CA2023093A1 - Treating agent dispensing device - Google Patents
Treating agent dispensing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2023093A1 CA2023093A1 CA 2023093 CA2023093A CA2023093A1 CA 2023093 A1 CA2023093 A1 CA 2023093A1 CA 2023093 CA2023093 CA 2023093 CA 2023093 A CA2023093 A CA 2023093A CA 2023093 A1 CA2023093 A1 CA 2023093A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- dispensing device
- reservoir
- liquid
- dispensing
- discharge passage
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A dispensing device for storing and dispensing liquids comprising a reservoir having an opening at one end thereof to receive said liquid; a discharge passage at another end thereof for discharging said liquid: a valve structure associated with said discharge passage for communicating said liquid in said reservoir through said passage in an open position and to block access of said liquid to said discharge passage in a closed position.
A dispensing device for storing and dispensing liquids comprising a reservoir having an opening at one end thereof to receive said liquid; a discharge passage at another end thereof for discharging said liquid: a valve structure associated with said discharge passage for communicating said liquid in said reservoir through said passage in an open position and to block access of said liquid to said discharge passage in a closed position.
Description
2 ~ 2 ~
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a storage and additive dispensing device, and more particularly relates to a treating agent dispensing device which delivers predetermined amounts o~
treating agents to a domestic or industrial washing device.
Embodiment of the invention includes manual as well as automatic operation resulting in the supply of a predetermined amount of a treating agent to a domestic or industrial washing device.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Various apparatus for supplying detergent to a washing device have heretofore being devised.
For example United States Patent No. 4,203,307 ~JJ1 discloses a detergent supply device for supplying a detergent and ~
a fabric conditioner into a washing basin of a washing machine. -~ ¦
The detergent supply device is mounted in the washing machine and has a detergent container containing a detergent and a fabric conditioner container containing a fabric conditioner. In the preliminary washing step, the detergent supply device delivers only water to the washing basin. In the washing step the device delivers the detergent together with water to the washing basin.
Finally, in the rinsing step the device delivers the fabric conditioner together with water. These three water supplying functions are performed through controls of only two water supplying solenoid valves.
Fùrthermore, ! United~ States Patent No. 4,009,598~ $~
discloses a domestic clothes washer incorporating a system for dispensing predetermined amounts of liquid treating agents ~
wherein an add on storage tank reservoir is mounted on the washer ¦ ~> ,~/i control console. User operated valves provide gravity flow o~
the agents from thle reservoir into the dispensing vessels on the console.
~' -2~3~3 Another device described in United States Patent No.
2,698,022 discloses an invention relating to a dispenser for liquid detergents and more particularly to dispenser for liquid detergent in an automatic dishwashing machine and the like, wherein a receptacle adapted to hold a liquid detergent, open at the top and having an opening in the bottom and a closure therefor, which closure is operated by thermal actuated bimetallic element responsive to the temperature oP the water in the machine.
Moreover, United States Patent No. 3,370,597 discloses a dishwashing machine having a sump which can be filled and drained automatically, and a motor driven pump and spray device connected to recirculate a spray cleansing liquid over soiled articles in a cleansing chamber, includes a metering type gravity feed dispenser connected to transfer a measured amount of concentrated liquid sanitizer into the chamber during the final rinsing operation of the machine to sanitize the articles without need for water at a temperature of 180 F.
Finally, United States Patent No. 3,670,530 discloses an additive dispenser for clothes washing machines or the like having a container that pivots from a vertical additive retaining -position to a horizontal additive dispensing position in response to centrifugal force developed by spinning of the agitator.
. ' .:
Each of the prior devices referred to above present reIatively complicated structures having li~ited use as the supplying devices mounted in the washing machine and therefore only usable with said washing apparatus.
Further the prior devices referred to above in some cases only present storage space for one application of treating agents, and therefore must be manually refilled with each cycle or wash.
" .
2~3 It is the object of this invention to provide an improved storage and dispensing devi~e which will be portable, environmentally attractive, and will reduce the need of refilling each and every cycle or wash.
.
It is a further object of the present invention to automatically measure a predetermined amount of liquid treating agents and have them presented to the washing device at the precise moment required.
The broadest aspect of this invention relates to a dispensing device for storing and dispensing liquids, comprising a reservoir having an opening at one end thereof to receive said liquid; a discharge passage at another end thereof for discharging said liquid; a valve structure associated with said discharge passage for communicating said liquid in said reservoir through said passage in an open position and to block access of said liquid to said discharge passage in a closed position.
' ~20 It is another aspect of this invention to provide a plurality of dispensing devices interconnected in a side-by-side relationship wherein each device comprises: a dispensing device for storing and dispensing liquids, comprising a reservoir having an opening at one end thereof to receive said liquid; a discharge passage at another end thereof for discharging said liquid; a valve structure associated with said discharge passage for communicating said liquid in said reservoir through said passage in an open position and to block access of said liquid to said discharge passage in a closed;position, including a lid hinged adjacent said open end of said reservoir so as to permit introduction of liquid into said reservoir in an open position and to close said opening in said closed position; further including a viewing window and which said reservoir includes a ;
tongue structure presented exteriorly of said reservoir and present?~ng a groove structure presented exteriorly of said reservoir; wherein said tongue structure of one of said devices is connected to said groove structure of said adjacent device.
