MOISTURE-SENSITIVE POD DISPENSER AND METHOD

Abstract

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 formulation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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.

BACKGROUND

Personal 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 don't 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.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,097,068 issued Aug. 29, 2006, and U.S. PG-Pub No. 2005/0279755 to Jansen describes dispenser that holds a plurality of tablets and/or capsules, with mechanical means that rotate to dispense the tablets and/or capsules. However, such mechanical means may not provide adequate protection of pods with films that may be sensitive to rupture and/or breakage, and so may result in an unacceptable number of broken and/or leaking pods with use.

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.

SUMMARY

Aspects 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. According to certain aspects, the dispenser may comprise a removable refill cartridge that is made of an environmentally friendly material, such as for example a paper-based and/or recyclable material, as is discussed in further detail herein.

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 comprising one or more water resistant walls and having an interior compartment configured to hold the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods therein. The dispenser further comprises a dispenser outlet configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod from the interior compartment. The dispenser also comprises a valve disposed in between the interior compartment and the dispenser outlet, the valve serving as a moisture-inhibiting barrier and comprising one or more flexible panels. The valve is configured to (i) inhibit passage therethrough of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods from the interior compartment to the dispenser outlet, and (ii) permit passage of a first moisture-sensitive pod from among the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the interior compartment towards the dispenser outlet, upon acceleration of the first moisture-sensitive pod to exert a first force exceeding a predetermined level on the one or more flexible panels, thereby pushing the first moisture-sensitive pod through the one or more panels towards the dispenser outlet. According to yet another aspect, the dispenser can comprise a dual-compartment dispenser, which may be capable of dispensing first moisture-sensitive pods held in a first interior compartment, and second moisture-sensitive pods in a second compartment, so as to allow for individual dispensing of separate pods, such as according to a user's preference.

In another embodiment, a method of dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod containing a personal care liquid or gel formulation is provided. The method includes providing a dispenser comprising a dispenser body comprising one or more water resistant walls and having an interior compartment configured to hold the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods therein, the dispenser further comprising a dispenser outlet configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod from the interior compartment, and a valve disposed in between the interior compartment and the dispenser outlet, the valve serving as a moisture-sensitive barrier and comprising one or more flexible panels. The valve is configured to (i) inhibit passage therethrough of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods from the interior compartment to the dispenser outlet, and (ii) permit passage of a first moisture-sensitive pod from among the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the interior compartment towards the dispenser outlet, upon acceleration of the first moisture-sensitive pod to exert a first force exceeding a predetermined level on the one or more flexible panels, thereby pushing the first moisture-sensitive pod through the one or more panels towards the dispenser outlet. The method further comprises performing an operation to move the dispenser such that the first moisture-sensitive pod is accelerated at the first force that exceeds the predetermined level to push the first moisture-sensitive pod through the one or more panels, and receiving the first moisture-sensitive pod from the dispenser outlet.

These and other aspects of the invention are further disclosed in the detailed description and examples which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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.

FIGS. 1A-1H show perspective and schematic views of an embodiment of a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the moisture-sensitive pod dispenser of FIGS. 1A-1H, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 3A-3D shows schematic views of embodiments of valves for a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 4A-4F show perspective and schematic views of another embodiment of a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 5A-5D are an exploded view and perspective views of the moisture-sensitive pod dispenser of FIGS. 4A-4F, according to aspects herein;

FIG. 6 is another an exploded view of the moisture-sensitive pod dispenser of FIGS. 4A-4F, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 7A-7F are further perspective and schematic views of the moisture-sensitive pod dispenser of FIGS. 4A-4F, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 8A-8D are schematic and exploded views of sections of the moisture-sensitive pod dispenser of FIGS. 4A-4F, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 9A-9I are schematic views of a pod funnel and valves, and other components of the moisture-sensitive pod dispenser of FIGS. 4A-4F, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 10A-10C are schematic views of valves and receiving chambers of the moisture-sensitive pod dispenser of FIGS. 4A-4F, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 11A-11C are schematic views of a refill cartridge of the moisture-sensitive pod dispenser of FIGS. 4A-4F, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 12A-12H are perspective and schematic views of sections of the moisture-sensitive pod dispenser of FIGS. 4A-4F, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 13A-13D are perspective views of another embodiment of a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 14A-14D are further perspective views of the embodiment of the moisture-sensitive pod dispenser of FIGS. 13A-13D, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 15A-15B are perspective views of a section of the embodiment of the moisture-sensitive pod dispenser of FIGS. 13A-13D, according to aspects herein

FIGS. 16A-16C are perspective views of another embodiment of a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 17A-17C are perspective views of another embodiment of a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 18A-18D are perspective views of another embodiment of a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 19A-19D are perspective views of another embodiment of a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 20A-20D are perspective views of another embodiment of a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 21A-21D are perspective views of another embodiment of a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 22A-22D are perspective views of another embodiment of a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 23A-23D are perspective views of another embodiment of a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 24A-24D are perspective views of another embodiment of a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

