Patent Description:
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. <CIT> discloses a tap for disposable containers of the type popular for supplying liquid such as water, wine or milk. The tap comprises a body having a liquid flow passageway between a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet and an air flow passageway between an air inlet and an air outlet.

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.

According to a first aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a dispensing system comprising a container and a press-tap dispensing system attached to the container, the press-tap dispensing system having a body attached to an opening in the container, a valve positioned within the body, and a flexible dome on one end of the body configured to move the valve to allow flow of a product from the container, through the body, and to an exterior thereof. The dispensing system further comprising: a vent path integrally molded with the container, the vent path having a first opening adjacent to said opening in the container and a second opening into an interior of the container; a vent hole in the body of the press-tap dispensing system; a tube retainer integrally formed with the body of the press-tap dispensing system, wherein the vent hole opens to an interior volume within the tube retainer; and a tube having a first end sealingly engaged with the tube retainer and a second end sealingly engaged with the first opening of the integrally formed vent path disposed in the container, which first opening is adjacent the opening in the container whereupon actuation of the flexible dome the valve opens to allow product, when present, to drain from the container by gravity and said vent hole in the body of the press-tap dispensing system allows air to vent through said vent path and into the container. Optionally, a conical landing is disposed adjacent the vent path opening adjacent the opening in the container. Optionally a bayonet closure is associated with the body and container. According to a second aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a dispensing system comprising: a container comprising: an opening; and a vent path integrally formed in the container, the vent path having a first vent path opening adjacent the opening in the container and a second vent path opening; a dispenser, comprising: a body having a wall defining a dispensing cavity, a first opening at one end of the cavity, a second opening opposite the first opening, a container opening, a vent hole in the wall, a tube retainer in communication with the vent hole and extending towards the container, wherein the body is attached to the container so that the container opening communicates with the opening; a valve inserted into the cavity of the body, the valve comprising an actuation button, a cup-spring and a stop, the stop forms a liquid tight seal with an interior wall of the cavity of the body, the actuation button forms a seal with the body wall within the cavity opposite the stop; a tube inserted in the tube retainer and the first vent path opening; whereupon application of a force to the actuation button, the cup-spring flexes over projections within the cavity of the body and the valve moves the stop from engagement with the walls of the cavity in the body to allow product to flow from the container, into the cavity, and out the second opening in the cavity. Optionally, the body and valve are made of a recyclable material.

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:.

According to various embodiments of the invention, a two-piece dispensing system <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and a valve <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the valve <NUM> rests within or is assembled with a cavity in the body <NUM>. The valve <NUM> includes a stop <NUM>, an integrated cup-spring <NUM>, and an actuation button <NUM>. The stop <NUM> forms a liquid tight seal with an interior wall of the body <NUM> cavity adjacent an output opening of the body <NUM>. The actuation button <NUM> forms a seal with the body <NUM> wall within the cavity opposite the stop <NUM>. As pressure or a force is applied to the actuation button <NUM>, the cup-spring <NUM> may flex over projections within the cavity of the body <NUM> and the stop <NUM> is disengaged from the liquid tight seal with the interior of the body <NUM> walls such that fluid contained in a container to which the two-piece dispensing system <NUM> is attached may flow out of the container, through the cavity in the body <NUM>, and past the stop <NUM> as desired. When the force on the actuation button <NUM> is released, the cup-spring <NUM> acts to move the valve <NUM> back into the original position with the stop <NUM> forming a liquid tight seal with the interior walls of the body <NUM>.

A body <NUM> according to various embodiments of the invention may be attached to a container as desired. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the body <NUM> may include threads to allow the body <NUM> to be screwed onto a container. In other embodiments, a snap-fit or bayonet system may be used to attach the body <NUM> to a container. A body <NUM> may also include wings or other features to assist with gripping the body <NUM> while applying a force to the actuation button <NUM> associated therewith.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the body <NUM> and valve <NUM> may be molded from a resin or plastic. In some embodiments, the body <NUM> and valve <NUM> may be made of the same material to facilitate recycling. In other embodiments, while the materials of the body <NUM> and valve <NUM> may be different, they may both be recyclable.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to other embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. The dispensing system <NUM> may include a container <NUM> having a vent <NUM> attached to a first opening in the container <NUM> and a dispensing system attached to a second opening in the container <NUM>. The dispensing system may include a body <NUM>, a valve <NUM>, and an on/off toggle <NUM>. For example, the dispensing system may include a dispensing system <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> integrated with an on/off toggle <NUM>. In other embodiments, the dispensing system may include a traditional body, valve, and spring system attached to an on/off toggle <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an on/off toggle <NUM> may include a rotatable component that can be rotated from a position where product is allowed to flow into the body <NUM> - an "on" position - to a position where product is prevented from flowing from the container <NUM> into the body <NUM> - an "off position. Rotation of the on/off toggle <NUM> may be facilitated by a wing or projection extending off of the on/off toggle <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, an on/off toggle <NUM> includes an arm extending outward from the on/off toggle <NUM> to allow a user the ability to more easily rotate the on/off toggle <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, rotation of the on/off toggle <NUM> may rotate the body <NUM> of the dispensing system as illustrated in <FIG>. Rotation of the body <NUM> allows the output opening of the body <NUM> to be pointed in an upward direction relative to the intended position of a container <NUM> on a shelf. In this position, extra liquid escaping the body <NUM> or flowing by the valve <NUM>, will not drip, thereby preventing the dripping mess traditionally associated with such products.

