US 12,447,488 B2
Dispenser with a visual indication system
Jesse Richard, Racine, WI (US); Michael Haynes, Muskego, WI (US); Richard Watson, Norwell, MA (US); and Seth Frankel, Arlington, MA (US)
Assigned to S. C. JOHNSON & SON, INC., Racine, WI (US)
Filed by S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC., Racine, WI (US)
Filed on Jan. 15, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/743,933.
Prior Publication US 2021/0213471 A1, Jul. 15, 2021
Int. Cl. B05B 11/00 (2023.01); A61L 9/14 (2006.01); B05B 12/00 (2018.01)
CPC B05B 11/0005 (2013.01) [A61L 9/14 (2013.01); B05B 12/004 (2013.01); A61L 2209/12 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of operating a flowable medium dispenser, the method comprising:
providing a power source to the flowable medium dispenser that defines an axis, and includes a visual indicator, a housing with an exterior surface facing a surrounding environment, and a central aperture that surrounds the axis;
dispensing a flowable medium through the central aperture; and rotating a dial to adjust an intensity level at which the flowable medium is dispensed, the dial coupled to the visual indicator and a top cover coupled to the dial; and
wherein the visual indicator extends around the axis,
includes an annular body, and emits light radially outward through the annular body, wherein a bottom surface of the annular body is adjacent a top exterior surface of the housing surrounding the central aperture such that the annular body extends along a circumference of the central aperture of the housing, wherein a horizontal plane is disposed below the annular body,
wherein the visual indicator is configured to emit at least two different visual indications,
wherein the annular body defines a channel that is configured to at least partially receive at least one LED that is disposed outside of the housing, and
wherein, in a use configuration, a container of the dispenser is disposed entirely below the horizontal plane and entirely below the annular body, and retains a wick having a first end and a second end such that the annular body extends around the first end of the wick.