Refillable solution dispensing device
11420810 ยท 2022-08-23
Inventors
Cpc classification
B05B12/1418
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B12/1409
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01F33/50111
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B11/0081
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B11/0038
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B11/0078
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B11/0097
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B11/0054
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01F35/7131
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01F33/86
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01F35/322
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B11/1008
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01F35/7162
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B11/1087
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B05B15/25
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
Abstract
A refillable solution dispensing device includes a housing having an upper section and a lower section. An actuator exposed through the exterior of the upper section. The actuator is movably connected to an air chamber and a solution chamber. The solution chamber is in fluid communication with the solution reservoir and a discharge nozzle. The air chamber is fluidly connected to the discharge nozzle. The actuator is coupled to a mixing shaft that protrudes into the lower section. The lower section comprises an interior volume that functions as a solution reservoir. A solution cartridge and water are inserted into the solution reservoir. A solution mixer is rotatably coupled to the mixing shaft combining the solution within the solution cartridge, the solution cartridge, and the water into one solution. Upon an activation of the actuator, the solution and the air will mix and exit the discharge nozzle.
Claims
1. A refillable solution dispensing device, the device comprising: a housing having an upper section and a lower section, wherein a base of an upper section aligns with an upper edge of the lower section; whereby the upper section of the housing creates a seal with the lower section of the housing when the sections are affixed together; the lower section comprising an interior volume that functions as a solution reservoir; a solution cartridge disposed within the solution reservoir; an opening through the upper section, wherein the opening is in fluid communication with the lower section; the upper section comprising an actuator moveably exposed through the exterior of the upper section and the actuator is connected to the chambers on the interior of the upper section; wherein the actuator will depress into the chambers when the actuator is moved into the upper section; the plurality of chambers comprising at least an air chamber and a solution chamber; wherein the plurality of chambers are configured from a group consisting of air chambers, solution chambers, and combination thereof; wherein the solution chamber is in fluid communication with the solution reservoir and a discharge nozzle; wherein the air chamber is in fluid communication with the solution reservoir and the discharge nozzle; the actuator connected to a mixing shaft that protrudes into the lower section; a solution mixer rotatably coupled to the mixing shaft; wherein the solution mixer will rotate and combine the solutions and cartridge in the solution reservoir; and wherein engaging the actuator causes the combination of premixed prescribed solution and air within the chambers to exit through the discharge nozzle.
2. The solution dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of chambers further comprises a one way valve and a pressure valve; whereby the one way valve will allow air or solution or combination thereof to be drawn into the air chambers or solution chambers; whereby the pressure valve discharges the air or solution at prescribed pressure upon activating the actuator.
3. The solution dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the actuator body is secured to the upper section with the mixer shaft and the solution mixer is moveably affixed wherein the actuator body protrudes into the lower section.
4. The solution dispensing device of claim 3, wherein the end of actuator body rotatably opens the top of the solution cartridge when the upper section is attached to the lower section.
5. The solution dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising an output selector, wherein the output selector extends through the upper section and is operably coupled to the solution chamber, whereby the output selector adjusts the amount of solution emitted from the device on each activation of the actuator.
6. The solution dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a bypass switch that enables the mixing shaft to operate without discharging air or solution, so to mix solutions, the water, and the water soluble solution cartridge within the solution reservoir.
7. The solution dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a float device disposed on the interior of the housing.
8. The solution dispensing device of claim 7, wherein the float device will close the opening when a prescribed amount of solution is reached within the solution reservoir.
9. The solution dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the actuator body further comprises at least one spring which will return the actuator to an extended position after the actuator is activated.
10. The solution dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the actuator selected from a group consisting of a button, a trigger, a lever, and any combination thereof.
11. The solution dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the activation of the actuator enables an actuator body to compress the air and the solution to discharge out of the discharge nozzle via the pressure valve at the prescribed pressure.
12. The solution dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the mixing shaft is connected to the mixing device via a threading, and wherein the threading causes the mixing device to rotate upon an activation of the actuator.
13. The solution dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the mixing shaft is in fluid communication with the solution reservoir, whereby the mixing shaft further mixes the air or the solutions or a combination thereof in the solution reservoir.
