Patent Publication Number: US-11040377-B2

Title: Packaging concept for solid products

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/130,336, filed Apr. 15, 2016 which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisional application Ser. Nos. 62/316,688 filed Apr. 1, 2016, and 62/148,463 filed Apr. 16, 2015, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the packaging and dispensing of solid chemical agents. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a device and method for safely deploying solid chemical products for use in cleaning processes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURES 
     Most cleaning processes use some form of cleaning product such as soaps, detergents, and other chemical agents and materials. The cleaning products are made in a variety of forms, including solids, liquid, powders, sprays, granules, and the like. Solid products may be beneficial over liquids, powders, and/or sprays for a variety of reasons. For example, the solid products can be colorized for identification and/or use, and the solid products can be shaped to only fit in certain applications. The color coating and/or shaping of the solid products aids in ensuring that the proper product is used for the corresponding use. For example, the solid products can be pellets or extruded solid blocks. 
     In cleaning systems utilizing solid chemical products, the solid chemical product can be dissolved using liquid sprayed from a spray nozzle. The spray nozzle typically is located beneath the chemical product and sprays liquid into the underside of the chemical product. The spray nozzle may be configured to produce a jet of water of sufficiently wide angle to contact the entire underside of the chemical product for even dissolution. To allow for the angled jet of water to sufficiently develop, it is desirable to keep the product at a specified distance from the spray nozzle. Doing so maintains consistent concentration levels and dispensing rate through the life of the chemical product. 
     The solid chemical product often rests on a screen or mesh-like device, through which the jet of water is passed. The screen in most cleaning systems, however, is mounted or integral to the cleaning system unit. Over time the screen may become partially or completely clogged, significantly reducing the efficacy of the overall cleaning system. In such instances, a user may be required to clean chemical product from the screen, thereby again presenting an opportunity for adverse human interaction. Similarly, if a solid chemical product is not completely dissolved and a user wishes to replace the solid chemical product (e.g., with a new type or formula of solid chemical product), the user must either manually remove the remaining chemical block and/or install a new chemical block on top of the old one. The former presents yet another opportunity for adverse human interaction. The latter reduces the efficiency of the system via uneven dissolution and possibly results in an undesirable mixture of chemical cleaning agents. 
     Therefore, a need exists in the art for an improved device and method that maintains a specified distance between the solid chemical product and the spray nozzle while providing for ease and safety of installation and/or replacement of the solid chemical product. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     It is therefore a primary object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to improve on or overcome the deficiencies in the art. 
     It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to provide a device and method to mitigate user exposure to chemical products in cleaning processes. 
     It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to provide a device that maintains a specified distance between the solid chemical product and the spray nozzle in a solid chemical dispensing system. 
     It is still yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to provide a device that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, install, and replace. 
     It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus that can be configured to efficiently obtain and maintain a desired solution concentration. 
     It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to provide a device or apparatus that includes a product that can quickly and safely load the product into a dispensing system. 
     These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is not to be limited to or by these objects, features and advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein, and where: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a dispensing system for solid chemical product in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a dispensing system for solid chemical product in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a device for packaging and dispensing a product in accordance of an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of a lower portion of a device for packaging and dispensing a product in accordance of an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  is a bottom plan view of an upper portion of a device for packaging and dispensing a product in accordance of an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a lower portion of a device for packaging and dispensing a product in accordance of an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a front partial section view of a lower portion of a device for packaging and dispensing a product in accordance of an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of the lower portion of  FIG. 5  taken along section line  7 - 7 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a device for packaging and dispensing a product in accordance of an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of a device for packaging and dispensing a product in accordance of an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart of assembling a device for packaging and dispensing a product in accordance of an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart of assembling a device for packaging and dispensing a product in accordance of an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a portion of a device for packaging and dispensing a product in accordance of an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a front plan view of a portion of a device for packaging and dispensing a product in accordance of an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are photographs of variations of the device as shown and described with regard to  FIGS. 12 and 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a view of another variation of a device for packaging and dispensing a product in accordance of an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an integrated lower member and screen according to aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the lower member and screen of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom plan view of the lower member and screen; 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevation view of the lower member and screen; 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view of the lower member and screen; and 
         FIG. 21  is a view of an enlarged portion of the sectional view of  FIG. 20 . 
