Handheld shower heads and liquid dispensing devices
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- VN · VN
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DELTA FAUCET COMPANY
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing fluid delivery devices struggle to separately dispense water and concentrated substances like shampoo or conditioner evenly across large amounts of hair without diluting the substance.
A water pressure dispensing system that uses water pressure to dispense a separate fluid or substance from a reservoir without mixing it with water, allowing for precise control through a valve and user interface.
Enables precise and even application of concentrated substances like shampoo and conditioner without dilution, improving user experience and efficiency in hair care and other applications.
Smart Images
Figure VN1202602380_0
Abstract
Description
WATER PRESSURE DISPENSING SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 541,450, filed September 29, 2023, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a water delivery device and, more particularly, to a water delivery device including a fluid dispenser activated by water pressure.
[0003] In various fluid delivery devices, it may be desired to separately dispense water and a concentrated substance or solution. For example, in sink and shower related activities, it may be desired to dispense a concentrated substance or solution, such as a cleaning substance, a hand soap, a shampoo and / or a conditioner. Additionally, it is a known challenge to apply shampoo and / or conditioner evenly across large amounts of hair and / or to apply it deep inside layers of hair close to a user’s scalp.
[0004] An illustrative system of the present disclosure utilizes water pressure to dispense a separate fluid or substance from a reservoir. Such water pressure may also allow for precise control available with tap water, but without diluting the separate substance, illustratively a concentrated fluid substance or solution (e g., a shampoo, a conditioner, etc ). The system need not allow the water to flow, merely to apply the pressure of the water to the reservoir. A valve may be connected to a user interface to give the user variable control of the flow of water and thus allow control of the flow rate of the substance being dispensed. When the user interface is released, the water pressure may be vented thereby stopping the substance from flowing from the reservoir.
[0005] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a handshower includes a body having a water inlet and a sprayface, and a plurality of water outlets supported by the sprayface and configured to be in selective fluid communication with the water inlet. A solution dispenser is supported by the body. A plurality of solution outlets are supported by the sprayface and are configured to be in selective fluid communication with the solution dispenser, the solution outlets being in spaced relation to the water outlets. Adispenser valve is fluidly coupled intermediate the water inlet and the solution dispenser. A solution user interface is operably coupled to the dispenser valve. Pressure from water supplied from the water inlet through the dispenser valve causes the solution dispenser to dispense solution from the solution outlets.
[0006] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid delivery device includes a body supporting a water inlet, a plurality of water outlets, and a plurality of solution outlets. A solution dispenser is supported by the body and includes a water chamber and a solution reservoir received within the water chamber. A dispenser valve is fluidly coupled intermediate the water inlet and the solution dispenser. A solution user interface is operably coupled to the dispenser valve. Water pressure within the water chamber cooperates with the solution reservoir to dispense solution from the solution outlets.
[0007] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carry ing out the invention as presently perceived.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, in partial cross-section, of a handshow er including an illustrative embodiment solution dispenser of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the illustrative handshower of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a flexible cartridge of the illustrative solution dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the flexible cartridge of FIG. 3;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a further illustrative embodiment solution dispenser of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a further illustrative embodiment solution dispenser of the present disclosure; and
[0015] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a further illustrative embodiment solution dispenser of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. Therefore, no limitation of the scope of the claimed invention is thereby intended. The present invention includes any alterations and further modifications of the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of principles in the invention which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
[0017] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a fluid delivery device 10 is shown in the form of a handshower 12 and including an illustrative fluid substance or solution dispenser 14 of the present disclosure. The handshower 12 illustratively includes a body 16 defining a w ater passageway 18 in fluid communication with a water inlet 20. The body 16 supports a sprayface 22 which is in selective fluid communication with the solution dispenser 14 and / or the water inlet 20, as further detailed herein. A flexible hose 24 may be fluidly coupled to the water inlet 20 to supply pressurized water from a conventional water source 25 (FIG. 2).
[0018] With further reference to FIG. 1, the body 16 illustratively includes a handle portion 26 defining the water inlet 20, and an outlet portion 28 operably coupled to the handle portion 26. The outlet portion 28 illustratively includes a rear w all 30 operably coupled to the sprayface 22 to define a water flow chamber 32 configured to receive water from the water inlet 20 via the water passageway 18. The illustrative body 16 may be molded as a single component from a polymer, such as a plated acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
[0019] The sprayface 22 illustratively includes a plurality of water outlets 34 configured to be in selective fluid communication w ith the w ater inlet 20 via the w ater passageway 18 and the chamber 32. Illustratively, a water control valve 33 operably coupled to a water flow user interface 35, such as a push button, may control water flow from thewater inlet 20 to the water outlets 34 (FIG. 2). The sprayface 22 further includes a plurality of solution outlets 36 in selective fluid communication with the solution dispenser 14 via solution passageways 38 extending through the outlet portion 28 of the handshower 12. The solution outlets 36 are positioned in spaced relation to, and fluidly isolated from, the water outlets 34.
