Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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SOLID PRODUCT DISPENSER
BACKGROUND
[0001] Solutions formed from dissolving a solid product in a fluid have been
long known and
utilized for many applications. Accordingly, solution-forming devices have
been developed
in order to create desired solutions without the need to manually create them.
Instead, a fluid
is supplied to the device, the solution is formed therein and then flows out
the device. Such
devices may be used to create cleaning and sanitizing solutions or other
desired solutions.
[0002] Many of such solution-forming devices have been in-line systems, in
which the
device is fixedly connected to the fluid supply. In such a device, fluid will
travel through the
device whether a solution is desired or not. To prevent unwanted solution
formation, either
the product must be removed from the device to eliminate the chance of mixing,
or
alternative routing of the fluid is necessary. Continually removing and
replacing the a solid
product into the device could be a tedious and annoying task to a user, and
rerouting fluid
flow may be a costly and/or inconvenient modification to a system.
[0003] Additionally, in the case of a potable water supply, it may be
necessary to prevent
solutions from flowing back into the water supply, as the solutions may be
hazardous for
consumption. As such, many previous solution-forming devices require some sort
of
backflow prevention device to prevent the formed solution from flowing back
through the
device and into the water supply. Such backflow prevention devices, however,
add cost and
complexity to the design of the solution-forming device.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and dispensers
for dissolving
a solid product in a fluid to create a solution and dispensing the solution.
Dispensers are
generally freestanding and can comprise a fluid diverter to which fluid can be
applied. The
dispenser can include a product guide for receiving the solid product. In some
embodiments,
the product guide can surround a height of the solid product, for example when
the product is
disposed vertically in the product guide. The product guide can comprise a
wall for enclosing
a portion of the solid product. The fluid diverter can direct incident fluid
to a reaction
portion, where it encounters at least a portion of the solid product. In the
reaction portion, the
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fluid dissolves the product and forms a solution. The solution then exits the
apparatus
through an outlet portion, for example, and output drain.
[0005] In some embodiments, the fluid diverter is disposed above the solid
product and is
coupled to the product guide. The fluid diverter can be configured to divert
an input fluid
around the exterior of the product guide toward the base of the solid product.
The dispenser
can include a vertical channel disposed between an outer wall of the dispenser
and the
product guide through which the fluid can be diverted. In some embodiments,
the vertical
channel can extend around substantially the entire outer surface of the wall
of the product
guide. In further embodiments, the fluid diverter can be configured to
disperse fluid
completely or nearly completely around the perimeter of the fluid diverter. In
such
embodiments, fluid can be directed through the vertical channel and contact
the base of the
solid product on all sides. Fluid can flow inward from the vertical channel,
dissolve the
product to create a solution, and exit the dispenser through a center output
drain.
[0006] In other embodiments, the diverter can be configured to direct fluid to
a fill chamber
disposed beneath the solid product. In these embodiments, fluid floods the
fill chamber and
flows up into the reaction portion via an aperture in the base of the reaction
portion. Fluid
contacts and dissolves the base of the solid product to form a solution, which
floods the
reaction portion, which can be surrounded by a wall. Once the solution fills
the reaction
portion to the top of the wall, it spills over into an annular output channel
and flows to an
output drain.
[0007] The fluid diverter can alternatively be configured to direct fluid to
the top surface of
the solid product. For example, the diverter can be configured to spread
incident fluid to a
series of apertures in the diverter such that fluid can flow through the
apertures and encounter
the top surface of the solid product. Apertures can be shaped, sized, and
positioned to
accommodate desired flow patterns.
[0008] Certain embodiments of the dispenser can include a cover for preventing
fluid from
being directed undesirably toward the solid product. In some embodiments, the
cover can be
annularly shaped so as to substantially cover a vertical channel surrounding
the product guide
so that fluid is not applied directly to the vertical channel but is first
applied to the fluid
diverter. The cover can include a grate disposed over the fluid diverter. The
grate can be
such that fluid can be applied to the fluid diverter through the grate, but
the grate prevents
fluid from splashing out of the dispenser from the fluid diverter.
[0009] The dispenser can include a handle for securing the dispenser to a
supporting element.
The handle can be spring-loaded so as to apply a squeezing force on a
supporting element
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between the handle and a portion of the dispenser body such as an outer wall.
The dispenser
can comprise a tab formed in an outer wall and proximate the handle. In some
embodiments,
the dispenser can comprise a notch between the outer wall and the tab meant
for receiving a
lip or edge of a supporting element. The tab and/or handle can include high
friction surfaces
for engaging a portion of the supporting element to increase the coefficient
of friction
between engaging portions of the dispenser and the supporting element. Notch
and/or high
friction surfaces can act to provide stability to the dispenser when supported
by a supporting
element.
[0010] Various embodiments of the invention can lead to varying properties of
the dispensed
solution. Different configurations result in fluid impacting the solid product
with different
energies and flow patterns. Embodiments to be used for a particular
application can be
selected based on the desired properties such as a high concentration or a
consistent
concentration over time. Methods of and apparatuses for dispensing a solid
product fall
within the scope of the present invention. The details of one or more examples
and
embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and
the description
below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the
description and the
drawings, as well as from the claims of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. lA shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1B shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the invention similar
to the one
illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0013] FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1B,
taken at line 1-1
in FIG. 1B.
