WO2013049260A2

WO2013049260A2 - Systems and methods for dispensing one or more liquids from a portable self-contained apparatus ("industrial flair")

Info

Publication number: WO2013049260A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/057401
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wilhelmus Johannes Joseph MASS; Petrus Lambertus Wilhelmus HURKMANS; Aaron S. Haleva
Original assignee: Dispensing Technologies B.V.
Priority date: 2011-09-26
Filing date: 2012-09-26
Publication date: 2013-04-04
Also published as: MX2014003611A; AU2012316065A1; WO2013049260A4; JP2014528832A; BR112014007139A2; WO2013049260A3; ZA201403097B; CN104039664A; RU2014117023A; EP2760759A2; EP2760759A4

Abstract

Systems and methods to dispense various liquids, foams and sprays, of various viscosities, such as, for example, paints and stains, from a self-contained wearable apparatus are presented. These devices use the "bag within a bag" or inner container/outer container Flair® technology. A device can be provided that is portable and self-contained, can be worn by a user, and can utilize pre-filled containers of the product to be dispensed, thus obviating use of a separate paint container to which a user is effectively tethered. Novel activation mechanisms allow the system to intelligently sense when a user desires actuate/deactuate the device. These mechanisms incorporate fail-safe sensors that lock out the on/off switch if a user's hand is not sensed as actually holding the paint brush. Various Flair® bottles can be used, with various nozzles, brushes, rollers and other dispensing devices. Novel performs for the manufacture and blowing of multi-layer Flair® bottles are also presented, as well as details of multi-layer Flair® systems and their assembly.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION UNDER PATENT CO-OPERATION

TREATY

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING ONE OR MORE LIQUIDS FROM A PORTABLE SELF-CONTAINED APPARATUS

("Industrial Flair")

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/626,453, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING ONE OR MORE LIQUIDS FROM A PORTABLE SELF-CONTAINED APPARATUS ("INDUSTRIAL FLAIR"), filed on September 26, 201 1 , the disclosure of which is hereby fully

incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD:

The present invention relates to dispensing technologies, and in particular to systems and methods for the efficient and convenient dispensing of one or more liquids, or varying viscosities, that are applied over significant periods of time, such as paint, stain. Lubricants, adhesives, mortars, and the like, from a portable self contained system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

Conventional systems for the dispensing of paints, lubricants, and similar liquids, construction preparations such as silicone or caulk, adhesives and glues, or even beverages, for example, such as beer and carbonated sodas, are often cumbersome. This is especially so when pressure is used to dispense the liquid in some form. For example, conventional paint and stain dispensers require a source of the liquid to be dispensed - often a paint can or a bucket filled with the paint, a tube to draw up the paint, and an air brush to spray it. A user must be tethered to the bucket, which is generally placed on the ground, or sometimes on a ladder shelf, at a location that is more or less nearby. When air is used to pressurize a paint sprayer, or other liquid dispensing system, a source of pressure, usually a fixed compressor, is also required.

Similarly, conventional carbonated beverage dispensing systems require an external carbonator, CO2 regulators, syrup pumps, tubing, clamps, crimping tools and the like, as well as standard CO2 tanks and syrup. All of this requires a significant fixed installation space, and is somewhat cumbersome.

What is needed in the art is a portable, ergonomic and self contained system for dispensing of various liquids using pressure that solves the problems of the

conventional approach.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

Systems and methods to dispense various liquids, foams and sprays, of various viscosities, such as, for example, paints, stains, lubricants adhesives and beverages, from a self-contained wearable apparatus are presented. Such exemplary devices can incorporate the "bag within a bag" or inner container/outer container Flair® technology developed and provided by Dispensing Technologies , B.V. of Helmond, The

Netherlands. An exemplary dispensing device can be provided that is portable and self- contained, can be worn by a user, and can utilize pre-filled containers of the product to be dispensed, thus improving upon conventional systems that require a separate paint container to which a user is effectively tethered. Novel activation mechanisms can be used that allow the system to intelligently sense when a user desires to turn the device on or off. These mechanisms incorporate fail-safe sensors that lock out the on/off switch if a user's hand is not sensed as actually holding the paint brush. Various types of Flair® bottles can be used with such systems, including specialized Flair bottles to dispense more than one liquid at a time, and various nozzles, brushes, rollers and other dispensing devices can be used, thus allowing multiple liquids, sprays, foams, paints, stains, foodstuffs and beverages to be conveniently dispensed using such exemplary systems. Various novel performs for the manufacture and blowing of multi-layer Flair® bottles are also presented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

It is noted that the patent or application file may contain at least one drawing executed in color. If that is the case, copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

Fig. 1 illustrates general aspects of an exemplary standard system for dispensing paint according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates the system of Fig. 1 with the power pack turned on, and thus the Flair® container pressurized, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 3A depicts the system of Fig. 1 with the activation zone being touched by a user, thus opening a valve and dispensing the paint according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3B depicts a variation of Fig. 3A where an electronically activated paint roller is used in place of a paint brush;

Fig. 4 depicts the exemplary system of Fig. 3A where paint flow has been stopped by a user having ceased to touch a brush activation zone;

Fig. 5A depicts an exemplary system as shown in Fig. 2 where an exemplary Piston- Flair® container is used according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5B depicts an exemplary system where multiple exemplary Piston-Flair®

containers are used according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5C depicts an exemplary system as shown in Fig. 5B where multiple standard Flair® containers are used according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 depicts an exemplary system such as is shown in Fig. 3B where a Multi-Layer Flair® container is used according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 depicts details of an exemplary power pack module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7A depicts electronic details of an exemplary power pack module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 depicts details of a power pack pressure switch and other internal structures according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 depicts various display sequences of an exemplary power pack LED indicator system and its respective exemplary meanings according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 depicts exemplary dimensions and form factor of the exemplary power pack of Figs. 7-9;

Fig. 11 depicts details of an exemplary portable container holder assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11A exemplary pinch valve features according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 12 depicts details of an exemplary container holder emergency and rest button system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 13 depicts a first step in opening the exemplary container holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 14 depicts a second step in opening the exemplary container holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 15 depicts exemplary dimensional details of an exemplary container holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 16 depicts exemplary container closures according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 17 depicts an exemplary tube used to conduct paint from a container to a paint brush according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Figs. 18-20 depict structural details and functionality of an electric brush holder according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Figs. 21 depict electrical details of a capacitive handle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 22 depicts an exemplary capacitive handle wiring arrangement according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 23 depicts exemplary brush head interfaces according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Figs. 24-29 depict various stages in assembly of an exemplary paint brush and tube according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Figs. 30-31 depict details of exemplary standard Flair® bottles and caps for use according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 32 depicts exemplary packaging options according to various exemplary

embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 33 depicts generating a liquid-air mix with a standard Flair® system such as shown in Fig. 1 using air from a Flair® gap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 34 depicts generating a liquid-air mix with a standard Flair® system using air from a separate line from the power pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 35 depicts generating a liquid-air mix with a Piston Flair® system using air from a separate line from the power pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 36 depicts generating a multi-liquid mix using a Multi-Layer Flair® system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 37 depicts generating a multi-liquid/air mix with a Multi-Layer Flair® system using air from a Flair® gap according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 38 depicts generating a multi-liquid/air mix with a Multi-Layer Flair® system using air from a separate line from the power pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 39 depicts various exemplary tube configurations according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 40 depicts an exemplary beverage dispensing application according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 41 depicts the exemplary beverage dispensing application of Fig. 39 as used in an exemplary tavern or bar according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention; Figs. 42-50 depict an exemplary harness system that can be used with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention to deliver paint, silicone or other liquids;

