Patent Publication Number: US-11383922-B2

Title: Packaging and docking system for non-contact chemical dispensing

Description:
RELATED MATTERS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/626,374, filed Feb. 5, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to chemical product dispensing including packaging and docking systems for holding and dispensing chemical products. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Chemical product dispensers are useful in many different chemical application systems, including water treatment systems like commercial cooling water systems, cleaning systems relating to food and beverage operations, laundry operations, warewashing operations (e.g., dishwashers), pool and spa maintenance, as well as other systems, such as medical operations. For example, chemical products used in water treatment systems may include oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides to inhibit or destroy growth or activity of living organisms in the water being treated. As another example, chemical products used in food and beverage operations may include sanitizers, sterilants, cleaners, degreasers, lubricants, etc. Chemical products used in a warewashing or laundry operation may include detergent, sanitizers, stain removers, rinse agents, etc. Chemical products used in a laundry operation may include detergent, bleaches, stain removers, fabric softeners, etc. Chemical products used in cleaning of medical/surgical instrumentation may include detergents, cleaning products, neutralizers, sanitizers, disinfectants, enzymes, etc. 
     For low volume and non-commercial applications, chemical products are often provided in ready-to-use form. The chemical product may be formulated at the correct concentration for the intended application and may be applied directly without diluting or otherwise modifying the chemical composition of the product. In other applications, such as high-volume use facilities and commercial applications, a desired chemical product may be formed on site from one or more concentrated chemical components. The concentrated chemical may be introduced into an automated dispenser system where the chemical is contacted with water to form a dilute, ready-to-use solution. 
     Providing concentrated chemical product to a user that is then diluted on site is useful to reduce packaging, shipping, and storage requirements that would otherwise be needed to provide an equivalent amount of product in ready-to-use form. However, a user receiving concentrated chemical typically needs to transfer the chemical from the container in which it is received into a dispenser system that formulates the ready-to-use solution. If performed incorrectly, the concentrated chemical may be spilled during transfer, potentially exposing the user to the chemistry or otherwise creating an environmental cleanup issue. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, this disclosure relates to packaging for chemical products and dispenser systems for transferring a chemical product from a package to a desired dispense location. The packaging and dispenser may work cooperatively to provide safe, non-contact transfer of chemical product out of the packing in which it is stored through the dispenser and into a dilution system or other receiving reservoir attached to the dispenser. In some examples, the dispenser is a configured as a docking station. The chemical product can be shipped to the user in a reservoir that provides a barrier between the chemical contained in the reservoir and the exterior environment. The user can engage the reservoir with the docking station and further manipulate the docking station to open the reservoir. As a result, chemical in the reservoir can discharge through the opening uncovered by manipulation of the docking station. In this way, the contents of the reservoir may be dispensed without the user coming into physical content with chemical contained in the reservoir. 
     While the packaging in which the chemical product is stored can have a variety of different configurations, in some examples, the packing includes a reservoir closed with a slidable closure. The slidable closure can selectively cover and uncover a reservoir opening through which chemical can be dispensed. The slidable closure may be mounted on one or more rails along which the slidable closure can translate to open and close the reservoir. The reservoir opening may progressively increase as the slide is translated from a closed position to an open position, thereby progressively increasing the cross-sectional area of the opening through which chemical contained in the reservoir can be dispensed. 
     The reservoir containing the slidable closure may be docked in a docking station that has a docking station slide. Upon inserting the reservoir in the docking station, the slidable closure on the reservoir may be operatively coupled to the docking station slide. For example, the slidable closure on the reservoir and the docking station slide may have complementary connection features that engage to form a mechanical linkage between the two components. In some configurations, the docking station slide has a handle accessible from the exterior of the docking station. A user may grasp the handle and translate the docking station slide thereby causing the slidable closure on the reservoir to translate through the mechanical linkage formed by the complementary connection features between the docking station slide and the slidable closure on the reservoir. 
     During use, an unopened reservoir containing chemical to be dispensed may be inserted into the docking station and opened by engaging the docking station slide. Some or all of the contents of the reservoir may dispense into an intended discharge reservoir, such as a product dispenser that receives concentrated chemical and prepares a target solution from the concentrated chemical. In this manner, the chemical product to be dispensed may be stored, shipped, and transferred out of the reservoir in which it is held without the user needing to directly contact or interact with the chemical contained in the reservoir. 
     In one example, a chemical dispensing system is described that includes a reservoir, a docking flange, and a docking station. The reservoir is configured to contain a chemical to be dispensed. The reservoir has a closed top end, a bottom end defining an opening through which the chemical is dispensed, and at least one sidewall connecting the top end to the bottom end. The docking flange extends from the bottom end of the reservoir. The docking flange contains a slidable closure configured to slide from a position in which the slidable closure closes the opening of the reservoir to prevent the chemical from discharging through the opening to a position in which the slidable closure is offset from the opening and the chemical is allowed to discharge past the slidable closure through the opening. The docking station has a discharge aperture and a docking station slide. The docking station is configured to receive and hold the docking flange extending from the bottom end of the reservoir with the opening of the reservoir aligned with the discharge aperture of the docking station. The example specifies that the slidable closure and the docking station slide have corresponding mating features that cause the slidable closure to engage with the docking station slide, when the docking flange extending from the bottom end of the reservoir is inserted into the docking station, such that the slidable closure is configured to move with the docking station slide. 
