Device for dispensing liquids

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for dispensing a liquid, the apparatus including: a body (11) defining a reservoir (12) for holding the liquid; a second valve (14) in fluid communication with the reservoir (12) that allows the liquid to be dispensed from the reservoir (12) when pressure is applied to the body; a refill port (16) in fluid communication with the reservoir (12) to allow the liquid to be introduced into the reservoir (12); and a plurality of scrubbing elements for scrubbing one or more surfaces.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to devices used in cleaning. More particularly, the present invention relates to dispensers for dispensing liquids onto surfaces. [Background technology]

[0002] Cleansing fluids, such as liquid soap, are the basic cleansing agents used when bathing. Before the introduction of liquid soap, solid soap bars were the most common means used to help remove dirt and other impurities from the skin while bathing.

[0003] Bar soaps are inconvenient because they can be slippery when wet and, if not held properly, can slip out of the hand and fall to the floor, resulting in unhygienic conditions. Furthermore, improperly stored bars can dry out, leaving behind an unpleasant residue. Liquids, such as liquid soap, do not have these drawbacks because they are stored in a container before being poured for use.

[0004] While many people may prefer liquid soap over bar soap, some still prefer the sensation of rubbing a bar against their skin for improved cleansing, something that cannot be achieved using liquid soap alone. To this end, bath accessories such as brushes, sponges, loofahs, etc. are used in conjunction with liquid soap to enhance the bathing experience.

[0005] In view of the above, it would be advantageous to have a means to allow the use of liquids while still providing enhanced tactile sensation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a liquid, the device including a body defining a reservoir for holding the liquid, a second valve in fluid communication with the reservoir that allows the liquid to be dispensed from the reservoir when pressure is applied to the body, a refill port in fluid communication with the reservoir to allow the liquid to be introduced into the reservoir, and a plurality of scrubbing elements for scrubbing one or more surfaces.

[0007] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary or preferred embodiments of the present invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed preferred embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention. Accordingly, the figures disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and for teaching those skilled in the art of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of the top of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing liquids according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 shows a perspective view of the bottom of the device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 shows a perspective side view of the device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 shows a front perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 shows a perspective view of the rear of the device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 1 shows an isometric view of the rear of the device with the lanyard attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Detailed descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching those skilled in the art of the present invention. Numerical data or ranges used in this specification should not be construed as limiting.

[0010] In describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in the figures, specific terminology is employed for clarity. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected. It is understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, terms such as top, bottom, front, back, upper, lower, left, right, first, second, third, fourth, etc. are intended as relative terms to facilitate understanding of the illustrated embodiments, and are not intended as absolute limiting terms of the claimed invention.

[0011] The term "liquid" as used throughout this specification shall be taken to refer to any liquid used to aid in the cleansing of a surface or body and which may contain stearates, salts, fragrances, surfactants, moisturizers, exfoliants, and other compounds known to those skilled in the art.

[0012] 1-7 show an apparatus (10) for dispensing liquids, which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 1, a perspective view of the top of device 10 can be seen. Device 10 is intended to function as a cleaning accessory that provides a tactile sensation for users who may prefer bath accessories with textured surfaces for cleaning, while allowing for the use of cleaning fluid in place of traditional cleaning wands.

[0013] The device (10) includes a squeezable, resilient, hollow body (11) made from any elastomeric material, such as silicone. To improve durability, the body (11) is molded as a single piece rather than separate pieces that are then fused together. Alternatively, the body (11) is made from multiple pieces that are then fused together. The body (11) is fabricated using a compression mold or other similar process to ensure the structural integrity of the body (11) during multiple / extended squeezing actions. This also ensures uniform compression and decompression of the body (11). Preferably, the body (11) has a substantially teardrop shape, which provides improved ergonomic comfort when holding and squeezing, allowing the device (10) to be handheld.

