CA2876233A1 - Handle housing syringe for measured fluid expulsion - Google Patents

Abstract

A handle for workshop or household appliances, including a syringe for measuring and dispensing fluid. The syringe is housed inside the body of the handle. The handle has a long window extending along its length for viewing the volumetric markings on the syringe and for pushing the syringe plunger. Fluid is pushed through the syringe and out through a curved trajectory into the reservoir of the appliance. The preferred embodiment of the handle is easily removable from the appliance when not in use. This device allows users to dispense known amounts of fluid into a reservoir in a manner that allows the user to accurately track consumption of the dispensed liquid.

Description

Background of the Invention Description of Prior Art Different types of handles housing fluids are known in the prior art.
Generally, the handles tend to house the fluid directly in the handle, similarly to U.S. Patent Number 6,425,701 (B I), issued to Jacobs on July 30, 2002. This patent discloses a liquid dispensing handle that releases an unmeasured amount of fluid from the proximal end when pressure is applied to a plate. The distal end of the handle possesses a screw cap which may be removed to fill the in-handle reservoir with fluid. Other patents do not house the fluid directly inside the handle, but use a secondary container, which is itself housed inside the handle. Chinese Patent Number 201,469,232 (U), issued to Qiaorong, Kuo and Li on May 19, 2010, discloses a handle-type cleaning cloth, and houses the fluid inside a bag, which is then inserted into a handle. Compression of the bag with a lever attached to a spring-loaded plate forces the liquid out of the bag and into a cloth.
Patents such as the Chinese Patent Number 103,569,931 (A), issued to Li on February 12, 2014, disclose a smart oil dispenser which makes use of a sensor to detect cooking appliances before automatically dispensing oil. This dispenser uses atmospheric pressure and gravity to move the oil, but unlike previously mentioned patents, is not integrated into a handle. In addition, the use of gravity to create pressure is dependent upon the height of the liquid column, and is thus only maximally efficient when the column of liquid is vertical.
The accurate measurement of dispensed fluids has been accomplished in patents such as U.S. Patent Number 6,877,639 (B1), issued to Hanson on April 12, 2005. This patent discloses a liquid measuring and dispensing device which attaches directly to the opening of a bottle of fluid, eliminating the need to use a secondary container to measure liquid volumes.
However, this patent cannot be incorporated into a liquid-filled handle due to the nature of its design. Similarly, South Korean Patent Number 20,120,085,455 (A) discloses a nozzle that is capable of adjusting the amount of cooking oil that it dispenses. However, it is not possible to determine the exact quantity of oil being dispensed, and the dispensing method uses a hose which must be manipulated.
Several syringes exist in prior art, most being similar in structure to U.S.
Patent Number 2,869,541 (A), issued to Easton and Helmer on January 20, 1959. Newer inventions such as WIPO Patent Number W02007042592 (Al) disclose a syringe for administering multiple doses.
Although this syringe is intended for medical injections, its structure from the plain tip towards the plunger, with the needle removed is able drive the movement of fluid through the barrel with the use of a plunger, and possesses a locking mechanism to prevent the plunger from moving backwards. This locking mechanism is useful, but not necessary in the use of cooking applications. The syringe does not possess a mechanism to prevent its rotation inside a handle.
Removable handles are often attached to an appliance by a gripping mechanism.
Alternatively, handles may be attached to their appliance with a mechanism that, when inserted into an appliance, locks in place. Although the present invention does not pertain to the attachment mechanism at the proximal end of the handle, it is intended to be used in conjunction with an attachment mechanism.
U.S. Patent Number 3,306,647 (A), issued to Imhoff on February 28, 1967, discloses a detachable handle with a gripping mechanism that could be implemented with the invention.
U.S. Patent Number 2,494,159, issued to Bernstein on January 10, 1950, discloses a detachable handle for pots and pans which attaches to the appliance by locking into place upon insertion.
Several other detachable handles exist that have attachment mechanisms capable of being used in the context of the invention.
It is evident from the foregoing that the prior art fails to accomplish the task of accurately dispensing known quantities of fluid from a reservoir embedded into a hollowed-out handle. Prior art that is capable of dispensing fluid from a handle fails to measure the dispensed volumes accurately, while accurate means of dispensing fluids are not found in conjunction with hollow handles. Prior art describing syringes is useful, but would most likely be unable to remain stationary without rotation in the hollow handle of the present invention.
Field of the Invention The field of the invention pertains to devices capable of quantitatively dispensing fluids. More specifically, the invention is a device that dispenses fluids housed in compartments of a handle which may be easily attached to and removed from several appliances, such as kitchenware. The fluid is contained inside a transparent syringe with volumetric markings and a plunger. This syringe is housed inside the removable handle, which possesses a window used to access the tab at the base of the plunger, 8, as seen in Figure 1. The distal end of the removable handle possesses a removable screw cap, and may be removed to extract the syringe.
Although there are no known inventions pertaining to removable handles capable of dispensing oil, this invention holds many advantages over other devices whose handles house fluids. In particular, the invention possesses a syringe with volumetric markings so that the desired quantity of fluid may be accurately dispensed by the user. The tab, found at the base of the plunger, and extending out of the window along the handle, 6, may be pushed towards the proximal end of the handle by the user with his or her thumb. This motion causes the plunger to move forward, and fluid is dispensed, due to the increased pressure. The fluid is dispensed through the curved trajectory tip of the syringe and out of the overhanging lip into the appliance reservoir. During this motion, the user may observe the volume of fluid dispensed by viewing the volumetric markings along the barrel of the syringe. When the user stops applying pressure to the tab at the base of the plunger, displacement of the fluid also stops. For a market in which consumers worry about the quantity of fat they consume, the ability to accurately dispense oil for cooking is crucial. Further, for example in a bar, where over pouring and spilling reduces profits, dispensing measured amounts of alcohol becomes foolproof. In yet another example where the invention may be employed, the quick dough or batter release onto a cooking surface will benefit from the fast and measured accuracy as well as the direct dispensation with no spilling or mess. Whereas other devices are generally restricted to dispensing limited quantities of fluid, or devices which do not specify the quantity of fluid being dispensed, the quantity of fluid that this invention is capable of dispensing is designated by the user, allowing him or her to have full control over the amount added to the reservoir of his or her appliance.
In addition to the ability to accurately dispense fluid, the syringe may be easily removed from the detachable handle. This feature is important to both protect the user as well as to facilitate the process of filling the handle. A device that houses the fluid directly inside the handle would not be appropriate as it becomes hard to clean and it cannot be removed simply and quickly. For example,

