Patent Publication Number: US-6209995-B1

Title: Ink reservoir, ink reservoir refill container, and ink refill process

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to devices for refilling image forming apparatuses with ink, and particularly to an ink reservoir which is designed to be easily refillable and a container for refilling the ink reservoir. The invention also provides an advantageous ink refill process. 
     2. Discussion of the Background 
     Image forming apparatuses, such as printers, photocopiers, facsimiles, and other wet- and dry-ink printing devices discharge ink in order to form images on paper. Typically, laser printers, photocopiers and facsimiles apply a thermosetting image forming substance such as “dry ink” or what is commonly referred to as “toner” so as to generate images on paper. As image forming processes are performed, the ink used by the device is eventually depleted and therefore, must be refilled. Certain image forming apparatuses are provided with removable ink reservoirs that are not refillable and must be entirely replaced when the supply of ink in the ink reservoir has been depleted. 
     Alternatively, it has been known to provide ink reservoirs or hoppers of image forming apparatuses with hinged lids that may be opened by hand, thereby allowing ink to be poured into the reservoir from a toner refilling container such as a bottle. However, the average office worker who is assigned the task of refilling image forming apparatuses is typically between the ages of late teens and early thirties and wears at least some white clothing. Toner hoppers which must be refilled by pouring toner from a conventionally-shaped bottle into an open hopper have fallen into disfavor due to the likelihood that ink will splash and/or toner particles may become airborne thereby increasing the risk of inhalation or soiling of the clothing of the user. Therefore, it is important that refilling devices for image forming apparatuses be easy to use and prevent inadvertent spillage or dispersal of ink. As used hereinafter, “ink” is intended to include “dry ink,” such as toner, as well as wet ink. 
     In order to reduce the likelihood that toner is spilled during a refilling operation, it has been known to provide toner refilling containers with specialized engagement surfaces which correspond to engagement surfaces provided on toner hoppers. However, it has been found that these specialized containers are expensive to manufacture and require complicated procedures for refilling a toner hopper. Therefore, in order to avoid complicated refilling procedures that must be performed by end users and avoid any risk of spillage of ink, certain image forming apparatuses are designed to receive non-refillable ink reservoirs which, after having been depleted of ink, must be replaced with an identical reservoir. FIGS. 1 through 4 depict an example of a conventional toner hopper or reservoir  10 . As shown in the figures, the toner hopper or reservoir  10  is formed of a generally trough-shaped body  12  having a discharge  14  for feeding toner contained in the body  12  into an image forming apparatus. The outer contours of a typical toner reservoir such as toner reservoir  10  may include numerous contours, notches, or other engagement surfaces which are specifically designed to fit within a particular receptacle for a particular image forming apparatus. For example, toner reservoir  10  includes a curved portion  16 , notches  18  and inclined portion  20 . Additionally, the receptacle for receiving toner reservoir  10  may be shaped such that a particular length of discharge tube  22  must be provided to toner reservoir  10  in order for the discharge tube  22  to properly fit within the receptacle. As shown in FIG. 1, toner reservoir  10  typically includes a cap  24  that has been permanently sealed after toner reservoir  10  has been filled with toner. 
     Since the toner reservoir, such as toner reservoir  10 , includes numerous unusual contours, shapes and notches, the manufacturing cost of such a container is significantly greater than that of an ordinary bottle. Once this reservoir is depleted, it is removed and replaced with another reservoir. In addition to the problem of having to replace such a relatively expensive reservoir each time it is depleted, the user is additionally inconvenienced if they maintain several different models of image forming apparatuses, since the user must stock toner reservoirs for each different type of image forming apparatus. Therefore, such conventional toner reservoirs have burdened end users with stocking numerous types of expensive, complex shaped toner reservoirs that must be completely replaced each time the respective image forming apparatuses becomes depleted. 
     Accordingly, an improved reservoir, reservoir refill container and refilling system/process is needed which would eliminate the need for replacement of expensive and complex toner reservoirs and the requirement to stock various types of reservoirs for different image forming apparatus. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink reservoir which reduces the complexity and costs associated with replenishing image forming apparatuses with ink. It is a further object of the invention to provide an ink refilling system or process which allows an image forming apparatus which had previously required the replacement of non-refillable toner reservoirs, to utilize a refillable toner reservoir, while preventing accidental or inadvertent spillage of ink during a refilling operation. While the present invention is described in terms of the overall system or process for refilling a reservoir of an image forming apparatus, it is to be understood that various aspects of the invention could be utilized separately. Thus, certain components of the system or process have utility in combination and also separate from other components as will be apparent from the following brief summary of the invention. 
