Patent Publication Number: US-8528784-B2

Title: Spray bottle with refill cartridge

Description:
This application is a divisional of pending application Ser. No. 12/486,982, filed Jun. 18, 2009, which is a continuation in part of pending application Ser. No. 12/270,735, filed Nov. 13, 2008 and which claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 61/105,734, filed Oct. 3, 2008, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER 
     Spray bottles and refill cartridges for corresponding spray bottles are disclosed herein, including an easy to use refill cartridge configured to be disposed within the spray bottle during use. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is well known to utilize spray bottles to dispense a fluid. For instance, cleaners, cosmetics, and other fluids are commonly sold in spray bottles to facilitate dispensing by a user. After repeated use of the spray bottle, the amount of liquid in the bottle decreases to the point where the spray bottle is effectively empty. 
     Once the spray bottle is empty, many users are inclined to throw the empty spray bottle away and purchase a new one, despite the fact that the empty spray bottle is still functional. Given that a typical spray bottle is generally designed to hold a small amount of fluid (i.e., one quart), a user may quickly consume all of the fluid contained within the spray bottle. As such, a large number of spray bottles may be used over a short period of time. 
     Most spray bottles are formed out of environmentally harmful materials, such as plastics, which tend to break down into smaller and, in some instances, more harmful components. If the bottles are designed to break down into environmentally acceptable components, then the question is whether they can degrade in the depths of a landfill. 
     In addition, many communities do not recycle plastics or are limited as to the plastics that are recycled. In some communities, if the bottles aren&#39;t clean when recycled, waste management may decide to add them to the landfill despite the consumer&#39;s good intentions. The production of plastics also contribute to environmental hazards, such as water and air contamination, harm to fish and wildlife, along with potentially adulterating the food supply. Therefore, large consumption of plastic bottles, such as spray bottles may have detrimental effects on the environment. 
     One alternative is to purchase a large refill that is capable of filling up the original bottle several times with the fluid. While these refills allow the user to reuse the original bottle multiple times, the problem of reducing waste isn&#39;t realized, as the larger refill bottle contains more plastic material and needs to be thrown away when empty. 
     Another alternative is to purchase a refill which usually contains a smaller amount of the fluid in a higher concentration. The fluid in the refill can be poured into the original spray bottle and mixed with water or other diluting fluids to fill the spray bottle. Purchasing a refill tends to be more environmentally friendly, as the refill container is typically smaller than the original spray bottle container. Furthermore, the refill tends to be less expensive than purchasing a new spray bottle. 
     Although purchasing a refill offers certain advantages, such as smaller containers and less plastic waste, many consumers are more likely to purchase a brand new spray bottle rather than purchase a refill. Some consumers also throw away a spray bottle when it is empty rather than storing an empty spray bottle until they can buy a refill. Once the consumer throws the empty spray bottle away, there are precluded from purchasing a refill. Furthermore, when refills are sold on a shelf next to a full spray bottle, consumers may be inclined to purchase the new spray bottle rather than the refill. 
     Therefore, there is a need for new spray bottles and corresponding refills that can be utilized with original spray bottles, are coupled with the original spray bottle, are capable of dissolving—at least in part—in some instances to reduce waste, are contained in such a way as to remain clean and neat during transition from the original solution to the refill solution, and are generally easy to use, which may be the most important key to enticing a consumer to try and continue using the product. 
     SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT MATTER 
     Refill assemblies are described herein that include: a bottle defining an internal reservoir and an opening which communicates with the reservoir; and a refill cartridge operatively coupled with the bottle, the refill cartridge including: a cartridge body defining a cartridge reservoir having a concentrated chemical agent stored therein, a refill pouch having a concentrated chemical agent stored therein or a combination thereof; and a release mechanism cooperatively engaged to the cartridge body that facilitates the flow of the chemical agent from the cartridge reservoir into the reservoir of the bottle. 
     Refill assemblies are also disclosed that include: a spray bottle; a refill cartridge cooperatively engaged to the spray bottle and including a cartridge body defining a cartridge reservoir having a concentrated chemical agent stored therein; and a release mechanism cooperatively engaged to the cartridge body and selectively movable from a sealing position to a dispensing position relative thereto, the movement of the release mechanism from the sealing position to the dispensing position facilitating the flow of the chemical agent from the cartridge reservoir. 