2~23~3 DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
These and other objects and features shall now be described in relation to the following drawings:
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the said dispensing device in association with a washing device.
Figure 2 is a front psrspective view of two dispensing devices.
Figure 3 is a top plan view of three of the said dispensing . devices.
Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the said dispensing device, showing a particular piping arrangement.
Figure 5 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the said dispensing device.
2~0 ; Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the said dispensing device.
. ~ ~
Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the said dispensing device along the line 7-7 of figure 5.
~ Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the said dispensing device `~ along the line 8-8 of figure 7.
;30 Figùre 9 is a partiàl cross-sèctional view of the said dispensing ~ device along the line 9-9 of figure 6.
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Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the said dispensing device along the line 10-LO o~ figure 9. `
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: 2~3~
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the dispensing device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Like parts shall be given identical numbers throughout the figures. The dispensing device is generally depicted by numeral 70 and comprises a reservoir tank 2 and a hinged closure member or lid 4 which is connected to the reservoir tank 2 by h~nges 14. Each dispensing device 70 can be conne~ted to another dispensing device 70 by engaging the nesting arrangement by placing the tongue 16 into the groove 18 as shown in figure 3.
This permits numerous dispensing devices 70 to be connected to one another in side by side relationship. The dispensing device 70 is adapted to receive and dispense liquid treating agents 90 such as soaps, fabric softeners or the like.
, ~ ; Referring now to figure 1 there is shown two connected ;~ ; individual dispensing devices 70 relative to a domestic or industrial washing device 60. It should be understood that although the two connected dispensing devices are shown in figure 1, one dispensing device could be used without departing from the spirit of the invention to be more fully described ~herein. The details of the domestic or industrial washing device 60 need not be described herein, since the particular arrangement of the parts is not essential to the present invention. The washing device 60 is illustrated to show the combination with the two connected individual dispensing devices 70. The dispensing devices 70 can be mounted by ;aisuitable bracket to a secured object, such as a wall or a moveable object such as a moveable support (not shown). However, in order to operate, the height of the individual dispensing device 70 muæt be at an elevation greater than the elevation of the frame 64 of the washing device 60 as shown in figure 1.
The displensing device 70 may have any shape provided it present~ a receptacle open at one end and covered by a lid 4 2~3~J3~3 which is moveable between an open position and a closed position.
The dispensing device 70 is further provided at its bottom portion with a discharge passage 6, a valve 8 which has an open position and a closed position, and a supply tube 12 which is adapted to be inserted into the cleansing chamber 66.
Figure 2 illustrates two individual dispensing devices 70 connected by a tongue and groove connecting means 16 and 18, respectively as hereinafter described with respect to figure 3.
The dispensing device 70 comprises of a hollow generally cylindrical storage device open at one end with such opening covered by a lid 4 in the closed position. When the lid 4 is in the upper or open position it permits the introduction of liquid treating agents 90 into the reservo~r tank 2 for the purpose of storage and dispensing of the said liquid treating agents 90. Valves 8 are located at the other end of the ~ reservoir 2 set in the closed position until activated manually, ;i~ or in the alternative automatically, resulting in the valve 8 being placed into the open position for a temporary period, allowing a predetermined measure of liquid treating agent 90 into the supply tube 12 which said supply tube 12 will deliver the said liquid treating agents directly into the cleansing chamber 66 as shown in figure 1, or through a piping arrangement 80 as shown in figure 4, to the cleansing chamber 66 as shown in figure 1.
Vextically along the front of the dispensing devices 70 is a viewing window 10 which permits the inspection of the level of the liquid in the! rese!rvoir tank 2. on one side of the dispensing devices 70 there exists a groove 18, and on the other side there exists a tongue 16 which permits numerous storage and additive dispensing devices 70 to be joined together into one continuous unit. The valve 8 is manually situate in the closed position which does not permit the ~low of liquid treating agents from the reservoir tank 2 to the supply tube 12. The valve is placed into the ope!n position manually allowing a flow of liquid treating agents so from the reservoir tank 2 into the supply tube 12 by pushing the handle 9.
Figure 3 illustrates the nesting arrangement which permits the numerous dispensing devices 70 to be connected. The means used to attach the dispensing devices 70 is a tongue and groove structure. Each dispensing device 70 has a tongue 16 and groove 18 whereby the tongue 16 may be inserted into a groove 18 forming a continuous unit.
Figure 4 illustrates an alternative piping arrangement 80 than that illustrated in figure 1. The supply tube 12 is connected to the valve 8 which controls the discharge passage 6 at one end, and to a multiple access connector 20. The multiple access connector 20 is connected directly to T connector 24 or alternatively may be connected to a joining pipe 22 which in turn is connected to T connector 24, T connector 24 being connected through pipe members 23 and 25 to the hot and cold supply line 28 and 29 which are connected to the washing device 60 and which are normally under constant water pressure when tap valves 30 and ~ 31 respectively are in the open position.
