Pressure System Solution Dispenser

Abstract

A refillable solution dispenser including a dispenser housing having a base with a plurality of sidewalls defining an interior volume of the housing. A lid defining the top of the housing located on the top of the sidewalls is movably secured to allow access to the interior of the housing. A push knob is disposed through a top of the housing. At least one dispensing device is located within the housing such that it is slidably connected to a sidewall. The dispensing device includes a pressure system connected to the push knob. The pressure system will move a pressure plate located within the housing forcing a solution from a solution reservoir through a dispensing passageway and out of the nozzle.

Claims

1. A pressure system solution dispenser, comprising: a housing having a base and a plurality of sidewalls rising therefrom defining an interior volume; the interior volume houses a dispensing device; the dispensing device is comprised of a pressure plate and a pressure system, wherein the pressure plate is moveably attached to the dispenser housing; wherein the pressure system is coupled to the interior of the housing; wherein the pressure system is coupled to the pressure plate; and wherein the pressure system expands to apply pressure to the pressure plate.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a lid movably affixed to a top portion of the dispenser.

3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a sidewall and the pressure plate are shaped to fit flush together.

4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a sidewall and the pressure plate compress the solution in the cartridge from the bottom upwards

5. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a push knob, wherein depression of the push knob causing incremental movement of the pressure system when depressed.

6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the push knob engages a pressure system such that a single push of the push knob will dispense a measured amount of solution from a solution cartridge.

7. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a lid locking sprocket, wherein the sprocket is operably coupled to the push nob; and wherein turning of the push knob will lock or unlock the lid by turning the sprocket.

8. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a dispensing passageway, wherein one end of the dispensing passageway is an outlet and a second end of the dispensing passageway fluidly connected to a solution cartridge.

9. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the push knob is connected to the pressure system using a plurality of teeth located on a side thereof.

10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is configured to accept replaceable cartridges.

11. A pressure system solution dispenser, the dispenser comprises: a housing having a base and a plurality of side walls rising therefrom creating an interior volume; The interior volume houses a first dispensing device; the first dispensing device is comprised of a pressure plate and a pressure system, wherein the pressure plate is moveably attached to the dispenser housing; wherein the pressure system is coupled to the pressure plate; and wherein the pressure system expands to apply pressure to the pressure plate the interior volume houses a second dispensing device; the second dispensing device is comprised of a pressure plate and a pressure system, wherein the pressure plate is moveably attached to the dispenser housing; wherein the pressure system is coupled to the pressure plate; and wherein the pressure system expands to apply pressure to the pressure plate.

12. The dispenser of claim 9, further comprising a lid movably affixed to a top section of the dispenser.

13. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein a sidewall and the pressure plate of the first dispensing device are shaped to move flush together and the same sidewall and the pressure plate of the second dispensing device are shaped to move flush together.

14. The dispenser of claim 9, further comprising a first push knob connected to the pressure system of the first dispensing device and a second push knob connected to the pressure system of the second dispensing device.

15. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the first push knob is connected to the pressure system of the first dispensing device such that a single push will independently dispense a measured amount of solution; and wherein the second push knob is connected to the pressure system of the second dispensing device such that a single push will independently dispense a measured amount of solution.

16. The dispenser of claim 9, further comprised of a push knob connected to the pressure system, wherein a single push will dispense an amount of a solution from a first solution cartridge and a second solution cartridge.

17. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the push knob is connected to the pressure system of the first dispensing device and the pressure system of the second dispensing device such that a single push will dispense a measured amount of solution from a first solution cartridge and a second solution cartridge.

18. The dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a dispensing passageway, wherein the dispensing passageway has a first end that is an exit and a second end that is configured to attached to both a first solution cartridge and a second solution cartridge.

19. The dispenser of claim 11, further comprising a first dispensing passageway, wherein one end of the dispensing passageway is an outlet and a second end of the dispensing passageway is configured to connected to a first solution cartridge; a second dispensing passageway, wherein one end of the dispensing passageway is an outlet and a second end of the dispensing passageway is configured to connect to a second solution cartridge.

20. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the dispenser is configured to accept replaceable solution cartridges.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] 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.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a refillable dispenser.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a refillable dispenser.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a refillable dispenser.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a refillable dispenser with two dispensing devices.

