Abstract
A personal aqueous dispensing system (PADS) and a personal oil dispensing system (PODS) feature common components each with a drip-catch. Both systems utilize nitrogen to extend the life of a consumable liquid or oil. The PODS incorporates a vent to facilitate flow of air into a bottle by preventing formation of airlock. Both systems feature dispensing control using a quarter turn rotation to control dispensing flow and both include a lid. The dispensing systems also features a switching device that triggers the filling of bottles with nitrogen.
Claims
1. A dispenser system comprising a cap and an insert; wherein the cap comprises an insertion portion and a retaining portion; wherein the insert comprises a radial flange at one end and a grip body at an opposite end; wherein the radial flange is retained in the retaining portion sealingly and rotabably fixing the insert to the cap; wherein the cap and the inset each include a longitudinal axis extending in the same direction; wherein the insert further includes a vent and a pour opening both extending through the insert and each located 180 degrees apart relative to the longitudinal axis of both the insert and the cap; wherein the cap further includes a corresponding vent and a corresponding pour opening to align when the insert is in an open position for pouring; and, wherein the insert being rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the cap and the insert.
2. The dispenser system of claim 1, wherein the insert is quarter-turn rotatable to open and close the insert; wherein the insert includes an alignment tab; and, wherein the cap further includes indicators to position the alignment tab at different positions to further close or open the insert.
3. The dispenser system of claim 2, wherein one of the indicators is distinct from the others to indicate a complete opening.
4. The dispenser system of claim 3, wherein several of the indicators are mirrored relative to the one that is distinct.
5. The dispenser system of claim 2, wherein the cap further includes radially inward suction cavities at the insertion portion.
6. The dispenser system of claim 5, wherein the cap further includes an annular suction cavity spaced from the inward suction cavities.
7. The dispenser system of claim 2, wherein the cap further includes an arcuate stop to prevent the insert from rotating when the alignment tab hits an end of the arcuate stop.
8. The dispenser system of claim 7, wherein the cap further includes a trigger projecting radially from the longitudinal axis of the cap and comprising at least one ramp.
9. The dispenser system of claim 8, further comprising a nozzle insertable in the vent of the insert; wherein the nozzle comprises a flow path to stream with the vent of the insert; and, wherein the nozzle including a switch to engage the trigger of the cap.
10. The dispenser system of claim 9, further including a nitrogen-filled canister, a pressure regulator, a solenoid valve, and a hose connected to the nozzle to provide nitrogen to a bottle when the vent of the insert is in alignment with the vent of the cap.
11. The dispenser system of claim 7, further comprising a nozzle insertable in the vent of the insert; wherein the nozzle comprises a flow path to stream with the vent of the insert; and, wherein the nozzle further includes a pilot vent extending into the flow path of the nozzle and terminating with an engagement surface.
12. The dispenser system of claim 11, wherein the lid further includes a corresponding engagement surface to mate with the engagement surface of the nozzle to block the pilot vent when the lid is in an opened position.
13. The dispenser system of claim 11, wherein the lid further includes at least one alignment tapered peg to assist in closing the peg against the insert.
14. The dispenser system of claim 11, further including a nitrogen-filled canister, a pressure regulator, and a hose connected to the nozzle to provide nitrogen to a bottle when the vent of the insert is in alignment with the vent of the cap.
15. The dispenser system of claim 1, further comprising a lid rotatable relative to the insert; wherein the lid comprises a body, a pair of pivot lugs, and at least one arcuate cantilever tab; wherein the pivot lugs each include a hole respectively mating with a pivot pin of the insert; and, wherein the pivot lugs project from body in one direction and the arcuate cantilever tab projects in an opposite direction from the body.
16. The dispenser system of claim 1, further comprising a vent tube connected to the vent of the cap.
17. The dispenser system of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a pair of opposite notches to allow a user to grasp the insert for turning.
18. The dispenser system of claim 1, wherein the insert further includes a pour spout in alignment with the pour opening.
