Technical Field [0001] The preferred embodiments relate to product dispensers, preferably for skincare and cosmetic products, and more particularly to a dispenser that includes apparatus permitting the inclusion of a periodic replenishing ingredient that will combine with an ingredient drawn from the bottle of the dispenser.

Background Art

[0002] Product dispensers are well known in the art and typically include a bottle that stores a product to be dispensed. Thus, during manufacture, product, such as skincare or cosmetics, are located within the storage volume of the bottle, and thereafter upon consumer purchase the consumer/user operates the dispenser to dispense that product. More specifically, dispensing of the product occurs by actuating a pump, sometimes also referred to as a pump engine, where the pump is affixed near or at the top of the bottle, and the pump is operated by an actuator that is either integral to the top of the pump or a separate mechanism near or at the top of the pump. The pump is typically considered either airless, or atmospheric with a dip tube. An airless pump creates a vacuum that cause the volume storing bottle product to constrict, while not introducing air external from the pump into the product, where the volumetric constriction can occur by a collapsible chamber or by movement of a piston that reduces the volume, thereby forcing the product through the pump and out a dispensing tip. An atmospheric dip tube pump creates a suction in a dip tube that extends from a pump inlet down into the product in the bottle, when the actuator is pressed and then released (typically biased by a spring during the release), advancing the product up the dip tube for each actuation cycle, and eventually past a valve (e.g., via a diaphragm at the end of the tube or product path) and out the dispensing tip.

[0003] While the above approaches are very well known and have myriad applications, the present inventors have recognized certain potential drawbacks in the prior art. Particularly, in some instances, a first product, typically stored along in the volume to be dispensed, may have certain characteristics whereby it is desirable to mix with it a second product; however, the second product may have differing attributes, whereby combining both products in the same bottle chamber may prove difficult, or some other barrier exists to pre-mixing the first and second products, like freshness or efficacy or that both products materials are not compatible in a pre-mixed state. In one prior art approach, therefore, a bottle may include two separate chambers, each storing a respective product, and where each chamber has separate respective apparatus for dispensing each product via separate respective dispensing holes at the top of the dispenser. Thus, there is no mixture of the two products, until they are outside of the dispenser (e.g., in the hand of the dispenser user). Such an approach, therefore, is complex and raises expense, and it does not actually mix the first and second product, as that function is essentially accomplished by the user as each product is separately, yet concurrently, dispensed. In another prior art approach, two products that are both originally loaded by the manufacturer in the bottom bottle of the dispenser may mix in the actuator. However, for this and the previously-mentioned prior art approach, because both products are located into the bottle at the time of manufacture, so each is exposed to the same amount of shelf life and other environmental factors to which the dispenser is subjected. The preferred embodiments improve upon these drawbacks, and provide a potentially completely different approach to various consumer experiences and demands, as further explored below.

Disclosure of Invention

[0004] A dispensing apparatus, comprising: (i) a container having a volume and for storing a first product; (ii) a pump engine for causing the first product to move along a fluid communications path to a dispenser tip; and (iii) a user accessible port for adding a second product into a location apart from the container. Actuation of the pump engine is for simultaneously dispensing the first and second products through the dispenser tip.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0005] The preferred embodiments are described in detail below by referring to the accompanying drawings:

[0006] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective cutaway view of a dispenser in accordance with preferred embodiments, and by way of example which includes an access member that encloses a port into which a second product is positioned.

[0007] Figure 2A illustrates an enlarged and more detail view of the actuator and additional aspects for combination with Figure 1.

[0008] Figure 2B illustrates the view of Figure 2A after the spherical bead of second product has been positioned into the fluid communication path of channel.

[0009] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of an alternative preferred embodiment dispenser in which access to the port is by way of a threaded interface between two portions of the actuator.

[0010] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the Figure 3 dispenser. [0011] Figure 5 illustrates a partially exploded view of an alternative preferred embodiment dispenser and with a slidable access member that encloses a port into which a second product is positioned.

[0012] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the Figure 5 dispenser.

