GB2602638A

GB2602638A - Receptacle holding system

Info

Publication number: GB2602638A
Application number: GB2100134.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tagro Serge
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-01-06
Filing date: 2021-01-06
Publication date: 2022-07-13
Also published as: GB202100134D0

Abstract

A receptacle holding system 10 comprises a plurality of dispensing receptacles 12 and at least one rack 20 for holding said receptacles 12. The at least one rack 20 comprises at least one rail 14 and said receptacles are coupled to said at least one rail 14. The receptacles may slide on or off the rack 20 via the rails 14. The rack may be invertable between a dispensing state and a refill state. The system may be used as a shower caddy. The system allows multiple receptacles to be maintained in an organised manner, and allows simple and efficient refilling, and therefore reuse, of the receptacles.

Description

Receptacle Holding System

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to receptacle holding systems. The invention relates particularly, but 5 not exclusively, to receptacle holding systems for bathrooms or shower rooms.

Background to the Invention

Conventional shower caddies comprise wall mounted baskets for receiving off-the-shelf receptacles including bottles of shampoo, shower gel and the like. The contents of such caddies tend to be disorganised. Moreover, not least for environmental reasons, it is considered to be more efficient and less wasteful to refill receptacles rather than to discard them as is typically done with empty off-theshelf containers. In some environments, such as hotels, gyms and leisure centres, it may be desirable to provide receptacles in a manner that facilitates refilling and/or which inhibits theft.

It would be desirable to mitigate at least some of the problems outlined above.

Summary of the Invention

From a first aspect the invention provides a receptacle holding system comprising: a plurality of dispensing receptacles; and at least one rack for holding said receptacles, wherein said at least one 20 rack comprises at least one rail, said receptacles being coupled to said at least one rail.

Preferably said receptacles are removably coupled to said at least one rail.

Preferably, said receptacles are slidably coupled to said at least one rail, preferably via an end of 25 said at least one rail.

Preferably, said receptacles are. in at least one state, suspended from said at least one rail, preferably such that at least a respective dispensing outlet is located below said at least one rail.

In typical embodiments, a respective end of each receptacle is coupled, preferably removably coupled to said at least one rail, said end typically being located distal a respective dispensing outlet of the receptacle.

In preferred embodiments, the system includes at least one support, wherein said at least one rack is 35 coupled to, preferably removably coupled to, said at least one support. Said at least one support preferably comprises a first support, said at least one rack being coupled, preferably slidably coupled, to said first support for movement along said first support.

Preferably, said at least one support comprises a first support, said at least one rack being coupled 40 to said first support for pivoting movement about a longitudinal axis of said first support.

Preferably, said at least one support comprise a first support, said at least one rack being coupled to said first support for rotational movement about an axis that is oblique or perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal axis of said first support.

Preferably, said at least one support comprises a first support and a second support, said at least one rack being coupled to said first and second supports, the preferred arrangement being such that a first end of said at least one rack is coupled, preferably removably coupled, to said first support, and a second end, opposite said first end, of said at least one rack is coupled, preferably removably coupled, to said second support. Said second support preferably comprises at least one formation for coupling, preferably removably coupling, said at least one rack, preferably the second end of said at least one rack, to said second support, and wherein said at least one formation may comprise at least one lug or other projection, or at least one slot or other recess. Said at least one formation is preferably configured to receive and/or support said at least one rail, preferably an end of said at least one rail. Said at least one rail typically comprises a plurality of rails, and wherein said at least one formation comprises a respective formation for each rail.

Optionally first and second sets of said at least one formation are provided, said first and second sets typically being mutually spaced apart, preferably in an in-use vertical direction. The first set of at least one formation may be configured to engage with said at least one rack when in a dispensing state. and the second set of at least one formation may be configured to engage with said at least one rack when in a refill state.

In some embodiments, said at least one rack is rotatable between a dispensing state and a refill state.

Typically, said receptacles have a reservoir and a dispensing outlet and wherein, at least in a dispensing state, said at least one rack is configured to hold said receptacles in an orientation in which the respective dispensing outlet is located at or substantially at the bottom of the reservoir.

Typically, said receptacles have a reservoir and a dispensing outlet and wherein, at least in a refill state, said at least one rack is configured to hold said receptacles in an orientation in which the respective dispensing outlet is located at or substantially at the top of the reservoir.

Optionally each receptacle includes at least one formation for slidably engaging with at least one of 35 said at least one rail.

