WO2023180775A1

WO2023180775A1 - A concentrates dispensing apparatus, a concentrates capsule, and method of using such

Info

Publication number: WO2023180775A1
Application number: PCT/GB2023/050768
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony David George Rhoades; Brendan Smith; Michael John Owen; Suzanne Marie OLIVER
Original assignee: Savaqwa Limited
Priority date: 2022-03-25
Filing date: 2023-03-24
Publication date: 2023-09-28

Abstract

A household concentrates dispensing apparatus (10, 110), method and capsule for use with, the household concentrates dispensing apparatus comprising: a capsule receptacle (12, 112) suitable in operation for receiving a concentrates capsule, the capsule receptacle fluidly connected to a dispenser (46, 146); a penetration device adapted to be moved, in operation, from a resting configuration to an operating configuration; the penetration device in the operating configuration operable to penetrate an exterior portion of the capsule; a controller, the controller in operation operable to control the dispensing of the capsule contents via the dispenser. Thus, allowing a user to postpone true concentrates 'mixing' until a point of use and also reduce the footprint needed to store the pre-mixed concentrates in a retail store, or in the home, for example.

Description

A CONCENTRATES DISPENSING APPARATUS, A CONCENTRATES CAPSULE, AND METHOD

OF USING SUCH

The present invention provides a household detergent concentrates dispensing apparatus, a concentrates capsule to be used therein and method of using such, specifically, but not exclusively, household surfactant concentrates. Wherein the one or more concentrates capsules are inserted into the apparatus and diluted under pressure using locally sourced mains water and if required, can be mixed to produce a final diluted product. This 'just in time' dispensing and if needed, mixing, has the advantage of removing the need to ship large qualities of pre-made liquids and as such, eliminating significant CO2 emissions annually.

BACKGROUND

Current supply chains of retail and commercial liquid household cleaning products, known as detergents, transport billions of litres of water on our roads and seas every year, to places that already have water, driving waste and damage to our environment. They are also transported using a large number of plastic containers.

A detergent is a chemical substance that is used to break up and remove grease and grime; soap being one kind of detergent. Detergents are used in everything from hair shampoo and clothes washing powderto shaving foam and stain removers. The most important ingredients in detergents are chemicals called surface active agents, known in short as surfactants. Surfactants aren't the only thing in detergents. In washing detergents, there are other compounds such as optical brighteners (which make clothes gleam in sunlight). Further, 'biological' detergents contain active chemicals called enzymes, which help to break up and remove food and other deposits. The main enzymes are proteases (which break up proteins), lipases (which break up fats), and amylases (which attack starch). Other ingredients include perfumes, while household cleaning detergents contain abrasive substances such as chalk to help scour away things like burned-on cooker grease and bath-tub grime.

Most commercial liquid household cleaning products also include water, and a reduction in the transportation of which has been recognized as important by companies such as S.C. Johnson, who has launched a range of concentrated dissolvable pods for household cleaners. An example of the pods can be found here https://www.windex.com/en- us/products/multisurface-cleaner-dissolve-pods. However, some household cleaning products contain harmful ingredients, or need to be mixed in a certain order to active them before dilution. Some require precise quantities of water to ensure the quality of the product.

SUMMARY/ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a household concentrates dispensing apparatus, the household concentrates dispensing apparatus comprising: a capsule receptacle suitable in operation for receiving a concentrates capsule, the capsule receptacle fluidly connected to a dispenser; a penetration device adapted to be moved, in operation, from a resting configuration to an operating configuration; the penetration device in the operating configuration operable to penetrate an exterior portion of the capsule; a controller, the controller in operation operable to control the dispensing of the capsule contents via the dispenser.

Preferably the apparatus further comprising a reservoir, wherein the reservoir is operable to contain a volume of water, the reservoir also fluidly connected to the dispenser.

Preferably, wherein the controller is operable to control the volume of the water dispensed.

Preferably, further comprising a water-injector which in operation injects water into the capsule under pressure, thus diluting the concentrates therein.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprising a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is operable to move from a first position wherein the dispenser can be accessed by a user, to a second position, wherein the dispenser cannot be accessed by a user.