[0013] Figures 7A through 7C illustrate views of an alternative preferred embodiment dispenser in which a matrix stores the second product and is positioned, by way of example, between upper and base members of the actuator.

[0014] Figure 8 illustrates a partially exploded view of an alternative preferred embodiment dispenser with a movable mechanism for storing multiple units of a second product (or respective products) for combining with the first product stored in the dispenser bottle..

[0015] Figures 9 A and 9B illustrate cross-sectional partial views of two additional dispensers, each with an alternate location for the second product relative to the pump engine while being above the bottle. [0016] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment dispenser having two ports, each for receiving a separate product for mixing with the first product stored in the bottle.

[0017] Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an alternative preferred embodiment dispenser with a rotatable member for accessing a port into which the second product is positioned.

[0018] Figures 12A through 12E illustrate an alternative preferred embodiment actuator for use in a preferred embodiment, and in which a movable member is included for moving the second product from a first chamber into a fluid path that communicates with the second product.

[0019] Figure 13 illustrates a partially exploded view of an alternative preferred embodiment dispenser with a movable mechanism for storing multiple units of a second product (or respective products) for combining with the first product stored in the dispenser bottle. [0020] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate an alternative preferred embodiment in which a removable carrier stores the second product and is inserted into the dispenser for combining the second product in the carrier with the first product stored in the dispenser bottle.

Description of Embodiments

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective cutaway view of a dispenser 10 in accordance with preferred embodiments, where in the present example dispenser 10 is an airless dispenser. Note that an airless dispenser is shown herein only as one preferred embodiment, as various of the inventive teachings also may be favorably implemented so as to provide alternative atmospheric dip tube preferred embodiments. In any event, and by way of introduction, in this paragraph, the elements described are known in the art. In this regard, dispenser 10 includes a bottle 12, which typically is a generally cylindrical, single wall member constructed of a translucent or opaque material, such as a plastic. A pump 14 is located near or at the top of bottle 12, and pump 14 is typically affixed in place relative to bottle 12, such as via friction or snap fit and also may be adjacent one or more sealing members (e.g., O-ring), so as to prevent leaks. Pump 14 includes a fluid communications channel 16 having an inlet \6i and an outlet 16 ₀ . Atop pump 14 is an actuator 18, which is so named as the user (e.g., consumer) of dispenser 10 depresses the actuator 18 and releases it, so as to perform the dispensing function, as further explained below. Further in this regard, outlet 16 ₀ of pump 14 is in fluid communication, via a channel 18 _c , with a dispensing tip 18 _T of dispenser 10. A piston 20 is initially located near a bottom plate 12 _B p of bottle 12, and a first product 22 (e.g., cosmetic) is located between an upper surface 20 _us of piston 20 and inlet 16i.

[0022] Continuing now with an inventive aspect of a preferred embodiment, Figure 2A illustrates an enlarged and more detail view of actuator 18, as well as additional aspects for combination with Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2A, actuator 18 includes an accessible port 24, into which may be located a second product 26, where in the illustrated preferred embodiment product 26 is shaped as a spherical bead of the second product. Further in this regard, actuator 18 includes an access member 18 _M , whereby member 18 _M may be temporarily repositioned, so as to give the user of dispenser 10 access to the location of port 24. In the example illustrated, access member 18 _M is formed as part of actuator 18 and is operable to swing about a pivot point 18 _PP , which may be manufactured as a living hinge portion of actuator 18. Thus, a user may grab or otherwise apply upward force to the end of member 18 _M distal from pivot point 18 _PP , thereby causing member 18 _M to move to the vertically -upward position shown in Figure 2A, relative to actuator 18, with a curved arrow showing the first direction of upward pivot. [0023] Figure 2B again illustrates the enlarged, detail view of actuator 18, but after the spherical bead of second product 26 has been positioned into the fluid communication path of channel 18 _c . Note that such positioning is only generally illustrated in Figure 2B, where one skilled in the art will understand that additional apparatus, such as a flange, filter, membrane, screen, or other positioning stop, may be located within channel 18 _C , so as to retain bead product 26 in place such that it does not move substantially within channel 18 _c once so located. In any event, once bead product 26 is so located, the user then closes the access to port 24, such as by reversing the swing direction of member 18 _M , relative to Figure 2A, as also shown by a reverse arrow in Figure 2B. Moreover, note that in a preferred embodiment, additional apparatus may be included so as to ensure a sufficient seal when member 18 _M is closed, as pressure will be subsequently created within channel 18 _c , and such additional apparatus therefore is contemplated to prevent leakage of either the first product, the second product, or a mixture thereof, during the application of such pressure. Such apparatus may be implemented, for example, using any of the following: a liner, O-ring, gasket, over-mold/co-mold silicone seal, or a valve seal. As also shown later, in an alternative preferred embodiment, a threaded or friction fit relationship can be established between the member and the actuator, so as to ensure a sufficiently tight and low-leakage fit between the two.