FIGS. 25A-25D are perspective views of another embodiment of a moisture-sensitive pod dispenser, according to aspects herein;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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 has a valve 300 that serves as a moisture-inhibiting barrier for moisture-sensitive pods 102 stored in the dispenser, while also allowing the pods 102 to be dispensed from the dispenser. By inhibiting the access of moisture to the moisture-sensitive pods being held in the dispenser, 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 FIGS. 1A-1H and 2, an embodiment of a dispenser 100 for dispensing a plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102 containing personal care liquid or gel formulations is shown. In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises a dispenser body 104 comprising one or more water resistant walls 106, and having an interior compartment 110 configured to hold the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102 therein. The dispenser 100 further comprises at least one dispenser outlet 116 that is configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod 102 from the interior compartment 110. According to embodiments herein, the dispenser further comprises valve 300 disposed in between the interior compartment 110 and the dispenser outlet 116, with valve serving as a moisture-inhibiting barrier to inhibit entry of moisture into the interior compartment 110. Referring to FIGS. 1A-1H, 2 and 3A-3D, the valve 300 comprises one or more flexible panels 302, and is configured to inhibit passage therethrough of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods from the interior compartment to the dispenser outlet. That is, according to certain embodiments, the valve 300 may be sufficiently rigid and/or supportive such that the pods 102 are inhibited from leaving the interior compartment by the presence of the valve 300, such as to control dispensing of the pods from the interior compartment.

According to certain embodiments, the valve is configured to permit passage of a first moisture-sensitive pod 102 from among the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the interior compartment towards the dispenser outlet, upon acceleration of the first moisture-sensitive pod to exert a first force exceeding a predetermined level on the one or more flexible panels 302, thereby pushing the first moisture-sensitive pod through the one or more panels towards the dispenser outlet. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the valve 300 may be configured such that when a pod is accelerated towards the valve with sufficient force, the pod is capable of passing through the valve and out of the interior compartment, such as for example for dispensing of the pod.

According to one embodiment, the valve 300 is configured to permit passage of only a single moisture-sensitive pod 102 from among the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the interior compartment 110 upon exertion of the first force exceeding the predetermined level on the one or more panels 302 of the valve 300, and inhibit passage therethrough of any moisture-sensitive pods remaining in the interior compartment 110, until a subsequent moisture-sensitive pod is passed through the valve by acceleration of the subsequent moisture-sensitive pod to exert a second force exceeding the predetermined level on the one or more panels of the valve. For example, the valve 300 may be configured such that it only permits a single, but not more, pods 102 to pass therethrough when the predetermined level of force is applied to the one or more panels 302 of the valve. In certain embodiments, this may provide for individual dispensing of the pods from the interior compartment, such that a user may access one pod at a time, and can protect pods remaining interior compartment from excessive contact with moisture. Moreover, according to certain embodiments, the valve 300 may provide for protection of the pods from moisture while in the interior compartment, while also allowing for a relatively gentle means for dispensing the pods, with substantially reduced risk of rupturing or ripping the pods or otherwise causing the pods to break or leak. The dispenser with valve may this increase user satisfaction with use of the pods, and the efficiency with which the pods can be dispensed and used.

In one embodiment, the one or more flexible panels 302 of the valve 300 comprise an elastic modulus that is sufficiently high to resist passage of the plurality of the pods 102 therethrough until the predetermined level of force is applied to the one or more panels of the valve to open the valve, and to return the one or more flexible panels to a closed state that inhibits the passage of the plurality of pods therethrough once the predetermined level of force on the one or more panels is released. According to certain embodiments, the flexible panels may be sized, shaped, configured, and constructed from a flexible material, that provides sufficient stiffness to hold the pods over the valve in the absence of application of the predetermined level of force, but the panels may also be sized, shaped configured and formed of a material such that they are sufficiently flexible so as to bend and allow a pod through the valve once the predetermined level of force is applied. According to certain aspects, subsequent release of the predetermined level of force causes the one or more flexible panels to return back to their prior configuration, thereby inhibiting the passage of further pods through the valve 300 until a next instance in which the predetermined level of force is applied. In one embodiment, one or more of the panels 302, and even substantially the entire valve 300, may be formed of a flexible material such as silicone, although other flexible materials may also be provided.

According to one embodiment, the one or more flexible panels 302 of the valve 300 are biased towards a closed state of the valve that inhibits passage of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102 therethrough. Application of the predetermined level of force on the one or more biased panels causes the one or more panels to bend and/or flex to temporarily transition the valve 300 to an open state to permit passage of the first moisture-sensitive pod therethrough. According to this embodiment, the one or more flexible panels 302 returns to the closed state upon release of the predetermined level of force.

According to one embodiment, the first moisture-sensitive pod is accelerated to apply the predetermined level of pressure to the one or more panels 302 of the valve 300 by a motion and/or operation performed by the user that accelerates the moisture-sensitive pod. For example, the user may move the dispenser 100 in a manner that accelerates the pod 102 therein towards the valve 300 with enough force to push the pod through the valve 300. Examples of operations and/or motions that can be performed by a user to accelerate the pod 102 within the dispenser 100 can include one or more of shaking, agitating, tapping, flicking, whipping, and jiggling the dispenser 100, such as for example by movement of a user's arm or wrist, so as to accelerate the first moisture sensitive pod in a direction towards the one or more panels of the valve. In one embodiment, the acceleration necessary to push the pod 102 through the valve 300 can be achieved via a moderate flick and/or shake of the user's arm and/or wrist while the dispenser is grasped in the user's hand, with the movement imparting an acceleration to the pod 102 having a downward component that pushes the pod 102 through the valve 300. In other embodiments, a moderate tap and/or bump to the dispenser by the user's hand, or tapping and/or bumping of the dispenser on a counter or other hard surface, may be sufficient to accelerate the pod through the valve 300. The dispenser 100 may thus provide a pleasing ease of use to the user in dispensing the pod in certain embodiments, as a moderate movement may be adequate to pass the pod beyond the valve. Furthermore, as discussed above, the user may perform a first operation or movement such as a first moderate shake or jiggle to dispense a first moisture-sensitive pod through the valve 300, while retaining the remaining moisture-sensitive pods within the interior compartment 110 of the dispenser 100, and then perform a second subsequent operation or movement, such as a second moderate shake or jiggle, to dispense a second moisture-sensitive pod 102 through the valve 300. The force necessary to expel the pod through the valve 300, and thus the acceleration needed for imparting to the pod, may be dependent on the size and mass of the pod, as well as the flexibility and/or stiffness and configuration of the valve. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the valve may be configured and devised to provide for dispensing of pods according to the pod type (e.g., size and mass) for an operation and/or movement of the user.

