Apparatus and method for dispensing liquid
The disclosed invention provides an apparatus for dispensing liquids held by containers that are located at positions distal to the dispenser. The disclosed invention includes a dispenser, container, universal cap, and conduit assembly with coupling device. The coupling device provides the ability to attach the conduit to typical dispenser inlets. The universal cap provides the ability for a wide variety of containers to be connected to the dispenser.
This application claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 60/507,841, filed Oct. 1, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to liquid dispensers and, more particularly, to conduits connecting dispensers to liquid containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONLiquid dispensers have several functional forms depending upon the specific application. Traditional commercial soap dispensers used in high-capacity, public lavatories are hand-operable. This self-contained style of dispenser allows for a quantity of soap to be stored within the housing and dispenses the soap using gravity, or by a pump mechanism that dispenses soap in response to manipulation of the mechanism. These devices are specialized in that they are designed for certain spaces such as wall-mount dispensers or counter mount dispensers. Access for refill or maintenance of these dispensers is often difficult, and they typically utilize components that are not interchangeable. What is needed is an improved dispensing apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for dispensing liquids. The invention includes a dispenser. The dispenser has an inlet and an outlet for discharging a liquid. In one embodiment, the dispenser is a common soap pump. In another embodiment the dispenser is a large pump. The invention also includes a container. The container has an inlet where liquids are introduced and dispersed therefrom. In one embodiment, the container is rigid, for example manufactured from metal. In another embodiment, the container is substantially rigid, for example, manufactured from plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene. In yet another embodiment, the container may be semi-rigid or collapsible. The container has a lumen capable of housing a supply of the liquid to be dispensed.
The apparatus includes a conduit extending into the lumen of the container. In one embodiment the conduit is a flexible, non-porous polymer material. In another embodiment the conduit is substantially rigid. One terminus of the conduit extends into the lumen of the container and the other terminus is adapted to a coupling device which engages the inlet of the dispenser. In one embodiment the coupling device is secured to the conduit. In another embodiment the coupling device is of the same material as the conduit, and is a natural extension of the conduit itself. The coupling device has a stepped internal diameter according to one embodiment. In another embodiment, the coupling device is smooth with the interior diameter progressively expanding toward the conduit insertion terminus. The coupling device is secured using a common clamp in one embodiment. In another embodiment the coupling device is secured using a wrap-type fastener. In another embodiment the coupling device is secured using a screw-type fastener. In yet another embodiment the coupling device is secured by using a bonding agent. In still another embodiment, the coupling device is not secured, as the frictional seal it creates when in contact with the dispenser inlet keeps it attached.
The apparatus also includes a cap capable of engaging the container. The cap is a cork or any kind of sealing means. The cap has one or more apertures. The conduit extends through the first aperture. The second aperture acts as an air vent. In one embodiment, the first aperture snugly holds the conduit. In another embodiment, the conduit extends loosely through the first aperture. In one embodiment, the second aperture has a valve capable of equalizing pressure.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe present invention will be described with greater specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings, in which:
The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing liquids, for example, soaps or lotions. Unlike traditional liquid dispensers, the apparatus is universal, in that it is adaptable to numerous types of containers and dispensers through a universal conduit system. Additionally, the universal conduit system permits the user-operated elements of the dispenser apparatus to be located distal to the liquid supply elements. This design provides several advantages, in particular, the liquid supply container is more accessible for refill or maintenance and the liquid supply container may be universally interchanged or replaced.
Low-capacity public lavatories typically use a solid-mounted pump dispenser, which places the pump mechanism atop a counter surface and the soap reservoir below the counter surface. The pump and reservoir are connected via a through-hole in the counter or basin. Refilling the soap from a larger container requires removal of either the reservoir or the pump mechanism. A problem with removing the pump mechanism for above the counter filling is that the hole to the reservoir is small and it takes a long time to fill the reservoir. Furthermore, the bulk soap containers are not well suited for pouring into small holes; usually a siphon or smaller secondary container must be used to avoid spillage. Another problem is that there is no way to determine when the reservoir is full. A lack of accessibility creates a problem with removing the reservoir for below the counter filling. The reservoir is usually located in the back upper corner of the under-counter space, and an individual needs to bend down to below sink height, reach back and around the sink basin, and up to near the underside of the counter to reach the reservoir. The present invention solves these problems by allowing the liquid container to be placed in any more convenient location.
