Distributable container and system and method using distributable container

• US 20050045652A1
• Filed: 09/02/2003
• Published: 03/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ecolab USA Incorporated (Ecolab, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
• Inventors: Maser, Bryan A.
• Granted Patent: US 6,991,131 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 221/265
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4463 Multi-dose dispensing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 21/20 using flow mixing
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/714111 the measuring chambers being pockets on the circumference of a drum rotating about a horizontal axis with discharging by gravity
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/026 the powder or tablets being added directly, e.g. without the need of a flushing liquid

Abstract

A container, method and system for dispensing a solid product held in a distributable container having an opening. A mechanical interlock secures the opening of the container preventing contact with the solid product by a user. A dispenser, fixed at a dispensing location, is adapted to receive the mechanical interlock of the container. A power source is operatively coupled to the dispenser and adapted to power the mechanical interlock allowing dispensing of the solid product from the container.

Claims

1. A system for dispensing a solid product, comprising:

a distributable container having an opening and holding said solid product;

a mechanical interlock securing said opening of said container, said mechanical interlock preventing contact with said solid product by a user; and

a dispenser fixed at a dispensing location adapted to receive said mechanical interlock of said container;

a power source operatively coupled to said dispenser and adapted to power said mechanical interlock allowing dispensing of said solid product from said container.

2. A system as in claim 1 wherein said mechanical interlock substantially prevents moisture from said dispenser from affecting said solid product.

3. A system as in claim 1 wherein said solid product comprises a plurality of tablets.

4. A system as in claim 3 wherein said plurality of tablets can be dispensed one at a time.

5. A system as in claim 1 further comprising a cleaning machine operatively coupled to said dispenser and adapted to receive said solid product dispensed from said dispenser.

6. A system as in claim 1 wherein said mechanical interlock is fixedly secured to said container.

7. A system as in claim 1 wherein said power source provides rotary motion to said mechanical interlock.

8. A system as in claim 7 wherein said opening of said container is circular and wherein said interlock comprises:

a circular cap adapted to fit over and secure said opening of said container, said circular cap having a central axis and having an opening therein positioned off-center from said central axis;

a shaft operatively cooperating with said circular cap and adapted to coupled to said power source; and

a disc rotably coupled with said shaft positioned adjacent said circular cap nearest said solid product in said container, said disc having at least one opening therein, said at least one opening of said disc cooperating with said opening of said circular cap at an angular position upon rotation of said disc.

9. A system as in claim 1 wherein said solid product comprises bleach.

10. A system as in claim 1 wherein said solid product comprises rinse aid.

11. A system as in claim 1 wherein said solid product comprises detergent.

12. A distributable container for holding a solid product and adapted to mate with a dispenser having a power source, said dispenser being fixed at a dispensing location, comprising:

a receptacle having an opening holding said solid product; and

a mechanical interlock securing said opening of said receptacle, said mechanical interlock preventing contact with said solid product by a user;

said mechanical interlock adapted to mate with said dispenser and dispense said solid product using said power source.

13. A distributable container as in claim 12 wherein said mechanical interlock substantially prevents moisture from said dispenser from affecting said solid product.

14. A distributable container as in claim 12 wherein said solid product comprises a plurality of tablets.

15. A distributable container as in claim 14 wherein said plurality of tablets can be dispensed one at a time.

16. A distributable container as in claim 12 wherein said mechanical interlock is fixedly secured to said container.

17. A distributable container as in claim 12 wherein said power source is adapted to provide rotary motion to said mechanical interlock.

18. A distributable container as in claim 17 wherein said opening of said container is circular and wherein said interlock comprises:

a circular cap adapted to fit over and secure said opening of said container, said circular cap having a central axis and having an opening therein positioned off-center from said central axis;

a shaft operatively cooperating with said circular cap and adapted to coupled to said power source; and

a disc rotably coupled with said shaft positioned adjacent said circular cap nearest said solid product in said container, said disc having at least one opening therein, said at least one opening of said disc cooperating with said opening of said circular cap at an angular position upon rotation of said disc.

19. A distributable container as in claim 12 wherein said solid product comprises bleach.

20. A distributable container as in claim 12 wherein said solid product comprises rinse aid.

21. A distributable container as in claim 12 wherein said solid product comprises detergent.

22. A method of dispensing a solid product from a distributable container having a mechanical interlock preventing contact with said solid product by a user to a dispenser fixed at a dispensing location, comprising the steps of:

distributing said container holding said solid product to said dispensing location;

mating said mechanical interlock of said container with said dispenser;

providing power to said mechanical interlock from said dispenser to controllably dispense said solid product;

whereby said dispenser dispenses a predetermined amount of said solid product from said container without allowing contact of said solid product with said user.

23. A method as in claim 22 wherein said mechanical interlock substantially prevents moisture from outside of said container from affecting said solid product.

24. A method as in claim 22 wherein said solid product comprises a plurality of tablets.

25. A system as in claim 22 wherein said mechanical interlock is fixedly secured to said container.

26. A method as in claim 22 wherein said power provides rotary motion to said mechanical interlock.

27. A method as in claim 22 wherein said solid product comprises bleach.

28. A method as in claim 22 wherein said solid product comprises rinse aid.

30. A method as in claim 22 wherein said solid product comprises detergent.