Patent Description:
Swimming pool water, fountain water, and the like are susceptible to infestation by various microorganisms, such as algae. For instance, if untreated, swimming pool water can provide a hospitable forum for the growth of bacteria, algae and other undesirable and potentially unhealthy organisms. Consequently, pool water, and spas are typically treated with chemicals designed to kill and control the above organisms. The chemicals can be applied to the pool water on a periodic or a continuous basis.

Such treatment, for instance, is typically undertaken via the introduction of a halogen, such as chlorine, into the pool water at levels effective to kill or control the unwanted organisms. The halogen source may be in liquid form or may be in a solid form. The solid form can be designed to quickly or slowly dissolve in the pool water. Solid sources of chlorine, for instance, include calcium hypochlorite and the like.

Various different techniques and methods have been developed in order to deliver a chemical, such as chlorine, to pool water. For instance, one type of chemical feeder that has been used in the past is referred to as a flowing erosion dispenser that provides continuous release of the chemical. The floating chemical dispenser, for instance, can include an upper end float attached to a container. A solid chemical can be placed in the container and the container can include at least one opening that allows water to enter the container and dissolve the chemical for release into the pool water. In one embodiment, the floating dispenser, when empty, has a center of gravity that is not symmetrical with the container. Consequently, as the chemical within the container is dissolved and becomes exhausted, the floating dispenser tips over and floats horizontally in the water indicating to a user that the floating dispenser is empty and needs to be replaced.

One embodiment of a floating chemical dispenser is disclosed in <CIT>. In the '<NUM> patent, the floating dispenser contains chemical tablets composed of compressed calcium hypochlorite, an algicide, and an agglomerating agent, such as zinc sulfate and sodium Further relevant documents are <CIT> and <CIT>.

Floating chemical dispensers typically include a closing mechanism that closes the opening in the container to prevent inadvertent release of the chemical contained in the dispenser. The closing mechanism, however, can be susceptible to opening during packing, shipping and handling of the dispenser. Consequently, in the past, a shrink wrap film or tape was placed over the closing mechanism to keep the dispenser in a closed position until the dispenser was placed in use. Shrink wrap film or tape as described above, however, cannot be reused, and, once removed from the dispensing container, leaves the closure mechanism unprotected.

In view of the above, a need exists for a locking device capable of maintain a floating chemical dispenser in the closed position to prevent against inadvertent spills or release of the chemical contained in the dispenser. A need further exists for a locking mechanism for floating pool dispensers that are also child resistant.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to a floating chemical dispenser for containing and dispensing chemicals into a body of water, such as into pool water or water contained in a spa. The floating chemical dispenser can also be used in all different types of water systems, such as public fountains and the like. In accordance with the present disclosure, the floating chemical dispenser includes a locking device that prevents the dispenser from inadvertent spills or opening of the container prior to use. In one embodiment, the locking device can include child resistant characteristics and properties.

The present invention is directed to a floating chemical dispenser for containing and dispensing chemicals to treat a body of water. The dispenser includes a float positioned at an upper end of the dispenser. The floating chemical dispenser further includes a container having a top and a bottom. The top of the container is adjacent to the float. For instance, in one embodiment, the top of the container can be attached to the float or, alternatively, a collar can be used to attach the float to the container. The container defines an interior compartment configured to hold a chemical. The chemical, for instance, may comprise a solid chemical. The solid chemical may comprise a halogen source, such as a chlorine source that releases chlorine when dissolved. In one embodiment, for instance, the chemical contained in the container may comprise trichloro-s-triazinetrione. The container can include an open top for receiving the chemical and a closed bottom. The container also defines at least one aperture positioned to receive water from the outside environment for combining with a chemical and dispensing the chemical into the body of water.

The floating chemical dispenser further includes an end cap attached to the bottom of the container. The end cap can be held on the container by a retaining device. The retaining device can be designed to prevent the end cap from being released from the container. In one embodiment, for instance, the retaining device comprises a retaining ring on the container and a locking element on the end cap. The locking element can reside within the retaining ring on the container. The end cap defines at least one orifice and is rotatable in relation to the retainer. The end cap is rotatable between a closed position and a chemical dispensing position. When in the chemical dispensing position, the at least one orifice is aligned with the aperture on the container. In one embodiment, the end cap can include two orifices, three orifices, or more. Each orifice can have a different surface area. In this manner, a particular orifice can be aligned with the aperture for controlling the amount of chemical that is released from the dispenser.