[0024] Once the second product 26 (e.g., bead) is positioned into actuator 18 as described above, then dispenser 10 may be generally operated according to the art, that is, actuator 18 is periodically depressed and released, so that engine 16 creates a vacuum, piston 20 moves upward within bottle 12, and the first product 22 is advanced through channel 16 and channel 18 _c . Importantly, however, note that as the first product 22 advances along this fluid communication path, it comes in contact with the second product that has been user- inserted into that path, which in the current example is in the form of bead product 26. It is contemplated that bead product 26 will be of sufficient material, or a described below as may be facilitated by further preferred embodiment aspects, to thereby mix with first product 22 as that first product advances through actuator 18. Thus, the preferred embodiment will dispense or output, from a same tip 18 _T , a combination of first product 22 and second product 26, with those products being simultaneously dispensed, either remaining somewhat independent in composition or as a mixture.

[0025] From the above, one skilled in the art should understand and appreciate that the preferred embodiment permits a dispenser user to periodically add or thereby replenish a second material into a dispenser actuator, where subsequent operation of the dispenser will combine that second product with the product pre-located in the dispenser bottle. Note, therefore, that the preferred embodiment provides numerous benefits. For example, a fresher second product may be added to already-existing product stored in the bottle. As another example, the second product may be user selectable, whereby a retailer or the like may offer different types of second product, each user selectable so that a user can customize the ultimate combination by mixing a second variable choice product with the original product dictated by the manufacturer that loaded that original product in the bottle. As another example, the second product may be protected for periods of time from exposure that the dispenser otherwise experiences, where the user can control the timing of the mixture. Still further, the period of replenishment can be based on the time to expend the second product, which could be daily, weekly, monthly, or still other choices.

[0026] Note also that while Figures 2A and 2B illustrate second product 26 in the form of a bead, alternative preferred embodiments contemplate other forms of the product, such as a tablet (e.g. , dissolvable), loose powder, or a powder ball. Moreover, note that in connection with access port 24, additional apparatus may be included in actuator 18 for altering the physical condition of second product 26, either as second product 26 is inserted into the actuator or once in place, where such apparatus may be a grinder, a piercing device, a crushing mechanism, an agitator, or the like, in that the user can thereby insert second product 26 into actuator 18 in one physical form, and then either by the separate apparatus, or as part of each actuation cycle, alter the physical form of second product 26 so that the second product more readily combines with first product 22 as the latter advances through the actuator channel 18 _c .

