Dispensing – Processes of dispensing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-22
2001-11-06
Kaufman, Joseph A. (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
Processes of dispensing
C222S054000, C222S146500, C222S325000, C222S642000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311868
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to heating and dispensing apparatus used for fluid which includes substantial non-volatile constituent parts and more specifically to a hot fluid dispenser which only heats a portion of the fluid before it is dispensed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Fluids such as body lotions and oils are commonly applied to the human skin to address dry skin problems, eczema and other skin disorders. These lotions are typically stored in containers at ambient air temperature and are applied to the body by means such as squirt bottles and hand pump dispensing apparatus. These lotion dispensers unfortunately produce the lotions at temperatures well below the normal skin temperature of the human body (i.e., somewhat less than 98.6°). Not only is the application of body lotions at cool temperatures uncomfortable for infants, the elderly and the general user, the cooler temperatures prevent the lotion from adequately penetrating the pores of the skin since the cool temperature makes the skin pores constrict rather than open up to receive the body lotions.
Although attempts have been made to heat fluids prior to this application, these devices generally heat the fluids in mass in a bulk storage container. Over time, this process resulted in separation and breakdown of the natural composition of the body lotions or fluids, thus reducing their effectiveness. For example, the paraffins in some lotions tend to break down when heated to temperatures above 110° F. for extended periods of time. Further, the continual heating and cooling of the lotion causes a coagulation of the non-volatile components when the solvents evaporate which over time can clog the pumping or dispensing mechanism, as well as destroy a larger portion of the lotion, which is expensive. Additionally, the amount of time required to heat larger containers of body lotions is not practical for a user which prefers the lotion to be heated in a matter of minutes or seconds. Leaving lotion heated for extended periods of time can also cause bacteria, algae and other undesired microorganisms to grow in the lotion.
In addition to heating the bulk storage container, some have also applied heat to a dispensing tube of commercial pumps. Fluid in the dispensing tube can cool between uses, so heat is applied to this tube to avoid cooling. However, heating a small portion of the fluid can evaporate the solvent components in the fluid which makes the remaining fluid more viscous. Maintaining a desired viscosity is important to avoid potential clogging of the dispensing tube and/or otherwise ruining the fluid. The heat is applied to the storage container and dispensing tube continually. However, applying heat continually consumes costly energy and is impractical for a consumer unit which may only be required infrequently.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for quickly heating a predetermined volume of body lotion and dispensing the body lotion efficiently at a selected temperature. The predetermined volume of body lotion is housed in a predelivery chamber separate from the main fluid reservoir. The present invention is generally a portable device which may be operated manually, or more typically, electrically.
It is thus one object of the present invention to provide lotion heater assembly which heats the lotion in a short time period and in small volumes to prevent overheating and adversely effecting the lotion composition. Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a heating element is coupled to the predelivery chamber as opposed to in a heating plate “jacket” or other device which heats the main fluid reservoir. The present invention heats only a predetermined volume of lotion in the predelivery chamber which is soon used by the consumer or masseuse applying the lotion. This avoids subjecting a volume of the lotion to heating over long periods of time.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pumping assembly which either manually or automatically pumps a predetermined increment of lotion which has been spontaneously heated. In one aspect of the present invention, the heating element may be in operable contact with the predelivery chamber or dispensing spout to provide immediate heating of the lotion prior to dispensing.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a heated fluid pump which can be used with conventional lotions commonly purchased by the household consumers so as to not require unique and expensive compositions specialized for heating. Thus, the heating apparatus may be universally used with substantially all lotions currently sold over the counter. Conversely, specially formulated lotions specifically designed for heating may be sold either independently or in conjunction with the heated fluid pump.
Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention a small container or tub with a predetermined volume of lotion may be sold which is designed to custom fit the interior of the heated fluid pump. This configuration allows the container or cup to be readily disposed of after use to avoid the need to clean or otherwise maintain the main fluid reservoir of the fluid pump. The cup, in one embodiment, may resemble a plastic cup with a foil cover, such as a yogurt cup, and the lotion may be exposed for use by either removing a pull tab cover or by piercing the foil cover with a sharpened suction tube at the bottom of the main fluid reservoir. A hole in the cup could be pierced by a sharp point on the inside of the lid so that pressure would not build in the cup.
Additionally, it is another object of the present invention to provide a thermostatically controlled heating element which assures the proper lotion temperature during all periods of use. Thermostatic control reduces the risk of malfunction which could overheat the lotion. Thus, the device is safe for infants, the elderly and for others especially sensitive to heated products. Additionally, the pumping and dispensing apparatus of the present invention creates a predetermined even flow of heated lotion which prevents waste or overuse.
Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a heating assembly is provided which does not require the use of a thermostat to control the temperature of the lotion. Rather, the lotion is heated for a predetermined time period as the lotion flows through the preheating chamber, which contains a heating element disposed therein. Since the temperature of the heating element is known, the amount of time the lotion is exposed to the heating element in the preheat chamber dictates the temperature of the discharged lotion. Thus, the warmer the desired lotion temperature, the longer the lotion is exposed to the heating element in the preheat chamber. The amount of time, and thus the overall lotion temperature is preferably adjustable based on three different temperature settings of “low”, “medium” and “high”, which is located on a switch position on the exterior surface of the lotion dispenser.
It is a further object of the present invention that the lotion travel through an annular channel defined by the exterior surface of the heating element and the interim surface of the predelivery chamber. This positioning of the heating element within the predelivery chamber provides optimal heat transfer since the lotion is in direct contact with the heating element tube which provides a significant surface area for heating.
The advantages of using heated lotions are numerous over applying cold lotions to the human body. The advantages include:
1) Heated lotions tend to penetrate the skin better. The human skin temperature is approximately 95°. If 75° or cooler ambient air temperature lotion is applied to 95° skin, the pores of the human body tend to close. However, if 120° lotion is applied the pores tend to open, allowing for better and deeper penetration of the lotion.
2) Heated lotions have lower viscosity than cooler lotion which allows for better penetration. Lotions with lower viscosity are thinner and t
Gebhard Albert W.
Krietemeier Rickie F.
Kaufman Joseph A.
New Sensations, L.L.C.
Sheridan & Ross P.C.
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