[0020] The outlet portion 28 of the handshower 12 may include a plurality of teeth or tines 40 supported by the sprayface 22 in spaced relation to the water outlets 34 and the solution outlets 36. The teeth or tines 40 may be any projection or protrusion extending outwardly from the sprayface 22. In an illustrative embodiment, the teeth or tines 40 may be hollow to define additional outlets (not shown) for dispensing water from the water inlet 20 and / or solution from the solution dispenser 14.
[0021] The solution dispenser 14 illustratively includes a water pressure chamber 42 in selective fluid communication with the water inlet 20 via a dispenser valve 44, and a solution reservoir 46 received within the water pressure chamber 42. The water pressure chamber 42 may be defined by the body 16 or a separate insert positioned therein. A vent (not shown) may be provided in fluid communication with the water pressure chamber 42 to release water pressure therefrom following dispensing of the solution (e.g., closing of the dispenser valve 44). The flow chamber 32 defines a path separate from the pressure chamber 42 of the solution dispenser 14. As such, water does not mix with solution from the reservoir 46. In an illustrative embodiment, the flow chamber 32 extends around at least a portion of the pressure chamber 42 and is sealed therefrom.
[0022] The solution reservoir 46 is illustratively received within the water chamber 42 and fluidly isolated therefrom. The solution reservoir 46 may be defined by a flexible cartridge or pouch 48 configured to receive a concentrated fluid substance or solution (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, etc.). With reference to FIG. 3, the illustrative flexible cartridge 48 includes a tapered outer wall 50. In an illustrative embodiment, the outer wall 50 tapers outwardly from a proximal end 52 to a distal end 54 (in a distal direction away from the water inlet 20).
[0023] The flexible cartridge 48 illustratively includes proximal tapered inlet portion 56 and a distal outlet portion 58 defining a distal outlet 55 in fluid communication with the solution outlets 36. The distal outlet portion 58 illustratively includes a rigid end plate 60 defining the distal outlet 55. Rigidity of the plate 60 prevents the distal outlet 55 fromsqueezing closed under water pressure. The solution reservoir 46 may include flat sections or ribs 61 which provide increased lateral (side-to-side) rigidity. It should be appreciated that the solution reservoir 46 may be formed from a variety of different resilient materials (such as elastomers )to define a number of different geometric configurations.
[0024] The dispenser valve 44 may comprise a normally closed push button valve with variable control. More particularly, a solution user interface 62 may be operably coupled to the dispenser valve 44. The dispenser valve 44 may include a piston 64 including a fluid passageway 66. A spring 68 may bias the piston 64 outwardly toward a closed position from an open position (FIG. 1). The solution user interface 62 may include a push button 70.
[0025] With reference to FIG. 2. the water control valve 33 may be fluidly coupled intermediate the water inlet 20 and the water outlets 34. The water flow user interface 35 may be operably coupled to the water control valve 33 to control the flow of water from the water inlet 20 to the water outlets 34 in a conventional manner. The water control valve 33 and the water flow user interface 35 may be of conventional design and operation.
[0026] In FIG. 1, water flow arrows 76 represent water flow from the inlet 20 to the dispenser valve 44. Water flow arrows 78 represent water flow to the water outlets 34. and water flow arrows 80 represent water flow into the water chamber 42 via the dispenser valve 44. In operation of the illustrative solution dispenser 14, uniform pressure (as represented by arrows 82 in FIG. 3) from water on the solution inside the water chamber 42 results in the solution reservoir 46 emptying from the tapered proximal inlet portion 56 first. Solution flow arrows 84 represent solution flow from the reservoir 46 to the solution outlets 36. When the user interface 62 is released, the water pressure may be vented thereby stopping the substance from Plowing from the reservoir 46.
[0027] With reference to FIG. 5, a further illustrative solution dispenser 114 is shown as including a reservoir 146 defined by a flexible cartridge 148 having a tapered outer wall 150. An actuator defined by a pivotally supported plate 156 is configured to act on the solution reservoir 146. The plate 156 may be coupled via a pivot 158 wherein water pressure 82 from the water inlet 24 acts on the plate 156 to thereby squeeze the cartridge 148. As such, solution passes through an outlet 155 to the solution outlets 36 of the spray face 22.
