MOISTURE-SENSITIVE POD DISPENSER AND METHOD
The present invention relates to dispensers for dispensing moisture-sensitive pods and methods of use therewith, and especially dispensers and methods for dispensing moisture-sensitive pods comprising personal care formulations.
The present application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/574,139, filed Oct. 18, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to dispensers for dispensing moisture-sensitive pods and methods of use therewith, and especially dispensers and methods for dispensing moisture-sensitive pods comprising personal care formulations.
BACKGROUNDPersonal care formulations such as soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and other cleansers and/or care formulations, are conventionally provided in a variety of different forms, according to consumer preference and ease of use. For example, liquid formulations of hair care products and even soap and body wash formulations are typically provided in a bottled form, and it is also known to provide personal care formulations in the form of gels, sprays and powders, in bottles or other containers. The containers may be designed to be aesthetically pleasing to use, and to efficiently dispense product for use by the consumer, such as for example via a pour spout, pump, spray, or other dispensing means.
However, a problem with many conventional personal care product containers is that they typically are made of plastic, and/or may not be manufactured with the intention of being reusable, and thus are generally not environmentally friendly. Even those products that are at least technically capable of being refilled, such as e.g. shampoo or body wash bottles, are typically not re-used by consumers, as convenient means for refilling such containers for the most part simply do not exist. Accordingly, many consumers simply purchase fresh bottles of personal care product rather than going to the hassle of finding ways to re-use, with used plastic personal care product bottles simply being disposed of, as only a small percentage of consumers recycle bathroom packaging. Outside the home, hotels offer amenities of myriad small plastic bottles which are refreshed daily for consumption. It can be readily appreciated that if each consumer in the U.S. purchases and uses several tens of bottles' worth of personal care product every year, and these plastic bottles are subject to disposal rather than re-use, the amount of waste generated by the disposal of these products and/or the energy required for recycling used containers into new products, is unreasonably excessive and potentially damaging to the long-term health of the environment. Further exacerbating this problem is that plastic is a material that does not readily decompose or break-down upon disposal. Accordingly, as many consumers do not bother recycling plastic personal care product containers, these plastic materials can end up in landfills as relatively non-decomposable material that can persist for generations to come, or as hazardous debris in the oceans that can impact the food chain, among the various ways that non-recycled plastic materials can blight the environment.
Recently, single use laundry detergent products have been developed that contain laundry formulations contained within a water-soluble package, such as a pouch made with PVOH films or material with similar characteristics, which can be an attractive alternative to more conventional bulk liquid or powder laundry product forms (see, e.g., WO 2011/094470). Such products may improve ease of use of laundry products, as the pre-measured single use water-soluble package simply dissolves and washes away during use of the laundry detergent product, eliminating the need for the consumer to measure the proper amount of detergent for each load, as well as being more portable when the washing machine is located away from a residence, as in apartment buildings. Individual water-soluble pouches containing laundry product are generally packaged as a batch together in a plastic tub or bag. Furthermore, consumer handling of the product typically occurs in an environment that is relatively dry, such as while loading a laundry machine before a wash cycle is performed. Additionally, when removing laundry pods, consumer hands are likely dry, thus removing one pod by hand from a batch of pods in a container would not compromise the remaining pods in the batch.
However, it has been a challenge to convert such single use products into forms suitable for personal care products, as the functional requirements for laundry detergent products are different than those for personal care formulations. In particular, recent focus has been on making substantially thinner water-soluble films for personal care “pods” containing personal care formulations therein, such that the pods can release personal care products to the consumer as the outer films dissolve in an efficient and pleasing manner during washing, bathing, showering, etc. However, a problem with such pods is that the thin external water-soluble film can have an inherent moisture sensitivity that complicates their day-to-day use. Specifically, the water-soluble films that make up the pod “shells” can be easily susceptible to deterioration when exposed to ambient moisture or wet hands, which can be particularly problematic for the types of moisture-rich environments in or near sinks, showers and bathtubs where they are most likely to be used, and with the product being handled by users with wet hands in the bath or shower. Prolonged exposure of the pods to excessive ambient moisture levels and wet hands can result in deterioration of the waster-soluble films to a point where they exhibit a tacky or unpleasantly sticky feel, and can even result in failure of the water-soluble film and leakage of the personal care product. Wide-spread consumer adoption of such moisture-sensitive pods thus depends on the ability to maintain the structural integrity of the pods even in moisture-rich environments.
Accordingly, there remains a need for systems and methods for providing moisture-sensitive pods for use by consumers, including in moisture-rich environments, without excessive degradation of the moisture-sensitive pods. There remains a need for providing moisture-sensitive pods for use by consumers, including the ability to dispense a single pod with wet hands without compromising the remaining unused pods in a package. There further remains a need for systems and methods for providing more environmentally friendly personal products, such as for example with less plastic packaging, and/or with less packaging waste, and/or with packaging that is not as harmful to the environment.
SUMMARYAspects of the disclosure provide a dispenser for the dispensing of moisture-sensitive pods which may be suitable for use in a variety of different locations and/or applications. For example, embodiments of the dispenser may be suitable for use at home, such as for use during showering, bathing or washing at home, as well as for personal use during travel. The dispenser may also be suitable for use at locations remote from a consumer's home, either as transported by a consumer or as provided at that remote location, such as at a hotel, gym, school, military barracks, pool, park, prison, public restroom, movie theater, mall, hospital, plane, spa, or any other place where personal care products may be used outside the home. According to one aspect, the dispenser may at least partially replace environmentally unfriendly single-use plastic packaging omnipresent in personal care industry with, for example, a re-usable (i.e. permanent) dispenser, and/or with paper packaging which may be more environmentally friendly due to its being renewable, more easily recyclable, and/or biodegradable.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a dispenser is provided for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gel formulations. The dispenser comprises a dispenser body having one or more water-resistant walls at least partially defining an interior volume of the dispenser; a holding area configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holding compartments; and at least one dispenser outlet configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod from at least one of the plurality of holding compartments. The one or more walls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of the dispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
In another embodiment, a dispenser is provided for dispensing moisture-sensitive pods comprising personal care formulations. The dispenser comprises a dispenser body having a base and one or more sidewalls extending from the base to define an interior volume; a receiving area configured to receive a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods being contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holding compartments; and at least one dispenser outlet at an end of the dispenser body that is configured to provide access to one or more of the moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume. The one or more walls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into one or more of the plurality of holding compartments, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
In a further embodiment, a dispenser is provided for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gel formulations. The dispenser comprises a dispenser body having a base and one or more sidewalls extending from the base to define an interior volume; a holding area configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holding compartments; and dispenser outlets comprising a plurality of apertures formed in the one or more sidewalls and configured to dispense moisture-sensitive pods from at least one of the plurality of holding compartments. The one or more walls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of the dispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
In yet another embodiment, a dispenser is provided for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gel formulations. The dispenser comprises a dispenser body having one or more sidewalls that at least partially define an interior volume, the one or more sidewalls at least partially surrounding a central axis of the interior volume, and the one or more sidewalls defining an opening between opposing edges thereof; a holding area configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holding compartments; and dispenser outlets comprising a plurality of apertures formed along the one or more sidewalls and configured to dispense moisture-sensitive pods from at least one of the plurality of holding compartments. The one or more sidewalls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of the dispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
In yet another embodiment, a dispenser is provided for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gel formulations, the dispenser comprising a dispenser body having one or more water-resistant walls at least partially defining an interior volume of the dispenser; a holding area configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments at least partially encircling a central axis of the interior volume, the plurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holding compartments; and at least one dispenser outlet configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod from at least one of the plurality of holding compartments. The one or more sidewalls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of the dispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
In yet another embodiment, a dispenser is provided for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gel formulations, the dispenser comprising a dispenser body having one or more water-resistant walls at least partially defining an interior volume of the dispenser, a holding area configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holding compartments, and at least one dispenser outlet configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod that is ejected from at least one of the plurality of holding compartments into the interior volume. The one or more water-resistant walls comprise a plurality of selection regions formed therein, each selection region being aligned with a respective sealable holding compartment in the holding area such that application of an external pressure to a selection region ejects a moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment that is aligned therewith into the interior volume of the dispenser, for dispensing of the moisture-sensitive pod from the dispenser. The one or more walls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of the dispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
In yet another embodiment, an insert is provided that is adapted for use a dispenser, the insert comprising a plurality of compartments, each compartment configured to house a single moisture-sensitive pod containing a personal care liquid or gel concentrate formulation, each compartment further adapted to maintain each moisture-sensitive pod in a substantially moisture-free environment and each compartment configured to allow access to each pod on an individual basis without impacting the moisture-free environment of adjacent compartments. The insert may, in certain embodiments, be a single-use insert formed of an environmentally friendly material such as a fiber-based material, a recyclable material, and/or a compostable material. In yet another embodiment, the insert may be formed of an environmentally friendly multi-use insert.