19. The dispenser system of claim 18, wherein the insert further includes at least one retaining peg retaining a flexible spacing seal comprising a vent hole and at least one retaining hole.
20. The dispenser system of claim 19, wherein the spacing seal further includes an alignment nipple concentric with the vent hole of the spacing seal.
21. The dispenser system of claim 20, further comprising a lid rotatable relative to the insert; wherein the lid comprises a body, a pair of pivot lugs, and at least one arcuate cantilever tab; wherein the pivot lugs each include a hole mating with a pivot pin of the insert; and, wherein the pivot lugs project from body in one direction and the arcuate cantilever tab projects in an opposite direction from the body.
22. The dispenser system of claim 19, further comprising a nozzle to be placed against the vent hole of the spacing seal; wherein the nozzle comprises a flow path to stream with the vent of the insert; and, wherein the nozzle further includes a pilot vent extending into the flow path of the nozzle.
23. The dispenser system of claim 1, in combination with an accessory cap comprising an annular body, a closed end, and an insertion portion; wherein the insertion portion of the accessory cap includes a series of inward suction cavities.
24. The dispenser system of claim 23, wherein at least one annular suction cavity being spaced from the inward suction cavities of the accessory cap.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a personal oil dispensing system.
(2) FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a personal aqueous dispensing system.
(3) FIG. 3 shows an assembled isometric view of the personal aqueous dispensing system shown in FIG. 2.
(4) FIG. 4 shows a side view of the personal aqueous dispensing system with the lid opened.
(5) FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view showing the lid opened and abutting an L-shaped connection nozzle.
(6) FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of an L-shaped connection nozzle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
(7) FIG. 7 shows a top view of the L-shaped connection elbow shown in FIG. 5.
(8) FIG. 8 shows cross-sectional view 8-8 of the elbow shown in FIG. 7.
(9) FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of a hanging seal shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
(10) FIG. 10 shows a top view of the hanging seal shown in FIG. 7.
(11) FIG. 11 shows cross-sectional view 11-11 of the hanging seal shown in FIG. 10.
(12) FIG. 12 shows a top view of a cap shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
(13) FIG. 13 shows cross-sectional view 13-13 of the cap shown in FIG. 12.
(14) FIG. 14 shows a top view of an oil insert shown in FIG. 1.
(15) FIG. 15 shows cross-sectional view 15-15 of the oil insert shown in FIG. 14.
(16) FIG. 16 shows a top view of an aqueous insert shown in FIG. 2.
(17) FIG. 17 shows cross-sectional view 17-17 of the aqueous insert shown in FIG. 16.
(18) FIG. 18 shows a top view of a lid shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
(19) FIG. 19 shows a side view of the lid shown in FIG. 18.
(20) FIG. 20 shows cross-sectional view 20-20 of the lid shown in FIG. 18.
(21) FIG. 21 shows a bottom view of the lid shown in FIG. 18.
(22) FIG. 22 shows a front view of a kit.
(23) FIG. 23 shows an isometric partial view of the personal oil dispensing system without a lid as shown in FIG. 1.
(24) FIG. 24 shows a top view of the personal oil dispensing system shown in FIG. 23.
(25) FIG. 25 shows cross-sectional view 25-25 shown in FIG. 24.
(26) FIG. 26 shows an isometric view of an accessory cap.
(27) FIG. 27 shows a top view of the accessory cap shown in FIG. 26.
(28) FIG. 28 shows cross-sectional view 28-28 shown in FIG. 27.
(29) FIG. 29 shows a front view of a second embodiment of a kit.
(30) FIG. 30 shows a front view of a second embodiment of the cap.
(31) FIG. 31 shows a top view of the second embodiment of the cap shown in FIG. 30.
(32) FIG. 32 shows cross-sectional view 32-32 of the cap shown in FIG. 31.
(33) FIG. 33 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of a personal aqueous dispensing system utilizing the second cap design.