[0021] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a refillable dispenser with two dispensing devices that mix solutions before dispensing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] 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 dispenser housing. 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 dispenser housing. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of a refillable dispenser. The refillable dispenser includes a housing comprised of a base 602 and a plurality of side walls 601. In one embodiment the front sidewall is a curved sidewall. In another embodiment at least one sidewall 601 has a window 607 located therein. The window 607 will allow a user to see into the container and know how much of a solution is left in the cartridge. The dispenser further has a top section 606 attached to the top of at least one sidewall 601. There is a lid 603 that is movably attached to the top section and rests on at least one sidewall. This will seal off the interior when in use and still allow an individual to replace a cartridge or refill the device. In one embodiment the lid is attached to the top section using a hinge 604. In one embodiment the dispenser has a front overhang 605. The front overhang 605 will allow for a solution to be dispensed away from the dispenser housing. This will allow for a user to place a hand or article under the dispenser.

[0024] The top section 606 further has a push knob 701 located therethrough. The push knob 701 is movably disposed through an aperture of the top section 606. In one embodiment the push knob 701 is disposed within the top section 606 such that it protrudes above the plane defined by the top section 606. In one embodiment the push knob 701 is disposed through the top section 606 such that it creates a waterproof seal. In one embodiment the waterproof seal is created with a gasket. The gasket is secured to the interior of the aperture such that the knob is movably placed therein.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a refillable dispenser. The dispenser includes a dispensing passageway 703. The dispensing passageway 703 has an outlet 702 at a first end. The second end 717 of the dispensing passageway 703 is configured to attach to a solution cartridge 715. In one embodiment the dispensing attachment is a screw attachment. In another embodiment the attachment is female connector designed to frictionally fit over a male end connected to the solution cartridge 715. In the shown embodiment, the dispensing passageway 703 is located at within the dispenser in a top section.

[0026] The push knob 701 has a top button 701a and an elongated shaft 701b attached to a bottom side of the top button 701a. The elongated shaft 701b has a plurality of teeth 707 located on a side thereof. The teeth 707 are configured to intermesh, interconnect to the dispensing device 704 as described below. The push knob 701 is biased in an upward position toward the top of the dispenser. In some embodiments the push knob 701 is biased using a spring 709. In one embodiment the spring is connected to the base 602 of the dispenser and the elongated shaft 701b of the push button 701.

[0027] The dispenser further has a pressure plate 712 and a dispensing device 704. The dispensing device moves the pressure plate 712 forward forcing a solution from the solution cartridge 715. In one embodiment the solution cartridge is crushable. In another embodiment the solution cartridge is a biodegradable solution cartridge. The dispensing device includes a tooth lock 705 that is configured to interact with the teeth 707 located on the elongated shaft 701b of the push button. The tooth lock 705 is forced toward the teeth 707. In the shown embodiment the tooth lock is forced forward using a spring 706. The dispensing device is slidably connected to a channel 708. The channel 708 is attached to a sidewall 601.

[0028] When the push button is pushed the tooth lock 705 will be secured due to its shape and moves the dispensing device 704 downward within the channel 708. The tooth lock 705 is configured to be angled such that it will only lock to the teeth 707 in one direction. When the push knob 701 is released the tooth lock 705 will allow the teeth to slide upward relocking itself in a lowertooth. This will hold the dispensing device 704 at the new level until the push knob 701 is pressed again.

[0029] In one embodiment, the pressure plate 712 is attached to the base 602 of the dispenser. In one embodiment the pressure plate 712 is attached to the base via a hinge 714. The hinge will allow the pressure plate 712 to swing forward and backwards as described below. A spring 711 is connected to the base 602 at one end and the pressure plate 712 at a second end. The spring will bias the pressure plate 712 in the backward position. This will apply a consistent pressure to the dispensing device 704. The pressure plate 712 is configured to accept a solution cartridge 715 between the pressure plate and a sidewall 601 as detailed above.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 3 there is shown a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a refillable dispenser with the pressure plate in a forward position. In the shown image the pressure plate 712 is in a furthest forward position. The pressureplate 712 is moved forward gradually as the dispensing device 704 is moved down the channel 708. The dispensing device 704 is connected to a first push bar 716. The first push bar is swivally connected to the dispensing device 704 at one end and a second push bar 710 at the second end. The connection at the second end is a swivel connection 802.