[0014] FIGS 2 and 3 show alternative embodiments of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 4A shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 4B shows an elevational view of an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional perspective view an embodiment of the
invention, taken
at line 4-4 in FIG. 4A.
[0018] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 5B is a top-down view of the embodiment of the invention of FIG.
5A.
[0020] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment, taken at line 5-5
in FIG. 5B.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a product dispenser similar to that
shown in FIG.
5C.
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[0022] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a product dispenser.
[0023] FIG. 7B is a view of the handle an embodiment of a dispenser, such as
taken from box
7 in FIG. 7A.
[0024] FIG. 7C is a top view of a dispenser such as that shown in FIG. 7A.
[0025] FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7C, taken
at line 7-7.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a dispenser in which fluid is applied
to the top surface
of a solid product.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The present invention is aimed at creating an easy-to-use, cost-
effective, and
repeatable means for creating solutions of appropriate concentrations.
Embodiments of the
invention are designed to dispense a solution formed from a solid product and
an incident
fluid such as water. The solid product may comprise many different products,
including but
not limited to a sanitizer, a detergent, or a floor care product, as many
applications of the
present invention may involve creating a solution for a cleaning process. In
many cases, it is
desirable to achieve and maintain a certain concentration of a solution for
cost, performance,
or even regulatory reasons.
[0028] FIG. lA shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.
This
embodiment of a solid product dispenser 100 comprises an inlet portion 102,
which receives
an incident fluid, a reaction portion 104, in which the fluid encounters the
solid product, and
an outlet portion 106, from which the solution of the two is dispensed. The
reaction portion
comprises a solid product 112 intended for dissolving in a fluid to create a
solution. Fluid is
introduced into this embodiment by being supplied to the inlet portion 102.
From there, it
flows into the reaction portion, where it comes into contact with the solid
product. Fluid
dissolves contacting portions of the solid product 112, which then dissolves
into the fluid,
thereby creating a solution. This solution continues through the reaction
portion to the outlet
portion, where it is dispensed from the invention. The embodiment of the
invention shown in
FIG. lA further comprises a product guide 110, which is housed at least
partially within the
reaction portion and is configured to hold the solid product. Particular
embodiments of the
invention may be designed to hold a particular product, which may be shaped in
a particular
defining way. Thus, the product guide of various embodiments may be uniquely
shaped so as
to receive a particular solid product.
[0029] While the product 112 and product guide 110 of FIG. lA are shown as
pentagonal,
they could just as well by any other shape, such as triangular, hexagonal, or
rectangular. In
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some embodiments of the invention, the shape of the solid product is
indicative of the solid
product itself. For example, a pentagonal product may comprise a detergent, a
hexagonal
product may comprise a sanitizer, and a square product may comprise a floor
care product.
Accordingly, different embodiments of the invention may be used for different
desired
applications, as the shape of the product guide may indicate the desired
product of use.
Additional embodiments of the invention may comprise a product lockout, which
may
prevent a product of an incorrect shape, and therefore incorrect composition,
from being
used. Embodiments of the present invention may comprise various materials, for
example
metals, plastics, composite, etc. Further embodiments may comprise
polypropylene.
[0030] FIG. 1B shows a top-down view of an embodiment of the invention similar
to the one
illustrated in FIG. 1A. Shown is the inlet portion 102, the reaction portion
104, and the outlet
portion 106, as well as the product guide 110 and solid product 112. FIG. 1C
shows a cross-
sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1B, taken at line 1-1 in FIG. 1B. As
shown, this
embodiment further comprises a lead-in ramp 114 as part of the inlet portion
102, such that
fluid incident to the inlet portion 102 impinges on the lead-in ramp 114.
Fluid then flows
down the lead-in ramp 114 into the reaction portion 104. The lead-in ramp 114
may provide
a surface oriented at an angle to the fluid incident to the inlet portion 102.
In this case, the
angular relationship may minimize undesired splashing of the fluid either out
of the dispenser
or onto the solid product 112. Additionally, the lead-in ramp may comprise a
textured
surface to encourage the incident fluid to spread out as it travels towards
the reaction portion.
Some embodiments may also comprise a gate 116 in order to at least prevent
undesired
splashing of incident fluid onto the surface of the product 112. In some
embodiments, the
gate may additionally provide the boundary between the inlet portion and the
reaction
portion. In still further embodiments, the gate may additionally regulate the
rate of flow of
the fluid between the inlet portion and the reaction portion, and may be
adjusted in height to
change the rate of flow.
