Dispensing apparatus

摘要

Disclosed is a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a multi-component composition such as an oral care composition. The apparatus comprises a plurality of compartments, each containing a respective component of an composition, an orifice communicating with the plurality of compartments, and a common electrical drive mechanism for simultaneously dispensing the respective components from the plurality of compartments through the orifice. The electrical drive mechanism may comprise a single motor. Each compartment may include a respective piston for extruding a respective component of the composition from the apparatus, the pistons of the plurality of compartments being driven by a common gear mechanism coupled to the motor.

主权项

1. A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a multi-component composition, the apparatus comprising a housing including a first portion and a second portion that are detachably coupled together via a plurality of clutch members, wherein:
the first portion comprises:
a cartridge assembly comprising a plurality of compartments, each of the plurality of compartments containing a respective component of a composition,an orifice communicating with the plurality of compartments, andan actuating button; and the second portion comprises:
a base configured to be self-standing on a horizontal surface,a controller, anda common electrical drive mechanism that simultaneously dispenses the respective components from the plurality of compartments through the orifice; the controller drives the common electrical drive mechanism to dispense a dose of each of the respective components in a single dispensing cycle in response to operation of the actuation button; the plurality of clutch members a provide respective self-centering couplings between the electrical drive mechanism and respective shafts of the plurality of compartments that mate together the electrical drive mechanism and the respective shafts of the plurality of compartments; the plurality of clutch members detachably mate with respective drive elements associated with the respective shafts of the plurality of compartments; and the plurality of clutch members provide power transfer with slippage to the respective shafts of the plurality of compartments.