Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MULTI-FUNCTIONAL FLUID DISPENSING SYSTEM
AND ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR DISPENSING
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional
Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/370,960, filed August 4, 2016, entitled "Multi-Functional Aerosol
Dispensing
System and Associated Methods for Dispensing" and United States Provisional
Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/399,870, filed September 26, 2016, entitled "Multi-
Functional Aerosol
Dispensing System and Associated Methods for Dispensing," the entirety of
which are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0001] In general, embodiments of the invention relate to systems,
apparatus and
methods for dispensing fluids, more particularly, a dispensing system and
method for dispensing
which provides an end-user the ability to control the fluid flow dispensed
from the container
while simultaneously providing illumination of a target area to which the
fluids are desired.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Dispensing of fluids, such as aerosol dispensing of fluids is a
well-known and
extensively used form of liquid product delivery across many different
industries. In aerosol
dispensing, the packaging of the fluid, so that the fluid acts as a propellant
for a specific purpose,
has allowed convenient dispensing of an extensive array of products. For
example, aerosol
dispensing has been widely implemented in a variety of products, including,
but are not limited
to, personal care, food preparation, primary manufacturing, household painting
applications,
automotive care, and the like.
[0003] Aerosol dispensing involves an aerosol valve that, when activated
by a user,
allows flow of the fluid from the container as motivated by the aerosol gas
within the container.
The aerosol valve has an internal biasing element that is structured to force
the valve to be in an
open state (i.e., fluid flow) when the user applies pressure to the valve and
to be in a closed state
(i.e., no flow) when the user subsequently removes pressure from the valve.
[0004] In certain applications the fluid delivered by an aerosol
dispensing device needs to
be delivered to a precise location and, in some applications, in a precise
amount. In other
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applications, the fluid to be delivered by the aerosol dispensing device needs
to be dispersed over
a wide area or surface. Regardless of whether the application dictates
delivery of the fluid to a
precise location or dispersion of the fluid over a wide area, the volume or
amount of fluid that is
dispensed is dependent on the visual feedback provided to the operator using
the aerosol device.
In all instances, across every industry or end-use application, the visual
feedback provided to the
operator of the aerosol delivery device is critical for proper and safe
application of the fluid
being dispensed.
[0005] For certain fluid products, which are characteristically delivered
by aerosol means
and for certain end-use applications, there is a need to deliver the fluid
both as a broadcast spray
and as a precise pinpoint stream. For example, an aerosol dispensed lubricant
may be used for
lubrication of a sliding apparatus on a piece of industrial equipment. In such
a use-case, the
operator applies a generous broadcast spray coating of the lubricant to the
target area. During
each such application of the fluid, the time duration and volumetric portion
is at the discretion of
the end-user (known as on-demand dispensing) based upon the purpose of the
specific
application. Conversely, this same aerosol dispensed lubricant may be used to
lubricate a hinge
mechanism on a piece of fine furniture and only a small drop of lubricant is
desired; in fact it
may be expressly desired to avoid any overspray or spillage of lubricant on
any surface except
the metal hinge element. In this application the operator has a need to
deliver a precise amount
of the fluid to a precise location requiring treatment.
[0006] As previously noted, in order to assure precise and safe
application of the fluid
from an aerosol dispensing system, the end-user must have adequate visual
feedback. Such
visual feedback allows for proper placement of the dispensed fluid and allows
the end-user to
self-regulate the portion (or volume) of fluid that is applied to the targeted
area. Proper visual
feedback requires an adequate line of sight between the end-user and the
surface to be treated,
and requires adequate illumination of the surface to be treated. In many end-
use applications,
such as applying an aerosol lubricant to a surface under an automobile or
within a piece of
industrial machinery, ambient light is often not sufficient for proper visual
feedback and, as such,
the end-user must rely on a secondary or auxiliary light source (e.g.,
flashlight or the like) as a
means for illuminating the target area. The ability of the end-user to
simultaneously hold the
aerosol dispensing device and the auxiliary light source while positioning the
nozzle of the
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aerosol dispensing system in the desired location is a daunting task, which
typically requires, in
most instances, use of both hands of the end-user.
[0007] In many instances, especially for the aforementioned aerosol
lubricant example,
the aerosol dispensing device is used by tradesmen and, as such, is stored
within tool boxes,
truck cabinets, tool totes, and the like. During storage, in many of these
applications, the storage
container (tool box, etc.) is transported and is subject to a multitude of
vibrations and motions
due to shock and vehicular motions. Such vibrations and motions may, in some
instances,
damage the dispensing mechanism such that further dispensing ceases or is
impaired or, in other
instances such vibrations and motions, may engage the dispensing mechanism and
cause
undesirable dispensing of the fluids. Many current aerosol dispensing devices
require a
secondary cap device to protect against such damage and/or undesired
dispensing of fluids
during such transportation events; however, after an initial use the caps are
often misplaced or
otherwise lost, leaving the aerosol dispensing device prone to damage or
accidental discharge of
the fluid during transportation events.
[0008] Additionally aerosol dispensing devices are typically single-use
items, which are
disposed of once fully utilized. For this reason, aerosol dispensing devices
are generally required
to be economically manufactured and assembled so as to result in a low-cost
dispensing device.
