fluid application system, holding containers, adapted containers and method for spraying

专利摘要:
“FLUID APPLICATION SYSTEM, CONTAINMENT CONTAINERS, ADAPTED CONTAINERS AND SPRAYING METHOD” A fluid delivery system includes a diluent reservoir, a chemical container, a sprayer housing, a manifold located in the sprayer housing , and a pump assembly in fluid communication with a manifold outlet. The manifold includes a diluent inlet in fluid communication with the diluent reservoir, a chemical inlet in fluid communication with the container, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the diluent inlet and the product inlet chemical and the output of the manifold. The pump assembly extracts a mixture of chemical and diluent from the manifold and sprays the mixture of chemical and diluent from the nozzle.
公开号:BR112015004506B1
申请号:R112015004506-5
申请日:2013-08-30
公开日:2021-05-18
发明作者:Christopher F. Lang；James R. Crapser；Thomas A. Helf；Jeffrey L Crull；Evan A. Sparks；Cunjiang Cheng；Jonathan M. Dalton；David J. Trettin；Spencer Dodge；Hee Seung Lim
申请人:S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Cross References to Related Orders
[001] This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 61/695,773 filed August 31, 2012. Statement Regarding Federally Sponsored Research
[002] Not Applicable. Fundamentals of the Invention 1. Field of Invention
[003] The invention relates to a fluid application system for mixing a chemical with a diluent and spraying a mixture of the chemical and the diluent. 2. Description of Related Art
[004] Various spraying devices are known in which a chemical is mixed into a carrier fluid and then a mixture of the chemical and carrier fluid is sprayed through a nozzle. For example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0282776 describes a mobile device where a hand pump assembly draws the diluent (eg water) from a reservoir and the diluent is moved through a venturi which extracts the liquid concentrate. of a container in the diluent forming a diluted concentrate. The diluted concentrate is then sprayed through a nozzle.
[005] What is needed is an alternative fluid delivery system that can accept a container having a concentrated chemical, create a mixture of the chemical and a diluent, and spray the diluted concentrate through a nozzle. Invention Summary
[006] The foregoing needs can be satisfied with a fluid delivery system according to the invention. The fluid delivery system mixes a chemical with a thinner and sprays a mixture of the chemical and thinner.
[007] In one embodiment, a fluid application system for mixing a chemical with a diluent and spraying a mixture of the chemical and the diluent is provided. The system comprises a spray housing, a diluent reservoir to contain the diluent, a chemical container to contain the chemical, a manifold located in the spray housing, and a pump assembly. The chemical container includes a chemical dip tube for releasing the chemical to a valve at an opening of the chemical container, with the chemical dip tube being in fluid communication with a restriction port having a inside diameter smaller than an inside diameter of an adjacent section of the chemical dip tube. The valve has a closed position where fluid flow is blocked from the container opening and the valve has an open position where fluid can flow from the container opening. Furthermore, the valve being moved from the closed position to the open position when the chemical container is connected to the spray housing.
[008] The manifold located in the sprayer housing includes a diluent inlet in fluid communication with the diluent reservoir and a manifold mixing chamber. The manifold further includes a chemical inlet in fluid communication with the chemical dip tube and mixing chamber and an outlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber.
[009] The pump assembly includes a pump chamber in fluid communication with the manifold outlet and extracts a mixture of diluent and chemical in the pump assembly from the manifold outlet. In addition, the pump assembly then expels the mixture of diluent and chemical from a nozzle to spray the mixture of chemical and diluent.
[010] In other aspects, the restriction orifice is connected to an inlet end of the chemical dip tube. The pump assembly includes a pump chamber in fluid communication with the manifold outlet. Furthermore, the pump assembly includes a piston positioned in the pump chamber, whereby the piston through alternation increases and decreases the head space in the pump chamber to extract the diluent and chemical mixture in the pump chamber. from the manifold outlet and expel the diluent and chemical mixture from the nozzle to spray the chemical and diluent mixture.
[011] In other respects, each stroke of the piston expels about 0.8 to 1.6 milliliters of the mixture of diluent and chemical from the nozzle. The sprayer housing may include an electrical source in electrical communication with a motor to drive the piston. The mixture of chemical and diluent has a chemical to diluent ratio of 1:1 to 1:1200 and/or 1:16 to 1:256. In some systems, the ratio variability is ±10% when operating the pump assembly.
[012] In different aspects, the spray housing comprises a clamping mechanism for connecting the chemical container to the spray housing, whereby the clamping mechanism includes a movable collar suitable for engaging a hollow outlet of a closure of the chemical container. The diluent reservoir and chemical container have mating features that align the movable collar and hollow outlet of the chemical container closure when attaching the chemical container to the spray housing. In addition, a one-way valve is located at or adjacent to the opening of the chemical container, whereby the one-way valve prevents upstream flow to the restriction orifice. In a different alternative aspect, a one-way valve is located at or adjacent to an opening of the diluent reservoir, whereby the one-way valve prevents upstream flow to an inlet end of a diluent dip tube. - in the thinner reservoir.
[013] In still different aspects, the chemical container includes a mounting cup that is connected to an opening of the chemical container. The valve includes a valve body and a valve stem, whereby the valve body is connected to the mounting cup to define a closed space between the valve body and the mounting cup. The valve stem has a first end arranged in the enclosure and a second end extending outward from the mounting cup on an opposite side of the enclosure. The valve stem further has a flow passage in fluid communication with a valve stem outlet opening and a stem hole in a wall of the valve stem. When the valve is in the closed position, fluid flow is blocked from the closed space in the stem orifice. When the valve is in the open position, fluid can flow from the enclosed space through the stem orifice and into the flow passage.
[014] In other aspects, the chemical container includes a stem seal that blocks fluid flow from the enclosed space into the stem orifice when the valve is in the closed position. The valve body has an inlet port in fluid communication with the enclosure and the restriction port is located in the inlet port. In addition, the restriction hole has a converging inner wall surface. The restriction hole can have an inside diameter in the range of 0.07 millimeters to 0.7 millimeters (0.003 to 0.028 inches) and/or is defined by a wall that extends inwardly from an internal surface of the inlet hole.
[015] In still other aspects, the valve includes an induction element to induce the valve stem in the closed position. The valve stem wall includes a plurality of stem holes spaced around the valve stem wall, the plurality of stem holes being in fluid communication with the valve stem flow passage. In addition, the valve includes a stem seal that blocks fluid flow from the enclosed space into the plurality of stem holes when the valve is in the closed position.
[016] In addition, the chemical container mounting cup includes a one-way valve that allows ambient air to enter the chemical container to replace the chemical dispensed from it. The one-way valve is radially spaced from the valve body and/or maintains pressure in the chemical container at approximately ambient pressure outside the chemical container. In another embodiment, the chemical container mounting cup includes a two-way valve, the two-way valve allowing ambient air to enter the chemical container to replace the chemical dispensed therefrom and allowing the gas generated by the chemical exits the chemical container. In some embodiments, the two-way valve comprises a duckbill type section to allow ambient air to enter the chemical container to replace the chemical dispensed therefrom and an exit type section to allow gas generated by the product. out of a valve seat flow hole in the chemical container. In another embodiment, the chemical container mounting cup includes a valve that allows ambient air to enter the chemical container to replace the chemical dispensed therefrom and that prevents liquids from exiting the chemical container. The valve may comprise a porous polymeric membrane.
[017] In other aspects, the spray housing includes an actuator body in fluid communication with the chemical inlet of the distribution tube. The actuator body has an inlet port sized to engage the valve stem and move the valve to the open position when the chemical container is attached to the spray housing. The actuator body includes a one-way valve located in an internal space of the actuator body to prevent upstream flow to the valve stem. The one-way valve may comprise an umbrella-type valve. In some aspects, the one-way valve comprises an umbrella-type valve and a valve seat, whereby a sealing surface of the valve seat has a section projecting to an underside of an umbrella-type valve skirt. rain.
[018] In another embodiment, the spray housing includes a valve body in fluid communication with the manifold diluent inlet, whereby the valve body includes a one-way valve located in a inner space of the valve body. The one-way valve prevents upstream flow to the diluent reservoir. The one-way valve comprises an umbrella-type valve. In some embodiments, the one-way valve comprises an umbrella-type valve and a valve seat, whereby a sealing surface of the valve seat has a section projecting to an underside of a valve-type valve skirt. umbrella. In a different aspect, a flow adjuster is located in the manifold, whereby the flow adjuster is structured to vary an amount of flow through the chemical inlet.
[019] In still further embodiments, the chemical container has a convex outer wall and the diluent reservoir has a concave wall section to receive the convex outer wall of the chemical container. The chemical container is considered to comprise a flexible bag, the chemical dip tube being in fluid communication with the valve and an interior space defined by the bag with the valve being in fluid communication with the chemical inlet of the distribution tube. In some embodiments, when diluent is emptied from the diluent reservoir, the chemical is not dispensed from the chemical container.
[020] In a different embodiment, a system for spraying comprises a diluent reservoir to contain a diluent, a chemical container to contain a chemical, and a dispensing tube including a mixing chamber. The manifold includes a diluent inlet in fluid communication with the diluent reservoir and mixing chamber. The manifold further includes a chemical inlet in fluid communication with the chemical container and mixing chamber. Furthermore, the manifold includes an outlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. The system may further comprise a pump in fluid communication with the manifold outlet to extract a mixture of diluent and chemical from the manifold outlet and then expel the diluent and chemical mixture from a nozzle to spray the mixture of chemical and thinner. Further, the system provides a diluent flow conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the diluent reservoir and a second end in fluid communication with the manifold diluent inlet and a chemical flow conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the chemical container and a second end in fluid communication with the chemical inlet of the manifold. The system further comprises a diluent measuring device to create a diluent pressure differential between the first end of the diluent flow conduit and the second end of the diluent flow conduit and a chemical measuring device to create a chemical pressure differential between the first end of the chemical flow conduit and the second end of the chemical flow conduit. The mixture of chemical and diluent is considered to have a chemical to diluent ratio of 1:1 to 1:300, whereby a flow rate of the mixture downstream of the manifold outlet is in the range of about 0.5 to about 3.5 milliliters per second. In a particular aspect, the diluent pressure differential is in the range of about -0.5 psi to about -2.5 psi and the chemical pressure differential is in the range of about 0 psi to about - 2.5 psi.
[021] In some embodiments, the diluent metering device comprises a valve located in the diluent flow conduit, whereby the valve has a cracking pressure in the range of more than 0 to 1 psi. The valve may comprise an umbrella type valve. Furthermore, the diluent metering device comprises a breather valve in fluid communication with an interior space of the diluent reservoir, whereby the breather valve has a cracking pressure in the range of 0 to -1 psi. The breather valve may comprise a duckbill valve. Furthermore, the chemical metering device comprises a valve located in the chemical flow conduit, whereby the valve has a cracking pressure in the range of more than 0 to 1 psi. The valve may comprise an umbrella type valve. In a different embodiment, the chemical metering device comprises a breather valve in fluid communication with an interior space of the chemical container, whereby the breather valve has a cracking pressure in the range of 0 at -1 psi. The breather valve may comprise a duckbill valve. In some aspects, the chemical measuring device comprises a capillary tube. In other aspects, the chemical metering device comprises a valve in an opening of the chemical container, whereby the valve includes a valve body having an inlet port and a restriction port located in the inlet port. The restriction hole has an inside diameter smaller than an inside diameter of an adjacent section of the inlet hole. The restriction hole has an inside diameter in the range of 0.07 millimeters to 0.7 millimeters (0.003 to 0.028 inches).
[022] In another embodiment, a spray system comprises a spray head having a nozzle for delivering a product, at least two reservoirs holding constituent components of the product, and a grip portion having a proximal end adjacent the at least two reservoirs and a distal end adjacent to the spray head. The emission of the product results in the suppression of components from one of the reservoirs to a greater degree than the remainder from at least one reservoir. In addition, product emission results in a shift in the center of gravity of the spray system. During use, the center of gravity of the spray system shifts to the reservoir which exhibits less of a suppression of its constituent components than the remainder of at least one reservoir.
[023] In other embodiments, the spray system includes first and second reservoirs, in which the first reservoir exhibits a greater suppression of the constituent components thereof than the constituent components in the second reservoir in the emission of the product. The first reservoir includes a center of gravity Cg1 and the second reservoir includes a center of gravity Cg2. The proximal end of the grip portion is located closer to the center of gravity Cg2 of the second reservoir than the center of gravity Cg1 of the first reservoir. Furthermore, the proximal end of the grip portion is provided between the center of gravity Cg1 of the first reservoir and the center of gravity Cg2 of the second reservoir.
[024] In some embodiments, the first and second reservoirs are arranged adjacent to each other, whereby an outermost portion of a wall of the first reservoir and an outermost portion of a wall of the second reservoir define a linear distance in straight line of X that is perpendicular to opposite parallel lines that run along the outermost portions of the walls of the first and second reservoirs. The first reservoir exhibits greater suppression of its constituent components than the constituent components in the second reservoir in the emission of the product. In addition, the first reservoir is provided adjacent to a front side of the spray system and the second reservoir is provided adjacent to a rear side of the spray system, and a portion of the proximal end of the clamping portion that is closest to the front side is positioned at a point at least greater than 0.5X as measured from front side to back side.
[025] In addition, it is considered that the first reservoir is provided adjacent to a front side of the spray system and the second reservoir is provided adjacent to a rear side of the spray system, and wherein a portion of the proximal end of the spray system. grip that is closest to the front side is positioned at a point at least about (8/8)*X as measured from the front side to the rear side. A first reservoir includes a weight of the constituent components represented by the value X1 in a pre-use, integral state, and a second reservoir includes a weight of the constituent components represented by the value Y in a pre-use, integral state, and where during a state of use the percentage change in weight of the constituent components of the first and second reservoirs can be expressed by the equation %ΔX1 > %ΔY.
[026] In another aspect, a first reservoir includes a weight of the constituent components represented by the value X1 in a state of pre-use, integral and a second reservoir includes a weight of the constituent components represented by the value Y in a state of pre-use, integral, and during a state of use the weight of the constituent components of the first and second reservoirs can be expressed by the equation X1 < Y. In yet another aspect, a first reservoir includes a weight and volume of the constituent components represented by the values X1 and V, respectively, in a pre-use, integral, and a second reservoir includes a weight and volume of the constituent components represented by the values Y and W, respectively, in a pre-use, integral, and w state the constituent components of the first and second reservoirs after the emission of the product during a state of use can be characterized by the following: X1 < Y and/or V < W.
[027] In yet another embodiment, a first reservoir includes a weight and volume of the constituent components represented by the values X1 and V, respectively, in a pre-use, integral state, and a second reservoir includes a weight and volume of the constituent components represented by the Y and W values, respectively, in a pre-use, integral state, and the percentage change of the constituent components of the first and second reservoirs after product emission during a state of use can be characterized by the following: %ΔX 1> %ΔY and/or %ΔV > %ΔW. In addition, a first reservoir is considered to include a volume of the constituent components represented by the value V in a pre-use state, integral and a second reservoir includes a volume of the constituent components represented by the value W in a pre-use state, integral, in which during a single use of the spray system the emitted product comprises a volume V1 of the constituent components of the first reservoir and a volume W1 of the constituent components of the second reservoir, where V1 > W1. In some respects, V1 is at least 10 times larger than W1. In an alternative aspect, V1 is at least 30 times larger than W1.
[028] It is considered that the at least two reservoirs are provided within a single container. Alternatively, the at least two reservoirs comprise at least two separate containers. Furthermore, it is considered that the first and second reservoirs are arranged adjacent to each other and/or are juxtaposed with each other. The at least two reservoirs have sidewalls with complementary shapes that fit together. In a different embodiment, the at least two reservoirs have side walls with a similar geometry or have side walls with a different geometry.
[029] In yet another embodiment, a spray system comprises a spray head having a nozzle to emit a product, first and second reservoirs retaining constituent components of the product, a neck having a distal end adjacent to the spray head and an adjacent proximal end, and a retaining structure for containing the first and second containers and/or the first and second containers. The spraying of the system results in a dynamic imbalance of the system, in which one of the first and second reservoirs discharges the constituent components of these at a faster rate than the other reservoir. In addition, a user who squeezes the neck and keeps their wrist parallel to a flat floor surface results in a torque on the user's wrist of more than about 0 kg/m and less than about 0.040 kg/m in one pre-use state, integral and a torque on the user's wrist that equals 0 kg/m during a use state.
[030] It is considered that the proximal end of the neck is positioned to a greater degree over the portions of one of the first and second reservoirs that discharges the constituent components at a slower rate than the other reservoir. The proximal end of the neck is completely positioned over one of the first and second reservoirs which discharges the constituent components at a slower rate than the other reservoir. Furthermore, the first and second reservoirs are disposed adjacent to each other, and wherein an outermost portion of a wall of the first reservoir and an outermost portion of a wall of the second reservoir define a straight linear distance of X that is perpendicular. to the opposite parallel lines extending along the outermost portions of the walls of the first and second reservoirs. The first reservoir is provided adjacent to a front side of the spray system and the second reservoir is provided adjacent to a rear side of the spray system, and wherein a portion of the proximal end of the neck that is closest to the front side is positioned at a dot at least greater than 0.5X as measured from the front side to the rear side. In some embodiments, the first reservoir is provided adjacent a front side of the spray system and the second reservoir is provided adjacent a rear side of the spray system, and wherein a portion of the proximal end of the neck is closest. to the front side is positioned at a point at least about (8/8)*X as measured from the front side to the rear side.