     In another example, a chemical dispensing reservoir is described that includes a reservoir configured to contain a chemical to be dispensed. The reservoir has a closed top end, a bottom end defining an opening through which the chemical is dispensed, and at least one sidewall connecting the top end to the bottom end. The chemical dispensing reservoir also includes a docking flange extending from the bottom end of the reservoir. The docking flange contains a slidable closure configured to slide from a position in which the slidable closure closes the opening of the reservoir to prevent the chemical from discharging through the opening to a position in which the slidable closure is offset from the opening and the chemical is allowed to discharge past the slidable closure through the opening. The example specifies that a bottom surface of the slidable closure includes one of a projection and a protrusion configured to mate with a corresponding protrusion or projection a docking station slide. 
     In another example, a method of dispensing chemical is described. The method includes inserting a reservoir containing chemical that is held in the reservoir by a slidable closure into a docking station, the docking station having a docking station slide closing a discharge aperture extending through the docking station. The method also includes engaging the slidable closure on the reservoir with the docking station slide. The method further includes sliding the docking station slide and thereby simultaneously sliding the slidable closure on the reservoir engaged therewith, causing an opening through a bottom end of the reservoir to open simultaneously with the discharge aperture. 
     The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example chemical dispensing system. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are bottom perspective views of an example configuration of a docking flange showing an example slidable closure. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, illustrating an example docking station configuration that can be used in the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are side views of the example docking station configuration from  FIG. 1  showing different example sized complementary connection features. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are side views of the example docking station configurations shown in  FIGS. 4A and 5B  showing the incompatibility of the complementary mating features between the two example embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are perspective views illustrating example insertion positions by which a docking flange may be inserted into a docking station in the example of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the chemical dispensing system from  FIG. 1  showing an example arrangement of components. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are different views of a chemical dispensing system showing additional example chemical reservoir authentication features that may be included. 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of an example cover that may be used to cover a docking flange before use. 
         FIG. 9B  is a sectional side view showing the example cover of  FIG. 9A  installed over an example docking flange. 
         FIG. 10A  is a sectional side view of an example configuration of a reservoir and a docking flange where the outlet opening is tapered. 
         FIG. 10B  is a side view of the example configuration of  FIG. 10A  installed in an example docking station. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure generally relates to chemical packaging and dispenser systems. In some examples, a chemical is packaged in a reservoir that surrounds and holds the chemical for later discharge. The reservoir may have a closed top end, a bottom end that defines an opening, and one or more sidewalls surrounding the sides of the reservoir. The bottom end of the reservoir may include a slide that can translate to selectively open and close the discharge opening of the reservoir. In some examples, the bottom end of the reservoir also includes a docking flange. The docking flange may be inserted into a receiving cavity of a corresponding docking station and, in some examples, rotated to releasably lock the reservoir in the docking station. Once the reservoir is suitably positioned in the docking station, a user may translate a docking station slide operatively coupled to the reservoir slide, thereby causing the reservoir slide to translate concurrently with movement of the docking station slide. Since the reservoir can be inserted into the docking station without first being opened in such a configuration, the likelihood of the user coming into contact with the contents of the reservoir is reduced as compared to if the user is required to manually open and dump the contents of the reservoir. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example chemical dispensing system  10  that includes a reservoir  12 , a docking flange  14 , and a docking station  16 . Reservoir  12  can be configured to hold any desired chemical to be dispensed, examples of which are discussed in greater detail below. Docking flange  14  may be coupled to reservoir  12  and configured for engagement with docking station  16  to attach the reservoir to the docking station. Docking station  16  can receive reservoir  12  by inserting docking flange  14  into the docking station. In practice, docking station  16  may be permanently or removably attached to a receiving reservoir  18  that is intended to receive the discharged contents of reservoir  12 . 
     As discussed in greater detail below, reservoir  12  may be inserted into docking station  16  by engaging docking flange  14  carried by the reservoir with the docking station. Reservoir  12  may be closed when inserted into docking station  16  such that an operator does not need to pre-open the reservoir prior to inserting the reservoir into the docking station. Rather, the operator may insert the closed reservoir  12  into docking station  16  and thereafter engage the docking station to remotely open the reservoir. For example, the process of inserting docking flange  14  into docking station  16  may cause a mating feature on a movable closure of the reservoir to become operatively connected to a corresponding mating feature of the docking station. The operator may indirectly open the closure covering the reservoir by engaging the docking station which, in turn, engages the closure through a connection between the closure and docking station. As a result, the operator may dispense the contents of reservoir  12  while minimizing the likelihood of inadvertent contact with chemical contained in the reservoir during the transfer process. 
     In general, reservoir  12  may be any structure configured to contain a chemical to be dispensed. Reservoir  12  may define a bounded cavity that partially or fully separates the contents therein from the external environment. Reservoir  12  may be formed by at least one sidewall  20  that extends from a terminal top end  22  to a terminal bottom end  24 . In some examples, such as the example illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the top end  22  of reservoir  12  may be completely closed by a top wall  26 . In other examples, the top end  22  of reservoir  12  may be partially or fully open, e.g., defining an opening sized less than the contents in reservoir  12  such that the contents cannot come out through the top opening. In either case, the bottom end  24  of reservoir  12  may be open (e.g., such that the contents of the reservoir can communicate with the external environment through the opening) but selectively closable with a slidable closure as described in greater detail below. 
