Patent Publication Number: US-7712633-B2

Title: Through-pump liquid drain-back system for a dispensing package

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to liquid pump dispensing package for use with substrates such as paper towels, wipes, woven or nonwoven dishcloths, and sponges. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dispensing package having a through-pump drain-back subsystem that drains liquid from a dispensing package actuator to a container holding the liquid. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Consumers have traditionally applied cleaning and disinfecting compositions with a dispenser, sometimes called a dispensing package. For example, in a cleaning process, a consumer applied the composition from a trigger spray bottle dispenser by spraying the composition on a surface and wiping it with a paper towel. Alternatively, the composition in a pour or pump-out bottle dispenser was added to a sponge, actived with water, and wiped on and rinsed off the surface with the sponge. These procedures and cleaning systems are inefficient because the consumer must go through several cleaning steps. 
   As an alternative to spray, pump-out, and pour dispensed cleaning systems, wet disinfectant or cleaning wipes, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,716,805 to Sherry et al., are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience in combining a nonwoven, disposable substrate with a disinfecting or cleaning composition. Soap-loaded disposable dish cloths, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,869 to Suazon et al., are also popular for their convenience. These products combine the cleaning composition and the cleaning substrate in one cleaning system so that the consumer can perform the cleaning task with one hand and with one product. However, these systems have some drawbacks such as requiring water activation of a dry substrate or requiring a sealed packaging for a wet substrate. 
   Current dispensing packages, however, are not adequate for one hand application of cleaning and disinfecting compositions to cleaning substrates such as paper towels. Dispensing packages such as trigger sprayers or pump dispensers generally require one hand to hold and activate the dispenser and one hand to hold the cleaning substrates. Existing pump-up dispensers that can be ergonomically operated with the same hand that holds the cleaning substrate have small actuators that require the hand and substrate to be contracted into a ball in order to activate the dispenser. To overcome the problem that existing pump-up dispensers having small actuators that require the hand and substrate to be contracted into a ball in order to activate the dispenser is address in co-owned patent application Ser. No. 11/609,740 now U.S. App. 2008/0138143; Ser. No. 11/609,749 now U.S. App. 2008/0138144, Ser. No. 11/609,761 now U.S. App. 2008/0135581, and Ser. No. 11/621,235 now U.S. App. 2008/0166174 each of which is incorporated by reference in their entirety. These co-owned patent applications describe dispensing package liquid distribution subsystems that distribute a liquid at the entire top surface area of a large, hand-sized actuator so that the hand and substrate need not be contracted into a ball in order to operated the dispensing package. 
   Further, while gravity-flow liquid drain-back features are very common for bottle/spout systems for laundry aisle products, existing pump-up dispensing packages do not provide a drain-back subsystem that returns excess dispensed cleaning compositions not absorbed by the cleaning substrate. Some pump mechanisms and dispensers specifically prevent liquid from draining back into the liquid container of the dispensing package or from being drawn back into the liquid distribution subsystem of the dispensing package. This may be important for disinfecting or registered cleaning compositions. 
   However, it would often be desirable with other compositions or liquids, to collect excess dispensed product, not fully absorbed by the substrate at the actuator top surface, and return it by gravity flow or other means through an orifice in the actuator top surface back to the composition product container of the dispensing package. Where product drain-back into the container would not compromise the integrity of the product, this excess liquid collection and return feature would aid in the use, appearance, and efficiency of the dispensing package and would help prevent product drooling. Preventing product drooling or pooling on a dispenser surface would be an aesthetic benefit to the consumer. 
   Embodiments of a gravity-flow liquid drain-back subsystem are disclosed in co-owned patent application Ser. No. 11/767,646 now U.S. App. 2008/0314925, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The gravity-flow liquid drain-back subsystem returns excess liquid not absorb by the substrate during actuation of a pump-up dispensing package to the container from which the liquid product is dispensed. A drain-back pathway, separate from the liquid distribution system pathway, is utilized to drain excess liquid back to the dispensing package container. It would be desirable to provide an excess liquid collection subsystem for a dispensing package, which avoids the separate return pathway of the gravity-flow liquid drain-back subsystem. 
   To overcome these problems of a gravity-flow liquid drain back system that utilizes a separate return pathway, co-owned patent application Ser. No. 11/769,610, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a liquid draw-back subsystem that utilized suction to return excess liquid from the actuator top surface back into the liquid distribution subsystem upon each reciprocation of the dispensing package actuator. However, excess liquid draw-back subsystems utilizing suction require costly additional components over gravity-flow drain-back subsystems. 
   To overcome these problems, the dispensing package embodiments of the present invention are designed to provide a dispensing package that allows a consumer to conveniently apply a liquid cleaning composition from a container to a substrate with one hand and in a controlled manner. Further, the dispensing package embodiments of the present invention are designed to provide a dispensing package having an actuator with a gravity-flow drain-back subsystem that returns excess liquid cleaning composition not absorbed by the substrate to the container without the need for a liquid pathway separate from the liquid pathway used to apply the liquid cleaning composition to the substrate. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Embodiments of the present invention provide a liquid dispensing package that includes a container adapted to contain a liquid and an actuator having an actuator top with at least one discharge orifice therethrough. An actuator top surface of the actuator top, is in fluid communication with the container through the one or more discharge orifices to permit flow of liquid from the container to the actuator top surface upon reciprocation of the actuator. Further, the at least one discharge orifice allows excess liquid to gravity-flow back to the container after completion of use of the dispensing package by a consumer. The liquid pathway utilized to distribute the liquid in the container to the actuator top surface is the same liquid pathway utilized to gravity drain excess liquid on the actuator top surface back to the container. 
   In accordance with an object of the present invention and those that will be mentioned and will become apparent below, one aspect of the present invention is a dispensing package that includes a hand operated pump coupled to the actuator, a liquid distribution subsystem including a discharge tube from the pump, wherein depression of the actuator causes liquid to travel through the discharge tube to the actuator top surface. The liquid distribution subsystem delivers liquid to an area of the actuator top surface greater than the circumferential area of the discharge tube. 
   The liquid distribution subsystem of the dispensing package may include a manifold type distribution subsystem, a spray type distribution subsystem, or a surface distribution channel type distribution subsystem. Various liquid distribution pathways from the container to the actuator top surface are utilized. 
   Another aspect of the present invention is a dispensing package that includes a liquid drain-back subsystem that provides for liquid on the actuator top surface to flow back by gravity to the container after each reciprocation of the actuator and when the dispensing package is subsequently not in use and configured in an upright position. 
   The liquid drain-back subsystem of the dispensing package may include a below the pump piston head type drain-back subsystems or an above the pump piston head type drain-back subsystem. Various liquid drain-back pathways from the actuator top surface to the container are utilized. Each of the various liquid pathways used by the liquid drain-back subsystem are the same respective liquid pathways used by the liquid distribution subsystem. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of a first embodiment of a dispensing package of the present invention with the package shown assembled in a condition prior to use; 
       FIG. 2  is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view of the package illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dispensing package of the present invention with the package shown assembled in a condition prior to use; 
       FIG. 4A  shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dispensing package of the present invention having a liquid distribution subsystem and a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem; 
       FIG. 4B  shows a side view of another embodiment of a liquid distribution subsystem for use with the dispensing package of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4C  shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid distribution subsystem for use with the dispensing package of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5A  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a pump assembly for the dispensing package of  FIG. 4A  in a rest position; 
       FIG. 5B  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a pump assembly for the dispensing package of  FIG. 4A  during travel to a compressed position after application of downward force on an actuator of the dispensing package of  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 5C  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a pump assembly for the dispensing package of  FIG. 4A  in a compressed position after release of a downward force on an actuator of the dispensing package of  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 5D  shows a schematic, side cross-sectional, detail view of the outlet valve of another pump assembly for the dispensing package of  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 6  shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dispensing package of the present invention having a liquid distribution subsystem and a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem; 
       FIG. 7  shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dispensing package of the present invention having a liquid distribution subsystem and a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem; 
       FIG. 8A  shows a top view of another embodiment of a liquid distribution subsystem and a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for the dispensing package of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8B  shows a side cross-sectional view along line  8 B- 8 B of  FIG. 8A ; 
       FIG. 9A  shows a top view of another embodiment of a liquid distribution subsystem and a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for the dispensing package of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9B  shows a side cross-sectional view along line  9 B- 9 B of  FIG. 9A ; 
       FIG. 10A  shows a top view of another embodiment of a liquid distribution subsystem and a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for the dispensing package of the present invention; 
       FIG. 10B  shows a side cross-sectional view along line  10 B- 10 B of  FIG. 10A ; 
       FIG. 11A  shows a top view of another embodiment of a liquid distribution subsystem and a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for the dispensing package the present invention; 
       FIG. 11B  shows a side cross-sectional view along line  11 B- 11 B of  FIG. 11A ; 
       FIG. 12A  shows a top view of another embodiment of a liquid distribution subsystem and a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for the dispensing package of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 12B  shows a side cross-sectional view along line  11301302 B- 12 B of  FIG. 12A . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so described. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The scope of the invention is pointed out in the appended claims. 
   For ease of description, the components of this invention and the container employed with the components of this invention are described in the normal (upright) operating position, and terms such as upper, lower, horizontal, etc., are used with reference to this position. It will be understood, however, that the components embodying this invention may be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold in an orientation other than the position described. 
   Figures illustrating the components of this invention and the container show some conventional mechanical elements that are known and that will be recognized by one skilled in the art. The detailed descriptions of such elements are not necessary to an understanding of the invention, and accordingly, are herein presented only to the degree necessary to facilitate an understanding of the novel features of the present invention. 