     
    
    
     Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the disclosure. Figures represented herein are not limitations to the various embodiments according to the disclosure and are presented for exemplary illustration of the disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     For particularly demanding industrial cleaning applications, caustic materials (e.g., caustic soda, sodium hydroxide, caustic potash, or potassium hydroxide) provide several advantages. When combined with water and heated, caustic products are often used as a powerful degreaser on stainless steel, glass bakeware, ovens, parts washers, process equipment, drain decloggers, and the like. The caustic solution can dissolve oils, fats and protein-based deposits. Further, surfactants can be added to the caustic solution to stabilize dissolved substances and thus prevent redeposition. Still further, the caustic solution is considered to be an environmental improvement over solvent-based cleaning methods. 
     Despite numerous advantages, the caustic materials have high alkalinity and are highly corrosive. The materials are corrosive to human flesh and flammable when in contact with organic solvents. Therefore, minimizing, or preferably eliminating a user&#39;s interaction with the caustic materials is of utmost importance. 
     The caustic products often are manufactured in solid, extruded blocks. The blocks are installed into cleaning systems. One such cleaning system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,305 to Copeland, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Copeland discloses housing the solid chemical product in a container with a removable lid. The lid is removed and the container is inverted over the dispenser, after which the solid block falls into the dispenser. The method presents an opportunity for adverse human contact with the solid chemical product, however. Further, the descending solid block may not rest in the container as designed, requiring adjustment and further inviting the possibility of adverse human interaction. Therefore, a need exists in the art for an improved device and method to eliminate the potential for unwanted user exposure to the chemical product prior to and after use. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a cleaning system  10  adapted to dispense a solid chemical product from a device  12  comprising an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cleaning system  10  includes a container  14  having an upper portion  16  and a lower portion  18 . The upper portion  16  may be cylindrical, as illustrated, or of any suitable shape to house the device  12 . The upper portion includes an opening  20  through which the device  12  is installed. A lid  22  may be operably or removably connected to the upper portion  16  of the container  14  to enclose the system  10  during operation. The lower portion  18  may be conical or the frustum of a cone. The shape advantageously creates an interference fit between the device  12  and the container  14  and also permits the solution to drain into an opening  26  within the bottom of the lower portion  18 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 2 . 
     The system  10  further includes a water line  28 , an inlet pipe  30  extending between the water line  28  and the lower portion  18 , a spray nozzle  32 , an outlet screen  34 , and a discharge tube  36 . A clamp  38  may secure the discharge tube  36  to the lower portion  18  of the container  14 . Other clamping means are envisioned, including barbs, friction fit, interference fit, pinning, threading, and the like. The operation of the system  10  will be discussed in detail below. 
     It is noted that the screen  34  can be positioned at a constant distance or position from the spray nozzle and/or the solid product. This aids in providing safety for the user. The screen  34  is also not needed in all embodiments, such as when a dissolving/eroding method besides spraying is utilized (e.g., flooding) or for specific solid chemical formulas. Furthermore, the screen  34  can also be identified as a support member, such as when the screen is used to support the solid chemical product. For example, during transport of the device  12  with a product stored therein, the screen could provide a support for the product such that, even if the product were to break, it would still be supported by the screen so that the product remains in a preferred position within the device for use at its final location. While the screen is shown with a general lattice pattern, other types of screens with generally any type of apertures therethrough could be utilized. One embodiment of the support member  34  besides the screen could be a built-in ring support. The ring support member could be a ledge, flange, portion of the housing, or other portion of the device  12  that extends substantially horizontally to provide a surface or area for the product to at least partially rest on. The size of the support ring could vary depending on the makeup of the solid chemical product so as to provide the same benefits as disclosed with regard to the screen support member  34 . Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the location of the support member or screen  34  can be changed to accommodate different types of products, erosion methods, and other factors. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B , a device  12  is illustrated. According to aspects of the disclosure, the device  12  may include an upper portion  30  and a lower portion  40 . However, as will be understood with regard to  FIG. 12 , the device  12  could also comprise left and right portions  30 ,  40 . Therefore, the portions  30 ,  40  may be referred to generally as a first portion  30  and a second portion  40 , thereby including any of the embodiments, as well as variations thereof, as is included herein. The portions  30 ,  40  of the device  12  can include protrusions and/or other strengthening portions to increase the rigidity of the device  12 . According to some aspects of the disclosure, the device may be blow molded or injection molded. In such a situation, the device  12  can comprise a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), although any other material capable of meeting the requirements of the device  12  can be utilized. For example, Alathon L5840, from Equistar Chemicals, LP, 1221 McKinney, Suite 700, P. O. Box 2583, Houston, Tex. 77252-2583 is one suitable material. However, it should be appreciated that other material numbers and/or manufacturers can meet the requirements of the material. 