[0014] A plurality of scrubbing elements, such as raised studs (18), are preferably located on the top of the body (11) to improve grip of the body (11) and to create a cleaning / scrubbing effect when the plurality of studs (18) are rubbed against a surface. The plurality of studs (18) can be in the form of rounded, cylindrical, or conical protrusions, or any other conceivable shape. Preferably, the plurality of studs (18) are integrally formed with the body (11) and formed when the body (11) is molded.

[0015] Referring now to Figure 2, a perspective view of the bottom of the device (10) can be seen. A plurality of scrubbing elements, such as bristle clusters (19), are preferably disposed on the underside of the main body (11). The plurality of bristle clusters (19) create a cleaning / scrubbing effect when the bristle clusters (19) are rubbed against a surface. In the non-limiting example shown in Figure 2, each bristle cluster (19) may vary in the number of bristles, bristle size, bristle height, and diameter from one bristle cluster to another. Like the plurality of studs (18), the plurality of bristle clusters (19) are integrally formed with the main body (11).

[0016] A valve cap (15) is provided and can be secured to the valve (shown as 14 in FIG. 4) to prevent liquid from inadvertently being forced out of the body (11) when not in use. Preferably, the valve cap (15) includes external threads that correspond to the internal threads provided on the body (11) to enable the valve cap (15) to be secured onto the valve (14). The valve cap (15) also includes a raised protrusion (15a) that allows for finger manipulation to twist and open / close the valve cap (15). In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 2, the protrusion is X-shaped. The protrusion (15a) also assists in opening and closing the refill valve port cap (17a), which will be described in more detail later in this description.

[0017] Referring now to Figure 3, a perspective view of the side of the device (10) can be seen. The grooves (20) located on the left and right sides of the body (11) are provided to improve grip and to create a scrubbing effect when the grooves (20) are rubbed against a surface. The grooves (20) can be vertical, angular, concentric circular, wavy, or a combination thereof. The combination of the bristles (19), studs (18), and grooves (20) provides a variety of tactile sensations to the user when using the device.

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional side view of the device 10 can be seen. As can be seen in this view, the body 11 defines a reservoir 12 for holding a liquid. The liquid can be squeezed from the body 11 via a second valve 14 in fluid communication with the reservoir 12. The reservoir 12 has a capacity of 50-200 ml. For applications requiring a larger volume of liquid, such as a car wash, the reservoir 12 may have a larger volume. The second valve 14 is fixed to the body 11. The second valve 14 preferably includes a resilient member that opens to allow liquid to be dispensed when the liquid dispenser 10 is squeezed and closes to prevent liquid from being dispensed when pressure is not applied to the liquid dispenser 10. Preferably, the components of the second valve 14 are available from a valve manufacturer.

[0019] It is recognized that once squeezed, the body (11) may take some time to return to its original shape due to the second valve (14) partially restricting the ingress of air into the reservoir (12). Optionally, a first valve (13), such as an umbrella valve, in fluid communication with the reservoir can be provided to assist the body (11) in returning to its original shape after being squeezed. The first valve (13) is fixed to the body (11).

[0020] The first valve (13) allows one-way air inflow into the reservoir (12) through the opening (13a) while preventing the liquid in the reservoir (12) from escaping. Thus, when the body (11) is squeezed, the liquid exits the reservoir (12) via the second valve (14) but not via the first valve (13), and when the body (11) is released, the air enters the reservoir (12) via the first valve (13), facilitating the smooth and rapid return of the squeezed body (11) to its original shape.

[0021] A refill port 16 is provided to allow liquid to be refilled into reservoir 12. Refill port 16 is capped with a refill port cap 17, which is configured similarly to valve cap 15. Refill port 16 is fixed to body 11.

[0022] In the non-limiting example shown in Figure 2, refill port cap 17 includes an X-shaped recess 17a that corresponds to X-shaped protrusion 15a. X-shaped protrusion 15a is placed into X-shaped recess 17a and twisted counterclockwise to loosen refill port cap 17 and clockwise to secure refill port cap 17. Possibly, protrusion 15a and recess 17a need not be limited to the X-shape shown in Figure 2, but can take any shape that allows torque to be transferred from protrusion 15a to recess 17a.

