Apparatus including a selective interface system between two sub-components
A three-dimensional selectively actuating interface system includes mating complementary raised and recessed surfaces, which may be projected in the shape of an indicium, such as a trade logo or trade mark, to limit the number of spatial relationships at which two sub-parts of an assembly may be assembled. Additional complementary opposing surface irregularities disposed on the raised and recessed surfaces provide a further mechanical restriction in a height direction on the number of possible spatial relationships at which the two sub-parts may be matably assembled. Combined, there is only a single spatial orientation at which the two sub-parts may be assembled. In addition, an electronic switching or detection system may be implemented, which is activated by the proper mating of the two sub-parts. The detection system acts an electronic switch for turning on (or off) another system coupled to the assembly.
Not applicable
REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot applicable
SEQUENTIAL LISTINGNot applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a system for selective interface between two matable sub-components of an assembly.
2. Description of the Background of the Invention
Systems for selectively allowing an actuating interface between two or more sub-parts of a competed assembly are well know. For example, a lock and key system, such as for a door, is designed to allow activation or deactivation of the lock only when the correct key is properly interfaced with the lock. Such lock and key systems have been adapted and improved upon for centuries.
In another form, a selective actuation interface system has been used with two part dispensing systems, which include a reusable dispensing base and replaceable product container, to allow only selected containers to be used with the dispensing base in order to prevent unauthorized refill containers from being used with the dispensing base. While many selective actuation interface systems are possible, it has sometimes been desirable to incorporate a logo or trademark as part of the interface system for product identification purposes and for aesthetic purposes.
In one instance, a refillable toner cartridge uses a cap as a mechanical key to lock the toner cartridge onto a print cartridge receptacle. The mechanical key and lock incorporate complementary logo or trademark indicia to align and releasably engage the toner cartridge and print cartridge receptacle. In another instance, a keying mechanism between a toner cartridge and a print cartridge receptacle has a plurality of openings that form visual indicia in the form of a logo or trademark that cooperate with a plurality of protrusions to temporarily lock the toner cartridge to the print cartridge receptacle. In yet a further instance, a keying mechanism for a toner cartridge and a print cartridge includes an electronic keying system having interface circuit contacts arranged in the shape of a logo or trademark. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a first component that mates to a second component. The first component includes a projected surface having a shape of an indicium, and the second component has a recessed surface complementary to the projected surface and adapted to receive the projected surface therein. A first surface irregularity is disposed on the projected surface, and a second surface irregularity is disposed on the recessed surface and is adapted to interfittingly receive the first surface irregularity. The first component mates to the second component in a pre-selected spatial orientation complementary to the shape of the indicium.
According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for dispensing a flowable substance contained therein includes a base unit releasably attachable to a container unit containing the flowable substance. The base unit is adapted to broadcast the flowable substance into the atmosphere. One of the base unit and the container unit includes a raised surface defining a shape of a trade indicium, and the other of the base unit and the container unit includes a recessed surface that selectively engages the raised surface. The apparatus has an assembled position in which the base unit is in fluid communication with the container unit when the raised surface is selectively engaged with the recessed surface. A dispensing activator having a first portion associated with the base unit and a second portion associated with the container unit is activated to broadcast the flowable substance when the apparatus is in the assembled position.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a refill unit for releasable attachment to a base unit includes a container having an outer wall surface, a first guide member surface having a shape of a trade indicium disposed on and displaced from the outer wall surface, and a second guide member surface disposed on and displaced from the first guide member surface. The refill unit is adapted for fluid communication with the base unit when the first guide member surface and the second guide member surface are interfittingly mated with complementary second and third base unit guide member surfaces.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description in which;
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Turning now to
As seen more clearly in
Disposed on the raised surface 36 are surface irregularities, such as ridges 42, that interfit with complementary opposing surface irregularities, such as grooves 44 (shown in
As shown more clearly in
When assembled with the male portion 26 and the female portion 32 correctly aligned and mated, a releasable latching mechanism, such as a snap fit mechanism, releasably secures the container unit 22 with the base unit 24 such that a duct or opening 56 from the container unit 22 is aligned with a duct or opening 58 in the base unit 24 to allow direct fluid communication between the base unit and the container unit. In the depicted embodiment, the snap fit mechanism includes male protrusions 50 on the side of the cap 28 that snap fit into female undercut regions 52 of a sidewall 54 of the recess 34. In other embodiments, other latching mechanism shapes are used and other latching mechanisms are used to secure the container unit 22 with the base unit 24, such as, for example, complementary magnets disposed at one or both of the cap 28 and the recess 30. In a further embodiment, the ducts 56 and 58 are offset from a center point of the lid 28 so that the ducts align with each other only when the male portion 26 and the female portion 32 of the interface system are correctly aligned. In yet another embodiment, the latching mechanisms are also selectively aligned so that the container unit 22 can only latch to the base unit 24 when the male portion 26 and the female portion 32 of the interface system are correctly aligned and mated. In a still further embodiment, the ducts 56 and 58 are configured at the raised surface 36 and the recessed surface 40 such that the duct openings directly engage each other when the ridges 42 and grooves 44 are interfitted. Otherwise, when the ducts 56 and 58 are not directly engaged, fluid flow between the base unit 24 and the container unit 22 is prevented or hindered due to the space between the raised surface 36 and the recessed surface 40 because there is no continuous path of fluid communication between the container unit and the base unit 24, which thereby prevents or otherwise hinders efficient fluid flow therebetween.