In preferred embodiments, said at least one rail comprises first and second spaced apart parallel rails, and wherein a respective part of each receptacle fits between, and optionally engages with, the first and second rails. The respective part of each receptacle may be slidable between and/or along 40 the first and second rails.

Optionally, said at least one rail comprises a third rail that is parallel and non-coplanar with said first and second rails, and wherein, preferably, each receptacle includes a formation for slidably engaging with said third rail.

In some embodiments, said at least one rack comprises a plurality of racks, each rack carrying at least one, preferably more than one, of said receptacles.

Preferred embodiments maintain multiple receptacles in an organised manner, and allow simple and efficient refilling, and therefore reuse, of the receptacles.

From another aspect, the invention provides a receptacle holding installation comprising the system of the first aspect of the invention mounted on a wall or mounted between two adjacent walls, and wherein the or each wall is the wall of a shower or bathroom.

In preferred embodiments, the system is a shower caddy or bathroom caddy. As such the receptacles contain. in use, substances such as soap, shower gel. shampoo, conditioner or the like, typically in liquid form.

Alternatively, systems and/or installations embodying the invention may have other applications. For example the system may be a dispenser for beverages or foodstuffs wherein the receptacles, in use, contain beverages or foodstuffs. Typically, the receptacles contain, in use, liquid substances. More generally however they may contain anything that can be dispensed from the receptacles (using a suitable dispensing device), including solid material, particularly sold particulate material or other flowable solid material, e.g. flour, grain, pasta, cereal, beads and so on.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals are used to denote like parts and in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a receptacle holding system embodying the invention, the system being shown in a dispensing state; Figure 2 is a front view of the system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the system of Figure 1 shown in a refill state; Figure 4 is an alternative perspective view of the system of Figure 1 in the refill state, illustrating a refilling operation; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the system of Figure 1 shown in a loading or unloading state; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a receptacle holding system embodying the invention, the system being shown in a dispensing state; and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the system of Figure 6 illustrating a refilling operation.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring now to Figures 1 to 5 of the drawings, there is shown, generally indicated as 10, a receptacle holding system embodying the invention. The system 10 comprises a plurality of dispensing receptacles 12 and a rack 20 for holding the receptacles 12. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a single rack 20 holding multiple receptacles 12. Alternatively, the rack 20 may hold only one receptacle 12. Alternatively still, there may be more than one rack 20, each rack holding one or more receptacles 12.

Each receptacle 12 has a body 11 that defines a reservoir for the material, e.g. shampoo or shower gel, to be dispensed, and a dispensing outlet 13 by which the material can be dispensed. The dispensing outlet 13 may comprise any conventional dispensing device, typically including at least one valve. For example, the dispensing device may comprise a tap, or a pump or a squeeze nozzle (i.e. a nozzle comprising a valve that dispenses material upon squeezing the body 11).

The rack 20 comprises at least one rail 14, the receptacles 12 being coupled to the rail(s) 14. In preferred embodiments, there is a plurality of parallel rails 14. Preferably, the receptacles 12 are removably coupled to the rail(s) 14. In preferred embodiments, the receptacles 12 are coupled to the rail(s) 14 to allow sliding movement along the rail(s) 14. This is conveniently achieved via the end(s) 15 of the rail(s) 14, whereby each receptacle 12 can be mounted on one or more of the rails 14, and/or inserted between any two or more of the rails 14, as applicable; at the respective end(s) 15. The preferred arrangement is such that the receptacles 14 may slide along the rail(s) 14.

In preferred embodiments, the rails 14 comprise first and second spaced apart, parallel rails 14A, 14B. A respective part 16 of each receptacle 12 fits between the first and second rails 14A, 14B, preferably via their respective ends 15. Preferably, the part 16 engages with the rails 14A, 14B to facilitate sliding movement of the receptacle 12 along the rails 14A, 14B and/or retention of the receptacle 12 on the rails 14A, 14B. In the illustrated embodiment, the part 16 is shaped to define at least one recess, e.g. an annular recess 17, for receiving the rails 14A, 14B. When the receptacle 12 is mounted on the rails 14A, 14B, the rails 14A, 14B engage with at least one surface of the recess 17 to facilitate sliding of the receptacle 12 along the rails 14A, 14B and advantageously also to suspend the receptacle from the rails 14A, 14B. The rails 14A, 14B are coplanar with each other, preferably lying in a horizontal or substantially horizontal plane in use.