     In accordance with the present invention, a reservoir which previously had been replaced upon depletion is initially replaced with a reusable reservoir constructed in accordance with the invention. Once this replacement reservoir is depleted, it need not be replaced again (unless, for example, it should suffer from a mechanical failure). In addition, the refill kit/process of the invention provides a refill bottle or container which is utilized to replenish the replacement toner reservoir so that the replacement reservoir need not require further replacement. This refill bottle preferably includes a closure which is openable when it mates with the toner reservoir to avoid spillage of the toner as it is being transferred from the bottle to the reservoir. Of course, this closure also prevents spillage of the toner when the bottle is being stored or transported. As used herein, the terms “bottle” and “container” are intended in their broadest sense and contemplate various types of containers, jugs, cartons, tubes etc. One of the advantages of the invention is that the refill bottle can be non-descript or generic. In particular, the form of the bottle need not conform to the particular idiosyncracies of a given image forming apparatus. Once the reusable replacement reservoir is installed in an image forming apparatus, the non-descript (and thus relatively inexpensive) bottle is used for subsequent replenishment of the reservoir. Although the reusable replacement reservoir is compatible with the image forming apparatus, the bottle need only be compatible with the refill port of the reusable replacement reservoir. Thus, even if a user has plural types of image forming apparatus, once each has had a reusable replacement reservoir installed, the different reservoirs can be replenished with the same type of bottle simply by including a common refill port for the various reservoirs so that they can each mate with the same type of refill bottle. 
     In accordance with the invention, when the user desires to replace a toner reservoir which previously was a one-use only reservoir, the user replaces that reservoir with a reusable reservoir having a resealable opening. This resealable opening can be subsequently utilized to replenish the reusable reservoir. In addition, this opening or port is adapted to mate with and cooperate with a refill bottle, so that a refill bottle can be subsequently utilized for replenishing the reusable toner reservoir. Thus, after the first replacement of the toner reservoir, i.e., replacement of the previous one-use only reservoir with the reusable reservoir, subsequent refill operations are effected by filling the reusable reservoir with a bottle which mates with the reusable reservoir. Since the bottle need not conform to the contours or fit of the image forming apparatus, it can be of an inexpensive design and can be generic to various types of reservoirs for various types of image forming apparatus. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a top view of a conventional toner reservoir of an image forming apparatus. 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the toner reservoir shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III—III of the toner reservoir shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a rear view of the toner reservoir shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of a refillable toner reservoir according to the invention. 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the toner reservoir shown in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is a front view of the toner reservoir shown in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII—VIII of the toner reservoir shown in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 9 is a rear view of the toner reservoir shown in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a closure member for engagement with the toner reservoir shown in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the closure member shown in FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the closure member shown in FIG. 11 taken along line XII—XII. 
     FIG. 13 is a front view of the closure member shown in FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 14 is a top front left perspective view of the closure member shown in FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 15 is a bottom left front perspective view of the closure member shown in FIG.  10 . 
     FIG.  15 ( a ) is a top plan view of a closure member rotating in an orifice. 
     FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a top wall of a toner reservoir and closure member according to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. 
     FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of a seal member according to the invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a top front left perspective view of an ink reservoir engagement device according to a second aspect of the present invention. 
     FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the ink reservoir engagement device shown in FIG.  18 . 
     FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the ink reservoir mounting base of the ink reservoir engagement device shown in FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of the ink reservoir mounting base shown in FIG.  20 . 
     FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the ink reservoir engagement base shown in FIG.  20 . 
     FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIII—XXIII of the ink reservoir engagement base shown in FIG.  20 . 
     FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXV—XXV of the ink reservoir engagement base shown in FIG.  20 . 
     FIG. 25 is a bottom front left perspective view of the inner and outer gratings of the ink reservoir engagement device shown in FIG.  18 . 
     FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the inner and outer grating shown in FIG.  25 . 
     FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of the outer grating shown in FIG.  26 . 
     FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the grating shown in FIG.  27 . 
     FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIX—XXIX of the outer grating shown in FIG.  30 . 
     FIG. 29 a  is an enlarged view of a center portion of the outer grating shown in FIG.  29 . 
     FIG. 29 b  is an enlarged view of a shoulder of the outer grating shown in FIG.  29 . 
     FIG. 30 is a bottom plan view of the outer grating shown in FIG.  28 . 
     FIG. 31 is a front elevational view of the inner grating shown in FIG.  26 . 
     FIG. 31 a is an enlarged view of a center portion of the inner grating shown in FIG.  31 . 
     FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the inner grating shown in FIG.  31 . 
     FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXIII—XXXIII of the inner grating shown in FIG.  34 . 
     FIG. 33 a  is an enlarged view of a central portion of the inner grating shown in FIG.  33 . 
     FIG. 34 is a bottom plan view of the inner grating shown in FIG.  32 . 
     FIG. 35 is a top plan view of the inner and outer gratings mounted on the mounting base shown in FIG.  18 . 
     FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the mounting base with inner and outer gratings mounted thereon as shown in FIG.  35 . 
     FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXVII—XXXVII of the engagement device shown in FIG.  36 . 
     FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXVIII—XXXVIII of the engagement device shown in FIG.  36 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 5-17 schematically represent an ink reservoir according to the invention. As shown in FIGS.  5  and  7 - 9 , a toner reservoir  50  is shaped to store an ink within an interior  52  of body  54 . As is apparent from the figures, body  54  can include a number of contours and/or engagement surfaces which are specifically designed to be received within an interior space of an image forming apparatus. Additionally, reservoir  50  typically includes an outlet orifice  56  configured to communicate with an inlet orifice of an image forming apparatus (not shown), through which ink, such as dry ink or toner is discharged from interior  52  of toner reservoir  50  to the internal mechanisms of an image forming apparatus. It is to be understood that toner/ink reservoir may have any shape which may be required so that reservoir  50  can be received within the appropriate space of an image forming apparatus where outlet orifice  56  communicates with an inlet orifice of the image forming apparatus. In other words, it is to be understood that while particular forms and shapes of toner reservoirs are depicted and described herein, the present application is applicable to various types and shapes of toner reservoirs. 
     As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, ink reservoir  50  includes refilling orifice  58  which defines a free edge  60  having an outer surface  62  (i.e., on the exterior of the reservoir) and an inner surface  64  (on the interior of the reservoir). Preferably, the orifice also includes slots or recesses as shown at  72 . Orifice  58  is provided in a wall  66  of toner reservoir  50  so as to communicate interior  52  of toner reservoir  50  with an exterior of toner reservoir, thereby allowing toner reservoir  50  to be refilled through orifice  58 . Attached to body  54  is a closure member  68 , which is configured to engage with orifice  58  so as to substantially seal orifice  58  to thereby prevent ink from passing through orifice  58 . Closure member  68  may be attached to body  54  via tether  70 . Tether  70  may be formed of various materials such as plastics or metal cables. The closure member  68  provides a resealable closure for the reservoir  50 . The tether  70  is particularly advantageous in avoiding loss of the closure member when it is removed for refilling of the reservoir  50 . 
     Various sealing expedients may be utilized to further prevent scattering of toner/ink or leakage of toner/ink between the closure member  68  and the reservoir  50  when the closure member  68  is in its closed position. For example, a seal or gasket, or a gasket layer (e.g., a resilient coating) can be disposed upon the surface  80  (FIG. 15) of the closure member  68  to further ensure a tight seal between the closure member  68  and the toner reservoir  50 . In addition, or alternately, the inner surfaces  64  of the orifice  58  can be inclined inwardly (toward the interior of the reservoir) so that after the projections  82  of the closure  68  are inserted into the recesses  72 , the closing rotation of the closure member  68  causes the projections  82  to ride upon the inwardly inclined inner surfaces  64  to produce a camming action which more tightly draws the closure member  68  against the reservoir  50  to ensure a tight seal. Additional seal or gasket arrangements are discussed in further detail below. 
     As a further precaution, to prevent leakage or scattering of toner during transport, a film or tape-like seal can additionally be provided over the closure member for the initial shipment of the reservoir. This film-like seal is advantageous for preventing leakage during transport. Once the reservoir has been depleted and is in need of refilling, this seal member must be removed to allow access to the closure member  68  for refilling of the reservoir. Thus, the use of a cover film or seal is generally appropriate for preventing leakage during shipping of the reservoir. For preventing leakage of the toner thereafter, other expedients should be utilized, such as a tightly fitting cap and preferably a cap having a gasket or other suitable sealing expedient. However, since the leak preventing demands encountered in the image forming apparatus (e.g., ensuring that the cap does not become loose as a result of vibration associated with normal image forming apparatus operation) are typically not as great as those which can be associated with the shipping/transport of the reservoir, the additional precaution of an outer film-like seal covering the closure member  68  is not needed after the reservoir has been installed. 