[031] In another embodiment, a container for holding a non-pressurized product comprises a reservoir holding a non-pressurized product, a valve assembly provided within an upper end of the reservoir. The valve assembly includes a product inlet conduit and a spring-controlled induction valve stem in fluid communication with the product inlet conduit, where the spring is provided within an interior of the reservoir. The container further includes a dip tube in fluid communication with the product inlet conduit.
[032] In another embodiment, a container for a chemical that is introduced into a spray housing comprises a body and a hollow neck forming a container opening, a mounting cup fixed to the container opening, a body of valve connected to the mounting cup thereby defining a closed space between the valve body and the mounting cup, and a valve stem having a first end arranged in the enclosure and having a second end extending outwardly of the mounting cup on an opposite side of the enclosed space. The valve stem has a flow passage in fluid communication with a valve stem outlet opening and a stem hole in a wall of the valve stem. The container further includes a valve that allows ambient air to enter the container to replace the chemical dispensed from the container. In addition, the valve stem has a closed position where fluid flow is blocked from the closed space in the stem orifice and has an open position where fluid can flow from the closed space through the stem orifice and into the flow passage. .
[033] The container further includes a stem seal that blocks fluid flow from the enclosed space into the stem orifice when the valve stem is in the closed position. The valve body has an inlet port in fluid communication with the enclosure and a restriction port is located in the inlet port. The restriction hole has a converging inner wall surface. The restriction hole has an inside diameter in the range of 0.07 millimeters to 0.7 millimeters (0.003 to 0.028 inches). Furthermore, the restriction hole is defined by a wall that extends inwardly from an inner surface of the inlet hole. The container includes an induction element for inducing the valve stem into the closed position. In addition, the valve stem wall includes a plurality of stem holes spaced around the valve stem wall, the plurality of stem holes being in fluid communication with the valve stem flow passage. The container also includes a stem seal which blocks fluid flow from the enclosed space into the plurality of stem holes when the valve stem is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the valve is a one-way valve positioned on a wall of the mounting cup, whereby the valve is radially spaced from the valve body. The valve is a one-way valve that maintains pressure in the vessel at approximately ambient pressure outside the vessel, the one-way valve being positioned on a wall of the mounting cup. In a different embodiment, the valve is a two-way valve, the two-way valve allowing ambient air to enter the container to replace the chemical dispensed from it and allowing the gas generated by the chemical to exit the container. , the two-way valve being positioned on a wall of the mounting cup. The two-way valve comprises a duckbill type section to allow ambient air to enter the container to replace the chemical dispensed from the container and an exit type section to allow gas generated by the chemical to exit a seat flow orifice. valve in the mounting cup. It is considered that the valve also prevents liquids from leaving the container. The valve comprises a porous polymeric membrane. In addition, a dip tube extends into the container, the dip tube being sized to engage a valve body inlet port in a seal fit. The valve stem is sized to attach a drive body to the spray housing. The mounting cup includes a wall extending away from the side of the mounting cup, the wall of the mounting cup including a flange extending radially outward from one end of the wall of the mounting cup. In one embodiment, when the valve stem is in the open position, the second end of the valve stem is located at a position on a longitudinal axis of the mounting cup about four millimeters from a plane transverse to a bottom of the flange. of the mounting cup.
[034] In a different embodiment, a container is adapted to connect to a sprayer assembly structured to spray a mixture of chemical and diluent at a chemical to diluent ratio of 1:1 to 1:300 at a rate of mixing flow in the range of about 0.5 to about 3.5 milliliters per second. The container comprises a reservoir holding an unpressurized product, a valve assembly attached to an upper end of the reservoir, the valve assembly including a chemical flow conduit, and a spring-controlled induction valve stem in the chemical flow conduit. chemical, the chemical flow conduit having a first end in fluid communication with an interior space of the reservoir and a second end at a valve stem opening, and a chemical metering device to create a flow rate of chemical in the chemical flow conduit, the chemical flow rate being in the range of about 0.008 milliliters/second to about 1.05 milliliters/second. The chemical flow rate is measured at the valve stem opening. The chemical metering device comprises a breather valve in fluid communication with an interior space of the reservoir, the breather valve having a cracking pressure in the range of 0 to -1 psi. The breather valve comprises a duckbill valve. Furthermore, the chemical measuring device comprises a capillary tube and/or a dip tube.
[035] In other embodiments, the chemical metering device comprises a valve body having an inlet port and a restriction port is located in the inlet port, the restriction port having an inner diameter smaller than a inside diameter of an adjacent section of the inlet port, the valve stem being positioned in the valve body. The restriction hole has an inside diameter in the range of 0.07 millimeters to 0.7 millimeters (0.003 to 0.028 inches).
[036] In yet another embodiment, a container for holding a non-pressurized product comprises a reservoir holding a non-pressurized product and a valve assembly provided within an upper end of the reservoir, wherein the valve assembly includes a conduit and a spring-controlled induction valve stem in fluid communication with the product inlet conduit, wherein the product inlet conduit includes a flow restrictor. The product inlet conduit further includes a product dip tube in fluid communication therewith. The flow restrictor includes a conduit that is coaxially aligned with a channel of the product dip tube. The conduit of the flow restrictor comprises a capillary tube having a non-converging flow channel and a converging flow channel. In one aspect, the non-converging flow channel has a length between about 5.0 millimeters (mm) to about 10.0 mm. the non-converging flow channel is at least 7.7 mm in length and at least 1.5 mm in diameter, and the converging flow channel is at least 0.50 mm in length that converges to a secondary non-converging flow channel that it is at least 0.25 mm in length and at least 0.40 mm in diameter.
[037] In yet another aspect, the axial length of the non-converging flow channel as compared to the axial length of the converging flow channel is given in a ratio of between about 12.5 to about 13.5. A cross-sectional area A of the non-converging channel compared to the smaller cross-sectional area AC of the converging channel is given in an A/AC ratio of between about 10.0 to about 15.0. The flow restrictor defines a conduit having an exit port with an AX channel area and an entry port with an AT channel area, where AX/AT < 1.
[038] In another embodiment, a kit comprises a first container containing a first chemical, the valve body of the first container having a first inlet port in fluid communication with the closed space of the first container, the first port having a first restriction orifice located in the first inlet. The kit further comprises the second container containing a second chemical, the valve body of the second container having a second inlet port in fluid communication with the enclosure of the second container, the second inlet port having a second restriction port located at the second inlet hole. The first restriction hole has a different cross-sectional area than the second restriction hole. The first chemical and the second chemical are different.
[039] In another embodiment, a valve assembly for a container comprises a mounting element, a valve body connected to the mounting element thereby defining a closed space between the valve body and the mounting element, the valve body having an inlet port in fluid communication with the enclosure, and the valve body having a restriction port located in the inlet port, and a valve stem having a first end arranged in the enclosure and having a second end extending outwardly of the mounting member on a side opposite the enclosure, the valve stem having a flow passage in fluid communication with a valve stem outlet opening and a stem hole in a stem wall of valve. The valve stem has a closed position where fluid flow is blocked from the enclosed space in the stem orifice. The valve stem has an open position where fluid can flow from the enclosed space through the stem orifice and into the flow passage. A stem seal blocks fluid flow from the enclosed space into the stem hole when the valve stem is in the closed position. In another aspect of the valve assembly, the restriction hole has a converging inner wall surface. The restriction hole has an inside diameter in the range of 0.07 millimeters to 0.7 millimeters (0.003 to 0.028 inches). Furthermore, the restriction hole is defined by a wall that extends inwardly from an inner surface of the inlet hole.
[040] The valve assembly further comprises an induction element to induce the valve stem in the closed position. The valve stem wall includes a plurality of stem holes spaced around the valve stem wall, the plurality of stem holes being in fluid communication with the valve stem flow passage, and the valve assembly includes a stem seal which blocks the flow of fluid from the enclosed space into the plurality of stem holes when the valve stem is in the closed position. The valve assembly may further comprise a one-way valve positioned on a wall of the mounting element. The one-way valve is radially spaced from the valve body. A valve positioned on a wall of the mounting element allows gases to pass through the valve and valve preventing liquids from passing through the valve. Furthermore, the valve comprises a porous polymeric membrane. In another embodiment, a two-way valve is positioned on a wall of the mounting element. The two-way valve comprises a duckbill-like center section and a skirt-like section that covers a valve seat flow hole in the mounting element. In addition, the mounting element includes a wall extending away from the side of the mounting element, the wall of the mounting element includes a flange extending radially outward from an end of the wall of the mounting element.
[041] In yet another embodiment, a method for spraying at least two different mixtures of one or more chemicals comprises providing a fluid application system having a spray housing and a diluent reservoir, whereby the diluent reservoir stores a diluting liquid, operatively coupling a first chemical container to the spray housing, whereby the first chemical container has a first restriction orifice and storing a first chemical, and activating the housing of spray for spraying a first mixture of the first chemical and the diluting liquid. The method further comprises operatively decoupleting the first chemical container from the spray housing, operatively coupling a second chemical container to the spray housing, the second chemical container having a second restriction orifice and storing a second chemical, and activate spray housing to spray a second mixture of second chemical and dilution liquid. The first restriction hole and the second restriction hole allow different amounts of chemicals to pass through them.
[042] In some embodiments, the first chemical and the second chemical are different. The first mixture has a mixing ratio of first chemical to diluting liquid and the second mixture has a mixing ratio of second chemical to diluting liquid, wherein the first mixing ratio and the second mixing ratio are different.
[043] The fluid delivery system provides a means to dispense concentrated formula at a reduced but predetermined level of chemical concentration. The fluid delivery system can automatically combine a thinner with a concentrated formula to achieve proper performance.
[044] The fluid application system can perfectly combine two products through replacement through the conduit system, metering holes and check valves.
[045] The fluid delivery system incorporates a fluid transfer model that is designed to (1) release a predetermined amount of concentrate mixed with a given amount of diluent (target ratio) (2) using a replacement pump ranging from 0.8 to 1.6 grams of replacement pump and one (3) pre-arranged metering hole.
[046] The fluid delivery system uses a refill in the form of a replaceable vessel that is constructed to handle the contents to provide proper product flow and headspace ventilation throughout the life of the refill. The refill protects the contents from user intervention by incorporating an aerosol-type valve as a shut-off device. The valve incorporates a metering orifice so that each refill is automatically dispensed at the correct dilution. The valve incorporates a means to replace headspace at or greater than the rate at which concentrate is removed. The valve incorporates a means to eliminate “flask panning” due to the reaction of the concentrate with the headspace. The valve automatically vents the headspace and the formula should release gas, such as a gas released from hydrogen peroxide.
[047] The refill valve architecture provides a clamping/release means as well as ensuring communication link between the replacement device and the refill contents. The refill accommodates a one-way retention means with mechanical means of releasing the refill for replacement. The refill provides a coupling system that ensures a firm connection of liquid in communication to a formula. The refill incorporates variable tensioning means that communicate that the coupling is complete, ensure that sealing surfaces remain intact, and serve as a means of decoupling when the refill requires replacement.
[048] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon consideration of the following detailed description and drawings. Brief Description of Drawings
[049] Figure 1 is a top right front perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid delivery system according to the invention.
[050] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid delivery system of Figure 1 taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1.
[051] Figure 3 is a detailed front right perspective view of the spray component of the fluid application system of Figure 1 taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2.
[052] Figure 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the manifold, diluent reservoir, and chemical concentrate container of the fluid delivery system of Figure 1 taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2.
[053] Figure 5 is a right, rear perspective view of the chemical concentrate container of the fluid delivery system of Figure 1.
[054] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid delivery system chemical concentrate container taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5.
[055] Figure 7 is a top right front perspective view of the fluid application system of Figure 1 with a shell from the spray housing removed showing the chemical concentrate container being installed in the fluid application system .
[056] Figure 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 2, of the spray component of another embodiment of a fluid application system according to the invention.
[057] Figure 9 is a front, right, top perspective view of yet another embodiment of a fluid delivery system according to the invention.
[058] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid delivery system of Figure 9 taken along line 10-10 of Figure 9.
[059] Figure 11 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the spray component of the fluid application system of Figure 9 taken along line 11-11 of Figure 10.
[060] Figure 12 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the manifold, diluent reservoir, and chemical concentrate container of the fluid delivery system of Figure 9 taken along line 12-12 of Figure 10.
[061] Figure 13 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the manifold of the fluid delivery system of Figure 9 taken along line 1212 of Figure 10.
[062] Figure 14 is a top right perspective view of the fluid delivery system of Figure 9 showing the chemical concentrate container being installed in the fluid delivery system.
[063] Figure 15 is a right, rear perspective view of the diluent reservoir of the fluid delivery system of Figure 9.
[064] Figure 16 is a top right perspective view of an embodiment of the chemical concentrate container of Figure 9 with a duckbill valve.
[065] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the chemical concentrate container of Figure 16 in a closed position taken along line 17-17 of Figure 16.
[066] Figure 18 is a top right perspective view of another embodiment of the chemical concentrate container of Figure 9 with a two-way valve.
[067] Figure 19 is a top right perspective view of the chemical concentrate container of Figure 18 with the umbrella valve removed to reveal the fluid flow path.
[068] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the chemical concentrate container of Figure 18 in a closed position taken along line 20-20 of Figure 18.
[069] Figure 21 is a top right perspective view of yet another embodiment of the chemical concentrate container of Figure 9 with a permeable two-way valve.
[070] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the chemical concentrate container of Figure 21 in a closed position taken along line 22-22 of Figure 21.
[071] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the chemical concentrate container of Figure 9 with a flexible inner bag.
[072] Figure 24 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a valve system of the chemical concentrate container of Figures 16 and 17 taken along line 17-17 of Figure 16.
[073] Figure 25 is a right side perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid delivery system according to the invention.
[074] Figure 26 is a front perspective view of the fluid delivery system of Figure 25.
[075] Figure 27 is a rear perspective view of the fluid delivery system of Figure 25.
[076] Figure 28 is a bottom perspective view of the fluid delivery system of Figure 25.
[077] Figures 29A to C are schematic diagrams of fluid delivery systems and additional containers according to the invention.
[078] Figure 30 is a batch of results from a theoretical analysis of the fluid application system of Figure 25.
[079] Figures 31A to C are schematic diagrams of various scenarios analyzed in the theoretical analysis of the fluid application system of Figure 25.
[080] Figure 32 is a right side perspective view of an experimental test prototype of the fluid application system in Figure 25.
[081] Figures 33A to C are graphs that illustrate dynamic changes in the center of gravity of the fluid delivery system of Figure 25.
[082] Figure 34 is a detailed view of an embodiment of a chemical concentrate container for the fluid delivery system of Figure 25.
[083] Figure 35 is a close-up view of a cup mounting and valve mounting of the chemical concentrate container of Figure 34.
[084] Figure 36 is a schematic diagram of a flow restriction area of the chemical concentrate container of Figure 34.
[085] Figure 37 is a close-up view of the flow restriction area of the chemical concentrate container of Figure 34.
[086] Figure 38 shows the fluid geometry and boundary conditions used in a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis performed on a fluid application system of the invention.
[087] Similar reference numerals will be used to refer to similar parts from Figure to Figure in the following detailed description. Detailed Description of the Invention
[088] Considering Figures 1 to 7, an exemplary embodiment of a fluid delivery system 10 according to the invention is shown. The fluid delivery system 10 includes a sprayer housing 12 having a first shell 13 and a second shell 14 which can be secured together with screws or another suitable fastening device. The sprayer housing 12 surrounds a sprayer assembly 110 which will be described in detail below.
[089] Fluid delivery system 10 includes a diluent reservoir 16 which in a non-limiting version contains approximately sixteen fluid ounces. Water is the preferred diluent, but any other fluid suitable for diluting a concentrated liquid chemical can be used as the diluent. Diluent reservoir 16 can be formed of a suitable material such as a polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene). The diluent reservoir 16 has an outlet neck 17 ending in a peripheral flange 18. A diluent reservoir cap 20 having an outer circular wall 21 with an inner lower rib 22 is installed on the neck 17 of the diluent reservoir 16 with the rib 22 engaging flange 18 of cap 20. Diluent reservoir cap 20 has a central reservoir 24 which is in fluid communication with an inlet port 25 of diluent reservoir cap 20. A dip tube holder 26 is fitted with pressure on the end of inlet port 25. A one-way valve, which is the duckbill valve 28 in this embodiment, is positioned between the reservoir 24 and the dip tube holder 26. Diluent dip tube 29 is fitted with pressure in dip tube clamp 26. The duckbill valve 28 allows fluid flow from the diluent dip tube 29 to reservoir 24, and prevents the flow of the reservoir 24 go back to the diluent dip tube 29. Alternative one-way valves are also suitable for use in dip tube holder 26 such as a ball valve. The one-way valve is considered to be located at or adjacent to an opening of the diluent reservoir 16 to prevent upstream flow to an inlet end of the diluent dip tube 29 in the diluent reservoir 16.