Fig. 51 depicts an exemplary preform for an exemplary Multi Layer Flair® bottle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 52 depicts cross sections of the exemplary Multi Layer Flair® preform of Fig. 51 as assembled according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 53 depicts the exemplary Multi Layer Flair® preform of Fig. 51 as prepared for blow molding and after blowing according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 54 depicts the exemplary Multi Layer Flair® preform of Fig. 53 before and after pushing in the (interior) third layer according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 55 depicts the exemplary techniques for filling the exemplary Multi Layer Flair® preform of Fig. 54 (after pushing in the third layer) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 56 depicts the exemplary Multi Layer Flair® preform of Fig. 55 dispensing two liquids according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 57 depicts an alternate preform for an exemplary Multi Layer Flair® bottle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 58 depicts cross sections of the exemplary Multi Layer Flair® perform of Fig. 57 as assembled according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 59 depicts an alternate integrated bottle container and power pack, wearable on a user's back, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and

Fig. 60 depicts exemplary personalizations and customizations of an exemplary brush handle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods to efficiently dispense paint, stain, adhesives, caulks, silicone, etc., and the like, including foodstuffs, condiments, beverages and other comestibles, are presented. Unlike conventional systems, such as air-compressor driven spray painting devices, or complex carbonated beverage setups, condiment hand pumps, systems according to the present invention are self-contained, and also portable. In fact, they can be effectively worn by a user, or carried, as in the manner of a hand-held vacuum. They can also incorporate novel activation mechanisms that allow the system to intelligently sense when a user desires to turn on and to turn off the device and operate valving accordingly. Finally, they can incorporate fail-safe sensors that lock out the on/off switch if a user's hand is not sensed as actually holding the paint brush. Such exemplary devices incorporate various embodiments and types of the "bag within a bag" or inner container/outer container Flair® technology developed and provided by Dispensing Technologies , B.V. of Helmond, The Netherlands.

It is noted that Flair® technology generally involves bag in a bag, or bag in a bottle devices that are integrally molded from one or more performs. A displacing medium can be introduced between the outer container and an inner container so as to pressurize the inner container, thus facilitating the emptying the contents of the inner container without said contents ever coming in contact with the displacing medium or the outside atmosphere. Flair® technology also includes, for example, valves, nozzles, pumps and other parts and ancillary equipment used in connection with such bag in bag, bag in bottle, or inner container/outer container technologies. As noted, the present invention is directed to various uses of Flair® technology as applied to the dispensing of paint, stain and the like, such as can be used in the construction industry, or by individuals doing home and/or building repair and maintenance. Using essentially identical principles, the present invention is also directed to various uses of Flair® technology as applied to the dispensing of beverages and foodstuffs, as well as sprays, stains, paints, adhesives, caulks, lubricants, foams and the like, using one or multiple liquid components, and in the case of sprays and foams, an air component as well. A beneficial feature of systems and methods according to the present invention is both the portability and self-contained aspects, as noted above. These features can, for example, un-tether a user from a roller-pan, paint bucket, carbonated beverage and syrup sources, or the like, and allow such user to ambulate, climb, descend, etc. as he or she sees fit or efficient, all the while carrying the liquid source, source of air pressure or other displacing medium and a fully automated yet precisely controlled user activated and controlled delivery system with him or her.

Details of the various exemplary devices are next described in connection with the various figures. Although many of the illustrative figures use paint as an exemplary liquid being dispensed, it is understood that a wide variety of liquids and the like can just as well be dispensed using such exemplary systems and techniques.

As shown in Fig. 1 , in exemplary embodiments of the present invention an exemplary paint dispensing system can contain, for example, a power pack 180, a container holder 170, a Flair® type bottle 120 filled with paint, a pinch valve 100, a paint tube 1 10, and, at the end of the paint tube - an active handle assembly, including, for example, a detection zone 130, an activation zone 150, and a paint brush 160 comprising or connected to a novel printed circuit board ("PCB") 140.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention power pack 180 delivers air pressure and electric power to the system, container holder 170 contains and connects a (pre-filled) Flair® type bottle with paint 120 to the system, and comprises pinch valve 100, normally closed, that prevents paint flow through the paint conduit tube 1 10 unless a user causes such valve to open. Paint brush 160 distributes paint to an exemplary object or surface, and an exemplary brush holder can, for example, detect the presence of a user's hand on a detection zone 130. If such a presence is detected, then - and only then - activation zone 150 will respond to a user's touch to open pinch valve 100 and thus activate paint flow. The container holder 170 can, for example, be worn on a user's back, allowing a completely self-contained system with full portability.

Fig. 2 illustrates the system of Fig. 1 with power pack 180 turned on (note the green indicator light at the bottom of power pack 180). Thus, the pump contained in such power pack will run until the Flair® container is pressurized to a certain preset value. As a result of such pressurization, air or other pressurization medium has been let in between the two layers of the Flair® type container, and the paint or stain, for example, in the inner bottle is now pressurized. Here also a user's hand has been detected on detection zone 130, and thus it is shown in green, but the user has not yet pressed or touched activation zone 150, so at this point pinch valve 100 remains closed, and no paint can yet flow, and thus paint brush 160 has no paint flowing out of it.

Figs. 3A and 3B depict the exemplary system of Figs. 1 -2 with both detection zone 130, and now activation zone 150 being touched by a user. This causes PCB 140 to send a signal to open pinch valve 100, as shown, allowing paint to flow in paint tube 1 10, and thus allow paint to be dispensed from paint brush 160, as shown. The pinch valve can thus be spring loaded to the closed position, and energy must be expended to open it. Alternatively, different approaches can be used that do not require an ongoing signal to be sent, and energy to be continually expended, to open a valve regulating the paint flow out of the container.

As shown in Figs. 3, pump 180 will run only as needed, from a point in time when the air pressure drops below the preset air pressure value, until said pressure once again reaches the preset value. In this way the Flair® system maintains the proper pressure acting on the inner container such that the paint or other liquid will dispense. It is noted that the channel over which the signal is sent from PCB 140 to pinch valve 100, shown in Figs. 3 by the green dotted line, can be a hard wired, wireless, hydraulic, or any other signal transmission means as may be known. Fig. 3A depicts a standard system as shown in Fig. 2 using a paint brush, and Fig. 3B depicts a variation of Fig. 3A where a novel electrically controlled paint roller is used in place of a paint brush, all else being equal.

