WO2023180776A1 - A detergents dispensing vending machine, capsule, and method of use therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

A detergents dispensing vending machine, method and capsule for use with, the detergents dispensing vending machine comprising: a capsule receptacle suitable in operation for receiving a concentrates capsule, the capsule containing a detergent in concentrate, 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; and 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 DETERGENTS DISPENSING VENDING MACHINE, CAPSULE, AND METHOD OF USE THEREWITH

The present invention provides a household detergent concentrates dispensing vending machine, 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 vending machine and diluted under pressure, if needed. The vending machine uses 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.

In US5255820 there is disclosed a system for diluting and dispensing concentrated liquid products is disclosed. The system's components are mounted upon a cart. A concentrate solution tube is interconnected to a dilution assembly containing an aspirator. A water supply assembly, containing a valve and backflow preventer, is connected to the aspirator assembly when dilution of the concentrated product is desired. A discharge tube carries the diluted product from the aspirator assembly to a container.

However, the solution provided in US5255820 is not convenient for store owners as the machine will constantly need updating with a supply of concentrate products. The number and variety of products that can be provided is also limited by the storage capacity of the mixing machine itself. By using pods, or capsules, inserted by a user, many products can be diluted in the machine, ranging from shampoos to detergents. Different branded products can also be managed, which is not capable with the system and method disclosed in US5255820. Further, 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 detergents dispensing vending machine, the detergents dispensing vending machine comprising: a capsule receptacle suitable in operation for receiving a capsule, the capsule containing a detergent in concentrate, 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 vending machine further comprises a reservoir, wherein the reservoir is operable to contain a volume of water, the reservoir also fluidly connected to the dispenser. Preferably, the vending machine further comprises a connection to the local mains water supply. Preferably, wherein the controller is operable to control the volume of the water dispensed. Preferably, the vending machine further comprises a sensor, wherein the controller unit is operable to receive data from the sensor regarding the composition of the water. Further preferably, wherein the data regarding the composition of the water is used by the controller in the formation of the diluted detergent product.

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

Preferably, the vending machine further comprises a mixer, the mixer fluidly connected between the dispenser and the reservoir and which is operable to mix the detergent in concentrate with water, prior to dispensing.

Preferably, the vending machine further comprises 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, the vending machine further comprises a sensor, wherein the sensor is operable to read an identification tag on a capsule inserted in the vending machine 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, wherein the dispenser further comprises one of a solenoid, hydraulic pump and/or actuator valve.

Preferably, the vending machine further comprises payment means.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using the detergents dispensing vending machine of any of claims 1 to 16 to create a detergents product, comprising the steps of: turning the vending machine power on; insert a detergent product capture container; insert a detergents in concentrate capsule; moving the detergents in concentrate capsule from an out of operation to in operation mode; and pressing a dispense button.

Preferably, further comprising the step of paying for the dispensing.

In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of creating a concentrates product using the detergents dispensing vending machine of the first aspect, comprising the steps of: accepting a detergent product capture container; accepting a capsule comprising one or more detergents in concentrate; piercing the capsule; and dispensing the detergents in concentrate into the detergent product capture container.

Preferably, further comprising the step of pumping a volume of water into the detergent product capture container.

Preferably, further comprising the step of mixing the detergents in concentrate with the water prior to dispensing.

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

Preferably, further comprising automatically moving a protective cover into place before dispensing. 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 fourth 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 detergents dispensing vending machine 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 further comprising an identification tag, such that the identification tag can be read by the vending machine 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.

The present invention deploys loT, Al, Machine Learning and robotics solutions to provide an intelligent integrated household detergents vending machine, where the required household detergents product is produced just in time. The present system brings significant storage space-savings, reduced price, reduced packaging, number of transactions and freight charges, as well as a reduced carbon footprint. The present system therefore enables major water usage reductions (90+%); as well as significant transport cost-savings; major paint-plant production; space-savings; process elimination, and major carbon emissions reductions.