These and other aspects of the invention are further disclosed in the detailed description and examples which follow.
The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.
To address the issue of moisture sensitivity for pods containing personal care liquid or gel formulations, in one embodiment a dispenser 100 is provided that is capable of maintaining each of a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102 in a substantially moisture-free environment until, the moisture sensitive pod is dispensed for use. By maintaining the moisture-sensitive pods in a substantially moisture-free environment, the structural integrity of the pods and especially any water-soluble films making up the shells of the pod can substantially be maintained, such that the dispensed pod remains pleasing and suitable for use upon dispensing.
Referring to
This dispenser body 104 may comprise a variety of different shapes, according to for example the type of product being dispensed, consumer preference, the environment where the dispenser will be located, etc. In one embodiment, as shown for example in
In one embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 comprise at least one removable insert 124 that is configured to be removed from the dispenser body 104 for refill of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods, as shown for example in
The removable inserts 124 can comprise a shape suitable to accommodate the holding area 110 of the dispenser 100, and vice versa. For example, for a dispenser body 104 having an elongate shape as shown in
In the embodiment where the holding area 110 accommodates one or more refillable inserts 124, the dispenser 100 may be refilled to replace used pods 102 by removing used inserts and inserting fresh inserts 124 into the dispenser 100. In a case where a plurality of inserts may be contained in the dispenser 100, the inserts 124 may be individually replaced one at a time, or the inserts may be entirely removed and replaced with fresh inserts. Also, in one embodiment the inserts 124 might be provided to a user “pre-loaded” with pods 102 already inserted into the holding chambers 112, or a user may be provided with pods 102 separately from the inserts 124, so as to allow the user to load the inserts 124 with pods according to their preference, and replace the inserts 124 into the dispenser 100 with a customized pod selection. In one embodiment, both the holding compartments 112 and walls 106 of the dispenser body 104 are configured to inhibit the penetration of moisture, such as by being shaped to inhibit moisture and made of moisture-resistant materials. However, it may also be the case that the walls 106 of the dispenser body are more water-impermeable than the walls 114 of the holding compartments 112, or vice versa.
In one embodiment, the one or more inserts 124 and/or dispenser body 104 may be configured to releasably attach and/or secure the inserts to the dispenser body, when the inserts are placed into the holding area. For example, referring to
In yet another embodiment, the tongue-in-groove configuration can form a part of the dispenser panels 136 that can be opened to individually access the compartments 112. For example, referring to
In yet another embodiment, it is contemplated that at least a portion, and even all, of the plurality of holding compartments 112 is permanently affixed to the dispenser body 104, such as to sidewalls 106 of the dispenser body. For example, at least a portion of the compartment walls 114 of the holding compartment 112 may be attached to the dispenser body, such as by being adhered or otherwise bonded to the dispenser body 104, or even forming a part of a same piece with the dispenser body. In this embodiment, at least a portion and even all of the plurality of holding compartments 112 form a permanent part of the dispenser body 104, and so are not removable for refill of the dispenser 100, unlike in the case where holding compartments are contained in removable inserts. Instead, in this embodiment, the holding compartments 112 may be individually accessed by a user for refill thereof, for example by providing an opening 132 in the dispenser body 104 that is sufficiently large to allow a user to access the holding area 110 and holding compartments 112 therein, so the compartments 112 can be re-filled with fresh pods 102, or by access via apertures 134 (e.g., by opening panels 136).
In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises at least one dispenser outlet 116 that is configured to provide access to only a single holding compartment 112 at the same time. For example, as shown in the embodiment of
In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 is configured such that the interior volume 108 of the dispenser is substantially entirely surrounded by the water-resistant walls of the dispenser body 104, as shown for example in the embodiment of
The dispenser 100 can be configured to optimize ease of use and to provide a pleasant experience for a person using the dispenser to dispense personal care pods 102. For example, in one embodiment, the dispenser comprises a dispenser body 104 having one or more walls 106 with indentations therein, to facilitate gripping of the dispenser 100 by a user, as shown for example in the embodiment of
The liquid or gel formulations contained in the pods 102 dispensed by the dispenser comprise at least one of personal care and cleansing formulations. For example, the formulations can comprise at least one of shampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combinations, body wash, body wash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel and shaving gel, as well as combinations thereof, although the formulations are not limited to this list, and other formulations for personal care or general cleansing may be provided. The dispenser 100 according to embodiments of the invention may be configured to comprise up to 10 and even more pods having personal care compositions therein, as described above, which may be the same or different compositions.
In one embodiment, the dispenser is configured to dispense pods 102 having different compositions from one another. For example, the plurality of pods 102 contained by the dispenser 100 for dispensing thereof can comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition. According to yet another embodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods may further comprise a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition that is different than the first and second compositions. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second and third compositions. For example, in one embodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation.
According to yet another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 comprise a first removable insert 124a having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a first personal care composition, and a second removable insert 124b having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition, as shown for example in the embodiment of
According to embodiments of the present invention, the moisture-sensitive pods that are dispensed by the dispenser comprise the liquid or gel formulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film. The water-soluble film may be one that, upon exposure to water, at least partially dissolves and/or degrades, so as to release the contents of the moisture-sensitive pod, and in some embodiments the water-soluble film may even entirely dissolve and/or degrade leaving only the formulation behind (e.g., to reduce any waste and provide a more pleasant experience for the user), and/or may entirely dissolve and/or degrade substantially simultaneously with the use of the formulation. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the personal care formulations may be formulated to be have a relatively low water content (and even be substantially anhydrous), so as to preserve the integrity of the water-soluble film in which the composition is contained. In one embodiment, the cumulative water content of the personal care formulation may be less than 20% by weight, such as less than 15% by weight and even less than 10% by weight of the personal care formulation, although the cumulative water content will generally be at least 7.6% by weight of the personal care formulation. The water-soluble film can comprise any suitable water-soluble material that is compatible with the formulation, such as a water-soluble polymer or algae-derived materials. Examples of suitable water-soluble polymers include polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and carboxymethyl cellulose (see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 2016/0317397, GB 2118961, EP 1512701 and WO 2011/094470).
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a method of providing a personal care liquid or gel formulation, comprises dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gel formulation from any of the embodiments of the dispenser 100 described herein. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a person dispensing pods from the dispenser 100 may be the same person that also refills the dispenser 100, for example, when the dispenser is for home or personal use. Alternatively, the dispenser 100 may be refilled be a separate person, such as an employee of a hotel, spa, etc., and a customer may be the one who dispenses pods from a pre-filled dispenser 100. For example, a hotel may fill dispensers 100 with the types of pods commonly used by hotel guests, such as shampoo, conditioner, and body-wash, making it easy for the guest to access the appropriate pods. The dispenser 100 can be provided with labels to identify which holding compartments and/or inserts contain what formulation, or the pods may be loaded in a pre-defined order into the dispenser, or color-coded, etc., for ease of dispensing. In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 may comprise panels 136 that are at least partially and even fully transparent, so that a person can see whether a compartment behind the panel 136 has been accessed, and/or what the compartment contents might be. For example, an insert 124 may have panels 128 labelled with the contents therein, e.g. shampoo, conditioner, etc., and the labels of the panels 128 may be viewed through the at least partially transparent panels 136. A person may also be able to tell whether a pod is in the compartment 112 or has already been accessed, such as for example by identifying that a perforated insert panel 128 has already been opened. Other parts of the dispenser 100 and/or strip 124 may also be labelled to indicate the contents of compartments 112 and/or strips 124.