In other embodiments of the disclosure, an on/off toggle <NUM> may rotate a component within the body <NUM> or between the body <NUM> and the container <NUM> opening such that fluid is stopped from flowing into the body <NUM> when the on/off toggle <NUM> is in the "off position.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may also include a vent <NUM> attached to a first opening in the container <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The vent <NUM> may include a push/pull vent system that may be pulled outward, away from the container <NUM>, to open the vent <NUM>. In some embodiments, the vent <NUM> may also include an audible feature that makes a noise - such as a "click" - when the vent <NUM> is opened so that a user knows that the vent <NUM> is in an open state. Similarly, the vent <NUM> may be pushed towards the container <NUM> to close the vent <NUM>. Again, an audible feature may make a noise to inform a user that they have successfully closed the vent <NUM>.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to still other embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated, a dispensing system <NUM> may include a container <NUM>, a body <NUM> and valve <NUM> attached to an opening in the container <NUM>, and a cup <NUM> for collecting a product dispensed from the body <NUM> and valve <NUM>. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, the cup <NUM> may slide into a body <NUM> shaped to receive the cup <NUM>. For example, as illustrated, the cup <NUM> may include wings or a lip about the opening of the cup <NUM> and the body <NUM> may include one or more ledges configured to receive the lip about the cup <NUM> and hold or retain the cup <NUM> to the body for dispensing of a product into the cup <NUM>. In other embodiments of the disclosure, a cup <NUM> may include a bayonet attachment or threads which may be used to attach the cup <NUM> to the body <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the body <NUM> and cup <NUM> may each include threads <NUM> to allow the cup <NUM> to be threaded onto the body <NUM> such that it may be retained in a position to be filled.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to still other embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, a dispensing system <NUM> may include a container <NUM> having a product <NUM> contained therein. A body <NUM> may be attached to the container <NUM> about an opening therein. The body <NUM> may include a valve that may allow product to flow out of the container <NUM> into a dispensing ball <NUM>, cup, or other receptacle. As illustrated in <FIG>, a dip-tube <NUM> may also be configured with the body <NUM> to allow air to enter the container <NUM> for venting.

<FIG> illustrate the use of the dispensing system <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a dispensing ball <NUM> made of a flexible material may be attached to the body <NUM>. A user may squeeze the dispensing ball <NUM> to evacuate air into the container <NUM> through the dip tube <NUM>. A vacuum formed on an interior of the dispensing ball <NUM> may pull product <NUM> from the container <NUM> through the valve in the body <NUM> and into an interior space of the dispensing ball <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The dispensing ball <NUM> may be dislodged from the body <NUM> and the product <NUM> poured from the dispensing ball <NUM> into a washing machine or other desired location as illustrated in <FIG>.