[0009] Therefore, a need exists to develop an improved aerosol dispensing
system and
methods for dispensing that overcome the aforementioned problems and obstacles
surrounding
current aerosol dispensing systems. In this regard, the desired aerosol
dispensing system should
provide for multi-range dispensing of fluids that allows for both pinpoint
stream and broadcast
dispensing of the fluids and provide a means for adequate visual feedback.
Such, multi-range
dispensing and visual feedback, insures that the end-user dispenses the proper
amount of fluid
dictated by the use-application, so as to guard against underuse or overuse of
the fluid. In
addition, the desired aerosol dispensing system should guard against damage to
the dispensing
mechanism caused by vibrations and/or other motions resulting from shock and
vehicular
motions during typical vehicle transportation of such dispensing devices. Such
damage to the
dispensing mechanism may result in inadvertent dispensing of fluids.
Additionally, the desired
aerosol dispensing system should allow for improved utilization of the fluid
contents within the
aerosol dispensing device, thus, allowing for a greater useful life of the
device, since each use
can be efficiently dispensed, limiting the likelihood of over-dispensing due
to poor dispensing
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control. Moreover, the desired aerosol dispensing system should address such
problems in the
context of a dispensing system and device that can be economically
manufactured and assembled
so as to provide for a low-cost aerosol dispensing device.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0010] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more
embodiments in
order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is
not an extensive
overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify
key or critical
elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all
embodiments. Its sole purpose
is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as
a prelude to the
more detailed description that is presented later.
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, apparatus,
methods, and
like for an improved multi-functional fluid dispensing system. Embodiments of
the present
invention provide for a multi-functional fluid dispensing system which
provides the end-user the
ability to control the operational state (i.e., on, off and locked states) of
the system and also
control the range and volume of fluid dispensed from the fluid dispensing
device while
simultaneously providing illumination of the target area that requires fluid
application.
[0012] In specific embodiments of the invention, the user may select from
(i) an on state,
(ii) an off state, and (iii) a locked and off state. In such embodiments, the
user may switch, or
otherwise toggle, between on and off states while the user is holding the
fluid container in an
application-ready position. In specific embodiments of the invention, the
system is configured
such that both sides of the device allow for the user to switch between the on
and off states, such
flexibility allows for both right-handed and left-handed users to switch
between the on and off
states while holding the fluid container in an application-ready position.
[0013] Further, safety features are implemented that require the user to
use two hands
(i.e., one to hold the container and one to engage the lock/unlock features)
in order to switch the
device from or to the locked and off state. By requiring the user to use two
hands to lock or
unlock the device, the likelihood of unintentional release of fluid, during
transport or the like, is
significantly diminished. Further safety precautions are realized by
implementing such a two-
handed lock/unlock approach, in that, the likelihood of misuse by children,
pets or the like is also
diminished.
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[0014] In other embodiments of the invention, an illumination system is
provided that
provides for illuminating the target area, such that the illumination source
is automatically
activated just immediately prior to fluid dispensing and is automatically
deactivated immediately
after the completion of dispensing fluid. The illumination source is disposed
within the multi-
functional delivery system so that the illumination provided is focused at a
distance and direction
exactly equal to the normal surface location and distance to be treated with
the dispensed fluid.
In additional embodiments of the invention, the power source used to provide
power for the
illumination source is configured to be removable, so that the power source
may be replaced,
used in other application once the fluid in the container is exhausted and/or
recycled separately
from the fluid container. In specific embodiments, removal of the battery
source is made
possible by configuring the overall illumination assembly as removable.
[0015] In additional embodiments of the invention, the illumination
system is configured
to provide illumination regardless of the operation state of the system. In
this regard, even if the
system is in the off state or, in some embodiments, the locked and off state,
the user is afforded
the benefit of providing illumination to the target area without having to
dispense fluid from the
container. Such feature is made possible, by configuring the system to
activate the illumination
source based on an initial movement of the pushbutton and activating fluid
delivery based on a
further movement of the pushbutton. In the off state and, in some embodiments
of the invention,
the locked and off state, the device is configured to allow the user to make
the initial movement
of the pushbutton to activate the illumination source; however, restraints are
put in place such
that the user cannot make the further movement of the pushbutton to activate
dispensing of fluid.
[0016] In further embodiments of the invention, the system is configured
for the user to
select the delivery mechanism, such as spray/broadcast delivery or stream
delivery. Such
configuration allows the user to control the amount of fluid dispensed and the
coverage area of
the fluid. Additionally, the system may be configured to allow for the user to
select a metered
flow delivery, whereby activation the pushbutton provides for a predetermined
measured amount
of fluid (i.e., a single shot of fluid as opposed to a continual spray or
stream).
