Patent Publication Number: US-7708167-B2

Title: Dispensing apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
   This application is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2004/031035 filed on Sep. 16, 2004; which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/503,446 filed on Sep. 16, 2003. These prior applications are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The Present Invention relates to a dispensing apparatus and, more particularly, to an apparatus for dispensing a liquid for cleaning, dispensing and collecting towels which may be used in conjunction with the liquid. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In sports or other activities, there are many situations in which it is necessary, but impractical, to maintain clean hands. For instance, when playing a round of golf, it is fairly common for players to get mud, food or other liquids on their hands. However, access to bathroom facilities is typically inconvenient or impossible. Similarly, the same issues can arise when participating in other outdoor activities, such as fishing, playing tennis, camping, hunting or other similar activities, which require a person to be away from bathroom facilities for an extended period of time. 
   Currently, portable devices do exist which assist in the maintenance of hygiene in environments where such facilities are not readily available. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,989, issued to Saraceni on 13 Oct. 1998, discloses a combination dispenser comprising both a cleaning solution and a towel dispenser. See, Saraceni, Abstract. Generally, the Saraceni reference provides a portable means by which a person can use a cleaning solution, complete with a means for wiping up any excess. 
   However, the Saraceni reference does not disclose a means for which the used paper towels can be disposed of properly. Further, it does not protect the towels from outside factors, such as rain and snow. Finally, the dispenser in the Saraceni reference does not provide for the downward expelling of the cleaning solution—an aspect that is impractical when considering the potential use of hygiene, as well as preventing wasteful use of the cleaning solution. 
   Therefore, the need exists for an apparatus that allows one to maintain proper hygiene that overcomes the disadvantages stated above. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the objects of the Present Invention, dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The dispensing apparatus comprises a liquid dispenser and a towel dispenser. The liquid dispenser further comprises a container member and an expelling member. The towel dispenser is disposed adjacent to and in contact with a portion of the container member of the liquid dispenser. Liquid is dispensed, through the expelling member of the liquid dispenser, in a substantially downward direction. 
   A better understanding of the objects, advantages, features, properties and relationships of the Present Invention will be obtained from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings which set forth illustrative embodiments that are indicative of the various ways in which the principles of the Present Invention may be employed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a better understanding of the Present Invention, reference may be had to preferred embodiments shown in the following drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a dispensing apparatus, made in accordance with the Present Invention; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a partially-exploded perspective view of the dispensing apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate two front perspective views of the dispensing apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; and 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the dispensing apparatus of  FIG. 1  attached to a support member. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY-PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The Present Invention provides a combination dispensing apparatus comprised of a liquid dispenser, a towel dispenser and a refuse receiver, where the dispensing apparatus may be positioned in situations in which running water (or any similar method of cleaning) is inconvenient, impractical or nonexistent. For example, it is contemplated that the Present Invention may be attached to a golf cart or similar apparatus, thereby allowing golfers or others to clean their faces, hands or clubs during a round of golf. However, it should also be appreciated by those with skill in the art that the Present Invention may be used in connection with other sporting applications such as boating, tennis, etc. It is also contemplated that the Present Invention may be utilized in outhouses or other locations where hygiene is necessary and/or important, but where standard means for achieving such hygiene are inadequate. Thus, it should be realized that, although the description of the Present Invention may describe it in a specific context, i.e., in connection with golf carts, such a description is only exemplary in nature and should not be construed as limiting the application of the Present Invention in any manner. 
   For purposes of the description herein, the use of the term “liquid” shall generally mean any substance that flows readily and is difficult to compress. More specifically, “liquid” shall mean any substance commonly known as a liquid, any substance that is liquid-like (i.e., gel, solution, solvent or solute) in nature or any reasonably flowable powder. For purposes of the description herein, “liquid” shall include any substance commonly used for cleaning and/or possessing cleaning or cleansing properties. Non-exhaustive examples of liquids, for purposes of the description herein, include cleaning solutions, cleansing liquids, soap, water, etc. 
   Additionally, the use of the term “towel,” for purposes of the description herein, shall generally mean any piece of absorbent cloth or paper used for wiping and drying. More specifically, “towel” shall mean any device comprised primarily of cloth, a cloth-type substance, paper or other absorbent material, which is primarily, though not exclusively, used for cleaning, wiping and/or drying. Further, the term “towel” necessarily includes those towels that are pre-moistened, aromatic, soap-injected, etc. Non-exhaustive examples of towels, for purposes of the description herein, include paper towels, tissue papers, cloth towels, chamois, etc. 
   When describing the details of the Present Invention, references will be made to the Figures, in which like numerals will denote the same (or similar) elements. Referring to the Figures, dispensing apparatus  10  is illustrated as generally comprising liquid dispenser  12 , towel dispenser  14  and refuse collector  16 . It should be understood, however, that each of the liquid dispenser  12 , towel dispenser  14  and refuse collector  16  have separate and distinct functions, and that one or more of these elements may be removed and/or rearranged with respect to the other elements. Therefore, for example, the dispensing apparatus may be designed to consist of a liquid dispenser  12  and towel dispenser  14  only. 