According to yet another embodiment, the dispenser 100 further comprises a receiving chamber 400 disposed between the valve 300 and the dispenser outlet 116, the receiving chamber 400 being configured to receive the first moisture-sensitive pod therein and maintain the pod in a substantially moisture-free environment until the first moisture-sensitive pod is dispensed through the dispenser outlet 116. In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1A-1H, the receiving chamber 400 is located at a lower end of the dispenser 100, below the upper portion of the dispenser body 104 having the interior compartment 110 where the plurality of pods can be stored. In certain embodiments, a pod exiting the interior compartment 110 through the valve passes downwardly into receiving chamber 400 located below the valve, and/or the receiving chamber may be aligned below the interior compartment with the valve 300 therebetween. According to certain aspects, the receiving chamber 101 can also comprise water-resistant walls 106 of the dispenser body, to inhibit penetration of moisture into the receiving chamber 400.

According to one embodiment, the receiving chamber 400 is sized, shaped, and configured to receive a single moisture-sensitive pod therein, and to exclude any further moisture-sensitive pod from occupying the receiving chamber. That is, the receiving chamber in certain embodiments may be sized such that it can only accommodate only one pod at a time therein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a moisture-sensitive pod behind the valve 300 and above the receiving chamber 400 may be inhibited from passing through to the receiving chamber 400 not only by the presence of the valve 300, but also by the presence of another pod already in the receiving chamber. In certain cases, where the receiving chamber 400 is already occupied by a moisture-sensitive pod, acceleration of a pod in the interior compartment such as by shaking or other movement of a user will not pass the pod through the valve 300 and into the receiving chamber 400, because the pod already present in the receiving chamber 400 prevents the subsequent pod from entering the receiving chamber 400.

According to yet another embodiment, the receiving chamber 400 can be disposed with respect to the one or more flexible panels 302 of the valve 300 such that the presence of the first moisture-sensitive pod 102 in the receiving chamber 400 inhibits passage of a second moisture-sensitive pod 102 still in the interior compartment 110 through the valve 300, until the first moisture-sensitive pod 102 has been dispensed through the dispenser outlet 116 and out of the receiving chamber 400. That is, according to one embodiment, a pod 102 received in the receiving chamber 400 may at least partially physically block the one or more flexible panels from flexing and/or bending to open the valve, such that the valve is prevented from passing a subsequent pod 102 into the receiving chamber 400. Further, the receiving chamber 400 can size-restrict further moisture-sensitive pods from entering the receiving chamber, by virtue of it already being occupied by a first pod taking up a significant portion of the internal receiving chamber volume, such that a subsequent pod is unable to fit in the receiving chamber 400 with the first pod. Thus, the receiving chamber 400 in certain embodiments can be configured to provide a further means of control of dispensing of pods from the interior compartment 110, in addition to the control provided by the valve 300.

According to one embodiment, the dispenser outlet 116 is in communication with the receiving chamber 400, and comprises a closeable aperture 118 that can be closed to provide a substantially moisture-free environment in the receiving chamber 400, and that can be opened to release a moisture sensitive pod received in the receiving chamber 400. In one embodiment, the closeable aperture 118 is openable and/or closeable independently of opening and/or closing of the valve 300. That is, in one embodiment, when a pod 102 from the interior compartment 110 is accelerated to pass through the valve 300, the closeable aperture 118 may be maintained in a closed state such that the pod remains in the receiving chamber 400 and is not dispensed from the dispenser. The closeable aperture 118 may in certain aspects subsequently be opened to dispense a pod received in the receiving chamber 400 from the dispenser 100. In another embodiment, the closeable aperture 118 may be opened at a time when the pod is accelerated to pass through the valve 300, such that a pod is passed from the interior compartment 110 through the valve 300 and out of the closeable aperture to be dispensed from the dispenser. According to yet another embodiment, the closeable aperture 118 may be opened, but the pods are maintained in the interior compartment 110 by the control of the valve 300, until accelerated via movement and/or other operation of the user to pass a pod through the valve 300.

In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1A-1H, the dispenser outlet 116 comprises a bottom panel 120 of the receiving chamber 400 that is openable to release the first moisture-sensitive pod from the receiving chamber 400. The bottom panel 120 may be opened, according to one aspect, by depressing a button 402 on the dispenser body 104 that is in communication with the bottom panel 120. According to one embodiment, the bottom panel 120 is biased towards an open position, such that release of the bottom panel 120 from a closed position (e.g., via pressing of the button 402) causes the bottom panel 120 to swing towards an open position. In one aspect, the bottom panel is biased by providing an elastic material on an interior surface of the bottom panel that is compressed upon closing of the panel, and that exerts a re-storing and/or springing action upon release of the panel to swing to the open state.