The following are further detailed embodiments of the invention, described with reference to
Referring to the embodiments as shown in
In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises an elongate shape, and in the embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises a holding area 110 that is configured to hold at least one removable insert 124 comprising the plurality of holding compartments 112 for the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102, the at least one removable insert 124 being configured to be removed from the dispenser body 100 for refill and/or replacement of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102. In one embodiment, as shown in the
In one embodiment as shown in
In yet another embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment as shown in
In the embodiments as shown in
In one embodiment, each of the plurality of holding compartments 112 is secured to a wall 106 of the dispenser 100. Furthermore, as shown in the embodiments of
In one embodiment, the dispensers 100 as shown in the embodiments of
In one embodiment, an insert 124 adapted for use in the dispenser 100 according to any embodiment as depicted in
Referring to the embodiments as shown in
In the embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment, as shown in
In one embodiment, the dispenser comprises a holding area 110 with compartment walls 114 that are attached to at least a portion of the dispenser body 104. For example, although not shown in
In one embodiment as shown in
Referring to
In one embodiment as shown in
In the embodiments as shown in
According to yet another embodiment as shown in
Although not shown in
As discussed above, the dispenser 100 as shown in the embodiments depicted in
In one embodiment, such as for example the embodiment depicted in
In yet another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 comprise at least one removable insert 124, and wherein the at least one removable insert 124 comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition, on the same insert 124. In a further embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 comprises a third moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a third personal care composition, the third composition being different than the first and second composition, on the same insert 124. Further, the plurality of holding compartments 112 can have a fourth moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a fourth personal care composition, the fourth composition being different than the first, second and third composition, on the same insert 124. For example, in one embodiment the at least one removable insert 124 comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a body wash formulation, on the same insert 124.
As discussed above, the moisture-sensitive pods 102 comprise the liquid or gel formulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film, such as a water soluble film comprising a water-soluble polymer. Generally speaking, method of providing a personal care liquid or gel formulation can comprise dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod 102 comprising the liquid or gel formulation from a dispenser corresponding to any of the embodiments depicted in
In one embodiment, an insert 124 adapted for use in the dispenser 100 according to any embodiment as depicted in
Referring to the embodiment as shown in
In the embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises a dispenser body 104 that is open at opposing ends 120, 122 of the interior volume 108. In another embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises at least one end of the dispenser body 104 that is configured to be closeable.
In one embodiment, such as form example as depicted in the embodiments shown in
In one embodiment as shown, for example, in
In the embodiments as shown in
In the embodiments as shown in
In one embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 comprise at least one removable insert 124, and the removable insert 124 comprises an openable panel 128 that allows for access of a moisture-sensitive pod in a holding compartment 112 of the insert 124 via an aperture 134 of the dispenser outlet 116. In another embodiment, the at least one dispenser outlet 116 comprises a plurality of elongated apertures in the dispenser body 100 configured to expose a plurality of openable panels 128 of the at least one removable insert 24. In this embodiment, the openable panels may be separately sealable such that holding compartments 112 that behind the elongate aperture are not exposed to moisture when an adjacent holding compartment 112 is opened.
As shown in the embodiments depicted in
As discussed above, the dispenser embodiments of
In the embodiments as depicted in
In the embodiments as depicted in
In yet another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert 124, and wherein the at least one removable insert 124 comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition, on the same insert 124. Further, the insert can comprise a third moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a third personal care composition, the third composition being different than the first and second composition, on the same insert 124. Even further, insert can comprise a fourth moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a fourth personal care composition, the fourth composition being different than the first, second and third composition, on the same insert. For example, the at least one removable insert can comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod 102 having a body wash formulation, on the same insert 124.
As discussed above, the embodiments as shown in
In one embodiment, an insert 124 adapted for use in the dispenser 100 according to any embodiment as depicted in
Referring to the embodiment as shown in
In certain embodiments, the dispenser 100 as shown in
In one embodiment, for example as depicted in
In one embodiment, the at least one dispenser outlet 116 is rotatable with respect to one or more of the plurality of holding compartments 112, so as to provide access to individual holding compartments 112 via rotation. For example, in one embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment, the dispenser body can comprise a tongue-in-groove confirmation to retain the an insert 124 inside the dispenser body 104, and/or to provide separately openable compartments that can be opened without opening adjacent compartments. For example, the tongue in groove configuration may be any described above, where slots 156 are provided to one or more engage sides 158 and/or to engage insert panels 128. In one embodiment, the tongue-in-groove configuration can form a part of the dispenser panels 136 that can be opened to individually access the compartments 112. For example, referring to
In one embodiment, for example as depicted in
In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises a holding area configured to accommodate a plurality of removable inserts 124 having the annular carousel 164 in the interior volume 108 of the dispenser 100. In another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 comprise a plurality of inserts 124 comprising the holding compartments 112, and the inserts are configured to be positioned in a pattern that at least partially encircles the central axis 150 of the interior volume 108.
In one embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 comprise at least one annular insert 124 having a plurality of segmented chambers at least partially encircling the central axis 150 of the interior volume. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments 112 comprise a plurality of inserts 124 each configured to be arranged to at least partially encircle the central axis 150 of the interior volume, and to protect the moisture-sensitive pods from moisture. The annular inserts may similarly comprise perforations to allow for opening of the panels 128 about a circumference of the inserts.
In one embodiment, at least a portion of the compartment walls 114 of the plurality of holding compartments 112 are attached one or more walls 106 of the dispenser body 100. In yet another embodiment as depicted in
In one embodiment, the at least one dispenser outlet 116 is configured to provide access to only a single holding compartment 112 at the same time. In yet another embodiment, the at least one dispenser outlet 116 is configured to provide access to a plurality of holding compartments 112 at the same time. Furthermore, the at least one dispenser outlet 116 may be sealable to inhibit penetration of moisture into the plurality of holding compartments. Furthermore, in the embodiments as shown in in
According to one embodiment, the dispenser body comprises at least one dispenser opening 132 which comprises a dispenser lid 138 located at a top 120 or bottom 122 of the dispenser 100. In yet another embodiment, the dispenser body 104 is resealably openable at one or more opposing ends 120, 122 thereof. In one embodiment, the at least one dispenser outlet 116 comprises one or more openable panels 136. In yet another embodiment, the interior volume 108 is substantially entirely surrounded by the water-resistant walls 106 of the dispenser body 104. In another embodiment, an opening 132 at one or more opposing ends 120, 122 of the dispenser body 104 is configured to provide access for replacement of moisture-sensitive pods in the plurality of holding compartments 112.
In one embodiment as shown for example in
In one embodiment, referring again to
In one embodiment, the dispenser body 104 is configured to be stackable with other dispensers 100 having the same or different personal care formulations. For example, in one embodiment, the dispenser body 104 is stackable to form a personal care system 170 having two or more dispensers 100, the dispensers having the same or different compositions. In one embodiment, the personal care system 170 comprises three dispensers 100, a first dispenser with moisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising shampoo, a second dispenser 100 with moisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising conditioner, and a third dispenser 100 with moisture-sensitive pods 102 comprising body wash. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102 in the same dispenser 100 can comprise the same or different personal care formulations.
As discussed above, the dispenser embodiments as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Further aspects are described with reference to
In the embodiment as shown in
According to yet another embodiment, a removable insert 124 can comprise a relatively thin layer of material corresponding to a removable sealing layer 204 at a wall portion 188a thereof (see, e.g.,
Furthermore, according to certain embodiments as shown in
According to one embodiment, the flexible region 206 of the exterior wall portion comprises a moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region 208a and extended travel regions 208b adjacent the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region 208a that provide for travel of the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region 208a in the direction towards the internal sealable aperture 190 upon application of the external pressure 182. In one embodiment, the extended travel regions 208b of the flexible regions 206 of the exterior wall portions 188b comprise elastic regions that are configured to translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region in the direction of the internal sealable aperture substantially without deformation of the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region 208a. In one embodiment, the extended travel regions 208b comprise exterior wall bumps 210 suspending the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region 208a of the exterior wall portion 188b therebetween, and wherein application of the external pressure at least partially deforms the exterior wall bumps 210 in the direction of the internal sealable aperture to translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region 208a towards the internal sealable aperture 190.
Returning to
According to yet another embodiment, as shown in
The dispenser embodiments as shown in
According to one embodiment, the liquid or gel formulations provided in the pods are at least one of personal care and cleansing formulations. For example, the formulations can comprise at least one of shampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combinations, body wash, body wash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel and shaving gel. In one embodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise up to 10 pods having personal care compositions, the plurality of pods comprising a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprise a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition that is different than the first and second compositions. In one embodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second and third compositions. In one embodiment, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation.