     Free edge  60  of orifice  58  preferably defines at least two recesses  72 . As shown in phantom lines in FIG. 6, inner surface  64  of free edge  60  can include at least two ledges or stops  74  which are arranged adjacent recesses  72 . With stop  74  arranged as such, rotation of a member inserted into orifice  58  in an undesired direction is prevented, as discussed in further detail below. Additionally, inner surface  64  of free edge  60  may include stops  76 . Arranged as such, stops  76  define an endpoint of a rotation of a member that has been inserted into orifice  58  as also discussed in further detail below. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 10-15, one embodiment of closure member  68  includes an engagement surface  80  and at least one projection  82 . Preferably, closure member  68  includes at least two projections  82 , arranged such that projections  82  may pass through recesses  72  of free edge  60 , thereby allowing engagement surface  80  of closure member  68  to mate with outer surface  62  of orifice  58 . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15 a , closure member  68  may be inserted into orifice  58  with projections  82  arranged in the position indicated by line B.B. of FIG. 15 a . Thereafter, in order to close and seal orifice  58  to prevent ink from passing through orifice  58 , closure member  68  is rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 15 a , such that projections  82  are brought into contact with stops  76 . The size of the gap  84  formed between engagement surface  80  and an opposing surface  86  of projection  82  is chosen such that a proper seal is achieved. For example, gap  84  may be sized to approximately the same thickness as free edge  60  and optionally including a machine clearance therefore. In addition, as noted earlier, a gasket or other seal can be associated with the closure member  68  to further ensure a tight sealing relationship between the closure member and the reservoir. FIG. 17 provides an example of such a seal or gasket  94 . The seal can be formed of a resilient material and can be provided along the surface  80  of the closure member  68  or, more particularly, in the gap  84  between the projections  82  and the surface  80 . The gasket  94  can include recesses  82   a  so that the projections  82  of the closure  68  can be pressed through the gasket to place the gasket into position in the gap  84 . If desired, to further enhance the sealing abilities of the gasket, a thinner, and thus more flexible, portion can be provided as shown at  96 , with the diameter of this portion  96  smaller than the diameter of the hub portion  69  (FIG. 15) of the closure member  68 . Thus, when the gasket is mounted upon the closure member  68 , the portion  96  is deformed and maintained along the side portions  69   a  of the hub  69  of the closure member  68  to further prevent leakage along the surfaces  69   a . Of course, it is to be understood that the seal member or gasket  94  of FIG. 17 is depicted as an example, and various shapes and forms are possible. Also, as discussed earlier, the gasket or seal can also be provided in the form of a coating on one or more surfaces of the closure member  68 . 
     In order for a user to conveniently grasp closure member  68 , closure member  68  can include a handle  88  such as transverse wall  90  formed in a recess on an upper surface  92  of closure member  68 . Although free edge  60  may include any number of recesses and closure member  68  may include at least one and up to the same number of projections as the number of recesses  72  provided in free edge  60 , it is presently believed that two recesses and two projections are sufficient and preferable. 
     FIG. 16 depicts an alternate closure member/reservoir interface. In this arrangement, a plug or snap-in type closure  68 ′ is utilized. In the form shown in FIG. 16, an annular wall  100  can be provided upon the reservoir, with the wall  100  having an inner diameter  102  which is sized to provide a slip fit or an interference fit with the outer diameter  104  of a corresponding portion of the closure member  68 ′. If desired, this annular wall could also have a head or T-shaped portion which would snap in to a similarly shaped recess in the closure member  68 ′ to provide for a further locking or snap-in fit. If desired, the FIG. 16 arrangement could additionally include a recess in the aperture through which projections of the closure extend upon initial insertion of the closure member  68 ′ as discussed earlier with respect to the recesses  72  and projections  82 . As discussed earlier, seal members or gaskets can also be provided upon the closure member  68 ′ if desired, and such seals or gaskets could be in the form of either a separate piece or seal coating upon various surfaces of the closure member  68 ′. As also discussed earlier, preferably, the closure member  68 ′ is tethered to the toner reservoir so that it is not lost when removed for a refilling operation. 
     By constructing the toner reservoir  50  in accordance with the present teachings, the toner reservoir may be refilled with a generically shaped toner bottle or, in other words, a bottle which need not be designed to conform to the design of a particular image forming apparatus. Additionally, by providing the toner reservoir with a tethered closure member  68  which can releasably engage orifice  58 , the present invention allows the toner reservoir  50  to be conveniently opened and closed while preventing the inadvertent misplacement of closure member  68 . As discussed earlier, the invention is applicable to various types of toner reservoirs which have heretofore required complete replacement each time the toner reservoir is depleted of ink, such as dry ink or toner. Utilizing the orifice  58  of the reusable replacement reservoir, a user may refill such a toner reservoir with a generically shaped toner refill bottle. Thus, a user is relieved of the burden of stocking numerous different and complex/expensive designs of toner refill bottles and toner reservoirs that are each specifically designed for a particular image forming apparatus. 
     By providing an orifice with recesses  72 , a toner bottle or refill bottle can be sealably engaged with orifice  58  so that inadvertent spillage or generation of airborne ink is avoided while the toner/ink is being transferred from the refill bottle into the reservoir. In particular, the toner bottle is provided with a toner reservoir engagement device  200 , described in further detail below, to interlock the refill bottle with the reservoir. Although the arrangement described herein utilizes a pair of projections for the toner reservoir engagement device corresponding to the pair of recesses of the reservoir orifice  58 , it is to be understood that a single recess or more than two recesses are also possible. 