[0017] The combined flow volume control (Off, Locked-Off, and On), flow
form control
(spray or stream through the extended delivery tube means) and target surface
illumination
functionality in a single unitary fluid container dispensing system
manufactured specifically for
single container use, provides an end-user the tool required to perform a
multitude of tasks
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depending upon the fluid contents within the fluid container. The method of
treating a surface
with a fluid product is enhanced with the added end-user control of the flow
volume, the flow
form, and as aided by the enhanced visual feedback from the automatic target
illumination
functionality. The method of storing for use as needed a fluid container and
fluid material
contents is enhanced by the added end-user flow volume control, which includes
a zero-flow or
"locked-off' selection which prevents flow from the fluid container by locking
the pushbutton
actuator and preventing accidental depressions or actuation which might occur
during storage
and transport conditions. The use of the multi-function system, when combined
with certain
aerosol contained fluid materials, by a tradesperson as a tool is enhanced
with the convenient
accessibility to additional illumination which could be accessed and utilized
for needs other than
dispensing; for example, finding some other tool or object within the
tradespersons toolbox or
truck body cabinet.
[0018] A multi-functional dispensing system for dispensing a fluid from a
container
defines first embodiments of the invention. The system includes a dispensing
head housing
assembly and a fluid dispensing assembly connected to the dispensing head
housing assembly
and configured to dispense the fluid. The system further includes a flow
selection control
assembly in communication with the fluid dispensing assembly that is
configured to allow
control of flow in the fluid dispensing assembly by selecting between (i) an
on state, (ii) an off
state and (iii) a locked and off state.
[0019] In further specific embodiments of the system the flow selection
control assembly
further includes a flow volume control selector, such as a flow volume control
selector ring,
configured to be moveable to select between (i) the on state, (ii) the off
state and (iii) the locked
and off state. In such embodiments of the invention, the flow volume control
selector ring
includes at least one grip rib disposed about an exterior surface of the ring,
wherein the grip rib is
configured to be moveable to select one of (i) the on state, (ii) the off
state and (iii) the locked
and off state. In such embodiments of the invention, the at least one grip rib
is connected to a
body of the flow selection control assembly via a resilient biasing member,
such that the biasing
member provides for inward movement of the at least one grip rib toward the
body which is
required to provide for changing the dispensing system to or from the locked
and off state.
[0020] In further specific embodiments of the system, the at least one
grip rib further
comprises two grip ribs disposed 180 apart about the flow volume control
selector. In such
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embodiments of the system, the two grip ribs are connected to a body of the
flow selection
control assembly via separate resilient/biasing members, wherein the biasing
members provide
for inward movement of the two grip ribs toward the body, such that the inward
movement is
required to provide for changing the dispensing system to or from the locked
and off state.
[0021] In further specific embodiments the system includes an
illumination assembly that
includes a housing including a pushbutton, an illumination source configured
to be received by
the housing and a switch operable to activate the illumination source, and a
power source in
communication with the illumination source operable to provide power to the
illumination
source. The power source is removable from the dispensing system. In related
embodiments of
the system, the illumination assembly is removably connected to the dispensing
head housing
assembly.
[0022] In further embodiments of the system, the fluid dispensing
assembly is further
defined as a fluid dispensing selector assembly that is configured to allow
for selection between
a spray dispensing of the fluid and a stream dispensing of the fluid.
[0023] In other embodiments of the system, the flow selection control
assembly is further
configured to allow control of flow in the fluid dispensing assembly by
selecting between (i),
(ii), (iii), and (iv) a measured fluid amount on state, wherein the measured
fluid on state provides
for a predetermined amount of fluid to be dispensed.
[0024] Another multi-functional dispensing system for dispensing a fluid
from a
container defines second embodiments of the invention. The system includes a
dispensing head
housing assembly and a fluid dispensing assembly connected to the dispensing
head housing
assembly configured to dispense the fluid. The system additionally includes an
illumination
assembly including an illumination source and a power source in communication
with the
illumination source. The system additionally housing including a pushbutton,
wherein the
housing is configured to receive the illumination source and a switch in
communication with the
power source, wherein activation of the switch provides power to the
illumination source.
[0025] In specific embodiments of the system, the pushbutton is engage-
able to active the
switch prior to dispensing the fluid from the fluid dispensing assembly.
[0026] In other specific embodiments of the system, the power source is
removable from
the dispensing system. In related embodiments of the invention the
illumination assembly is
removably connected to the dispensing head housing assembly.
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[0027] In another specific embodiment of the system, the illumination
source is
configured to be activated without dispensing fluid from the fluid dispensing
assembly.
[0028] In yet another specific embodiment of the system, the illumination
source is
disposed proximate the spray nozzle, such that a first direction of
illumination is generally
aligned with a second direction of fluid spray from the spray nozzle.
[0029] In additional specific embodiments of the system, the illumination
assembly
further includes a flow direction icon that is disposed proximate the
illumination source and is
within a general line-of-sight of a user.
[0030] In additional specific embodiments of the system, the switch is
further defined as
a snap action-style dome-shaped switch. In other related specific embodiments
of the system, the
illumination source is configured to be activated upon engaging the pushbutton
and immediately
prior to dispensing the fluid and deactivated upon disengaging the pushbutton
and immediately
after dispensing the fluid. Such engaging and disengaging of the pushbutton
may be configured
to occur via a single finger continuous motion of a user.