In accordance with the present invention, the floating chemical dispenser further includes a locking device that prevents the end cap from rotating when enabled.

In one embodiment, the end cap includes two opposing tab portions that, when pressed simultaneously, disables the locking device and allows the end cap to rotate. For example, in one embodiment, the locking device may comprise at least one locking tab located on the end cap. Pressing both of the tab portions simultaneously causes the locking tabs to move from a locked position to an unlocked position so that the end cap can rotate. In one embodiment, for instance, each locking tab can reside in a recess located on a container which prevents the cap from rotating. Pressing both tab portions simultaneously, however, moves the locking tabs out of the recesses and disables the locking device. The locking tabs and the recesses can be located at any suitable location on the end cap and on the container. In one embodiment, for example, the recesses are located on a side wall of the container.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking device includes a tab portion that engages the container and prevents the end cap from rotating. In this embodiment, lifting the tab portion causes the tab portion to disengage the container and disable the locking device.

In another embodiment, the locking device includes at least one removable tab that engages the container and prevents the end cap from rotating. The tab may be located on the end cap and may have a perimeter defined by perforations that lets the tab be removed from the container for disabling the locking device.

In one embodiment, the locking tab on the end cap can include a pull tab. Pulling the tab disengages the locking device and allows the end cap to rotate.

In yet another embodiment, the locking device comprises a pin on the container that resides in a slot located on the end cap. The slot can include a first vertical portion, a horizontal portion, and a second vertical portion. Moving the end cap so that the pin travels over the slot causes the end cap to rotate and disables a locking device. The floating chemical dispenser of the present disclosure can also include various other features. In one embodiment, the end cap includes a rib member and the container defines a plurality of rib receiving channels. The rib receiving channels are located along a path of travel of the rib member when the cap is rotated. Each rib receiving channel can be positioned so as to align with a position on the end cap. For instance, one of the rib receiving channels can align with the rib member at a closed position of the end cap. Another rib receiving channel can align with the rib member when the end cap is rotated to a chemical dispensing position. The rib member and rib receiving channels not only allow the user to determine how much to rotate the end cap but also temporarily holds the end cap at a desired position. In one embodiment, the rib receiving channels can be located on the bottom surface of the container and the rib member can be located on an adjoining surface of the end cap. The bottom surface of the container can also include an abutment that prevents the end cap from rotating in one direction. In this manner, the end cap only rotates in a direction toward the chemical dispensing position.

A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:.

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

In general, the present invention is directed to a floating chemical dispenser. The floating chemical dispenser includes a float and a container for a chemical. When a chemical is loaded into the container and the dispenser is dropped into a body of water, the floating chemical dispenser floats upright and slowly releases the chemical contained within the container. The container includes an aperture that allows water to enter the container and dissolve the chemical. In accordance with the present invention, the container further includes an end cap that rotates on the container between a closed position that blocks the aperture and a chemical dispensing position in which an orifice on the end cap aligns with the aperture on the container to allow water to enter the container. The end cap and the container further include a locking device that prevents the end cap from rotating. The locking device can be used to prevent against inadvertent chemical spills or release. The locking device on the end cap can also be designed to be child resistant.

In one embodiment, the locking device can be designed for repeated use. For example, in one embodiment, the locking device includes a locking tab or element located on the container or on the end cap. The end cap can include two opposing tab portions that, when pressed simultaneously, release the locking element or tab and allow the end cap to be rotated.

Referring to <FIG>, one embodiment of a floating chemical dispenser <NUM> made in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. As illustrated, the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> includes a float <NUM> attached to a container <NUM>. The container <NUM> is for holding a chemical. Attached to the container is an end cap <NUM>. The end cap rotates between a closed position that prevents the chemical from be dispensed and one or more chemical dispensing positions that allow water from the environment to enter the container and dissolve the chemical.

