Patent Publication Number: US-11655075-B2

Title: Dispensing systems and methods for using the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/074,503, filed Aug. 1, 2018, which is a U.S. National Stage Filing of PCT/US2017/015963, filed Feb. 1, 2017, which claims the benefit of each of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/290,142 filed Feb. 2, 2016, Provisional Application No. 62/290,573 filed Feb. 3, 2016, and Provisional Application No. 62/337,051, filed May 16, 2016, the entire contents of each being incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the invention relate to dispensers and more particularly to dispensers for pumping or gravity feeding viscous fluids into a container for distribution or use. 
     State of the Art 
     Dispensing devices are widely used for many different products. In the field of laundry care, liquid laundry detergent is often dispensed from a large container into a smaller container or measuring device before being added to a load of laundry. For example, the press-tap system is a common feature used with laundry dispensing systems. The press-tap feature consists of a press-tap valve that, when pressed, allows laundry detergent to flow under gravitational forces through the open valve into a cup or dispenser being held underneath the press-tap output opening. Releasing the press-tap stops the flow of product therethrough. 
     While press-tap systems are widely used with laundry products, they are not ideal. In fact, press-tap systems are not always preferred by users and consumers for a number of reasons, including, among others, leakage, force to actuate issues, messiness, complexity, and number of steps required to complete dosing. Thus, there exists a need for better dispensing systems and methods for using such, especially for use with liquid laundry products. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a two-piece dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a two-piece dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a dispenser according to various embodiments of the invention in an open position; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a dispenser according to various embodiments of the invention in a closed position; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  8 A  illustrates a dispensing ball being actuated according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  8 B  illustrates a dispensing ball filled according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  8 C  illustrated a dispensing ball being used with a load of laundry according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates the dispensing system of  FIG.  10    in use; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a dispenser according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  18    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  19    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  20    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  21    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  22    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  23    illustrates a cup for use with a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  24    illustrates a cup for use with a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  25    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  26    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  27    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  28    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  29    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  30    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  31    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  32    illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  33    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  34    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  35    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  36    illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG.  37    illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of a dispensing system according to various embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a two-piece dispensing system  100  includes a body  102  and a valve  104  as illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the valve  104  rests within or is assembled with a cavity in the body  102 . The valve  104  includes a stop  106 , an integrated cup-spring  108 , and an actuation button  110 . The stop  106  forms a liquid tight seal with an interior wall of the body  102  cavity adjacent an output opening  107  (second opening) of the body  102 . The actuation button  110  forms a seal with the body  102  wall within the cavity at a first opening  109  opposite the stop  106 . As pressure or a force is applied to the actuation button  110 , the cup-spring walls  113  may flex over projections  114  on the actuation button  110  within the cavity of the body  102  and the stop  106  is disengaged from the liquid tight seal with the interior of the body  102  walls such that fluid contained in a container to which the two-piece dispensing system  100  is attached may flow out of the container, through a container opening  111  in the body, through the cavity in the body  102 , and past the stop  106  as desired. When the force on the actuation button  110  is released, the cup-spring  108  acts to move the valve  104  back into the original position with the stop  106  forming a liquid tight seal with the interior walls of the body  102 . 
     A body  102  according to various embodiments of the invention may be attached to a container as desired. For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the body  102  may include threads to allow the body  102  to be screwed onto a container. In other embodiments, a snap-fit or bayonet system may be used to attach the body  102  to a container. A body  102  may also include wings or other features to assist with gripping the body  102  while applying a force to the actuation button  110  associated therewith. 
     In certain embodiments of the invention, the body  102  and valve  104  may be molded from a resin or plastic. In some embodiments, the body  102  and valve  104  may be made of the same material to facilitate recycling. In other embodiments, while the materials of the body  102  and valve  104  may be different, they may both be recyclable. 
     A dispensing system  130  according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  3  through  5   . The dispensing system  130  may include a container  900  having a vent  138  attached to a first opening in the container  900  and a dispensing system attached to a second opening in the container  900 . The dispensing system may include a body  132 , a valve  134 , and an on/off toggle  136 . For example, the dispensing system may include a dispensing system  100  as illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2    integrated with an on/off toggle  136 . In other embodiments, the dispensing system may include a traditional body, valve, and spring system attached to an on/off toggle  136 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, an on/off toggle  136  may include a rotatable component that can be rotated from a position where product is allowed to flow into the body  132 —an “on” position—to a position where product is prevented from flowing from the container  900  into the body  132 —an “off” position. Rotation of the on/off toggle  136  may be facilitated by a wing or projection extending off of the on/off toggle  136 . For example, as illustrated in  FIGS.  3  through  5   , an on/off toggle  136  includes an arm extending outward from the on/off toggle  136  to allow a user the ability to more easily rotate the on/off toggle  136 . 