An alternative version of the dispensing system <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated, the dispensing system <NUM> may include a body <NUM> attached to an opening of a container <NUM>. The body <NUM> may include a wall <NUM> spanning the opening of the container <NUM>. A hole in the wall may be filled by a valve <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The body <NUM> may also include a dispensing ball attachment system <NUM>. For example, as illustrated, a dispensing ball <NUM> may include threads to allow the dispensing ball <NUM> to be screwed onto the body <NUM>. The dispensing ball <NUM> may be made of a flexible material.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the dispensing ball <NUM> is squeezed or a forced is applied to the walls of the dispensing ball <NUM> to deform them, air from within the dispensing ball <NUM> is forced through the hole in the wall <NUM>, past a feature of the valve <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the valve <NUM> may include a flexible, conical membrane that may flex when air is forced out of the dispensing ball <NUM>, allowing air to enter the container <NUM>. Once the force is removed from the dispensing ball <NUM>, the walls return to their normal position. A vacuum created in the dispensing ball <NUM> pulls product <NUM> from the container <NUM> through an internal channel <NUM> in the valve <NUM>. The product <NUM> fills a portion of the volume in the dispensing ball <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Once the desired amount of product <NUM> is contained in the dispensing ball <NUM>, it may be removed from the body <NUM> and the contents poured out or distributed as desired.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to other embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. The dispensing system <NUM> includes a container <NUM> having a body <NUM> attached to an opening in the container <NUM>, the body <NUM> having a pump associated therewith. A cap <NUM> or cup having an open end and a valved end opposite the open end may be attached to or fitted to the body <NUM> for retail shipment such that the open end is attached to the body <NUM>. To use the dispensing system <NUM>, the cap <NUM> may be removed from its storage position and inverted so that the valved end of the cap <NUM> may be placed on or mated with the body <NUM>. The valved end may include a valve <NUM> or one-way opening that allows product <NUM> to pass into the cap <NUM>. For example, the cap <NUM> may be inverted and placed on the body <NUM> such that the valve <NUM> aligns with an opening to a pump or valve associated with the body <NUM>. Engagement of the valve <NUM> with the body <NUM> may fill the cap <NUM>. In some embodiments, the body <NUM> may include a moveable platform or membrane that engages the cap <NUM> such that when the cap <NUM> and valve <NUM> are pushed against the body <NUM>, product <NUM> is pumped from within the container <NUM> into the cap <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to still other embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated, the dispensing system <NUM> may include a container <NUM> and a dispenser <NUM>. The dispenser <NUM> may include a base <NUM> and a plunger <NUM> as illustrated. The base <NUM> may include a cavity in which the plunger <NUM> is moveably seated. The plunger <NUM> may be inserted in an opening in one end of the base <NUM> and may include a cap <NUM> that can be pulled or pushed by a user to move the plunger <NUM> within the base <NUM>. A one-way valve opposite the end into which the plunger <NUM> is inserted may prevent flow of product <NUM> out of the cavity of the base <NUM> until the plunger <NUM> is used to dispense the product <NUM>.

In use, the base <NUM> may attach to an opening in the container <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. A user may pull on the cap <NUM> of the plunger <NUM> to move the plunger <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. Movement of the plunger <NUM> creates a vacuum in a cavity within the base <NUM> which in turn draws product <NUM> from the container <NUM> into the cavity in the base <NUM>. For example, a one-way valve in the base between the cavity and the container <NUM> may control flow of product <NUM> into the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> and plunger <NUM> may be removed from the container <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> in a charged state. The base <NUM> and plunger <NUM> combination may then be moved to a washing machine or other receptacle where the product <NUM> in the base <NUM> may be dispensed by pushing on the plunger <NUM> or cap <NUM> to force product <NUM> out of the one-way valve opposite the plunger <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to some embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. The dispensing system <NUM> may include a container <NUM> containing a product <NUM>. The container <NUM> may include a cup holder <NUM> into which a cup <NUM> may positioned or seated. A pump <NUM> may be attached to the container <NUM> through an opening therein. The pump <NUM> may be configured with a pump head such that as the pump <NUM> is actuated, product <NUM> is pumped out of the container <NUM> into a cup <NUM> seated in the cupholder <NUM>. Once the cup <NUM> is filled to the desired volume, a user can remove the cup <NUM>, pour the product <NUM> contained therein out, and return the cup <NUM> to the cup holder <NUM> so that any drips or other leakage from the pump <NUM> may be caught by the cup <NUM>.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. The dispensing system <NUM> may include a dispensing ring <NUM> attached to a container <NUM> containing product <NUM>. A cup <NUM> may be snapped to or otherwise attached to the dispensing ring <NUM> such that product <NUM> dispensed from the container <NUM> flows into the cup <NUM>.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, a cup <NUM> may be snapped into or otherwise attached to the dispensing ring <NUM>. Once attached, a lever <NUM> on the dispensing ring <NUM> may be rotated to dispense product <NUM> from the container <NUM> into the cup <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Release of the lever <NUM> allows the dispensing ring <NUM> to snap back into a non-dispensing position as illustrated in <FIG>. In some embodiments of the disclosure, movement of the dispensing ring <NUM> dispenses a single dose of product <NUM>. In other embodiments, the dispensing ring <NUM> allows product <NUM> to flow out of the container <NUM> as long as the dispensing ring <NUM> is not in the non-dispensing position. In this way, a user can fill the cup <NUM> to a desired level and release the lever <NUM> to allow the dispensing ring <NUM> to snap back or return to the non-dispensing position.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to some embodiments of the disclosure includes a washing machine <NUM> having a product compartment <NUM> into which a container <NUM> having a sealed opening may be inserted as illustrated in <FIG>. Once inserted into the product compartment <NUM>, the sealed opening of the container <NUM> may be pierced or otherwise unsealed to allow product <NUM> within the container <NUM> to dispense into the washing machine <NUM>. The washing machine <NUM> may be set to dispense a desired amount of product from the container <NUM> for each load of laundry being cleaned.

