WO2014067083A1

WO2014067083A1 - Dispenser with ball valve

Info

Publication number: WO2014067083A1
Application number: PCT/CN2012/083792
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kuo Yu Huang
Original assignee: Kuo Yu Huang
Priority date: 2012-10-31
Filing date: 2012-10-31
Publication date: 2014-05-08

Abstract

Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide dispensing and/or application of product from a reservoir of a dispenser. A ball valve (104) coupled to the reservoir (102) provide an open channel (304) for the product to be dispensed from the reservoir (102) when the ball valve (104) is rotated to an open position. An applicator (106) may be coupled to the reservoir (102) to apply product dispensed from the reservoir (102).

Description

DISPENSER WITH BALL VALVE BACKGROUND

[0001] Cosmetic materials such as those used for cosmetic foundation, moisturizing, or color are often provided as a fluid in a dispensing container. Additionally, many food products, medicinal products, hygiene products, adhesives, and the like, are provided as a fluid in a dispensing container. Fluids are commonly provided in dispensing containers for ease of storage and application convenience. Dispensing containers may have myriad configurations and include methods of sealing the container between uses.

[0002] Common container configurations include open containers with caps or applicators. These configurations can be problematic in that the fluid may have a tendency to spill during handling or excess fluid may be expelled from the container during use. Consequently, some of these containers are prone to waste. Additionally, measuring out desired quantities of fluids for use can be difficult with many types of containers, meaning that not enough product or too much product may be expelled for a particular use. Further, even with some caps or applicators, the open nature of the container may cause product quality to diminish over time. For example, some of the fluid in the container may harden, thicken, spoil, or the like.

SUMMARY

[0003] This disclosure relates to dispenser devices (i.e., dispensers) usable for holding and dispensing, among other things,fluids or fluid-like products. According to one exemplary implementation, adispenser device is disclosed that has a reservoir configured to contain a product, such as a fluid or fluid-like product, where a first end of the reservoir is sealed to prevent the product from escaping the reservoir. In one embodiment, an end cap is coupled to the first end of the reservoir. A valve device is coupled to the reservoir and configured to open the reservoir for dispensing the product from the second end of the reservoir and to close/seal the reservoir when it is not in use. In one embodiment, the valve device is a ball valve, and the product may be dispensed from the second end of the reservoir when the ball valve is rotated to an open position. An applicator (such as a brush, a sponge, etc.) is coupled to the second end of the reservoir for applying the product expelled from the reservoir.

[0004] One embodiment also includes an applicator holder that secures the applicator to the dispenser device. In an implementation, the applicator may be removed and replaced, based on the configuration of the applicator holder. Further embodiments include a feedback device which helps provide feedback to a user during operation.

[0005] According to another exemplary implementation, adispenser device is configured to be filled from the bottom (or first end) of the dispenser device. In such an implementation, the end cap may be used to seal the bottom of the dispenser device after filling the dispenser device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures.

In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

[0007] FIG. 1 includesa perspective view and an exploded view of an example dispenser device, in which thetechniques and devices in accordance with the present disclosure may be embodied.

[0008] FIG. 2includesprofile views of two examples of adispenser device implemented as in FIG. 1. [0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional profile view of an example dispenser device implemented as in FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view, showing enlarged detail of the valve components of the example dispenser device of FIG. 3.

[0011] FIG. 5 shows two exploded views of example valve components. In the first view, a ball valve assembly is shown with a rotator. The second view shows an exploded view of the ball valve assembly components.

[0012] FIG. 6 includes two perspective views showing details of an example rotator device and ball valve assembly, according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates several example applicators that may be implemented with an example dispenser device, according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

[0014] Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide dispensing and/or application of product from a reservoir of a dispenser device. In one example embodiment, a ball valve is coupled to the reservoir and provides an open channel for the product to be dispensed from the reservoir when the ball valve is rotated to an open position. In another embodiment, an applicator may be coupled to the reservoir to apply product dispensed from the reservoir.

