Abstract:
A double-headed deodorant dispenser is configured to separately and independently dispense two deodorants from different ends thereof The deodorant dispenser includes a container having first and second openings, the first opening allowing a first deodorant to be dispensed from the first end of the container and the second opening allowing a second deodorant to be dispensed from the second end of the container., a first dispensing mechanism associated with the first deodorant for dispensing the first deodorant from the first end of the container, and a second dispensing mechanism associated with the second deodorant for dispensing the second deodorant from the second end of the container. First and second knobs of the first and second dispensing mechanisms are accessible through the container for user manipulation of the first and second dispensing mechanisms. The container may be configured to accept deodorant refills. The deodorants may be a solid, gel or similar composition.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of personal hygiene product dispensers and, more particularly, to personal hygiene product dispensers able to separately dispense two personal hygiene products. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Containers that separately dispense two or more liquid products are known in the art. Such dual or multi-product containers permit the storage, selling and dispensing of two separate liquid products via one container without combining the liquid products. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,421 to Williams discloses a double-ended aerosol dispenser for liquid products having two terminal portions each with its own valve and product delivery head. The aerosol dispenser may dispense one or two types of liquid products employing one or two volumes of propellant. The spray heads are located at opposite ends of the dispenser. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,268 to Levy et al, discloses a double-ended perfume bottle having two separate compartments each connected to a dispenser mechanism such as a spray fitting or pump at each end so that two different liquids can be contained and dispensed separately and in different ways if necessary. The double-ended bottle may utilize end caps that cover the two dispenser mechanisms at either end. 
         [0004]    U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0215640 A1 of Britton discloses a dual product dispenser that permits two different liquid products to be stored, sold, dispensed and otherwise used from a single container without combining the liquid products. The dual product dispenser is in the form of a conjoined container having a product dispenser on each end thereof for dispensing the liquid product held within the container. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,948 to Auer discloses a two-chamber metering dispenser for liquid and/or paste-like media having two containers made of plastic and arranged in parallel positions next to one another. Each container is in communication with a hand-operated metering pump and a follower piston for dispensing the liquid and/or paste-like media. 
         [0006]    U.S. Patent Publication 2012/0031925 of Greenberg teaches a multi-chamber dispenser each chamber of which may be removably fastened to a rigid frame or fashioned as one or more chambers that are permanently fastened to the rigid frame. A rotating cap, actuator or both is provided that selectively communicates with one or more chambers for dispensing one or more substances from the one or more chambers. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,488 to Ehrbar teaches a double-ended squeeze bottle for liquid food products. The double-ended squeeze bottle is made from a flexible and resilient plastic and includes a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end. The first and second openings are in communication with an interior of the bottle, the interior defining either a single chamber or two chambers wherein the first and second openings are both in communication with the single chamber or the first opening is in communication with the first chamber and the second opening is in communication with the second chamber. The bottle may also include first and second flip tops respectively selectively covering the first and second openings. 
         [0008]    The above references disclose various vessels for separately and independently dispensing two or more liquid products from a single container, either through separate dispensing mechanisms or through a single dispensing mechanism that can selectively dispense one liquid or another from the vessel. It has therefore been recognized that liquid products can benefit from being packaged and dispensable from a single container. However, it is apparent that these vessels are configured to dispense only liquids and are thus not configured to separately and independently dispense non-liquid products such as solids and gels. 
         [0009]    Therefore, the prior art vessels as discussed above cannot be used for separately and independently dispensing two solid or gel type personal hygiene products such as solid or gel type deodorant. Because solid and gel deodorants come in a vast variety of formulations, types and scents, it would be desirable to have a single container that can separately and independently dispense two formulations, scents and/or types of solid and/or gel deodorants. 
