Patent Publication Number: US-11033091-B2

Title: Dispensing system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/719,749 filed on Aug. 20, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/859,748 filed on Jun. 11, 2019, each which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to dispensing cases and products and, in particular, deodorant dispensing products having replaceable deodorant cartridges. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is believed that disposable deodorant products have been widely available since the emergence of plastic compounds in the late 1900s. A large number of these products are comprised of either a plastic rollerball set into a plastic cylinder to dispense a liquid deodorant or a threaded, plastic spindle set into a plastic cylinder to extend a solid deodorant puck via turning of a dial. Such deodorant products are typically not reusable, requiring users to dispose of them when they deplete of deodorant. Such disposal negatively impacts the environment, is uneconomical and leads to substantial waste, both during the manufacturing process and by the end user. While manufacturers have developed reusable deodorant cases with replaceable deodorant cartridges, there is a need for a simpler design that permits easy installation and removal of deodorant cartridges from deodorant cases. There is also a need for a reusable deodorant system that prevents damage to internal components that may otherwise occur from over extension or retraction of the deodorant. There is also a need for a reusable deodorant case with an easy to use and reliable closure system for the system&#39;s cap/cover, a case that can be used to dispense other materials such as, for example, soap, glue, etc. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Applicant has invented new and useful systems for dispensing a product (such as a deodorant, lipstick, soap, perfume, glue stick, solid paint stick, a cleaning product, etc.) using cases and replaceable cartridges that may be easily inserted into and removed from the cases. The inventive systems described herein reduce waste and costs by allowing users to retain cases and purchase cartridges for a lower price compared to currently available disposable products. They also provide users with flexibility by allowing for the purchase of multiple cartridges having different attributes and/or other properties (such as different scents for disposable deodorant cartridges). This may be particularly advantageous when multiple users of the dispensing systems, such as multiple members of a family, desire different attributes or properties of a cartridge (such as different deodorants with respect to deodorant cartridges), or when a single user desires to use different cartridges at different times. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a mechanism whereby internal components of cases and/or cartridges may be protected from damage that would otherwise occur when a user attempts to extend a product too far out of a case or retract the product to far into the case, such as, for example, when a user finishes application of a deodorant. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a reusable deodorant case including a body having a distal end and an inner surface provided with at least one longitudinally extending cartridge-receipt groove, and a dial rotatably coupled to the distal end of the body. The system also includes a deodorant cartridge including a sleeve removeably positioned within the body of the deodorant case and having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding rail for slideably mating with the at least one cartridge-receipt groove on the inner surface of the case body, the inner surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding groove extending longitudinally from the distal end of the sleeve to a terminating end of the at least one guiding groove, a length of the at least one guiding groove being less than the longitudinal length of the sleeve; a solid deodorant puck positioned within the sleeve; a platform having a longitudinal bore provided with bore threads and at least one projecting tab for slideably mating with the at least one guiding groove of the sleeve; a bottom cap having a longitudinal bore, the bottom cap being coupled to the distal end of the sleeve, and a cylindrical spindle having an outer surface provided with surface threads and an operating end removably coupled to the dial of the deodorant case, the spindle extending through the longitudinal bore of the platform and the longitudinal bore of the bottom cap, the surface threads of the spindle screwably engaging the bore threads of the platform. When the dial of the case is rotated along a first rotational direction, the platform is advanced toward the proximal end of the sleeve to raise or dispense the deodorant puck upwardly until the at least one tab of the platform contacts the terminal end of the at least one guiding groove of the sleeve. Further rotation of the dial along the same direction after the at least one tab of the platform contacts the terminal end of the at least one guiding groove of the sleeve operates to at least partially eject the deodorant cartridge from the body of the deodorant case. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a removeable cover is positioned over the proximal end of the sleeve covering the deodorant puck. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the sleeve is provided with at least one engagement rib and the inner surface of the body is provided with at least one mating rib structured to snap-fit with the at least one engagement rib for removeably maintaining the deodorant cartridge within the body. 
     In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, the reusable deodorant case further includes a positioning member fixedly coupled to the distal end of the body and enclosed by the dial, the positioning member being structured to bias the dial into a plurality of discrete rotational positions when the dial is rotated. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the positioning member includes at least one detent and at least one leaf-spring coupled to the at least one detent, and the dial includes an inner surface provided with a plurality of circumferentially positioned receptacles. The at least one leaf-spring is structured to bias the at least one detent into a first one of the receptacles to position the dial into a first one of the plurality of discrete rotational positions, and an inner surface of the first receptacle is structured to compress the leaf-spring when the dial is rotated to advance a second one of the receptacles to the detent, thereby positioning the dial into a second one of the plurality of discrete rotational positions. 
     In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one detent is convex in shape and each of the plurality of receptacles is concave in shape. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, interaction of the at least one detent with the plurality of receptacles produces a clicking sound when the dial is rotated. 
     In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, the deodorant dispensing system further includes a top cap removeably coupled to a proximal end of the body of the deodorant case. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the top cap has an inner surface provided with a plurality of channels and the proximal end of the outer surface of the body is provided with a respective plurality of protrusions for slideably engaging the plurality of channels. The plurality of protrusions are advanced within the plurality of channels to bias the top cap in a closed position when the top cap is rotated along a second rotational direction, and the plurality of protrusions are retreated from the plurality of channels for removal of the top cap from the body when the top cap is rotated along the same direction. 
     In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, a deodorant dispensing system is provided. The system includes a reusable deodorant case including a body having a distal end and an inner surface provided with at least one mating groove, a dial rotatably coupled to the distal end of the body, the dial including a clutch receipt structure, and a clutch positioned within the clutch receipt structure of the dial, the clutch including a spindle receipt structure. The system also includes a deodorant cartridge including a sleeve removeably positionable within the body of the deodorant case and having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, an outer surface, an inner surface and a gripping rail, the outer surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding tab for mating with the at least one mating groove of the body, the inner surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding rail extending longitudinally from the distal end of the sleeve to a terminating widened stopper, a length of the at least one guiding rail being less than the longitudinal length of the sleeve, a deodorant puck positioned within the sleeve, a platform having a longitudinal bore provided with bore threads and at least one guiding groove for slideably mating with the at least one guiding rail of the sleeve, a bottom cap having a longitudinal bore, the bottom cap being coupled to the distal end of the sleeve, and a spindle having an outer surface provided with surface threads, an operating end structured to removeably couple to the spindle receipt structure of the clutch, and an operating disc formed integrally with the operating end, the spindle extending through the longitudinal bore of the platform and the longitudinal bore of the bottom cap, the surface threads of the spindle screwably engaging the bore threads of the platform. When the deodorant cartridge is properly inserted within the body of the deodorant case, rotation of the dial along a first predetermined rotational direction operates to advance the platform toward the proximal end of the sleeve to dispense the deodorant puck, and rotation of the dial along a rotational direction opposite to the first predetermined rotational direction operates to retract the platform toward the distal end of the sleeve to retract the deodorant puck. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a removeable cover is positioned over the proximal end of the sleeve for covering the deodorant puck, the removable cover including a lip to facilitate easy gripping by a user. 