[0015] Various implementations of dispenser devices and techniques are discussed in this disclosure. The dispenser devices and techniques are discussed with reference to exampleimplementations illustrated in the figures. The dispenser devices, dispenser components, and techniques discussed herein may be referred to in the context of cosmetics, such as those used for cosmetic foundation or color, for ease of discussion and illustrative convenience. The dispenser devices, dispenser components, and/or techniques may also be used in other contexts, in other environments, with other implementations, and associated with other products, systems, and the like, to provide application, dispensing, and/or distribution of various products (e.g., medicines, health products, nutritional supplements, adhesives, lubricants, solvents, artistic media, etc.).

[0016] Further, example implementations of dispenser devices, dispenser components, and techniques are discussed with reference to fluids or fluid-like products, also for ease of discussion. The devices and techniques described herein can also be applicable to products having various other solid, semi-solid, liquid, vapor, or gaseous forms, and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

[0017] Implementations are explained in detail below using a plurality of examples.

Although various implementations and examples are discussed here and below, further implementations and examples may be possible by combining the features and elements of individual implementations and examples.

Example Embodiments

[0018] Example embodiments of adispenser device,dispenser components, and techniques are first described with reference to FIGS. 1-6. Then, several example applicators that may be implemented with an example dispenser device are illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0019] For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms dispenser device, applicator device, and dispenser may be used interchangeably, and are to be understood to mean a device for distributing (e.g., applying, dispensing, delivering, etc.) a product. Generally the product is stored in a local reservoir (e.g., container, chamber, cavity, compartment, storage, cell, etc.); however, a remote storage location is also included in some embodiments. It is to be understood that the techniques and/or devices described herein may be implemented aspart of the illustrated dispenser device 100, or as an accessory to or part of another system (for example as part of a larger or more complex product delivery system, etc.).

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, an exampledispenser device 100 may comprise a number of components. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a dispenser 100 may include a reservoir 102, a valve portionl04, and an applicator 106. In alternate embodiments, fewer, additional, or alternate components may be used to accomplish the techniques described herein.

[0021] In some embodiments, the components of a dispenser 100 may be coupled together using various techniques including using threaded couplings, press-fit couplings, rib and groove couplings, snap-fit couplings, and the like. Further, in some implementations, two or more of the components may be glued together or fastened/coupled together in a similar manner so as to be permanently fixed. In other implementations, components may be configured to be temporarily fixed or removable as desired. Additionally, as will be described below, some components may be configured to have at least partial freedom of motion with respect to other components.

[0022] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, adispenser device 100 includes a reservoir 102 configured to contain a product. The reservoir 102 may be configured such that the product is not allowed to escape the reservoir 102 except as desired for distribution of the product. For example in one embodiment, the reservoir 102 may be sealed at a first end (e.g., the bottom end) of the reservoir 102. In one embodiment, the reservoir 102 itself may be designed and constructed to be sealed at the first end of the reservoir 102. In another embodiment, the reservoir 102 may be sealed using an end cap (not shown). For example, the end cap may be coupled to the first end of the reservoir 102 to prevent the product from escaping the reservoir 102 from the first end. In various embodiments, the end cap may be removably attached or permanently fixed to the first end of the reservoir 102. In one embodiment, the reservoir 102 is configured to be filled from the first end, the end cap being coupled to the reservoir 102 after the reservoir 102 is filled.

[0023] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the reservoir 102 includes an open end 108 arranged to provide access to the product stored in the reservoir 102. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 1, the open end 108 includes one or more features configured for attaching dispenser components, as will be discussed below. In alternate embodiments, the reservoir 102 may be filled from the open end 108, for example, if the other end (i.e., first end) is permanently sealed. In other embodiments, the reservoir 102 may be filled from the open end 108, for convenience, whether or not the other end (first end) is permanently sealed.