[0031] In other specific embodiments the system further comprises a flow
selection
control assembly in communication with the fluid dispensing assembly and
configured to allow
control of flow in the fluid dispensing assembly by selecting between (i) an
on state, (ii) an off
state and (iii) a locked and off state. In such embodiments of the invention
the illumination
source is configured to be activated while the flow selection control assembly
is selected to be in
any one of (i) the on state, (ii) the off state and (iii) the locked and off
state.
[0032] A method for selecting a function state of a multi-function
dispensing system for
dispensing a fluid from a container defines third embodiments of the
invention. The method
includes receiving a first user input to at least one grip rib disposed about
an exterior surface of a
flow volume control selector included within dispensing system. The first user
input, moves the
flow volume control selector to a position that provides for selecting one of
(i) an on state or (ii)
an off state. The method additionally includes receiving a second user input
to the at least one
moveable grip rib, wherein the second user input, moves the grip rib inward
toward a center of
the dispensing system while simultaneously moving the flow volume control
selector to provide
for locking or unlocking the dispensing system into or out of (iii) a locked
and off state.
[0033] In further specific embodiments of the method, receiving the
second user
input further includes receiving the second user input to two moveable grip
ribs, wherein the
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second user input, moves the two grip ribs inward toward the center of the
dispensing system
while simultaneously moving the flow volume control selector and provides for
locking or
unlocking the dispensing system into or out of (iii) the locked and off state.
[0034] Another method for using a multi-functional dispensing system
configured for
dispensing a fluid from a container. The method includes, while the dispensing
system is in any
one of a selectable functional state, moving an activation element a first
predetermined distance
that is configured to engage a switch and, in response to engaging the switch,
activating an
illumination source disposed within the multi-functional dispensing system.
The method further
includes, in response to moving the activation element the first predetermined
distance, moving
the activation element a second predetermined distance that is configured to
open a fluid valve,
and, in response to opening the fluid valve, dispensing the fluid from the
container.
[0035] In specific embodiments the method further includes releasing the
activation
element by the second predetermined distance to close the fluid valve. In such
embodiments the
method may further include in response to releasing the activation element by
the second
predetermined distance, releasing the activation by the first predetermined
distance to disengage
the switch, and, in response to disengaging the switch, deactivating the
illumination source.
[0036] In other specific embodiments the method includes, while the
dispensing system
is in either (ii) an off state or (iii) a locked and off state, preventing
movement of the activation
element the second predetermined distance.
[0037] Yet another method for dispensing a fluid from a fluid-dispensing
apparatus. The
method includes providing enhanced visual acuity to a surface requiring
application of a fluid,
wherein the enhanced visual acuity is provided by the fluid-dispensing
apparatus having an
integrated illumination source. The method further includes controlling
delivery of the fluid to
the surface by configuring the fluid-containing apparatus to provide for one
or more of (i) a
predetermined amount of the fluid to be applied to the surface, (ii) a
continuous spray application
and/or (iii) a continuous stream application.
[0038] In specific embodiments of the method, providing the enhanced
visual acuity
further includes configuring the integrated illumination source within the
fluid-dispending
apparatus proximate in location to a spray nozzle. In other specific
embodiments of the method,
providing the enhanced visual acuity further includes configuring the
integrated illumination
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source to illuminate the surface in response to a user directing the spray
nozzle at the surface and
activating an activation element included within the fluid-dispensing
apparatus.
[0039] Thus, as described in more detail below, embodiments of the
present invention
relate to systems, apparatus, methods, and the like for a multi-functional
fluid dispensing system
which provides the end-user the ability to control the operational state
(i.e., on, off and locked
states) of the system and also control the range and volume of fluid dispensed
from the fluid
dispensing device while simultaneously providing illumination of the target
area that requires
fluid application.
[0040] The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed
may be achieved
independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be
combined with yet
other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the
following
description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general
terms, reference
will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0042] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container attached to a multi-
functional fluid
dispensing system, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the multi-functional
fluid dispensing
system, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 3 is a left side view of a container attached to a multi-
functional dispensing
system, in which the fluid dispensing selector assembly is in the spray
delivery position, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 4 is a right side view a container attached to a multi-
functional dispensing
system, in which the fluid dispensing selector assembly is in the stream
delivery position, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 5 is a top view of the multi-functional dispensing system, in
accordance
with embodiments of the invention;
[0047] FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the illumination assembly;
in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention;
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[0048] FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view of the fluid dispensing
selector assembly; in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and
[0049] FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of the container and the
individual
assemblies of the multi-functional dispensing system; in accordance with
embodiments of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0050] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more
fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but
not all,
embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied
in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set
forth herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy
applicable legal
requirements. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or
more embodiments. It
may be evident; however, that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without
these specific
details. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[0051] Various embodiments or features will be presented in terms of
systems that may
include a number of devices, components, modules, and the like. It is to be
understood and
appreciated that the various systems may include additional devices,
components, modules, etc.
and/or may not include all of the devices, components, modules etc. discussed
in connection with
the figures. A combination of these approaches may also be used.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view is provided of a multi-
functional
dispensing system 10 which, according to specific embodiments of the
invention, is attached to a
container 20, which may be an aerosol container or the like. In other
embodiments of the
invention the multi-functional dispensing system 10 may be implemented to
dispense fluids other
than aerosol fluids and, as such may be attached to other containers, as
dictated by the fluid
being dispensed.
