Spray bottle with built-in mixing of liquid solutions

Abstract

Generally, a spray bottle is provided. A system can include a first container configured to hold a first component of a surface cleaning solution, a second container configured to hold a second component of the surface cleaning solution, and a spray head including an outlet through which the surface cleaning solution is configured to exit the spray head. The spray head can be configured to releasably couple to the first container, releasably couple to the second container, receive the first component from the first container, receive the second component from the second container, and prevent the first component and the second component from mixing within the spray head to form the surface cleaning solution until a user activates the spray head to open a seal configured in the open position to allow the first component and the second component to mix within the spray head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to spray bottles with built-in mixing of liquid solutions. Background Technology

[0002] Spray bottles are widely used for storing and dispensing liquid solutions, such as liquid cleaning solutions like disinfectants, sanitizers, degreasers, and detergents. Many existing spray bottles are typically designed to hold and dispense premixed cleaning solutions. These spray bottles typically consist of a liquid container for holding the cleaning solution and a detachable nozzle with a draw tube that can be inserted into the container to create a path for the liquid between the container and the nozzle outlet. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In general, it provides spray bottles and methods for using them.

[0004] In one aspect, a system is provided that includes a first liquid container, a second liquid container, and a nozzle. The nozzle may include: a first liquid path configured to be fluidly connected to the first liquid container; a second liquid path configured to be fluidly connected to the second liquid container; a first piston configured to draw first liquid, configured to be contained in the first liquid container, into the first liquid path; and a second piston configured to draw second liquid, configured to be contained in the second liquid container, into the second liquid path.

[0005] The nozzle may also include an outlet nozzle. The first liquid path may be fluidly isolated from the second liquid path up to a region just upstream of the outlet nozzle. In some embodiments, the first piston and the second piston are located upstream of this region.

[0006] A first piston can be configured to move from a first position to a second position, thereby generating a first pressure change in a first liquid path, drawing first liquid contained in a first liquid container into the first liquid path. In some embodiments, a first valve can be disposed downstream of the inlet of the first liquid path, and can be configured to be fluidly connected to the first liquid container. The first valve can be configured to open upon the first pressure change. In some embodiments, a second valve can be disposed downstream of the first valve in the first liquid path. The first piston can be configured to move from a second position to a first position, thereby generating a second pressure change in the first liquid path. The second valve can be configured to open upon the second pressure change, and the first valve can be configured to close upon the second pressure change.

[0007] The second piston can be configured to move from a first position to a second position, thereby generating a first pressure change in the second liquid path, which draws liquid contained in the second liquid container into the second liquid path. In some embodiments, a first valve can be disposed downstream of the inlet of the second liquid path, which is configured to be fluidly connected to the second liquid container. The first valve can be configured to open upon the first pressure change. In some embodiments, a second valve can be disposed in the second liquid path downstream of the first valve. The second piston is configured to move from a second position to a first position, thereby generating a second pressure change in the second liquid path; the second valve is configured to open upon the second pressure change; and the first valve is configured to close upon the second pressure change.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first liquid may be a first component of a surface cleaning solution, and the second liquid may be a second component of the surface cleaning solution. The nozzle may include an outlet nozzle, and the first fluid path may be fluidly isolated from the second liquid path until a region just upstream of the outlet nozzle, in which the first and second fluids are configured to mix together. In some embodiments, the first liquid container may be configured to be releasably coupled to the nozzle, and the second liquid container may be configured to be releasably coupled to the nozzle independently of the first liquid container.

[0009] In another aspect, a system is provided comprising: a first liquid path; a second liquid path fluidly isolated from the first liquid path; a third liquid path disposed downstream of the first and second liquid paths and configured to be selectively fluidly connected to the first and second liquid paths; an outlet disposed downstream of the third liquid path; and a trigger configured to move from a first position to a second position, thereby fluidly connecting the third liquid path to both the first and second liquid paths simultaneously, and allowing liquid entering the third liquid path from the first and second liquid paths to move through the outlet. The volume of the third liquid path may be less than 0.5 mL.

[0010] In some implementations, the valve may be positioned at the junction of the third fluid path and the first and second fluid paths. Movement of the trigger between the first and second positions opens the valve. The valve may be a flap valve or other suitable valve.

[0011] A first liquid path may be configured to fluidly connect to a first liquid container, and a second liquid path may be configured to fluidly connect to a second liquid container. The first liquid container may be configured to contain a first liquid, and the second liquid container may be configured to contain a second liquid. The system may include a first liquid container and a second liquid container. The first liquid container may be configured to be releasably connected to a nozzle, and the second liquid container may be configured to be releasably connected to the nozzle independently of the first liquid container.

[0012] When a third liquid path is fluidly connected to a first liquid path and a second liquid path, the first liquid can be configured to enter the third liquid path from the first liquid path, and the second liquid can be configured to enter the third liquid path from the second liquid path, so as to form a mixture of the first and second fluids in the third liquid path. The mixture of the first and second liquids can be unstable.

[0013] The system may include: a first piston configured to draw a first liquid into a first liquid path; and a second piston configured to draw a second liquid into a second liquid path. The first and second pistons may be operatively mechanically coupled to a trigger.

[0014] In some embodiments, a first liquid container is configured to contain a first liquid, which is a first component of the surface cleaning solution; and a second liquid container is configured to contain a second liquid, which is a second component of the surface cleaning solution. The first liquid path may be fluidly isolated from the second liquid path until, just upstream of the outlet, the first and second fluids are configured to mix together in that region.

[0015] In another aspect, a system is provided comprising a liquid inlet; a first valve disposed downstream of the liquid inlet; a second valve disposed downstream of the first valve; a liquid outlet; and at least one piston. The at least one piston can be configured to move from a first position to a second position, thereby generating a first pressure change that opens the first valve. Additionally, the at least one piston can be configured to move from the second position to the first position, thereby generating a second pressure change that closes the first valve, opens the second valve, and drives liquid through the liquid outlet.

[0016] A first valve may be located in a first liquid path downstream of the outlet, and a second valve may be located in a second liquid path downstream of the outlet and fluidly isolated from the first liquid path. A first liquid container may be configured to be fluidly connected to the first liquid path, and a second liquid container may be configured to be fluidly connected to the second liquid path. The first liquid container may be configured to contain a first liquid, which is a first component of the surface cleaning solution; and the second liquid container may be configured to contain a second liquid, which is a second component of the surface cleaning solution. The first liquid path may be fluidly isolated from the second liquid path until, just upstream of the outlet, the first and second fluids are configured to mix together in that region.

[0017] In some embodiments, the nozzle may include a first valve, a second valve, an outlet, and at least one piston. A first liquid container may be configured to be releasably coupled to the nozzle, and a second liquid container may be configured to be releasably coupled to the nozzle independently of the first liquid container. A third liquid path may be configured downstream of the first and second liquid paths and is selectively fluid-coupled to the first and second liquid paths. The third liquid path may be configured to be fluid-coupled to the first and second liquid paths via a second pressure variation.

[0018] In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second valves is a ball valve, a spring-loaded valve, or another type of valve. The system may also include a trigger configured to move at least one piston between a first position and a second position. The at least one piston may include at least one spring configured to apply a bias to the at least one piston toward the first position.

[0019] In another aspect, a system is provided that includes a fluid container. The fluid container may include an opening and a tube. The tube may include a first end disposed in the opening, a second end disposed in an internal volume of the fluid container, and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second ends. The system may also include a nozzle including a first fluid path and a second fluid path, the first fluid path being configured to be fluidly coupled to the first end of the tube to receive a first liquid from the fluid container, and the second fluid path being configured to be fluidly coupled to a portion of the opening surrounding the first end of the tube to receive a first gas from the fluid container. The gas may be a byproduct of a chemical reaction involving the first liquid.

[0020] In some implementations, the valve may be located near the outlet. The valve may be configured to open when the fluid pressure of the first gas exceeds a threshold pressure value. The valve may be a duckbill valve or another suitable valve.

[0021] The middle portion of the tube may include a first portion and a second portion oriented at an angle relative to the first portion. This angle may be greater than 90° and less than 180°, for example, approximately 158°. The second portion may be longer than the first portion. The second end of the tube may be disposed in the bottom portion of the internal volume, for example, in a corner of the internal volume defined by the bottom surface of the fluid container and the sidewalls of the fluid container.

[0022] The fluid container can be configured to be releasably attached to the nozzle. The first liquid can be a liquid used for cleaning surfaces.

[0023] In some embodiments, the system may further include a second fluid container. The second fluid container may include a second opening and a second tube, the second tube including a third end disposed in the second opening, a fourth end disposed in the internal volume of the second fluid container, and an intermediate portion extending between the third and fourth ends. The nozzle may further include: a third fluid path configured to fluidly connect to the third end of the second tube to receive a second liquid from the second fluid container; and a fourth fluid path configured to fluidly connect to a portion of the second opening surrounding the third end of the second tube to receive a second gas from the second fluid container.