     FIGS. 18-35 depict a toner reservoir engagement device  200 . FIG. 18 depicts the engagement device in its assembled condition, while FIG. 19 depicts an exploded view of the engagement device  200 . The engagement device  200  is referred to herein as a reservoir engagement device, since it engages with and cooperates with the toner reservoir. In fact, the engagement device  200  acts as a gate or a valve for the toner refill bottle so that the refill bottle can selectively dispense toner into the reservoir. As discussed in further detail hereinafter, this engagement device includes gates or gratings operable between opened and closed positions. When the bottle is being stored or transported, the gratings are closed. When the bottle mates with the toner reservoir, relative rotation of the gratings opens apertures in the reservoir engagement device to provide communication between the toner refill bottle and the toner reservoir. If desired, additional sealing expedients can be utilized for storage and transport of the toner bottles, such as an additional exterior cap or a seal film/tape which covers the reservoir engagement device until it is desired to use the toner bottle to replenish a reservoir. 
     As shown in FIG. 19, reservoir engagement device  200  includes a base member  202 , an inner grating  204  and an outer grating  206 . As shown in FIGS. 20-24, base  202  is formed generally of a cylindrical member  207  having an annular wall  209  depending therefrom. Cylindrical member  207  defines an orifice  211 . Annular wall  209  includes an engagement surface  209   a . Additionally, base member  202  includes at least one projection  210  which extends from cylindrical wall  207  and is positioned so as to form gap  212  (FIG. 23) between engagement surface  209   a  and projection  210 . Preferably, base member  202  includes at least two projections  210  formed approximately diametrically opposite from each other, as shown in FIG.  20 . Also preferably, gap  212  is sized so as to engage a free edge of an orifice formed on an ink reservoir, discussed in detail below with respect to another aspect of the invention. 
     As shown in FIG. 24, the base member is disposed, permanently, or releasably, upon an ink/toner container or bottle  216 . As shown in FIG. 24, the bottle or container can be of a very simple construction, and thus is much less expensive than toner reservoirs or cartridges which must conform to a mounting site of an image forming apparatus. Although a generally cylindrical container is shown in FIG. 24, it is to be understood that various shapes and forms of containers or bottles can be utilized. The present invention is advantageous in that a simple bottle/container refilling is utilized rather than replacing the reservoir which sits in the image forming apparatus. Since the bottle can be more simply/inexpensively manufactured, the replacement or replenishment of toner is less expensive in accordance with the present invention. In addition, since the bottle need not conform to the image forming apparatus, a generic bottle design can be utilized for various types of image forming apparatus. As discussed earlier, the toner/ink container  216  can store liquid ink or dry ink. 
     Upper end  216  of base member  202  includes a groove  218 , as indicated in FIG. 22, which is configured to engage with a bead or protrusion  320  formed on outer grating  206  as shown in FIG.  29 ( b ). Arranged as such, groove  218  and bead  320  allow the outer grating  206  to rotate relative to base member  202 . However, outer grating  206  and base member  202  may be rotatably attached via numerous other mechanisms as would be understood by those skilled in the art. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 27-30, outer grating  206  is generally formed as a disk preferably including a substantially planar portion  300  having at least one orifice  302 . In a presently preferred embodiment, outer grating  206  includes at least two orifices  302 , although various numbers of orifices can be utilized. As shown in FIG. 29, at an outer peripheral edge of disk portion  300 , an annular skirt  304  is formed. At an end  306  of skirt  304 , the bead  320  is formed, which is configured to rotatably engage with groove  218  of base member  202  as shown in FIG.  29 ( b ). Constructed as such, outer grating  206  is rotatably engaged with base member  202 , thereby providing a rotating cap with at least one orifice  302 . 
     In a presently preferred embodiment, at least one rib or projection  322  (FIGS. 19 and 28) is provided on an outer peripheral edge of outer grating  206  so as to extend radially outwardly from disk portion  300  to a distance beyond projection  210  when outer grating  206  is assembled with base member  202 . In a presently preferred embodiment, base member  202  includes at least two projections  210  and outer grating  206  includes at least two ribs or projections  322 . Preferably, both projections  210  and projections  322  are arranged at diametrically opposite positions so that projections  210  and  322  are alignable by rotating grating  206  relative to base member  202 . 
     In order for engagement device  200  to be selectively openable, inner grating  204  is provided between base member  202  and outer grating  206 . The inner grating  204  includes apertures which, when aligned or overlapping with corresponding apertures of the outer grating  206 , allow communication of the toner refill bottle with the toner reservoir for refilling of the toner reservoir. FIGS. 19 and 26 depict the inner grating  204  removed from the outer grating  206 . FIG. 25 depicts an assembled state in which the inner grating  204  is received within a skirt or side wall portions  304  of the outer grating  206 . 