It is noted that for paint dispensing systems, different volumes for the Flair® bottle are appropriate depending upon which ultimate delivery or dispensing device is used. For example, for paint delivered via a paintbrush, one uses smaller volumes, around 1 liter. With rollers, as shown in Fig. 3B, more paint is used per unit time, and thus bigger bottles should be used, such as, for example, 1 to 5 liters. For dispensing silicone or the like, for buildings or floors, one needs even larger bottles. However, if the bottle is used in an embodiment where the container holder is worn on the back, the total weight may be regulated by local law. For example, in Europe a worn container may not be more than 15kg. For greater weight than that, one requires a trolley or similar device that can carry the container holder and the Flair® bottle inside it. Thus, by replacing caulking tubes and the like with a silicone, caulk, etc. dispensing device according to the present invention, a worker need not carry 50 tubes of caulk with him, or lift it up on the scaffolding with him or her. Thus, exemplary systems according to the present invention save packaging/waste, time and cost.

Fig. 4 depicts the system of Figs. 3A and B where paint flow has been stopped by a user now having released activation zone 150 (thus activation zone 150 now shown in red). This causes PCB 140 to stop sending a signal to pinch valve 100 to open, and pinch valve 100 thus closes, stopping the flow of the paint through paint tube 1 10 and out of paint brush 160, the default setting for pinch valve 100 being closed unless a signal to open it is received and perpetuated. It is noted that such an exemplary embodiment requires energy to continually send the "open pinch valve" signal

(essentially the "user is touching the activation zone" signal). This is a useful safety measure. However, in alternate exemplary embodiments, a toggle type switch can be used, which goes on with one touch and off with a subsequent touch. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the volume of the inner Flair® bottle with paint 120 has shrunk, given that a certain volume of paint has been dispensed. As the paint is dispensed, given the Flair® technology, the pressure between the inner container and outer container is maintained, and thus the inner container shrinks, and no air bubbles or occlusions can ever develop within it. As shown at power pack 180, in order to maintain the preset pressure value in the Flair® container, the pump runs whenever air pressure drops below a preset value. The blue line shows schematically the air line running from the pump to the Flair® container. Also, as shown, power pack 180 supplies power to pinch valve 100 as well (green line). Figs. 5A-5B depict systems essentially identical to that of Fig. 4 except that here a different type of Flair® Bottle is used to hold the liquid being dispensed. The Flair® Bottle depicted in Figs. 5A and 5B is a "Piston Flair" type bottle 121 . The unique characteristics of a Piston Flair® Bottle are that the inner container is partially glued to a portion of the inner surface of the outer container, such that the bottom, unglued portion of the inner container folds under itself as its contents are dispensed. Piston Flair® technology is described in detail in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 12/903,845, published as U.S. Published Patent Application No. 201 1/0024450, under common assignment herewith, and the reader is referred thereto for additional details. Fig. 5B depicts an exemplary system where multiple Piston Flair bottles are used in parallel. Extending this approach, one can mix more than 2 bottles as well. Thus, 3, 4, 5, or even more bottles can be used in a combined parallel system. Using electronically controlled valving, a user can thus mix different liquids as needed or desired in precisely defined mixtures. For example, for color mixing one can open, e.g., Valve 1 for 1 second, Valve 7 for 13 seconds, etc., etc., where each Flair® bottle holds a primary or specialized component color in an exemplary color scheme. In such exemplary embodiments, the valve controlling the flow of the liquid can, for example, be provided at the bottle holder, as shown, or, for example, for thin liquids, requiring small valves, at the dispensing end, i.e., at the nozzle, brush or roller. Fig. 5C depicts using two standard Flair bottles 120 in a similar tandem set-up. In general, one uses a standard Flair bottle, which has a lower cost, for lower volume (under 8 Liters, for example), thinner, less viscous liquids. On the other hand, for larger volumes of liquid, and/or for highly viscous liquids, Piston Flair® bottles, which generally have a higher cost, can be used. Piston Flair® bottles concentrate the pressure along one direction (from the bottom of the bottle upwards), and along one 2D area, and can thus exert a greater force on the inner Flair® container at a given pressure.

What can be gleaned from the various examples of Figs. 3, 4 and 5 is that in exemplary embodiments of the present invention various types of Flair® Bottles can be used as a container 120 and various types of liquid deposition or dispensing devices can also be used such as, for example, paint brushes, paint rollers, nozzles, etc., and even beverage dispensers and the like, as described in greater detail below. Fig. 6 shows yet another exemplary dispensing system, similar to that of Figs. 3, namely a paint dispensing system using a Multi-Layer Flair® Bottle 163. A Multi-Layer Flair® Bottle operates under the same principle as the standard Flair® bottle 120 as shown in Fig. 4 except that the Flair® concept is extended to multiple nested inner containers, each having a separate liquid. With reference to Fig. 6, the Multi Layer Flair® Bottle 163 has an outer layer shown in black outline, and an air gap, or displacing medium gap, shown in blue between the outer layer and the first inner container. The first inner container 161 contains a Liquid A, shown in violet. Wholly within the first inner layer is a second inner container 162 with Liquid B shown in yellow. In fact, additional

layers/bags can be added as needed and various numbers of multiple layers can be used in Multi-Layer Flair Bottle 163. Finally, in the very center of the Multi Layer Flair Bottle 163 is anti-collapse tube 164 (shown in black) which prevents the liquids from being blocked by an uncontrolled collapsed bag. In other words, if one of the bags crimps in its middle there may be liquid at the bottom of the container which cannot be pushed out through the opening at the top due to such crimping. Anti-collapse tube 164 prevents that and maintains the various layers of the Multi-Layer Flair Bottle in un- collapsed configurations.

Fig. 7 provides details and features of an exemplary power pack module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. There is an ON/OFF switch 710 to turn on the device. The power pack can be attached to a user's belt via belt clip 720. Pressure switch 730 allows a user to set a preset pressure value for the system, as described above. LED indicator 740 displays a light signal when the pump is on.

Finally, there are shown air outlet 750 which runs to the Flair® container and supplies it with the pressurization medium (e.g., air), and electric connector 760 which powers pinch valve 100, as shown in Figs. 1 -6).

Fig. 7A depicts various electronic features of an exemplary power pack according to exemplary embodiments for present inventions. Such features can include, for example, a built-in fast charger, pressure control which is temperature compensated, as shown in the lower panel of Fig. 7A, energy savings via a smart sleep mode (e.g., sleeps after 5 minutes of inaction), programmable switch steps (e.g., 1 -5 pressures, or 1 -7 pressures available, set by a user), smart PWM pump control, diagnostics provided on the printed circuit board, the use of MOSFET technology for the output, and a two- color LED as a systemic front/signaling system. As shown in the lower panel of Fig. 7A, from a temperature of approximately 10 degrees centigrade and greater, there is a linear relationship between temperature and pressure correction. Thus, in this temperature range temperature correction is possible and the maximum pressure is 1 .5 barg. The real output is determined by the resistance created by the brush or roller as shown in Figs. 3. Temperature compensated pressurization allows for the use of higher pressures at lower temperatures, and vice versa, which obviates the need for extra solvents and thinners, for example, in paint, and always matches the system pressure used for the Flair® container to the then prevailing temperature. By avoiding solvents, more actual paint can be provided in every Flair® container, thus further optimizing paint delivery.