In still other embodiments of the disclosure, a dispensing system <NUM> may include a dispenser <NUM> and a container <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated, a dispenser <NUM> may include a wall-mounted dispenser having an opening into which a container <NUM> may be inserted. The dispenser <NUM> may be configured to mate with the container <NUM> and access the product <NUM> in the container <NUM>. For example, the container <NUM> may be pierced by the dispenser <NUM> to release the product <NUM> into the dispenser <NUM>. In other embodiments the container <NUM> may be attached to a plug or needle-like unit to allow flow of product <NUM> from the container <NUM> through the dispenser <NUM>. Other known methods for such dispensing features may also be used.

According to embodiments of the disclosure, a user may buy a container <NUM> of product <NUM> - for example a refill container <NUM> - and insert it into the dispenser <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Insertion of the container <NUM> into the dispenser <NUM> may create a flow path for product <NUM> out of the container and through the dispenser <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, a user may press a cup <NUM> up against a lever <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> to open a valve such that product <NUM> is dispensed or to pump product <NUM> from the container <NUM>, through the dispenser <NUM>, and into the cup <NUM>. The cup <NUM> may then be used to dump the product <NUM> into a washing machine or other desired receptacle.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to still other embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. As shown, the dispensing system <NUM> may include collapsible/expandable containers <NUM>. When manufactured, the containers <NUM> are in a collapsed state. Filling the containers <NUM> results in an expansion of the walls of the container <NUM>. The expanded walls, however, apply a force against the product inside the containers <NUM> as the walls try to return to the original non-filled state. The forces applied by the walls facilitate rapid flow of product <NUM> out of the container <NUM> when a valve or dispensing system such as those described herein is actuated to allow product out of the container <NUM>. Continual collapsing of the container <NUM> results in the fluid within the container being pushed out of the container.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to still other embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated, the dispensing system <NUM> may include a dispenser <NUM> and a cup <NUM>. A drip collector <NUM> extending off of the dispenser <NUM> below an output path may include a living hinge <NUM> such that a portion of the drip collector <NUM> may be moved vertically so that it is outside of the flow path when a user moves a cup <NUM> below the dispenser <NUM>. Once a cup <NUM> is moved away from the dispenser <NUM>, the living hinge allows that portion of the drip collector <NUM> that moved to return to the original position to collect any drips that may come out of the dispenser <NUM> when not in use.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a cup may include a pour feature <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> to help reduce spillage of product <NUM> from a cup during use. The pour feature <NUM> may also be configured to assist with pouring a product <NUM> into a precise area or location as desired by the user.

In other embodiments of the disclosure, a cup may include a hydrophobic texture molded into the cup as illustrated in <FIG>. The presence of the hydrophobic texturing may improve movement of a product <NUM> out of the cup such that residual product <NUM> is not built-up or contained in the cup after use or so that all of the product <NUM> may be easily poured out of the cup.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to other embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to other embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated, the dispensing system <NUM> may include a soap receptacle <NUM>, a water receptacle <NUM> and a product dispenser <NUM> or cup. Soap may be placed in the soap receptacle <NUM> and water in the water receptacle <NUM>. A user may then insert the product dispenser <NUM> into an opening in the dispensing system <NUM> 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 <NUM> mixes a fixed amount of soap with a fixed amount of water into the product dispenser <NUM>. The product dispenser <NUM> 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 <NUM> according to still another embodiment, which does not form part of the present invention, is illustrated in <FIG>. As shown, a traditional press-tap system having a body <NUM>, a valve <NUM> and a flexible dome <NUM> may be improved by the inclusion of a vent path <NUM> through the body <NUM> connected to a dip-tube <NUM>. The improved press-tap system allows air to vent into the container <NUM> 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 dip-tube <NUM> may be a blown-in-dip-tube, having been formed integrally with the container <NUM> such that a dip-tube is not required; instead, the vent path may mate with the blown-in-dip-tube of the container <NUM>.

A dispensing system <NUM> according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the dispensing system <NUM> includes components of a traditional press-tap dispensing system, including a container <NUM>, a body <NUM>, and a flexible dome <NUM>. The flexible dome <NUM> is connected to a valve <NUM> housed in the body <NUM> such that when a user presses on the flexible dome <NUM>, the valve <NUM> opens to allow product <NUM> to drain from the container <NUM> by gravity. The dispensing system <NUM> 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 <NUM> includes a blown-in vent path <NUM>. The vent path <NUM> includes a tube or path integrally formed with the container <NUM> to allow air to vent into the container <NUM> when the flexible dome <NUM> is pressed and the valve <NUM> is opened. The vent path <NUM> has one end positioned adjacent an opening in the container <NUM> to which a dispenser is attached. A second end of the vent path <NUM> extends into a portion of the container <NUM> that is near the top of the container <NUM> when the container <NUM> is positioned for dispensing. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the vent path <NUM> may extend from an area adjacent the opening to which the body <NUM> is attached to the "top" of the container <NUM> when it is resting in the illustrated position.