[0024] In an embodiment, the reservoir 102 is configured to be squeezable, (based on materials used and/or design and shape) for example, to dispense product from the open end 108. In an implementation, a user, for example, may squeeze the reservoir 102 to remove product from the open end 108 of the reservoir 110.

[0025] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS 1 and 3-5, the dispenser 100 may include a valve portion 104. The valve portion 104 may be configured to control dispensing of product from the reservoir 102. For example, the valve portion 104 may open and/or close the reservoir 102, providing or denying access to the product stored in the reservoir 102. In alternate embodiments, the valve portion 104 may control a rateand/or a volume that theproduct is dispensed.

[0026] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the valve portion 104 may be coupled between the reservoir 102 and the applicator 106. In alternate embodiments, the valve portion 104 may be coupled and/or located in a different configuration (e.g., to one side of the reservoir 102 or applicator 106, etc.). [0027] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS 3-6, the valve portion 104 may include a ball valve 302 coupled to the open end 108 of the reservoir 102 and coupled to the applicator 106. In an example, as shown in FIG. 5, the ball valve 302 is a generally spherical valve device that is often housed in a socket having a spherical inner surface. The diameter of the outer surface of the ball valve 302 is approximately the same size as the diameter of the inner surface of the socket, or slightly smaller. This forms a tight fit of the ball valve 302 within the socket, with enough tolerance for the ball valve 302 to move within the socket, but still form a tight seal with the socket. In an embodiment, the seal between the ball valve 302 and its socket prevents fluid from leaking around the ball valve 302 when it is in a closed position. In an implementation, the ball valve 302 and/or the socket may be coated with a coating to help seal the ball valve 302 within the socket, and prevent leaks.

[0028] In an implementation, the ball valve 302 has a channel 304through the center of the ball valve 302, allowing product to pass through the center of the ball valve 302. In alternate embodiments, the channel 304 may be offset from center of the ball valve 302 or the ball valve 302 may have more than one channel 304 through the ball valve 302. When the ball valve 302 is rotated such that the channel 304through the ball valve lines up with one or more channels/passages in the socket, product may pass from a passage on one side of the socket to a passage on the other side of the socket, via the channel 304 in the ball valve 302. This is the open position of the ball valve 302. Alternately, when the ball valve 302 is rotated such that the channel 304 through the ball valve 302 is offset from the one or more channels/passages in the socket, no product may pass through the ball valve 302. This is the closed position of the ball valve 302.

[0029] In an alternate implementation, the channel 304 through the ball valve 302 may be partially offset from a channel/passage in the socket, not fully open to the passage, but not closing the passage off. In this configuration, the ball valve 302 allows product to pass through the ball valve 302, but at a reduced volume or rate. Accordingly, the ball valve 302 may be adjusted in its rotation to control a volume or rate of fluid transfer through the valve portion 104. In various alternate implementations, other types of valves may be used within the valve portion 104 to control fluid flow.

[0030] In one example, a valve housing 502 as shown in FIG. 5 is configured as a socket, as described above for the ball valve 302. In an embodiment, the valve housing 502 is configured to enclose the ball valve 302, as discussed above. One example valve housing502, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, includes a top portion 306 having a first conduit and a bottom portion 308 having a second conduit. The first and second conduits are arranged to align with the channel 304through the ball valve 302 when the ball valve 302 is rotated to the open position. In one embodiment, the ball valve 302 is configured to provide an open channel 304from the open end 108 of the reservoir 102 to the applicator 106 when the ball valve 302 is rotated to an open position. Further, the ball valve 302 is configured and arranged to seal the open end 108 of the reservoir 102 when the ball valve 302 is rotated to a closed position.

[0031] The top portion 306 and the bottom portion 308 may be coupled together with the aid of alignment features, such as pegs (for example, pegs 510 in FIG. 5) in one of the portions (306, 308) and depressions (such as depressions 602, in FIG. 6) in the other of the portions (306, 308), or the like. Alignment features may also include slots and tabs, notches, guides, and the like. The alignment features may aid in tightly sealing the two portions (306, 308), as well as providing alignment of the portions (306, 308) of the valve housing 502.

