Abstract:
A method of dispensing a composition from a dispensing device includes use of a dispensing device. The dispensing device includes a base and a refill removably connectable with the base. The base has a first actuator and the refill having a second actuator. The method includes the steps of: activating the first actuator to dispense a quantity of a composition from the base; and disconnecting the refill from the base; and activating the second actuator to dispense the composition from the refill.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure is generally directed to a dispensing device for dispensing compositions, and more particularly, to dispensing devices for dispensing cleaning and personal care fluid compositions. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Cleaning with liquid detergent, such as dishwashing detergent, often involves the frequent application of a detergent to a cleaning implement, such as a cloth or sponge, or directly onto the item (e.g. plate, saucepan) being washed. Current methods of applying dishwashing detergent include providing the detergent in a bottle that must be picked up, inverted, and squeezed to dispense. This action adds time to the cleaning process. Additionally, this action can be physically awkward, requiring a two-handed action with one hand holding the cleaning implement and the other hand holding the bottle. Nonetheless, there are situations where a consumer may prefer dispensing methods using conventional liquid bottles. For example, a conventional liquid bottle may be convenient for direct application onto a soiled surface, to for dispensing detergent directly into the sink, and for uses that require the consumer to carry the detergent container outside of the kitchen or wash room. 
         [0003]    Methods exist that use wall mount detergent dispensers for one-handed dispensing action. While wall mount detergent dispensers may provide ease of use, such a dispenser may be impractical for home use. For example, mounting a detergent dispenser on a wall in a kitchen or wash room may be physically awkward or aesthetically displeasing to a consumer. Moreover, wall mount detergent dispensers may not be movable for dispensing directly onto soiled items or for carrying the dispenser outside of the kitchen or wash room. 
         [0004]    Methods of dispensing liquids also exist that use stand-alone dispensers. Such dispensers may be configured with sensors, such as optical sensors, for one-handed dispensing action. However, the bulk of the dispenser may make it inconvenient or impractical for a user to pick up and carry the dispenser outside of the kitchen or wash room. 
         [0005]    Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a method of dispensing liquid that involves a single-handed action, while offering the flexibility of dispensing compositions using conventional methods and providing a dispensing method that allows for convenient placement of the dispensing device. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    One aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of dispensing a liquid from a dispensing device. The dispensing device comprises a base and a refill removably connectable with the base. The base has a first actuator and the refill having a second actuator. The refill also comprises sidewalls. The method comprises the steps of: activating the first actuator to dispense a quantity of liquid from the base; disconnecting the refill from the base; and activating the second actuator to dispense liquid from the refill. 
         [0007]    Aspects of the present disclosure also include a method of dispensing a liquid from a dispensing device. The dispensing device comprises a base and a refill removably connectable with the base. The base has a first actuator and the refill has a second actuator. The method comprises the steps of: arranging the device on a rigid surface with the refill connected with the base; activating the first actuator with one hand; dispensing a liquid toward the same hand used to activate the first actuator; removing the refill from the base; and activating the second actuator to dispense the liquid from the refill. 
         [0008]    Aspects of the present disclosure also include a method of dispensing a liquid from a dispensing device. The dispensing device comprises a base and a refill removably connectable with the base. The dispensing device also comprises an electronic dispensing system that is in fluid communication with the refill and a mechanical dispensing system that is in fluid communication with the refill and base. The method comprising the steps of: arranging the base on a rigid surface with the refill connected with the base; activating the electronic dispensing system to dispense a liquid from the base; removing the refill from the base; and activating the mechanical dispensing system to dispense liquid from the refill. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a schematic, front elevation view of a dispensing device having a base and a refill connected with the base. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a schematic, perspective view of a refill disconnected from a base. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a schematic, front elevation view of a dispensing device with a refill disconnected from a base. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic, side elevation view of a portion of a dispensing device, including a refill and a first dispensing system. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic, side elevation view of a portion of a dispensing device, including a refill and a second dispensing system. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4C  is a schematic, side elevation view of a portion of a dispensing device, including a refill and a first dispensing system. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic, sectional view of portion of a refill and a portion of a base of a dispensing device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic, sectional view of portion of a refill and a portion of a base of a dispensing device. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a schematic of a first dispensing system configured as an electronic dispensing system. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a schematic, side elevation view of a dispensing device having a base and a refill connected with the base. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a schematic, side elevation view of a dispensing device having a power switch. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a schematic, side elevation view of a dispensing device having a first actuator configured as a sensor. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Various non-limiting exemplary configurations of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the dispensing device and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting exemplary configurations are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the dispensing devices and dispensing methods described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example configurations and that the scope of the various non-limiting configurations of the present disclosure are defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting exemplary configuration may be combined with the features of other non-limiting exemplary configurations. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0022]    The present disclosure includes a dispensing device. The dispensing device includes a base and a refill removably connectable with the base. The refill may be configured to contain a cleaning or personal care composition. The dispensing device may be selectively operable in a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In a first mode of operation, a user is able to dispense a quantity of cleaning or personal care composition from the base using a single-handed action while the refill is connected with the base of the device. In a second mode of operation, a user is able to quickly remove the refill from the base and dispense a desired quantity of cleaning or personal care composition directly from the refill. 