     Refill assemblies are also disclosed that include: a containment vessel; a refill cartridge cooperatively engaged to the containment vessel and including a cartridge body defining a cartridge reservoir having a concentrated chemical agent stored therein; and a release mechanism cooperatively engaged to the cartridge body and selectively movable from a sealing position to a dispensing position relative thereto, the movement of the release mechanism from the sealing position to the dispensing position facilitating the flow of the chemical agent from the cartridge reservoir. Suitable containment vessels a spray bottle, a squirt bottle, an aerosol can or bottle or another suitable container. 
     Some refill assemblies also include: a bottle having an internal reservoir; and a refill cartridge operatively coupled to the bottle and at least partially residing within the reservoir thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a side sectional view of a spray bottle assembly constructed in accordance with a contemplated embodiment, the spray bottle assembly including a bottle, a pumping mechanism, and a refill cartridge having a cartridge body, a cap, and a release mechanism, which in this embodiment is a plug. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the cartridge body of the refill cartridge. 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the cartridge body illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the cartridge body being rotated 180 degrees. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the cartridge body. 
         FIG. 5  is a side sectional view of the cartridge body depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the cap of the refill cartridge. 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of the cap illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the cap being rotated 180 degrees. 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the cap. 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the cap illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the cap illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the plug of the refill cartridge. 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the release mechanism, which in this embodiment is a plug. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the release mechanism, which in this embodiment is a plug, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the refill cartridge. 
         FIG. 15  is a side sectional view of a spray bottle assembly constructed in accordance with another contemplated embodiment, the spray bottle assembly including a bottle, a pumping mechanism, and a refill cartridge having a cartridge body, a cap, and a release mechanism, which in this embodiment is a release tube that is closed. 
         FIG. 16  is a side sectional view of a spray bottle assembly constructed in accordance with another contemplated embodiment that is shown in  FIG. 15 , the spray bottle assembly including a bottle, a pumping mechanism, and a refill cartridge having a cartridge body, a cap, and a release mechanism, which in this embodiment is a release tube that is open releasing chemical agent into the bottle. 
         FIG. 17  is a side sectional view of a spray bottle assembly constructed in accordance with another contemplated embodiment, the spray bottle assembly including a bottle, a pumping mechanism, and a refill cartridge having a cartridge body and a release mechanism, which in this embodiment is a release strip that is engaged on the refill cartridge. 
         FIG. 18  is a side sectional view of a spray bottle assembly constructed in accordance with another contemplated embodiment that is shown in  FIG. 17 , the spray bottle assembly including a bottle, a pumping mechanism, and a refill cartridge having a cartridge body and a release mechanism, which in this embodiment is a release strip that is engaged on the refill cartridge. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     New spray bottles, containment vessels and corresponding refills have been designed and are disclosed herein that can be utilized with original spray bottles, are coupled with the original spray bottle, may be capable of dissolving—at least in part—in some instances to reduce waste, are contained in such a way as to remain clean and neat during transition from the original solution to the refill solution, and are generally easy to use, which may be the most important key to enticing a consumer to try and continue using the product. 
     Contemplated spray bottles, containment vessels and refills comprise a coordinated set of products that can be utilized to minimize waste, costs and provide consumers with options as to when and how to refill liquid products. One significant advantage to contemplated embodiments is that a consumer&#39;s storage options do not need to be large or segregated away from other cleaners and household products. Contemplated refill assemblies comprise chemical agents, wherein the chemical agent comprises a liquid, a gel, a solid tablet, a plurality of solid granules or a combination thereof. 
       FIGS. 1-13  illustrate a spray bottle assembly  10  constructed in accordance with a contemplated embodiment. The spray bottle assembly  10  may be used to easily dispense fluids, such as cleaning fluids, detergents, cosmetic fluids, perfumes, or other suitable fluids. As described in more detail below, the spray bottle assembly  10  includes a pumping mechanism  22 , a bottle  12  and a refill cartridge  36  that is disposable within the bottle  12 . It is contemplated that the refill cartridge  36  may be packaged within the bottle  12  for sale. The easy-to-use configuration of the refill cartridge  36  allows for simple refilling of the bottle  12 , thereby extending the usage of the bottle  12 , which provides environmental and economic advantages. 
     Some contemplated refill assemblies are described herein that include: a bottle defining an internal reservoir and an opening which communicates with the reservoir; and a refill cartridge operatively coupled with the bottle, the refill cartridge including: a cartridge body defining a cartridge reservoir having a concentrated chemical agent stored therein, a refill pouch having a concentrated chemical agent stored therein or a combination thereof; and a release mechanism cooperatively engaged to the cartridge body that facilitates the flow of the chemical agent from the cartridge reservoir into the reservoir of the bottle. 