[0031] In certain embodiments of the invention, the dispenser may comprise
pegs 122, shown
in FIG. 1C as being located on the bottom surface of the dispenser, intended
to support the
solid product 112 above the floor of the reaction portion 104 as fluid flows
through the spaces
therebetween. Ideally, in operation, the pegs 122 are shorter than the depth
of the fluid so
that the fluid will contact at least a portion of the solid product 112 as it
flows through the
pegs 122. Taller pegs 122 will support the product 112 further above the base
of the
dispenser than will shorter pegs 122, thereby supporting the product 112
further out of the
fluid and changing the amount of surface contact therebetween. Peg heights may
be
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optimized in a laboratory or factory prior to implementation into the
dispenser so that a
desired amount of interaction between the solid product 112 and the fluid may
occur
depending on a either a specific incident fluid flow rate or a particular
range thereof.
Adjustable or interchangeable pegs are also contemplated, allowing the end
user to change
the height of the pegs 122. Pegs 122 may also be affixed to a peg plate, which
may itself be
entirely replaceable by the user. The number or area density of pegs may vary
from
embodiment to embodiment; however it will be appreciated that a lower number
of pegs will
result in more mass of the solid product per surface area of pegs, potentially
creating a risk
for the solid product 112 to sink down onto the pegs 122 and embedding them
therein. Too
many pegs 122, however, may inhibit the ability for fluid to flow through the
dispenser.
After flowing through the pegs 122 and contacting the solid product 112, fluid
may exit the
dispenser through the outlet portion 106 via an opening to the outside of the
dispenser.
[0032] FIGS. 2 and 3 show alternative embodiments of the invention. The
dispenser of FIG.
2 further comprises a closable lid 224 which, when closed, covers the solid
product within the
reaction portion 204. In some embodiments, the lid covers the top and the side
of the solid
product facing the inlet portion 202, shielding it from undesired exposure to
the incident fluid
such as splashing from the inlet portion 202 or incorrect operation of the
dispenser. The lid
224 may be attached to the dispenser by attachment means, such as a hinge 226
or other
method of attachment known in the art, or it may be entirely removable from
the dispenser.
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the invention with no lid, but further
comprising a splash
guard 318. Splash guard 318 acts in conjunction with gate 316 to prevent
undesired fluid
from coming into contact with the solid product by blocking fluid that may
otherwise splash
up and over the gate
[0033] The concentration of the solid product in the solution formed is
dependent upon
several factors. Fluid temperature and flow rate, as well as the amount of
solid product
contacting the fluid and any specific chemistry therebetween, may affect the
concentration of
the solution. Desired concentrations may vary from application to application,
however it is
advantageous to be able to both achieve and maintain a desired concentration.
Thus, in some
embodiments, it is preferred that the solid product be dissolved uniformly
across the bottom
surface by the fluid. This may be advantageous since otherwise, non-uniform
dissolution
may cause surface deformations on the solid product, resulting in a change of
surface area
exposed to the incident fluid. This may then result in undesired changes in
the concentration
of the solid product in the solution.
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[0034] FIGS. 4A and 4B show embodiments of the invention comprising components
aimed
to create and/or maintain uniform dissolution of the solid product
substantially across a single
surface. FIG. 4A shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention. As was
the case with
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the embodiment of FIG. 4A comprises
pegs 422 on
the bottom surface of the dispenser, however these pegs 422 can be seen to
extend beyond the
perimeter of the gate 416, which encloses the solid product, towards the inlet
portion,
providing pegs in the dispenser not supporting the solid product, but rather
"upstream" from
the product. As fluid enters the dispenser via the inlet portion and is
initially incident on the
front surface of the pegs 422, turbulence may be created, resulting in upward
displacement of
the incident fluid. Were the solid product 412 to be situated on these pegs,
the upwardly
displaced fluid may come into contact with the product and cause non-uniform
and/or
undesired erosion. Thus, in this embodiment, the pegs 422 extend outside of
the area where
the solid product is to be held so that this initial contact with the pegs,
and its induced
turbulence and potential upward displacement of fluid, may occur prior to the
fluid reaching
the product, by which time the fluid may reach a steady state flow pattern. In
this
embodiment, three rows of pegs 422 are located between the inlet portion and
the nearest
point of the gate.
[0035] In other situations, fluid dynamics within the dispenser may cause
width-wise non-
uniform flow rates across the reaction portion. In some instances, for
example, the product
erodes more quickly near the edges of the dispenser as compared to in the
center, suggesting
perhaps faster, preferred fluid flow around the edges. FIG. 4B shows an
elevational view of
an embodiment of the invention intended to help fix such non-uniformity. Shown
is the
outlet portion 406 of the dispenser from where the solution is dispensed.
Through the outlet
portion 406, the pegs 422 are visible, as is the base of the reaction portion
of the dispenser,
referred here to as the hull 428; however the hull need not be limited to the
base of the
reaction portion. In this embodiment, the hull 428 comprises a V-shaped hull
428a, as its
cross-section resembles that of the letter "V". The V-shaped hull 428a acts to
draw more
fluid from the edges of the dispenser towards the middle while fluid is
flowing through the
reaction portion. This reduces the enhanced erosion nearer the edges described
previously,
resulting in a more uniform dissolution process across the bottom surface of
the solid product
and a greater likelihood of maintaining a desired concentration during
operation. It will be
appreciated by one skilled in the art that the 'V' shape of the hull shown
herein is not the only
shape that may be used to accomplish such a process. Other hull shapes are
contemplated
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such as a "U" shape, a parabolic shape, or any other shape that may divert
some of the fluid
flow away from the edges and towards the central pathway from the inlet to the
outlet.