Preferably, wherein the position of the protective cover is sensed by the controller and in operation, dispensing does not occur until the protective cover is in the second position.

Preferably further comprising a sensor, wherein the sensor is operable to read an identification tag on a capsule inserted in the apparatus by a user. Preferably, wherein the controller is operable to control controller one or more display LEDs.

Preferably, wherein the controller is operable to control controller a user display.

Preferably, wherein after the dispensing operation is complete, the used concentrates capsule falls freely into a used concentrates capsule catch container.

Preferably, further comprising a sensor, wherein the controller is operable to receive data from the sensor regarding the composition of the water.

Preferably, wherein the data regarding the composition of the water is used by the controller in the formation of the concentrates product.

Preferably, wherein the dispenser further comprises one of a solenoid, hydraulic pump and/or actuator valve.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of creating a concentrates product using the concentrates dispensing apparatus of any of the first aspect, the method comprising the steps of: filling a reservoir with water; turning the apparatus power on; insert concentrates concentrate capsule; insert concentrates capture container; moving the concentrates capsule from an out of operation to in operation mode; and pressing a dispense button.

Preferably, further comprising ensuring a user has moved a protective cover into place before dispensing.

Preferably, wherein the water is stored in a refillable reservoir.

Preferably wherein concentrate comprises a one or more of the list of surfactant; foam regulators; bleach; bleach activators; enzymes; dyes; fragrances; and/or additives. In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a capsule, suitable to be filled with a household detergent concentrate, the capsule operable to be inserted into the dispensing apparatus of any of the first aspect.

Preferably, said capsule being composed essentially of a sealed impervious cup containing said concentrates substance, said sealed impervious cup further comprising an outer rim, to which is sealed a membrane defining a base closure member, said membrane being provided with an integral portion at least partially surrounded by an area of weakness, which when under the influence of the water pressure thereby forms an aperture in the membrane through which the concentrate and water can flow from the capsule.

Preferably, said capsule being provided with an identification tag, wherein the tag is capable in operation of being read by the apparatus of the first aspect.

Thus, the present invention allows a user to postpone true concentrates 'mixing' until a point of use and also reduce the footprint needed to ship to and store pre-mixed concentrates in a shop or household, for example.

Thus, the present invention advantageously takes into account the local water characteristics, such as hardness or mineral composition and reducing the reliance on shipping vast quantities of water around the world of pre-formed household cleaning fluids and soaps.

Advantageously a user may be provided with a choice of multiple concentrated products and wherein the quantity of concentrated product required can be variable upon request by a user.

Thus, the concentrates dispensing machine can dispense a wide variety of concentrates colours and dilutions in a just in time manner, in any quantity required. Thus, the present invention thus provides an intelligent integrated concentrates machine, where concentrates are produced just in time, in any quantity and in any dilution required.

The present invention deploys loT, Al, Machine Learning and robotics solutions to autonomously hydrate liquid recipes at point of sale or in the home, using locally sourced water, minimizing waste and carbon emissions. This results in a 70% COZ emissions reductions during transport, 50-80% footprint saving in factory and retail aisles, 90% plastic reduction, even distribution of water usage.

LIST OF FIGURES

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure la & lb - are schematic diagrams illustrating the front and side perspective views of an exemplary concentrates dispensing machine of a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 - is a schematic diagram illustrating a rear internal view of the exemplary concentrates dispensing machine of Figure 1;

Figures 3a & 3b are schematic diagrams illustrating the front and side perspective views of an exemplary concentrates dispensing machine of a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 - is a schematic diagram illustrating a concentrates capsule that can be inserted into the concentrates dispensing machine of Figures 1 & 2 of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a refillable cleaning bottle as known in the art; and

Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a safe dispensing method, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present techniques will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Parts of the concentrate dispensing machines are not necessarily to scale and may just be representative of components of the concentrate dispensing machines or other described entities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures la & lb are schematic diagrams illustrating front and side perspective views of an exemplary concentrate dispensing machine of a first embodiment of the present invention. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. There is shown a concentrate dispensing machine 10, which comprises an outer casing 70 attached to a base unit 71. The outer casing 70 preferably made in whole or in part from a robust plastics material such as ABS. Alternatively, the outer casing 70 can be made in whole or in part from a metallic material such as stainless steel or aluminium. The outer casing 70 preferably comprises a clam-shell design (not shown) which allow access during assembly for fitting of the concentrates dispensing machine 10 components and can afterwards be joined together to define an interior of the outer casing 70. Wherein the base 71 of the outer casing 70, is preferably provided with feet 72 for standing the concentrates dispensing machine 10 thereon in a stable manner. Alternatively, the base 71 itself may have a shape forming a stable support.

The outer casing 70 comprises a concentrates dispense head 40, which further comprises a dispensing spout 46 where the dispensation of the concentrates takes place. The concentrates dispending machine 10 also comprises a receptacle stand T1 having a hollow interior forming a drip tray, accessible by pushing inwards a front portion 28 of the receptable stand, the drip tray then popping out of the machine. The receptacle stand 1 may also be provided with a grill (not shown) on which a concentrates capture receptacle may be positioned by a user. The drip tray 28 is removable from the outer casing 70 to ease emptying of any collected water and/or any spilled concentrates.

The concentrates dispensing head 40 is located above the concentrates capture receptacle stand T1 and preferably, the height of the receptacle stand 1 relative to the concentrates dispensing head 40 can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of concentrates capture receptacle. It is preferred that the concentrates capture receptacle (an example of which is shown in Figure 5) is as close to the concentrates dispensing head 40 as possible, whilst still allowing the concentrates capture receptacle to be inserted and withdrawn from the concentrates dispense machine 10. The use of the dispensing spout 46 thus minimises the height that the dispensed concentrates has to descend before contacting the receptacle. This acts to minimise spraying and splashing of the produced concentrates product. Alternatively refillable concentrates pens, or other such containers can be used, as shall be described with reference to Figure 4.

To further protect the user from any such splash back in the dispensing step, a slide door/protective cover 41 is implemented - this can be achieved in one example either by drawing the slide door/protective cover 41 down from the top (Fig lb), or alternatively closing it from the side (Fig la). In either situation, it is preferable to have a detection sensor 43 that can relay to a system controller (see Figure 2), that the slide door/protective cover 41 is closed before dispensing commences. To aid the movement of the slide door/protective cover 41 into place, a handle insert 42 may be grooved into a section of the slide door/protective cover 41 to enable grip. It should be clear to someone skilled in the art that other grip arrangements could be suitable, such as ridges.

The concentrates dispensing machine 10 also comprises a capsule head (see Figure 2), which further comprises capsule slot 12, suitable for receiving a capsule from which a concentrated detergent is extracted using the water under pressure, as shall be described in further detail with reference to Figure 2 and 4. Upon insertion of such a capsule into the capsule slot 12, and the slot is shut by a user, the capsule is moved into place, ready for dispensing via a concentrates dispense outlet 40 and spout 46.

Once a capsule has been inserted into the capsule slot 12 and it is pushed into the concentrates dispensing machine 10, the concentrates dispensing machine 10 automatically pierces small holes in the top of the capsule, using an injector/injection nozzle (see Figure 2) through which, in the present embodiment, water comes out at high pressure. This allows the water to flow through the capsule and mix with the concentrated materials contained inside. The injector nozzle (see Figure 2) pierces the capsule so that the water passes through the capsule's interior and exits at the lower end of the capsule.

This water is pumped into the capsule under high pressure until the broad, foil-covered side of the capsule bursts, releasing the concentrates. The diluted concentrates product will then drip, under gravity, or via the resulting water pressure, into a capture container (see Fig 5) below and is ready to be used. The concentrates dispensing machine 10 then automatically ejects the used capsule into a catch tray 24, which is provided to catch used capsules.

Alternatively, the water maybe pumped up and into the capsule through a narrow hole at the edge, then drips back down again through a bigger hole in the centre of the capsule (not shown).