     In some embodiments of the invention, rotation of the on/off toggle  136  may rotate the body  132  of the dispensing system as illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5   . Rotation of the body  132  allows the output opening of the body  132  to be pointed in an upward direction relative to the intended position of a container  900  on a shelf. In this position, extra liquid escaping the body  132  or flowing by the valve  134 , will not drip, thereby preventing the dripping mess traditionally associated with such products. 
     In other embodiments of the invention, an on/off toggle  136  may rotate a component within the body  132  or between the body  132  and the container  900  opening such that fluid is stopped from flowing into the body  132  when the on/off toggle  136  is in the “off” position. 
     A dispensing system  130  according to various embodiments of the invention may also include a vent  138  attached to a first opening in the container  900  as illustrated in  FIG.  3   . The vent  138  may include a push/pull vent system that may be pulled outward, away from the container  900 , to open the vent  138 . In some embodiments, the vent  138  may also include an audible feature that makes a noise—such as a “click”—when the vent  138  is opened so that a user knows that the vent  138  is in an open state. Similarly, the vent  138  may be pushed towards the container  900  to close the vent  138 . Again, an audible feature may make a noise to inform a user that they have successfully closed the vent  138 . 
     A dispensing system  150  according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  6   . As illustrated, a dispensing system  150  may include a container  900 , a body  152  and valve  154  attached to an opening in the container  900 , and a cup  156  for collecting a product dispensed from the body  152  and valve  154 . According to some embodiments of the invention, the cup  156  may slide into a body  152  shaped to receive the cup  156 . For example, as illustrated, the cup  156  may include wings or a lip about the opening of the cup  156  and the body  152  may include one or more ledges configured to receive the lip about the cup  156  and hold or retain the cup  156  to the body for dispensing of a product into the cup  156 . In other embodiments of the invention, a cup  156  may include a bayonet attachment or threads which may be used to attach the cup  156  to the body  152 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  6   , in some embodiments, the body  152  and cup  156  may each include threads  159  to allow the cup  156  to be threaded onto the body  152  such that it may be retained in a position to be filled. 
     A dispensing system  180  according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  7  through  8 C . As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , a dispensing system  180  may include a container  900  having a product  910  contained therein. A body  182  may be attached to the container  900  about an opening therein. The body  182  may include a valve that may allow product to flow out of the container  900  into a dispensing ball  187 , cup, or other receptacle. As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , a dip-tube  189  may also be configured with the body  182  to allow air to enter the container  900  for venting. 
       FIGS.  8 A through  8 C  illustrate the use of the dispensing system  180 . As shown in  FIG.  8 A , a dispensing ball  187  made of a flexible material may be attached to the body  182 . A user may squeeze the dispensing ball  187  to evacuate air into the container  900  through the clip tube  189 . A vacuum formed on an interior of the dispensing ball  187  may pull product  910  from the container  900  through the valve in the body  182  and into an interior space of the dispensing ball  187  as illustrated in  FIG.  8 B . The dispensing ball  187  may be dislodged from the body  182  and the product  910  poured from the dispensing ball  187  into a washing machine or other desired location as illustrated in  FIG.  8 C . 
     An alternative version of the dispensing system  180  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  28  through  30   . As illustrated, the dispensing system  180  may include a body  190  attached to an opening of a container  900 . The body  190  may include a wall  192  spanning the opening of the container  900 . A hole in the wall may be filled by a valve  194  as illustrated in  FIG.  28   . The body  192  may also include a dispensing ball attachment system  195 . For example, as illustrated, a dispensing ball  197  may include threads to allow the dispensing ball  197  to be screwed onto the body  192 . The dispensing ball  197  may be made of a flexible material. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  29   , when the dispensing ball  197  is squeezed or a forced is applied to the walls of the dispensing ball  197  to deform them, air from within the dispensing ball  197  is forced through the hole in the wall  192 , past a feature of the valve  194 . As illustrated in  FIG.  29   , the valve  194  may include a flexible, conical membrane that may flex when air is forced out of the dispensing ball  197 , allowing air to enter the container  900 . Once the force is removed from the dispensing ball  197 , the walls return to their normal position. A vacuum created in the dispensing ball  197  pulls product  910  from the container  900  through an internal channel  195  in the valve  194 . The product  910  fills a portion of the volume in the dispensing ball  197  as illustrated in  FIG.  30   . Once the desired amount of product  910  is contained in the dispensing ball  197 , it may be removed from the body  192  and the contents poured out or distributed as desired. 