[0024] In another aspect, a system is provided comprising: a first container configured to contain a first component of a surface cleaning solution; a second container configured to contain a second component of the surface cleaning solution; and a nozzle including an outlet through which the surface cleaning solution is configured to exit the nozzle. The nozzle may be configured to be releasably coupled to the first container, releasably coupled to the second container, receiving the first component from the first container, and receiving the second component from the second container. The nozzle may be configured to prevent the first and second components from mixing within the nozzle to form a surface cleaning solution until a user activates the nozzle to open a first seal, the first seal being configured in an open position to allow the first and second components to mix within the nozzle.

[0025] The nozzle may further include: a second seal upstream of the first seal and in a first liquid path associated with the first liquid container; a third seal upstream of the first seal and in a second liquid path associated with the second liquid container; a fourth seal upstream of the second seal and in the first liquid path associated with the first liquid container; and a fifth seal upstream of the third seal and in the second liquid path associated with the second liquid container. User activation of the nozzle can open the second and third seals, and open the first seal after the second and third seals have opened. User deactivation of the nozzle can be configured to open the fourth and fifth seals after the first seal has opened.

[0026] The printhead may include a trigger configured to be pulled by a user to activate the printhead and released by the user to deactivate the printhead. A first seal in the closed position may be configured to prevent the first and second components from mixing within the printhead. The printhead may also include a trigger configured to be pulled by a user to activate the printhead.

[0027] In another aspect, a system is provided that includes a nozzle having an outlet through which a surface cleaning solution is configured to exit the nozzle. The nozzle may be configured to receive a first component of the surface cleaning solution from a first container and a second component of the surface cleaning solution from a second container. The nozzle may also be configured to prevent the first and second components from mixing within the nozzle until the first component passes through a first check valve upstream of the outlet and the second component passes through a second check valve upstream of the outlet.

[0028] The nozzle may include a mixing chamber upstream of the outlet and downstream of a first check valve and a second check valve. In some embodiments, the nozzle may include a first seal located upstream of the outlet, downstream of the first and second check valves, and downstream of the mixing chamber. The first seal in the open position may be configured to allow the first and second components to enter the mixing chamber. The first seal in the closed position may be configured to prevent the first and second components from entering the mixing chamber. In some embodiments, the nozzle may further include a second seal upstream of the first check valve. The second seal in the open position may be configured to allow the first component to flow toward the first check valve. The second seal in the closed position may be configured to prevent the first component from flowing toward the first check valve. In some embodiments, the nozzle may further include a third seal upstream of the first check valve. The third seal in the open position may be configured to allow the second component to flow toward the second check valve. The third seal in the closed position may be configured to prevent the second component from flowing toward the second check valve.

[0029] In some embodiments, the system may include a first container and a second container. The nozzle may be configured to be releasably coupled to both the first and second containers. The first container may have a first breather valve configured to allow venting through the first container when the second seal is in the closed position. The first breather valve may be a duckbill valve, a flow liner, or any other suitable breather valve or seal.

[0030] In another aspect, a system is provided comprising: a first container configured to contain a first component of a surface cleaning solution; a second container configured to contain a second component of the surface cleaning solution; and a nozzle including an outlet through which the surface cleaning solution is configured to exit the nozzle. The nozzle may be configured to receive the first component of the surface cleaning solution from the first container, receive the second component of the surface cleaning solution from the second container, and generate a pressure change configured to simultaneously combine the first and second components to form a surface cleaning solution within the nozzle and drive the surface cleaning solution through the outlet.

[0031] In some embodiments, the nozzle may include a first region upstream of the outlet and a second region upstream of the outlet. The nozzle may be configured to receive a first component of the surface cleaning solution in the first region and a second component of the surface cleaning solution in the second region. In some embodiments, the nozzle may further include a third region downstream of the first and second regions and upstream of the outlet. The third region is configured to be selectively fluidly coupled to the first and second regions. In some embodiments, a pressure change may be configured to fluidly couple the third region to the first and second regions. The nozzle may also include a valve disposed at the junction of the third region and the first and second regions, wherein a pressure change causes the valve to open. The nozzle may also include at least one piston configured to move from a first position to a second position to generate a pressure change.

[0032] In another aspect, a method is provided that includes the use of any of the aforementioned systems.

[0033] Details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The subject matter described will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 A block diagram of a spray bottle system according to some embodiments is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 A perspective view of one embodiment of the spray bottle is shown;

[0037] Figure 3A It shows Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the liquid container of the spray bottle shown;

[0038] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A The second perspective view of the liquid container shown;

[0039] Figure 3C It shows Figure 3A A sectional side view of the liquid container shown;

[0040] Figure 3D It shows Figure 3A A top perspective view of the plug of the liquid container shown;

[0041] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the bottom of the spray nozzle shown;

[0042] Figure 5A It shows Figure 2 The spray nozzle of the shown spray bottle is a sectional bottom view.

[0043] Figure 5B It shows Figure 2 A partial sectional side view of the nozzle of the spray bottle shown;

[0044] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 A sectional rear view of the nozzle of the spray bottle shown;

[0045] Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 Another partial sectional side view of the spray bottle shown;

[0046] Figure 8 It shows Figure 2 The top sectional view of the nozzle of the spray bottle shown;

[0047] Figure 9 One embodiment of the method for operating the spray bottle is shown;

[0048] Figure 10 Another embodiment of the method for operating the spray bottle is shown; and

[0049] Figure 11 Another embodiment of the method for operating the spray bottle is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Certain embodiments will now be described to provide a general understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatuses, systems, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0051] Furthermore, in this disclosure, components with similar names in embodiments generally have similar features; therefore, in a particular embodiment, the features of components with similar names are not necessarily fully described. Additionally, if linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, apparatus, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, apparatus, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that equivalents of such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined for any geometry.

[0052] Many existing spray bottles are typically designed to hold and dispense premixed cleaning solutions. As a result, these spray bottles tend to be incompatible with unstable cleaning solutions whose potency or effectiveness deteriorates over time. Some spray bottles attempt to mitigate this deterioration by storing the components of the unstable cleaning solution in separate liquid containers. Such spray bottles can be constructed to store a portion of each solution component in a premix, so that if the spray bottle is not used for an extended period, only the premixed solution deteriorates, while the individual solution components remain usable. However, these designs still result in a significant volume of cleaning solution being wasted.

[0053] This document discloses a spray bottle with a nozzle that prevents mixing of the cleaning solution until the cleaning solution is dispensed from the spray bottle, thereby ensuring the utility and effectiveness of the dispensed solution. In an exemplary embodiment, the spray bottle includes multiple replaceable liquid containers, such as two replaceable liquid containers, each of which can contain liquid components of the cleaning solution. Each liquid container (also referred to herein as a "container") may have an integrated draw tube that allows the container to be completely emptied by the nozzle, thereby significantly reducing liquid component waste. The nozzle, which can be releasably connected to multiple liquid containers, may include a configuration of valves and pistons that can prevent premature mixing of the solution liquid components and / or can mitigate pressure build-up in the liquid containers that may cause problems such as dripping.

[0054] Figure 1 An exemplary spray bottle system is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, system 100 includes a first liquid container 102, a second liquid container 104, and a nozzle 106. The nozzle 106 may be configured to be fluidly coupled to the first liquid container 102 and the second liquid container 104. As shown, the nozzle 106 may include a first gas path 101, a second gas path 103, a first liquid path 105, a first piston 124, a second liquid path 107, a second piston 126, a third liquid path 109, and an outlet (also referred to herein as a "nozzle outlet") 132.

[0055] In some embodiments, the nozzle 106 may be configured to be fluidly connected to both the first liquid container 102 and the second liquid container 104 simultaneously, which would be convenient for the user of the spray bottle. In some embodiments, the first liquid container 102 and the second liquid container 104 may be held together, for example, by a shrink wrap, rubber or plastic strap, or otherwise secured, so that the liquid containers 102 and 104 are simultaneously fluidly connected to the nozzle 106. In other embodiments, the nozzle 106 may be configured to be fluidly connected to the first liquid container 102 and the second liquid container 104 one at a time, which allows for individual replacement of each of the first liquid container 102 and the second liquid container 104, which would be more cost-effective for the user of the spray bottle than replacing both the first liquid container 102 and the second liquid container 104 simultaneously.

