LOCK-OUTDEVICE AND METHOD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] In many industries, the same package type (e.g., bottle or container and cap, etc.) is used with many different chemical products. Accordingly, it can be important to prevent users from inadvertently using the incorrect chemical in an application. Conventionally, the dispenser and package have been color coded to guide the user to place the package iϊi the correct dispensing location. However, many of these conventional dispensers do not physically prevent the package from being placed in an incorrect dispensing location.

[0002] Other conventional lock-out techniques alter the shape and/or size of the bottle or container to prevent engagement of the package with an incorrect dispensing location. However, having many differently shaped bottles can be quite expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a method and device to insure that a particular dispensing package can only be engaged into an appropriate dispensing location, Specifically, the package and the dispenser have mating concentric rings (or portions thereof) to prevent engagement and dispensing of an inappropriate product. In one embodiment, the package is provided with one or more concentric ring projections (or portions thereof) and the dispenser is provided with one or more matching concentric ring recesses. The projections and the recesses have similar diameters to define a mating set. In some embodiments, the concentric ring projections are placed on a closure, such as a cap, for the package. In alternative embodiments, the projections are placed on the dispenser and the recesses are placed on the package.

[0004] Some embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a dispensing apparatus comprising a first package containing a first product to be dispensed at a first ^■ dispensing location. The first package has at least one projection configured and positioned about a circle having a first diameter. The first dispensing location has at least one recess positioned about a circle having the first diameter. The diameter of the projection and the Tecess allows the first package to engage the first dispensing location such that the first product can be dispensed from the first package.

[0005] Other embodiments are directed toward a dispensing apparatus comprising a first package containing a first product to be dispensed and a first dispensing location adapted to dispense the first product. The first package has at feast one recess positioned about a circle having a first diameter. The first dispensing location has at least one projection positioned about a circle having the first diameter. The diameter of the projection and the recess allows the first package to engage the first dispensing location such that the Fust product can be dispensed from the first package.

[0006] One particular embodiment of the present invention is directed toward a lock-out assembly for controlling engagement between a package and a dispensing apparatus. The lock-out assembly comprises a recess positioned on either the dispensing apparatus or the package about at least portion of a circumference of a circle having a first diameter. The lock-out assembly further comprises a projection positioned on the other of the dispensing apparatus and the package about at least a portion of the circumference of a circle having the first diameter. The projection and the recess are dimensioned and configured to allow the package to engage the dispenser.

[0007] Yet other embodiments are directed toward a method of selectively allowing packages to be inserted into a dispenser. The method includes providing a first package having a first chemical and having either a projection or a recess at least partially defining the circumference of a circle having a first diameter. The method further including providing a dispenser designed to dispense the first chemical and having the other of the projection or the recess at least partially defining the circumference of a circle having the first diameter. The method also including positioning the first package adjacent the dispenser and aligning the projection or the recess on the first package with the other of the projection and the recess on the dispenser. The method further includes inserting the projection into the recess to allow product to be dispensed.

[0008] Further aspects of the present invention, together with the organization and operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a dispensing apparatus and package embodying aspects of the present invention.

[001 OJ FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view a dispensing apparatus, coded dispenser insert, and coded package closure embodying aspects of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a coded dispenser insert and coded package closure embodying aspects of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a coded dispenser insert and coded package closure embodying aspects of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of three different coded dispenser inserts and coded package closures embodying aspects of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a plan view of four coded package closures having different concentric codings.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a plan view of four coded dispenser inserts having different concentric codings corresponding to the coding shown in FIG. 6.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a coded closure prior to engagement with a properly coded dispenser insert.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a coded closure engaged with a properly coded dispenser insert.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a coded closure attempting to engage an improperly coded dispenser insert.

[0019] FIG. 11 a perspective view of a coded dispenser insert and coded package closure embodying aspects of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a plan view of six coded package closures having different concentric codings.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a plan view of six coded dispenser inserts having different concentric codings corresponding to the coding shown in FIG. 12.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a plan view of five coded package closures having different concentric codings.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a plan view of five coded dispenser inserts having different concentric codings corresponding to the coding shown in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limited. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "coupled" are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting and coupling. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Finally, as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, other alternative mechanical configurations are possible, and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a dispensing assembly 10 embodying aspects of the present invention. The dispensing assembly 10 includes a housing 12 having a cradle 14 dimensioned and configured to receive a package or container containing items to be dispensed. Although it is not shown, the dispensing assembly 10 can include a variety of items, such as funnels, tubes, valves, electrical devices and circuitry, water lines, etc.