     In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one guiding tab of the sleeve is advanced within the at least one mating grove of the body to bias the deodorant cartridge in an inserted position when the deodorant cartridge is rotated along a second rotational direction, and the at least one guiding tab of the sleeve is retreated from the at least one mating grove of the body for removal of the deodorant cartridge from the body when the deodorant cartridge is rotated along a direction opposite to the second rotational direction. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, when the platform is retracted fully toward the distal end of the sleeve and the dial is rotated along a rotational direction opposite to the first predetermined rotational direction, the clutch is structured to cause the dial to rotate freely with respect to the body and without causing rotation of the spindle. 
     In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, the clutch includes at least one biasing leaf having a clutch tab and the clutch receipt structure of the dial includes at least one dial rib, the dial rib engaging the clutch tab when the dial is rotated. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, when the platform is retracted fully toward the distal end of the sleeve and the dial is rotated along a rotational direction opposite to the first predetermined rotational direction, the dial rib urges biasing leafs inwardly toward a center of the clutch until the clutch tab clears the dial rib, thereby permitting free rotation of the dial. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a deodorant dispensing system according to the present invention with a top cap removed. 
         FIG. 2 a    shows an exploded view of a reusable deodorant case according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2 b    shows a different partially exploded view of the reusable deodorant case shown in  FIG. 2   a.    
         FIG. 2 c    shows a sectional view of the reusable deodorant case shown in  FIG. 2   a.    
         FIG. 2 d    shows a top view of the reusable deodorant case shown in  FIG. 2   a.    
         FIG. 2 e    shows a top view of a positioning member according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2 f    shows a side view of the positioning member shown in  FIG. 2   e.    
         FIG. 2 g    shows a top view of a case dial according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2 h    shows a side view of the case dial shown in  FIG. 2   g.    
         FIG. 3 a    shows an exploded view of a replaceable deodorant cartridge according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3 b    shows a sectional view of the replaceable deodorant cartridge shown in  FIG. 3   a.    
         FIG. 4  shows a flowchart detailing operation of a deodorant dispensing system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5 a    shows a sectional view of a deodorant dispensing system according to the present invention with a newly inserted deodorant cartridge. 
         FIG. 5 b    shows the deodorant dispensing system shown in  FIG. 5 a    with the unused deodorant partially dispensed. 
         FIG. 5 c    shows the deodorant dispensing system shown in  FIG. 5 a    with a partially ejected deodorant cartridge. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a deodorant dispensing system according to the present invention with a top cap removed. 
         FIG. 7 a    shows an exploded view of a reusable deodorant case according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7 b    shows a different partially exploded view of the reusable deodorant case shown in  FIG. 7   a.    
         FIG. 7 c    shows a sectional view of the reusable deodorant case shown in  FIG. 7   a.    
         FIG. 7 d    shows a top view of a positioning member according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7 e    shows a side view of the positioning member shown in  FIG. 7   d.    
         FIG. 7 f    shows an exploded perspective view of a case dial and clutch according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7 g    shows a perspective view of the case dial and clutch shown in  FIG. 7   f.    
         FIG. 8 a    shows an exploded view of a replaceable deodorant cartridge according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8 b    shows a sectional view of the replaceable deodorant cartridge shown in  FIG. 8   a.    
         FIG. 8 c    shows a cut-away perspective view of a sleeve and platform of a deodorant cartridge according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows a front perspective view of the outside of a reusable deodorant case according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows a front side view of the outside of a reusable deodorant case according to the present invention, the back side view being a mirror image thereof. 
         FIG. 11  shows a top view of the outside of a reusable deodorant case according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows a right side view of the outside of a reusable deodorant case according to the present invention, the left side view being a mirror image thereof. 
         FIG. 13  shows a bottom view of the outside of a reusable deodorant case according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows a front perspective view of a replaceable deodorant cartridge according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows a front view of a replaceable deodorant cartridge according to the present invention, the back view being a mirror image thereof. 
         FIG. 16  shows a right side view of the replaceable deodorant cartridge according to the present invention, the left side view being a mirror image thereof. 
         FIG. 17  shows a top view of the replaceable deodorant cartridge according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  shows a bottom view of the replaceable deodorant cartridge according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  shows a bottom perspective view of the outside of a replaceable deodorant cartridge according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  shows an alternate mechanism to secure the replaceable deodorant cartridge inside the reusable deodorant case using a threaded connection. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or like reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like features. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, above, below and diagonal, are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such directional terms used in conjunction with the following description of the drawings should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner not explicitly set forth. Additionally, the term “a,” as used in the specification, means “at least one.” The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. “About” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is seen a perspective view of an exemplary deodorant dispensing system  100  according to the present invention. Dispensing system  100  includes reusable deodorant case  200  (with top cap  235 ) and replaceable stick deodorant cartridge  300 . Deodorant dispensing system  100  is operable to dispense a deodorant puck for application by a user. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 a    though  2   d,  there is seen various views of an exemplary reusable deodorant case  200  in accordance with the present invention. Case  200  includes a body  205 , a positioning member  230  positioned at distal end  225  of body  205 , a dial  220  with a spindle receipt structure  222  rotatably coupled to distal end  225  and enclosing positioning member  230 , and a removeable top cap  235  coupled to proximal end  240  of body  205 . 
     Inner surface  210  of body  205  is provided with cartridge-receipt grooves  215  and mating grooves  245  for receiving and maintaining deodorant cartridge  300  within body  205 . Outer surface  250  of body  205  is provided with protrusions  255  structured to mate with respective channels  260  provided on inside surface  265  of top cap  235 . When protrusions  255  are mated with channels  260 , rotation of top cap  235  along predetermined rotational direction  270  causes protrusions  255  to advance within channels  260  and snap-fit with stopper tabs  262  to bias top cap  235  in a closed position, whereas rotation of top cap  235  in the opposite rotational direction causes protrusions  255  to retreat from channels  260  for removal of top cap  235  from body  205 . Alternate closure mechanisms to bias the top cap  235  in a closed position on the proximal end of the body  205 , such as threads, tabs, grooves, and combinations thereof, may used, all which are included within the scope of the invention. Body  205  and/or top cap  235  may also be provided with a sealing feature, such as a ring of rubber or other suitable structure and/or material (not shown), for forming a seal between body  205  and top cap  235  when top cap  235  is rotated into the closing position. In another embodiment, outer surface  250  of body  205  is provided with one or more features to improve grip, such as texturing, rubbering, etc. (not shown). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 e  and 2 f   , there is seen top and side views of positioning member  230 . Positioning member  230  is fixedly coupled to distal end  225  of body  205 . Guiding tabs  232  mate with respective receipt grooves (not shown) on inner surface  210  of body  205  to provide proper orientation of positioning member  230 . Positioning member  230  includes leaf-springs  275  fixed to a support structure  297  and detents  280  positioned at the end of leaf-springs  275 . Leaf-springs  275  bias detents  280  into an opposing pair of receptacles  285  positioned around inner surface  290  of dial  220  (see  FIGS. 2 g  and 2 h    showing top and side views of dial  220 ). Upon rotation of dial  220  with respect to body  205 , the receptacles  285  receiving detents  280  compress leaf-springs  275 , thereby displacing detents  280  toward the center of support structure  297  and advancing an adjacent pair of receptacles  285  to detents  280 . In this manner, positioning member  230  operates to permit dial  220  to be rotated into multiple discrete rotational positions. In one embodiment, leaf-springs  275  and/or detents  280  are structured such that detents  280  and receptacles  285  interact to make a “clicking” sound when dial  220  is rotated into different rotational positions. These embodiments permit deodorant dispensing system  100  to provide tactile and audible feedback and, more generally, a better user experience. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b   , there is seen exploded and sectional views of an exemplary deodorant cartridge  300  in accordance with the present invention. Deodorant cartridge  300  includes a sleeve  305 , a platform  310  and a deodorant puck  315  positioned within sleeve  305 , a terminating bottom cap  320  coupled to distal end  355  of sleeve  305 , a cylindrical spindle  325  penetrating platform  310  and bottom cap  320  and partially disposed within sleeve  305 , and a removable cover  395  (may be disposable) positioned over proximal end  365  of sleeve  305  for covering and protecting deodorant puck  315  before or after use. 
     Outer surface  330  of sleeve  305  is provided with guiding rails  335  that mate with cartridge-receipt grooves  215  to permit deodorant cartridge  300  to be inserted within and removed from body  205  of reusable case  200 . When fully and properly inserted, engagement ribs  370  snap-fit with mating grooves  245  of body  205  for removably maintaining cartridge  300  within case  200 . To permit platform  310  to slide within sleeve  305  in guided fashion for dispensing deodorant puck  315 , inner surface  340  of sleeve  305  is provided with guiding grooves  345  that receive tabs  312  of platform  310 . Stoppers  350  are positioned adjacent to guiding grooves  345  for preventing platform  310  from sliding too far toward distal end  355  of sleeve  305 , whereas terminal ends  360  of guiding grooves  345  prevent platform  310  from sliding out of proximal end  365  of sleeve  305 . 
     Spindle  325  is provided with surface threads  385  that screwably engage bore threads  380  within a central bore  375  of platform  310 . Spindle  325  is also provided with an operating end  390  structured to removably mate with spindle receipt structure  222  of dial  220  of case  200  for rotation of spindle  325  along a predetermined rotational direction  397 . Rotation of spindle  325  along predetermined rotational direction  397  causes platform  310  to advance toward proximal end  365  of sleeve  305  in controllable fashion for dispensing deodorant puck  315 , whereas rotation of spindle  325  along the opposite rotational direction causes platform  310  and deodorant puck  315  to retract within sleeve  305 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is seen a process  400  detailing typical operation of deodorant dispensing system  100  by a user. Process  400  begins at step  405  and proceeds to step  410 , at which the user inserts a new deodorant cartridge  300  into body  205  of case  200  until engagement ribs  370  of sleeve  305  snap-fit with mating grooves  245  of body  205  (see  FIG. 5 a    showing a sectional view of deodorant dispensing system  100  with a newly inserted cartridge  300 ). After insertion of cartridge  300 , the user removes removable cover  395 , after which process  400  proceeds to step  415 . At step  415 , the user rotates dial  220  along predetermined rotational direction  397  to advance platform  310  toward proximal end  365  of sleeve  305  to dispense deodorant puck  315  for use (see  FIG. 5 b    showing a sectional view of deodorant dispensing system  100  with a partially dispensed deodorant puck  315 ). As deodorant dispensing system  100  is used and operated over time, deodorant puck  315  is depleted, thereby requiring the user to periodically operate dial  220  to advance more of unused deodorant puck  315 . Deodorant puck  315  may be advanced in this manner until tabs  312  of platform  310  abut terminal ends  360  of guiding grooves  345 , at which time process  400  proceeds to step  420  signifying depletion of deodorant puck  315 . At step  425  the user removes spent cartridge  300  from case  200 . To remove cartridge  300 , the user continues to rotate dial  220  along predetermined rotational direction  397  while tabs  312  of platform  310  abut terminal ends  360  of guiding grooves  345 . Since terminal ends  360  prevent further advancement of platform  310  within sleeve  305 , such rotation causes spindle  325  to produce a downward force on spindle receipt structure  222  of dial  220 . This, in turn, produces and equal and opposite upward force on sleeve  305  against resistance created by the snap-fit between engagement ribs  370  and mating ribs  245  of body  205 . Further rotation of dial  220  increases the upward force until this resistance is overcome, thereby causing cartridge  300  to partially eject from case  200  (see  FIG. 5 c    showing a sectional view of deodorant dispensing system  100  with a partially ejected deodorant cartridge  300 ). The user may then grip proximal end  365  of sleeve  305  to remove cartridge  300  fully from case  200 . In another embodiment, proximal end  240  of body  205  is provided with one or more cutouts that expose more of outer surface  330  of sleeve  305 , thereby assisting the user in gripping cartridge  300  for removal thereof. The process then ends at step  430 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is seen a perspective view of another exemplary deodorant dispensing system  600  according to the present invention. Dispensing system  600  includes reusable deodorant case  700  (with top cap  735 ) and replaceable stick deodorant cartridge  800 . Deodorant dispensing system  100  is operable to dispense a deodorant puck for application by a user. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 a    though  7   c,  there is seen various views of an exemplary reusable deodorant case  700  in accordance with the present invention. Case  700  includes a body  705 , a positioning member  730  positioned at distal end  725  of body  705 , a dial  720  with a clutch receipt structure  722  rotatably coupled to distal end  725  and enclosing positioning member  730 , a clutch  510  positioned rotatably within clutch receipt structure  722  and a removeable top cap  735  coupled to proximal end  740  of body  705 . 
     Inner surface  710  of body  705  is provided with mating channels  515  for receiving and maintaining deodorant cartridge  800  within body  705 . Outer surface  750  of body  705  is provided with protrusions  755  structured to mate with respective channels  760  provided on inside surface  765  of top cap  735 . When protrusions  755  are mated with channels  760 , rotation of top cap  735  along a predetermined rotational direction causes protrusions  755  to advance within channels  760  and snap-fit with stopper tabs  762  to bias top cap  735  in a closed position, whereas rotation of top cap  735  in the opposite rotational direction causes protrusions  755  to retreat from channels  760  for removal of top cap  735  from body  705 . Alternate closure mechanisms to bias top cap  735  in the closed position, such as threads, tabs, grooves, and combinations thereof, may also be used, all which are included within the scope of the present invention. Body  705  and/or top cap  735  may also be provided with a sealing feature, such as a ring of rubber or other suitable structure and/or material (not shown), for forming a seal between body  705  and top cap  735  when top cap  735  is rotated into the closing position. In another embodiment, outer surface  750  of body  705  is provided with one or more features to improve grip, such as texturing, rubbering, etc. (not shown). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 d  and 7 e   , there is seen top and side views of positioning member  730 . Positioning member  730  is fixedly coupled to distal end  725  of body  705 . Guiding tabs  732  mate with respective receipt grooves (not shown) on inner surface  710  of body  705  to provide proper orientation of positioning member  730 . Positioning member  730  includes a leaf-spring  775  fixed to a support structure  797  and a detent  780  positioned at the end of leaf-spring  775 . Leaf-spring  775  biases detent  780  into one of receptacles  785  positioned around inner surface  790  of dial. Upon rotation of dial  720  with respect to body  705 , the receptacle  785  receiving detent  780  compresses leaf-spring  775 , thereby displacing detent  780  toward the center of support structure  797  and advancing an adjacent receptacle  785  to detent  780 . In this manner, positioning member  730  operates to permit dial  720  to be rotated into multiple discrete rotational positions. Similar to the embodiment described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 through 3   b,  leaf-spring  775  and/or detent  780  may be structured to interact for making a “clicking” sound when dial  720  is rotated. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 a    through  8   c,  there is seen exploded and sectional views of an exemplary deodorant cartridge  800  for use with reusable deodorant case  700 . Deodorant cartridge  800  includes a sleeve  805 , a platform  810  and a deodorant puck  815  positioned within sleeve  805 , a terminating bottom cap  820  coupled to distal end  855  of sleeve  805 , a spindle  825  penetrating platform  810  and disposed partially within sleeve  805 , and a removable cover  895  (may be disposable) positioned over proximal end  865  of sleeve  805  for covering and protecting deodorant puck  815  before or after use. Removable cover  895  is provided with a lip  560  for easy gripping by a user. 