Key benefits from the Household Detergents Vendbots include:

• Reduced lead-times (mix and dispense on demand).

• Reduced Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)

• Significant space savings and improved environmental impact due to the ability to use reusable containers. A 'bring-yo ur-own' container scheme can potentially prevent 2billion+ single-use containers entering la ndfi ll/recycling centres annually.

• Reduced carbon footprint.

• Major carbon emission reductions - global potential to reduce/eliminate 37.2t/km in road haulage and sea freight CO2 emissions.

• Water usage more evenly distributed as opposed to single/small number of OEM plants.

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 & lc are schematic diagrams illustrating the front, side and detailed perspective views of an exemplary concentrates dispensing vending 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 vending machine of Figure 1;

Figure 3 - is a schematic diagram illustrating a concentrates capsule that can be inserted into the vending machine of Figures 1 & 2 of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a refillable cleaning bottle as known in the art; and Figure 5 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 vending 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 is schematic diagram illustrating a front and side perspective view of an exemplary vending machine of a first embodiment of the present invention. Figures lb and lc are further, more detailed views of specific parts of the vending machine of Figure la, as shall be herein described. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In Figure la specifically, there is shown a concentrate dispensing vending machine 10, which comprises an internal chassis (not shown), further comprising a support stand/frame 70. Wherein the chassis and support frame 70 further comprises adjustable wheels/legs 80 and the vending machine 10 is shown here with an outer casing 120 which may comprise branding or advertising in use.

The concentrates dispending machine 10 also comprises a receptacle receiving area T1 having a hollow interior forming a drip tray 28. The drip tray 28 is removable from the receptacle receiving area T1 to ease emptying of any collected water and/or any spilled concentrates. The vending machine 10 also comprises a concentrates dispense head 40, which further comprises a dispensing spout 46 where the dispensation of the concentrates takes place.

Shown best in Figure lc, the concentrates dispensing spout 46 is located above the receptacle receiving area T1 and preferably, the height of the receptacle stand T1 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 4) is as close to the concentrates dispensing spout 46 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, or other such suitable refillable containers can be used, as shall also 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, or alternatively closing it from the side (not shown). 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. It should be clear to someone skilled in the art that various known automatic door closing mechanisms can be used.

Shown best in Figure lb, the vending machine 10 also comprises a 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 3. 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 thus, spout 46.

Once a capsule has been inserted into the capsule slot 12 and it is pushed into the vending machine 10, the vending 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.

A water tank and mains water supply is provided (as will be explained in more detail with regards to Figure 2) and 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 4) in the receptacle receiving area T1 below and is ready to be used. The vending machine 10 then automatically ejects the used capsule into a catch area (see Figure 2), 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 vending machine 10 then pumps the correct amount of water from the water tank 100 into a receptable container (see Figure 4) and the concentrates also drips out of the capsule through the holes that have been made.

The concentrates dispensing vending machine 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 vending machine 10 is located on the front of the outer casing 120. The system controller 22 may also be connected to a network cloud (not shown), for functions such as software updates, and data processing.

In some examples, system controller 22 may include processing circuitry, control circuitry, and storage (e.g., RAM, ROM, hard disk, a removable disk, etc.), system controller 22 may include an input/output, I/O, path. The I/O path may provide device information, or other data, over a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), and/or other content and data to control circuitry, which includes processing circuitry and storage. Control circuitry may be used to send and receive commands, requests, signals (digital and analogue), and other suitable data using I/O path. I/O path is connected to control circuitry (and specifically processing circuitry) to one or more communications paths. As referred to herein, the phrase "electronic storage device" or "storage device" should be understood to mean any device for storing electronic data, computer software, or firmware, such as random-access memory, read-only memory, hard drives, solid-state devices, quantum storage devices, or any other suitable fixed or removable storage devices, and/or any combination of the same. Nonvolatile memory may also be used (e.g., to launch a boot-up routine and other instructions).