:
Pipe sections 23 and 25 respectively are connected to T sections 26 and 27 respectively which in turn are connected to hot and cold supply line 28 and 29, the hot and cold supply lin~s 28 and 29 are adapted to be connected to the washing device 60 in a well known manner. When the washing device 60 permits the flow of water into its cleansing chamber 66 or other holding area a low prejssure will be created in the piping arrangement 80.
When the valve means 8 is temporarily placed into the open position either manually or automatically a predetermined amount of liquid treating a~ents 90 will be drawn into the piping arrangement 88, illustrated by 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27. Valves 8 in the arrangement shown in figure 4 are one way valves which permit flow of liquid treating agents 90 from reservoir 21 to supply tube 12 but do not permit backflow of liquid into the reservoir 2. When the washing device permits the ~3~
flow of water to occur again the liquid treating agents will be delivered to the cleansing chamber 66. This process will be repeated numerous times depending on the particular domestic or industrial washing device 60 and will only deliver liquid treating agents 90 as determined by the dispensing device 70.
Figures 5, 7 and 8 illustrate a dispensing device 70, comprising a hollow vertical generally cylindrical storage reservoir tank 2 open at the upper end with such opening covered by a lid 4 in the closed position. When lid 4 is in the open position it permits the introduction of liquid treating agents 90 into the reservoir 2 for the purpose of storage and dispensing of said liquid treating agents 90. The lid 4 being attached to the reservoir 2 by a hinging device 14. The valve arrangement is presented at the lower end o~ the dispensing device 70 which :
is in-the closed position until activated by a automatic valve : means (which shall be more fully described herein) which places : the valve arrangement 92 into the open position for a temporary period allowing a predetermined measure of a liquid treating ~20 ayents 90 into the supply tube 12 which will deliver the said liquid treating agents 90 directly or through a piping means to the cleansing chamber 66 as previously described. ::
Vertically along the front of the dispensing device 70 : is a viewing window 10 which permits the inspection of the level of liquid treating agents 90 in the reservoir tank 2.
.
on one side of the dispensing device 70 there exists a groove 18, and on the other side there exists a tongue 16 which permits numerous storage and additive dispensing devices to be joinsd together into one continuous unit.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the automatic valve arrangement 92. The cam plate 48 controls the flow of liquid treating agents 9t) through the discharge passage 40, and is normally ~ituate in the closed position which does not permit the flow of liquid treating agents 90 from the reservoir tank 2 into ~3~
the supply tube 12. The valve arrangement 92 is placed in the open position by depressing the cam plate on/off switch 32, energizing the electric motor 54 which causes the cam plate 48 to rotate 180 F into the open position, a position which permits the liquid treating agents 90 to flow from the reservoir tank 2 through the opening 40, through the cam opening 50, into the supply tube 12. When the cam plate on/off switch 32 is depressed the cam motor 54 is activated, rotating the cam plate another 180 F into the closed position. In the alternative a timing 10mechanism will be activated upon depressing the cam plate on/off switch 32 and will automatically place the cam plate 48 into the closed position after a predetermined period of time.
Figures 7 and 8 disclose an agitator 94 which is driven by an electrical agitator motor 42, and is activated by pressing the agi~ator on/o~f switch 34. The agitator motor 42 will be activated causing the agitator blades 46 to move in a circular motion around its vertical axis. Alternatively, a time delay switch could be inserted in the electrical circuitry so that when 20the agitator on/o~f switch 34 is activated the agitator motor 42 would be energized for a predetermined period of time, thereafter shutting itself off.
:
The power source to energize the agitator motor 42 and the cam motor 54 is provided by batteries 58 which are suitably wired (this feature is not illustrated). The batteries 58 are located in the battery housing 56 which is appropriately sealed to minimize unwanted seepage. The batteries 58 are replaceable. ;~-30Appropriate sealing gaskets will be used throughout the structure in order to minimize unwanted seepage.
Referring to the alternative device in figures 6, 9 and 10 which illustrat:e a dispensing device 70, comprising of a hollow vertical generally cylindrical storage receptacle open at the upper end with such opening covered by a lid 4, in the closed position. When the lid 4 is in the open position it permits the 2I323~3~
introduction of liquid treating agents 90 into the reservoir tank 4 for the purposes of storage and dispensing of said lic~id treating agents 90. The lid 4 being attached to the reservoir tank 2 by a hinging device 14. The valve arrangement is presented at the lower end of the dispensing device 70 which is in the closed position until activated manually by a plunger button 36 resulting in the valve means being placed into an open position for a temporary period of time allowing a predetermined measure of liquid treating agents 90 into the supply tube 12 which will deliver said licruid treating agents 90 directly into the washing device 60 or alternatively through a piping arrangement 80 to the cleansing chamber 66.
Vertically along the front of the dispensing device 70 is a viewing window 10 which permits the inspection of the level of liquid in the reservoir 2.
.
On one side of the dispensing device 70 there exists a groove 18 and on the other side there exists a tongue 16 which permits numerous dispensing devices 70 to be joined together into : one continuous unit.
The valve arrangement is biased in the closed position which does not permit the flow of liquid treating agents 90 from the reservoir tank 2 into the supply tube 12. The valve is placed into the open position by pressing the plunger button 36 : into a position where the cam opening 78 aligns with the discharge passage 40 allowing a flow of liquid treating agents 90 from the reservoir tank 2 into the supply tube 12 for a predetermined period of time which is dependant on the setting of the spring means 77 which returns the cam plate 76 into a closed position.
