Dispensing system and method, and injector therefor

Abstract

The disclosed dispensing system, and method may be used in combination with a faucet in communication with a water supply via a water line, and includes a liquid dispensing device adapted to create a liquid such as liquid soap, and water mixture in the water line. The dispensing device may include an injector, and a soap container for the liquid soap or other. The system may provide for storage of liquid soap or other, and may also have the injector in line with the faucet water line. The injector may create strong vortices that effectively commingle the liquid soap or other liquid with water into a thoroughly mixed solution that is discharged at the faucet outlet.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11 / 280,577, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60 / 993,878; 611069,443; 61 / 070,986; 61 / 134,328; and 61 / 135,259, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates in general to dispensing devices. It more particularly relates to a dispensing device which may be utilized to mix two fluids.[0004]2. Background Art[0005]There is no admission that the background art disclosed in this section legally constitutes prior art.[0006]There have been a variety of techniques and devices to facilitate the washing of a person's hands. For example, reference may be made to U.S. patents and published applications as follows: U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,118; U.S. Pat. No. 6,236,953;...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

There have been a variety of concerns or problems associated with the mixing or dispensing of two fluids, such as a liquid soap and water.

For example, where there is a conventional hand cleaning basin, including those in rest rooms and kitchens, whether at home, restaurant, retail store, hotel, hospital rooms, and others, there are common problems in dispensing, handling, storing and cleaning up liquid hand soap.

But there are still major drawbacks for some applications.

There are many different and inconsistent ways of pressing, pulling up or down to eject liquid soap.

There are often problems, especially with the manual systems, of obtaining a sufficient amount but not too much, liquid soap.

If the dispenser is on the wall opposite to or adjacent to the sink, the excess liquid soap may spill onto the sink or the counter, and create an unwanted unsightly mess.

The dispenser may be positioned on the counter and the excess soap may pool thereon in an undesirable way.

In any case, in many applications the inadvertent spilling or accumulation of excess soap can be unsightly and a source of constant clean-up and irritation.

Water, being applied first, may wet most of the hand surfaces, including under the fingernails, making it difficult for the soap to penetrate these hard-to-reach crevices, because surface tension of the water can prevent or at least greatly inhibit the liquid soap from entering the cracks and crevices, as did the water.

The water passage in the faucet can become contaminated under certain circumstances by pathogens, which can persist there undetected, to be spread to users during rinsing.

There also may be a psychological aspect in that concentrated soaps may not give users the feeling that they are applying sufficient solution to properly perform the cleaning function.

Filler, which adds to the bulk, weight and viscosity, also adds to the cost of manufacture, transportation, and storage.

Filler also may make mixing the solution on the hands more difficult and takes longer.

Because some of the solution may never really become well mixed, rinsing also may take longer, resulting in wasting of water The excess soap and water may then flow into our waste water systems and is not ecologically desirable.

The longer it takes to complete the whole hand washing process, the more likely the washing of one's hands may be performed inadequately and quickly, or may be skipped entirely.

Even healthcare workers in hospitals may skip hand washing due to the time consuming nature of the process.

However, regular hand washing may still be necessary to remove dirt and viruses.

It has an exterior storage unit of considerable size and complexity with controls to affect both the rate and time fluid or soap is added to the water flow.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,049, titled Shower Spray with Admixture of Ingredients and Air, accomplishes much the same function as the above cited patent, but is limited by describing the venturi method only.

This pressure drop may be so reduced at the flow rates, that it may not be a reliable injection mechanism for some applications.

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