Patent Publication Number: US-2010116853-A1

Title: Apparatus for Dispensing Product

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/114,246, filed on Nov. 13, 2008. The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/114,246 is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing product, more particularly, to a product dispensing unit capable of being transitioned between an open position and a closed position through the use of a housing unit. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     Product dispensing containers are known in the art to allow for housing and dispensing of a fluid product. Most product dispensing containers provide a reservoir for housing the product and an outlet where the product is dispensed. The product is often dispensed from a product dispensing unit through a spout or like structure. 
     Conventional product dispensing containers often include a lid that receives the spout portion of the product dispensing container. By receiving the spout portion of the product dispensing container, the lid provides protection for the spout and may work toward confining discharges from the spout to the interior of the lid. 
     Product dispensing containers often allow users to adjust the spout so as to restrict the flow of product from the product dispensing container. In order to reduce the likelihood that product may be dispensed from the spout while inside the lid, conventional product dispensing containers require a user to transition the spout into a position that will restrict the flow of product before inserting the spout into the lid. Conversely, after a conventional product dispensing container is removed from its lid, the user must readjust the spout in order to allow the spout to dispense product. 
     One example of a conventional product dispensing container lid is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0041870 (herein “Su”). The lid described in Su is configured to receive two cosmetic application devices. However as shown in FIG. 8 of Su, the product dispensing container is open and the product is exposed while in the lid. As a result, to ensure that the product is not discharged into the interior of the lid described in Su, a user must manually close the spout of the product dispensing unit before loading the product dispensing container into the lid. Conversely, a user must manually open the spout after removal from the lid in order to use the flow of product. 
     As demonstrated, the prior art lacks an apparatus that provides a housing unit in combination with a product dispensing unit wherein the housing unit is adapted to transition the configuration of the product dispensing unit such that the product dispensing unit is closed when in the housing unit and open (i.e., ready to use) when removed from the housing unit. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
     Embodiments of the present invention satisfy these needs and other needs by providing an apparatus that allows for a product dispensing unit that is transitioned between and open and closed position through the use of a housing unit. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the product dispensing unit may have an ‘open position’ and a ‘closed position.’ In the open position, product is free to exit the product dispensing unit through a dispensing site. In the closed position, the flow of product through the product dispensing unit is restricted and, as a result, product can not exit the product dispensing unit. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the product dispensing unit is configured to be engaged with a housing unit. The process of engaging the product dispensing unit in the open position to the housing unit causes a physical interaction between the housing unit and product dispensing unit. As a result of this interaction, the product dispensing unit is transitioned from the open position to the closed position. Accordingly, the product dispensing unit is restricted from dispensing the product while secured to the housing unit, thereby preventing discharge of the product into the housing unit. 
     Conversely, the act of disengaging the product dispensing unit from the housing unit causes a physical interaction between the product dispensing unit in the closed position and a housing bracket of the housing unit to transition the product dispensing unit to an open position. In the open position, the product dispensing unit is free to allow the product to be discharged from the product dispensing unit. 