   All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
   As used herein and in the claims, the term “comprising” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional unrecited elements, compositional components, or method steps. Accordingly, the term “comprising” encompasses the more restrictive terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of”. 
   It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “surfactant” includes two or more such surfactants. 
   Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although a number of methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are described herein. 
   In the application, effective amounts are generally those amounts listed as the ranges or levels of ingredients in the descriptions, which follow hereto. All percentages, ratios and proportions are by weight, and all temperatures are in degrees Celsius (° C.), unless otherwise specified. All measurements are in SI units, unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise stated, amounts listed in percentage (“%&#39;s”) are in weight percent (based on 100% active) of the cleaning composition alone. It should be understood that every limit given throughout this specification will include every lower, or higher limit, as the case may be, as if such lower or higher limit was expressly written herein. Every range given throughout this specification will include every narrower range that falls within such broader range, as if such narrower ranges were all expressly written herein. 
   The term “surfactant”, as used herein, is meant to mean and include a substance or compound that reduces surface tension when dissolved in water or water solutions, or that reduces interfacial tension between two liquids, or between a liquid and a solid. The term “surfactant” thus includes anionic, nonionic, cationic and/or amphoteric agents. 
   The composition can be used as a disinfectant, sanitizer, and/or sterilizer. As used herein, the term “disinfect” shall mean the elimination of many or all pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces with the exception of bacterial endospores. As used herein, the term “sanitize” shall mean the reduction of contaminants in the inanimate environment to levels considered safe according to public health ordinance, or that reduces the bacterial population by significant numbers where public health requirements have not been established. An at least 99% reduction in bacterial population within a 24 hour time period is deemed “significant.” As used herein, the term “sterilize” shall mean the complete elimination or destruction of all forms of microbial life and which is authorized under the applicable regulatory laws to make legal claims as a “Sterilant” or to have sterilizing properties or qualities. 
   As used herein, the term “polymer” generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc. and blends and modifications thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term “polymer” shall include all possible geometrical configurations of the molecule. These configurations include, but are not limited to isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries. 
   The term “plastic” is defined herein as any polymeric material that is capable of being shaped or molded, with or without the application of heat. Usually plastics are a homo-polymer or co-polymer that of high molecular weight. Plastics fitting this definition include, but are not limited to, polyolefins, polyesters, nylon, vinyl, acrylic, polycarbonates, polystyrene, and polyurethane. 
   Dispensing Package 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a dispensing package  20  employing an actuator  24 , a pump assembly  26 , and a dip tube  28  installed on a container  22 . In this embodiment, the container  22  is transparent and contains a cleaning composition liquid  21 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a typical pump assembly  26  that may be employed on the container  22  and which is adapted to be mounted in the neck  23  of the container  22 . The exterior of the container neck  23  typically defines container threads  32  for engaging a closure  34  ( FIG. 4A ) as described hereinafter. The container threads  32  define a container connection feature  35  adjacent the container mouth  30 . Other connection features may be employed in cooperation with mating or cooperating closure connection features  48  ( FIG. 4A ) on the closure  34 . Other container and closure connection features could include a snap-fit bead and groove arrangement or other conventional or special connection features, including non-releasable connection features such as adhesive, thermal bonding, staking, etc. The dispensing package may be disposable and designed for one use and not designed to be refillable. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1  for example, the actuator  24  and/or pump assembly  26  may be fused to the container  22 , for example with spot welding. 
   A part of the pump assembly  26  may extend into the container opening or mouth  30 . The bottom end of the pump assembly  26  is attached to a conventional dip tube  28 , and the upper end of the pump assembly projects above the container neck  23 . The pump assembly  26  includes an outwardly projecting flange  36  for supporting the pump assembly  26  on the container neck  23  over a conventional sealing gasket  38  which is typically employed between the pump assembly flange  36  and container neck  23 . Other sealing designs such as plug seals can be used in place of a gasket. The hollow tubular stem or cylindrical discharge tube  40  establishes communication between a pump chamber  33  ( FIG. 5A ) within the pump assembly  26  and an actuator  24  which is mounted to the upper end of the discharge tube  40 . 
   The actuator  24  has a hand-and-substrate engageable region and can be depressed by the user&#39;s hand containing a substrate, such as a sponge, to move the discharge tube downwardly in the pump assembly  26  to dispense liquid from the pump assembly  26 . The liquid is pressurized in the pump assembly chamber  33  ( FIG. 5A ) and exits from the actuator discharge orifices  25  ( FIG. 2 ) in the actuator  24 . 
   It will be appreciated that the particular design of the pump assembly  26  may be of any suitable design for pumping a product from the container  22  (with or without a dip tube  28 ) and out through the discharge tube  40 . The detailed design and construction of the pump assembly  26  per se forms no part of the present invention except to the extent that the pump assembly  26  is adapted to be suitably coupled and held on the container  22  with a suitable mounting system. 
   While, with certain modifications described in detail below with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5D , the present invention may be practiced with liquid pumps of many different designs, the internal design configuration of one suitable pump is generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,453, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is suitable for use with a variety of hand-operable. 
   Container 
     FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dispensing package of the present invention with the package shown assembled in a condition prior to use.  FIG. 4A  shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dispensing package of the present invention having a liquid distribution subsystem and a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem. Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4A  together, embodiments of the dispensing package  20  can comprise a container  22  adapted to contain a liquid  21  the container  22  having a container bottom  51 ; a container sleeve  52  coupled to the container bottom  51  and depending upwardly from the peripheral edge of the container bottom  51 ; an actuator  24  having an actuator top  72  with an actuator top surface  74  and an actuator skirt  76  coupled to the actuator top  72  and depending downwardly from the peripheral edge of the actuator top  72 ; wherein a sleeve interior surface of the container sleeve  52  is slideably engagable with a skirt exterior surface  77  of the actuator skirt  76 ; a pump assembly  26  having a hollow discharge tube  40 , the pump assembly  26  being disposed within the container  22  and in fluid communication with the actuator  24 ; wherein the actuator  24  has at least one discharge orifice  25  in fluid communication with the container  22  through the discharge tube  40  of the pump assembly  26  to permit liquid to flow onto the actuator top surface  74  of the actuator top  72  upon reciprocation of the actuator top  72 ; and wherein the at least one discharge orifice  25  orifice permits excess liquid to gravity-flow back through the pump assembly  26  to the container  22  after completion of use of the dispensing package  20  by a consumer and when the dispensing package is placed in an upright position. 
   The container  22  can have a variety of shapes. The container can be round or oval or rectangular with rounded corners as shown in  FIG. 3 . The container dimensions can be measured from a horizontal slice  75  of the container  22 . The container can be made from plastic materials. The container, and other components of the dispensing package, can be constructed of any of the conventional material employed in fabricating containers, including, but not limited to: polyethylene; polypropylene; polyacetal; polycarbonate; polyethyleneterephthalate; polyvinyl chloride; polystyrene; blends of polyethylene, vinyl acetate, and rubber elastomer. Other materials can include stainless steel and glass. A suitable container is made of clear material, e.g., polyethylene terephthalate. 
   Actuator 
   The ergonomic shape of the actuator  24  makes the actuator easy to reciprocate with a substrate such as paper towel or sponge, and to operate using one hand. One measure of the actuator shape is a vertical projection  71  ( FIG. 3 ) of the actuator top surface  74  of the actuator top  72 , where a vertical projection is a projection onto the horizontal plane. The vertical projection  71  has a length  78  and a width  79 . The aspect ratio is the ratio of the length to the width. For a circle, the aspect ratio would be 1. Unless the hand or the substrate in the hand is severely compressed, then both the hand and substrate would have an aspect ratio greater than 1. In order to ergonomically apply the composition to the substrate in the hand, in some embodiments of the invention it would be desirable for the actuator and or the pattern of orifices to have an aspect ratio greater than 1. The vertical projection of the actuator top can have an aspect ratio of greater than 1, or greater than 1.1, or greater than 1.2, or greater than 1.5, or at least 1.1, or at least 1.2, or at least 1.5, or less than 2, or less than 1.5. In order to provide a large surface for one-handed use of the dispensing package, in some embodiments, the actuator top size can be approximately the same size or larger than the container. The actuator top size can be larger than the width of two fingers for easy ergonomic use with a cleaning substrate. The vertical projection of the actuator top length can be larger than about 1.5 inches, or from 2 to 10 inches, or from 2 to 8 inches, or from 2 to 5 inches, or from 2 to 3 inches, or from 2.5 to 8 inches, or from 2.5 to 5 inches, or from 2.5 to 3 inches. The vertical projection of the actuator top can have an area of greater than 2 square inches, greater than 5 square inches, greater than 6 square inches, greater than 7 square inches, greater than 8 square inches, greater than 10 square inches, less than 8 square inches, less than 10 square inches, or less than 20 square inches. For use with a semi-rigid rectangular substrate, for example a sponge, the actuator top can be approximately the same size or somewhat smaller than a standard rectangular sponge, for example about 2.5 by about 4.5 inches. The vertical projection of the top surface of the actuator top can have at least one dimension that is greater than the corresponding dimension of any horizontal slice  75  of the container ( FIG. 3 ). 
   The actuator top  72  can have a concave shape that is round, oval, a rectangular with rounded corners as shown in ( FIG. 3 ), elliptical, or other shape that fits the hand, a sponge, or other substrate. The concave shape allows the capture of excess composition without dripping. The actuator can have a rim to prevent spillage. In certain embodiments, it may be useful for the actuator to be substantially flat or convex for ergonomic effectiveness with certain substrates. 