[0026] A coded lock-out device 16 is positioned within the cradle 14 to prevent an incorrect package from engaging the cradle 14 of the dispensing assembly 10. The cradle 14 can be provided with the coded lock-out device 16 several different ways. For example, the coded lock-out device 16 can be molded directly into the cradle 14. However, this does not allow for flexibility to dispense differently coded products at different times via this cradle 14. Some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, utilize coded inserts that are positioned within the cradle 14. Accordingly, the coding within a cradle 14 can be changed

to allow a different product to be dispensed via the cradle 14 by switching the coded insert 17.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, a package 18 is inserted in the cradle 14 and properly engaged with the cradle 14. The package 18 is properly engaged with the cradle 14 because the package 18 is properly coded to match the code of the lock-out device 16. More specifically, a closure 20 on the package 18 is provided with the coding. The closure 20 of this embodiment is a cap. The closure 20 can be coupled to the package 18 many ways, such as threaded engagement, friction fit, snap fit, welded engagement, bonded engagement, adhered engagement, etc. Since the package 18 is coded to engage the cradle H, the package 18 can dispense its contents via the illustrated dispensing assembly 10. Additional details regarding the lock-out device 16 will be described below.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows an exploded, partial cross-sectionaϊ view of a dispensing assembly 10. Specifically, a coded package closure 20, a coded dispenser insert 17, and a dispenser housing cradle 14 are shown in this figure. A spigot is also shown within the cradle 14. The spigot is configured and dimensioned to contact and actuate a valve mechanism on the package closure 20 as the package 18 is inserted into the cradle 14. Actuation of the valve mechanism allows the contents of the package 18 to be dispensed into the dispenser assembly, As discussed in greater detail below, the spigot can contact and actuate the valve mechanism only if the closure 20 has the same coding as the dispenser insert 17. If the code on the closure 20 does not match the code of the dispenser insert 17, the spigot will be prevented from contacting the valve. Accordingly, the contents of the package 18 can not be dispensed.

{0029] Some embodiments of the present invention utilize a concentric ring lock-out feature to prevent an improperly coded package 18 from engaging a cradle 14. Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate two different types of matching concentric ring lock-out codings. As shown in each figure, the package closure 20 is provided with one or more protections 24 extending at least partially about the circumference of a circle. The dispensing insert 17 is similarly coded with one or more recesses 30 extending at least partially about the circumference of a circle. In some embodiments, the recesses 30 extend around the entire circumference of the circle to prevent the closure 20 from having to be clocked to allow for engagement between the closure 20 and the insert 17. In a matching set, the dispensing insert 17 has one recess for each protection 24 on the closure 20 and each recess has the same diameter as the protection

24. However, as will be described later, in some embodiments, recesses 30 may be positioned adjacent to each other such that a wall does not separate each recess.

[0030] Fig. 3 illustrates one specific embodiment of a matching closure 20 and insert 17. Although concentric rings are not provided on either of the closure 20 or the insert 17, this embodiments operation is based on the same principle. As shown, the ring Jock-out coding on the closure 20 matches the coding on the insert 17. Specifically, the illustrated package closure 20 is provided with a protection 24 extending around the entire circumference of a ^■ circle having a specific diameter to form a protecting ring 24. The dispensing insert 17 is similarly coded with a recess extending around the entire circumference of a circle having substantially the same diameter as the protection 24 on the closure 20.

[0031] Fig. 4 illustrates one way of providing a. concentric ring lock-out. As shown, the closure 20 is provided with two concentric ring-like protections 24, and the insert 17 has two matching ring recesses 30. Specifically, the two protections 24 of the closure 20 extend only partially around the circumference of two circles having different diameters. The projecting rings 24 only extend partially around the circumference for one of many reasons, such as to save materials, due to space constraints (i.e., may need room for vents or other features), etc. The dispensing insert 17 is similarly coded with two substantially concentric recesses 30 extending around the entire circumference of circles having substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the circies for the protections 24 on the closure 20.

[0032] Although the embodiments shown in Figs. 3 and 4 show the protections 24 extending only from the closure 20 and the recesses 30 extending into the inserts, other embodiments can be configured differently. For example, this arrangement can be reversed in some embodiments. Accordingly, the recesses 30 can be positioned only on the closure 20, while the protections 24 can be positioned only on the inserts. However, in other embodiments, the closure 20 and the insert 17 can be provided with a combination of both protections 24 and recesses 30.