Optionally, a third rail 14C is provided that is parallel and non-coplanar with the first and second rails 40 14A, 14B. Preferably, the third rail 14C is located between (but not coplanar with) the first and second rails 14A. 14B. Preferably, each receptacle 12 includes a formation 18 for slidably engaging with the third rail 14C. The formation 18 may for example comprise a loop or other retaining formation(s) that fit at least partly around the third rail 14C to couple the receptacle 12 to the rail 14C. Advantageously, the formation 18 retains the receptacle 12 on the rail 14C. As such, it is preferred but not essential that the part 16 of the receptacle 12 engages with the rails 14k 14B. or at least not in a manner that retains the receptacle 12 on the rails 14A, 14B. More generally, each receptacle 12 may include at least one formation for slidably engaging with any one or more of the rail(s) 14.

In preferred embodiments, the receptacles 12 are. in at least a dispensing state (as shown in Figures 1 and 2), suspended from the rail(s) 14. The preferred arrangement is such that at least the respective dispensing outlet 13 is located below the rail(s) 14. In preferred embodiments, part 16 is provided at an end of the receptacle, preferably an end that is opposite or distal the dispensing outlet 13. As such. the preferred arrangement is that the body 11 of the receptacle 12 is below the rails 14, at least in the dispensing state.

In typical embodiments, the system 10 includes at least one support, the or each rack 20 being coupled to, preferably removably coupled to, the support(s). Preferably: the system 10 includes a first support 22 in the preferred form of a bar. The rack 20 is coupled to the first support 22, preferably such that the rack 20 can slide along the support 22. Any conventional sliding coupling may be used for this purpose. In the illustrated embodiment: the rack 20 is coupled to the support 22 by a coupling 23 that comprises a first sleeve 24 that fits around the support 22 and allows the coupling, and therefore the rack 20, to slide along the support 22. In use, this sliding movement facilitates height-adjustment of the rack 20. A locking device 24A may be provided on the support 22 or on the sleeve 24 for locking the sleeve 24 in a desired position on the support 22.

In preferred embodiments, the rack 20 is pivotably coupled to the first support 22 for pivoting movement about a longitudinal axis of the first support 22. Any conventional pivotable coupling may be used for this purpose. Conveniently, in the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 24 of coupling 23 allows the rack 20 to pivot about the longitudinal axis of the support 22.

In preferred embodiments: the rack 20 is rotatably coupled to the first support 22 for rotational movement about an axis that is oblique or perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first support 22. Any conventional rotational coupling may be used for this purpose. In the illustrated embodiment: the coupling 23 includes a rotational joint 25 for providing the rotational movement of the rack 20 with respect to the support 22. The joint 25 may be provided on a stem 26 that projects from the sleeve 24. The rack 20 may be coupled to the joint 25 by any convenient means. In the illustrated embodiment, a second sleeve 27 couples the rack 20 to the joint 25.

Optionally, the rack 20 includes a post 40 at the end of the rail(s) 14 that is opposite ends 15. The post 40 may extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly from the rail(s) 14. The second 40 sleeve 27 may be fitted around the post 40 and may be slidable along the post 40. A stop, e.g. a cap, may be provided at the free end of the post 40 to retain the sleeve 27 on the post 40.

Optionally, the system 10 includes a second support 30. The second support 30 is spaced apart from the first support 22, the or each rack 20 being supported between the supports 22, 30. The, or each, rack 20 is coupled to the first and second supports 22, 30, at least in the dispensing state. The preferred arrangement is such that a first end 32 of the rack 20 is coupled, optionally removably coupled, to the first support 22. A second end 34 of the rack 20, opposite the first end 32, is coupled, preferably removably coupled, to the second support 30.

In preferred embodiments. the second support 30 comprises at least one formation 36 for coupling.

preferably removably coupling: the second end 34 of the rack 20 to the second support 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the formations 36 are lugs that project from the support 30. In alternative embodiments, the formations 36 may comprise other projection(s), or at least one slot or other recess for receiving the end of the rack.