Turning now to
In addition to the physical interface structures already described herein, the interface system 100 also includes an activation system that activates only when the male key portion 102 is correctly mated to the female key portion 104. The activation system depicted in the drawings includes a dispensing activator having a sensor with a first portion associated with the male key portion 102 and a second portion associated with the female key portion 104, such as a detection system 106, and an actuator associated with the base unit 24, such as a dispenser system 108. The detection system 106 senses the presence of a correct pre-selected mating key portion and activates or switches on the dispenser system 108 when the male key portion 102 is mated to the female key portion 104. In other embodiments, the detection system 106 acts as a switch for other types of actuators as appropriate for a particular application of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the detection system 106 includes a plurality of electrical contacts A2, B2, C2, D2 E2, F2, and G2 disposed on and around the male key portion 102. The electrical contacts A2, C2, E2, and G2 are disposed on the raised surface 36, and the electrical contacts B2, D2, and F2 are disposed on the end wall 38 near the raised surface. A complementary plurality of electrical contacts A1, B 1, C1, D1, E1, F1, and G1 is disposed on and about the recessed surface 40 and the upper wall 34. Each electrical contact A1-G1 aligns with and interfaces with one corresponding electrical contact A2-G2, respectively, only when the raised surface 36 is mated to the recessed surface 40 such that the grooves 44 interfit with the ridges 42. The electrical contacts A2-G2 are complementary to the electrical contacts A1-G1, such as, for example, having female connectors disposed opposite male connectors. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts A2-G2 are male connectors and the electrical contacts A1-G1 are female connectors, but other combinations of complementary connector pairs are also possible.
As shown diagrammatically in
In one embodiment of a detection system 106 (shown diagrammatically in
The circuits that connect to the detection system 106 may have any number and/or configuration depending on the overall configuration of the detection system as long as a pre-selected, identifiable validation signal or set of validation signals is generated to allow activation of the dispenser system 108. For example, in another embodiment of a detection system shown diagrammatically in
In one embodiment, a detector circuit 110, shown diagrammatically in
In operation, the memory circuit 152 directs the microprocessor 150 to transmit an address signal to the address decoder 144 via data bus 156. In response to the address signal, the address decoder 144 transmits a switching address code to the programmable switch array 140. In response to the switch address code, the programmable switch array 140 switchably couples the driver circuit 142 to one or more of the electrical connections A-G. The memory circuit 152 then directs the microprocessor 150 to transmit a second address signal to the address decoder 144, which in turn transmits a second switching address code to the programmable switch array 140, which in turn switchably couples another of the electrical connections A-G with the sense amplifier 146 to send a validation signal thereto. The sense amplifier 146 amplifies and transmits the validation signal to the A/D converter 154, which converts the validation signal into digital form and transmits the converted validation signal to the microprocessor 150. The microprocessor then compares the validation signal to a stored data value maintained in the memory circuit 152 and determines whether the validation signal matches the stored data value. This process is repeated for each of the signal circuits 114 and 116 and the ground circuit 118, and if all the validation signals are correct, then the microprocessor transmits an activation signal, or “on” signal 160, to the dispensing system 108 to activate the dispensing system.
Turning now to
The present invention may be used with a dispensing apparatus for an air care product having a non-consumable dispensing base unit that connects to a consumable container for the air care product. The dispensing unit may include a dispensing system such as a wick and a fan, a tympanic resonator, a thermal evaporator, or other known dispensing systems for broadcasting an air care product into the atmosphere. The consumable container may be re-usable, single use, or a refill container filled with air care product, such as a volatile fragrance, insect repellent or insecticide, sanitizer, and/or other similar product in a form, such as liquid, gaseous, or granular, that allows fluid flow between the container and the dispenser. The present invention may also be used with other two-part dispensing systems, such as, for example, a single use container and a spray pump for cleaner products, or a dispenser cap and a refill container for shave products.