     Advantageously, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the user of the apparatus need not touch the spout portion of the product dispensing unit in order to transition the product dispensing unit between the open position and the closed position. Beyond the physical interaction between the product dispensing unit and the housing unit, no additional manual intervention is required to transition the product dispensing unit between the open position and the closed position. Transitioning the product dispensing unit to the closed position reduces the likelihood of unintentionally dispensing product. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       The present invention will be more readily understood from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments presented below considered in conjunction with the attached drawings, of which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a product dispensing apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a product dispensing unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary container unit of a product dispensing unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a side view of an exemplary collar unit portion of a product dispensing unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary collar unit of a product dispensing unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a side view of an exemplary plunger of a product dispensing unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a plunger of a product dispensing unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional side view of an exemplary dimpled dispensing assembly of a product dispensing unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional side view of an exemplary smooth dispensing assembly of a product dispending unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a housing unit of a product dispensing apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional side view of an exemplary product dispensing apparatus comprising to receive two product dispensing units, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     The present invention relates to a product dispensing apparatus configured to contain and dispense a product. As used herein, the term “product” is intended to include, but is not limited to, any fluid substance, including gels, creams, cosmetics, therapeutic remedies, medicine, and food items. The product dispensing apparatus includes a product dispensing unit designed to engage with a housing unit, whereby the physical interaction associated engagement transitions the product dispensing unit into a closed position, thereby preventing the flow of the product from the product dispensing unit. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary product dispensing apparatus  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The product dispensing apparatus  100  comprises a housing unit  800  and a product dispensing unit  200 , wherein the product dispensing unit  200  includes a container unit  300 , a collar unit  400 , and a plunger  500 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the product dispensing unit  200  is adapted to engage with the housing unit  800 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . As a result of a frictional interaction between the container unit  300  and the housing unit  800 , the product dispensing unit  200  remains securely attached to the housing unit  800 . Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the product dispensing apparatus  100  may comprise a dimpled dispensing assembly  600 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts the product dispensing unit  200 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Product dispensing unit  200  comprises container unit  300 , collar unit  400 , plunger  500 , and dimpled dispensing assembly  600 . The functionality and interconnections between these elements are described in further detail below. 
       FIG. 3  depicts the container unit  300  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The container unit  300  comprises a cavity  306  adapted to house the product. The container unit  300  further comprises an opening  302 , located at a first end of the container unit  300 . The opening  302  provides a port at the first end of container unit  312  where the product can enter and exit the cavity  306 . In addition, the opening  302  provides a point at which the collar unit  400  may engage with the container unit  300 , as described below in connection with  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the container unit  300  further comprises a first rib  304 . As depicted in the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first rib  304  is provided on a surface of the first end  312  proximate to opening  302 . The first rib  304  may be a small lip or protrusion extending from the outer surface of the first end  312 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, container unit  300  may comprise two first ribs  304  partially surrounding the opening  302 . In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the first rib  304  or a plurality of first ribs  304  may be present. The housing unit  800  may engage with the first rib  304  in order to secure the housing unit  800  to the container unit  300 . As discussed in further detail below, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the first rib  304  may engage with the housing unit groove  804  to aid in securing the housing unit  800  to the container unit  300 . 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the container unit  300  may include dual-layered contouring at the first end  312  of the container unit  300 . The dual layer contouring includes a lower layer  308  and an upper layer  310 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer circumference of both the lower layer  308  and the upper layer  310  is less then the inner circumference of the receiving portion  802  of the housing unit  800 . As a result, the housing unit  800  may securely engage with the first rib  304  located on the lower layer  308  while providing a flush orientation between the outer surface of container unit  300  and the housing unit outer surface  808 . 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the first rib  304  is located on the lower layer  308 . Optionally, a first stabilization member  314  may be located on the upper level  310 . One or more first stabilization members  314  engage with the collar unit  300  in order to help secure the collar unit  400  to the container unit  300 . In particular, the interaction between the first stabilization members  314  and the collar unit  400  reduces the likelihood that the collar unit  400  will spin atop the first end  312  of the container unit  300 . As discussed in further detail below, the stabilization engagement sites  406  (shown in  FIG. 4B ) included in collar unit  400  engage with first stabilization members  314  to help stabilize collar unit  400  to container unit  300 . 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the container unit  300  may have two first stabilization members  314 , wherein each of the two first stabilization members  314  are different sizes. Furthermore, collar unit  400  may have two stabilization engagement sites  406 , wherein each of the two stabilization engagement sites  406  are different sizes. The sizes of the first stabilization members  314  and the stabilization engagement sites  406  correspond so that one of the stabilization engagement sites  406  is sized and shaped to engage with one of the first stabilization members  314 , while the other stabilization engagement site  406  is sized and shaped to engage with the other first stabilization member  314 . As a result of this relationship, the orientation of collar unit  400  and container unit  300  may be dictated by the fact that the stabilization engagement sites  406  and the first stabilization members  314  may only engage with each other in a single configuration. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention where the container unit  300  and the collar unit  400  may only engage with each other in a single configuration, the container unit  300  and the collar unit  400  may include alignment markers to aid in establishing the correct orientation when mating the container unit  300  to the collar unit  400 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , the container unit alignment marker  316  may be located proximate to the first end  312 . The corresponding collar unit alignment marker  414  may be located on the first engagement member  402 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . In such an embodiment, aligning the container unit alignment marker  316  and the collar unit alignment marker  414  may ensure that the container unit  300  and the collar unit  400  are coupled in the proper orientation. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, container unit  300  may include two container unit alignment markers used to orient with two collar unit alignment markers location on the collar unit  400  to ensure that the container unit  300  and collar unit  400  properly engage. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the container unit  300 , a single layer portion may be located at the first end  312  of the container unit  300 , as opposed to the dual-layer contouring depicted in  FIG. 3 . In such a single layer configuration, both the first rib  304  and the first stabilization members  314  may be located on the single layer. 