As further shown in FIGS. 1A-1H and 2, in one embodiment, the dispenser 100 comprises a pod funnel 404 positioned upstream of the valve 300, the pod funnel having funnel walls 406 that are capable of receiving the first moisture-sensitive pod from the interior compartment 110 and guiding and aligning the first moisture-sensitive pod to a predetermined position over the valve 300. The pod funnel 404 may thus help to position and align the pods 102 over the valve 300, so that acceleration of the pods pushes them through the valve 300, and may also in certain embodiments help to ensure that only a single pod is positioned on top of the valve at any given point in time. For example, if the interior compartment 110 is large enough to accommodate two or more pods side-by-side therein, the funnel 404 may act to separate the pods so that just a single pod at a time is positioned over the valve 300. In one embodiment, the funnel walls 406 taper from a larger diameter at an upper opening of the funnel, to a lower diameter that is sized to accommodate the dimension of a single pod 102, so as to isolate a single pod from the interior chamber 110 over the valve 300.

In one embodiment, the interior compartment 110 comprises a removable refill cartridge 108 that is configured to hold the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods 102. In one embodiment, the removable refill cartridge 108 may be positioned within the dispenser body 104, and may be removable to refill with fresh pods once the plurality of pods in the dispenser have been dispensed, for example by removing an upper portion 112 of the dispenser body 104 from a base portion 114 if the dispenser body 104 to expose the refill cartridge 108, which can itself be removed for refill and/or replacement of the cartridge 108. In another embodiment, the cartridge 108 is fixed in position in the dispenser 100, and may be accessed by removing the upper portion 112 of the dispenser body 104 to expose the cartridge, such as for refill of the cartridge with fresh pods 102. In one embodiment, the dispenser body comprises one or more water resistant walls forming a removable cover as the upper portion 112 of the dispenser body, configured to at least partly surround the interior compartment 110, the removable cover being configured to be received by the base portion 114 comprising the dispensing outlet 116. According to certain aspects, the cartridge may be removable, or the cartridge may be fixed into position in the dispenser. The cartridge 108 may be sized and shaped to provide an internal compartment 110 suitable for the pods, such as an internal compartment that accommodates a single stack of pods, and/or an internal compartment that accommodates a plurality of pods co-mingled in different configurations. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1H, the internal compartment 110 is sized to provide a single stack of pods with each pod on top of the subsequent pod beneath it, with the bottom-most pod being over the valve 300 in the funnel 404. Other configurations may also be provided according to aspects herein.

According to embodiments herein, the valve 300 and one or more flexible panels 302 can comprise various sizes shapes and configurations, which are adapted to provide for control in dispensing pods held in the dispenser 100. According to one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the valve 300 comprises a plurality of inwardly extending panels 302 that are affixed at a first end 304a thereof to one or more interior walls of the dispenser 100, and having second free ends 304b that converge at center region of the valve 300 to form a valve aperture 306. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D the panels 302 and/or valve aperture 306 can comprise various shapes and configurations, including cross-shapes, star shapes, shapes with 4 panels, shapes with 6 panels, shapes with relatively wide valve apertures 306, and shapes with relatively narrow valve apertures. For example, configurations of the valve may be selected according to the type of pod to be dispensed, and the dispensing characteristics that may be sought. According to yet another embodiment, the valve 300 comprises a single panel 302 that is affixed to an interior wall of the dispenser 100 at a first end 304a of the panel, and that comprises a second free end 304b that is bendable and/or flexible to provide a valve aperture 306 upon flexing of the panel, as shown for example in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4F, 5A-5D, 6, 7A-7F, 8A-8D, 9A-9I, 10A-10C, 11A-11C and 12A-12H, yet another embodiment of the dispenser 100 is shown, that is capable of dispensing pods from within to separated interior compartments, such as for example to dispense a first type of pod (e.g., shampoo pod) from the first compartment, and a second type of pod (e.g., conditioner pod) from the second compartment. Generally speaking, such as dual-compartment dispenser 100 can comprise any of the components and/or configurations as discussed for the single-compartment dispenser above, as optionally modified for dual compartment dispensing. Referring to FIGS. 4A-4F, 5A-5D, 6 and 7A-7F, in one embodiment of dual-compartment dispenser 100, the dispenser comprises first and second interior compartments 110a, 110b each configured to hold a first plurality and a second plurality of moisture-sensitive pods therein, respectively. The dispenser further comprises one or more dispenser outlets 116 configured to dispense moisture-sensitive pods from the first interior compartment and the second interior department.

According to one embodiment, the dual-compartment dispenser 100 further comprises a first valve 300a disposed in between the first interior compartment 110a and the one or more dispenser outlets 116, and a second valve 300b disposed in between the second interior compartment 110b and the one or more dispenser outlets 116, the first and second valves each comprising one or more flexible panels. As similarly discussed for the single-compartment dispenser described elsewhere herein, according to one embodiment, the first valve is configured to inhibit passage therethrough of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods from the first interior compartment to the one or more dispenser outlets, and also to permit passage of a first moisture-sensitive pod from among the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the first interior compartment towards the one or more dispenser outlets, upon acceleration of the first moisture-sensitive pod to exert a first force exceeding a first predetermined level on the one or more flexible panels, thereby pushing the first moisture-sensitive pod through the one or more panels towards the one or more dispenser outlets. According to one embodiment, the second valve is configured to inhibit passage therethrough of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods from the second interior compartment to the one or more dispenser outlets, and to permit passage of a second moisture-sensitive pod from among the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the second interior compartment towards the one or more dispenser outlets, upon acceleration of the second moisture-sensitive pod to exert a second first force exceeding a second predetermined level on the one or more flexible panels, thereby pushing the second moisture-sensitive pod through the one or more panels towards the one or more dispenser outlets.