     Some contemplated refill assemblies are also disclosed that include: a spray bottle; a refill cartridge cooperatively engaged to the spray bottle and including a cartridge body defining a cartridge reservoir having a concentrated chemical agent stored therein; and a release mechanism, which may comprise a plug, a removable strip, a removable disk or another suitable release mechanism, cooperatively engaged to the cartridge body and selectively movable from a sealing position to a dispensing position relative thereto, the movement of the release mechanism from the sealing position to the dispensing position facilitating the flow of the chemical agent from the cartridge reservoir. It should be understood that the selectively movable release mechanism may be completely physically punched out of the cartridge body, may be selectively moved from a closed position vertically to an open position without being completely physically removed from the cartridge body, may be selectively moved from a closed position laterally, slideably and/or horizontally to an open position without being completely physically removed from the cartridge body. 
     Additional contemplated refill assemblies are also disclosed that include: a containment vessel; a refill cartridge cooperatively engaged to the containment vessel and including a cartridge body defining a cartridge reservoir having a concentrated chemical agent stored therein; and a release mechanism cooperatively engaged to the cartridge body and selectively movable from a sealing position to a dispensing position relative thereto, the movement of the release mechanism from the sealing position to the dispensing position facilitating the flow of the chemical agent from the cartridge reservoir. Suitable containment vessels a spray bottle, a squirt bottle, an aerosol can or bottle or another suitable container. In these embodiments, as with earlier embodiments that comprise a release mechanism, such as a plug, it should be understood that the selectively movable release mechanism may be completely physically punched out of the cartridge body, may be selectively moved from a closed position vertically to an open position without being completely physically removed from the cartridge body, may be selectively moved from a closed position laterally, slideably and/or horizontally to an open position without being completely physically removed from the cartridge body. 
     Some refill assemblies also include: a bottle having an internal reservoir; and a refill cartridge operatively coupled to the bottle and at least partially residing within the reservoir thereof. 
     In some embodiments, once the refill cartridge is empty, additional refill cartridges may be inserted into the bottle or into the empty original refill cartridge in order to dispense additional concentrated liquid. In these embodiments, a liquid pouch or degradable cartridge is placed inside the original refill cartridge or into the bottle. When water or another liquid/solvent is placed in contact with the liquid pouch or degradable cartridge, the liquid pouch or degradable cartridge melts or otherwise degrades to release the concentrated ingredients. At this point, there is no additional material or cartridge for the consumer to discard, since it becomes part of the diluted solution, and the original refill cartridge remains useful in the spray bottle. In related embodiments, the bottom of the refill cartridge comprises a perforated or “net-like” material that allows for liquid to migrate from the inside of the bottle to the inside of the refill cartridge and back into the inside of the bottle without any special action by the consumer. This membrane will allow degradable refill pouches to be used in the already existing refill cartridge without disposal of the original spray bottle. 
     In some embodiments, a contemplated refill cartridge may be initially located inside the spray bottle or containment vessel, such that when the user is ready to refill the bottle or vessel, the cartridge is removed, suitably opened and the contents of the cartridge dispensed into the bottle or vessel. The refill cartridge may then be recycled or otherwise disposed of by the user. 
     In some embodiments, a contemplated refill cartridge may be coupled to the spray bottle, such that it is physically located outside of the spray bottle but may be opened such that the liquid inside of the refill is dispensed into the inside of the bottle. For example, the refill may screwed on to the outside and comprise a pull tab opening on the side. When the refill is screwed into place on the outside of the bottle, such as on the sides, top or bottom of the bottle, the pull tab release mechanism can be removed and the refill liquid dispenses into an opening on the bottle. The opening on the bottle is not exposed to the outside environment, as the refill cartridge is covering it. 
     In another embodiment, the refill cartridge may be located on the bottom of the spray bottle, such that the cartridge couples to or slides on to the bottom of the bottle in order to form the physical bottom of the spray bottle. In other embodiments, the cartridge slides into a bottom or side pocket on the spray bottle such that it locks into place and can be dispensed into the inside of the spray bottle without leakage. In these embodiments, the refill cartridge can be designed with a release mechanism, such as a plug or coupling unit, that couples the cartridge to the bottle, it can be designed with a pull tab that can be removed once it is locked into place or can be designed with a degradable section that melts or degrades when exposed to the diluting liquid. 