     The upper portion  30  includes a sidewall  42  with a thickness defined between an inner perimeter  44  and an outer perimeter  46 . The upper portion  30  may further include an inward flange  48  having an inner perimeter  50  less than the inner perimeter  44  of the sidewall  42 . The inward flange  48  is contoured to the sidewall  42  of the upper portion  30 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall  42  and the inward flange  48  may be cylindrical, but the present disclosure contemplates any suitable shape without deviating from the objects of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the sidewall  42  and the inward flange  48  may be square, rectangular, oval, ellipsoid, and the like. A top surface  52  is associated with the sidewall  42 . The top surface  52  may be integrally formed to the sidewall  42  during fabrication or connected after the same. A handle  54  may be associated with the top surface  52 . The handle  54  may comprise a portion of the top surface  52  extending through a cavity, as shown illustratively in  FIG. 3 , or a raised member (not shown) adapted to be handled by a user. 
     The lower portion  40  may also include a sidewall  56  with a thickness defined between an inner perimeter  58  and an outer perimeter  60 . The lower portion  40  may further include an outwardly spaced flange  62  having an outer perimeter  65  greater than the outer perimeter  60  of the sidewall  56 . The outward flange  62  is contoured to the sidewall  56  of the lower portion  40 . The outward flange  62  is adapted to slidably engage the inward flange  48  of the upper portion  30 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outward flange  62  may be cylindrical, but the present disclosure contemplates any suitable shape without deviating from the objects of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the sidewall  56  and the outward flange  62  may be square, rectangular, oval, ellipsoid, and the like. The lower portion  40  may have a cylindrical portion  66  and a conical portion  68 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 3 , or may alternatively be a frustum of a cone. The sloped surface  70  of the conical portion  68  is designed to guide the chemical solution to a lower opening  64  at the base of the lower portion  40 . Extending outwardly from the lower opening  64  may be a tubular portion  72  having a terminal opening  74 . The tubular portion  72  may be adapted to receive a fitment (not shown) or a film  78  with adhesive  80  and/or a cap  82 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 5 . 
     A screen  34  is shown to be positioned generally within the device  12 , as has been disclosed. The screen  34  is an optional attachment to support a solid product, and can be retained by small tabs, when used. 
     The fitment may be adapted to interface with the spray nozzle  32  of the cleaning system  10 . The fitment may alternatively be adapted to interface with other industrial cleaning systems. The fitment may comprise a center opening and venting means. A flange of the fitment may create an interference fit with the tubular portion  72 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the film  78  may be contoured to the terminal opening  74  of the tubular portion  72 . The adhesive  80  temporarily secures the film  78  to the tubular portion  72 , but is designed to be removable by a user. According to some aspects, the film  80  is adapted to be punctured by a puncturing means when installed in the system  10 . The cap  82  may be installed in addition to, or in lieu of, the fitment or the film  78 . The cap may be threadably engaged to the tubular portion  72 , or connected by other means commonly known in the art. 
     The upper portion  30  and/or the lower portion  40  may be composed of rigid or semi-rigid material resistant to the chemicals typically used in the system  10 , and more particularly, the solid chemical product. For example, the device  12  may be constructed of plastics such as polyolefins (e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP)), polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), and fluoropolymers (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), PerFluoroAlkoxy (PFA), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), etc.). It is contemplated that still other materials meeting the requirements of being used with various chemicals can be comprise the portions  30 ,  40  of the disclosure, and the disclosure need not be limited to those disclosed. Furthermore and as previously disclosed, the device  12  can be formed of blow molding, injection molding, or generally any other method utilizing the materials disclosed. 