According to certain embodiments, the dispenser 100 can further comprise a first receiving chamber 400a disposed between the first valve 300a and a first dispenser outlet 116a, and a second receiving chamber 400b disposed between the second valve 300b and a second dispenser outlet 116b, the first and second receiving chambers being configured to respectively receive the first moisture-sensitive pod and the second moisture-sensitive pod therein, and maintain the pods in a substantially moisture-free environment until either or both of the first and second moisture-sensitive pods are dispensed through the first and/or second dispenser outlets, as shown for example in FIGS. 7A-7F. The dispenser can further comprise a funnel 400 to guide respective pods towards the first and second valves 300a, 300b. Furthermore, while the valves 300 shown in embodiments of FIGS. 7A-7F comprise a single panel 402, the valves may also comprise any other size, shape or configuration otherwise described herein, such as a star shape.

According to one embodiment, the first and second dispenser outlets 116a, 116b are independently openable so as to provide individual dispensing of the first and second moisture-sensitive pods separately from one another. That is, a first dispenser outlet 116a may be operated to dispense a first pod from the first interior compartment, separately from a second pod in a second interior compartment, and vice versa, such that a user can dispense a type of pod according to selection. According to one embodiment, the first dispenser outlet 116a comprises a first bottom panel 120 of the first receiving chamber 400a that is openable to release the first moisture-sensitive pod from the first receiving chamber 400a, and the second dispenser outlet 116b comprises a second bottom panel 120 of the second receiving chamber 400b that is openable to release the second moisture-sensitive pod from the second receiving chamber 400b (see, e.g., bottom panel of single-compartment dispenser in FIG. 1F).

Referring back to FIGS. 5A-5D, according to yet another embodiment, the dispenser 100 can comprise an aperture 130 that can be rotated to align with the first dispenser outlet to provide an open state of the first dispenser outlet 116a that allows dispensing of the first moisture-sensitive pod from the first dispenser outlet 116b while the second dispenser outlet 116b is maintained in a closed state, and that can be rotated to align with the second dispenser outlet 116b to provide an open state of the second dispenser outlet 116b that allows dispensing of the second moisture-sensitive pod from the second dispenser outlet 116b while the first dispenser outlet 116a is maintained in a closed state. As is also shown in FIG. 6, in certain embodiments a valve closer 500 can be provided that may be rotated into position below either of the first and second valves 300a, 300b, so as to block a first valve 300a while a pod is passed through the second valve 400b, or vice versa. A user may be able to rotate the valve closer, such as for example in conjunction with, or separately from, the rotatable aperture 130, so as to select for dispensing from either the first or second interior compartments, independently of the other compartment.

According to one embodiment, a method of dispensing with any of the dispense embodiments described herein may be provided. For example, according to one aspect, a method of dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod containing a personal care liquid or gel formulation can comprise providing a dispenser 100 comprising a dispenser body comprising one or more water resistant walls and having an interior compartment configured to hold the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods therein, a dispenser outlet configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod from the interior compartment, and a valve disposed in between the interior compartment and the dispenser outlet, the valve serving as a moisture-sensitive barrier and comprising one or more flexible panels. As in embodiment described elsewhere herein, the valve can be configured to inhibit passage therethrough of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods from the interior compartment to the dispenser outlet, and permit passage of a first moisture-sensitive pod from among the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the interior compartment towards the dispenser outlet, upon acceleration of the first moisture-sensitive pod to exert a first force exceeding a predetermined level on the one or more flexible panels, thereby pushing the first moisture-sensitive pod through the one or more panels towards the dispenser outlet. To dispense a pod from the dispenser, the method comprises performing an operation to move the dispenser such that the first moisture-sensitive pod is accelerated at the first force that exceeds the predetermined level to push the first moisture-sensitive pod through the one or more panels. The user then receives the moisture-sensitive pod from the dispenser outlet after performing the operation, such as by opening a bottom panel of the dispenser 100.

According to one embodiment, the dispenser is moved to accelerate the first moisture-sensitive pod and push the pod through the one or more panels of the valve by any one or more of shaking, jiggling, flicking, whipping and tapping the dispenser, in a direction having a component parallel to a direction of travel of the first moisture-sensitive pod through the valve towards the outlet. For example, any of the operations and/or movements described elsewhere herein may be performed, to pass a pod through the valve. Furthermore, according to certain embodiments, a movement by the user dispenses a single moisture-sensitive pod from the dispenser, and the user repeats the movement to dispense subsequent moisture-sensitive pods from the dispenser in a sequential manner. In one embodiment, the movement by the user dispenses a single moisture-sensitive pod into a receiving chamber 400 having the outlet 116, and wherein the user accesses the receiving chamber 400 to dispense the single moisture-sensitive pod from the dispenser, such as for example by opening a panel of the receiving chamber to dispense the single moisture-sensitive pod from the dispenser. According to one embodiment, the user can perform a first movement (e.g., shaking the dispenser) to dispense the single moisture-sensitive pod into the receiving chamber having the outlet, and can perform a second movement (e.g., opening a bottom panel) to dispense the single-moisture sensitive pod from the receiving chamber via the outlet.

