Device for dispensing a liquid

Abstract

A device (10) for dispensing a liquid, comprising: a body (11) defining a reservoir (12) for holding a liquid; a second valve (14) in fluid communication with the reservoir (12) to allow dispensing of the liquid from the reservoir (12) when pressure is applied to the body; a refill port (16) in fluid communication with the reservoir (12) to allow introduction of liquid into the reservoir (12); and a plurality of scrubbing elements for scrubbing and cleaning one or more surfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for cleaning. More specifically, this invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing liquid onto a surface. Background Technology

[0002] Washing solutions such as liquid soap are essential cleaning aids used during bathing. Before the introduction of liquid soap, solid bar soaps were the most popular means of removing dirt and other impurities from the skin during bathing.

[0003] The disadvantage of bar soaps is that they are slippery when wet and can easily slip from your hand and fall to the floor if not handled properly, making them unhygienic. Additionally, improperly stored bar soaps can leave unpleasant residues and dry out. Liquids (such as liquid soap) do not have these disadvantages because they are stored in containers before being poured out for use.

[0004] While many people may prefer liquid soap to bar soap, some may still prefer the feeling of a solid object rubbing against their skin for a more thorough cleansing experience—something liquid soap alone cannot provide. Therefore, combining bath accessories (such as brushes, sponges, and loofahs) with liquid soap can enhance the bathing experience.

[0005] In view of the above, it is advantageous to provide a means of using liquids while providing enhanced tactile feedback. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing liquid, the device comprising: a body defining a reservoir for holding liquid; a second valve in fluid communication with the reservoir to allow dispensing liquid from the reservoir when pressure is applied to the body; a replenishment port in fluid communication with the reservoir to allow introducing liquid into the reservoir; and a plurality of scrubbing elements for scrubbing and cleaning one or more surfaces. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The drawings form part of this specification and include exemplary or preferred embodiments of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. However, it should be understood that the disclosed preferred embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention. Therefore, the drawings disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather serve as the basis for the claims and for teaching those skilled in the art.

[0008] Figure 1 A top view illustration of a device for dispensing liquid is shown, thus representing a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0009] Figure 2Show Figure 1 The diagram shows a bottom view of the device.

[0010] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 The side view of the device shown is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 The side view cross-sectional diagram of the device shown is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 5 Show Figure 1 The front view of the device shown is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 6 Show Figure 1 The rear view of the device shown is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 7 A rear-view isometric illustration of a device with an attached strap is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0015] This document discloses a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather serve as the basis for the claims and for teaching those skilled in the art. Numerical data or ranges used in the specification should not be interpreted as limiting.

[0016] In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the figures, specific terminology is used for clarity. However, it is not intended to limit the invention to the chosen specific terminology, and it should be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve a similar purpose. For example, terms such as top, bottom, front, back, upper, lower, left, right, first, second, third, fourth, etc., are intended as relative terms to facilitate understanding of the illustrated embodiments, and not as absolute limiting terms of the claimed invention.

[0017] The term “liquid” as used throughout this specification should be considered to refer to any fluid used to aid in the cleaning of surfaces or the body and may contain stearates, salts, fragrances, surfactants, wetting agents, exfoliants, and other compounds known to those skilled in the art.

[0018] Figures 1 to 7 A device (10) for dispensing liquid is shown, which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Now for reference Figure 1A top view illustration of the device (10) can be seen. The device (10) is intended to be used as a cleaning accessory that allows the use of liquid washing solution instead of traditional washing solution strips, while providing a tactile experience for users who prefer a bath accessory with a textured surface for cleaning.

[0020] The device (10) comprises a compressible, elastic, and hollow body (11) made of any elastomeric material, such as silicone. For improved durability, the body (11) is cast as a single piece rather than as separate pieces and then fused together. Alternatively, the body (11) is made from more than one piece, which is then fused together. The body (11) is manufactured using a compression mold or other similar process to ensure the structural integrity of the body (11) during multiple / long-duration compression operations. This also ensures uniform compression and rebound of the body (11). Preferably, the body (11) has a generally teardrop shape, which improves ergonomic comfort when gripped and compressed, thereby allowing the device (10) to be held in the hand.