Referring to <FIG>, another embodiment of a floating chemical dispenser is illustrated. Like reference numerals have been used to indicate similar elements. As shown, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> includes a float <NUM> and an end cap <NUM>. In addition, the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> includes a retaining collar <NUM>. The retaining collar <NUM> connects the float <NUM> to the container <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the retaining collar <NUM> is shown in more detail. As illustrated, the retaining collar <NUM> includes a first plurality of threads <NUM> that are intended to engage the float <NUM>. On the opposite side, the retaining collar further includes a second set of threads <NUM> that attach to and engage the container <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the retaining collar <NUM> can further include a plurality of vent openings <NUM>. The vent openings <NUM> can allow gases within the container <NUM> to be released and water to flow back into the body.

The container <NUM> of the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> includes an interior compartment that is designed to hold a chemical. The chemical, for instance, may comprise a solid that dissolves and releases a sanitizing agent capable of killing or controlling unwanted organisms such as bacteria, algae and the like in a body of water. For example, the chemical may comprise a halogen source, such as a chlorine source. Solid sources of chlorine include calcium hypochlorite, dichloroisocyanuric acid, trichloroisocyanuric acid and the like. In one embodiment, the chlorine source comprises trichloro-s-triazinetrione. The halogen source may be present alone or in conjunction with other components within the solid composition. The halogen source may be combined with various other compatible chemicals for different purposes and benefits. For instance, the solid chemical may also contain other biocides or algicides, agglomerating agents and the like. In one embodiment, the solid may contain zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, and/or sodium aluminate. The solid chemical composition can be present in the container in any suitable form. For instance, the solid chemical may be in the form of pellets, granules or the like. In one embodiment, for instance, the container <NUM> includes disks made from the solid chemical composition. Alternatively, the container may include loose chemicals or chemicals held with an inner package or with a shrink film. The inner package shall secure the chemical contents, but allow water to flow freely to allow the chemicals to dissolve. The inner package can be mesh, water soluble film, shrink sleeve film with holes, etc. The container <NUM> can have any length in order to accommodate one disk or a plurality of disks. For example, in one embodiment, the container <NUM> may be designed to hold three disks stacked together within the interior compartment.

Referring to <FIG>, the container <NUM> and the end cap <NUM> are shown in greater detail. As shown in <FIG>, the container <NUM> can include an open top <NUM> and a closed bottom <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the container can also define an aperture <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> allows water from the surrounding environment to enter the interior compartment of the container <NUM> and dissolve the chemical composition held within the container. As the chemical composition dissolves, a chemical is released into the surrounding water for controlling algae, bacteria, and other microorganisms. In this manner, the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> can be placed in a body of water, such as in pool water, and can float and dispense chemical continuously. The size of the aperture <NUM> can be controlled in order to control the amount of chemical that is dispensed.

According to the invention, the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> is designed to indicate to a user when the chemical composition has fully dissolved and has been exhausted. For instance, the chemical dispenser <NUM> is designed to float upright when containing a chemical composition. When the chemical composition has completely dissolved, the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> has a center of gravity slightly off center that causes the dispenser to tip over and float in a more horizontal position. Various different methods and techniques can be implemented in order to give the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> a center of gravity that is slightly off center (from a central axis that extends from the top to the bottom of the dispenser). For instance, in <CIT>, a disk can be placed in the container <NUM> and positioned off center which can cause the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> to tip over if empty and placed in a body of water. In alternative embodiments, extra weight can be placed off center in the container <NUM>, in the float <NUM>, in the end cap <NUM>, or in the retaining collar <NUM>.

The end cap <NUM> is rotatable in relation to the container <NUM>. As shown particularly in <FIG>, for instance, the end cap includes at least one dispensing orifice. In <FIG>, for instance, the end cap defines three orifices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The surface area or diameter of each orifice varies. For instance, orifice <NUM> has a smaller surface area than orifice <NUM>, which has a smaller surface area than orifice <NUM>. Orifice <NUM>, for instance, can generally have the same diameter or surface area as the aperture <NUM>.

Each orifice can generally have a diameter of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. For instance, each orifice can have a diameter of greater than about <NUM>, such as greater than about <NUM>, such as greater than about <NUM>, such as greater than about <NUM>, such as greater than about <NUM>, such as greater than about <NUM>. The diameter of each orifice can generally be less than about <NUM>, such as less than about <NUM>, such as less than about <NUM>, such as less than about <NUM>, such as less than about <NUM>, such as less than about <NUM>.