[090] The diluent reservoir 16 has a fill opening 31 which allows the diluent reservoir 16 to be refilled with the diluent. A refill cap 33 covers the supply opening 31 after refilling. A vent opening 34 is located in the refill cap 33, and an umbrella-type valve 35 controls venting from the interior of the diluent reservoir 16 to the ambient atmosphere. The diluent reservoir 16 has an outer wall 36 with a protruding ridge 37.
[091] A fluid manifold 40 is located within the spray housing 12 of the fluid delivery system 10. The manifold 40 has a main body 42 that defines a mixing chamber 43. The manifold 40 has a outlet port 44 which is in fluid communication with mixing chamber 43 and a mixed fluid supply conduit 45. A fluid stream comprising a mixture of diluent and chemical is supplied from the manifold to the fluid supply conduit. mixed fluid 45 for a sprayer assembly as described below.
[092] The manifold 40 has a diluent inlet port 46 having a cylindrical outer wall 47 which defines a diluent inlet 48 of the manifold 40. An O-ring 49 is provided on the outside of the outer wall 47 of the diluent inlet port 46. As shown in Figure 4, the diluent inlet port 46 is mounted to the reservoir 24 of the diluent reservoir cap 20 with the O-ring 49 providing a seal thereby placing the inlet port 25 of the diluent reservoir cap 20 in fluid communication with the diluent inlet 48 of the manifold 40.
[093] The manifold 40 also has a chemical inlet port 51 in fluid communication with the mixing chamber 43. The chemical inlet port 51 has an outer wall 52 defining a chemical inlet 53 of manifold 40. A valve body 55 is mounted to the chemical inlet port 51. The valve body 55 has an inwardly projecting wall 56 that supports a spring-induced valve stem 57 having a central passage 58 with a slit 59 which takes into account fluid flow from central passage 58 to chemical inlet 53 of manifold 40 when slit 59 is uncovered by upward movement of valve stem 57.
[094] The fluid delivery system 10 includes a chemical concentrate container 61 which in a non-limiting version contains approximately six fluid ounces. The concentrate can be selected such that when the concentrate is diluted with the diluent, any number of different fluid products are formed. Non-limiting example products include general purpose cleaners, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, dust inhibitors, dust removal aids, floor and furniture cleaners and polishes, glass cleaners, antibacterial cleaners, fragrances, disinfectants, soft surface treatments, fabric protectants, laundry products, fabric cleaners, fabric stain removers, tire cleaners, instrument panel cleaners, automotive interior cleaners, and/or other cleaners or polishes for the automotive industry, or still insecticides. The chemical concentrate container 61 may be formed of a suitable material such as a polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene), and in certain embodiments, the chemical concentrate container 61 comprises a transparent material which allows the user to check the level of chemical concentrate in the chemical concentrate container 61. It should be appreciated that the term “chemical” when used to describe the concentrate in the chemical concentrate container 61 may refer to a compound or a mixture of two or more compounds.
[095] The chemical concentrate container 61 has an externally threaded outlet neck 62. A closure cap 64 is threaded onto the neck 62 of the chemical concentrate container 61. The closure cap 64 has a top wall 65 , and a skirt 66 which extends downstream of the top wall 65. The closure cap 64 has a reservoir 68 which extends downstream of the top wall 65. A closure cap inlet port 69 defines a concentrate inlet. 70 which is in fluid communication with reservoir 68.
[096] A dip tube holder 72 is fitted with pressure over the end of the inlet port of the closure cap 69. A one-way valve, which is the duckbill valve 73 in this embodiment, is positioned between the reservoir 68 and the dip tube holder 72. A chemical dip tube 75 is press fitted in the dip tube holder 72. The duckbill valve 73 allows fluid flow from the dip tube chemistry 75 to reservoir 68, and prevents flow from reservoir 68 back to chemical dip tube 75. Alternative one-way valves are also suitable for use in dip tube holder 72 such as a ball valve . The one-way valve is considered to be located at or adjacent to an opening of the chemical concentrate container 61 to prevent upstream flow to the restriction port 76.
[097] The bottom end, or inlet end, of the chemical dip tube 75 has a restriction orifice 76 which is press-fitted in the chemical dip tube 75. The restriction orifice 76 has an inside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of an adjacent section of chemical dip tube 75. Restrictor hole 76 may be of various bore hole inside diameters to provide a metering function. It can be appreciated that any number of different chemical dip tubes 75 with a restriction orifice 76 can be provided with the chemical concentrate container 61 to obtain different chemical to diluent mixing ratios. For example, a first chemical concentrate container containing a first chemical may have a dip tube in fluid communication with a restriction orifice having a first hole inside diameter drilled into the chemical concentrate container to obtain a ratio mix of chemical to thinner 1:5. A second chemical concentrate container containing a second chemical may have a dip tube in fluid communication with a restriction orifice having a second smaller bore hole inside diameter to obtain a chemical to mixing ratio of chemical to 1:15 thinner. A third chemical concentrate container containing a third chemical may have a dip tube in fluid communication with a restriction orifice having a third smaller bore hole inside diameter to obtain a chemical to mixing ratio to 1:32 thinner. A fourth chemical concentrate container containing a fourth chemical may have a dip tube in fluid communication with a restriction orifice having a smaller quarter size bore inside diameter to obtain a chemical to mixing ratio to 1:64 thinner. Of course, other chemical to diluent mixing ratios in the range of 1:1 to 1:1200, 1:1 to 1:100, or 1:16 to 1:256 can be obtained. In addition, it is considered that the variability of the mixing ratio of chemical to diluent is more or less about 10 percent when operating the pump assembly.
[098] An outlet port closure cap 79 is fitted with pressure in reservoir 68 of closure cap 64. The closure cap outlet port 79 has an outer wall 80 defining a concentrate outlet 81. There is a slot 82 on the outer wall 80 of the closure cap outlet port 79, and an outer O-ring 83 is located over the closure cap outlet port 79.
[099] The fluid delivery system 10 includes a concentrate container clamping mechanism 85 on the spray housing 12 for connecting the chemical concentrate container 61 to the valve body 55. The concentrate container clamping mechanism 85 includes a slide plate 87 having an opening 88. The concentrate container clamping mechanism 85 includes a pin 89 that is movable in a recess 90 of the valve body 55 via a compression spring 91. The mechanism The concentrate container mounting bracket 85 includes a pressure release button 92 that is mounted above a mounting bracket 94. A compression spring 95 is positioned between a side bulge 96 in the valve body 55 and an extending tab. upward 97 of the slide plate 87.
[0100] Considering Figures 2 and 3, a sprayer assembly 110 is located within the sprayer housing 12 of the fluid application system 10. The sprayer assembly 110 includes an electric motor 130, a transmission 132 and a pump 134. Motor 130 includes a drive gear, and transmission 132 includes a series of three gears 138a, 138b, 138c, a cam 140, and a cam follower shaft 142. Pump 134 includes a piston 144 that is linearly displaceable within a pump cylinder 146 from pump 134. Piston 144 has an outer O-ring 148 which helps to unclog the pump chamber formed by pump cylinder 146. O-ring 148 maximizes pump suction to attract and expel mixture of thinner and chemical being dispensed. Although an O-ring is described, it should be understood that other embodiments may use a different number of O-rings. Pump cylinder 146 is in fluid communication with a discharge conduit 152 which is in fluid communication with a nozzle 154 for spraying the mixture of chemical and diluent.
[0101] The sprayer assembly 110 includes a trigger 156 that contacts a microswitch 158 that controls the flow of electricity from the batteries 162 to the motor 130. When the trigger 156 is pressed to contact the microswitch 158, the motor 130, via the transmission 132, drives piston 144 back and forth within pump cylinder 146 of pump 134 to extract a mixture of diluent and chemical in pump cylinder 146 and then expel the mixture of diluent and chemical from nozzle 154 to spray the mixture of the chemical and the thinner. Pump cylinder 146 is in fluid communication with a pump supply conduit 157 which is placed in fluid communication with mixed fluid supply conduit 45 via a nozzle connector 166 which is further described in the Publication of US Patent Application No. 2008/0105713, which is incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, each stroke of piston 144 is considered to expel about 0.8 to about 1.6 milliliters of the mixture of diluent and chemical from the nozzle. In another embodiment, each stroke of piston 144 expels about 1.3 milliliters of the mixture of diluent and chemical from the nozzle.
[0102] Although Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the use of an alternative double piston pump 134, a gear pump, a peristaltic pump or other suitable pump assembly can be replaced in place of the piston pump 134 without departing from the spirit of invention. An alternative dual pump such as the one illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 is advantageous for use in the present invention to obtain a more continuous flow and/or even dispersion or emission of the pumped material. Various alternative pump configurations are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,246,755, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0103] Having described the components of the fluid delivery system 10, the use of the fluid delivery system 10 can be further described. A user fills the diluent reservoir 16 through the supply opening 31 with a diluent, preferably water. The refill cap 33 is fixed over the supply opening 31 after filling.
[0104] The chemical concentrate container 61 is mounted to the spray housing 12 by moving the chemical concentrate container 61 in the direction A as shown in Figure 7. The closing cap outlet port 79 of the container is chemical concentrate 61 is advanced through opening 88 in slide plate 87 of concentrate container securing mechanism 85. Protruding crest 37 of diluent reservoir 16 can be positioned in slot 63 of chemical concentrate container 61 to assist in alignment. The top wall 65 of the closure cap 64 contacts and then moves up the pin 89 which is movable in the recess 90 of the valve body 55 via the compression spring 91. The slide plate 87 is then removed from the gear with the thrust pin 89 such that the slide plate 87 moves relative to the mounting bracket 94 in the direction B shown in Figure 7 due to the biasing force of the compression spring 95 which is positioned between the side protrusion 96 in the body. valve 55 and the upwardly extending tab 97 of the slide plate 87. An inner edge of the opening 88 in the slide plate 87 then enters the slot 82 in the outer wall 80 of the closure cap outlet port 79 thereof. mode by securing the chemical concentrate container 61 to the spray housing 12. When the chemical concentrate container 61 is attached to the spray housing 12, the closure cap outlet port 79 moves the rod. valve 57 of valve body 55 upwards such that slit 59 is uncovered thereby considering fluid flow from central passage 58 of valve stem 57 to chemical inlet 53 of manifold 40.
[0105] The chemical concentrate container 61 can be removed from the spray housing 12 by pressing the pressure release button 92 in the opposite direction to direction B in Figure 7 so that the slide plate 87 moves in the direction opposite direction B and the inner edge of opening 88 in slide plate 87 exits slot 82 in outer wall 80 of closure cap outlet port 79. Chemical concentrate container 61 then can be pulled in the opposite direction to direction A in Figure 7 to remove the chemical concentrate container 61 from the sprayer housing 12.
[0106] Having filled the diluent reservoir 16 with diluent and having mounted the chemical concentrate container 61 to the spray housing 12, the user can apply a mixture of the diluent and chemical to a surface. When trigger 156 is depressed, motor 130 causes piston 144 to alternate in the pump chamber formed by pump cylinder 146, and the pump suction extracts a mixture of diluent and chemical in pump cylinder 146. Pump suction extracts the diluent above the diluent dip tube 29, through the duckbill valve 28 and the diluent inlet 48 of the manifold 40 and into the mixing chamber 43 of the manifold 40. The pump suction also extracts the chemical above the chemical dip tube 75, through the duckbill valve 73 and the chemical inlet 53 of the manifold 40 and into the mixing chamber 43 of the manifold 40. Chemical entering mixing chamber 43 is controlled by the inside diameter of restriction hole 76 of chemical dip tube 75 as explained above. The amount of chemical entering the mixing chamber 43 determines the mixing ratio of diluent and chemical.
[0107] The pump suction extracts the chemical and diluent mixture created in the mixing chamber 43 through the manifold outlet port 44, through the mixed fluid supply conduit 45, through the spray connector 166, through the pump supply conduit 156 and into the pump chamber. Pump 134 expels the mixture of chemical and diluent into discharge conduit 152 which is in fluid communication with nozzle 154 to spray the mixture of chemical and diluent.
[0108] Turning now to Figure 8, another exemplary embodiment of a fluid delivery system in accordance with the invention includes a spray assembly 210. The manifold 40, the diluent reservoir 16, and the chemical concentrate container 61 of the fluid delivery system of Figure 1 as shown in Figure 4 are in fluid communication with the spray assembly 210 via a mixed fluid supply conduit 245. manifold 40, diluent reservoir 16, and chemical concentrate container 61 are all described above and will not be repeated for the fluid delivery system including spray assembly 210.
[0109] The sprayer assembly 210 includes a finger operated trigger 228 to alternatively move a piston 216 within a pump cylinder 218, by alternating increasing and decreasing the head space of cylinder 220 to (i) extract a mixture from the diluent and chemical into a pump chamber 222 from a mixed fluid supply conduit 245 and (ii) then expelling the mixture of diluent and chemical from chamber 222. A compression spring 225 urges piston 216 outward to the trigger 228. A cylindrical discharge conduit 232 provides fluid communication between the chamber 222 and a nozzle 230. The discharge conduit 232 has a discharge check valve 234 that allows fluid to move to the nozzle 230 and not back off to chamber 222. A ball valve 242 allows fluid to move to chamber 222 and not backflow into mixed fluid supply conduit 45.
[0110] Referring now to Figures 2 and 8, having filled the diluent reservoir 16 with diluent and having mounted the chemical concentrate container 61 to the spray housing 12, the user may apply a mixture of the diluent and chemical to a surface. When trigger 228 is repeatedly pressed and released, piston 216 alternates in pump cylinder 218, and pump suction draws a mixture of diluent and chemical into pump cylinder 218. Specifically, pump suction extracts diluent above the diluent dip tube 29, through the duckbill valve 28 and the diluent inlet 48 of the manifold 40 and into the mixing chamber 43 of the manifold 40. The pump suction also extracts the chemical above the tube of chemical dip 75, through the duckbill valve 73 and the chemical inlet 53 of the manifold 40 and into the mixing chamber 43 of the manifold 40. The amount of chemical entering the mixing chamber 43 is controlled by the inside diameter of the restriction hole 76 of the chemical dip tube 75 as explained above. The amount of chemical entering the mixing chamber 43 determines the mixing ratio of diluent and chemical.
[0111] The pump suction extracts the chemical and diluent mixture created in the mixing chamber 43 through the manifold outlet port 44, through the mixed fluid supply conduit 245, and into the pump cylinder 218. Pump cylinder 218 expels the chemical and diluent mixture into discharge conduit 232 which is in fluid communication with the nozzle 230 to spray the chemical and diluent mixture.
[0112] An alternative embodiment of a fluid delivery system 310 is shown in FIGS. 9 through 24. Fluid delivery system 310 is similar to fluid delivery system 10, except for the differences noted here. Furthermore, it is envisaged that various embodiments described in the following paragraphs may be combined or interchanged with various embodiments relating to fluid delivery system 10.
[0113] The fluid delivery system 310 includes a spray housing 312 having a first shell 313 and a second shell 314 that can be secured together with screws or another suitable fastening device. Sprayer housing 312 surrounds a sprayer assembly 410 which will be described in more detail below.
[0114] Referring to Figures 9, 10, 12, and 15, fluid delivery system 310 includes a diluent reservoir 316 which in a non-limiting version contains about twelve fluid ounces. Water is the preferred diluent, but any other fluid suitable for diluting a liquid chemical concentrate can be used as the diluent. Diluent reservoir 316 can be formed of a suitable material such as a polymeric material (eg, polyethylene or polypropylene). Diluent reservoir 316 has an outlet neck 317 that terminates in a peripheral flange 318. A diluent reservoir cap 320 having an outer circular wall 321 with an inwardly projecting inner lower rib 322 is installed on neck 317 of diluent reservoir 316. In particular, rib 322 engages a lower side of flange 318 of cap 320.
[0115] Referring to Figure 12, the outer circular wall 321 of the cap 320 further extends upwards to provide a central reservoir 324 that is in fluid communication with an inlet port 325 and a supply opening 331. As such, the diluent reservoir cap 320 operates as a water reservoir separator by guiding a diluent replenishment inlet stream through the supply opening 331 and the inlet port 325 being secured thereto which guides a stream of thinner output. In particular, inlet port 325 is an open-ended cylindrical channel with a proximal end having an integrally formed dip tube holder 326 and a distal end adapted to receive an umbrella-type valve assembly 328. inlet port 325 extends into central reservoir 324 and receives a 329 diluent dip tube which is press-fitted into a seal fit therein. The distal end of inlet port 325 projects beyond cap 320 and is characterized by a cylindrical portion that is larger in diameter than the proximal end, thereby allowing the distal end to touch against a surface of outer cap 320 .