As illustrated in the cross-sectional views of <FIG> and <FIG>, the improved dispensing system <NUM> of various embodiments of the invention also includes a vent hole <NUM> in a wall of the body <NUM>. The vent hole <NUM> leads into an interior volume of a tube retainer <NUM> molded with the body <NUM>. The container <NUM> has a vent path <NUM> that may have a landing <NUM> at a terminal end thereof adjacent to an opening in the container <NUM> to which the body <NUM> is attached. The landing <NUM> may be conical in shape or may be configured to accept a tube <NUM>, tube retainer <NUM>, or other feature to provide a flow path between the vent hole <NUM> and the vent path <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, one end of a tube <NUM> is inserted and secured in the tube retainer <NUM>. The other end of the tube <NUM> is inserted in the opening of the vent path <NUM> adjacent the landing <NUM>. The landing <NUM> may facilitate placement of the tube <NUM> into the vent path <NUM> upon assembly. The end of the tube <NUM> inserted into the vent path <NUM> may seal against the walls of the vent path <NUM> to form a fluid-tight seal.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a tube <NUM> may not be needed. Rather, the tube retainer <NUM> itself may have a sufficient length such that it may have one end capable of being inserted into the vent path <NUM> and forming a seal therewith, forming a path from the vent hole <NUM> to the vent path <NUM>.

While a tube <NUM> or tube retainer <NUM> may seal against the walls of the vent path <NUM> in sufficient manner to provide the necessary seal, additional features may be added to the end of a tube <NUM> or tube retainer <NUM> to assist in sealing the point of contact with the vent path <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments of the invention an o-ring may be placed around an end of a tube <NUM> or tube retainer <NUM> to facilitate a fluid tight seal. In other embodiments, the end of the tube <NUM> or tube retainer <NUM> may be bi-injected with a material that can provide a better sealing contact with the vent path <NUM>. In still other embodiments of the invention, the end of the tube <NUM> or tube retainer <NUM> may include ridges that facilitate a better seal against the interior walls of the vent path <NUM>.

An improved dispensing system <NUM> may also include a body <NUM> having a snap-fit or bayonet connection <NUM> capable of securing the body <NUM> to the container <NUM> as illustrated. A snap-fit or bayonet connection <NUM> may allow the body <NUM> to be attached to the container <NUM> while aligning the tube <NUM> or tube retainer <NUM> with the landing <NUM> of the vent path <NUM>. This may help to facilitate insertion of the tube <NUM> or tube retainer <NUM> into the vent path <NUM> during assembly of a body <NUM> with a container <NUM>.

According to other embodiments of the invention, a dispensing system may include the combination of the two-piece dispensing system <NUM> of the present invention with a vent hole <NUM>, tube retainer <NUM>, tube <NUM>, and container <NUM> having a vent path <NUM>. The two-piece dispensing system <NUM> may be modified to include a vent hole <NUM> and a tube retainer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tube retainer <NUM> may be inserted into a vent path <NUM> of a container <NUM>. In other embodiments, a tube <NUM>, inserted into the tube retainer <NUM> at one end and the vent path <NUM> at the other end, may provide a vent path from an interior of the body <NUM> of the two-piece dispensing system <NUM> into the vent path <NUM>.