   The actuator can individually be adapted to the respective requirements with regard to the direction of the discharge orifice as well as with regard to the use of opening valves. The actuator is not limited to having a discharge orifice  25  which moves together with the actuator, but it may also comprise an actuator of the type having a stationary discharge orifice  94 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The actuator may have a surface that slideably engages the container and is internal or external to the container 
   Actuator Discharge Orifices 
   As noted above, the dispensing package can have one or more openings or discharge orifices  25  situated on the actuator  24  (for example  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 A). The discharge orifices  25  can be a small or large, round, slit or other suitable shape. The discharge orifice or orifices  25  can be centered in the actuator. Because the actuator is enlarged, the discharge orifices or orifices can be located away from the edge of the actuator to prevent, for example, spilling the composition. The actuator top can have multiple discharge orifices and the discharge orifices can be indented from the exterior edge of the top surface of the actuator top. The actuator top can have multiple discharge orifices wherein the pattern of discharge orifices has an aspect ratio of at least 1.5, or greater than 1, or greater than 1.1, or greater than 1.2, or greater than 1.5, or at least 1.1, or at least 1.2, or less than 2, or less than 1.5. Where the pattern of discharge orifices has an aspect ratio of at least 1.5, then the composition can be applied to the substrate in an area having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5, or greater than 1, or greater than 1.1, or greater than 1.2, or greater than 1.5, or at least 1.1, or at least 1.2, or less than 2, or less than 1.5. When for example the actuator top is large and has multiple discharge orifices, the actuator can apply at least 0.3 ml of the composition (or other volume) to the substrate in an area of greater than 2 square inches and less than 20 square inches, or an area of greater than 4 square inches, greater than 5 square inches, greater than 6 square inches, greater than 7 square inches, greater than 8 square inches, greater than 10 square inches, less than 8 square inches, less than 10 square inches, or less than 20 square inches. 
   Pump Assembly 
     FIG. 5A  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a pump assembly  26  for the dispensing package of  FIG. 4A  in a rest position before operation of dispensing package. Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 5A  together, pump assembly  26  provides both liquid pressure to move liquid  21  from the container  22  to the actuator  24  and allows excess liquid not absorbed by a substrate to gravity drain from the actuator  24  through the pump assembly  26  to the container  22 . The pump assembly  26  includes the pump chamber  33  configured as a cylinder. A pump piston  39 , which includes a piston head  42  configured as a disk-like plate having a piston opening  46  therethrough, fits within the pump chamber  33 . The peripheral edge of the piston head  42  form a substantially liquid tight seal with the pump chamber sidewall  53 . Fluidly coupled with the piston opening  46 , is a hollow tubular stem or cylindrical discharge tube  40 , as described, for example, with reference to the embodiments of the dispensing package shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4 A,  6 , and  7 . As described above for these dispensing packages, the actuator  24  is coupled to discharge tube  40  such that reciprocation of the actuator  24  permits liquid to flow through the discharge tube  40  of the pump assembly  26  onto an actuator top surface  74  of the actuator top  72 . 
   A coil spring  56 , or other suitable resilient member, maintains the pump piston  39  and thus the actuator  24  to which it is coupled, in an upward or rest position. As shown in  FIG. 5B , coil spring  56  is compressed upon application of a downwardly directed force on the actuator  24  by a user of the dispensing package. The compressed coil spring  56 , provides an upward biasing force that tends to return the actuator  24  to its original rest position when the actuator is released by the user. A check ball  57 , or other suitable check valve, where the dip tube  28  enters the pump chamber  33 , prevents back flow of liquid in pump chamber  33  through the dip tube  28  to the container  22  when the pump piston  39  is in the upward rest position shown in  FIG. 5A . 
   The pump chamber sidewall  53  of the pump chamber  33  includes a pump chamber sidewall opening  58  therethrough. The pump chamber sidewall opening  58  is situated below closure  34  as shown in  FIG. 4A . Thus, pump chamber  33  is placed in fluid communication, through the pump chamber sidewall opening  58 , with the space in the container  22  below the closure  34 . Further, when, the pump piston  39  is in its rest position as shown in  FIG. 5A , the biasing force of coil spring  56  is selected such that pump chamber sidewall opening  58  is situated just below the piston head  42  of pump piston  39 . Thus, with actuator  24  in a rest position, liquid within pump chamber  33  that is above the pump chamber sidewall opening  58  may gravity flow from the pump chamber  33  to the container  22 . The pump chamber sidewall opening  58  may include a pump chamber sidewall opening check value  54 , such as a one-way flapper value, well known in the art, to prevent liquid flow from the container  22  if the container  22  is not upright. 
   Further, the pump assembly  26  includes a special pump outlet valve  63 . As described in detail below with reference to  FIG. 5B-5C , special pump outlet valve  63  is a conventional pump outlet valve for a piston pump, well known in the art, with certain modifications. A typical pump outlet valve prevents flow or suction of liquid dispensed through discharge tube  40  from flowing back into pump chamber  33  through piston opening  46 . A typical pump outlet valve prevents such back flow regardless of the position of the pump piston  39  within the pump chamber  33 . However, the special pump outlet valve  63  is designed to provide no liquid seal against back flow of liquid from the discharge tube  40  when the pump piston  39 , and thus the actuator  24  ( FIG. 4A ) to which it is attached, is in its upward or rest position shown in  FIG. 5A . 
   In one embodiment, the special pump outlet valve  63 , includes an “umbrella” valve component, well know in the art, supported on a valve stem  55 . Special pump outlet valve  63 , like a typical umbrella valve, includes a sealing plug  65  that is supported by and biases outwardly from the valve stem  55 . In one embodiment, sealing plug  65  is configured as an inverted cone of resilient material. Valve stem  55  is in turn supported at the base of the pump chamber  33  by a valve support  66 . Valve support  66  may also function as containment for check ball  57 . In a typical umbrella valve, regardless of the position of pump piston  39  within the pump chamber  33 , the conical sealing plug of the valve biases outwardly sufficiently far to contact and form a liquid seal with the inside cylindrical wall of the discharge tube  40 . 
   However, as noted above, with special pump outlet valve  63 , when pump piston  39  is in its rest position as shown, no liquid seal is formed to prevent back flow of liquid from the discharge tube  40  to the pump chamber  33  space below the piston head  42 . An increase in the diameter of the discharge tube  40  where it couples with the piston head  42 , defines a discharge tube cavity  67 . The sealing plug  65  is designed such that it does not bias outwardly sufficient far to contact the sidewall of the discharge tube cavity  67 . The discharge tube cavity  67  provides a passageway for excess liquid on the actuator top surface  74  to flow through the discharge orifices  25 , through the liquid distribution system, into the discharge tube  40 , to drain-back to pump chamber  33  when pump piston  39  is in its rest position. Thus, with the pump piston  39 , and the actuator  24  to which it is coupled, is in a rest position, liquid in discharge tube  40  may flow by gravity from discharge tube  40  into the pump chamber  33  and out through pump chamber sidewall opening  58  into container  22 , as indicated by arrow  93 . Since the pump chamber sidewall opening  58 , through which liquid flows to container  22 , is below the rest position of pump piston head  42 , liquid drain-back subsystems utilizing the pump assembly of  FIG. 5A  are classified as below the pump piston head type liquid drain-back subsystems. 
     FIG. 5B  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a pump assembly for the dispensing package of  FIG. 4A  while traveling to a compressed position after application of downward force on the actuator  24  of the dispensing package of  FIG. 4A . Referring to  FIGS. 5B and 4A  together, when a user of the dispensing package of the present invention applies a downwardly direct force on the actuator  24 , pump piston  39 , coupled to actuator  24  through discharge tube  40 , similarly moves downward within the pump chamber  33  to a position below the rest position of the pump piston  39  thereby pressurizing the pump chamber  33  and discharge tube  40  to allow liquid to flow out of the pump assembly  26  through discharge tube  40 . The check ball  57  prevents flow of pressurized liquid back through the dip tube  28  to the container  22 . Further, the sealing plug  65 , now within the interior of the discharge tube  40 , has partially collapsed against its outward bias due to the pressurization thus providing a liquid pathway for the pressurized liquid within the pump chamber  33  to flow through the discharge tube  40  to the actuator  24  of the dispensing package, as indicated by arrow  69 . 
     FIG. 5C  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a pump assembly for the dispensing package of  FIG. 4A  in a compressed position but after release of the downward force on the actuator  24  of the dispensing package of  FIG. 4A . Referring to  FIGS. 5C and 4A  together, when the actuator  24  is released for the downwardly directed force supplied by a user, the coil spring  56 , compressed by the previously applied downward force, provides an upward biasing force that tends to return the pump piston  39  to its original rest position shown in  FIG. 5A . As the pump piston  39  moves in an upward direction under the biasing force of the compressed coil spring  56 , suction is created in the pump chamber  33 . The check ball  57  rises as shown, thereby creating a pathway for liquid in container  22  to flow through the dip tube  28  and into the expanding volume between the pump piston  39  and the pump chamber  33 . as indicated by arrow  68 . Further, the sealing plug  65  still within the interior of the discharge tube  40  but released from pressurization, expands due to its outward bias to contact the interior sidewall of the discharge tube  40  to form a liquid tight seal against suction back flow of liquid within the discharge tube  40  to the pump chamber  33 . 