A manually operated agitator 93 can be engaged by the rotation of the hanclle 72 around its vertical axis which rotates the gear 73 and in turn the gear 74 thereby transferring the 2 ~
power to the agitator blades 46 causing them to rotate around their vertical axis.
Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of the dispensing device 70 comprising a hollow vertical generally rectangular storage reservoir tank 2 open at an upper end with such opening covered by a lid 4 and agitator handle 100 recessed in the lid 14 in the closed position. When lid 4 is in the open position it permits the introduction of liquid treating agents 90 into the reservoir 2 for the purpose of storage and dispensing of said liquid treating agents 90. The valve arrangement is presented at the lower end of the dispensing device 70 which is biased in the closed position until activated manually by lifting the tab handle 102 resulting in the valve means being placed into an open position for a period of time allowing a measure of liquid treating agents 9o into the supply tube 12 which will deliver said liquid treating agents 90 directly into the washing device 60 or alternatively through a piping arrangement 80 to the cleansing chamber 66.
Vertically along the front of the dispensing device 70 is a viewing window 10 which permits the inspection of the level of liquid in the reservoir 2.
On one side of the dispensing device 70 there exists a groove 18 and on the other side there exists a tongue 16 which permits numerous dispensing devices 70 to be joined together into one continuous unit as previously described in relation to the previous fiqures.
.
The valve arrangement is biased in the closed position which does not permit the flow of liquid treating agents 90 from the reservoir tank 2 into the supply tube 12. The valve is placed into the open position by activating the tab handle 102, which causes the t-valve 106 to either be manoeuvred into an open position where a free flow of treating agents will be permitted from the reservoir tank 2 into the supply tube 12, or the t-valve ~3~3.f~
will prevent the Plow of the liquid treatinq agents 90 by sealing the chamber 108, permitting the chamber 108 to fill with a predetermined measure of liquid treating agents 90 until the spring mechanism 110 returns the t-valve into the closed position allowing said predetermined measure of liquid treating agents 90 to flow from the chamber 108 into the supply tube 12. Treating Agents 90 may be introduced into chamber 108 through hole 10~.
The manually operated agitator 112 can be engaged by the rotation of the agitator handle 100 around its vertical axis thereby transferring the power to the agitator blades 114 causing said agitator blades 114 to rotate around their vertical axis.
:
Appropriate sealing gaskets will be used throughout the structure in order to minimize unwanted seepage.
.
The dispensing device 70 as illustrated has a rectangular cross section, however various other shapes could be adopted. The dispensing device 70 has been described as useful with liquid treating agents which would include liquid detergents, solutions of solid detergents, fabric softeners and the like. Further the device is suitable to receive packages of concentrated agents which can be diluted and used in the dispensing device. Recently such products hava become popular due to the environmental concerns surrounding plastic soap containers which are disposed of after the inputting of the product. The dispensing device described herein may be made of plastic, but is more environmentally desirable as the device can be used repeatedly and accepts llquid treating agents which can be contained in more environmentally safe containers which will only be required to facilitate a temporary storage function.
.
Although the preferred embodiments as well as the operation and use have been specifically described in relation to the drawings, it should be understood that variations in preferred embodiment can be achieved by a man skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, ~2~3 the invention should not be understood to be limited to the exact form revealed by the drawings.
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FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a storage and additive dispensing device, and more particularly relates to a treating agent dispensing device which delivers predetermined amounts o~
treating agents to a domestic or industrial washing device.
Embodiment of the invention includes manual as well as automatic operation resulting in the supply of a predetermined amount of a treating agent to a domestic or industrial washing device.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Various apparatus for supplying detergent to a washing device have heretofore being devised.
For example United States Patent No. 4,203,307 ~JJ1 discloses a detergent supply device for supplying a detergent and ~
a fabric conditioner into a washing basin of a washing machine. -~ ¦
The detergent supply device is mounted in the washing machine and has a detergent container containing a detergent and a fabric conditioner container containing a fabric conditioner. In the preliminary washing step, the detergent supply device delivers only water to the washing basin. In the washing step the device delivers the detergent together with water to the washing basin.
Finally, in the rinsing step the device delivers the fabric conditioner together with water. These three water supplying functions are performed through controls of only two water supplying solenoid valves.
Fùrthermore, ! United~ States Patent No. 4,009,598~ $~
discloses a domestic clothes washer incorporating a system for dispensing predetermined amounts of liquid treating agents ~
wherein an add on storage tank reservoir is mounted on the washer ¦ ~> ,~/i control console. User operated valves provide gravity flow o~
the agents from thle reservoir into the dispensing vessels on the console.
~' -2~3~3 Another device described in United States Patent No.
2,698,022 discloses an invention relating to a dispenser for liquid detergents and more particularly to dispenser for liquid detergent in an automatic dishwashing machine and the like, wherein a receptacle adapted to hold a liquid detergent, open at the top and having an opening in the bottom and a closure therefor, which closure is operated by thermal actuated bimetallic element responsive to the temperature oP the water in the machine.