[0053] The multi-functional dispensing system 10 includes a dispensing
head housing
structure 30, which may be attached directly to the container 20 and a fluid
dispensing assembly
40 configured to allow selection between dispensing a dispersed/broadcast
spread of fluid or a
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pinpoint stream of fluid. FIGS. 2-4 provide further details of the fluid
dispensing assembly 40
and will be discussed, infra.
[0054] In specific embodiments of the invention, the multi-functional
dispensing system
includes a flow selection control assembly 50 that is configured to allow user
control of flow
in the fluid dispensing assembly by a user-selection of an operating state. In
specific
embodiments of the invention, the operating states include (i) an on state,
(ii) an off state and (iii)
a locked and off state. In (i) the on state, the fluid dispensing assembly 40
is allowed to dispense
fluids, while in (ii) the off state and (iii) the locked and off state the
fluid dispensing assembly 40
is prevented from dispensing fluids. As will be discussed in more detail,
infra., in relation to
FIGS. 2-4, the locked and off state adds the additional feature of locking the
fluid dispensing
assembly 40 so as to prevent accidental depressions or actuations of the fluid
dispensing
mechanism, which might occur during storage, transport or other conditions
and/or making the
overall device less susceptible to tampering by a child or the like.
[0055] In specific embodiments of the invention, the flow selection
control assembly 50
includes a moveable ring, (e.g., a flow volume control selector 60) that is
disposed below and
around the dispensing head structure 30 and is configured to be rotated in a
horizontal plane by a
user to select from amongst the various operating states. In additional
embodiments of the
invention, the flow selection control module assembly 50 includes a flange-
like skirt portion 70
which nests upon an exterior surface of the container 20, is disposed below
the moveable flow
volume control selector 60 and is attached to the dispensing head housing
structure 30. The
flange-like skirt portion 70 includes indicia 72 that indicate the various
operating states and the
position that the flow volume control selector 60 needs to be aligned for the
selection of the
corresponding operating state.
[0056] In other specific embodiments of the invention, the multi-
functional dispensing
system 10 includes an illumination assembly 80 that is configured to be
provide illumination to
the target spray area while dispensing fluid via the fluid dispensing assembly
40. In specific
embodiments of the invention which will be discussed in more detail in
relation to FIGS. 2, 6
and 7, infra., the illumination assembly 80 includes a removable power source,
such as a battery
or the like that can be removed from the illumination assembly 80 once the
fluid has been
exhausted from the container 20 or in the event that the power source needs
replacement prior to
exhaustion of the fluid. Additionally, removal of the power source from the
illumination
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assembly 80 allows for the power source to be used in other applications
and/or devices once the
fluid has been exhausted from the container 20 and/or provides for recycling
the power source
separately from the container 20. In specific embodiments of the invention,
removal of the
power source is made possible by configuring the illumination assembly 80 or
one or more of its
components to be removable from the overall multi-functional dispensing system
10.
[0057] FIG. 2 provides for an expanded perspective view of the multi-
functional
dispensing system 10, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
As shown, the
flange-like skirt portion 70 includes indicia 72 that indicates the various
operating states of the
system 10. As shown, indicia 72A indicates (i) the on state, indicia 72B
indicates (ii) the off
state and indicia 72C indicates (iii) the locked and off state. Each of the
indicia 72A, 72B and
72C include an arrow 72D, which when aligned with the position selector of the
flow volume
control selector 60 indicates that dispensing system 10 currently resides in
the operating state
corresponding to the arrow 72D.
[0058] Additionally, the flow volume control selector 60 of the flow
selection control
assembly 50 is configured to include a plurality of grip ribs 62 disposed
vertically along the outer
perimeter of the flow volume control selector 60. The grip ribs 62 provide a
traction feature to
the user when rotating the flow volume control selector 60 from one operating
state to another.
As shown, in specific embodiments of the invention, one of the grip ribs 62A
is configured to act
as the position selector for the various operating states. In specific
embodiments of the
invention, grip rib 62A is configured to be vertically taller than the other
grip ribs 62 and extend
further from the perimeter than the other grip ribs 62. Additionally,
according to specific
embodiments, the grip rib 62A is connected to the body of the flow volume
control selector 60
by a resilient member or spring-like mechanism, for example, a curved spring-
like arch (not
shown in FIG. 2), which allow for grip rib 62A to be positioned so as to allow
the flow volume
control selector 60 to be rotated out of and, in some embodiments, into (iii)
the locked and off
state when the grip rib 62A has been engaged by a user to move inward, by a
squeezing-like
force/action or the like. Additionally, the curved spring-like arch provides a
biasing force to
return the grip rib 62A to its normal outward resting position once the user
has released the
squeeze-like force.
