CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No.

2017901250, titled "MULTI CONTAINER DISPENSING ARRANGEMENT" and filed in the Australian Patent and Trademark Office on April 05, 2017. The specification of the above referenced patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi container dispensing arrangement and in particular to a multi container dispensing arrangement for storing and dispensing a plurality of fluid products such as shampoo or articles such as tooth brush.

B. Description of related art

[0002] Dispensing container are commonly used for dispensing fluid products, such as hygiene products, and in particular shampoo, conditioner and soap. Such products are typically stored in individual dispensing containers in the user's bathroom at home, and when the users expect to use such products outside of the home, for example at gym, or when camping, these products are typically brought with as individual containers.

[0003] However, bringing such separate individual fluid dispensing containers is inconvenient as it may be bulky and create excessive weight in, for example gym bags or travel bags. It may also be difficult to find containers dispersed individually inside a bag. Further, such individual fluid dispensing containers such as shampoo and conditioner may not fit conveniently into single toiletry bags.

[0004] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi container dispensing arrangement which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the

abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[0006] The present invention discloses a multi-container dispenser or dispensing apparatus. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the multi-container dispenser or dispensing arrangement comprises, a plurality of storage containers. Each container being formed to include a hollow body portion to store fluid or any other articles. The multi-container dispenser further comprises an elongate receptacle body, configured to store one or more articles. The multi-container dispenser further comprises a selecting arrangement and a dispensing arrangement. The selecting arrangement is configured to receive input from a user to select the storage container from which fluid is to be dispensed. The dispensing arrangement is in fluid communication with each storage container for dispensing fluid from the storage container. Further, the dispensing arrangement is configured to actuate, thereby dispensing the fluid from the selected storage reservoir. [0007] In some embodiments, the article is any storable article, but not limited to toothbrush, mirrors, or shaving kit. Each container comprises a plurality of engaging members and a plurality of complementary engaging members. In one embodiment, the plurality of container interconnects via the plurality of engaging member and the plurality of complementary engaging member to form a box like shape dispenser with a recess at rear side of the dispenser. In one embodiment, the elongate receptacle body is disposed within the recess at the rear side of the box like shape dispenser.

[0008] In one embodiment, each storage container comprises a one-way valve member, configured to allow flow of fluid through the valve in one direction and preventing flow of fluid in the opposite direction. The dispensing arrangement comprises a plurality of nozzles configured to engage the one-way valve member of each storage container.

Further, the one-way valve is configured to prevent leakage of fluids from the storage container on disengagement of storage container from the dispensing arrangement.

[0009] In some embodiments, the dispensing arrangement is a manually manipulatable pump. The dispensing arrangement is located centrally with respect to the storage containers. In one embodiment, the dispensing arrangement comprises a resilient chamber for manual manipulation by the user. In some embodiments, the selecting arrangement comprises a fluid closure.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, each fluid closure is movable between an open position to allow fluid flow through the closure, and a closed position to restrict fluid flow through the closure. The closed position of closure is resistant to pressure from within the storage container. The fluid closure is pivotally movable between the open and closed position. In some embodiments, each container comprises a compartment closure configured to pivotally movable between open and closed portion. In one embodiment, the open position of compartment closure enables the user to fill the storage container with the fluid. In another embodiment, the closed position of compartment closure secures the fluid within the storage container preventing leakage.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the multi-container dispenser or dispensing arrangement comprises, a plurality of storage containers, each container being formed to include a hollow body portion to store fluid, an elongate receptacle body configured to store an article, a resealable cap disposed over each storage reservoir, wherein each cap is selectively unsealed and resealed by a user, and a dispensing arrangement in fluid communication with the plurality of storage container. The dispensing arrangement is configured to be actuated by the user, thereby causes dispensing of fluid from the selected storage container, and the storage container being selected by the user by unsealing the selected respective sealable cap.

