VARIABLE RATIO DUAL DISPENSER FOR FLUIDS

Abstract

A dual dispenser includes a first container adapted to hold a first product, the first container including an end portion having at least one dispensing port and a second container adapted to hold a second product, the second container including an end portion having at least one dispensing port. The dual dispenser also includes a closure having at least one dispensing opening therein adapted to be in fluid communication with the at least one dispensing port of the first and second containers. The end portions of the first and second containers form a neck finish adapted to receive the closure. The neck finish and closure include engagement surfaces for rotatably mounting the closure on the neck finish such that the closure can rotate relative to the first and second containers. Upon rotation of the closure, the at least one dispensing port of the first and second containers are aligned or misaligned with the at least one dispensing opening of the closure so that a variable amount of first and second products are dispensed from the dual dispenser depending upon the orientation of the closure relative to the first and second containers.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/153,198 filed on Apr. 27, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a variable ratio dual dispenser. More particularly, the present invention relates to a variable ratio dual dispenser that stores two or more fluids separately and then dispenses the two fluids or products simultaneously at either a desired or preselected ratio.

BACKGROUND

There are known containers, such as condiment dispensers, that control the rate of dispensing a solid substance by rotation of a closure that controls the size of the opening for dispensing the contents from a single reservoir of the solid substance. Some dispensers have multiple, small outlet holes that incrementally align with the reservoir orifice (or vice-versa) to control the rate of dispensing. Similarly, a dispenser for various fishing weights has an alignment of an orifice over only one size/compartment for weights to ensure only the desired size weight is dispensed.

There is also a known dual chamber plastic tube dispenser for use with thick liquids, as opposed to fluids, for glue, gel, crème and toothpaste. There is a commercial product, such as Avon's Tube-in-a-Tube, in which one solution is in a first tube, and a second solution is in a second, smaller tube built into the larger tube so that when the first tube is squeezed by a consumer, both tubes are squeezed and thus both the first and second solution are dispensed simultaneously.

However, there are problems with the present dual dispensers, especially for fluids, since the ratio of each fluid to the other cannot be controlled, let alone with any formulation accuracy.

Thus, there is a need for an improved dual dispenser that is cost effective, and more particularly, dispenses two or more fluid ingredients initially stored separately and mixed at dispensing in a desired/selectable ratio.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a variable ratio, dual fluid dispenser.

The present invention also provides such a variable ratio, dual fluid dispenser that stores two or more fluids separately and dispenses the two fluids simultaneously at either a desired or preselected ratio.

The present invention further provides, in one embodiment, a variable ratio, dual fluid dispenser that dispenses the two fluids simultaneously at any one of several preselected desired ratios.

The present invention further provides, in another embodiment, a variable ratio, dual fluid dispenser that dispenses the two fluids simultaneously at any one of an almost infinite number of desired ratios.

The present invention yet further provides such a variable ratio, dual fluid dispenser that dispenses the two fluids simultaneously at any one of an almost infinite number of desired ratios in which the ratios can be altered even during use.

The present invention also provides such variable ratio, dual dispensers that can show a ratio being dispensed using a visual indicator.

The present invention provides such a variable ratio dual dispenser that can be used for a variety of consumer products.

A dual dispenser of the present invention includes a first container adapted to hold a first product, the first container including an end portion having at least one dispensing port and a second container adapted to hold a second product, the second container including an end portion having at least one dispensing port. The dual dispenser further includes a closure having at least one dispensing opening therein adapted to be in fluid communication with the at least one dispensing port of the first and second containers. The end portions of the first and second containers form a neck finish adapted to receive the closure, the neck finish and closure including engagement surfaces for rotatably mounting the closure on the neck finish such that the closure can rotate relative to the first and second containers. Upon rotation of the closure, the at least one dispensing port of the first and second containers are aligned or misaligned with the at least one dispensing opening of the closure so that a variable amount of first and second products are dispensed from the dual dispenser depending upon the orientation of the closure relative to the first and second containers. Preferably, the first and second containers comprise a flexible tube so that the first and second products are dispensed by applying pressure to the flexible tube. The first and second containers are preferably integrally formed as a single container having a dividing wall between the first and second containers and a unitary neck finish. Alternatively, the first and second containers are separately formed and each end portion includes half of the neck finish.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the engagement surfaces on the closure and neck finish include an outwardly projecting rib received in a groove. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many variations of engagement surfaces may be used to allow the closure to rotate relative to the dispenser body. The closure preferably includes two dispensing openings so that the first and second products are not mixed until after being dispensed from the dual dispenser. In a further embodiment, the closure may include a mixing chamber so that the first and second products are mixed when dispensed from the dual dispenser. The first and second products may be different products having different characteristics. Alternatively, the first and second products may be the same product, but may have different colors which may be blended after dispensing.