The preferred arrangement is such that the formations 36 are configured to receive and/or support the rail(s) 14, preferably the end 15 of the or each rail 14. In typical embodiments in which there is a plurality of rails 14, a respective formation 36 may be provided for each rail 14. In the illustrated embodiment, when the rack 20 is coupled to the second support 30 (as is shown for example in Figures 1 to 3) the end 15 of each rail 14A: 14B: 14C engages with and is supported by a respective lug 36. Preferably, the rails 14 can readily be disengaged from the formations 36 to decouple the rack 20 from the support 30. Optionally, there are no fixings for holding the rails 14 to the support 30. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the ends 15 rest on the lugs 36 and can readily be removed therefrom. Optionally, at least one locking device (not illustrated), e.g. a bar and lock, or a fixing device; e.g. a bolt, screw or pin, may be provided to lock the rack 20 to the second support 30.

This option may be used to prevent theft, if required. Alternatively, a locking device, e.g. a bar and lock, may be provided at the end of the rail(s) 14 to prevent the receptacles from being removed.

When the rack 20 is decoupled from the second support 30 (as shown for example in Figure 5, which may be referred to as the loading or unloading state), the ends 15 of the rails 14 are free ends by which the receptacles 12 can be installed on or removed from the rack 20: preferably by sliding. The pivotable coupling between the rack 20 and the first support 22 facilitates decoupling of the rack 20 from the second support 30.

Decoupling the rack 20 from the second support 30 facilitates rotating the rack 20 with respect to the first support 22, via joint 25 in the illustrated embodiment. Optionally, the rack 20 is rotatable, typically invertible, e.g. through 180 degrees, between a dispensing state (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) and a refill state (as shown in Figures 3 and 4). Preferably, in the dispensing state, the receptacles 12 are orientated with their dispensing outlet 13 facing downwards, typically being located below the rails 14. The orientation is such that the outlet 13 is below, or at the bottom of: the reservoir so that dispensing material from the reservoir is facilitated by gravity. Preferably, in the refill state, the receptacles are orientated with their dispensing outlet 13 facing upwards, typically being located above the rails 14. The dispensing outlet 13 is preferably removable to allow the reservoir to be refilled. Preferably, the body 11 has a removable end 38 on which the dispensing outlet 13 is provided, wherein the reservoir can be filled when the end 38 is removed. A funnel 39 may be provided to facilitate filling the reservoir.

As can be seen from Figure 1 and 2, the rack 20 is coupled to the second support 30 in the dispensing state. It is preferred that the rack 20 can also be coupled to the second support 30 in the refill state (see Figures 3 and 4). For example, with the rack 20 in the dispensing state it may be pivoted out of engagement with the second support 30, then rotated into the refill state, and then pivoted back into engagement with the second support 30.

In typical embodiments, the location and/or spatial arrangement of the ends 15 of the rails 14 in the dispensing state does not match their location and/or spatial arrangement in the refill state. Therefore, first and second sets of formations 36 may be provided on the second support 30, the first set being positioned and arranged to engage with the rack 20 On particular with the ends 15 of the rails 14) when it is in the dispensing state, and the second set being positioned and arranged to engage with the rack 20 when it is in the refill state. The first and second sets are typically mutually spaced apart, preferably in an in-use vertical direction. The sliding coupling between the post 40 and the second sleeve 27 facilitates height adjustment between the dispensing and refill states, which can help couple the rack 20 to the formations 36 and/or allow the sets of formations to be spaced apart so as to avoid interference.

In use, the system 10 may be installed on one or more walls, e.g. of a shower or bathroom. Each support 22, 30 is therefore preferably wall-mountable. Conveniently, each support 22, 30 may be 25 mounted on a respective one of first and second perpendicular, or non-parallel, walls such that the rack 20 spans a corner between the walls.

Figures 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of a receptacle holding system 110 embodying the invention. The system 110 may be the same or similar to the system 10 and the same or similar description applies, with like numerals being used to denote like parts, unless otherwise indicated as would be apparent to a skilled person. In system 110, the second support is omitted, the rack 120 being cantilevered from the first support 122. The third rail is also omitted, the receptacles 112 being slidably mounted between first and second rails 114A, 114B. In this embodiment, the racks 120 are not rotatable or otherwise invertable between dispensing and refill states. To refill the receptacles 120. the upper end of the body 111 may be opened (e.g. by means of a removable cap or lid) to allow access to the reservoir. Optionally, a removable cover 150 may be provided for covering the upper ends of the receptacles 112. Optionally, the cover 150 may be slidably engageable with the rails 114. The racks 120 may be pivotably coupled to the first support 122 for pivoting movement about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first support 122.