[0056] A first liquid container 102 may be configured to contain a first liquid, and a second liquid container 104 may be configured to contain a second liquid. The first and second liquids may be configured to mix to form a liquid solution that can be dispensed from a spray bottle. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution is a cleaning solution for cleaning surfaces (e.g., floors, tabletops, upholstery, etc.). In such an embodiment, each of the first and second liquids may be any suitable liquid cleaner or component of a liquid cleaning solution, such as a liquid detergent, liquid stain remover, bleach, degreaser, disinfectant, bactericide, enzyme cleaner, acid, alkali, liquid soap, alcohol, or descaling solution.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first liquid contained in the first liquid container 102 is a first component of the liquid cleaning solution, and the second liquid contained in the second liquid container 104 is a second component of the liquid cleaning solution. In some embodiments, the first liquid has a low pH (e.g., pH 5, or another pH value less than 7), and the second liquid has a high pH (e.g., pH 9, or another pH value greater than 7). For example, the first liquid may be an acidic peroxide-based cleaning liquid (e.g., acidic hydrogen peroxide), and the second liquid may be an alkaline chemical. When mixed together, the first and second liquids can continue to react chemically, resulting in a liquid cleaning solution produced by mixing the first and second liquids that can be an unstable solution with chemical properties that change over time. For example, the liquid cleaning solution may have one or more chemical properties that become inert or neutral over time.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first liquid may be a chemical that spontaneously reacts or deteriorates when contained in the first liquid container 102, thereby generating gas inside the first liquid container 102. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second liquid may be a chemical that spontaneously reacts or deteriorates when contained in the second liquid container 104, thereby generating gas inside the second liquid container 104.

[0059] The first gas path 101 and the second gas path 103 can be configured to prevent excessive pressure buildup in the first liquid container 102 and the second liquid container 104 by allowing the gas generated inside the first liquid container 102 and the second liquid container 104 to be released from the liquid containers 102 and 104 when the first liquid container 102 and the second liquid container 104 are connected to the nozzle 106.

[0060] The first gas path 101 can be configured to be fluidly connected to receive and flow gas from the first liquid container 102 when the first liquid container 102 is connected to the nozzle 106. Similarly, the second gas path 103 can be configured to be fluidly connected to receive and flow gas from the second liquid container 104 when the second liquid container 104 is connected to the nozzle 106. Figure 1 As shown, the first gas path 101 may include a first gas outlet 112 and a first gas valve 108 fluidly connected to the first gas outlet 112, and the second gas path 103 may include a second gas outlet 114 and a second gas valve 110 fluidly connected to the second gas outlet 114. The first gas valve 108 may be a one-way valve configured to open to allow gas to flow from the first liquid container 102 to the first gas outlet 112 while preventing gas backflow into the first liquid container 102. Similarly, the second gas valve 110 may be a one-way valve configured to open to allow gas to flow from the second liquid container 104 to the second gas outlet 114 while preventing gas backflow into the second liquid container 104.

[0061] The first gas valve 108 and the second gas valve 110 can be implemented using any suitable valve, such as a flow-through gasket, umbrella valve, or duckbill valve. In some embodiments, the first gas valve 108 and the second gas valve 110 can be breathable valves. In some embodiments, the first gas valve 108 can be implemented using a valve of a different type than the type used to implement the second gas valve 110.

[0062] While in the illustrated embodiment, nozzle 106 includes two gas paths, each including a single gas valve and a single gas outlet, in other embodiments, the nozzle may include fewer than two gas paths, or may include gas paths with fewer or more than two gas valves. For example, if only the first liquid container 102 is configured to contain a liquid that generates gas within container 102 through a reaction, then nozzle 106 may include only the first gas path 101. If neither liquid container 102 nor 104 is configured to contain a liquid that generates gas through a reaction, then nozzle 106 may not include dedicated gas paths. In other words, in embodiments where neither the first liquid nor the second liquid generates gas within their respective liquid containers 102, 104, the first gas path 101 and the second gas path 103 may be omitted.

[0063] The first liquid path 105 can be configured to be fluidly connected to and disposed downstream of the first liquid container 102, and the second liquid path 107 can be configured to be fluidly connected to and disposed downstream of the second liquid container 104. A third liquid path 109 can be disposed downstream of the first liquid path 105 and the second liquid path 107. To mitigate premature mixing of the first and second liquids, the first liquid path 105 and the second liquid path 107 can be fluidly isolated from each other, such that liquid received from the first container 102 in the first liquid path 105 does not mix with liquid received from the second container 104 in the second liquid path 107 in the nozzle 106 until the first liquid path 105 and the second liquid path 107 converge at the third liquid path 109 in the nozzle 106.

[0064] The first liquid path 105 may include a first liquid valve 116 and a second liquid valve 120. The first liquid valve 116 and the second liquid valve 120 may be any suitable check valve. Exemplary valves include (but are not limited to) ball valves (e.g., metal ball valves, rubber ball valves, glass ball valves, etc.), spring-loaded flap valves, duckbill valves, umbrella valves, etc.

[0065] The first liquid valve 116 may be a one-way valve configured to open to allow first liquid to flow from the first container 102 into the region of the first liquid path 105 between the first liquid valve 116 and the second liquid valve 120, and to prevent the first liquid from flowing back from the region of the first liquid path 105 between the first liquid valve 116 and the second liquid valve 120 into the first container 102. The second liquid valve 120 may be a one-way valve configured to allow first liquid to flow from the region of the first liquid path 105 between the first liquid valve 116 and the second liquid valve 120 into the region of the first liquid path 105 just upstream of the third liquid path 109, and to prevent the first liquid from flowing back from the region just upstream of the third liquid path 109 into the region between the first liquid valve 116 and the second liquid valve 120.

[0066] The first liquid valve 116 and the second liquid valve 120 are operatively connected to the first piston 124. The first piston 124 can be configured to move from a first position to a second position, thereby generating a first pressure change in the first liquid path 105, which causes the first liquid valve 116 to open. With the nozzle 106 fluidly connected to the first liquid container 102 and the first piston 124 moving from the first position to the second position, the first liquid contained in the first liquid container 102 can be drawn into the first liquid path 105 and through the open first liquid valve 116 due to the first pressure change. The first piston 124 can be configured to subsequently move from the second position back to the first position, thereby generating a second pressure change in the first liquid path 105, which causes the first liquid valve 116 to open and the second liquid valve 120 to close. The first liquid contained in the region of the first liquid path 105 between the first liquid valve 116 and the second liquid valve 120 can be drawn through the second liquid valve 120 and into the region of the first liquid path 105 just upstream of the third liquid path 109 due to the second pressure change.

[0067] The second liquid path 107 may include a third liquid valve 118 and a fourth liquid valve 122. The third liquid valve 118 and the fourth liquid valve 122 may be any suitable check valve. Exemplary valves include (but are not limited to) ball valves (e.g., metal ball valves, rubber ball valves, glass ball valves, etc.), spring-loaded flap valves, duckbill valves, umbrella valves, etc.

[0068] The third liquid valve 118 may be a one-way valve, configured to open to allow the second liquid to flow from the second container 104 into the region of the second liquid path 107 between the third liquid valve 118 and the fourth liquid valve 122, and to prevent the second liquid from flowing back from the region between the third liquid valve 118 and the fourth liquid valve 122 into the second container 104. The fourth liquid valve 122 may be a one-way valve, configured to allow the second liquid to flow from the region of the second liquid path 107 between the third liquid valve 118 and the fourth liquid valve 122 into the region of the second liquid path 107 just upstream of the third liquid path 109, and to prevent the second liquid from flowing back from the region just upstream of the third liquid path 109 into the region between the third liquid valve 118 and the fourth liquid valve 122.

[0069] The third liquid valve 118 and the fourth liquid valve 122 are operably connected to the second piston 126. The second piston 126 can be configured to move from a first position to a second position, thereby generating a first pressure change in the second liquid path 107, which causes the third liquid valve 118 to open. With the nozzle 106 fluidly connected to the second liquid container 104 and the second piston 126 moving from the first position to the second position, the second liquid contained in the second liquid container 104 can be drawn into the second liquid path 107 and through the opened third liquid valve 118 due to the first pressure change. The second piston 126 can be configured to subsequently move from the second position back to the first position, thereby generating a second pressure change in the second liquid path 107, which causes the third liquid valve 118 to close and the fourth liquid valve 122 to open. The second liquid contained in the region between the third liquid valve 118 and the fourth liquid valve 122 in the second liquid path 107 can be drawn through the fourth liquid valve 122 and enter the region of the second liquid path 107 that is exactly upstream of the third liquid path 109 due to the second pressure change.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first piston 124 and the second piston 126 may be configured to move simultaneously from their respective first positions to their respective second positions, and simultaneously from their respective second positions to their respective first positions. For example, the first piston 124 and the second piston 126 may be operatively coupled to a trigger or other manual control configured as a nozzle 106 to move the first piston 124 and the second piston 126 simultaneously.

[0071] In some embodiments, the volume of first liquid drawn from the first liquid container 102 into the nozzle 106 when the first piston 124 moves from its first position to its second position can be approximately equal to the volume of second liquid drawn from the second liquid container 104 into the nozzle 106 when the second piston 126 moves from its first position to its second position. In other words, the first piston 124 and the second piston 126 can allow the first liquid and the second liquid to be drawn into the nozzle 106 in an approximately 1:1 ratio. As a result, if the total volume of the first liquid container 102 is approximately equal to the total volume of the second liquid container 104, the first liquid container 102 and the second liquid container 104 can be depleted at the same rate, which allows for simultaneous replacement of the first liquid container 102 and the second liquid container 104.

