Water dispensing system

Abstract

A device, system, and method for dispensing water to moisten and soften toilet paper tissue, thereby to create an adhesive wipe and to provide a thorough surface cleaning, includes, in at least one embodiment: a water reservoir, a water reservoir locking lid and key, a dispensing actuator, a dispensing port, a wall mount plate, a dispense cup for a predetermined volume of water to use for each metered release of water from the dispenser, and a dispensing valve.

Claims

1. A metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser, for use in improved personal hygiene, comprising: a water reservoir configured to hold water for use in a metered dispense once actuated by a user for dispense; a water reservoir locking lid and key, wherein the locking lid is configured for secure placement atop the water reservoir and wherein the key is configured to selectively lock and unlock the locking lid; a dispense cup disposed within the liquid dispenser immediately below the water reservoir and fluidly coupled to the water reservoir and configured to hold a predetermined volume of the water received from the water reservoir to use for each metered release of the water from the liquid dispenser once actuated by the user for dispense; a dispensing valve disposed between the water reservoir and the dispense cup and configured, when in a cup-up position to allow the dispense cup to fill with the water, thereby configured to also shut off the water flow from the dispenser, and configured, when in a cup-down position, to shut off the water reservoir while allowing the dispense cup to drain; and a dispense cup spring disposed cylindrically around a perimeter of the dispense cup and configured to return the dispense cup to a default up position when actuation of the dispenser ceases.

2. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a dispensing actuator disposed below the water reservoir and mechanically coupled to the dispense cup and configured to be user-operable, with one-handed operation, to dispense the water in the predetermined volume of the water from the dispense cup as the user pushes the dispensing actuator, thereby to actuate release of the water within the dispense cup, and wherein the dispensing actuator automatically returns to a position after actuation by the user.

3. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 2, further comprising: a dispensing actuator rocking fulcrum disposed upon a top portion of the dispensing actuator and configured to provide a plurality of contact points between the dispensing actuator and a bottom surface of the water reservoir over which the dispensing actuator can rock back and forth in movement as actuated by the user.

4. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a dispensing port disposed below, and fluidly coupled to, the dispense cup and configured to discharge the predetermined volume of the water from the dispense cup and below which the user places a receiving tissue to thereby moisten the tissue for use in improved personal hygiene.

5. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a dispensing valve spring disposed cylindrically around a perimeter of the dispensing valve and configured to seat the dispensing valve in the water reservoir when the dispense cup is in the cup-down position shutting off the water reservoir and to unseat the dispensing valve in the water reservoir when in the cup-up position to again fill the dispense cup for a subsequent use by the user.

6. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of O-ring seals, a first O-ring seal disposed between the dispense valve and the water reservoir, thereby configured to provide a first seal between the dispense valve and the water reservoir to prevent the water flow and seepage, and a second O-ring seal disposed between the dispense valve and the dispense cup, thereby configured to provide a second seal between the dispense valve and the dispense cup to prevent the water flow and seepage.

7. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of axial air vent grooves disposed within the dispense cup and thereby configured to provide a vented air path such that the axial air vent grooves are opened when the dispense cup is in the dispense position to allow air to vent into the dispense cup while the water is being dispensing, also thereby configured to prevent vapor lock.

8. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 7, further comprising: a dispense cup seal disposed within the dispense cup and configured to keep the water in the dispense cup from overflowing during a water fill stage and avoid water seepage, and configured to open the axial air vent grooves when in the dispense position.

9. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a dispense cup cover coupled to a bottom side of the water reservoir and configured to cover the dispense cup.

10. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a wall mount plate configured to couple the metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser to a wall surface, and thereby further configured to aid in the one-handed user operation of the liquid dispenser.

11. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 10, further comprising: a plurality of holes disposed within the wall mount plate and configured as a means through which mounting screws and fasteners are utilized to secure the wall mounting plate to the wall surface.

12. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 10, further comprising: a pair of top mounting hooks disposed on a back side of the water reservoir and configured to engage a tongue, which is disposed on the wall mounting plate, thereby to provide a secure attachment of the water reservoir to the wall mounting plate.

13. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 10, further comprising: a bottom mounting post disposed on a metering dispense cup cover and configured to engage a hole in the wall mount plate and configured to receive the bottom mounting post to create a secure hold, thereby to provide secure attachment of the water reservoir to the wall mounting plate.

14. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: at least one aeration hole disposed upon a top surface of the water reservoir locking lid and thereby configured to allow an airflow ingress and egress with the water reservoir and thereby provide aeration to the water within the water reservoir.

15. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: an aeration screen disposed upon a top surface of the water reservoir locking lid and thereby configured to allow an airflow ingress and egress with the water reservoir and thereby provide aeration to the water within the water reservoir.

16. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a hex post disposed upon the locking lid key; wherein the water reservoir locking lid is configured with a hex cavity and configured to receive the locking lid key having the hex post.

17. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of dispense actuator posts disposed upon the dispense cup and configured to receive a dispensing actuator and provide a pivot point about which the dispensing actuator pivots.

18. The metered, wall-mounted liquid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the liquid dispenser is configured for single handed operation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The technology described herein is illustrated with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a metered water wall mounted dispensing system, illustrating, in particular, a water reservoir, dispensing actuator, dispensing cup cover, locking lid, and wall mount, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(3) FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the metered water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, and in addition to FIG. 1, a dispensing port, and underside view of the dispensing actuator, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(4) FIG. 3 is a front planar view of the metered water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, a water reservoir, dispensing actuator, dispensing cup cover, locking lid, wall mount, and dispensing port, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(5) FIG. 4 is a right side view of the metered water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1 illustrating, in particular, the movement area for the back-and-forth motion of the dispensing actuator, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(6) FIG. 5 is a back view of the metered water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, mounting holes, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(7) FIG. 6 is a top view of the metered water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the locking lid and a key by which the locking lid is locked and unlocked, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(8) FIG. 7 is a right side detail view of the water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, a phantom cup cover in order to show the actuator detail, a dispense cup, designed to hold a predetermined amount of water separate from the water reservoir and ready for dispense, and to show the actuator in a fill position and a dispense cup spring, and to show the actuator in a non-actuated position, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(9) FIG. 8 is a right side detail view of the water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, a phantom cup cover in order to show the actuator detail, a dispense cup, designed to hold a predetermined amount of water separate from the water reservoir and ready for dispense, and to show the actuator in a fill position and a dispense cup spring and to show the actuator in a dispense position, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(10) FIG. 9 is a right, side cross-sectional (from the lines shown in FIG. 3) detail view of the water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, to show the actuator detail, to show the actuator in a fill position, and to show the dispense valve open to the reservoir allowing the dispense cup to fill with a predetermined fluid volume while shutting off the dispense port, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(11) FIG. 10 is a right side, cross-sectional (from the lines shown in FIG. 3) detail view of the water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, to show the actuator detail, to show the actuator in a fill position, and to show the dispense valve open to the reservoir allowing the dispense cup to fill with a predetermined fluid volume while shutting off the dispense port and with the actuator in a dispense position showing the actuator valve shutting off the reservoir while opening the dispense port, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(12) FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the reservoir lid, shown in phantom detail to show the lock detail, and with the lid in a locked position, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(13) FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the reservoir lid shown in phantom detail to show the lock detail and showing the lock in a turned position and the lid unlocked, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(14) FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the reservoir lid shown in phantom detail to show the lock detail and showing the key removed from the lid and in which state the lid is free to be removed, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(15) FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the metered water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the wall mount plate removed and rotated to illustrate the mounting geometry detail, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(16) FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the metered water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the various subcomponents of the device and a means of assembly, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(17) FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a metered water wall mounted dispensing system, illustrating, in particular, a water reservoir, dispensing actuator, dispensing cup cover, locking lid, and wall mount, according to an alternate, wide embodiment of the technology described herein;

(18) FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the metered water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 16, illustrating, in particular, a dispensing port, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(19) FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the metered water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 16;

(20) FIG. 19 is a right side view of the metered water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 16; and

(21) FIG. 20 is a back view of the metered water wall mounted dispensing system depicted in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(22) Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

(23) In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a device, system, and method for dispensing water to moisten and soften toilet paper tissue, thereby to create an adhesive wipe and to provide a thorough surface cleaning.

(24) Referring now to the Figures, a metered water wall mounted dispensing system 10 is shown. The system 10 depicted in FIGS. 1 through 15 depicted a narrow embodiment. The system 250 depicted in FIGS. 16 through 20 depicted a wide embodiment. As will be apparent to a reader upon reading this disclosure, the dispenser system 10 can be manufactured and utilized in varying sizes and configurations dependent on various preferences and needs.

(25) The system 10 includes a water reservoir 20. The water reservoir 20 is configured to hold water 190. Water 190 is utilized as the cleansing agent. Water 190 preferably is utilized in the water reservoir 20. Water 190 is the preferable solution to utilize as it does not introduce other compounds that may produce allergic reactions to a sensitive body area when applied to the user. For additional prevention, purified, distilled water 190 is utilized in at least one embodiment to further lessen chances under which the solution may create irritation once applied.