The end cap <NUM> includes a closed position in which the orifice <NUM> is completely blocked. In the closed position, the chemical composition contained within the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> remains protected and is not released from the container. Rotating the end cap <NUM> so that one of the orifices <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> aligns with the aperture <NUM>, however, places the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> into a chemical dispensing position where water can enter the container <NUM> for releasing the chemical composition. The orifices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> have different sizes for controlling the amount of chemical that is released. Having different orifices as shown in <FIG> allows for the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> to be adjustable. For instance, a particular orifice size may be selected based upon the size of the body of water or the pool size. For larger pools, for instance, a larger orifice may be selected. The different orifices can also be used to treat the pool in different ways. For instance, the large orifice <NUM> may be aligned with the aperture <NUM> in order to shock the pool and release large amounts of chemical very quickly. The smaller orifice <NUM>, on the other hand, can be selected for a continuous release of the chemical and to maintain the pool within the proper chemical balance. Orifice <NUM>, on the other hand, can be selected in order to make slight adjustments in order to, for instance, prevent the growth of algae.

In order to avoid inadvertent release or spills of the chemical composition, the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure further includes a locking device that prevents the end cap <NUM> from rotating when the locking device is enabled. In one embodiment, the locking device of the present disclosure can be engaged and disengaged repeatedly. In this manner, the end cap <NUM> can be locked in to a closed position even after the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> has been removed from the packaging in which it is shipped and sold. In addition, the locking device can be engaged after the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> has been partially used. For instance, in some situations, a user may want to remove the floating chemical dispenser from a pool for short periods of time or in order to store the dispenser during the off season or during a pool party. The locking device of the present disclosure can also be designed to be child resistant to prevent a child from inadvertently rotating the end cap <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate one embodiment of a locking device in accordance with present disclosure. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for instance, the end cap <NUM> includes a pair of opposing tab portions <NUM>. In one embodiment as shown in <FIG>, the tab portions can be positioned <NUM>° apart along the end cap <NUM>. In other embodiments, the tab portions <NUM> can be spaced from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>° apart. Each tab portion <NUM> includes a locking tab <NUM> as particularly shown in <FIG>, <FIG>. The locking tab <NUM> engages the container <NUM> and prevents the end cap <NUM> from rotating. For instance, the container <NUM> can define a recess <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>. When the locking tab <NUM> is contained within the recess <NUM>, the locking tab <NUM> prevents the end cap <NUM> from rotating.

In order to disable the locking device and rotate the end cap <NUM>, a user can simultaneously press the tab portions <NUM> and twist the end cap <NUM>. For instance, as particularly shown in <FIG>, when the tab portion <NUM> is pressed inwardly, the locking tab <NUM> pivots out of the recess <NUM> and allows the end cap <NUM> to rotate.

As described above, the locking device on the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> can be child resistant. In this regard, having two tab portions <NUM> located on opposing sides of the container prevents a person with small hands from pressing in both tab portions simultaneously.

In order to keep the end cap <NUM> on the container <NUM> and to make sure that the end cap <NUM> rotates in alignment with the container, the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> can include a retaining device. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, for instance, the container <NUM> can define a retaining ring <NUM>. The end cap <NUM>, on the other hand, defines a corresponding locking element <NUM> that resides within the retaining ring <NUM>. When the end cap <NUM> is rotated, the locking element <NUM> rotates within the retaining ring <NUM>. In this manner, the retaining ring and the locking element maintain the end cap <NUM> in alignment on the container <NUM> and prevent the end cap from being removed from the container.

In <FIG> thrugh10, the container <NUM> defines recesses <NUM> and the retaining ring <NUM>, while the end cap defines locking tabs <NUM> and locking elements <NUM>. It should be understood, however, that these structures can be reversed. For instance, the recesses and the retaining ring can be located on the end cap, while the locking tabs and the locking element can be located on the container <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the container <NUM> can also include an abutment <NUM>. The abutment <NUM> can be designed to prevent the end cap <NUM> from rotating in a particular direction. For instance, the abutment <NUM> can be positioned to allow the end cap <NUM> to rotate in a direction so that the orifices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> become aligned with the aperture <NUM> and prevent the end cap <NUM> from rotating in an opposite direction.

In one embodiment, the floating chemical dispenser <NUM> can include a system that allows the user to know the closed position and the different chemical dispensing positions have been obtained when the end cap <NUM> is rotated. For instance, referring to <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> is shown in relation to a bottom surface <NUM> of the container <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the surface of the end cap <NUM> that resides adjacent to the bottom surface <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> defines a rib member <NUM> that projects from the surface of the end cap <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the bottom surface <NUM> of the container <NUM>, on the other hand, defines rib receiving channels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The rib receiving channels are located on a path of travel of the rib member when the end cap <NUM> is rotated. Each rib receiving channel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> corresponds to a different position of the end cap <NUM> on the container <NUM>. For instance, rib receiving channel <NUM> corresponds to the closed position of the floating chemical dispenser <NUM>. Rib receiving channel <NUM> corresponds to a first chemical dispensing position, rib receiving channel <NUM> corresponds to a second chemical dispensing position, and rib receiving channel <NUM> corresponds to a third chemical dispensing position of the floating chemical dispenser. As shown in <FIG>, for instance, when the end cap <NUM> is rotated such that the rib member <NUM> resides in the rib receiving channel <NUM>, the large orifice <NUM> becomes aligned with the aperture <NUM> on the container <NUM>. Similarly, when the end cap <NUM> is rotated such that the rib member <NUM> is contained within the rib receiving channel <NUM>, the middle orifice <NUM> is aligned with the aperture <NUM>. When the end cap <NUM> is rotated such that the rib member <NUM> resides in the rib receiving channel <NUM>, on the other hand, the smallest orifice <NUM> is aligned with the aperture <NUM>. When the end cap <NUM> is rotated as described above, a user will feel a sensation as the rib member <NUM> slides across the bottom surface <NUM> of the container <NUM> and enters and leaves each of the rib receiving channels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. In this manner, a user can easily find each of the positions of the chemical dispenser as the end cap <NUM> is rotated.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bottom surface <NUM> of the container <NUM> can also include abutments <NUM>. The abutments <NUM> are designed to engage the rib member <NUM> and prevent the end cap <NUM> from rotating in a direction opposite to the rib receiving channels <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, one embodiment of a locking device is shown and illustrated. Referring now to <FIG>, other embodiments of locking devices that may be used in accordance with the present disclosure are shown. Like reference numerals have been used to indicate similar elements. Referring to <FIG>, for instance the end cap <NUM> includes a single tab portion <NUM>. The tab portion <NUM> includes a locking tab that engages the bottom of the container <NUM> and prevents the end cap <NUM> from rotating. For instance, the tab portion <NUM> can include a locking tab that resides in a recess within the container <NUM>. In order to rotate the end cap <NUM>, the tab portion <NUM> is raised. While the tab portion <NUM> is raised, the end cap <NUM> can be rotated to any desired position. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the tab portion <NUM> engages the bottom of the container <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, on the other hand, the locking tabs <NUM> engaged the side of the container <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of a locking device in accordance with the present disclosure. In <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> includes one or more removable locking tabs <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the locking tab <NUM> can reside within a channel or recess <NUM> defined by the container <NUM> which prevents the end cap <NUM> from rotating. In order to disable the locking device, the locking tab <NUM> is removable. For instance, the locking tab <NUM> can be torn away from the end cap <NUM> which allows the end cap <NUM> to rotate.

Still another embodiment of a locking device in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> includes one or more pull tabs <NUM>. The pull tabs <NUM> include a locking tab that engages the container and prevents the end cap <NUM> from rotating. In order to disable the locking device, the pull tabs <NUM> are pulled away from the body of the container, which allows the end cap <NUM> to rotate.

<FIG> illustrates yet another embodiment of a locking device in accordance with the present disclosure. In <FIG>, the container <NUM> defines a pin <NUM> that resides within a slot <NUM> defined by the end cap <NUM>. The slot <NUM> has a non-linear travel path. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, for instance, the slot includes a first vertical section followed by a first horizontal section followed by a second vertical section followed by a second horizontal section. In order to rotate the end cap <NUM>, the end cap is twisted and manipulated so that the pin <NUM> follows the slot <NUM>. Thus, in order to rotate the end cap <NUM> to the different chemical dispensing positions, the end cap is pulled downwardly and/or pushed upwardly while being rotated in order for the pin to follow the travel path of the slot <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the travel path of the slot <NUM> can include various stopping points where horizontal portions intersect with vertical portions. These stopping points can correspond to different positions on the floating chemical dispenser <NUM>. Each stopping point, for instance, may define a closed position or a chemical dispensing position.

Referring to <FIG>, still another embodiment of a locking device in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Like reference numerals have been used to indicate similar elements. In general, the locking device illustrated in <FIG> is somewhat similar to the locking device illustrated in <FIG>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, however, the end cap <NUM> engages the bottom <NUM> of the container <NUM> instead of the side of the container.

Referring to <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> includes opposing tab portions <NUM> similar to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>. Located on each tab portion <NUM> is a locking tab <NUM>. Locking tab <NUM> is located on the bottom surface of the end cap <NUM> facing the container <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the container <NUM> includes a pair of opposing locking tab channels <NUM>. The locking tab channels <NUM> are for receiving the corresponding pair of locking tabs <NUM> when the end cap <NUM> is in the locked position. The bottom <NUM> of the container <NUM> further defines a pair of opposing tab engaging members <NUM>. The tab engaging members <NUM> prevent the locking tabs <NUM> from rotating when the end cap <NUM> is twisted. In order to disable the locking device, each of the tab portions <NUM> can be pressed inwardly simultaneously. When the tab portions <NUM> are pushed inwardly, the locking tabs <NUM> move radially within each locking tab channel <NUM> until locking tab <NUM> clears each corresponding tab engaging member <NUM>. Consequently, pressing the tab portions <NUM> simultaneously allows the end cap <NUM> to rotate so that one of the orifices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can align with the one or more apertures <NUM> on the container <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the bottom <NUM> of the container <NUM> can further include two opposing abutments <NUM>. The abutments <NUM> engage the locking tabs <NUM> and prevent the end cap <NUM> from rotating in one direction. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, for instance, the abutments <NUM> prevent the end cap from rotating counterclockwise. As shown, the abutments <NUM> have a greater length than the tab engaging members <NUM>. In this manner, the end cap <NUM> is prevented from rotating in one direction even when the tab portions <NUM> are pressed inwardly.

As shown in <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> includes two different sets of orifices. Likewise, the container <NUM> can include two different apertures <NUM> for engaging the orifices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. As also shown in <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> can include a shield member <NUM> that protects the orifices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> from being contacted with a person's hand. The shield member <NUM>, for instance, can prevent any lose chemical from contact with the user when the end cap <NUM> is rotated.

Claim 1:
A floating chemical dispenser (<NUM>) for containing and dispensing chemicals to treat a body of water, the dispenser comprising;
a float (<NUM>) positioned at an upper end of the dispenser;
a container (<NUM>) having a top and a bottom, the top of the container (<NUM>) being adjacent to the float (<NUM>) and optionally connected thereto by a retaining collar (<NUM>), the container (<NUM>) defining in an interior compartment configured to hold a chemical, the container (<NUM>) defining at least one aperture (<NUM>) positioned to receive water from the outside environment for combining with a chemical and dispensing the chemical into a body of water;
an end cap (<NUM>) attached to the bottom (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>), the end cap being held on the container (<NUM>) by a retaining device, the end cap (<NUM>) defining at least one orifice (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and being rotatable in relation to the container (<NUM>), the end cap (<NUM>) being rotatable between a closed position and a chemical dispensing position, wherein, when in the chemical dispensing position, the at least one orifice (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is aligned with the aperture on the container;
a locking device that prevents the end cap from rotating when enabled; and,
extra weight placed off-center in the container (<NUM>), in the float (<NUM>), in the end cap (<NUM>) or, if present, in the retaining collar (<NUM>),
wherein the extra weight provides the dispenser (<NUM>) with a center of gravity such that the chemical dispenser (<NUM>) floats upright when containing the chemical to treat the body of water, and to tip over and float in a horizontal position when the chemical has been fully dissolved or has been exhausted.