(34) FIG. 34 shows an isometric view of a connection elbow shown in FIG. 33.
(35) FIG. 35 shows a side view of the connection elbow shown in FIG. 34.
(36) FIG. 36 shows a top view of the connecting elbow shown in FIG. 34.
(37) FIG. 37 shows cross-sectional view 37-37 of the connecting elbow shown in FIG. 36.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(38) FIG. 1 shows a personal oil dispensing system (PODS) 10 that includes a cap 12, an insert 8, a spacing seal 6, a lid 4, a removable nozzle 2, and a vent tube 14. The insert 8 is removable from the cap 12. As seen in FIGS. 12-15, the cap 12 is flexible and includes a hollow insertion portion 12a to accommodate a neck bottle. The cap 12 further includes a retaining portion 12b accommodating the insert 8. The insert 8 features an annular radial flange 8b at one end that is retained in an opening 12e below an inwardly directed flange 12c of the cap 12. The insert 8 features a grip body 8a at an opposite end of the insert 8. The cap 12 further features an arcuate stop 12d projecting from the retaining portion 12b. The arcuate stop 12d prevents the insert 8 from rotating when an alignment tab 8m hits either end 12q of the arcuate stop 12d. The cap 12 further features several indicators 12x-12z, 12m. Indicators 12x-12z have different sized shapes to indicate changing flow. Indicator 12m is set in an equator location to indicate full flow. A second set of indicators 12x-12z is mirrored from the equator to be symmetrical as the insert 8 is bidirectional when rotated. The cap 12 further features a pour opening 12g and a vent 12f that is 180 degrees apart from a center axis. Similarly, the insert 8 includes a pour opening 8d and a vent 8f so that when the insert 8 is rotated to the 12m indicator the pour opening 8d of the insert 8 is in alignment with the pour opening 12g of the cap 12. Moving the insert 12 to any of the indicators 12x-12z provides for controllable drizzle of the pour. The insert 8 includes a pair of opposite notches 8n, as shown in FIG. 14, to allow a user to grasp the insert 8 for turning.
(39) FIG. 2 shows a personal aqueous dispensing system (PADS) 100 that includes a cap 12, an insert 18, a lid 4, a removable nozzle 2, and a vent tube 14. Both systems 10, 100 use the same nozzle 2, the same cap 12, and the same vent tube 14 and both systems have different functions. In particular, the POD system utilizes a spacing seal 6 so that one can bridge a flow path to the vent 12f of the cap 12. The spacing seal 6 includes at least one retaining hole 6e that keeps the spacing seal 6 fixed to the insert 8. The retaining hole 6e seats on at least one fixing peg 8h thus spacing the spacing seal 6 from the vent 8f. When the nozzle 2 is placed against the spacing seal 6, the spacing seal 6 compresses a nipple 6d and seals the vent 8f thus forming a continuous flow path with a vent 6f of the spacing seal 6 for nitrogen to be inserted to a bottle 16. When the nozzle 2 is removed, the spacing seal 6 retracts to a normal size allowing a gap 8q, as seen in FIG. 25, to be formed so that a drip reservoir 8e of the insert 8 is in continuous flow with the vent 8f. As seen in FIG. 15, the drip reservoir 8e surrounds a pour spout 8c containing the pour opening 8d. FIGS. 23-25 show how one will position the nozzle 2 against the spacing seal 6 so that one can insert nitrogen gas into the bottle.
(40) FIGS. 14 and 16 show the insert 18 further including a pair of opposite directed pivot pins 8k mating with holes 4f, as seen in FIG. 4, that extend from pivot lugs 4e of the lid 4 as seen in FIG. 19. The pivot pins 8k provide for the lid 4 to hinge to an open position and a closed position. In the PAD system 100, the lid 4 opens to a position where it will abut the nozzle 2, as seen in FIG. 4. This is crucial as the lid 4 covers a pilot hole 2e of the nozzle 2 so that all nitrogen is directed toward the inside of a bottle 16. When the lid 4 is in a closed position, the flow of nitrogen can escape through the pilot hole 2e. This can occur especially when the insert 8 is moving towards a closed position, as the vent 18f of the insert 18 and the vent 12f of the cap 12 are no longer aligned.