     In all of these embodiments, the original spray bottle assembly may comprise a contemplated liquid that was originally loaded into the bottle and one refill cartridge that is designed to refill the bottle with the addition of a diluting liquid. The consumer can then choose to purchase additional refill cartridges or refill pouches or may decide to purchase a new spray bottle assembly. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the spray bottle assembly  10  includes the pumping mechanism  22  that is engageable with the bottle  12 . The pumping mechanism  22  includes a body  24  having a nozzle  26 , a trigger  28 , and a tube  32  connected thereto. The tube  32  defines a tube end  34  that is disposable within a fluid for purposes of dispensing the fluid through the nozzle  26 . In this manner, the nozzle  26  is in fluid communication with the tube  32 . 
     The trigger  28  is moveable relative to the body  24  to dispense fluid from the nozzle  26 . More specifically, the trigger  28  is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body  24 . As the trigger  28  moves from the extended position toward the retracted position, fluid is communicated from the tube  32  to the nozzle  26 . In one embodiment, the trigger  28  is biased towards the extended position. The biasing force may be provided by a spring or other biasing elements. 
     In one contemplated embodiment, the pumping mechanism includes a spray dispenser, instead of a trigger, such that the spray dispenser moves up and down when pressure is applied to the top by a finger or thumb. This type of spray dispenser is commonly found on Lysol® containers, hairspray containers, Pledge® containers and other similar containers. These are containers that merely dispense the liquid in nebulized form from the container without the addition of pressure in the can or container. 
     The nozzle  26  may be moveable relative to the body  24  to control the output of fluid therethrough. In particular, the nozzle  26  may be configured to dispense a fluid in a stream-like manner, or in a mist. In this regard, the nozzle  26  may rotate relative to the body  24  to modify the fluid output from a stream to a mist. The nozzle  26  may also be closed to restrict the passage of fluid therethrough. 
     According to one embodiment, the pumping mechanism  22  is attachable to the bottle  12  via a pump attachment element  30  that is sized and configured to engage with an engagement region  20  formed on the bottle  12  and defining a rim thereof. In some embodiments, the engagement region  20  comprises threads formed on the exterior of the neck portion  18  of the bottle  12 . The tube  32  may extend into the interior of the bottle  12  (which is typically fluid-filled) when the pumping mechanism  22  is connected to the bottle  12 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the attachment element  30  includes internal threads that engage with external threads of the engagement region  20  disposed on the neck portion  18  of the bottle  12 . The internal threads engage with the external threads as the attachment element  30  is rotated or screwed onto the bottle  12 . Although the embodiment illustrated in the drawings shows an attachment element  30  having internal threads, it is understood that other embodiments may include external threads that engage with internal threads formed in the bottle  12 . Furthermore, it is contemplated that other embodiments of the attachment element  30  will not threadably engage with the bottle  12 . For instance, various mechanical fasteners known in the art may be used to engage the pumping mechanism  22  to the bottle  12 . 
     The bottle  12  includes a bottle wall  14  that comprises a substantially fluid impermeable material, such as plastic, rubber, or other materials known in the art. The size and shape of the bottle  12  may vary. The bottle  12  depicted in  FIG. 1  includes an ergonomic gripping portion configured to assist a user in grasping the bottle  12 . The bottle wall  14  defines a reservoir  16  configured to receive a fluid, such as a cleaning fluid, or other fluids. 
     In operation, the pumping mechanism  22  is connected to a fluid filled bottle  12 , with the tube  32  extending into the interior of the bottle  12 . As a user repeatedly moves the trigger  28  from the extended position to the retracted position, the fluid contained within the bottle  12  is drawn in to the tube  32  via the tube end  34  and travels through the tube  32  and is dispensed out of the nozzle  26 . The fluid level within the bottle  12  lowers as the fluid is dispensed through the nozzle  26 . The bottle  12  may additionally include a secondary reservoir to facilitate dispensing of the fluid when the bottle  12  is tilted relative to a horizontal plane, as described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/097,827 entitled Spray Bottle with Primary and Secondary Internal Reservoirs, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , a contemplated refill cartridge  36  includes a cartridge body  38  defining a reservoir  40  configured to store fluid. A contemplated cartridge body  38  is preferably formed of a fluid impermeable material, such as plastic or rubber. As depicted, the cartridge body  38  is substantially cylindrical in shape and extends along a longitudinal cartridge axis  48 . In this manner, the cartridge body  38  is sized and configured to be disposed within the upper neck portion  18  of the bottle  12 , as described in more detail below. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cartridge body  38  may define other non-cylindrical shapes and configurations. 