     It should be appreciated that the descriptive terms “top” and “bottom” with respect to the configuration and orientation of components described herein are used for purposes of illustration based on the orientation in the figures. The arrangement of components in real world application may vary depending on their orientation with respect to gravity. Accordingly, unless otherwise specified, the general terms “first” and “second” may be used interchangeably with the terms “top” and “bottom” with departing from the scope of disclosure. 
     In the example of  FIG. 1 , reservoir  12  includes at least one sidewall  20 . Sidewall  20  extends upwardly (in the Z-direction indicated on  FIG. 1 ) from bottom end  24 . The number of sidewalls interconnected together to form the side structure of reservoir  12  extending between the top and  22  and bottom end  24  may vary depending on the shape of the reservoir. For example, a reservoir with a circular cross-sectional shape (e.g., in the X-Y plane) may be formed of a single sidewall whereas a reservoir with a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape may be defined by four interconnected sidewalls. 
     In general, reservoir  12  can define any polygonal (e.g., square, hexagonal) or arcuate (e.g., circular, elliptical) shape, or even combinations of polygonal and arcuate shapes. In some examples, such as the example shown in  FIG. 1 , reservoir  12  includes one or more recesses or dimples projecting radially inwardly and extending at least partially along the axial length of the reservoir. Such recess(es) may help prevent chemical contained in the reservoir from moving during shipping, reducing the likelihood of product breakage or dusting. Reservoir  12  can be fabricated from a material that is chemically compatible with and chemically resistant to the type of chemical placed in the reservoir. In some examples, reservoir  12  is fabricated from a polymeric material, such as a molded plastic. 
     Reservoir  12  can define any suitable size, and the specific dimensions of the reservoir may vary depending on the volume of chemical intended to be held by the reservoir. In some configurations, reservoir  12  defines a height (in the Z-direction indicated on  FIG. 1 ) greater than a width and/or length (in the X-Y plane). When so configured, reservoir  12  may be elongated in the vertical direction relative to the horizontal plane. This configuration may be useful for orienting chemical contained in the reservoir in a vertically stacked alignment, which may help the chemical subsequently dispense under the force of gravity out of the reservoir upon being opened. In other configurations, however reservoir  12  may have a width and/or length (in the X-Y plane) that is equal to or greater than the height (in the Z-direction indicated on  FIG. 1 ). 
     While the size of reservoir  12  may vary, in some examples, the reservoir is designed to hold from 0.5 to 5 liters of chemical. For example, reservoir  12  may have a height in the Z-direction indicated in  FIG. 1  ranging from 5 to 50 centimeters. Reservoir  12  may further define a cross-sectional area in the X-Y plane indicated on  FIG. 1  ranging from 10 to 120 square centimeters. It should be appreciated that the foregoing dimensions are merely examples, and a reservoir in accordance with the disclosure is not limited in this respect. 
     Chemical dispensing system  10  in the example of  FIG. 1  also includes docking flange  14 . Docking flange  14  may be a flat rim, a collar, a rib, or other feature or features that cooperate with docking station  16  to facilitate engagement between the docking flange and docking station. For example, docking flange may define one or more protrusions and/or recesses that engage with corresponding recesses and/or protrusions on docking station  16  to facilitate mechanical interconnection between the components. 
     In some examples, docking flange  14  is integrally formed with reservoir  12  (e.g., by molding or casting) such that the docking flange and reservoir form a unitary, permanently joined structure. In other examples, docking flange  14  may be fabricated separately from reservoir  12  and joined to the reservoir thereafter. Any suitable fixation techniques can be used to join docking flange  14  to reservoir  12  in such configurations, such as cooperative threading between the components, snap-on fittings between the components, spin welding, adhesive bonding, or other joining technique. 
     Independent of the manner in which docking flange  14  is formed, the docking flange may be positioned adjacent the bottom end  24  of reservoir  12 . In some examples, docking flange  14  may extend from the bottom end  24  of reservoir  12 . In configurations where the reservoir  12  and docking flange  14  are integrally formed, the docking flange may extend from the bottom end of the reservoir in that the integrally formed flange region may form the bottommost portion of the structure with the reservoir region containing chemical to be dispensed being provided coplanar with or above the flange region. In other configurations where docking flange  14  is joined to reservoir  12 , the bottom end  24  of reservoir  12  may be joined with docking flange  14 , e.g., with the docking flange projecting downwardly from the bottom and of the reservoir. 