     A dispensing system  200  according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  9   . The dispensing system  200  includes a container  900  having a body  202  attached to an opening in the container  900 , the body  202  having a pump associated therewith. A cap  206  or cup having an open end and a valved end opposite the open end may be attached to or fitted to the body  202  for retail shipment such that the open end is attached to the body  202 . To use the dispensing system  200 , the cap  206  may be removed from its storage position and inverted so that the valved end of the cap  206  may be placed on or mated with the body  202 . The valved end may include a valve  209  or one-way opening that allows product  910  to pass into the cap  206 . For example, the cap  206  may be inverted and placed on the body  202  such that the valve  209  aligns with an opening to a pump or valve associated with the body  202 . Engagement of the valve  209  with the body  202  may fill the cap  206 . In some embodiments, the body  202  may include a moveable platform or membrane that engages the cap  206  such that when the cap  206  and valve  209  are pushed against the body  202 , product  910  is pumped from within the container  900  into the cap  206  as illustrated in  FIG.  9   . 
     A dispensing system  210  according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  10  through  12   . As illustrated, the dispensing system  210  may include a container  900  and a dispenser  212 . The dispenser  212  may include a base  214  and a plunger  216  as illustrated. The base  214  may include a cavity in which the plunger  216  is moveably seated. The plunger  216  may be inserted in an opening in one end of the base  214  and may include a cap  217  that can be pulled or pushed by a user to move the plunger  216  within the base  214 . A one-way valve opposite the end into which the plunger  216  is inserted may prevent flow of product  910  out of the cavity of the base  214  until the plunger  216  is used to dispense the product  910 . 
     In use, the base  214  may attach to an opening in the container  900  as illustrated in  FIG.  10   . A user may pull on the cap  217  of the plunger  216  to move the plunger  216  relative to the base  214 . Movement of the plunger  216  creates a vacuum in a cavity within the base  214  which in turn draws product  910  from the container  900  into the cavity in the base  214 . For example, a one-way valve in the base between the cavity and the container  900  may control flow of product  910  into the base  214 . The base  214  and plunger  216  may be removed from the container  900  as illustrated in  FIG.  11    in a charged state. The base  214  and plunger  216  combination may then be moved to a washing machine or other receptacle where the product  910  in the base  214  may be dispensed by pushing on the plunger  216  or cap  217  to force product  910  out of the one-way valve opposite the plunger  216  as illustrated in  FIG.  12   . 
     A dispensing system  220  according to some embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  13   . The dispensing system  220  may include a container  900  containing a product  910 . The container  900  may include a cup holder  902  into which a cup  226  may positioned or seated. A pump  222  may be attached to the container  900  through an opening therein. The pump  222  may be configured with a pump head such that as the pump  22  is actuated, product  910  is pumped out of the container  900  into a cup  206  seated in the cupholder  902 . Once the cup  206  is filled to the desired volume, a user can remove the cup  206 , pour the product  910  contained therein out, and return the cup  206  to the cup holder  902  so that any drips or other leakage from the pump  222  may be caught by the cup  206 . 
     A dispensing system  230  according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  14  through  16   . The dispensing system  230  may include a dispensing ring  232  attached to a container  900  containing product  910 . A cup  236  may be snapped to or otherwise attached to the dispensing ring  232  such that product  910  dispensed from the container  900  flows into the cup  236 . 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  14   , a cup  236  may be snapped into or otherwise attached to the dispensing ring  232 . Once attached, a lever  233  on the dispensing ring  232  may be rotated to dispense product  910  from the container  900  into the cup  236  as illustrated in  FIG.  15   . Release of the lever  233  allows the dispensing ring  232  to snap back into a non-dispensing position as illustrated in  FIG.  16   . In some embodiments of the invention, movement of the dispensing ring  232  dispenses a single dose of product  910 . In other embodiments, the dispensing ring  232  allows product  910  to flow out of the container  900  as long as the dispensing ring  232  is not in the non-dispensing position. In this way, a user can fill the cup  236  to a desired level and release the lever  233  to allow the dispensing ring  232  to snap back or return to the non-dispensing position. 