[0072] The third liquid path 109 may include a fifth liquid valve 128 and a mixing chamber 130 disposed downstream of the fifth liquid valve 128. The fifth liquid valve 128 may be configured to allow a first liquid contained in a region of the first liquid path 105 that is exactly upstream of the third liquid path 109 and a second liquid contained in a region of the second liquid path 107 that is exactly upstream of the third liquid path 109 to flow into the mixing chamber 130. The mixing chamber 130 may provide a volume region in which the first liquid received through the first fluid path 105 and the second liquid received through the second fluid path 107 may be mixed.

[0073] The fifth liquid valve 128 can be any suitable valve. In some embodiments, the fifth liquid valve 128 is a disc valve.

[0074] The fifth liquid valve 128 can be configured to open by a combination of a first pressure change in the first liquid path 105 in response to the first piston 124 moving from its first position to its second position and a first pressure change in the second liquid path 107 in response to the second piston 126 moving from its first position to its second position. In other words, the fifth liquid valve 128 can be configured to selectively fluidly connect the third liquid path 109 to the first liquid path 105 and the second liquid path 107.

[0075] The dimensions of the mixing chamber 130 are such that the volume of the mixture of the first and second liquids contained in the nozzle 106 at any given time is below a threshold volume. Maintaining the volume of the mixture below the threshold volume can mitigate dripping or leakage of the mixture from the mixing chamber 130. In some embodiments, the volume of the mixing chamber 130 is less than about 2 mL, less than about 1.5 mL, less than about 1 mL, less than about 0.8 mL, less than about 0.5 mL, less than about 0.3 mL, or less than about 0.1 mL. In some embodiments, the volume of the mixing chamber 130 is between about 0.1 mL and 0.5 mL, for example, about 0.15 mL, about 0.2 mL, about 0.25 mL, about 0.3 mL, about 0.35 mL, about 0.4 mL, or about 0.45 mL. Those skilled in the art will understand that the volume (or other variable) may not be precisely at a certain value, but is considered to be approximately or substantially at that value for any of a variety of reasons, such as manufacturing tolerances and the sensitivity of the measuring device.

[0076] The third liquid path 109 can be configured exactly upstream of the outlet 132 of the nozzle 106. The outlet 132 can be an opening through which the mixed solution can be ejected; the opening is, for example, a nozzle, such as an adjustable nozzle configured to produce multiple ejection patterns selectable by the user. In some embodiments, when the third liquid path 109 is fluidly coupled to the first fluid path 105 and the second fluid path 107 (e.g., when the fifth liquid valve 128 is open), the nozzle 106 can be configured to allow any liquid contained in the mixing chamber 130 to move through the outlet 132. Therefore, the nozzle 106 can significantly limit the amount of time between mixing the first and second liquids in the mixing chamber 130 and dispensing the mixture through the outlet 132, thus reducing the amount of mixture degradation and thereby ensuring that the mixed solution has the desired characteristics when dispensed, such as the maximum cleaning effectiveness of the cleaning solution.

[0077] exist Figures 2 to 8 China provides Figure 1 The various views and components of an exemplary embodiment of the spray bottle 100 are shown. Therefore, it is unnecessary to explain in detail again. Figure 1 and Figures 2 to 8 Similar named components in [the text]. Figure 2 As shown, the spray bottle 200 may include a first liquid container 202, a second liquid container 204, and a nozzle 206. The first liquid container 202 may be configured to contain a first liquid, and the second container 204 may be configured to contain a second liquid. The nozzle 206 may be configured to be releasably coupled to the first liquid container 202 and the second liquid container 204 simultaneously or sequentially, as discussed herein.

[0078] The first liquid container 202 is in Figures 3A to 3CThe first liquid container 202 is shown separately. The second liquid container 204 may be an identical mirror image of the first liquid container 202 and may include the same structural features as the first liquid container 202. Since the first liquid container 202 and the second liquid container 204 may include the same structural features, only these structural features of the first liquid container 202 are shown and described in detail herein. It is conceivable that the second liquid container 204 includes the same features as the first liquid container 202.

[0079] like Figures 3A to 3B As shown, the first liquid container 202 may include: an outer surface 340; an upper surface 342 having a neck 352 projecting therefrom; an inner surface 344; and a bottom surface 350. The surfaces 340, 342, 344, and 350 of the first liquid container 202 may together define an internal volume 360 ​​configured to contain a first liquid. Figure 3C ).

[0080] The outer surface 340 may be a convex curved surface extending from one side edge of the inner surface 344 to the opposite side edge of the inner surface, such as... Figure 3A As shown. The outer surface 340 can be bent to increase the internal volume 360 ​​of the first liquid container 202.

[0081] As shown below Figure 4 and Figures 5A to 5B To explain in further detail, the upper surface 342 and the neck 352 may be configured to mate with the nozzle 206 to releasably connect the first liquid container 202 to the nozzle 206.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, when the first liquid container 202 and the second liquid container 204 are connected to the nozzle 206, the first liquid container 202 and the second liquid container 204 can be in flush contact with each other. To achieve this flush positioning, the inner surface 344 of the first liquid container 202 can be substantially flat. Figure 3BThe inner surface 344 may include recesses 346 and protrusions 348. Recesses 346 and protrusions 348 may be configured to mate with protrusions and recesses, respectively, on the inner surface of the second liquid container 204, to restrict movement of the first liquid container 202 and the second liquid container 204 relative to each other when they are coupled to the nozzle 206. The mating protrusion / recess pair can facilitate simultaneous coupling of the first liquid container 202 and the second liquid container 204 to the nozzle 206 and simultaneous disengagement of the first liquid container 202 and the second liquid container 204 from the nozzle 206 by restricting movement of the first liquid container 202 and the second liquid container 204 relative to each other. In this embodiment shown, the first liquid container 202 and the second liquid container 204 have two mating protrusion / recess pairs, but other numbers, such as one pair, three pairs, etc., may be used.

[0083] An opening 354 leading into the internal volume 360 ​​of the first liquid container 202 can extend through the neck 352. Plug 362 ( Figure 3C The plug 362 may be disposed within the opening 354. The plug 362 may include a flat bottom surface 361, a sidewall 363 extending from the edge of the bottom surface 361, and a tube (also referred to herein as a "plug tube") 356 extending through the bottom surface 361. The sidewall 363 may extend at least partially along the inner surface of the neck 352, and the bottom surface 361 may extend at least partially across the opening 354. Above the bottom surface 361 (i.e., on the side of the bottom surface 361 facing the exterior of the first liquid container 202), the tube 356 may extend parallel to the neck 352 and substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 361. Below the bottom surface 361 (i.e., on the side of the bottom surface 361 facing the interior of the first liquid container 202), the tube 356 may extend relative to the neck 352 at an angle α. The angle α may be between approximately 90° and approximately 180°, for example, approximately 115°, approximately 125°, approximately 135°, approximately 145°, or approximately 165°. For example, the angle α can be approximately 158°, such as 157.6°, 157.7°, 157.8°, 157.9°, 158.1°, 158.2°, 158.3°, 158.4°, or 158.5°.

[0084] Figure 3D A separate view of plug 362 is shown. As shown, the top of plug 362 may be asymmetrical and may include a flat surface 367. The asymmetry caused by the presence of the flat surface 367 prevents the first liquid container 202 from being incorrectly oriented to the nozzle 206, thereby preventing the first liquid contained in the first liquid container 202 from interacting with the components of the nozzle 206 intended to interact with the second liquid in the second liquid container 204.

[0085] A draw tube 358 can be inserted into and, for example, fixedly attached by pressure fitting to the portion of the plug tube 356 below the bottom surface 361 of the plug 362. The draw tube 358 and the plug tube 356 can together form a tube configured to deliver liquid contained in the internal volume 360 ​​out of the first liquid container 202 through the opening 354. The plug tube 356 can hold the draw tube 358 at an angle α relative to the neck 352, such that the draw tube 358 extends from the plug tube 356 to the corner 360a of the internal volume 360 ​​defined by the outer surface 340 and the bottom surface 350. The angled orientation of the draw tube 358 allows it to reach the first liquid in the deepest part of the internal volume 360 ​​(i.e., the part of the internal volume 360 ​​furthest from the opening 354), thereby allowing the first liquid container 202 to be completely or almost completely emptied of liquid by entering the draw tube 358.

[0086] The suction tube 358 and the plug 362 can be assembled to the outside of the first liquid container 202 and then press-fitted into the opening 354. That is, the suction tube 358 can be inserted into the plug tube 356, and then the connected suction tube 358 and plug 362 can be pressed into the opening 354.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first liquid container 202 may be provided separately from the nozzle 206 and may be configured to be attached to the nozzle 206 by a user. For example, the first liquid container 202 may be provided as a replacement container, which may be identical to a first liquid container 202 completely empty of first liquid. In some embodiments, the first liquid container 202 and the second liquid container 204 may be provided as a set (e.g., bound together with a shrink wrap and / or otherwise secured together) and may be configured to be simultaneously attached to the nozzle 206 by a user to replace a pair of containers, which may be identical to the first liquid container 202 and the second liquid container 204 completely empty of first and second liquid.

