-12) to move the incremental distance D toward muzzle end24of barrel22. Then movement of shuttle30back to the retracted position readies the incremental advance dispenser20for the next extended/retracted cycle. InFIG.6, repeating the extended position/retracted position cycle results in movement of another incremental distance D so that the produce41now extends a distance 2D above shuttle30. It is noted in the shown embodiment ofFIGS.1-47incremental advance dispenser20has an elliptical shape, however other shapes such as circular (refer toFIGS.48-50), rectangular, octagonal, or other polygon shapes are also possible.

Referring toFIG.8there is illustrated a cutaway perspective view of barrel22and shuttle30(also refer toFIGS.13and17). In the shown embodiment shuttle30includes (1) a sleeve30A, (2) a collar30B, (3) third plurality of spaced-apart openings36which are carried by an elongated member30C, and (4) fourth plurality of spaced apart openings38which are carried by a second elongated member30D. In the shown embodiment sleeve30A is connected to collar30B and elongated member30C and second elongated member30D by an adhesive (depicted by small dots inFIG.8) so that when sleeve30A is moved along longitudinal axis23collar30B, elongated member30C, and second elongated member30D also move along longitudinal axis23. Also referring toFIGS.13and16, in the shown embodiment elongated member30C and second elongated member30D are connected to barrel22by a plurality of flexible bridges50. These bridges50flex to allow elongated members30C and30D to move along longitudinal axis23with respect to barrel22. It may be appreciated however, that another embodiment can include no flexible bridges, wherein the shuttle30is not physically connected to the barrel22(refer toFIG.48and the associated discussion).

Referring also toFIG.41, first plurality of spaced-apart openings32are contrapositioned with second plurality of spaced-apart openings34, and third plurality of spaced-apart openings36are contrapositioned with fourth plurality of spaced-apart openings38. First plurality of spaced-apart openings32and second plurality of spaced-apart openings34defining a first axis52, and third plurality of spaced-apart openings36and fourth plurality of spaced-apart openings38define a second axis54, second axis54is perpendicular to first axis52.

FIG.13is a fragmented perspective view of barrel22and shuttle30with shuttle30in the retracted position, andFIG.14is a fragmented front elevation view ofFIG.13. It is noted that the sleeve portion30A of shuttle30has not been shown in order to clarify the description. These views as well asFIGS.15and16show the relationship between barrel22and shuttle30. It is the movement (up and down as shown) of shuttle30with respect to barrel22which produces the incremental advance feature of the present dispenser. Third plurality of spaced-apart openings36are carried by elongated member30C, and fourth plurality of space-apart openings38are carried by second elongated member30D. Collar30B is connected to elongated member30C and to second elongated member30D.

FIGS.13and14show shuttle30in the retracted position, andFIGS.15and16show shuttle30in the extended position. Barrel22has an elongated aperture56and an opposite second elongated aperture58. It is noted that inFIG.14aperture56is in the foreground, while second aperture58is in the background since it is on the back side of the view. Elongated member30C is shaped and dimensioned to be received by elongated aperture56, and second elongated member30D shaped and dimensioned to be received by second elongated aperture58. Elongated member30C has a protrusion60, and second elongated member30D has a second protrusion62(refer toFIG.17). Barrel22has a stop64, and a second stop66(refer toFIG.33). In the extended position of shuttle30(FIG.16), stop64engages protrusion60and second stop66engages second protrusion62thereby limiting movement of shuttle30to incremental distance D. It is noted in the shown embodiment, four protrusion/stop pairs are provided. It is the incremental distance D movement caused by elongated member30C and second elongated member30D that urges cup40toward muzzle end24of barrel22. It is noted that flexible bridges50flex when elongated member30C and elongated member30D move with respect to barrel22.

FIGS.17-25show how the movement of shuttle30moves cup40. These are fragmented views in which only certain elements are show for clarity. Specifically sleeve30A (refer toFIG.8) has been eliminated. InFIGS.17-19shuttle30is in the retracted position. Third pawl46engages one of the third plurality of spaced-apart openings36which are carried by elongated member30C, and fourth pawl48engages one of the fourth plurality of spaced-apart openings38which are carried by second elongated member30D. In the shown embodiment the pawls start out in the sixth opening up from the bottom of elongated member30C and second elongated member30D as indexed by reference line R.