     To secure the upper portion  30  and the lower portion  40 , the inward flange  48  of the upper portion  30  is sized and/or shaped to slidably engage the outward flange  62  of the lower portion  40 . In an exemplary embodiment, the inward flange  48  and the outward flange  62  are friction fit. The upper portion  30  may include one or more locking protrusions  92 . The locking protrusions  92  may extend outwardly from the sidewall  42  of the upper portion  30  proximate the inward flange  48 . One more locking tabs  90  may extend upwardly from the outward flange  62  of the lower portion  40 . The locking tabs  90  are configured to securely engage the locking protrusions  92 . According to additional aspects of the disclosure, the locking protrusions  92  extend outwardly from the lower portion  40 . In still yet another embodiment, the connection means may be counterpoising cylindrical snap-locks  93 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 10 . The connection means may be snap-fit mechanisms or any other connection means commonly known in the art. For example, the connection means may be detent pins configured to engage cavities, pins, clamps, and the like. Further, the present disclosure contemplates that the connections means may be temporary or permanent (i.e., once secured, the connection means are unable to be unsecured, making the device  12  single-use only). Still further, it is contemplated that the inward flange include external threading members, while the outward flange  62  include inward threading members such that the portions are threadably attached to one another. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , a solid chemical product  94  is disposed within lower portion  40  of the device  12 . Based on the dimensions of the product  94  and/or the design of the device  12 , the product  94  may be disposed within the upper portion  66 , or with portions extending into both the upper portion  66  and the lower portion  68 . Similarly, the product  94  often will extend at least partially into the upper portion  30  of the device  12 . 
     To maintain the appropriate, predetermined, and/or preferred distance of the chemical product  94  from the spray nozzle  32 , a screen  96  can be disposed within the lower portion  40  of the device, as shown illustratively in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The perimeter of the screen  96  may be contoured to the lower portion  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, the screen  96  is cylindrical, but this is not to be limiting, as the screen is able to take generally any geometric shape necessary. The screen may be composed of the corrosion-resistant chemicals previously expressed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the screen  96  is secured within the lower portion  40  through an interference fit with the sloped surface  70 . In another exemplary embodiment, the screen  96  may rest on a lip  98  extending around the perimeter of the sloped surface  70 . The lip  98  may alternatively be associated with the sidewall  56  of the lower portion  40 . In yet another exemplary embodiment, a plurality of post receivers  100  may extend upwardly from the sloped surface  70 . A plurality of associated posts  102  may be associated with the screen  96 . When installed, the posts  102  are inserted into the post receivers  100  to secure the screen  96  to prevent axial movement and rotation of the screen  96  within the lower portion  40 . The posts  102  may be integrally formed with a frame  106  of the screen  96  or connected to the frame  106 . In still yet another embodiment, a plurality of crush ribs  104 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 6 , may be associated with the lower portion  40  of the device. The crush ribs  104  may be vertically oriented and extend inwardly from the sloped surface  70  and/or the inner perimeter  58  or the sidewall  56  of the lower portion  40 . Based on the relative tolerances of the frame  106  of the screen  96  and the crush ribs  104 , the screen  96  is held securely in place through friction fit. The crush ribs  104  may be of constant depth, or may be tapered with greater depth proximate to the lower opening  64  to create a friction fit at a desired elevation above the lower opening  64 . The screen  96  may be connected through any other and/or additional means commonly known in the art, including pinning, clamping, detent structure, and the like. The advantageous design of the device  12  provides for ease of installation, replacement and/or uninstallation of the screen  96  within the device  12 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate a device  12  in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The device  12  may include a lower portion  40  similar to that previously shown and described. In particular, the lower portion  40  may have an inner perimeter of suitable size and shape to contain at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the chemical product  94 . Further, the lower portion  40  may include the sloped surface  70 , the tubular member  72 , and the terminal opening  74 . When installed within a container  14 , the sloped surface  70  is designed to create an interference fit with the lower portion  18  of the container  14 . The lower portion  40  of the device  12  may be comprised of rigid or semi-rigid material and/or the corrosion-resistant materials previously expressed herein. A screen  96  is disposed within the lower portion  40  of the device  12  of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8  consistent with the present disclosure previously expressed herein. 