In another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments comprise a first removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a first personal care composition, and a second removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition. In another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments further comprises a third removable insert comprising a third personal care composition that is different than the first composition and the second composition. In a further embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments further comprises a fourth removable insert comprising a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second, and third compositions. In one embodiment, a first removable insert comprises a moisture-sensitive pods comprising a shampoo formulation, a second removable insert comprises moisture-sensitive pods comprising a conditioner formulation, and a third removable insert comprises moisture-sensitive pods comprising a body wash formulation.
In another embodiment, the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert, and wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition, on the same insert. In a further embodiment, a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition is provided, the third composition being different than the first and second composition, on the same insert. In yet a further embodiment, a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition is provided, the fourth composition being different than the first, second and third composition, on the same insert. In one embodiment, the at least one removable insert comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation, on the same insert. In yet another embodiment, the moisture-sensitive pods comprise the liquid or gel formulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film. For example, the at least partially water soluble film can comprise a water-soluble polymer. In yet another embodiment, a method of providing a personal care liquid or gel formulation is provided, the method, comprising dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gel formulation from the dispenser according to any of those illustrated in the embodiments shown in
In one embodiment, an insert 124 adapted for use in the dispenser 100 according to any embodiment as depicted in
According to yet another embodiment, the insert 124 comprises a plurality of holding compartments 112 each comprise an exterior wall portion 188b having a flexible region that guides the moisture-sensitive pod towards the internal sealable aperture upon application of external pressure to the exterior wall portion, to eject the moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment via the sealable aperture. In one embodiment, the flexible region of the exterior wall portion 188b comprises a moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region and extended travel regions adjacent the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region that provide for travel of the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region in the direction towards the internal sealable aperture upon application of the external pressure. In one embodiment, the extended travel regions of the flexible regions of the exterior wall portions comprise elastic regions that are configured to translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region in the direction of the internal sealable aperture substantially without deformation of the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region. In yet another embodiment, the extended travel regions comprise exterior wall bumps suspending the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region of the exterior wall portion therebetween, and wherein application of the external pressure at least partially deforms the exterior wall bumps in the direction of the internal sealable aperture to translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region towards the internal sealable aperture.
According one embodiment, the insert 124 that may optionally be provided with any of the dispenser embodiments herein, may comprise a single use insert that is intended to be used only a single time, to dispense one or more moisture-sensitive pods from the insert, before the insert is removed from the dispenser 100 and disposed of. For example, the insert 124 may be a single-use, disposable insert that is made of an environmentally friendly material comprising any of a fiber-based material, a recyclable material and a compostable material. Following dispending of a desired number of moisture-sensitive pods from the single-use insert, the insert 124 may be disposed of by submitting to disposal facilities for recycling and/or composting, according to the materials being used. For example, in a case where the insert is made of a fiber-based material, such as paper, cardboard, textile or other fibrous material, the insert may be allowed to compost in an environmentally friendly fashion. According to this embodiment, the insert 124 may be pre-loaded with the moisture-sensitive pods (e.g., pre-loaded prior to use by a consumer), such that the insert 124 can be simply disposed of in an appropriate and environmentally friendly reminder following use of the insert in the dispenser, and a subsequent single-use insert 124 can be used to replace the used insert. In an alternative embodiment, the insert comprises a reusable, multi-use insert, for example made of a more durable material than the single-use insert, although the multi-use insert may also be made of any of a fiber-based, recyclable and/or compostable material such that it is environmentally friendly. In one embodiment, the reusable, multi-use insert may be fillable with moisture-sensitive pods by the consumer, and/or the consumer may be able to re-fill the multi-use inserts following dispensing of one or more pods from the insert. That is, the reusable insert is configured to be manually and/or mechanically re-loaded with the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods for dispensing from the dispenser. For example, in one embodiment, the insert 124 can comprise holding compartments 112 having sealable apertures 190 and/or valves formed in at least one wall portion thereof 188a,b that are at least partially resealable such that the holding compartments can be re-used to contain and protect moisture-sensitive pods therein from moisture.
All documents cited in this application are hereby incorporate by reference as if recited in full herein.
Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to those described, and that various other changes or modifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
Claims
1. A dispenser for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gel formulations, the dispenser comprising: a dispenser body having one or more water-resistant walls at least partially defining an interior volume of the dispenser; a holding area configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holding compartments; and at least one dispenser outlet configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod from at least one of the plurality of holding compartments, wherein the one or more walls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of the dispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser body has an elongated shape.
3. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser body has a rounded shape.
4. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser body has a disc shape.
5. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert configured to be removed from the dispenser body for refill of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods.
6. The dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a plurality of holding compartments positioned along an insert strip, each holding compartment configured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod.
7. The dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the holding area is configured to accommodate a plurality of removable inserts having the plurality of holding compartments in the interior volume of the dispenser.
8. The dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise a plurality of separate removable inserts, each containing a single holding compartment configured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod.
9. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the compartment walls of the plurality of holding compartments are attached to the dispenser body.
10. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet is configured to provide access to only a single holding compartment at a same time.
11. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet is configured to provide access to a plurality of holding compartments at the same time.
12. The dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises a plurality of elongated apertures in the dispenser body that expose a plurality of holding compartments in the interior volume.
13. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet is sealable to inhibit penetration of moisture into the plurality of holding compartments.
14. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises a dispenser lid located at a top or bottom of the dispenser.
15. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises one or more openable panels located on one or more sides of the dispenser.
16. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet is rotatable with respect to one or more of the plurality of holding compartments, so as to provide access to individual holding compartments via rotation.
17. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the interior volume is substantially entirely surrounded by the water-resistant walls of the dispenser body.
18. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the water-resistant walls of the dispenser body define an opening in the dispenser body that is configured to provide access for refilling of moisture-sensitive pods in the plurality of holding compartments.
19. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser body has indentations therein to facilitate gripping of the dispenser.
20. The dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting mechanism for mounting the dispenser to one or more of a wall and a fixture.
21. The dispenser according to claim 20, wherein the mounting mechanism comprises a hook or strap configured to hang the dispenser.
22. The dispenser according to claim 20 where in the mounting mechanism comprises at least one of an adhesive strip, velcro and/or magnetic mechanism for mounting to a surface.
23. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the liquid or gel formulations are at least one of personal care and cleansing formulations.
24. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the formulations comprise at least one of shampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combinations, body wash, body wash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel and shaving gel.
25. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise up to 10 pods having personal care compositions, the plurality of pods comprising a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition.
26. The dispenser according to claim 25, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition that is different than the first and second compositions.
27. The dispenser according to claim 26, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second and third compositions.
28. The dispenser according to claim 26, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation.
29. The dispenser according to claim 25, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise a first removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a first personal care composition, and a second removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition.
30. The dispenser according to claim 29, wherein the plurality of holding compartments further comprises a third removable insert comprising a third personal care composition that is different than the first composition and the second composition.
31. The dispenser according to claim 30, wherein the plurality of holding compartments further comprises a fourth removable insert comprising a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second, and third compositions.
32. The dispenser according to claim 30, comprising a first removable insert having a moisture-sensitive pods comprising a shampoo formulation, a second removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a conditioner formulation, and a third removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a body wash formulation.
33. The dispenser according to claim 25, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert, and wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition, on the same insert.
34. The dispenser according to claim 33, further comprising a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition, the third composition being different than the first and second composition, on the same insert.
35. The dispenser according to claim 34, further comprising a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition, the fourth composition being different than the first, second and third composition, on the same insert.
36. The dispenser according to claim 34, wherein the at least one removable insert comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation, on the same insert.
37. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the moisture-sensitive pods comprise the liquid or gel formulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film.
38. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least partially water soluble film comprises a water-soluble polymer.
39. A method of providing a personal care liquid or gel formulation, comprising: dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gel formulation from the dispenser according to claim 1.
40. A dispenser for dispensing moisture-sensitive pods comprising personal care formulations, the dispenser comprising: a dispenser body having a base and one or more sidewalls extending from the base to define an interior volume; a holding area configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods being contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holding compartments; and at least one dispenser opening at an end of the dispenser body that is configured to provide access to one or more of the moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume, wherein the one or more walls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into one or more of the plurality of holding compartments, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
41. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the dispenser body has an elongated shape.
42. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the holding area is configured to hold at least one removable insert comprising the plurality of holding compartments for the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods, the at least one removable insert being configured to be removed from the dispenser body for refill of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods.