[0088] The first liquid container 202 can be configured to be filled with a first liquid, wherein the suction tube 358 and the plug 362 are pressure-fitted into the opening 354, and the opening 354 is sealed by a disposable cap (not shown). Figure 3A As shown, the neck 352 may have a threaded lower surface 351 configured to mate with a corresponding thread on the disposable cap. Providing a first liquid container 202 filled with a first liquid and a draw tube 358 integrated within the internal volume 360 ​​reduces user assembly requirements and prevents accidental contact between the first liquid contained in the first liquid container 202 and components of the spray bottle 200 intended to interact with the second liquid in the second liquid container 204. (Refer again) Figure 2The nozzle 206 may include a housing 238, a first button 234 disposed on a first side of the housing 238, a trigger 236, and an outlet 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 232 is a nozzle, and is also referred to herein as an outlet nozzle 232. Figures 5A to 8 A separate view of nozzle 206 is provided. (See attached image.) Figures 5A to 6 As shown, the second button 533 can be configured on the second side of the housing 238 opposite to the first button 234. The first cavity 472 and the second cavity 474 can extend through the bottom portion 470 of the nozzle 206. The first fluid conduit 505 and the second fluid conduit 607 can extend within the housing 238 between the cavities 472, 474 and the outlet nozzle 232, respectively.

[0089] As described, nozzle 206 can be configured to be releasably coupled to a first liquid container 202 and a second liquid container 204. Cavities 472 and 474 can be configured to receive the necks of the first liquid container 202 and the second liquid container 204, respectively (neck 352 of the first liquid container 202 is located in...). Figures 3A to 3C (as shown in the image).

[0090] like Figure 5A As shown, the first button 234 can be mechanically coupled to the first spring 587 and the first spring-loaded latch 591 having a second spring 595. Similarly, the second button 533 can be mechanically coupled to the third spring 588 and the second spring-loaded latch 593 having a fourth spring 597. Pressing the first button 234 can compress the spring 587 to move the first button 234 toward the interior of the nozzle 206, and can cause the first button 234 to act as a sliding arm that actuates the first spring-loaded latch 591, allowing the first liquid container 202 to be inserted into the cavity 472. When the first liquid container 202 is inserted into the cavity 472 and the first button 234 is released, the first spring 587 can cause the first button 234 to return to its original position, and the second spring 595 can force the first spring-loaded latch 591 to engage with the neck 352 of the first liquid container 202 to retain the first liquid container 202 in the cavity 472. Similarly, pressing the second button 533 compresses the third spring 588 to move the second button 533 toward the interior of the nozzle 206, and causes the second button 533 to act as a sliding arm that actuates the second spring-loaded latch 593, allowing the second liquid container 204 to be inserted into the cavity 474. When the second liquid container 204 is inserted into the cavity 474 and the second button 533 is released, the third spring 588 causes the second button 533 to return to its original position, and the fourth spring 597 forces the second spring-loaded latch 593 to engage with the neck of the second liquid container 204 to retain the second liquid container 204 in the cavity 474.

[0091] like Figure 4 and Figure 5A As shown, a first fluid inlet manifold 476 can be disposed in a first cavity 472, and a second fluid inlet manifold 478 can be disposed in a second cavity 474. The first fluid inlet manifold 476 can define a first liquid inlet 475, and the second fluid inlet manifold 478 can define a second liquid inlet 477. When the first liquid container 202 is inserted into the first cavity 472, the plug tube 356 (see...) Figures 3C to 3D It can be fluidly connected to the first liquid inlet 475. Similarly, when the second liquid container 204 is inserted into the second cavity 476, the plug tube disposed in the opening of the second liquid container 204 can be fluidly connected to the second liquid inlet 477.

[0092] Figure 5B A cross-sectional side view of the first fluid inlet manifold 476 is provided. The second fluid inlet manifold 478 may be substantially similar to the first fluid inlet manifold 476 and will not be described in detail. However, it is conceivable that the second fluid inlet manifold 478 includes the same features as the first fluid inlet manifold 476.

[0093] like Figure 5B As shown, the first liquid inlet 475, defined by the first fluid inlet manifold 476, can extend into the first liquid pipe 505. The first liquid pipe 505 can be similar to... Figure 1 The first fluid path 105 is shown. The second liquid inlet 477, defined by the second fluid inlet manifold 478, can also extend into the second liquid pipe 607. The second liquid pipe 607... Figure 6 As shown in the figure, and can be similar to Figure 1 The second fluid path 107 is shown.

[0094] In addition to the first liquid inlet 475, the first fluid inlet manifold 476 may define the first gas inlet 579. Figure 5B The first gas inlet 579 can lead to the first gas chamber 501. The first gas chamber 501 can be similar to... Figure 1 The first gas path 101 is shown. The first gas chamber 501 can lead to the first gas outlet 512, which can be similar to... Figure 1 The first gas outlet 112 is shown. Similar to... Figure 1 The first gas valve 508 shown in the diagram can be configured in the first gas outlet 512. In the illustrated embodiment, the first gas valve 508 is a duckbill valve.

[0095] When the first liquid container 202 is inserted into the first cavity 472, the plug tube 356 (see...) Figures 3C to 3DThe nozzle 206 can be fluidly connected to the first gas inlet 579. This fluid connection allows gas generated in the first liquid container 202 (e.g., as a byproduct of a chemical reaction involving the first liquid contained in the first liquid container 202) to flow out of the first liquid container 202 through the plug tube 356 and into the first gas chamber 501. As gas fills the first gas chamber 501, the pressure within the first gas chamber 501 will increase. When the pressure in the first gas chamber 501 exceeds a threshold pressure level, the first gas valve 508 can be configured to open to allow gas contained in the first gas chamber 501 to flow through the first gas outlet 512. As the first gas valve 508 opens, the pressure in the first gas chamber 501 will decrease. When the pressure in the first gas chamber 508 drops below the threshold pressure level, the first gas valve 508 will close again. Gas released through the first gas valve 508 can be dissipated into the environment surrounding the spray bottle 200 through the housing 238 of the nozzle 206.

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown, the first liquid pipe 505 and the second liquid pipe 607 can extend from the first liquid inlet 475 and the second liquid inlet 477 through the internal region of the nozzle 206, respectively. The first liquid pipe 505 can lead to the housing 615 ( Figures 6 to 7 The first liquid valve 716 is located within the first liquid valve. The first liquid valve 716 may be similar to... Figure 1 The first liquid valve 116 is shown. Similarly, the second liquid pipe 607 can lead to the housing in the second housing 617. Figure 6 The liquid valve (not shown) is housed within the second housing 617. The liquid valve housed within the second housing 617 may be similar to... Figure 1 The third liquid valve 118 is shown.

[0097] like Figure 8 As shown, the downstream of the first liquid valve 716 can be a second liquid valve 820. The second liquid valve 820 can be similar to... Figure 1 The second liquid valve 120 is shown. The first liquid valve 716 and the second liquid valve 820 together can divide the region of the first liquid pipe 505 downstream of the first liquid valve 716 into a first region 505a between the first liquid valve 716 and the second liquid valve 820 and a second region 505b downstream of the second liquid valve 820. Similarly, a liquid valve 822 can be disposed downstream of the valve in the second liquid pipe 607 housed in the second housing 617. The liquid valve 822 can be similar to... Figure 1The fourth liquid valve 122 is shown. Liquid valve 822 and the liquid valve housed in the second housing 617 together divide the region of the second liquid pipe 607 downstream of the liquid valve housed in the second housing 716 into a first region 607a between liquid valve 822 and the liquid valve housed in the housing 617 and a second region 607b downstream of liquid valve 822.

[0098] The mixing chamber 830 can be configured downstream of the second region 505b of the first liquid pipe 505 and the second region 607b of the second liquid pipe 607. The mixing chamber 830 can be similar to... Figure 1 The mixing chamber 130 is shown. (As shown) Figure 8 As shown, the mixing chamber 830 can be configured exactly upstream of the outlet nozzle 232. Valve 828 can separate regions 505b and 607b from the mixing chamber 830.

[0099] like Figure 6 As shown, the nozzle 206 may include a pair of housings 625, 627. (As...) Figure 7 As shown, the first housing 625 can accommodate the first piston 724. The first piston 724 can be similar to... Figure 1 The first piston 124 is shown. The second housing 627 can also accommodate a similar... Figure 1 The second piston of the second piston 126 shown is not shown.