Further embodiments of the dispenser 100 and method of dispensing are described below with respect to the Figures.

FIGS. 1A-1H, 2 and 3A-3D illustrate various aspects of a single-chamber dispenser, including embodiments of valves 300 as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, and embodiments of the overall dispenser 100 in FIGS. 1A-1H and 2. FIGS. 4A-4F, 5A-5D, 6, 7A-7F, 8A-8D, 9A-9I, 10A-10C, 11A-11C, and 12A-12H illustrate aspects of a dual-chamber dispenser, with FIGS. 4A-4F, 5A-5D, 6 and 12A-12H illustrating aspects of the overall dispenser, FIGS. 7A-7F also illustrating aspects of first and second receiving chambers and first and second valves, FIGS. 8A-8D illustrating further aspects of a receiving chamber and optional valve closer, FIG. 9A-9I illustrating aspects of a funnel and first and second valves, as well as an optional valve closer 500, FIG. 10A-10C illustrating aspects of first and second valves 300 and receiving chamber, FIG. 11A-11C illustrating aspects of an optional refill cartridge 108. FIGS. 13A-13D, 14A-14D and 15A-15B illustrate further aspects of another embodiment of a single-compartment dispenser 100. FIGS. 16A-16B, 17A-17C, 18A-18D, 19A-19D, 20A-20D, 21A-21D, 22A-22D, 23A-23D, 24A-24D and 25A-25D illustrate further aspects of another embodiment of a dual-compartment dispenser 100.

Generally speaking, according to aspects herein, the 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. For example, the dispenser body 104 can comprise an elongated shape, a rounded shape, and/or a disc shape. In one embodiment, the walls 106 of the dispenser body 104 may preferably be constructed of a material that inhibits the penetration by moisture, so as to facilitate maintaining the pods 102 in a moisture free environment. In yet another embodiment, the walls 106 of the dispenser body may be formed of an environmentally friendly material, such as a recyclable material or biodegradable material, and/or a post-consumer recycled material. Suitable materials for forming the dispenser body 104 include plastics, such as bioplastics obtained from renewable biomass sources including starch-based plastics and cellulose based plastics, poly-lactic acid-based plastics, recycled PET plastics, bioresins, biodegradable plastics, recycled plastics, glass, metals (including recyclable metals such as aluminum), ceramics, composite materials, and paper or fiber-based materials such as paper, paperboard, corrugated and reinforced paper products, and material made from natural fibers. The dispenser body 104 can also comprise rubber or other materials to aid in gripping the dispenser 100, such as rubber pads or stripes on the body 104 of the dispenser 100. The dispenser body 104 may also optionally be coated with a water-resistant coating to further inhibit moisture penetration into the interior of the dispenser 100. Furthermore, while the dispenser 100 is configured to inhibit penetration of moisture into the interior, it is also contemplated that the dispenser 100 may be capable of dispensing one or more pods 102 that have little or no moisture sensitivity.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the removable refill cartridge 108 may be, formed of an environmentally friendly material, such as at least one of an environmentally friendly plastic, including recycled, recyclable and/or biodegradable plastic, such as bioplastics obtained from renewable biomass sources including starch-based plastics and cellulose based plastics, as well as a paper and/or fiber-based material, such as a paper, paperboard, cardboard, and/or corrugated paper product, and products produced from natural fibers, and including recycled products, and recyclable and/or biodegradable products. The cartridge can also comprise combinations of different materials, and may also be coated with a water-resistant coating to inhibit the penetration of moisture into the holding compartments. In one embodiment, the cartridge comprises a paper or fiber-based material, such as a molded paper product, that is coated with a water-resistant coating, such as a polymer-based coating and/or a biodegradable plant-based film coating, such as polylactic acid polymers (PLA polymers).

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 one embodiment, the dual-compartment dispenser (e.g. as shown in FIGS. 4A-4F) may dispense a first pod having a first composition from a first interior compartment, and a second pod having a second composition from a second interior compartment. Further interior compartments and other types of pods and compositions may also be provided.

In one embodiment, a first interior compartment is configured to contain one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a first personal care composition, and a second interior compartment is configured to contain one or more moisture-sensitive pods comprising a second personal care composition, the first composition being different than the second composition. In yet another embodiment, the dispenser 10 further comprises a third interior compartment having pods with a third personal care composition that is different than the first composition and the second composition. In yet another embodiment, the dispenser further comprises fourth interior compartment having pods comprising a fourth personal care composition that is different than the first, second, and third compositions. For example, the dispenser can comprise a first interior compartment having a moisture-sensitive pods comprising a shampoo formulation, a second interior compartment having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a conditioner formulation, and a third interior compartment having moisture-sensitive pods comprising a body wash formulation. In yet another embodiment, a same interior compartment may have a plurality of different pods having different compositions in the same interior compartment. For example, the dispenser may comprise at least one interior compartment, and wherein the at least one interior compartment 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, in the same interior compartment. In a further embodiment, the same interior compartment comprises a third moisture-sensitive pod having a third personal care composition, the third composition being different than the first and second composition, in the same interior compartment. In yet a further embodiment, the same interior compartment comprises a fourth moisture-sensitive pod having a fourth personal care composition, the fourth composition being different than the first, second and third composition, in the same interior compartment. For example, the same interior compartment may 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 the same interior compartment.