[0059] In specific embodiments of the invention, the user is required to
engage (i.e.,
move inward) the grip rib 62A to both lock and unlock the device (i.e., rotate
the flow volume
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control selector 60 into and out of the (iii) locked and off state. Such a
configuration requires the
user to use two hands to both lock and unlock the device (i.e., one hand to
hold the container and
the other hand to engage the grip rib 62A). In other embodiments of the
invention the user is
required to engage (i.e., move inward) the grip rib 62A to only unlock the
device (i.e., rotate the
flow volume control selector 60 out of the (iii) the locked and off state). In
such embodiments,
the flow volume control selector 60 is free to rotate into the (iii) locked
and off state without
having to engage (i.e., move inward) the grip rib 62A. Such a configuration
allows for the user to
use one hand to lock the device (i.e., hold the container and rotate the flow
volume control
selector 60 with a single hand) and to use two hands to unlock the device
(i.e., one hand to hold
the container and the other hand to engage the grip rib 62A).
[0060] In still further specific embodiments of the invention, release of
the squeeze-like
force by the user causes the flow volume control selector 60 to automatically
rotate back to the
(iii) the locked and off state.
[0061] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the grip rib 62A has a curved,
either concave or
convex shape to allow for reception of a user's finger so as to provide easy
tactile finger
recognition in the event that the user does not have a clear sightline to the
grip rib 62A and/or the
flow volume control selector 60 (i.e., the curved shape of the grip rib 62A is
easily
distinguishable by the user through tactile feedback from the user's finger).
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, side views of alternate sides of the
multi-functional
dispensing system 10 are shown to indicate specific embodiments of the
invention, in which each
side of the flow volume control selector 60 includes a grip rib 62A and each
side of the flange-
like skirt portion 70 includes indicia 72 that indicates the various operating
states of the system
10. By providing for each side of the flow volume control selector 60 to
include a grip rib 62A
and each side of the flange-like skirt portion 70 to includes indicia 72, a
user is able to engage
the grip rib 62A and move the flow volume control selector 60 to change
between (i) the on state
and (ii) the off state, or vice versa, with a finger of either the left hand
or the right hand,
depending on which hand is holding the container 10 during use. As such, the
user is able to
readily change operating states to and from (i) the on state and (ii) the off
state using the same
hand that is triggering activation of the fluid, regardless of whether the
user is using the fluid
dispensing device in his or her right hand or left hand. In addition, by
providing for two grip
ribs 62A disposed 180 apart along the perimeter of the flow volume control
selector 60 and
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configuring the flow selection control module assembly 50 such that both grip
rings 62A are
required to be moved inward simultaneously (i.e., apply squeeze-like inward
force
simultaneously to the grip ribs 62A) in order to move the flow volume control
selector 60 into
the (iii) the locked and off state or out of (iii) the locked and off state, a
user must hold the
container in one hand while inwardly moving the grip ribs 62A with their other
hand in order to
lock or unlock the system 10. The inward movement of the grip ribs 62 is made
possible by
symmetrical resilient member curved spring-like arches (not shown in FIGS. 3
and 4).
[0063] By requiring use of both hands to at least unlock the system 10,
the likelihood of
inadvertent unlocking (and subsequent dispensing of fluid) is greatly
diminished, for example,
when storing the device within a tool box or truck compartment in which the
device may be
subjected to various vibrations and/or intermittent shock loads during
transport. In this regard,
the two-handed lock and unlock feature prevents the flow volume control
selector 60 from
accidentally rotating from the (iii) locked and off state to the (i) on state
and unintentionally
discharging fluid contents from within the container 20. An additional benefit
of this two-handed
lock and unlock feature is that it acts to insure that a user intentionally
desires to dispense the
product, making it somewhat prohibitive to use once the device is in the (iii)
locked and off state.
In this regard, the two-handed lock and unlock feature renders the overall
device safe when in
the presence of household pets or minors who should be prohibited from using
the product.
[0064] In other embodiments of the invention, the flow volume control
selector 60 is
manufactured with a molded tab (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) or the like that
prevents the flow
volume control selector 60 from being rotated until the molded tab is
physically removed prior to
initial use of the dispensing system 10. The implementation of such a molded
tab or other means
to prevent movement of the flow volume control selector 60 prior to initial
use, provides for
tamper evidence in the event that the molded tab or the like has been removed
prior to initial use
by someone other than the user.
[0065] In other embodiments of the invention, the flow selection control
assembly 50
may include a fourth operational state. The fourth operational state, referred
to herein as (iv) the
measured fluid amount¨on state, is configured to provide for a predetermined
specific amount of
fluid upon actuating the fluid dispensing system 40. In this regard, the (iv)
the measured fluid
amount ¨ on state is configured to dispense a single "shot" of fluid to the
target area. As such,
when flow selection control assembly 50 is in the (iv) measured fluid
amount¨on state the user is
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required to engage the pushbutton 84 twice in order to dispense two "shots",
three times in order
to dispense three "shots" and so on.
[0066] In other embodiments of the invention, an internal mechanism (not
shown in
FIGS. 2-4) may be implemented within the multi-functional dispensing system 10
to limit
movement/rotation of the flow volume control selector 60 (i.e., limit movement
rotation to only
those positions which align with indicia 72, which correspond to the various
operational states.
In addition, the multi-functional dispensing system 10 may be configured with
a snap-action
detent feature (not shown in FIGS. 2-4) in each position that aligns with an
operational state so
as to provide tactile and/or audible feedback to the user when the flow volume
control selector
60 has been inadvertently or intentionally moved to another position or when
the flow volume
control selector 60 is properly aligned with a chosen position.
