US3187757A - Plural dispensing units and toilet kit with central compartmented storage member - Google Patents

Description

June 8, 1965 R. H. JONES, JR., EI'AL 3,187,757

-PLURAL DISPENSING UNITS AND TOILET KIT WITH CENTRAL COMPARTMENTED STORAGE MEMBER Filed Dec. 17, 1962 w a a 3/ INVENTORS:

, ILL.

United States Patent 3,187,757 PLURAL DISPENSING UNITS AND TGILET KIT WITH CENTRAL COMPARTMEN'IED STORAGE MEMBER Robert H. Jones, in, and Richard B. Jones, both .I. 8: 3. Casting, Inn, RR. 1, Box 267, Hibbing, Minn.

Filed Dec. 17, 1962, Ser. No. 245,213 2 Claims. (Cl. 132-79) The present invention relates to a novel toilet kit and more particularly to a compact and easily carried selfcontained toilet kit having provisions for dispensing and making readily available toilet articles and preparations, such as toothpaste, shaving cream, pre-shave and aftershave lotion, hair dressing and other required toilet articles such as a comb, razor, razor blades, etc.

Generally, a mens kit for toilet articles utilized for trips consists of a leather or composition bag or container in which some or all of these toilet articles are retained loose in the bag and thus can shift about with the danger of becoming damaged or crushed upon impact should the bag be dropped or tightly packed in luggage which is frequently roughly handled in transit. Other types of kits have separate containers which are slidably received in open pockets and capable of being shifted about in transit. Furthermore, either of these kits is limited to a relatively few of the toiletries required and, if provision were made for all those normally provided in the home, would be bulky or awkard to carry and would not protect such articles or preparations which heretofore were available only in fragile bottles or containers.

An important object of the present invention is the provision of a mens kit supplied with plural containers for quickly and effectively dispensing common preparations such as toothpaste, shaving cream, pre-shave and after-shave lotion, hand lotion, hair dressing, etc.; which kit is compact, is easily packed and carried about and the dispensing containers are so designed as to occupy a minimum of space in a suitcase or overnight bag. These individual containers or dispensing units are so constructed and arranged as to assure maximum protection in the container therefor.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a generally cylindrical hollow container having a removable snap-on lid or protective cover which provides a complete enclosure sufficiently small that it may be readily packed and carried in any piece of luggage. A plurality of sealed dispensing units are detachably inserted in the container for the various toilet preparations, and a compartmentalized area provides storage space for a razor, comb, razor blades, etc.

The present invention further comprehends a novel selfcontained mens toilet kit of compact size which may be kept in a bathroom or on a dresser where it is available for use and ready for travel or packing in the luggage for use on a trip. The individual dispensing units all closely conform and are disposed in adjacent abutting relation so as to prevent compact unit assembly and, when assembled, prevent relative displacement or movement of adjoining units, yet readily removed when empty for replacement by a similar filled receptacle or refilled.

The receptacle for housing the individual toilet containers and these individual receptacles are all constructed or 1 ice of any suitable non-breakable plastic composition thereby eliminating possible breakage and spillage or damage due to impact therewith. The plastic employed for the containers is preferably transparent or translucent whereby the user may readily determine the supply remaining. The compartmentalized central storage section may also be formed of a suitable unbreakable plastic.

Those who travel by plane, train or bus are familiar with the manner in which their luggage is handled and stacked with little or no regard to the weight of the overlying luggage boxes, etc. This frequently results in damage to the luggage and its contents.

The present novel assembly provides effective protection and substantially reduces possible damage or breakage of the containers for the toilet preparations and articles, many of which preparations are not now carried by travelers due to their containers being susceptible of breakage and spillage.

The present invention further comprehends the provision of a receptacle adapted to receive sealed dispensing units for the various toilet preparations of a liquid nature or semi-pasty consistency and capable of being readily and easily dispensed. This assembly will completely eliminate the screwing and unscrewing of any bottle tops. Each sealed unit includes a pressurized dispensing mechanism with a laterally and downwardly extending dispensing nozzle or spout which is rotatable relative to the receptacle so that the spout may be rotated or swung radially outwardly to a convenient operative position and also inwardly to conserve space and allow the cover to be applied or snapped on the cylindrical container. Either a pump-type dispenser for manually pressurizing the unit or a gas pressurized unit with a suitable valved dispensing nozzle may be used.