     In addition to facilitating interconnection between reservoir  12  and docking station  16 , docking flange  14  may include a slidable closure that is operable to open and close the bottom end  24  of reservoir  12 .  FIGS. 2A and 2B  are bottom perspective views of an example configuration of docking flange  14  showing an example slidable closure  28 .  FIG. 2A  illustrates slidable closure  28  in a closed position whereas  FIG. 2B  illustrates the slidable closure in an open position revealing opening  30  through which chemical can dispensed from the reservoir. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , slidable closure  28  is illustrated as a generally planar member that is slidably coupled to docking flange  14  via at least one channel, which is illustrated as a pair of laterally spaced apart channels  32 A and  32 B (collectively “channels  32 ”). Channels  32  may define a pocket bounded on the top side and the bottom side having a gap size substantially equal to and/or slightly greater than the thickness of slidable closure  28 . Further, channels  32  may be separated from each other a distance substantially equal to the width of slidable closure  28 . Accordingly, slidable closure  28  may slide along and/or through channels  32  to translate from open and close positions. 
     In some examples, such as the example illustrated on  FIGS. 2A and 2B , channels  32  surround slidable closure  28  about its perimeter except for one side which provides an opening for directed translation of the slidable closure. For example, as illustrated, channels  32  bound the widthwise sides of slidable closure  28  and an additional channel segment  32 C bounds one of the lengthwise sides of the slidable closure. Accordingly, slidable closure  28  can translate laterally (e.g., in the negative Y-direction indicated on  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) through the one side of the docking flange not bounded by a channel to open and close opening  30  through the bottom end of the reservoir. Depending on the size and configuration of the system, slidable closure  28  may be able to slide at least 2 inches from a fully closed position to an open position, such as at least 4 inches, at least 6 inches, or at least 1 foot. For example, slidable closure may translate between 2 inches and 12 inches moving from a fully closed position to a fully open position. 
     In some examples, such as the example illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the channels  32  through which slidable closure slides during movement also form part of the flange surface that engages with docking station  16  to connect reservoir  12  to the docking station. For example, the inner surface of docking flange  14  defining channel  32  that bound slidable closure  28  while an outer surface of the docking flange may contact docking station  16 . In other configurations, the channels retaining and guiding slidable closure  28  may be offset and/or separate from the portion of docking flange  14  that engages with docking station  16 . 
     As briefly noted above, docking flange  14  can have a variety of structural features that cooperate with docking station  16  to facilitate engagement and/or interlocking between the docking flange and docking station. In the example of  FIG. 1 , docking flange  14  is illustrated as having at least one wing which, in the illustrated example, is shown as two wings  34 A and  34 B (collectively “wings  34 ”). Wings  34  project outwardly from reservoir  12  so as to define a structure of greater cross-sectional area (in the X-Y plane illustrated on  FIG. 1 ) than the cross-sectional area of reservoir  12 . In some examples, wings  34  may project away from the exterior surface of reservoir  12  at least 10 cm, such as at least 25 cm, or from 5 cm to 75 cm. 
     Wings  34  are positioned on opposite sides of reservoir  12  (e.g., projecting 180° away from each other) but may be configured to project at a different angle relative to each other in other examples. Wings  34  are illustrated as having substantially circular edges joined together by chamfered or planar side edges  36 A and  36 B also extending outside of the exterior perimeter of reservoir  12 . Other types of edge shapes and configurations are possible. The surface(s) of docking flange  14  that are configured to engage with corresponding surface(s) of docking station  16  can define any polygonal (e.g., square, hexagonal) or arcuate (e.g., circular, elliptical) shape, or even combinations of polygonal and arcuate shapes. In addition, although docking flange  14  is illustrated as having two wings, it should be appreciated that a docking flange according to the disclosure may have fewer wings (e.g., no wings or a single wings), or more wings (e.g., three, four, or more), while still providing a flange function. 
     Chemical dispensing system  10  also includes docking station  16 . Docking station  16  can receive reservoir  12  and hold the reservoir via docking flange  14 . Docking station  16  can further engage slidable closure  28  to facilitate contactless opening of the slidable closure. In operation, a user can insert docking flange  14  into docking station  16  and, in some examples, interlock the docking flange to the docking station. Thereafter, the user may manipulate the docking station to open slidable closure  28 , thereby allowing the contents of reservoir  12  to be dispensed through uncovered opening  30 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, illustrating an example docking station configuration that can be used in the system of  FIG. 1 . In the illustrated example, docking station  16  includes a housing  40  that defines a reservoir receiving portion  42 . Docking station  16  also includes a docking station slide  44 . Upon inserting docking flange  14  into docking station  16 , slidable closure  28  that retains the contents in reservoir  12  may become operatively coupled to docking station slide  44 . For example, slidable closure  28  and docking station slide  44  may have corresponding mating features that overlap, interlock, and/or otherwise engage with each other when reservoir  12  is properly inserted into docking station  16  (e.g., by inserting docking flange  14  that is part of or coupled to reservoir  12  into the docking station). When reservoir  12  is properly inserted into docking station  16 , a mechanical linkage or interconnection may be formed between slidable closure  28  and docking station slide  44 . Accordingly, when docking station slide  44  is subsequently moved, slidable closure  28  on reservoir  12  may move via the linkage or interconnection between the two components. 
