MXPA99008896A - Product dispenser having separable refill cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

A product dispenser (10), comprising a cartridge (22) containing a product;a housing having a base portion (16) and a cartridge receiving portion (14) movably mounted to the base portion (16). The cartridge receiving portion (14) has a sidewall defining an interior space (20) for receiving the cartridge (22). There is access to the interior space (20) through a cutout in the sidewall for installing and removing the cartridge (22), and dispensing rams (24) acting on the cartridges for dispensing of product.

Description

PRODUCT SUPPLIER THAT HAS SEPARABLE FILLING CARTRIDGE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a product dispenser and, more specifically, to a dispenser having a detachable filler cartridge. Many of the products and containers are on the market in relation to products, specifically dental preparations, in which a combination of two substances or ingredients is provided. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,687,663 relates to an article for storage and delivery of sodium bicarbonate and peroxide preparations. As indicated in this patent, hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate normally do not mix beforehand, as they react immediately and there become ineffective for later use. The '663 patent, as well as U.S. Patent Nos. 4,964,539, D315,496, 5,020,694, 5,038,963 and 5,289,949 relate to dispensing containers that solve the problem of keeping sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide separate until used. Containers such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,289,949 mentioned above, include a base portion and a housing structure / cartridge which slides on the base portion. The product is contained in two cylinders which are an integral portion of the upper housing structure. When the product of the cylinders is finished, the entire upper portion of the package must be discarded and replaced, leaving only the base as a reusable element. The container of U.S. Patent No. 5,289,949 and others are successful in providing product in a form in which hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate are held in separate sections of a container. However, consumers recognize waste by disposing of the entire upper housing structure / cartridge and there remains a need to solve this problem. Frequently, pumps for toothpaste and the like are transported in a fully assembled condition so as to eliminate the need for assembly at the destination of the dispenser. However, this can easily lead to spouts which can be inadvertently compressed or can be operated in some other way so as to supply product, or pressurize the product during transport. This is not desirable. There, a main objective of the present invention is to provide a product dispenser having an easily interchangeable filler cartridge, wherein the entire housing is reused.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a product dispenser in which the removal on installation of the replacement cartridges is easily carried out. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a product dispenser having a detachable ll cartridge wherein the product portions or components are easily provided through a product outlet or nozzle. Another object of the present invention is to provide a product dispenser having a graduation and immobilization structure to withstand undesirable inadvertent compression or other movement and supply during transport of the dispenser. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a product dispenser having a detachable filler cartridge and including an immobilization structure to hold the housing together during removal of the cartridge. Other objectives and advantages will be evident from the following.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, the above objects and advantages are easily obtained. According to the invention, there is provided a product dispenser, a product dispenser which comprises a cartridge containing a product; a housing having a side wall defining an interior space for receiving the cartridge; an access means formed in the side wall to install and remove the cartridge in the interior space; and a means associated with the housing for supplying product from the cartridge. Additionally, according to the invention, a product dispenser is provided which comprises a cartridge containing a product; a housing having a side wall defining an interior space for removably receiving the cartridge; the cartridge has a wall structure defining a plurality of separate product spaces, and an outlet communicated with the plurality of product spaces to supply the product, the outlet connects to the cartridge and extends from the housing when the cartridge is in the interior space; and a means associated with the housing for delivering the product from the cartridge through the outlet. Additionally, according to the invention, a cartridge is provided for use in a product spout according to the invention, which cartridge comprises a cartridge wall structure defining a plurality of discrete product spaces, each containing product; an outlet extending from the cartridge and communicating with each of the plurality of separate product spaces; and a piston member slidably positioned in each of the plurality of separate product spaces to propel product from the separated product spaces out of the outlet. Also provided according to the invention is a product spout which comprises a cartridge containing a product; a housing having a base portion and a cartridge receiving portion movably mounted to the base portion, the portion receiving a cartridge has a side wall defining an interior space for receiving the cartridge; an access means defined by the side wall to install and remove the cartridge in the interior space; and a means associated with the housing for supplying the product from the cartridge. In addition, according to the invention, there is provided a product dispenser which comprises a cartridge containing a product; a housing having a base member and a cartridge receiving member movably mounted to the base member between the transport position in which the cartridge receiving member extends substantially from the base member, and a position of use, in which the cartridge receiving member is retracted at least partially within the base member from the transport position, the cartridge receiving member has a side wall defining an interior space for receiving the cartridge; an access means defined by the side wall to install and remove the cartridge in the interior space; a means associated with the housing for supplying the product from the cartridge; and means for resisting the supply movement of the cartridge receiving member relative to the base member from the transport position to the position of use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a product spout according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a refill cartridge; Figure 3 is a sectional view, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 2; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a product spout according to the invention; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 6; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention that includes a graduation and immobilization structure; Figures 9a-c further illustrate a portion of the embodiment of Figure 8 in relation to the gradation and immobilization structure; Figure 10 illustrates an exploded portion of the cartridge receiving member of Figure 8; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, - Figure 12 is an exploded view of one embodiment of Figure 11; and Figure 13 is a further perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 11 showing the removal of the graduation stop member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention relates to a product dispenser which advantageously has a detachable filler cartridge in which the entire housing is reusable, and only the product cartridge is removed, discarded and replaced with a new filler cartridge. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a product dispenser according to the invention, which will generally be referred to in the drawings with the reference number 10. According to the invention, the dispenser 10 has a housing 12 which is preferably provides with an upper housing portion 14 and a lower housing portion 16 which are movably mounted together so that the upper housing portion 14 can be compressed relative to the lower housing portion 16 so as to supply product , as will be discussed further later. The upper housing portion 14 preferably has a side wall 18 defining an interior space 20 for receiving a cartridge 22, cartridge 22 which contains product to be delivered. The upper housing portion 14 may have a side wall 18 in the form of an oval, substantially elongated sleeve, as shown in this embodiment, and having a generally closed top and a generally open bottom. The lower housing portion 16 preferably also includes a side wall or sleeve portion sized to slidably receive the upper housing portion 14, for example, with the upper housing portion 14 within the lower housing portion 16, as shown in Figure 1. Of course, the inverse form of this configuration can also be provided. With further reference to Figure 2, the lower housing portion 16 preferably houses a piston structure 24 which interacts with the cartridge 22 during depression of the upper housing potion 14 relative to the lower housing portion 16 so that supplies product outside the cartridge 22, as desired. Preferably, the cartridge 22 has a wall structure 26 defining a first and second chambers 28 (see Figures 3 and 4) to contain separate portions of product components to be delivered therefrom. As shown in figure 4, the wall structure 26 defines chambers 28 substantially separated from each other so that a portion of product or component in a chamber 28 is not exposed to the product or component in the other chamber 28. This is advantageous for use, for example, in the supply of toothpaste or tooth components such as hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate, which are advantageous when combined, but which can not be mixed until they are used. Preferably a plunger 30 is provided within each chamber 28 to propel products out of chamber 28 when desired. In this regard, the cartridge 22 has an outlet structure 32, preferably in the form of a nozzle 34 communicating with an outlet 36 from each chamber 28. As shown in Fig. 3, a suitable divider structure 38 can be provided within of the nozzle 34 so as to ensure that the components from the chambers 28 are kept separate and not continuous until they are to be used. The structure 38 preferably extends to the end of the nozzle 34, as shown. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the nozzle 34 is preferably provided as an integral portion or is otherwise fixed to the cartridge 22 so that each cartridge 22 has a nozzle 34 or a new outlet structure, so that the excessive accumulation of product and the like is avoided by the prolonged use of a single nozzle. Returning to FIG. 2, the piston structure 24 is sufficiently provided and sized, so as to extend upwardly within the chambers 28 and is coupled to the pistons 30 so that the movement of the portion 14 of upper housing relative to the lower housing portion 16 moves the cartridge 22 in relation to the piston structure 24, thereby moving the pistons 30 upwards within the chambers 28 and supplying product from the outlets 36, as you want Referring still to Figure 2, as set forth above, the upper housing portion 14 preferably includes a side wall 18 defining an interior space 20 for receiving the cartridge 22, as indicated in the drawing. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, and advantageously, the side wall 18 is provided with a cutout 40 to provide access to the interior space 20, advantageously while the housing portions 14 and 16 are assembled together. The removal of a used cartridge and the installation of a new cartridge in this manner are greatly facilitated by allowing access to the interior space 20 by cutting 40 on the side wall 18. The cut-out 40 allows the cartridge 22 to be exchanged without the disassembling of the upper housing portion 14 with respect to the lower housing portion 16, thereby simplifying the use for the consumer. Referring again to Figure 1, the upper housing portion 14 is preferably provided with an additional cutout 42 for receiving a nozzle 34 of a cartridge 22 so as to allow the nozzle 34 to extend from the housing 12 for easy product use. supplied from it. As shown, the housing 12 can be provided with a reinforcing structure 44 that at least partially encompasses or includes the nozzle 34 in a manner that prevents inadvertent damage to the nozzle 34, to improve the appearance of the housing 12, and to firmly retain the cartridge 22 within the interior space 20, as desired. The upper housing portion 14 and the lower housing portion 16 are preferably slidably mounted together, as set forth above. As shown in Figure 1, a slot and stop structure 46 can also be provided so as to limit the maximum movement of separation of the upper housing portion 14 relative to the lower housing portion 16. As shown in figure 1, a slot 48 may be suitably provided in the lower housing portion 16 and a stop 50 positioned in the lower portion of the side wall 18 of the upper housing portion 14 and slidably positioned within the slot 48. The upper end 52 of the slot 48 serves to couple the stop 50 to a maximum "open" position of the upper housing portion 14 relative to the lower housing portion 16. The slot 48 can preferably be provided in the lower housing portion 14 as a slot that passes through the entire thickness of the side wall of the lower housing portion 16 so that the stop 50 is visible on the outside of the housing 12. This advantageously allows the stop 50 to serve as a "use" indicator for a consumer, by which it indicates the time when the cartridge 22 is almost empty of product. For additional stability, the lower housing portion 16 can advantageously be provided with a leg 54 or other structure that extends the base so as to provide the spout 10 with increased stability and reduced tendency to tilts and turns. It should be noted that the dispenser 10 can be provided with a cartridge 22 already included, or with cartridges 22 packaged separately. By separately packing the cartridges 22, the housing 12 for the dispenser 10 must be packaged and transported in a completely "closed" position of the upper part thereby providing significant savings in packing size which is not possible with suppliers such as that of U.S. Patent No. 5,289,949. To insert a cartridge 22 for use, the consumer must slide the upper housing portion 14 relative to the lower housing portion 16 to a fully "open" position, for example as illustrated in Figure 2, so as to expose the cut 40 and in this way allows access to the interior space 20. The cartridge 22 is then easily positioned within the interior space 20, with the nozzle 34 extending outwardly through the cutout 42, and then fixedly mounted within the upper housing portion 14. The downward displacement of the upper housing portion 14 relative to the lower housing portion 16, as shown by the arrow A (see FIG. 2) serves to move the cartridge 22 downward relative to the structure 24 of piston of the lower housing portion 16, and to upwardly divert the pistons 30 within the chambers 28 to drive the product portions or components outwardly of the outlets 36 and into the interior of the nozzle 34 of the exit structure 32 , typically in a side by side relationship, not mixed, as desired. The product from which the cartridge 22 is used in increments by a consumer until the product supply of the cartridge 22 is completely completed, at which time the cartridge 22 can be easily replaced by a slidable upper housing portion 14 up in relation to the lower housing portion 16 back to the position of Figure 2, so that again it exposes the cutout 40 and allows access to the interior space 20 to remove the spent cartridge 22 and the installation of a new cartridge in its place. It should be readily appreciated that, in accordance with the present invention, a significantly reduced portion of the total dispenser or container is now disposed of in each refill, whereby the opportunity to supply the consumer with a product at a reduced cost is provided.