[0036] FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional perspective view an embodiment of the
invention
comprising features illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, with the cross section
taken at line 4-4 in
FIG. 4A. In this embodiment, the fluid enters the inlet portion 402 which
comprises a lead-in
ramp 414. The fluid contacts and flows down the lead-in ramp 414, which
directs the fluid
towards pegs 422 along the bottom of the dispenser. The fluid contacts a first
series of pegs
422, which may induce turbulence into the fluid. It is assumed, however, that
after the fluid
has passed the first series of pegs 422, much of the induced turbulence will
have substantially
subsided, resulting in generally steady state fluid flow beyond this point. In
some
embodiments, this first series of pegs comprises at least three rows of pegs
in order to provide
a sufficiently long flow path for the fluid flow to reach a steady state.
Beyond the first series
of pegs 422, fluid ideally flows in a steady-state through a gap 420 under the
gate 416 and
into the area surrounded by the product guide, configured for holding the
solid product atop
the pegs 422 therein. With a solid product in place in the product guide 410,
fluid contacts
the solid product and erodes it, forming a solution of the product in the
fluid. The solution
then flows to the outlet portion 406, where it exits the dispenser.
Embodiments such as the
one shown in FIG. 4c may additionally comprise a hull such as the
aforementioned V-shaped
hull 428a to aid in uniform dissolution of the solid product. While the
reaction portion of
FIG. 4c is designed to hold a product of a particular shape, it will be
appreciated that
embodiments similar to the one shown in FIG. 4c may be configured for
receiving products
of differing shapes.
[0037] While the embodiments illustrated in the figures described thus far
have featured fluid
flow generally in one linear direction, other embodiments of the invention may
comprise
other flow patterns as well. For example, fluid may enter the dispenser via an
inlet portion
and flow into the reaction portion in a first direction and flow out of the
outlet portion in a
second direction, different from the first. It will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that
many configurations fall within the scope of the invention. Another such
alternate
configuration is described below.
[0038] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate yet another embodiment of the
invention, comprising
inlet 502, reaction 504, and outlet 506, portions. FIG. 5A is a perspective
view of an
embodiment of the invention, showing the inlet 502, reaction 504, and outlet
506 portions.
FIG. 5B is a top-down view of the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 5A, and
FIG. 5C is a
cross-sectional view of the embodiment, taken at 5-5 in FIG. 5B. In this
embodiment, fluid is
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received via inlet portion 502, where it contacts lead-in ramp 514. Fluid
flows down the
ramp 514 and into an annular channel 532 formed by a wall 534. With nowhere
else to flow,
the fluid accumulates in the annular channel 532, causing the fluid level to
rise. Once the
fluid level has reached the height of the wall 534, additional fluid added to
the inlet portion
502 will cause fluid in the annular channel 532 to spill over the wall 534 and
into the reaction
portion 504 of the dispenser. Fluid flows under the confines of the product
guide 510, which
houses a solid product supported by an arrangement of pegs 522. Fluid flows
through pegs
522 while contacting at least a portion of the solid product supported
thereon. The fluid
erodes the product, which then forms a solution with the fluid. Finally the
solution flows out
of the outlet portion 506 of the dispenser via the output drain 536. It is
important that the
output drain 536 be large enough to permit a sufficient flow rate out of the
dispenser, lest the
fluid level rise and contact more surface of the solid product 512 or flood
the dispenser.
[0039] The embodiment described above allows the fluid to impinge on each side
of the solid
product, as the fluid will fill the annular channel uniformly and spill over
and flow towards
the product on all sides, provided the wall height is uniform. This is in
contrast to the
substantially single-dimensional flow patterns of the previous embodiments,
and may
contribute to a more even pattern of dissolution across the solid product.
While the
embodiment of FIG. 5C suggests a circular (annular) channel, other shapes may
also be used.
As described above, various solid products may be shaped in various defining
ways, and thus,
it may be that to receive a particular desired product, the channel and/or
wall forming the
channel may be shaped similarly to the desired product, or arranged in any
other shape.
[0040] Embodiments similar to those shown in FIGS. 5A-5C can be modified to
operate
substantially in reverse. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a product
dispenser similar to that
shown in FIG. 5C. FIG. 6 shows a dispenser 600 comprising a product guide 610
surrounded
by a wall 634, which can be similar to that described with respect to FIG. 5C.
Dispenser 600
can include an inlet portion 602 for receiving fluid. In some embodiments,
dispenser 600 can
include a fluid diverter 640 configured to direct the flow of fluid in
accordance with the
design of the dispenser 600. In the illustrated embodiment, fluid from the
inlet portion 602 is
guided by the fluid diverter 640 into a fill chamber 642. During operation,
fluid can
accumulate in the fill chamber 642 until it reaches aperture 644 in the
reaction portion 604.