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of an alternative preferred embodiment dispenser 30. Looking to the bottom in Figure 3, dispenser 30 again includes a bottle 32, the interior having a volume for storing a first product (not visible in the view shown). Dispenser 30 also includes an area 33 into which, again in the upper interior of the bottle, is included a pump engine, and an actuator 38 is atop the engine and has a concentric diameter that can slide within a collar at the upper edge of the bottle. [0028] As also shown in the view to the top in Figure 3, dispenser 30 includes an access member 38 _M , which in this preferred embodiment is completely separable from actuator 38. In this preferred embodiment, the separation is achieved via mate-able threads along at least the bottom edge of access member 38 _M and the upper edge of actuator 38. Thus, access member 38 _M may be temporarily removed from dispenser 30, giving the user of dispenser 30 access to the location of a port 34, where port 34 is in fluid communication with the path of the bottle-loaded first product that is to be dispensed. Thus, a user may unscrew access member 38 _M from the remainder of dispenser 30, thereby causing member 38 _M to be removed as shown by the positioning in Figure 3. [0029] As also shown in Figure 3, once access member 38 _M is temporarily removed from dispenser 30, thereby giving the user of dispenser 30 access to the location of port 34, a second product 26, which again in Figure 3 is shown as spherical bead, can be positioned into the port (understood from Figure 3, wherein the bead is above port 34 but is easily moved downward therein). Once bead 26 is so located, the user then closes access to port 34, such as by re-screwing member 38 _M back onto the threads at the upper edge of actuator 34, as shown in the left view of Figure 3. Thereafter, dispenser 30 may be generally operated according to the art, that is, where actuator 38 is periodically depressed and released, so that the engine in area 33 creates a vacuum as described in the earlier embodiment, and the first product, in bottle 32 advances toward tip 38 _T , thereby passing in contact, and mixing, with the material of bead product 26. [0030] As an additional observation with respect to dispenser 30, in this preferred embodiment another aspect is to include a second product non-mixing chamber mechanism 30 _CM , external from the storage volume that stores the first product (e.g., within bottle 32). Chamber mechanism 30 _CM is for storing extra portions of the second product, so that a user may periodically retrieve one of those portions and insert it into the access port 26 as described above. Thus, in the illustrated example, a plurality (e.g., 12 to 20) of beads can be stored in a chamber mechanism 30 _CM (e.g., cylindrical or other profile tube, with a removable cap, attached to a side of dispenser 30), from which an individual bead can be withdrawn and then inserted into port 26, after removing member 38 _M as described above.

[0031] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of dispenser 30 from Figure 3.

[0032] Figure 5 illustrates a partially exploded view of an alternative preferred embodiment dispenser 40. Inasmuch as various details have been introduced earlier for other preferred embodiments, one skilled in the art will again recognize a bottle 42, an area 43 in which the pump engine is internally located, and an actuator 48 with a dispensing tip 48 _T .

[0033] Dispenser 40, like earlier preferred embodiments, a includes an accessible port 44, preferably located centrally and toward the top of actuator 48, and in any event in fluid communication with the dispensing path of actuator 48, through which the first product must flow when being dispensed. In this preferred embodiment, however, a recess is formed within actuator 40, and which is shaped to receive a complementary shaped slidable actuator cap 40 _AC . Thus, a user may slide the slidable actuator cap 40 _AC away from the recess, thereby separating cap 40 _AC from dispenser 40 and exposing a seal 40 _s also to be removed, thereby giving access to the port 44. At this point, the user loads a second product into port 44, then reinstalls seal 40 _s , which preferably is shaped (e.g., disc) so as to fit within the recess and atop the second product and hence atop the port 44. Thereafter, the slidable actuator cap 40 _AC is slid and snapped into place, such as by applying a force generally perpendicular and toward the axial length of dispenser 40. Thus, the slidable actuator cap 40 _AC thereby applies a retention force to seal 40 _s , which in turn provides both a retention force and a liquid seal against the second product beneath it. Hence, here the slidable actuator cap 40 _AC provides a slidable enclosure to the port, as opposed to a pivoting or screw on member, as was the case with earlier preferred embodiments. In any event, and as with earlier embodiments, once the second product is introduced into the actuator, and with the slidable actuator cap 40 _AC in place, the user may depress actuator 48 so as to dispense the combination of the first product from within bottle 42, and the second product in actuator 48, out of tip 48 _T . Also as with earlier embodiments, the user can periodically replenish the second product, here by removing the slidable actuator cap 40 _AC and the seal 40 _s , giving access to the port 44, installing a new portion of the second product, and then re-installing the seal 40 _s followed by the slidable actuator cap 40 _AC .