The cartridge 22 can advantageously be provided with a relief structure 56 positioned along at least a portion of the side edges of the cartridge 22, as shown. The relief structure 56 advantageously serves to provide structure for holding the cartridge 22, whereby the installation and removal of the cartridge 22 in relation to the upper housing portion 14 is facilitated. In this regard, the embossments 56 are preferably positioned so as to be exposed through the cutout 18 when the cartridge 22 is installed within the interior space 20. Referring now to Figure 5, an alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated. Figure 5 shows the housing 12 having an upper housing portion 14a and a lower housing portion 16, as well as the cartridge 22a for insertion through the cutout 40 in the interior space 20, as described above. In this embodiment, the cartridge 22a is provided with a separate outlet 56 from each chamber 28, and an outlet structure 32 is provided in the form of a nozzle 60 mounted in the upper housing portion 14a. In this embodiment, the nozzle 60 can be provided with a multiple structure (not shown) to communicate with each chamber outlet 58 and combine them in a single outlet from the nozzle 60. In additional accordance with this alternative embodiment, each exit 58 The chamber can be adequately provided with a breakable member 62, which covers the outlet 58 so as to seal the product within the chambers 28 until its use is desired. The breakable member 62 can be provided so that an initial use of the spout 10 exerts sufficient pressure on the member 62 that can be broken through the product that is compressed within the chambers 28 by the plungers 30 so that the rupturable member 62 is broken so as to allow product flow or extrusion in the nozzle 60. Alternatively, a perforation structure (not shown) may be provided in an inlet portion of the manifold structure 60 of the nozzle 60 for piercing the members 62 that can be broken, when the cartridge 22a is installed within the interior space 20. Referring still to Figure 5, the upper housing portion 14a can be suitably provided with the shelf structure 64 defining a nozzle receptacle 60 whereby the nozzle 60 is advantageously held in place, as desired. The embodiment of Figure 5 operates in all aspects in the same manner as the embodiment discussed above with respect to Figures 1 to 4. In the above embodiments, both the nozzle 34 and the nozzle 60 can be advantageously provided with a structure 66 of lid for use in closing or sealing the interior portions of the nozzle 34, 60 and the chambers 28 between use and / or storage. The lid structure 66 can be suitably provided with a cap that is quickly attached for releasable engagement at the exit end of the nozzle 34, 60, and can be provided attached to the nozzle 34, 60 by an articulated hinge, or some another way, as a separate component. Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, there is described a further preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the spout 10a includes a housing 12 having an upper housing portion or a cartridge receiving portion 68, a lower housing portion or base portion 70, and wherein the cartridge receiving portion 68 has a side wall defining a cutout or opening 72 oriented substantially upward to provide access to the interior space 20, whereby the cartridge 74 can be easily installed, and can remove from the interior space 20 of the cartridge receiving portion 68 while the cartridge receiving portion 68 and the base portion 70 are slidably mounted together, as shown in Figure 6. Advantageously, this embodiment provides the "top loading" of the cartridge 74 with respect to the housing 12 as also shown in Figure 6. With reference still to Figure 6, the base portion 70 is similar to that described with respect to Figures 1 to 5 above, and may be additionally provided with a base 76 extended to stabilize it. As discussed in the foregoing, the cartridge receiving portion 68 is preferably slidably received within the base portion 70, and slots 48 may be provided in combination with the stops 50 so as to allow sliding engagement thereof. Advantageously, the stop 50 serves in this embodiment to define a maximum open position of the cartridge receiving portion 68 relative to the base portion 70 from which the cartridge 74 can be easily removed from the housing 12. As shown in this embodiment the slot 48 and the stop 50 can advantageously be placed in lateral positions of the housing 12 as opposed to the front or front position shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5, so as to leave large surfaces of the housing 12 free to packing details, as desired. The cartridge receiving portion 68 of the housing 12 is also preferably formed of a side wall 78 which defines an upper edge 80 which in turn defines an opening 72 for receiving the cartridge 74. As shown, the edge 80 of the portion 68 cartridge receiver is preferably provided with a recess 82 for receiving the nozzle 34 of the cartridge 74. In addition, the edge 80 preferably also includes at least one additional recess 84 positioned to receive the holder portions 86 of the cartridge 74, which will be discussed later . The cartridge 74 according to this embodiment of the invention is identical in its internal structure to that illustrated in figures 2 to 4 discussed above. Therefore, cartridge 74 includes a wall structure 26 defining a plurality of chambers 28 having pistons 30 positioned thereon which are displaced upwardly by pistons 24 during use of spout 10a so as to propel the product from each of the chambers 28 through the nozzle 34 of the outlet structure 32 for use as desired, in accordance with the present invention. With reference still to Figures 6 and 7, the cartridge 74 preferably includes, as mentioned above, gripping portions 86 which are preferably positioned on opposite edges or sides extending outwardly of the cartridge 74, for example as shown in FIG. the drawings, so as to allow convenient attachment of the cartridge 74 to remove it from the housing 12. As shown, the holding portions 86 can suitably be provided as laterally extending, textured, shaped and positioned regions to extend through of the additional recesses 84 of the cartridge receiving portion 68. Preferably, the cartridge 74 is provided with an upper portion 88, a wall structure 26 defining internal chambers 28, and a bottom 90. In accordance with the invention, the upper portion 88 is preferably a substantially uniform or flat member having a plurality of contours 92 that extend upwardly so as to define a desirable surface to be depressed during use of the spout 10a. As shown, the embossments 92 can suitably be provided with additional thicknesses in the substantially central area 94 which are preferably substantially laterally aligned with the nozzle 34 so as to provide the desired strength and structural stability to the cartridge 74. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, the structure is also preferably provided in a manner that allows the cartridge 74 to be quickly and releasably placed in place within the housing 12. Referring particularly now to FIG., the cartridge 74 and the cartridge receiving portion 68 are preferably additionally provided with interlocking members 96, 98 which serve to releasably couple with each other when the cartridge 74 is placed within the interior space 20 for use in the product supply. from it. Advantageously, the members 96 and 98 serve to retain the cartridge 74 in place within the housing 12 so as to prevent inadvertent removal of the cartridge 74, and at the same time are preferably formed so as to have a structure that provides for decoupling the members 96, 98 before decoupling the slot 48 and the stop 50 from the cartridge receiving portion 68 and the base portion 70 of the housing 12. In this way, advantageously, the cartridge 74 can be easily removed from the top of the cartridge. housing 12 while holding housing 12 in an assembled condition, and a new cartridge 74 can easily be replaced within housing 12 as desired and still within the full scope of the present invention wherein a much smaller amount of the total package 10 spout is disposable. As shown in Figure 7, the members 96, 98 can suitably be defined as one or more substantially lateral reliefs 100 extending inwardly from the side wall 78 of the cartridge receiving portion 68, and preferably spaced downwardly. from the edge 80 as shown, while the members 98 can be suitably defined as corresponding outwardly extending relieves 102 which extend laterally outward from the wall structure 26 of the cartridge 74 and are spaced apart to the bottom 90 from the upper part 88. As shown in Fig. 7, the embossments 100, 102 are preferably placed, respectively, on the cartridge receiving portion 68 and the cartridge 74 so that the embossments 102 are placed rapidly bypassing and engaging the reliefs 100 when the cartridge 74 is fully inserted into the interior space 20 of the cartridge receiving portion 68. Of course, the member 96, 98 may be provided in amounts different from those shown in the drawings, and may provide in any desired form so that releasable coupling thereof is permitted, all within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, according to this embodiment of the present invention, the upper part 88 of the cartridge 74 preferably further includes a laterally extending flange portion 104 positioned so as to extend at least partially beyond the perimeter of the edge 80 of the cartridge receiving portion 68 so that, advantageously, when the cartridge 74 is inserted into the cartridge. 20 interior space, The flange portion 104 serves to house the cartridge 74 at a desired position within the cartridge receiving portion 68, with the embossments 100, 102 engaged to releasably retain the cartridge 74 in this position. The flange portion 104 may be an extension of the upper portion 88 or may be provided as part of the holding portions 86, or both. When used, the cartridge 74 is placed within the cartridge receiving portion 68 and exerting a downward force, as shown by the arrow A in Figure 2, causes the pistons 24 to move the pistons upwardly. inside the chambers 28, whereby a portion of product is supplied from the nozzle 34. When the cartridge 74 has been completely exhausted, the cartridge 74 and the cartridge receiving portion 68 must move together, in relative relation fixed, to a completely depressed position relative to the base portion 70. To reload a new cartridge, the consumer must pull up the cartridge 74, for example, using the holding portions 86, or on the cartridge receiving portion 68 so that the cartridge receiving portion 68 extends completely in relation to the cartridge 68. to the 70th base portion. When the stop 50 reaches the upper limit of the slot 48, an additional upward pull of the cartridge 74 relative to the housing 12 will uncouple the reliefs 100, 102 so as to allow the cartridge 74 to be removed from the housing 12 while the receiving portion 68 of cartridge and base portion 70 are still assembled. By clamping the cartridge receiving portion 68, the user can then insert a new cartridge 74 into the interior space 20 at the point where the embossments 100, 102 re-engage and the flange portion 104 rests on the edge 80 of the cartridge. the side wall 78 of the cartridge receiving portion 68. In this position, the cartridge 74 is completely installed, and the spout 10a is ready for later use. Referring now to Figures 8 to 10, a further embodiment of the present invention will be described. As stated in the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a structure in relation to the housing 12 which serves to resist compression or supply movement of the cartridge receiving member 14, 68 relative to the base member 16, 70. It is particularly desirable to provide a structure which resists such movement from the transport position where the cartridge receiving member 14, 68 extends from the base member 16, 70 sufficiently to accommodate an entire cartridge, to a position of use. wherein the cartridge receiving member 14, 68 is compressed into or retracted to the base member 16, 70 so as to deliver product as discussed above. It is also critical that the consumer be able to overcome such resistance or remove the particular structure in a way that prepares the supplier for its use. This embodiment is applicable to the structures of the modalities of Figures 1 to 7, but will be further discussed below in relation to the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7 for purposes of simplicity only. With reference to Figure 8, this is accomplished by providing one or more graduation ridges 104, in this embodiment on the outer periphery of the cartridge receiving member 68, and further by providing a lip 106 which, in this embodiment, it is positioned along the upper edge 108 of the base member 70. The graduation ridges 104 advantageously serve to resist the compression movement of the cartridge receiving member 68 relative to the base member 70 from a transport position (illustrated in Figure 9a) to a position of use (illustrated in Figure 9c) .