[0041] Once fluid fills the fill chamber 642 to the aperture 644, fluid can
begin to enter the
reaction chamber 604 via aperture 642. While not shown in FIG. 6, reaction
chamber 604
can be configured to hold a generic or, in some embodiments, particular, solid
product.
Similar to previously described embodiments, product can be supported by a
series of pegs
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622 that allows the fluid to flow therethrough and under the product in order
to dissolve the
product and create a solution. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6, fluid
from the fill
chamber 642 can flow between pegs and dissolve the product and form a solution
in the
reaction portion 604. In some embodiments, as fluid continues to enter the
reaction portion
604, a formed solution flows through a gap 620 under the product guide 610 and
the level of
the solution rises until it reaches the height of wall 634.
[0042] When the solution reaches the height of the wall 634, it can flow over
the wall into an
annular output channel 632 similar to the annular channel 532 in FIG. 5C. In
some
embodiments, the annular output channel 632 is configured to direct all
solution therein to the
output drain 636. In some embodiments, output drain 636 is located in a side
of the dispenser
600 opposite the inlet portion 602 and can be positioned to drain into, for
example, a sink or
bucket.
[0043] Another dispenser according to certain embodiments is illustrated in
FIGS. 7A-7D.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a product dispenser. The
dispenser 700
shown in FIG. 7A comprises an outer wall 754 surrounding the interior of the
dispenser 700
and an inlet portion 702 for receiving a fluid. The inlet portion 702 can
include an annular
cover 750 through which fluid can be directed. In some embodiments, annular
cover 750 can
be disposed over a fluid diverter which can direct incident fluid to the solid
product. In some
embodiments, such as described further below, the annular cover 750 can be
arranged so as to
require fluid directed into the opening of the annular cover 750 to contact a
fluid diverter. As
shown in FIG. 7A, the cover 750 can comprise a grate 751 through which
incident fluid is
directed. Grate 751 can prevent fluid from splashing out of the dispenser 700
undesirably
while allowing incident fluid to be directed from outside the dispenser 700
through the
annular cover 750. The cover 750 can be secured to the dispenser 700 via a
hinge 726, which
can allow for the cover 750 to be opened. Cover 750 can be secured closed via
a latch 752 so
that it does not open undesirably.
[0044] In some embodiments, the dispenser 700 includes a handle 748. The
handle 748 can
be used to support the dispenser 700 being held by a person or other mounting
object.
Handle 748 can be attached to dispenser 700 via hinge 726. In some
embodiments, the
annular cover 726 and handle 748 are attached to the dispenser 700 via
different parts of the
same hinge structure. For example, in some embodiments, handle 748 can be
spring-loaded
with respect to the dispenser 700, requiring a sufficient applied force (e.g.,
greater than 5-10
pounds, in some embodiments greater than 5-20 pounds) to rotate the bottom of
the handle
748 away from the dispenser 700. In such an embodiment, the dispenser 700 can
be secured
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to a surface by the spring-loaded handle. The annular cover 750 can be
attached to the same
structure as handle 748 without being spring-loaded. In some embodiments,
cover 750 and
handle 748 are attached to the dispenser 700 by separate attachment
mechanisms.
[0045] FIG. 7B is a view of the handle an embodiment of a dispenser, such as
taken from box
7 in FIG. 7A. In the embodiment of FIG. 7B, the dispenser 700 comprises a
notch 766
proximate the handle 748 at the junction of the outer wall 754 of the
dispenser and a tab 764
protruding therefrom. In some examples, notch 766 can receive a lip or edge of
a supporting
element for receiving and supporting the dispenser, such as an edge or
partition of a sink or a
bucket while handle engages the surface itself. In some embodiments, the notch
766 can be
sized to stabilize the dispenser 700 on an edge smaller than 0.25 inches. In
some situations,
dispenser 700 can engage a supporting element having a top surface too large
(in some
embodiments, larger than 0.25 inches, for example) or otherwise not in a
position to be
received by the notch 766 when the handle engages the side of the supporting
element. The
tab 764 of the dispenser can comprise a first high friction surface 768 for
engaging the top
surface of a supporting element for supporting the dispenser 700. The first
high friction
surface 768 can act to increase the coefficient of friction between the tab
764 and a top
surface of the supporting element so that when the handle 748 of the dispenser
engages the
supporting element, the first high friction surface 768 prevents the slipping
of the dispenser
700 along the top surface of the supporting element.
[0046] In some embodiments, the dispenser handle 748 can include a second high
friction
surface 770 proximate the bottom of the handle 748. The second high friction
surface 770
can be positioned so as to engage a side surface of a supporting element when
the handle 748
is closed. In some embodiments, the spring force closing the handle squeezes
the supporting
element between the second high friction surface 770 of the handle 748 and the
outer wall
754 of the dispenser 700 while at least one of the first high friction surface
768 and the notch
engages a top surface of the supporting element. The second high friction
surface 770 can be
squeezed against the supporting element to prevent slipping of the dispenser
700 with respect
to the supporting element.