     In alternate embodiments, a semi-rigid or rigid helical wire  108  may provide structural support to the lower portion  40  of the device  12 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 9 . The helical wire  108  may be associated with a semi-rigid lower portion  40 , or be installed within a flexible enclosure  110  to provide for a sloped surface  70  and an lower opening  64  similar to the embodiments previously expressed herein. In an embodiment, the helical wire  108  is connected to the tubular portion  72 , after which the flexible enclosure  110  encloses the lower portion  40 . A screen  96  may be interfaced with the helical wire  108  to ensure proper distance between the spray nozzle  32  and the chemical product  94 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the flexible enclosure  110  may be contoured to a portion of the tubular member  72 , the lower portion  40  of the device  12 , and/or the chemical product  94 . In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible enclosure  110  is a polymer film that shrinks under the influence of heat, including but not limited to polyolefin, PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. The heat-shrink film provides a barrier between the chemical product  94  and a user that is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The heat-shrink film may be transparent, advantageously permitting a user to see the remaining quantity of the chemical product  94  during operation. The film may alternatively be translucent or opaque, and/or contain information such as installation instructions and/or warnings. 
     The flexible enclosure  110  may include one or more side seams  112  and/or an upper seam  114 . In the embodiment, the flexible enclosure  110  results in a hollow portion  116  above the chemical product  94 . A handle  118  may be associated with the flexible enclosure  110  proximate to the upper seam  114 . In an alternate embodiment, the flexible enclosure  110  is further contoured to an upper surface of the chemical product  94 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 9 . A handle  118  may be connected to the device  12 . In yet another embodiment, the flexible enclosure  110  encloses the tubular portion  72 , including the terminal opening  74 . In such an embodiment, the portion of the flexible enclosure  110  disposed over the terminal opening  74  is removed prior to installation or punctured during installation. 
     The figures thereby disclose additional ways that the device can be manufactured. For example, a device  12  as shown in  FIG. 8, 9, 12, 13, 14A, 14B , or  15  could be formed utilizing thermoforming. The device  12  can comprise two identical or asymmetrical halves (which can be referred to as first and second portions  30 ,  40 ) split longitudinally or latitudinally. These portions could then be sealed about their perimeter, such as at a flange portion to combine. The sealing could be done via heating, ultrasonic welding, or generally any other method to combine the components/housings of the device  12  to be combined. The individual components, such as those shown in  FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B , could be formed such as by blow molding or injection molding. The components could then be attached to one another by heat staking or welding (such as ultrasonic welding) to adhere the components to one another. As mentioned, this could be done when the components of the housing are as shown in  FIG. 3  with them being split latitudinally, or when the components are split longitudinally. 
     When the components are split longitudinally, the may have a common connection point, such as a living hinge  150 . This is shown by the device  12  in  FIG. 15 . The components  30 ,  40  would then be mirror images of one another extending from said hinge. This would form a type of clam shell configuration for the device housing. The components could be folded about the hinge and combined about their now common perimeter, such as by welding (ultrasonic or otherwise), melting (heat sealing), or any other manner in which the portions would become at least partially or substantially attached to one another. Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the halves  30 ,  40  may only form the conical section  134 , and the sloped portion  136  may be formed separately with its own flange  133 . In such a situation, the flange  133  of the sloped portion  136  could then be sealed to the flange  132  of the first and second portions  30 ,  40 . This could create any of the various configurations of the housings of the device  12 . 
     For example, a half of a device  12  that could be sealed about its perimeter  132  is shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The half of the device shown in the Figs. could be either a first portion  30  or a second portion  40 . As shown, the device  12  is split longitudinally with generally left and right portions, but the same could be done latitudinally, wherein the flange or perimeter  132  could be positioned at the connection of the upper and lower portions of the halves. It is further noted that the portions as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  may be identical or symmetrical, or they could be asymmetrical, with one of the first or second portions including additional elements, such as hinges, handles, screens, product ledges, or the like. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12, 13, 14A, and 14B , the half  130  includes a substantially vertical or conical portion  134  and a sloped portion  136  extending from one end. The opposite end includes a cap portion  138 . At the end of the sloped portion is an opening  140 , which, when combined with the other half, would form the terminal opening  142  of the device  12 . Also included is the flange  132  around the perimeter of the half, with an exception at the terminal opening or dispensing aperture  142 . However, as is shown by the embodiments of  FIGS. 14A and 14B , the aperture  142  could also be sealed shut, and opened upon use of the device and product in the container. 