[0031] The second push bar 710 is attached to the base 602 of the dispenser using a swivel connection 801. This will allow the second push bar 710 to be pushed down and forward by the first push bar 716. The second push bar 710 is movably attached to a rear side of the pressure plate 712. In one embodiment the pressure plate 712 has a connection section 713. In this embodiment the spring 711 is attached to the lower section of the connection section 713. The second push bar 710 is attached to a channel 713a of the connection section. The channel runs parallel to the pressure plate 712.

[0032] When the push knob 701 is pressed the teeth 707 will force the dispensing device 704 down the device channel 708. The dispensing device 704 will be locked into the new position. The dispensing device 704 will press the first push bar 716 down and forward. This will force the second push bar 710 down and forward as well. The second push bar 710 will move down the channel 713a. The second push bar 710 will also press the pressure plate 712 forward toward an opposite sidewall 601. This will force a measured amount of solution from a solution cartridge. In one embodiment the pressure plate 712 is substantially similar in shape to the opposite sidewall 601. In a further embodiment the interior of the sidewall opposite the pressure plate 712 has a notch 803 located therein. Many cartridges are created from tubes that have an end folded over. This fold creates a lip on the lower end of a cartridge. The notch 803 is designed to engage with a lip of a solution cartridge.

[0033] In one embodiment the push knob 701 can also function as a lid lock. The lid lock is comprised of a lid catch 807 and a sprocket 806. The sprocket 806 will have at least one elongated tooth. The elongated tooth is configured to mesh with the lid catch 807. This will prevent the lid from opening. The sprocket is configured such that the elongated tooth can be removed from the lid catch 805 when the sprocket is rotated. In one embodiment the push knob 701 has a plurality of teeth 806 therearound. The plurality of teeth is configured to mesh with the sprocket 807. When the push knob is rotated the sprocket 807 will rotate. Further, in embodiments where the push knob rotates the pressure system will be disengaged to allow the pressure plate to return to an opened position.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of a refillable dispenser with two dispensing devices. In the shown embodiment there is a larger dispenser and dispenser housing shown. The dispenser has the original or first push knob 701 and a second push knob 901. The first push knob 701 is connected to the first solution dispensing device 701 and the second push knob 901 is connected to a second solution dispensing device 908. The lid 603 is still configured to be movably attached to the top of the dispenser. In one embodiment a plurality of hinges 704 are used to connect the lid 603. In this embodiment there is a plurality of front overhangs 605. This will allow for multiple items to be dispensed.

[0035] The interior of the dispenser will have an original or first dispensing configuration as described above and a second adjacent dispensing configuration as described above. This will allow the first push knob 701 to dispense a first solution from a first solution cartridge 904 and a second solution from a second solution cartridge 905. The first solution cartridge 904 will have a first dispensing passageway 703 and a first solution exit 702. The second solution cartridge 905 will have a second dispensing passageway 902 and a second solution exit 903.

[0036] In the shown embodiment the second solution cartridge 905 is shown to have a pleat 909 down the side. In one embodiment the pleat will allow the cartridge 905 to fold as it is crushed by the solution dispensing device 908. Also, in the shown embodiment the first solution cartridge 904 is shown to be crushed. The solution dispensing device 907 is shown in the forward position crushing the first solution cartridge 904. In one embodiment the solution cartridges are bio-degradable cartridges.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of a refillable dispenser with two dispensing devices that mix solutions before dispensing. In a further embodiment the dispenser has two dispensing configurations each having their own solution cartridge 1005 and 1006 respectively. In this embodiment however, there is only one elongated push knob 1001. The push knob 1001 is configured to operate a single enlarged dispensing device 1007 with a single press of the push knob 1001. Further there is only one dispenser passageway 1003 and only one solution exit 1002. Both cartridges are compressed at the same time and the solutions flow together into the channel 1003. This will mix the solution in the solution passageway 1003 then dispense the solution. The housing is configured to have a lid 603 and only one front overhang 605. This will allow for a mixed solution to be dispensed through 1002.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.