Additionally, it may often be useful to heat the liquid to be dispensed, so as to keep the temperature of the liquid somewhat above ambient temperature, thus requiring less pressure to dispense it. Such a heating element can, for example, be provided in the container holder, or along the conduit tube(s), or for example, within the nozzle, as may be most appropriate in given design contexts.

Fig. 8 depicts details of pressure switch 830 and interactions of pump 850 and solenoid valve 840 therewith according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig.8, when pressure switch 830 is set to a higher value, pump 850 starts to run to deliver more air until the new set air pressure value is reached. Similarly, when pressure switch 830 is set to a lower value, solenoid valve 840 releases air, reducing the air pressure to a lower value than desired, and pump 850 starts to run until the new set value is reached.

Fig. 9 depicts various display sequences of an exemplary power pack LED indicator and their respective exemplary meanings according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. These can include, for example: Charging: LED lights up red continuously

Charged: LED lights up green continuously

OK and switched on: LED lights up green every 3 sec;

Low Battery (30%): LED lights up red every 3 sec; and

Dead battery: LED lights up red every 1 sec.

Fig. 10 depicts exemplary dimensions and form factor of the exemplary power pack of Figs. 7-9, and Fig. 1 1 depicts exemplary dimensions and form factor of an exemplary container holder assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. With reference thereto there is provided an opening for paint tube 1 1 10, an electric connector 1 120, pinch valve 1 130, belt clip 1 140 and door clip 1 150.

Fig. 1 1 A depicts exemplary pinch valve features according to exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Once again, with reference to Figs. 2 and 3 pinch valve 100 can be, for example, the basic valve which allows paint or other dispensed liquid to flow from the Flair® container 120 out through the paint tube or conduit 1 10. With reference to Fig. 1 1A an exemplary pinch valve can have various functionalities. In a first exemplary embodiment it can have a magnetic coil using high energy. There is one maximum pressure on the hose, it can have large dimensions, a mechanical fail safe, and can, for example, operate on 14 volts DC. In an alternate exemplary embodiment of such valve now in development, an exemplary pinch valve can operate on low energy, can have the pressure on the hose electronically controlled, can have small dimensions, can have both electrical and mechanical fail safe features, and can operate on 6 volts DC.

Fig. 12 depicts details of an exemplary container holder emergency button according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown, in case of an

emergency, a user or other person can push the emergency button1210 to immediately release all air form between the Flair® layers. This stops any liquid from being dispensed, as there is no pressure on the inner container. When the emergency has passed, pushing the reset button 1220 returns the container holder to the default pressurized state. Figs. 13-14 depict various steps in opening the exemplary container holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In a first step, as shown in Fig. 13, one pulls open the cover clip. The air release 1320 pushes open the front cover a bit, and air is let out by the air release. However, the air lock 1310 still locks the door from fully opening. As shown in Fig. 14, in a second step air is let off by the air release 1420 until the air pressure reaches a safe value at which one can fully open the front cover. The air lock 1410 then drops down (shown in the right panel in a dropped down state) when this safe value is reached. The front cover can then be fully opened, granting access to the Flair® bottle.

Fig. 15 depicts exemplary dimensional detail of a container holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device is portable, and moreover wearable by a user.

Fig. 16 depicts exemplary closures according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and their interoperation with the conduit tube 1640. Shown is bottle cap plug 1610, M14 nut 1620, and 4-Lock cap 1630. A 4-Lock cap can easily be automatically be closed or opened, such as in manufacture and/or filling servicing, inasmuch as a machine can grab it from any angle, and manipulate it with a small turn. This obviates the need for careful registration of the bottle and cap in one position. Inserted through the hole at the center of these pieces is an exemplary 2 meter paint tube 1640, whose lower end is attached to the actual Flair® bottle, and secured by bottle paint tube plug 1650.

Fig. 17 depicts an exemplary tube used to conduct paint form the container holder to the paint brush according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and Figs. 18- 19 depict structural details and functionality of a novel electric brush holder according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. With reference to Fig. 19, the brush holder is provided with a protective layer 1910 and aPCB housing 1950. Inside or underneath these outer structures is provided a Detection Zone Conductive Layer 1960, a non-conducting Brush Holder Frame 1970, and an Activation Zone Conductive Layer 1980. The detection zone and the activation zone send signals to PCB 1990, which can be interpreted to recognize when both of them are being touched by a user.

Figs. 20 illustrate various stages or configurations of the exemplary electric brush holder of Fig. 19. As shown in Fig. 20A, the electric brush is based upon capacitive sensing. Thus, each of the two conductive layers 2060 and 2080 creates a small electrostatic field. When these fields are touched by, for example, a human finger or hand these fields are distorted. Distortion of these electrostatic fields is detected by the PCB, which can respond with the required action. Fig. 20B shows the situation where neither the detection zone nor the activation zone is touched. Fig. 20 C shows where the electrostatic field of the detection zone is distorted/touched, but the activation zone is not touched. Finally as shown in Fig. 20D, the electrostatic fields of both the detection zone and the activation zone is distorted/touched. Here the PCB recognizes this, and signals the pinch valve, or other valving system as may be used, to open.

Figs. 21 depict further electrical details of an exemplary capacitive handle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. With reference thereto, on the top panel a perspective view of an exemplary capacitive handle is shown. It is noted that the protective layer, the isolation layer and the conductive layer can be made by assembling the various layers or, for example, by using over molding techniques. As shown in the bottom panel of Figs. 21 , the capacitive sensitivity can, for example, be controlled by software. As shown in the bottom panel, there is a protective layer 21 10; interior to that is a conductive layer 2120 and still interior to that is an isolation layer 2130. The isolation layer isolates the conductive layer from any electrostatic

interference created by the flow of paint or liquid within the handle. The layer needs to create a shield, and such a shield preferably can be, for example, air or a layer with built-in air pockets such as, for example, a honeycomb structure. It is noted that a solid plastic core layer is generally not a good choice for such an insulation layer. Interior to the isolation layer 2130 can be, for example, a ground layer 2140, and interior to the ground layer 2140 can be paint tube 2050 carrying paint or some other liquid to be dispensed using the exemplary system. As shown in Fig. 22, the capacitive handle can use three wires and be capable of RS-232 standard diagnostics.

