Abstract: A toothpaste dispensing system includes a low-profile toothpaste dispenser with a housing, a pumping system disposed in the housing, the pumping system having a inlet and an outlet, the pumping system having a rest state and an active state, the pumping system ejecting toothpaste as it transitions from the rest state to the active state, and a low-force activator coupled to the pumping system to transition the pumping system from the rest state to active state. The system also includes a toothpaste refill coupled to the inlet of the pump. The dispenser and refill may be all or part of a dental hygiene kit.

Abstract: Beverage brewing devices having a brewing unit having a brewing chamber and a closure mechanism, the closure mechanism having an open and closed orientation and a pod holder configured to hold a pod containing an extractable material, the pod having a peripheral flange, wherein the pod holder has a cup, a ledge extending substantially horizontally from the cup in an outward direction, and a gasket connected to the ledge about the cup, wherein, when the closure mechanism is in the closed orientation, a seal is created between the peripheral flange of the pod and the gasket of the pod holder to prevent bypass of liquid around the pod.

Abstract: A closure mechanism particularly useful in a brewing device includes a cover member rotatably disposed above the brewing device. A slider member is slidably disposed within an interior cavity of the cover member and has one or more tabs which may extend outside of the interior cavity. The brewing device has one or more receptacles for receiving the tabs when the cover member is closed. A lid member on top of the cover member may push the tabs into the receptacles through a link member. A release arm is disposed within the brewing device and has at least one blocker which releasably holds a tab of the slider member within a receptacle when the cover member is closed.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to pumps and valving arrangements for fluid dispensers. The invention further relates to dispensers incorporating a pump. The pumps herein comprise a dose chamber, a resilient actuator, valves for controlling the flow of fluid into and out of the dose chamber and the upper and lower pump halves each formed from unitary mouldings, at least the upper pump half comprising a semirigid, thermoplastic material. The pumps are easily made via injection moulding from a small number of parts. Combination of the pump with a fluid reservoir provides a fluid dispenser which may further comprise an atomiser for forming a spray as fluid is ejected from a dispenser outlet. Methods of making the pump and valving arrangements are also provided by the invention.

Abstract: A motorized stain-removal brush having a cleaning composition dispenser is provided. A method of using the motorized stain-removal brush for cleaning inanimate surfaces is also provided. The motorized stain-removal brush includes a handle having a motor disposed therein, a head having a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. Bristle holders are associated with the head. The motor is operatively connected to the bristle holder.