     The container unit  300  may be constructed from a material that allows for a user to apply pressure to the container unit  300  thereby resulting in the ejection of the product from container unit  300 . Therefore, the container unit  300  may be constructed from a plastic or other compressible material. The application of pressure to the container unit  300  may result in movement of product from the cavity  306 , through the opening  302  into the collar unit  400 . From the collar unit  400 , product may travel into the plunger  500  and exit the product dispensing apparatus  100  through the dimpled dispensing assembly  600 . 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the container unit  300  may be slightly conical, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the container unit  300  may vary. 
     Further depicted in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  are the collar unit  400 , the plunger  500 , and the dimpled dispensing assembly  600 . As described below in detail, these three elements facilitate the dispensing of the product from the container unit  300 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the collar unit  400  engages with the opening  302  to secure the collar unit  400  to the container unit  300 . As discussed further below, in the open position, the collar unit  400  and the plunger  500  interact to provide for fluid communication between the cavity  306 , the first channel  404 , the second channel  502 , and the third channel  602 , thereby enabling the flow of product from the container unit  300  through the collar unit  400 , the plunger  500 , and the dimpled dispensing assembly  600 . In the closed position, interaction between the collar unit  400  and the plunger  500  interrupts fluid communication between the cavity  306 , the first channel  404 , the second channel  502 , and the third channel  602 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, alternative dispensing assemblies may be mounted onto the plunger  500 , including the smooth dispensing assembly  700  shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 4A  depicts an exemplary collar unit  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the collar unit  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The collar unit  400  comprises a first engagement member  402  and a first channel  404 . The first engagement member  402  is a portion of the collar unit  400  configured to engage with the opening  302  of the container unit  300 . A frictional connection between the first engagement member  402  and the container unit  300  secures the collar unit  400  to the container unit  300 . In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the collar unit  400  may be embodied in a single piece or a plurality of pieces. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the collar unit  400  may comprise a collar rib, or protrusions from collar unit  400  that at least partially surrounds collar unit  400 . In operation, when securing the collar unit  400  to the container unit  300 , the one or more collar unit ribs  408  facilitate the creation of a fit between the collar unit  400  and the opening  302  of the container unit  300 . The collar unit rib  408  may be a protrusion extending from the exterior surface of the collar unit  400 . In alternative embodiments of the present invention, securing the collar unit  400  to the container unit  300  may result in the creation of an airtight seal. Contact between the opening  302  and the one or more collar unit ribs  408  stops the upward motion of the collar unit  400 . 