[0032] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first conduit of the top portion

306 is coupled to the applicator 106 and the second conduit of the bottom portion 308is coupled to the reservoir 102. In a further embodiment, the first conduit of the top portion 306 is inserted into the applicator 106 and the second conduit of the bottom portion 308 is inserted into the reservoir 102.

[0033] In alternate implementations, a valve housing 502 may be comprised of fewer, additional, or alternate components. For example, the valve housing 502 may have a single conduit on one side of the ball valve 302 and multiple conduits on the other end of the ball valve 302. Alternately, the valve housing 502 may have multiple conduits on both ends of the ball valve 302, or in various positions around the ball valve 302. In these alternate configurations, the ball valve 302 may control passage of fluid or product from one or multiple alternate reservoirs 102 to one or multiple alternate applicators 106, for example.

[0034] In one implementation, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, the valve housing 502 includes a valve gear 310. In one example, the valve gear 310 is coupled to the ball valve 302, and is arranged to rotate the ball valve 302 when the valve gear 310 is rotated. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the valve gear 310 is coupled to the ball valve 302 via a stem 506 on the ball valve 302 and a keyed opening 508on the valve gear 310. The stem 506 and the keyed opening 508may be configured to be the same shape, and may contain one or more features (such as a rounded shape with a flat surface, a notched shape, or a toothed shape, for example) to ensure that when the valve gear 310 rotates, the ball valve 302 rotates.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the valve housing 502 may include one or more seals or

O-rings (404 and 406). The one or more seals (404 and 406) may be arranged to prevent fluids from leaking at various connections throughout the dispenser 100. For example, seal 404 is placed on the stem 506 to prevent leaking from the ball valve 302 and seal 406 is placed on the conduit of bottom portion 308 to prevent leaking from the valve housing 502/reservoir 102 connection. Other seals may be used as well in various locations.

[0036] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-6, the dispenser 100 may include a rotator 1 10, coupled to the ball valve 302 and configured to rotate the ball valve 302 when the rotator 1 10 is rotated. In one embodiment, the rotator 1 10 is moveably coupled to the open end 108 of the reservoir 102 and arranged to rotate with respect to the reservoir 102. For example, the rotator 1 10 may be moveably coupled to the reservoir 102 via features (e.g., snap ring, slots and tabs, and the like) at the open end 108 of the reservoir 102. In other embodiments, the rotator 1 10 is arranged and coupled in a different configuration, while rotating the ball valve 302 when the rotator 1 10 is rotated.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3-9, the rotator 1 10 may be a component of the valve portion

104. For example, the rotator 1 10 may provide control over the ball valve 302 position. In one example, the rotator 1 10 is moveably coupled to a component of the valve housing 502, such as the valve gear 310, for example. In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, the valve housing 502 may be located within a cavity or interior space of the rotator 1 10. In one embodiment, the valve housing 502 protrudes through an opening in the rotator 1 10. In various embodiments, rotating the rotator 1 10 (by a user, for example) rotates the ball valve 302 (via the valve gear 310, for example).

[0038] FIG. 6 includes two perspective views showing details of an example rotator

1 10 and ball valve 302 assembly, according to one embodiment. In both views the valve housing 502 is shown inserted into the rotator 1 10, in an example operating position. In the first view (the left-hand view), the valve housing 502 is complete. In the second view (the right-hand view), the bottom portion 308 of the valve housing 502 is removed to show the ball valve 302 within the valve housing 502. In the illustration of FIG. 6, the ball valve 302 is in the open position, as evidenced by the channel 304 aligned with the upper conduit of the top portion 306.