2 in the event that the user wishes to employ the removable handle of the invention in conjunction with a pan for cooking after the addition of oil, the user may simply remove the syringe such that their oil is not oxidized. This is especially important in cases where it may be desired to place the pan with the removable handle attached in an oven, where temperatures could become dangerously high for a compartment with flammable oil. A device whose handle directly holds the oil would be difficult to clean, as a large amount of oil would remain in the hollow part.
Volumetric markings along the barrel of the syringe are oriented so that the user can identify them through the window of the handle. To ensure proper orientation, the plunger tab of the syringe is shaped such that insertion of the plunger into the handle requires that the plunger tab extends snugly through the window. This feature of the invention makes insertion of the syringe into the handle with improper orientation impossible. Because the tab extends snugly through the window, rotation of the syringe is impossible, creating an ease of use for the user.
The invention possesses an overhanging lip at the proximal end of the removable handle. This lip extends towards the interior of the liquid vessel of the appliance to which the invention is attached.
This design lowers the risk of fluid making contact with other surfaces of the appliance, reducing spillage and its associated risks.
The invention is primarily intended to be used in conjunction with a removable handle mechanism, which does not interfere with the present handle design. While several attachment mechanisms could be used, we show our preferred embodiment in Figure 5, the original image from U.S. Patent Number 3,306,647 (A).
It is therefore evident that the present invention provides a novel mechanism to accurately and cleanly dispense quantities of any liquid designated by the user. This is especially important when considering the health of individuals who may wish to, or are advised by their physician, to use measured quantities of oil while cooking. In conjunction with the ability to remove the syringe from the handle for safety as well as cleaning, the invention is a novel device that may be useful in several applications, such as kitchenware.
Summary of the Invention Generally, the invention comprises two components. The first component is the handle, which is hollow and houses the second component, which is the syringe. The topmost surface of the handle possesses a window with which to view the volumetric markings of the syringe, and to provide a channel for the tab extending vertically from the plunger. The window extends towards the distal end of the handle. The distal end of the handle possesses a screw cap. The proximal end of the handle possesses an overhang on the lower surface, which extends towards the reservoir of the appliance. This overhang has a hole through which the tip of the syringe is inserted such that the fluid cannot dribble down the inside of the handle housing becoming caked on the inside, becoming hard to clean and possibly becoming a safety hazard. The fluid is therefore only ever within the syringe or in the appliance reservoir.
The second component of the invention is the syringe, which comprises: a transparent plastic barrel with volumetric markings along its side; a tip with a curved trajectory at its proximal end; a plunger