     The first engagement member  402  comprises the first channel  404  which provides a path though which the product may flow out of cavity  306 . In the open position, first channel  404  is in fluid communication with the cavity  306  and the second channel  502 . One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the first engagement member  402  may comprise any number of first channels  404  in fluid communication with the cavity  306 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4B , embodiments of the collar unit  400  may include a stabilization engagement site  406  adapted to further the secure collar unit  400  to the container unit  300 . When secured to the container unit  300 , the stabilization engagement site  406  engages with the first stabilization member  314 , thereby further securing the collar unit  400  to the container unit  300 . The engagement between the first stabilization member  314  and the stabilization engagement sites  406  reduces the likelihood that the collar unit  400  will spin atop the container unit  300 . In addition, the engagement between the first stabilization member  314  and the stabilization engagement sites  406  may help to ensure proper orientation between the collar unit  400  and the container unit  300 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that in further alternative embodiments, other methods of securing the collar unit  400  to the container unit  300  may be used. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the collar unit  400  may have two stabilization engagement sites  406 , wherein each of the two stabilization engagement site  406  are different sizes. Furthermore, container unit  300  may have two first stabilization members  314 , wherein each of the two first stabilization members  314  are different sizes. The sizes of the first stabilization members  314  and the stabilization engagement sites  406  correspond so that one of the first stabilization members  314  is sized and shaped to engage with one of the stabilization engagement sites  406 , while the other first stabilization members  314  is sized and shaped to engage with the other stabilization engagement sites  406 . As a result of this relationship, the orientation of the collar unit  400  and the container unit  300  may be dictated by the fact that the stabilization engagement sites  406  and the first stabilization members  314  may only engage with each other in a single configuration. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 4B , collar unit  400  further comprises a receiving cavity  410 . The receiving cavity  410  may be an area of collar unit  400  configured to receive the plunger  500 , thereby allowing for a slideable connection between the collar unit  400  and the plunger  500 . Opposite the open end of the receiving cavity  410  is a receiving cavity end  412 . The receiving cavity end  412  is a portion of the collar  400  that may aid in creating a secure fit between the collar unit  400 .and the plunger  500  when the product dispensing apparatus  100  is in the closed position. The receiving cavity end  412  may be configured to engage with the second end of the plunger  500  and may aid in restricting the flow of product through the product dispensing unit  200 . The connection between the collar unit  400  and the plunger  500  is discussed below in greater detail in connection with  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
       FIG. 5A  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the plunger  500 .  FIG. 5B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the plunger  500  from  FIG. 5A  rotated 90 degrees, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The plunger  500  may act as an intermediary between the collar unit  400  a dispensing assembly (e.g.,  600  or  700 ). The plunger  500  comprises the second channel  502 , the channel stopper  504 , and the mounting post  508 . In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the plunger  500  may be embodied in a single piece or a plurality of pieces. 
     Plunger  500  is configured to slideably connect with the receiving cavity  410  of the collar unit  400 . This slideable connection aids in transitioning the product dispensing apparatus  100  between the open position and the closed position. Transition between the open position and closed position results in the channel stopper  504  engaging and disengaging with the first channel  404 . In the open position, the channel stopper  504  is not engaged with the first channel  404 . In the closed position, the channel stopper  504  is engaged with the first channel  404 . Engagement between the channel stopper  504  and the first channel  404  aids in regulating the flow of the product through the product dispensing unit  200 . In the closed position, the channel stopper  504  may be fully engaged with the first channel  404 , thereby interrupting fluid communication between the cavity  306  and the first channel  404 . As a result, little or no product may flow through the first channel  404 . Sliding the plunger  500  away from the collar unit  400  transitions the product dispensing unit  200  from the closed position to an open position, thereby disengaging the channel stopper  504  from the first channel  404 . The channel stopper  504  travels within the first channel  404  and when channel stopper  504  comes in contact with the top portion of the first channel  404 , the motion of the collar  400  is stopped. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an o-ring, or similar structure, may be used in conjunction with the plunger  500  to create a tighter fit between the plunger  500  and the collar unit  400 . In alternative embodiments of the present invention, there may be an airtight fit between the collar unit  400  and the plunger  500  when the product dispensing apparatus  100  is in the closed position. 
