Dispensing device and method of cleaning using said device

Abstract

A dispensing device delivers at least two detergent compositions in fixed amounts and fixed ratios. The device is refillable and may be used in a method of washing fabrics in a machine or by hand. The device may also be used for other applications such as dishwashing, floor cleaning, and the like.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A dispensing device for providing concurrent dispensing, into a receiving cup, of at least two compositions, said device comprising: 
 a) at least two storage reservoirs, each of said reservoirs including at least one opening for allowing communication between the interior of the reservoirs and the exterior of the device;    b) a receiving cup;    c) dispensing means for delivering said compositions from said storage reservoirs to said receiving cup;    d) single linear or rotational actuating means for causing said compositions to be transported from said reservoirs into said receiving cup via said dispensing means.    
     
     
         2 . A dispensing device according to  claim 1  wherein said receiving cup is divided into at least two compartments.  
     
     
         3 . A dispensing device according to  claim 1  wherein said receiving cup has at least one flat surface for standing.  
     
     
         4 . A dispensing device according to  claim 2  wherein said receiving cup further comprises a lid, said lid comprising at least one opening, wherein said opening is moveable such that said opening can be positioned over at least one compartment of said cup.  
     
     
         5 . A dispensing device according to  claim 2  wherein said receiving cup further comprises a pour spout.  
     
     
         6 . A dispensing device according to  claim 1  wherein said dispensing means is selected from the group consisting of gravity, vibration, peristaltic pumps, rotational pumps, centrifugal systems, capillary systems, drawer systems and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         7 . A dispensing device according to  claim 1  wherein said actuating means comprises a knob, wherein actuation of the knob causes transport of said compositions from said reservoirs into said receiving cup via said dispensing means.  
     
     
         8 . A dispensing device according to  claim 7  wherein actuation of the knob is achieved by manual manipulation by a consumer.  
     
     
         9 . A dispensing device according to  claim 7  wherein actuation of the knob is achieved by action of an electrical motor.  
     
     
         10 . A dispensing device according to  claim 7  wherein actuation of the knob is achieved by action of a computer.  
     
     
         11 . A dispensing device according to  claim 1  where the device is manufactured from rigid plastic materials.  
     
     
         12 . A dispensing device for providing concurrent dispensing, into a receiving cup, of at least two detergent compositions, said device comprising: 
 a) at least two storage reservoirs, each of said reservoirs including at least one opening for allowing communication between the interior of the reservoirs and the exterior of the device;    b) a receiving cup divided into at least two compartments;    c) dispensing means for delivering said compositions from said reservoirs to said receiving cup, said dispensing means comprising a pump core;    d) single linear or rotational actuating means for causing all said compositions to be transported from said reservoirs into said receiving cup via said dispensing means;    e) bracketing means for attachment of the receiving cup to the dispensing device; wherein compositions are dispensed at a pre-determined and fixed mixing ratio.    
     
     
         13 . A dispensing device according to  claim 12  wherein the compositions dispensed are present in different total amounts in said device but are consumed at the same rate.  
     
     
         14 . A dispensing device according to  claim 12  wherein said actuating means comprises a knob, wherein actuation of the knob causes transport of said compositions from said reservoirs into said receiving cup via said dispensing means.  
     
     
         15 . A dispensing device according to  claim 14  wherein actuation of the knob is achieved by manual manipulation by a consumer.  
     
     
         16 . A dispensing device according to  claim 14  wherein actuation of the knob is achieved by action of an electrical motor.  
     
     
         17 . A dispensing device according to  claim 14  wherein actuation of the knob is achieved by action of a computer.  
     
     
         18 . A dispensing device according to  claim 12  wherein the detergent compositions comprise at least one powder and at least one liquid.  
     
     
         19 . A method of washing fabrics said method comprising the steps of: 
 a) concurrently dispensing at least two compositions, wherein said compositions are dispensed at a pre-determined and fixed mixing ratio into a compartmentalized receiving cup and further wherein said compositions are comprised of at least one composition selected from the group consisting of powder and granulated and at least one composition selected from the group consisting of liquid and gel;    b) applying the said liquid or gel composition directly to the fabrics;    c) placing fabrics in a washing machine;    d) placing the receiving cup containing the balance of the liquid or gel and the powder or granulated composition into the washing machine;    e) adding water to the washing machine, starting the washing machine cycle and allowing the cycle to run to completion.    
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 19  wherein the receiving cup further comprises a pour spout.  
     
     
         21 . A method of washing fabrics said method comprising the steps of: 
 a) concurrently dispensing at least two compositions from a dispensing device according to  claim 1 , wherein said compositions are dispensed at a pre-determined and fixed mixing ratio into a compartmentalized receiving cup and further wherein said compositions are comprised of at least one composition selected from the group consisting of powder and granulated and at least one composition selected from the group consisting of liquid and gel;    b) applying the said liquid or gel composition directly to the fabrics;    c) placing fabrics in a washing machine;    d) placing the receiving cup containing the balance of the liquid or gel and the powder or granulated composition into the washing machine;    e) adding water to the washing machine, starting the washing machine cycle and allowing the cycle to run to completion.    
     
     
         22 . A method of washing fabrics said method comprising the steps of: 
 a) concurrently dispensing at least two compositions from a dispensing device according to  claim 1 , wherein said compositions are dispensed at a pre-determined and fixed mixing ratio into a compartmentalized receiving cup and further wherein said compositions are comprised of at least one composition selected from the group consisting of powder and granulated and at least one composition selected from the group consisting of liquid and gel;    b) optionally applying the said liquid or gel composition directly to the fabrics;    c) placing fabrics in a washing tub;    d) placing the receiving cup containing the balance of the liquid or gel and the powder or granulated composition into the washing tub;    e) adding water to the washing tub; and    f) handwashing the fabrics.    
     
     
         23 . A method of washing fabrics said method comprising the steps of: 
 a) concurrently dispensing at least two compositions from a dispensing device according to  claim 12 , wherein said compositions are dispensed at a predetermined and fixed mixing ratio into a compartmentalized receiving cup and further wherein said compositions are comprised of at least one composition selected from the group consisting of powder and granulated and at least one composition selected from the group consisting of liquid and gel;    b) applying the said liquid or gel composition directly to the fabrics;    c) placing fabrics in a washing machine;    d) placing the receiving cup containing the balance of the liquid or gel and the powder or granulated composition into the washing machine;    e) adding water to the washing machine, starting the washing machine cycle and allowing the cycle to run to completion.    
     
     
         24 . A dispensing device according to  claim 1  wherein the storage reservoirs are themselves a refill package.