     In general, any complementary sized and/or shaped features (e.g., size and/or shape indexed features) between slidable closure  28  and docking station slide  44  may be used to form a connection between the components. For example, slidable closure  28  may have one or more projections and/or protrusions on a bottom surface of the slidable closure that are positioned to engage with one or more corresponding protrusions and/or projections on a top surface of docking station slide  44 . In the illustrated example, slidable closure  28  defines a ring or annulus  46  extending downwardly from the otherwise planar bottom surface of the closure. By contrast, docking station slide  44  defines a cylindrical projection  48  extending upwardly from the otherwise planar top surface of the slide. The annulus  46  on slidable closure  28  can be size indexed to cylinder  48  on docking station slide  44  such that, when reservoir  12  is properly inserted into docking station  16 , the cylinder will project up into the annulus such that the inner wall surfaces of the annulus at least partially surround the cylinder. In this way, a mechanical linkage can be established between slidable closure  28  and docking station slide  44 . When docking station slide  44  is moved, cylinder  48  can bear against annulus  46 , causing slidable closure  28  to move concurrent with the docking station slide. 
     In practice, a chemical provider may supply different chemicals in similar reservoirs that are intended to be deployed for different applications. To help ensure that the end user does not inadvertently dispense the wrong chemical using chemical dispensing system  10 , a system of different mating features between slidable closure  28  and docking station slide  44  may be provided. For example, slidable closure  28  may have a first type (e.g., size and/or shape) of mating feature(s) if reservoir  12  holds one type of chemical product and a second type (e.g., size and/or shape) of mating feature(s) different than the first type if reservoir  12  holds a different type of chemical product. Docking station slide  44  may have complementary mating feature(s) to the first type of mating feature(s) on slidable closure  28  if the docking station  16  is associated with a discharge location intended to receive the first type of chemical product. Similarly, docking station slide  44  may have complementary mating feature(s) to the second type of mating feature(s) on slidable closure  28  if the docking station  16  is associated with a discharge location intended to receive the second type of chemical product. While the foregoing example described a system with two types of different chemical products, it should be appreciated that the system may be expanded with additional sets of complementary mating features to accommodate additional chemical products. Each type of complementary mating features may be incompatible with each other type of mating features, e.g., such that a user cannot successfully insert an incorrect reservoir into a docking station intended to receive a reservoir containing a different type of chemical product. 
     As one example of such a system configuration, the size (e.g., diameter) of the complementary mating features on slidable closure  28  and docking station slide  44  may vary based on the type of chemical product to be dispensed.  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are side views of the example docking station configuration from  FIG. 1  showing different example sized complementary connection features that may be used on slidable closure  28  and docking station slide  44 . In these examples, cylinder  48 A projecting up from docking station slide  44 A in  FIG. 4A  has a larger diameter than the diameter of the cylinder  48 B in the example of  FIG. 4B . Likewise, annulus  46 A projecting down from slidable closure  28 A in  FIG. 4A  has a larger diameter than the diameter of annulus  46 B in the example of  FIG. 4B . As a result of this arrangement, reservoir  12  in  FIG. 4A  cannot be inserted into docking station  16  in the example of  FIG. 4B  and vice versa. Rather, the connection features carried on slidable closure  28  and docking station slide  44  of each respective embodiment is incompatible with each other. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are side views of the example docking station configurations shown in  FIGS. 4A and 5B  showing the incompatibility of the complementary mating features between the two example embodiments.  FIG. 5A  illustrates the mating feature of slidable closure  28 A interacting with the mating feature of docking station slide  44 B.  FIG. 5B  illustrates the mating feature of slidable closure  28 B interacting with the mating feature of docking slide  44 A. In these examples, the mating features between the slidable closure and docking station slide interfere with each other, preventing the docking flange on one reservoir from being inserted into the other docking station and locked therein. In the example of  FIG. 5A , a ring or annulus  50  of substantially equal size and/or shape of annulus  46 A is offset from cylinder  48 B to deliberately interfere with annulus  46 A. Through deliberate design of corresponding engaging and interfering features, each docking station may be configured to receive only a particular type of reservoir containing a particular type of chemical product and may block or otherwise prevent an operator from inadvertently inserting a different type of reservoir containing a different type of product. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , docking station  16  is illustrated as defining a discharge aperture  52 . Discharge aperture  52  can be selectively opened and closed with docking station slide  44 . Discharge aperture  52  may be an opening through housing  40  through which chemical dispensed from reservoir  12  can pass. In some examples, discharge aperture  52  is sized as large are larger than opening  30  extending through the bottom surface of reservoir  12  ( FIG. 2B ). In either case, discharge aperture  52  may be positioned such that, when docking flange  14  is properly inserted into docking station  16 , opening  30  is aligned with the discharge aperture. The opening  30  may be aligned with discharge aperture  52  so that chemical product discharging from reservoir  12  through the opening  30  can pass through the discharge aperture and into the receiving space to which the docking station is connected. In some examples, opening  30  may be aligned with discharge aperture  52  such that a geometric center of the opening and discharge aperture are substantially co-linear (e.g., on a vertical axis passing through the geometric centers). 