     In addition to regulating the flow of product, the interaction between the first channel  404  and the channel stopper  504  aids in securing the collar unit  400  to the plunger  500 . As the plunger  500  slides away from the collar unit  400  the channel stopper  504  may engage with the first channel  404  to ensure that the collar unit  400  and the plunger  500  remain slideably connected. 
     In addition to the interaction between the first channel  404  and the channel stopper  504 , a bottom end  512  of the plunger  500  may aid in restricting the flow of the product through the product dispensing unit  200 . The bottom end  512  is a portion of the plunger  500  that surrounds a portion of the second channel  502 . The receiving cavity end  412  is configured to engage with the bottom end  512 . When the plunger  500  slides toward the collar unit  400 , the receiving cavity end  412  engages with the bottom end  512  thereby creating a secure fit between the collar unit  400  and the plunger  500 . This engagement between the receiving cavity end  412  and the bottom end  512  may aid in restricting the flow of the product through the first channel  404 . 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the collar unit  400  may have two first channels  404 , wherein each of the two first channels  404  are different sizes. Furthermore, plunger  500  may have two channel stoppers  504 , wherein each of the two channel stoppers  504  are different sizes. The sizes of the first channels  404  and the channel stoppers  504  correspond so that one of the channel stoppers  504  is sized and shaped to engage with one of the first channels  404 , while the other channel stopper  504  is sized and shaped to engage with the other first channel  404 . As a result of this relationship, the orientation of the collar unit  400  and the plunger  500  may be dictated by the fact that the first channels  404  and the channel stoppers  504  may only engage with each other in a single configuration. In alternative embodiments of the present invention the collar unit  400  and the plunger  500  may integrated as a single structural element. 
     The second channel  502  is a hollow portion of plunger  500  that runs through the interior of the plunger  500 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5B , the second channel  502  may extend through the plunger  500  beginning at the bottom end  512  of the plunger  500  and terminating at the top end  514  of the plunger  500 . The second channel  502  is a conduit traversing the interior of the plunger  500  which allows the product to flow therethrough. 
     In addition to providing the termination point for the second channel  502 , the top end  514  of the plunger  500  provides a location for the mounting post  508 . The mounting post is an optional structure. In embodiments of the present invention including a mounting post  508 , this structure may be a site at which a dispensing assembly (e.g.,  600  or  700 ) may be mounted or slideably engaged.  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate two exemplary embodiments of dispensing assemblies. A dispensing assembly may slideably connect to the mounting post  508 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing assembly may be further secured to the plunger  500  through use of a dispensing assembly engagement point  510 . The dispensing assembly engagement point  510  may be located adjacent to the mounting post  508  and provide an area in which a portion of the dispensing assembly can engage with plunger  500  to further secure the dispensing assembly to plunger  500 . In addition, the dispensing assembly engagement point  510  may assist in orienting the dispensing assembly for proper engagement with the plunger  500 . One skilled in the art would appreciate that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, one or more dispensing assembly engagement points  510  may used to secure the dispensing assembly to the plunger  500 . 
     In addition to dispensing assembly point  510 , the plunger engagement member  516  may aid in securing the dispensing assembly to plunger  500 . Located on the exterior of mounting post  508 , plunger engagement member  516  is a protrusion from mounting post  508  configured to create a friction connection between the dispensing assembly and the plunger  500  thereby aiding in the act of securing the dispensing assembly to plunger  500 . 
     A dispensing assembly may be any structure that further facilities the flow of the product through the product dispensing unit  200 . A dispensing assembly is an optional structure and may be included in certain embodiments of the present invention. The structure of the dispensing assemblies may vary based on the product being dispensed or the method by which the product is applied. 