The systems 10, 110 may be a shower caddy or bathroom caddy. As such the receptacles may contain, in use, substances such as soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner or the like, typically in liquid form.

Alternatively, systems and/or installations embodying the invention may have other applications. For example the system may be a dispenser for beverages or foodstuffs wherein the receptacles, in use. contain beverages or foodstuffs. Typically, the receptacles contain, in use. liquid substances. More generally however they may contain anything that can be dispensed from the receptacles (using a suitable dispensing device). including solid material, particularly sold particulate material or other flowable solid material, e.g. flour, grain, pasta. cereal, beads and so on.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein which may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A receptacle holding system comprising: a plurality of dispensing receptacles; and at least one rack for holding said receptacles, wherein said at least one rack comprises at least one rail, said receptacles being coupled to said at least one rail.
2. The system of claim 1. wherein said receptacles are removably coupled to said at least one rail.
3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein said receptacles are slidably coupled to said at least one rail, preferably via an end of said at least one rail.
4. The system of any one preceding claim, wherein said receptacles are, in at least one state, 15 suspended from said at least one rail, preferably such that at least a respective dispensing outlet is located below said at least one rail.
5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a respective end of each receptacle is coupled, preferably removably coupled to said at least one rail. said end typically being located distal a 20 respective dispensing outlet of the receptacle.
6. The system of any preceding claim, further including at least one support, wherein said at least one rack is coupled to, preferably removably coupled to, said at least one support.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein said at least one support comprises a first support, said at least one rack being coupled, preferably slidably coupled, to said first support for movement along said first support.
8. The system of claim 6 or 7, wherein said at least one support comprises a first support. said at 30 least one rack being coupled to said first support for pivoting movement about a longitudinal axis of said first support.
9. The system of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said at least one support comprises a first support, said at least one rack being coupled to said first support for rotational movement about an 35 axis that is oblique or perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal axis of said first support.
10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein said at least one support comprises a first support and a second support, said at least one rack being coupled to said first and second supports, the preferred arrangement being such that a first end of said at least one rack is coupled, preferably removably coupled, to said first support, and a second end, opposite said first end, of said at least one rack is coupled, preferably removably coupled, to said second support.
11. The system of claim 10. wherein said second support comprises at least one formation for coupling, preferably removably coupling, said at least one rack, preferably the second end of said at least one rack. to said second support, and wherein said at least one formation may comprise at 5 least one lug or other projection, or at least one slot or other recess.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein said at least one formation is configured to receive and/or support said at least one rail, preferably an end of said at least one rail.
13. The system of claim 12: wherein said at least one rail comprises a plurality of rails, and wherein said at least one formation comprises a respective formation for each rail.
14. The system of any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising first and second sets of said at least one formation, said first and second sets typically being mutually spaced apart, preferably in an in-use vertical direction.
15. The system of any preceding claim, wherein said at least one rack is rotatable between a dispensing state and a refill state.
16. The system of claim 15 when dependent on claim 14: wherein the first set of at least one formation is configured to engage with said at least one rack when in the dispensing state: and the second set of at least one formation is configured to engage with said at least one rack when in the refill state.
17. The system of any preceding claim, wherein said receptacles have a reservoir and a dispensing outlet and wherein, at least in a dispensing state, said at least one rack is configured to hold said receptacles in an orientation in which the respective dispensing outlet is located at or substantially at the bottom of the reservoir.
18. The system of any preceding claim, wherein said receptacles have a reservoir and a dispensing outlet and wherein, at least in a refill state, said at least one rack is configured to hold said receptacles in an orientation in which the respective dispensing outlet is located at or substantially at the top of the reservoir.
19. The system of any preceding claim, wherein each receptacle includes at least one formation for slidably engaging with at least one of said at least one rail.
20. The system of any preceding claim, wherein said at least one rail comprises first and second spaced apart parallel rails, and wherein a respective part of each receptacle fits between, and 40 optionally engages with, the first and second rails.
21. The system of claim 20. wherein the respective part of each receptacle is slidable between and/or along the first and second rails.
22. The system of claim 20 or 21, wherein said at least one rail comprises a third rail that is parallel 5 and non-coplanar with said first and second rails, and wherein, preferably, each receptacle includes a formation for slidably engaging with said third rail.
23. The system of any preceding claim, wherein said at least one rack comprises a plurality of racks, each rack carrying at least one, preferably more than one, of said receptacles.