Fig. 23 depicts exemplary brush head interfaces according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and Figs. 24-29 depict various stages in assembly of a paint brush and tube according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. With reference thereto, Fig. 24 illustrates pushing a paint tube through a capacitive handle as shown in Figs. 19-21 . Then, as shown in Fig. 25, a fixer can be slid over the paint tube, and as shown in Fig. 26, a head can be affixed to the tube, and the fixer can then be slid forward to secure the tube in the head as shown in Fig. 27. Fig. 28 shows the tube with now affixed head pushed back into the capacitive handle, and finally a paint brush head can be connected, for example in a bayonet or other connection, to the handle with tube and tube head assembly, as shown in Fig. 29.

Figs. 30-31 depict exemplary Flair® bottles and caps for use according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. With reference to Fig. 30, the 4-lock bottle cap 3010 described above (Fig. 16) mates with the bottle's finished neck 3020, which is provided with four lead-ins and locks, as shown. Fig. 31 depicts exemplary dimensions that can be used for an exemplary Flair bottle in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but as noted above, this all depends upon the size of Flair® bottle desired for a given application, dispensed liquid and context..

Fig. 32 illustrates various exemplary packaging options. These options address the technical problem that conventional paint color filling machines require a wider neck.

Therefore, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, using the exemplary devices of Fig. 32 paint or pigment dispensed form a standard paint color machine, such as found in hardware stores and paint sellers, can fall on an "umbrella" type structure, and after depositing the color or pigment on the umbrella all of the colorant can be manually pushed into the bottle by pushing the umbrella into the bottle 3220, and thus mix in the paint. The tube in the "umbrella" can be used to press the umbrella into the bottle. It is noted that various shapes of the "umbrella" structure can be used 3230, as long as a wider surface is provided that can be folded and pushed through the exemplary bottle neck. The tube can be separate from the umbrella, and at the end of pigmentization of the bottle, it can also be pushed into the bottle so as to capture the pigment remaining inside it as well.

Exemplary Liquid/Air Mixtures

Next described are various alternate exemplary embodiments according to various exemplary embodiments of present invention with reference to Figs. 33-41 . Fig. 33 illustrates a liquid/air mix generated using a standard Flair® system. With reference thereto, a standard Flair® Bottle 120 can be used with a liquid inside to be dispensed. The liquid is indicated in violet and there is a single Flair® inner container. Between the inner container and the outer container is a displacement medium, for example, air, shown in blue. As in standard Flair® systems, the inner container is fixed to the outer container at the bottom, as described, for example, in United States Published Patent Application No. 201 1/0036451 ("Liquid Dispensing Flair®"). This prevents crimping of the inner container and also allows the displacing medium to uniformly push against the inner container from the gap between the inner container and the outer container. As shown in Fig. 33, any container holder 171 can be used that connects a pressure source, such as delivered by any type of power pack 181 , to the gap between the layers of the Flair® container. Additionally, there can be an air conduit between the top of the space between the inner container and the outer container where air between the layers can be passed to any type of nozzle being used 161 , as shown at 3310. Thus, in such an embodiment the conduit tube from the Flair® bottle 120 to the nozzle 161 is actually a dual tube, one for liquid and one for air, and at the nozzle 161 the liquid and air can be mixed into a spray or foam. This can be done using, for example, various technologies shown in U.S.

Provisional Patent Applications No. 61/456,648, filed on November 10, 2010 ("Metered Dose Dispensing Flair®"), and No. 61/518,677, filed on May 9, 201 1 ("Flair® Fresh"). The nozzle 161 can be any type of electronically or mechanically operated nozzle and such a nozzle can be designed to mix the liquid and air 3320 to the desired ratio for a spray, for a foam, as a function of liquid viscosity and air pressure, etc., all as provided in said patent applications, under common assignment herewith. Fig. 34 shows a variation of the system as shown in Fig. 33 where everything is essentially the same as in Fig. 33 except that instead of drawing the air to be used to mix with the liquid 3420 at the nozzle161 from the gap between the inner container and the outer container, here instead a separate air line is run from the power pack 181 to the nozzle 161 as shown at 3410. Once again, we have a standard Flair® system where there is one inner layer, one outer layer and the two are connected at the bottom of the Flair bottle, as described above. The remaining functionalities of the system of Fig. 34 are essentially the same as those of that of Fig. 33. Whether one uses a separate air line as in Fig. 34, or taps into the inter-layer space of the Flair® bottle layers as shown in Fig. 33, is in general a design choice. A separate line creates another hose to be careful of, while tapping into the inter-layer space requires running the air line through the Flair® bottle cap, which makes said cap more complex.

Fig. 35 shows a variation to the system of Fig. 34 where everything is the same except for the fact that instead of a conventional Flair® container, a Piston Flair® container 121 is used. Here the inner container is not connected at the bottom to the outer container, as in standard Flair®, but rather the inner container is partially glued or adhered to the upper portion of the outer container. As a result, the freely moving bottom of the inner container, moves similarly to a piston and ultimately folds on itself, squeezing the last bit of the liquid (shown in violet) outside the top of the Flair® container. Besides the Piston Flair® functionality, the operation of the system shown in Fig. 35 is the same as that shown in Fig. 34.

Use of Multi-Layer Flair® To Dispense Multiple Products

Fig. 36 shows yet an additional variation according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention where a Multi-Layer Flair® bottle is used as the source of the products to be dispensed. Multi Layer Flair®, also known as Multi Liquid Flair®, involves a nesting of Flair® containers, as noted above. Instead of having just one inner container, there is an outer container and multiple inner containers provided within it. As shown in Fig. 36, for example, there are two inner containers, but the Multi Layer Flair® concept can easily be extended to even more than two layers, including three or more. With reference to Fig. 36, a Multi Layer Flair® Container 123 contains a first inner layer with Liquid A (shown in violet) 124, a second inner layer with Liquid B (shown in yellow) 125 and then an anti- collapse tube 126 which prevents the liquid from being blocked by an uncontrollable collapsed bag, as described above. The first inner layer with Liquid A 124 is shown in violet, and the second inner layer with Liquid B 125 shown in yellow is nested wholly within it. The second inner layer 125 is therefore coaxial with and wholly contained inside first inner layer 124. As the pressure supplied by power pack 181 is raised to the preset value, pressurizing the liquids in the Multi Layer Flair® Container, pressure is passed from the gap between the outer container and the first inner container to the liquid in the first inner container and that pressure is passed, in turn, to the second inner container with Liquid B. This results in both Liquid A and Liquid B being pushed out of Flair® Container 123, through the liquid conduit tubes 3630 and into a nozzle 161 . At the nozzle 161 , which can be electronically, mechanically, or electromechanically operated, the two liquids are mixed in a desired ratio, resulting in a multi-liquid mix 3620. This can be used for various types of paints or stain applications, as well as innumerable instances where two liquids, such as, for example, components of a glue or components of certain kind of solvent, or lubricant, or even a beverage, condiment or foodstuff, for example, need to be mixed at dispensing time, but not before, into a proper ratio.