     Outer surface  830  of sleeve  805  is provided with a circumferential griping rail  525  and guiding tabs  835  that mate with respective mating channels  515  to permit deodorant cartridge  800  to be inserted within and removed from body  705  of reusable case  700  in a manner similar to how top cap  735  is mated with body  705 . More specifically, when guiding tabs  835  are mated with mating channels  515  of body  705 , rotation of cartridge  800  along a predetermined rotational direction causes guiding tabs  835  to advance within mating channels  515  and snap-fit with stopper tabs  520  to bias cartridge  800  in a closed (inserted) position, whereas rotation of cartridge  800  in the opposite rotational direction causes guiding tabs  835  to retreat from mating channels  515  for removal of cartridge  800  from body  705 . Circumferential griping rail  525  facilitates insertion and removal of cartridge  800  by providing an accessible surface to be grasped easily by a user. It should be appreciated that alternate closure mechanisms for cartridge  800  may be used, such as, for example, threads, tabs, grooves, and combinations thereof. 
     To permit platform  810  to slide within sleeve  805  in guided fashion for dispensing deodorant puck  815 , inner surface  840  of sleeve  805  is provided with guiding rails  845  for mating with respective guiding grooves  530  of platform  810 . Guiding rails  845  are provided with widened stoppers  850  for preventing platform  810  from sliding too far toward (or out of) proximal end  865  of sleeve  805 . 
     Spindle  825  is provided with surface threads  885  that screwably engage bore threads  880  within a central bore  875  of platform  810 . Spindle  825  is also provided with an operating end  890  structured to removably mate with dial  720  of case  700  (via clutch  510 ) for rotation of spindle  825 , in a manner more fully described below. A guide disc  535  formed integrally with operating end  890  snap fits into distal end  855  of cartridge  800  in rotational fashion to maintain spindle  825  in proper orientation and to prevent it from moving longitudinally with respect to sleeve  805 . In operation, rotation of spindle  825  along predetermined rotational direction  897  (via dial  720  of case  700 ) causes platform  810  to advance toward proximal end  865  of sleeve  805  in controllable fashion for dispensing deodorant puck  815 , whereas rotation of spindle  825  along the opposite rotational direction causes platform  810  and deodorant puck  815  to retract within sleeve  805 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 f  and 7 g   , clutch  510  is disposed between spindle  825  and clutch receipt structure  722  of dial  720 . Clutch  510  includes a spindle receipt receptacle  540  for receiving operating end  890  of spindle  825 , biasing leafs  545 , and clutch tabs  550  for engaging dial ribs  555  of clutch receipt structure  722 . In operation, rotation of dial  720  along either rotational direction causes dial ribs  555  to engage clutch tabs  550  which, in turn, causes rotation of clutch  510  and spindle  825  for advancement or retraction of deodorant puck  815  in normal fashion. To the extent a user rotates dial  720  to fully retract platform  810  and deodorant puck  815  within cartridge  800 , such that the bottom of platform  810  engages operating disk  535  of spindle  825 , further rotation of spindle  825  (and clutch  510 ) along the same rotational direction is prevented. Continued rotation of dial  720  along the same rotational direction causes dial ribs  555  to engage ramped portions  552  of clutch tabs  550  with increasing force, thereby urging biasing leafs  545  inwardly toward the center of clutch  510  until clutch tabs  550  clear the engaging dial ribs  555 . This, in turn, causes free rotation of dial  720  for a short distance until biasing leafs  545  bias clutch tabs  550  back into original position between adjacent pairs of dial ribs  555  (which may produce an audible snap or clicking sound). Continued rotation of dial  720  along the same direction produces a similar result and allows dial  720  to rotate freely without a commensurate rotation of spindle  825 . In this manner, clutch  510  prevents an excessive and potentially damaging torque from being applied to spindle  825  by over rotation of dial  720 . It should be appreciated that clutch  510  may be designed to also prevent over extension of platform  810 , such as, for example, by providing clutch tabs  550  with ramped portions on both sides. It should also be appreciated that the materials used to design clutch  510  (with biasing leafs  545 ) and the thickness or other design parameters of biasing leafs  545  may be selected to allow for a desired amount of torque to be reached before allowing free rotation of dial  720 . 
     The various different elements of deodorant dispensing systems  100  and  600  described above may be constructed as unitary pieces or from multiple pieces, and may be manufactured (such as via casting or 3D printing) or handcrafted from any material(s) of sufficient strength and stiffness to enable the elements of dispensing systems  100  and  600  to operate as described herein, such as metal (e.g., titanium, precious metals), silicone, plastic, resin, composites, non-corrosive materials, hypoallergenic materials, etc. Dispensing systems  100  and  600  may also be customized to exhibit personalized aesthetic features selected by a user, such as, for example, by imprinting user-selected graphics on the outside of cases  200  and/or  700 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9  though  13 , there is seen the outside appearance of the reusable deodorant case according to the present invention.  FIG. 9  shows a front perspective view of the outside of a reusable deodorant case.  FIG. 10  shows a front side view of the outside of a reusable deodorant case, the back side view being a mirror image thereof.  FIG. 11  shows a top view of the outside of a reusable deodorant case.  FIG. 12  shows a right side view of the outside of a reusable deodorant case, the left side view being a mirror image thereof.  FIG. 13  shows a bottom view of the outside of a reusable deodorant case. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14  though  19 , there is seen the outside appearance of the replaceable deodorant cartridge according to the present invention.  FIG. 14  shows a front perspective view of a replaceable deodorant cartridge.  FIG. 15  shows a front view of a replaceable deodorant cartridge, the back view being a mirror image thereof.  FIG. 16  shows a right side view of the replaceable deodorant cartridge, the left side view being a mirror image thereof.  FIG. 17  shows a top view of the replaceable deodorant cartridge and  FIG. 18  shows a bottom view.  FIG. 19  shows a bottom perspective view of the outside of a replaceable deodorant cartridge. 
       FIG. 20  shows an alternate mechanism to secure the replaceable deodorant cartridge inside the reusable deodorant case using a threaded connection. 
     The invention includes deodorant dispensing system comprising:
         a reusable deodorant case including a body having a distal end and an inner surface provided with at least one longitudinally extending cartridge-receipt groove, and a dial rotatably coupled to the distal end of the body; and   a deodorant cartridge including
           a sleeve removeably positionable within the body of the deodorant case and having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding rail for slideably mating with the at least one cartridge-receipt groove on the inner surface of the body, the inner surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding groove extending longitudinally from the distal end of the sleeve to a terminating end of the at least one guiding groove, a length of the at least one guiding groove being less than the longitudinal length of the sleeve;   a deodorant puck positioned within the sleeve;   a platform having a longitudinal bore provided with bore threads and at least one projecting tab for slideably mating with the at least one guiding groove of the sleeve;   a bottom cap having a longitudinal bore, the bottom cap being coupled to the distal end of the sleeve, and   a cylindrical spindle having an outer surface provided with surface threads and an operating end structured to removeably couple to the dial of the deodorant case, the spindle extending through the longitudinal bore of the platform and the longitudinal bore of the bottom cap, the surface threads of the spindle screwably engaging the bore threads of the platform,   
           wherein, when the deodorant cartridge is properly inserted within the body of the deodorant case, rotation of the dial along a first predetermined rotational direction operates to advance the platform toward the proximal end of the sleeve to dispense the deodorant puck until the at least one tab of the platform contacts the terminal end of the at least one guiding groove of the sleeve, and   wherein further rotation of the dial along the first predetermined rotational direction after the at least one tab of the platform contacts the terminal end of the at least one guiding groove of the sleeve operates to at least partially eject the deodorant cartridge from the body of the deodorant case.       

     The invention is further a deodorant system as set forth above in paragraph 81, further comprising a removeable cover structured to be positioned over the proximal end of the sleeve for covering the deodorant puck. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system as set forth above in paragraph 81, wherein the outer surface of the sleeve is provided with at least one engagement rib and the inner surface of the body is provided with at least one mating rib structured to snap-fit with the at least one engagement rib for removeably maintaining the deodorant cartridge within the body. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system as set forth above in paragraph 81, 
     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 81, wherein the reusable deodorant case further includes a positioning member fixedly coupled to the distal end of the body and enclosed by the dial, the positioning member being structured to bias the dial into a plurality of discrete rotational positions when the dial is rotated. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 84, wherein the positioning member includes at least one detent and at least one leaf-spring coupled to the at least one detent, and the dial includes an inner surface provided with a plurality of circumferentially positioned receptacles,
         wherein the at least one leaf-spring is structured to bias the at least one detent into a first one of the receptacles to position the dial into a first one of the plurality of discrete rotational positions, and   wherein an inner surface of the first receptacle is structured to compress the leaf-spring when the dial is rotated to advance a second one of the receptacles to the detent, thereby positioning the dial into a second one of the plurality of discrete rotational positions.       

     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 85, wherein the at least one detent is convex in shape and each of the plurality of receptacles is concave in shape. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 86, wherein interaction of the at least one detent with the plurality of receptacles produces a clicking sound when the dial is rotated. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 81, further comprising a top cap structured to removeably couple to a proximal end of the body of the deodorant case. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 88, wherein the top cap has an inner surface provided with a plurality of channels and the outer surface of the body at a proximal end of the body is provided with a respective plurality of protrusions for slideably engaging the plurality of channels,
         wherein the plurality of protrusions are advanced within the plurality of channels to bias the top cap in a closed position when the top cap is rotated along a second rotational direction, and the plurality of protrusions are retreated from the plurality of channels for removal of the top cap from the body when the top cap is rotated along a direction opposite to the second rotational direction.       

     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case for use with a deodorant cartridge, the deodorant cartridge including a sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding rail, the inner surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding groove extending longitudinally from the distal end of the sleeve to a terminating end of the at least one guiding groove, a length of the at least one guiding groove being less than the longitudinal length of the sleeve; a deodorant puck positioned within the sleeve; a platform having a longitudinal bore provided with bore threads and at least one projecting tab for slideably mating with the at least one guiding groove of the sleeve; a bottom cap having a longitudinal bore, the bottom cap being coupled to the distal end of the sleeve, and a cylindrical spindle having an outer surface provided with surface threads and an operating end removably coupled to the dial of the deodorant case, the spindle extending through the longitudinal bore of the platform and the longitudinal bore of the bottom cap, the surface threads of the spindle screwably engaging the bore threads of the platform, the reusable deodorant case comprising:
         a body having a distal end and an inner surface provided with at least one longitudinally extending cartridge-receipt groove structured to slideably receive the at least one guiding rail of the sleeve of the deodorant cartridge; and   a dial rotatably coupled to the distal end of the body and structured to removably couple to the operating end of the spindle when the deodorant cartridge is positioned within the body.       

     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 90, wherein, when the deodorant cartridge is positioned within the body, rotation of the dial along a first predetermined rotational direction advances the platform of the deodorant cartridge toward the proximal end of the sleeve to dispense the deodorant puck until the at least one tab of the platform contacts the terminal end of the at least one guiding groove of the sleeve of the deodorant cartridge, and
         wherein further rotation of the dial along the first predetermined rotational direction after the at least one tab of the platform contacts the terminal end of the at least one guiding groove of the sleeve is operable to at least partially eject the deodorant cartridge from the body.       

     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 90, wherein the inner surface of the body is provided with at least one mating rib structured to snap-fit with at least one engagement rib provided on the outer surface of the sleeve of the deodorant cartridge for removeably maintaining the deodorant cartridge within the body.
         The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 90, further comprising a positioning member fixedly coupled to the distal end of the body and enclosed by the dial, the positioning member being structured to bias the dial into a plurality of discrete rotational positions as the dial is rotated.       

     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 93, wherein the positioning member includes at least one detent and at least one leaf-spring coupled to the at least one detent, and the dial includes an inner surface provided with a plurality of circumferentially positioned receptacles,
         wherein the at least one leaf-spring is structured to bias the at least one detent into a first one of the receptacles to position the dial into a first one of the plurality of discrete rotational positions, and   wherein an inner surface of the first receptacle is structured to compress the leaf-spring when the dial is rotated to advance a second one of the receptacles to the detent, thereby positioning the dial into a second one of the plurality of discrete rotational positions.       

     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 94, wherein the at least one detent is convex in shape and each of the plurality of receptacles is concave in shape. 
     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 90, further comprising a top cap structured to removeably couple to a proximal end of the body. 
     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 96, wherein the top cap has an inner surface provided with a plurality of channels and the outer surface of the body at a proximal end of the body is provided with a respective plurality of protrusions slideably engaging the plurality of channels,
         wherein the plurality of protrusions are advanced within the plurality of channels to bias the top cap in a closed position when the top cap is rotated along a second rotational direction, and the plurality of protrusions are retreated from the plurality of channels for removal of the top cap from the body when the top cap is rotated along a direction opposite to the second rotational direction.       

     The invention is further a deodorant cartridge for use with a reusable deodorant case, the case having a body with at least one cartridge-receipt groove and a rotatable dial, the deodorant cartridge comprising:
         a sleeve configured to be removeably positioned within the body of the deodorant case, the sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding rail for slideably mating with the at least one cartridge-receipt groove on the inner surface of the body, the inner surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding groove extending longitudinally from the distal end of the sleeve to a terminating end of the at least one guiding groove, a length of the at least one guiding groove being less than the longitudinal length of the sleeve;   a deodorant puck positioned within the sleeve;   a platform having a longitudinal bore provided with bore threads and at least one projecting tab for slideably mating with the at least one guiding groove of the sleeve;   a bottom cap having a longitudinal bore, the bottom cap being coupled to the distal end of the sleeve; and   a cylindrical spindle having an outer surface provided with surface threads and an operating end structured to removably couple to the dial of the deodorant case, the spindle extending through the longitudinal bore of the platform and the longitudinal bore of the bottom cap, the surface threads of the spindle screwably engaging the bore threads of the platform,   wherein the platform is operable to advance toward the proximal end of the sleeve to dispense the deodorant puck when the spindle is rotated along a first predetermined rotational direction.       

     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 98, further comprising a removeable cover structured to be positioned over the proximal end of the sleeve for covering the deodorant puck. 
     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 98, wherein the outer surface of the sleeve is provided with at least one engagement rib structured to snap-fit with a mating rib of the body of the reusable deodorant case for removeably maintaining the sleeve within the body. 
     The invention is further a deodorant dispensing system, comprising:
         a reusable deodorant case including
           a body having a distal end and an inner surface provided with at least one mating groove,   a dial rotatably coupled to the distal end of the body, the dial including a clutch receipt structure, and   a clutch positioned within the clutch receipt structure of the dial, the clutch including a spindle receipt structure; and   
           a deodorant cartridge including
           a sleeve removeably positionable within the body of the deodorant case and having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, an outer surface, an inner surface and a gripping rail, the outer surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding tab for mating with the at least one mating groove of the body, the inner surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding rail extending longitudinally from the distal end of the sleeve to a terminating widened stopper, a length of the at least one guiding rail being less than the longitudinal length of the sleeve,   a deodorant puck positioned within the sleeve,   a platform having a longitudinal bore provided with bore threads and at least one guiding groove for slideably mating with the at least one guiding rail of the sleeve,   a bottom cap having a longitudinal bore, the bottom cap being coupled to the distal end of the sleeve, and   a spindle having an outer surface provided with surface threads, an operating end structured to removeably couple to the spindle receipt structure of the clutch, and an operating disc formed integrally with the operating end, the spindle extending through the longitudinal bore of the platform and the longitudinal bore of the bottom cap, the surface threads of the spindle screwably engaging the bore threads of the platform,   
           wherein, when the deodorant cartridge is properly inserted within the body of the deodorant case, rotation of the dial along a first predetermined rotational direction operates to advance the platform toward the proximal end of the sleeve to dispense the deodorant puck, and   wherein rotation of the dial along a rotational direction opposite to the first predetermined rotational direction operates to retract the platform toward the distal end of the sleeve to retract the deodorant puck.       

     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 101, further comprising a removeable cover structured to be positioned over the proximal end of the sleeve for covering the deodorant puck, the removable cover including a lip to facilitate easy gripping by a user. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 101, wherein the at least one guiding tab of the sleeve is advanced within the at least one mating grove of the body to bias the deodorant cartridge in an inserted position when the deodorant cartridge is rotated along a second rotational direction, and the at least one guiding tab of the sleeve is retreated from the at least one mating grove of the body for removal of the deodorant cartridge from the body when the deodorant cartridge is rotated along a direction opposite to the second rotational direction. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 101, wherein the reusable deodorant case further includes a positioning member fixedly coupled to the distal end of the body and enclosed by the dial, the positioning member being structured to bias the dial into a plurality of discrete rotational positions when the dial is rotated. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 104, wherein the positioning member includes at least one detent and at least one leaf-spring coupled to the at least one detent, and the dial includes an inner surface provided with a plurality of circumferentially positioned receptacles,
         wherein the at least one leaf-spring is structured to bias the at least one detent into a first one of the receptacles to position the dial into a first one of the plurality of discrete rotational positions, and   wherein an inner surface of the first receptacle is structured to compress the leaf-spring when the dial is rotated to advance a second one of the receptacles to the detent, thereby positioning the dial into a second one of the plurality of discrete rotational positions.       