[0021] The top portion of the body (11) is preferably provided with a plurality of scrubbing elements (such as raised protrusions (18)) to improve the grip of the body (11) and also to provide a cleaning / scrubbing effect when the plurality of protrusions (18) rub against the surface. The plurality of protrusions (18) may be in the shape of rounded, cylindrical or conical protrusions or any other conceivable shape. Preferably, the plurality of protrusions (18) are integrally formed with the body (11) and are formed during the casting of the body (11).

[0022] Now for reference Figure 2 A bottom view illustration of the device (10) can be seen. A plurality of scrubbing elements (such as bristle tufts (19)) are preferably disposed on the bottom side of the body (11). The plurality of bristle tufts (19) provide a cleaning / scrubbing effect when they rub against the surface. Figure 2 In the non-limiting example shown, each bristle tuft (19) may differ in the number of bristles, bristle size, bristle height, and diameter among the different bristle tufts. Like the plurality of protrusions (18), the plurality of bristle tufts (19) form a single unit with the body (11).

[0023] Provides a valve cap (15) and can fasten the valve cap (15) onto the valve. Figure 4The valve cap (14) is shown in the diagram to prevent liquid from being accidentally squeezed out of the body (11) when not in use. Preferably, the valve cap (15) includes a convex thread that corresponds to a concave thread on the body (11) so that the valve cap (15) can be fastened onto the valve (14). The valve cap (15) also includes a raised protrusion (15a) that allows the valve cap (15) to be unscrewed or tightened by hand. Figure 2 In the non-limiting example shown, the protrusion is X-shaped. The protrusion (15a) also helps to open and close the supplemental valve port cap (17a), which will be explained in more detail in the latter part of this description.

[0024] Now for reference Figure 3 A side view of the device (10) can be seen for illustration. Multiple side grooves (20) are provided on the left and right sides of the body (11) to improve grip and also provide a scrubbing effect when the surfaces are rubbed together. The side grooves (20) may be vertical, angled, concentrically arranged, wavy, or a combination thereof. When using the device, the multiple bristles (19), the multiple protrusions (18), and the multiple side grooves (20) combine to provide the user with different tactile sensations.

[0025] Now for reference Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of the device (10) is shown in the figure. As can be seen from this figure, the body (11) defines a liquid reservoir (12) for holding liquid. Liquid can be expelled from the body (11) via a second valve (14) in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir (12). The volume of the liquid reservoir (12) is between 50 ml and 200 ml. It is envisioned that the volume of the liquid reservoir (12) would be larger if intended for applications requiring higher liquid volumes (such as car washing). The second valve (14) is attached to the body (11). The second valve (14) preferably includes a resilient member that opens and allows liquid to flow out when the liquid dispenser (10) is squeezed, and closes and prevents liquid from flowing out when no pressure is applied to the liquid dispenser (10). Preferably, the second valve (14) assembly is available from a valve manufacturing company.

[0026] It is recognized that once the body (11) is compressed, it may take some time to return to its original shape because the second valve (14) partially restricts air from entering the reservoir (12). Optionally, a first valve (13) (such as an umbrella valve) in fluid communication with the reservoir may be provided to help the body (11) return to its original shape after being compressed. The first valve (13) is fixed to the body (11).

[0027] The first valve (13) allows air to enter the reservoir (12) unidirectionally through the orifice (13a) while preventing liquid from flowing out of the reservoir (12). Therefore, when the body (11) is compressed, liquid flows out of the reservoir (12) through the second valve (14) but not through the first valve (13), and when the body (11) is released, air will enter the reservoir (12) through the first valve (13) to help the compressed body (11) smoothly and quickly return to its original shape.

[0028] A replenishment port (16) is provided to allow liquid to be replenished into the reservoir (12). The replenishment port (16) is covered by a replenishment port cap (17), which is configured similarly to a valve cap (15). The replenishment port (16) is fixed to the body (11).