(41) As seen in FIGS. 6-8, the nozzle 2 comprises a first conduit 2a and a second conduit 2b that is perpendicular to the first conduit 2a both conduits 2a, 2b forming a flow path 2d. The pilot hole 2e extends through the nozzle to the flow path 2d. The pilot hole 2e terminates at an external arcuate surface 2f so that when the lid 4 is in the opened position, as described above, a corresponding internal arcuate surface 4h covers the pilot hole 2e thus sealing the pilot hole 2e.
(42) As seen in FIG. 6, the nozzle 2 further comprises a handle 2c that projects between the first conduit 2a and the second conduit 2b. The handle 2c provides a location for a user to grasp the nozzle 2 and place it inside the insert 2.
(43) As seen in FIG. 13, the cap 12 further includes a bottleneck opening 12k, two axially spaced annular grooves 12h, 12p adjacent to the bottleneck opening 12k, and circumferentially spaced suction cavities 12j below the annular groove 12h. The bottleneck opening 12k is designed to accommodate threaded and non-threaded bottlenecks as well as bottleneck with various sizes and external features such as threads. The circumferentially spaced suction cavities 12j assist is keeping the cap 12 in place to a bottleneck as they become suctioned to the bottleneck due to vacuum. An opposite indicator 12n, located opposite to indicator 12m, provides for an indication where one would insert the nozzle 2 when the insert 8 is in the opened position.
(44) In the insert 18 of the PAD system 100, the vent 18f includes a counterbore 18k, FIGS. 16 and 17, that allows the nozzle 2 to sit snugly and in the same location so that the pilot vent 2e is blocked by the lid 4 when the lid is in the opened position for pouring as shown in FIG. 5. The insert 18 further includes a tapered nozzle 18e that is in continuous flow with a pour opening 18d.
(45) As seen in FIGS. 18-20, the lid 4 further comprises a body 4a. The pivot lugs 4e extend from one side of the body 4a. To assist in opening the lid 4 with one finger without holding the bottle, at least one arcuate cantilever 4b is located in an opposite side to the body 4a and behind the pivot lugs 4e. The cantilever 4b includes a concave surface 4c to smoothly transfer a pushing force F1 as seen in FIG. 4 and yet continue rotating the lid 4 open. The lid 4 further features a closing tab 4d at one end of the body 4a. A pair of alignment tabs 4g, which are tapered, provide the lid to align itself as the lid 4 is in a closed position. An indentation 4i in the same location as the closing tab 4d assist in opening the lid 4 by flicking the lid 4 open with a thumb.
(46) FIG. 22 shows the PAD system 100 in combination with a nitrogen system 200 comprising a nitrogen tank 18, a pressure regulator 18a, and a hose 20 is connected between two joint connectors 16a, 18b. The pressure regulator 18a is attached to the nitrogen tank 18 to provide nitrogen to either system 10, 100 at a low pressure, preferably near atmospheric pressure. The invention is envisioned to have either dispensing system 10, 100 sold without a nitrogen system 200, 300 or sold as a kit with a nitrogen system 200, 300 in the alternative. One skilled in the art will understand that the joint connector 16a connects with the nozzle 2 using any type of connector and that the joint connector 18b connects to the pressure regulator 18a in the same way or in a different way.