   As most accurately shown in  FIG. 1 , for expelling liquid, liquid dispenser  12  includes container member  18  and expelling member  20 . Container member  18  is further comprised of top portion  22 , bottom portion  24  and middle portion  26 . Preferably, container member  18  may be made of any sturdy, lightweight, non-porous, non-corrosive material capable of holding various types of liquids, as defined above. In this regard, container member  18  may be a single molded plastic piece or multiple independent pieces that are joined by snap fitting, adhesives, screws, nuts, bolts or other materials known in the art, provided that the container member  18  is watertight. 
   Container member  18 , as a whole, preferably possesses an overall width. Moreover, each portion within container member  18  (i.e., top portion  22 , bottom portion  24  and middle portion  26 ) have an individual width. These individual widths may or may not be equal to the overall width of container member  18  or each other, depending on the uniformity and shape of container member  18 . For instance, container member  18  may represent a uniform tube; in such a case, the overall width of container member  18  would be equal to the overall individual widths of top portion  18 , bottom portion  24  and middle portion  26 . However, as is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , container member  18  is not a uniform shape. That is, the individual width of top portion  22  is different from not only the individual widths of bottom portion  24  and middle portion  26 , but also of the overall width of container member  18 . 
   As illustrated in the Figures, container member  18  is tubular in nature, although it is contemplated that container member  18  may be formed of any particular shape such that the tenets and teachings of the Present Invention are maintained. Moreover, although not shown, top portion  22 , bottom portion  24  and middle portion  26  collectively define a containment cavity. The containment cavity receives and stores the liquid until it is necessary to dispense the liquid from liquid dispenser  12 . 
   Further, although not illustrated by the Figures, top portion  22  of container member  18  may possess an aperture (not shown). It is through the aperture that a liquid may be placed inside containment cavity for storage, and also through the aperture that the liquid may be expelled from the containment cavity by liquid dispenser  12 . In addition, an aperture may alternatively or concurrently be located on bottom portion  24  of container member  18 , or in any other location that would allow for ease of access to the aperture. 
   To expel liquid from the containment cavity, expelling member  20  is preferably removably attached to top portion  22  of container member  18  of liquid dispenser  12 . Expelling member  20  preferably comprises a means by which the liquid contained within containment cavity is expelled from liquid dispenser  12 . Similar to container member  18 , expelling member  20  may also be made of any sturdy, lightweight, non-porous, non-corrosive material. Additionally, expelling member  20  may be made of the same material as container member  18 . For expelling the liquid, expelling member  20  is illustrated as comprising spout portion  28  and pump portion  30 . 
   Spout portion  28  preferably comprises any standard, currently-known spout, spigot, faucet, etc. for expelling the liquid from liquid dispenser  12 . Moreover, spout portion  28  is preferably designed to accommodate the types of liquids, defined above, without much difficulty. That is, spout portion  28  should be readily adaptable for use with liquids possessing varying degrees of viscosity, from high viscosity fluids and powders, such as, for example, powdered or liquid soap, to low viscosity fluids, such as, for example, water. It is preferred that spout portion  28  be configured in any number of designs currently known in the art to dispense the liquid from liquid dispenser  12  in a substantially vertical and, more preferably, a substantially downward, direction. 
   Pump portion  30 , whose interior mechanics are not shown in the Figures, provides a means by which the liquid contained within the containment cavity is transferred to spout portion  28  and eventual expulsion from liquid dispenser  12 . Preferably, pump portion  30  may comprise any currently-known method of achieving the above-stated purpose, such as, for example, a vacuum-based pump and tube apparatus partially disposed within containment cavity and attached to spout portion  28 . 
   To ensure the towels may be adequately dispensed, towel dispenser  14  is illustrated in the Figures as comprising core member  32 , enclosing member  34 , gripping member  36  and window member  38 . Towel dispenser  14  is configured to receive a plurality of towels, as well as allow for the removal of the towels. The primary purpose of towel dispenser  14  is to protect the plurality of towels from the elements, such as, for example, rain and wind. Similar to the elements of liquid dispenser  12 , the elements of towel dispenser  14 , as described below, may also be made of any sturdy, lightweight, non-porous, non-corrosive material, such as, for example, a single piece of molded plastic. 