In the present example, it will be appreciated that the network 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 network cloud platform which receives data posted by the vending machine 10. As referred to herein, processing circuitry should be understood to mean circuitry based on one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc., and may include a multi-core processor (e.g., dual-core, quad-core, hexa-core, or any suitable number of cores) or supercomputer. In some examples, processing circuitry may be distributed across multiple separate processors or processing units, for example, multiple of the same type of processing units (e.g. two Intel Core i7 processors) or multiple different processors (e.g., an Intel Core i5 processor and an Intel Core i7 processor).

In the present example, the vending machine 10 is configured to connect with the network cloud or an edge device (not shown) to push data thereto, as well as receive data. It will be appreciated that the vending machine 10 may connect to the network cloud or the edge device, e.g. via the internet, using one or more nodes/routers in a network e.g. a mesh network. The connection may be one or more networks including the Internet, a mobile phone network, mobile voice or data network (e.g., a 3G, 4G, 5G or LTE network), mesh network, peer-to-peer network, cable network, cable reception (e.g., coaxial), microwave link, DSL reception, cable internet reception, fibre reception, over-the-air infrastructure or other types of communications network or combinations of communications networks. The vending machine 10 may be coupled to a secondary communication network (e.g., Bluetooth, Near Field Communication, service provider proprietary networks, or wired connection) to push data thereto, as well as receive data. Paths may separately or together include one or more communications paths, such as a satellite path, a fibre-optic path, a cable path, a path that supports Internet communications, free-space connections (e.g., for broadcast or other wireless signals), or any other suitable wired or wireless communications path or combination of such paths.

In operation, a capture container 60, which is further described with reference to Figure 4, is inserted by a user into the vending machine 10. Once inserted correctly, either by screwing upwards, or placing in the correct location inside the vending machine 110, the door is shut, and the user presses the dispense button 121. The vending machine 110 then checks everything is in place, such as the capsule, the pre-loaded capture container 60 and the door 41 and if so, dispenses the concentrates forthe 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.

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.

The vending machine may register the concentrates capsule using an 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. In operation, if something is not in order, an error message can be displayed to a user via display 11.

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/capsules 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 50 and/or an order ticket system 51 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.

The concentrates dispensing vending machine 10 is also connected to a mains power supply via a mains power connection 111.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a rear internal view of the exemplary vending machine of the present invention. There is shown a portion of the outer casing 120, which as explained with reference to Figure 1 previously, contains and holds in position the other components of the vending machine 10.

A water tank 100 is also housed inside the vending machine stand/frame 70 and, is connected to a mains water supply via a mains water connection 90 and a water pump 80. The water pump 80 further comprises a sensor (not shown), wherein the sensor is able to detect characteristics of the mains water supply and send data to the system controller 22 about the properties of the mains water supply, such as hardness, temperature and pressure.

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 vending 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. Once the concentrated detergents in the capsule have been dispensed, the vending machine 10 automatically ejects the used capsule into a catch area 130, which is provided to catch used capsules.

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 80 provides a water pressure of over 3 bar, as concentrates concentrate is relatively thick, if mixed within the capsule, the pump 80 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 80 could be a lower bar such as 1.5 to 2 bar.

The flow rate of water through the vending machine 10 can be controlled by the system controller 22 to be a percentage of the maximum flow rate of the water pump 80 by cycle chopping the electrical supply to the pump 80. A volumetric flow sensor (not shown) is preferably provided in the flow line either upstream or downstream of the water pump 80.

The water pump 80 further comprises a sensor (not shown), wherein the sensor is able to detect characteristics of the water stored in the tank 100 and send data to the system controller 22 about the properties of the water used, such as the supply, and water hardness, for example.

As explained, dependent upon the location and situation of the vending machine 20, a payment means 50 and/or an order ticket system 51 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 50/51. The system controller 22 may be in communication with a network 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 network 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 network cloud platform which receives data posted by the concentrates dispensing machines of the present invention.