[0012] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0013] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a top front perspective view of a multi-container dispenser in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a storage container of the multi-container dispenser in open position in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 3 shows a top rear perspective view of the multi-container dispenser in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 4 shows a bottom front perspective view of the multi-container dispenser in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the multi-container dispenser in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 shows interconnection of plurality of storage container of the multi-container dispenser in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 8 shows exploded view of dispensing arrangement of the multi-container dispenser in an embodiment of the present invention; and [0022] FIG. 9 shows assembly of elongated receptacle body of the multi-container dispenser in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0024] The present invention discloses a multi-container dispenser 100, shown in FIG. 1- FIG. 4. The multi-container dispenser or dispensing arrangement 100 comprises, a plurality of storage containers 102. Each container, reservoir or compartment 102 being formed to include a hollow body portion to store fluid or any other articles. The multi- container dispenser 100 further comprises a selecting arrangement 116 and a dispensing arrangement 114. The selecting arrangement 116 is configured to receive input from a user to select the storage container 102 from which fluid is to be dispensed. The dispensing arrangement 114 is in fluid communication with each storage container 102 for dispensing fluid from the storage container 102. Further, the dispensing arrangement 114 is configured to actuate, thereby dispensing the fluid from the selected storage reservoir or container 102.

[0025] It is further envisaged that each one of the storage reservoirs 102 comprises a transparent outer viewing window 138 through which the level of the fluid in the storage container 102 is visible. In some embodiment, the storage containers 102 is composed entirely of a transparent material.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a storage container 102 of the multi-container dispenser 100 in open position in an embodiment of the present invention. The selecting arrangement 116 is configured for receiving input from a user to select the storage reservoir 102 from which fluid is to be dispensed. It is envisaged that in a preferred embodiment, the selecting arrangement 116 will preferably be a fluid closure 104 or a resealable cap associated with each of the storage reservoirs 102. The fluid closures 104 can be moved between an open position and a closed position, preferably in a pivotable manner, for example on a hinge or flap, to pivot about pivot axis. When the fluid closure 104 is in its open position, the dispensing outlet of the storage reservoir 102 that is associated with the fluid closure 104 is unrestricted and allows fluid flow from the storage reservoir 102 out of the dispensing outlet. When the fluid closure 104 is in its closed position, the flow of fluid out of the dispensing outlet will be at least restricted, and preferably sealed in an airtight or watertight fashion. In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the fluid closures 104 will be adapted and configured to be resistant to being opened by pressure in the fluid within the storage container 102.

[0027] It will be appreciated by person skilled in the art that each of the fluid closures 104 shown in the figures are independently operable of each other, although this need not necessarily be the case, and in an alternative embodiment (not shown) movement of one closure to its open position can automatically cause operation of a mechanism to control movement of the other closures to their closed position. [0028] In some embodiments, each container 102 comprises a compartment closure 142 configured to pivotally movable between open and closed portion. In one embodiment, the open position of compartment closure 142 enables the user to fill the storage container 102 with the fluid. In another embodiment, the closed position of compartment closure 142 secures the fluid within the storage container 102 preventing leakage.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows a top rear perspective view of the multi-container dispenser in an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-container dispenser 100 further comprises an elongate receptacle body 110, configured to store one or more articles. The elongated receptacle body 110 is accessed by opening the closure portion 112. Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the multi-container dispenser 100 further comprises dry containers 108 configured for containing solid items such as jewelry, toothbrushes, or the like. Each dry container 108 defines one or more storage compartments or recesses, which are accessible by access hatch 106.

[0030] In some embodiment, the dry container 108 could be of any shape and size, that is customized to accommodate particular size and shape of the article, or any material desired to stored by the user. For example, the chamber design could be customized to store article such as deodorant, that will require the whole container to be designed as a small deodorant unit. Further, the user will be provided with an option to attach those compartments/articles with different functions, different configuration of

compartments/articles directly in a single multifunctional dispenser unit 100. For example, the multifunctional dispenser may be configured to receive one compartment of shampoo, one dry compartment of any storable articles, one or more electronic devices of any configuration, for instance, speaker, and one portion for receiving shaving related articles. In some embodiments, the article could be any storable articles, wherein those articles are not just stored or placed inside the container rather those articles could be attached as separate chambers directly on the multifunctional dispenser unit 100.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the multi-container dispenser 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. Each container 102 comprises a plurality of engaging members 118 and a plurality of complementary engaging members 120. In one embodiment, the plurality of container 102 interconnects via the plurality of engaging member 118 and the plurality of complementary engaging member 120 to form a box like shape dispenser with a recess at rear side of the dispenser 100. In one embodiment, the elongate receptacle body 110 is disposed within the recess at the rear side of the box like shape dispenser 100.