In a simpler embodiment, the capsule is punctured two to three times on the bottom side, the concentrates dispensing machine 10 then pumps the correct amount of water from the water tank 100 into a receptable container (see Figure 5) and the concentrates also drips out of the capsule through the holes that have been made.

The concentrates dispensing apparatus 10 further comprises a system controller (see Figure 2), which further comprises a user interface display 11. Wherein the system controller is configured for controlling the supply of pressurized water and concentrates to the dispensing spout 40, during a dispensing step, and for controlling supply of any fluids used during a subsequent cleaning step (as further described with reference to Figure 2). The user interface 11 of the concentrates dispensing machine 10 is located on the front of the outer casing 70.

A start/stop button 21 controls commencement of a concentrates dispense cycle and is a manually operated push-button, switch or similar. The concentrates dispensing apparatus 10 is connected to a mains power supply via a mains power connection (now shown). A manual power switch 90 may be provided on the concentrates dispensing machine 10. Alternatively, power supply can be controlled simply by insertion or removal of the power supply plug (not shown) from the mains power supply. The water tank 100 is located at the rear of the concentrates dispensing apparatus 10 and is fluidly connected internally to a water pump (as shall be described with reference to Figure 2). The water tank 100 may be made from a transparent or translucent material to allow a user to view the quantity of water remaining in the water tank 100. The water tank 100 could be replaced by lifting the old tank out, or by filling directly from another container or a tap.

Alternatively, the water tank 100 may be made from an opaque material but have provided a viewing window therein. In addition, or in place of the above, the water tank 100 may be provided with a low-level sensor which prevents operation of the water pump (shown in Figure 2) and optionally triggers a warning indicator, such as an LED, or a display indicator when the water level in the water tank 100 descends to a preselected level. The water tank 100 preferably has an internal capacity of approximately 3-5 litres, although different size machines for different applications (such as commercial establishment vs a domestic environment) may have different sizes of water tank 100.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the water tank 100 could be located to the side, or rear, or below, the concentrates dispensing apparatus 10 and, in this case, the water tank 100 could comprise an opening for filling the water tank 100 with water and which would be closed off in use by a manually removable lid 45. Thus, it should be clear to someone skilled in the art that many arrangements of refillable or replaceable water tanks could be used to provide a reservoir of water suitable for use with the concentrates dispensing apparatus of the present invention.

The required final mix is then obtained by manual mixing or shaking of the concentrates collection receptacle by the user, with its lid firmly applied. An alternative embodiment is described with reference to Figure 3.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a rear internal view of the exemplary concentrates dispensing machine of the present invention. There is shown a portion of the outer casing 70, which as explained with reference to Figure 1 previously, contains and holds in position the other components of the concentrates dispensing machine 10. Also shown is a water pump 95, which is operatively connected between the water tank 100 and the concentrates dispenser head 40 and is controlled by the system controller 22. The water pump 95 provides a water pressure of over 3 bar, as concentrates concentrate is relatively thick, if mixed within the capsule, the pump 95 needs to be a high enough bar to be able to mix the concentrate and the water. In a further example, the concentrate and the water could be pre-mixed with in a mixer (not shown). However, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention and as mentioned with reference to Figure 1, the concentrates and water could be dispensed into the concentrates receptable separately and the user can manually mix the two after the vending process has completed. In such a case, the pump 95 could be a lower bar such as 1.5 to 2 bar.

The flow rate of water through the concentrates dispensing machine 10 can be controlled by the system controller 22 to be a percentage of the maximum flow rate of the water pump 95 by cycle chopping the electrical supply to the pump 95. A volumetric flow sensor (not shown) is preferably provided in the flow line either upstream or downstream of the water pump 95.

The water pump 95 further comprises a sensor (not shown), wherein the sensor is able to detect characteristics of the water stored in the refillable tank 100 and send data to the system controller 22 about the properties of the water used, such as the volume remaining, and water hardness, for example.

As previously described with reference to Figure 1, upon insertion of a concentrates capsule into the capsule slot (see Figure 1), and pushed into the machine, the concentrates capsule is moved into place, ready for dispensing via the concentrates dispense outlet 40.