[0047] First 768 and second 770 high friction surfaces can comprise any
appropriate material
to provide appropriate friction between the handle 748 and a supporting
element for the
dispenser 700. In some embodiments, high friction surfaces 768, 770 can
comprise common
elastomers such as silicone. The material can be chosen based on a common
working
environment of the dispenser 700. For example, materials can be selected to
increase
friction/improve stability when surfaces are wet, greasy and/or soapy. In some
embodiments,
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first 768 and second 770 high friction surfaces can have a durometer between
50 and 60
Shore A. The position of first 768 and second 770 high friction surfaces can
be optimized to
provide stability on various supporting elements, including sinks and buckets.
The handle
748 can be configured so that the second high friction surface 770 engages a
supporting
element at a substantially different height than the lowest point at which the
outer wall 754
engages the supporting element in order to provide additional stability for
the dispenser 770
[0048] FIG. 7C is a top view of a dispenser such as that shown in FIG. 7A. The
dispenser
includes a fluid diverter 740 and an annular cover 750 disposed over the fluid
diverter 740.
As shown, in some embodiments, the interior dimension (e.g., diameter at the
top of the
cover) of the annular cover 750 is smaller than the diameter of the fluid
diverter 740. The
annular cover 750 can be attached to the dispenser 700 by a hinge 726 and
secured closed by
a latch 752. The dispenser 700 of FIG. 7C further includes a handle 748
attached via hinge
726 and in some embodiments can be spring-loaded to facilitate engagement of
the dispenser
700 with a support surface.
[0049] FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7C, taken
at line 7-7.
The dispenser 700 in FIG. 7D includes a product guide 710 comprising a wall
configured to
receive a solid product. In some embodiments, the product guide can surround a
height of the
solid product. While present during operation of the dispenser, solid product
is not shown in
order to better illustrate additional components of the dispenser 700. The
dispenser 700 can
include pegs 722 configured to support the solid product off the base surface
of the dispenser
and allow a fluid to flow beneath and contact the solid product. The dispenser
can include an
outer wall 754 having an interior surface. The interior surface of the outer
wall 754 can
define a vertical channel 756 between the interior surface of the outer wall
754 and the
product guide 710. In some embodiments, the vertical channel 756 extends
around
substantially the entire outer surface of the wall of the product guide 710.
It will be
appreciated that structure such as support structure between the outer wall
754 and the
product guide 710 can exist in the vertical channel 756. The dispenser 700 can
include a gap
720 beneath the product guide 710 and above the base of the dispenser 700 to
allow fluid to
flow therethrough under the product guide 710.
[0050] The dispenser 700 can include a fluid diverter 740, configured to
receive a fluid and
divert the fluid to a portion of the solid product. In the embodiment shown,
fluid diverter 740
is disposed above the product guide 710. In some embodiments, the fluid
diverter 740
engages, envelops, or overlaps the product guide 710 so that fluid is unable
to enter through
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the top of the product guide 710. The fluid diverter 740 can divert fluid to a
vertical channel
756 outside of the product guide 710, towards the bottom of the solid product.
[0051] Fluid diverter 740 can direct fluid down the vertical channel 756 into
the reaction
portion 704 of the dispenser 700. The reaction portion can be configured to
support the solid
product and receive fluid such that the fluid contacts and dissolves a portion
of the solid
product, forming a solution. In the illustrated embodiment, fluid can travel
through the
vertical channel 756 and through the gap 720 under the product guide 710 to
contact the solid
product. The fluid and product can form a solution in the reaction portion
704, and exit the
dispenser 700 through an output drain 736. In some embodiments, output drain
736 is
located proximate the center of the reaction portion 704 such that fluid flows
inward from the
vertical channel, through the reaction portion to the output drain 736.
[0052] The fluid diverter 740 can be configured to encourage sheeting of the
fluid along the
outside surface of product guide 710. That is, the design of the fluid
diverter 740 can cause
the fluid to follow the contour of the product guide 710 while flowing within
vertical channel
756 on the outside of the product guide 710. Alternatively, the fluid diverter
can cause the
fluid to follow the contour of the interior of the outer wall 754 of the
dispenser 700. In some
embodiments, the fluid diverter 740 comprises an apex 762 substantially
centered over the
product guide 710 and a single surface extending radially outward from the
apex and
downward toward the top of the product guide 710. The single surface can be a
smooth
surface such that there are no corners or ridges extending from the apex 762
toward the
product guide 710.