     To engage reservoir  12  with docking station  16  to dispense chemical, docking flange  14  may be engaged with the docking station. The specific manner in which docking flange  14  engages docking station  16  may vary depending on the features and configuration of the docking flange, as described above. In the illustrated example, docking station  16  defines a recessed receiving cavity  54  configured to receive docking flange  14 . Receiving cavity  54  may define a pocket or recess space relative to the top surface of docking station  16  into which docking flange  14  can be inserted. In the illustrated configuration, docking flange  14  is inserted into receiving cavity  54  by moving the docking flange and attached reservoir  12  downwardly (in the negative Z-direction indicated on  FIG. 3A ). In other configurations, docking flange  14  may be inserted into docking station  16  from the side (e.g., by moving the docking flange in the X-direction and/or Y-direction indicated on  FIG. 4A ). 
     To help prevent reservoir  12  from inadvertently detaching from docking station  16  while dispensing chemical product, the reservoir may be reversibly locked to the docking station. In some examples, docking flange  14  is configured to rotationally lock to the docking station. With reference to  FIG. 3A , receiving cavity  54  is illustrated as having at least one ledge, which is illustrated as two ledges  56 A and  56 B (collectively “ledges  56 ”), overhanging the bottom of the receiving cavity and positioned on opposite sides of the receiving cavity. In use, a user may insert docking flange  14  into receiving cavity  54  with wings  34  offset from ledges  56  until the wings are positioned below the bottommost edge of the ledges. Thereafter, the user may rotate reservoir  12 , causing wings  34  to move under ledges  56 , thereby locking the reservoir to the docking station. 
     The specific number, configuration, and arrangement of ledges may correspond to the number, configuration, and arrangement of wings or other structures provided on docking flange  14 . In some examples, the user may interlock the reservoir to the docking station by pushing the reservoir downwardly into the docking station and further rotating the reservoir, e.g., between 30° and 180°, such as 90°. To remove the reservoir after dispensing chemical product from the reservoir through the docking station, the user may reversibly rotate the reservoir an equivalent angular amount and pull the reservoir upwardly. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are perspective views illustrating example insertion positions by which the docking flange may be inserted into the docking station in the example system of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 6A  illustrates docking flange  14  inserted into docking station  16  with wings  34  positioned circumferentially and rotationally offset from ledges  56 .  FIG. 6B  illustrates docking flange  14  rotationally interlocked into docking station  16 . When so interlocked, wing  34 A can be positioned under ledge  56 A and wing  34 B can be positioned under ledge  56 B. A detent  58  may be provided to stop over rotation when locking reservoir  12  into the docking station. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 1 , docking station slide  44  may include a handle  60  extending out of the docking station. Handle  60  may be any region or feature that is graspable by a user to manipulate docking station slide  44  to translate the docking station slide. In some examples, handle  60  includes an upwardly or downwardly curved section to define a notch  62  into which a user can insert their fingertips for grasping and pulling the handle. 
     Docking station slide  44  may be arranged to move in any suitable direction in order to actuate slidable closure  28  on reservoir  12 , when the reservoir is inserted into the docking station. In the example of  FIG. 1 , docking station slide  44  is configured to move orthogonally relative to discharge aperture  52  and the direction chemical product discharges from reservoir  12 . When so configured, slidable closure  28  may also move orthogonally relative to the direction chemical product discharges from reservoir  12  in response to actuation of docking station slide  44 . In other configurations, docking station slide  44  and/or slidable closure  28  may move at other angles relative to the direction chemical product discharges to open and close the reservoir. For example, docking station slide  44  and/or slidable closure  28  may be arranged in an acute or obtuse angle relative to the discharge direction. 
     In general, docking station slide  44  and/or slidable closure  28  may assume any suitable arrangement such that slidable closure  28  can be moved from a covering position to an offset position. In a covering position, slidable closure  28  can block or prevent chemical from discharging through opening  30  at the bottom end of the reservoir, e.g., by providing a physical barrier that chemical product cannot bypass when closed. In an offset position, slidable closure can be moved to the side of opening  30  such that chemical product is allowed to discharge past the slidable closure through opening  30 . Chemical product may pass the slidable closure  28  by flowing through opening  30  and align the discharge aperture  52  well the opening is partially or fully uncovered by retraction of the slidable closure. 
     In the example of  FIG. 1 , housing  40  of docking station  16  includes a reservoir receiving portion  42  and a docking station slide retaining portion  66 . Docking station slide retaining portion  66  is a laterally offset (e.g., in the X-Y plane indicated on  FIG. 1 ) but integrally connected to reservoir receiving portion  42  in the illustrated example. Docking station slide retaining portion  66  may define a portion of housing  40  retaining and/or surrounding docking station slide  44 . Docking station slide retaining portion  66  may include channels along which docking station slide  44  can slide to translate between open and closed positions. At least a portion of slidable closure  28  (and, in some examples, an entirety of the slidable closure) may be drawn into docking station slide retaining portion  66  when the opening on the bottom of reservoir  12  is opened. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of chemical dispensing system  10  from  FIG. 1  showing an example arrangement of components when slidable closure is offset to open reservoir  12 . As shown in this example, docking station slide  44  is engaged with slidable closure  28 , and both the docking station slide and slidable closure have been translated to an offset or open position. Accordingly, slidable closure  28  is withdrawn into docking station slide retaining portion  66 . This results in slidable closure  28  being vertically stacked on top of docking station slide  44  within docking station slide retaining portion  66 . By moving the slidable closure  28  and docking station slide  44  to an offset position, opening  30  in the bottom of reservoir  12  may be may be uncovered, allowing chemical product in reservoir  12  to discharge through the opening and through the aligned discharge aperture  52  in docking station  16 . 