The vending machine 10 is also powered by a connection to mains power and as such needs an internal transformer 110. 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, such as solenoids; hydraulic pumps and/or actuator valves.

There is shown in Figure 3, a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary concentrates capsule that could be used in the dispenser of Figures 1 & 2 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 vending machine of Figures 1 & 2. 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 3, the outer container cup 220 comprises an extended rim at the base 220 and a cylindrical recess 230 through which the vending 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 vending machine for controlling operation of the concentrates dispensing machine. Alternatively, each concentrates capsule could comprise a barcode. When the capsule is inserted into the vending machine 10, it reads that barcode, and the vending 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.

It should be clear to someone skilled in the art that various implementations of shapes and sizes of pods/capsules could be used, the main purpose is that they can be pierceable in at least one region, such that the concentrated contents can be accessed by the vending machine 10.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a refillable cleaning bottle, as known in the art. Refillable bottles 60 as shown in Figure 4 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 vending machine which may be used as a tool to facilitate a cleaning task.

Figure 5 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:

SI. Read the code on the inputted pod capsule S2. 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. Take payment/Produce ticket for later payment

56. Dispense the outputted concentrates using embodiments as described with reference to any of Figures 1 to 3 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 3 & 5 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 detergents dispensing vending machine, the detergents dispensing vending machine comprising: a. a capsule receptacle suitable in operation for receiving a capsule, the capsule containing a detergent in concentrate, 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 vending machine according to claim 1, the vending machine 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 vending machine according to any of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a connection to the local mains water supply.

4. The vending machine according to either of claims 2 or 3, wherein the controller is operable to control the volume of the water dispensed.

5. The vending machine according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor, wherein the controller unit is operable to receive data from the sensor regarding the composition of the water.

6. The vending machine according to claim 5, wherein the data regarding the composition of the water is used by the controller in the formation of the diluted detergent product. The vending machine according to any preceding claim, further comprising a waterinjector which in operation injects water into the capsule under pressure, thus diluting the concentrates therein. The vending machine according to any of claims 2 to 7, further comprising a mixer, the mixer fluidly connected between the dispenser and the reservoir and which is operable to mix the detergent in concentrate with water, prior to dispensing. The vending machine according to any preceding claim, the vending machine 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. The vending machine according to claim 9, 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 vending machine 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 vending machine by a user. The vending machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is operable to control controller one or more display LEDs. The vending machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is operable to control controller a user display. The vending machine 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 vending machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser further comprises one of a solenoid, hydraulic pump and/or actuator valve. The vending machine according to any preceding claim, further comprising payment means. A method of using the detergents dispensing vending machine of any of claims 1 to 16 to create a detergents product, comprising the steps of a. turning the vending machine power on; b. insert a detergent product capture container; c. insert a detergents in concentrate capsule; d. moving the detergents in concentrate capsule from an out of operation to in operation mode; and e. pressing a dispense button. A method of claim 17, further comprising the step of paying for the dispensing. A method of creating a concentrates product using the detergents dispensing vending machine of any of claims 1 to 16, comprising the steps of a. accepting a detergent product capture container; b. accepting a capsule comprising one or more detergents in concentrate; c. piercing the capsule; and d. dispensing the detergents in concentrate into the detergent product capture container. The method of creating a concentrates product according to claim 19, further comprising the step of pumping a volume of water into the detergent product capture container. The method of creating a concentrates product according to claim 20, further comprising the step of mixing the detergents in concentrate with the water prior to dispensing. The method of creating a concentrates product according to any of claims 19 to 21, further comprising ensuring a user has moved a protective cover into place before dispensing. The method of creating a concentrates product according to any of claims 19 to 21, further comprising automatically moving a protective cover into place before dispensing. The method or vending machine 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 detergents dispensing vending machine of any of claim 1 to 16. A capsule according to claim 25, 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 25 or 26, said capsule further comprising an identification tag, such that the identification tag can be read by the vending machine of claims 1 to

16.