[0034] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of dispenser 40 from Figure 5.

[0035] Figures 7A, 7B and 7C illustrate various views of an alternative preferred embodiment dispenser 50. As with earlier preferred embodiments, dispenser 50 includes a bottle 52 for storing a first product, and the first product is delivered (e.g., via an airless mechanism or via dip tube internals) toward a dispensing tip 50 _T in the actuator 58. For dispenser 50, a matrix 26 _M (e.g., lattice structure) that may comprise or hold (e.g., by impregnation) the second product in the fluid communication path through the dispenser actuator is located, where for example the product comprising the matrix may dissolve or otherwise be consumed as it mixes with the first product stored in the bottle. The exploded view in Figure 7B demonstrates that actuator 58 has two parts, an upper clear top 58u and a base 58 _B , so that a user may separate the two and insert the second product, by inserting matrix 26 _M that carries that second product, between the two separable actuator parts. Thereafter, the two parts of actuator 58 are brought back together, thus enclosing matrix 26 _M in place and also locating it in the path of the fluid channel through which the first product is to be delivered upon operation of the actuator. Once more, therefore, when the user depresses the actuator, as shown in Figure 7C, the first product, on its path toward dispensing tip 50 _T , passes in contact with the second product, so that ultimately the first and second products are simultaneously dispensed through tip 50 _T . [0036] Figure 8 illustrates another alternative preferred embodiment dispenser 60. Like dispenser 50 of Figure 7, dispenser 60 also includes a recess 68 _R in its actuator 68, into which a slidable actuator cap 68 _AC is positioned, and from which it may be removed, so as to provide to the dispenser user access to a port in the fluid communication path of the second product. With respect to dispenser 60, however, actuator 68 further includes a movable mechanism 68MM with respective receptacles, wherein each receptacle is for storing a unit of second product 26 and so that the user may advance the movable mechanism 60MM SO as to position one of the units of second product 26 into the port (not shown) channel so as to combine with second product as it travels in fluid communication with that port. Thus, as a first unit of second product is consumed from being mixed with first product, the user can remove slidable actuator cap 68AC, move (e.g., rotate, in the example of Figure 8) the positioning of movable mechanism 68MM SO as to align a second unit of second product into the second product fluid communication path, and then reinsert slidable actuator cap 60 _AC into place, next operating dispenser 60 so that the second unit of second product will combine with the first product, as that first product is dispensed from dispenser 60.

[0037] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate cross-sectional partial views of two additional dispensers 70 and 80, respectively. For each of dispensers 70 and 80, again a second product 26 is located in a user-accessible port or chamber in the fluid communication path of the second product. For both of dispensers 70 and 80, however, the port is situated at either the outlet (Figure 9A) or inlet (Figure 9B) of the respective pump engine 76 or 86 of the dispenser. Thus, while myriad preferred embodiments described above include the second product port in the dispenser actuator, in an alternative, but potentially more complex or expensive approach, various of the preferred embodiment inventive teachings may be incorporated in connection with the pump engine, rather than the dispenser actuator.