Moreover, United States Patent No. 3,370,597 discloses a dishwashing machine having a sump which can be filled and drained automatically, and a motor driven pump and spray device connected to recirculate a spray cleansing liquid over soiled articles in a cleansing chamber, includes a metering type gravity feed dispenser connected to transfer a measured amount of concentrated liquid sanitizer into the chamber during the final rinsing operation of the machine to sanitize the articles without need for water at a temperature of 180 F.
Finally, United States Patent No. 3,670,530 discloses an additive dispenser for clothes washing machines or the like having a container that pivots from a vertical additive retaining -position to a horizontal additive dispensing position in response to centrifugal force developed by spinning of the agitator.
. ' .:
Each of the prior devices referred to above present reIatively complicated structures having li~ited use as the supplying devices mounted in the washing machine and therefore only usable with said washing apparatus.
Further the prior devices referred to above in some cases only present storage space for one application of treating agents, and therefore must be manually refilled with each cycle or wash.
" .
2~3 It is the object of this invention to provide an improved storage and dispensing devi~e which will be portable, environmentally attractive, and will reduce the need of refilling each and every cycle or wash.
.
It is a further object of the present invention to automatically measure a predetermined amount of liquid treating agents and have them presented to the washing device at the precise moment required.
The broadest aspect of this invention relates to a dispensing device for storing and dispensing liquids, comprising a reservoir having an opening at one end thereof to receive said liquid; a discharge passage at another end thereof for discharging said liquid; a valve structure associated with said discharge passage for communicating said liquid in said reservoir through said passage in an open position and to block access of said liquid to said discharge passage in a closed position.
' ~20 It is another aspect of this invention to provide a plurality of dispensing devices interconnected in a side-by-side relationship wherein each device comprises: a dispensing device for storing and dispensing liquids, comprising a reservoir having an opening at one end thereof to receive said liquid; a discharge passage at another end thereof for discharging said liquid; a valve structure associated with said discharge passage for communicating said liquid in said reservoir through said passage in an open position and to block access of said liquid to said discharge passage in a closed;position, including a lid hinged adjacent said open end of said reservoir so as to permit introduction of liquid into said reservoir in an open position and to close said opening in said closed position; further including a viewing window and which said reservoir includes a ;
tongue structure presented exteriorly of said reservoir and present?~ng a groove structure presented exteriorly of said reservoir; wherein said tongue structure of one of said devices is connected to said groove structure of said adjacent device.
2~23~3 DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
These and other objects and features shall now be described in relation to the following drawings:
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the said dispensing device in association with a washing device.
Figure 2 is a front psrspective view of two dispensing devices.
Figure 3 is a top plan view of three of the said dispensing . devices.
Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the said dispensing device, showing a particular piping arrangement.
Figure 5 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the said dispensing device.
2~0 ; Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the said dispensing device.
. ~ ~
Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the said dispensing device along the line 7-7 of figure 5.
~ Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the said dispensing device `~ along the line 8-8 of figure 7.
;30 Figùre 9 is a partiàl cross-sèctional view of the said dispensing ~ device along the line 9-9 of figure 6.
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~: :
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the said dispensing device along the line 10-LO o~ figure 9. `
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: 2~3~
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the dispensing device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Like parts shall be given identical numbers throughout the figures. The dispensing device is generally depicted by numeral 70 and comprises a reservoir tank 2 and a hinged closure member or lid 4 which is connected to the reservoir tank 2 by h~nges 14. Each dispensing device 70 can be conne~ted to another dispensing device 70 by engaging the nesting arrangement by placing the tongue 16 into the groove 18 as shown in figure 3.
This permits numerous dispensing devices 70 to be connected to one another in side by side relationship. The dispensing device 70 is adapted to receive and dispense liquid treating agents 90 such as soaps, fabric softeners or the like.
, ~ ; Referring now to figure 1 there is shown two connected ;~ ; individual dispensing devices 70 relative to a domestic or industrial washing device 60. It should be understood that although the two connected dispensing devices are shown in figure 1, one dispensing device could be used without departing from the spirit of the invention to be more fully described ~herein. The details of the domestic or industrial washing device 60 need not be described herein, since the particular arrangement of the parts is not essential to the present invention. The washing device 60 is illustrated to show the combination with the two connected individual dispensing devices 70. The dispensing devices 70 can be mounted by ;aisuitable bracket to a secured object, such as a wall or a moveable object such as a moveable support (not shown). However, in order to operate, the height of the individual dispensing device 70 muæt be at an elevation greater than the elevation of the frame 64 of the washing device 60 as shown in figure 1.
The displensing device 70 may have any shape provided it present~ a receptacle open at one end and covered by a lid 4 2~3~J3~3 which is moveable between an open position and a closed position.
The dispensing device 70 is further provided at its bottom portion with a discharge passage 6, a valve 8 which has an open position and a closed position, and a supply tube 12 which is adapted to be inserted into the cleansing chamber 66.
Figure 2 illustrates two individual dispensing devices 70 connected by a tongue and groove connecting means 16 and 18, respectively as hereinafter described with respect to figure 3.