Preferably, the closure is snap-fitted on the neck finish. The closure may include a substantially flat cap for removably sealing the at least one closure dispensing opening and to allow the dual dispenser to be supported on a surface by the closure. In one embodiment, the first and second containers include a plurality of dispensing ports. The plurality of dispensing ports include various sizes for outputting varying amounts of first and second products. The closure may include a plurality of dispensing openings for alignment and misalignment with the plurality of dispensing ports on the first and second containers. In one embodiment, the at least one dispensing port on the first and second containers is formed as a radial slot. More preferably, the radial slot tapers from a larger opening to a smaller opening to allow for better adjustment of the ratios of products being dispensed. The radial slot in fluid communication with the second container is preferably a mirror image of the radial slot in fluid communication with the first container so that upon rotating the closure openings relative thereto, an infinitely variable ratio of products form the first and second containers may be dispensed. Preferably, the closure includes a plurality of dispensing openings for alignment and misalignment with the radial slots on the first and second containers. The dual dispenser may further include markings on the closure and/or first and second containers to indicate a dispensing ratio of the first product and second product. The markings may include detents and recesses on the closure and first and second containers to provide tactile feedback of the dispensing ratio setting. In one dispensing position, the at least one dispensing port of the first and second containers are fully misaligned with the at least one dispensing opening of the closure providing a no flow storage position. The bottom end of the body, once filled with products, includes a bottom seal. Preferably, the sealed end includes means for hanging the dual dispenser on a hook or the like, such as a hole or hook. The dual dispenser may further include a vent valve in each of the first and second containers to allow air to be drawn into the container to replace dispensed product so that the dual dispenser maintains its original slope.

In an alternative embodiment, the dual dispenser further includes an intermediate component having at least two apertures thereon. The intermediate component is adapted to be mounted between the closure and neck finish to modify a size of the at least one dispensing port of the first and second containers. For example, the at least two apertures may include a plurality of holes or radial slots.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail with reference to the figures, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the dual dispenser of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the dual dispenser of FIG. 1 with the closure removed from the dispenser.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, bottom perspective view of the dual dispenser of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional, bottom plan view of the dual dispenser of FIG. 1 illustrating the interaction of the closure and body of the dual dispenser.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate three selected positions of the closure relative to the openings in the dual dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the dual dispenser of the present invention which includes a metering dispensing cap having markings thereon to identify the ratio of product dispersed.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the dual dispenser of the present invention including a metering dispensing cap.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the container of the third embodiment of the dual dispenser of FIG. 7 with the closure removed from the dispenser.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional, bottom perspective view of the dual dispenser of FIG. 7 illustrating the interaction of the closure and body of the dual dispenser.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the closure of the dual dispenser of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 11 A-C illustrate three selected positions of the closure of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-section of the dual dispenser of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the dual dispenser closure of FIG. 6.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an indicator system of a dual dispenser shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the dual dispenser of the present invention having concentric tube containers.

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the outer tube of the dual dispenser of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the inner tube of the dual dispenser of FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the dual dispenser of FIG. 14 illustrating the interaction of the closure and body of the dual dispenser.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating a first selected position of the dual dispenser of FIG. 14.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view illustrating a second selected position of the dual dispenser of FIG. 14.

FIG. 21 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the dual dispenser of FIG. 6 having a mixer provided at the spout.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a first embodiment for a tube end of the dual dispenser of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a second embodiment for a tube end of the dual dispenser of the present invention.

FIGS. 24 A-B illustrate a vent valve assembly for each tube of a dual dispenser of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention including an intermediate component.

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention including a disc component.

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of the alignment of a tapered radial slot with a plurality of potential dispensing opening positions.

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of the alignment of offset dispensing ports with a plurality of potential dispensing opening positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to the drawings and, in particular, FIG. 1, there is shown a dual dispenser of the present invention generally represented by reference numeral 10. Dual dispenser 10 has a closure 20 and a body or tube 40. As shown in FIG. 1, closure 20 preferably has a cylindrical skirt portion 22 and a pair of holes or closure dispensing openings 23 and 26.