[0116] As shown in Figure 13, a one-way valve, such as the umbrella valve 328a, is positioned within the distal end of the inlet port 325 and is therefore located outside the cap 320. The umbrella valve rain 328a allows fluid to flow from diluent dip tube 329 to spray assembly 410 and prevents fluid that is downstream of umbrella valve 328a from flowing back to diluent dip tube 329. Non-limitingly, the 328a Umbrella Valve has a cracking pressure in the range of more than 0 to 1 psi. As shown in the present embodiment, the umbrella valve 328a comprises a skirt 330a with an underside having a projecting post 339a. Alternative one-way valves are also suitable for use on the 325 inlet port, such as a ball valve. The one-way valve is considered to be located in or adjacent to an opening of the diluent reservoir 316 to prevent the flow that is upstream of the reservoir 316 from flowing back to an inlet end of the diluent dip tube 329 which is in fluid communication with and is located in the 316 Diluent Reservoir.
[0117] Referring again to Figure 12, fill port 331 allows diluent reservoir 316 to be refilled with diluent. A refill cap 333 covers the supply opening 331 and can be removed or lifted from the spray housing 312 to uncover the supply opening 331. After refilling the diluent, the refill cap 333 is subsequently reinserted over the spray housing. 312 to cover the supply opening 331. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the refill cap 333 provides a visual indicator 332, such as a built-in icon of a water tap or other diluent sources, to signify the cap of the refill. 333 refill to the user. In addition, a vent opening 334 is located over the refill cap 333 and traverses the thickness of the cap 333 to the central reservoir 324 of the reservoir cap 320. The vent opening 334 opens to an umbrella-type valve 335 which is located on an umbrella base 338, which is retained on an underside of the 333 refill cap. The 335 umbrella valve controls the venting from the interior of the diluent reservoir 316 to the ambient atmosphere to restore air in the reservoir diluent 316. In a different aspect, diluent reservoir 316 defines an outer wall 336 with a concave sidewall 337 to rest against the chemical concentrate container in the somewhat frustoconical shape 361. It is considered that other sidewall configurations may be applied in complementary or non-complementary ways between the diluent reservoir 316 and the chemical concentrate container 361. diluent reservoir 316 has a larger volume than chemical concentrate container 361. Preferably, diluent reservoir 316 is located in front of chemical concentrate container 361 with respect to spray direction.
[0118] As shown in Figures 10, 12, and 13, the fluid distribution tube 340 is located within the spray housing 312 of the fluid delivery system 310. The distribution tube 340 has a main body 342 that defines a mixing chamber 343. Manifold 340 has an outlet port 344 that is in fluid communication with mixing chamber 343 and a mixed fluid supply conduit 445. A fluid stream comprising a mixture of diluent and chemical is supplied from manifold 340 to mixed fluid supply conduit 445 to sprayer assembly 410 as described below.
[0119] The manifold 340 has a diluent inlet port 346 having a cylindrical outer wall 347 that defines a diluent inlet 348 of the manifold 340. An umbrella base 349a is provided on the outside of the wall external 347 of the diluent inlet port 346 and contains the umbrella valve 328a therein. As shown in Figure 13, diluent inlet port 346 is operatively coupled to central reservoir 324 of diluent reservoir cap 320 by inserting one end of inlet port 346 into umbrella base 349a. Umbrella base 349a is further inserted into the distal end of inlet port 325, which extends to the proximal end which is located in central reservoir 324. As such, umbrella base 349a connects to the manifold 340 to the diluent inlet port 325 and allows fluid communication therethrough. In addition, the 349a umbrella base provides a sealing surface through which the 328a umbrella valve is retained. The sealing surface comprises a raised ridge 350a projecting to an underside of a skirt 330a of the umbrella valve 328a. In some embodiments, the sealing surface is an O-ring.
[0120] The manifold 340 has a chemical inlet port 351 in fluid communication with the mixing chamber 343. The chemical inlet port 351 has an outer wall 352 defining a chemical inlet 353 of the manifold 340. The chemical inlet port 351 is further in fluid communication with a valve stem 357 of the chemical concentrate container 361. In particular, the outer wall 352 of the chemical inlet port 351 is inserted into an umbrella-type base 349b, which is further inserted into an actuator body 355 having an inlet port sized to engage an upper portion of valve stem 357 thereby and mechanically actuate valve stem 357. 357 is received in a valve body 354 and induced to the actuator body 355 with a spring 356, such that the actuator body 355 can move the valve stem 357 to an open position when the chemical concentrate 361 is attached to spray housing 312. It is envisaged that other induction elements for inducing valve stem 357 into a closed position may be used. Actuator body 355 further includes a central passage 358 that is aligned with a channel 359 downstream thereof. An internal space of the central passage 358 is partially blocked by a portion of a pillar 339b which is attached to an underside of a skirt 330b of an umbrella valve 328b which is movably maintained in channel 359 of the umbrella base. -rain 349b. In a non-limiting way, the 328b umbrella valve has a crack pressure in the range of more than 0 to 1 psi. Similar to umbrella base 349a, umbrella base 349b includes a sealing surface comprising a raised ridge 350b projecting to an underside of skirt 330b of umbrella valve 328b. As such, the chemical concentrate released from the chemical concentrate container 361 travels through the flow passage 358a of the valve stem 357, in the channel 359, past the umbrella valve 328b and to the product inlet port. chemical 351.
[0121] The manifold 340 further includes a flow adjuster 360 located on the manifold 340 and structured to vary an amount of flow through the chemical inlet 353 such as blocking a portion of the chemical inlet 353. In particular, the flow adjuster 360 can be threaded to corresponding filaments in the manifold 340 or friction fit therein, such that the user can change the position of the flow adjuster 360 and vary the amount of chemical through the product inlet. 353, or varying other flow characteristics in manifold 340. In one aspect, flow adjuster 360 is a rubberized plug that insulates one end of manifold 340. In another aspect, flow adjuster 360 may be managed to change the flow or mixing characteristics within the manifold 340. One end of the flow adjuster 360 may extend through the pull-in housing. 312 verifier allowing the user to change the position of the 360 flow adjuster on the manifold 340. The 360 flow adjuster allows the user to vary the mixing ratio of chemical to diluent.
[0122] In a non-limiting version of the fluid delivery system 310, the chemical concentrate container 361 contains approximately ten fluid ounces. The concentrate can be selected such that when the concentrate is diluted with the diluent, any number of different fluid products are formed. Non-limiting example products include general purpose cleaners, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, dust inhibitors, dust removal aids, floor and furniture cleaners and polishes, glass cleaners, degreasers, carpet cleaners, cleaners containing peroxide, antibacterial cleaners, fragrances, disinfectants, soft surface treatments, fabric protectants, laundry products, fabric cleaners, fabric stain removers, tire cleaners, dashboard cleaners, automotive interior cleaners, and/or other cleaners or polishes for the automotive industry, or insecticides. The chemical concentrate container 361 may be formed of a suitable material such as a polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene), and in certain embodiments, the chemical concentrate container 361 comprises a transparent material that allows for the user checks the level of chemical concentrate in the chemical concentrate container 361. It should be appreciated that the term “chemical” when used to describe the concentrate in the chemical concentrate container 361 may refer to a compound or a mixture of two or more compounds.
[0123] Turning now to Figures 12, 13, and 24, the chemical concentrate container 361 has an outlet neck 362. A closure cap, hereafter referred to as a mounting cup 364, is secured over the outlet neck 362 of chemical concentrate container 361. In particular, mounting cup 364 has a top plate 365 that is generally circular and covers at least a portion of outlet neck 362, which defines a hollow outlet 363 of a closure of chemical concentrate container 361. Top plate 365 extends to an inner skirt 366 in a lower, central side portion of top plate 365 to chemical concentrate container 361 to retain valve body 354 in this one. Top plate 365 further defines outer skirts on a periphery of top plate 356 which extend as walls away from the side of mounting cup 364. In particular, a lower, outer skirt 367a is defined by walls extending downwardly over the periphery of the top plate 365 to provide corresponding filaments, or other coupling mechanisms, to the outlet neck 362 of the chemical concentrate container 361. An upper, outer reservoir 367b extends upwardly from the periphery of the top plate. 365 and houses the valve stem 357 that protrudes from it. The upper reservoir 367b further includes a peripheral flange 368 extending from an outer surface thereof to assist in securing the chemical concentrate container 361 to the fluid delivery system 310, as further described below. In the present embodiment, peripheral flange 368 extends radially outward from one end of the outer, upper wall or reservoir 367b of mounting cup 364. Mounting cup 364 functions as a mounting element and may comprise a material metallic or a polymeric material such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
[0124] As shown in Figure 24, in a particular aspect, the valve body 354 that is fitted within the inner reservoir 366 of the mounting cup 364 defines an inlet port of the valve body 369 having a hollow channel 378, which is further described below. One end of the valve body inlet port 369 projects into the chemical concentrate container 361 and defines one end of the hollow channel 378 as a concentrate inlet 370. In the present embodiment, the concentrate inlet 370 is characterized. by an angled outer surface 371 on the edge of the valve body inlet port 369 where the surface 371 tapers inwardly into the centrally disposed channel 378. The tapered design is considered to facilitate assembly of a chemical dip tube 375 , as described further below, which can be slid over the tapered portion and press-fitted into a seal fit on the valve body inlet port 369 over an inlet port thereof. In addition, the mounting cup 364 defines an enclosed space, such as a valve cavity 372, which holds a first end 380 of the spring-induced valve stem 357 therein. A second end 381 of valve stem 357 extends outward from mounting cup 364 on an opposite side to valve cavity 372 and defines an outlet opening 382 of valve stem 357. When in the open position, second end 381 valve stem 357 is located at a position on the longitudinal axis AX (see Fig. 24) of mounting cup 364 plus or minus four millimeters (0.157 inches) from transverse reference plane F (see Fig. 24) in bottom of peripheral flange 368 of mounting cup 364. A portion of top plate 365 of mounting cup 364 defines a circular stem seal 373 that valve stem 357 protrudes through. Stem seal 373 is approximately centrally disposed over mounting cup 364 and is adapted to fit substantially comfortably around valve stem 357 to cover one or more valve stem 374 circumferentially disposed holes thereof. In particular, the valve stem orifices 374 are circumferential openings through a wall of the valve stem 357 that allow the chemical within the valve body 354 to enter the valve stem 357. Initially, the chemical enters the valve body 354 via chemical dip tube 375, which is pressure fitted around valve body inlet port 369 to communicate a volume of chemical concentrate from chemical concentrate container 361 in the body valve 354. In a closed position, fluid flow is blocked between the valve stem 357 and the valve cavity 372 via the stem seal 373. In an open position, fluid flow is allowed from the valve cavity. 372 through stem holes 374, in valve stem 357 and through outlet opening 382 of valve stem 357.
[0125] As shown in Figure 24, in some embodiments, the valve body inlet port 369 comprises a restriction port 376 to restrict a volume of chemical concentrate from reaching the valve stem 357. restriction port 376 is defined by a generally conical angled wall 377 which converges inwardly from an inner surface of valve body inlet port 369 and more particularly extends inwardly from hollow channel 378 at an otherwise known distal end. as an inlet port, of channel 378 of concentrate inlet 370. In other embodiments, restriction port 376 is characterized by a combination of all or a portion of hollow channel 378 and angled wall 377. However, in others embodiments, hollow channel 378 also comprises angled or conical surfaces in addition to angled wall 377 of restriction hole 376, or has a uniform diameter, to assist. in restricting fluid access to valve stem 357. Wall 377 may also be annular with right angle corners. It is noted that upon activation of fluid delivery system 310, valve stem 357 is pressed down by actuating body 355 to expose valve stem orifices 374 and draw a stream of chemical concentrate into chemical inlet 353 of fluid manifold 340.
[0126] Restriction hole 376 is considered to have an inside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of an adjacent section of chemical dip tube 375 and/or concentrate inlet 370, and/or hollow channel 378. Restrictor hole 376 can be of various bore bore diameters, such as 0.003 to 0.028 inches (0.07 to 0.7 millimeters), to provide a metering function and/or to obtain different chemical mix ratios . Among other things, restriction port 376, umbrella valve 328a, and umbrella valve 328b control variability when obtaining different chemical mix ratios. Restriction hole test results in the range of 0.005 to 0.020 inches (0.127 to 0.508 millimeters) showed chemical to diluent mixing ratios of 1:15 to 1:59. For example, a first chemical concentrate container containing a first chemical may have a dip tube in fluid communication with a restriction orifice having a first hole inside diameter drilled into the chemical concentrate container to obtain a ratio mix of chemical to thinner 1:5. A second chemical concentrate container containing a second chemical may have a dip tube in fluid communication with a restriction orifice having a second smaller bore hole inside diameter to obtain a chemical to mixing ratio of chemical to 1:15 thinner. A third chemical concentrate container containing a third chemical may have a dip tube in fluid communication with a restriction orifice having a third smaller bore hole inside diameter to obtain a chemical to mixing ratio to 1:32 thinner. A fourth chemical concentrate container containing a fourth chemical may have a dip tube in fluid communication with a restriction orifice having a smaller quarter size bore inside diameter to obtain a chemical to mixing ratio to 1:64 thinner. Of course, other mixing ratios in the range of 1:1 to 1:1200, 1:1 to 1:100, or 1:16 to 1:256 can be obtained. In addition, it is considered that the mix ratio variability is more or less about 10 percent when operating the pump assembly. The mixing ratio of chemical to diluent can be further controlled using a capillary dip tube in combination with restriction port 376. Alternatively, restriction port 376 can be omitted and the capillary dip tube may control the ratio of mixing chemical for thinner. A capillary dip tube wicks the product of surface tension. A first chemical concentrate container containing a first chemical may have a capillary dip tube having a first inside diameter, and a second chemical concentrate container containing a second chemical may have a second capillary dip tube. internal diameter.
[0127] The fluid delivery system 310 includes a concentrate container clamping mechanism 385 on the sprayer housing 312 to connect the chemical concentrate container 361 to the actuator body 355. The container clamping mechanism of concentrate 385 includes a movable collar 387 having an opening 388 that is adapted to engage the peripheral flange 368 of the mounting cup 364. In particular, a compression spring is positioned adjacent an inner side of a pressure release button 392 to induce pressure release button 392 out of sprayer housing 312. To release chemical concentrate container 361, user presses pressure release button to slide movable collar 387 laterally into sprayer housing 312 and uncouple the peripheral flange 368 from the mounting cup 364. When uncoupling the peripheral flange 368, the chemical concentrate container 361 can be freed removed from sprayer housing 312.
[0128] Turning now to Figure 14, the chemical concentrate container 361 is mounted to the spray housing 312 by moving the chemical concentrate container 361 in the direction A. chemical concentrate 361 to sprayer housing 312, mounting cup 364 of chemical concentrate container 361 is advanced through opening 388 in movable collar 387 of concentrate container clamping mechanism 385. spring 387 secures an underside of peripheral flange 368 of mounting cup 364 creating an audible snap. In the present embodiment, a convex sidewall 393 of chemical concentrate container 361 juxtaposes or slides adjacently to the concave sidewall 337 of diluent container 316.
[0129] Still referring to Figure 14, the chemical concentrate container 361 can be removed from the spray housing 312 by pressing the pressure release button 392 so that the container 361 can be removed substantially at the opposite direction A. In particular, depressing pressure release button 392 causes movable collar 387 to reposition laterally and disengage its opening 388 from peripheral flange 368 of mounting cup 364. Chemical concentrate container 361 then can be pulled in the opposite direction to direction A to remove chemical concentrate container 361 from sprayer housing 312.
[0130] Turning now to Figures 10 and 11, the spray assembly 410 is located within the spray housing 312 of the fluid delivery system 310. The fluid manifold 340, the diluent reservoir 316, and the chemical concentrate container 361 of fluid delivery system 310 are in fluid communication with the sprayer assembly 410 via a mixed fluid supply conduit 445. The fluid connections between the manifold 340, the reservoir of diluent 316, and chemical concentrate container 361 are all described above and will not be repeated for the fluid delivery system including sprayer assembly 410.
[0131] The sprayer assembly 410 includes a finger operated trigger 428 to alternatively move a piston 416 within a pump cylinder 418, by alternating increasing and decreasing the head space of the pump cylinder 420 to (i) extract a mixing the diluent and chemical in a pump chamber 422 of the mixed fluid supply conduit 445 and (ii) then expelling the mixture of the diluent and chemical from the chamber 422. A compression spring 425 urges the piston 416 outward to the trigger 428. A cylindrical discharge conduit 432 provides fluid communication between the pump chamber 422 and a nozzle 430. In the present embodiment, the discharge conduit 432 has a discharge check valve 434 that allows fluid to move. to nozzle 430 and do not back off in discharge conduit 432 or pump chamber 422.