     To form packaging with the product stored within, the product is positioned within one of the halves (for example, one of the portions  30 ,  40 ) and the other half is brought in contact such that the flanged perimeter  132  is in contact or otherwise close proximity with the other flange. For example, one half could be positioned on its side and the product and a screen or other support member could be positioned in the half. The other half could then be positioned adjacent the first portion. The flanges are then connected, such as by welding (heat or ultrasonic), heat staking, or otherwise sealing the halves to one another. The device can then be used with a container as is known, such as by providing erosion means to the product to produce a chemistry for use in an end product. 
     A method for assembling a device  12  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . A screen  96  is installed into the lower portion  40  of the device  12  consistent with any of the means previously disclosed herein (e.g., interference fit, lip  98 , posts  100  and  102 , and/or crush ribs  104 ). A chemical product  94  is inserted into the upper portion  30  of the device  12 . The upper portion  30  and the lower portion  40  are joined through any of the connection means previously discussed herein (e.g., friction fit, tabs  90  and  92 , and/or snap-locks  93 ). The process could be done in other ways, such as by placing the product in the upper portion and then positioning a screen or other support member into the upper portion before securing the portions to one another. 
     A film  80  (and/or a fitment and/or a cap  82 ) is attached to the terminal opening  74  or the device  12 . When ready for installation to the system  10 , the film  80  (or the cap  82 ) is removed, as is shown by step  6  in  FIG. 10 . The lid  22  on the system  10  is opened, exposing the opening  20  of the container  14 . The device  12  is inverted and placed within the container  14 . The chemical product  94  rests on the screen  96 . 
     Another method for assembling a device  12  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . A screen  96  is installed into the lower portion  40  of the device consistent with any of the means previously discussed herein (e.g., interference fit, lip  98 , posts  100  and  102 , and/or crush ribs  104 ). A chemical product  94  is inserted into the lower portion  40  of the device  12 . The lower portion  40  and chemical product  94  are encased in a flexible enclosure  110 , such as heat-shrink film. Heat  120  is applied to shrink the flexible enclosure  110 . If the terminal opening  74  remains exposed, a film  80  (and/or a fitment and/or a cap  82 ) may be attached to the device  12 . When ready for installation to the system  10 , the film  80  (or the cap  82 ) is removed. The lid  22  on the system  10  is opened, exposing the opening  20  of the container  14 . The device  12  is inverted and placed within the container  14 . The chemical product  94  rests on the screen  96 . 
     In an alternative method of assembling a device  12  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a helical wire  108  can be connected to the tubular member  72 , such as is shown in  FIG. 9 . A screen  96  is associated with the helical wire  108 . The chemical product  94  is disposed on the screen  96 . The result is encased in a flexible enclosure  110 , such as heat-shrink film. Heat  120  is applied to shrink the flexible enclosure  110 . The flexible enclosure  110  may be adapted to contour to the sides of chemical product  94 , or the sides and the upper surface of the chemical product  94 , and/or the helical wire  108 . A hollow portion  116  and/or seams  112  and  114  may be associated with the flexible enclosure  110 . A handle  118  may be created within the flexible enclosure  110 . If the terminal opening  74  remains exposed, a film  80  (and/or a fitment and/or a cap  82 ) may be attached to the device  12 . When ready for installation to the system  10 , the film  80  (or the cap  82 ) is removed. The lid  22  on the system  10  is opened, exposing the opening  20  of the container  14 . The device  12  is inverted and placed within the container  14 . The chemical product  94  rests on the screen  96 . 
     Returning to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device  12  is installed within the container  14  of the system  10 . In operation, water is fed through the water line  36  and the inlet pipe  30  to the spray nozzle  32 . The spray nozzle  32 , disposed proximate to or within the tubular member  72  of the device  12 , sprays an angled jet  122  into the lower portion  40  of the device  12 . The angled jet  122  contacts the lower surface of the chemical product  94  through the screen  96 , which dissolves a portion of the chemical product  94 . The resulting solution  124  descends along the sloped surface  70  of the lower portion  40  and/or through the lower opening  64  and the terminal opening  74 , and to the lower portion  18  of the container  14 . The solution  124  descends through the outlet screen  34  into the discharge tube  36 , after which it is metered to the dishwashing, ware washing, or other industrial cleaning process. 