The graduation ridges 104 are preferably substantially uniform or rounded structures which preferably extend substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement (arrow 115, figures 9a-9c) of the cartridge receiving member 68 relative to the base member 70 so as to resist initially the passage of the lip 106 until sufficient force is applied to bend the lip 106 around the shoulder 104, as shown in Figure 9b. At this point, the lip 106 is guided more evenly over the remainder of the graduation boss 104 to contact the side wall 78 and slide more evenly therealong. In order to resist depression from the transport position as desired, it is preferred that the graduation lugs 104 be placed vertically on the cartridge receiving member 68 so as to substantially coincide with a position where the cartridge receiving member 68 it can receive a cartridge 74 filled without pistons 24 which move the pistons 20 within the cartridge 74. One or more graduation bosses 104 can be suitably provided. In the embodiment illustrated, two graduation bosses 104 are placed on a front surface, and two additional graduation bosses 104 (not shown) are placed on the rear surface of the cartridge receiving member 68, so as to result in a plurality of graduation shoulders 104 substantially spaced around the cartridge receiving member 68 as desired, to provide stable resistance to depression from the transport position. Referring still to FIGS. 8 to 10, the dispenser 10 according to the present invention can also preferably be provided with an immobilization structure to resist complete separation of the cartridge receiving member 68 from the base member 70. This is advantageous for maintaining the housing 12 as a single element during the removal of a spent or empty cartridge. As shown in Figure 8, the immobilization structure may be provided in the form of one or more teeth 110 preferably positioned so as to engage or lock against lip 106 to prevent further extension or separation movement of receiving member 68. cartridge relative to the base member 70. As better illustrated in Figure 10, the teeth 110 are preferably provided with a coupling surface 112 which is positioned at an angle 114 relative to the side wall 78 which is smaller than or equal to approximately 90 °. In this regard, the angle 114 is the angle formed by the teeth 110 with a cartridge receiving member 68 which is facing the lip 106 when the cartridge receiving member 68 is assembled with the base member 70. Advantageously, the teeth 110 serve to couple and prevent the separation movement of the cartridge receiving member 68 relative to the base member 70 as illustrated, for example, in Figure 9a, by the arrow 116 with crosses. Referring again to Figure 10, the teeth 110 may preferably be provided with an oriented surface 118 away from the lip 106 when the members 68, 70 are assembled, and the surface 118 is preferably oriented at an angle 120 with the side wall. 78, which is greater than or equal to 90 °, preferably at least about 120 °, so as to facilitate insertion of the cartridge receiving member 68 into the base member 70 during the initial mounting of the housing 12. The surface 118 advantageously serves to guide the lip 106 bypassing the teeth 110 in the transport position of Figure 9a, as desired. With respect to the graduation ridges 104, the teeth 110 are preferably provided in a plurality, for example, with two teeth 110 placed in a front portion of the cartridge receiving member 68., and two teeth (not shown) positioned in the rear portion of the cartridge receiving member 68, so as to provide substantially separate teeth 110 which resist separation of the cartridge receiving member 68 from the base 70 in a stable manner. Teeth 110 and graduation ridges 104 are preferably vertically spaced or in the direction of movement of cartridge receiving member 68 relative to base member 70 so as to define a space sufficient to receive lip 106 in the transport position. This is desirable insofar as a dispenser 10 for transport is provided when the two portions of housing members 12 are held in position without undesirable "play" or movement of one member with respect to the other. It should also be noted that although Figures 8-10 show graduation shoulders 104 and teeth 110 in the cartridge receiving member 68, and a lip 106 in the base member 70, these elements may be in an inverted position, where a lip is placed on the cartridge receiving member 68 and with graduation lugs 104 and teeth 110 placed on the base member 70, all within the scope of the present invention. In such a configuration, the lip on the cartridge receiving member 68 will preferably be a lip extending radially, in position with a lip 106 oriented radially inward of the