[0033J Due to the space constraints provided by the limited space on a closure 20 and due to manufacturing tolerances, generally only a few concentric rings can be provided on each closure 20 and insert 17. Specifically, each concentric protection 24 requires a certain amount of space to ensure that the protection 24 is robust enough to prevent breakage or deformation from applied forces. More specifically, if the concentric ring protections 24

were not sufficiently strong and the recesses 30 are positioned two close together, there may be a risk that an improperly coded closure 20 could fully engage an incorrect insert 17, Accordingly, some lock-out devices will be limited to only three diameters for the concentric rings. However, other embodiments can utilize more or less diameters depending upon materials selected, closure size, number of features on the closure 20, etc.

[0034] Fig. 5 illustrates three embodiments of a lock-out device 16 having rings positioned at three distinct diameters for the same diameter closure 20 and insert 17. Figs. 5A-C each show an exemplary closure 20 and matching dispenser insert 17 for the three distinct coding diameters. Fig. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure 20 and the insert 17 wherein the ring is positioned near, adjacent, or on the outer diameter of the closure 20 and the insert 17. Fig. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure 20 and insert 17 wherein the ring is positioned at a position having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the ring in Fig. 5 A. Fig. 5C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closure 20 and insert 17 wherein the ring is positioned at a position having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the ring in Fig. 5B. The ring positions shown in Fig. 5 are merely exemplary positions wherein the spacing of the rings relative to each other allows the protections 24 to be sufficiently robust and spaces the recesses 30 sufficiently far apart to prevent an incorrect protection 24 from inadvertently entering an incorrect recess 30. One having skill in this art will understand that additional ring positions could be added to the embodiment illustrated. More specifically, additional ring positions could be added if the materials of the insert 17 and closure 20 are sufficiently strong and robust to prevent breakage, substantial deformation or deflection of protections 24, and the like. Also, other ring positions could be added with manufacturing processes having good tolerance controls. Also, as noted above, the position of the protections 24 and recess 30 can be switched such that the protections 24 extend from the insert 17 and the recesses 30 extend into the closure 20. Further, a combination of recesses 30 and protections 24 can be positioned on both the closure 20 and the insert 17.

[0035] Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate a plan view of exemplary closures (Fig. 6) and exemplary inserts (Fig. 7) having complimeotary coding. Specifically, the closure 20 illustrated in Fig. 6A has a complimentary coding to the insert 17 shown in Fig. 7A. Similarly, the codings shown in Fig. 6B-D match the coding shown in Figs. 7B-D respectively.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 6, the closures are provided with various codings by placing projecting rings 24 or portions thereof on different concentric radiuses. Although all possible

coding sequences are not shown, the illustrated closure 20 allows rings to be placed at six distinct radiuses. In Fig. 6A, the larger ring portion has the largest radius allowed on the closure 20, while the smaller ring portion shown is the second smallest radius used. The larger ring portion on the closure 20 in Fig. 6B has the second largest radius used, while the smaller ring portion is the smallest radius used. In Fig. 6C,.the two ring portions have the largest and second largest radiuses used. In Fig. 6D, the two ring portions are placed at the second and third smallest radiuses used. The radius not illustrated in these figures is the third largest radius. Based upon these illustrations, it should be understood that a wide variety of coding combinations can be achieved by using one or more concentric rings (or portions thereof) on the closure 20. Furthermore, as previously discussed, one or more (or all) rings can be substituted with a similarly sized recess 30.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 7, the inserts are provided with various codings by placing recessed rings on different concentric radiuses. Although all possible coding sequences are not shown, the illustrated inserts allow the recessed rings to be placed at six distinct radiuses to correspond with the protecting rings 24 shown in Fig. 6. In Fig. 7A, the larger ring recess 30 has the largest radius allowed on the closure 20, while the smaller ring recess 30 shown is the second smallest radius used. The larger ring recess 30 on the closure 20 in Fig. 6B has the second largest radius used, while the smaller ring recess 30 is the smallest radius used, in Fig. 6C, the two ring recesses 30 have the largest and second largest radiuses used. Furthermore, since the recesses 30 are so close in size, the recesses 30 are contiguous, such that a wall does not separate the two recesses 30. In Fig. 6D, the two ring portions are placed at the second and third smallest radiuses used. Much like the previous figure, since the recesses 30 are so close in size, the recesses 30 are contiguous, such that a wall does not separate the two recesses 30. As mentioned above, one or more (or all) recesses 30 can be substituted with similarly sized protecting rings 24 or portions thereof.