       FIG. 6  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the dimpled dispensing assembly  600  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The dimpled dispensing assembly  600  comprises a third channel  602 , dispensing point  604 , dispensing assembly engagement member  606 , dimpled surface  608 , and dispensing assembly groove  610 . The third channel  602  provides a site for engagement between the mounting post  508  and the dimpled dispensing assembly  600 . The mounting post  508  may engage with the third channel  602  to aid in securing the dimpled dispensing assembly  600  to the plunger  500 . To further secure the dimpled dispensing assembly  600  to the plunger  500 , the dispensing assembly engagement member  606  located at a first end of the dimpled dispensing assembly  600  may slideably engage with the dispensing assembly engagement point  510  located on the plunger  500 . In addition, dispensing assembly groove  610  may create a friction connection with plunger engagement member  516  thereby aiding in the securing of plunger  500  to dimpled dispensing assembly  600 . 
     In addition to providing an engagement point, the third channel  602  also creates a conduit providing a fluid communication path between the second channel  502  and the third channel  602  through which the product can flow from the plunger  500  into the dimpled dispensing assembly  600  and eventually exit the dimpled dispensing assembly  600  at the dispensing point  604  for application by the user. In some instances, the product may function better when the surface upon which the product is applied had been stimulated by dimples. As a result, the dimpled surface  608  may aid in application of the product. 
     Depending on the nature of the product, the dispensing assembly may be shaped and/or include a particular surface to facilitate improved product application. For example, certain products may require application with a smooth surface while other products may be more effective when the applicator comprises a rough or dimpled surface. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the dimpled dispensing assembly  600  includes the dimpled surface  608 . The dimpled surface  608  may aid in the application of the product. An alternative dispensing assembly may include a smooth surface  702 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . One skilled in the art would appreciate that alternative embodiments of the dispensing assembly may used in addition to those illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the housing unit  800  according to one or more embodiment of the present invention. The housing unit  800  is configured to receive, secure, and engage with the product dispensing units  200 . One skilled in the art would appreciate that an alternative embodiment of the housing unit could allow for a housing unit that receives more than one product dispensing units. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a dual cavity housing unit  900  may be configured to secure two product dispensing unit  200 . Given that the elements related to the housing unit  800  are similar to those of the housing unit  900 , the description of the elements in  FIG. 8  apply to the like elements in  FIG. 9 . 
     The housing unit  800  comprises a receiving cavity  802 , a first groove  804 , and a second rib  806 . The receiving cavity  802  is a portion of the housing unit  800  configured to receive a portion of the product dispensing unit  200 , or like device. The receiving cavity  802  provides a site at which a portion of the product dispensing device  200  can enter the housing unit  800  when the apparatus is in the closed position. 
     The first groove  804  may be a recess located on an interior surface of the receiving cavity  802  configured to engage with the first rib  304  of the container unit  300 . The engagement between the first rib  304  and the first groove  804  may aid in securing the product dispensing device  200  to the housing unit  800 . In the embodiment of the housing unit  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the first groove  804  is located between the second rib  806  and the opening of the receiving cavity  802 . 
     The second rib  806  is a protrusion extending from the interior surface of the receiving cavity  802  configured to engage with the product dispensing unit  200  during the process of engaging and disengaging the product dispensing unit  200  from the housing unit  800 . 
     The physical interaction between the product dispensing unit  200  and the housing unit  800  helps to facilitate transitioning the product dispensing unit  200  between an open and closed position. When the product dispensing apparatus  100  is in the open position, the plunger  500  is extended from the collar unit  400  and the channel stopper  504  is not engaged with the first channel  404 . In this open position there is a fluid connection between the cavity  306 , the first channel  404 , the second channel  502 , and the third channel  602 . As a result, product may flow from the cavity  306  of the container unit  300 , through the first channel  404 , the second channel  502 , the third channel  602 , and exit the product dispensing unit  200  at the dispensing point  604 . Release of the product may be initiated by the application of pressure to the container unit  300 . 