[0067] Referring again to FIG. 2 and the top view perspective of FIG. 5
and the
exploded isometric view of FIG. 6, the illumination assembly 80 is
highlighted, in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention. The illumination assembly 80
includes a housing 82
having a pushbutton 84, an illumination source 86, which may comprise a Light
Emitting Diode
(LED), a switch 88, which may comprise a snap action-type dome switch, an
insulting layer 90
and power source 92, which may comprise a battery (e.g., a 3VDC Lithium
(LiMN02) coin cell
battery). In use, a user will apply a downward force to the pushbutton 84 to
cause the
pushbutton 84 to move a predetermined distance which compresses the snap
action-type dome
switch 88. The compression of the dome switch 88 closes an electrical circuit
that allows power
to flow from the power source 92 to supply requisite power to the illumination
source 86. In
specific embodiments of the invention, resilient biasing features are molded
into the housing 82
to provide, along with the dome switch 86 return force, the biasing force
necessary to return the
pushbutton 84 to the stationary position once the fluid valve assembly 22,
such as an aerosol
valve assembly or the like, closing stroke is seated in the fully closed
(upward) position upon
removal of finger pressure to the pushbutton 84.
[0068] The illumination source 86 may comprise any known or future known
source of
illumination, including, but not limited to, organic or polymer Light Emitting
Diode(s) (LED(s));
Active Matrix Organic LED(s) (AMOLED(s)); a light emitting electrochemical
cell; a laser,
including but not limited to, a chemical laser, a dye laser, a free-electron
laser, a gas dynamic
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laser, a gas laser, an ion laser, a metal-vapor laser, a nonlinear optics
laser, and a solid-state laser;
tungsten-halogen; fluorescent; ultraviolet (UV); infrared (IR) and the like.
[0069] In other embodiments of the invention, the illumination source 86
may be
activated/illuminated and/or deactivated by means other than the pushbutton
84. For example,
the flow volume control selector 60 may be configured such that the
illumination source 86 is
activated/illuminated and deactivated in response to movement from one state
to another state
(e.g., moving the flow volume control selector 60 from the (ii) off state to
the (i) on state
activates the illumination source 86 and moving the flow control selector 60
from the (i) on state
to the (ii) off state deactivates the illumination source 86).
[0070] In specific embodiments of the invention, the elements of the
illumination
assembly 80 are configured to be press snapped into features within the
dispensing head housing
structure 30 to provide for precise and rapid final assembly during the
manufacturer of the
overall dispensing system 10. In addition, as previously noted, in specific
embodiments of the
invention, the press snap feature allows for the illumination assembly 80 to
readily be removed
from the dispensing head housing structure 30 to allow for the removal and, in
some
embodiments replacement, of the power source 92. In other embodiments of the
invention, the
power source 92 may be configured to be removed from the dispensing system 10
absent
removal of the overall illumination assembly 80. In such embodiments of the
invention, the
power source may be enclosed in a compartment that is accessible to the user
from the exterior
of the housing 82 to allow for the user to remove the power source 92 without
removing the
entire illumination assembly 80.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, the illumination source 86 is positioned
proximate to the
spray nozzle 42 of the fluid dispensing assembly 40. As such, by providing the
illumination
source proximate to the spray nozzle, the illumination provided by the
illumination source 86 is
focused at a distance and direction that is approximately equal to the normal
and/or
recommended surface location and distance that requires treatment by the
dispensed fluid. In
addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the illumination assembly 80 (or, in
other embodiments of
the invention, the dispensing head housing structure 30) may further include a
flow direction
indicating icon 94 that provides the user an indication of the direction of
fluid dispensing. In
specific embodiments of the invention, the flow direction indicating icon 94
may comprise a
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translucent or semi-translucent material, such that activation of the
illumination source provides
for illumination of the flow direction indicating icon 94.
[0072] In alternate embodiments of the invention, the power source 92 may
provide
power to other features of system 100 that require power. For example, power
source 92 may
provide power to additional illumination sources disposed within system 100.
For example, an
illumination source may be included within flow selection control assembly 50
to provide
indication of one or more states (i.e., illumination to indicate the on state)
or to provide
illumination when the user engages grip rib 62A so as to provide a heightened
visual assistance
to the user when changing from one state to another. In other embodiments of
the invention, the
power source 92 may provide power to an audio source that provides audio to
one or more
features of system 100. For example, the audio source may provide an audio
indicator associated
with dispensing the fluid. In this regard, lightly engaging the pushbutton 84
may result in a low
spray rate, while full engagement of pushbutton 84 may result in a
higher/highest spray rate. In
specific examples, a first audio indicator may be associated with a first
spray rate and a second
audio indicator may be associated with a second spray rate or the audio
indicator may increase in
frequency or volume as the spray rate increases. In other examples, the audio
source may
provide audio indicators to indicate a change in operational state, such that
as the user changes
operation states a different audio indicator associated with each of the
states is provided so that
the user is made aware of the operation state that they have changed to.