As shown in FIG. 2 with the closure removed, tube 40 has a top surface 42 and a neck finish or end portion 50 with a number of holes or dispensing ports 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, and 57 therein. As shown in FIG. 2, neck finish 50 also has a rib or ring flange that allows closure 20 to snap fit thereon and permit rotation of closure 20 relative to the tube 40 to allow alignment of the dispensing ports to vary the amount of product to be dispensed from each side of the tube. Preferably, the tube 40 is made of flexible plastic so that products may be dispensed simply by squeezing the tube.

As shown in the bottom perspective view of FIG. 3, tube 40 has a pair of reservoirs or chambers 43 and 46 so that in the cross-section shown there is a wall 47 of tube 40 that separates chamber 43 from chamber 46. Thus, the contents in each chamber do not and cannot mix together within the dual dispenser. As shown in FIG. 3, wall 47 is continuous from the bottom to the underside of the top 50 of tube 40 so that tube dispensing ports 52, 53 and 54 of chamber 43 remain completely separated from tube dispensing ports 55, 56 and 57 of chamber 46. Dispensing ports 52, 53 and 54 (like tube dispensing ports 55, 56 and 57, respectively), preferably have different diameters to allow a different volume and, thus, speed of viscous product to be dispensed from chamber 43 will be achieved by the selection of a different sized tube dispensing port. Accordingly, it is preferred that each group of tube dispensing ports, namely group 52, 53 and 54 for chamber 43 and group 55, 56 and 57 for chamber 46 have the same diameter sizing in the groups. The selection of the size or diameters can be determined to compensate for differing viscosity/rheology characteristics of the two fluids, such as, for example, liquids, lotions or gels, being dispensed. Also, it is preferred that the larger sized diameter dispensing port 54 of chamber 43 align with the smallest sized dispensing port 57 of chamber 46 to achieve the preferred proportionality of dispensing of product from each chamber. As shown in each embodiment, the largest dispensing opening is preferably paired with the zero opening, or closed position for the other chamber.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view illustrating an alignment of dispensing port 54 of chamber 43 with closure dispensing opening 26. As shown in FIG. 4, only product held in chamber 43 would be dispensed since all dispensing ports 55, 56 and 57 of chamber 46 are blocked by the closure. Thus, this illustration provides an example of a 100/0 ratio of dispensing of product. Rotation of the closure 20 relative to the neck finish 50 of the tube selects different dispensing ratios.

More specifically, dual dispenser 10 has chambers 43 and 46 that are preferably each formed as a flexible tube portion. As discussed above, each chamber 43 and 46 has one or more defined tube dispensing ports 52, 53 and 54, and 55, 56 and 57, respectively, which are matched with the closure 20 dispensing openings 23, 26. Closure 20 rotates on neck finish 50 of body tube 40 (shown in FIG. 1) so that the closure dispensing openings 23, 26 (as shown in FIG. 1) interact, namely align or misalign, with tube dispensing ports 52, 53 and 54, and 55, 56 and 57, respectively, to create defined flow paths for products to be dispensed from each chamber 43, 46. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, when a closure dispensing opening 23, 26 aligns or partially aligns with any tube dispensing ports 52 to 57, product from the respective chamber 43, 46 can flow out of the chamber through closure 20 (via closure dispensing openings 23, 26) and thus out of dual dispenser 10 for use by the consumer.

Referring to FIG. 5A, by rotation of closure 20, tube dispensing port 23 is in full alignment with closure dispensing opening 54, while tube dispensing port 26 is fully misaligned with any closure dispensing opening so that squeezing dual dispenser 10 would cause only product in chamber 43 from dispensing, while the misalignment prevents any product from being dispensed from chamber 46. Accordingly, one hundred percent (100%) of product is dispensed from chamber 43 while nothing or zero percent (0%) of fluid is dispensed from chamber 46.