[0039] In an implementation, the valve gear 310 is a first gear coupled to the ball valve 302 and arranged to rotate the ball valve 302 when the valve gear 310 is rotated. In the implementation, a second gear 402 (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) is coupled to the rotator 1 10 and operatively coupled to the valve gear 310. The second gear 402 is arranged to rotate the valve gear 310 when the rotator 110 is rotated.

[0040] In an embodiment, the second gear 402 engages the valve gear 310 at a substantially perpendicular angle. For example, in the implementation shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, rotating the rotator 110 about an axis parallel to the length of the dispenser 100, and running through the center of the dispenser 100, causes the valve gear 310 to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the length of the dispenser 100. The ball valve 302 rotates along the same axis as the valve gear 310, and either aligns or offsets the channel 304 through the ball valve 302 with the conduits in the top portion 306 and bottom portion 308 of the valve housing 502. In other embodiments, the second gear 402 may engage the valve gear 310 at other angles, and accomplish the above described ball valve 302 rotation.

[0041] In an implementation, the second gear 402 is integral to the rotator 110. For example, the rotator 110 may be a molded component, with the second gear 402 molded as a part of the rotator 110. In other examples, the second gear 402 may be glued, fastened, or otherwise statically fixed to the rotator 110. In an alternate embodiment, the second gear 402 is a component separate from the rotator 110, and may be moveable with respect to the rotator 110 in some cases. For example, the valve gear 310 and second gear 402 may have a differential type operation, or the like.

[0042] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the second gear 402 is a partial gear, comprising less than 360 degrees of teeth (with respect to a circular shape along the interior cavity of the rotator 110). In the illustrated example, the second gear 402 comprises about 180 degrees of teeth, or extends about half-way around the interior cavity of the rotator 110. In other embodiments, the second gear 402 extends more or less of an extent around the interior cavity of the rotator 110. In other words, in other embodiments, the teeth of the second gear 402 may extend a greater or lesserdegree of the interior circle of the rotator 110. In an alternate implementation, the second gear 402 may be implemented in a different shape or manner than as a portion of a circle (e.g., a substantially straight row of gear teeth, serpentine or worm gears, or the like).

[0043] In an embodiment, the rotation action of the rotator 1 10 (by a user, for example) rotates the ball valve 302 in a continuous manner to open and close the valve portion 104, based on the second gear 402 being a partial second gear 402. In one embodiment, starting from a closed position, for example, the ball valve 302 is rotated approximately 90 degrees from the closed position to an open position when the rotator 1 10 is rotated a first extent of rotation in one direction (either clockwise or counter-clockwise, for example). The ball valve 302 is not rotated, and stays in the open position, for example, when the rotator 1 10 is rotated a second extent of rotation in the same direction. Thus, in the embodiment, the second gear 402 is arranged to rotate the first gear (e.g., the valve gear 310) when the rotator 1 10 is rotated a first extent of rotation, and the second gear arranged to refrain from rotating the first gear (e.g., the valve gear 310) when the rotator 1 10 is further rotated a second extent of rotation.

[0044] In an embodiment, the ball valve 302 is rotated approximately another 90 degrees from the open position to the closed position when the rotator 1 10 is rotated a third extent of rotation in the same direction, and the ball valve 302 is not rotated, and stays in the closed position, when the rotator 1 10 is rotated a fourth extent of rotation in the same direction.From the closed position, the cycle repeats as described above.

[0045] In various implementations, the second extent and the fourth extent may or may not be the same as the first extent and the third extent. In various other implementations, the first, second, third, and fourth extents of rotation may all be the same extent or may be all different. In one implementation, at least one of the first extent of rotation, the second extent of rotation, the third extent of rotation, and the fourth extent of rotation comprises approximately 180 degrees of rotation. In one embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth extents of rotation each comprise approximately 180 degrees of rotation.