The apparatus uses the force created by a dispenser or pump mechanism to deliver the liquid from the liquid container to the dispenser on the demand of the user. Various embodiments include dispensers that draw liquids through forces created by gravity, by a vacuum, and any other methods known in the art. One source of vacuum is negative air pressure generated by spring assisted return of a dispenser handle after mechanical actuation, where the liquid is drawn through the dispenser handle. The output force of the spring, or other vacuum generating mechanism, is increased to accommodate varying vacuum requirements of differing applications, such as fluid viscosity, conduit length and conduit location relative to the liquid container, etc. Other embodiments include a dispenser or pump mechanism, which include components, such as reducers, aerators or the like, that manipulate or alter the liquid before it reaches the outlet.
Turning to
A conduit 100 is provided, having two ends. The first end is inserted into the container that holds liquids. The second end of the conduit is formed such that it can be adapted to the internal diameter of a coupling device 200, which in turn is adapted to a dispenser assembly 500. The coupling device may be an extension of the conduit, made out of the same material. Accordingly, the conduit provides a means for communicating fluid from the container to the dispenser, and the coupling device provides for universal communication between the dispenser assembly and the conduit, thereby allowing distal placement of the container from the dispenser.
The conduit is a flexible, non-porous polymer material with a substantially cylindrical shape such as that of a tube, with a nominal wall thickness, although different embodiments are possible, including manufacturing a thicker wall to make dispensing an extremely viscous liquid possible using a strong vacuum, or manufacturing using a more rigid plastic, making the wall less flexible. In one embodiment, the axial length of the conduit is sized to accommodate the distance between under-counter shelving and standard residential counter-top heights. In other embodiments requiring a greater or lesser distance between the dispenser and the container, longer and shorter embodiments are envisioned. Possible examples of extensible or longer conduits are those applications that require the conduit extend from a dispenser to a container that is located in another room, such as a supply closet in a residential house or restaurant, or another bay in a car mechanic garage, for example. Optionally, a check valve may be added in or adapted to the conduit, to maintain directional liquid flow. The check valve may be a conventional one-way valve having a ball element disposed within a cavity, where the ball will close an orifice or passageway through the conduit in response to a reverse flow of liquid into the container. Gravity may be used to bias the ball toward the orifice or a spring may be used for this purpose. An example of such a check valve can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,519, incorporated herein by reference.
Counter-mounted dispensers are typically supplied with a liquid reservoir component, which is removed to expose one terminus of the dispenser, which is the dispenser inlet 520. The dispenser inlet is adapted to the coupling device 200.
The free end of the conduit is inserted into the liquid container through a passage in the cap 300. The cap can be a cork, a screw cap, a stopper or any other type of sealing means. The cap is constructed of any one of many readily available natural or synthetic materials that provide durability and is impervious or resistant to the liquid held in the container. The cap accommodates connection to any liquid container and in one embodiment, can replace the sealing means supplied with a refill liquid container.
From the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be apparent that a unique apparatus for dispensing liquids has been described. Although particular embodiments have been disclosed herein in detail, this has been done by way of example for purposes of illustration only, and is not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the appended claims which follow. In particular, it is contemplated by the inventor that substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For instance, the choice of liquids dispensed, or the choice of materials, or the choice of conduit length is believed to be matter of routine for a person of ordinary skill in the art with knowledge of the embodiments described herein.
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising:
- (a) a dispenser having an inlet and an outlet for discharging a liquid;
- (b) a container having a lumen capable of housing a supply of the liquid to be dispensed, located distal to the dispenser;
- (c) a conduit extending into the lumen of the container;
- (d) a coupling device capable of adapting the conduit to the dispenser inlet;
- (e) a cap capable of engaging the container, the cap having a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein the conduit extends through the first aperture, and wherein the second aperture permits pressure equalization.
2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second aperture includes a valve.
3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said dispenser is a pump.
4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said dispenser is a counter-mounted pump mechanism.
5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said dispenser is a pump utilizing vacuum to propel the liquid out of the dispenser outlet.