[0100] Each of the first piston 724 and the second piston can be configured to move longitudinally from a first position to a second position and from a second position to a first position within its respective housing 625, 627. The first piston 724 and the second piston can be simultaneously actuated by trigger 236. Figure 4 As shown, a pair of arms 484, 486 can extend from the trigger 236 and pass through a pair of holes 480, 482 in the housing 238 of the nozzle 206. Figure 7 As shown, inside housing 238, first arm 484 can contact first piston 724. Second arm 486 can also contact second piston. Trigger 236 can be configured to start from a first position (e.g., Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 7The trigger 236 moves from the first position to the second position (e.g., a second position closer to the housing 238 of the nozzle 206). The movement of the trigger 236 from the first position to the second position can push the first arm 484 and the second arm 486 through holes 480 and 482 respectively, thereby causing the first arm 484 to move the first piston 724 from its first position to its second position, and causing the second arm 486 to move the second piston from its first position to its second position. Once in its second position, the trigger 236 can be configured to automatically move back to its first position when the user releases pressure on the trigger 236, causing the first arm 484 and the second arm 486 to retract through holes 480 and 482 respectively. As the first arm 484 retracts, the first piston 724 can move from its second position to its first position. Similarly, as the second arm 486 retracts, the second piston can move from its second position to its first position.

[0101] The movement of the first piston 724 and the second piston from their first position to their second position can generate a first pressure change in the first liquid tube 505 and the second liquid tube 607, respectively. The movement of the first piston 724 and the second piston from their second position to their first position can generate a second pressure change in the first liquid tube 505 and the second liquid tube 607, respectively.

[0102] As a result of a first pressure change in the first liquid pipe 505, a first liquid contained in the first liquid container 202 can be drawn into the first liquid pipe 505. A first liquid valve 716 can be configured to open upon the first pressure change, such that when the first liquid enters the first liquid pipe 505, the first liquid is drawn into a first region 505a of the first liquid pipe 505. A second liquid valve 820 can be configured to close upon the first pressure change, such that the first liquid drawn into the first region 505a does not flow into the second region 505b of the first liquid pipe 505. Similarly, as a result of a first pressure change in the second liquid pipe 607, a second liquid contained in the second liquid container 204 can be drawn into the second liquid pipe 607. A liquid valve housed in the housing 617 can be configured to open upon the first pressure change, such that when the second liquid enters the second liquid pipe 607, the second liquid is drawn into a first region 607a of the second liquid pipe 607. The liquid valve 822 can be configured to close by a first pressure change, so that the second liquid drawn into the second region 607a does not flow into the second region 607b of the second liquid pipe 607.

[0103] As a result of a second pressure change in the first liquid pipe 505, the first liquid valve 716 can be configured to close, and the second liquid valve 820 can be configured to open. When the second liquid valve 820 opens due to the second pressure change, the first liquid contained in the first region 505a of the first liquid pipe 505 can flow into the second region 505b of the first liquid pipe 505. Similarly, as a result of a second pressure change in the second liquid pipe 607, the liquid valve contained in the housing 617 can be configured to close, and the liquid valve 822 can be configured to open. When the liquid valve 822 opens due to the second pressure change, the second liquid contained in the first region 607a of the second liquid pipe 607 can flow into the second region 607b of the second liquid pipe 607.

[0104] The valve 828, which separates regions 505b and 607b from the mixing chamber 830, can be configured to open upon a first pressure change in the first liquid line 505 and the second liquid line 507. When valve 828 is open, the mixing chamber 830 is fluidly connected to the first liquid line 505 and the second liquid line 607, allowing the first liquid contained in the second region 505b of the first liquid line 505 and the second liquid contained in the second region 607b of the second liquid line 607 to enter the mixing chamber 830, thereby forming a mixture of the first and second liquids. Since the liquid valves 820 and 822 are configured to close upon the first pressure change, backflow of the mixture of the first and second liquids into the first liquid line 505 and the second liquid line 607 is prevented.

[0105] The first pressure change in the first liquid tube 505 and the second liquid tube 607 can also be configured to allow liquid in the mixing chamber 830 to move through the outlet nozzle 238. Therefore, as a result of the first pressure change, the first liquid and the second liquid can enter the mixing chamber 830, mix to form a mixture of the first liquid and the second liquid, and be sprayed through the outlet nozzle 238. By simultaneously mixing the first liquid and the second liquid and spraying the mixture, the nozzle 206 can significantly limit the amount of time the mixture remains in the spray bottle 200 when not in use, thereby increasing the potency and effectiveness of the dispensed mixture.

[0106] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 900 for operating a spray bottle. Figure 9 Method 900 can be performed by a spray bottle, such as... Figure 1 The spray bottle system 100 shown or Figures 2 to 8 The spray bottle 200 is shown. Typically, method 900 allows two liquids to be mixed within a nozzle (e.g., nozzle 106 of spray bottle system 100, nozzle 206 of spray bottle 200, etc.) to form a solution. Described Figure 9Method 900 is about surface cleaning solutions, but it can be similarly applied to another type of solution.

[0107] Figure 9 Method 900 is intended only as an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating a spray bottle. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the method for operating the spray bottle can be... Figure 9 The method can be executed in 900 different sequences. Additionally, in some embodiments, the method of operating the spray bottle may include... Figure 9 The parts not included in method 900, and in some embodiments, the method of operating the spray bottle may be omitted. Figure 9 Part of method 900.

[0108] At 902, the first component of the surface cleaning solution (also referred to herein as the "first liquid component") can be received from a first liquid container (e.g., the first liquid container 102 of spray bottle system 100, the first liquid container 202 of spray bottle 200, etc.) through the nozzle of the spray bottle. At 904, the second component of the surface cleaning solution (also referred to herein as the "second liquid component") can be received from a second liquid container (e.g., the second liquid container 104 of spray bottle system 100, the second liquid container 204 of spray bottle 200, etc.) through the nozzle.

[0109] When the first and second liquid components of the surface cleaning solution are received by the nozzle, at 906, the nozzle can prevent the first and second liquid components from mixing to form a surface cleaning solution. The nozzle can prevent the first and second liquid components from mixing to form a surface cleaning solution until the nozzle is activated (908). In some embodiments, the nozzle may include a trigger (e.g., trigger 238 of spray bottle 200, etc.) configured to be pulled by a user to activate the nozzle. Once activated, the nozzle can allow the first and second liquid components of the surface cleaning solution to mix to form a surface cleaning solution and be dispensed as a mixture from the surface cleaning solution (910).

[0110] In some implementations, the nozzle is activated at 908 to open a first seal or valve (e.g., valve 128 of system 100, valve 828 of spray bottle 200, etc.), which is configured in the open position to allow the first liquid component and the second liquid component to mix within the nozzle. The nozzle may also include a second seal or valve (e.g., valve 120 of system 100, valve 820 of spray bottle 200, etc.) upstream of the first seal and in a first liquid path associated with the first liquid container; a third valve or seal (e.g., valve 122 of system 100, valve 822 of spray bottle 200, etc.) upstream of the first seal and in a second liquid path associated with the second liquid container; a fourth valve or seal (e.g., valve 116 of system 100, valve 716 of spray bottle 200, etc.) upstream of the second seal and in a second liquid path associated with the second liquid container; a fifth valve or seal (e.g., valve 118 of system 100, valve housed in housing 617 of spray bottle 200, etc.) upstream of the third seal and in a second liquid path associated with the second liquid container; or combinations thereof. Activating the nozzle at 908 opens the second and third seals and, after the second and third seals have opened, opens the first seal.

[0111] In some implementations, the printhead can be deactivated after activation at 908. Deactivation of the printhead can be configured to open the fourth and fifth seals after the first seal has opened. If the printhead includes a trigger configured to activate printhead 908 when pulled by a user, the trigger can be configured to deactivate printhead 908 when released by the user.

[0112] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method 1000 for operating a spray bottle. Figure 10 Method 1000 can be performed by a spray bottle, such as... Figure 1 The spray bottle system 100 shown or Figures 2 to 8 The spray bottle 200 is shown. Typically, method 1000 allows two liquids to be mixed within a nozzle (e.g., nozzle 106 of spray bottle system 100, nozzle 206 of spray bottle 200, etc.) to form a solution. The described... Figure 10 Method 1000 is about surface cleaning solutions, but it can be similarly applied to another type of solution.

[0113] Figure 10 Method 1000 is intended only as an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating a spray bottle. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the method for operating the spray bottle can be... Figure 10 The method can be executed in 1000 different sequences. Additionally, in some embodiments, the method of operating the spray bottle may include... Figure 10The parts not included in method 1000, and in some embodiments, the method of operating the spray bottle may be omitted. Figure 10 Part of Method 1000.