     FIG. 5D  shows a schematic, side cross-sectional, detail view of a pump outlet valve of another pump assembly for use with the dispensing package of  FIG. 4A . In the figure, pump piston  39  is shown in its upward or rest position. In this embodiment, pump outlet valve  63  is a conventional pump outlet valve. Accordingly, as described above, pump outlet valve  63  prevents flow or suction of liquid dispensed through the discharge tube  40  from flowing back into pump chamber  33  through the piston head opening  46  at all positions of the pump piston  39 , including the rest position shown in the figure. Further, discharge tube  40  where it couples with the piston head  42  does not expand to define a discharge tube cavity  67  as in the embodiment of  FIG. 5A . Sealing plug  65  biases outwardly sufficiently far to contact the interior sidewall of the discharge tube  40  to provide a liquid tight seal. Unlike the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , no passageway from the discharge tube  40  and past the sealing plug  65  is provided when the pump piston  39  is in the rest position. 
   However, the discharge tube  40  includes a discharge tube sidewall opening  95  therethrough. The discharge tube sidewall opening  95  places the interior of the discharge tube  40  in fluid communication with the space of pump chamber  33  above the piston head  42 . The discharge tube sidewall opening  95  provides a passageway for liquid in discharge tube  40  to drain-back to pump chamber  33  when pump piston  39  is in its rest position. The discharge tube sidewall opening  95  includes a normally open discharge tube sidewall opening check valve  97 . Discharge tube sidewall opening check valve  97  maybe a flapper valve as show. However, discharge tube sidewall opening check valve  97  is a check valve which has a slight bias to stay open during low pressure gravity flow of liquid from the discharge tube  40 , but which closes upon pressurization of discharge tube  40  when the pump assembly  26  produces pressure within the pump chamber  33 . In this manner liquid may flow by gravity through discharge tube sidewall opening  95  but may not flow when discharge tube is pressurized during pumping. 
   The pump chamber sidewall  53  of the pump chamber  33  includes a pump chamber sidewall opening  58  therethrough. If the pump chamber sidewall opening  58  is situated just above the pump piston  39  when in its rest position as shown in  FIG. 5D , liquid within pump chamber  33  that is above the pump chamber sidewall opening  58  may gravity flow from the pump chamber  33  to the container  22 . The pump chamber sidewall opening  58  may include a pump chamber sidewall opening check valve  54 , such as a one-way flapper value, well known in the art, to prevent liquid flow from the container  22  if the container  22  is not upright. 
   Thus, with the pump piston  39 , and the actuator  24  ( FIG. 4A ) to which it is coupled, is in a rest position, liquid, including excess liquid, may gravity flow drain-back through the distribution orifices  25 , through one of the various liquid distribution pathways described below, into the discharge tube  40  into the pump chamber  33  and out through the pump chamber sidewall opening  58  into container  22  ( FIG. 4 ), as indicated by arrow  93 . Since the pump chamber sidewall opening  58 , through which liquid flows to container  22 , is above the rest position of pump piston head  42 , liquid drain-back subsystems utilizing the pump assembly of  FIG. 5D  is classified as above the pump piston head type drain-back subsystems. 
   Liquid Distribution Subsystem and Liquid Drain-Back Subsystem 
   As noted above, the actuator  24  defines a discharge passage through which the product from the stem or discharge tube  40  is discharged. The actuator  24  has a hand-and-substrate engageable region and can be depressed by the user&#39;s hand containing a substrate, such as a sponge, to move the discharge tube  40  downwardly in the pump assembly  26  to dispense liquid from the pump assembly  26 . The liquid is pressurized in the pump chamber  33 , flows through the discharge tube  40  and exits from the actuator discharge orifices  25  ( FIG. 2 ) in the actuator  24 . 
   When the actuator discharge covers a large area, it may be desirable to have a liquid distribution subsystem to deliver the liquid from the hollow discharge tube  40  delivered from container  22  by the pump assembly  26  to the discharge orifices  25 . As described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 4A  through  FIG. 12B , the liquid distribution subsystems of the present invention may include, for example, a manifold type distribution subsystem, a spray type distribution subsystem, or a surface distribution channel type distribution subsystem. Irrespective of the particular foregoing subsystem, the liquid distribution subsystem of the present invention may deliver liquid to an area of the top surface of an actuator top greater than the circumferential or cross-sectional area of the discharge tube  40 . As used herein, the term “liquid distribution subsystem” refers to a system for dispensing a liquid delivered to the system (such as by pump assembly  26 ) to a desired location (such as the top surface  74  of an actuator top  72 ). 
   Further, it may also be desirable to provide a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem to return excess liquid not absorbed on a substrate back to the container  22 . As, also described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 4A  through  FIG. 12B , the through-pump liquid drain-back subsystems of the present invention may include, for example, a below the pump piston head type through-pump liquid drain-back subsystems or an above the pump piston head type through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem. The through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem of the dispensing package of the present invention, utilizes the same liquid pathway to drain liquid from the actuator top surface  74  that is used to supply liquid from the container to the actuator  24  thus eliminating the need for a separate liquid drain-back pathway. 
   In one embodiment, the through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem utilizes the distribution orifices  25  used on the actuator top surface  74  in fluid communication via a pathway with the container  22 , when the container  22  is at rest and in an upright configuration. In some embodiments, with the actuator  24  in a rest position, a pump chamber sidewall opening  58  of a pump chamber  33  is below a piston head  42  of a pump piston  39  ( FIG. 5A ) and in other embodiments, the pump chamber sidewall opening  58  is above the piston head  42  of the pump piston  39  ( FIG. 5D ). When the actuator  24  is upright and in a rest position, liquid, for example excess liquid not absorbed on a substrate, may gravity flow from the actuator  24  along the pathway of the liquid distribution system to the pump chamber  33  and then to the container  22 . As used herein, the term “gravity-flow liquid drain-back” refers to a system for returning liquid previously delivered to a desired location, such as by pump assembly  26  to actuator top surface  74 , to another desired location such as the container  22  along a pathway following a continuous downhill gradient. The pump chamber sidewall opening  58  may include a pump chamber sidewall opening check valve  54 , such as a one-way flapper value, well known in the art, to prevent liquid flow from the container  22  if the container  22  is not upright. 
   After the actuator  24  is released by the user when the resiliently compressed pump coil spring  56  biases pump piston  39  upwardly thereby drawing liquid  21  from the container  22  ( FIGS. 4A and 5A ) through the dip tube  28  and into the pump chamber  33 , the pump piston  39  of pump assembly  26  returns to a rest position as described above and provides for return of any excess liquid on the actuator top surface  74  of the actuator top  72  into the distribution orifices  25 , discharge tube  40 , and the pump assembly  26 . Thus, a complete reciprocation cycle of actuator  24  is complete. Additional, reciprocations of the actuator  24  repeat the cycle. 
   Operation of the Dispensing Package 
   More particularly,  FIG. 4A  shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dispensing package  20  having a liquid distribution subsystem and a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem. Dispensing package  20  includes a manifold type distribution subsystem having discharge channels  45 , fluidly coupled via discharge tube  40  to the pump assembly  26  installed on a container  22  by a closure  34  on the container  22 . The closure  34  isolates stored liquid  21  in the container  22  to a space below the closure  34 , allowing liquid to exit the container  22  only via pump assembly  26  and, more specifically, through discharge tube  40  and discharge channels  45 . In the embodiment shown, the closure  34  is a dome or disk-like structure coupled to the perimeter sidewall of container  22  and coupled to pump assembly  26  by a liquid tight closure connection feature  48 , such as a threaded coupling, that cooperates with a container connection feature  35  ( FIG. 2 ) on the container  22 . In one embodiment, either a rigid cartridge or flexible pouch is inserted into a rigid container with some fitment mechanism to attach the pump assembly  26  and actuator  24 . 
   Pump assembly  26  includes a hollow dip tube  28  adapted to transport a liquid. An actuator  24 , coupled to the liquid transport assembly  26 , may be manually reciprocated by a user of dispensing package  20  to move liquid  21  contained in container  22  through the dip tube  28  and the discharge channels  45  to the an actuator top  72  of the actuator  24  having an actuator top surface  74  with discharge orifices  25  that terminate the discharge channels  45  ( FIG. 4B ). In one embodiment, the paths of the various discharge channels  45  are all the same length so that liquid is evenly distributed on the actuator top surface  74  with every pump assembly stroke achieved upon reciprocation of the actuator  24 . 
   When a user pushes actuator  24  down, discharge tube  40  to which actuator  24  is coupled also moves down and liquid is initially discharged from the pump assembly  26 , as described above, through discharge tube  40  until the coil spring  56  is fully compressed. During downward movement of the piston head  42  liquid is forced out through the discharge tube  40 , past the compressed sealing plug  65 , to the liquid distribution system, and to the distribution orifices  25 . 
   After the actuator  24  is released by the user and returns to its rest position, excess liquid may flow by gravity through the distribution orifices  25 , through the liquid distribution system, through the discharge tube  40 , and through the pump assembly  26 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 5A-5D , to the container  22 . Thus, a complete reciprocation cycle of actuator  24  is complete. Additional, reciprocations of the actuator  24  repeat the cycle. With repeat rapid reciprocations of the actuator liquid will be repeatedly pumped from the container and excess liquid will return to the container  22  as described when reciprocation ceases and actuator  24  is left in its rest position and container  22  is in an upright configuration. The return of liquid from the actuator  24  as described, may be accomplished with an below the piston head type liquid through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem ( FIG. 5A ) or with an above the piston head type liquid through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem ( FIG. 5B ). 
     FIG. 4B  shows a side view of another embodiment of a liquid distribution subsystem and a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for a dispensing package of the present invention. The liquid distribution subsystem of  FIG. 4B  shows an embodiment of a manifold type distribution subsystem where a plurality of vertical discharge channels  45  are each attached to a respective lengthwise discharge manifold  47  that spans nearly the entire length  78  of the vertical projection of the actuator top  72 . In one embodiment of the present invention, four discharge channels  45  are attached to the lengthwise discharge manifold  47  with the four discharge channels  45  substantially equally spaced across the length  78  of the vertical projection of the actuator top  72 . Typically, between 2 and 12 discharge channels  45  may be attached to the lengthwise discharge manifold  47 . 