     In some embodiments, a contemplated cartridge body  38  defines a first opening  42  and a second opening  46  at respective opposing ends of the cartridge body  38 . The cartridge body  38  includes a flange  45  extending about the first opening  42 . The flange  45  has an outer diameter that is greater than the diameter of the rim of the bottle  12  which defines a bottle opening thereof, as best shown in  FIG. 1 . In this manner, the refill cartridge  36  may be inserted within the bottle reservoir  16  with the flange  45  resting on the rim of the bottle  12  defined at the bottle opening thereof. The refill cartridge  36  may also be designed as part of the original bottle, such that it is a receptacle for a refill pouch or degradable cartridge. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a contemplated cartridge body  38  of a contemplated refill cartridge  36  also includes a bottom wall  44  having a ring-like projection  47  which protrudes from the approximate center thereof and defines the second opening  46 . The projection  47  has an outer diameter that is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the cartridge body  38 . The first and second openings  42 ,  46  are coaxially aligned with each other along the cartridge axis  48 . As described in more detail below, a release mechanism, herein shown as plug  72 , may be inserted into the ring opening  47  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) to provide a fluid tight seal between the plug  72  and the cartridge ring  44  to mitigate fluid flow through the ring opening  47 . In contemplated embodiments, the release mechanism may comprise a degradable material that is designed to slowly break down in the presence of water or another liquid in order to release the concentrated refill into the bottle. In other embodiments, a contemplated release mechanism may comprise a plastic or other material that is not degradable and is designed to be removed and discarded. In yet other embodiments, a contemplated release mechanism may be replaced by another material utilized to keep the concentrated solution in the refill cartridge. 
     In  FIGS. 6-10 , a contemplated refill cartridge  36  also includes a cap  50  that is engageable with the cartridge body  38  at the first opening  42  to substantially cover the first opening  42 . A contemplated cap  50  includes a cap base  56  and a cap wall  52  extending upwardly from the cap base  56 . A cap flange  54  may circumscribe and protrude radially from the upper end of the cap wall  52  (opposite the cap base  56 ). The cap base  56  includes a primary opening  62  formed therein. The cap wall  52  and the cap base  56  collectively define a cavity  58 . As shown in this embodiment, the cap wall  52  is substantially cylindrical in shape, and is complimentary to the shape of the cartridge body  38 ; however, for other cartridge body designs, the cap wall may comprise another complimentary shape. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the cap wall  52  is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cartridge body  38  at the first opening  42  to allow the cap  50  to be partially advanced into the cartridge body  38  when engaged thereto. In some embodiments, the cap may be molded as part of the cartridge body, such that it is not a separate component. 
     The cap  50  may also include a tubular cap boss  60  that extends axially downwardly from the cap base  56  along an axis  70 . The cap boss  60  includes a tapered inner wall  64  defining a passage  61  that is coaxially aligned with the primary opening  62 . 
     The cap  50  may be placed within the first opening  42  of the cartridge body  38  of the refill cartridge  36  to cover and enclose the first opening  42 . In this manner, the cap flange  54  preferably abuts the flange  45 . When the cap  50  is connected to the cartridge body  38 , the cap axis  70  is preferably aligned with the cartridge axis  48 . As a result, the cap axis  70  is coaxially aligned with the cartridge axis  48 . Once the cap  50  is engaged with the cartridge body  38 , the cap  50  may be sealed to the cartridge body  38 . In this regard, the interface between the cap  50  and the cartridge body  38  may be a substantially fluid tight seal. 
     In a contemplated embodiment, the cap  50  also includes a ring-like projection  66  extending upwardly from the cap base  56  toward the cap flange  54 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the projection  66  is offset from the center of the cap  50 , with a portion of the projection  66  abutting the cap wall  52 . However, it is understood that other embodiments of the cap  50  may include a projection  66  that does not abut the cap wall  52 . The projection  66  includes an inner wall  67  defining a secondary opening  68  that extends through the cap base  56  and fluidly communicates with the reservoir  40  of the cartridge body  38 . When the cap  50  is connected to the cartridge body  38 , the refill cartridge  36  may be filled with a fluid via the secondary opening  68 . Once the reservoir  40  is filled, it is contemplated that the secondary opening  68  will be sealed with a release mechanism, which may include a suitable plug or degradable plug-like component. 
