WO2007133095A1

WO2007133095A1 - A fluid dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2007133095A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2007/000100
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hugh Graeme Wilkinson; Linsay Thomas Armstrong
Original assignee: Hugh Graeme Wilkinson; Linsay Thomas Armstrong
Priority date: 2006-05-13
Filing date: 2007-05-04
Publication date: 2007-11-22

Abstract

This invention relates to a fluid dispenser, where a siphon tube is positively directed to the desired/optimum location at the base of the dispensers' reservoir by a directing device which retains a portion of the siphon tube. By directing the siphon tube in this manner, the user can dispense the fluid contained within the reservoir. This is regardless of the amount of fluid contained in the reservoir, and also allows the user to dispense the fluid and prevent contamination of the user or the environment.

Description

A FLUID DISPENSER

STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application Number 546594, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a fluid dispenser. More specifically, the invention relates to a fluid dispenser which includes a siphon tube positively directed to the desired/optimum location at the base of the dispensers' reservoir.

BACKGROUND ART

A number of everyday, household products utilise fluid dispensers that enable the consumer to easily dispense the product. The dispensers allow the consumer to efficiently use the product, but vary widely as to how much residue or waste may remain in the dispenser. The dispenser also assists to direct the dispensed product, for example onto a surface. Products that use a dispensing mechanism include liquid soap dispensers, fuel pumps, spray bottles and the like. For ease of reference, the present invention will be discussed in relation to a liquid spray bottle. However, this should not be seen as limiting as it should be appreciated that the invention may be applied to many other related dispensing devices and for various fluids.

A problem common to existing liquid spray bottle designs is that as the liquid level within the bottle decreases, the liquid becomes harder to dispense from the reservoir via the spray mechanism. To counter this problem, different mechanisms have been considered.

One example of a spray bottle commonly found in the marketplace has a concave base that directs the base of a siphon tube for the liquid into one corner or side at the base of the bottle. A pump mechanism pulls liquid from the siphon tube base and out a spray nozzle. However, there are a number of problems associated with this design. For example, the siphon tube does not fully extend into the desired/optimum corner or location of the reservoir, therefore making it difficult to extract the residue liquid in the bottle. Also, air is pulled up the siphon tube when the fluid level is near empty. The air causes the remaining liquid to foam, therefore reducing the efficiency of the spray. Users generally think that the foaming action, as noted above is associated with the nozzle. Therefore, they tamper with nozzle or the tubing itself in order to attempt to re-direct the tubing into the liquid - an action that can lead to the individual coming into contact with the liquid or even the spraying themselves. This action can be detrimental to the user if the liquid is corrosive, or is a herbicide or pesticide. Spills may also be detrimental to the environment as well, for example, if herbicides were spilled on desired plants. Another further method that users follow through with, to extract residue liquid, is to hold the bottle at an angle to move the siphon tube into the liquid. Often, depending on the assembly of the nozzle and the siphon tube, this angle is generally at the angle opposite to the desired/optimum direction or somewhere in between. This angle can increase the chances of the liquid being potentially detrimental to the user and/or environment.

PCT Patent Application No. WO 2004/043611 (the '611 application) describes an alternative mechanism to the above bottle design. In the '611 application, a weight is attached to the distal (base) end of the siphon tube within the container. The weight acts by anchoring the distal siphon tube ending to the lowest point of the container. One disadvantage of this design is that it contains a number of additional parts that require additional assembly. This results in an increase of amount of time taken to manufacture and an increased cost to manufacture the spray bottle. A further disadvantage is that by use of a weight, the overall bottle weight is increased which is undesirable where the bottle is used repetitively.

Another system designed to overcome the problem of extracting all residual liquid is shown in United States Patent Application No. 2005/0087568 (the '568 application). The '568 application describes a spray bottle that has two baffles, which form an additional reservoir that retains fluid. Therefore, this design may be useful when a small quantity of fluid remains in the container and when the spray bottle is to be used in a horizontal alignment. One baffle stretches completely across the side walls of the container, and is located close to the base of the container. While, the other baffle is attached to one of the side walls. When the '568 application spray bottle is in use, a portion of the fluid is trapped within the reservoir created between the baffles and can be extracted up via the siphon tube.

German Patent No. DE10137310 (the '310 patent) also describes another system that has been created to extract residual liquid from a spray bottle. The '310 patent describes a spray bottle that forms an additional reservoir within the container to hold a portion of the liquid. The structure directs the siphon tube into the reservoir.

Both designs described above in the 568 application and the '310 patent rely on additional structures within the container that contain the fluid to be extracted in an additional smaller reservoir. However, these structures are bulky and are designed to direct fluid flow within the main reservoir. Therefore, the structures impede the flow of fluid from the container.

Impeding flow is also of critical importance when filling the dispenser. As noted, many fluids used in such dispensers are of a foaming nature. To address foaming, such dispensers are typically filled via a filling tube that descends into the bottle to the base, or near to the base and the bottle is filled from the base up. Therefore, any structure that inhibits this process is undesirable.

Further, these designs are complex, increased manufacturing costs may be associated with these designs. Also, it should be appreciated that these designs can only be used in certain orientations, therefore limiting the durability and range of use of the spray bottle.

Other devices that are available are shown in United States Patent No's 6,213,358 and 5,251,820 and 5,638,994. However, these devices have complicated working mechanisms and designs, therefore adding to the number of potential breakage and wear problems that may arise with these devices. Additionally, the complicated workings may also increase the costs associated with manufacturing the device, assembly, filling and final use.

It should be appreciated from the above that it would be an advantage to have a spray bottle design that allows the user to access as much of the liquid within the bottle as possible. Additionally, having a device within the bottle that allows the user to access the liquid without impeding the flow of the fluid within the container or into the siphon tube would be another advantage. Additionally, having a spray bottle that solves the above problems without substantial design complexity and manufacturing costs would be another advantage.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e., that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fluid dispenser, including; (a) a reservoir; and

(b) a dispensing mechanism, which includes a siphon tube extending into fluid contained in said reservoir; characterised in that when inserted into the reservoir, the base of the siphon tube is positively directed to a distal corner of the reservoir by use of a directing device.

The inventor has found that by use of a simple directing device in the fluid dispenser that positively directs the base of a siphon tube, the fluid retained at the bottom of the reservoir may be reached and dispensed.

It is envisaged that the fluid dispenser is a bottle that may be made in a variety of different shapes and configurations. For example, the dispenser may include a grip for a user to hold or the device may be manufactured to rest on a surface.

It is further envisaged that the dispenser may be made from a variety of materials without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is envisaged that the fluid contained within the dispenser may be a range of compounds.

For example, the fluid may be a herbicide or pesticide, cleaning product, water or other types of compounds, without limiting the scope of the present invention.

It is envisaged that the reservoir may be formed in a variety of different shapes and sizes.

Preferably, a portion of the reservoir may be adapted to allow the user to grip the device.

Preferably, the gripping portion of the reservoir may be adapted to allow the user to grip the device in at least two alternative directions.

Preferably, the reservoir may be in the form of a bottle. Preferably, the reservoir may have an aperture where fluid may be dispensed into the reservoir.

Preferably, the dispensing mechanism may include a cap that surrounds the aperture of the reservoir.

Preferably, the cap of the dispensing mechanism may be releasably attached to the reservoir aperture.

Preferably, the siphon tube extends fully to a distal point at the base of the reservoir.

Preferably, the dispensing mechanism may include a spray or pumping mechanism which draws fluid via the siphon tube.

Preferably, the spray or pumping mechanism may also include a trigger.

Preferably, the spray or pumping mechanism may also include a nozzle.

Preferably, the components of the dispensing mechanism are operatively connected together to allow the fluid contained within the reservoir to be extracted up through the siphon tube and out the nozzle when the trigger is pulled.

Preferably, the dispensing mechanism may rotate 360° around the reservoir and still function.

Preferably, the directing device may retain at least a portion of the siphon tube.

In preferred embodiments, the directing device may have a connecting portion that connects with the siphon tube which is sufficient to positively direct the base of the siphon tube to a desired/optimum corner or location at the base of the reservoir.

In one embodiment, the connection portion may be a clasp.

In another embodiment, the connecting portion may be an aperture through which the siphon tube passes and which directs the base of the siphon tube to a desired/optimum point at the base of the reservoir.

In another preferred embodiment, the directing device may have an annular shape through which the siphon tube passes. In a preferred embodiment, the directing device may be shaped in the form of a frustroconical chute with an aperture running along the length of interior of the chute sufficiently wide to accommodate the siphon tube.

In even further embodiments, the directing device may be in the form of one or more protrusions, which project from one or more sides of the reservoir, to connect with the siphon tube to sufficiently positively direct the base of the siphon tube to the desired corner.

It will be appreciated that the directing device may be located in a number of different locations within the reservoir of the dispenser. Preferably, the directing device may be positioned anywhere ranging from the neck (if present) or top of the reservoir to a point approximately one third of the reservoir height from the base of the reservoir.

In a preferred embodiment, the directing means may be located within the neck of the reservoir.

In another preferred embodiment, the directing device may be located approximately one third of the length of the reservoir height from the base of the reservoir.

It is envisaged that the directing device may be held in position within the reservoir via a number of different mechanisms.

In one preferred embodiment, the directing device may be supported by at least one flange.

In the above embodiment, the flange(s) may extend from at least one side of the reservoir.

In further preferred embodiments, the flange(s) may extend upwards from the base of the reservoir.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fluid dispenser substantially as described above wherein the directing device is positioned within the top two thirds of the reservoir.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fluid dispenser substantially as described above wherein the directing device is selected from a clasp, an object containing an aperture or an object containing an annulus, which contact or enclose a siphon tube. It should be appreciated from the above description that preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art, including: allowing the user to access fluid within a dispenser even when the dispenser is nearly empty; allowing the user to alter the direction of the nozzle, to spray in a greater range of directions; allowing fluid in the dispenser to be accessed without impeding the flow of the fluid from the reservoir; allowing fluid to be added to the dispenser easily, as baffles or multiple reservoirs are not required; and offering a modified dispenser design with minimal extra manufacturing parts and costs.

Allows for mechanical positioning of the siphon tube as part of the capping process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective section view of one embodiment of the invention fluid dispenser;

Figure 2 shows a side section view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a perspective section view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid dispenser of the present invention;

Fiqure 4 shows a perspective section view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid dispenser of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a perspective section view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid dispenser of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a side section view of an alternative embodiment to that shown in

Figure 5;

Fiqure 7 shows a perspective section view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid dispenser of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a side section view of an alternative embodiment to that shown in

Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a perspective section view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid dispenser of the present invention; F Fiigguurree 1 100 shows an end section view of an alternative embodiment to that shown in

Figure 9; F Fiigguurree 1 111 shows a side section view an alternative embodiment to that shown in Figures 9 and 10; Figure 12 shows a perspective section view of yet another alternative of a fluid dispensing device; Figure 13 shows a downwards section view of an alternative embodiment for the fluid dispenser as shown in Figure 12; Figure 14 shows a perspective section view of yet a further alternative embodiment of a fluid dispenser of the present invention; Figure 15 shows a perspective downwards section view of the embodiment of the fluid dispenser as shown in Figure 14; Figure 16 shows a side section view of the embodiment of the fluid dispenser as shown in Figures 14 and 15; Figure 17 shows an end section view of the embodiment of the fluid dispenser as shown in Figures 14 to 16; Figure 18 shows a perspective section view of yet an even further alternative embodiment of a fluid dispenser of the present invention; and Figure 19 shows a side section view of the embodiment of the fluid dispenser as shown in Figure 18.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the present invention relates to a fluid dispenser in the form of a spray bottle, as indicated in the general direction of arrow 1. The spray bottle 1 has a dispensing mechanism 2 and a reservoir portion 3. The dispensing mechanism 2 is connected to the reservoir 3 via a cap 4 that surrounds an aperture (not shown) of the reservoir 3. The dispensing mechanism 2 includes of a nozzle 6, trigger 7 and siphon tube 8. The reservoir 3 of the spray bottle 1 has a neck portion 9. The neck portion 9 of the spray bottle 1 is adapted to have hand grips on both sides, as indicated by arrows 10a and 10b. Additionally, within the reservoir 3, there is a directing device, in the form of a sectioned frustroconical chute as indicated by arrow 11 , with a hole extending through the frustroconical section. The siphon tube 8 passes through the chute 11 hole. The chute 11 directs the siphon tube 8 ending to a distal point 200 within the reservoir and is immersed within the residual fluid 100.

The chute 11 is connected to the neck portion 10b of the reservoir portion 3 of spray bottle 1. In this embodiment, the chute 11 has two flanges 12, which surround the siphon tube 8.

Figure 3, shows an alternative embodiment including a chute 11 within a spray bottle 1 substantially as described above. In this embodiment however, the chute 11 is positioned lower within the reservoir portion 3. Figure 4, shows a further embodiment including a spray bottle 1 and a chute 11 as substantially described above. Within this embodiment, the chute 11 is located on one side of the neck portion 10b of the reservoir 3, via two flanges 40 that surround the siphon tube 8. In addition to the spray bottle shown in the above Figures, the chute 11 also has an additional cylindrical end tube 45 through which the siphon tube 8 passes.

Figures 5 and 6 show a spray bottle 1 and a chute 11 as substantially similar to that as described above with reference to Figure 4. However, in this embodiment the chute 11 is positioned lower down the side of the reservoir 3.

Also shown in Figure 6, an alternative orientation of the dispensing portion is shown. In this embodiment, the dispensing mechanism 2 of the spray bottle 1 is moved 180° with respect to the chute 11. This allows the user to spray the liquid 100 in an opposite direction, to the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

According to the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, the chute 11 within the spray bottle 1 is supported substantially within the centre of the reservoir 3 via a flange 70. Flange 70 is connected to the base of the reservoir 3. Further, chute 11 has an additional tube 75 that provides additional support to direct the siphon tube 8 into one distal corner 200 of the reservoir 3. Additionally, aperture 5 of the reservoir 3 is shown.

Figures 9 to 11 , show various section views of another embodiment of a spray bottle 1 according to the present invention. As shown, the spray bottle 1, shows the aperture (as indicated by arrow 5) of the reservoir 3. The directing means 11 as shown within this embodiment of the present invention is formed via a moulded opening 90 that passes through the centre of the reservoir 3 of the spray bottle 1. One surface (indicated by line 91 ) of the opening 90 is substantially sloped to guide the siphon tube 8 into corner 200 of the reservoir 3. Additionally, the edges 93 and 94 of the surface 91 are curved (indicated by arrow 95) which assist in retaining the siphon tube 8 in the desired position.

Figures 12 and 13, show another embodiment of a spray bottle 1 with a chute 11 formed via a moulded opening 90 through the centre of the reservoir 3. As shown in this embodiment, the centre of the opening 90 forms a chute 11 through which the siphon tube 8 extends.

Figures 14 to 17 show yet another embodiment of the present invention, in the form of a spray bottle 1. In this embodiment, a chute 11 is formed by two moulded projections or protrusions, as indicated by lines 96 and 97, that protrude from the two alternatives sides of the reservoir 3. The indents 96 and 97 are positioned below the neck portion of the reservoir 3. Each indent has a frustroconical shape, with the two tapered points of the indents 96 and 97 forming the chute 11 or directing means, which guides the siphon tube 8 to the corner 200 of the reservoir 3.

Figures 18 and 19 show yet a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the dispenser is in the form of a spray bottle 1 , with a reservoir 3 and dispensing mechanism 2. The reservoir 3 in this embodiment has a chute 11. As shown, the chute 11 is formed by a cylindrical tube 98 with an aperture, which allows the siphon tube 8 to pass through the tube 98 down to the corner 200 of the reservoir 3.

When the spray bottle 1 is in use, fluid 100 is dispensed through the aperture 5 to be contained within the reservoir 3 of the spray bottle 1. The dispensing mechanism 2 is then placed over the aperture 5 of the reservoir 3. As this is done, the siphon tube 8 is directed through the directing means 11. The directing means 11 acts to position and secure the siphon tube 8 within the direction of one corner (as indicated by arrow 200) of the reservoir portion 3.

When used, the user can grip around the hand grips that are moulded into the neck portion 9 of the reservoir 3. The user then squeezes the trigger 7 so that the fluid 100 is drawn up the siphon tube 8 through the nozzle 6. When the fluid 100 reaches a low level, the user can tip the device on an angle to allow the fluid 100 to accumulate on the corner 200 of the reservoir 3. The directing means 11 directs the siphon tube 8 inlet to an ideal position so the fluid 100 can be drawn up the siphon tube 8.

If the user wants to use the device in the opposite orientation, the dispensing mechanism can be turned around 180° to face the other way, while the user still maintains the same angle tipping the fluid 100 into the comer of the reservoir 200. Additionally, the user may use the optional additional hand or finger grips that are located on the opposite side of the neck portion of the reservoir.

It should be appreciated from the above examples that there is provided an alternative device to assist in obtaining fluid from a reservoir via a directing device. The invention has advantages over the prior art, such as being simple in configuration and avoids the need for weights and baffles as previously used.

Designs proposed are also advantageous as they do not interfere with the filling process, as fluid is not impeded or less impeded than prior art devices. The present invention dispenser also allows for mechanised positioning of the siphon tube as part of the capping process or, where that is not possible, provides a simple, safe and effective user capability to achieve the same desirable results. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A fluid dispenser, including:

(a) a reservoir; and

(b) a dispensing mechanism, including a siphon tube extending into fluid contained in said reservoir; characterised in that when inserted into the reservoir, the base of the siphon tube is positively directed to a distal corner of the reservoir by use^' of a directing device.

2. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a portion of the reservoir is adapted to allow the user to grip the device.

3. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein the gripping portion of the reservoir is adapted to allow the user to grip the device in at least two alternative directions.

4. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the reservoir is in the form of a bottle.

5. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the reservoir has an aperture, where the fluid is dispensed into the reservoir.

6. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 5, wherein the dispensing mechanism includes a cap that surrounds the aperture of the reservoir.

7. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cap of the dispensing mechanism is releasably attached to the reservoir aperture.

8. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the siphon tube extends fully to a distal point at the base of the reservoir.

9. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the dispensing mechanism includes a spray or pumping mechanism which draws fluid via the siphon tube.

10. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 9 wherein the spray or pumping mechanism includes a trigger.

11. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the spray or pumping mechanism includes a nozzle, from where the fluid is dispensed.

12. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the components of the dispensing mechanism are operatively connected together to allow the fluid contained within the reservoir to be extracted up through the siphon tube and out the nozzle when the trigger is pulled.

13. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the dispensing mechanism can rotate 360° around the reservoir and still function.

14. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the directing device retains at least a portion of the siphon tube.

15. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the directing device has a connecting portion that connects with the siphon tube which is sufficient to positively direct the base of the siphon tube to a desired/optimum corner or location at the base of the reservoir.

16. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 15, wherein the connection portion is a clasp.

17. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 15, wherein the connecting portion is an aperture through which the siphon tube passes and which directs the base of the siphon tube to a desired/optimum point at the base of the reservoir.

18. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the directing device has an annular shape through which the siphon tube passes.

19. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the directing device is shaped in the form of a frustroconical chute with an aperture running along the length of interior of the chute sufficiently wide to accommodate the siphon tube.

20. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the directing device may be in the form of one or more protrusions, which project from one or more sides of the reservoir, to connect with the siphon tube to sufficiently positively direct the base of the siphon tube to the desired corner.

21. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the directing device is positioned anywhere along the reservoir, ranging from the neck (if present) or top of the reservoir to a point approximately one third of the reservoir height from the base of the reservoir.

22. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the directing means is located within the neck of the reservoir.

23. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the directing device is located approximately one third of the length of the reservoir height from the base of the reservoir.

24. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the directing device is supported by at least one flange.

25. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 24, wherein the flange(s) extend from at least one side of the reservoir.

26. A fluid dispenser as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the flange(s) extend upwards from the base of the reservoir.

27. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the device is manufactured to rest on a surface.

28. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the dispenser includes a grip for a user to hold the device.

29. A fluid dispenser as claimed in any of the above claims, wherein the fluid is selected from one of the following; a herbicide or pesticide, cleaning product, water or other types of compounds that are in a fluid state.

30. A fluid dispenser, including:

(a) a reservoir; and

(b) a dispensing mechanism, including a siphon tube extending into fluid contained in said reservoir; characterised in that when inserted into the reservoir, the base of the siphon tube is positively directed to a distal corner of the reservoir by use of a directing device; and further characterised in that the directing device is positioned within the top two thirds of the reservoir.

31. A fluid dispenser, including: (a) a reservoir; and (b) a dispensing mechanism, including a siphon tube extending into fluid contained in said reservoir; characterised in that when inserted into the reservoir, the base of the siphon tube is positively directed to a distal corner of the reservoir by use of a directing device; and further characterised in that the directing device is selected from a clasp, an object containing an aperture or an object containing an annulus, which contact or enclose a siphon tube.