     A dispensing system  250  according to some embodiments of the invention includes a washing machine  950  having a product compartment  952  into which a container  900  having a sealed opening may be inserted as illustrated in  FIG.  17   . Once inserted into the product compartment  952 , the sealed opening of the container  900  may be pierced or otherwise unsealed to allow product  910  within the container  900  to dispense into the washing machine  950 . The washing machine  950  may be set to dispense a desired amount of product from the container  900  for each load of laundry being cleaned. 
     In still other embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system  270  may include a dispenser  272  and a container  900  as illustrated in  FIGS.  18  and  19   . As illustrated, a dispenser  272  may include a wall-mounted dispenser having an opening into which a container  900  may be inserted. The dispenser  272  may be configured to mate with the container  900  and access the product  910  in the container  900 . For example, the container  900  may be pierced by the dispenser  272  to release the product  910  into the dispenser  272 . In other embodiments the container  900  may be attached to a plug or needle-like unit to allow flow of product  910  from the container  900  through the dispenser  272 . Other known methods for such dispensing features may also be used. 
     According to embodiments of the invention, a user may buy a container  900  of product  910 —for example a refill container  900 —and insert it into the dispenser  272  as illustrated in  FIG.  18   . Insertion of the container  900  into the dispenser  272  may create a flow path for product  910  out of the container and through the dispenser  272 . As illustrated in  FIG.  19   , a user may press a cup  276  up against a lever  273  of the dispenser  272  to open a valve such that product  910  is dispensed or to pump product  910  from the container  900 , through the dispenser  272 , and into the cup  276 . The cup  276  may then be used to dump the product  910  into a washing machine or other desired receptacle. 
     A dispensing system  290  according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  20  and  21   . As shown, the dispensing system  290  may include collapsible/expandable containers  900 . When manufactured, the containers  900  are in a collapsed state. Filling the containers  900  results in an expansion of the walls of the container  900 . The expanded walls, however, apply a force against the product inside the containers  900  as the walls try to return to the original non-filled state. The forces applied by the walls facilitate rapid flow of product  910  out of the container  900  when a valve or dispensing system such as those described herein is actuated to allow product out of the container  900 . Continual collapsing of the container  900  results in the fluid within the container being pushed out of the container. 
     A dispensing system  300  according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  22   . As illustrated, the dispensing system  300  may include a dispenser  302  and a cup  306 . A drip collector  304  extending off of the dispenser  302  below an output path may include a living hinge  305  such that a portion of the drip collector  304  may be moved vertically so that it is outside of the flow path when a user moves a cup  306  below the dispenser  302 . Once a cup  306  is moved away from the dispenser  302 , the living hinge allows that portion of the drip collector  304  that moved to return to the original position to collect any drips that may come out of the dispenser  302  when not in use. 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a cup may include a pour feature  975  as illustrated in  FIG.  23    to help reduce spillage of product  910  from a cup during use. The pour feature  975  may also be configured to assist with pouring a product  910  into a precise area or location as desired by the user. 
     In other embodiments of the invention, a cup may include a hydrophobic texture molded into the cup as illustrated in  FIG.  24   . The presence of the hydrophobic texturing may improve movement of a product  910  out of the cup such that residual product  910  is not built-up or contained in the cup after use or so that all of the product  910  may be easily poured out of the cup. 
     A dispensing system  310  according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  25   . 
     A dispensing system  320  according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  26   . 
     A dispensing system  330  according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  27   . As illustrated, the dispensing system  330  may include a soap receptacle  332 , a water receptacle  334  and a product dispenser  336  or cup. Soap may be placed in the soap receptacle  332  and water in the water receptacle  334 . A user may then insert the product dispenser  336  into an opening in the dispensing system  330  into which a mixture of soap and water is dispensed. Based on the load size or the desired amount of soap, a user can select the desired product strength and the dispensing system  330  mixes a fixed amount of soap with a fixed amount of water into the product dispenser  336 . The product dispenser  336  may then be inserted for use in a washing machine or the resulting product may be poured into a washing machine or other receptacle as desired. 