(47) FIGS. 26 to 28 show a closed end cap 22 as an accessory to either personal dispensing system 10, 100. The end cap or accessory cap 22 is used to cap or close opened bottles for longer-term storage in between pour events. This cap provides better securement for storage since a bottle with this cap 22 does not take up space on top and has less chance of getting accidentally knocked off. The end cap 22 includes an annular main body 22a and a top wall 22b closing the annular main body 22a. The end cap 22 includes similar features as the cap 12 of the personal dispensing systems 10, 100. The main body 22a includes a bottleneck opening 12k, and a series of suction cavities 12j inwardly directed towards the center of the end cap 22. The main body 22a is tapered on the outside. The suction cavities 12j are circumferentially spaced inwardly at an opened end 22c. Adjacent to the series of suction cavities 12j is an annular suction cavity 12h to allow bottlenecks that have an annular rib at an end as commonly known. Next to the annular suction cavity 12h is another annular suction cavity 12p with a different shape and much bigger in diameter. The annular suction cavity 12h and the adjacent annular suction cavity 12p form a flexible wall 22d therein in between. Another flexible wall 22e is between the annular suction cavity 12p and the bottleneck opening 12k. The wall 22e contains a tapered wall 22f.
(48) FIG. 29 shows a dispensing kit 400 utilizing a second embodiment of a personal aqueous dispensing system 150 shown in an exploded view in FIG. 33. The dispensing system 150 includes a cap 120 that offers an arcuate stop 120d shown in FIG. 30 that allows the insert 18 to rotate in a quarter turn. The arcuate stop also has two ends 120q, which delimit the arcuate stop 120d. Similar features of the cap 120 are present as those found in cap 12. For instance, indicator 12m is set in an equator location to indicate full flow. The same set of indicators 12x-12z are used to indicate the user how much the insert has been rotated. An opposite indicator 12n, located opposite to indicator 120m, provides for an indication where one would insert the nozzle 40. This embodiment of the cap 120 offers a trigger 122 that extends transversely to a longitudinal axis of the cap 120. The trigger 122 is delimited by a first ramp 122a and a second ramp 122b. The ramps 122a, 122b provide for glide motion to activate a mechanical switch 42 or also serve to provide echo range when using listening devices or devices that utilize proximity detection of surfaces via magnetic or infrared devices. For instance, when a sensor uses infrared, the sensor will become fully active when the sensor has reached the peak of the ramp. The second ramp 122b is there to work in reverse turning of the insert 18 especially when accidental turning of the cap 18 beyond the arcuate stop 120d occurs as the cap 120 is made of rubber material.
(49) FIGS. 33-37 show a modified version of the nozzle 40. Unlike nozzle 4, the nozzle 40 includes a third conduit 40c that is parallel to a first conduit 40b. Second conduit 4a bridges between the first conduit 40b and the third conduit 40c. The third conduit 40c will be longer than the first conduit 40b and will include a mechanical switch 42 that is open. The mechanical switch 42 commonly has a movable contact 42a that when moved to a closed position will close the circuit 42b or send an electronic signal via a pair of cables 180d or just using one cable activating a solenoid 180c that is part of an electronic pressure regulator 180a. The solenoid 180c will then control valve 180b thus releasing nitrogen into the bottle 16. While not shown, the nozzle 40 can also include a handle 2c similar to that found in nozzle 2.
(50) The caps 12, 22, 120 are to be made from a flexible material such as silicone or rubber to allow for expansion and fit over many size neck bottles. It is also envisioned that the caps 12, 22, 120 can be made of a rigid material than the flexible material. The inserts 8, 18, lid 4, nozzle 2, 40, and vent tube 14 are made from a thermoplastic but could as well be made from metal or casted in metal. The spacing seal 6 is to be made from a flexible material such as a silicone or rubber material. It is also envisioned that the personal dispensing systems 10, 100, 150 can include at least one accessory cap 22 or none at all. While the cap 120 is shown and utilized in the personal aqueous dispensing system, the same cap 120 can be utilized in the personal oil dispensing system.
(51) It is further envisioned that the mechanical switch 42 can be replaced with a proximity sensor that works with magnetism, ultrasound, optical light, or infrared light so that when the beam of the ultrasound, magnetism, or lights approaches the trigger 122, the solenoid 180c activates based on how close the sensor is to the trigger 122.