Fig. 37 depicts an exemplary system that combines the Multi-Layer functionalities of Fig. 36 with the liquid/air mix techniques shown in Figs. 34 and 35. With reference to Fig. 37 there is the Multi Layer Flair® Bottle 123 with the first inner layer 124 with liquid A, the second inner layer 125 with Liquid B, and the anti-collapse tube 126. Here the air is supplied by any power pack 181 through any container holder 171 and such container holder 171 holds the Multi Layer Flair® Bottle 123. The air present in the gap between the first inner container 124 and the outer container of the Multi Layer Flair® Bottle can be used to pass to nozzle 161 , via passage 3710. Thus, exiting the Multi Layer Flair® Bottle 123 are three conduit tubes 3730, being the tubes for the two liquids shown (and this will be for more than two liquids if more than two layers are used) and a displacement medium or gas conduit tube, in this case air, all connected to a nozzle 161 , and mixed to create a multi liquid and air mix 3720, such as a multi liquid foam, or spray, or the like. Similarly, Fig. 38 depicts the exact same system except that here (as in Figs. 34-35) the source of the air which is sent to the nozzle is not a by-pass conduit 3710 as shown in Fig. 37 but a separate air line 3810 running from power pack 181 as shown in Fig. 34 and Fig. 35. Here as well, three sub-conduits 3830 are sent to nozzle 161 which mixes the multiple liquid layers and the air into a desired mix at dispensing time.

Fig. 39 shows various exemplary tube configurations which can be used in single tube, double tube or multiple tube applications. Also shown are tubes with integrated electric wiring which can be used to connect, for example, the nozzle or paint brush or like with the pinch valve in a hard wired connection, as described above. It is particularly noted that the multiple hole tube shown in the upper left image of Fig. 38 can be used in exemplary beverage dispensing application illustrated in Figs. 40 and 41 . It can be used to slow down the flow of a liquid. The center right image has a barrier inside it, which can be an oxygen barrier, a light barrier, or a solvent barrier when dispensing an active or aromatic liquid.

With reference to the multiple hole tube, it is noted that this is a system very similar to that described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/456,933 (Multiple Canal Beverage Tubes) is depicted. In such a beverage dispensing application, a standard Flair®

Container as shown in the example of Fig. 40 can be used. Such a container can be very similar to that shown in Fig. 3A, and can be filled with a beverage, such as for example, beer. The beverage can be dispensed by means of a container holder which is connected to an air source. For example, the air source can be a pump which is manually operated by human hand or foot, or can be a Power pack such as shown, for example, in the various exemplary embodiments described above. The beer is sent through a multiple hole tube such as shown in the upper left panel of Fig. 39 for the reasons described in said Multiple Canal Beverage Tubes patent application, including, for example, slowing down the flow of a higher temperature beverage so as to maintain laminar flow and better control. Finally, a system as shown in Fig. 41 can be exactly the same type of system as shown in Figs. 2-4 except that instead of dispensing paint we now dispense beverages.

Accordingly, the nozzle shown schematically would not be a nozzle at all but it would be a capacitively controlled handle adapted to beverage dispensing. Thus, as shown in Fig. 41 , a set of small, convenient, self contained dispensing devices can be used, with pre-filled bottles having various beverages, e.g., beers and sodas, and such a set of dispensing devices can replace the cumbersome carbonated beverage systems now in use.

Exemplary Harness System and Dispensing Gun

Figs. 42-50 illustrate an alternate exemplary embodiment of the present invention using a harness system to assist in supporting the weight of an exemplary "dispensing gun." The exemplary harness system can be used with such "dispensing gun" or, for example, with various alternate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as next described.

With reference to Fig. 42, a variant to the Paint Flair® system described and illustrated above is shown. Here, the pump section of the power pack is separated from the liquid delivery system and placed on the floor in more or less in a stationary position.

Connecting the power pack to the liquid delivery system is a long tube similar to those that carry compressed air at construction job sites. The compressed air tube inputs to a gun, as shown a paint gun, and the gun contains a Flair® bottle with a prefilled color of paint, as described above. The gun is, as before, supported mostly by the shoulders, torso and legs of a user, except that here the Flair® bottle is not worn, but is held in the gun, the weight of which is supported by a harness. As can be seen in the background of the illustration, there is another gun which has a cartridge in it of grey colored paint and the individual is holding a red paint cartridge.

Figs. 43 and 44 illustrate side and prospective views of two alternate versions of the exemplary harness system of Fig. 42. Fig. 43 presents a side view of the harness system which essentially has two subsystems. The harness system itself, which is used to support the weight of the gun, and the gun system which is used to dispense the liquid. As can be seen the tube or hose connecting the stationary (or moveable on wheels) pump to the gun and at first connects to a slot on the waist band, or waist belt, of the harness and then it is sized down to a small coiled flexible tube which inputs to the back of the gun itself.

Fig. 44 shows an exemplary two shoulder harness version. The benefits of the two- shoulder harness are that the weight is divided on both shoulders of a user, and the cost or negative of this is that it takes slightly longer to put on the harness. As shown in the right panel of Fig. 44, at the back of the harness is a spring loaded cord holder or reel which pulls on the gun and supports it at whatever height the user decides to hold it.

Similarly, Fig. 45 shows a one shoulder harness version of the exemplary harness of Fig. 43. Here the weight is only on one shoulder which may be a slight negative to some users; however, the positive feature is that it is faster to put on and remove the harness. The reel as shown on the right panel, and the connection to the stationary pump, are the same.

Fig. 46 shows details of how the reel cord is held in the shoulder strap by virtue of carabine hooks. These prevent the cord from sliding out of the shoulder strap, for example.

Fig. 47 shows a locking device at the forward edge of the cord some distance from the hook by which it hooks into the gun and this stopping cord and the locking mechanism is done to prevent the reel system from completely and fully reeling the cord to the back of the user. This keeps the gun hanging from the front of a user.

Figs. 48-50 provide details of the liquid delivery gun system. As mentioned this is similar to the Flair® bottle or Flair® container held in a container holder as describe and illustrated above except for the fact that the gun system of Figs. 42 to 50, and in particular Figs. 48 to 50, provides the bottle with the liquid to be dispensed to be held by the user's hands, albeit supported by his body, and the Flair® bottle is maintained in essentially a horizontal position. As shown in Fig. 48, the gun hangs in the reel system of the harness, therefore the effective weight of the gun in the user's hand is considerably lighter. Fig. 48 illustrates placing a Flair® container in the gun assembly. This can be accomplished by opening the gun, which has a top half and a bottom half that are hinged. The user opens the upper half of the gun, places the Flair® bottle into the gun and closes the dispensing gun, thus making it ready for use. It is noted that at the back of the gun, there is an air pressure or displacing medium input which mates with a similar valve on the bottom of the Flair® container as shown in Fig. 50.

With reference to Fig. 50, the easy installation of the Flair® container in the gun as shown in the two steps are (i) the valve which mates with the air pressure inlet at the back of the gun is first slid over that inlet, and then (ii) the entire bottle is swiveled downward such that the nozzle fits in the nozzle holder at the distal portion of the gun. It is noted that an exemplary trigger operates to do two things. First, it allows air pressure into the back of the Flair® bottle which allows the liquid to be dispensed, and also controls the valve in the nozzle.