     A dispensing system  350  according to still other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG.  31   . As shown, a traditional press-tap system having a body  352 , a valve  354  and a flexible dome  356  may be improved by the inclusion of a vent path  353  through the body  352  connected to a clip-tube  359 . The improved press-tap system allows air to vent into the container  900  without the need for a separate vent cap and second opening in the container as required with traditional press-tap systems. In some embodiments of the invention, the clip-tube  359  may be a blown-in-dip-tube, having been formed integrally with the container  900  such that a clip-tube is not required; instead, the vent path may mate with the blown-in-clip-tube of the container  900 . 
     A dispensing system  400  according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  32  through  34   . As illustrated in  FIG.  32   , the dispensing system  400  may include components of a traditional press-tap dispensing system, including a container  900 , a body  402 , and a flexible dome  406 . The flexible dome  406  may be connected to a valve  404  housed in the body  402  such that when a user presses on the flexible dome  406 , the valve  404  opens to allow product  910  to drain from the container  900  by gravity. The dispensing system  400  illustrated, however, includes additional features which improve the operation of traditional press-tap dispensing systems. In particular, according to certain embodiments of the invention, a container  900  may include a blown-in vent path  940 . The vent path  940  may include a tube or path integrally formed with the container  900  to allow air to vent into the container  900  when the flexible dome  406  is pressed and the valve  404  is opened. The vent path  940  may have one end positioned adjacent an opening in the container  900  to which a dispenser is attached. A second end of the vent path  940  may extend into a portion of the container  900  that is near the top of the container  900  when the container  900  is positioned for dispensing. For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  32   , the vent path  940  may extend from an area adjacent the opening to which the body  402  is attached to the “top” of the container  900  when it is resting in the illustrated position. 
     As illustrated in the cross-sectional views of  FIGS.  33  and  34   , the improved dispensing system  400  of various embodiments of the invention also includes a vent hole  408  in a wall of the body  402 . The vent hole  408  leads into an interior volume of a tube retainer  410  molded with the body  402 . The container  900  may have a vent path  940  having a landing  942  at a terminal end thereof adjacent to an opening in the container  900  to which the body  402  is attached. The landing  942  may be conical in shape or may be configured to accept a tube  415 , tube retainer  410 , or other feature to provide a flow path between the vent hole  408  and the vent path  940 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  34   , one end of a tube  415  may be inserted and secured in the tube retainer  410 . The other end of the tube  415  may be inserted in the opening of the vent path  940  adjacent the landing  942 . The landing  942  may facilitate placement of the tube  415  into the vent path  940  upon assembly. The end of the tube  415  inserted into the vent path  940  may seal against the walls of the vent path  940  to form a fluid-tight seal. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, a tube  415  may not be needed. Rather, the tube retainer  410  itself may have a sufficient length such that it may have one end capable of being inserted into the vent path  940  and forming a seal therewith, forming a path from the vent hole  408  to the vent path  940 . 
     While a tube  415  or tube retainer  410  may seal against the walls of the vent path  940  in sufficient manner to provide the necessary seal, additional features may be added to the end of a tube  415  or tube retainer  410  to assist in sealing the point of contact with the vent path  940 . For example, in some embodiments of the invention an o-ring may be placed around an end of a tube  415  or tube retainer  410  to facilitate a fluid tight seal. In other embodiments, the end of the tube  415  or tube retainer  410  may be bi-injected with a material that can provide a better sealing contact with the vent path  940 . In still other embodiments of the invention, the end of the tube  415  or tube retainer  410  may include ridges that facilitate a better seal against the interior walls of the vent path  940 . 
     An improved dispensing system  400  may also include a body  402  having a snap-fit or bayonet connection  403  capable of securing the body  402  to the container  900  as illustrated. A snap-fit or bayonet connection  403  may allow the body  402  to be attached to the container  900  while aligning the tube  415  or tube retainer  410  with the landing  942  of the vent path  940 . This may help to facilitate insertion of the tube  415  or tube retainer  410  into the vent path  940  during assembly of a body  402  with a container  900 . 
     According to other embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system may include the combination of the two-piece dispensing system  100  of the present invention with a vent hole  408 , tube retainer  410 , tube  415 , and container  900  having a vent path  940 . The two-piece dispensing system  100  may be modified to include a vent hole  408  and a tube retainer  410 . In some embodiments, the tube retainer  410  may be inserted into a vent path  940  of a container  900 . In other embodiments, a tube  415 , inserted into the tube retainer  410  at one end and the vent path  940  at the other end, may provide a vent path from an interior of the body  102  of the two-piece dispensing system  100  into the vent path  940 . 
