GB2236486A - Fluid dispensing apparatus for the disabled - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for dispensing a fluid (e.g. a beverage) for a disabled person comprises a container (3) for the beverage and pump means for delivering the beverage to an outlet orifice. The outlet orifice (5) is supported adjustably and with permitted movement between a delivery position in which switch means operable by the patient is actuated to operate the pump means and a rest position in which delivery is stopped. The outlet orifice is at the end of a flexible tube (7) and support for the tube may be by way of a telescopic arm (11) mounted on a suitable plate to actuate the switch means, or by way of a flexible hollow tube accommodating the delivery tube. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: Beverage dispensing apparatus for use by the disabled DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to apparatus for dispensing such beverages primarily for use by a disabled person. Included in the term beverage are liquids providing sustenance, such as soups and other food drinks, or even liquid medications to be taken orally.

There are numerous disabilities which make it physically difficult, if not impossible, for a person to help themselves to a beverage where this requires lifting a drinking vessel to the mouth and drinking its contents in sips or otherwise. It is often the case that such persons cannot readily draw suction also and so cannot take liquids in this way.

This means that the person is dependent on carers or staff to administer a drink. Because carers or staff have many tasks to perform it is rarely possible to have a drink just when required and this in itself gives rise to further anxiety on the part of the user. Even when carers or staff are to hand it takes a considerable time to administer a drink which could be used on other tasks.

Clearly the user's independence and self-esteem would be improved if they were not reliant on carers to administer drinks, as well as benefitting the carers themselves.

The present invention aims to address the above problem.

Accordingly the present invention provides a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a container for the beverage to be dispensed, pump means for delivery of the beverage to an outlet orifice whose position is adjustable for positioning conveniently for the mouth of the user, and switch means operable by the person wishing to drink to control operation of the pump and hence delivery of the beverage from the outlet orifice.

One particularly convenient way of positioning the outlet orifice adjustably for ease of use is to have the outlet orifice at the end of a flexible tube and to have the tube supported adJustably. A convenient way of supporting the tube adjustably is to use a telescopic arm extending between a- connection with the tube and a connection with a housing of the apparatus.

An alternative is to use a shape sustaining flexible support member, preferably having the flexible delivery tube accommodated within it, and having a connection with the apparatus, either to a housing or lid part, at one end and the outlet orifice emerging at its other end. The connection may comprise a tab which is movable against the action of a resilient bias or returning force to operate the switch means.

It is particularly advantageous to have the connection with the housing constructed to allow a forward and aft adjustment of the support arm or member, say in the manner of a pivotal connection; with either a friction hold or more preferably means for setting a datum position which still allows movement of the arm from that datum position - say preferably forwardly toward the user. That permitted movement can then be used in an advantageous manner to control operation of the switch means. Thus the preferred arrangement defines a delivery position in which the switch means is actuated to operate the pump means and a rest position in which delivery is stopped. Then the operator, on either gripping end of the tube In the mouth and drawing it forward, or physically pulling on the support arm, will trigger operation of the pump and the dispensing of liquid.The use of a clear wall tube is particularly advantageous as the user can see the approaching beverage.

Additional useful features are to have the apparatus: (i) self contained and working from rechargeable batteries - with a socket provision for recharging, (ii) provided with a speed control for the pump, and (iii) means for releasing and removing the container for cleaning purposes.

The present invention will now be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of apparatus according to the invention, Figure la is a perspective view of another embodiment, Figure lb is a fragmentary perspective view of the switching mechanism, and Figure 2 shows a circuit diagram for the electrics.

Referring to the drawing of Figure 1, the beverage dispensing apparatus comprises 'a housing 1 accommodating an electric motor driving a pump to withdraw liquid from a container 3 by way of a fluid passageway an dispense it from an outlet 5 of a flexible tube 7. The fluid passageway connects sealingly with the container 3 preferably releasably to facilitate removal of the container - such as for washing purposes, or for replacing with one of a different shape or capacity - or different material - possibly thermally insulated for the dispensing of cold drinks.