[0132] Still referring to Figures 10 and 11, having filled the diluent reservoir 316 with diluent and having mounted the chemical concentrate container 361 to the spray housing 312, the user may apply a mixture of the diluent and chemical to a surface. When trigger 428 is repeatedly pressed and released, piston 416 alternates in pump cylinder 418, and the pump suction draws a mixture of diluent and chemical into pump cylinder 418. Specifically, pump suction extracts the diluent above the diluent dip tube 329, through inlet port 325 which operatively connects dip tube 329 to umbrella valve 328a, through umbrella base 349a, which operatively connects inlet port 325 to inlet port of diluent 346 from the fluid manifold 340. Simultaneously, the pump suction also draws the chemical above the chemical dip tube 375, through the restriction port 376 of the valve body 354 that holds the valve stem 357 and further from the umbrella valve 328a in the actuator body 355 to the chemical inlet 353 of the fluid manifold 340. Among other things, the amount of chemical entering the crate. mixing chamber 343 is controlled by the inside diameter of restriction orifice 376, as explained above, and determines the mixing ratio of diluent and chemical. It is assumed that when the diluent is emptied from the diluent reservoir 316, the chemical concentrate is not dispensed from the chemical concentrate container 361.
[0133] Pump suction continues to extract the mixture of chemical and diluent created in mixing chamber 343 through outlet port 344 of fluid manifold 340, through mixed fluid supply conduit 445, and into pump cylinder 418. Pump cylinder 418 expels the chemical and diluent mixture into discharge conduit 432 which is in fluid communication with the nozzle 430 to spray the chemical and diluent mixture. Fluid delivery system 310 is configured such that differences in the extent of pull on finger operated trigger 428 do not vary the chemical to diluent mix ratio. For example, a partial pull (ie, a short stroke) and a full pull on the trigger operated by finger 428 produce the same chemical to diluent mixing ratio. Optionally, refill cap 333, pressure release button 392, trigger 428, and nozzle 430 may have a common color to identify user action points on fluid delivery system 310.
[0134] Turning now to Figure 15, a detailed view of an embodiment of the diluent reservoir 316 of Figure 1 is shown. Diluent reservoir 316 is adapted to be secured to spray housing 312 through an attachment hole 450 which is provided on a protruding tab 452. A nail, rod, nut and bolt assembly, or other gearing mechanism is considered. corresponding is inserted through the attachment hole 450 to secure the diluent reservoir 316 to the spray housing 312. In one embodiment, the diluent reservoir 316 is not removable by a user. In addition, peripheral flange 318 circumferentially encircling all or a portion of outlet neck 317 is considered to engage diluent reservoir cap 320 that is located within spray housing 312. As such, either or both of peripheral flange 318 and attachment hole 450 assist in releasably or more permanently attaching diluent reservoir 316 to spray housing 312. In addition, outer wall 336 of diluent reservoir 316 is generally rectangular and box-shaped with one side of the outer wall 336 defining concave sidewall 337. As noted previously, concave sidewall 337 is adapted to be geometrically compatible with convex sidewall 393 of adjacent or juxtaposed chemical concentrate container 361. Any geometrical configurations can be appreciated. - cas can be applied to either or both of concave sidewall 337, sidewall convex 393, or other portion of the diluent reservoir 316 or the chemical concentrate container 361. In addition, the outer wall 336 is considered to be substantially or slightly transparent to allow the user to monitor a fill level of the diluent reservoir. 316. In other embodiments, the diluent reservoir 316 is substantially less transparent, opaque, and/or comprises an ounce, milliliter measuring scale, a refill indication line, or other markings that may be useful for operation. .
[0135] Turning now to Figures 16 and 17, an embodiment of a chemical reservoir container 561 is shown comprising a one-way valve in a mounting cup 564. The chemical reservoir container 561 and the mounting cup 564 may be similar to the chemical reservoir cup 361 and the mounting cup 364 described previously, except for the differences noted here. In particular, the mounting cup 564 provides a top plate 565 and a peripheral flange 568, which is received in the clamping mechanism 385 described above. The top plate 565 receives therethrough a valve stem 557 having a flow passage 558 which is liquidly aligned with a chemical dip tube 575 extending from a lower side of the top plate 565 in the chemical reservoir container. 561. In addition, top plate 565 provides a one-way valve, such as a duckbill valve 580, which is radially spaced from valve stem 557 and valve body 554. In a non-limiting manner, the 580 duckbill valve has a cracking pressure in the range of 0 to -1 psi (with the negative indicating the direction of flow). In a non-limiting fashion, the 580 duckbill valve is normally open. The 580 duckbill valve creates a closed liquid system that is liquid-proof but not air-proof.
[0136] As shown in Figures 17 and 24, the duckbill valve 580 is retained on the underside of the top plate 565 by a valve retainer 582, which houses a portion of the duckbill valve 580 through a channel 584 ending with an inwardly projecting ring 586. The inwardly projecting ring 586 is a circumferential ring having a smaller diameter than the channel 584, such that the duckbill valve 580 can be slidably placed within the channel. 584 until a surface of valve 580 grips the inwardly projecting ring 586 to prevent further insertion. In one aspect, as shown in Figure 24, the one-way valve assembly is provided in the mounting cup 364 described above. It is considered that a portion of valve retainer 582 is integrally formed or shares a portion of inner skirt 366 that houses a valve body 554, which may be similar to valve body 354. In one aspect, duckbill valve 580 allows ambient air to enter the chemical concentrate container 561 to restore an internal pressure of the reservoir 561 by replacing the space left by the chemical dispensed from the reservoir 561. For example, a vacuum can be created within the chemical concentrate container. chemical 561 at the chemical concentrate outlet leaving reservoir 561. The duckbill valve 580 allows air to enter reservoir 561 to restore an original pressure of the chemical concentrate container 561, which may be approximately one pressure environment outside the tank 561. Other valves that can allow the entry of gases and restoration of internal pressure can also be used. as described below.
[0137] Turning now to Figures 18 through 20, a two-way valve assembly is shown in a chemical reservoir container 661. A mounting cup 664 having a valve stem 657 protruding therethrough provides further an umbrella valve 680 adjacent to valve stem 657. Valve stem 657 is in fluid communication with a chemical dip tube 675 which is retained within a valve body 654 connected to mounting cup 664 and extended into the chemical concentrate container 661. The umbrella valve 680 is retained within a valve retainer port 682, which includes a channel 684 and an inwardly projecting ring 686 similar to the described valve retainer mechanism. above. In addition, mounting cup 664 provides at least one valve seat flow hole 650 through a top plate 656 of cup 664. As shown in Figure 19, two valve seat flow holes 650 are provided with each valve seat flow orifice 650 generally of semicircular shape. It is envisaged that other valve seat flow orifice configurations may be applied, such as a circular valve seat flow orifice.
[0138] As shown in Figure 20, the two-way umbrella valve 680 includes the skirt 688 which rests above the top plate 656 and a pillar 690 that extends through the valve retainer hole 682. The pillar 690 comprises a one-way valve, such as the one-way duckbill valve 580 described above. As such, skirt 688 is pierced with an open top 692 to expose duckbill valve 580 retained within pillar 690 extending from skirt 688. The two-way valve allows gas generated by the chemical concentrate to escape of the chemical concentrate container 561 and further allows ambient air to enter the reservoir 561 to replace the chemical dispensed therefrom. In particular, it is the duckbill valve 580 which allows ambient air to enter the chemical concentrate container 661 to replace the chemical dispensed therefrom and the vent 668 allows the gas generated by the chemical concentrate to exit through. from valve seat flow port 650. For example, when chemical concentrate container 561 contains a concentrate including hydrogen peroxide, pressure may develop in chemical concentrate container 561 at up to 1 psi of pressure per day. Skirt 668 allows gas generated by the peroxide-containing concentrate to exit through valve seat flow port 650.
[0139] Turning to Figures 21 and 22, a third embodiment of a chemical concentrate container 761 having a gas permeable valve disposed on a mounting cup 764 is shown. Mounting cup 764 has a valve stem 757 projecting therethrough which is retained by a valve body 754 having a chemical dip tube 775 attached thereto. The gas permeable valve may comprise an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane 780 such as a Gore™ vent available from W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Elkton, Mariland, USA. Membrane 780, which may comprise another suitable porous polymeric membrane, is located on a top plate 767 of mounting cup 764. In some embodiments, mounting cup 764 may provide a recess for receiving membrane 780 therein. In addition, top plate 767 may have gas-permeable characteristics similar to that of membrane 780. In the present embodiment, membrane 780 is a semi-circular sheet of gas-permeable material surrounding a portion of valve stem 757, although other shapes may be considered, such as a complete ring or a plurality of sections of material. The gas-permeable material is considered to allow ambient air to enter the chemical concentrate container 761 to replace the chemical dispensed therefrom and prevent liquids from exiting the container 761.
[0140] Referring to Figure 23, a container of flexible material, such as a flexible inner bag 880, may be disposed within a chemical concentrate container 861 to hold a supply of chemical concentrate therein. Flexible inner bag 880 is considered to have an opening 882 which is secured to a valve body 854 with the aid of a bag holder 884. Bag holder 884 can fit snugly around valve body 854 and/or a portion of a valve stem 857 mounted within valve body 854 to press-fit inner bag 880 around valve body 854. In addition, bag holder 884 may define a circumferential flap 886 that is adapted to be received over an outlet neck 817 of the chemical concentrate container 861. As such, the circumferential tab 886 is further retained on the outlet neck 817 by an inner surface of the mounting cup 864, such as an inner surface defined by a side. lower reservoir 876 of mounting cup 864. Lower reservoir 876 may be similar to lower reservoir 367a described above. Furthermore, it is considered that a venting apparatus or an inner plate similar to the inner plates described above is not provided in the mounting cup 864, as the flexible inner bag 880 may contract during use. In one aspect, flexible inner bag 880 can be used with or without chemical concentrate container 861.
[0141] In addition, it is contemplated that a kit may be provided to include a first container of chemical concentrate and a second container of chemical concentrate. The first and second chemical concentrate containers may comprise any of the chemical concentrate containers described above. It is contemplated that the first chemical concentrate container may contain a first chemical and include a valve body having a first inlet port, which has a first restriction port located therein. Furthermore, the second chemical concentrate container is contemplated to contain a second chemical and include a second inlet port in fluid communication with an enclosure of the second container. The second entry hole has a second restriction hole located therein. The first restriction hole is considered to comprise different restriction characteristics, such as a different cross-sectional area, than the second restriction hole. Also, the first and second chemicals can be the same or different. It can be appreciated that additional chemicals and chemical concentrate containers can be incorporated into the fluid delivery system described here.
[0142] Turning to Figures 25 to 28, other advantages of the fluid application systems described here are illustrated. A general fluid delivery system 900 comprises a spray head 902 having a nozzle 904 and a trigger 906 provided on or adjacent to a front side 908 of spray head 902 which opposes a rear side 910 thereof. In general, front side 908 of sprayer 902 corresponds to a front portion 912 of fluid delivery system 900 and rear side 910 of spray head 902 corresponds to a rear portion 914 of fluid delivery system 900. It is also considered. that other geometries of spray head 902 can be used, which can generally be characterized as having front portions to emit a spray and opposing rear portions. It is further contemplated that the trigger 906 or a button could be placed anywhere on a spray head, but are conventionally placed on the front side 908 of such devices.
[0143] The sprayer head 902 is disposed on a sprayer neck 916, which may be generally referred to as a grip portion or a member having a neck body 918. In the present exemplary embodiment, the sprayer head 902 is provided on an upper end 920 or distal end of neck body 918. A lower end 922 or proximal end of sprayer neck 916 is disposed proximate to a refill container 924. More specifically, lower end 922 of sprayer neck 916 of The present embodiment is provided adjacent to replenishment container 924 and adjacent to diluent container 926. In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 25 and 26, the neck of sprayer 916 attaches to and/or is adjacent to a container housing. 928 or retention structure, which receives at least a portion of the replenishment container 924 and the diluent container 926 therein. In other embodiments, it can be appreciated that the container housing 928 is formed by the lower end 922 of the sprayer neck 916. In general, it is considered that all or a portion of the neck body 918 that is squeezable by a user is provided. above all or a portion of the replenishment container 924 and the diluent container 926, or, in other embodiments, it is provided above one or more reservoirs to contain a product therein. In some embodiments, spray head 902 can be characterized as disposed over a top half 930 of fluid delivery system 900 and that replenishment container 924 and diluent container 926 (or the one or more reservoirs) are disposed on a bottom half 932 of system 900.
[0144] Figure 26 shows a front view of the fluid delivery system 900, whereby the trigger 906 and the nozzle 904 on the front side 908 of the spray head 902 are arranged above the diluent container 926. Figure 27 shows a rear view of fluid delivery system 900 with the rear side 910 of spray head 902 disposed above refill container 924. In both the front and rear views of Figures 26 and 27, the sprayer neck 916 and housing of container 928 extend between spray head 902 and all or a portion of replenishment and diluent containers 924, 926.
[0145] Turning to Figure 28, the positioning of the diluent container 926 relative to the refill container 924 is shown when connected to the container housing 928. The replenishment container 924 comprises a convex sidewall 934 that is adjacent to a concave sidewall 936 of the diluent container 926. Other geometric shapes for the refill container 924 and the diluent container 926 may be considered to be complementary or non-complementary to each other, such as flat sidewalls, a sidewall of convex diluent adjacent to a concave refill sidewall, flexible or amorphous sidewalls, and the like. In addition, the refill and diluent containers 924, 926 may be transparent to provide a visual indication of the fluid level in the containers 924, 926. With the replenishment container 924 and the diluent container 926 mounted on the fluid delivery system 900, the sprayer neck 916 is considered to operate as a lever or a squeezing portion for a user to squeeze and actuate the fluid delivery system 900.
[0146] In a particular aspect, the dispensing system described above is adapted to simultaneously dispense the product contained within at least two separate reservoirs for outlet through the same spray head assembly. Such multi-container dispensers have structural and operational requirements that are different from multi-container containers, which only need to dispense a product contained within a single container. For example, structural considerations such as placement, balancing, and securing the multiple reservoirs to the multiple reservoir dispenser are introduced, such as allowing each reservoir to be attached and/or detached independently. In addition, the multiple reservoir dispenser needs to be adapted to support the additional weight and dynamics of the additional reservoir(s). Furthermore, multiple reservoir dispensers are typically classified with about the same geometry as single reservoir dispensers to allow for manual user operation, yet may have more components and moving parts to dispense the multiple products. Thus, multiple reservoir dispensers have more imbalances, weight considerations and complexities within their systems. As such, multiple reservoir dispensers behave and respond differently during operation than single reservoir dispensers.
[0147] In addition, some multi-reservoir dispensers, such as the 900 fluid delivery system described here, are adapted to dispense the constituent components of a reservoir at a faster rate than the constituent components of the remaining reservoir for reasons mixtures that comprise the product being dispensed. As such, a reservoir is emptied before the remaining reservoir during normal operation. For example, one reservoir may be half full while the remaining reservoir is substantially fuller than the other reservoir. The different dispensing rates between the two reservoirs create dynamic imbalances throughout the normal operating period, which are not as prevalent in single reservoir dispensers or multiple reservoir dispensers having the same dispense rate for multiple reservoirs. In a particular aspect, the dynamic imbalances that occur are not linear as they can be in a single reservoir dispenser, because there are two reservoirs having different weight distributions and different weight changes throughout the operation. While a single-reservoir dispenser is optimized for a particular operating envelope exhibiting dynamics that are generally linear over time, a multiple-reservoir container must be optimized for a variety of non-linear, dynamic behaviors such as shifting system equilibrium due to differences in weight between the reservoirs, which effect the system's center of gravity forces and torque exhibited by the system. As such, for multiple reservoir dispensers, it is necessary to create an ideal design for a complex operating envelope while still balancing ergonomics and user-friendliness considerations.
[0148] The above matters are addressed here in various ways as described below and as shown in Figures 25 - 35. To obtain a balanced multi-reservoir dispenser that provides optimal performance over a dispensing period having dynamic imbalances during normal use, the dispenser here is designed for an operational profile that is most prevalent during the lifetime of the dispenser. In one embodiment, the operational profile is a state when the diluent reservoir 926 is partially full and the replenishment reservoir 294 is full. In an alternative embodiment, the operational profile is a state when the diluent reservoir 926 is about 70 percent to about 80 percent full and the replenishment reservoir 294 is substantially full or more full than the diluent reservoir. 296. In another alternative embodiment, the operating profile is a state when the diluent reservoir 926 is about 40 percent to about 60 percent full and the replenishment reservoir 924 is substantially full or more full than the diluent reservoir 926. In the present embodiment, the operating profile of fluid delivery system 900 is considered with the diluent reservoir about 50 percent full and the replenishment reservoir 924 being complete or substantially full.
[0149] It is considered that a balanced system for any of the above operating profiles can be achieved by optimizing the placement of the sprayer neck 916 in the fluid application system 900. Referring to Figures 25 to 27, it is assumed that the Sprayer neck 916 is characterized by a squeezable portion of fluid delivery system 900 that is adapted to be gripped by the user when actuation of system 900 is desired. In the present embodiment, the squeezable portion is provided between the spray head 902 and the refill and diluent containers 924, 926. It may be considered in other systems, however, that the squeezable portion is above or includes the spray head 902 , or the squeezable portion is below or above the replenishment and diluent containers 924, 926, or in any other possible orientation. In general, the neck of sprayer 916 is characterized by a surface adapted to receive grip from the user during implantation and operation of the device. It is noted that the sprayer neck 916 may extend beyond the grip surface such as the reservoir. In one embodiment, the grip surface comprises finger grips, ribs, rubber marks, bevels or other markings to indicate its purpose and/or to facilitate gripping.