     According to still other embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system  580  may include a closure body  582 , a chamber body  550 , a gasket  578 , a chamber cap  570 , and a valve  510  as illustrated in  FIGS.  35  and  36   . A dispensing ball  502  may attach to the dispensing system  580 . A dispensing system  580  may be attached to a container  900  that is filled with product  910  or is to be filled with a product  910 . For example, a dispensing system  580  according to various embodiments of the invention may be attached to a container  900  filled with laundry detergent such that a user may dispense laundry detergent from the container utilizing the dispensing system  580 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  35   , a dispensing system  580  according to various embodiments of the invention may include a closure body  582  configured to attach to a container  900  and more particularly about, over, or around an opening in a container  900 . A closure body  582  may be shaped such that it fits with the container  900  in an aesthetically pleasing manner, in a functional manner, or both. In some embodiments of the invention, the exterior shape and appearance of the closure body  582  may be configured to fit with, blend in, or act as part of the exterior aesthetic design of a container  900  to which the closure body  582  is attached. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  35   , in an assembled state a dispensing system  580  according to various embodiments of the invention may include a chamber body  550  attached to a closure body  582 . The chamber body  550  may be attached to the closure body  582  such that the chamber body  550  may be rotated relative to the closure body  582 . A gasket  578  may seat against a portion of the chamber body  550  and a chamber cap  570  may attach to the chamber body  550 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  35   , the chamber cap  570  may snap-fit with the chamber body  550 . The chamber cap  570  may hold or retain a gasket  578  between the chamber cap  570  and the chamber body  550 . The fitment of the chamber cap  570  with the chamber body  550  defines a product chamber  540  in a volume or space therein. A valve  510  is seated within the product chamber  540 . An outlet end  512  of the valve  510  may seal against an opening or product outlet  572  in the chamber cap  570 . A vent seal  516  at the end of the valve  510  opposite the outlet end  512  may seal against a portion of an interior of the chamber body  550 . The valve  510  may include an opening  518  through the valve  510  from the outlet end  512  towards the vent seal  516 . The valve  510  may also include a spring  514  configured to move, or to allow movement of, the outlet end  512  of the valve  510  and the vent seal  516  of the valve  510 . An air chamber  530  is formed between an interior portion of the valve  510  and the chamber body  550 . 
       FIG.  36    illustrates an exploded view of a dispensing system  580  according to various embodiments of the invention, including a closure body  582  to which a chamber body  550  may be attached. A valve  510  may be positioned between the chamber body  550  and a chamber cap  570  that is attached to the chamber body  550 . A gasket  578  may also be positioned between the chamber body  550  and the chamber cap  570 . A dispensing ball  502  may be fitted to the chamber body  550  and filled using the dispensing system  580 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system  580  as illustrated in  FIG.  36    may be assembled by attaching the chamber body  550  to the closure body  582 . A valve  510  may be dropped onto the chamber body  550  along with a gasket  578 . A chamber cap  570  may be fitted to the chamber body  550 , thereby fixing the valve  510  within the product chamber  540  formed between the chamber body  550  and chamber cap  570 . The assembled system is illustrated in  FIG.  35    with a dispensing ball  502  also attached thereto. 
     In various embodiments of the invention, a dispensing ball  502  is removable from the dispensing system  580 . In some embodiments, a dispensing ball  502  may include one or more latches, projections, or other features extending away from the mouth of the dispensing ball  502 . For example, a dispensing ball  502  may include two or more projections extending outward or inward from an opening or mouth in the dispensing ball  502 . The projections may be configured to mate with a portion of the chamber body  550  to facilitate movement of the chamber body  550  relative to the closure body  582 . For example, in some embodiments of the invention, a dispensing ball  502  may include a mouth configured to seal with a portion of the dispensing system  580  when the dispensing ball  502  is positioned under the dispensing system  580  as illustrated in  FIG.  35   . The dispensing ball  502  may be pushed up against the gasket  578  and then rotated whereby such rotation causes movement of the chamber body  550  relative to the closure body  582 . Projections extending off of the dispensing ball  502  may assist with moving the chamber body  550 . In some embodiments of the invention, the closure body  582  may also include visual cues or projection paths that will only allow a dispensing ball  502  to be accepted by or put in contact with a chamber body  550  in a certain position. Thus, a user may have to rotate the dispensing ball  502  into a position in which the closure body  582  will allow projections extending from the dispensing ball  502  to mate with the chamber body  550  for rotation thereof. 