It is noted in general, that as here in Fig. 50, a valve can be provided either at the top of a Flair® bottle, as shown in the figures 1 -38, or at the nozzle or dispensing end, as shon here and in Figs. 40-41 . Either possibility can be used as appropriate in given contexts.

Exemplary Suction Device - Dispensing a Liquid In Reverse

In alternate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, instead of dispensing a liquid, a Flair® type bottle with the pressure and pump operating in reverse can be used to suck up a liquid, such as for example, in clean up and disposal of bio-contaminated, or other contaminated or waste liquids.

In such exemplary embodiments, a given liquid is already contaminated, and needs to be collected in a clean way, where the liquid is isolated or separated from the outside environment. Such a system is similar to a dispensing system. In fact, both are essentially the same: a Flair® bottle with a nozzle connected via a flexible hose. With this nozzle you can reach every point on a surface or location, when desired, with the right amount of content on the right place, or its opposite, sucking up the content as desired. For suction uses the Flair® container isolates the contaminated liquid once it is in the container, and it can easily be discarded thereafter. In such suction embodiments, a vacuum nozzle is used instead of the regular nozzles described above. For suction a flow is needed. One starts with the bag completely inside, and a little bit of overpressure between the Flair® layers. The bag collapses completely inside the Flair® container. Then you bring under pressure between the layers and suck the inner container against the inside of the outer container. A small valve can then be provided in the front of the nozzle as well. Additionally, it is necessary to suck back all drops from inside the conduit tube if the liquid is contaminated or a biohazard. It is not desired to have bacteria, mold or fungus, for example, growing in the 2M or other conduit tube. Also we do not want to have to take apart and clean after every use. For this reason a second valve can be provided in the front. Additionally, one can make the nozzle empty by using air pressure and thus clean the conduit or tube with air, to keep the liquid being suctioned only in the Flair® container.

Exemplary Preforms For Multi-Layer Flair® Bottle

Figs. 51 -58, next described, illustrate various exemplary performs and their methods of assembly for the Multi Layer Flair© bottle described above, used to dispense two or more separate liquids, or separate components of a compound liquid, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

With reference thereto, Fig. 51 shows example views of the component layers of such a preform, namely, as fully assembled 51 10, the outside layer 5120, the inside layer 5130, and the third layer 5140. Inside layer 5130 has a doubly protruding pin, for attachment to each of the outside layer and the inside layer. It is noted that in a two liquid multilayer system, the second liquid is provided ultimately in the third layer bag, made from third layer 5140, and the first liquid is provided between the third layer bag and the inside bag, made from inside layer 5130. Returning to Fig. 51 , perform view 5150 is a cross section of assembled view 51 10. Note that the third layer (green) is initially molded so as to protrude vertically from the top of the second or inside layer 5130, as described below. Fig. 52 depicts cross sections of the exemplary Multi Layer Flair perform of Fig. 51 as fully assembled, but before being blown to its final bottle shape, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 5210 shows such assembled layers, and 5220 depicts exemplary welding techniques, where a weld 5227 is used at the junction of the outside and inside layers at the bottom, and where spin welds 5225 are used to attach the outside and inside layers at the top, and the third layer to the top pin of the inside layer at the bottom, as shown.

Fig. 53 depicts the exemplary Multi Layer Flair perform of Fig. 51 as prepared for blow molding 5310 and after blowing 5320 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As shown at 5330 slides keep the third layer in position (top portion elevated) when blow molding. Fig. 54 depicts the exemplary Multi Layer Flair perform of Fig. 53 as blown to form a bottle, before 5410, and after 5420 pushing down the (interior) third layer according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, forming the third layer so as to protrude vertically, and then, after blowing, pushing the third layer (now a bag) down in this fashion creates a 100% sure opening in the neck. The neck is stiff and the bottle thus goes from stiff to flexible as one moves downwards. There is thus a risk that the stiff part of the bottle in the neck will block the opening. By pressing the third layer bag down, one can obtain an unblocked opening with essentially 100% certainty. The pushing can be done, for example, while the bottle is cold or warm. The bottle neck is stiff, with this stiff neck one can push the neck and the wider part of the bag down (this beginning of the wider part of the bag is a little bit stiff, as the bag transitions from rigid to flexible) and one obtains an opening for the liquid as shown in the space between the third layer (green) and the inner layer (blue) in the blown bottle after pushing down the third layer 5420.

Fig. 55 depicts exemplary techniques for filling the exemplary Multi Layer Flair perform of Fig. 54 (after pushing in the third layer) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. To fill the first (outer) liquid 5505, at 5510 Liquid 1 (pink arrows) enters between the inner layer and 3rd layer, and at 5540 air is pushed out of the 3rd layer. Then, to fill Liquid 2 5507, air is pushed out of the inner layer at 5530, and Liquid 2 (yellow arrows) enters the 3rd layer at 5550. Thus, Fig. 56 depicts the exemplary Multi Layer Flair perform of Fig. 55 as filled with the two liquids 5610, and dispensing the two liquids 5620 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Such dispensing occurs as compressed air enters the bottom of the Flair bottle, pressurizes the space between the outside layer and the inner layer, which then pushed Liquid 1 (pink arrow) and Liquid 2 (yellow arrow) out of the bottle.

Fig. 57 depicts an alternate perform for an exemplary Multi Layer Flair bottle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, without the vertical protrusion of the third layer, and thus somewhat easier to manufacture. With reference thereto, Fig. 57 shows example views of the component layers of such a preform, namely, as fully assembled 5710, the outside layer 5720, the inside layer 5730, and the third layer 5740. Inside layer 5730 has a doubly protruding pin at the bottom, for attachment to each of the outside layer and the inside layer. Inside layer 5730 also has ribs which provide space between the inner layer 5730 and the third layer 5740. It is noted that in a two liquid multi-layer system, the second liquid is provided ultimately in the third layer bag, made from third layer 5740, and the first liquid is provided between the third layer bag and the inside bag, made from inside layer 5730. Returning to Fig. 57, perform view 5750 is a cross section of assembled view 5710.

Finally, Fig. 58 depicts cross sections of the exemplary Multi Layer Flair perform of Fig. 57 as assembled according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and depicts essentially identical features as shown in Fig. 52.

Integrated System and Customized Brushes

Fig. 59 depicts an alternate integrated bottle container and power pack, wearable on a user's back, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Here the bottle holder 5910 includes an integrated Power pack 5920, which can be, for example, removable and rechargeable. There is also provided solenoid valve 5930, which has a safety feature to the effect that if there should be a stop of the electronics, or some other cause of system failure, the solenoid valve will go open automatically and depressurize the system.