[0038] Figs. 8-9 show how particular embodiments of the lock-out device 16 shown in Figs. 6 and 7 operate. The closure 20 shown in Fig. 8 has a first projecting ring portion having a first radius and a second projecting ring portion having a second radius that is less than the first radius. The insert 17 provided in Fig. 8 is configured to receive the illustrated closure 20. Accordingly, the insert 17 has a first ring recess 30 having the first radius and a second ring recess 30 having the second radius. The closure 20 is aligned with the insert 17 in this figure. The closure 20 is shown in the properly engaged position in Fig. 9. In other

words, the protections 24 properly align with and fit into the recesses 30. Accordingly, the closure 20 will properly engage the dispenser to allow product to be dispensed.

[0039] Fig, 10 shows another closure 20 and insert 17 that are not properly coded to each other. The closure 20 has a first projecting ring portion having a first radius and a second projecting ring portion having a second radius that is less than the first radius. The insert 17 has a first ring recess 30 having either the first or the second radius, but the second ring recess 30 has a third radius that is different than the first and second radius. Accordingly, the closure 20 cannot properly engage the insert 17, which should prevent product from dispensing from the container. For the sake of clarity, note that in the illustrated insert 17, the two recesses 30 are not separated by a wall.

[004&] Fig. 11 illustrates an alternative configuration for the protections 24. In this illustrated embodiment, the protections 24 extend from the closure 20. The protections 24 are such small portions of a ring that they appear to be pegs or pins. The three illustrated protections 24 are all on the same radius. In other embodiments, the protections 24 can be placed on separate, distinct radiuses, or additional protections 24 can be provided on separate, distinct, and concentric radiuses.

[0041] FIG. 12 illustrates six coded package closures having different concentric codings. FIG. 13 illustrates different concentric codings corresponding to the coding shown in FIG. 12. Specifically, the closure 20 illustrated in FIG. 12A has a complimentary coding to the insert 17 shown in FIG. 13A. Similarly, the codings shown in FIGs. 12B-F match the codings shown in FIGs. 13JB-F respectively.

[0042] The coded package closures shown in FIG. 12 have many similarities to the package closures shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, the closures are provided with various codings by placing protecting rings 24 or portions thereof on different concentric radiuses. More specifically, each closure 20 illustrated in FIG. 12 has two concentric rings or portions thereof, wherein each ring on a single closure 20 has a different radius. As illustrated, the larger ring on each closure 20 is broken into three sections. These three sections are positioned substantially equidistant apart. The smaller illustrated ring on each closure 20 extends continuously for at least half of the circumference defined by the τadlus of the ring. As illustrated, the inner ring cannot extend all the way around the circumference due to

interference with other objects on the closure 20. As previously discussed, one or more protecting rings 24 on each closure 20 can be substituted with a similarly sized recess 30.

[0043] The coded inserts shown in FIG. 13 are substantially similar to the inserts shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, the inserts are provided with various codings by placing recessed rings on different concentric radiuses. One specific difference between this embodiment and the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 is that the radiuses selected for each recessed ring (and protecting rings 24) prevent the recesses 30 from intersecting or running into each other. In other words, a wall always separates each recess 30 in this embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 14 illustrates five other coded package closures having different concentric codings. FIG. 15 illustrates different concentric codings corresponding to the coding shown in FIG. 14. Specifically, the closure 20 illustrated in FIG. 14A has a complimentary coding to the insert 17 shown in FIG. 15A. Similarly, the codings shown in HGs. 14B-F match the coding shown in FIGs. 15B-F respectively.

[0045] The coded package closures shown in FIG. 14 have many similarities to the package closures shown in FIGs. 7 and 12. Specifically, the closures are provided with various codings by placing protecting rings 24 or portions thereof on different concentric radiuses. This embodiment, however, is unlike the previous embodiment in that only one ring is utilized on each closure 20. Furthermore, each ring is reinforced with ribs to make the ring more robust. These ribs provide enhanced radial depth to each ring. Accordingly, these protecting rings 24 can not be received within the recesses 30 shown in FIG. 14 even though the recesses 30 may have the same diameter.

[0046] The coded inserts shown in FIG. 15 are substantially similar to the inserts shown iυ FIGs. 7 and 13. Specifically, the inserts are provided with various codings by placing one or more recessed rings on different concentric radiuses. The illustrated embodiment only provides one recessed ring per insert 17 to correspond with design of the closure 20.

[0047] The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, various alternatives to the certain features and elements of the present invention are described with

reference to specific embodiments of the present invention. With the exception of features, elements, and manners of operation that are mutually exclusive of or are inconsistent with each embodiment described above, it should be noted that the alternative features, elements, and manners of operation described with reference to one particular embodiment are applicable to the other embodiments.

[0048] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.