     In particular embodiments of the invention, a closure body  582  may include a closure deck  583 . A closure attachment  586  may extend outward, upward, downward, or away from the closure deck  583 . The closure attachment  586  may include features configured to attach the closure body  582  to a container  900 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  37   , the closure attachment  586  may include threads to allow the closure body  582  to be screwed onto a container  900  having a threaded opening. In other embodiments of the invention, a closure attachment  586  may include bayonet-style attachment features, snap-style attachment features, rachet features, or other features to allow the closure body  582  to be attached to a container  900  either permanently or temporarily. 
     A plug seal  589  may also extend off of the closure deck  583  to facilitate a tight seal with a container  900 . For instance, as illustrated in  FIG.  37   , a plug seal  589  is positioned interior of the closure attachment  586  such that when attached to a container  900 , the plug seal  589  is on an interior of the container  900  opening while the closure attachment  586  is on an exterior of the container  900  opening. 
     A closure deck  583  may also include at least one inlet  584  opening passing through the closure deck  583 . At least one vent  585  opening passing through the closure deck  583  may also be present in various embodiments of the invention. An additional opening  588  or openings may also be configured in the closure deck  583  as illustrated in  FIG.  37   . 
     A closure body  582  may also include a skirt  587 . A skirt  587  may be integrally formed with the closure body  582  or may be a separate piece that snaps to or otherwise connects with the closure body  582 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  37   , a chamber body  550  may include one or more body connections  552 , a cap seal portion  554 , a valve post  556 , one or a product openings  558  and a vent opening  559 . 
     The at least one body connection  552  may connect to the body closure  582 . For example, a body connection  552  may include compression latches that may be forced into an opening  588  in the body closure  582  such that when the end of the body connection  552  extend past the opening  588  they spring out, holding the chamber body  550  in contact with the closure body  582 . In various embodiments of the invention, the body connection  552  is configured to allow the chamber body  550  to rotate relative to the closure body  582  once attached. 
     A valve  510  may be seated over a valve post  556  of the chamber body  550  such that the valve post  556  extends through an opening in the valve  510 . A chamber cap  570  may snap-fit, screw-on, or otherwise connect to the cap seal portion  554  of the chamber body  550 . 
     The chamber body  550  may include a vent opening  559  and a product opening that are aligned with the vent  585  and inlet  584  in a dispensing mode and not aligned in a non-dispensing mode. For instance, in a non-dispensing mode the product opening  558  in the chamber body  550  is adjacent to a portion of the closure deck  583  such that fluid or product cannot pass therethrough. Similarly, in the non-dispensing position or mode, the vent opening  559  may be aligned with or in contact with a portion of the closure deck  583  such that air cannot flow through the vent  585 . Upon rotation of the chamber body  550  into a dispensing position or mode, the product opening  558  is aligned with the inlet  584  in the closure body  582  such that product in a container  900  may flow through the inlet  584 , through the product opening  558 , and into the product chamber  540 . Similarly, upon rotation of the chamber body  550  into a dispensing position or mode, the vent opening  559  is aligned with the vent  585  in the closure body  582  such that air may pass from within the product chamber  540 , through the vent opening  559 , through the vent  585 , and into a container  900  attached to the dispensing system  580 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, rotation of the chamber body  550  may be accomplished by attaching a dispensing ball  502  to the dispensing system  580  and rotating the dispensing ball  502 . In other embodiments, a lever or other device could be used, attached to, or molded with the chamber body  550  to allow movement of the chamber body  550  relative to the closure body  582  in order to align the product opening  558  with the inlet  584  and the vent opening  559  with the vent  585 . 
     A valve  510  according to various embodiments of the invention may include a valve body having an outlet end  512  at one end and a vent seal  516  at an opposite end. The vent seal  516  may be part of, attached to, or adjacent to a spring  514 . An opening  518  through the valve  510  may pass through the outlet end  512  and may provide access to an interior surface of the valve  510  and the spring  514 . 
     In some embodiments of the invention, a valve  510  may be made of an elastomeric material such that the spring  514  is part of the entire valve. Movement of the spring  514 —or forces applied to the spring  514 —may allow movement of the outlet end  512  and the vent seal  516 . 