[0046] In another implementation, the ball valve 302 is rotated approximately 90 degrees from a closed position to an open position when the rotator 110 is rotated an extent of rotation in a first direction (either clockwise or counter-clockwise, for example), and the ball valve 302 is rotated back approximately 90 degrees from the open position to the closed position when the rotator 110 is rotated the same extent of rotation in an opposite direction to the first direction.

[0047] In one embodiment, the valve housing 502 is arranged to refrain from rotating when the rotator 110 is rotated. In other words, the valve housing 502 remains in a fixed position during rotation of the rotator 110. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the valve housing 502 includes one or more tabs 504 (or like features) on the body of the valve housing 502 to prevent the valve housing 502 from rotating when the rotator 110 is rotated. The one or more tabs 504 may engage slots (or other features) at the open end 108 of the reservoir 102, for example. Example slots at the open end 108 are shown in FIG. 1.

[0048] In an alternate implementation, the valve housing 502 is arranged to rotate when the rotator 110 is rotated. In such an implementation, one or more of the first 310 and second 402 gears may be fixed to the reservoir 110, or to other component(s), for example.

[0049] In a further alternate implementation, the valve portion 104 includes a lever, dial, or other type of actuator to rotate the ball valve 302. For example, a user may activate the lever, turn the dial, etc. to manually rotate the ball valve 302 between open and closed positions. The actuator may be coupled to the ball valve 302, for example.

[0050] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the dispenser device 100 includes an applicator 106 configured to apply the product contained within the reservoir 102. In one embodiment, the applicator 106 may be coupled to the open end 108 of the reservoir 102. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the applicator 106 may be coupled to one or more dispenser components, which are coupled to the open end 108 of the reservoir 102.

[0051] The applicator 106 may comprise any of various applicators that are used for applying a fluid or fluid-like products to a surface, such as the surface of a user's face, the surface of a work piece, or a food item. Several example applicators 106 are illustrated in FIG. 7. Applicators 106 may include different shapes, sizes, and textures of brushes 702, such as a kabuki brush, a pointy brush, a flat brush, and the like. Other applicators 106may include a swab tip 704, a flocked tip 706, a sponge tip 708, a rollerball 710, or a nozzle 712. As a person having skill in the art will appreciate, additional types of applicators 106 may also be used, such as droppers, wands, pads, and the like. Such applicators 106 may be used for various products, as described above, having a fluid form or various solid, semi- solid, gaseous, vapor, and liquid forms. In one embodiment, the applicator 106 includes one or more openings that have access to the reservoir 102. For example, the one or more openings may be configured to dispense the product from the reservoir 102 when the ball valve 302 is rotated to the open position.

[0052] In various embodiments, the dispenser device 100 may include a feedback indicator (not shown in the FIGS.) to indicate to a user, for example, when the ball valve 302 is in an open position, a closed position, or somewhere in between. The feedback indicator may be configured to provide feedback to a user when the rotator 1 10 is rotated, for example. In various embodiments, the feedback to the user may include at least one of visual feedback, tactile feedback, and aural feedback. Visual feedback may include one or more notches, arrows, detents, markings, or the like in or on one or more of the dispenser components (e.g., the reservoir 102, the valve component 104, the rotator 1 10, the applicator 106, etc.) where the user can see the feedback indicator(s) in relation to a mark or other reference object, for example. This reference can show the user how much the rotator 1 10 and/or the ball valve 302 has been rotated. In an embodiment, the reference also indicates a relative rate or volume of flow of the dispenser 100.

[0053] Tactile feedback may include a tactile "click" that the user can feel as the rotator 1 10 is rotated. In one embodiment, the user feels a click as the rotator 1 10 is rotated a preset amount (l/4^th of a revolution, for example). For example, the user may have feedback regarding how much the user is rotating the ball valve 302 during use. This can be helpful to the user to control the amount of product that is dispensed from the reservoir 102, by gauging an amount of product with reference to one or more clicks of the feedback indicator.