   Discharge channels  45  may fluidly connect the discharge tube  40  with corresponding discharge orifices  43  terminating respective discharge channels  45 . The discharge orifices  43  or  25  may span a significant portion of the actuator top  72 , thereby providing liquid flow to an area of the actuator top  72  larger than the diameter of the discharge tube  40 . Typically, the discharge orifices  43  may span between about 60 to about 95% of the length  78  of the top surface  72 . 
   The liquid distribution subsystem of  FIG. 4B  further includes a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for a dispensing package along the same pathway of the liquid distribution system, as described above with reference to  FIG. 4A . The through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem allows excess liquid, delivered to the actuator  24  during reciprocation of the actuator  24 , to return to the container  22  when reciprocation ceases and the container  22  is in an upright configuration. 
     FIG. 4C  shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a manifold type distribution subsystem where multiple lengthwise manifolds  47  are fluidly connected to the hollow discharge tube  40  via a respective widthwise manifold  49 . For example, three lengthwise manifolds  47  may be equally spaced across the width  79  of the actuator top  72 . Typically, between 2 and 6 lengthwise manifolds  47  may be fluidly connected to the widthwise manifold  49 . 
   The liquid distribution subsystem of  FIG. 4C  further includes a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for a dispensing package along the same pathway of the liquid distribution system, as described above, to allow excess liquid, delivered to the actuator  24  during reciprocation of the actuator  24 , to return to the container  22  when reciprocation ceases and the container  22  is in an upright configuration. 
     FIG. 6  shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dispensing package of the present invention having a liquid distribution subsystem and a through-valve liquid drain-back subsystem. In  FIG. 6 , the dispensing package includes a fluid distribution subsystem having a shallow fluid reservoir  62  that distributes the fluid to the surface holes  62   a  that go through the actuator top  72  to the actuator top surface  74 . The holes  62   a  may deliver the fluid on the actuator top surface  74  of actuator top  72  of actuator  24  in an area greater than conventional methods, which may deliver fluid on the actuator  24  in only the location defined by the circumferential area of the discharge tube  40 . 
   The liquid distribution subsystem for the dispensing package of  FIG. 6  further includes a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for a dispensing package along the same pathway of the liquid distribution system, as described above, to allow excess liquid, delivered to the actuator  24  during reciprocation of the actuator  24 , to return to the container  22  when reciprocation ceases and the container  22  is in an upright configuration. 
     FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing package  80  that has a distribution pad  82  that remains stationary relative to a container  90 . An actuator  84  may be flush with a surface  86  of the distribution pad  82  or alternatively, may extend therefrom, such as about 1/16″ to about ½″ above the surface  86  of the distribution pad  82 . Gaps  87  between the actuator  84  and the distribution pad  82  are present. Thus, the actuator  84  may move relative to the container  90 , as shown by arrow  106  when depressed by a user. The dispensing package  80  may include a mechanism such as a trigger mechanism (not shown), as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art, to translate the stroke of the actuator  84 , when depressed by the user, into a stroke of the stem  89  that is longer than the stroke of the actuator  84 . 
   A pump assembly  26  may be actuated by depressing the actuator  84 . A stem  89  may connect the actuator  84  with the pump assembly  26 . The stem  89  may be connected to a pump assembly piston (not shown in  FIG. 7 , see  FIG. 4A ) in the pump assembly  26 . In some embodiments of the present invention, more than one stem  89  may connect the actuator  84  with the pump assembly  26 . At least one liquid distribution tube  92  may fluidly connect the pump assembly  26  with an orifice  94  at the surface  86  of the distribution pad  82 . The liquid distribution tube  92  may split into channels as described above for various embodiments of the dispensing packages described above (see  FIG. 4A  for example) to distribute liquid from the pump assembly  26  to a plurality of orifices  94 . Alternatively, a plurality of liquid distribution tubes  92  may fluidly connect the pump assembly  26  to each of a plurality of orifices  94 . A dip tube  96  may fluidly connect a bottom inside  98  of the container  90  with the pump assembly  26 . 
   The liquid distribution subsystem of the dispensing package of  FIG. 7  further includes a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for a dispensing package along the same pathway of the liquid distribution system, as described above, to allow excess liquid, delivered to the actuator  24  during reciprocation of the actuator  24 , to return to the container  22  when reciprocation ceases and the container  22  is in an upright configuration 
     FIG. 8A  shows a top view of another embodiment of a liquid distribution subsystem for use with the dispensing package of the present invention. The embodiment of  FIG. 8A  shows a surface distribution channel type liquid distribution subsystem having a surface distribution channel  80  along the top surface  74  of the actuator top  72 . Liquid enters the surface distribution channel  80  from the discharge tube  40  when the actuator  74  is depressed. The surface distribution channel  80  may span a portion of the actuator top surface  74 . For example, the maximum length  82  of the surface distribution channel  80  across the top surface  74  may be from about 60 to about 95% of the length  78  of the top surface  74 . Similarly, the maximum width  84  of the surface distribution channel  80  across the top surface  74  may be from about 60 to about 95% of the width  79  of the top surface  74 . 
     FIG. 8B  shows a side cross-sectional view along line  8 B- 8 B of  FIG. 8A  The surface distribution channel  80  may have a depth  86  from about ½ mm to about 10 mm. The actual depth  86  may be chosen depending on the application. A deeper depth  86  may allow more liquid to be dispensed in a single actuation of the pump assembly and may be useful in those applications where a larger volume of liquid is needed. While  FIGS. 8A and 8B  have an X-shaped surface distribution channel  80 , other configurations of the surface distribution channel  80  may be used so long as the surface distribution channel  80  passes over discharge tube  40  and covers an area of the top surface  74  larger than the circumferential area of the discharge tube  40  alone. While the surface distribution channel  80  is shown as being semi-circular, any cross-sectional shape may be useful in the present invention. 
   The liquid distribution subsystem of  FIG. 8A  further includes a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for a dispensing package along the same pathway of the liquid distribution system, as described above, to allow excess liquid, delivered to the actuator  24  during reciprocation of the actuator  24 , to return to the container  22  when reciprocation ceases and the container  22  is in an upright configuration 
     FIG. 9A  shows an embodiment of a surface distribution channel type liquid distribution subsystem having a surface distribution channel  90  along the top surface  74  of the actuator top  72 . Liquid enters the surface distribution channel  90  from the discharge tube  40  when the actuator  74  is depressed. The surface distribution channel  90  may span a portion of the actuator top surface  74 . For example, the maximum length  92  of the surface distribution channel  90  across the top surface  74  may be from about 60 to about 95% of the length  78  of the top surface  74 . Similarly, the maximum width  94  of the surface distribution channel  90  across the top surface  74  may be from about 60 to about 95% of the width  79  of the top surface  74 . Foam  98  may be fitted into the surface distribution channel  90 . The foam  98  may be any conventional foam capable of absorbing a liquid and releasing that liquid to a substrate, such as a paper towel, sponge or the like when the foam  98  is compressed with the substrate. 
     FIG. 9B  shows a cross-sectional view along line  9 B- 9 B of  FIG. 9A . The surface distribution channel  90  may have a depth  96  from about 1 mm to about 20 mm. The actual depth  96  may be chosen depending on the application. A deeper depth  96  may allow more liquid to be dispensed in a single actuation of the pump assembly and may be useful in those applications where a larger volume of liquid is needed. The foam  98  may be of any shape to fit the contours of the surface distribution channel  90 . As shown in  FIG. 9B , the foam  98  may have a circular cross-section with at least a portion of the foam  98 , typically about 50% of the foam  98 , extending above the top surface  74  of the actuator top  72 . While  FIGS. 9A and 9B  have an X-shaped surface distribution channel  90 , other configurations of the surface distribution channel  90  may be used so long as the surface distribution channel  90  passes over discharge tube  40  and covers an area of the top surface  74  larger than the circumferential area of the discharge tube  40  alone. 
   The liquid distribution subsystem of  FIG. 9A  further includes a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for a dispensing package along the same pathway of the liquid distribution system, as described above, to allow excess liquid, delivered to the actuator  24  during reciprocation of the actuator  24 , to return to the container  22  when reciprocation ceases and the container  22  is in an upright configuration 
     FIG. 10A  shows an embodiment of a liquid distribution subsystem having a surface distribution channel  100  along a top surface  74  of an actuator top  72 . Liquid enters the surface distribution channel  100  from the discharge tube  40  when the actuator  24  (not shown) is depressed. The surface distribution channel  100  may span a portion of the actuator top surface  74 . For example, the maximum length  102  of the surface distribution channel  100  across the top surface  74  may be from about 60 to about 95% of the length  78  of the top surface  74 . Similarly, the maximum width  104  of the surface distribution channel  100  across the top surface  74  may be from about 60 to about 95% of the width  79  of the top surface  74 . A foam covering  108  may cover the top surface  74  such that liquid disbursed into the surface distribution channels  100  may be absorbed by the foam covering  108 . When a paper towel, sponge or the like is pressed down on the foam covering  108 , the liquid may be released from the foam covering  108  into the paper towel, sponge or the like. 