     A gasket  578  may be positioned on an exterior portion of the chamber body  550  and held in place by the chamber cap  570 . A gasket  578  may be made of any material required to help seal an opening of a dispensing ball  502  with the dispensing device  580  in use. 
     A chamber cap  570  according to various embodiments of the invention may include a product outlet  572  and a seal ring  575 . The seal ring  575  may be configured to attach to a chamber body  550 . For example, the seal ring  575  may screw-on, snap-to, or otherwise connect with the chamber body  550 . 
     The product outlet  572  of the chamber cap  570  is in contact with the outlet end  512  of a valve  510  when assembled. The contact between the outlet end  512  of the valve  510  and the product outlet  572  forms a fluid tight seal, preventing product in the product chamber  540  from being dispensed through the product outlet  572 . 
     According to various embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system  580  may be attached to a container  900  filled with a product  910  or to a container  900  which is then filled with a product  910 . Once attached, the dispensing system  580  may be used to regulate flow of the product  910  from the container  900 . 
     In some embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system  580  will be attached to a dispensing ball  502  when attached to a container  900 . In other embodiments, a dispensing ball  502  may be separate from and distributed with the container  900  or separately from the container  900 . 
     In order to operate a dispensing system  580  according to various embodiments of the invention, a user may attach a dispensing ball  502  to the dispensing system  580 . The opening of a dispensing ball  502  may be inserted towards the dispensing system  580  such that the opening engages a chamber body  550  or a gasket  578  between the chamber body  550  and the dispensing ball  502 . Rotation of the dispensing ball  502  rotates the chamber body  550 . Sufficient rotation will align—and unlock—the dispensing system  580  such that the product opening  5508  of the chamber body  550  is aligned with the inlet  584  of the closure body  582 . In addition, in the unlocked position, the vent opening  5509  of the chamber body  550  is aligned with the vent  585  of the closure body  582 . A user may then squeeze the dispensing ball  502 —which may be made of an elastomeric material—forcing air contained in the dispensing ball  502  through the opening  518  in the valve  510  and into the air chamber  530 . The pressure caused by the user&#39;s squeezing of the dispensing ball  502  unseats the vent seal  516  of the valve from the chamber body  550  wall, allowing air to flow into the product chamber  540  and out through the vent opening  5509  and vent  585  into the container  900 . Upon release of the pressure—or a balancing thereof in the air chamber  530 —the vent seal  516  of the valve  510  seals back against the wall of the chamber body  550 , forming a seal therewith. At the same time, back-pressure or a vacuum formed in the dispensing ball  502  applies force to the spring  514 , causing the spring  514  to lift the outlet end  512  of the valve  510  away from the product outlet  572  in the chamber cap  570 . This opens a path for fluid or product  910  in the product chamber  540  to pour into the dispensing ball  502 . In addition, because the product opening  5508  and inlet  584  are aligned, product  910  from within the container  900  may flow into the product chamber  540  and into the dispensing ball  502 . 
     Once the dispensing ball  502  has returned to its normal shape, the outlet end  512  of the valve  510  reseats against the product outlet  572 , forming a seal therewith and preventing further fluid flow into the dispensing ball  502 . 
     If additional product is desired in the dispensing ball  502 , the dispensing ball  502  may be squeezed again to force air through the vent system, creating a vacuum which allows the valve  510  to unseat and allow additional product into the dispensing ball  502 . Once the desired amount is reached in the dispensing ball  502 , a user may rotate the dispensing ball  502 , sealing off the product opening  5508  and vent opening  5509  so that the dispensing ball  502  may be removed from the dispensing system  580  without leaking. The product  910  in the dispensing ball  502  may then be used as desired. 
     During the priming or squeezing of the dispensing ball  502 , air pressure may prevent product  910  from entering the air chamber  530 . However, if some product  910  does enter the air chamber  530 , that product  910  may drip out of the opening  518  in the valve  510  and into the dispensing ball  502 . Thus, to further avoid dripping, a user may wish to keep the dispensing ball  502  attached to the dispensing system  580  when not in use. 
     While various embodiments of the invention are described herein, it is understood that the particular embodiments defined by the appended claims are not to be limited by particular details set forth in the description, as many apparent variations thereof are contemplated. Furthermore, while various embodiments are described with respect to laundry applications, it is understood that such dispensers may be used for or with other applications and that the dispensers are not limited to laundry solutions. Rather, embodiments of the invention are limited only by the appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods which operate according to the principles of the embodiments of the invention described and which are not limited by an intended use.