InFIGS.20-21shuttle30has been moved from the retracted position ofFIGS.17-19to the extended position wherein cup40has been moved incremental distance D toward the muzzle end24of barrel22(refer toFIG.8). Because pawls46and48engage openings36and38respectively, cup40(and the product41) is also moved incremental distance D toward the muzzle end24of barrel22. In the extended position cup is then locked in place by pawl42engaging one of first plurality of openings in barrel22, and pawl44engaging one of second plurality of openings in barrel22(refer toFIGS.26-32and the associated discussion).

InFIGS.22and23shuttle30has been moved half way back (0.5D) from the extended position ofFIGS.20and21to the retracted position. Because cup40is locked in place by pawls42and44, when shuttle30is returned to the retracted position pawls46and48are forced inward by moving elongated member30C and second elongated member30D respectively. Finally inFIGS.24and25shuttle30is moved all the way to the retracted position. Pawls46and48resiliently enter the seventh openings from the bottom as indexed by reference line R. In a similar manner cup40is moved by one opening along elongated member30C and second elongated member30D each time shuttle is cycled from the retracted position to the extended position and back to the retracted position.

FIGS.26-32show the movement of cup40with respect to barrel22. As withFIGS.17-25these are fragmented views in which only certain elements are show for clarity. Specifically only cup40and a portion of barrel22are shown. InFIGS.26-28shuttle30is in the retracted position, and corresponds with the position ofFIGS.17-19. Cup40is retained in position within barrel22by first pawl42engaging one of the first plurality of spaced-apart openings32, and second pawl44engaging one of the second plurality of spaced-apart openings34. The pawls42and44are in the sixth hole from the breach end26of barrel22. Referring toFIGS.17-19, since the four plurality of spaced-apart openings are longitudinally aligned in the retracted position of shuttle30, it is noted that third pawl36and fourth pawl38are also in the sixth hole of elongated members30C and30D.

InFIGS.29and30shuttle30has moved cup40from the retracted position ofFIGS.26-28half way (0.5D) to the extended position (refer toFIGS.31and32). First pawl42and second pawl44are forced inward by first plurality of spaced-apart openings32and second plurality of spaced-apart openings34respectively as the pawls move from the sixth position toward the seventh position. Cup is moved because shuttle30is moved and pawls46and48engage openings36and38respectively (refer toFIGS.17-25). Therefore cup40(and the product41) is also moved toward the muzzle end24of barrel22

InFIGS.31and32shuttle30has moved incremental distance D all the way to the extended position. First42pawl and second pawl44now resided in the seventh openings32and34respectively. In a similar fashion cup40is moved toward muzzle en24of barrel22each time shuttle30is moved from the retracted position to the extended position

FIG.33through37are fragmented perspective views of the shuttle30, barrel22, and cup40which show the sequence of operation previously described in FIGS.17-32. InFIG.33shuttle30(elongated member30C) is in the retracted position. First pawl42of cup40is in the sixth spaced-apart openings32from the breach end26of barrel22. Third pawl46is in the sixth spaced-apart openings36from the breach end26of barrel22. This position corresponds toFIGS.17-19andFIGS.26-28.

InFIG.34shuttle30has moved half way (0.5D) toward the muzzle end24of barrel22. First pawl42is half way between the sixth position and the seventh position of spaced-apart openings32, and third pawl46remains in the sixth spaced-apart openings36. This position corresponds to that ofFIGS.29-30.

InFIG.35shuttle30has moved all the way to the extended position. First pawl42is in the seventh spaced-apart opening32, and third pawl46remains in the sixth spaced-apart openings36. This position corresponds toFIGS.20and21, andFIGS.31and32.

InFIG.36shuttle30has moved half way back (0.5D) toward the breach end26of barrel22. Third pawl46is half way between the sixth position and the seventh position of spaced-apart openings36. This position corresponds to that ofFIGS.22and23.