[0054] Aural feedback may include an audible "click" that the user can hear as the rotator 1 10 is rotated. In one embodiment, the user hears a click as the rotator 1 10 is rotated a preset amount (l/4^th of a revolution, for example). In various embodiments, the user may receive various combinations of the visual feedback, tactile feedback, and aural feedback. In alternate embodiments, the user may alternately or additionally receive other feedback based on the rotator 1 10 and feedback indicator(s).

[0055] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the dispenser device 100 includes an applicator holder 1 12coupled to the applicator 106 and configured to couple the applicator 106 to the rotator 1 10. In various implementations, the applicator 106 is coupled to the applicator holder 1 12 using various techniques (e.g., adhesives, friction or press fitting, fasteners, etc.). In an embodiment, the applicator holder 1 12 includes one or more openings for dispensing the product from the reservoir 102. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the top portion 306 of the valve housing 502 may protrude through an opening in the applicator holder 1 12.

[0056] In one embodiment, the applicator holder 1 12 is removably attached to the rotator 1 10. The applicator holder 1 12 and applicator 106 may be removed from the rotator 1 10 for replacing the applicator 106 when it is worn, or to use a different applicator 106 with the dispenser 100. For example, various applicators 106, such as those shown in FIG. 7, may have an applicator holder 1 12 attached to the applicator 106. Alternately, an applicator 106may be used with a separate applicator holder 1 12.

[0057] In one implementation, a magnetic force is applied between the applicator holder 1 12 and the rotator 1 10 to hold the applicator 106 in place. In one implementation, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, at least one magnet 1 14 is used to create the removable attachment between the applicator holder 1 12 and the rotator 1 10. One or more magnets 1 14 may be permanently coupled (with adhesive, for example) to the rotator 1 10, and may be arranged to attract the applicator holder 1 12. For example, in an implementation, the one or more magnets 1 14 are embedded in a surface of the rotator 1 10. In another implementation, the one or more magnets 1 14 are fit into depression(s) 312 in the surface of the rotator 1 10, and are permanently coupled to the rotator 1 10.

[0058] In an alternate embodiment, the applicator holder 1 12 may be coupled to the rotator 1 10 using a friction fit between the applicator holder 1 12 and the rotator 1 10. In some embodiments, the applicator holder 1 12 may include an exterior mating surface for coupling the applicator holder 1 12 to the rotator 1 10. For example, the exterior mating surface may include threads, ribs, or the like, for coupling the applicator holder 1 12 to the rotator 1 10.

[0059] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the dispenser device 100 includes a rotator cover 1 16. The cover 1 16 may be configured to cover and/or protect the rotator 1 10 and/or other valve portion 104 components, for example. In one embodiment, the cover 1 16 may be used to rotate the rotator 1 10. For example, the cover may be tightly fit over the rotator 1 10, and match the shape of the rotator, at least at some places on the rotator 1 10. The cover may be fastened to the rotator 1 10 by friction fit, press fit, crimp on, adhesive, fasteners, or the like. Accordingly, turning or rotating the cover 1 16 may rotate the rotator 1 10, thereby rotating the ball valve 302. In one embodiment, the cover includes one or more feedback indicators, as described above.

[0060] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the dispenser device 100 includes a removable protective applicator cover 118configured to enclose the applicator 106when the applicator 106is not in use. Generally, the removable protective cover 118 is removed prior to using the dispenser device 100, and replaced when finished. In alternate embodiments, the applicator 106 may protrude through an opening in the removable protective cover 118 for use of the dispenser device 100, and retract when finished.

Conclusion

[0061] Although the implementations of the disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the implementations are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as representative forms of implementing the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A dispenser device comprising:

a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an applicator configured to apply the product contained within the reservoir; and a ball valve coupled to an open end of the reservoir and coupled to the applicator, the ball valve configured to provide an open channel from the open end of the reservoir to the applicator when the ball valve is rotated to an open position.