Once a capsule has been inserted into the capsule slot 12 fully, the concentrates dispensing machine 10 automatically pierces small holes in the top of the concentrates capsule, using an injector/injection nozzle 250 through which, in the present embodiment, water comes out at high pressure. This allows the water to flow through the concentrates capsule and mix with the concentrates contained inside. The nozzle 250 pierces the concentrates capsule so that the water passes through the capsule's interior and exits at the lower end of the concentrates capsule.

The system controller 22 may be in communication with a cloud network (not shown), as well as an edge device (not shown) which may be a tablet, smartphone or laptop which can be controlled by a user or operator to order new concentrate pods, for example. In the present example, it will be appreciated that the cloud may comprise any suitable data processing device or embedded system which can be accessed from another platform such as a remote computer, content aggregator or cloud platform which receives data posted by the concentrates dispensing machines of the present invention.

As explained previously with reference to Figure 1, the concentrates dispensing apparatus is powered by a connection to mains power and as such needs an internal transformer 210.

It should be clear to those skilled in the art, that many means can be used to control the flow of the colour dispensing system as shown in Figures 1,2 & 3, such as solenoids; hydraulic pumps and/or actuator valves.

Figures 3a & 3b are schematic diagrams illustrating front and side perspective views of an exemplary concentrate dispensing machine of a second embodiment of the present invention. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. There is shown a concentrate dispensing machine 110, which comprises an outer casing 170 attached to a base unit 171. The outer casing 170 preferably made in whole or in part from a robust plastics material such as ABS. Alternatively, the outer casing 170 can be made in whole or in part from a metallic material such as stainless steel or aluminium. The outer casing 170 preferably comprises a clam-shell design (not shown) which allow access during assembly for fitting of the concentrates dispensing machine 110 components and can afterwards be joined together to define an interior of the outer casing 170. Wherein the base 171 of the outer casing 170, is preferably provided with feet 172 for standing the concentrates dispensing machine 110 thereon in a stable manner. Alternatively, the base 171 itself may have a shape forming a stable support.

The outer casing 170 comprises a concentrates dispense head 140, further comprising an output spout 146, where dispensation of the concentrates takes place. The concentrates dispending machine 10 also comprises a receptacle stand 127 having a hollow interior forming a drip tray, accessible by pushing inwards a front portion 128 of the receptable stand, the drip tray then popping out of the machine. The receptacle stand 127 may also be provided with a grill (not shown) on which a concentrates capture receptacle may be positioned by a user. The drip tray 128 is removable from the outer casing 170 to ease emptying of any collected water and/or spilled concentrates.

In order to protect the user from any such splash back in the dispensing step, a slide door/protective cover 141 can be implemented - either by drawing the slide door/protective cover 141 down from the top or closing it from the side (see Figure 1). In either situation it is preferable to have a detection sensor 143 that can relay to the system controller (not shown), that the slide door/protective cover 141 is closed before dispensing commences. To aid the movement of the slide door/protective cover 141 into place, a handle insert 142 maybe grooved into a section of the slide door/protective cover 141 to enable grip. It should be clear to someone skilled in the art that other grip arrangements could be suitable, such as ridges.

The concentrates dispensing machine 110 also comprises a capsule head 130, which further comprises capsule slot 112, suitable for receiving a capsule (as further described with reference to Figure 4) from which concentrates is extracted. Upon insertion of a concentrates capsule into the capsule slot 12, it is pushed inwards by a user ready for concentrates to be dispensed.

In operation, a capture container 60, which is further described with reference to Figure 5, is inserted by a user into the concentrates dispensing machine 110, wherein the capture container has already been pre-filled with the correct amount of water for the mix required. Once inserted correctly, either by screwing upwards, or placing in the correct location inside the concentrates dispensing machine 110, the door is shut, and the user presses the dispense button 121. The concentrates dispensing machine 110 then checks everything is in place, such as the capsule, the pre-loaded capture container 60 and the door 141 and if so, dispenses the concentrates for the loaded capsule by automatically piercing small holes in the top of the concentrates capsule, alternatively, the capsule is punctured two to three times on the bottom side and the concentrates also drips out of the capsule through the holes that have been made. It should be clear to someone skilled in the art that many methods and/or arrangements of piercing a capsule and releasing the contents can be used.