Additionally, power
source 92 may be in communication with a fluid volume sensor, such that as the
fluid volume
sensor detects that the fluid in the container 20 is below a predetermined
threshold volume, the
power supply 92 provides power to illumination source 86 or another
illumination source or an
audio source to indicate that the container 20 is approaching empty. For
example, in response to
determining that the fluid contents are below the predetermined threshold
volume, the
illumination source 86 or another illumination source may be continuously
activated or activated
so as to periodically (e.g., blink on and off) or an audio source may provide
for output of an
continuous or intermittent sound that indicates to the user that the container
20 is approaching
empty.
[0073] Referring to FIGS. 2-4 and 7, features of the fluid dispensing
assembly 40 are
shown in greater detail, in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. The fluid
dispensing assembly 40 includes housing 41, spray nozzle 42, inner seal 43,
dispensing condition
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control valve 44, and stream delivery tube 46. The dispensing control valve 44
is configured to
be actuated by the user to change the fluid dispensing condition from a
broadcast/spray delivery
mode to a pinpoint stream delivery mode or vice versa. In FIGS. 2 and 3 the
dispensing
condition control valve 44 is shown in the broadcast or spray delivery
position, such that when
the valve 44 is in such a position the spray nozzle 42 delivers a wide-spread
broadcast or spray
application of the fluid in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the
vertical axis of the
container 20. Additionally, when the valve 44 is in the broadcast or spray
position the stream
delivery tube 46, which is connected to the distal end of the valve 44 is
resting tangential to the
container 20. In FIG. 4, the dispensing control valve 44 is shown in the
stream delivery mode
and, as such, the stream delivery tube 46, which may be removably attached to
the distal end of
the dispensing control valve 44 is positioned perpendicular to the vertical
axis of the container 20
and is aligned with the illumination direction of the illumination source 86.
In this position, the
stream delivery tube 46 provides for dispensing of a precise stream of fluid
upon activation of
the fluid valve. FIG. 7 provides an exploded isometric view of the fluid
dispensing assembly 40.
In use, the dispensing condition control valve 44 mates with and provides
sealing means with an
internal fluid manifold 48 that is in fluid connection with the fluid valve
assembly 22 (shown in
FIG. 8) that controls the pressurized fluid material within the container 20.
When the fluid valve
assembly 22 is opened by depressing the pushbutton 84 of the illumination
assembly 80 the fluid
contents flow within the internal manifold 48 and into the dispensing
condition control valve 44
and, depending upon the position of the dispensing condition control valve 44,
dispenses the
fluid as either a broadcast/spray or as a precise stream.
[0074] FIG. 8 provides an exploded isometric view of the container and
the assemblies
of the multi-functional dispensing system 10, in accordance with embodiments
of the present
invention. The system 10 includes dispensing head housing structure 30,
illumination assembly
80, fluid dispensing assembly 40, and flow selection control assembly 50.
Additionally, the
container 20 includes fluid valve assembly 22, such as an aerosol valve
assembly or the like,
crimped in position and shown with fluid manifold elbow 24 pre-assembled to
the fluid valve
assembly 22. The flow selection control assembly 50 includes the selector 60
which rests upon
the flange-like skirt portion 70 and is connected above to lower main
structure part 64. The fluid
dispensing assembly 40 is depicted with dispensing condition control valve 44
being held in a
position over the fluid manifold 48 (shown in FIG. 7) with inner seal 43
(shown in FIG. 7)
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providing a resilient seal for allowing the rotation of the dispensing
condition control valve 44 to
contain fluid communication when dispensing condition control valve 44 is in
either the spray
delivery position or the stream delivery position. The illumination module 80,
as described and
shown in FIG. 6 includes pushbutton 84, illumination source 86, switch 88,
insulator 90 and
power source 92. The dispensing head housing structure 30 completes the
overall multi-
functional delivery system 30.
[0075] FIG. 8 additionally highlights the modular aspect of multi-
functional dispensing
system 10, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The four
distinct
components of the multi-functional dispensing system 10, i.e., dispensing head
housing structure
30, illumination assembly 80, fluid dispensing assembly 40, and flow selection
control assembly
50 are configured to provide for ease of manufacturing, in that, each
component is configured to
be readily received by an adjacent component so as to provide for snap-fit
assembly/manufacture
or other manufacturing techniques that can be automated (i.e., eliminating the
need for manual
assembly of the multi-functional dispensing system 10). Additionally,
embodiments of the
present invention, limit the number of components/assemblies/modules as
compared to other
similar multi-functional dispensing systems and, in doing so, lends itself
further to automated
and more efficient/less time-consuming manufacturing.
[0076] Thus, the present invention as described in detail above, provides
for a multi-
functional fluid dispensing system which provides the end-user the ability to
control the
operational state (i.e., on, off and off-locked states) of the system and also
control the range and
volume of fluid dispensed from the fluid dispensing device while
simultaneously providing
illumination of the target area that requires fluid application.
[0077] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown
in the
accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely
illustrative of
and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be
limited to the specific
constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other
changes, combinations,
omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in
the above paragraphs,
are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
adaptations and modifications
of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the
scope and spirit
of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of
the appended claims,
the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