     The design advantageously eliminates or at least mitigates potential exposure of a user to the chemical product  94  during installation and/or removal of the device  12 . After removal of the film  80  or the cap  82 , the chemical product  94  remains at a safe distance from the terminal opening  74  of the device  12 . During removal, the device  12  is removed as a whole, including the screen  96  and any unused contents of the chemical product  94 , after which a new device  12  is then quickly and efficiently replaced into the system  12 . A new screen  96  associated with each device further prevents agglomerations of the chemical product  94  on the screen, maintaining consistent water application of the spray nozzle  32  and resulting mixture of the solution  34 . 
     It should be noted, while the disclosure has been disclosed to be used with a spray mechanism to dissolve a solid product, other methods are contemplated. For example, it is known to dissolve solid products in dispensers such as ones that can incorporate the disclosure by use of spraying, flooding, bubbling, submersion, or some combination thereof. The disclosure contemplates that any possible means and methods for dissolving and/or eroding a solid product can be utilized with any of the embodiments and/or aspects of the disclosure, without changing the scope or intended spirit of the disclosure. 
     For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/771,351 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,945,476); Ser. No. 14/182,344; 14/182,346; and 14/182,353 all disclose various dispensers including methods and means for dissolving and/or eroding a solid product. The contents of each of the listed applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
       FIGS. 16-21  show additional aspects of a lower member or portion  40  is not sloped in shape, but instead incorporates or is integral with a screen portion  200 . The lower member  40  with screen  200  integrated therewith can be attached to an upper portion or member  30  as previously disclosed. For example, as shown best in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the lower member  40  can include an interior screen surface  202  with an annular rim  204  extending therefrom. The rim  204  can extend at an outer edge of the screen  200  or can be spaced radially away therefrom before extending generally away. On the exterior face  203  of the screen  200 , there can be an annular exterior rib  205 , as will be addressed. On the interior of the rim  204 , the lower member  40  can include an attachment portion  206  for attaching to a portion of the upper member  30 . For example, the interior of the rim  204  can include a threaded surface to interact with a threaded surface of the upper member  30 . The interior of the rim  204  can also include an annular notch  207 , as shown in  FIG. 21 , which can be snap fit onto the upper member  30 . Still further, the rim  204  of the lower member  40  can be sized at least partially larger than an area of the upper member  30  so as to provide a friction fit between the members  30 ,  40 . Other methods of connecting the members  30 ,  40  such that they encapsulate or otherwise house a product therein are to be appreciated and considered part of the disclosure. In addition, the rim  204  can include sealing rings  208  formed therein and/or thereon to aid in sealing the members to one another. 
     As mentioned, the exterior face  203  of the screen  200  can include a projecting annular rib  205  extending generally in the opposite direction of that of the rim  204 . The rib  205  can be positioned at an outer diameter of the member  40 , or spaced inward therefrom. The rib  205  can be used to attach a cover, lid, or other component to substantially close off, at least temporarily, access to the interior of the device  12  through the screen  200 . For example, the component can be a dust cover, lid, or other components that can be temporarily affixed to the lower member  40  to substantially cover the screen portion  200  thereof, such as during transport and/or storage of the device  12 . This can be the time before the device  12 , including the product stored therein, is to be used, so as to provide a protective element for a user of the device, such as to protect the user from unwanted contact with the product inside. Therefore, a dust cover or other cover can be affixed, such as by heat sealing, adhering, welding (e.g., ultrasonic or otherwise), snap fit, friction fit, or the like to the member  40 . For example, according to some aspects, the rib  205  can include an outward taper  209  that can engage a snap bead of a dust cover for temporarily affixing the cover to the member. 
     The lower member as shown in  FIGS. 16-21 , similarly to those shown and described herein, can comprise HDPE or other polymers. 