         [0023]    The dispensing device of the present disclosure may be used to dispense a wide range of fluid compositions in the form of liquid, gel, foam, spray, mousse, mist, and the like. The composition may be a multi-phase composition, comprising a liquid and a gas, for example. For example, the dispensing device of the present disclosure is capable of dispensing compositions such as detergents or soaps, including dish washing compositions, hand washing compositions, laundry compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, and personal cleansing compositions. The dispensing device may also be used to dispense various other cleaning and personal care compositions. The dispensing device may be configured to dispense liquids, gels, foams, sprays, and mists of various different viscosities. It is to be appreciated that the form of the composition dispensed from the dispensing device may be different from the form of the composition contained within the refill. For example, the composition contained within the refill may be in the form of a liquid, and the composition dispensed from the dispensing device may be in the form of foam. While the present disclosure discusses the use of the dispensing device for dispensing cleaning compositions, it is to be appreciated that various compositions may be used with the dispensing device disclosed herein. 
         [0024]    The base of the dispensing device may have a feed tube and a nozzle. The dispensing device may include a first dispensing system that is in fluid communication with the feed tube of the base for dispensing the composition from the base. The dispensing device may include a first actuator communicably connected with the first dispensing system. The refill of the dispensing device may comprise a reservoir having a sidewall and an orifice. The refill may also comprise a second dispensing system in fluid communication with the orifice of the refill and a second actuator communicably connected with the second dispensing system. 
         [0025]    The first dispensing system may be configured as an electronic dispensing system or a mechanical dispensing system. The second dispensing system may be configured as an electronic dispensing system or a mechanical dispensing system. The first dispensing system may be configured as an electronic dispensing system and the second dispensing system may be configured as a mechanical dispensing system. 
         [0026]    In a first mode of operation, the orifice of the refill is in fluid communication with the feed tube of the base. In the first mode of operation, activating the first actuator triggers the first dispensing system to dispense a composition from the refill. In a second mode of operation, the orifice of the refill is disconnected from the feed tube of the base. In the second mode of operation, activating the second actuator triggers the second dispensing system of the refill to dispense the composition from the refill. 
         [0027]    The first actuator may be configured as an electronic actuator or a mechanical actuator. The second actuator may be configured as an electronic actuator or a mechanical actuator. In some exemplary configurations, the first actuator comprises an optical sensor. In some exemplary configurations, the second actuator comprises the sidewall of the refill. In such a configuration, compression of the sidewall of the refill causes the fluid composition to release through the orifice. 
         [0028]    In some situations, a user may place the dispensing device on a rigid surface, such as a countertop or sink. In some methods, the refill may be connected with the base and the user may activate the first actuator of the dispensing device to dispense a quantity of a composition from the base. In some exemplary configurations, activation of the first actuator may cause the first dispensing system to dispense a quantity of the composition from the refill through the nozzle of the base. 
         [0029]    The user may dispense a composition from the dispensing device onto a target surface. The target surface may include a user&#39;s hand. The target surface may include a soiled surface. The target surface may include a cleaning implement. 
         [0030]    In some instances, a user may hold a cleaning implement in one hand and may use the same hand to activate the first actuator to dispense a quantity of composition onto the cleaning implement. As such, the dispensing device may be configured for one-handed operation even in situations where a user is holding a cleaning implement. 
         [0031]    In other situations, the user may disconnect the refill from the base and activate the second actuator to dispense a quantity of a composition directly from the refill. In some exemplary configurations, activation of the second actuator may cause the second dispensing system to dispense a quantity of the composition directly from the refill onto a target surface. 
         [0032]    Dispensing Device 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a dispensing device  100  includes a base  102  and a refill  104  that is releasably connectable with the base  102 . With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the refill  104  includes a reservoir  106  configured to contain a volume of composition. The reservoir  106  includes a sidewall  108 . The sidewall  108  may terminate at a bottom wall  110  at one end and at a top wall  112  at the opposite end. The reservoir  106  also includes an orifice  114  for releasing the composition from the refill  104 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the reservoir may include an air vent  116  for replacing the dispensed cleaning composition volume with air to prevent drawing a vacuum. The base  102  may include a feed tube  118  that is configured to connect with the orifice  114  of the refill  104  to provide fluid communication between the refill  104  and the base  102 . The base  102  may also have a nozzle  120  for dispensing the composition through the base  102 . 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base  102  includes a first actuator  122  and the refill  104  may include a second actuator  124 . As discussed in more detail below, in a first mode of operation, the refill  104  is connected with the base  102  and a composition may be dispensed from the nozzle  120  by activating the first actuator  122 . In a second mode of operation, the refill  104  may be removed from the base  102  and the second actuator  124  may be activated to dispense a composition directly from the orifice  114  of the refill  104 . 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-4A , the first actuator  122  may be communicably connected with a first dispensing system  130 . Activating the first actuator  122  triggers the first dispensing system  130  to dispense an amount of composition from the nozzle  120  of the base  102 . The first actuator  122  may be in electrical or mechanical communication with the first dispensing system  130 . With reference to  FIGS. 1-4B , the second actuator  124  may be communicably connected with a second dispensing system  132 . Activating the second actuator  124  triggers the second dispensing system  132  to dispense an amount of composition from the refill  104 . The second actuator  124  may be communicably connectable with the second dispensing system  132  in various ways, including mechanically and electrically. 
         [0036]    The first and second dispensing systems  130 ,  132  may include one or more valves and/or pumps to control the flow of a composition contained in the dispensing device  100 . For example, with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 4A , the first dispensing system  130  may include a valve  128  disposed adjacent to the nozzle  120  of the base  102  to control release of composition from the nozzle  120 . With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 4B , the second dispensing system  132  may include a valve  126  disposed adjacent to the orifice  114  of the refill  104  to control release of composition from the reservoir  106 . In some exemplary configurations, the valve  126  of the second dispensing system  132  may be disposed in the interior of the refill  102  adjacent to the orifice  114 . 
         [0037]    Any type of valve may be used in the first and second dispensing systems  130 ,  132 , including mechanical valves or electronic valves. Exemplary mechanical valves include elastomeric valve, mechanical check valve, slitted elastomeric membrane, duck bill valves, umbrella valves, and the like. The valves of the first and second dispensing systems  130 ,  132  have open and closed configurations to control release of the composition from the refill or nozzle of the dispensing device. 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIGS. 4A and 5A , when the refill  104  is connected with the base  102 , the feed tube  118  of the base  102  may engage the valve  126  of the second dispensing system  132  to provide fluid communication between the refill  104  and the base  102 . In such an exemplary configuration, the valve  126  of the second dispensing system  132  may control release of the composition from the dispensing device  100 . With reference to  FIGS. 4B and 5B , when the refill  104  is disconnected from the base  102 , the valve  126  of the second dispensing system  132  may control the release of composition from the refill  104 . 
         [0039]    The first dispensing system  130  may be configured as an electronic dispensing system or a mechanical dispensing system. In a configuration comprising an electronic dispensing system for the first dispensing system  130 , the electronic dispensing system, such as shown in  FIG. 6 , may include an electric motor  134 . The electric motor  134  may power an electronic pump  138  or an electronic valve that is configured to control the flow of the composition from the refill  104 . The electric motor  134  is powered by a power source  136 . The power source  136  can be a battery or an AC outlet. 
         [0040]    An electronic dispensing system may be configured in various ways. With reference to  FIGS. 1-4A and 6 , in some exemplary configurations, an electronic dispensing system may comprise an electronic pump  138  for delivering a composition from the refill  104  to the nozzle  120 . In such an exemplary configuration, when the first actuator  122  is activated, the electric motor  134  turns on and the electronic pump  138  forces the composition from the refill  104  to the nozzle  120 . Various electronic pumps may be used, including diaphragm, gear, piston pumps, peristaltic pumps, rolling bellow pumps, and the like. 
         [0041]    In the exemplary configuration shown in  FIG. 7 , the composition may flow by gravity from the refill  104  to the nozzle  120 . In such an exemplary configuration, the dispensing device  100  may include an electronic valve or an electronic pump. With reference to  FIGS. 4C and 7 , in an exemplary configuration comprising an electronic valve, once the first actuator  122  is activated, the motor  134  turns on and causes the valve  128  to open and the composition to subsequently flow out of the nozzle  120 . 
         [0042]    The electronic dispensing system may comprise a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The printed circuit board may provide additional functionality to the dispensing device. For example, the PCB may be used to optimize power consumption, enable timed dispensing, control a light source, and the like. The PCB may also provide a convenient mechanism for connecting the first actuator, motor, and power source. A PCB may also include an electronic member that is configured to recognize a particular refill configuration in order to ensure that replacement refills are configured to operate with the base. 
         [0043]    In the configuration shown in  FIG. 8 , the electronic dispensing system comprises a power switch  140  that is capable of controlling power to the electronic dispensing system. The power switch  140  can be configured as a toggle switch, a push-button switch, or a soft touch switch, for example. The power switch  140  can be turned to an “on” or “off” position to control the flow of electricity to the electronic dispensing system. In an exemplary configuration comprising a power switch  140 , activation of the first actuator  122  of the base  102  will only trigger the electronic dispensing system to dispense a composition from the refill  104  when the power switch  140  is in the “on” position. 
         [0044]    In some exemplary configurations, the first dispensing system  130  may be configured as a mechanical dispensing system. The mechanical dispensing system may be configured in various ways. For example, the valve  128  of the first dispensing system  130  may be configured as a mechanical valve. Exemplary mechanical valves include elastomeric valves, mechanical check valves, slitted elastomeric membranes, duck bill valves, umbrella valves, and the like. The mechanical dispensing system may include a mechanical pump. Exemplary mechanical pumps include a mechanically operated piston pump. However, any mechanical pump for pumping fluids may be used. 
         [0045]    In the exemplary configuration shown in  FIG. 7 , the first dispensing system  130  of the dispensing device  100  may be configured as a mechanical dispensing system having a mechanical valve. In such an exemplary configuration, the composition may flow by gravity from the refill  104  to the nozzle  120 . Actuation of the first actuator  122  may cause the mechanical valve of the first dispensing system  130  to open and the composition to dispense from the nozzle  120 . 
         [0046]    The second dispensing system  132  may be configured as an electronic dispensing system or a mechanical dispensing system. For example, the second dispensing system  132  may be configured as a mechanical dispensing system. The mechanical dispensing system may be configured in various ways. For example, the valve  126  of the second dispensing system  132  may be configured as a mechanical valve. Exemplary mechanical valves include elastomeric valves, mechanical check valves, slitted elastomeric membranes, duck bill valves, umbrella valves, and the like. The mechanical dispensing system  132  may also include a mechanical pump. Exemplary mechanical pumps include a mechanically operated piston pump, peristaltic pumps, rolling bellow pumps, and the like. However, any mechanical pump for pumping fluids may be used. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the refill  104  may be configured such that the composition contained therein may be poured from the refill  104  when the refill  104  is disconnected from the base  102 . For example, the composition may flow freely from the reservoir  106  and through the orifice  114  onto a target surface. In such an exemplary configuration, the second dispensing system may include a mechanical valve that opens by the force of the composition contained within the refill applying pressure to the valve. In another exemplary configuration wherein the composition is able to flow freely from the refill when the refill is disconnected from the base, the second dispensing system may not comprise a valve such that the composition is unrestricted from flowing out of the orifice of the refill. 
         [0048]    The second dispensing system  132  may include an electronic dispensing system. The electronic dispensing system may include an electric motor. The electric motor may power an electronic pump or an electronic valve that is configured to control the flow of the composition from the refill. The electric motor may be powered by a power source. The power source can include battery or an AC outlet. 
         [0049]    The electronic dispensing system may be configured in various ways. In some exemplary configurations, the electronic dispensing system may comprise an electronic pump for delivering a composition from the refill to the nozzle. In such an exemplary configuration, when the second actuator of the base is activated, the motor turns on and the electronic pump forces the composition from the refill. Various electronic pumps may be used, including diaphragm, gear, piston pumps, and the like. In some exemplary configurations, the valve of the second dispensing system may be configured as an electronic valve to control the flow of composition from the refill. 
         [0050]    The electronic dispensing system may comprise a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). 
         [0051]    The first and second actuators  122 ,  124  of the dispensing device  100  may be configured in different ways. For example, the first actuator  122  may be configured as a mechanical actuator such as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 7 , or may be configured as an electronic actuator as shown in  FIG. 9 . Exemplary mechanical actuators include levers, push-buttons, switches, and the like. Exemplary electronic actuators include sensors such as optical sensors, motion sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, heat sensors, and the like. The first actuator  122  may be positioned in various positions relative to the base  102  and nozzle  120 . For example, the first actuator  122  may be positioned above or below the nozzle  120 . In an exemplary configuration such as shown in  FIG. 1 , the first actuator  122  is positioned below the nozzle  120 . In such an exemplary configuration, a user may be able to activate the first actuator  122  and dispense a composition onto a cleaning implement or into the user&#39;s hand using only one hand. 
         [0052]    The second actuator  124  may be configured in different ways. For example, the second actuator  124  may be configured as a mechanical actuator such as shown in  FIG. 1 . In other exemplary configurations, the second actuator may be configured as an electronic actuator. Exemplary mechanical actuators include levers, push-buttons, switches, and the like. In other exemplary configurations, the sidewall  108  may be flexible and the second actuator  124  may comprise the flexible sidewall  108  of the reservoir  106 . In such an exemplary configuration, compression of the sidewall  108  causes the valve  126  of the second dispensing system  132  to open and the composition to dispense there from. Exemplary electronic actuators include sensors such as optical sensors, motion sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, heat sensors, and the like. 
         [0053]    While  FIGS. 1 and 7  show two exemplary dispensing devices  100 , it is to be appreciated that the components of the dispensing device may be configured in many different ways. For example, the base  102  of the dispensing device  100  may be configured in various ways. The base  102  of the dispensing device  100  may be configured to rest on a rigid surface, such as a countertop. The base  102  may be configured to house components of the dispensing device  100 , such as the first dispensing system  130 , and to support the refill  104 . The base  102  and the refill  104  can be arranged in different configurations relative to each other. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the nozzle  120  and first actuator  122  are arranged in a side-by-side configuration with the refill  104 . In other exemplary configurations, such as shown in  FIG. 7 , the refill  104  may rest on top of the base  102  and the nozzle  120  and first actuator  122  may be positioned below the refill  104 . In other exemplary configurations, the refill  104  may be positioned below the nozzle  120  and first actuator  122 . It is to be appreciated that the refill  104  of the dispensing device  100  shown in  FIG. 7  is removably connectable with the base  102 . 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the base  102  may include a buffer reservoir  152  for containing an amount of composition. For example, the buffer reservoir  152  may be used to hold a portion of the composition dispensed from the refill  104  using the first dispensing system. In a dispensing device having a buffer reservoir  152 , an amount of composition can be dispensed from the base  102  while the refill  104  is disconnected from the base  102 . 
         [0055]    The base  102  may be comprised of various materials. For example, the base  102  may be comprised of a rigid material, including a rigid polymeric material like polypropylene, metal, or combinations thereof. 
         [0056]    In the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the base  102  comprises one or more feet  142  to improve the stability of the base  102  sitting on a rigid surface. Moreover, the feet  142  may be padded to limit movement of the base  102  and to prevent scratching the rigid surface with the bottom of the base  102 . 
         [0057]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the reservoir  106  may be configured in various ways. In some exemplary configurations, the bottom wall  110  and/or top wall  112  may be removably connectable with the sidewall  108  of the reservoir  106 . 
         [0058]    The reservoir  106  may be configured as a dual or multi-chamber reservoir that is capable of separately containing two or more compositions. 
         [0059]    The reservoir  106  may be configured in an upright configuration wherein the composition is released from the orifice in an upward direction. The reservoir  106  may also be configured in a downward configuration wherein the composition is released from the orifice in a downward direction. 
         [0060]    The reservoir  106  of the refill  104  may be comprised of various materials. For example, the reservoir  106  may be comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The reservoir  104  may be comprised of other materials such as metal or glass, for example. In some exemplary configurations, the reservoir  106  may be configured as a polybag. The reservoir may be configured as a multilayer laminated pouch or a bag-in-bottle. 
         [0061]    The refill may be configured as a bag-in-bottle system. A bag-in-bottle system may include an inner, deformable reservoir and an outer, rigid reservoir. The inner reservoir is configured to contain the composition in an airless environment, thus not needing an air vent as a conventional refill reservoir. Air can be introduced in the space between the inner and outer reservoir, thereby increasing the air pressure around the inner reservoir, causing the inner reservoir to compress and the composition to dispense therefrom. The composition may also be dispensed from a bag-in-bottle system by sucking the composition out using underpressure. A bag-in-bottle system may be formed using blow-molding technology. 
         [0062]    The refill  104  may be configured to stand on a rigid surface independent of the base  102 . For example, the bottom wall  110  of the reservoir  106  may be flat in order to stably rest on a rigid surface. 
         [0063]    The refill  104  may be connected with the base  102  in various ways. For example, the refill  104  may be slideably or threadably connected with the base  102 . In some exemplary configurations, the refill  104  may connect with the base  102  using fasteners, pins, latches, keys and matching key ways, and the like. 
         [0064]    The refill  104  may be filled with a composition as presented to the user. When the composition is depleted from the refill  104 , the refill may be discarded and replaced with a refill  104  having a fresh supply of a composition. Alternatively, the refill  104  may be replenished with a composition from a separate supply by the user. In such an exemplary configuration, the refill  104  may include a fill port for refilling the reservoir with a composition. In some exemplary configurations, the top or bottom wall  112 ,  110  of the reservoir may be removable from the sidewall  108  for the purpose of refilling the reservoir  106 . 
         [0065]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in a refill configuration comprising an air vent  116 , the air vent  116  may be configured in various ways. In some exemplary configurations, the air vent  116  may comprise a valve  150  such as an umbrella valve. An umbrella valve is activated if the pressure inside of the refill  104  is lower than atmospheric pressure, causing atmospheric air to push past the umbrella valve and vent the refill  104 . When the composition is not being actively dispensed from the refill  104 , the umbrella valve is closed and the composition is unable to exit through the umbrella valve. It is to be appreciated that a minimum distance between the air vent  116  and the feed tube  118  prevents the entrainment of air bubbles into the composition exiting the refill  104 . The air vent  116  can be positioned in different locations. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the air vent may be positioned in the bottom wall  110  of the reservoir  106 . In other exemplary configurations, the air vent  116  may be positioned in the top wall  112  or sidewall  108  of the reservoir  106 . The air vent  116  may mate with an air vent member  119  of the base  102 . It is to be appreciated that the air vent  116  may be configured in a closed configuration when the refill  104  is disconnected from the base  102 . When the refill  104  is connected with the base  102 , the air vent member  119  of the base  102  may be configured to open the air vent  116  to allow air to enter the reservoir. 
         [0066]    As discussed above and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the base  102  may include a nozzle  120  for dispensing the composition. Any type of nozzle may be used depending upon the physical characteristics of the composition. For example, the nozzle may be configured to dispense the composition as a stream, mist, or a spray. The nozzle may be sized to match the desired flow rate of the composition. 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the dispensing device  100  may also comprise a cleaning implement holder  146  for holding a cleaning implement  154 . The cleaning implement holder  146  may be configured to hold various cleaning implements, such as sponges, brushes, towels, and the like. The cleaning implement may be configured as a combination cleaning implement that includes, for example, a sponge and a brush. The cleaning implement holder  146  may be configured to hold one or more cleaning implements. The cleaning implement holder  146  may be positioned in various locations relative to the base of the dispensing device. The cleaning implement holder  146  may be disposed in an area of the base that is easy for a user to reach when standing in front of the dispensing device. The cleaning implement holder  146  may be integrally formed with the base  102 , or may be a separate component attached to the base  102 . The cleaning implement holder  146  may be comprised of the same material as the base  102 , or may be a different material than the base  102 . 
         [0068]    Method of Dispensing Liquid 
         [0069]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-5B , the dispensing device  100  may be used in methods of dispensing various compositions, such as cleaning and personal care compositions. For easy access, the dispensing device  100  may be placed on a rigid surface, such as a countertop or sink. Sometimes, a user may want to dispense a composition  144  into the user&#39;s hand or onto a cleaning implement. In such a situation, with the refill  104  connected with the base  102 , the user may activate the first actuator  122  of the dispensing device  100  to dispense a quantity of a composition  144  from the base  102 . In some exemplary configurations, activation of the first actuator  122  may cause the first dispensing system  130  to dispense a quantity of a composition  144  from the refill  104  through the nozzle  120  of the base  102 . 
         [0070]    In some instances, a user may hold a cleaning implement in one hand and may use the same hand to activate the first actuator  122 . As such, the dispensing device  100  may be configured for one-handed dispensing. 
         [0071]    In another exemplary situation, a user may wish to dispense a composition  144  directly onto a surface, such as a soiled dish or clothing item. In such a situation, the user may disconnect the refill  104  from the base  102  and activate the second actuator  124  to dispense a quantity of the composition directly from the refill  104 . In some exemplary configurations, activation of the second actuator  124  may cause the second dispensing system  132  to dispense a quantity of the composition  144  directly from the refill  104 . The refill  104  may offer a user a flexible design that can be placed on a countertop or easily held in a user&#39;s hand for various different dispensing purposes. 
         [0072]    In an exemplary configuration wherein the first mode of operation includes use of an electronic dispensing system, with reference to  FIGS. 1-5B , the refill  104  is connected with the feed tube  118  of the base  102 . Activation of the first actuator  122  closes the electric circuit, causing the electric motor  134  to start up. In an exemplary configuration comprising an electronic pump  138  such as shown in  FIG. 4 , the electric motor  134  drives the electronic pump  138  to force the composition from the refill  104  into the feed tube  118 . From the feed tube  118 , the composition  144  flows through the electronic pump  138  in the base  102  and out of the nozzle  120 . When the electronic dispensing system is activated, the valve  128  adjacent to the nozzle  120  is configured to open to allow the composition to flow out of the nozzle  120 . 
         [0073]    In an exemplary configuration wherein the second mode of operation includes use of a mechanical dispensing system, the refill  104  is disconnected from the base. In an exemplary configuration such as shown in  FIG. 1  wherein the second actuator  124  comprises the sidewall  108  of the reservoir  106 , the user compresses the sidewall  108 , which forces the valve  126  of the second dispensing system  132  to open and the composition to flow out of the orifice  114 . 
         [0074]    The first dispensing system  130  may be configured to dose a predetermined amount of composition  144  in a single activation of the first actuator  122 . The second dispensing system  132  may be configured such that the user is able to control the amount of composition  144  dosed from the refill  104  during a single activation of the second actuator  124 . For example, the user can control the amount of composition dosed from the refill  104  in one use by holding down the second actuator  124  for a certain length of time. That is, the longer the second actuator  124  is activated the more composition  144  that is dispensed from the refill  104 . In other exemplary configurations, a single activation of the second actuator  124  may dose a predetermined amount of composition  144  from the refill  104 . 
         [0075]    The dispensing device  100  may be use to dispense a composition onto a target surface. The target surface can be any surface, including a user&#39;s hand, a cleaning implement, or a soiled surface. 
         [0076]    The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”. 
         [0077]    Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. 
         [0078]    While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.