base member 70 of the drawings. Referring now to Figures 11 to 13, an alternative alternative embodiment is illustrated with respect to the graduation structure. In this embodiment, a dispenser 10b is shown having a cartridge receiving member 122 and a base member 124. The internal structure of members 122, 124 may be similar to that described in relation to the modalities illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, if so desired. Alternatively, the cartridge receiving member 122 can be incorporated as a single member of a cartridge containing product to be delivered, as is well known in the art. In this embodiment, a graduation stop 126 is preferably provided in the form of a substantially planar member which is removably attached to the base member 124, abutting against, or engaging the cartridge receiving member 122 in a manner that avoids supply movement of the cartridge receiving member 122 relative to the base member 124 in a manner similar to the graduation lugs mentioned above in relation to FIGS. 8 to 10. Specifically, when the stop 126 is in position, it comes up against a portion of the cartridge receiving member 122, for example against a lower surface 128 of the nozzle member 32, so as to prevent downward displacement of the cartridge receiving member 122 relative to the base member 124. This advantageously serves to prevent unwanted supply or product pressurization during transport. When a consumer is ready to use the dispenser 10b, the graduation stop 126 of the housing 12 is removed, and the housing 12 is then free to operate as discussed above to supply the product as desired. According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 to 13, the graduation stop 126 preferably joins the base member 124 along tear areas or lines 129 which is provided with a series of perforations 130 which serve to allow the graduation stop 126 to be easily removed from the base member 124, for example, as illustrated in Figure 13 (arrow 134). Of course, grooving or other techniques can be used instead of, or in combination with, the perforations 130 so as to facilitate the removal of the stop 126 when so desired. In further accordance with the present invention, the graduation stop 126 advantageously provides an outwardly and easily visible surface 132 which can be suitably used to display advertising., coupons and similar. A particular advantage of the surface 132 is that an easily visible surface is provided to which coupons or receipts or the like can be applied, for example printed directly on the surface 132, and the stop 126 can then be removed and amortized by the consumer in relationship with subsequent purchases of the same product or different products. It should be noted that although this description is made in terms of a cartridge having two chambers 28 from which separate portions or product components are supplied, the teachings of the present invention can be easily applied to a cartridge having more than two cameras 28, if desired, as well as a cartridge having cameras 28 of different sizes. This may be suitable, for example, for use in the supply of a product having three or more different components which must be kept separate, and / or to be supplied in different proportions from each other. Further, although the present disclosure is presented in terms of an extrudable toothpaste product having a portion of sodium carbonate and a portion of hydrogen peroxide, it will be readily appreciated that the product spout of the present invention can be easily applied to the supply of other products that have components that you want to keep separate until they are used. Properly, various components of the dispenser can be provided by injection molded or vacuum formed plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene and the like. Of course, many other alternative materials and methods of manufacture may be used which are within the scope of the present invention. According to the foregoing, it is evident that a product dispenser having a separable filler cartridge has been provided and that the objectives set forth before the present invention, and others, are satisfied. This product spout advantageously provides an easily replaceable product cartridge, and a higher percentage of reusable materials in the total spout packaging. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the illustrations described and shown herein, which are considered only illustrative of the best modes for carrying out the invention, and which are subject to modification in terms of shape, size, disposition of parts and operation details. Rather, the invention should be considered to embrace all such modifications which are within the spirit and scope as defined in the claims.

