# US 5,704,723 A · Soap dispensing device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,704,723 A - Document ID: US5704723A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 08/705,286 - Filed: 1996-08-29 - Granted: 1998-01-06 - Earliest claimed: 1996-08-29 - Inventors: Harold W. Salisian - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5704723A ## CPC - A47L 13/17: containing cleaning agents (A47L13/19 takes precedence {; chemical compositions C11D17/049}) - A47K 7/03: containing soap or other cleaning ingredients, e.g. impregnated - A47L 1/15: Cloths, sponges, pads, or the like, e.g. containing cleaning agents - A47L: DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING (brushes A46B; cleaning quantities of bottles or of other hollow articles of one kind B08B9/00; laundry D06F); SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL (cleaning in general B08) - A47K: SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES ## Abstract The present invention relates to a dispensing device for releasing a liquid active material such as soap or other active formulation in the form of a concentrate. The dispensing device includes a foam-like outer cover that encloses a pouch which has a membrane allowing the material to transfer to the cover at a selected rate. The rate is determined by the type of material used for the membrane and the size and number of pores in it, allowing the liquid through at a desired rate. The rate is further determined by the amount of external squeeze pressure applied to the device. The pouch is refilled by a sack containing the concentrate. The sack also contains small holes or pores for ejecting the concentrate when pressure is applied. Because the pores in the sack face away from the pores of the pouch, the concentrate has time and space to mix with water to form a diluted mixture desired for washing. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A dispensing device for a liquid mixture, the device comprising: a pouch providing a first and a second pouch portions, the portions providing a first and a second pouch walls respectively, each of the walls having a peripheral edge, the first pouch portion providing a first means for liquid communication through the first wall of the first pouch portion, the liquid mixture being dispersed from the pouch through the first means for liquid communication through the first wall of the first pouch portion, water being drawn into the pouch through the first means for liquid communication through the first wall of the first pouch portion; a closure means for sealingly joining the peripheral edges for removably closing the pouch, thereby defining a nominal pouch volume therein, the volume being enclosed between the pouch portions, the pouch walls being of such flexibility and resiliency as to be easily compressed for reducing the pouch volume, and for thereafter resiliently resuming the nominal pouch volume; a liquid soap storage sack within the pouch, the sack providing a flexible sack wall enclosing a sack volume slightly smaller than the pouch volume so as to form a space therebetween for mixing the liquid soap and the water, the sack wall providing a second means for liquid communication for dispersing the liquid soap, the second communication means positioned for directing the liquid soap through the sack wall toward the second pouch portion for enabling the liquid soap and water to mix; the first pouch wall providing, in an outwardly facing direction, a means for absorbing, the absorbing means extending adjacent to the closure means; the second pouch wall providing a means for grasping the dispensing device; the closure means enabling the pouch portions to be separated for replacing the storage sack. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1 wherein the closure means includes a hinge means portion and a locking means portion, whereby the locking means portion provides a liquid impermeable seal. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the pouch portions includes at least one annular fold, the fold being of such size and shape as to provide an accordion action as the at least one pouch portion is compressed and decompressed. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1 wherein the pouch portions include an inner surface, the inner surface providing a rough texture, whereby with the inner surface in contact with the storage sack, the rough texture provides a path for the liquid to move therebetween. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The device of claim 2 wherein the hinge means portion and the locking means portion are formed with an enlarged wall thickness for improved strength and wear resistance. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1 wherein the means for grasping is a hand strap. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1 wherein the means for grasping is an elongate handle, the handle providing a first handle portion fixed to the second pouch wall, and a removable second handle portion adapted for clamping attachment to the first handle portion. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The device of claim 7 wherein the first handle portion provides a pair of opposing concave surfaces, and the second handle portion provides a pair of corresponding, convex, surfaces in spring-temper, spaced apart alignment, the second handle portion being engagable with the first handle portion and maintained thereon by spring action. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1 wherein the means for grasping is a sponge-like material generally covering the second pouch wall. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the pouch walls include an annular depression providing added flexibility for compressing said walls.