The dispensing device 70 comprises of a hollow generally cylindrical storage device open at one end with such opening covered by a lid 4 in the closed position. When the lid 4 is in the upper or open position it permits the introduction of liquid treating agents 90 into the reservo~r tank 2 for the purpose of storage and dispensing of the said liquid treating agents 90. Valves 8 are located at the other end of the ~ reservoir 2 set in the closed position until activated manually, ;i~ or in the alternative automatically, resulting in the valve 8 being placed into the open position for a temporary period, allowing a predetermined measure of liquid treating agent 90 into the supply tube 12 which said supply tube 12 will deliver the said liquid treating agents directly into the cleansing chamber 66 as shown in figure 1, or through a piping arrangement 80 as shown in figure 4, to the cleansing chamber 66 as shown in figure 1.
Vextically along the front of the dispensing devices 70 is a viewing window 10 which permits the inspection of the level of the liquid in the! rese!rvoir tank 2. on one side of the dispensing devices 70 there exists a groove 18, and on the other side there exists a tongue 16 which permits numerous storage and additive dispensing devices 70 to be joined together into one continuous unit. The valve 8 is manually situate in the closed position which does not permit the ~low of liquid treating agents from the reservoir tank 2 to the supply tube 12. The valve is placed into the ope!n position manually allowing a flow of liquid treating agents so from the reservoir tank 2 into the supply tube 12 by pushing the handle 9.
Figure 3 illustrates the nesting arrangement which permits the numerous dispensing devices 70 to be connected. The means used to attach the dispensing devices 70 is a tongue and groove structure. Each dispensing device 70 has a tongue 16 and groove 18 whereby the tongue 16 may be inserted into a groove 18 forming a continuous unit.
Figure 4 illustrates an alternative piping arrangement 80 than that illustrated in figure 1. The supply tube 12 is connected to the valve 8 which controls the discharge passage 6 at one end, and to a multiple access connector 20. The multiple access connector 20 is connected directly to T connector 24 or alternatively may be connected to a joining pipe 22 which in turn is connected to T connector 24, T connector 24 being connected through pipe members 23 and 25 to the hot and cold supply line 28 and 29 which are connected to the washing device 60 and which are normally under constant water pressure when tap valves 30 and ~ 31 respectively are in the open position.
:
Pipe sections 23 and 25 respectively are connected to T sections 26 and 27 respectively which in turn are connected to hot and cold supply line 28 and 29, the hot and cold supply lin~s 28 and 29 are adapted to be connected to the washing device 60 in a well known manner. When the washing device 60 permits the flow of water into its cleansing chamber 66 or other holding area a low prejssure will be created in the piping arrangement 80.
When the valve means 8 is temporarily placed into the open position either manually or automatically a predetermined amount of liquid treating a~ents 90 will be drawn into the piping arrangement 88, illustrated by 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27. Valves 8 in the arrangement shown in figure 4 are one way valves which permit flow of liquid treating agents 90 from reservoir 21 to supply tube 12 but do not permit backflow of liquid into the reservoir 2. When the washing device permits the ~3~
flow of water to occur again the liquid treating agents will be delivered to the cleansing chamber 66. This process will be repeated numerous times depending on the particular domestic or industrial washing device 60 and will only deliver liquid treating agents 90 as determined by the dispensing device 70.
Figures 5, 7 and 8 illustrate a dispensing device 70, comprising a hollow vertical generally cylindrical storage reservoir tank 2 open at the upper end with such opening covered by a lid 4 in the closed position. When lid 4 is in the open position it permits the introduction of liquid treating agents 90 into the reservoir 2 for the purpose of storage and dispensing of said liquid treating agents 90. The lid 4 being attached to the reservoir 2 by a hinging device 14. The valve arrangement is presented at the lower end o~ the dispensing device 70 which :
is in-the closed position until activated by a automatic valve : means (which shall be more fully described herein) which places : the valve arrangement 92 into the open position for a temporary period allowing a predetermined measure of a liquid treating ~20 ayents 90 into the supply tube 12 which will deliver the said liquid treating agents 90 directly or through a piping means to the cleansing chamber 66 as previously described. ::
Vertically along the front of the dispensing device 70 : is a viewing window 10 which permits the inspection of the level of liquid treating agents 90 in the reservoir tank 2.
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on one side of the dispensing device 70 there exists a groove 18, and on the other side there exists a tongue 16 which permits numerous storage and additive dispensing devices to be joinsd together into one continuous unit.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the automatic valve arrangement 92. The cam plate 48 controls the flow of liquid treating agents 9t) through the discharge passage 40, and is normally ~ituate in the closed position which does not permit the flow of liquid treating agents 90 from the reservoir tank 2 into ~3~
the supply tube 12. The valve arrangement 92 is placed in the open position by depressing the cam plate on/off switch 32, energizing the electric motor 54 which causes the cam plate 48 to rotate 180 F into the open position, a position which permits the liquid treating agents 90 to flow from the reservoir tank 2 through the opening 40, through the cam opening 50, into the supply tube 12. When the cam plate on/off switch 32 is depressed the cam motor 54 is activated, rotating the cam plate another 180 F into the closed position. In the alternative a timing 10mechanism will be activated upon depressing the cam plate on/off switch 32 and will automatically place the cam plate 48 into the closed position after a predetermined period of time.