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.

Although not shown in the Figures, the dispenser 100 may further comprise a mounting mechanism for mounting the dispenser to one or more of a wall and a fixture. For example, the mounting mechanism can comprise a hook or strap configured to hang the dispenser 100. In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism comprises at least one of an adhesive strip, velcro and/or magnetic mechanism for mounting to a surface, or the dispenser 100 can be free-standing.

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 comprising one or more water resistant walls and having an interior compartment configured to hold the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods therein;

a dispenser outlet configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod from the interior compartment; and

a valve disposed in between the interior compartment and the dispenser outlet, the valve serving as a moisture-inhibiting barrier and comprising one or more flexible panels,

wherein the valve is configured to:

(i) inhibit passage therethrough of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods from the interior compartment to the dispenser outlet, and

(ii) permit passage of a first moisture-sensitive pod from among the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the interior compartment towards the dispenser outlet, upon acceleration of the first moisture-sensitive pod to exert a first force exceeding a predetermined level on the one or more flexible panels, thereby pushing the first moisture-sensitive pod through the one or more panels towards the dispenser outlet.

2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the valve is configured to permit passage of a single moisture-sensitive pod from among the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the interior compartment upon exertion of the first force exceeding the predetermined level on the one or more panels of the valve, and inhibit passage therethrough of moisture-sensitive pods remaining in the interior compartment, until a subsequent moisture-sensitive pod is passed through the valve by acceleration of the subsequent moisture-sensitive pod to exert a second force exceeding the predetermined level on the one or more panels of the valve.

3. The dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more flexible panels of the valve comprise an elastic modulus that is sufficiently high to resist passage of the plurality of the pods therethrough until the predetermined level of force is applied to the one or more panels of the valve to open the valve, and to return the one or more flexible panels to a closed state that inhibits the passage of the plurality of pods therethrough once the predetermined level of force on the one or more panels is released.

4. The dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more flexible panels of the valve are biased towards a closed state of the valve that inhibits passage of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods therethrough, and wherein application of the predetermined level of force on the one or more panels causes the one or more panels to bend and/or flex to temporarily transition the valve to an open state to permit passage of the first moisture-sensitive pod therethrough, the one or more flexible panels returning to the closed state upon release of the predetermined level of force.

5. The dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the first moisture-sensitive pod is accelerated to apply the predetermined level of pressure to the one or more panels by any one or more of shaking, agitating, tapping, flicking, whipping, and jiggling the dispenser by movement of a user's arm or wrist, so as to accelerate the first moisture sensitive pod in a direction towards the one or more panels of the valve.

6. The dispenser according to any preceding claim, further comprising a receiving chamber disposed between the valve and the dispenser outlet, the receiving chamber being configured to receive the first moisture-sensitive pod therein and maintain the pod in a substantially moisture-free environment until the first moisture-sensitive pod is dispensed through the dispenser outlet.

7. The dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiving chamber is sized and shaped to receive a single moisture-sensitive pod therein, and to exclude any further moisture-sensitive pod from occupying the receiving chamber.

8. The dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiving chamber is disposed with respect to the one or more flexible panels of the valve such that the presence of the first moisture-sensitive pod in the receiving chamber inhibits passage of the second moisture-sensitive pod through the valve, until the first moisture-sensitive pod has been dispensed through the dispenser outlet and out of the receiving chamber.

9. The dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiving chamber is disposed with respect to the one or more flexible panels of the valve, such that the presence of the first moisture-sensitive pod in the receiving chamber (i) physically blocks the one or more panels of the valve from bending and/or flexing to open the valve, and/or (ii) size-restricts further moisture-sensitive pods from occupying the chamber.

10. The dispenser according to any of claims 6-9, wherein the dispenser outlet is in communication with the receiving chamber, and comprises a closeable aperture that can be closed to provide a substantially moisture-free environment in the receiving chamber, and can be opened to release the first moisture sensitive pod received in the receiving chamber.

11. The dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the closeable aperture is openable and/or closeable independently of opening and/or closing of the valve.

12. The dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the dispenser outlet comprises a bottom panel of the receiving chamber that is openable to release the first moisture-sensitive pod from the receiving chamber.

13. The dispenser according to claim 12, wherein the bottom panel is biased towards an open position, such that release of the bottom panel from a closed position causes the bottom panel to swing towards an open position.

14. The dispenser according to any preceding claim, further comprising a pod funnel positioned upstream of the valve, and the pod funnel having funnel walls that are capable of receiving the first moisture-sensitive pod from the interior compartment and guiding and aligning the first moisture-sensitive pod to a predetermined position over the valve.

15. The dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the interior compartment optionally comprises a removable refill cartridge configured to hold the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods, that is made of an environmentally friendly material.

16. The dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser body comprises one or more water resistant walls forming a removable cover configured to at least partly surround the interior compartment, the removable cover being configured to be received by a base comprising the dispensing outlet.

17. The dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve comprises a plurality of inwardly extending panels that are affixed at a first end thereof to one or more interior walls of the dispenser, and having second free ends that converge at center region of the valve to form a valve aperture.

18. The dispenser according to any of claims 1-15, wherein the valve comprises a single panel that is affixed to an interior wall of the dispenser at a first end of the panel, and that comprises a second free end that is bendable and/or flexible to provide a valve aperture.