14. The solution dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the mixing shaft is in fluid communication with the solution reservoir, whereby the mixing shaft extracts the air or the solution or a combination thereof from the solution reservoir to a chamber.
15. The solution dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the solution cartridge comprises: a defined body; wherein the defined body further comprises a plurality of pleated ribs; whereby the plurality of pleated ribs allows the defined body to compress; a specified quantity of solution; wherein the specified quantity of solution further comprises a composite of solution mixtures; and a protective outer sealer encasing the defined body of the solution cartridge prior to use.
16. The solution dispensing device of claim 15, wherein the defined body of the solution cartridge further comprises a plurality of concentrate solution compartments, whereby the specified quantity of solution is separated prior to mixing.
17. The solution dispensing device of claim 15, wherein the defined body and the protective outer sealer of the solution cartridge are water soluble.
18. The solution dispensing device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of concentrates solution compartments include a composite mixture of alcohols, ethanol, oils, and water.
19. The solution dispensing device of claim 15, wherein the defined body of the solution cartridge is composed of varying formulas selected from a group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, plastic, or a combination thereof.
20. The solution dispensing device of claim 15, further comprising a protective outer layer which is a biodegradable encasement that prevents moisture transmission through the solution cartridge prior to use.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(11) Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the refillable solution dispensing device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for the refillable solution dispensing device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
(12) Referring now to
(13) The upper section 101A includes a discharge nozzle 102 in fluid communication with the interior of the dispenser. The connections of the discharge nozzle 102 will be described in the description of
(14) In a further embodiment, the housing 101 has an actuator 103 located on a top of the upper section 101A. The actuator 103 movably exposed through the exterior of the upper section 101A as described in
(15) In one embodiment, the exterior of the housing 101 includes an output selector 104. The output selector 104 will control the amount of solution that is dispensed when the actuator 103 is engaged. The output selector 104 will be in contact with the dispensing devices as described in
(16) Referring now to
(17) The lower section 101b has an interior volume. In one embodiment, this interior volume functions as a solution reservoir 203. In another embodiment, there is an additional item located within the lower section which functions as a solution reservoir. The solution reservoir 203 will hold a liquid solution.
(18) In one embodiment, the solution is poured directly into the solution reservoir 203. In another embodiment, a solution cartridge 204 is placed within the solution reservoir 203. The solution cartridge 204 as described in
(19) In another embodiment, the upper section 101a includes a protrusion 205. In one embodiment, the protrusion 205 is a cylindrical protrusion. The protrusion 205 will fit within the lower section 101b when the upper housing 101a is secured thereto. In one embodiment, the protrusion 205 will crush the solution cartridge 204, thereby expelling the solution into the solution reservoir 203. In one embodiment, the solution cartridge 204 comprises a plurality of pleats therein, defining an accordion shape. This will allow for the solution cartridge 204 to collapse.
(20) Referring now to
(21) Referring now to
(22) The refillable solution dispensing device includes at least one solution chamber 303. The at least one solution chamber 303 is comprising a solution housing 303a and a piston 303b. The at least one solution chamber 303 is secured to the actuator body 301 at one end and the housing 101 at another end. This will allow the piston 303b to be depressed and reset along with the actuator body 301. The at least one solution chamber 303 is in fluid communication with the discharge nozzle 102. This is represented by hose 501 in
(23) The at least one solution chamber 303 includes a one way valve secured to the solution housing 303a. The one way valve will allow solution to be drawn into the solution housing 303a from the solution reservoir 203. The one way valve will further prevent solution from being dispelled back into the solution reservoir 203. The at least one solution chamber 303 will further include a pressure valve. The pressure valve will open once the solution reaches a predetermined pressure within the solution housing 303a. The pressure valve discharges the air or solution at prescribed pressure upon activating the actuator 103, via the discharge nozzle 102.