     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 105, wherein the at least one detent is convex in shape and each of the plurality of receptacles is concave in shape. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 106, wherein interaction of the at least one detent with the plurality of receptacles produces a clicking sound when the dial is rotated. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 101, further comprising a top cap structured to removeably couple to a proximal end of the body of the deodorant case. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 108, wherein the top cap has an inner surface provided with a plurality of channels and the outer surface of the body at a proximal end of the body is provided with a respective plurality of protrusions for slideably engaging the plurality of channels,
         wherein the plurality of protrusions are advanced within the plurality of channels to bias the top cap in a closed position when the top cap is rotated along a second rotational direction, and the plurality of protrusions are retreated from the plurality of channels for removal of the top cap from the body when the top cap is rotated along a direction opposite to the second rotational direction.       

     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 101, wherein, when the platform is retracted fully toward the distal end of the sleeve and the dial is rotated along a rotational direction opposite to the first predetermined rotational direction, the clutch is structured to cause the dial to rotate freely with respect to the body and without causing rotation of the spindle. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 110, wherein the clutch includes at least one biasing leaf having a clutch tab and the clutch receipt structure of the dial includes at least one dial rib, the dial rib engaging the clutch tab when the dial is rotated. 
     The invention is further a deodorant system of paragraph 111, wherein, when the platform is retracted fully toward the distal end of the sleeve and the dial is rotated along a rotational direction opposite to the first predetermined rotational direction, the dial rib urges biasing leafs inwardly toward a center of the clutch until the clutch tab clears the dial rib, thereby permitting free rotation of the dial. 
     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case for use with a deodorant cartridge, the deodorant cartridge including a sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, an outer surface, an inner surface and a gripping rail, the outer surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding tab, the inner surface of the sleeve being provided with at least one guiding rail extending longitudinally from the distal end of the sleeve to a terminating widened stopper, a length of the at least one guiding rail being less than the longitudinal length of the sleeve; a deodorant puck positioned within the sleeve; a platform having a longitudinal bore provided with bore threads and at least one guiding groove for slideably mating with the at least one guiding rail of the sleeve; a bottom cap having a longitudinal bore, the bottom cap being coupled to the distal end of the sleeve; and a spindle having an outer surface provided with surface threads, an operating end, and an operating disc formed integrally with the operating end, the spindle extending through the longitudinal bore of the platform and the longitudinal bore of the bottom cap, the surface threads of the spindle screwably engaging the bore threads of the platform, the reusable deodorant case comprising:
         a body having a distal end and an inner surface provided with at least one mating groove for mating with the at least one guiding tab of the sleeve of the deodorant cartridge;   a dial rotatably coupled to the distal end of the body, the dial including a clutch receipt structure; and   a clutch positioned within the clutch receipt structure of the dial, the clutch including a spindle receipt structure structured to mate with the operating end of the spindle of the deodorant cartridge,   wherein, when the deodorant cartridge is properly inserted within the body, rotation of the dial along a first predetermined rotational direction operates to advance the platform toward the proximal end of the sleeve to dispense the deodorant puck, and   wherein rotation of the dial along a rotational direction opposite to the first predetermined rotational direction operates to retract the platform toward the distal end of the sleeve to retract the deodorant puck.       

     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 113, wherein the reusable deodorant case further includes a positioning member fixedly coupled to the distal end of the body and enclosed by the dial, the positioning member being structured to bias the dial into a plurality of discrete rotational positions when the dial is rotated. 
     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 114, wherein the positioning member includes at least one detent and at least one leaf-spring coupled to the at least one detent, and the dial includes an inner surface provided with a plurality of circumferentially positioned receptacles,
         wherein the at least one leaf-spring is structured to bias the at least one detent into a first one of the receptacles to position the dial into a first one of the plurality of discrete rotational positions, and   wherein an inner surface of the first receptacle is structured to compress the leaf-spring when the dial is rotated to advance a second one of the receptacles to the detent, thereby positioning the dial into a second one of the plurality of discrete rotational positions.       

     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 115, wherein the at least one detent is convex in shape and each of the plurality of receptacles is concave in shape. 
     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 116, wherein interaction of the at least one detent with the plurality of receptacles produces a clicking sound when the dial is rotated. 
     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 113, further comprising a top cap structured to removeably couple to a proximal end of the body of the deodorant case. 
     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 113, wherein, when the deodorant cartridge is positioned within the body with the platform retracted fully toward the distal end of the sleeve and the dial is rotated along a rotational direction opposite to the first predetermined rotational direction, the clutch is structured to cause the dial to rotate freely with respect to the body and without causing rotation of the spindle. 
     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 119, wherein the clutch includes at least one biasing leaf having a clutch tab and the clutch receipt structure of the dial includes at least one dial rib, the dial rib engaging the clutch tab when the dial is rotated. 
     The invention is further a reusable deodorant case of paragraph 120, wherein, when the deodorant cartridge is positioned within the body with the platform retracted fully toward the distal end of the sleeve and the dial is rotated along a rotational direction opposite to the first predetermined rotational direction, the dial rib urges biasing leafs inwardly toward a center of the clutch until the clutch tab clears the dial rib, thereby permitting free rotation of the dial. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated by description of various embodiments and while those embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.