[0028] With reference to FIG. 6, a further illustrative solution dispenser 214 is shown as including a cylindrical reservoir 246 including a flexible sidewall 248 extending betweenopposing end walls 250 and 252. An actuator defined by an arcuate bladder 260 extends over the reservoir 246 and is configured to receive water. Illustratively, the bladder 260 is a spiral structure to ensure a smooth crushing or squeezing of the reservoir 246 in response to water pressure within he bladder 260.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 7. a further illustrative solution dispenser 314 is shown as including a cylindrical housing 346 including a sidewall 348 slidably receiving an actuator defined by a piston 350. Water pressure 82 causes the piston 350 to compress a flexible reservoir 352 for dispensing solution from an outlet 354 to the solution outlets 36 of the sprayface 22. In another illustrative embodiment, the sidewall 348 may define a cylinder directly receiving the dispensing solution. As such, the dispensing solution may be forced out of the cylinder by movement of the piston 350.
[0030] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.
Claims
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A handshower comprising: a body including a water inlet and a sprayface; a plurality of water outlets supported by the sprayface and configured to be in selective fluid communication with the water inlet; a solution dispenser supported by the body; a plurality of solution outlets supported by the sprayface and configured to be in selective fluid communication with the solution dispenser, the solution outlets in spaced relation to the water outlets; a dispenser valve fluidly coupled intermediate the water inlet and the solution dispenser; a solution user interface operably coupled to the dispenser valve; and wherein pressure from water supplied from the water inlet through the dispenser valve causes the solution dispenser to dispense solution from the solution outlets.
2. The handshower of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of teeth supported by the sprayface in spaced relation to the water outlets and the solution outlets.
3. The handshower of claim 1, wherein the solution dispenser includes a water chamber and a solution reservoir received within the water chamber.
4. The handshower of claim 3, wherein the solution reservoir includes a flexible cartridge.
5. The handshower of claim 4, wherein the flexible cartridge includes a tapered outer wall.
6. The handshower of claim 3, further comprising a pivotably supported actuator configured to cooperate with the solution reservoir.
7. The handshower of claim 6, wherein the solution reservoir includes a flexible cartridge, and the pivotably supported actuator includes a plate configured to act on the flexible cartridge in response to water pressure within the water chamber.
8. The handshower of claim 3, wherein the solution reservoir includes a flexible cartridge and the water chamber is defined by a circumferentially extending bladder around the flexible cartridge.
9. The handshower of claim 8. wherein the circumferentially extending bladder is in a spiral configuration.
10. The handshower of claim 3, wherein the water chamber is defined by a cylindrical housing and the solution reservoir is defined by a piston slidably received within the cylindrical housing.
11. The handshower of claim 1, wherein the dispenser valve is a normally closed variable control valve, and the solution user interface is a push button.
12. The handshower of claim 1, wherein the body comprises: a handle portion defining the water inlet; and an outlet portion operably coupled to the handle portion, the outlet portion including a rear wall operably coupled to the sprayface to define a chamber configured to receive water from the water inlet.
13. The handshower of claim 1, further comprising a water valve fluidly coupled intermediate the water inlet and the water outlets, and a water flow user interface operably coupled to the water valve.
14. A fluid delivery7device comprising: a body supporting a water inlet, a plurality’ of water outlets, and a plurality of solution outlets; a solution dispenser supported by the body, the solution dispenser including a water chamber and a solution reservoir received within the water chamber;a dispenser valve fluidly coupled intermediate the water inlet and the solution dispenser; a solution user interface operably coupled to the dispenser valve; and wherein water pressure within the water chamber cooperates with the solution reservoir to dispense solution from the solution outlets.
15. The fluid delivery device of claim 14, wherein the solution reservoir includes a flexible cartridge.
16. The fluid delivery device of claim 15, wherein the flexible cartridge includes a tapered outer wall.
17. The fluid delivery device of claim 14. further comprising a pivotably supported actuator configured to cooperate with the solution reservoir.
18. The fluid delivery device of claim 17, wherein the solution reservoir includes a flexible cartridge, and the pivotably supported actuator includes a plate configured to act on the flexible cartridge in response to water pressure within the water chamber.
19. The fluid delivery device of claim 14, wherein the solution reservoir includes a flexible cartridge and the water chamber is defined by a circumferentially extending bladder around the flexible cartridge.
20. The fluid delivery device of claim 19, wherein the circumferentially extending bladder is in a spiral configuration.
21. The fluid delivery device of claim 14, wherein the water chamber is defined by a cylindrical housing and the solution reservoir is defined by a piston slidably received within the cylindrical housing.
22. The fluid delivery device of claim 14. wherein the dispenser valve is a normally closed variable control valve, and the solution user interface is a push button.
23. The fluid delivery device of claim 14, wherein the body comprises: a handle portion defining the water inlet; and an outlet portion operably coupled to the handle portion, the outlet portion including a rear wall operably coupled to the sprayface to define a chamber configured to receive water from the water inlet.
24. The fluid delivery device of claim 14, further comprising a water valve fluidly coupled intermediate the water inlet and the water outlets, and a water flow user interface operably coupled to the water valve.