Referring to FIG. 5B, rotation of closure 20 aligns closure dispensing opening 23 with small tube dispensing port 52 to permit the flow of fluid therethrough from chamber 43 and coincidentally aligns dispensing opening 26 and medium tube dispensing port 56 so that product flows therethrough from chamber 46. Tube dispensing port 56 has a larger diameter than tube dispensing port 52 will therefore permit a higher or greater flow of product from chamber 46 through tube dispensing port 56 than from chamber 43 through tube dispensing port 52. Accordingly, in FIG. 5B, approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of product is dispensed from chamber 43 while seventy-five percent (75%) of product is dispensed from chamber 46. When closure 20 is further rotated to a position as shown in FIG. 5C, closure dispensing openings 23, 26 align with tube dispensing ports 53 and 57, respectively, so that a higher or greater flow of product from chamber 43 is now permitted than from chamber 46. Accordingly, approximately seventy-five percent (75%) of product is dispensed from chamber 43 while approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of product is dispensed from chamber 46.

As shown in FIG. 1, the products dispensed from each closure dispensing opening are dispensed separately, for example as side-by-side separate ribbons which can be mixed after dispensing. It is also envisioned that flow from each chamber 43, 46 could be mixed or combined after reaching closure dispensing openings 23 or 26 into a single tube dispensing opening. Flow from each/either of the two separated chambers could be combined into a single dispensing opening, downstream, either with or without co-mingling, i.e. as two conjoined ribbons, or could be forced through a static mixing element, or could be dispensed as two separated ribbons to be mixed by external means, e.g. dispensed onto the skin and manually spread or dispensed into a mixing cup and stirred.

The control of the products being dispensed or formulation volume/ratio can be achieved by varying the diameter and/or cross-section, or cross-sectional configuration, or number of the tube dispensing ports and closure dispensing openings. This “opening adjustment” allows dual dispenser 10 to compensate for differences in formulation viscosity, and/or desired mixture ratios, by producing a wide range of combinations of tube dispensing ports and/or closure dispensing openings.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention generally represented by reference numeral 70. Dual dispenser 70 has a closure 80 and a body or tube 90. Body 90 is a dual chamber tube similar to that shown in FIG. 2 and discussed above. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the dual dispenser may also be formed by two separate tube halves which together form the tube body. Closure 80 includes a spout 84 and a half-shell raised chamber or trough 86 having dispensing openings which are adapted to align, as shown in FIG. 6, with various tube dispensing ports depending upon the orientation to the tube body, such as dispensing ports 53 and 57 shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 7, a further alternative embodiment of the present invention is generally represented by reference numeral 100. Unless indicated to the contrary, respective numerals for this embodiment, such as 123, refer to the respective component, such as 23, in the first embodiment.

Dual dispenser 100 has a closure 120 and a body or dual tube 140. Closure 120 preferably has a larger diameter cylindrical skirt portion 122, and a smaller diameter, and taller, cylindrical spout portion 121 that forms a step 129, and a pair of holes or closure dispensing ports 123 and 126 formed on spout portion 121. As shown in FIG. 7, cylindrical spout portion 121 has a pair of grips 127 that facilitate rotation of closure 120 relative to the body 140. As with the first embodiment, body 140 of dual dispenser 100 has an upper surface 142, and a neck finish or end portion 150 (shown in FIG. 8).

Referring to FIG. 8, neck finish or end portion 150 has a rib or ring flange 151 on an exterior surface similar to that shown in FIG. 2 (reference numeral 51). The end portion 150 of the tube also includes a pair of slotted dispensing ports 152 and 155 therein. The rib 151 allows the closure 120 having a corresponding groove on an inner surface of the closure skirt to snap fit thereon and permit rotation of closure 120 relative to the tube. Each tube slotted dispensing port 152 and 155 preferably is in the form of a portion of a ring-shaped slot in the end portion 150.

As shown in FIG. 9, tube 140 has a pair of reservoirs or chambers 143 and 146 so that in the cross-section shown there is a wall 147 of dual dispenser 100 that separates chamber 143 from chamber 146. Thus, wall 147 prevents the contents of one chamber 143, 146 from mixing with the contents of the other chamber within dual dispenser 100.

As shown in FIG. 9, wall 147 is continuous from the bottom to the underside of the top of the neck finish 150 of tube 140. Thus, tube dispensing port 152 of chamber 143 remains completely separated from tube dispensing port 155 of chamber 146. FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration wherein there is approximately a fifty percent (50%) dispensing from each chamber 143, 146 of the tube 140.

As shown in FIG. 10, the grips 127 also include slotted openings 132, 134 which are in fluid combination with closure dispensing openings 123, 126, respectively as shown by flow arrows A and B. The slotted openings 132, 134 are variably aligned with the slotted dispensing ports 152, 155 formed in the tube end portion 150.