[0114] At point 1002, the first component of the surface cleaning solution (also referred to herein as the "first liquid component") can be received from a first liquid container (e.g., the first liquid container 102 of spray bottle system 100, the first liquid container 202 of spray bottle 200, etc.) through the nozzle of the spray bottle. At point 1004, the second component of the surface cleaning solution (also referred to herein as the "second liquid component") can be received from a second liquid container (e.g., the second liquid container 104 of spray bottle system 100, the second liquid container 204 of spray bottle 200, etc.) through the nozzle.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first container has a first breather valve (e.g., a first gas valve 108 of system 100, a gas valve 508 of spray bottle 200, etc.) configured to allow flow through the first container when the second seal is in the closed position. The first breather valve may include a duckbill valve. In some embodiments, the first container has a flow liner configured to allow flow through the first container when the second seal is in the closed position.

[0116] When the first and second components of the surface cleaning solution are received by the nozzle, at point 1006, the nozzle can prevent the first and second components from mixing to form a surface cleaning solution. The nozzle can prevent the first and second components from mixing to form a surface cleaning solution until the first component passes through a first seal or valve (e.g., valve 120 of system 100, valve 820 of spray bottle 200, etc.) upstream of the nozzle outlet (1008), and the second component passes through a second seal or valve (e.g., valve 122 of system 100, valve 822 of spray bottle 200, etc.) upstream of the nozzle outlet (1010). Once the first component has passed through the first seal or valve and the second component has passed through the second seal or valve, the nozzle can allow the first and second components of the surface cleaning solution to mix to form a surface cleaning solution and be dispensed as a surface cleaning solution (1012).

[0117] In some embodiments, the nozzle includes valves or seals (e.g., valve 128 of system 100, valve 828 of spray bottle 200) upstream of the outlet, downstream of the first and second check valves, and downstream of the mixing chamber. In the open position, the seal may be configured to allow the first and second components to enter the mixing chamber. In the closed position, the seal may be configured to prevent the first and second components from entering the mixing chamber.

[0118] In some embodiments, the nozzle includes a valve or seal upstream of a first valve or seal (e.g., valve 116 of system 100, valve 716 of spray bottle 200, etc.), which is configured in an open position to allow the first component to flow toward the first one-way valve and in a closed position to prevent the first component from flowing toward the first valve or seal. In some embodiments, the nozzle includes a valve or seal upstream of a second valve or seal (e.g., valve 118 of system 100, a valve housed in housing 617 of spray bottle 200, etc.), which is configured in an open position to allow the second component to flow toward a second one-way valve and in a closed position to prevent the second component from flowing toward the second one-way valve.

[0119] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method 1100 for operating a spray bottle. Figure 11 Method 1100 can be performed by a spray bottle, such as... Figure 1 The spray bottle system 100 shown or Figures 2 to 8 The spray bottle 200 is shown. Typically, method 1100 enables two liquids to be mixed in a nozzle (e.g., nozzle 106 of spray bottle system 100, nozzle 206 of spray bottle 200, etc.) to form a solution. Figure 11 The method 1100 described is about surface cleaning solutions, but can be similarly performed for another type of solution.

[0120] Figure 11 Method 1100 is intended only as an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating a spray bottle. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the method for operating the spray bottle can be... Figure 11 Method 1100 can be performed in different sequences. Additionally, in some embodiments, the method of operating the spray bottle may include... Figure 11 The parts not included in method 1100, and in some embodiments, the method of operating the spray bottle may be omitted. Figure 11 Part of method 1100.

[0121] At 1102, the first component of the surface cleaning solution (also referred to herein as the "first liquid component") can be received from a first liquid container (e.g., the first liquid container 102 of spray bottle system 100, the first liquid container 202 of spray bottle 200, etc.) through the nozzle of the spray bottle. At 1104, the second component of the surface cleaning solution (also referred to herein as the "second liquid component") can be received from a second liquid container (e.g., the second liquid container 104 of spray bottle system 100, the second liquid container 204 of spray bottle 200, etc.) through the nozzle. At 1106, the nozzle can generate a pressure change configured to simultaneously combine the first and second components to form a cleaning solution within the nozzle and drive the surface cleaning solution through the nozzle outlet.

[0122] In some embodiments, the nozzle includes a first region upstream of the outlet (e.g., a first liquid path 105 of system 100, a first liquid line 505 of spray bottle 200, etc.) and a second region upstream of the outlet (e.g., a second liquid path 107 of system 100, a second liquid line 607 of spray bottle 200, etc.). The nozzle may be configured to receive a first component of the surface cleaning solution in the first region and a second component of the surface cleaning solution in the second region. The nozzle may also include a third region downstream of the first and second regions and upstream of the outlet (e.g., a third liquid path 109 of system 100, a mixing chamber 830 of spray bottle 200, etc.). The third region may be configured to be selectively fluidly connected to the first and second regions. The resulting pressure change may be configured to fluidly connect the third region to the first and second regions, for example, by opening a valve disposed at the junction of the third region and the first and second regions (e.g., valve 128 of system 100, valve 838 of spray bottle 200, etc.).

[0123] Those skilled in the art will understand other features and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method based on the above embodiments. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described, unless indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0124] The present disclosure has been described above by way of example only within the context of the overall disclosure provided herein. It should be understood that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from the overall scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system comprising: First liquid container; Second liquid container; The nozzle includes: A first liquid path is configured to be fluidly connected to the first liquid container; A second liquid path is configured to be fluidly connected to the second liquid container; A first piston, configured to draw a first liquid, configured to be contained in the first liquid container, into the first liquid path; and The second piston is configured to draw a second liquid, which is configured to be contained in the second liquid container, into the second liquid path.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the nozzle further comprises an outlet nozzle; and The first liquid path is fluidly isolated from the second liquid path up to the area just upstream of the outlet nozzle.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first piston and the second piston are located upstream of the region.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first piston is configured to move from a first position to a second position, thereby generating a first pressure change in the first liquid path to draw the first liquid contained in the first liquid container into the first liquid path.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the nozzle further comprises: A first valve is disposed downstream of the inlet of the first liquid path, the first liquid path being configured to be fluidly connected to the first liquid container, wherein the first valve is configured to open upon the first pressure change.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the nozzle further comprises: The second valve is located in the first liquid path downstream of the first valve.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first piston is configured to move from the second position to the first position, thereby generating a second pressure change in the first liquid path; The second valve is configured to open in response to the second pressure change; and The first valve is configured to close in response to the second pressure change.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein the second piston is configured to move from a first position to a second position, thereby generating a first pressure change in the second liquid path, the first pressure change drawing the liquid contained in the second liquid container into the second liquid path.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the nozzle further comprises: A first valve is disposed downstream of the inlet of the second liquid path, the second liquid path being configured to be fluidly connected to the second liquid container, wherein the first valve is configured to open in response to the first pressure change.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the nozzle further comprises: A second valve is disposed in the second liquid path downstream of the first valve.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein The second piston is configured to move from the second position to the first position, thereby generating a second pressure change in the second liquid path; The second valve is configured to open in response to the second pressure change; and The first valve is configured to close in response to the second pressure change.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein The first liquid is the first component of the surface cleaning solution; and The second liquid is the second component of the surface cleaning solution.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the nozzle further comprises an outlet nozzle; and The first fluid path is fluidly isolated from the second fluid path until a region just upstream of the outlet nozzle, where the first fluid and the second fluid are configured to mix together.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein The first liquid container is configured to be releasably coupled to the nozzle; and The second liquid container is configured to be releasably coupled to the nozzle independently of the first liquid container.

15. A system comprising: First liquid path; A second liquid path, which is fluidly isolated from the first liquid path; A third liquid path is disposed downstream of the first liquid path and the second liquid path and is configured to be selectively fluidly connected to the first liquid path and the second liquid path; The outlet is located downstream of the third liquid path; and A trigger is configured to move from a first position to a second position, thereby fluidly connecting the third liquid path to both the first and second liquid paths, and allowing liquid entering the third liquid path from the first and second liquid paths to move through the outlet.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a valve disposed at the junction of the third liquid path and the first and second liquid paths. The movement of the trigger between the first position and the second position causes the valve to open.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the valve is a disc valve.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the volume of the third liquid path is less than 0.5 mL.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the first liquid path is configured to be fluidly connected to a first liquid container, and the second liquid path is configured to be fluidly connected to a second liquid container.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the first liquid container is configured to contain a first liquid, and the second liquid container is configured to contain a second liquid.

21. The system of claim 20, further comprising the first liquid container and the second liquid container; The first liquid container is configured to be releasably coupled to the nozzle; and The second liquid container is configured to be releasably coupled to the nozzle independently of the first liquid container.

22. The system according to claim 20, wherein, When the third liquid path is fluidly connected to the first liquid path and the second liquid path, the first liquid is configured to enter the third liquid path from the first liquid path, and the second liquid is configured to enter the third liquid path from the second liquid path, so as to form a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid in the third liquid path.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the mixture of the first liquid and the second liquid is unstable.

24. The system of claim 20, further comprising: A first piston is configured to draw the first liquid into the first liquid path; and The second piston is configured to draw the second liquid into the second liquid path.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the first piston and the second piston are operably mechanically coupled to the trigger.