Fig. 60 depicts exemplary personalizations and customizations of an exemplary brush handle according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Thus, there can be, for example, a touch screen slide actuator 6010 for controlling the system pressure, or for example, a rotary switch 6060. Emergency button 6020 can be provided in various locales, as a use is most comfortable with. As noted above, there can be detection surfaces 6030, and then various locations of the activation buttons B1 , B2 and B3 6040. This reflects the understanding of the inventors that painters and other craftsmen are used to, and come to expect, controls in certain convenient (for them) places. Novel electronic paint brushes such as disclosed herein can easily be accomodated to their habits and expectations.

The above-presented description and figures are intended by way of example only and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way except as set forth in the following claims. It is particularly noted that the persons skilled in the art can readily combine the various technical aspects of the various exemplary embodiments described.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A liquid dispensing device, comprising:

a bottle comprising an inner container and an outer container, the inner container filled with a liquid;

a valve releasably closing flow from the inner container;

a hand-held dispenser having a detection zone and an activation zone; and a conduit connected between the valve and the hand-held dispenser;

wherein, in operation, if both the detection zone and the activation zone are activated, the valve is released and the liquid is dispensed upon activation of the activation zone.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the bottle is a Flair® type bottle.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the valve is a pinch valve.

4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a power pack to provide a displacing medium to the bottle.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the power pack further provides electrical power to the valve.

6. The device of claim 2, wherein the bottle is one of standard Flair®, piston Flair® and multi-layer Flair®.

7. The device of claim 2, wherein the bottle is one of standard Flair® and piston Flair®, and further comprising one or more additional Flair® type bottles, each of said additional Flair® type bottles having a valve.

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the bottle and the pinch valve are provided in a container holder.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein each of the container holder and the power pack are portable, and can be carried or worn by a user.

10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hand-held dispenser comprises one of a PCB, microprocessor and microcontroller.

1 1 . The device of claim 10, wherein said one of a PCB, microprocessor and microcontroller receives signals from said detection zone and said activation zone and outputs a control signal to the valve.

12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the valve is normally closed, and upon receipt of a control signal from said one of a PCB, microprocessor and microcontroller, opens.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein when said valve ceases to receive said control signal, said valve returns to the closed state.

14. The device of claim 9, wherein the container holder and powerpack are integrated in a portable unit.

15. The device of claim 7, wherein the various valves can each be held open for a different time so as to achieve a desired mix of liquids actually dispensed.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein each bottle has a different component color of paint or stain, and they are mixed together at dispensing time into a desired output color.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein each bottle has a component of an adhesive, epoxy or caulk, which cannot be mixed with any other component prior to the time of dispensing.

18. A liquid dispensing or suctioning system, comprising: a Flair® container;

a nozzle;

a valve;

a conduit tube connecting said Flair® container and said nozzle; and

a pressure source,

wherein flow into or out of the nozzle is activated by a user.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the Flair® container is one of standard Flair®, piston Flair® and multi-layer Flair®.

20. The systems of either of claims 18 and 19, where more than one of standard Flair®, piston Flair® and multi-layer Flair® bottles are used in tandem.

21 . The system of claim 19, wherein the valve is provided in one of the nozzle and the top of the Flair® container.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the Flair® container is provided in a dispensing gun, said gun being supported on a user by a harness.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the pressure source is a pump, connected to the dispensing gun by a tube.

24. The system of claim 19, wherein the nozzle is a suction nozzle, and wherein in operation the system suctions a liquid into the Flair® container for later disposal.

25. The system of claim 24, further comprising a second valve, wherein one valve is provided at the output of the Flair® container and the second valve is provided at the suction nozzle.

26. The device of any of claims 4-5, wherein the power pack supplies both a pressurizing medium and electrical power to the Flair® container.

27. The device of claim 26, wherein said power pack has one or more of: programmable switch steps, built-in fast charger, temperature compensated pressure control, a smart sleep mode, PWM pump control, diagnostics on a PCB, MOSFET technology, and a multiple color LED status and signaling system.

28. The system of claim 18, wherein the handle is provided with a switch to control the system pressure output by the pressure source.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein said switch is one of a touch screen slide and a rotary switch.

30. A multi-layer Flair container, comprising:

an outer container;

two or more inner containers, said two or more inner containers nested one within the other; and

a one-way inlet valve to receive a displacement medium,

wherein in operation as a displacement medium is provided through the one-way inlet valve pressure is passed from the gap between the outer container and the first inner container to a liquid in the first inner container and that pressure is passed, in turn, to the second inner container and any liquid in said second inner container, and from said liquid on to any additional inner containers nested within the second inner container.

31 . The multi-layer Flair container of claim 30, further comprising at least one of a power pack supplying a pressurized medium to the container through the one-way inlet valve and a container holder in which the multi-Flair container can be provided.

32. The multi-layer Flair container of claim 30, wherein there are two inner containers, each provided with a liquid.

33. The multi-layer Flair container of claim 32, wherein as a result of the pressure applied to the container, both liquids are pushed out of the multi-layer Flair container at the same time.

34. The multi-layer Flair container of claim 31 with a power pack, wherein the power pack maintains pressure in all of the inner containers at a preset level by supplying pressurized air to the one-way inlet valve.

35. A liquid dispensing system, comprising:

a multi-layer Flair® container comprising an outer layer and multiple inner layers, each inner layer containing a liquid;

a nozzle;

an inlet valve;

a multi-tubular conduit tube connecting said multi-layer Flair® container and said nozzle; and

a pressure source,

wherein flow of the liquids out of the nozzle is activated by a user.

36. The liquid dispensing or suctioning system of claim 30, wherein the nozzle is configured to dispense the multiple liquids in a defined ratio.

37. The liquid dispensing or suctioning system of claim 30, wherein the nozzle is configured to dispense the multiple liquids in a defined ratio, and to mix them with air in a defined ratio.

38. A method of assembling a multi-layer container, comprising: providing a preform outside layer;

providing a preform inside layer;

providing a preform second inside layer; and placing the second inside layer within the inside layer, and placing the inside layer within the outside layer,

wherein said inside layer has a doubly protruding pin, for attachment to each of the outside layer and the inside layer, and said inside layer is provided with ribs in the inner portion of its top portion, to provide space between said inside layer and said second inside layer.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising attaching said inside layer to each of said outside layer and said second inside layer by one of welding and spin welding.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein a weld is used at the junction of the outside and inside layers at the bottom, and wherein spin welds are used to attach the outside and inside layers at the top, and the second inside layer to the top pin of the inside layer at the bottom.

41 . The method of claim 38, wherein said second inside layer is initially molded so as to protrude vertically from the top of the inside layer.

42. The method of any of claims 38-41 , further comprising blowing the preform to final shape, wherein slides are used during blow molding to keep the second inside layer in position.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising after blowing, pushing the second inside layer down to obtain an unblocked opening.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the neck is pushed on which causes the neck and the wider part of the bag to move downwards, thus creating an opening for filling a liquid between the inside layer and the second inside layer.

45. The method of claim 42, further comprising: filling a first liquid between the inside layer and the second inside layer, thereby pushing air out of the interior of the second inside layer;

filling the second inside layer with a second liquid, thereby pushing air out of the interior of the inside layer.