43. The dispenser according to claim 42, wherein the holding area comprises a plurality of longitudinal slots configured to engage lateral sides of the at least one removable insert.
44. The dispenser according to claim 42, wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a plurality of holding compartments positioned along an insert strip, each holding compartment configured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod.
45. The dispenser according to claim 42 wherein the holding area is configured to accommodate a plurality of removable inserts having the plurality of holding compartments in the interior volume of the dispenser.
46. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise up to 10 pods having personal care compositions, the plurality of pods comprising a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition.
47. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition that is different than the first and second compositions.
48. The dispenser according to claim 47, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second and third compositions.
49. The dispenser according to claim 47, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation.
50. The dispenser according to claim 46, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise a first removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a first personal care composition, and a second removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition.
51. The dispenser according to claim 50, wherein the plurality of holding compartments further comprises a third removable insert comprising a third personal care composition that is different than the first composition and the second composition.
52. The dispenser according to claim 51, wherein the plurality of holding compartments further comprises a fourth removable insert comprising a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second, and third compositions.
53. The dispenser according to claim 51, comprising a first removable insert having a moisture-sensitive pods comprising a shampoo formulation, a second removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a conditioner formulation, and a third removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a body wash formulation.
54. The dispenser according to claim 46, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert, and wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition, on the same insert.
55. The dispenser according to claim 54, further comprising a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition, the third composition being different than the first and second composition, on the same insert.
56. The dispenser according to claim 55, further comprising a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition, the fourth composition being different than the first, second and third composition, on the same insert.
57. The dispenser according to claim 55, wherein the at least one removable insert comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation, on the same insert.
58. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the at least one dispenser opening is an outlet that is sized and configured to provide access to multiple removable inserts at a same time.
59. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the dispenser opening is configured to provide access to the holding area for refill of one or more of the plurality of removable inserts in the dispenser.
60. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the at least one dispenser opening is located in opposing relation to the base of the dispenser body.
61. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the at least one dispenser opening is located in the base of the dispenser body.
62. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the at least one dispenser opening comprises a lid that is closeable to cover an outlet aperture.
63. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the at least one dispenser opening is sealable to inhibit penetration of moisture into the plurality of holding compartments.
64. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the interior volume is substantially entirely surrounded by the water-resistant walls of the dispenser body.
65. The dispenser according to claim 40, further comprising a mounting mechanism for mounting the dispenser to one or more of a wall and a fixture.
66. The dispenser according to claim 65, wherein the mounting mechanism comprises a hook or strap configured to hang the dispenser.
67. The dispenser according to claim 66 where in the mounting mechanism comprises at least one of an adhesive strip, velcro and/or magnetic mechanism for mounting to a surface.
68. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the dispenser is free-standing.
69. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein each of the plurality of holding compartments is secured to a wall of the dispenser.
70. The dispenser according to claim 69, wherein each of the plurality of holding compartments is secured to the wall of the dispenser by way of a tongue-in-groove configuration.
71. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the liquid or gel formulations are at least one of personal care and cleansing formulations.
72. The dispenser according to claim 71, wherein the formulations comprise at least one of shampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combinations, body wash, body wash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel and shaving gel.
73. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the moisture-sensitive pods comprise the liquid or gel formulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film.
74. The dispenser according to claim 73, wherein the at least partially water soluble film comprises a water soluble polymer.
75. A method of providing a personal care liquid or gel formulation, comprising: dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gel formulation from the dispenser according to claim 40.
76. A dispenser for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gel formulations, the dispenser comprising: a dispenser body having a base and one or more sidewalls extending from the base to define an interior volume; a holding area configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holding compartments; and dispenser outlets comprising a plurality of apertures formed in the one or more sidewalls and configured to dispense moisture-sensitive pods from at least one of the plurality of holding compartments, wherein the one or more walls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of the dispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
77. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the dispenser body has an elongated shape.
78. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the dispenser body has indentations therein to facilitate gripping of the dispenser.
79. The dispenser according to claim 78, wherein the indentations comprise plural elongate indentations formed in the sidewalls about a central axis of the dispenser body, and extending at least a portion of the distance from a top of the sidewalls to the base.
80. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert configured to be removed from the dispenser body for refill of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods.
81. The dispenser according to claim 80, wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a plurality of sealable holding compartments positioned along an insert strip, each sealable holding compartment configured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod.
82. The dispenser according to claim 80, wherein the holding area is configured to accommodate a plurality of removable inserts having the plurality of holding compartments in the interior volume of the dispenser.
83. The dispenser according to claim 80, wherein the plurality of holding compartments are each configured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod, which is maintained in a substantially moisture free environment until accessed.
84. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the holding area comprises compartment walls that are attached to at least a portion of the dispenser body.
85. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the holding area comprises a plurality of longitudinal slots configured to engage lateral sides of at least one removable insert.
86. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein each of the plurality of holding compartments is secured to a wall of the dispenser.
87. The dispenser according to claim 86, wherein each of the plurality of holding compartments is secured to the wall of the dispenser by way of a tongue-in-groove configuration.
88. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the holding compartments comprise a series of compartments extending along the sidewalls between the base and a top of the dispenser body, each compartment being adjacent at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures.
89. The dispenser according to claim 88, wherein the dispenser outlets are configured to provide access to only a single holding compartment via an aperture at a same time.
90. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the dispenser outlets comprise panels that are openable to expose an aperture and a compartment adjacent the aperture.
91. The dispenser according to claim 90, wherein the panels are sealable to inhibit the penetration of moisture into the holding compartments.
92. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the dispenser outlets comprise a column of apertures extending along the sidewalls at least a portion of the distance from the base of the dispenser body to a top end of the dispense body opposing the base.
93. The dispenser according to claim 92, wherein multiple columns of apertures are formed on sidewalls of the dispenser body about a central axis of the dispenser.
94. The dispenser according to claim 93, wherein the dispenser body further comprises one or more elongate indentations formed about the central axis and in between the columns of apertures.
95. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert, and the removable insert comprises an openable panel that allows for access of a moisture-sensitive pod in a holding compartment of the insert via an aperture of the dispenser outlet.
96. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises a plurality of elongated apertures in the dispenser body configured to expose a plurality of openable panels of the at least one removable insert.
97. The dispenser according to claim 76, further comprising an opening formed in the dispenser body to allow for access to the interior volume of the dispenser for replacement of at least one removable insert.
98. The dispenser according to claim 97, wherein the opening is formed at a top end of the dispenser body opposing the base.
99. The dispenser according to claim 97, wherein the opening is formed in the base.
100. The dispenser according to claim 97, wherein the dispenser comprises a lid to cover the refill opening.
101. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the interior volume is substantially entirely surrounded by the water-resistant walls of the dispenser body, optionally including a lid to cover an opening formed in the dispenser body.
102. The dispenser according to claim 76, further comprising a mounting mechanism for mounting the dispenser to one or more of a wall and a fixture.
103. The dispenser according to claim 102, wherein the mounting mechanism comprises a hook or strap configured to hang the dispenser.
104. The dispenser according to claim 103 where in the mounting mechanism comprises at least one of an adhesive strip, velcro and/or magnetic mechanism for mounting to a surface.
105. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the dispenser is free-standing.
106. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the liquid or gel formulations are at least one of personal care and cleansing formulations.
107. The dispenser according to claim 106, wherein the formulations comprise at least one of shampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combination, body wash, body-wash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel and shaving gel.
108. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise up to 10 pods having personal care compositions, the plurality of pods comprising a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition.
109. The dispenser according to claim 108, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition that is different than the first and second compositions.
110. The dispenser according to claim 109, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second and third compositions.
111. The dispenser according to claim 109, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation.
112. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise a first removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a first personal care composition, and a second removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition.
113. The dispenser according to claim 112, wherein the plurality of holding compartments further comprises a third removable insert comprising a third personal care composition that is different than the first composition and the second composition.
114. The dispenser according to claim 113, wherein the plurality of holding compartments further comprises a fourth removable insert comprising a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second, and third compositions.
115. The dispenser according to claim 113, comprising a first removable insert having a moisture-sensitive pods comprising a shampoo formulation, a second removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a conditioner formulation, and a third removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a body wash formulation.
116. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert, and wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition, on the same insert.