Further objects are to provide a construction of maximum simplicity, efficiency, economy and ease of assembly and operation, and such further objects, advantages and capabilities as will later more fully appear and are inherently possessed thereby.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a front isometric view of the cylindrical receptacle with the snap-on lid or cover shown assembled in place to provide a complete enclosure for transportation or storage.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view partially in vertical cross-section on the line 2-2 of FIG. 3 and showing the relationship of the sealed dispensing units or containers in the cylindrical cabinet.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top plan view of the receptacle or housing with the lid broken away to show the dispensing units and the central storage area. 7

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view taken on the line 44 of FIG. 3 and further showing the arrangement of the dispensing units and the central storage area.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the novel compartmentalized storage insert for the receptacle.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the sealed dispensing units with its pumping mechanism which is received and housed within the cylindrical receptacle.

FIG. 7 is a view of a novel compact styptic pencil which is utilized in the central storage area to conserve space.

Referring more particularly to the drawing in which is shown an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 discloses the container or housing It] with a removable or snap-on cap or closure 11 in place. Both the housing and lid are generally cylindrical hollow bodies with the housing shown as having an outwardly folded-over bead or peripheral edge 12 at its upper'open end, a cylindrical side wall 13 and a base or closed end 14. The lid or cap 11 has a closed end 15 and a depending side wall 16 terminating in an outwardlyextending annular limiting ridge 17 and a depending edge or flange 18 which conformably fits within the annular space defined bythe bead 12 on the cabinet; the ridge 17 abutting the head 12 to form a limiting stop. The exterior surface of the flange 18 and the interior surface of the bead 12 may have suitable cooperating detent means to aid in retaining the cap in its closed position. 7

Within the housing or receptacle is an annulus or annular space formed adjacent the wall 13 of the housing to receive plural dispensing units 21. Each of these units has the general shape in horizontal cross-section of a sector of the annulus and thus closely compact or nest within the annular space. The dispensing units define a central storage space adapted to receive a removable center section 31. Each unit 21 has a reciprocating pumping head 22 with a laterally and downwardly extending dispensing nozzle or spout 23 through which the contents are ejected. The head 22 has a depending tube 24 reciprocably mounted in a bushing 25 which is secured in the unit 16. The tube 24 depends down into the material to be dispensed to adjacent the bottom of the unit and includes the conventional dispensing or pumping mechanism to draw the toilet preparation up through the tube 24 to the spout 23 when the head 22 is depressed or vertically reciprocated.

Each unit 21 has a pair of angularly spaced planar side walls 26, an outer arcuate side wall 27, an inner planar or arcuate side wall 27a, a bottom 28 and a closed top 29. The unit is sealed except that the pumping unit and bushing 25 may be removably mounted for refilling the unit. Each unit contains a toilet preparation suitable for dispensing such as toothpaste, shaving cream, pro-shave and after-shave lotion, hand lotion, shampoo and/ or hair oil. Although these units 21 are shown as separate removable containers, it is contemplated that the various toilet preparations may be housed in a compartmentalized annular unit which is removable as a unit and provided with a central storage area. The annular unit would have a dispensing device for each compartment of the unit.

Not only are the depending tubes 24 mounted for reciprocation in the bushing 25, but these tubes are also rotatably mounted so that the tube 24, pump head 22 and spout 23 of each unit may be rotated to swing the spout 23 from the normally inoperative position shown in FIG. 3 to radially outward dispensing position with the spout extending outwardly beyond the wall 13 of the housing 10. Although manually actuated pumping units are shown, it is contemplated that gas pressurized containers with suitable valved dispensing nozzles could be used in the units 21.

The removable center section 31 (FIG. 5) fits conformably within the central storage area defined by the dispensing units 21 and contains a number of openings or compartments 32, 33, 34, '35, 36 and 37 therein. Depending walls 38 define the sides of the compartments, which walls extend to a horizontal bottom plate 39 extending across the interior of the housing 10. Each of these openings and its depending side walls 38 defines a storage compartment for a particular toilet grooming article. Opening 32 is a place for a pair of scissors; opening 33 is for a comb; opening 34 is forthe depending handle of a safety razor; opening 35 is for a styptic pencil; opening 36 is for a toothbrush; and opening 37 is a place for a razor blade dispenser. If an electric razor is used instead of a safety razor, the central area above the removable center section 31 and within the pumping heads 22 may accommodate the electric razor. However, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a head massager 41 is positioned within and snapped into the lid 1i. FIG. 7 discloses a compact styptic member for the assembly having a piece of styptic 42 glued on a tapered wooden handle 43. As styptic pencils usually last for years, this compact styptic member is inexpensive and lasts for a long time.

The plate 39 is spaced from the end 14 of the housing to provide a compartment 44 for carrying extra items such as a small electric razor; shoe polish and shine rag; cuff links, tie clasp and ring; medicine or aspirin or vitamin pills; extra razor blades, etc. A removable snap-in or press-fitted bottom 45 closes this compartment and has a mirror on the interior surface.