(26) The system 10 includes a water reservoir locking lid 30. The water reservoir locking lid 30 is configured for placement directly upon the top of the water reservoir 20. The water reservoir locking lid 30 is lockable, such that it can be secured to the water reservoir 20 once it is filled and thereby to prevent any unwanted tampering with the cleansing agent, or water 190, placed within the water reservoir 20.

(27) The system 10 includes a locking lid key 40. The locking lid key 40 is configured for use with the water reservoir locking lid 30 and to lock the water reservoir locking lid 30 securely to the water reservoir 20. As shown in FIG. 13, for example, the locking lid key 40 can be removed once the water reservoir locking lid 30 is locked and secured.

(28) The system 10 includes a dispense cup cover 50. The dispense cup cover 50 is coupled to the bottom side of the water reservoir 20 with pins 55 in at least one embodiment. Alternative means to couple the dispense cup cover 50 to the bottom side of the water reservoir 20 can be used in alternate embodiments. The dispense cup cover 50 is configured to cover the dispense cup 140, discussed in more detail below.

(29) The system 10 includes a dispensing actuator 60. The dispensing actuator 60 is coupled to the underside of the water reservoir 20, along with other components discussed below, and is configured to be user-operable to dispense water 190 from the system 10 when desired for use and improved personal hygiene.

(30) The system 10 includes a dispensing port 70. The dispensing port 70 is disposed on the bottom side of the system 10. The dispensing port 70 is configured to discharge the water 190, which is a measured, predetermined volume of water, upon the selection by the user and depression of the dispensing actuator 60. The dispensing actuator 60 is pressing toward the wall surface onto which the system is mounted. Once the water 190 is discharged from the system 10, the user releases the dispensing actuator 60 to return to its default position.

(31) The system 10 includes a wall mount plate 80. Wall mount 80 is configured to couple the system 10 to a wall surface, such as for example, a wall surface in a bathroom conveniently located for personal hygiene use. As depicted specifically in FIG. 14, the system 10 and wall mount plate 80 are showing separated, but with dashed lines illustrating how a user can couple mechanically the dispenser system 10 to the wall mounting plate 80 once it is mounted to a wall surface. FIG. 1, for example, illustrates the dispenser system 10 already coupled to the wall mounting plate 80.

(32) The system 10 includes holes 90 disposed within the wall mount plate 80 for wall mount screws, or like fastening devices. As depicted, for example, in FIG. 14, the holes 90 provide a means through which mounting screws, fasteners, and so forth can be utilized to secure the wall mounting plate 80 to a planar wall surface.

(33) The dispenser system 10 includes a pair of top mounting hooks 100. The top mounting hooks 100 are best depicted in FIG. 14. The top mounting hooks 100 are disposed on the back side of the water reservoir 20. The top mounting hooks 100 are configured to engage a tongue 105, which is disposed on the wall mounting plate 80. This coupling provides for a secure attachment of the water reservoir 20 to the wall mounting plate 80.

(34) The system 10 includes a bottom mounting post 110. The bottom mounting post 110 is best depicted in FIG. 14. The bottom mounting post 110 is disposed on the metering dispense cup cover 50. The bottom mounting post 110 is configured to engage a hole 115 in the wall mounting plate 80. The hole 115 in the wall mounting plate 80 is configured to receive the bottom mounting post 110 to create a secure hold. This coupling provides for a secure attachment of the water reservoir 20 to the wall mounting plate 80.

(35) The dispenser system 10 includes a lid lock catch 120. The lid lock catch 120 is best depicted in the expanded view of FIG. 14. The lid lock catch 120 is disposed on the wall mounting plate 80 and is configured to receive a portion of the rotating lid lock catch 130, discussed immediately below.

(36) The system 10 includes a rotating lid lock catch 130. The rotating lid lock catch 130 is best depicted in FIG. 15, the expanded view, in which the shape of the rotating lid lock catch 130 is seen. The rotating lid lock catch 130 is configured to engage the lid lock catch 120 on the wall mounting plate 80. The rotating lid lock catch 130 includes a projection at one end which enters the lid lock catch 120 upon user rotation of the locking lid key 40. As such the water reservoir locking lid 30 is locking to the water reservoir 20. FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, respectively, illustrate the insertion of the locking lid key 40, the turning/rotation of the locking lid key 40, and the withdrawal of the locking lid key 40 from the water reservoir locking lid 30.

(37) The dispenser system 10 includes a dispense cup 140. The dispense cup 140 is best depicted in FIG. 15, the expanded view, in which the shape of the dispense cup 140 and its relationship adjacent to other system 10 components is illustrated. The dispense cup 140 is disposed immediately below the water reservoir 20. The dispense cup 140 is configured to hold a predetermined volume of water. In various embodiments, the dispense cup 140 can be varied to change the predetermined volume of water.