(24) In one embodiment, the actuator body 301 includes a mixing shaft 304. The mixing shaft 304 moves with the actuator body 301. The mixing shaft 304 is of a length that allows it to enter the lower section 101b of the housing 101 when the upper section 101a and the lower section 101b are secured together. In one embodiment, the mixing shaft 304 serves to hold the at least one spring 302 in place and allows the mixing shaft 304 to properly bias the actuator body 301 toward the top of the housing 101. In different embodiments the spring 302 is not located around the mixing rod 304. For example, in one embodiment, the is a plurality of springs 302 located around the interior perimeter of the actuator 102. The mixing shaft 304 is further secured to a mixing device 305. In one embodiment, the mixing device 305 is secured to an end of the mixing shaft 304. The mixing device 305 will mix the solution within the solution reservoir 203. The mixing shaft 304 further comprises a bypass switch. The bypass switch enables the mixing shaft 304 to operate without discharging air or solution. The bypass switch will mix the solutions, the water, and the water soluble solution cartridge within the solution reservoir 203.
(25) In one embodiment, the mixing shaft 304 is movably secured to the mixing device 305. In one embodiment, the mixing shaft 304 has a threaded end 304a. The mixing device 305 has a corresponding threading 305a. When the mixing shaft 304 enters the mixing device 305 as the actuator 103 is engaged, then the mixing device 305 will spin. In one embodiment, the threaded end 304a of the mixing shaft 304 and the corresponding threading 305a of the mixing device 305 will disengage when the actuator body 301 is in the extended position. This will allow the mixing device 305 to continue spinning after each activation of the actuator 103.
(26) In one embodiment, the mixing shaft 304 is extended into the protrusion 205 of the upper section 101a. Further, in one embodiment, the mixing device 305 is rotatably secured within the protrusion 205. In another embodiment, the protrusion 205 includes a housing 205a which will secure the mixing device. This will ensure that the mixing device 305 will stay at a lower section of the solution reservoir 203 to adequately mix the solution.
(27) The activation of the mixing device 305 on the depression of the actuator body 301 will have additional benefits. The solution enters the at least one solution chamber 303 when the actuator body 301 is extended. This means that already mixed solution will enter the at least one solution chamber 303. This ensures that each time solution is dispensed as an evenly mixed solution. This further ensures that the solution does not dilute throughout the use of the dispenser. Moreover, the mixing shaft 304 extracts the air or the solution, or a combination thereof, from the solution reservoir 203 to a chamber.
(28) In one embodiment, the dispensing device includes additional solution chambers. The additional solution chambers are configured similar to the at least one solution chamber described above. Each additional chamber will be fluidly connected to a solution reservoir 203 and the discharge nozzle 102. Further, each additional solution chamber will be connected to the actuator 103 and the housing 101. In one embodiment, the additional solution chambers are of different volumes. This will allow for different solutions to be mixed together creating one discharge. In another embodiment the solution chambers are connected to separate solution reservoirs. This will allow for different combination of premixed prescribed solution and air. The combination of premixed prescribed solution and air within the chambers will exit through the discharge nozzle 102.
(29) Referring now to
(30) The air housing 401a of the first air chamber 401 has an air pressure adjustment valve 403 secured thereto. This will allow for the volume of the air housing 401b to be increased or decreased. This will determine the pressure at which the solution will be expelled from the device. In one embodiment, the air pressure adjustment valve 403 is a turn knob which will rise and lower the base of the air housing 401b.
(31) In some embodiments, the first air chamber 401 includes a one way valve secured to the air housing 401a. The one way valve will allow air to be drawn into the air housing 401a. The one way valve will further prevent air from being dispelled through the same valve. In another embodiment, the air housing 401a will further include a pressure valve. The pressure valve will open once the air within the air housing 401a reaches a predetermined pressure, releasing the air to the discharge nozzle 102.
(32) In a further embodiment, seen specifically in
(33) The air housing 402a of the second air chamber 402 has an air pressure adjustment valve 404 secured thereto. This will allow for the volume of the air housing 402b to be increased or decreased. This will determine the pressure at which the solution will be expelled from the device. In one embodiment the air pressure adjustment valve 404 is a turn knob which will rise and lower the base of the air housing 402a.
(34) In some embodiments, the second air chamber 402 includes a one way valve secured to the air housing 402a. The one way valve will allow air to be drawn into the air housing 402a. The one way valve will further prevent air from being dispelled through the same valve. In another embodiment the air chamber 402a will further include a pressure valve. The pressure valve will open once the air within the air chamber 402a reaches a predetermined pressure, releasing the air to the discharge nozzle 102.