According to still other non-claimed embodiments of the disclosure, a dispensing system <NUM> may include a closure body <NUM>, a chamber body <NUM>, a gasket <NUM>, a chamber cap <NUM>, and a valve <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. A dispensing ball <NUM> may attach to the dispensing system <NUM>. A dispensing system <NUM> may be attached to a container <NUM> that is filled with product <NUM> or is to be filled with a product <NUM>. For example, a dispensing system <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be attached to a container <NUM> filled with laundry detergent such that a user may dispense laundry detergent from the container utilizing the dispensing system <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a dispensing system <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a closure body <NUM> configured to attach to a container <NUM> and more particularly about, over, or around an opening in a container <NUM>. A closure body <NUM> may be shaped such that it fits with the container <NUM> in an aesthetically pleasing manner, in a functional manner, or both. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the exterior shape and appearance of the closure body <NUM> may be configured to fit with, blend in, or act as part of the exterior aesthetic design of a container <NUM> to which the closure body <NUM> is attached.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in an assembled state a dispensing system <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a chamber body <NUM> attached to a closure body <NUM>. The chamber body <NUM> may be attached to the closure body <NUM> such that the chamber body <NUM> may be rotated relative to the closure body <NUM>. A gasket <NUM> may seat against a portion of the chamber body <NUM> and a chamber cap <NUM> may attach to the chamber body <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the chamber cap <NUM> may snap-fit with the chamber body <NUM>. The chamber cap <NUM> may hold or retain a gasket <NUM> between the chamber cap <NUM> and the chamber body <NUM>. The fitment of the chamber cap <NUM> with the chamber body <NUM> defines a product chamber <NUM> in a volume or space therein. A valve <NUM> is seated within the product chamber <NUM>. An outlet end <NUM> of the valve <NUM> may seal against an opening or product outlet <NUM> in the chamber cap <NUM>. A vent seal <NUM> at the end of the valve <NUM> opposite the outlet end <NUM> may seal against a portion of an interior of the chamber body <NUM>. The valve <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> through the valve <NUM> from the outlet end <NUM> towards the vent seal <NUM>. The valve <NUM> may also include a spring <NUM> configured to move, or to allow movement of, the outlet end <NUM> of the valve <NUM> and the vent seal <NUM> of the valve <NUM>. An air chamber <NUM> is formed between an interior portion of the valve <NUM> and the chamber body <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of a dispensing system <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure, including a closure body <NUM> to which a chamber body <NUM> may be attached. A valve <NUM> may be positioned between the chamber body <NUM> and a chamber cap <NUM> that is attached to the chamber body <NUM>. A gasket <NUM> may also be positioned between the chamber body <NUM> and the chamber cap <NUM>. A dispensing ball <NUM> may be fitted to the chamber body <NUM> and filled using the dispensing system <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a dispensing system <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> may be assembled by attaching the chamber body <NUM> to the closure body <NUM>. A valve <NUM> may be dropped onto the chamber body <NUM> along with a gasket <NUM>. A chamber cap <NUM> may be fitted to the chamber body <NUM>, thereby fixing the valve <NUM> within the product chamber <NUM> formed between the chamber body <NUM> and chamber cap <NUM>. The assembled system is illustrated in <FIG> with a dispensing ball <NUM> also attached thereto.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, a dispensing ball <NUM> is removable from the dispensing system <NUM>. In some embodiments, a dispensing ball <NUM> may include one or more latches, projections, or other features extending away from the mouth of the dispensing ball <NUM>. For example, a dispensing ball <NUM> may include two or more projections extending outward or inward from an opening or mouth in the dispensing ball <NUM>. The projections may be configured to mate with a portion of the chamber body <NUM> to facilitate movement of the chamber body <NUM> relative to the closure body <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments of the disclosure, a dispensing ball <NUM> may include a mouth configured to seal with a portion of the dispensing system <NUM> when the dispensing ball <NUM> is positioned under the dispensing system <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The dispensing ball <NUM> may be pushed up against the gasket <NUM> and then rotated whereby such rotation causes movement of the chamber body <NUM> relative to the closure body <NUM>. Projections extending off of the dispensing ball <NUM> may assist with moving the chamber body <NUM>. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the closure body <NUM> may also include visual cues or projection paths that will only allow a dispensing ball <NUM> to be accepted by or put in contact with a chamber body <NUM> in a certain position. Thus, a user may have to rotate the dispensing ball <NUM> into a position in which the closure body <NUM> will allow projections extending from the dispensing ball <NUM> to mate with the chamber body <NUM> for rotation thereof.

In particular embodiments of the disclosure, a closure body <NUM> may include a closure deck <NUM>. A closure attachment <NUM> may extend outward, upward, downward, or away from the closure deck <NUM>. The closure attachment <NUM> may include features configured to attach the closure body <NUM> to a container <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the closure attachment <NUM> may include threads to allow the closure body <NUM> to be screwed onto a container <NUM> having a threaded opening. In other embodiments of the disclosure, a closure attachment <NUM> may include bayonet-style attachment features, snap-style attachment features, rachet features, or other features to allow the closure body <NUM> to be attached to a container <NUM> either permanently or temporarily.

A plug seal <NUM> may also extend off of the closure deck <NUM> to facilitate a tight seal with a container <NUM>. For instance, as illustrated in <FIG>, a plug seal <NUM> is positioned interior of the closure attachment <NUM> such that when attached to a container <NUM>, the plug seal <NUM> is on an interior of the container <NUM> opening while the closure attachment <NUM> is on an exterior of the container <NUM> opening.