     FIGS. 31-34 depict various details of an example of an inner grating  204  in accordance with the invention. As shown, the inner grating  204  is generally formed of a plate member  400  in the form of a disk  402 . Inner grating  204  has at least one orifice  404 . Although any number of orifices  404  may be provided in inner grating  204 , in a presently preferred embodiment, inner grating  204  has at least two orifices which generally correspond in shape and position to the at least two orifices  302  formed in outer grating  206 , except that, when the projections  322  of the outer grating are aligned with the projections  210  of the inner grating or base, the orifices  302  are offset 90° with respect to the orifices  404 . In the presently preferred embodiment, the orifices  404  are arranged at diametrically opposite positions upon the inner grating  204 . Similarly, the orifices  302  are arranged at diametrically opposite positions upon the outer grating  206 . With this arrangement, the engagement device  200  can be opened or closed by rotating outer grating  206  relative to inner grating  204 . In addition, alignment of the projections  210 ,  322  ensures that the gratings, and thus also the container, are closed. 
     FIG. 18 depicts the inner grating, outer grating and base member  202  assembled together. When this assembly  200  is disposed upon an ink container or ink bottle  216  (FIG.  24 ), ink within the container  216  can be discharged from the container when the orifices  302  and  404  are aligned, while discharge is prevented when the orifices are not aligned such that the non-apertured portions of the outer grating  206  close the apertures  404  of the inner grating  204 . 
     Inner grating  204  may be formed integrally with or fastened to base member  202  to prevent rotation of inner grating  204  when outer grating  206  is rotated relative to base member  202 . By way of example, inner grating  204  can be formed as a separate member, and can include at least one rib formed on a side of the inner grating  204  which faces cylindrical member  207  of base member  202 . For example, referring to FIGS. 25,  26  and  31 ( a ), inner grating  204  can include a plurality of ribs  406  which contact the base member and thereby provide means for preventing rotation of inner grating  204  relative to base member  202 . The ribs  406  can prevent rotation of the inner grating  204  relative to the base member  202  by friction if there is a sufficiently tight coupling between the inner grating  204  and the base member  202  when the engagement device  200  is assembled upon a container. Further, if desired, corresponding grooves can be provided in the base member  202  so that the ribs  406  are received within grooves of the base member when the engagement device  200  is assembled and the inner grating  204  is locked relative to the base member  202 . In a presently preferred embodiment, ribs  406  have a height of approximately ⅛ of a millimeter. However, ribs  406  may be formed of any height which would prevent rotation of the inner grating with respect to the base and thus allow the of outer grating  206  to be rotated relative to inner grating  204 . It is to be understood that various expedients can be utilized for providing a fixed relationship between the inner grating  204  and the base member  202  so that upon rotation of the outer grating  206 , relative rotation between the outer grating  206  and the inner grating  204  is provided. For example, inner grating  204  can be bonded to base member  202  with an adhesive, or through heat sealing. Inner grating  204  can also be formed monolithically with base member  202 , thereby also preventing rotation of inner grating  204  with respect to base member  202 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 33 a , inner grating  204  can also include an alignment ridge  408 , as shown in detail in FIG. 33 a . FIG. 33 a  is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 33 which is circled A. In the FIG. 33 a  arrangement, alignment ridge  408  includes an alignment groove  410  and an alignment protrusion  412  which are configured to mate with an alignment ridge  324  provided on outer grating  206  (as shown in FIG. 29 a ). In particular, outer grating  206  may include an annular alignment protrusion  326  and an annular alignment groove  328  which are configured to mate with alignment groove  410  and alignment protrusion  412 , respectively. Provided as such, smooth rotation and proper alignment between inner grating  204  and outer grating  206  is more easily achieved. This is particularly useful so as to ensure the proper alignment of inner grating  204  and outer grating  206  so as to prevent accidental or inadvertent leaking of ink from ink container  216 . It is to be understood that various mating or bearing interface arrangements are possible between the inner grating  204  and the outer grating  206  to provide for smooth rotation between the inner grating  204  and outer grating  206 . By providing such an aligned rotational interface, the engagement device  200  can also be more tightly assembled (to thereby prevent leakage of toner) while nevertheless allowing for relative rotation of the inner and outer gratings  204 ,  206  when desired. 
     With base member  202 , inner grating  204  and outer grating  206  assembled as shown in FIGS. 35-38, engagement device  200  may be opened and closed through rotation of outer grating  206  relative to base member  202  and inner grating  204 . For example, as shown in FIG. 36, outer grating  206  is positioned such that orifices  302  and  404  do not overlap, thereby closing engagement device  200  so that ink is prevented from passing through engagement device  200 . In FIG. 35, base member  202  and inner grating  204  have been rotated counterclockwise, as viewed in FIG. 35, such that orifices  302  and  404  overlap to thereby form through-holes  500  which allow ink to pass through the engagement device  200 . Constructed as such, engagement device  200  can be conveniently opened or closed by rotation of outer grating  206  with respect to base member  202  and inner grating  204 . 