Figures 7 and 8 disclose an agitator 94 which is driven by an electrical agitator motor 42, and is activated by pressing the agi~ator on/o~f switch 34. The agitator motor 42 will be activated causing the agitator blades 46 to move in a circular motion around its vertical axis. Alternatively, a time delay switch could be inserted in the electrical circuitry so that when 20the agitator on/o~f switch 34 is activated the agitator motor 42 would be energized for a predetermined period of time, thereafter shutting itself off.
:
The power source to energize the agitator motor 42 and the cam motor 54 is provided by batteries 58 which are suitably wired (this feature is not illustrated). The batteries 58 are located in the battery housing 56 which is appropriately sealed to minimize unwanted seepage. The batteries 58 are replaceable. ;~-30Appropriate sealing gaskets will be used throughout the structure in order to minimize unwanted seepage.
Referring to the alternative device in figures 6, 9 and 10 which illustrat:e a dispensing device 70, comprising of a hollow vertical generally cylindrical storage receptacle open at the upper end with such opening covered by a lid 4, in the closed position. When the lid 4 is in the open position it permits the 2I323~3~
introduction of liquid treating agents 90 into the reservoir tank 4 for the purposes of storage and dispensing of said lic~id treating agents 90. The lid 4 being attached to the reservoir tank 2 by a hinging device 14. The valve arrangement is presented at the lower end of the dispensing device 70 which is in the closed position until activated manually by a plunger button 36 resulting in the valve means being placed into an open position for a temporary period of time allowing a predetermined measure of liquid treating agents 90 into the supply tube 12 which will deliver said licruid treating agents 90 directly into the washing device 60 or alternatively through a piping arrangement 80 to the cleansing chamber 66.
Vertically along the front of the dispensing device 70 is a viewing window 10 which permits the inspection of the level of liquid in the reservoir 2.
.
On one side of the dispensing device 70 there exists a groove 18 and on the other side there exists a tongue 16 which permits numerous dispensing devices 70 to be joined together into : one continuous unit.
The valve arrangement is biased in the closed position which does not permit the flow of liquid treating agents 90 from the reservoir tank 2 into the supply tube 12. The valve is placed into the open position by pressing the plunger button 36 : into a position where the cam opening 78 aligns with the discharge passage 40 allowing a flow of liquid treating agents 90 from the reservoir tank 2 into the supply tube 12 for a predetermined period of time which is dependant on the setting of the spring means 77 which returns the cam plate 76 into a closed position.
A manually operated agitator 93 can be engaged by the rotation of the hanclle 72 around its vertical axis which rotates the gear 73 and in turn the gear 74 thereby transferring the 2 ~
power to the agitator blades 46 causing them to rotate around their vertical axis.
Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of the dispensing device 70 comprising a hollow vertical generally rectangular storage reservoir tank 2 open at an upper end with such opening covered by a lid 4 and agitator handle 100 recessed in the lid 14 in the closed position. When lid 4 is in the open position it permits the introduction of liquid treating agents 90 into the reservoir 2 for the purpose of storage and dispensing of said liquid treating agents 90. The valve arrangement is presented at the lower end of the dispensing device 70 which is biased in the closed position until activated manually by lifting the tab handle 102 resulting in the valve means being placed into an open position for a period of time allowing a measure of liquid treating agents 9o into the supply tube 12 which will deliver said liquid treating agents 90 directly into the washing device 60 or alternatively through a piping arrangement 80 to the cleansing chamber 66.
Vertically along the front of the dispensing device 70 is a viewing window 10 which permits the inspection of the level of liquid in the reservoir 2.
On one side of the dispensing device 70 there exists a groove 18 and on the other side there exists a tongue 16 which permits numerous dispensing devices 70 to be joined together into one continuous unit as previously described in relation to the previous fiqures.
.
The valve arrangement is biased in the closed position which does not permit the flow of liquid treating agents 90 from the reservoir tank 2 into the supply tube 12. The valve is placed into the open position by activating the tab handle 102, which causes the t-valve 106 to either be manoeuvred into an open position where a free flow of treating agents will be permitted from the reservoir tank 2 into the supply tube 12, or the t-valve ~3~3.f~
will prevent the Plow of the liquid treatinq agents 90 by sealing the chamber 108, permitting the chamber 108 to fill with a predetermined measure of liquid treating agents 90 until the spring mechanism 110 returns the t-valve into the closed position allowing said predetermined measure of liquid treating agents 90 to flow from the chamber 108 into the supply tube 12. Treating Agents 90 may be introduced into chamber 108 through hole 10~.
The manually operated agitator 112 can be engaged by the rotation of the agitator handle 100 around its vertical axis thereby transferring the power to the agitator blades 114 causing said agitator blades 114 to rotate around their vertical axis.
:
Appropriate sealing gaskets will be used throughout the structure in order to minimize unwanted seepage.
.