[0038] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of an additional preferred embodiment dispenser 90. For dispenser 90, it includes an actuator 98 with two dispensing tips 98 _T1 and 98 _T2 . Further, with a slidable actuator cap (not shown) removed, a user has access to two different user-accessible ports 94i and 94 ₂ . In this preferred embodiment, therefore, a user may place separate units of second product 26γ and 26 ₂ , respectively, into the different user-accessible ports 94 i and 94 ₂ . Hence, a different material may be used for product 26i as opposed to 26 ₂ . Thus, when actuator 98 is thereafter operated, the first material of product 26i will combine with the first product previously in the bottle 92 thereby providing a first combined mixture out of tip 98 _T1 , while at the same time and in response to the same actuation cycle the second material of product 26 ₂ will combine with the first product previously in the bottle 92 thereby providing a second combined mixture out of tip 98 _T2 . Thus, two different combinations are produced in the same actuation cycle. Moreover, while the bottle 92 is shown in this preferred embodiment to have a single chamber, in another preferred embodiment the bottle may have a same number of separate chambers as it does have user-accessible ports; in this instance, therefore, the single actuation mixes each separate bottle product with each different separate user-added second product, providing still additional combinations of mixtures output from the dispensing tips. [0039] Figure 1 1 illustrates a perspective view of an additional preferred embodiment dispenser 100. Dispenser 100 includes an actuator 108 with a user-accessible port 104. For dispenser 100, the user rotates actuator 108, such as in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise) so as to move an internal mechanism (e.g., plate) and thereby providing a void, recess, apertures or the like that is large enough to fully permit the second product 26 (e.g., again, spherical bead) to fit within port 104, after which the user rotates actuator 108 in the opposite direction (e.g., clockwise), thereby closing the internal mechanism so as to enclose the second product 26 within the fluid communication path of the actuator that is further in communication with the flow path of the first product stored in the bottle (not shown) to which actuator 108 is, or will be, attached. Next, actuator 108 is operated as described above, that it, pushed and released, thereby drawing the bottle-stored first product toward the tip 108 _T , so that that product mixes with the second product 26 and is thereafter dispense out tip 108 _T .

[0040] Figures 12A through 12E illustrate an alternative preferred embodiment actuator 1 10, and which may be coupled to a bottle that stores a first product as will be understood from earlier embodiments. Actuator 1 10 by way of example has a cylindrical outer wall 112 and a circular top 114, although a wedge portion (e.g., <90 degrees of the 360 degrees of the circular top 114) is open in top 114 so that a chamber 116 is created below top 114. On one side of chamber 116 is a movable member 118 and on the other side of chamber 116 is an access port 120, which in the example illustrated is implemented as a screen, which is formed as an array or grid of openings, such as a number of square or rectangular apertures in a row/column orientation. Movable member 118 is movably affixed to slide, pivot, or otherwise change position so as to advance within chamber 116 and eventually close off chamber 116 from the ambient, as will be described below in connection with Figures 12B through 12E. At this point, however, note that in the preferred embodiment of actuator 110, such movability is achieved by member 118 including an arcuate portion that can rotate about the central axis of actuator 110, as also evident below. Lastly, note that Figure 12A again illustrates second product 26 in the form of a bead, by way of example as to facilitate the movement of second product 26 into a fluid communication path that is internal to actuator 110, where that path communicates with tip 110 _T and also can communicate with the first product stored in the bottle to which actuator 110 attaches, where again therefore actuation of actuator 110 so as to dispense the bottle-stored first product will bring that product in contact, and/or cause simultaneous dispensing of it, with second product 26. [0041] Figure 12B illustrates actuator 110 once the second product 26 bead is positioned within chamber 116. From the perspective of Figure 12B, note that movable member 118 includes a vertical wall 118 _V w as well as a horizontal shelf 118 _S and, therefore, in the illustration of Figure 12B, bead 26 is located on shelf 118 _s , while movable member is positioned at a position distant or otherwise far removed from access port 120.

[0042] Figure 12C illustrates actuator 110 again after the second product 26 bead is positioned on shelf 118 _S of movable member 118 and within chamber 116, but in Figure 12C note that movable member 118 has been re-positioned (i.e., by a user/consumer of the device) so as to advance vertical wall 118yw toward access port 120. In this regard, therefore, the second product 26 bead contacts the grid screen of access port 120, thereby crushing the bead and allowing its material to pass through access port and into an interior fluid communication channel that communicates with a channel through which the first product is dispensed. Thus, where earlier preferred embodiments were described as including apparatus that can change the physical form of second product 26, comparably in actuator 110 the combination of movable member 118 and the screen of access port 120 serve in this regard.