       FIGS. 11-13  show a release mechanism, which is represented as plug  72  in this embodiment, that is insertable into the cartridge body  38  to engage with the cartridge body  38  and the cap  50 . The plug  72  includes a plug body  75  having a plug neck  74  defining a distal end  77 . A plug flange  76  circumscribes the plug body  75  and extends radially outwardly therefrom. The plug  72  also includes a flared portion  78  having an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the plug body  75 . The plug  72  further includes a plug inner wall  82  defining a flow passage  84  which extends along a plug axis  80 . The diameter of the plug inner wall  82  is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube  32 . In this manner, the tube  32  may be slidably advanced through the plug  72 , and hence refill cartridge  36 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As used herein, and as outlined earlier, the “plug” is included in the group of release mechanisms, wherein these release mechanisms comprise a plug, a release tube, a degradable interface material, a removable interface or a combination thereof and/or any suitable release mechanism. Contemplated degradable interface materials are those designed to interact with air, water or another chemical in order to degrade and release concentrated chemical agent into the bottle. A contemplated removable interface includes those materials that are not considered “plugs” or degradable interfaces, but yet are removable, such as plastic strips. 
     In a contemplated embodiment, a release mechanism, herein shown as plug  72 , is insertable into the cartridge body  38  via the second opening  46  for engagement with the cartridge body  38  and the cap  50 . More specifically, the plug neck  74  and plug flange  76  are insertable through the second opening  48  to bring the plug neck  74  into frictional engagement with the cap boss  60 , and to bring the flared portion  48  into concurrent frictional engagement with the projection  47  in the manner shown in  FIG. 1 . In this manner, the plug neck  74  and plug flange  76  are sized and configured to pass through the second opening  46 , while the outer surface of the flared portion  48  is sized and configured to frictionally engage the inner surface of the projection  47 . Similarly, the outer surface of the plug neck  74  is sized and configured to frictionally engage the inner wall  64  of the cap boss  60 . The advancement of the plug neck  74  through the cap boss  60  may be limited by the abutment of the plug flange  76  against the distal end or rim defined by the plug boss  60 . When the flared portion  78  is frictionally engaged to the projection  47  and the plug neck  74  frictionally engaged to the plug boss  60 , the distal end  77  of the plug  74  typically resides within the cavity  58  of the cap  50 , as also shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In some embodiments, a release mechanism, herein shown as plug  72 , is moveable relative to the cap  50  and the cartridge body  38  between a sealing position (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and a dispensing position. In the sealing position, the plug neck  72  is engaged with a cap arm  60  via a friction type engagement. Furthermore, the flared portion  78  is frictionally engaged with the projection  47  to form a fluid tight seal therebetween. The fluid tight seal mitigates loss of fluid from the cartridge reservoir  40  through the second opening  46 . When the plug  72  is in the sealing position, the plug flange  76  is preferably disposed in contact with the distal end of the cap boss  60 . As will be recognized, the plug  72  will be operatively coupled to the cap  50  and cartridge body  38  in the aforementioned manner prior to filling the reservoir  40  with a concentrated fluid via the secondary opening  68  of the cap  50 . 
     The application of downward pressure to the exposed distal end  77  of the plug  72  facilitates the movement thereof to its dispensing position. As the plug  72  is moved from the sealing position toward the dispensing position, the flared portion  78  is moved downwardly out of fluid tight engagement with the projection  47 . In this manner, the flared portion  78  moves along the cartridge axis  48  out of fluid tight engagement with the projection  47 . The plug neck  74  also moves downwardly relative to the cap boss  60 , but remains in frictional engagement with the cap boss  60  when the plug  72  is in the dispensing position. In this manner, the plug  72  is held in engagement with the cap  50  to prevent the plug  72  from falling through the second opening  46 . As the plug  72  moves from the sealing position toward the dispensing position, the plug flange  76  moves out of contact with the cap boss  60 . 
     It is contemplated that the refill cartridge  36  may be sold separate from the bottle  12  and the pumping mechanism  22 . In other words, a user may purchase the refill cartridge  36  to refill the bottle  12  when the fluid within the bottle  12  is empty. It is also contemplated that the refill cartridge  36  may be sold with the bottle  12 , or with the pumping mechanism  22 . When sold with the bottle  12 , the cartridge  36  and bottle  12  may be used with an existing pumping mechanism  22 . Conversely, when sold with a pumping mechanism  22 , the refill cartridge  36  and pumping mechanism  22  will be used with an existing bottle  12 . The refill cartridge  36  may also be sold with a new bottle  12  and pumping mechanism  22 . In this manner, the bottle  12  may include fluid for dispensing by the pumping mechanism  22 . When the fluid level within the bottle decreases to the point where bottle  12  is effectively empty, the fluid within the on-board refill cartridge  36  may be used to refill the bottle  12 . When the refill cartridge  36  is provided with the new bottle  12 , the abutted flanges  54 ,  45  which overlie the rim of the bottle  12  are secured to the rim by the pump attachment element  30  of the pumping mechanism  22 . The tube  32  of the pumping mechanism  22  is extended through and is thus accommodated by the flow passage  84  of the plug  72  as described above. 