117. The dispenser according to claim 116, further comprising a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition, the third composition being different than the first and second composition, on the same insert.
118. The dispenser according to claim 117, further comprising a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition, the fourth composition being different than the first, second and third composition, on the same insert.
119. The dispenser according to claim 117, wherein the at least one removable insert comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation, on the same insert.
120. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the moisture-sensitive pods comprise the liquid or gel formulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film.
121. The dispenser according to claim 76, wherein the at least partially water soluble film comprises a water-soluble polymer.
122. A method of providing a personal care liquid or gel formulation, comprising: dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gel formulation from the dispenser according to claim 76.
123. A dispenser for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gel formulations, the dispenser comprising: a dispenser body having one or more sidewalls that at least partially define an interior volume thereof; a holding area configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holding compartments; and dispenser outlets comprising a plurality of apertures formed along the one or more sidewalls and configured to dispense moisture-sensitive pods from at least one of the plurality of holding compartments, wherein the one or more sidewalls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of the dispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
124. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the dispenser body has an elongated shape.
125. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the one or more sidewalls form an arcuate shape about the interior volume.
126. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the one or more sidewalls at least partially surrounding a central axis of the interior volume, and the one or more sidewalls defining an opening between opposing edges thereof, and wherein the opening defined by the opposing edges of the one or more sidewalls is configured to provide access for replacement of moisture-sensitive pods in the plurality of holding compartments.
127. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the dispenser body is open at opposing ends of the interior volume.
128. The dispenser according to claim 127, wherein at least one end of the dispenser body is configured to be closeable.
129. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert configured to be removed from the dispenser body for replacement of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods.
130. The dispenser according to claim 129, wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a plurality of holding compartments positioned along an insert strip, each holding compartment configured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod.
131. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the holding area is configured to accommodate a plurality of removable inserts having the plurality of holding compartments in the interior volume of the dispenser.
132. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the plurality of holding compartments are each configured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod in a substantially moisture-free environment.
133. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the holding area comprises compartment walls that are attached to at least a portion of the dispenser body.
134. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the holding area comprises a plurality of longitudinal slots configured to engage lateral sides of at least one removable insert.
135. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein each of the plurality of holding compartments is secured to a wall of the dispenser.
136. The dispenser according to claim 135, wherein each of the plurality of holding compartments is secured to the wall of the dispenser by way of a tongue-in-groove configuration.
137. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the holding compartments comprise a series of compartments extending along the sidewalls between opposing ends of the dispenser body, each compartment being adjacent to at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures.
138. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the dispenser outlets are configured to provide access to only a single holding compartment via an aperture at a same time.
139. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the dispenser outlets comprise panels that are openable to expose an aperture and a compartment adjacent the aperture.
140. The dispenser according to claim 139, wherein the panels are sealable to inhibit the penetration of moisture into the holding compartments.
141. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the dispenser outlets comprise a column of apertures extending along the sidewalls at least a portion of the distance between opposing ends of the dispenser body.
142. The dispenser according to claim 141, wherein multiple columns of apertures are formed on sidewalls of the dispenser body about a central axis of the dispenser.
143. The dispenser according to claim 141, wherein multiple columns of apertures are formed on a side of the sidewalls opposite the opening defined by the opposing edges of the sidewalls.
144. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert, and the removable insert comprises an openable panel that allows for access of a moisture-sensitive pod in a holding compartment of the insert via an aperture of the dispenser outlet.
145. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises a plurality of elongated apertures in the dispenser body configured to expose a plurality of openable panels of the at least one removable insert.
146. The dispenser according to claim 123, further comprising a mounting mechanism for mounting the dispenser to one or more of a wall and a fixture.
147. The dispenser according to claim 146, wherein the mounting mechanism comprises a hook or strap configured to hang the dispenser therefrom.
148. The dispenser according to claim 146 where in the mounting mechanism comprises at least one of an adhesive strip, velcro and/or magnetic mechanism for mounting to a surface.
149. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the dispenser is free-standing.
150. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the liquid or gel formulations are at least one of personal care and cleansing formulations.
151. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the formulations comprise at least one of shampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combination, body wash, body wash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel and shaving gel.
152. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise up to 10 pods having personal care compositions, the plurality of pods comprising a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition.
153. The dispenser according to claim 152, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition that is different than the first and second compositions.
154. The dispenser according to claim 153, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second and third compositions.
155. The dispenser according to claim 152, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation.
156. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise a first removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a first personal care composition, and a second removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition.
157. The dispenser according to claim 156, wherein the plurality of holding compartments further comprises a third removable insert comprising a third personal care composition that is different than the first composition and the second composition.
158. The dispenser according to claim 157, wherein the plurality of holding compartments further comprises a fourth removable insert comprising a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second, and third compositions.
159. The dispenser according to claim 157, comprising a first removable insert having a moisture-sensitive pods comprising a shampoo formulation, a second removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a conditioner formulation, and a third removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a body wash formulation.
160. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert, and wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition, on the same insert.
161. The dispenser according to claim 160, further comprising a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition, the third composition being different than the first and second composition, on the same insert.
162. The dispenser according to claim 161, further comprising a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition, the fourth composition being different than the first, second and third composition, on the same insert.
163. The dispenser according to claim 161, wherein the at least one removable insert comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation, on the same insert.
164. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the moisture-sensitive pods comprise the liquid or gel formulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film.
165. The dispenser according to claim 123, wherein the at least partially water soluble film comprises a water soluble polymer.
166. A method of providing a personal care liquid or gel formulation, comprising: dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gel formulation from the dispenser according to claim 123.
167. A dispenser for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gel formulations, the dispenser comprising: a dispenser body having one or more water-resistant walls at least partially defining an interior volume of the dispenser; a holding area configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments at least partially encircling a central axis of the interior volume, the plurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holding compartments; and at least one dispenser outlet configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod from at least one of the plurality of holding compartments, wherein the one or more walls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of the dispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
168. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the dispenser body has a rounded shape.
169. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the dispenser body has a disc shape.
170. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises an aperture formed in a sidewall of the dispenser body, the sidewall extending about a central axis of the interior volume.
171. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises a plurality of apertures in a sidewall of the dispenser body and at least partially encircling a central axis of the interior volume, so as to provide access to individual holding compartments in communication with each aperture.
172. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet is rotatable with respect to one or more of the plurality of holding compartments, so as to provide access to individual holding compartments via rotation.
173. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the one or more holding compartments comprise an annular carousel having a plurality of segmented chambers at least partially encircling the central axis of the central chamber.
174. The dispenser according to claim 172, wherein the dispenser outlet is rotatable with respect to the annular carousel by rotation of the sidewall about the central axis.
175. The dispenser according to claim 172, wherein the dispenser outlet is rotatable with respect to the annular carousel by rotation of the carousel about the central axis.
176. The dispenser according to claim 172, wherein the plurality of segmented chambers of the annular carousel comprise radially extending chamber sidewalls, to separate individual moisture-sensitive pods in each segmented chamber.
177. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert configured to be removed from the dispenser body for replacement of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods.
178. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the at least one removable insert comprises an annular carousel having a plurality of segmented chambers that is configured to be positioned about the central axis of the interior volume, each segmented chamber being configured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod.
179. The dispenser according to claim 177, wherein the holding area is configured to accommodate a plurality of removable inserts having the annular carousel in the interior volume of the dispenser.
180. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise a plurality of inserts comprising the holding compartments, and the inserts are configured to be positioned in a pattern that at least partially encircles the central axis of the interior volume.
181. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein at least a portion of the compartment walls of the plurality of holding compartments are attached one or more walls of the dispenser body.
182. The dispenser according to claim 180, wherein sidewalls of the dispenser body are at least partially curved at opposing ends of the interior body to at least partially contain an annular carousel comprising segmented chambers in the interior volume.
183. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet is configured to provide access to only a single holding compartment at the same time.
184. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet is configured to provide access to a plurality of holding compartments at the same time.
185. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet is sealable to inhibit penetration of moisture into the plurality of holding compartments.
186. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the dispenser body comprises at least one dispenser outlet which comprises a dispenser lid located at a top or bottom of the dispenser.
187. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the dispenser body is resealably open at one or more opposing ends thereof.
188. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises one or more openable panels.
189. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the interior volume is substantially entirely surrounded by the water-resistant walls of the dispenser body.
190. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein an opening at one or more opposing ends of the dispenser body is configured to provide access for replacement of moisture-sensitive pods in the plurality of holding compartments.
191. The dispenser according to claim 166, further comprising a mounting mechanism for mounting the dispenser to one or more of a wall and a fixture.
192. The dispenser according to claim 190, wherein the mounting mechanism comprises a hook or strap configured to hang the dispenser therefrom a shower-head.
193. The dispenser according to claim 190 where in the mounting mechanism comprises at least one of an adhesive strip, velcro and/or magnetic mechanism for mounting to a surface.
194. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the dispenser is free-standing.
195. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the dispenser body is configured to be vertically stackable in contact with one or more other dispensers.
196. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the dispenser body is configured to be horizontally stackable with other dispensers in a carrier.
197. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the dispenser body is configured to be vertically stackable with other dispensers in a carrier.
198. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the dispenser body is configured to be stackable with other dispensers having the same or different personal care formulations.
199. The dispenser according to claim 197, wherein the dispenser body is stackable to form a personal care system having two or more dispensers, the dispenser having the same or different compositions.
200. The dispenser according to claim 198, wherein the personal care system comprises three dispensers, a first dispenser with moisture-sensitive pods comprising shampoo, a second dispenser with moisture-sensitive pods comprising conditioner, and a third dispenser with moisture-sensitive pods comprising body wash.
201. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the dispenser comprise the same or different personal care formulations.
202. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the liquid or gel formulations are at least one of personal care and cleansing formulations.
203. The dispenser according to claim 201, wherein the formulations comprise at least one of shampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combination, body wash, body wash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel and shaving gel.
204. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the moisture-sensitive pods comprise the liquid or gel formulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film.
205. The dispenser according to claim 203, wherein the at least partially water soluble film comprises a water-soluble polymer.
206. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one annular insert having a plurality of segmented chambers at least partially encircling the central axis of the interior volume.
207. The dispenser according to claim 166, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise a plurality of inserts each configured to be arranged to at least partially encircle the central axis of the interior volume, and to protect the moisture-sensitive pods from moisture.
208. A method of providing a personal care liquid or gel formulation, comprising: dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gel formulation from the dispenser according to claim 166.
209. A dispenser for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods containing personal care liquid or gel formulations, the dispenser comprising: a dispenser body having one or more water-resistant walls at least partially defining an interior volume of the dispenser; a holding area configured to hold a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods in the interior volume of the dispenser, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the holding area are contained in a plurality of sealable holding compartments comprising compartment walls that separate each moisture-sensitive pod from one another in adjacent holding compartments; and at least one dispenser outlet configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod that is ejected from at least one of the plurality of holding compartments into the interior volume, wherein the one or more water-resistant walls comprise a plurality of selection regions formed therein, each selection region being aligned with a respective sealable holding compartment in the holding area such that application of an external pressure to a selection region ejects a moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment that is aligned therewith into the interior volume of the dispenser, for dispensing of the moisture-sensitive pod from the dispenser, wherein the one or more walls of the dispenser body inhibit the penetration of moisture into the interior volume of the dispenser, and each moisture-sensitive pod is maintained in a substantially moisture-free environment until it is dispensed.
210. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the one or more water-resistant walls comprise a first wall enclosure comprising a plurality of apertures therein at the plurality of selection regions, each of which apertures is configured to engage a respective one of the plurality of sealable holding compartments, and wherein the external pressure can be applied through the apertures to the sealable holding compartments to eject the moisture-sensitive pods therefrom and into the interior volume for dispensing of the moisture-sensitive pods from the dispenser.
211. The dispenser according to claim 210, wherein the plurality of selection regions comprise one or more flexible layers over the plurality of apertures that can be depressed to eject moisture-sensitive pods from respective sealable holding compartments that are aligned with the selection regions.
212. The dispenser according to claim 210, wherein the one or more water-resistance walls comprises a second wall enclosure external to the first, the second enclosure wall comprising a flexible material that can be depressed at the plurality of selection regions to eject moisture-sensitive pods from respective sealable holding compartments that are aligned with the selection regions.
213. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein each of the plurality of sealable holding compartments comprise an interior compartment wall portion facing the interior volume, the interior compartment wall portion comprising an internal sealable aperture that allows ejection of the moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment into the interior volume upon application of pressure to the internal sealable aperture.
214. The dispenser according to claim 213, wherein the internal sealable aperture comprises a valve with one or more flexible panels that allow ejection of the moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment into the interior volume upon application of pressure to the one or more flexible panels.
215. The dispenser according to claim 214, wherein pressure is exerted against the one or more flexible panels of the valve to open the valve and eject a moisture-sensitive pod contained in a sealable holding compartment into the interior volume via application of the external pressure to the selection region.
216. The dispenser according to claim 214, wherein the valve comprises one or more flexible panels that are resealable following ejection of a moist-sensitive pod from the sealable holding compartment.
217. The dispenser according to claim 216 wherein the interior wall portion comprising comprises a layer of silicone having opening slots formed therein to provide the valve having the one of more flexible panels.
218. The dispenser according to claim 214, wherein internal wall portion comprises a removable panel having a plurality of valves therein, which is configured to be inserted into the dispenser such that the plurality of valves are aligned with the respective plurality of sealable holding compartments.
219. The dispenser according to claim 214, wherein the sealable aperture comprises a penetrable sealing layer that allows ejection of the moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment into the interior volume upon application of pressure to penetrate the penetrable sealing layer.
220. The dispenser according to claim 219, wherein the penetrable sealing layer comprises a foil or paper film.
221. The dispenser according to claim 213 wherein the plurality of sealable holding compartments each comprise an exterior wall portion that is configured to be engaged via application of the external pressure to the section region aligned with the respective sealable holding compartment, the external wall portion having a flexible region that guides the moisture-sensitive pod towards the internal sealable aperture upon application of the external pressure, to eject the moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment via the internal sealable aperture.
222. The dispenser according to claim 221 wherein the flexible region of the exterior wall portion comprises a moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region and extended travel regions adjacent the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region that provide for travel of the moisture-sensitive pod contacting region in the direction towards the internal sealable aperture upon application of the external pressure.
223. The dispenser according to claim 222 wherein the extended travel regions of the flexible regions of the exterior wall portions comprise elastic regions that are configured to translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region in the direction of the internal sealable aperture substantially without deformation of the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region.
224. The dispenser according to claim 221 wherein the extended travel regions comprise exterior wall bumps suspending the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region of the exterior wall portion therebetween, and wherein application of the external pressure at least partially deforms the exterior wall bumps in the direction of the internal sealable aperture to translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region towards the internal sealable aperture.
225. The dispenser according to claim 209 wherein the plurality of selection regions comprise a plurality of depressible buttons that provide for ejection of moisture-sensitive pods from the plurality of holding compartments aligned with the respective depressible buttons upon application of external pressure thereto.
226. The dispenser according to claim 209 wherein the plurality of selection regions are arranged in columns at a plurality of locations about a periphery of the dispenser.
227. The dispenser according to 226 wherein the dispenser comprises an elongate dispenser body having a plurality of columns with depressible buttons corresponding to the plurality of selection regions about a periphery thereof.
228. The dispenser according to claim 227, wherein the dispenser body further comprises a rotatable cover having an elongate slot formed in a side wall therein that is sized to selectively expose the columns of depressible buttons, the rotatable cover being rotatable along a longitudinal axis of the dispenser body to selectively expose each of the columns upon rotation of the elongate slot to a position along the periphery of the dispenser body corresponding to each column.
229. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises an outlet in communication with the interior volume and formed in a bottom surface of a base of the dispenser body.
230. The dispenser according to claim 209 wherein the plurality of selection regions are arranged in a plurality of columns on at least one of a front panel and a rear panel of the dispenser.
231. The dispenser according to 230 wherein the dispenser comprises front and rear panels, with the interior volume located between the front and rear panels, and wherein the plurality of selection regions comprise a plurality of columns with depressible buttons arranged on at least one of the front and rear panels of the dispenser.
232. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the at least one dispenser outlet comprises an outlet in communication with the interior volume and further in communication with a tray configured to receive moisture-sensitive pods ejected from the sealable holding compartments, the tray being formed at a base of the dispenser body.
233. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert configured to be removed from the dispenser body for refill of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods, and wherein each of the plurality of sealable holding compartments comprise an interior compartment wall portion configured to face the interior volume and having an internal sealable aperture that allows ejection of the moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment into the interior volume upon application of pressure to the internal sealable aperture, wherein the interior compartment wall portion optionally comprises any of (i) a penetrable sealing layer of the insert that can be penetrated via pressure of the pod against the sealing layer to eject the pod from the holding compartment, (ii) a panel comprising a valve with flexible panels aligned adjacent the holding compartment, such that pressure of the pod against the valve ejects the pod from the holding compartment; and (ii) a combination of a penetrable sealing layer of the insert and panel comprising a valve with flexible panels aligned adjacent the holding compartment, such that pressure of the pod against the penetrable sealing layer penetrates the sealing layer to eject the pod via the valve from the holding compartment.
234. The dispenser according to claim 233, wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a plurality of holding compartments positioned along an insert strip, each holding compartment configured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod.
235. The dispenser according to claim 234, wherein the holding area is configured to accommodate a plurality of removable inserts having the plurality of holding compartments in the interior volume of the dispenser.
236. The dispenser according to claim 233, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise a plurality of separate removable inserts, each containing a single holding compartment configured to contain an individual moisture-sensitive pod.
237. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein at least a portion of the compartment walls of the plurality of holding compartments are attached to the dispenser body.
238. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the interior volume is substantially entirely surrounded by the water-resistant walls of the dispenser body.
239. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the water-resistant walls of the dispenser body define an opening in the dispenser body that is configured to provide access for refilling of moisture-sensitive pods in the plurality of holding compartments.
240. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the liquid or gel formulations are at least one of personal care and cleansing formulations.
241. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the formulations comprise at least one of shampoo, conditioner, shampoo-conditioner combinations, body wash, body wash-shampoo combinations, soap, face wash, face scrub, shower gel and shaving gel.
242. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise up to 10 pods having personal care compositions, the plurality of pods comprising a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition.
243. The dispenser according to claim 242, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition that is different than the first and second compositions.
244. The dispenser according to claim 243, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods further comprises a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second and third compositions.
245. The dispenser according to claim 243, wherein the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation.
246. The dispenser according to claim 233, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise a first removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a first personal care composition, and a second removable insert having one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition.
247. The dispenser according to claim 246, wherein the plurality of holding compartments further comprises a third removable insert comprising a third personal care composition that is different than the first composition and the second composition.
248. The dispenser according to claim 247, wherein the plurality of holding compartments further comprises a fourth removable insert comprising a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second, and third compositions.
249. The dispenser according to claim 246, comprising a first removable insert having a moisture-sensitive pods comprising a shampoo formulation, a second removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a conditioner formulation, and a third removable insert having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a body wash formulation.
250. The dispenser according to claim 233, wherein the plurality of holding compartments comprise at least one removable insert, and wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a first moisture-sensitive pod having a first personal care composition, and a second moisture-sensitive pod having a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition, on the same insert.
251. The dispenser according to claim 250, further comprising a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition, the third composition being different than the first and second composition, on the same insert.
252. The dispenser according to claim 251, further comprising a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition, the fourth composition being different than the first, second and third composition, on the same insert.
253. The dispenser according to claim 251, wherein the at least one removable insert comprise a first moisture-sensitive pod having a shampoo formulation, a second moisture-sensitive pod having a conditioner formulation, and a third moisture-sensitive pod having a body wash formulation, on the same insert.
254. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the moisture-sensitive pods comprise the liquid or gel formulations enveloped in an at least partially water soluble film.
255. The dispenser according to claim 209, wherein the at least partially water soluble film comprises a water-soluble polymer.
256. A method of providing a personal care liquid or gel formulation, comprising: dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod comprising the liquid or gel formulation from the dispenser according to claim 209.
257. An insert adapted for use in the dispenser according to any one of claims 1, 40, 76, 123, 166, and 209 the insert comprising: a plurality of compartments, each compartment configured to house a single moisture-sensitive pod containing a personal care liquid or gel concentrate formulation, each compartment further adapted to maintain each moisture-sensitive pod in a substantially moisture-free environment and each compartment configured to allow access to each pod on an individual basis without impacting the moisture-free environment of adjacent compartments.
258. The insert according to claim 257, wherein the insert comprises a first compartment wall region comprising a sealable aperture.
259. The insert according to claim 258, wherein the sealable aperture comprises a valve with one or more flexible panels that allow ejection of the moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment upon application of pressure to the one or more flexible panels.
260. The insert according to claim 259, wherein the valve comprises one or more flexible panels that are resealable following ejection of a moist-sensitive pod from the sealable holding compartment.
261. The insert according to claim 260 wherein the first compartment wall portion comprises a layer of silicone having opening slots formed therein to provide the valve having the one of more flexible panels.
262. The insert according to claim 258, wherein the first compartment wall portion comprises a penetrable sealing layer that allows ejection of the moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment upon application of pressure to penetrate the penetrable sealing layer.
263. The insert according to claim 262, wherein the penetrable sealing layer comprises a foil or paper film.
264. The insert according to claim 258, wherein the first compartment wall portion comprises a removable sealing layer that can be removed to expose the sealable aperture prior to, during or following insertion of the insert into the dispenser.
265. The insert according to claim 263, wherein the removable sealing layer comprises a foil or paper film.
266. The insert according to claim 258 wherein the plurality of holding compartments each comprise an exterior wall portion having a flexible region that guides the moisture-sensitive pod towards the internal sealable aperture upon application of external pressure to the exterior wall portion, to eject the moisture-sensitive pod from the holding compartment via the sealable aperture.
267. The dispenser according to claim 266 wherein the flexible region of the exterior wall portion comprises a moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region and extended travel regions adjacent the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region that provide for travel of the moisture-sensitive pod contacting region in the direction towards the internal sealable aperture upon application of the external pressure.
268. The insert according to claim 267 wherein the extended travel regions of the flexible regions of the exterior wall portions comprise elastic regions that are configured to translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region in the direction of the internal sealable aperture substantially without deformation of the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region.
269. The insert according to claim 267 wherein the extended travel regions comprise exterior wall bumps suspending the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region of the exterior wall portion therebetween, and wherein application of the external pressure at least partially deforms the exterior wall bumps in the direction of the internal sealable aperture to translate the moisture-sensitive pod enclosing region towards the internal sealable aperture.
270. The insert according to claim 257, wherein the insert comprises a single-use disposable insert that is made of an environmentally friendly material comprising any of a fiber-based material, a recyclable material and a compostable material.
271. The insert according to claim 270, wherein the single-use insert is pre-loaded with the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods for dispensing from the dispenser.
272. The insert according to claim 257, wherein the insert comprises a reusable, multi-use insert that is made of a durable material.
273. The insert according to claim 272, wherein the insert has at least partially re-sealable apertures and/or valves formed in the holding compartment walls.
274. The insert according to claim 272, wherein the reusable insert is configured to be manually and/or mechanically re-loaded with the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods for dispensing from the dispenser.
275. A dispenser according to any one of claims 1, 40, 76, 123, 166, and 209 comprising a tongue-in-groove mechanism to mechanically link one or more panels of a removable insert to corresponding panels of the dispenser, such that opening of an individual dispenser panel simultaneously opens an insert panel that is in mechanical communication with the dispenser panel, thereby exposing a moisture-sensitive pod in a holding compartment of the insert that is covered by the insert panel, without exposing moisture-sensitive pods in adjacent compartments.
276. A dispenser according to any of claims 5, 42, 80, 129, 177 and 233, wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a single use disposable insert that is made of an environmentally friendly material comprising any of a fiber-based material, a recyclable material and a compostable material.
277. The insert according to claim 270, wherein the single-use insert is pre-loaded with the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods for dispensing from the dispenser.
278. The insert according to any of claims 5, 42, 80, 129, 177 and 233, wherein the at least one removable insert comprises a reusable, multi-use insert that is made of a durable material.
279. The insert according to claim 278, wherein the reusable insert has at least partially re-sealable apertures and/or valves formed in the holding compartment walls.
280. The insert according to claim 278, wherein the reusable insert is configured to be manually and/or mechanically re-loaded with the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods for dispensing from the dispenser.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 18, 2018
Publication Date: Jun 24, 2021
Inventors: Mark Diker (New York, NY), Jochen Rainer Schaepers (New York, NY), Michael Anthony Bambino (Sunnyside, NY)
Application Number: 16/757,313