The present invention may-further be used for two part apparatuses that are not dispensing systems. A three-dimensional interface system such as described herein may be used for almost any multi-part system to allow only certain parts to be assembled together in a mating relationship. Further, when combined with the three-dimensional interface system, an electronic detection system such as described herein may be particularly useful when any part of the multi-part system includes electronic actuation systems, such as, for example, a dispensing activator for broadcasting an air care product to the surrounding atmosphere. Selectively allowing only certain mating relationships between sub-parts of a multi-part system is useful to ensure that only the correct two sub-parts are mated together and also facilitates easily assuring a proper mating relationship between the two sub-parts.
Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all modifications within the scope of the impending claims are reserved.
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a first component that mates to a second component;
- the first component including a projected surface having a shape of an indicium;
- the second component having a recessed surface complementary to the projected surface and adapted to receive the projected surface therein;
- a first surface irregularity disposed on the projected surface;
- a second surface irregularity disposed on the recessed surface and adapted to interfittingly receive the first surface irregularity;
- wherein the first component mates to the second component in a pre-selected spatial orientation complementary to the shape of the indicium.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first component includes a reusable dispensing unit and the second component includes a container for a product to be dispensed by the dispensing unit.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first component mates to the second component in at most one pre-selected spatial orientation complementary to the shape of the indicium with the first surface irregularity interfittingly received by the second surface irregularity.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shape is a trade indicium.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface irregularity includes a high region having a high point at a first level and a low region having another high point at another level.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface irregularity includes a groove and the second surface irregularity includes a ridge that interfits with the groove.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a first portion of a detection circuit carried by the first component and a second portion of the detection circuit carried by the second component, wherein the first portion of the detection circuit and the second portion of the detection circuit are engaged to complete the detection circuit only when the first component mates to the second component.
8. An apparatus for dispensing a flowable substance contained therein, the apparatus comprising:
- a base unit releasably attachable to a container unit containing the flowable substance, the base unit adapted to broadcast the flowable substance into the atmosphere;
- one of the base unit and the container unit including a raised surface defining a shape of a trade indicium and the other of the base unit and the container unit including a recessed surface that selectively engages the raised surface;
- wherein the apparatus has an assembled position in which the base unit is in fluid communication with the container unit when the raised surface is selectively engaged with the recessed surface; and
- a dispensing activator having a first portion associated with the base unit and a second portion associated with the container unit, wherein the dispensing activator is activated to broadcast the flowable substance when the apparatus is in the assembled position.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a decoder circuit associated with the dispensing activator, wherein the decoder circuit enables the dispensing activator to activate when a pre-selected validation signal is received thereby.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the dispensing activator includes an electrical signal circuit having a first circuit portion associated with the base unit and a second circuit portion associated with the container unit, wherein the electrical signal circuit allows activation of the dispensing activator only when the apparatus is in the assembled position.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first circuit portion includes a first electrical contact and the second circuit portion includes a second electrical contact, wherein the first electrical contact interfaces with the second electrical contact only when the apparatus is in the assembled position.
12. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a first surface irregularity disposed on the raised surface that is complementary to a second surface irregularity disposed on the recessed surface, wherein the first surface irregularity interfits with the second surface irregularity when the apparatus is in the assembled position.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first surface irregularity and the second surface irregularity define a substantially continuous interface surface between the base dispenser unit and the container unit in the assembled position.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first surface irregularity includes a plurality of ridges and the second surface irregularity includes a plurality of grooves that are complementary to the ridges.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein one of the ridges has a first height and another of the ridges has a second height different than the first height.
16. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the flowable substance includes a fluid volatile air care product.
17. A refill unit for releasable attachment to a base unit, the refill unit comprising:
- a container having an outer wall surface;
- a first guide member surface having a shape of a trade indicium disposed on and displaced from the outer wall surface; and
- a second guide member surface disposed on and displaced from the first guide member surface;
- wherein the refill unit is adapted for fluid communication with the base unit when the first guide member surface and the second guide member surface are interfittingly mated with complementary second and third base unit guide member surfaces.
18. The refill unit of claim 17, wherein the second guide member surface includes a plurality of ridges.
19. The refill unit of claim 18, wherein a first portion of the ridges has a first height at a first level and a second portion of the ridges has a second height at a second level.
20. The refill unit of claim 17, and further comprising a first portion of a sensor disposed on the outer wall surface and a second portion of a sensor disposed on the first guide member surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 9, 2005
Publication Date: Dec 14, 2006
Inventors: John Cronin (Essex Junction, VT), Seth Cronin (Milton, VT)
Application Number: 11/149,009
International Classification: A47D 15/00 (20060101);