     The use of the refill cartridge  36 , when sold with the new bottle  12  and pumping mechanism  22 , is as follows. When the fluid level in the bottle  12  is sufficiently low, the pumping mechanism  22  is removed from the bottle  12  to provide access to the refill cartridge  36 . In most cases, the fluid within the refill cartridge  36  contains a highly concentrated level of the fluid that was previously in the bottle  12 . The refill cartridge  36  is removed from within the interior of the bottle  12  by grasping the abutted flanges  54 ,  45  which overlie the rim of the bottle  12 . Thereafter, water or other diluting fluid may be filled into the bottle  12  prior to dispensing the fluid within the refill cartridge  36  into the bottle  12 . Typically, if the fluid within the refill cartridge  36  is filled into the bottle  12  prior to filling a diluting fluid in the bottle  12 , the concentrated fluid emptied into the bottle  12  will begin to bubble as the diluting fluid is filled into the bottle  12 . Therefore, it may be desirable to fill the diluting fluid into the bottle  12  prior to filling the concentrated fluid from the refill cartridge  36  into the bottle  12 . To this end, the bottle  12  may include a marking to indicate how much diluting fluid is required for use with the concentrated fluid. 
     After the diluting fluid is sufficiently filled within the bottle  12 , the cartridge  36  is reinserted into the bottle  12  by passing it through the bottle opening and resting the abutted flanges  54 ,  45  upon the bottle rim which defines the bottle opening, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The concentrated fluid within the refill cartridge  36  may then be dispensed into the bottle  12 . To dispense the fluid within the refill cartridge  36 , the plug neck  74  is pushed by a user from the sealing position toward the dispensing position. More specifically, the distal end  77  is pushed by a user toward the cap base  56 . In this regard, the fluid tight seal between the flared portion  78  and the projection  47  is broken, thereby allowing the fluid within the refill cartridge  36  to exit the cartridge reservoir  40  via the second opening  46  and into the bottle  12 . After the fluid is dispensed into the bottle  12 , the pumping mechanism  22  is reattached to the bottle  12 . At this point, the refill cartridge  36  does not have to be disposed within the bottle  12 , but rather can be removed in the aforementioned manner and discarded. After the pumping mechanism  22  is connected to the bottle  12 , the user may then shake the bottle  12  to mix the highly concentrated fluid with the diluting fluid. Once the fluids are mixed, the spray bottle assembly  10  may be used to dispense the fluid. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , a contemplated refill cartridge  136  may be substituted for the above-described refill cartridge  36 . The refill cartridge  136  includes a cartridge body  138  defining a reservoir  140  configured to store fluid. In this manner, the cartridge body  138  is preferably formed of a fluid impermeable material, such as plastic or rubber. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the cartridge body  138  has a substantially cylindrical configuration, and includes a side wall  142 , a bottom wall  144  which is integrally connected to one end of the side wall  142 , and a top wall (not shown) which is integrally connected to the remaining end of the side wall  142 . Formed in the side wall  142  of the cartridge body  138  is an elongate channel  146  which extends from the bottom wall  144  to the top wall. The channel  146  is used for reasons which will be described in more detail below. 
     It addition to the cartridge body  138 , the refill cartridge  132  includes a cap  150  that is attached to the top wall of the cartridge body  138 . The cap  150  is sized so as to include a peripheral portion which protrudes radially outward relative to the outer surface of the side wall  142  of the cartridge body  138 . The cap  150  also includes an elongate slot  152  formed therein which communicates with the channel  146  in the manner shown in  FIG. 14 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the cartridge body  138  may be formed so as not to include the top wall, with the cap  150  being integrally connected to the side wall  142  such that the slot  152  communicates with the channel  146  in the aforementioned manner. 
     As is further shown in  FIG. 14 , it is contemplated that the bottom wall  144  may include a ring-like projection  166  which extends therefrom and is offset from the center thereof. The projection  166  defines an opening that extends through the bottom wall  144  and fluidly communicates with the reservoir  140  of the cartridge body  138 . In this regard, the refill cartridge  136  may be filled with the fluid via the opening of the projection  166 , with such opening being sealed with a suitable plug once the reservoir  140  is filled with the fluid. 