2. The dispenser device of claim 1, further comprising a valve housing configured to enclose the ball valve, the valve housing including a first conduit and a second conduit, the first and second conduits arranged to align with a channel through the ball valve when the ball valve is rotated to the open position.

3. The dispenser device of claim 2, further comprising a rotator coupled to the ball valve and configured to rotate the ball valve when the rotator is rotated, wherein the valve housing is arranged to refrain from rotating when the rotator is rotated.

4. The dispenser device of claim 1, further comprising a rotator coupled to the ball valve and configured to rotate the ball valve when the rotator is rotated.

5. The dispenser device of claim 4, wherein the rotator is moveably coupled to the open end of the reservoir, the rotator arranged to rotate with respect to the reservoir.

6. The dispenser device of claim 4, wherein the ball valve is rotated approximately 90 degrees from a closed position to an open position when the rotator is rotated a first extent of rotation in a direction, the ball valve is not rotated when the rotator is rotated a second extent of rotation in the direction, the ball valve is rotated approximately another 90 degrees from the open position to the closed position when the rotator is rotated a third extent of rotation in the direction, and the ball valve is not rotated when the rotator is rotated a fourth extent of rotation in the direction.

7. The dispenser device of claim 4, wherein the ball valve is rotated approximately 90 degrees from a closed position to an open position when the rotator is rotated an extent of rotation in a first direction and the ball valve is rotated back approximately 90 degrees from the open position to the closed position when the rotator is rotated the extent of rotation in an opposite direction to the first direction.

8. The dispenser device of claim 4, further comprising:

a first gear coupled to the ball valve and arranged to rotate the ball valve when the first gear is rotated, and

a second gear coupled to the rotator and operatively coupled to the first gear, the second gear arranged to rotate the first gear when the rotator is rotated.

9. The dispenser device of claim 8, wherein the second gear is integral to the rotator.

10. The dispenser device of claim 8, wherein the second gear comprises a partial gear, the second gear arranged to rotate the first gear when the rotator is rotated a first extent of rotation, and the second gear arranged to refrain from rotating the first gear when the rotator is rotated further a second extent of rotation.

11. The dispenser device of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first extent of rotation and the second extent of rotation comprises approximately 180 degrees of rotation.

12. The dispenser device of claim 4, further comprising a applicator holder configured to couple the applicator to the rotator, the applicator coupled to the applicator holder and the applicator holder providing an opening for dispensing the product from the reservoir.

13. The dispenser device of claim 12, wherein the applicator holder is removably attached to the rotator by one of:

a magnetic force between the applicator holder and the rotator; or

a friction fit between the applicator holder and the rotator.

14. The dispenser device of claim 13, further comprising at least one magnet to create the removable attachment between the applicator holder and the rotator.

15. The dispenser device of claim 14, wherein the at least one magnet is embedded in a surface of the rotator.

16. The dispenser device of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises at least one of a brush, a swab, a sponge, a nozzle, a dropper, a wand, and a pad.

17. The dispenser device of claim 1, wherein the applicator includes one or more openings with access to the reservoir, the one or more openings configured to dispense the product from the reservoir when the ball valve is rotated to an open position.

18. The dispenser device of claim 1, further comprising an end cap coupled to another end of the reservoir, the end cap arranged to prevent the product from escaping the reservoir from the other end.

19. The dispenser device of claim 18, wherein the reservoir is configured to be filled from the other end, the end cap being coupled to the reservoir after the reservoir is filled.

20. A dispenser comprising:

a reservoir configured to contain a product, the reservoir having an open end;

a ball valve coupled to the open end of the reservoir and configured to provide an open channel from the open end of the reservoir to an applicator when the ball valve is rotated to an open position, the ball valve arranged to seal the open end of the reservoir when the ball valve is rotated to a closed position;

a rotator coupled to the ball valve and configured to rotate the ball valve when the rotator is rotated, the rotator arranged to rotate with respect to the reservoir; and

an applicator magnetically coupled to the rotator for applying the product contained in the reservoir.