Claims (46)

1. A product dispenser, comprising: a cartridge containing a product; a housing having a base portion and an assembled cartridge receiving portion axially slidable to the base portion, the cartridge receiving portion having a side wall defining an interior space for receiving the cartridge; an access means defined by the side wall to install and remove the cartridge in the interior space; and a means associated with the housing for supplying the product from the cartridge, wherein the access means comprises an opening oriented substantially upwards defined by the side wall, whereby the cartridge can be installed and removed from the interior space with the cartridge receiving portion and the base portion mounted together.

2. The spout according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge receiving portion is slidable relative to the base portion along a longitudinal axis of the housing, and wherein the side wall comprises a substantially continuous wall having a oriented edge away from the base portion, and wherein the access means comprises an opening defined by the edge, whereby the cartridge can be installed and removed the interior space with the cartridge receiving portion and the base portion mounted on Movable way together.

3. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge, when received in the cartridge receiving portion, is substantially fixed in relation to the cartridge receiving portion, and the cartridge receiving portion and the cartridge move together in relation to the base portion.

4. The spout according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge further comprises a flange portion extending laterally at least partially extending beyond a perimeter of the access means whereby the extension portion engages the access means when the cartridge is mounted in the interior space.

5. The dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a means associated with the cartridge and the cartridge receiving portion for releasably retaining the cartridge in the interior space.

6. The dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the means for releasably retaining comprises a first locking member on the cartridge and a second locking member on the cartridge receiving portion, wherein the first and second locking members engage. when the cartridge is in the interior space, so that the cartridge is releasably maintained in the interior space.

7. The dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the first interlock member comprises at least one member extending laterally outwardly on the cartridge, and the second interlock member comprises at least one laterally extending member. inwardly on the side wall of the cartridge receiving portion.

8. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the supply means is mounted to the base portion and the cartridge in the inner space is fixed relative to the cartridge receiving portion whereby the movement of the receiving portion of The cartridge in relation to the base portion moves the medium to supply relative to the cartridge so that product is delivered from the cartridge.

9. The spout according to claim 1, wherein the base portion and the cartridge receiving portion are sleeve members slidably mounted together.

10. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge receiving portion is slidably received in the base portion.

11. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge has a wall structure defining a product space, at least one product outlet communicates with the product space and at least one piston is positioned in relation to the product space. to product space to supply product from at least one product outlet.

12. The spout according to claim 11, wherein the means for supplying comprises at least one piston placed on the base portion to align with at least one piston of the cartridge in the interior space, whereby the movement of the The cartridge receiving portion relative to the base portion results in the movement of the cartridge in relation to at least one piston.

13. The dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising means for slidably engaging the cartridge receiving portion with the base portion.

14. The dispenser according to claim 13, wherein the slidable coupling means comprises a slot of one of the cartridge receiving portion and the base portion and a stop on the other of the cartridge receiving portion and the base portion. , the stop is slidably received in the groove so as to define a maximum distance of separation of the cartridge receiving portion and the base portion.

15. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises a wall structure defining a plurality of separate product spaces, and further comprising an outlet communicated with the plurality of separate product spaces to supply product from the plurality joint of separate product spaces.

16. The dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the outlet comprises a nozzle on the cartridge and communicating with each of the plurality of separate product spaces, and the nozzle extends from the housing when the cartridge is in the container. interior space.

17. The spout according to claim 16, wherein the housing further comprises a nozzle receiving means for allowing the nozzle to extend from the housing.

18. The dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the outlet is an integral portion of the cartridge.

19. A product dispenser, comprising: a cartridge containing a product; a housing having a side wall defining an interior space for removably receiving the cartridge; the cartridge has a wall structure defining a plurality of separate product spaces, and an outlet communicated with the plurality of product spaces for supplying the product, the outlet is connected to the cartridge and extends from the housing when the cartridge is in the interior space; and a means associated with the housing for supplying the product from the cartridge through the outlet, whereby the outlet is an extension of the cartridge.

20. The dispenser according to claim 19, wherein the cartridge receiving portion is slidable relative to Xa base portion along a longitudinal axis of the housing, and wherein the access means comprises an opening in the wall laterally oriented substantially laterally relative to the longitudinal axis so that the cartridge can be installed and removed from the inner space with the cartridge receiving portion and the base portion movably mounted together.

21. A product dispenser, comprising: a cartridge containing a product; a housing having a base member and a cartridge receiving member movably mounted to the base member between the transport position, in which the cartridge receiving member is substantially extended from the base member, and a position of use , wherein the cartridge receiving member is retracted at least partially relative to the base member from the transport position, the cartridge receiving member has a side wall defining an interior space for receiving the cartridge; an access means defined by the side wall to install and remove the cartridge in the interior space; a means associated with the housing for supplying the product from the cartridge; and means for resisting the supply movement of the cartridge receiving member relative to the base member from the transport position to the position of use.

22. The dispenser according to claim 21, wherein the means for resisting movement comprises at least one shoulder extending from one member of the cartridge receiving member and the base member for coupling the other member of the cartridge receiving member. and the base member in the transport position so as to resist the supply movement.