In operation, if something is not in place, an error message can be displayed to a user via display 111. In the present embodiment, the dispense button 121 is located on the top of the concentrates dispensing machine 110, however a person skilled in the art should understand that the dispense button 121 could be located anywhere on the concentrates dispensing machine 110 that is accessible to a user.

There is shown in Figure 4, a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary concentrates capsule that could be used in the dispenser of Figures 1,2 & 3 of the present invention. Wherein the concentrates capsule comprises an outer container cup 220 which is sealed using a pierceable lid 210.

Before use and in transportation, the pierceable lid 210 is sealed to the edge rim 220 of the container cup 220 using a suitable hermetic sealing method, such as glue or heat sealing. The container cup 220 may comprised of plastic or metal, or any other suitable material, that can store concentrates until use in the concentrates dispensing machine of Figures 1, 2 & 3. The pierceable lid 210 may also be comprised of any suitable material, such as plasticised paper, or thin metal, it simply needs to have a weaker area 250 be pierceable under pressure, but not be damaged during transport of the concentrates capsules 200. The concentrates may be in liquid, granules or powder form.

In an alternative embodiment, also shown in Figure 4, the outer container cup 220 comprises an extended rim at the base 220 and a cylindrical recess 230 through which the concentrates dispensing machine 10 pierces the capsule and injects water. In should be clear to someone skilled in the art that a combination of pierceable and/or recess areas could be used in order to extract the concentrates concentrate from the concentrates capsules 200.

In a further alternative embodiment, the lower surface of the insert further comprises a RFID or barcode which, in use, is readable by a RFID or barcode reader of the concentrates dispensing machine for controlling operation of the concentrates dispensing machine, wherein the barcode or RFID is located on the lower surface of the insert, such that a line joining the outlet of the insert to a centre of the barcode or RFID and a line joining the outlet of the insert to the inlet of the insert separated by a minimum angular separation of greater than 70 degrees. Alternatively, each concentrates capsule could comprise a barcode. When the capsule is inserted into the concentrates dispensing machine 10, it reads that barcode, and the concentrates dispensing machine 10 automatically optimizes the dilution parameters for that particular concentrate.

Further, using such pod recognition and/or marking methodology, an output product may be formed by the insertion of one or more capsules in a certain order therein to active the ingredients correctly and/or the mixing of pods that should not be mixed can be avoided.

The concentrates dispensing machine may register the concentrates capsule using the RFID tag or barcode to match materials held in a database by way of communication with the system controller 22, such as a microprocessor, or FPGA. A system database may contain a list of verified materials authorised for use and may in return grant permission for the mixing machine to accept the material and may, depending in the type of material, make mechanical or software adjustments. The system database may comprise a revocation list of packaging or materials that are no longer supported, out of date or out of contract. In which case an error message may be displayed to the user via the user interface 11, 111.

This re-ordering system may be more useful for a small eco shop which is trying to reduce the amount of packaging used by the average consumer and thus provides a selection of branded pods for various detergents such as those provided by Unilever® or Proctor and Gamble®, for example Flash® spray, Dettol®, Cif® and for shampoos such as Head and Shoulders®, Tresemme® and Herbal Essences® and the like.

In such case, a payment means and/or an order ticket system may be provided as a part of the machine, which would allow a user to choose a pod, dilute the contents into a suitable refillable bottle, perhaps provided by the brand owner(s) or eco-store and then pay for the dispensing. Such systems are known, and it should be clear to someone skilled in the art how the machines of the present invention can be enlarged and/or adapted to include such payment systems.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a refillable cleaning bottle, as known in the art. Refillable bottles 60 as shown in Figure 5 may be used to capture the dispensed concentrates product. Wherein a lid section is unscrewed in order to refill the bottle and then replaced when the dispensing operation has finished. A refillable shampoo bottle can also be used.