FIG. 11A illustrates a configuration in which closure dispensing opening 126 is completely aligned with tube dispensing port 155 so that there is complete flow therethrough, and closure dispensing opening 123 is misaligned with tube dispensing port 152 so that there is no flow therethrough. FIG. 11B illustrates when closure dispensing openings 123 and 126 are aligned with tube dispensing ports 152 and 155, respectively, so that there is substantially equal or approximately fifty percent (50%) total flow through each of the two pairs of closure and tube dispensing ports, namely closure/tube dispensing ports 123/152 and closure/tube dispensing opening 126/155. FIG. 11C illustrates when closure 120 has closure dispensing openings 123 slightly aligned with tube dispensing port 152, and closure dispensing opening 126 almost completely aligned with tube dispensing port 155. Thus, the pair of closure/tube dispensing ports 123/152 has about twenty percent (20%) of the total flow, while the pair of closure/tube dispensing ports 126/155 has about eighty percent (80%) of the total flow therethrough.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dual dispenser 100. As shown in FIG. 12, wall 147 completely separates chambers 143, 146. As shown, there is preferably a baffle 148 that steadies the flow through tube dispensing ports 152, 155. In the embodiment shown, dual dispenser 100 can have an exterior cap 190. Exterior cap 190 is preferably connected by hinge element 194 to dual dispenser 100. More preferably, hinge element 194 is integrally connected to dual dispenser 100 so that exterior cap 190 is integrally hinged to the closure for the dual dispenser.

Exterior cap 190 preferably has protuberances 196 that fit into closure dispensing openings so that these closure dispensing openings are sealed to prevent or minimize inadvertent dispensing of product from the dual dispenser 100. As discussed below, this exterior cap 190 with protuberances 196 preferably includes a flat top surface to permit the inverted or up-side-down placement of dual dispenser 100 for storage.

As shown in FIG. 13, another aspect of the present invention that can also be used with any embodiment disclosure herein is an alignment system that aligns the closure and tube dispensing ports in a stop position. The alignment system includes at least two cooperating features, namely a rib assembly and an indexing system. In one embodiment, the rib assembly includes a stop rib 182 and two other wing ribs 184. The indexing system includes an indexing bump 186 and four indexing detents 188. The rib assembly and indexing systems can be positioned anywhere along the circumference of either a shoulder of each tube or the underside of the closure. The indexing detents 188 are preferably spaced along a circumference where a tube dispensing port will align with a closure dispensing opening. The stop rib 182 and indexing bump 186 are preferably located on the same member (either the shoulder of each chamber or the closure) and the two wing ribs 184 and four indexing detents 188 are preferably positioned on the other member. The stop rib 182 and the two wing ribs 184 cooperate to restrict rotation of the closure, while the indexing bump 186 cooperates with the four indexing detents 188 to align the closure dispensing openings with the tube dispensing ports.

Upon rotation of the upper portion of the closure relative to the lower skirt portion, one of the two wing ribs 184 contacts stop rib 182 when the closure and tube dispensing ports are aligned so that, e.g., product is dispensed from one chamber while the tube dispensing ports of the other chamber are completely closed or misaligned with closure dispensing openings so that no fluid can be dispensed from the other chamber. At this point, indexing bump 186 aligns or contacts one of the four indexing detents 188.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the two wing ribs 184 do not contact stop rib 182, two pairs of closure and tube dispensing ports are aligned so that fluid can be dispensed from each chamber. As shown, indexing bump 186 cooperates with one of the four indexing detents 188. Thus, a proportional mixture of product from each chamber can be dispensed, e.g., equal amounts of each.

FIG. 14 illustrates an indicator system 80 that can also be used with any embodiment disclosed herein. There are a number of indicator elements 82 positioned on dual dispenser body 40, 140 that clearly indicate the different ratio positions for products to be dispensed from the dual dispenser. On closure (20, 120), there is a single selector or pointer 84 that once aligned with one of the indicator elements 82 visually shows that closure dispensing openings and tube dispensing ports are in alignment in a desired position to indicate a desired dispensing ratio. This marking feature can be enhanced by a physical detent between the closure and the dispenser body thereby also providing a tactile feel that the closure is at a location for a desired ratio.