     The arrangement of the present invention is particularly convenient for performing refilling operations on an ink reservoir, such as a toner or dry ink reservoir. Referring again to FIGS. 35 through 38, when engagement device  200  is engaged onto an orifice  58  (shown in FIG.  6 ), which includes a free edge  60  having recesses  72 , engagement device  200  can be sealedly engaged with orifice  58  and simultaneously opened simply by rotating a toner container  216  which is connected to base member  202 . By rotating the toner container  216  shown in FIG. 24, the base member  202  and associated protrusions  210  are rotated. Since the protrusions  210  are inserted through the recesses  72  when the engagement device mates with the orifice  58 , rotation of the protrusions causes the protrusions to move along the inner surface  64  of free edge  60  of orifice  58 . Therefore, once through-holes  500  have been formed (i.e., the container is opened), protrusions  210  ensure that toner container  216  is not inadvertently knocked away or otherwise removed from orifice  58 , thereby preventing inadvertent spillage of ink during a refill procedure. The stability of toner container  216  and engagement device  200  is optimum where gap  212  formed between protrusions  210  and engagement surface  209   a  of base member  202  is approximately the same as the thickness of free edge  60 . Constructed as such, engagement surface  209   a  of base member  202  makes optimal contact with free edge  60  during a refilling procedure such that ink passing through through-holes  500  and orifice  58  does not leak to the exterior. Therefore, the present invention provides a device which can be conveniently used to refill a toner reservoir with a simple motion, i.e., insertion and rotation in order to allow ink from an ink container to refill an ink reservoir. 
     With reference to FIGS. 6,  18  and  19 , a toner refilling operation will be described. As discussed earlier, the aperture or orifice  58  of the toner reservoir includes a first pair of stops  74  and a second pair of stops  76 . The stops  74  can prevent reverse rotation of the closure member  68  for the toner reservoir. The stops  74 ,  76  are shown generally in FIG. 6, since the stops can be of various forms. For example, if desired, the stops  74  can also act as stops limiting excessive rotation of the closure member or, alternately, the stops  76  can limit the rotation of the closure member. Where the stops  74  prevent excessive rotation of the closure member  68 , excessive rotation is prevented by the respective sides of the stops  74  opposite to that which provides the reverse rotation prevention. Thus, the stops  74  can prevent both the reverse rotation of the closure member  68  and also limit the forward rotation of the closure member  68  so that, after insertion of the closure member  68 , the rotation is slightly less than 180°. Where the stops  76  are utilized to limit rotation of the closure member  68 , the rotation of the closure member is approximately 90°. Whether the clockwise rotation of the closure member is limited by the stops  74  or the stops  76  depends upon the relative size and position of the stops  76  with respect to the projections  82  of the closure member. For example, if the projections  82  of the closure member are larger, they will contact the stops  76  so that the closure member rotates approximately 90°. If the projections  82  are smaller relative to the size/position of the stops  76 , so that the projections can pass by the stops  76 , the closure member  68  can rotate an amount which is slightly less than 180° until the projections contact the stops  74  (the opposite side of the stops which prevent the reverse rotation). The stops  74 ,  76  are also utilized for controlling opening and closing of the toner refill bottle  216  to replenish the reservoir  50 . In particular, the stops  76  can be stops for the projections  322  of the outer grating, while the stops  74  are stops for the projections  210  of the base member. In addition, the stops  74  ensure alignment of the projections  210 ,  322  for both the base member  202  and the outer grating  206  to thereby ensure alignment of the projections to allow the toner refill container or bottle to be removed when the engagement device is closed. 
     When a refill operation is desired, the closure member  68  of the reservoir  50  is removed by rotating the closure member until the projections  82  are aligned with the slots  72  of the reservoir refill opening or aperture. The closure member  68  can thus be removed. The toner bottle, in its closed position with projections  210  of the base member aligned with projections  322 , is then inserted into the aperture  58  of the reservoir by aligning the projections  210 ,  322  with the slots  72 . The container is then rotated clockwise. Once the container has rotated approximately 90°, the stops  76  engage with the projections  322 , but they do not engage with the projections  210 . The stops  76  can be sized or positioned to engage the projections  322  but not the projections  210 , since the projections  322  extend farther radially than the projections  210  and, in addition, the projections  322   a  include a depending arm or ledge  322   a  as discussed further below. As a result, upon further rotation, the outer grating  206  does not move, but the remainder of the bottle can continue to rotate to thereby provide the relative rotation between the outer grating  206  and the inner grating  204 . This rotation can continue until the projections  210  engage the stops  74 , at which point the bottle or container  216  is in the fully open position and the toner or ink is discharged from the container  216  into the reservoir  50 . Thus, the bottle is not opened until it is mating with the hopper  50  and has been rotated. 