3 to push the fluid contained within the barrel; a tab extending from the base of the plunger to be pushed with the finger of the user; and a rubber plunger head to create an effective seal. When filled with fluid, the syringe may be inserted into the handle with the tip facing towards proximal end of the handle. The tab of the plunger fits snugly in the window of the handle, and may be pushed by the user to push the plunger towards the proximal end of the handle, thus expelling a desired volume of liquid onto an appliance surface. Due to both the shapes of the plunger tab and the opening at the distal end of the handle, the syringe does not fit into the handle unless it is in the correct orientation.
This correct orientation effectively keeps the syringe from rotating, and allows the user to see the volumetric markings along the barrel of the syringe through the window of the handle.
The invention can be used within the context of a removable handle mechanism.
Brief Description of Drawings The figures show various views of the embodiments of the apparatus, specifically:
Fig 1. Side angle view of handle and syringe inserted fully in locked position, showing as ready for use with appliance.
Fig 2. Transverse, enlarged, cross-sectional view of handle and syringe inserted, ready for use. Gap is left to illustrate this is an enlarged view and middle portion of handle has been omitted to keep proper proportions in the space.
Fig 3. Angled view of handle, syringe removed.
Fig 4. Standalone view of syringe, feature 4 illustrated in figure 1, with each component represented separately.
Fig 5. A possible mechanism of removable handle attachment, taken directly from US patent US3306647, Detachable Handle, awarded to Theodore K Imhoff in 1967.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment The preferred embodiment of this invention works in conjunction with the removable handle attachment mechanism illustrated in Figure 5; however, other embodiments include using alternative removable handle attachment mechanisms. Furthermore, it is possible, although not advised without further testing, for an embodiment of the invention to be incorporated into the design of a permanently attached handle.
The removable handle, 2, is hollow, such that it allows for insertion of the removable transparent plastic syringe, 4, as shown in Figure 1 and 2. The material that the handle is composed of is a heat-resistant plastic, such that it reduces heat transfer to the fluid for the brief time it is in proximity to a source of heat, such as a heating element found on a conventional stove. The removable handle, 2, is slightly longer and wider than conventional kitchen appliance handles, while not wide enough to compromise a comfortable grip, to maximize fluid capacity. The removable handle, 2, possesses an