     FIG. 10B  shows a cross-sectional view along line  10 B- 10 B of  FIG. 10A . The surface distribution channel  100  may have a depth  106  from about 1 mm to about 20 mm. The actual depth  106  may be chosen depending on the application. A deeper depth  106  may allow more liquid to be dispensed in a single actuation of the pump assembly and may be useful in those applications where a larger volume of liquid is needed. The foam covering  108  may be of any shape and size to fit on the top surface  74  while covering the surface distribution channel  100 . The foam covering  108  may have foam protrusions  109  attached to or formed integrally with the foam covering  108 . The foam protrusions  109  are shaped the same as the shape of the surface distribution channel  100  thereby allowing the foam protrusions  109  to fit into the surface distribution channel  100  when the foam covering  108  is placed on the top surface  74 . While  FIGS. 10A and 10B  have an X-shaped surface distribution channel  100 , other configurations of the surface distribution channel  100  may be used so long as the surface distribution channel  100  passes over discharge tube  40  and covers an area of the top surface  74  larger than the circumferential area of the discharge tube  40  alone. 
   The liquid distribution subsystem of  FIG. 10A  further includes a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for a dispensing package along the same pathway of the liquid distribution system, as described above, to allow excess liquid, delivered to the actuator  24  during reciprocation of the actuator  24 , to return to the container  22  when reciprocation ceases and the container  22  is in an upright configuration 
     FIG. 11A  shows an embodiment of a liquid distribution subsystem having a surface distribution channel  130  along a top surface  74  of an actuator top  72 . Liquid enters the surface distribution channel  130  from a discharge tube  40  when the actuator  24  (not shown) is depressed. The surface distribution channel  130  may span a portion of the actuator top surface  74 . For example, the maximum length  132  of the surface distribution channel  130  across the top surface  74  may be from about 60 to about 95% of the length  78  of the top surface  74 . Similarly, the maximum width  134  of the surface distribution channel  130  across the top surface  74  may be from about 60 to about 95% of the width  79  of the top surface  74 . A thin layer  138  may be attached to the top surface  74  of the actuator top  72 . The thin layer  138  may be made of, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate or the like. Holes  140  may be formed in the thin layer  138  to allow liquid to pass from the surface distribution channel  130  to a top surface  142  ( FIG. 11B ) of the flexible layer  138 . Holes  140  are formed directly above the surface distribution channel  130  as shown in  FIG. 11A . When the liquid fills the surface distribution channel  130 , liquid may then pass through the holes  140  to the top surface  142  of the flexible layer  138 . 
     FIG. 11B  shows a cross-sectional view along line  11 B- 11 B of  FIG. 11A . The surface distribution channel  130  may have a depth  136  from about ½ mm to about 20 mm. The actual depth  136  may be chosen depending on the application. A deeper depth  136  may allow more liquid to be dispensed in a single actuation of the pump assembly and may be useful in those applications where a larger volume of liquid is needed. While  FIGS. 24A and 24B  have an X-shaped surface distribution channel  140 , other configurations of the surface distribution channel  140  may be used so long as the surface distribution channel  140  passes over discharge tube  40  and covers an area of the top surface  74  larger than the circumferential area of the discharge tube  40  alone. 
   The liquid distribution subsystem of  FIG. 11A  further includes a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for a dispensing package along the same pathway of the liquid distribution system, as described above, to allow excess liquid, delivered to the actuator  24  during reciprocation of the actuator  24 , to return to the container  22  when reciprocation ceases and the container  22  is in an upright configuration. 
     FIG. 12A  shows an embodiment of a liquid distribution subsystem having a surface distribution channel  150  along a top surface  74  of an actuator top  72 . Liquid enters the surface distribution channel  150  from the discharge tube  40  when the actuator  24  (not shown) is depressed. The surface distribution channel  150  may span a portion of the actuator top surface  74 . For example, the maximum length  152  of the surface distribution channel  150  across the top surface  74  may be from about 60 to about 95% of the length  78  of the top surface  74 . Similarly, the maximum width  154  of the surface distribution channel  150  across the top surface  74  may be from about 60 to about 95% of the width  79  of the top surface  74 . A flexible layer  158  may be attached to the top surface  74  of the actuator top  72 . The flexible layer  158  may be made of, for example, silicone, thermal plastic elastomer, low density polyethylene or the like. Slits  160  may be formed in the flexible layer  158  to allow liquid to pass from the surface distribution channel  150  to a top surface  162  of the flexible layer  158 . Slits  160  are formed over the surface distribution channel  150  as shown in  FIG. 12A . When the liquid in the surface distribution channel  150  becomes pressurized, the pressure flexes the flexible layer  158  to open the slits  160  to allow liquid to pass from the surface distribution channel  150  through the slits  160  and to the top surface  162  of the flexible layer  158 . This design may prevent the backflow of liquid from the top surface  162  of the flexible layer  158  to the discharge tube  40 , thereby potentially contaminating the contents of the container (not shown). A simple linear slit may be used as shown, two or more crossing slits may open with less force and still close when the pressure is released. 
     FIG. 12B  shows a cross-sectional view along line  12 B- 12 B of  FIG. 12A . The surface distribution channel  150  may have a depth  156  from about ½ mm to about 20 mm. The actual depth  156  may be chosen depending on the application. A deeper depth  156  may allow more liquid to be dispensed in a single actuation of the pump assembly and may be useful in those applications where a larger volume of liquid is needed. While  FIGS. 12A and 12B  have an X-shaped surface distribution channel  150 , other configuration of the surface distribution channel  150  may be used so long as the surface distribution channel  150  passes over discharge tube  40  and covers an area of the top surface  74  larger than the circumferential area of the discharge tube  40  alone. 
   The liquid distribution subsystem of  FIG. 12A  further includes a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem for a dispensing package along the same pathway of the liquid distribution system, as described above, to allow excess liquid, delivered to the actuator  24  during reciprocation of the actuator  24 , to return to the container  22  when reciprocation ceases and the container  22  is in an upright configuration 
   Additional Functional Features 
   In one embodiment, additional functional characteristics designed into the container base to offer stability and to encourage consumers to leave the product out on their counters so it is easily accessible. In one embodiment, a means is provided to allow the container to attach to the counter. One such example is a suction cup or other device on the bottom of the container. In addition to standing upright, for example on a counter-top, the dispensing package may be attached to a surface and used with the dispensing package discharge orifices on the bottom, for example attached to the underside of kitchen cabinets. 
   In one embodiment, the exterior of the dispensing package is resistant to microorganisms. Various anti-microbial agents known in the art can be applied the exterior surface of the dispensing package to impart virucidal, bacterial, and/or germicidal properties thereto. The anti-microbial agent can comprise up to 100% of the surface area of the exterior surface of the dispenser, and in some embodiments, between about 10% to about 80%. The anti-microbial agent can include silver ions. In certain embodiments, a silver-zeolite complex can be utilized to provide controlled release of the anti-microbial agent. One commercially available example of such a time-release anti-microbial agent is sold as a fabric by HEALTH SHIELD® under the name GUARDTEX®, and is constructed from polyester and rayon and contains a silver-zeolite complex. Other suitable silver-containing microbial agents are disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent No. JP 10/259325. Moreover, in addition to silver-zeolites, other metal-containing inorganic additives can also be used in the present invention. Examples of such additives include, but are not limited to, copper, zinc, mercury, antimony, lead, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, thallium, or other various additives, such as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. JP 1257124 A and U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,602 to Totani, et al. In some embodiments, the activity of the additive can also be increased, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,383 to Davis, et al. 
   Substrate 
   Potential substrates or tools that consumers could use with the dispensing package include woven or nonwoven dish cloths, sponges, paper towel, hands, facial tissue, bathroom tissue, paper, napkins, woven and nonwoven substrates, towels, wipes, and cotton balls. The dispensing package could also be used with clothes for stain removal purposes. Suitable substrates can comprise personal, cosmetic or sanitary wipes, baby wipes, hand wipes, wipes used in car cleaning, household or institutional cleaning or maintenance, computer cleaning and maintenance and any other area in which a flexible substrate having a useful liquid treatment composition has application. These substrates (tissues or wipes) can be made from simple nonwovens, complex nonwovens or treated, high-strength durable materials. The substrate can be two-sided or have a barrier so that only one side is wet with the composition upon use. Such substrates are described in U.S. Pat. App. 2005/0079987 to Cartwright et al. 
   Compositions 
   The composition can contain virtually any useful liquid compositions. Simple liquids such as water, alcohol, solvent, etc. can be useful in a variety of end uses, particularly cleaning and simple wiping applications. The liquid can be a simple cleaner, maintenance item or a personal care liquid suitable for dermatological contact with an adult, child or infant. Such compositions can be used in hospitals, schools, offices, kitchens, secretarial stations, etc. The compositions can also comprise more complex liquids in the forms of solutions, suspensions or emulsions of active materials in a liquid base. In this regard, such compositions can be active materials dissolved in an alcoholic base, aqueous solutions, water in oil emulsions, oil in water emulsions, etc. Such compositions can be cleaning materials, sanitizing materials, or personal care materials intended for contact with human skin, hair, nails, etc. Cleaning compositions used generally for routine cleaning operations not involving contact with human skin can often contain a variety of ingredients including, in aqueous or solvent base, a soil-removing surfactant, sequestrants, perfumes, etc. in relatively well-known formulations. Sanitizing compositions can contain aqueous or alcoholic solutions containing sanitizing materials such as triclosan, hexachlorophene, betadine, quaternary ammonium compounds, oxidizing agents, acidic agents, and other similar materials. Such compositions can be designed for treating or soothing human skin, including moisturizers, cleansing creams and lotions, cleansers for oily skin, deodorants, antiperspirants, baby-care products, sun block, sun screen, cosmetic-removing formula, insect repellent, etc. Moisturizer materials are preparations that reduce water loss or the appearance of water loss from skin. Cleansing creams or lotions can be developed that can permit the formulation to dissolve or lift away soil pigments, grime and dead skin cells. These creams or lotions can also be enhanced to improve removability of makeup and other skin soils. Cleaners for oily skin are often augmented with ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol to increase the ability of the cleaner to remove excess oily residue. Deodorants and antiperspirants often contain, in an aqueous base, dispersions or emulsions comprising aluminum, zinc or zirconium compounds. 