[0032] In one embodiment, each storage container 102 comprises a one-way valve member 130, configured to allow flow of fluid through the valve 130 in one direction and preventing flow of fluid in the opposite direction. The dispensing arrangement 114 comprises a plurality of nozzles 122, shown in FIG. 8, configured to engage the one-way valve member 130 of each storage container 102. Further, the one-way valve 130 is configured to prevent leakage of fluids from the storage container 102 on disengagement of storage container 102 from the dispensing arrangement 114.

[0033] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 shows interconnection of plurality of storage container of the multi-container dispenser in an embodiment of the present invention. The storage reservoirs 102 comprise connecting formations, preferably in the form of snap fit-type formations, for securely receiving and securing one or more storage reservoirs 102 and allowing for their convenient release and removal. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a wide variety of shapes and configurations of connecting formations are possible that would allow for securing the storage reservoirs 102. The interconnection of plurality of storage container of the multi-container dispenser is represented by arrow 140.

[0034] FIG. 8 shows exploded view of dispensing arrangement 114 of the multi-container dispenser 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing arrangement 114 is configured for actuation by a user to dispense fluid from the storage reservoir 102 that has been selected. In the embodiments, the dispensing arrangement 114 comprises a manually manipulatable pump that is composed of resilient material such as rubber, silicone or other similar resilient plastics and defines a resilient chamber internally. The pump is centrally located with respect to the storage reservoirs 102, so that it is directly adjacent each of the storage reservoirs 102. The resilient pump is preferably configured as a compressible button that can be pushed or actuated by a user by manual manipulation to compress air within the chamber. The dispensing arrangement 114 further comprises plurality of nozzle 122. The plurality of nozzles 112 is configured to engage the one-way valve member 130 of each storage container 102, represented by arrow 136.

[0035] It will be appreciated that alternative embodiments may be possible. For example, in one embodiment (not shown) the dispensing arrangement need not necessarily be a manually manipulatable pump, but could instead be an electronically actuated pump, utilizing an electric motor to drive a small pump. In another alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that the dispensing arrangement need not necessarily utilize a pump formation composed of a resilient material, and could instead use a spring biased actuation button, where by pushing the activation button down has the same effect as pushing down the resilient pump. [0036] FIG. 9 shows assembly of elongated receptacle body of the multi-container dispenser 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. The elongate receptacle body 110 is disposed within the recess at the rear side of the box like shape dispenser, represented by arrow 134.

[0037] In another embodiment, it is envisaged that the multi container dispensing arrangement 100 can include at least one electronic device. The electronic device can include, for example a speaker and/or media player and/or radio. The electronic device is preferably waterproof, for example for use in a shower. It is envisaged that the electronic device can be configured for connection to another electronic device, such as a media player, for example through a hard- wired connection and/or wireless communication such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or the like. Further and/or alternatively, the electronic device can be received or receivable within a storage compartment or container 102 and/or dry compartment 108. In this way, any combination of electronic devices can be attached to the multi-container dispenser 100.

[0038] In another embodiment (not shown), the multi-container dispensing arrangement 100 for dispensing fluids, the dispenser 100 comprising: a plurality of storage reservoirs 102 suitable for storing a plurality of fluids simultaneously, each storage reservoir 102 comprising a dispensing outlet; each storage reservoir including a resealable cap for sealing the respective fluids in each storage reservoir 102 wherein each cap is selectively unsealed and resealed by a user; and a dispensing arrangement 114 configured for actuation by the user to thereby cause the dispensing of fluid from the selected storage reservoir 102, the storage reservoir 102 being selected by the user by unsealing the selected respective sealable cap. Preferably the dispensing arrangement 114 is an air pump. Preferably the dispensing arrangement is a mechanical air pump that is actuated by the user. Preferably the mechanical air pump is an accordion type or bellows type air pump.

[0039] Although a single embodiment of the invention has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the above detailed description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment developed herein, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0040] The foregoing description comprises illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.