[0150] Referring to Figures 25 to 27, a lower end or lower limit of the sprayer 916 neck or grip portion may be better understood. In one embodiment, sprayer neck 916 is defined as neck body 918 disposed above or received over refill and diluent containers 924, 926, which have an upper portion of both containers extending into a line. C in Figure 25. In particular, the lower end 922 of the sprayer neck 916 is received over the replenishment and diluent containers 924, 926 and the neck body 918 continuously extends above this. In a different embodiment, the lower end 922 extends below line C, thereby receiving a portion of the refill and diluent containers 942, 926 therein. In other aspects, the sprayer neck 916 may be defined by the lower end 922 of the sprayer neck 916 having a neck shield region 1000, which may be further emphasized by a concave surface or tipping point IP separating the container housing 928 of the lower end 922 of the nozzle neck 916. The inflection point IP may occur above the line C as shown in Figure 25 or below it, and such a demarcation of the lower boundary of the neck 916 is shown as a line D in the present form. of achievement. In another aspect, the lower end 922 of the sprayer neck 916 is an end of the neck 916 that is proximal to the retaining structures within the container housing 928 to retain the refill and diluent containers 924, 926. that the neck of sprayer 916 comprises a lower end 922 defined by a narrower cross-sectional portion of the container housing 928 which retains the refill and diluent containers 924, 926. As shown in Figure 25, the cross section is considered to be more The neck of the container housing 928 also defines an upper region of the housing 928 where the lower end 922 of the nozzle neck 916 begins. However, notwithstanding the manner in which the lower limit of the neck is defined given a particular neck and dispensing system, it is understood that all neck portions must be squeezable and/or adapted to be tightened thereby during normal use of the sprayer. , that is, triggering and moving the sprayer. In the present embodiment, the lower edge of neck 916 is indicated by line D.
[0151] Still referring to Figure 25, the sprayer neck 916 is generally offset-centered or to the rear 914 of fluid delivery system 900. It is considered that this positioning can contribute to an optimized system that is balanced for the most common conditions of use, and particularly for the condition where the diluent container 926 is fifty percent full while the refill container 924 is full. In one aspect, the neck of sprayer 916 is disposed substantially above replenishment container 924, which is dispensed less rapidly and therefore exhibits less change (or a lower loss) in weight and mass over a dispensing period. In a particular embodiment, a distance X is measured between the peripheral portions of the replenishment and diluent containers 924, 926 as shown in Figure 25. More particularly, the replenishment and diluent containers 924, 926 may be juxtaposed or adjacent to each other. and include portions that are distal to other portions of the corresponding containers. In the particular embodiment, two parallel lines P1, P2 tangent to the outermost distal portions of the replenishment and diluent containers 924, 926 represent a linear distance X, which extends between them, transversely or perpendicular to the parallel lines P1, P2. Such a distance X can also be the distance between distal portions of a single container with multiple reservoirs. In some embodiments, the lower end 922 of the nozzle neck 916 is considered to have a cross section having a width taken from the front 912 to the back 914 that is between about 0.30*X to about 0.60 *X; more preferably between about 0.40*X to about 0.50*X; and most preferably between about 0.42*X to about 0.48*X. In some embodiments, the inflection point IP is considered to be positioned beyond a point X/2 of the linear distance X.
[0152] Turning to Figures 29A to C, it is further understood that the containers or reservoirs may have different volume and/or geometric shapes, but it is also understood that a linear distance between distal portions of such containers or reservoirs can be calculated based on a straight line defined between the outer portions that are farthest apart. For example, Figure 29A illustrates a fluid dispensing system 900b comprising two angled containers 924b, 926b received within a neck 916b that extends to a spray head 902b. In this configuration, a horizontal distance XB is defined between two parallel lines P3, P4 that are tangent to the outermost peripheries of containers 924b, 926b. Furthermore, it is observed that the neck 916b is centrally disposed and comprises a height YB which receives therein a portion of the containers 926b, 924b.
[0153] Figures 29B and 29C show other geometric shapes for containers that define a horizontal distance based on the outer peripheries of their geometries. In particular, Figure 29B shows two round containers 924c, 926c defining a horizontal distance Xc between two parallel lines P5, P6 connecting the outermost peripheries of containers 924c, 926c. Similarly, Figure 29C illustrates two non-complementary shaped containers 924d, 926d that define a horizontal distance XD between two parallel lines P7, P8, connecting the outermost peripheries of these. The horizontal lines defined here are considered to be transverse and perpendicular to their respective parallel lines P1-P8.
[0154] Referring again to Figure 25, the sprayer neck 916 is elongated in shape, angled forward at the lower end 922 to the front portion 912 of the fluid delivery system 900, and substantially arranged-centered, to a portion rear 914 of system 900 above refill container 924. The present embodiment is considered to provide several advantages over other dispensing systems known in the art. For example, it is easier for a user to operate fluid delivery system 900 than previous dispensers due to the significantly improved ergonomic features that are uniquely achieved by the present configuration. In operation, the user experience during a dispensing period of fluid delivery system 900 is enhanced by the present configuration, which directly mitigates the longstanding problem of torque-related dynamics communicated over the user's joints during a dispensing period. In particular, such problems that have been encountered and considerably alleviated here include wrist discomfort and other human joint-related stresses that plague the operation of other dispensing systems known in the art. More particularly, a focus of improving the user experience here involves optimizing the grip portion or member of the fluid delivery system 900, such as a sprayer neck position 916, in a common use situation whereby a container The front, eg diluent container 926, is emptied at a faster rate than a rear container, eg refill container 924. In fact, such a system can also benefit other sprayers that use a single container with two or more reservoirs or sprayers with two or more separate containers, where one of the containers and/or reservoirs is emptied at a faster rate during normal use.
[0155] Referring to Figure 30, the results of an analysis of optimizing the neck position of sprayer 916 to enhance the ergonomic characteristics of fluid dispensing system 900 are shown. Optimization analysis was used to minimize forces and torques on the user's joints, with a primary focus being on minimizing the torque force on the user's wrist. In the theoretical study, three different positions of the sprayer 916's neck were analyzed and their torque profiles plotted. A half-filled diluent container 926 and a full refill container 924 were considered to simulate a typical use situation, in which the diluent contained in the diluent container 926 is depleted at a faster rate than the refill contained in the refill container 924.
[0156] Figure 30 shows a lot of torque on the user's wrist through various angles of the user's arm pivot while using various positions of the sprayer 916 neck. Particularly, a 940 x axis of the arm pivot angles a horizontal plane in degrees and a 942 y-axis of torque about the user's wrist in kg/m are provided. A vertical line h represents a horizontal arm position, where the arm is stretched horizontally outward in line with a horizontal plane, such as a flat floor, and so is zero degrees above or below the horizontal. The vertical line h forms intersection points 944a, 944b, 944c with a torque curve 946a measured at a forward position, a torque curve 946b measured at an off-center position, and a torque curve 946c measured at a rear position. It was understood that as the user rotated their arm up or down, that is, above or below the horizontal, a torque on the user's wrist was created.
[0157] Referring to Figures 30 and 31A-C, in an analysis the sprayer neck 916 is located in a forward position in a fluid delivery system 900 as shown in Figure 31A, whereby the sprayer neck 916 is disposed to a greater degree above diluent container 926. This representation is also illustrative of a sprayer neck 916 provided above a reservoir of a single container of multiple reservoirs that evacuates one product to a greater degree than the other. (s) reservoir(s). The forward position produces the torque curve 946a which intersects with the horizontal arm curve h at the intersection point 944a. The intersection point 944a indicates that at a horizontal position of the zero angle arm where the user grips the neck of the front positioned sprayer 916, a torque of approximately 0.020 kg/m over the user's wrist in the horizontal position is created. Torque increases as the user's arm is raised from horizontal to about 55 degrees above horizontal where torque rises to about 0.035 kg/m. The torque on the wrist then drops as the arm is continued to be raised 55 degrees and 90 degrees above horizontal, where the torque drops to about 0.029 kg/m. Similarly, as the user lowers his arm from horizontal, where torque starts at 0.020 kg/m, the torque drops to zero when his arm is about 35 degrees below horizontal. Torque then gradually increases in an opposite direction as the arm moves from 35 degrees below to 90 degrees below horizontal, where torque increases to 0.029 kg/m.
[0158] A second analysis was performed with the sprayer neck 916 located in an off-center position in the fluid application system 900 as shown in Figure 31B, whereby the sprayer neck 916 is disposed to a lesser degree over diluent container 926 and to a greater extent over replenishment container 924 or induced to the rear 914 of fluid delivery system 900. Such representations are also illustrative of a sprayer neck 916 provided off-center above a reservoir of a single container of multiple reservoirs that evacuates a product to a greater degree than the other reservoir(s). The off-center position produces the torque curve 946b that intersects with the curve of the horizontal arm h at the intersection point 944b, which indicates that counterbalancing the sprayer neck 916 from the center of the fluid application system 900, there is zero torque on the user's wrist in a horizontal position. Torque increases as the user's arm lifts from horizontal to 90 degrees above horizontal, where up to about 0.033 kg/m. As the user's arm lowers from horizontal to 90 degrees below horizontal, torque increases to about 0.033 kg/m in the opposite direction. It is noted that a maximum user sensed torque in the off-centre position, 0.033 kg/m, is theoretically less than the maximum user sensed torque in the forward position at 0.035 kg/m as described above.
[0159] In a third analysis, the sprayer neck 916 has been disposed in a rear position of the fluid delivery system 900 as shown in Figure 31C, whereby the sprayer neck 916 is predominantly disposed over the refill container 924 This representation is also illustrative of a sprayer neck 916 provided above a rear portion of a reservoir of a multi-reservoir dispenser that evacuates a product from one reservoir more quickly than the other reservoir(s) . The rear position produces the torque curve 946c which intersects with the horizontal arm curve h at the intersection point 944c, which indicates that a torque of approximately 0.012 kg/m is created on the user's wrist in the horizontal position. Moving up at turn 946, torque decreases to zero when the arm is raised about 20 degrees from horizontal. As the user's arm continues to be raised from 20 degrees to 90 degrees above horizontal, torque gradually increases to about 0.033 kg/m. On the other hand, as the user's arm lowers from horizontal to about 70 degrees below horizontal, torque increases to a maximum of about 0.035 kg/m. As the user's arm continues to drop from 70 degrees to 90 degrees below horizontal, torque decreases from about 0.035 kg/m to about 0.033 kg/m. It is observed that a maximum user sensed torque in the rear position, 0.035 kg/m, is theoretically greater than the maximum user sensed torque in the off-center position by 0.033 kg/m.
[0160] As such, the three positions that were analyzed indicate that the nozzle location of sprayer 916 is optimized in the off-center position for the use situation where the diluent container 926 is half full and the refill container 924 is complete. The off-center position obtains zero torque on the user's wrist horizontally, the zero degree position and provides the lowest torque through the hinge angles from the horizontal for all three positions. In another aspect, it is understood that since fluid delivery system 900 is used and contents are emptied from replenishment container 924 and diluent container 926, a center of gravity Cg changes and thus requires the position of the neck of the 916 sprayer change to get a more balanced 900 system with the user's arm in a horizontal position. For example, in situations of use where the diluent container 926 is more complete than the refill container 924, the sprayer neck 916 should be positioned induced to the front 912 of the fluid delivery system 900. On the other hand, in use positions where the diluent container 926 is less full than the refill container 924, the sprayer neck 916 should be positioned induced to the rear 914. Given the present situation where the diluent container 926 empties faster than Since replenishment container 924 and is therefore typically less complete than replenishment container 924 over a period of use, optimal positioning of sprayer neck 916 is induced towards the rear 914 of fluid delivery system 900.
[0161] Referring now to Figure 32, an experiment to validate the theoretical analysis of sprayer neck positioning 916 was performed. In particular, a spray tester 950 having components representative of the various elements described in fluid delivery system 900 has been provided. Sprayer testing apparatus 950 comprised a test head 952 including a test nozzle 954 and a test trigger 956 disposed to a front side 958 of the test head 952, which opposes a rear side 960 thereof. A front side of the test apparatus 962 and a rear side of the test apparatus 964 correspond to the front and rear sides of the test head of sprayer 958, 960, respectively. In addition, the sprayer test head 952 has been attached to an upper lever end 966 of a sprayer test neck, or lever 968, which has a lever body 970 extending to a lower lever end 972 of the lever. 968. Lower lever end 972 was generally positioned above a refill compartment 974 and a diluent compartment 976 with a horizontal test apparatus diameter plate 978 disposed between them. In one particular aspect, spray tester 950 had a height H of about 30.1 cm and lever 968 had a circumference CH of about 13.5 cm and was angled around 100 degrees from a horizontal plane parallel to the diameter plate of the tester 978.
[0162] In the ergonomic experiment, the 950 spray tester was adjustable to simulate various user scenarios while considering quick adjustments in spray neck placement, angle, and shape as handled by the 968 movable lever. Representative hands within the 95th percentile of US male hands and the 5th percentile of US female hands were tested using the 950 spray tester in a simulated cleaning environment.
[0163] Initially, the spray tester 950 was adjusted to represent a fluid application system 900 having a complete refill container 924 and a complete diluent container 926. Containers 924, 926 are represented by the refill compartment. replenishment 974 and by the thinner compartment 976, which all initially maintained eight washers 980a,b on pillars 982a,b, respectively. Each 980a,b washer weighed approximately 1.29 oz for a total weight of about 10.3 oz per eight 980a,b washers. The neck of sprayer 916, represented as lever 968, was initially adjusted to a forward position to the front side of tester 962. Each user participating in the experiment experienced a range of motion that simulated cleaning activities on multiple vertical and horizontal surfaces. at a variety of heights and user experiences have been documented.
[0164] Next, the 950 spray tester was modified by removing a single washer 980b from the 974 diluent compartment. Each user simulated cleaning activity and user experiences were documented. This overall procedure was repeated, continuously removing a washer 980b from diluent compartment 974 at one time until diluent compartment 974 was emptied. Subsequently, lever 968 was moved closer to the rear side of tester 964 in 1.0 cm increments while repeating the global test procedure and documenting the user experiences.
[0165] The results of the above experiment were found to be representative of the results of the analysis described above. In particular, since the diluent compartment 976 suppressed faster, it was found that the lever 968 needed to be adjusted to the rear side of the tester 964 in order to accommodate the changeable center of gravity Cg of the spray tester 950. Furthermore, it was found that on average, the 968 lever provided the greatest ergonomic user satisfaction at approximately 5/8 of a distance X from the front side of the 962 tester to the rear side of the 964 tester. , the rear and front sides of the tester 962, 964 correspond to outermost peripheries of the replenishment and diluent compartments 974, 976, which further represent the outermost peripheries of the replenishment and diluent containers 924, 926. As such, a distance maximum from one distal side of refill container 924 to another distal side of diluent container 926 defines distance X.
[0166] Still referring to Figure 32, the next step of the ergonomic experiment involved testing a range of sprayer neck shapes or lever 968 for comfort within the range of 95th percentile US male and 5th percentile US female hands. The test looked at basic lever shapes including circular, elliptical, square, and squares with rounded corners, and further tested varying C circumferences of the levers ranging from about 11 cm to 13.5 cm. Therefore, several contours of the 968 lever were tested to find a balance that was acceptable for male 95th percentile US and female 5th percentile US hands. A geometric profile was created due to male respondents' indication that a round lever produced high performance and an elliptical lever produced moderate performance, and due to female respondents' indication that the elliptical lever produced high performance and the round lever produced moderate performance. Both male and female respondents agreed on a trigger height and a 968 lever tilt type, which preferably has a 984 wide tilt to better support the user's hand without obstructing the user's support. In particular, the optimized height of the TH trigger was approximately 6.5 cm and the optimized circumference of the CH lever was approximately 11.0 cm, with tilt 984 adjacent to an upper portion of the user's hand. As such, a trigger height TH is between about 6.0 cm to about 7.0 cm, and alternatively between about 6.2 cm to about 6.8 cm, and still alternatively between about 6.4 cm to about 6.6 cm. A CH lever circumference is between about 10.0 cm to about 12.0 cm. Alternatively, the circumference of the CH lever is between about 10.4 cm to about 11.6 cm. Still alternatively, the circumference of the CH lever is from about 10.8 cm to about 11.2 cm.
[0167] In another ergonomic test, practical weight distribution and lever positioning were analyzed at a higher degree of granularity. It has been assumed that the sprayer 952 test head should be horizontal to an x-axis defined by the diameter plate of the test rig 978 and the spray tester 950 should balance when resting an underside of the sprayer 952 test head on the user's palm. In addition, lever 968 has been set at an angle of 100 degrees from a horizontal plane defined by distance X, it being understood that an angle of 100 degrees is the ideal angle for spraying a vertical surface and maintaining neutral wrist pressure. It was also understood that since replenishment container 924 and diluent container 926 will rarely be full at the same time, the full situation would not only drive the location of lever 968 along distance x. In addition, it was considered that the ideal location for lever 968 would be between the center of gravity Cg1 of the diluent compartment 974 and the center of gravity Cg2 of the replenishment compartment 976, as the replenishment fluid would be emptied more slowly than the fluid of thinner. Furthermore, it was considered that when the thinner level becomes low, it would be quickly replenished to continue operation.