   The composition may contain one or more additional surfactants selected from nonionic, anionic, cationic, ampholytic, amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. A typical listing of anionic, ampholytic, and zwitterionic classes, and species of these surfactants, is given in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 to Laughlin and Heuring. A list of suitable cationic surfactants is given in U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,217 to Murphy. Where present, anionic, ampholytic, amphotenic and zwitteronic surfactants are generally used in combination with one or more nonionic surfactants. The surfactants may be present at a level of from about 0% to 90%, or from about 0.001% to 50%, or from about 0.01% to 25% by weight. 
   The compositions may contain suitable organic solvents including, but are not limited to, C 1-6  alkanols, C 1-6  diols, C 1-10  alkyl ethers of alkylene glycols, C 3-24  alkylene glycol ethers, polyalkylene glycols, short chain carboxylic acids, short chain esters, isoparafinic hydrocarbons, mineral spirits, alkylaromatics, terpenes, terpene derivatives, terpenoids, terpenoid derivatives, formaldehyde, and pyrrolidones. Alkanols include, but are not limited to, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, butanol, pentanol, and hexanol, and isomers thereof. Diols include, but are not limited to, methylene, ethylene, propylene and butylene glycols. Alkylene glycol ethers include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, diethylene glycol monopropyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, di- or tri-polypropylene glycol methyl or ethyl or propyl or butyl ether, acetate and propionate esters of glycol ethers. Short chain carboxylic acids include, but are not limited to, acetic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid and propionic acid. Short chain esters include, but are not limited to, glycol acetate, and cyclic or linear volatile methylsiloxanes. Water insoluble solvents such as isoparafinic hydrocarbons, mineral spirits, alkylaromatics, terpenoids, terpenoid derivatives, terpenes, and terpenes derivatives can be mixed with a water-soluble solvent when employed. The solvents can be present at a level of from 0.001% to 10%, or from 0.01% to 10%, or from 1% to 4% by weight. 
   The compositions optionally contain one or more of the following adjuncts: stain and soil repellants, lubricants, odor control agents, perfumes, fragrances and fragrance release agents, and bleaching agents. Other adjuncts include, but are not limited to, acids, electrolytes, dyes and/or colorants, solubilizing materials, stabilizers, thickeners, defoamers, hydrotropes, cloud point modifiers, preservatives, and other polymers. The solubilizing materials, when used, include, but are not limited to, hydrotropes (e.g. water soluble salts of low molecular weight organic acids such as the sodium and/or potassium salts of toluene, cumene, and xylene sulfonic acid). The acids, when used, include, but are not limited to, organic hydroxy acids, citric acids, keto acid, and the like. Suitable organic acid can be selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, salicylic acid, acetic acid, adipic acid, fumaric acid, hydroxyacetic acid, dehydroacetic acid, glutaric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, propionic acid, aconitic acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, gluconic acid, ascorbic acid, alanine, lysine, and mixtures thereof. Electrolytes, when used, include, calcium, sodium and potassium chloride. Thickeners, when used, include, but are not limited to, polyacrylic acid, xanthan gum, calcium carbonate, aluminum oxide, alginates, guar gum, methyl, ethyl, clays, and/or propyl hydroxycelluloses. Defoamers, when used, include, but are not limited to, silicones, aminosilicones, silicone blends, and/or silicone/hydrocarbon blends. Bleaching agents, when used, include, but are not limited to, peracids, hypohalite sources, hydrogen peroxide, and/or sources of hydrogen peroxide. When cleaning food contact surfaces, compositions for use herein may contain only materials that are food grade or GRAS, including, of course, direct food additives affirmed as GRAS, to protect against possible misuse by the consumer. 
   Preservatives, when used, include, but are not limited to, mildewstat or bacteriostat, methyl, ethyl and propyl parabens, short chain organic acids (e.g. acetic, lactic and/or glycolic acids), bisguanidine compounds (e.g. Dantagard® and/or Glydant®) and/or short chain alcohols (e.g. ethanol and/or IPA). The mildewstat or bacteriostat includes, but is not limited to, mildewstats (including non-isothiazolone compounds) include Kathon® GC, a 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, Kathon® ICP, a 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and a blend thereof, and Kathon® 886, a 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, all available from Rohm and Haas Company; BRONOPOL®, a 2-bromo-2-nitropropane 1,3 diol, from Boots Company Ltd., PROXEL® CRL, a propyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, from ICI PLC; NIPASOL® M, an o-phenyl-phenol, Na +  salt, from Nipa Laboratories Ltd., DOWICIDE® A, a 1,2-Benzoisothiazolin-3-one, from Dow Chemical Co., and IRGASAN® DP 200, a 2,4,4′-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenylether, from Ciba-Geigy A.G. 
   The compositions can contain antimicrobial agents, including 2-hydroxycarboxylic acids and other ingredients, including quaternary ammonium compounds and phenolics. Non-limiting examples of these quaternary compounds include benzalkonium chlorides and/or substituted benzalkonium chlorides, di(C6-C14)alkyl di-short chain (C1-4 alkyl and/or hydroxyalkl) quaternaryammonium salts, N-(3-chloroallyl) hexaminium chlorides, benzethonium chloride, methylbenzethonium chloride, and cetylpyridinium chloride. Other quaternary compounds include the group consisting of dialkyldimethyl ammonium chlorides, alkyl dimethylbenzyl-ammonium chlorides, dialkylmethyl-benzylammonium chlorides, and mixtures thereof. Biguamide antimicrobial actives including, but not limited to polyhexa-methylene biguamide hydrochloride, p-chlorophenyl biguamide; 4-chlorobenzhydryl biguamide, halogenated hexidine such as, but not limited to, chlorhexidine (1,1′-hexamethylene-bis-5-(4-chlorophenyl biguamide) and its salts are also in this class. Another class of antibacterial agents, which are useful in the present invention, are the so-called “natural” antibacterial actives, referred to as natural essential oils. These actives derive their names from their natural occurrence in plants. Typical natural essential oil antibacterial actives include oils of anise, lemon, orange, rosemary, wintergreen, thyme, lavender, cloves, hops, tea tree, citronella, wheat, barley, lemongrass, cedar leaf, cedarwood, cinnamon, fleagrass, geranium, sandalwood, violet, cranberry, eucalyptus, vervain, peppermint, gum benzoin, basil, fennel, fir, balsam, menthol, ocmea origanum,  Hydastis carradenisis , Berberidaceae daceae, Ratanhiae and  Curcunta longa . Also included in this class of natural essential oils are the key chemical components of the plant oils which have been found to provide the antimicrobial benefit. These chemicals include, but are not limited to anethol, catechole, camphene, carvacol, eugenol, eucalyptol, ferulic acid, farnesol, hinokitiol, tropolone, limonene, menthol, methyl salicylate, thymol, terpineol, verbenone, berberine, ratanhiae extract, caryophellene oxide, citronellic acid, curcumin, nerolidol and geraniol. Other suitable antimicrobial actives include antibacterial metal salts. This class generally includes salts of metals in groups 3b-7b, 8 and 3a-5a. Specifically are the salts of aluminum, zirconium, zinc, silver, gold, copper, lanthanum, tin, mercury, bismuth, selenium, strontium, scandium, yttrium, cerium, praseodymiun, neodymium, promethum, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium and mixtures thereof. 
   When the composition is an aqueous composition, water can be, along with the solvent, a predominant ingredient. The water should be present at a level of less than 99.9%, more preferably less than about 99%, and most preferably, less than about 98%. Deionized water is preferred. Where the cleaning composition is concentrated, the water may be present in the composition at a concentration of less than about 85 wt. %. 
   The dispenser can be used to transfer a wide variety of compositions to a substrate. These compositions include hard surface cleaners and sanitizers, personal care cleaners and other products, hand sanitizers, dish soap, laundry pre-treater, food products such as marinades, car products such as cleaners or protectants, and baby care products such as baby lotion. Also, suitable are compositions, such as hypochlorite especially dilute (below 500 ppm) hypochlorite, that lack good stability on nonwoven substrates. Other examples of compositions that may lack stability are quaternary ammonium disinfectants or metal ions that can bind to nonwoven substrates. 
   In one embodiment, the substrate can undergo a color change or other physical property change during the process of application using the dispenser or during the cleaning process. These changes can include color change due to the addition of a colorless cleaner/disinfectant, color change due to the addition of a composition containing a dye, color change when dye is thermochromic, and changes over time as solvent evaporates to cool the wipe, a color change due to reaction of solvent with a pre-bound species (e.g. transition metals) on the wipe, texture changes in the non-woven, and the impact of the using a dyed or patterned non-woven. The composition or substrate can incorporate solvatochromic dyes to indicate the presence of bacteria as described in U.S. Pat. App. 2005/0130253. In one embodiment, the composition contains a dye that interacts with proteins or bacterial on surfaces to indicate whether the surface is substantially free of soil (protein) or bacteria. In one embodiment, the soil or bacteria is detected on the substrate. In one embodiment, the soil or bacteria is detected on the surface. Colorimetric assays utilizing sampling devices for the detection of protein in biological samples are commonly used across various industries (biotech, healthcare, food, etc). These sampling devices require minimal manipulation of the protein-containing samples and allow for rapid qualitative and quantitative results. Among the various available calorimetric protein assays is one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,839,295 to Smith, incorporated herein in its entirety, that utilizes a Bicinchonic Acid (BCA) protein assay. This assay is based on the initial complexation of Copper [II], hereinafter Cu ++  or cupric ion, with protein peptides under alkaline conditions, with the reduction to Copper [I], hereinafter Cu +  or the cuprous ion, in a concentration-dependent manner. The ligand BCA is then added in excess, and a purple color develops (562 nm peak absorbance) upon binding of BCA with Cu + . Suitable detection devices are described in U.S. Pat. App. 11/397,522 to Cumberland et al. filed Apr. 3, 2006 and U.S. Pat. App. 11/427,469 to Cumberland et al. filed Jun. 29, 2006. 