[0053] The design of the fluid diverter 740 can be such that when fluid
impacts the diverter
740 proximate the apex 762, the fluid is spread around substantially the
entire circumference
of the diverter 740 prior to reaching the radially outermost portion of
diverter 740. In this
way, fluid can travel downward through the vertical channel 756 and contact
the solid
product from all sides. Dissolving the product evenly from all sides can
result in a consistent
erosion rate and solution concentration over time. In some embodiments, the
dispenser 700
comprises an annular cover 750 disposed over the fluid diverter 740 and having
an inner
diameter 780. If inner diameter 780 (e.g., top of annular cover 750 in the
embodiment shown
in Fig.7D) of the annular cover 750 is smaller than the diameter 770 of the
fluid diverter 740
and is substantially centered over the diverter 740, the annular cover 750 can
act to prevent
fluid from entering the dispenser 700 without first contacting the fluid
diverter 740. The
annular cover 750 can, for example, cover the vertical channel 756 to prevent
fluid from
entering the channel 756 directly on only one side. The relationship of inner
diameter 780 of
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the cover 750 and diameter 770 of the diverter 740 can be arranged so that
fluid incident on
the diverter 740 is directed to the entire circumference of the diverter 740,
and consequently
contacts the solid product from all sides.
[0054] During operation, as fluid flows past and dissolves portions of the
solid product, wear
patterns can be established in the solid product. Such patterns can change the
surface area of
the solid product contacted by the fluid, and can therefore have an (often
mitigating) effect on
the concentration of the produced solution. In some embodiments, the dispenser
700 can
include platforms 758 disposed among the pegs 722 beneath the product guide
710. In such
embodiments, top surface of the platforms 758 can be higher than top surface
of the pegs 722
and configured to receive and support the solid product for an amount of use
prior to the
product contacting the pegs 722. In some embodiments, platforms are configured
such that
the net surface area of the platforms is significantly less than the net
surface area of the pegs.
[0055] As fluid travels through pegs 722, defined flow paths through pegs 722
emerge and
create wear patterns in the solid product. In some cases, as wear patterns
emerge, dissolution
of the solid product can become lessened, and the resulting concentration of
the solution can
decrease. Through use, however, the surface of the solid product being
dissolved can become
soft. With the weight of the solid product supported by a relatively small
number of
platforms 758, the weight is spread over a relatively small area. Accordingly,
as the surface
of the solid product becomes softer, platforms 758 may pierce the surface of
the solid
product, allowing the product to sink until it contacts pegs 722. Because, in
some
embodiments, the pegs 722 constitute a larger net surface area than platforms
758, the
product can stop sinking and come to rest on the pegs 722. Lowering the
product effectively
increases the amount of product exposed to the fluid, and can act to increase
the
concentration. Accordingly, pegs 722 and platforms 758 can be optimized so
that the
concentration increase resulting from the sinking of the product can
counteract the
concentration decrease from the established wear patterns in the solid
product. Platforms 758
shown in FIG. 7D are "canoe shaped," however it will be appreciated that
various shapes
(e.g., elliptical, oval, uniform cross-sectioned, downwardly increasing cross-
sectioned such as
frusto-conical, etc.) are possible while maintaining appropriate spacing and
net surface area
to support the product and allow the product to appropriately sink down when
soft.
[0056] The dispenser 700 of FIG. 7D further comprises a drip catch 760
disposed beneath the
output drain 736. Drip catch 760 is configured as a small reservoir to that
holds a small
volume of solution to prevent excess solution from undesirably dripping from
the reaction
portion 704 after use of the dispenser 700. In some embodiments, during
operation, solution
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encounters drip catch 760 upon exiting the reaction portion 704. However, drip
catch 760
can be designed to retain a small enough amount of solution so as not to
significantly affect
the throughput of the dispenser 700, while still capturing residual solution
and/or input fluid
from the reaction portion 104 after use. This can prevent unwanted leaking and
dripping of
solution and/or fluid when the dispenser 700 is not in use. Drip catch 760
only retains a
limited volume. When the volume of solution held by drip catch 760 exceeds
this limited
volume, the solution spills out over the outer periphery or circumference (if
circular) of drip
catch 760 and drops downward out of the dispenser 700 in a manner similar to
solution
exiting the output drain 736 when the drip catch 760 is not present.
[0057] While many embodiments include directing an input fluid to contact the
bottom
surface of a solid product, some embodiments include the ability to direct
fluid to the top
surface of a solid product. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a dispenser in
which fluid is
applied to the top surface of a solid product. FIG. 8 shows a dispenser 800
comprising a fluid
diverter 840. Fluid diverter 840 comprises a series of apertures 846
configured to allow fluid
applied to the top surface of the fluid diverter 840 to pass through. In some
examples,
apertures 846 in the diverter 840 can comprise a screen.
[0058] During operation, fluid can travel through the apertures 846 and
encounter the solid
product beneath the diverter 840 in a reaction portion. The fluid can dissolve
the solid
product and create a solution, which can exit the dispenser 800 via an output
drain 836.
Output drain 836 can be located on the bottom side of the dispenser 800, as
shown in FIG. 8,
or can be disposed in a sidewall of the dispenser 800 such as the output drain
shown in FIG.
6. The shape of the diverter 840 and apertures 846 can be varied among various
embodiments to achieve a desired output solution concentration. In the
embodiment of FIG.
8, the fluid diverter 840 comprises a domed screen. Apertures 846 can comprise
circles,
ovals, or any other shape, and can be arranged in any of a variety of
configurations.