InFIG.37shuttle30is in the retracted position. First pawl42and third pawl46are both in the seventh position. This position corresponds toFIGS.24and25, andFIGS.31and32.

FIG.38is a fragmented front elevation view showing cup40being ejected from the muzzle end24of barrel22. This typically happens when the product41has been consumed, and a new product is needed. To do this, the shuttle30is cycled between the retracted and extended positions until cup40leaves the muzzles last set of spaced-apart openings and can be removed.

FIG.39is a fragmented front elevation view showing cup40with product41being inserted into the breach end26of barrel22. In this manner a new unused cup40with product41can be inserted into the dispenser. It is noted that cup40moves in only one direction, toward muzzle end24of barrel22. Movement of cup40toward breach end26is not possible.

FIGS.40-41are perspective and top plan views respectively of incremental advance dispenser20with shuttle30in the retracted position.FIG.42is a cross sectional view along the line42-42ofFIG.41, andFIG.43is a cross sectional view along the line43-43ofFIG.41. Shown are barrel22, base28, shuttle30, collar30B, second elongated member30D, second plurality of space-apart openings34, fourth plurality of space-apart openings38, and cup40.

FIGS.44-45are perspective and top plan views respectively of incremental advance dispenser20with shuttle30in the extended position.FIG.46is a cross sectional view along the line46-46ofFIG.45, andFIG.47is a cross sectional view along the line47-47ofFIG.45. Shown are incremental distance D, barrel22, base28, shuttle30, collar30B, second elongated member30D, second plurality of space-apart openings34, fourth plurality of space-apart openings38, and cup40.

FIGS.48-50are reduced exploded perspective, perspective, and top plan views respectively of a second embodiment of incremental advance dispenser20. In this embodiment incremental advance dispenser20has a circular shape (refer toFIG.50) rather than the elliptical shape of the previous embodiment (refer toFIGS.1,2,45, and46). Another difference is that shuttle30and barrel22are not connected together by flexible fingers50(refer toFIGS.13-16), however they still are slidably connected. Also third plurality of spaced apart openings36and fourth plurality of spaced-apart openings38are directly connected to sleeve30A. As with the previous embodiment, barrel22is fixedly connected to base28. The FIGS. show barrel,22, cover25, plug27, base28, shuttle30, sleeve30A, first plurality of spaced-apart openings32, second plurality of spaced-apart openings34, third plurality of spaced-apart openings36, fourth plurality of spaced-apart openings38, cup40first pawl42, and third pawl46.

In terms of use, a method for using a dispenser includes: (refer toFIGS.1-50),(a) providing an incremental advance dispenser20including;a barrel22having a longitudinal axis23a muzzle end24and an opposite breach end26;a shuttle30slidably connected to barrel22and movable with respect to the barrel22along the longitudinal axis23;a cup40which carries a product41is movable within the barrel22along the longitudinal axis23;the shuttle30positionable to an extended position toward the muzzle end24of the barrel22, and to a retracted position toward the breach end26of the barrel22;(b) ensuring the shuttle30is in the retracted position; and,(c) moving the shuttle30to the extended position causing the cup40to move an incremental distance D toward the muzzle end24of the barrel22.

The method further including:repeating (b) and (c) a number of times.

The method further including:repeating (b) and (c) until the cup40is ejected from the muzzle end24of the barrel26.

The method further including:before (c), loading the cup40in the barrel22from the breach end26of the barrel22.

It is noted to effect the operation of the dispenser20, a user grasps base28with the fingers of one hand, and grasps sleeve30A of shuttle30with the fingers of the other hand. To place the shuttle30in the extended position, the user pulls the shuttle30away from the base28, and to place the shuttle30in the retracted position the user pushes the shuttle toward the base28.

The embodiments of the incremental advance dispenser and method described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, combinations, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims. Further, nothing in the above-provided discussions of the incremental advance dispenser and method should be construed as limiting the invention to a particular embodiment or combination of embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.