     The arrangement of the invention is also advantageous in ensuring that when the refill container is removed from the reservoir, the container is closed. This aspect is desirable in that even after toner is discharged from the refill container, residues remain in the container which can scatter if the container is open. In accordance with the invention, after the refill operation has been completed, the container is rotated in the opposite direction (counterclockwise with respect to FIG. 6) which results in closing of the container by once again aligning the projections  210  and  322  so that the apertures of the inner grating and outer grating are not aligned with one another. More particularly, upon counterclockwise rotation of the container  216 , the stops  74  will act as stops for both the projections  210  and the projections  322  so that they will be aligned with respect to one another and with respect to the slots  72 . At this point, the container is closed, and since the projections  210 ,  322  are aligned with respect to the slots  72 , the toner bottle can be removed from the toner reservoir  50 . If the projections  210 ,  322  are not aligned with respect to one another and with respect to the slots  302 , the container cannot be removed from the hopper and thus, inadvertent spillage of toner from the container is prevented. 
     As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the projections  322  of the outer grating have a different size and shape as compared with the projections  210  of the base member. In particular, the projections  322  extend a greater distance radially and additionally include a depending arm or ledge  322   a . Thus, the stops  76  can be sized and positioned so that they engage the projections  322  but they do not engage the projections  210 . 
     As mentioned above, it is to be understood that various different relationships of the stops are also possible. By way of a further example, the stops  76  could be positioned adjacent to the slots  72  so that the outer grating  206  does not rotate substantially before opening of the bottle commences. In fact, the edge of the recesses or slots  72  itself can provide the stops for the projections  322  of the outer grating. In particular, by sizing the projections  322  and associated depending ledges  322   a  such that when the bottle (or more particularly the engagement device  200  of the bottle) is inserted into the aperture  58 , the recess itself retains the projections  322  of the outer grating. Thus, with this arrangement, upon insertion of the bottle into the aperture  58 , the outer grating is fixed in place, and rotation of the bottle rotates the inner grating with respect to the outer grating. Upon this rotation, the openings of the respective gratings overlap to thus provide communication between the bottle and the reservoir. In addition, since the projections  210  are inserted through the recesses or slots  72 , the rotation also locks the bottle to the reservoir while the bottle is in an open or partially open position. Where the outer grating is locked immediately upon insertion into the opening  58 , additional stops for the projections  210  are nevertheless desirable so that the rotation of the bottle is halted at a desired position at which the openings of the inner and outer gratings are fully aligned and the bottle is fully opened. The arrangement of the invention is particularly advantageous in that the stops  74  and  76  together ensure that when the container is inserted and rotated until halted, the container is fully opened to allow for the discharge of the toner, and when the container is rotated in the opposite direction the reverse rotation is halted when the projections  210 ,  322  are aligned so that the container is closed. 
     Thus, the engagement device  200  of the invention includes at least two gates or grating members, each having at least one orifice, which can be rotated relative to each other thereby allowing through-hole  500  to be selectively formed by the rotation thereof. In addition, projections  322  of outer grating  206  and projections  210  of base member  202  are arranged and configured such that, when aligned with each other, projections  210  and  322  can be inserted into the slots  72  of the reservoir aperture  58 . Therefore, by simply rotating a toner container such as toner container  216 , projections  210  rotate relative to projections  322 , thereby engaging inner surface  64  and free edge  60 . 
     A toner refill kit in accordance with the present invention can include a replacement toner reservoir  50  and/or a toner container which is utilized to refill the toner reservoir  50 . For example, the kit can include a refillable reservoir which is used to replace an existing non-refillable reservoir, and optionally, the kit can also include a refill container for replenishing the refillable reservoir. After the initial replacement of the non-refillable reservoir with the refillable reservoir, the user need only purchase the relatively inexpensive refill container for subsequent replenishments. 
     As should be apparent from the foregoing, the present invention is advantageous in that hoppers which were previously replaced each time they were depleted now need only be replaced once with the toner reservoir in accordance with the present invention. Thereafter, subsequent replenishments can be effected utilizing the toner refill container or bottle of the present invention. Since the toner refill container does not act as a hopper for the image forming apparatus, it need not conform to the contours or idiosyncracies of a particular image forming apparatus. Thus, the toner refill container can have an extremely simple design. Further, a common toner refill container can be utilized for various types of image forming apparatus, thus reducing the need to inventory a large number of different types of toner reservoirs or toner refill containers. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, when a user is faced with the depletion of a non-reusable toner reservoir in an image forming apparatus, the user replaces the reservoir with a reservoir in accordance with the present invention—i.e., a reusable reservoir having a resealable opening. This reusable opening will typically be shipped with an initial supply of toner, but could also be supplied empty. Once the reusable toner reservoir of the present invention has been installed, subsequent replenishment operations are effected utilizing the toner refill container or bottle. 
     Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.