   Methods of Use 
   Consumers enjoy the ease of use of the invention for reasons such as it utilizes cleaners differently, provides control such as no overspray, can be used one-handed, is compatible with wide variety of substrates, utilizes direct application so that no particles are aerosolized into the air, allows easy multi-tasking with other household activities, and is not limited by number of doses or wipes. Because of this flexibility, the consumer has more control to make the exact use conditions suitable to the task. 
   The dispensing package can be used as a one-handed method of cleaning a surface, where the consumer grabs a substrate in her hand, pushes the substrate down on the reciprocating actuator top of the dispensing package with her hand, allows the actuator top to move down and discharge a cleaning composition from the dispensing package to the substrate, and wipes the surface with the substrate. The substrate can be a paper towel, facial tissue, sheet of toilet tissue, a napkin, a sponge, a towel, the consumer&#39;s fingers or any other suitable woven or nonwoven substrate. Because the cleaning task takes only one hand, the other hand is free to perform another activity, such as holding a telephone, eating a snack and the task can be done quickly and easily without carrying the dispensing package to the area of the task. 
   Because the consumer is unfamiliar with the one-handed method of cleaning a surface, certain use indications on the dispensing package, any exterior packaging, or on advertising may be necessary to provide the consumer instant instruction on the use of the dispensing package. In one embodiment, a hand is depicted over the dispensing package. In another embodiment, a hand holding a substrate is depicted over the dispensing package. 
   This method of cleaning of the invention has several advantages. If the consumer is preparing dinner and using one hand to contact raw food such as chicken that may contain microorganisms, then the consumer can use the other hand to do one-handed cleaning and disinfection of the food preparation surface, such as a countertop. Using a traditional cleaning product, such as a spray bottle and paper towel, the consumer picks up the spray bottle with the hand that has been potentially contaminated with microorganisms and transfers those microorganisms to the spray bottle. If the spray bottle or other product dispenser is contaminated with microorganisms, then the consumer can pick up and transfer microorganisms from the product dispenser. In the case of the one-handed method of the invention, the consumer contacts the product dispenser only at the actuator component which dispenses the disinfecting composition. In this case, there is less likelihood of transmission of microorganisms from dispenser to hands or from hands to dispenser. 
   Another advantage of the method and package of the present invention is control during delivery of the composition. With traditional spray dispensers, the consumer must attempt to fit the spray pattern of the spray bottle dispenser to the area to be cleaned. Frequently, the cleaning surface contains additional items, such as food or decorative items, which the consumer may not wish to contact with the cleaning composition. With the method and dispensing package of the invention, the consumer can controllably apply the composition to the substrate and then controllably apply the substrate containing the composition to the cleaning surface. If the consumer were to try spraying the substrate with a traditional spray dispenser, then some of the composition would be aerosolized into the air and some of the composition would miss the substrate and contact other surfaces such as the hand or food items. 
   Another area of concern for consumers is microorganism contaminated surfaces within the bathroom, especially around the toilet area. Consumers have ready access to toilet tissue but no ready mechanism to use it for spot cleaning. The method of the invention allows the consumer to use toilet tissue, which has limited wet strength and scrubbing strength, to spot clean surfaces around the toilet and other bathroom surfaces without using two hands and without having to pick up the dispensing package. With a suitable composition within the dispensing package, the consumer may also use the dispensing package and method of the invention for personal hygiene use. 
   With traditional dispensers such as trigger sprayers, the consumer has limited ability to control the pattern of dispensing the composition onto a surface or a substrate. In one case, the substrate, such as sponges, may be rectangular and the dispensing package may deliver a circular application of product. To effectively apply product to a substrate, such as a sponge, it may be desirable to apply the composition in a rectangular or oval fashion, where the applied product is dispersed more in one dimension than in the other dimension. Additionally, with the hand or a paper towel in a hand or a toilet tissue in a hand, it may also be desirable to apply the composition to the substrate in a non-circular fashion or where one dimension is greater than another. The method of the invention has the advantage that with a properly designed actuator component and discharge orifices in the activator component, it may be possible to apply a non-circular pattern with one hand motion. 
   Some suitable substrates will not be stable long-term to all suitable compositions, for example toilet tissue or a sheet of facial tissue quickly loses its tensile strength when saturated with cleaning composition. Therefore, it is most suitable to wet the toilet tissue or facial tissue just before use. In some cases, the substrate loses at least 40%, or 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90% peak dry tensile strength in machine or cross direction upon being loaded to full saturation with the composition. Peak dry tensile strength is the maximum load that a substrate can bear before breaking\rupturing under tension. With the method of the invention, these substrates may be useful for spot cleaning. 
   Other compositions are not stable on typical substrates, for example hypochlorite, especially dilute hypochlorite, is not storage stable on most nonwoven substrates as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,008,600 to Katsigras et al. Additionally, compositions of very high or low pH are not generally storage stable on wipes or paper towels. Disinfectant compositions containing quaternary ammonium disinfectants or other cationic disinfectants bind to most nonwovens, especially cellulosic nonwovens, on storage so that they are not effectively released. The extent of binding can be measured by a quaternary recovery measurement on the wet substrate. The liquid squozate is acquired from the substrate by centrifugation after a seven day minimum requisite time of substrate-lotion equilibration. Substrates are put into a centrifuged tube for analysis, centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 min, and the liquid analyzed by HPLC. At equilibrium, the quaternary disinfectant show substantial binding to the substrate, for example, at least 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 50% by weight. However, the method of the invention, since it is quick and easy, lends itself to use of unstable substrates and unstable compositions, which may not be suitable under other methods of use. 
   The present invention relates to disinfecting compositions which can be used to disinfect various surfaces including inanimate surfaces such as hard surfaces like walls, tiles, floors, countertops, tables, glass, bathroom surfaces, and kitchen surfaces. The hard-surfaces to treat with the compositions herein are those typically found in houses like kitchens, bathrooms, e.g., tiles, walls, floors, chrome, glass, smooth vinyl, any plastic, plasticized wood, table top, sinks, cooker tops, dishes, sanitary fittings such as sinks, showers, shower curtains, wash basins, toilets and the like. Hard-surfaces also include household appliances including, but not limited to, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, automatic dryers, ovens, microwave ovens, dishwashers and so on. 
   The dispensing package can be used around the house, for example, on kitchen or bathroom surfaces. The dispensing package can be used in public places, for example, in schools and school classrooms. For use around food, a food safe cleaner or disinfectant is suitable. The dispensing package allows the user to quickly apply a sanitizing or cleaning solution to everyday cleaning tools, such as sponges, paper towels, toilet paper, facial tissue, etc. When applied, the sanitizing or cleaning solution transforms the everyday cleaning tool into effective cleaning or sanitizing tools. 
   Additional Embodiments 
   In one embodiment, the dispensing package is both a gel and mist cleaner. This dispenser is a dual dispensing cleaner that allows you to dispense one cleaner or two different cleaners in two different forms, a gel and a mist or spray. The package has a gel pump assembly on top that works with a top actuator component as described previously and a liquid misting sprayer on the side. The unit contains one cleaning bottle and optionally a wall mounting base and attachments. To use this embodiment, press and pump your paper towel on the cleaning gel actuator component. To use the misting spray, squeeze the trigger on the side. 
   In one embodiment, the dispensing package is a discreet and mountable cleaner dispenser. This package is a mountable cleaning product package with a press and pump dispenser. The package is thin and discreet, about the size of a flattened tissue box. It can be mounted horizontally or vertically with adhesive to surface of your choice (e.g., under cabinets, side of counter, side of toilet tank, etc.). The unit contains one dispensing package with adhesive back. In another embodiment, the dispensing package is a hangable cleaner that can be hung anywhere (e.g., shower door/curtain rod, towel rack, kitchen cabinet, shower head, etc.) with the hook on top. 
   In one embodiment, the dispensing package is a mountable or counter standing dispenser that automatically dispenses the composition onto your paper towel, toilet paper, sponge, rag, etc. A sensor on the dispensing package works to activate the actuator component when you hold your paper towel, toilet paper, sponge, rag, etc. under or over the actuator component. The unit package can contain wall-mounting and counter-holding suction cups, dispensing machine, refillable cleaner cartridge and battery. In one embodiment, this dispensing package is plugged into an outlet to run the sensor and pump assembly. 
   In one embodiment, the product or package contains directions to store the substrate on top of the package, for example a sponge on top of dispensing package actuator. In one embodiment, the product or package includes the dispensing package and substrates sold together, for example paper towels with the dispensing package. In one embodiment, several dispensing packages are bundled in multi-packs, for example a dispensing package containing dish soap and a dispensing package containing a kitchen cleaner. In one example, the dispensing package is sold with one or more refills. 
   While this detailed description includes specific examples according to the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many variations of these examples that would nevertheless fall within the general scope of the invention and for which protection is sought in the appended claims.