[0168] In further testing, the user took the spray tester 950 having a lever angle 968 fixed A at 100 degrees, 10 scrubbers 980a, b in each of the refill and diluent compartments 976, 976, respectively, and a lever location 968 variable along distance x. First, the center of gravity Cg and balance of the spray tester 950 were evaluated when the apparatus 950 was raised to directly simulate spraying a vertical surface. Second, the user simulated spraying movements by slowly rotating his arm from a 45-degree angle below a horizontal to a 45-degree angle above a horizontal while considering balance and comfort throughout. Third, a 980b diluent washer was removed and the first and second steps were repeated. Then the location of lever 968 was changed by inches of increment and the above three steps were repeated. In addition, the distance X represented a spray tester width of 15.5 cm, and the center of gravity Cg of the spray tester 950 was approximately a linear distance C of 2.5 cm from a base 986 of the apparatus 950.
[0169] It has been considered that since refill container 974 is emptied less quickly than diluent container 976, lever 968 of spray tester 950 should be located off-center and more to the center of gravity Cg2 of the refill container 924 represented by replenishment compartment 974. Furthermore, it has been rationalized that since diluent container 926 rarely remains empty, even if refill container 924 slowly empties, the ideal location of lever 968 is located between the center of gravity Cg of spray tester 950 and center of gravity Cg2 of refueling compartment 976.
[0170] Given the above ergonomic experiments and analysis, it has been found that an ideal height of the sprayer tester H is in the range of about 75 mm to about 85 mm. In addition, since refill container 924 is emptied less quickly than diluent container 926, lever 968 must be located off-center and induced to the rear of the sprayer at a location approximately 5/8 the length of the refill and thinner reservoirs as measured by the distance X from a front of the spray tester 950. As such, an optimized lever location HL is about 5/8*X, or about 9.7 cm for a horizontal distance x = 15.5 cm measured from the front side of the tester 962 for a system where the diluent compartment 976 empties faster than the refill compartment 974.
[0171] Further, ergonomic experiments revealed that the lever circumference, spray tester to trigger circumference, and anti-tilt hand gear were highly valuable. In an optimized configuration, the CH lever circumference is about 11 cm to accommodate 5th percentile US female hands and the 972 lower lever end is larger and smoothly tapered inward to guide the user's hand on the 984 tilt. , it has been revealed that the CBT circumference around the back of the 968 lever to the front of the 956 test trigger needs to be about 15 cm to about 18 cm in order to accommodate the 5th percentile US female hand. In addition, the 984 tilt also distributes force over the top of the index finger, palm, and thumb, without creating pressure points for populations with hand sizes ranging from 5th percentile US female hand sizes to US male hand sizes. 95th percentile.
[0172] As shown in Figures 33A through C, a plot showing the dynamic center of gravity behavior for fluid delivery system 900 is shown with arbitrary units on the x-y axis. Arbitrary units may change with actual 900 fluid delivery system dimensions and diluent to concentrate mixing ratios, however, the underlying x-y axis relationships remain unchanged. In particular, Figures 33A through C show that as diluent container 926 is used at a faster rate than refill container 924, the center of gravity Cg of fluid delivery system 900 generally moves to the rear of Cg to a final center of gravity Cgf ' along a trajectory T. It is noted that the trajectory T can be used to extrapolate additional centers of gravity to intervene fill levels of the 926 diluent reservoir.
[0173] In Figure 33A, when fluid levels from containers 924, 926 are full and approximately equal, otherwise known as a completely filled state or pre-use state, the center of gravity Cg is centered over the distance X, which is taken from an outer periphery of diluent 992 to an outer periphery of refill 994. In particular, the center of gravity Cg is initially located at position Xg, whereby Xg = X/2. This position, Xg, may also correspond to an ideal location of sprayer neck 916 along distance X during the full state.
[0174] Figure 33B shows that when the fluid level of the diluent container 926 is about partially full and the refill container 924 is full, otherwise known as a half full state or an in-use state, the center of gravity Cg has migrated back to a minimum on trajectory T to point Cg' at point Xg' along distance X. It is observed that the center of gravity Cg' is lower along a vertical y-axis of the application system of fluid 900. The half-full state is considered to be a common usage situation for the 900 fluid delivery system when in place.
[0175] Figure 33C illustrates an empty-full state or empty state where the fluid level of the diluent container 926 is substantially emptied while the refill container 924 is still full. In this scenario, the center of gravity Cg' rises along path T from Cg' to Cgf at a distance Xgf from the outer periphery of diluent 992. The final center of gravity Cgf can be close to or equal to the center of gravity of the replenishment vessel complete 924.
[0176] It is noted that the above dynamic changes in centers of gravity along path T are directly related to the faster suppression rate of diluent container 926 compared to replenishment container 924. For example, and merely by way of example, the faster suppression ratio of the diluent container 926 is reflected in the various diluent to refill mixing ratios that are provided during normal operation, including diluent to refill mixing ratios of between about 1.5:1 to about 100 :1. Preferably, the mix ratio of diluent to refill is between about 10:1 to about 75:1, and more preferably between about 20:1 to about 50:1, and most preferably between about 24:1 to about 32:1. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the fluid level of diluent container 926 may drop to approximately 50 percent of the fluid level of replenishment container 924. As such, a dynamic imbalance exists and the position of the sprayer neck 916 it becomes more or less favorable for a user with the fluid delivery system 900's Cg center of gravity changeable during use. Imbalances can create a range of continuously changing favorable positions for the sprayer neck 916 in such a dynamic situation.
[0177] In particular, initially the ideal position of the sprayer neck 916 coincides with Xg to provide a balanced system when both the refill container 924 and the diluent container 926 are full. After one or more uses, whereby the diluent container 926 is emptied faster than the refill container 924, the system's center of gravity migrates to a new center of gravity Cg’ positioned at Xg’. It can be appreciated that the preferred location for the neck of sprayer 916 migrates from a first dispense to a second dispense by an absolute distance of approximately Xg'-Xg starting at half the distance X due to shifting centers of gravity from Cg to Cg' . In particular, the first dispensing occurs during a state of replenishment and diluent containers 924, 926 full while the second dispensing corresponds to a diluent container 926 filled by the goal of and a generally full replenishment container 924. of the term second dispensing does not necessarily limit it to the immediately subsequent spraying operation, but may be inclusive of one or more sprays to reach a half full or otherwise unfilled state. The dispensing period between the first dispensing and the second dispensing corresponds to a typical, more common state of use of the system, and thus the position of the sprayer 916's neck can be optimized for these uses between and inclusive of the first dispensing and the second dispensing (and any one of the plurality of dispensations that occur between them). Therefore, the nozzle location of sprayer 916 can be optimized for this particular common usage period at a distance of X that is between (X/2) and Xg’. In one aspect, the lower end 922 of the sprayer neck 916 is considered to be located beyond at least 50 percent of the distance X taken from the front 912 of the fluid delivery system 900. Similarly, in a different situation, where one period of common use lasts from the completely full state to the empty-full state, so an ideal distance for the sprayer's neck 916 is between (X/2) and Xgf. Furthermore, it is observed that the same types of perceptions can be obtained in systems where one reservoir is slightly larger than the other, such that at the end of a period of normal use, the fluid level remaining in the larger level is even smaller than the than in the remaining reservoir. For example, it is considered that the 926 diluent container may be 12 oz. while the 924 concentrate container can be 10 oz.
[0178] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the diluent container 926 is considered to include a weight represented by the value X1 in a pre-use, integral state and a replenishment container 924 includes a weight of the represented constituent components by a Y value in a pre-use, integral state. During a state of use the percentage change by weight of the constituent components of the thinner and refill containers 926, 924 can be expressed by the equation %ΔX1 > %ΔY. Furthermore, it is considered that the weight of the constituent components of the diluent and replenishment containers 926, 924 during a state of use can be expressed by the equation X1 < Y. In a different embodiment, the diluent container 926 is considered to have a weight and volume represented by the values X1 and V, respectively, in a pre-use state, integral, and the replenishment container 924 includes a weight and volume represented by the values Y and W, respectively, in a pre-use state, integral. It is considered that after the emission of the product during a state of use, the constituents can be characterized by X1 < Y and/or V < W. In addition, after the emission of the product during a state of use, the constituent components of the thinner and refill 926, 924 can be characterized by %ΔX1> %ΔY and/or %ΔV > %ΔW. In a different embodiment, it is considered that in a single use, the emitted product comprises a volume V1 of the constituent components of the diluent container 926 and a volume W1 of the constituent components of the replenishment container 924, where V1 > W1 . In some embodiments, V1 is at least 10 times larger than W1. In other embodiments, V1 is at least 30 times larger than W1.
[0179] The fluid delivery systems described herein are also advantageous over common dispensers known in the art due to the single product flow control mechanism provided with refill container 924. Specifically, a single fluid delivery system can dispense a plurality of different diluent to chemical mixing ratios with significant ease. In particular, the present fluid delivery system 900 uses the unpressurized replenishment vessel 924 to regulate the controlled flow of product or chemicals contained therein to be drawn upwards at spray head 902.
[0180] Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view of replenishment container 924, which is similar to Figure 17 previously described. Chemical container 924 is generally cylindrical in shape, although other shapes may be considered as described above. Chemical container 924 defines a base 1010, which may be flat to engage a resting surface, such as a table top. However, the present embodiment includes a convex center 1012 that projects as a lightly domed structure into an interior cavity 1014 of container 924. Base 1010 extends upwardly over its periphery to define a curved bottom margin 1016 or a convex edge that protrudes convexly away from the interior cavity 1014. The curved bottom edge 106 couples or is integrally formed with a sidewall 1018 at a lower sidewall end 1020.
[0181] The sidewall 1018 continuously extends to an upper sidewall end 1022 distal to the base 1010. In the present embodiment, the sidewall 1014 continuously tapers inwardly and gradually from the lower sidewall end 1020 to the upper sidewall end 1022. Therefore, a cross section of sidewall 1018 and inner cavity 1014 have a continuously varying shape and volume, respectively.
[0182] A concave sidewall 1024 is disposed immediately above the end of the upper sidewall 1022 and is characterized by an inwardly sloping or concave portion. In the present embodiment, sidewall 1018 has a generally regular radius of curvature from about 0.5 cm to about 2.0 cm. Furthermore, a cross-sectional diameter taken over the particular portion of the concave sidewall region 1024 is approximately 3/5 or less of the cross-sectional diameter taken over the particular portion of the sidewall region 1014. concave 1024 does not define a continuously varying cross-sectional area, as it can project in a straight line at the ends of the cross-sectional area. In addition, concave sidewall 1024 is considered to have a vertical extension that is shorter than the upward extension of sidewall 1018.
[0183] Still referring to Figure 34, the upper concave end 1028 is further connected to a stepped portion 1030 comprising a vertical wall 1032 extending upwardly to a transverse horizontal wall 1034 extending radially inwardly around from a center of refill container 924. A cylindrical wall 1036 extends upwardly from an innermost end of horizontal wall 1034 and defines an opening 1038 that is circumscribed by a peripheral flange 1040 having an angled protruding wall 1042 outwardly of the opening. 1038. As previously described, the peripheral flange 1040 is adapted to couple attachment means provided in the fluid delivery system 900. It is contemplated that the cylindrical wall 1036, the peripheral flange 1040, the step 1030, and at least a portion of the wall concave side 1024, such as upper concave end 1028, defines a chemical container mounting cup 1044 924.
[0184] Referring now to Figures 34 and 35, in operation, the mounting cup 1044 mounts the chemical container 924 to the remainder of the fluid delivery system 900 in various methods as described above, and further assembles the components of dispensing fluid to the chemical container 924. For example, the cylindrical wall 1036 is limited at its lower end by a horizontal, circular plate 1046 having a central hole 1048 that comfortably receives therethrough an upper end 1050 of a rod valve 1052. The central bore 1048 defines a top of a downwardly extending central reservoir 1054 which retains a valve body 1056 therein. In particular, central reservoir 1054 defines a lower ridge 1058 that engages beneath a corresponding upper ridge 1060 of valve body 1056. Valve body 1056 provides a closed cavity 1062 adapted to receive valve stem 1052 and a spring 1066 therein. to induce the 1052 valve stem upward into a closed position. In particular, in the closed position a plurality of stem holes 1068 disposed on a lower end of a wall 1070 defining a cylindrical channel 1072 of valve stem 1052 is coupled with stem seal 1064, which prohibits the product from entering the channel. 1072. When refill container 924 is activated and valve stem 1052 is pressed downstream into closed cavity 1062, stem holes 1068 are exposed, opened, and product is allowed to enter cylindrical channel 1072 of the valve stem 1052.
[0185] Still referring to Figure 34, a valve retainer, otherwise known as a valve retainer 1074, is disposed adjacent to and radially recessed from the valve stem 1052. The valve retainer 1074 defines a off-center hole 1076 over horizontal plate 1046, also known as a top plate. Off-center hole 1076 provides downwardly extending valve holding reservoir 1074 having an inwardly projecting tab 1080 for engaging a vent valve 1082, and particularly for engaging a lower side of a valve crest 1084, which is a peripheral ring on the vent valve 1082. As previously described above, the vent valve 1082 may comprise a one-way valve, such as a duckbill valve, or a two-way valve, such as a valve type. Integrated umbrella and duckbill type. In a different aspect, the vent valve 1082 and its retaining structures on the horizontal plate 1046 are replaced by a porous membrane portion.
[0186] In a particular embodiment, the valve body 1056 defines a central passage 1086 that is coaxially aligned with the cylindrical channel 1072 of the valve stem 1052. The central passage 1086 is defined by a valve body elongation channel 1088 that has a valve body inlet port 1090 at a lower end of the center passage 1094 and a valve body exit port at an upper end of the center passage 1096. In addition, the upper end of the center passage 1096 defines a converging flow path 1098, such as tapered sidewalls as previously described above, to converge flow to valve body outlet port 1092. A cross-sectional area of valve body outlet port 1092 is considered to be smaller than a cross-sectional area of the valve body inlet port 1090. In addition, a product inlet conduit 1100 is considered to be fitted with pressure s over central passage 1086 of valve body 1056 to communicate a volume of product from a lower orifice of conduit 1100, referred to as a product inlet 1102 upward to an upper orifice of conduit 1100, referred to as a product egress 1104, and still on the valve stem 1052.
[0187] Referring to Figures 34 to 36, in some embodiments the product inlet conduit 1100 is considered to comprise a product dip tube 1106 in fluid communication with a restriction region R that is downstream of the tube 1106 and in some embodiments also inclusive of tube 1106. A flow restrictor 1108 is provided in the restriction region R to communicate flow restrictions in a product stream, or product stream, therethrough. Such flow restrictions can cause changes in the flow rate and pressure of the product stream flowing through it. It is considered that the flow restrictions applied in the R restriction region aid in obtaining particular diluent to chemical mixing ratios when expelled from the fluid delivery system 900. Furthermore, it is observed that the R restriction region is provided for illustrate a general section of the present fluid delivery system 900 where a flow restriction occurs, and that other flow restrictions may also occur in areas within or outside the restriction region R.
[0188] As shown in Figure 35, restriction region R is located on an underside of mounting cup 1044. Particularly, restriction region R is located in a flow area that is upstream of valve stem 1052. More particularly, restriction region R is located near valve body 1056 and in some embodiments region R is inclusive of elongation channel of valve body 1088. Flow restrictor 1108 is considered to be provided in restriction region R is a physical feature that is adapted to communicate a flow characteristic over the product stream to basically control an amount of product entering the previously described mixing chamber 343 of the previously described fluid manifold 340. As such, restriction region R is applied upstream of fluid manifold 340 and also valve stem 1052, which is in the flow path from valve body 1056 to fluid manifold 340. the flow characteristics of the product stream, it is possible to obtain a desired mixing ratio of diluent to chemical, which is expelled from the nozzle 904. In addition, by implementing the function of controlling the product stream in the container 924 replenishment, the 900 fluid delivery system is versatile in achieving a variety of different diluent-to-chemical mix ratios simply by coupling different 924 replenishment vessels that produce the desired mix ratio. As such, the replenishment vessel 924 described herein provides a flow control mechanism that is independent of other mechanisms provided downstream of the replenishment vessel 924. multiple reservoirs that instead provide flow control mechanisms downstream of the replenishment reservoirs within the dispensers, whereby your mix ratio is a single mix ratio that is predetermined by the dispenser itself. On the other hand, fluid delivery system 900 can expel different chemical and different diluent-to-chemical mixing ratios simply by changing replenishment vessels 924 to other replenishment vessels having other flow restrictions and/or chemicals .