[0059] Various embodiments of the invention have been described. In a common
configuration, an embodiment of the invention may be used in conjunction with
a three-
compartment sink; wherein different solutions are desired in each compartment
for a multi-
step procedure, for example washing dishes. In such a configuration, a first
embodiment of
the invention may be configured to dispense a solution comprising a first
solid product into a
first compartment of the sink, while a second embodiment of the invention may
be
configured to dispense a solution comprising a second solid product into a
second
compartment of the sink. Thus, using the sink, a user may apply a fluid, such
as water
conveniently supplied by the sink, to each of the embodiments of the
invention, thereby
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dispensing the desired first and second solutions in separate compartments of
the sink. For
example, in a three compartment sink, embodiments of the invention could be
used to
produce a detergent solution in the first compartment of the sink and a
sanitizer solution in
the third compartment while leaving only water in the second compartment,
organizing the
sink contents in order of use. Additional embodiments of the invention
comprising additional
solid products may be used in processes requiring additional solutions.
[0060] Embodiments of the invention may also comprise a mounting member for
attaching
the dispenser to or near a container for receiving the dispensed solution. For
example, the
dispenser may be attachable to the edge of a sink via the mounting member so
that as a
solution flows out of the outlet portion, it flows directly into the sink. It
may additionally be
attached such that the faucet of the sink conveniently directs fluid into the
inlet portion of the
invention. The dispenser may also be mounted on an alternative container such
as a mop
bucket, for example. In this exemplary configuration, the dispenser may be
mounted on the
mop bucket and arranged so that a created solution such as a floor cleaning
solution flows
directly into the bucket. Other embodiments of the invention may enable the
mounting of the
dispenser to a wall in a location that may be proximate a fluid source. In
such a
configuration, the fluid source may supply fluid to the inlet portion of the
dispenser, and the
solution may flow out of the outlet portion into any number of desired
locations, such as a
sink compartment or a bucket. Exemplary mounting members can include, for
example, the
spring-loaded handle shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7A.
[0061] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention configured for holding
various solid
products (comprising differently shaped product guides, for example) may have
similar or
like mounting members, allowing for these embodiments to be interchangeably
mounted on a
container, wall, or other mounting location appreciated by those skilled in
the art.
Embodiments described herein can be mounted and used in a variety of
configurations and
locations, including fixed and portable locations. The designs of the
dispensers described are
such that they can operate in atmospheric conditions. That is, they do not
require a
pressurized fluid source in order to create solutions. Accordingly, free-
standing dispensers
can be added and removed from fluid sources quickly and easily.
[0062] It has been previously noted that various factors may contribute to the
concentration
of the solution dispensed from the invention. Oftentimes there may be a
certain range that
the concentration is desired to fall within. Accordingly, elements of the
invention may be
adjusted in a factory or laboratory setting in order to achieve a
concentration within the
desired range for a particular operating condition. Moreover, elements may be
optimized in
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order to achieve a concentration within a desired range for any in a range of
typical operating
conditions, for example a temperature range of 90-140 degrees Fahrenheit with
a flow rate in
the range of four to eight gallons-per-minute. Among others, elements that may
be optimized
include peg size, shape, and number density, along with the shape and depth of
the hull.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modification and optimization of
additional
components of the invention may also accomplish desired changes in the
concentration.
[0063] In addition to achieving a desired concentration, it can be important
to maintain
concentrations within a desired range through the course of several
operations. In addition to
parameters such as temperature and flow rate, concentration can also be
affected by the
surface area of solid product exposed to the incident fluid and energy of the
incident fluid.
Accordingly, some embodiments are configured to achieve a substantially planar
dissolution
pattern so that the surface area of the product exposed to the fluid remains
substantially
constant. In addition, some embodiments are configured to provide the input
fluid with
sufficient incident energy to achieve desirably high concentrations. Energy
can be provided,
for example, by allowing the fluid to be accelerated a distance by gravity so
that it impacts
the solid product with a high velocity. The height from which a fluid is
accelerated can
therefore be used to adjust the output solution concentration.
[0064] As shown in the illustrated embodiments and described above, the
product guide may
be shaped such that it receives a particularly shaped solid product. Often,
this solid product is
of the same shape as the product guide, as shown in the pentagonal
configuration of FIG. 1A,
and further prohibits differently shaped products, such as a hexagonal
product, from entering
the product guide. Different embodiments of the invention may further be
configured to hold
stacks of multiple solid product blocks, wherein two pentagonal shaped product
blocks may
be stacked on one another in the product guide, for example. Maintaining a
stack of at least
two product blocks in the product guide may be advantageous, since if the
first dissolves
completely, there remains product available to dissolve and form the solution.
Otherwise
fluid may enter the dispenser, encounter no product block, and continue out of
dispenser
substantially unchanged.
[0065] Various embodiments of the invention have been described. It should be
known that
the embodiments described herein are exemplary in nature and in no way limit
the scope of
the invention. Rather, they serve as examples illustrating various features
and embodiments
thereof. These and other embodiments are within the scope of the following
claims.
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