However, the indicator elements could also be in the form of a ‘sliding scale’ of color, such as for example, a thin rectangle whose length is equivalent to the full angle of rotation of the closure. The rectangle preferably will have a diagonal line. Above the diagonal line could be, e.g., black for the product in chamber 143 and below the line could be, e.g., white for the product in chamber 146. Thus, as the closure is rotated from full black end of one hundred percent from chamber 143 to one hundred percent from chamber 146 or full white, the sliding scale would indicate relative ratio of black and white being dispensed.

Thus, the rib and detent assemblies, besides snapping into position when aligned to assure alignment, provide a tactile indicator of the alignment. The indicator system 80 provides a visual indicator of the alignment. Accordingly, a user of the dual dispenser having these features receives both tactile and visual indications that product will be dispensed at the desired/selected ratio.

A still further embodiment of a dual dispenser according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 15. This dual dispenser having two concentric tubes is represented by reference numeral 200. Preferably the dual dispenser is formed of a flexible plastic material so that products may be dispensed by pressure or squeezing the tube. Dual dispenser 200 has a closure 210 with a circumferential skirt portion 212 and a top surface 214. Top surface 214 includes a spout 216 extending therefrom having two dispensing openings 218, 219. Closure 210 is placed on the outer tube 220 of dual dispenser 200 so that skirt portion 212 surrounds the outer surface of outer tube 220 and can be rotated with respect to the outer tube.

Referring to FIG. 16 which illustrates outer tube 220 alone, outer tube 220 has an interior surface 221 that defines a large hollow area 229, and an elongated cylindrical shape 222 with an upper top edge 225. Upper top edge 225 has therethrough a number of holes or dispensing ports 232, 233, 234, 235 and 236 therein. As shown in FIG. 16, the diameter or size of each dispensing port increases in the clockwise direction from port 232 to port 236. Also, between port 232 and port 236 in the counterclockwise direction is a large circumferential area 238 in which there are no dispensing ports to provide an area for creating a storage position wherein no product can be dispensed from the outer tube 220.

As shown in FIG. 17, dual dispenser 200 has an inner tube 240. Inner tube 240 also has a substantially cylindrical shape with an elongated body 242 and a complete upper surface 245. Inner tube 240 has an outer diameter than is slightly smaller than the diameter of hollow area 229 so that inner tube 240 can be mounted into the outer tube 220. Alternatively, the concentric tubes may be integrally formed using a single molding process.

Analogous to outer tube 220, upper surface 245 of inner tube 240 has a number of holes or dispensing ports 252, 253, 254, 255, and 256 therein. However, dispensing ports 252, 253, 254, 255, and 256 of upper surface 245 have an opposite sizing of the dispensing ports of upper edge 225. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, when the inner tube is mounted within the outer tube dispensing port 253 of inner surface 245 axially aligns with dispensing port 232 of upper edge 225. Dispensing port 232 has the smallest diameter or size of all dispensing ports in outer tube 220. Thus, in contrast to the dispensing ports of upper edge 225, dispensing ports 252 to 256 of inner surface 245 reduce in diameter in the clockwise direction so that different ratios of products from the inner and outer tubes may be dispensed depending on the alignment of the dispensing ports within the closure spout openings. For inner surface 245, between port 252 and port 256 in the counterclockwise direction there is also a large circumferential area 258 in which there are no dispensing ports.

As shown in FIG. 18, when outer tube 220 is mounted onto inner tube 240, dispensing ports of outer tube 220 axially align with dispensing ports of inner tube 240. For example, dispensing port 232 of outer tube 220 is shown in positional relationship to dispensing port 253 of inner surface 245.

As shown schematically in FIG. 19, when spout 216 (of closure 210 shown in FIG. 23) is in a selected position, all dispensing ports of inner tube 220 are misaligned and, thus, flow is blocked therethrough. However, dispensing port 236 of outer tube 220 aligns with spout 216 so that the product in outer tube 220 can be dispensed. Thus, outer tube has dispensing port 236 completely opened and inner tube has all dispensing ports completely closed or misaligned.

FIG. 20 shows another selected position in which spout 216 is positioned so that outer tube 220 has approximately sixty percent (60%) of its product dispensed through port 255, while inner tube 240 has approximately forty percent (40%) of its product dispensed through port 234. This is achieved due to the alignment of spout 216 with the different sized dispensing ports 255 and 234 of inner tube 220 and outer tube 240, respectively. As shown in FIG. 15, spout 216 can have a single opening or a pair of openings 218, 219 with each opening adapted to align with a different one of the inner and outer tubes.

Referring to FIG. 21, the dual dispenser, such as dual dispenser 70 shown in FIG. 6, many include a mixer 310. Mixer can be placed into spout 82. Mixer 310 is sized to fit into spout 82 having an outside diameter that is slightly larger than the inside diameter of spout 82 to be frictionally held therein. Further, mixer 310 is of a height or vertical extant that preferably contacts the bottom of the inside wall of spout 82 and when it does so, does not extend beyond the distal end of spout 82. Mixer 310 alters the flow path of the fluids dispensed from the chambers by creating a tortuous path. This path provides for the mixing of the two products together from the two chambers or simply affects the flow from one chamber that leads to a more viscous fluid being dispensed from the chamber.

FIG. 22 shows a tube end 410 that can be used with any of the dual dispensers of the present disclosure. Specifically, once the products have been filled into the tube, the bottom tube end is sealed as shown in FIG. 12. Tube end 410 has a sealed end portion 420 that is preferably integral with or formed on an end of the dual dispenser. Sealed end portion 420 may have an aperture 425 so that the dual dispenser can be hung upside down. Thus, the dual dispenser can be hung on a shower head for ease of use. As discussed above, this feature can be used due to the hinged cap 190 allowing the dual dispenser to be stored with the closure down that causes the formulation to settle against the dispensing ports for immediate dispensing or allow the dual dispenser to be hung in the inverted position. Likewise, FIG. 23 illustrates a tube end 410 with a sealed portion or welded area 440. Welded area 440 includes a hook portion 445 so that the dual dispenser can be hung upside down.

Referring to FIGS. 24 A-B, a vent valve assembly 510 is shown for each tube of a dual dispenser of the present invention. The chamber of each tube is preferably vented to allow air to be drawn into the chamber to replace the dispensed fluid or formula, yet not allow the fluid in the chamber to be exuded during any dispensing action, such as, for example, squeezing. The valve assembly 510 can be a simple one way valve. Such a one way valve can be a flap valve 520, as shown in FIG. 24B. The flap valve 520 can be placed on each chamber 243, 246 of the dual dispenser.

FIG. 25 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention which includes a closure 620 a dual tube container and an intermediate component 622. The intermediate component 622 is adapted to fit between the neck finish 624 of the dual tube container and the closure. Preferably, the intermediate component 622 includes variable sized openings 626 which modify the dispensing ports 628 provided on the dual tube container. It may be desirable to use a commonly available dual tube container which only includes a single large dispensing port for each container. To modify the dispensing ports to allow for a variable ratio of products to be dispensed, the intermediate component 622 having variable sized openings is aligned with and fixedly mounted to the dual tube neck finish. A closure 630 may be snap-fitted onto the intermediate component and adapted to be rotated relative to the dual tube container to align and misalign openings in the closure 630 with the dispensing ports 626 on the intermediate component 622.

As shown in FIG. 25, the intermediate component may have a neck finish 632 and surrounding tapered skirt 634 which is preferably snap-fitted onto the dual tube container neck finish 624. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 26, the intermediate component may be in the form of a simple disc 640 having projections on a bottom surface which engage the dispensing ports on the dual tube container to hold the disc in place. The disc may include a pair of tapering radial slots 642, one being a mirror image of the other and being aligned with the dispensing ports 628 of the dual tube container. The closure fits over the disc and is rotatable relative thereto to create a variable sized opening for product to be dispensed. Thus, a desired ratio of products from each container may be dispensed for use by the consumer. Alternatively, the tapered radial slots 642 may be formed directly in the discharge end of the dual tube dispenser 620.

FIG. 27 schematically illustrates the alignment of the pair of tapering radial slots 642 with closure dispensing holes 650, 651 shown in various positions relative to the slots 642. The slots 642 may be formed in the end of the dual tube container and the holes 650 may be formed in the closure. Upon rotating the closure relative to the dual tube container, the aligned radial slots and axially aligned closure dispenser holes 650, 651 allow for different ratios of products within the dual tube container to be dispensed. FIG. 27 illustrates five potential different positions for closure dispenser holes 650 and 651. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the closure of FIG. 1 or FIG. 6 may be used in cooperation with the container including a pair of dispensing slots 642.