[0189] Turning to Figure 36, a schematic diagram illustrates a portion of a flow path surrounding the restriction region R. In particular, the restriction region R includes the flow restrictor 1108 which is downstream of a portal entry port 1110 and is upstream of an exit port 1112. Entry port 1110 and exit port 1112 define positions in the flow path where an initial chemical stream Ci enters the restriction region R and a product stream restricted chemical Cr leaves the R region, respectively. As such, inlet and outlet ports 1110, 1112 may change and are dependent on the configuration of flow restrictor 1108. The initial chemical stream Ci is guided at inlet port 1110 by chemical dip tube 1106. of restricted chemical Cr leaving the restriction region R is subsequently guided in the valve stem 1052. In particular, the initial chemical stream Ci is considered to be restricted by a portion of the valve body 1056 and/or a capillary tube 1114 , which supplied together or as alternatives are considered flow restrictor 1108 of the present embodiment. In addition, it is noted that the upstream components of valve stem 1052 are collectively referred to as chemical inlet conduit 1100.
[0190] Turning now to Figure 37, the present embodiment of the flow restrictor 1108 comprises a portion of the valve body 1056 as shown in more detail within the restriction region R. In particular, the flow restrictor 1108 comprises a non-converging channel, hereinafter referred to as the central passageway 1086; a converging channel, hereinafter referred to as the converging flow path 1098; and a secondary non-converging channel 1118 having an upstream end defined by the valve body outlet port 1092. In the present embodiment, the inlet port 1110 for the flow restrictor 1108 coincides with the body inlet port. valve 1090 and export port 1112 matches valve body outlet port 1092. In addition, chemical dip tube 1106 is press-fit on an outer surface 1120 of valve body elongation channel 1088 The outer surface 1120 provides an angled outer surface 1122 that tapers inwardly to define the valve body inlet port 1090. The angled outer surface 1122 is considered to facilitate mounting of the chemical dip tube 1106 over the channel of elongation of the 1088 valve body allowing it to slide into a seal fit.
[0191] In the present embodiment, the central passage 1086 is a tubular, hollow, straight passage that receives and changes a flow rate and/or pressure of the initial chemical stream Ci. The central passage 1086 is considered to have walls straight longitudinal sides 1124 with an axial length LN, whereby a portion of the longitudinal side walls 1124 comprises the valve body elongation channel 1088. A downstream portion of the longitudinal side walls 1124 coincides with a base wall of the valve body. valve 1126, which is transverse to the elongation channel of valve body 1088 and extending downwardly therefrom. In addition, central passage 1086 comprises a radial diameter DN that is uniform throughout the length of passage 1086. In the present embodiment, central passage 1086 or the non-converging channel comprises an axial length of between about 5 mm to about 8 mm and preferably about LN = 7.7 mm. The radial internal diameter DN is between about 1 mm to about 2 mm and preferably about DN = 1.5 mm. The valve body elongation channel 1088 surrounding the central passage 1086 comprises a cylindrical length LO between about 4 mm to about 7 mm and preferably about LO = 5.0 mm from the base wall of the valve body 1126 to the angled outer surface 1122. The angled outer surface 112 comprises an axial length LA of between about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, and preferably about LA = 1.5 mm. For comparison, chemical dip tube 1106 comprises an internal diameter DDT between about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm and an LDT length between about 15 mm to about 25 mm. Preferably, the LDT length = 19.1 mm and the DDT diameter = 3.1 mm. As such, at inlet port 1110, the cross-sectional flow diameter is decreased by about (DDT - DN)/DDT, or 50 percent of that provided by chemical dip tube 1106 to restrict the chemical stream. It is considered that other changes in cross-sectional flow diameter at the 1110 inlet port can be made ranging from about a 25 percent decrease to about an 80 percent decrease depending on the amount of flow restriction desired .
[0192] Still referring to Figure 37, the central passageway 1086 extends upwardly to the entrance of the converging channel 1116, after which an angled wall 1128 converges inwardly from an inner surface of the central passageway 1086 to define the path of converging flow path 1098. Convergent flow path 1098 is considered to define a minor diameter DC between about 0.20 mm to about 0.60 mm and preferably about DC = 0.40 mm. In addition, the converging flow path 1098 defines an axial length LC between about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm, and preferably about LC = 1.2 mm.
[0193] Secondary non-converging channel 1118 is disposed between converging flow path 1098 and valve stem 1052. Non-converging channel 1118 is considered to have straight sidewalls 1130 extending upwardly in an axial length LN2 at about 0.10 mm to about 0.50 mm, and preferably LN2 = 0.25 mm. A radial diameter taken through secondary non-converging channel 1118 is uniform and approximately the same as the smaller diameter DC defined above by converging flow path 1118. As such, at outlet port 1112, the cross-sectional flow diameter is decreased by throne of (DC - DN)/DN, or about 70 percent of that provided by central passage 1086. Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis
[0194] A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed on the fluid application system 310 using the fluid geometry and boundary conditions shown in Figure 38. The results of six CFD iterations are shown in Table 1 below. A variety of desired mixing ratios can be achieved through measurement methods based on valve cracking pressures within the fluid delivery system ranging from a minimum of 0 psi to a maximum of 1 psi and varying line restriction sizes of concentrate. Considering the non-limiting iterations in Table 1, (1) to obtain a mixing ratio of 9.1 or less during a minimum overall flow rate of 0.5 milliliters per second (ml/s), the tip pressure drop from concentrate line to mixing chamber must be controlled to -1.283 psi or less; (2) to obtain a mixing ratio of 33.9 or less during a minimum overall flow rate of 2.5 ml/sec, the pressure drop from the tip of the concentrate line to the mixing chamber must be controlled to -2.371 psi or less; (3) to obtain a mixing ratio of 63.4 or less during a minimum overall flow rate of 0.5 ml/sec, the pressure drop from the tip of the concentrate line to the mixing chamber must be controlled to -1.285 psi or less; (4) to obtain a mixing ratio of 285 or less during a maximum overall flow rate of 2.5 ml/sec, the pressure drop from the tip of the concentrate line to the mixing chamber must be controlled to -1.496 psi or any less; (5) to obtain a mixing rate of 1.4 or less during a maximum overall flow rate of 2.5 ml/sec, the pressure drop from the tip of the concentrate line to the mixing chamber must be controlled to -1.376 psi or less; (6) to obtain a mixing ratio of 11.8 or more during a maximum overall flow rate of 2.5 ml/sec, the pressure drop from the tip of the concentrate line to the mixing chamber must be controlled to -0.077 psi or more; and (7) to obtain a mixing ratio of 9.4 or less during a maximum overall flow rate of 3.5 ml/sec, the pressure drop from the tip of the concentrate line to the mixing chamber must be controlled to - 0.183 psi or less. The maximum mixing ratio can be controlled to be unlimited. At an overall flow rate of 0.5 ml/s to 3.5 ml/s and a diluent to chemical mixing ratio of 1:1 to 1:300, the pressure drop across the concentrate line varies from -0.077 psi to -2.371 psi, and the concentrate flow rate ranges from 0.008 ml/s to 1.05 ml/sec, and the pressure drop across the water line ranges from -2.115 psi to -1.027 psi.
[0195] Thus, the present invention provides an improved chemical application system. Among other things, the chemical application system automatically dilutes a concentrate refill with water without the use of a venturi. The chemical delivery system mixes the on-demand chemical and allows the consumer to use a large amount of different replenishment chemistries that require different dilution ratios without any adjustment. The refill connects with the spray device of the chemical application system. The chemical delivery system is portable and may include a hand pump, or a pump having a battery driven motor. The dilution rate can be controlled by a restriction hole in the dip tube in the chemical replenishment container. The fluid delivery system preferably provides the same dilution ratio as a concentrate refill when the same concentrate refill is used with a hand pump or a pump having a battery driven motor.
[0196] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which have been presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein. Industrial Applicability
[0197] The present invention provides a fluid application system for mixing a chemical with a diluent and spraying a mixture of the chemical and the diluent. The fluid delivery system includes a spray assembly, a diluent reservoir, and an add-on system of one or more chemical concentrate fluid refills, each including a chemical dip tube with a restriction orifice that takes into account an appropriate dilution ratio of the diluent and chemical concentrate.
[0198] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. TABLE 1

Iterations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 are for the minimum possible mix ratio. Iteration 6 is for the maximum possible 91/91 mix ratio. •All analyzes assume that the chemical's density and viscosity are the same value as water.

权利要求:
Claims (32)
[0001]
1. Fluid application system, for mixing a chemical with a diluent and spraying a mixture of the chemical and the diluent, the system CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a spray housing; a diluent reservoir for containing the diluent; a chemical container for containing the chemical, the chemical container including a chemical dip tube for delivering the chemical to a valve at an opening of the chemical container, the chemical dip tube being in fluid communication with a restriction port in an inlet port of a valve body of the valve having an inside diameter smaller than an inside diameter of an adjacent section of the chemical dip tube where the valve has a closed position where the fluid flow is blocked from the opening of the container and the valve has an open position in which fluid can flow from the opening of the container, the valve being moved from the closed position to the open position when the chemical container is attached to the sprayer housing; a manifold located in the spray housing, the manifold including a diluent inlet in fluid communication with the diluent reservoir and a manifold mixing chamber, the manifold including a chemical inlet in fluid communication with the chemical dip tube and the mixing chamber, the manifold including an outlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber; and a pump assembly including a pump chamber in fluid communication with the manifold outlet, the pump assembly extracting a mixture of diluent and chemical in the pump assembly from the manifold outlet and then expelling the mixture from the manifold. thinner and chemical from a nozzle to spray the mixture of chemical and thinner.
[0002]
2. Fluid application system, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the mixture of chemical and diluent has a chemical to diluent ratio of 1:16 to 1:256.
[0003]
3. Fluid application system, according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the variability of the ratio is ± 10% when operating the pump assembly.
[0004]
4. Fluid application system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that: the spray housing comprises a clamping mechanism for securing the chemical container to the spray housing, the clamping mechanism including a movable collar suitable for coupling a hollow outlet of a chemical container closure.
[0005]
5. Fluid application system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the chemical container includes a mounting cup, the mounting cup is connected to an opening of the chemical container, the valve includes a valve body and a valve stem, the valve body is connected to the mounting cup thereby defining a closed space between the valve body and the mounting cup, the valve stem has a first end disposed in the closed space, the valve stem has a second end extending outward from the mounting cup on an opposite side to the enclosure, the valve stem has a flow passage in fluid communication with a valve stem outlet opening and a valve orifice. stem in a valve stem wall, when the valve is in the closed position, fluid flow is blocked from the closed space in the stem orifice, and when the valve is in the open position, fluid can flow from of the enclosed space through the rod hole and in the flow passage.
[0006]
6. Fluid delivery system according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the valve body has an inlet port in fluid communication with the enclosed space, and the restriction port is located in the inlet port.
[0007]
7. Fluid application system, according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the restriction orifice has an internal diameter in the range of 0.07mm to 0.7mm.
[0008]
8. Fluid application system according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the chemical container mounting cup includes a one-way valve, the one-way valve allowing ambient air to enter the container of chemical to displace the chemical dispensed from it.
[0009]
9. Fluid application system according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the chemical container mounting cup includes a two-way valve, the two-way valve allowing ambient air to enter the container of chemical to displace the chemical dispensed therefrom, and the two-way valve allowing the gas generated by the chemical to exit the chemical container.
[0010]
10. Fluid application system according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the spray housing includes an actuator body in fluid communication with the chemical inlet of the distribution tube, the actuator body having a port of inlet sized to engage valve stem and move valve to open position when chemical container is attached to sprayer housing.
[0011]
11. Fluid application system, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: when the diluent is depleted from the diluent reservoir, the chemical is not dispensed from the chemical container.
[0012]
12. Container for holding a non-pressurized product, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a reservoir for containing a non-pressurized product; a metering device within the reservoir, a valve assembly provided within an upper end of the reservoir, wherein the valve assembly includes: a product inlet conduit, and a spring-loaded induction valve stem, wherein the stem Valve is an upwardly extending conduit in fluid communication with the product inlet conduit, wherein the spring is provided within an interior of the reservoir.
[0013]
13. Container, according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it additionally includes a immersion tube in fluid communication with the product inlet conduit.
[0014]
14. Container adapted to connect to a structured sprayer assembly to spray a chemical and diluent mixture at a chemical to diluent ratio of 1:1 to 1:300 at a mixture flow rate in the range of about from 0.5 to about 3.5 milliliters per second, the container CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a reservoir holding an unpressurized product; a valve assembly attached to an upper end of the reservoir, the valve assembly including a chemical flow conduit, and a spring-loaded induction valve stem, wherein the valve stem is a conduit that extends upward in the conduit chemical flow conduit, the chemical flow conduit having a first end in fluid communication with an interior space of the reservoir and a second end at an opening of the valve stem; and a chemical metering device for creating a chemical flow rate in the chemical flow conduit, the chemical flow rate being in the range of about 0.008 milliliters/second to about 1.05 milliliters/ second.
[0015]
15. Container according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the chemical flow rate is measured at the opening of the valve stem.
[0016]
16. Container, according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the chemical measuring device comprises a breather valve in fluid communication with an interior space of the reservoir, the breather valve having a cracking pressure in the range from 0 to -1 psi.
[0017]
17. Container, according to claim 16, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the breather valve comprises a duckbill type valve.
[0018]
18. Container, according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the chemical measuring device comprises a capillary tube.
[0019]
19. Container, according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the chemical measuring device comprises an immersion tube.
[0020]
20. Container according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the chemical metering device comprises a valve body having an inlet port, and a restriction port is located in the inlet port, the inlet port. restriction having an inside diameter smaller than an inside diameter of an adjacent section of the inlet port, the valve stem being positioned in the valve body.
[0021]
21. Container, according to claim 20, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the restriction hole has an internal diameter in the range of 0.07mm to 0.7mm.
[0022]
22. Method for spraying at least two different mixtures of one or more chemicals, the method CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: providing a fluid application system having a sprayer housing and a diluent reservoir, the diluent reservoir storing a dilution liquid; operatively coupling a first chemical container to the spray housing, the first chemical container having a first restriction orifice and storing a first chemical; activating the spray housing to spray a first mixture of the first chemical and the diluting liquid; operatively disengaging the first chemical container from the spray housing; operatively coupling a second chemical container to the spray housing, the second chemical container having a second restriction orifice and storing a second chemical; activating the spray housing to spray a second mixture of the second chemical and the diluting liquid; wherein the first restriction port comprises a first inlet port of a first valve body of a first valve in the first chemical container, wherein the second restriction port comprises a second inlet port of a second chemical valve body. a second valve in the second chemical container, and wherein the first restriction port and the second restriction port allow different amounts of chemicals to pass therethrough.
[0023]
23. Container for holding a non-pressurized product, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a reservoir for containing a non-pressurized product; a metering device within the reservoir, a valve assembly provided within an upper end of the reservoir, wherein the valve assembly includes: a product inlet conduit, and a spring-loaded induction valve stem, wherein the stem Valve is an alternative conduit, in fluid communication with the product inlet conduit, where the spring is provided within an interior of the reservoir.
[0024]
24. Container according to claim 23, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it additionally includes a immersion tube in fluid communication with the product inlet conduit.
[0025]
25. Container adapted to connect to a structured sprayer assembly to spray a mixture of chemical and diluent at a chemical to diluent ratio of 1:1 to 1:300 at a mixture flow rate in the range of about 0 .5 to about 3.5 milliliters per second, the container CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a reservoir holding a non-pressurized product; a valve assembly attached to an upper end of the reservoir, the valve assembly including a chemical flow conduit, and a spring-loaded induction valve stem, wherein the valve stem is an alternative conduit in the flow conduit chemical, the chemical flow conduit having a first end in fluid communication with an interior space of the reservoir and a second end at a valve stem opening; and a chemical metering device for creating a chemical flow rate in the chemical flow conduit, the chemical flow rate being in the range of about 0.008 milliliters/second to about 1.05 milliliters/ second.
[0026]
26. Container according to claim 25, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the chemical flow rate is measured at the opening of the valve stem.
[0027]
27. Container, according to claim 25, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the chemical measuring device comprises a breather valve in fluid communication with an interior space of the reservoir, the breather valve having a cracking pressure in the range from 0 to -1 psi.
[0028]
28. Container, according to claim 27, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the breather valve comprises a duckbill type valve.
[0029]
29. Container, according to claim 25, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the chemical measuring device comprises a capillary tube.
[0030]
30. Container, according to claim 25, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the chemical measuring device comprises an immersion tube.
[0031]
31. Container according to claim 25, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the chemical metering device comprises a valve body having an inlet port, and a restriction port is located in the inlet port, the inlet port. restriction having an inside diameter smaller than an inside diameter of an adjacent section of the inlet port, the valve stem being positioned in the valve body.
[0032]
32. Container according to claim 31, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the restriction hole has an internal diameter in the range of 0.07mm to 0.7mm.

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法律状态:
2018-11-21| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2020-03-24| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2021-03-16| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-05-18| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 30/08/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US201261695773P| true| 2012-08-31|2012-08-31|

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US61/695,773|2012-08-31|

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PCT/US2013/057679|WO2014036493A2|2012-08-31|2013-08-30|Fluid application system|

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