The dispensing device 70 as illustrated has a rectangular cross section, however various other shapes could be adopted. The dispensing device 70 has been described as useful with liquid treating agents which would include liquid detergents, solutions of solid detergents, fabric softeners and the like. Further the device is suitable to receive packages of concentrated agents which can be diluted and used in the dispensing device. Recently such products hava become popular due to the environmental concerns surrounding plastic soap containers which are disposed of after the inputting of the product. The dispensing device described herein may be made of plastic, but is more environmentally desirable as the device can be used repeatedly and accepts llquid treating agents which can be contained in more environmentally safe containers which will only be required to facilitate a temporary storage function.
.
Although the preferred embodiments as well as the operation and use have been specifically described in relation to the drawings, it should be understood that variations in preferred embodiment can be achieved by a man skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, ~2~3 the invention should not be understood to be limited to the exact form revealed by the drawings.
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Claims (18)
1. In a dispensing device for storing and dispensing liquids, comprising a reservoir having an opening at one end thereof to receive said liquid: a discharge passage at another end thereof for discharging said liquid; valve means associated with said discharge passage for communicating said liquid in said reservoir through said passage in an open position and to block access of said liquid to said discharge passage in a closed position.
2. In a dispensing device as claimed in claim 1 including a lid hinged adjacent said open end of said reservoir, so as to permit introduction of liquid into said reservoir in an open position and to close in said closed position.
3. In a dispensing device as claimed in claim 2 further including a viewing window.
4. In a dispensing device as claimed in claim 3 wherein said reservoir tank includes tongue means presented exteriorly of said reservoir and presenting a grooved means presented exteriorly of said reservoir.
5. A combination of a plurality of dispensing devices interconnected in side by side relationship wherein each dispensing device comprises:
(a) a dispensing device for storing and dispensing liquids, comprising a reservoir having an opening at one end thereof to receive said liquid; a discharge passage at another end thereof for discharging said liquid; valve means associated with said discharge passage for communicating said liquid in said reservoir through said passage in an open position and to block access of the said liquid to said discharge passage in a closed position; said reservoir including a lid hinged adjacent said open end of said reservoir, so as to permit introduction of liquid into said reservoir in an open position, and to close said opening in said closed position; said reservoir including a viewing window; and which reservoir includes tongue means presented exteriorly of said reservoir and presenting a grooved means presented exteriorly of said reservoir.
(b) wherein said tongue means of one of said devices is connected to said grooved means of said adjacent device.
(a) a dispensing device for storing and dispensing liquids, comprising a reservoir having an opening at one end thereof to receive said liquid; a discharge passage at another end thereof for discharging said liquid; valve means associated with said discharge passage for communicating said liquid in said reservoir through said passage in an open position and to block access of the said liquid to said discharge passage in a closed position; said reservoir including a lid hinged adjacent said open end of said reservoir, so as to permit introduction of liquid into said reservoir in an open position, and to close said opening in said closed position; said reservoir including a viewing window; and which reservoir includes tongue means presented exteriorly of said reservoir and presenting a grooved means presented exteriorly of said reservoir.
(b) wherein said tongue means of one of said devices is connected to said grooved means of said adjacent device.
6. A combination as claimed in claim 5 including two devices connected together.
7. A combination as claimed in claim 6 where each dispensing device includes a supply hose which connects to the discharge passage.
8. A combination as claimed in claim 6 including a piping means adapted to be connected to a water supply.
9. In a dispensing device as claimed in claim 4 including an electric motor means for opening said valve means when said electric motor means is activated and for closing said valve mean when said electric motor means is deactivated.
10. In a dispensing device as claimed in claim 4 including a manually operable means for activating said valve means when said manual means is activated and for closing said valve means when said manual means is disengaged.
11. In a dispensing device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said electric motor means includes a cam means for opening and closing said discharge passage, said cam means activated by said motor means.
12. In a dispensing device as claimed in claim 6 wherein each dispensing device includes an electric motor means for opening said valve means wherein said electric motor means is activated and for closing said valve means when said electric motor means is deactivated
13. A combination as claimed in claim 6 wherein each said dispensing device includes a manually operable means for activating said valve means when said manual means is activated and for closing said valve means when said manual means is disengaged.
14. In a dispensing device as claimed in claim 12 wherein each dispensing device includes an electric agitator motor means which includes an electric agitator motor means for activating agitator blade means to agitate said treating agents.
15. In a dispensing device as claimed in claim 13 wherein each dispensing device includes a manually operated agitator means which includes a manual agitator for activating the agitator blade means to agitate said treating agents.
16. A combination as claimed in claim 12 wherein said dispensing device is adopted to disperse liquid treating agents to a cleansing chamber of the washing device.
17. A combination as claimed in claim 13 wherein said dispensing device is adapted to disperse liquid treating agents to a cleansing chamber of the washing device.
18. A combination as claimed in claim 15 wherein said manually generated agitator means is recessed in said lid.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2023093 CA2023093A1 (en) | 1990-08-10 | 1990-08-10 | Treating agent dispensing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2023093 CA2023093A1 (en) | 1990-08-10 | 1990-08-10 | Treating agent dispensing device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2023093A1 true CA2023093A1 (en) | 1992-02-11 |
Family
ID=4145711
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2023093 Abandoned CA2023093A1 (en) | 1990-08-10 | 1990-08-10 | Treating agent dispensing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2023093A1 (en) |
-
1990
- 1990-08-10 CA CA 2023093 patent/CA2023093A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |