GB2448607A

GB2448607A - Fluid Dispensing Apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2448607A
Application number: GB0807023A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Dickson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-04-20
Filing date: 2008-04-17
Publication date: 2008-10-22
Also published as: GB0707639D0; GB0807023D0

Abstract

Fluid dispensing apparatus 2 includes a fluid inlet 52 for allowing the flow of a fluid into the apparatus, a fluid outlet 36 for allowing the flow of the fluid from the apparatus and an attachment means 76 to attach the apparatus to a suitable surface or article when in use, wherein the attachment means are independent or separate to the fluid inlet. The fluid dispensing apparatus may be attached to a cement mixer 4 and orientated so that the fluid dispensing apparatus 2 is attached to the frame 6 at the rear of the cement mixer with the fluid outlet 36 directed into the mixing drum 8 of the cement mixer 4. The attachment means are independent of the fluid inlet 52 and outlet 36 and can be a clamp, clip, tie, weld or adhesive. Figure 2c shows a resiliently bias clamp 76 attachment means. The fluid dispensing apparatus also comprises a body portion 16, which may be "T" shaped, and a tap 44 for controlling fluid flow. The hose 22 which connects the body portion 16 to the outlet 36 can be rigid or flexible such that it may be bent to form a desired angle. A mixing apparatus comprising a drum and fluid dispensing apparatus with inlet and outlets is also disclosed.

Description

I

Fluid Dispensing Apparatus This invention relates to fluid dispensing apparatus and method of use thereof.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to water dispensing apparatus for use with a cement mixer, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention can be used to dispense any fluid for any suitable application.

Portable cement mixers are used for mixing cement at a building site and typically include a portable frame which supports a rotatable drum. Rotation of the drum allows mixing of any materials located therein to form a cement mix. Optional mixing arms can be provided in the drum if required. Components of the cement mix are typically manually loaded through an opening of the drum by a user. For example, dried components can be loaded using a spade or bucket and fluid components can be poured in using a bucket or via a user directing a hose pipe into the drum opening. A problem with this conventional arrangement is that a user may have to walk between a water tap and the cement mixer a number of times before the required volume of fluid has been added to the cement mixer.

Alternatively, a user has to stand holding the hose pipe to direct * water into the drum for a prolonged period of time. Either option is time consuming and labour intensive and thus S... * S r

***. inconvenient ror a user. S...

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide fluid *..

dispensing' apparatus which overcomes the abovementioned problems of dispensing fluid. *S. S. ** * . *

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It is a further aim of the present invention to provide fluid dispensing apparatus which automatically dispenses fluid at a required location on actuation of said apparatus.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using fluid dispensing apparatus.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide mixing apparatus with fluid dispensing apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided fluid dispensing apparatus, said apparatus including fluid inlet means for allowing the flow of a fluid into the apparatus and fluid outlet means for allowing the flow of the fluid from the apparatus, and wherein attachment means are provided for allowing attachment of said apparatus to a suitable surface or article in use, the attachment means being independent of or separate to at least the fluid inlet means.

The attachment means allows the fluid dispensing apparatus to be positioned in a suitable position relative to a suitable surface, aperture, article and/or the like to allow fluid to be dispensed to a required location, thereby removing the requirement for a user to have to manually support the dispensing apparatus in use.

Preferably the attachment means are separate to and *:*::* independent of the fluid inlet means and the fluid outlet means.

Connection means are preferably associated with the fluid inlet means for connecting the fluid inlet means directly or indirectly * to a fluid supply or fluid source. The connection means are *** preferably independent of and a spaced distance apart from said **** * * attachment means. **** ** ** * * S * *

In one embodiment the attachment means are arranged to allow detachable attachment of the apparatus to a suitable surface or article in use. This allows the dispensing apparatus to be removed when not in use to prevent damage to the apparatus and/or to prevent hindrance of the mixing apparatus.

In one embodiment the attachment means are fixedly mounted to a suitable surface or article in use.

The attachment means can include any or any combination of one or more clamping arms, clips, ties, nuts and bolts, inter-engaging members, friction fit, welding, adhesive and/or the like.

Preferably the attachment means are movable between an open or unclamped position, wherein the attachment means can be joined to and removed from the article or surface in use, and a closed or clamped position.

Preferably resilient biasing means are provided with or form part of the attachment means to resiliently bias the attachment means to a closed position. The resilient biasing force can be overcome to move the attachment means from a closed to an open position to allow the attachment means to be fitted to a suitable location. The attachment means can be manually attached by a * * user. The resilient biasing means can include a spring, sprung material and/or the like. *.. * S ****

Preferably the fluid dispensing apparatus includes at least one S...

* elongate arm portion and the fluid outlet means are located at or S..

adjacent one end of said elongate arm portion. The fluid inlet * means are preferably located at or adjacent a further or opposite *..* end of said elongate arm portion.

In one embodiment the elongate arm portion is substantially rigid but it can be substantially or partially flexible if required.

Further preferably the end of the elongate arm portion at or adjacent which the fluid outlet means is provided is angled or bent relative to the remaining part of said arm portion.

Preferably the free end of said arm portion or fluid outlet means is angled or bent such that the free end points in the direction of or protrudes towards the remaining part of said arm portion, such as for example in a substantially U-shape. This angling typically allows fluid to be dispensed over a lip of an opening of the apparatus with which the dispensing apparatus in to be used, such as for example the opening of a rotatable drum of a cement mixer.

In one embodiment adjustment means are provided with said fluid outlet means or elongate arm portion to allow adjustment of the angle of the outlet end of said arm portion relative to said remaining arm portion, thereby allowing adjustment of the direction of fluid flowing from said dispensing apparatus.

Preferably the dispensing apparatus includes a body portion and the at least one elongate arm portion protrudes outwardly from said body portion. The arm portion can be detachably attached, fixedly attached or integral with said body portion. * .*

In one embodiment the arm portion is detachably attached using * **.

a bayonet type of fitting. However, it will be appreciated that any type of fitting means could be used, such as any or any **.* . . . combination of welding, adhesive, one or more clips, screws, S. nuts and bolts, ties, threaded portions, friction fit, inter-engaging members and/or the like. **S *. S. * S S

Preferably the fluid inlet means are defined in or associated with the body portion of said dispensing apparatus.

Preferably the fluid inlet means and/or the body portion are provided with the connection means for allowing direct or indirect engagement of fluid conduit means or the fluid supply/source therewith. The connection means are arranged such that the fluid conduit means and/or fluid source is positioned with respect to said fluid inlet means to allow fluid flow from said conduit means and/or said fluid source through said fluid inlet means and into said dispensing apparatus.

In one embodiment control means are provided on or associated with said dispensing apparatus, such as on the fluid inlet means, body portion, elongate arm portion and/or fluid outlet means to allow the control of fluid in or through said dispensing apparatus.

In one embodiment the control means includes a tap which can be rotated in a clockwise and/or anti-clockwise direction to allow the control of fluid flow through the dispensing apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment the body portion is substantially t-shaped having a first portion and a second portion protruding outwardly from a section of said first portion, such as a middle * or central section. The first portion is preferably an upright section and the second portion is preferably substantially transverse or perpendicular to said first portion. The second portion typically corresponds to or is attached to said elongate *** *:. arm portion. The control means are preferably located at or * adjacent a first end of the first portion of the body portion and *. the fluid inlet means are located at or adjacent a second end of **** said first portion.

Preferably the attachment means are joined to or integral with the body portion and preferably the first portion of said body portion.

The dispensing apparatus is typically arranged to allow attachment to or be integral with mixing apparatus, and further preferably cement mixing apparatus.

The mixing apparatus typically includes frame means and a reservoir or drum supported on or relative to said frame means.

The fluid dispensing apparatus is preferably attached to said frame means but could be attached to said reservoir or drum if required.

The reservoir or drum can be movably mounted with respect to said frame means. Alternatively, the reservoir or drum can be stationary with respect to said frame means in use and mixing means provided in or associated with said reservoir or drum allow movement of one or more items, material and/or the like located in said reservoir or drum.

Preferably the dispensing apparatus is attached or joined to a rear of the mixing apparatus and the fluid outlet means are arranged to direct fluid to a front or open end of the mixing reservoir/apparatus.

*.*.. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using fluid dispensing apparatus, said apparatus including fluid inlet means for allowing the flow of a fluid into the apparatus and fluid outlet means for allowing the flow of the fluid from the apparatus, said method including the . steps of connecting the fluid inlet means to a fluid supply via S...

connection means and attaching the apparatus to a suitable surface or article in use via attachment means to support the apparatus relative to said surface or article.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided mixing apparatus, said mixing apparatus including a mixing reservoir or drum portion having an opening defined therein for the location of one or more items or material for mixing, and fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid inlet means and fluid outlet means, the dispensing apparatus being arranged with respect to said mixing reservoir or drum portion so as to direct fluid into and/or from the opening of said mixing reservoir or drum portion.

Preferably the mixing apparatus includes a frame portion and the reservoir or drum portion is located on or relative to said frame portion.

Preferably the reservoir or drum portion is movably mounted on or relative to said frame portion.

Preferably the dispensing apparatus is attached to or integrally formed with said frame portion.

Preferably the mixing apparatus is cement mixing apparatus and further preferably portable, free standing cement mixing apparatus. * S * **

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is **.a. . . . . * provided a method of using mixing apparatus having dispensing apparatus. *.S* * * S.. -

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of dispensing apparatus according to the present invention on a cement mixer; Figures 2a-2c show a top view, side view and front view of the dispensing apparatus in figure 1 respectively; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the dispensing apparatus in figure 1; Figures 4a- 4f show a rear view, side view, front view, perspective view, cross sectional view taken through line A-A in figure 4d and a detailed view of a section of figure 4e respectively; and Figure 5 is a detailed cross sectional view of the attachment means of the dispensing apparatus.

Referring to the figures, there is illustrated water dispensing apparatus 2 for use on a cement mixer 4.

The cement mixer 4 is of a type commonly used on a building site and is typically portable and free standing. More specifically, the cement mixer 4 includes frame means 6 and a rotatably mounted drum 8 located on the front of the frame means.

* Wheels 10 are provided on a lower part of said frame means 6 to allow the mixer to be manually wheeled across a floor surface by I...

a user. Handles 12 are provided on an upper part of the frame means 6 to allow a user to grip the mixer 4 and push said mixer **** across a floor surface in use. ***

S

Rotatable drum 8 has an opening 14 defined at a front end ***-thereof to allow materials to be located in said drum for mixing.

Mixing arms (not shown) can be located in said drum to facilitate the mixing process if required.

Drive means and a motor (not shown) are also typically provided to allow rotation of the drum. The cement mixer is typically connected to or provided with a power source to allow said motor to be powered.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, water dispensing apparatus 2 is provided to allow water to be dispensed through front opening 14 into drum 8 automatically without a user having to manually transport water to the drum.

More particularly, water dispensing apparatus 2 includes a body portion 16 which is substantially T shape in form; the body portion having an upright first portion 18 and a second portion protruding substantially perpendicularly to said first portion 18.

An elongate arm portion 22 is detachably attached to free end 24 of second portion 20 via a bayonet fitting 26 at end 28 thereof.

Arm portion 22 has a channel running through the interior thereof and is arranged such that the channel is in fluid communication with channel 30 defined in second portion 20. A washer 32 and spacer 34 are provided between ends 24 and 28.

*:*::* Arm portion 22 is preferably formed from substantially rigid or **. . . . . . **** semi-rigid material so as to substantially retain its shape and position when pressurised fluid flows through said portion.

I

Fluid outlet means in the form of an aperture (not shown) is defined in end 36 of arm portion 22. End 36 is angled or bent I...

back to substantially face the body portion 16 to allow end 36 to * be hooked over edge 38 defining opening 14 of the cement mixer 4 and to allow fluid to pass through the opening 14 and into the interior cavity of the drum. The arm portion is preferably shaped so as not to contact the rotatable drum 8, thereby preventing any obstruction between the arm portion and movement of the drum.

First portion 18 of body portion 16 has a first upper end 40 and a second lower end 42. Control means in the form of a rotatable tap 44 is located at end 40. A handle member 46 protrudes outwardly from tap 44 to allow a user to easily grip the same in use. Tap 44 can be rotated between clockwise and anti-clockwise positions to allow a user to switch the water flow through apparatus 2 between on and off conditions.

Water inlet means are defined in second lower end 42 of body portion 16 and allow water to flow from a mains water source through portion 16. More particularly, an end 50 of a base component 48 is fitted to lower end 42 of body portion 16 via welding. An opposite end 52 of base component 48 is shaped so as to allow frictional engagement with a water conduit or hose pipe (not shown). The water conduit is typically engaged with the base component and transports water from a remote tap connected to a water supply to the dispensing apparatus. A washer 54 can be provided between end 52 and the hose pipe.

A channel 56 passes through base component 48 from open ends 52 to 50 and is in fluid communication with a channel 58 passing from lower end 42 of body portion 16 to channel 30 of second portion 20. As such, fluid is able to flow along the fluid : conduit, through base component 48, through body portion 16 and along arm portion 22 for dispensing via end 36. S... * . *SSS.

A valve arrangement, shown collectively by reference 60, is * located in channel 58 and is controlled by tap 44. In particular, valve arrangement 60 includes a washer stem plate 62, a washer 64, a tap disc base 66, a tap disc top 68, a disc stem 70 and stem washers 72. Any suitable valve arrangement could be used. Thus, the user can control the water supply through the dispensing apparatus 2 at the remote tap and/or via tap 44.

Attachment means in the form of clamping arms 74, 76 are provided on first portion 18 to allow the dispensing apparatus 2 to be detachably clamped to the frame 6 of the cement mixer 4.

Clamping arms 74, 76 are pivotally joined at ends 78, 80 thereof via a pivot pin 82. A spring clip 84 is provided to resiliently bias the clamping arms 74, 76 to a closed position. A user can manually separate arms 74, 76 against the resilient bias of the spring clip to allow the clamping arms to be clamped to a suitable part of the frame 6.

Thus, it can be seen that a user can detachably clip dispensing apparatus 2 to the frame 6 of the cement mixer 4 when water is to be added to the contents of drum 8. A user can allow water to flow into the drum 8 by moving tap 44 to an "on" condition, thereby saving the user the effort of manually transporting the water to the drum. The arm portion 22 is of such length so as to pass from the frame 6 around the external side of drum 8 without contacting the rotatable drum. The fluid outlet aperture of arm portion 22 is directed towards opening 14 to allow water to enter the drum without interfering with rotation of the drum. * ** * * S * SS

The dispensing apparatus can be formed from any or any *.SS combination of suitable materials, such as plastic, wood, metal and/or the like. S.. **.. * S 55** 5S SI * S S *

Claims

Claims: 1. Fluid dispensing apparatus, said apparatus including fluid

inlet means for allowing the flow of a fluid into the apparatus and fluid outlet means for allowing the flow of the fluid from the apparatus, and wherein attachment means are provided for allowing attachment of said apparatus to a suitable surface or article in use, the attachment means being independent of or separate to at least the fluid inlet means.
2. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim I wherein the attachment means are also independent of or separate to the fluid outlet means.
3. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein connection means are associated with the fluid inlet means for connecting the fluid inlet means to a fluid supply and said connection means are independent to the attachment means of said apparatus.
4. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the attachment means are arranged to allow detachable attachment of the apparatus to said surface or article in use.
5. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the attachment means are fixedly attached to a surface or S...

article in use. S...

S S...

S.. . . .
6. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claims 4 or 5 wherein the attachment means includes any or any S... . . combination of one or more clamping arms, clips, ties, nuts and bolts, inter-engaging members, friction fit, welding or adhesive.
7. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim I wherein the attachment means are movable between an open or unclamped position and a closed or clamped position.
8. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 7 wherein resilient biasing means are provided to resiliently bias said attachment means to the closed or clamped position.
9. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim I wherein the apparatus includes an elongate arm portion and the fluid outlet means are located at or adjacent an end of said arm portion.
10. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the fluid inlet means are located at an opposite end of said arm portion or at an end furthest from said fluid outlet means.
11. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the elongate arm portion is substantially rigid.
12. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the elongate arm portion is partially or substantially flexible. * *
13. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 9 **** *..: wherein the fluid outlet means are bent or provided at an angle relative to the elongate arm portion.
14. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 13 wherein a free end of the fluid outlet means or arm portion is bent or provided at an angle such that the free end protrudes or points in a direction towards the remaining part of the elongate arm portion.
15. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 9 wherein adjustment means are associated with said fluid outlet means or elongate arm portion to allow adjustment of the angle at which said fluid outlet means is provided relative to said elongate arm portion.
16. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the apparatus includes a body portion and the elongate arm portion protrudes outwardly from said body portion.
17. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the elongate arm portion is detachably attached to said body portion.
18. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 17 wherein a bayonet fitting is provided between the elongate arm portion and the body portion to allow detachable attachment of said arm portion from said body portion.
19. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the fluid inlet means are defined in or associated *..,. with the body portion of said apparatus. *..I * .
20. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim I **** wherein control means are provided on or associated with *** . * the apparatus to allow control of fluid in or through said apparatus. **** ** S. * S * S *
21. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the control means includes a tap.
22. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the body portion is substantially T-shaped having a first section and a second section protruding outwardly from a part of said first section.
23. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the first section is substantially upright and the second section protrudes substantially transverse or perpendicular to part of said first section.
24. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate arm portion is attached to said second section.
25. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the first section has a first end and a second end; control means are associated with the first end and fluid inlet means are associated with the second end.
26. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means are provided on or associated with the body portion of the apparatus. * .S * * * * **

**
27. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim I for **** attachment to mixing apparatus. **** * ****
28. Fluid dispensing apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the attachment means are arranged for attachment **** . . . to a rear portion of the mixing apparatus and the fluid outlet means are arranged for directing fluid into an open end or front of a mixing container of said mixing apparatus.
29. A method of using fluid dispensing apparatus, said apparatus including fluid inlet means for allowing the flow of a fluid into the apparatus and fluid outlet means for allowing the flow of the fluid from the apparatus, said method including the steps of connecting the fluid inlet means to a fluid supply via connection means and attaching the apparatus to a suitable surface or article in use via attachment means to support the apparatus relative to said surface or article.
30. Mixing apparatus, said mixing apparatus including a mixing reservoir or drum portion having an opening defined therein for the location of one or more items or material for mixing, and fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid inlet means and fluid outlet means, the dispensing apparatus being arranged with respect to said mixing reservoir or drum portion so as to direct fluid into and/or from the opening of said mixing reservoir or drum portion. * ** * * * * S. **. * . S... * *... S.. S.. * S SS *S * S S

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