A closure deck <NUM> may also include at least one inlet <NUM> opening passing through the closure deck <NUM>. At least one vent <NUM> opening passing through the closure deck <NUM> may also be present in various embodiments of the disclosure. An additional opening <NUM> or openings may also be configured in the closure deck <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

A closure body <NUM> may also include a skirt <NUM>. A skirt <NUM> may be integrally formed with the closure body <NUM> or may be a separate piece that snaps to or otherwise connects with the closure body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a chamber body <NUM> may include one or more body connections <NUM>, a cap seal portion <NUM>, a valve post <NUM>, one or a product openings <NUM> and a vent opening <NUM>.

The at least one body connection <NUM> may connect to the body closure <NUM>. For example, a body connection <NUM> may include compression latches that may be forced into an opening <NUM> in the body closure <NUM> such that when the end of the body connection <NUM> extend past the opening <NUM> they spring out, holding the chamber body <NUM> in contact with the closure body <NUM>. In various embodiments of the disclosure, the body connection <NUM> is configured to allow the chamber body <NUM> to rotate relative to the closure body <NUM> once attached.

A valve <NUM> may be seated over a valve post <NUM> of the chamber body <NUM> such that the valve post <NUM> extends through an opening in the valve <NUM>. A chamber cap <NUM> may snap-fit, screw-on, or otherwise connect to the cap seal portion <NUM> of the chamber body <NUM>.

The chamber body <NUM> may include a vent opening <NUM> and a product opening that are aligned with the vent <NUM> and inlet <NUM> in a dispensing mode and not aligned in a non-dispensing mode. For instance, in a non-dispensing mode the product opening <NUM> in the chamber body <NUM> is adjacent to a portion of the closure deck <NUM> such that fluid or product cannot pass therethrough. Similarly, in the non-dispensing position or mode, the vent opening <NUM> may be aligned with or in contact with a portion of the closure deck <NUM> such that air cannot flow through the vent <NUM>. Upon rotation of the chamber body <NUM> into a dispensing position or mode, the product opening <NUM> is aligned with the inlet <NUM> in the closure body <NUM> such that product in a container <NUM> may flow through the inlet <NUM>, through the product opening <NUM>, and into the product chamber <NUM>. Similarly, upon rotation of the chamber body <NUM> into a dispensing position or mode, the vent opening <NUM> is aligned with the vent <NUM> in the closure body <NUM> such that air may pass from within the product chamber <NUM>, through the vent opening <NUM>, through the vent <NUM>, and into a container <NUM> attached to the dispensing system <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, rotation of the chamber body <NUM> may be accomplished by attaching a dispensing ball <NUM> to the dispensing system <NUM> and rotating the dispensing ball <NUM>. In other embodiments, a lever or other device could be used, attached to, or molded with the chamber body <NUM> to allow movement of the chamber body <NUM> relative to the closure body <NUM> in order to align the product opening <NUM> with the inlet <NUM> and the vent opening <NUM> with the vent <NUM>.

A valve <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a valve body having an outlet end <NUM> at one end and a vent seal <NUM> at an opposite end. The vent seal <NUM> may be part of, attached to, or adjacent to a spring <NUM>. An opening <NUM> through the valve <NUM> may pass through the outlet end <NUM> and may provide access to an interior surface of the valve <NUM> and the spring <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a valve <NUM> may be made of an elastomeric material such that the spring <NUM> is part of the entire valve. Movement of the spring <NUM> - or forces applied to the spring <NUM> - may allow movement of the outlet end <NUM> and the vent seal <NUM>.

A gasket <NUM> may be positioned on an exterior portion of the chamber body <NUM> and held in place by the chamber cap <NUM>. A gasket <NUM> may be made of any material required to help seal an opening of a dispensing ball <NUM> with the dispensing device <NUM> in use.

A chamber cap <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a product outlet <NUM> and a seal ring <NUM>. The seal ring <NUM> may be configured to attach to a chamber body <NUM>. For example, the seal ring <NUM> may screw-on, snap-to, or otherwise connect with the chamber body <NUM>.

The product outlet <NUM> of the chamber cap <NUM> is in contact with the outlet end <NUM> of a valve <NUM> when assembled. The contact between the outlet end <NUM> of the valve <NUM> and the product outlet <NUM> forms a fluid tight seal, preventing product in the product chamber <NUM> from being dispensed through the product outlet <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a dispensing system <NUM> may be attached to a container <NUM> filled with a product <NUM> or to a container <NUM> which is then filled with a product <NUM>. Once attached, the dispensing system <NUM> may be used to regulate flow of the product <NUM> from the container <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a dispensing system <NUM> will be attached to a dispensing ball <NUM> when attached to a container <NUM>. In other embodiments, a dispensing ball <NUM> may be separate from and distributed with the container <NUM> or separately from the container <NUM>.

In order to operate a dispensing system <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure, a user may attach a dispensing ball <NUM> to the dispensing system <NUM>. The opening of a dispensing ball <NUM> may be inserted towards the dispensing system <NUM> such that the opening engages a chamber body <NUM> or a gasket <NUM> between the chamber body <NUM> and the dispensing ball <NUM>. Rotation of the dispensing ball <NUM> rotates the chamber body <NUM>. Sufficient rotation will align - and unlock - the dispensing system <NUM> such that the product opening <NUM> of the chamber body <NUM> is aligned with the inlet <NUM> of the closure body <NUM>. In addition, in the unlocked position, the vent opening <NUM> of the chamber body <NUM> is aligned with the vent <NUM> of the closure body <NUM>. A user may then squeeze the dispensing ball <NUM> - which may be made of an elastomeric material - forcing air contained in the dispensing ball <NUM> through the opening <NUM> in the valve <NUM> and into the air chamber <NUM>. The pressure caused by the user's squeezing of the dispensing ball <NUM> unseats the vent seal <NUM> of the valve from the chamber body <NUM> wall, allowing air to flow into the product chamber <NUM> and out through the vent opening <NUM> and vent <NUM> into the container <NUM>. Upon release of the pressure - or a balancing thereof in the air chamber <NUM> - the vent seal <NUM> of the valve <NUM> seals back against the wall of the chamber body <NUM>, forming a seal therewith. At the same time, back-pressure or a vacuum formed in the dispensing ball <NUM> applies force to the spring <NUM>, causing the spring <NUM> to lift the outlet end <NUM> of the valve <NUM> away from the product outlet <NUM> in the chamber cap <NUM>. This opens a path for fluid or product <NUM> in the product chamber <NUM> to pour into the dispensing ball <NUM>. In addition, because the product opening <NUM> and inlet <NUM> are aligned, product <NUM> from within the container <NUM> may flow into the product chamber <NUM> and into the dispensing ball <NUM>.

Once the dispensing ball <NUM> has returned to its normal shape, the outlet end <NUM> of the valve <NUM> reseats against the product outlet <NUM>, forming a seal therewith and preventing further fluid flow into the dispensing ball <NUM>.

If additional product is desired in the dispensing ball <NUM>, the dispensing ball <NUM> may be squeezed again to force air through the vent system, creating a vacuum which allows the valve <NUM> to unseat and allow additional product into the dispensing ball <NUM>. Once the desired amount is reached in the dispensing ball <NUM>, a user may rotate the dispensing ball <NUM>, sealing off the product opening <NUM> and vent opening <NUM> so that the dispensing ball <NUM> may be removed from the dispensing system <NUM> without leaking. The product <NUM> in the dispensing ball <NUM> may then be used as desired.

During the priming or squeezing of the dispensing ball <NUM>, air pressure may prevent product <NUM> from entering the air chamber <NUM>. However, if some product <NUM> does enter the air chamber <NUM>, that product <NUM> may drip out of the opening <NUM> in the valve <NUM> and into the dispensing ball <NUM>. Thus, to further avoid dripping, a user may wish to keep the dispensing ball <NUM> attached to the dispensing system <NUM> when not in use.

Claim 1:
A dispensing system (<NUM>) comprising a container (<NUM>) and a press-tap dispensing system attached to the container (<NUM>), the press-tap dispensing system having a body (<NUM>) attached to an opening in the container (<NUM>), a valve (<NUM>) positioned within the body (<NUM>), and a flexible dome (<NUM>) on one end of the body (<NUM>) configured to move the valve (<NUM>) to allow flow of a product from the container (<NUM>), through the body (<NUM>), and to an exterior thereof, the dispensing system (<NUM>) further comprising:
a vent path (<NUM>) integrally molded with the container (<NUM>), the vent path (<NUM>) having a first opening adjacent to said opening in the container (<NUM>) and a second opening into an interior of the container (<NUM>);
a vent hole (<NUM>) in the body (<NUM>) of the press-tap dispensing system (<NUM>);
a tube retainer (<NUM>) integrally formed with the body (<NUM>) of the press-tap dispensing system, wherein the vent hole (<NUM>) opens to an interior volume within the tube retainer (<NUM>); and
a tube (<NUM>) having a first end sealingly engaged with the tube retainer (<NUM>) and a second end sealingly engaged with the first opening of the integrally formed vent path (<NUM>) disposed in the container (<NUM>), which first opening of the integrally formed vent path (<NUM>) is adjacent the opening in the container (<NUM>),
whereby upon actuation of the flexible dome (<NUM>) the valve (<NUM>) opens to allow product (<NUM>), when present, to drain from the container (<NUM>) by gravity and said vent hole (<NUM>) in the body (<NUM>) of the press-tap dispensing system allows air to vent through said vent path (<NUM>) and into the container (<NUM>).