Excess length of the flexible tube can be accommodated within the housing and arranged to slide out through aperture 9. The flexible tube is supported adjacent its orifice by a support arm 11 which is made up of a telescopic rod having four sections in the illustration and shown collapsed in solid outline. The dotted outline shows how it can be raised and also indicates the pivotal mounting of the support arm to facilitate for and aft adjustment in the plan of slot 13 as indicated by arrow A. An adjusting screw 19 allows the for and aft position to be set at a basic datum position by locating a rearward abutment for the support arm. A micro-switch is positioned for engagement by the support arm as it pivots forwardly from the datum position. The abutment may be on a carrier plate which carries the micro-switch.

Also provided is a fuse holer and fuse 15, a socket 16 for recharging batteries whlch power the motor and a knob 17 for adjusting the speed of the motor and thereby control the delivery rate.

When the apparatus is required for use it is positioned on a convenient surface and the orifice positioned at an accessible position for the person to obtain mouth contact by extending the support arm (pulling out the tube where necessary) and setting the for/aft adjustment using screw 19. The apparatus is then ready for use once liquid is placed in the container. That is shown with a lid 21 to avoid spillage, but is vented to avoid creating a vacuum therein.

The operator then has to move the outlet orifice towards them to trigger operation of the pump and delivery of liquid. Releasing the orifice or support arm results in it automatically returning to its datum position under the action of a spring and thereby dispensing ceases.

The apparatus is primarily envisaged for cold drinks, but is not restricted to same, and could even be used for such as soup or other liquid meals.

Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a circuit diagram for the apparatus showing battery 23 (12 volt is preferred) to power the pump. Knob 17 controls the setting of a variable resistance 27 to control the speed of the motor.

Referring to Figures la and lb, another embodiment of dispensing apparatus is illustrated and parts corresponding to those of Figure 1 are identified with like reference numerals. The embodiment differs in the provision of a hollow flexible support member 11' made up of a plurality of interlocking links and which may be bent into various positions in which it will remaIn. A flexible feed tube 7 passes through the support member and by means of the adJustability thereof, its outlet end can be positioned conveniently for the users mouth. The support arm 11' Is mounted to the device by way of a movable tab 30, conveniently defined by slotting 32 through the housing or its lid and utilising inherent resilience and flexibility of the material to act as a hinge.

Thus movement of the support arm by the user from its rest position, after the initial setting up, gives rise to flexing and operation of a micrc-switch 26. An orifice 28 through the device provides access to the micro-switch for adjustment of its sensitivity.

A three position switch 17' allows the setting of different speeds of delivery. The reservoir comprises a moulding fitting over the body of the apparatus.

Claims (14)

1. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a container for the beverage to be dispensed, pump means for delivery of the beverage to an outlet orifice whose position is adjustable for positioning conveniently for the mouth of the user, and switch means operable by the person wishing to drink to control operation of the pump and hence delivery of the beverage from the outlet orifice.

2. A beverage of dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which positioning of the outlet orifice adjustably for ease of use is by disposing the outlet orifice at the end of a flexible tube and supporting the tube adjustably.

3. A beverage dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which adjustable support for the tube is provided by a telescopic arm extending between a connection with the tube and a connection with a housing of the apparatus.

4. A beverage dispenser apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which adjustable support for the tube is provided by a hollow shape sustaining flexible support member having a connection with the apparatus.

5. A beverage dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4 In which the connection with the housing is constructed to allow a forward and aft adjustment of the support member.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 in which the fore and aft adjustment is in the manner of a pivotal connection.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6 in which the adjustable connection has a setable rest or datum position from which it is movable to control operation of the switch means.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the flexible tube passes through the support member.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or 8 in which the support member connects with a tab of the apparatus which is displaceable against a resilient bias to actuate the switch means in the displacement position.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 in which the position of liquid within the flexible tube is visible through the wall thereof.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 in which the apparatus is self contained and operable from internal batteries or by connection to the mains.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 further comprising a speed control for the pump means.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 in which the container is releasable.

14. Apparatus constructed and arranged or adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings of Figure 1 or la and lb.