26. The system of claim 15, wherein The first liquid container is configured to contain a first liquid, which is a first component of a surface cleaning solution; and The second liquid container is configured to contain a second liquid, which is a second component of the surface cleaning solution.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the first liquid path is fluidly isolated from the second liquid path until a region just upstream of the outlet, and the first fluid and the second fluid are configured to mix together in that region.

28. A system comprising: Liquid inlet; A first valve is located downstream of the liquid inlet; The second valve is located downstream of the first valve; Liquid outlet; and At least one piston is configured as follows: Moving from the first position to the second position generates a first pressure change that causes the first valve to open. as well as Moving from the second position to the first position generates a second pressure change, which closes the first valve, opens the second valve, and drives liquid through the liquid outlet.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein The first valve is in the first liquid path downstream of the outlet; and The second valve is located in a second liquid path downstream of the outlet and fluidly isolated from the first liquid path.

30. The system of claim 29, further comprising: A first liquid container is configured to be fluidly connected to the first liquid path; and A second liquid container is configured to be fluidly connected to the second liquid path.

31. The system according to claim 30, wherein The first liquid container is configured to contain a first liquid, which is a first component of a surface cleaning solution; and The second liquid container is configured to contain a second liquid, which is a second component of the surface cleaning solution.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the first liquid path is fluidly isolated from the second liquid path until a region just upstream of the outlet, and the first fluid and the second fluid are configured to mix together in the region.

33. The system according to claim 30, wherein The nozzle includes the first valve, the second valve, the outlet, and the at least one piston; The first liquid container is configured to be releasably coupled to the nozzle; and The second liquid container is configured to be releasably coupled to the nozzle independently of the first liquid container.

34. The system of claim 29, wherein the third liquid path is disposed downstream of the first liquid path and the second liquid path and is configured to be selectively fluidly connected to the first liquid path and the second liquid path.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the third liquid path is configured to be connected to the first liquid path and the second liquid path via the second pressure-varying fluid.

36. The system of claim 28, wherein at least one of the first valve and the second valve is a ball valve.

37. The system of claim 28, wherein at least one of the first valve and the second valve is spring-loaded.

38. The system of claim 28 further includes a trigger configured to move the at least one piston between the first position and the second position.

39. The system of claim 28, wherein the at least one piston includes at least one spring configured to apply a bias to the at least one piston toward the first position.

40. A system comprising a fluid container and a nozzle, The fluid container includes: Opening, and The tube includes a first end disposed in the opening, a second end disposed in the internal volume of the fluid container, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end and the second end; as well as The nozzle includes: A first fluid path, configured to fluidly connect to the first end of the pipe to receive a first liquid from the fluid container, and A second fluid path is configured to fluidly connect to a portion of the opening surrounding the first end of the tube to receive a first gas from the fluid container.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the gas is a byproduct of a chemical reaction involving the first liquid.

42. The system of claim 40 further includes a valve adjacent to the outlet and configured to open when the fluid pressure of the first gas exceeds a threshold pressure value.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the valve is a duckbill valve.

44. The system of claim 40, wherein the intermediate portion of the tube comprises: Part One; and The second part is oriented at a certain angle relative to the first part.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the angle is greater than 90° and less than 180°.

46. ​​The system of claim 44, wherein the second portion is longer than the first portion.

47. The system of claim 40, wherein the second end of the tube is disposed in the bottom portion of the internal volume.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein the second end of the tube is disposed in a corner of the internal volume defined by the bottom surface of the fluid container and the sidewall of the fluid container.

49. The system of claim 40, wherein the fluid container is configured to be releasably coupled to the nozzle.

50. The system of claim 40, wherein the first liquid is used to clean the surface.

51. The system of claim 40, further comprising a second fluid container, the second fluid container comprising: The second opening, and The second tube includes a third end disposed in the second opening, a fourth end disposed in the internal volume of the second fluid container, and an intermediate portion extending between the third end and the fourth end. The nozzle further includes: A third fluid path is configured to be fluidly connected to the third end of the second pipe to receive a second liquid from the second fluid container; A fourth fluid path, configured to be fluidly connected to a portion of the third end surrounding the second tube of the second opening, to receive a second gas from the second fluid container.

52. A system comprising: The first container is configured to contain the first component of the surface cleaning solution; A second container is configured to contain a second component of the surface cleaning solution; and A nozzle, including an outlet, through which the surface cleaning solution is configured to exit the nozzle; The nozzle is configured as follows: It can be releasably connected to the first container. It can be releasably connected to the second container. Receive the first component from the first container, and Receive the second component from the second container. To prevent the first component and the second component from mixing within the nozzle to form the surface cleaning solution, the user activates the nozzle to open the first seal, which is configured in the open position to allow the first component and the second component to mix within the nozzle.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein the nozzle further comprises: The second seal is located upstream of the first seal and in the first liquid path associated with the first liquid container; A third seal is located upstream of the first seal and in a second liquid path associated with the second liquid container.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein the nozzle further comprises: A fourth seal is located upstream of the second seal and in the first liquid path associated with the first liquid container; A fifth seal, which is upstream of the third seal and in the second liquid path associated with the second liquid container.

55. The system according to claim 54, wherein, The user's activation of the nozzle is configured such that: The second and third seals are opened. The first seal opens after the second and third seals have been opened.

56. The system according to claim 55, wherein, The user's deactivation of the nozzle is configured to open the fourth and fifth seals after the first seal has been opened.

57. The system of claim 56, wherein the nozzle further comprises a trigger configured to be pulled by the user to activate the nozzle and released by the user to deactivate the nozzle.

58. The system of claim 52, wherein the first seal in the closed position is configured to prevent the first component and the second component from mixing within the nozzle.

59. The system of claim 52, wherein the nozzle further includes a trigger configured to be pulled by the user to activate the nozzle.

60. A system comprising: A nozzle, including an outlet, through which a surface cleaning solution is configured to exit the nozzle; The nozzle is configured as follows: The first component of the surface cleaning solution is received from the first container, and The second component of the surface cleaning solution is received from the second container. To prevent the first component and the second component from mixing within the nozzle, until the first component passes through the first check valve upstream of the outlet and the second component passes through the second check valve upstream of the outlet.

61. The system of claim 60, wherein the nozzle includes a mixing chamber upstream of the outlet and downstream of the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve.

62. The system according to claim 61, wherein The nozzle also includes a first seal upstream of the outlet, downstream of the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve, and downstream of the mixing chamber; The first seal, in the open position, is configured to allow the first component and the second component to enter the mixing chamber; and The first seal, in the closed position, is configured to prevent the first component and the second component from entering the mixing chamber.

63. The system of claim 62, wherein the nozzle further comprises a second seal upstream of the first one-way valve; The second seal, in the open position, is configured to allow the first component to flow toward the first check valve; and The second seal, in the closed position, is configured to prevent the first component from flowing toward the first check valve; The nozzle also includes a third seal upstream of the first one-way valve; The third seal, in the open position, is configured to allow the second component to flow toward the second check valve; and The third seal, in the closed position, is configured to prevent the second component from flowing toward the second check valve.

64. The system of claim 60, further comprising the first container and the second container.

65. The system of claim 64, wherein the nozzle is configured to be releasably coupled to the first container and the second container.

66. The system according to claim 64, wherein, The first container has a first breather valve configured to allow flow through the first container when the second seal is in the closed position.

67. The system of claim 66, wherein the first breathing valve comprises a duckbill valve.

68. The system according to claim 64, wherein, The first container has a flow liner that is configured to allow flow through the first container when the second seal is in the closed position.

69. A system comprising: The first container is configured to contain the first component of the surface cleaning solution; A second container is configured to contain a second component of the surface cleaning solution; as well as A nozzle, including an outlet, through which the surface cleaning solution is configured to exit the nozzle; The nozzle is configured as follows: The first component of the surface cleaning solution is received from the first container; The second component of the surface cleaning solution is received from the second container; as well as A pressure change is generated, which is configured to simultaneously combine the first component and the second component to form the surface cleaning solution within the nozzle and drive the surface cleaning solution through the outlet.

70. The system of claim 69, wherein The nozzle further includes a first region upstream of the outlet and a second region upstream of the outlet; and The nozzle is configured as follows: The first component of the surface cleaning solution is received in the first region, and The second component of the surface cleaning solution is received in the second region.

71. The system according to claim 70, wherein The nozzle further includes a third region downstream of the first and second regions and upstream of the outlet; and The third region is configured to be selectively fluidly connected to the first region and the second region.

72. The system of claim 71, wherein the pressure change is configured to fluidly connect the third region to the first region and the second region.

73. The system of claim 72, wherein the nozzle further comprises a valve disposed at the junction of the third region and the first and second regions, wherein the pressure change causes the valve to open.

74. The system of claim 69, wherein the nozzle further comprises at least one piston configured to move from a first position to a second position to generate the pressure change.

75. A method comprising the use of the system according to any one of the preceding claims.

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