6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said dispenser is a pump utilizing an increased output-force return mechanism to increase the vacuum generated for each user input action.
7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said dispenser is a pump including components specifically intended to alter the fluid's physical properties by means of mechanical manipulation or alteration, including the introduction of a secondary fluid, such as ambient air.
8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said container houses a liquid from the group consisting of soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, moisturizer, shaving gel, shaving cream, cologne, perfume, oil, and syrup.
9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conduit is a flexible, non-porous polymer material of nominal wall thickness.
10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conduit has such axial length as necessary to accommodate standard residential counter-top heights.
11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said coupling device is secured using a common clamp.
12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said coupling device is secured using a wrap-type fastener.
13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said coupling device is a common polymer.
14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said coupling device has a stepped internal diameter.
15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conduit is bonded to the internal diameter of the coupling device.
16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cap is capable of engaging any commercially available product container.
17. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cap is capable of replacing a cap supplied with a commercially available product container.
18. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cap creates a seal when inserted into the container.
19. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cap is made of natural or synthetic material and is flexible and durable.
20. The apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein said cap is conical.
21. The apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein said cap is secured over the outside of container neck.
22. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conduit is held snugly by the first aperture.
23. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including a check valve for limiting flow through said conduit to one direction.
24. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means for locating said container relative to said outlet to have the force of gravity cause the liquid to be evacuated from said container and discharged through said outlet.
25. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conduit has extended axial length to accommodate remote location of the liquid container.
26. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said coupling device has a sloped internal diameter.
27. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said coupling device is secured using frictional force between the internal diameter of the coupling device and the outer diameter of the dispenser inlet.
28. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conduit fits loosely in the first aperture, eliminating the second vent aperture.
29. A method for dispensing liquid from a container distal to the dispenser, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a user-operated liquid dispensing apparatus, wherein the liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a dispenser having an inlet and an outlet for discharging a liquid, a container having a lumen capable of housing a supply of the liquid to be dispensed, located distal to the dispenser, a conduit extending into the lumen of the container, a coupling device capable of adapting the conduit to the dispenser inlet, a cap capable of engaging the container, the cap having a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein the conduit extends through the first aperture, and wherein the second aperture permits pressure equalization; and
- (b) dispensing liquid therefrom.
30. A method of using a liquid dispensing apparatus comprising the steps of:
- (a) obtaining a liquid dispensing apparatus, wherein the liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a dispenser having an inlet and an outlet for discharging a liquid, a container having a lumen capable of housing a supply of the liquid to be dispensed, located distal to the dispenser, a conduit extending into the lumen of the container, a coupling device capable of adapting the conduit to the dispenser inlet, a cap capable of engaging the container, the cap having a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein the conduit extends through the first aperture, and wherein the second aperture permits pressure equalization; and
- (b) dispensing liquid therefrom.
31. An apparatus comprising:
- (a) a counter-mounted pump mechanism having an inlet and an outlet for discharging a liquid and utilizing vacuum to propel the liquid out of the counter-mounted pump mechanism outlet;
- (b) a container having a lumen capable of housing a supply of the liquid to be dispensed, located distal to the counter-mounted pump mechanism;
- (c) a flexible, non-porous polymer material of nominal wall thickness extending into the lumen of said container, which serves as a conduit, and has such axial length as necessary to accommodate standard residential counter-top heights;
- (d) a coupling device capable of adapting said conduit to the dispenser inlet which is made of a common polymer and has a stepped internal diameter;
- (e) a conical cap made of flexible, durable material and capable of engaging any commercially available product container, the cap having a first aperture which snugly holds said conduit and which includes a check valve for limiting flow through said conduit to one direction and a second aperture, wherein the conduit extends through the first aperture, and wherein the second aperture permits pressure equalization.
32. The apparatus as set forth in claim 31 wherein said container houses a liquid from the group consisting of: soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, moisturizer, shaving gel, shaving cream, cologne, perfume, oil, and syrup.
33. The apparatus as set forth in claim 31 wherein said coupling device is selected from the group consisting of: a common clamp and a wrap-type fastener.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 29, 2004
Publication Date: Jun 9, 2005
Inventor: Keith Rosiello (Shrewsbury, MA)
Application Number: 10/953,914