[0029] exist Figure 2 In the non-limiting example shown, the supplementary port cap (17) includes an X-shaped recess (17a) corresponding to the X-shaped protrusion (15a). The X-shaped protrusion (15a) can be placed into the X-shaped recess (17a) and can be loosened by twisting counterclockwise and tightened by twisting clockwise. It is conceivable that the protrusion (15a) and the recess (17a) are not limited to... Figure 2 The X-shape illustrated in the diagram can be any shape that allows torque to be transmitted from the protrusion (15a) to the recess (17a).

[0030] Now for reference Figure 5 The front view of the device (10) can be seen for illustration. Preferably, a ring (21) is provided at the narrow end of the body (11) to allow a strap, rope, etc. to pass through, so that the liquid dispenser (10) can be hung up when not in use. Like the plurality of protrusions (18), the ring (21) is integral with the body (11).

[0031] What may not be obvious is that adding a lanyard to the ring (21) allows the device (10) to be lifted from the user's forearm via the lanyard during cleaning and reduces the likelihood of the device (10) falling. If not in use, the device (10) can be hung in a desired location, such as a shower faucet.

[0032] Now for reference Figure 6 The rear view of the device (10) can be seen for illustration. Instead of passing the strap through the loop (21), a slot (24) is formed at the larger end of the body (11) to allow the strap to be inserted. Figure 7 The diagram shows that (22) it can be removably attached to the main body (11).

[0033] Further reference Figure 7The strap (22) is connected to the end (25), which includes a connector (not illustrated) that allows the end (25) to be releasably connected to the socket (24) via a ball joint. The connector can be secured to the socket (24) by means of connection such as screws. The strap (22) may also include a ring (23) that accommodates the valve cap (15) when the device (10) is in use, which reduces the possibility of misalignment of the valve cap (15).

[0034] Devices (10) for bathing animals and scrubbing items (such as utensils, vehicles) may not have the scrubbing element and may be replaced or covered by textile fabrics and / or different scrubbing materials that provide a suitable scrubbing effect. Devices (10) may be fitted to an external assembly that includes a larger body to provide a larger surface contact area, thereby dispensing liquid when the external assembly scrubs and cleans the contact surface. Optionally, devices (10) have an easily operable handle and / or an extension arm that reaches distant surfaces.

[0035] The invention has been described thus; those skilled in the art will readily understand that modifications can be made without departing from the embodiments disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered included in the appended claims unless expressly stated otherwise in their language.

Claims

1. A device (10) for dispensing liquid, the device (10) comprising: A flexible single-component body (11) defines a liquid storage tank (12) for holding liquid. Multiple side grooves are formed on the elastic single component body (11); The first valve (13) is in fluid communication with the liquid storage tank (12) to allow air to enter the liquid storage tank (12) in one direction. A second valve (14) is in fluid communication with the reservoir (12) to allow liquid to be dispensed from the reservoir (12) when pressure is applied to the body; A supplemental port (16) is in fluid communication with the reservoir (12) to allow liquid to be introduced into the reservoir (12); as well as Multiple scrubbing elements are disposed at the top and bottom portions of the elastic single-component body (11) for scrubbing and cleaning surfaces, wherein the multiple scrubbing elements are grooves, protrusions, and / or bristles. The device (10) further includes: A valve cap (15) that can be sealed onto the second valve (14); and A replenishment port cap (17) is provided, which can be closed over the replenishment port (16) to form a waterproof seal to prevent liquid from overflowing from the reservoir (12) through the replenishment port (16). The valve cap (15) includes a protrusion (15a), and the supplementary port cap (17) includes a recess (17a), wherein the protrusion (15a) has a shape corresponding to the shape of the recess (17a) to allow the valve cap (15) to be fastened and loosened, and wherein liquid is prevented from overflowing from the reservoir when the valve cap (15) is fastened.

2. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (10) is teardrop-shaped.

3. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (10) is handheld.

4. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side groove (20) is vertical, angled, concentrically arranged, wavy, or a combination thereof.

5. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protrusion (15a) and the recess (17a) are X-shaped.

6. The device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (10) further comprises a ring (21) and the ring (21) being integral with the main body.

7. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the device (10) further includes a socket (24) to enable the lanyard (22) to be removably attached to the body.

8. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the liquid is selected from the group consisting of shampoo, liquid soap, conditioner, lotion and detergent or combinations thereof.

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