The dispensing units 16 are positioned in the annulus of the housing'ltl resting on the horizontal plate 39 with the side walls 26 in abutting relation and thereby held from shifting movement. The various other toilet articles are placed in their respective openings or compartments and the lid or cover is placed on the housing to form a closed compact container assembly which is easily carried about, requires a minimum of space, and

makes readily available'the various toilet articles and preparations. With the lid removed, each of the spouts or nozzles 23 is adapted to be swung to its dispensing position and the particular toiletry desired is dispensed by actuating the pumping head 22.

Although this assembly has been shown and described as a compact mens toilet kit, it is contemplated that the assembly could also be used for womens grooming aids. Thus, the containers 21 could be filled with womens toiletries and the removable compartmentalized central storage area 31 could be used to hold lipstick, eye makeup, files, finger nail polish, etc.

Having thus disclosed the invention, we claim:

1. A toilet kit assembly comprising a housing having a curved side wall open at one end and having a removable cover therefor, a plurality of removable dispensing units positioned in said housing in closely abutting relation therewith, each dispensing unit having the general form in horizontal cross section of a sector of an annulus with an outer arcuate side wall corresponding to the inner surface of the curved side wall of the housing, a planar inner wall and angularly spaced planar side walls, the side walls of adjoining units abutting together and the inner walls of the units forming a polygonal central storage space, each dispensing unit including a manually-actuated pressure pump dispenser having a rotatably mounted outwardly and downwardly extending spout swingable between a storage. position within the confines of said housing and an operative position with the spout extending outwardly beyond the housing, and a removable compartmented storage member conformably received in said polygonal central storage space.

2. A toilet kit assembly comprising a housing having a curved sidewall open at one end and having a removable cover therefor, a plurality of removable dispensing units positioned in said housing in closely abutting relation therewith, each dispensing unit having the general form in horizontal cross section of a sector of an annulus with an outer arcuate sidewall corresponding to the inner surface of the curved side wall of the housing, a planar inner wall and angularly spaced planar side Walls, the side walls of adjoining units abutting together and the inner walls of the units forming a polygonal central storage space, and a removable compartmented storage member conformably received in said polygonalcentral storage space, said removable storage member having a plurality of longitudinally extending compartments to receive a plurality of toilet articles therein.

(References on following page) References Cited by the Examiner 3,062,411 11/62 Miles 222--143 UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,132,652 5/64 Gazdix 132-82 12/66 Holmes 220 -16 FOREIGN PATENTS 3/34 Sneider 13279.2 13,914 8/33 Australia.

4/36 Giordano 220-47 X 310,864 9/ Italy.

10 37 Hinnenkamp 22 1 661,095 11/51 Great Britain.

9/52 Grower 13280 10/53 Caretto RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examzner.

11/55 Grafii 220-16 X 10 JORDAN FRANKLIN, Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,187,757 June 8, 1965 Robert H, Jones, Jre et a1.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 1, line 59, for "prevent" read present a Signed and sealed this 28th day of December 1965.,

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER Attesting Officer EDWARD J. BRENNER Commissioner of Patents

Claims (1)

1. 2. A TOILET KIT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A HOUSING HAVING A CURVED SIDE WALL OPEN AT ONE END AND HAVING A REMOVABLE COVER THEREOF, A PLURALITY OF REMOVABLE DISPENSING UNITS POSITIONED IN SAID HOUSING IN CLOSELY ABUTTING RELATION THEREWITH, EACH DISPENSING UNIT HAVING THE GENERAL FORM IN HORIZONTAL CROSS SECTION OF A SECTOR OF AN ANNULUS WITH AN OUTER ARCUATE SIDE WALL CORRESPONDING TO THE INNER SURFACE OF THE CURVED SIDE WALL OF THE HOUSING, A PLANAR INNER WALL AND ANGULARLY SPACED PLANAR SIDE WALLS, THE SIDE WALLS OF ADJOINING UNITS ABUTTING TOGETHER AND THE INNER WALLS OF THE UNITS FORMING A POLYGONAL CENTRAL STORAGE SPACE, AND A REMOVABLE COMPARTMENTED STORAGE MEMBER CONFORMABLY RECEIVED IN SAID POLYGONAL CENTRAL STORAGE SPACE, SAID REMOVABLE STORAGE MEMBER HAVING A PLURALITY OF LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING COMPARTMENTS TO RECEIVE A PLURALITY OF TOILET ARTICLES THEREIN.

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