FIG. 28 schematically illustrates a still further embodiment in which the half-circle shaped dispensing openings 652 are offset relative to the neck finish circumference. The offset half-circle shaped dispensing ports are variably aligned with the axially aligned closure dispenser holes 652 and 653. The alignment and misalignment of the closure dispensing holes in the closure such as that shown in FIG. 1 and dispensing openings 652 by rotation of the closure relative to the dual tube container allows for an infinitely variable ratio of products to be dispensed. FIG. 28 shows six potential different positions for closure dispenser holes 652 and 653 including the storage position where both closure dispenser holes (shown in dotted lines) are misaligned with the dispensing openings 652, 653 of the tube so that no product can be dispensed.

The present invention envisions that the closure of all embodiments can be made of a polymer that is compatible for recycling. Moreover, it is envisioned that the closure can be made of the same polymer as the tubes or chambers of the dual dispenser. Such a polymer includes, but is not limited to, olefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene.

The present variable ratio dual dispensers can be used for a variety of products. Such products are, preferably, topically applied, and may be in the form of a viscous liquid lotion or gel. Such products include, but are not limited to, hair shampoo, hair gel, body lotion, ointment and sunscreen.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A dual dispenser comprising:

a first container adapted to hold a first product, the first container including an end portion having at least one dispensing port;

a second container adapted to hold a second product, the second container including an end portion having at least one dispensing port;

a closure including at least one dispensing opening therein adapted to be in fluid communication with the at least one dispensing port of the first and second containers;

wherein the end portions of the first and second containers form a neck finish adapted to receive the closure, the neck finish and closure including engagement surfaces for rotatably mounting the closure on the neck finish such that the closure can rotate relative to the first and second containers, and wherein upon rotation of the closure, the at least one dispensing port of the first and second containers are aligned or misaligned with the at least one dispensing opening of the closure so that a variable amount of first and second products are dispensed from the dual dispenser depending upon the orientation of the closure relative to the first and second containers.

2. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first and second containers comprise a flexible tube so that the first and second products are dispensed by applying pressure to the flexible tube.

3. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first and second containers are integrally formed as a single container having a dividing wall between the first and second containers and a unitary neck finish.

4. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first and second containers are separately formed and each end portion includes half of the neck finish.

5. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the engagement surfaces comprise an outwardly projecting rib received in a groove.

6. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the closure includes two dispensing openings so that the first and second products are not mixed until after being dispensed from the dual dispenser.

7. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the closure includes a mixing chamber so that the first and second products are mixed when dispensed from the dual dispenser.

8. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first and second products are the same or different products.

9. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the closure is snap-fitted on the neck finish.

10. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the closure includes a substantially flat cap for removably sealing the at least one closure dispensing opening and to allow the dual dispenser to be supported on a surface by the closure.

11. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first and second containers include a plurality of dispensing ports.

12. A dual dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of dispensing ports comprise various sizes for outputting varying amounts of first and second products.

13. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the closure includes a plurality of dispensing openings for alignment and misalignment with the plurality of dispensing ports on the first and second containers.

14. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least one dispensing port on the first and second containers comprises a radial slot.

15. A dual dispenser according to claim 14, wherein the radial slot tapers from a larger opening to a smaller opening.

16. A dual dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the radial slot in fluid communication with the second container is a mirror image of the radial slot in fluid communication with the first container.

17. A dual dispenser according to claim 14, wherein the closure includes closure dispensing openings for alignment and misalignment with the radial slots on the first and second containers.

18. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising markings on the closure and first and second containers to indicate a dispensing ratio of the first product and second product.

19. A dual dispenser according to claim 18, wherein the markings include detents and recesses on the closure and first and second containers to provide tactile feedback of the dispensing ratio setting.

20. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least one dispensing port of the first and second containers are fully misaligned with the at least one dispensing opening of the closure providing a no flow storage position.

21. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the sealed end of the dual dispenser comprises means for hanging the dual dispenser on a hook or the like.

22. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a vent valve in each of the first and second containers to allow air to be drawn into the container to replace dispensed product so that the dual dispenser maintains its original slope.

23. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising an intermediate component having at least two apertures thereon, the intermediate component adapted to be mounted between the closure and neck finish to modify a size of the at least one dispensing port of the first and second containers.

24. A dual dispenser according to claim 23, wherein the at least two apertures comprise a plurality of holes or radial slots.

25. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first container is concentrically located within the second container.