Multi-functional fluid dispensing system and associated methods for dispensing

Abstract

A multi-functional fluid dispensing system and method for dispensing fluid which provides an end-user the ability to control the fluid flow dispensed from the container while, in some embodiments, providing illumination of a target area to which the fluids are desired.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 370,960, filed Aug. 4, 2016, entitled “Multi-Functional Aerosol Dispensing System and Associated Methods for Dispensing” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 399,870, filed Sep. 26, 2016, entitled “Multi-Functional Aerosol Dispensing System and Associated Methods for Dispensing,” the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD[0002]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[0003]Dispensing of fluids, such as aerosol dispensing of fluids is a well-known and extensively used form of liquid product delivery a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]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).

[0018]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 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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

Such damage to the dispensing mechanism may result in inadvertent dispensing of fluids.

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