   Core member  32  possesses inner side  40  and outer side  42 . Preferably, inner side  40  of core member  32  of towel dispenser  14  is sized such that it fits snugly around bottom portion  24  and middle portion  26  of container member  18  of liquid dispenser  12 . That is, for example, if bottom portion  24  and middle portion  26  of container member  18  of liquid dispenser  12  is tubular in nature, as is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and possessing an overall width, then inner side  40  of core member  32  of towel dispenser  14  possesses an inner width (the distance between one side of inner side  40  to another side) similar to, but slightly greater than, the overall width of bottom portion  24  and middle portion of container member  18 . Similarly, if bottom portion  24  and middle portion  26  of container member  18  of liquid dispenser  12  is square or rectangular in nature, then inner side  40  of core member  32  of towel dispenser  14  would also be square or rectangular in nature, with an inner width slightly greater than the overall width of bottom portion  24  and middle portion  26  of container member  18 . 
   Outer side  42  of core member  32  of towel dispenser  14  is preferably adapted to receive the plurality of towels, as disclosed above. It is contemplated that outer side  42  of core member  32  may be shaped such that the plurality of towels are disposed in a roll (which may be similar to paper towels currently for sale to the general public). Alternatively, outer side  42  of core member  32  can be configured and shaped such that the plurality of towels are disposed in a stack (i.e., similar to tissue boxes currently for sale to the general public). 
   As stated above, to ensure that towels are not exposed, enclosing member  34  preferably fits around core member  32 , serving to protect the plurality of towels contained in core member  32  from the elements. Enclosing member  34 , as illustrated in the Figures, nearly circumvents all of core member  32 . However, enclosing member  34  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  as containing first opening  44  and second opening  46 . First opening  44  comprises a slit, or slotted shaped feature, that runs substantially through the vertical length of enclosing member  34 . It is through first opening  44  that each of the plurality of towels is released from core member  32 . Depending on the configuration of the plurality of towels in core member  32 , first opening  44  may allow for one of the plurality of towels to be disposed partially in first opening  44  (similar to the manner in which tissue papers are disposed in a tissue paper box), thus allowing for a user to select one of the plurality of towels without having to reach inside enclosing member  34  to core member  32 . Alternatively, first opening  44  may be designed to accommodate a user&#39;s hand inside enclosing member  34 . 
   Gripping member  36 , as illustrated, fits within second opening  46  of enclosing member  34 . Gripping member  36  is preferably a contoured piece of material so as to allow a user to maintain, or steady, dispensing apparatus  10  while removing one of the plurality of towels. 
   For allowing a user to view the towels, window member  38 , as illustrated, is disposed over enclosing member  34 . This is particularly advantageous because in the preferred embodiment of the Present Invention, the towels may include advertisements or coupons to entice users into purchasing products or to present advertising to such users. More specifically, window member  38  is disposed over first opening  44  of enclosing member  34  and adjacent second opening  46  of enclosing member  34 . Window member  38  is preferably made of a clear solid, so as to allow one to discern the availability of at least one of the plurality of towels present within core member  32 . In addition to providing a “window” through which a user can determine if one of the plurality of towels is present within core member  32 , window member  38  also provides protection, from wind and rain, to the plurality of towels disposed within core member  32 . 
   As illustrated by  FIG. 4 , core member  32  and enclosing member  34  may include a support member (not shown) for attaching the dispensing apparatus  10  to a stabilizing member such as a pole, as shown in  FIG. 4 . This will allow dispensing apparatus  10  to be attached to an object for ease of use. Additionally, it is contemplated that core member  32  and enclosing member  34  may be configured in a manner such that dispensing apparatus  10  may be attached to a wall, countertop, etc. and in a manner such that the dispensing apparatus  10  may be pivoted to more easily access the top portion  22  of the container member  18 . It should also be understood that the support member, which may be of a well-known design, may also be attached to other portions of the dispensing apparatus  10 . 
   Refuse collector  16  is disposed adjacent bottom portion  24  of liquid dispenser  12 . Similar to the elements of liquid dispenser  12  and towel dispenser  14 , the elements of refuse collector  16 , as described below, may also be made of any sturdy, lightweight, non-porous, non-corrosive material, such as, for example, a single piece of molded plastic. 
   To facilitate the collection of refuse, refuse collector  16  comprises receptacle member  48  and door member  50 . Receptacle member  48  possesses bottom portion  52  and substantially tubular portion  54 . Bottom portion  52  and substantially tubular portion  54  collectively define refuse cavity  56 . Acting as a refuse container for spent towels and other refuse, receptacle member  48  is preferably easily detachable from dispensing apparatus  10 . Receptacle member  48  may also be configured such that a refuse bag (or similar item) can be placed inside receptacle member  48  within refuse cavity  56 . Door member  50  is preferably disposed within a portion of the substantially tubular portion  54 . Door member  50  allows a user to place refuse within refuse cavity  56 . 
   While the Present Invention has been described in its currently preferred form, various modifications of these specific embodiments will be apparent to those in the art. For example, the size and/or dimensions of various parts of dispensing apparatus  10  may be altered without differentiating from the scope of the Present Invention. Additionally, individual parts of dispensing apparatus  10  may be rearranged without differentiating from the scope of the Present Invention. Thus, while specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangement disclosed is meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.