     When sold with the bottle  12 , the refill cartridge  136  resides within the reservoir  16  of the bottle  12 , with the peripheral portion of the cap  150  which overhangs the cartridge body  138  resting on the rim of the bottle  12  in the same manner as the flange  45  of the above-described refill cartridge  36 . The attachment of the pumping mechanism  22  to the bottle  12  effectively compresses the peripheral portion of the cap  150  between the pump attachment element  30  and the rim, thus securing the refill cartridge  136  to the bottle  12 . At the same time, the tube  32  of the pumping mechanism  22  is accommodated by the channel  146  and the slot  152  within the cap  150 , the tube  32  extending through the refill cartridge  136 . 
     When the fluid level in the bottle  12  is sufficiently low, the pumping mechanism  22  is removed from the bottle  12  to provide access to the refill cartridge  136 . The refill cartridge  136  is removed from within the interior of the bottle  12  by grasping the peripheral portion of the cap  150  which overlies the rim of the bottle  12 . Thereafter, water or other diluting fluid may be filled into the bottle  12  prior to dispensing the fluid within the refill cartridge  136  into the bottle  12 . After the diluting fluid is sufficiently filled within the bottle  12 , the plug is removed from within the projection  166 , with the contents of the refill cartridge  136  thereafter being poured into the diluting fluid within the bottle  12 . After the concentrated fluid is dispensed into the bottle  12 , the pumping mechanism  22  is reattached to the bottle  12 . At this point, the refill cartridge  136  does not have to be disposed within the bottle  12 , but rather can be discarded. After the pumping mechanism  22  is reattached to the bottle  12 , the user may then shake the bottle  12  to mix the highly concentrated fluid with the diluting fluid. Once the fluids are mixed, the spray bottle assembly  10  may be used to dispense the fluid. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate another contemplated spray bottle assembly  100  constructed in accordance with a contemplated embodiment. The spray bottle assembly  100  may be used to easily dispense fluids, such as cleaning fluids, detergents, cosmetic fluids, perfumes, or other suitable fluids. As described in more detail below, the spray bottle assembly  100  includes a pumping mechanism  122 , a bottle  112  and a refill cartridge  136  that is disposable within the bottle  112 . It is contemplated that the refill cartridge  136  may be packaged within the bottle  112  for sale. The easy-to-use configuration of the refill cartridge  136  allows for simple refilling of the bottle  112 , thereby extending the usage of the bottle  112 , which provides environmental and economic advantages. In the embodiment, the release mechanism comprises a release tube  172 , wherein when the release tube  172  is in the closed position ( FIG. 15 ), the chemical agent  190  remains in the refill cartridge  136 . When the release tube  173  is in the open position ( FIG. 16 ), the chemical agent  190  is dispersed into the bottle  112 . In these embodiments, the user (not shown) needs to only press down on the top of the release tube  172 , in order to move it to the open position  173  and disperse the chemical agent  190 . When the bottle is empty, the release tube can be reengaged by pressing up on the release tube in the open position  173  to move it back to the closed position  172 . Additional chemical agent (not shown) can then be added to the refill cartridge  136  by removing the lid  137 . 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate another contemplated spray bottle assembly  100  constructed in accordance with a contemplated embodiment. The spray bottle assembly  100  may be used to easily dispense fluids, such as cleaning fluids, detergents, cosmetic fluids, perfumes, or other suitable fluids. As described in more detail below, the spray bottle assembly  100  includes a pumping mechanism  122 , a bottle  112  and a refill cartridge  136  that is disposable onto the bottle  112 . It is contemplated that the refill cartridge  136  may be packaged on the bottle  112  for sale. The easy-to-use configuration of the refill cartridge  136  allows for simple refilling of the bottle  112 , thereby extending the usage of the bottle  112 , which provides environmental and economic advantages. In the embodiment, the release mechanism comprises a release strip  172 , wherein when the release strip  172  is in the closed position, the chemical agent  190  remains in the refill cartridge  136 . When the release strip  172  is pulled out (not shown), the chemical agent  190  is dispersed into the bottle  112 . In these embodiments, the user (not shown) needs to only slide  181  the refill cartridge  136  on to the bottom of the bottle  112 . Once the release strip  172  is removed, the refill cartridge  136  is open to the bottle  112  and the chemical agent  190  can freely flow within both the refill cartridge  136  and the bottle  112 . 
     Thus, specific embodiments and applications of containment vessels, spray bottles and refill components for use with corresponding spray bottles, along with their methods of use have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.