The several point of use outlets described above may be configured for dispensing cleaning fluid into a suitable container. For example, a bucket or spray bottle. Alternatively, a point of use outlet may be configured as a direct applicator for a cleaning fluid. For example, a direct applicator may be a hose, a nozzle, a spray nozzle, a porous soaking outlet, a pressurized jet, a drip system, a sponge or similar apparatus which may be used as a tool to facilitate a cleaning task.

Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a safe dispensing method, according to an embodiment of the present invention. There is shown the following method steps:

Method:

51. Read the code on the inputted pod capsule

52. Check that output container is inserted correctly

S3: Detect if protective cover is shut

54. Calculate required amounts of each concentrate and water that is required

55. Check if enough water. If NO, finish process.

56. Dispense the outputted concentrates using embodiments as described with reference to any of Figures 1 to 4 inclusive.

S7: Release door/lndicate finish

End of method It will be appreciated that if using more than one concentrate in the concentrates dispensing unit of any of the embodiments from Figures 1 to 4 & 6 included, the internal chambers and fluid outlets of the mixer units and/or related pipe work may need to be cleaned after each dispensing operation to avoid mixing of concentrate from a previous dispensing operation with those of a succeeding operation. In such case, care will need to be taken when mixing certain active concentrates.

It will be clear to one skilled in the art that many improvements and modifications can be made to the foregoing exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present technique.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A household concentrates dispensing apparatus, the household concentrates dispensing apparatus comprising: a. a capsule receptacle suitable in operation for receiving a concentrates capsule, the capsule receptacle fluidly connected to a dispenser; b. a penetration device adapted to be moved, in operation, from a resting configuration to an operating configuration; the penetration device in the operating configuration operable to penetrate an exterior portion of the capsule; c. a controller, the controller in operation operable to control the dispensing of the capsule contents via the dispenser.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, the apparatus further comprising a reservoir, wherein the reservoir is operable to contain a volume of water, the reservoir also fluidly connected to the dispenser.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the controller is operable to control the volume of the water dispensed.

4. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a water-injector which in operation injects water into the capsule under pressure, thus diluting the concentrates therein.

5. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, the apparatus further comprising a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is operable to move from a first position wherein the dispenser can be accessed by a user, to a second position, wherein the dispenser cannot be accessed by a user.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the position of the protective cover is sensed by the controller and in operation, dispensing does not occur until the protective cover is in the second position. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a sensor, wherein the sensor is operable to read an identification tag on a capsule inserted in the apparatus by a user. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is operable to control controller one or more display LEDs. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is operable to control controller a user display. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein after the dispensing operation is complete, the used concentrates capsule falls freely into a used concentrates capsule catch container. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor, wherein the controller is operable to receive data from the sensor regarding the composition of the water. The method or apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the data regarding the composition of the water is used by the controller in the formation of the concentrates product. The method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser further comprises one of a solenoid, hydraulic pump and/or actuator valve. A method of creating a concentrates product using the concentrates dispensing apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of a. filling reservoir with water; b. turning the apparatus power on; c. insert concentrates concentrate capsule; d. insert concentrates capture container; e. moving the concentrates capsule from an out of operation to in operation mode; and f. pressing a dispense button. The method of creating a concentrates product according to claim 10, further comprising ensuring a user has moved a protective cover into place before dispensing. The method according to either claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the water is stored in a refillable reservoir. The method or apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein concentrate comprises a one or more of the list of surfactant; foam regulators; bleach; bleach activators; enzymes; dyes; fragrances; and/or additives. A capsule, suitable to be filled with a household detergent concentrate, the capsule operable to be inserted into the dispensing apparatus of any of claim 1 to 12. A capsule according to claim 17, said capsule being composed essentially of a sealed impervious cup containing said concentrates substance, said sealed impervious cup further comprising an outer rim, to which is sealed a membrane defining a base closure member, said membrane being provided with an integral portion at least partially surrounded by an area of weakness, which when under the influence of the water pressure thereby forms an aperture in the membrane through which the concentrate and water can flow from the capsule. A capsule according to claim 17 or 18, said capsule further comprising an identification tag, such that the identification tag can be read by the apparatus of claims 1 to 12.