     Integrating the screen into the lower member  40  provides numerous advantages. For example, as will be understood, the configuration of the apertures comprising the screen (including, but not limited to, size, shape, number, angle, etc.) can affect the amount of fluid passing through to contact a product stored within. Therefore, choosing a configuration of screen can aid in providing a more consistent solution based upon the amount of product in contact with the fluid. Integrating the screen into the lower member  40  provides for greater flexibility in changing the configuration based upon such conditions including, but not limited to, type of product being dissolved/mixed by solution, desired concentration levels, changes in fluid (temperature, flow rate, etc.), changes in room climate (temperature, humidity, amount of light, etc.), and other external factors that could affect the concentration obtained. Therefore, different covers with varying screen configurations could be swapped in and out as needed. Furthermore, if a product is going to be used in a known location with a known climate, or with a known solvent, the screen can be selected upon packaging of the product. The entire device  12  will not need to be replaced, and instead, a different member  40  with a different screen can be replaced. 
     For example, studies have shown that varying the screen configuration can also the amount of solvent contacting the product stored within the device. This includes varying the size of the apertures in the screen, as well as varying the height of the rib  205 , which can vary the distance between the fluid source and the product within the device  12 . 
     Example 1 
     A product of approximated 4000 grams was contacted with a fluid passing through lower members having integrated screens with varying configurations. The screen sizes included (1) apertures sized approximately ¼-inch openings, with a 0.15-inch rib; (2) apertures sized approximately ¼-inch with a 0.08-inch rib; and (3) screen apertures of ½-inches with a 0.15-inch rib. A fourth run was done with no screen at all. A number of dispenses contacting the product with a set amount of fluid was done to determine how many dispenses were needed to erode the approximately 4000 grams of product. The dispenses comprised a 1-second dispensement every 90 seconds. With no screen, the product was eroded in approximately 550 dispenses. The ½-inch screen and 0.15-inch rib eroded the product in approximately 650 dispenses. The ¼-inch screen with 0.15-inch rib eroded the product in approximately 750 dispenses. Finally, the ¼-inch screen with 0.08-inch rib eroded just less than 4000 grams of product with approximately 1050 dispenses. 
     Example 2 
     Another test was completed with a product being contacted with a fluid to determine the number of dispenses required to erode and dispense approximately 3500 grams of the product, with the variables including: (1) no screen used; (2) a screen with ¼-inch apertures and a 0.15-inch rib; and (3) a screen with ¼-inch apertures and a 0.15-inch rib providing distance from the fluid source. Again, the product was sprayed with a 1-second dispensement every 90 seconds. The test showed that the approximately 3500 grams of product were eroded with approximately 140 dispenses using no screen, approximately 400 dispenses using the screen with ¼-inch apertures, and approximately 775 dispenses using the screen with ¼-inch apertures and a 0.15-inch rib. 
     This data clearly shows that both the screen aperture size and the distance between the screen and the product can have a profound effect on the erosion rate of the product by the fluid. This can be known as adjusting the flow of water via the screen aperture size, shape, number, and/or distance from the fluid/liquid dissolvent source. 
     Therefore, it is contemplated that the screen configurations be generally infinite in variability to provide for a desired amount of product to be eroded to provide for a desired concentration and to maximize the life of the product. This will optimize efficiency to provide cost savings and aid in the use of the device  12 . 
     Still further, it should be appreciated that the variation of the screen, including the size and shape of the apertures, as well as varying the distance between the screen and the fluid/liquid source, can be utilized with any of the concepts as has been shown and/or described in the present disclosure. For example, it does not matter if the screen is integrated with one of the first or second portions of the device, or if it is simply positioned within the device as a separate member, the ability to vary the configurations of the screen will provide for flexibility and variability for determining the desired contact between a dissolving fluid and the product stored therein. 
     The disclosure is not to be limited to the particular embodiments described herein. In particular, the disclosure contemplates numerous variations in the type of ways in which embodiments of the disclosure can be applied the packaging and dispensing of solid chemical agents. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit any of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternatives or exemplary aspects that are considered included in the disclosure. The description is merely examples of embodiments, processes or methods of the disclosure. It is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/or additions can be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope of the disclosure. For the foregoing, it can be seen that the disclosure accomplishes at least all that is intended. 
     In addition, it should be appreciated that the device of the present disclosure can be utilized with generally any and all types of chemical products. This includes, but should not be limited to, solid products, pellets, powders, granules, semi-solids, liquids, and/or some combination thereof. 
     The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodiments for implementing the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in scope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of the disclosure with greater particularity.