23. The dispenser according to claim 22, wherein the base member has an upper edge and wherein at least one shoulder extends outwardly from the cartridge receiving member to engage with the upper edge when the receiving member of the cartridge member. Cartridge is in the transport position.

24. The spout according to claim 23, wherein the at least one shoulder comprises a plurality of spaced apart shoulders around a member.

25. The spout according to claim 22, wherein the at least one shoulder comprises a substantially rounded projection extending substantially laterally from a member.

26. The spout according to claim 22, wherein the cartridge receiving member and the base member have a relative movement direction, and wherein at least one shoulder extends substantially perpendicular to the direction.

27. The dispenser according to claim 21, wherein the means for resisting the supply movement comprises a stop member fixed to a member of the base member and a cartridge receiving member, and contacting the other member of the delivery member. base and the cartridge receiving member so as to block the supply movement of the cartridge receiving member relative to the base member from the transport position to the position of use.

28. The spout according to claim 27, wherein the stop member comprises a substantially planar member fixed to one of the members substantially parallel to the side wall of the cartridge receiving member.

29. The spout according to claim 28, wherein the substantially planar member includes an outward facing surface so that signs can be placed on the stop member in a visible position.

30. The spout according to claim 27, wherein a stop member is connected to a member along a detachment line which is marked to facilitate detachment, whereby the stop member is removable to allow the movement of the cartridge receiving member relative to the base member from the transport position to the position of use.

31. The dispenser according to claim 30, wherein the detachment line has a series of perforations.

32. The dispenser according to claim 21, further comprising means for slidably locking the cartridge receiving member to the base member.

33. The dispenser according to claim 32, wherein the means for slidably locking comprises at least one tooth positioned on a member of the cartridge receiving member and the base member for coupling the other member of the cartridge receiving member and the member. of base preventing separation from the transport position.

34. The dispenser according to claim 33, wherein at least one tooth member defines an angle with one member, with the other member, the angle is oriented to the other member in an assembled position and is less than or equal to approximately 90 °.

35. The spout according to claim 34, wherein at least one tooth member engages against a lip positioned on the other member, and wherein the angle is oriented on the lip in the assembled position.

36. The spout according to claim 33, wherein at least one tooth comprises a plurality of teeth spaced around a member.

37. The dispenser according to claim 33, wherein at least one tooth and at least one shoulder are mounted on a member and positioned to define a space therebetween, and wherein the other member has a lip, and in which the space is sized to receive the lip.

38. A product jet, comprising: a housing having a base member and a cartridge member containing a product, the cartridge member can be movably mounted to the base member between the transport position, wherein the cartridge extends substantially from the base member, and a position of use, in which the cartridge member is retracted at least partially relative to the base member from the transport position; a means associated with the housing for supplying the product from the cartridge member; and means for supporting the supply movement from the cartridge member relative to the base member from the transport position to the position of use.

39. A cartridge for a product dispenser, comprising: a cartridge wall structure defining a plurality of separate product spaces, containing product; an outlet extending from the cartridge and communicating with each of the plurality of separate product spaces; a piston member slidably positioned in each of the plurality of separate product spaces to propel product from the separated product spaces outwardly of the outlet; and a means disposed outside the cartridge for releasably coupling a product dispenser housing.

40. The cartridge according to claim 39, wherein the outlet comprises an integral portion of the cartridge wall structure.

41. The cartridge according to claim 39, wherein the cartridge has a first and second separate product spaces, and further comprises a first product portion in the first product space, and a second product portion in the second product space. of product, and wherein the first portion of product and the second portion of product are supplied together through the outlet.

42. The cartridge according to claim 39, wherein the cartridge has an upper part, a side wall and a bottom, wherein the outlet is substantially adjacent to the upper part, and further comprising a flange portion extending laterally, which extends from the top.

43. The cartridge according to claim 42, wherein the means for releasably engaging is placed on the side wall separated towards the bottom of the flange portion.

44. The cartridge according to claim 42, wherein the upper part has a substantially flat horizontal surface and a plurality of ribs extending upwardly contoured, which extend from a substantially flat horizontal surface.

45. A cartridge for a product dispenser, comprising: a cartridge wall structure defining a plurality of discrete product spaces, each containing a product; an outlet extending from the cartridge and communicating with each of the plurality of separate product spaces; and a piston member slidably positioned in each of the plurality of separate product spaces to propel product from the separated product spaces outside the outlet, wherein the outlet is an extension of the cartridge wall structure.

46. A product dispenser, comprising: a cartridge containing product; a housing having a side wall defining an interior space for receiving the cartridge; an access means formed in the side wall to install and remove the cartridge in the interior space; and a means associated with the housing for delivering the product from the cartridge, wherein the housing comprises a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion, the access means is defined in one of the first sleeve portion and the second one. sleeve portion, wherein the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion are mounted axially slidable together, and slidably and axially together to a loading position in which the access means is exposed for insertion of the cartridge.