4 exterior coating of a material that exhibits a high amount of static friction, such as ridged rubber for user comfort, as well as finger ridges, 5.
As best seen in Figure 1, the removable handle, 2, has a window, 6, along its topmost surface, running along the length of the handle, which is open at the distal end, 7, of the handle such that the extended tab of the plunger, 8, may enter and slide along the path created by the window, 6. The window, 6, serves two purposes: firstly, it permits the tab, 8, of the plunger, 10, to extend through the housing, and be accessed by the user. Secondly, it provides visible access to the volumetric markings on the syringe, 12, allowing the user to accurately measure the fluid being displaced from the barrel, thus dispensed optimally.
The removable handle, 2, also incorporates an overhang, 14, shown in Figures 1 and 2, such that it is impossible for fluid to come into contact with the rim of the appliance, but instead only makes contact with the active surface of the appliance. Likewise, the proximal end of the removable syringe, 4, has a plain tip, 16, which has a curved trajectory, as seen in Figures 2 and 4, such that release of fluid is directed downwards and not dripping onto the inner surface of the handle housing, which would pose a safety hazard. The hollow removable handle, 2, containing the removable syringe, 4, is sealed with a screw cap, 17 at the distal end of the handle.
The removable syringe, 4, best seen standing alone in Figure 4, consists of the plain tip with curved trajectory, 16, for fluid release, the barrel, 18, the plunger, 10, and with rubber plunger head, 20, to create an effective seal, and the plunger end or base, 22, which possesses a tab, 8, which extends through the window, 6.
To fill the syringe, the user holds the syringe, 4, upright with the curved tip, 16, facing downwards, removes the plunger, 10, and fills the barrel, 18, with a fluid. A fingertip can be used to temporarily seal the curved tip during this step of the filling operation. Next, the user replaces the plunger, 10, into the syringe barrel, 18. Once the filled syringe, 4, is prepared, the user inserts it, with proper orientation, into the hollow removable handle, 2. Proper orientation embodies the orientation in which the volumetric markings, 12, are aligned with the window, 6, along the top linear surface of the handle such that the user can effectively measure the volume of fluid remaining in the barrel.
Proper orientation is achieved quickly and easily, as proper insertion of the syringe requires that the push tab, 8, enters through the opening, 7, at the distal end of the window, 6, of the handle, which effectively prevents the syringe from rotating in the handle. The user can then push the tab of the plunger, 8, towards the curved tip, 16, to release a known quantity of fluid into the appliance. The rubber seal of the plunger head, 20, provides friction such that when firstly, pressure stops being applied, fluid stops being dispensed and secondly, that a significant pressure must be applied, such that the plunger would not be removed and spill the syringe contents without the users applied pressure.
The syringe is removed by unscrewing the screw cap, 17, then using the tab of the plunger, 8, to guide the syringe along the path created by the window towards the distal end of the handle, after which the syringe, 4, may be removed.

Claims (13)

The Embodiments of the Invention in Which an Exclusive Property or Privilege Is Claimed Are Defined As Follows:
What is claimed is:

1. A handle that is capable of measuring and dispensing known volumes of fluid into an appliance, which is comprised of:
a handle which is hollow and capable of housing a syringe and has a long window with which to view the volumetric markings of the syringe and to snugly slide the plunger of the syringe without rotating the syringe;
a syringe that is housed inside the hollow handle described above that is capable of dispensing known quantities of fluid into a kitchen appliance through a curved tip at the end of the barrel;

2. A handle, as claimed in claim 1, which has a hollow housing capable of securely fitting a syringe.

3. A handle, as claimed in claim 1, with a long window on the topmost surface of the handle with which to view the volumetric markings on the barrel of the syringe and with which to access the tab at the proximal end of the plunger of the syringe.

4. A handle, as claimed in claim 1, with a screw cap on the distal end of the housing, as claimed in claim 2, to secure the syringe inside the housing.

5. A handle, as claimed in claim 1, which possesses an overhang on the proximal end of the housing, as claimed in claim 2 that extends towards the active surface of the appliance and possesses an opening through the bottom of said overhanging lip through which the curved tip of the syringe fits.

6. A syringe, as claimed in claim 1, that is housed inside the hollow handle described above and which is capable of holding and dispensing fluid.

7. A syringe, as claimed in claim 1, that possesses volumetric markings along the barrel that may be viewed through the window of the handle, as claimed in claim 3, in order to accurately measure a volume of fluid.

8. A syringe, as claimed in claim 1, that possesses a plunger to push fluid contained in the barrel with a rubber head used to create an effective seal for displacement of liquid contents.

9. A syringe, as claimed in claim 1, that possesses a tab at the base of the plunger that can be accessed through the window, as claimed in claim 3, in order to push fluid through the barrel to the curved tip.

10. A syringe, as claimed in claim 1, possessing a curved tip used to dispense fluid through the opening of the overhang at the proximal end, as claimed in claim 5.

11. A syringe, as claimed in claim 1, which will only fit securely in the housing, as claimed in claim 2, if it is in the correct orientation such that the curved tip, as claimed in claim 10, will fit inside the opening of the overhanging lip, as claimed in claim 5.

12. A syringe, as claimed in claim 1, which will only fit securely in the housing, as claimed in claim 2, if it is in the correct orientation such that the volumetric markings, as claimed in claim 7, will be visible through the window, as claimed in claim 3.

13. A syringe, as claimed in claim 1, which will only fit securely in the housing, as claimed in claim 2, if it is in the correct orientation such that the syringe is prevented from rotating by means of the tab at the base of the plunger extending through the long window of the handle, as claimed in claim 1.