         [0010]    It is thus apparent from the above that there exists a need for a personal hygiene product container that can independently and separately dispense two solid and/or gel type personal hygiene products such as two solid and/or gel type deodorants. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention is a double-headed deodorant dispenser configured to separately and independently dispense two separate deodorants from different heads or ends of the same dispenser. The deodorant dispenser includes a container having first and second oppositely disposed openings, the first opening for dispensing a first deodorant from the container and the second opening for dispensing a second deodorant from the container, and first and second dispensing mechanisms associated with the first and second deodorants for separately and independently dispensing the two separate deodorants from the container. 
         [0012]    The double-headed deodorant dispenser is able to separately and independently dispense two separate deodorants each one of which may be a solid deodorant, a gel deodorant, or other non-liquid type deodorant. 
         [0013]    In one form, the double-headed deodorant dispenser is characterized by a container, housing or case having a first opening at one end or head of the container, and a second opening at a second end or head of the container opposite to the first end. A first dispensing mechanism of the double-headed deodorant dispenser is associated with a first deodorant while a second dispensing mechanism of the double-headed dispenser is associated with a second deodorant. A first dial of the first dispensing mechanism is accessible by a user through a first cutout in the container in order to manipulate the first dispensing mechanism for dispensing and retracting the first deodorant from the first head of the container. A second dial of the second dispensing mechanism is accessible b the user through a second cutout in the container in order to manipulate the second dispensing mechanism for dispensing and retracting the second deodorant from the second head of the container. 
         [0014]    The first dispending mechanism is configured to advance and draw back (retract) the first deodorant from the first end or head of the container through manipulation (e.g. rotation) of the first actuating member or dial (e.g. in first and second directions). The second dispensing mechanism is configured to advance and draw back (retract) the second deodorant from the second end or head of the container through manipulation (e.g. rotation) of the second actuating member or dial (e.g. in first and second directions). 
         [0015]    The container may accept and dispense refillable deodorants, refillable deodorant cartridges or the like (i.e. a deodorant refill). Either or both of the first and second deodorants may therefore comprise a refillable deodorant, refillable deodorant cartridge or the like, or the container may accept a deodorant refill once the original deodorant in the container has been depleted. Once a deodorant is depleted (either an original deodorant or a deodorant refill), a new deodorant refill is received in and by the container. The deodorant refills may come in a variety of scents and/or types. In this manner, a user may decide to use a deodorant refill that is different from the original deodorant. 
         [0016]    The first and second openings are preferably, but not necessarily, situated diametrically opposite one another. 
         [0017]    The knobs are preferably, but not necessarily, situated adjacent one another proximate a middle of the container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The above mentioned and other features, advantages and object of this invention., and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a double-headed deodorant dispenser fashioned in accordance with the present principles to dispense two separate deodorants from opposite ends or heads of the double-headed deodorant dispenser, with a cap of the deodorant dispenser removed from one head of the double-headed deodorant dispenser; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the double-headed deodorant dispenser of  FIG. 1  with the two caps of the deodorant dispenser shown in exploded view; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is an interior plan view of two container halves of the double-headed deodorant dispenser situated side by side, illustrating cutouts in the two container halves for two actuating members of the two deodorant dispensing mechanisms for separately dispensing the two deodorants from the double-headed deodorant dispenser; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the double-headed deodorant dispenser of  FIG. 1  showing two separate (i.e. first and second) dispensing mechanisms for separately and independently dispensing two deodorants from the double-headed deodorant dispenser; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of a component of the driving mechanism of the first deodorant dispensing mechanism as viewed from line  4 A- 4 A of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5A  is a side plan view of an upper deodorant holder of the first deodorant dispensing mechanism; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5B  is a bottom plan view of the upper deodorant holder of the first deodorant dispensing mechanism as seen from line  5 B- 5 B of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of a lower deodorant holder of the first deodorant dispensing mechanism; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 6B  is a sectional view of the lower deodorant holder of the first deodorant dispensing mechanism as seen from line  6 B- 6 B of  FIG. 6A . 
       
    
    
       [0028]    Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures. 
         [0029]    A description of the features, functions and/or configuration of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non discussed features as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    Referring to the Figures, there is depicted various views of an exemplary embodiment of a double-headed or ended deodorant dispenser, generally designated  10 , fashioned in accordance with the present principles to separately and independently dispense two deodorants. It should be understood that the term deodorant as used herein covers deodorants with or without an antiperspirant agent, antiperspirants alone, and/or other types of deodorants. The double-headed deodorant: dispenser  10  is characterized by a container, vessel, housing, case or the like  12  that is preferably, but not necessarily, made of plastic, but may be made from other suitable materials if desired. Therefore, the container  12  will be shown in the figures as being plastic,it being understood that such is only exemplary. The container  12  is shown having the form of the typical deodorant container—i.e. an oblate elliptical cylinder, but may take other forms if desired. Therefore, the container  12  will be shown as an oblate elliptical cylinder, it being understood that such is only exemplary. 
         [0031]    The container  12  defines a first end or head  13  and a second end or head  15  that is opposite the first end  13 . Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second ends  13 ,  15  are diametrically opposite one another. The first end  13  has a first opening  18  that is in communication with an interior space or area  21  within the container  12 . The first end  13  of the container  12  is configured to accept or receive a lid, cap, cover or the like  14  that can selectively cover the first opening  18 . The container  12  may include a lip  61  on its outer surface proximate the first opening  18  defining a ledge or rim upon which the end of the cap  14  abuts in order to stop the cap  14  onto the container  12 . The second end  15  has a second opening  20  that is also in communication with the interior space  21  of the container  12 . The second end  15  of the container  12  is likewise configured to accept or receive a lid, cap, cover or the like  16  that can selectively cover the second opening  20 . The container  12  may include a lip  63  on its outer surface proximate the second opening  20  defining a ledge or rim upon which the end of the cap  16  abuts in order to stop the cap  16  onto the container  12 . While the interior space  21  is preferably open, undivided area, the interior space  21  may be divided into two sections, with one section for a first deodorant see  FIG. 2  and another section for a second deodorant (see  FIG. 2 ). It should be appreciated that the nomenclature first and second is arbitrary here and throughout unless indicated otherwise. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the container  12  is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of first and second container halves, shells, sections or portions  12   a  and  12   b.  The first container portion  12   a  has an outwardly curved wall  22   a  defining an inwardly curved inner surface  23   a,  and the second container portion  12   b  has an outwardly curved wall  22   b  defining an inwardly curved inner surface  23   b.  When the two container portions  12   a,    12   b  are joined, the curved walls  22 a,  22   b  form the interior space  21  within the container  12  bounded by the inner surfaces  23   a,    23   b.  As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the interior space  21  accommodates a first deodorant  17  and a second deodorant  19 . The first deodorant  17  is situated to be dispensed from the first opening  18  while the second deodorant  19  is situated to be dispensed from the second opening  20 . 
         [0033]    In order to dispense the first deodorant  17  from the container  12  via the first opening  18 , the double-headed deodorant dispenser  10  has a first dispensing mechanism  32 . Likewise, in order to dispense the second deodorant  19  from the container  12  via the second opening  20 , the double-headed deodorant dispenser  10  has a second dispensing mechanism  34 . The first dispensing mechanism  32  includes an actuator  28 , a lower holder  36   a,  an upper holder  38   a,  and a driving mechanism  40   a.  The actuator or actuating member  28  is shown in the form of a dial, disk or the like, but may take other forms as desired, necessary or expedient. 
         [0034]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the dial  28  protrudes from and/or is accessible by a user through a cutout  24  of the container  12 . The cutout  24  may be disposed in only one side of the container  12  or may be comprised of two, complementary cutouts ( 24   a,    24   b ) in opposite sides of the container  12 . The later will be assumed and thus described herein. The second dispensing mechanism  34  includes an actuator or actuating member  30 , a lower holder  36   b,  an upper holder  38   b,  and a driving mechanism  40   b.  The actuator or actuating member  30  is likewise shown in the form of a dial, disk or the like, but may take other forms as desired, necessary or expedient. As seen in  FIG. 1 , the dial  30  protrudes from and/or is accessible by a user through a cutout  26  of the container  12 . The cutout  26  may be disposed in only one side of the container  12  or may be comprised of two, complementary cutouts ( 26   a,    26   b ) in opposite sides of the container  12 . The later will be assumed and thus described herein. 
         [0035]    As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the first container portion  12   a  has cutouts  24   a  and  26   a  situated about or approximately in the middle of the wall  22   a,  or midway between the upper and lower ends of the first container portion  12   a.  The second container portion  12   b  has cutouts  24   b  and  26   b  situated about or approximately in the middle of the wall  22   b,  or midway between the upper and lower ends of the first container portion  12   b.  The cutouts  24   a  and  24   b  allow the dial  28  to extend through and/or be accessible to a user such that the user can manipulate (e.g. rotate) the dial  28 . As explained below, manipulation (e.g. rotation) of the dial  28  actuates the driving mechanism  40   a  to advance (dispense) and retract (draw back) the first deodorant  17  since the first deodorant is carried by the driving mechanism  40   a.  The cutouts  26   a  and  26   b  allow the dial  30  to extend through and/or be accessible to a user such that the user can manipulate (e.g. rotate) the dial  30 . As explained below, manipulation (e.g. rotation) of the dial  28  actuates the driving mechanism  40   b  to advance (dispense) and retract (draw back) the second deodorant  19  since the second deodorant  19  is carried by the driving mechanism  40   b.    
         [0036]    The first driving mechanism  40   a  includes the lower holder  36   a  that remains stationary within the container  12 . As particularly shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the lower holder  36   a  includes a body  46  that is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of plastic. The body  46  has a flat bottom and sides shaped to conform to the interior surfaces  23   a,    23   b  of the container  12  with an opening, hole or bore  48  situated centrally in the bottom. The body  46  further defines an interior  47  with a first post  49   a  extending from the upper surface of the bottom of the body  46  on one side of the hole  48 , and a second post  49   b  extending from the upper surface of the bottom of the body  46  on another side of the hole  48 . A threaded shaft, stem rod or the like  41   a  extends from the dial  28  and through the hole  48  such that: the threaded shaft can freely rotate within the hole  48  upon rotation of the dial  28 . A stop  42   a  is provided on and about a preferably, but not necessarily, non-threaded section of the shaft  41   a  on a side of the bottom of the lower holder  36   a  opposite the dial  28 . The stop  42   a  retains the shaft  41   a  and dial  28  relative to the lower holder  36   a  while allowing the shaft  41   a  and dial  28  to rotate freely in the hole  28  and thus relative to the lower holder  36   a.    
         [0037]    The first driving mechanism  40   a  further includes a carriage  43   a  that is threadedly received on the threaded portion of the shaft  41   a.  A top plan view of the carriage  43  is shown in  FIG. 4A . The carriage  43   a  has a body  56  that is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of plastic having an internally threaded bore for threaded reception on the threaded portion of the shaft  41   a.  The body  56  further includes a first receptor  57   a  extending generally outwardly from the hub of the body to form a first reception slot  58   a,  and a second receptor  57   b  extending generally outwardly from the hub of the body to form a second reception slot  58   b.  The first and second slots  58   a,    58   b  are preferably, but not necessarily, disposed opposite one another on the hub. The first and second slots  58   a,    58   b  are configured to receive flanges  50   a,    50   b  of the upper holder  38   a.    
         [0038]    The upper holder  38   a  has a body  52  that is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of plastic. The body  52  has a generally flat top and curved sides shaped to conform to the interior surfaces  23   a,    23   b  of the container  12 . The body  52  further defines an interior  53  with a first post  54   a  extending from the undersurface of the top of the body  52  on one side of a midsection of the body, and a second post  54   b  extending from the undersurface of the bottom of the body  54  on another side of the midsection of the body. The first and second flanges  50   a,    50   b  extend into the interior  53  from opposite side of the body wall. The flanges  50   a,    50   b  are sized for reception in the first and second slots  58   a,    58   b  of the carriage  43   a.  The flanges  50   a,    50   b  are captured by the receptors  57   a,    57   b  such that the upper holder  38   a  rides on and is carried by the carriage  43   a.  The upper holder  38   a  is constrained from rotation within the container  12  while the carriage  43   a  rides up and down on the threaded shaft  41   a  as the shaft  41   a  is rotated through rotation of the dial  28 . The first deodorant  17  is situated on and is carried by the upper holder  38   a.  Therefore, as the shaft  43   a  is rotated by the dial  28  the carriage  43   a  must either move up the threaded shaft  43   a  to dispense the first deodorant  17  or move down the threaded shaft  43   a  to retract the first deodorant  17 , depending on the direction of rotation of the dial  28 . 
         [0039]    It should be appreciated that the components, features and operation of the second driving mechanism  40   b  are the same as those the first driving mechanism  40   a  and, as such, will not be described again. Like reference numerals denote the same component, feature and/or structure. However, as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the two driving mechanisms  40   a,    40   b  have advanced their respective first and second deodorants  17 ,  19  different amounts in order to illustrate the manner in which the driving mechanisms  40   a,    40   b  operate and the relationship to their respective deodorant  17 ,  19 . 
         [0040]    The initial position of the upper holder  38   b  when a new or previously un-dispensed first deodorant  17  is within the container  12  is nested and/or adjacent to the lower holder  36   b.  The first and second posts  54   a,    54   b  are configured to be received in or received by the first and second posts  49   a,    49   b  of the lower holder  36   a.  The wall of the upper holder  38   a  is next to the wall of the lower holder  36   a.  The first deodorant  17  is situated on the upper surface of the upper holder  38   a.  As the first driving mechanism causes the carriage  43   a  to advance on and by rotation of the shaft  41   a  (through manipulation of the dial  28 ), the upper holder moves with the carriage  43   a  within the container  12  to push the opposite end of the first deodorant  17  out of the first opening  18 . Opposite rotation of the shaft  41   a  via manipulation of the dial  28  causes the carriage  43   a  to move down the shaft  43   a  carrying the upper holder  38  the along to draw the first deodorant back down into the container  12 . In  FIG. 4 , the first deodorant  17  has been dispensed from the container by about half its amount, while the second deodorant  19  has been dispensed from the container by a small to no amount. 
         [0041]    The container  12  and the first and second dispensing mechanisms may be configured to accept and dispense deodorant refills such that when either of the first and second deodorants is depleted (or sooner if desired), a new deodorant may be received by and/or in the container and thereafter dispensed therefrom as described herein. The new deodorant may be a refillable deodorant, refillable deodorant cartridge or the like (i.e. a deodorant refill). The deodorant dispenser may come pre-filled with first and second deodorants or may be provided without the first and second deodorants to allow a consumer to select the type and/or scent of deodorant via a deodorant refill. It should be appreciated that the container and/or the dispensing mechanisms may be revised as necessary to accommodate refillable deodorants. 
         [0042]    it should be appreciated that the dispensing mechanisms shown and described herein are exemplary of a type of deodorant dispensing mechanisms that can be used to separately and independently dispense two separate deodorants from the present double-headed deodorant dispenser. Likewise, the general shape of the container  12  and components of the present double-headed deodorant dispenser are generally exemplary. 
         [0043]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. 
         [0044]    All references cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they supplement, explain, provide a background for or teach methodology or techniques employed herein.