     In order to transition the product dispensing unit  200  from the closed position to the open position, the plunger  500  slides away from the collar unit  400  and as a result the channel stopper  504  disengages from the first channel  404 . As the product dispensing unit  200  is removed from the housing unit  800 , the first rib  304  disengages from the first groove  804 . This disengagement helps to release the product dispensing unit  200  from engagement with the housing unit  800 . As the product dispensing unit  200  is further removed from the housing cavity  802 , the second rib  806  frictionally contacts the top end  514  of the plunger  500 , thereby causing the plunger  500  to slide away from the collar unit  400 . Sliding of the plunger  500  away from the collar unit  400  disengages the channel stopper  504  from first channel  404 . This disengagement allows for the establishment of a fluid connection between the cavity  306  and the first channel  404 , thereby allowing for the flow of the product through the product dispensing unit  200 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the flow of the product may be initiated according to any known method, including, but not limited to applying pressure to container unit  300 . 
     To transition the product dispensing apparatus  100  from the open position to the closed position, the product dispensing unit  200  is inserted into the receiving cavity  802 . Upon insertion, the second rib  806  frictionally contacts the top end  514  of the plunger  500 . As the product dispensing unit  200  is inserted further into the receiving cavity  802 , the second rib  806  pushes on the plunger  500  thereby sliding the plunger  500  toward the collar unit  400 . As the plunger  500  slides toward the collar unit  400 , the channel stopper  504  engages with the first channel  404 , thereby blocking the fluid connection between the cavity  306  and the first channel  404 . Insertion of the product dispensing unit  200  into the receiving cavity  802  also causes the first rib  304  to engage with the first groove  804 . The engagement between the first rib  304  and the first groove  804  secures the product dispensing unit  200  to the housing unit  800 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, optional housing unit rails  810  may aid in transitioning the product dispensing unit  200  from the open position to the closed position. The housing unit rails  810  are structures that extend from the body of the housing unit  800  into receiving cavity  802 . During insertion of the product dispensing unit  200  into the receiving cavity  802 , the housing unit rails  810  engages with the top end  514  of the plunger  500 , thereby applying a force to the plunger  500 . As a result of this force, the plunger  500  slides toward the collar unit  400  and causes the channel stopper  504  to engage with the first channel  404 . This engagement aids in transitioning the product dispensing apparatus  100  from the open position to the closed position.  FIG. 8  illustrates the housing unit  800  as including two housing unit rails  810 , however alternative configurations may include one housing unit rail  810  or more than two housing unit rails  810 . 
     In additional alternative configurations, the housing unit rail  810  may not extend to the closed end of the housing unit  800 . In such an embodiment, the housing unit rail  810  may be a structure that extends from the body of the housing unit  800  wherein the size and shape of the housing unit  810  rail such as to provide enough support to exert a force necessary to slide the plunger  500  toward the collar unit  400 , or aid in this process. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, both the housing unit rails  810  and the second rib  806  may work together to apply a force to the plunger  500  that causes the plunger  500  to slide toward the collar unit  400 . As a result the product dispensing apparatus  100  may be transitioned between the open position and the closed position. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a single product dispensing unit  200  may be configured to house and dispense two products. In such an embodiment, the container unit  300  may be partitioned to allow for two products to be enclosed in container unit  300 . In such a configuration, the two products would be restricted from coming in contact with each other while inside the container unit  300 . In order to ensure that the two products do not come into contact with each other while traveling through the first channel  404 , the second channel  502 , the third channel  602 , and the dispensing point  604 , a partition may be present throughout the first channel  404 , the second channel  502 , the third channel  602 , and the dispensing point  604 . This partition will keep each product in a separate sub-channel as respective products travel through the product dispensing unit. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a dual housing unit  900  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the dual housing unit  900  is configuring to receive two product dispensing units  200 . In embodiments of the present invention where the dual housing unit  900  is configured to receive two product dispensing units  200 , the dual housing unit  900  aids in transitioning two product dispensing units  200  between the open position and a closed position. The use of the dual housing unit  900  may be advantageous in instances where two products are used in connection with each other to provide therapeutic or cosmetic treatment (e.g. wrinkle cream, crow&#39;s feet reducer, or burn relief). 
     It is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and that many variations of the above-described embodiments may be appreciated by one skilled in the art without departure from the scope of the invention. It is intended that all such variations be included within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.