     In some examples, reservoir  12  and docking station  16  are designed and arranged so that chemical product in the reservoir discharges under the force of gravity when the reservoir is opened using the docking station. For example, reservoir  12  may be oriented so a gravitational force vector causes chemical product in reservoir  12  to flow toward opening  30  without requiring additional biasing force to empty the reservoir. In other examples, a biasing force (e.g., spring force, compressed gas, external driver) may be applied to the contents in reservoir  12  to help facilitate efficient discharge of the contents upon opening the reservoir using docking station  16 . 
     Chemical reservoir  12  may contain any type of material desired to be stored and dispensed using the reservoir. Example chemicals that may be stored and dispensed using reservoir  12  include, but are not limited to, an oxidizing biocide, a non-oxidizing biocide, a sanitizers, a sterilant, a cleaner, a degreaser, a lubricant, a detergent, a stain remover, a rinse agent, an enzyme, and the like. The chemical may be in a solid form, a liquid form, or a pseudo-solid/liquid form, such as a gel or paste. 
     In applications where the chemical is in a solid form, the solid chemical may be formed by casting, extruding, molding, and/or pressing. The solid chemical filling reservoir  12  may be structured as one or more blocks of solid chemical, a powder, a flake, a granular solid, or other suitable form of solid. For example, the solid chemical may be formed into a puck having a shape matching the cross-sectional shape of reservoir  12  (in the X-Y plane). The reservoir may be filled with a plurality of pucks stacked vertically one on top of another. Examples of solid product suitable for use in reservoir  12  are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,595,520, 4,680,134, U.S. Reissue Pat. Nos. 32,763 and 32,818, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,316,688, 6,177,392, and 8,889,048. 
     In applications where the chemical is in a liquid or pseudo-liquid form (e.g., a gel), reservoir may or may not include a film further covering opening  30 . The film may be a polymeric film, a metal or metallized film, or other film structure. The film may be positioned between slidable closure  28  and opening  30 , such that the contents of reservoir  12  are bound by the film positioned in front of the slidable closure. In such examples, slidable closure  28  may be operatively coupled to the film. Accordingly, the film may be retracted or otherwise removed from opening  30  as slidable closure  28  is moved to an offset or open position. Additionally or alternatively, the film may be positioned outside of slidable closure  28 , such that the contents of reservoir  12  are bound by the slidable closure and the film acts as a secondary barrier to prevent inadvertent bypass around the slidable closure. In these examples, the user may remove the film from reservoir  12  prior to inserting the reservoir into docking station  16 . 
     As noted above, docking station  16  may be attached to a receiving reservoir  18  that is intended to receive the discharged contents of reservoir  12 . Docking station  16  may include mechanical fixation features, such as an adhesive strip, screw or bolt holes for receiving screws or bolts, clips or snaps, or other fixation features to attach the docking station  16  to the surface of the receiving reservoir. Receiving reservoir  18  may be any structure that is intended to receive the contents of reservoir  12 . Example structures may include a laundry machine, a ware wash machine, a chemical product dispenser, a medical sanitization machine, pool and/or spa equipment, or any other type of receiving reservoir. In the case of a chemical product dispenser, which may or may not be integrated into one of the foregoing example pieces of equipment described, the chemical received by the dispenser from reservoir  12  may be combined with a solvent to reduce the concentration of the chemical. For example, the chemical product dispenser may introduce an aqueous or organic solvent that contacts the chemical received from reservoir  12  to form a dischargeable liquid solution. Where the chemical received from reservoir  12  is a solid, the surface of the solid product may erode by degrading and/or shearing off from the remainder of the solid in response to being wetted with fluid. In different examples, the solid chemical may or may not react with fluid introduced by the chemical dispenser to form a resulting chemical solution dispensed from the dispenser. 
     Chemical dispensing system  10  may include a variety of additional or different features to help ensure that a user does not inadvertently attach a reservoir containing the wrong chemical to a docking station.  FIGS. 8A and 8B  are different views of a chemical dispensing system  10  showing additional chemical reservoir authentication features that may be included in the system.  FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the system, while  FIG. 8B  is a side sectional view of the system. 
     As shown in the illustrated example, chemical dispensing system  10  includes previously described reservoir  12 , docking flange  14 , and docking station  16 . System  10  in the example of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  differs from the previously described example system in that reservoir  12  includes a machine-readable tag  80 . In addition, docking station  16  includes an electronic reader  82  configured to read the machine-readable tag  80  on reservoir  12 . Docking station  16  also includes a lock  84  that can prevent actuation of docking station slide  44  (and, correspondingly, slidably closure  28 ) if information read from machine-readable tag  80  does not indicate that the contents of reservoir  12  are authorized to be dispensed. 
     Machine-readable tag  80  can be any type of tag suitable for use with a noncontact reader. For example, machine-readable tag  80  may be a Radio Frequency Identification Tag (RFID), a Near Field Communication Tag (NFC), a barcode, or other tag containing machine readable information. Electronic reader  82  may be a noncontact reader that is configured to read the type of machine-readable information encoded on or in tag  80 . For example, electronic reader  82  may be an optical or electromagnetic reader that can scan, activate, or otherwise interact with machine readable tag  80  to extract information stored on or in the machine-readable tag.  