(35) In this embodiment, the first air chamber 401 and the second air chamber 402 work together. In one embodiment, this will allow the solution to be expelled from the dispenser with a greater pressure. In another embodiment, this will allow for less stress to be put on each air chamber 401, 402. In yet a further embodiment, the dual air chambers 401, 402 will allow for redundancy. This means that even if one were to fail, the other could take its place. This would allow the dispenser to still function even if an air chamber 401 becomes damaged.
(36) When the actuator 103 is activated, depressed air and varying solutions are mixed together in the fluid connects between the respective chambers and the discharge nozzle, as represented by 501. This will allow for the solution to be dispensed in a number of different ways. Further, in some embodiments this will allow for different solutions to be mixed before exiting the discharge nozzle 102.
(37) Referring now to
(38) In another embodiment, the opening 603 will have an automatic closure device. In the shown embodiment the closure device includes a float device 701. The float device 701 will float up as liquid is added to the dispenser. The float device 701 is attached to the interior the upper section 601 using a hinge 702. The hinge connection will allow the float device 701 to rise and lower with the liquid level.
(39) When the liquid is filled with the prescribed amount of solution the float device 701 will cause the opening 603 to be closed. In one embodiment, the float device 701 will seal the opening 603 closed by contacting the interior edge of the opening 603. In another embodiment the float device 701 will engage a secondary closure device. The secondary closure device will then close the opening 603. In a further embodiment, the method of closure will become locked into place until disengaged. In this embodiment, the disengagement will happen when the device is separated.
(40) Referring now to
(41) The lower section 101b has an interior volume. In one embodiment, this interior volume functions as a solution reservoir 203. In another embodiment, there is an additional item located within the lower section which functions as a solution reservoir. The solution reservoir 203 will hold a liquid solution.
(42) In one embodiment, the solution is poured directly into the solution reservoir 203. In another embodiment, a solution cartridge 204 is placed within the solution reservoir 203. In one embodiment, the solution cartridge 204 will hold the solution and the solution will be expelled from the solution cartridge 204. In one embodiment, the solution cartridge 204 is made from plastic. In another embodiment, the solution cartridge 204 is made from polyvinyl alcohol.
(43) In another embodiment, the upper section 101a includes a pivot mixer shaft 106. In one embodiment, the pivot mixer shaft 205 is a triple helix shaped member. The pivot mixer shaft 205 will fit within the lower section 101b when the upper housing 101a is secured thereto. In one embodiment, the solution cartridge 204 comprises a plurality of pleated ribs therein, defining an accordion shape. This will allow for the solution cartridge 204 to properly collapse to dispense the solution.
(44) Referring now to
(45) Another feature of the dispenser is the ability to have different configurations of the air chambers and the solution chambers. Just like the previous disclosure, in one embodiment the dispenser could have two air chambers and one solution chamber. In the shown embodiment, the dispenser has two solution chambers. This will allow for a larger amount of solution to be dispensed per pump. The single air chamber will help the solution be forced from the dispenser. It is contemplated by this disclosure that various combinations of the air chambers and the solution chambers exist which will dispense solution. This includes a combination of all one type of chamber.
(46) In a further embodiment there are baffles that will prevent the solution from dispensing until a desired pressure is reached. This will particularly ensure that when spraying solution, the solution properly dispenses. This can further be used to ensure the proper amount of solution is dispensed. In one embodiment the baffles are secured in a closed position. The baffles will only open when the desired pressure is reached.
(47) In another embodiment, an individual will open the refillable solution dispensing device 101. This occurs by removing the upper section 101A from the lower section 101B. Next a cartridge will be inserted into the lower section 101B. The refillable solution dispensing device 101 will then be closed. This will occur by coupling the upper section 101A from the lower section 101B. Next the dispenser will be filled to the proper level. At this point the next step will vary by dispenser type. In one embodiment the dispenser will then be shaken. The shaking will dissolve the solution cartridge 204 mixing the solution together. In another embodiment the actuator will be pressed. This will cause the mixing shaft 304 to rotate activating the mixer. The mixer will mix the water and dissolving the solution cartridge 204. This will allow the solution to be mixed together preparing for dispensing. Finally, the solution will be dispensed. Depending on the configurations of the air chambers and the solution chambers, the solution will be dispensed as a stream flow, a planar spray, a cloud spray, or a steam of liquid.
(48) It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
(49) Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.