(38) The system 10 includes dispense cup posts nests 150. The dispense cup posts nests 150 are best depicted in FIG. 15, the expanded view, in which the shape of the dispense cup posts nests 150 and their relationship adjacent to other system 10 components is illustrated. The dispense actuator posts 160 (described in more detail immediately below) on the dispensing actuator 60 rest within the dispense cup posts nests 150.

(39) The system 10 includes dispense actuator posts 160. The dispense actuator posts 160 are best depicted in FIG. 15, the expanded view, in which the shape of the dispense actuator posts 160 and their relationship adjacent to other system 10 components is illustrated. The dispense actuator posts 160 are configured to engage the nests in the dispense cup 140. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively, the dispensing actuator 60 is shown in a relaxed position and a depressed position, pivoting about the dispense actuator posts 160.

(40) The system 10 includes a dispense actuator rocking fulcrum 170. The dispense actuator rocking fulcrum 170 is best depicted in FIG. 15, the expanded view, in which the shape of the dispense actuator rocking fulcrum 170 and its relationship adjacent to other system 10 components is illustrated. The dispense actuator rocking fulcrum 170 provides contact points between the actuator 60 and a bottom surface of the water reservoir 20. The dispense actuator rocking fulcrum 170 is configured to push downwardly via the dispense cup post nests 150 when the actuator 60 is push toward the back of the dispensing system 10, as depicted in FIG. 8, for example.

(41) The system 10 includes a dispense cup spring 180. The dispense cup spring 180 is best depicted in operation (at rest and extended) in FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively. The dispense cup spring 180 is configured to return the dispense cup 140 to a default up position when the dispensing actuator 60 is released. FIG. 8 depicts the dispensing actuator 60 depressed and the dispense cup spring 180 depressed. As the dispensing actuator 60 is released, the dispense cup spring 180 returns the dispense cup 140 as depicted in FIG. 7.

(42) The system 10 includes a dispensing valve 200. The dispensing valve 200 is best depicted in FIG. 15, the expanded view, in which the shape of the dispensing valve 200 and its relationship adjacent to other system 10 components is illustrated. The dispensing valve 200, when in the cup-up position (fill), is configured to allow the dispense cup 140 to fill with the metered amount of water 190. While doing so the dispensing valve 200 shuts off the dispenser port 70. The dispensing valve 200, when in the cup-down position (dispense), is configured to shut off the water reservoir 20 while allowing the dispense cup 140 to drain.

(43) The system 10 includes a dispensing valve spring 205. The dispensing valve spring 205 is best depicted in FIG. 15, the expanded view, in which the shape of the dispensing valve spring 205 and its relationship adjacent to other system 10 components is illustrated. The dispensing valve spring 205 seats the dispensing valve 200 in the water reservoir 20 when the dispense cup 140 is in the dispense position shutting off the water reservoir 20.

(44) The system 10 includes O-ring seals 210. The O-ring seals 210 are best depicted in FIG. 15, the expanded view, in which the shape of the O-ring seals 210 and their relationship adjacent to other system 10 components is illustrated. Additionally, cross-sectional views of the O-ring seals 210 are illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The O-ring seals 210 are configured to provide a seal between components of the system 10. By way of example, O-rings seals 210 are utilized on the dispense valve 200 to provide a seal between the dispense valve 200 and the water reservoir 20. By way of example, O-rings seals 210 are utilized between the dispense valve 200 and the dispense cup 140.

(45) The system 10 includes axial air vent grooves 220. The axial air vent grooves 220 are disposed within the dispense cup 140, as best depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 showing vented air 225 path. The axial air vent grooves 220 are opened when the dispense cup 140 is in the dispense position to allow air to vent into the dispense cup 140 while water 190 is being dispensing, thereby preventing vapor lock. By way of example, and as depicted specifically in FIG. 10, vented air 225 is shown flowing into the dispense cup 140.

(46) The system 10 includes a dispense cup seal 230. The dispense cup seal 230 is best depicted in FIG. 15, the expanded view, in which the shape of the dispense cup seal 230 and its relationship adjacent to other system 10 components is illustrated. The dispense cup seal 230 is configured to keep fluid in the dispense cup 140 from overflowing during the water fill stage. The dispense cup seal 230 also is configured to open the axial air vent grooves 220 when in the dispense position.

(47) The system 10 includes hex post 240 disposed on the locking lid key 40. The water reservoir locking lid 30 is configured with a hex cavity 135. The hex cavity 135 is disposed within the water reservoir locking lid 30 and coupled to the rotating lid lock latch 130.

(48) Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the technology disclosed herein and are intended to be covered by the following claims.