[0023] 5, a perspective view of the front of device 10 can be seen. Preferably, a loop 21 is provided at the narrow end of body 11 to allow a lanyard, cord, or the like to be passed through to allow fluid dispenser 10 to be hung when not in use. Loop 21, like studs 18, is integrally formed with body 11.

[0024] If in doubt, adding a lanyard to loop 21 allows device 10 to be hung from the user's forearm via the lanyard during washing, reducing the likelihood of device 10 falling. When not in use, device 10 can be hung in a desired location, such as a shower faucet.

[0025] Referring now to Figure 6, a perspective view of the rear of device 10 can be seen. Instead of threading the lanyard through loop 21, a receptacle 24 can be formed in the larger end of body 11 to allow a lanyard (shown as 22 in Figure 7) to be removably attached to body 11.

[0026] 7, there is a lanyard (22) connected to end (25) that includes a joint (not shown) that allows end (25) to be releasably connected to receptacle (24) via a ball joint. The joint can be secured with receptacle (24) by a connecting means such as a threaded connection. Lanyard (22) can also include a loop (23) that can hold valve cap (15) to reduce the possibility of misplacing valve cap (15) while device (10) is in use.

[0027] The device 10 for bathing animals, washing dishes, vehicles, and other items may not have a scrubbing element as described, but may be replaced or covered with a fabric and / or a different cleaning material that provides adequate cleaning results. The device 10 may be adapted to accommodate an external component with a larger body to provide a larger surface contact area, allowing the device 10 to dispense liquid while the external component scrubs and cleans the contact surface. Optionally, the device 10 has a handle for easy manipulation and / or an extension arm for reaching remote surfaces.

[0028] The invention thus described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that modifications may be made thereto without departing from the embodiments disclosed herein, and such modifications are intended to be included in the following claims unless the claims by their language expressly dictate otherwise.

Claims

1. A device (10) for dispensing liquids, comprising: a body (11) defining a reservoir (12) for holding a liquid; a valve (14) in fluid communication with the reservoir (12) that allows for dispensing of liquid from the reservoir (12) when pressure is applied to the body (11); a refill port (16) in fluid communication with the reservoir (12) to allow liquid to be introduced into the reservoir (12); at least one scrubbing element for scrubbing the surface; a valve cap (15) that is closable on said valve (14) and includes a protrusion (15a); and a refill port cap (17) closable on said refill port (16); The refill port cap (17) includes a recess (17a), the protrusion (15a) has a shape corresponding to the shape of the recess (17a), the refill port cap (17) can be fastened and released using the valve cap (15), and when the valve cap (15) is fastened, the outflow of liquid from the reservoir (12) is prevented.

2. 2. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the body (11) is a single elastic part.

3. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the device (10) is teardrop shaped.

4. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the device (10) is hand-holdable.

5. The device (10) of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of gutters (20) formed on the body (11).

6. 6. The apparatus (10) of claim 5, wherein the gutters (20) are vertical, angular, concentric circular sequences, wavy patterns, or combinations thereof.

7. 2. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the protrusion (15a) and the recess (17a) are X-shaped.

8. 2. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the refill port cap (17) is closable over the refill port (16) to form a watertight seal that prevents liquid from flowing out of the reservoir (12) through the refill port (16).

9. The device (10) of claim 1, further comprising a loop (21) integrally formed with the body (11).

10. 10. The device (10) of claim 1, further comprising a receptacle (24) for allowing a lanyard (22) to be removably attached to the body (11).

11. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of scrubbing elements are grooves, studs, and / or bristles.

12. 10. The device (10) of claim 1, further comprising another valve (13) that allows one-way air flow into the reservoir (12).

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

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