[0043] Figure 12D illustrates actuator 110 after movable member 118 has been further positioned so as to contact access port 120, thereby closing access port 120 from ambient while also substantially or fully having moved the second product 26 of the bead into the interior fluid communication channel described above. While not expressly shown, it is contemplated that actuator 110 will include retention apparatus for retaining movable member 118 in the Figure 12D position, so as to allow actuation of the device; such retention apparatus may include friction fitting, beads, ridges, or the like. In any event, with movable member 118 in the Figure 12D position, the user is then able to operate the actuator as described earlier (see, e.g., Figure 7C), and the position of movable member 118 will thus close any fluid communication of the interior of actuator 110 to ambient, other than the fluid flow path permitted through tip 110 _T . Thus, such actuation will advance the first product stored in the bottle below actuator 110 (not shown) through the above-described fluid communication path and in contact with the second product 26 that has now been moved to the interior of actuator 110, thereby facilitating the simultaneous dispensing of both the first and second products out of a same tip 110 _T .

[0044] Figure 12E illustrates actuator 110 after movable member 118 has been restored to the position of Figure 12A, after the actuation cycle(s) described above in connection with Figure 12D. In the position of Figure 12E (or Figure 12A), therefore, once again a user may insert second product into chamber 116. From the preceding, one skilled in the art should also now note an additional feature and benefit achieved by actuator 110, namely, that actuator 110 effectively provides chamber 116 so that it is not in the fluid communication path of the first product, but it allows introduction by the user of a second product. Thus, when the device is actuated (e.g., as described in connection with Figure 12D), then excess first (or second) product does not reach chamber 116, so chamber 116 remains essentially free of product or other debris at that point, and thereby maintains an open area into which second product 26 may be periodically replenished, without having to incur any mess, overflow, or seepage that could arise from accessing an area in which some residual amount of first (or second) product remains from earlier dispensing cycles.

[0045] Figure 13 A illustrates a partially exploded view, and Figure 13 a cross-sectional partial view, of an alternative preferred embodiment dispenser 150 with a movable mechanism 152 for storing multiple units of a second product (or respective products) for combining with the first product stored in a dispenser bottle 154. In greater detail, above (or as part of) bottle 154 is located an engine housing 156 for storing the dispenser pump engine which, when actuated, ultimately will dispense first and second products out of a tip 158. At the top of engine housing 156 is a port 160, into which is introduced a second product (not shown; see other figures, such as the second product 26 bead). For dispenser 150, introduction of the second product into port 160 is by way of movable mechanism 152, which in the illustrated embodiment is a rotatable disc with a plurality (e.g., 10 shown) of apertures extending from the top of the bottom of the disc, with each aperture sized and so located to store an amount of second product. Thus, either a user may disassemble dispenser 150 so as to load each aperture in movable mechanism 152, or a manufacturer or seller may provide mechanism 152 pre-loaded with the second product already in each aperture. Dispenser 150 also preferably includes a pliable member set 162 that includes separate pliable members (e.g., membranes, screens, etc.) for each respective aperture in the disc of movable mechanism 152. Again, therefore, in the instance where a manufacturer provides mechanism 152, it may come preloaded with second product in each of its apertures and each such portion of second product may be retained in place by the pliable member set 162 - indeed, while Figure 13 A shows pliable member set 162 along the top surface of mechanism 152, an additional pliable member set (not shown) may be located along the bottom of mechanism 162. Above pliable member set 162 is a collar 164 into which fits an actuator 166, where actuator 166 includes a plunger 166 _P at one radial position out from its interior rotational collar 166 _IRC . In assembly, therefore, actuator 166 is moved downward to fit within collar 164 and so that its plunger 166 _P aligns above port 160. Thus, when a user actuates the actuator, plunger 166 _P passes through a respective pliable member of set 162 and a respective aperture in mechanism 152, thereby advancing the second product stored in that aperture into port 160 and thus in fluid communication with a channel through which the first product (not shown; see earlier figures) will be drawn from bottle 154 and out tip 158. After a number of actuating cycles, that is, once the second product is thusly exhausted, the user then rotates mechanism 152 so that another of its apertures, but one still storing second product, newly aligns with port 160, and the above process is repeated. Thus, such overall operation may be repeated for the second product stored in each (e.g., all 10) of the apertures of mechanism 152.

[0046] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate an alternative preferred embodiment actuator 200 in which a removable carrier 210 stores the second product and is inserted into the dispenser for combining the second product in the carrier with the first product stored in the dispenser bottle. Specifically, Figure 14A illustrates a side view of actuator 200, again to fit atop and communicate with a bottle (not shown) storing a first product 22, where first product 22 will pass through a fluid communication channel 200 _c toward a tip 200 _T , when actuator 200 is actuated. In addition, actuator 200 includes a recess 200 _R for receiving the second product 26. In this preferred embodiment, however, second product 26 is introduced to actuator 200 by way of a separate carrier 210, which may be in the form of a package, cartridge, or other apparatus or member that stores or encapsulates the second product 26. In this manner, therefore, the consumer does not need to directly contact the second product 26, and with that product stored in carrier 210, it may be more easily packaged by a manufacturer or seller, transported, and stored before use. In all events, therefore, a complementary fitting is contemplated as between actuator 200 and carrier 210, where recess 200 _R is shown by way of example and has a complementary fit to a portion of carrier 210, and where carrier 210 may include other form factor features, such as a shelf 210 _SH , to facilitate the fitment of carrier 210 to the remainder of actuator 200. Thus, other manners of mating the two are contemplated and will be discernable by one skilled in the art.

[0047] Further to the preceding, Figure 14B illustrates carrier 210 once fitted to actuator 200, where in the example of the Figure such fitment occurs by locating carrier 210 within recess 200 _R . With carrier 210 so located, note that it is thereby positioned along fluid communication channel 200 _c so that as first product 22 passes toward tip 200 _T , it will carry second product 26 along with it, either separately or as a mix, as shown by way of a dashed arrow in Figure 14B to be simultaneously dispensed by a same corresponding tip 200 _T . Moreover, while not shown, actuator 200 or carrier 210 may include additional apparatus for facilitating the flow of first product 22 through second product 26; for example, actuator 200 may include a piercing mechanism so as to open one or more apertures at the interface between channel 200 _c and second product 26, so as to permit the flow of first product 22 through second product 26. As another example, carrier 210 may include apparatus, or may be made of a material, which yields to the introduction of first product 22 so as to allow it to pass through a portion of carrier 210, thereby carrying with it second product 26 toward and out (i.e., dispensed from) tip 200 _T . Additional manners of effecting these results can be ascertained by one skilled in the art.

[0001] Given the preceding, one skilled in the art should appreciate various aspects of the preferred embodiments, including a dispenser that incorporates a use accessible port so that the user may periodically replenish a second product into the port, whereby subsequent operation of the dispenser will cause a first already-loaded product in the dispenser bottle to dispense along with, and potentially mix with, the user-added product, as the first product is dispensed and thereby flows into fluid communication with the user-added product. In certain respects, the preferred embodiment dispenser is consistent with the functionality of prior art dispensers, yet with additional novel aspects there is increased functionality for either cosmetic manufacturers or distributors, as well as the end consumer. As a result of the preceding, therefore, various benefits are achieved over the prior art, while also accommodating considerations with respect to design, manufacture, and cost. Further, features have been described to serve to illustrate the inventive scope as have been demonstrated by certain preferred embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope is further subject to various modifications, substitutions, or alterations, without departing from that inventive scope. For example, the user-accessible port can be accessed by twisting, flipping, threading, sliding, popping, or some other form or opening to gain access to the port (cavity, recess) for the user-added second product. As another example, the size of the actuator can vary depending on the dosage/size of unit of the second product. As another example, alternative preferred embodiments may include more than one dispensing tip or more than one fluid communication path, with at least one path communicating with a user-accessible port into which a second product may be added. Moreover, the number of dispensing operations per unit of second product may vary, and even may vary based on the type or size of each unit of the second product. In any event, when the actuator actuates the pump engine, the first product will interact with the user-added second product, as the first product makes its way out the actuator opening, thus freshly mixing one product with another, preferably inside the actuator. Still other examples will be ascertainable by one skilled in the art given the teachings herein and as further guided by the following exemplary but non-exhaustive claims.