19. The dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser body comprises:

first and second interior compartments each configured to hold a first plurality and a second plurality of moisture-sensitive pods therein, respectively;

one or more dispenser outlets configured to dispense moisture-sensitive pods from the first interior compartment and the second interior department;

a first valve disposed in between the first interior compartment and the one or more dispenser outlets, and a second valve disposed in between the second interior compartment and the one or more dispenser outlets, the first and second valves each comprising one or more flexible panels,

wherein the first valve is configured to:

(i) inhibit passage therethrough of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods from the first interior compartment to the one or more dispenser outlets, and

(ii) permit passage of a first moisture-sensitive pod from among the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the first interior compartment towards the one or more dispenser outlets, upon acceleration of the first moisture-sensitive pod to exert a first force exceeding a first predetermined level on the one or more flexible panels, thereby pushing the first moisture-sensitive pod through the one or more panels towards the one or more dispenser outlets, and

wherein the second valve is configured to:

(iii) inhibit passage therethrough of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods from the second interior compartment to the one or more dispenser outlets, and

(ii) permit passage of a second moisture-sensitive pod from among the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the second interior compartment towards the one or more dispenser outlets, upon acceleration of the second moisture-sensitive pod to exert a second first force exceeding a second predetermined level on the one or more flexible panels, thereby pushing the second moisture-sensitive pod through the one or more panels towards the one or more dispenser outlets.

20. The dispenser according to claim 19, further comprising a first receiving chamber disposed between the first valve and a first dispenser outlet, and a second receiving chamber disposed between the second valve and a second dispenser outlet, the first and second receiving chambers being configured to respectively receive the first moisture-sensitive pod and the second moisture-sensitive pod therein, and maintain the pods in a substantially moisture-free environment until either or both of the first and second moisture-sensitive pods are dispensed through the first and/or second dispenser outlets.

21. The dispenser according to claim 20, wherein the first and second dispenser outlets are independently openable so as to provide individual dispensing of the first and second moisture-sensitive pods separately from one another.

22. The dispenser according to any of claims 20-21, wherein the first dispenser outlet comprises a first bottom panel of the first receiving chamber that is openable to release the first moisture-sensitive pod from the first receiving chamber, and the second dispenser outlet comprises a second bottom panel of the second receiving chamber that is openable to release the second moisture-sensitive pod from the second receiving chamber.

23. The dispenser according to any of claims 20-21, wherein the dispenser comprises an aperture that can be rotated to align with the first dispenser outlet to provide an open state of the first dispenser outlet that allows dispensing of the first moisture-sensitive pod from the first dispenser outlet while the second dispenser outlet is maintained in a closed state, and that can be rotated to align with the second dispenser outlet to provide an open state of the second dispenser outlet that allows dispensing of the second moisture-sensitive pod from the second dispenser outlet while the first dispenser outlet is maintained in a closed state.

24. A method of dispensing a moisture-sensitive pod containing a personal care liquid or gel formulation, the method comprising:

providing a dispenser comprising: a dispenser body comprising one or more water resistant walls and having an interior compartment configured to hold the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods therein; a dispenser outlet configured to dispense a moisture-sensitive pod from the interior compartment; and a valve disposed in between the interior compartment and the dispenser outlet, the valve serving as a moisture-sensitive barrier and comprising one or more flexible panels, wherein the valve is configured to: (i) inhibit passage therethrough of the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods from the interior compartment to the dispenser outlet, and (ii) permit passage of a first moisture-sensitive pod from among the plurality of moisture-sensitive pods held in the interior compartment towards the dispenser outlet, upon acceleration of the first moisture-sensitive pod to exert a first force exceeding a predetermined level on the one or more flexible panels, thereby pushing the first moisture-sensitive pod through the one or more panels towards the dispenser outlet;

performing an operation to move the dispenser such that the first moisture-sensitive pod is accelerated at the first force that exceeds the predetermined level to push the first moisture-sensitive pod through the one or more panels; and

receiving the first moisture-sensitive pod from the dispenser outlet.

25. The dispensing method according to claim 24, wherein the dispenser is moved to accelerate the first moisture-sensitive pod and push the pod through the one or more panels by any one or more of shaking, jiggling, flicking, whipping and tapping the dispenser, in a direction having a component parallel to a direction of travel of the first moisture-sensitive pod through the valve towards the outlet.

26. The dispensing method according to any of claims 24-25, wherein a movement by the user dispenses a single moisture-sensitive pod from the dispenser, and wherein the user repeats the movement to dispense subsequent moisture-sensitive pods from the dispenser in a sequential manner.

27. The dispensing method according to any of claims 24-26, wherein the movement by the user dispenses a single moisture-sensitive pod into a receiving chamber having the outlet, and wherein the user accesses the receiving chamber to dispense the single moisture-sensitive pod from the dispenser.

28. The dispensing method according to claim 27, wherein the user opens a panel of the receiving chamber to dispense the single moisture-sensitive pod from the dispenser.

29. The dispensing method according to any of claims 27-28, wherein the user performs a first movement to dispense the single moisture-sensitive pod into the receiving chamber having the outlet, and performs a second movement to dispense the single-moisture sensitive pod from the receiving chamber via the outlet.

30. The dispensing method according to any of claims 24-29, using a dispenser comprising any of claims 1-23.