     In operation, reader  82  may read information stored on or in machine-readable tag  80  and compare that information with corresponding information stored in a non-transitory memory associated with the system. The machine-readable tag can contain information identifying reservoir  12  and/or the contents therein, such as a code, manufacturing number, name, or other suitable information. A controller associated with the system can compare the information read from machine-readable tag  80  via reader  82  with information stored in memory to determine if reservoir  12  and/or the contents contained therein are suitable to be dispensed to the discharge location to which docking station  16  is attached. If the controller determines that reservoir  12  and/or the contents contained therein are authorized, the controller may control lock  84  to unlock the system, thereby allowing an operator to actuate docking station slide  44 . By contrast, if the controller determines that reservoir  12  and/or the contents contained therein are not authorized, the controller may not unlock lock  84 , thereby preventing the operator from actuating docking station slide  44  and discharging the contents of the reservoir. 
     In the example of  FIG. 8B , lock  84  is illustrated as including a piston  86  that is extendable up into and retractable from a locking aperture  88  in docking station slide  44 . In this configuration, piston  86  may be extended into the locking aperture  88  to lock docking station slide  44 . Piston  86  may correspondingly be retracted from the locking aperture  88  to unlock docking station slide  44 . Other locking configurations can be used in a docking station lock without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     In practice, reservoir  12  with connected docking flange  14  may be transported to a location of intended use and stored before being taken from storage and engaged with docking station  16 . To help prevent docking flange  14  from opening and the contents of reservoir  12  from inadvertently discharging before intended deployment, a removable cover may be provided over docking flange  14 .  FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of an example cover  90  that may be used to cover docking flange  14  before use.  FIG. 9B  is a sectional side view showing the example cover  90  of  FIG. 9A  installed over a docking flange. 
     In the illustrated configuration of  FIGS. 9A and 9B , cover  90  is illustrated as define a cavity with a bottom wall and upwardly extending sidewalls  92  that extend along the bottom surface and sidewalls, respectively, of docking flange  14 . The bottom wall of cover  90  includes recessed pocket(s)  94  configured to receive the a ring, annulus, or other interference feature  46  of slidable closure  28 . In addition, cover  90  is illustrated as having one or more laterally extending deformable tabs  96 . The one or more tabs are configured to extend over a top surface of docking flange  14 , when cover  90  is attached to the docking flange, and reversibly and deformably move away from the top surface to release the cover from the flange. In some examples, cover  90  is formed from a polymeric material, and may be sufficiently flexible to deform under human hand pressure. 
     As noted above, docking flange  14  can define an opening  30  through which chemical can dispensed from reservoir  12 . Opening  30  may have a cross-sectional size (area) substantially equal to a cross-sectional size of reservoir  12  (in the X-Y plane) and/or discharge aperture  52  (e.g., plus or minus 5%). Alternatively, opening  30  may have a different size than a cross-sectional size of reservoir  12  (in the X-Y plane) and/or discharge aperture  52 . For example, opening  30  may taper relative to reservoir  12  (in the X-Y plane) to define a narrower end relative to a majority of the reservoir. Such a taper may be achieve by tapering sidewall  20  of reservoir  12  adjacent terminal bottom end  24  and/or by tapering an inner wall surface of docking flange  14  relative to sidewall  20  of reservoir  12 . 
       FIG. 10A  is a sectional side view of an example configuration of reservoir  12  and docking flange  14  where the outlet opening  30  is tapered.  FIG. 10B  is a side view of the example configuration of reservoir  12  and docking flange  14  from  FIG. 10A  installed in an example docking station  16 . As shown in this example, an inner wall surface  100  of docking flange  14  is angled inwardly relative to an inner surface of sidewall  20 . As a result, opening  30  has a smaller cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area  102  of reservoir  12 . In the illustrated configuration, docking flange  14  defines a frustoconical shape that tapers inwardly at an angle  104 , although other wall surface shapes can be used to provide a reduction in cross-sectional area. When configured with an angled taper, angle  104  may range from 30 degrees to 85 degrees, such as from 55 degrees to 75 degrees, or from 60 degrees to 70 degrees. 
     Configuring reservoir  12  and/or docking flange  14  to narrow at the outlet of the respective features (e.g., adjacent terminal end  24 ) may be useful to facilitate efficient dispensing. For example, when reservoir  12  contains granular solid chemical to be dispensed, the addition of an outlet taper can define a funnel which narrows the dispensing orifice. This can help ensure that the chemical being dispensed discharges through the dispensing orifice without spilling. 
     A chemical dispensing system according to the disclosure may provide an efficient and safe dispensing environment for an operator to transfer chemical received from a manufacturer to an intended discharge location. The chemical may be discharged from the package in which it is received without the user physically contacting the chemical in the package. In some configurations, features such as electronically readable media on the reservoir and/or complementary connection features between the reservoir and docking station may be further provided to help prevent an operator from inadvertently attaching a package containing the wrong chemical to the wrong dispensing location. 
     Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.