WO2021140449A1

WO2021140449A1 - Spray assembly system

Info

Publication number: WO2021140449A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/050075
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Joseph CRADDOCK; MItchell James WATERS; Kelvin Richard OTTO; William M. Waters
Original assignee: Xtreme Eco Inc.
Priority date: 2020-01-06
Filing date: 2021-01-06
Publication date: 2021-07-15

Abstract

An example cartridge-fed spray assembly system includes an interchangeable cartridge to contain a secondary fluid and a primary bottle. The primary bottle includes: a body to contain a primary fluid; a dual feed spray system including a trigger and a nozzle, wherein the interchangeable cartridge is removably coupled to the dual feed spray system; a primary pump operatively coupled to the body to draw a first volume of the primary fluid; and a secondary pump operatively coupled to the interchangeable cartridge to draw a second volume of the secondary fluid. The trigger is coupled to the primary pump and the secondary pump to simultaneously engage the primary pump and the secondary pump. The nozzle is coupled to the primary pump and the secondary pump to receive and expel the first volume of the primary fluid and the second volume of the secondary fluid upon actuation of the trigger.

Description

SPRAY ASSEMBLY SYSTEM

FIELD

[0001] The specification relates generally to fluid dispensers, and more particularly to spray assembly systems.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Spray bottles are bottles which may spray or mist fluids for a variety of applications, including dispensing cleaners, cosmetics and chemicals. Often, a user may have a variety of spray bottles, each containing a different fluid. The spray bottles may be made of plastic and hence may be environmentally unfriendly as well as taking up a lot of space to maintain a spray bottle for each application.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a spray assembly system includes: a cartridge to contain a secondary fluid; a primary liquid bottle comprising: a body to contain a primary fluid; a dual feed spray system removably coupled to the body, the dual feed spray system including a trigger and a nozzle, wherein the interchangeable cartridge is removably coupled to the dual feed spray system; a primary pump disposed in the dual feed spray system, the primary pump operatively coupled to the body to draw a first volume of the primary fluid from the body; and a secondary pump disposed in the dual feed spray system, the secondary pump configured to couple to the interchangeable cartridge to draw a second volume of the secondary fluid from the interchangeable cartridge; wherein the trigger is coupled to the primary pump and the secondary pump, the trigger configured to simultaneously engage the primary pump and the secondary pump upon actuation of the trigger; and wherein the nozzle is coupled to the primary pump and the secondary pump, the nozzle configured to receive the first volume of the primary fluid from the primary pump and the second volume of the secondary fluid from the secondary pump and expel the first volume of the primary fluid and the second volume of the secondary fluid upon actuation of the trigger.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an interchangeable cartridge for use with a spray bottle is provided. The interchangeable cartridge includes a reservoir to contain a fluid; and an interface to operatively couple the interchangeable cartridge to the spray bottle to allow the spray bottle to draw the fluid from the interchangeable cartridge to be expelled from the spray bottle.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dual feed spray system includes: a primary pump coupled to a primary reservoir to draw a first volume of a primary fluid from the primary reservoir; a secondary pump coupled to a secondary reservoir to draw a second volume of a secondary fluid from the secondary reservoir; a trigger coupled to the primary pump and the secondary pump, the trigger configured to simultaneously engage the primary pump and the secondary pump upon actuation of the trigger; and a nozzle coupled to the primary pump and the secondary pump, the nozzle configured to receive the first volume of the primary fluid from the primary pump and the second volume of the secondary fluid from the secondary pump and expel the first volume of the primary fluid and the second volume of the secondary fluid upon actuation of the trigger. [0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, dual feed spray system is provided. The dual feed spray system includes: a primary reservoir to contain a primary fluid; a secondary reservoir to contain a secondary fluid; a trigger to cause a first volume of the primary fluid and a second volume of the secondary fluid to be drawn from the primary reservoir and the secondary reservoir respectively upon actuation of the trigger; and a nozzle configured to receive the first volume of the primary fluid and the second volume of the secondary fluid and expel the first volume of the primary fluid and the second volume of the secondary fluid upon actuation of the trigger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Implementations are described with reference to the following figures, in which: [0008] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example spray assembly system;

[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a cross sectional view of the spray assembly system of FIG. 1 ; [0010] FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of certain internal components of the spray assembly system of FIG. 1 ;

[0011] FIG. 3B depicts a cross sectional view of certain internal components of the spray assembly system of FIG. 1 ;

[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a cross sectional view depicts the interaction of an interchangeable cartridge with a cartridge reception site of the spray assembly system of FIG. 1 ;

[0013] FIG. 5 depicts the spray assembly system of FIG. 1 with the cartridge 130 removed;

[0014] FIG. 6 depicts the spray assembly system of FIG. 1 with a different style pouch; and [0015] FIG. 7 depicts another example spray assembly system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The fluids contained in spray bottles may often include a large percentage of water. Accordingly, in accordance with the present specification, a spray assembly system may include a dual feed spray system, a primary liquid bottle and an interchangeable cartridge to allow two fluids to be sprayed together. The primary liquid bottle contains the first fluid to be mixed and the secondary liquid removable cartridge contains the second fluid to be mixed. The dual feed spray system includes two pumps to draw fluids from the primary bottle and the secondary cartridge. The pumps may be configured to be simultaneously engaged to draw the first fluid from the primary liquid bottle and the second fluid from the interchangeable cartridge. The two fluids are mixed and expelled at a nozzle of the dual feed spray system. The dual feed spray system thus allows mixing of a variety of different fluids by interchanging cartridges and/or by changing the fluid in the primary liquid bottle. Thus, for example, the interchangeable cartridge may contain an active ingredient (e.g., a concentrated cleaning solution or the like) which may be combined with water contained in the primary liquid bottle to form a diluted cleaning solution suitable for household applications. Further, the cartridge may be interchanged to allow different active ingredients to be mixed with water (i.e. , the primary fluid) to allow different solutions (e.g., a glass-targeted cleaner versus a general-purpose cleaner or a tile-targeted cleaner) to be formed using a single spray assembly system. [0017] In some examples, the trigger may engage one pump (e.g., the primary pump drawing the primary fluid) when the trigger is engaged, and the other pump (e.g., the secondary pump drawing the secondary fluid) when the trigger is released. The spray assembly system may have separate chambers for drawing fluid from the primary and secondary pumps and/or a separate chamber for the mixed fluids. The chambers may also be combined to save space and provide additional functionality. In such examples, the primary and secondary fluids may be mixed in the combined chamber, which acts as a mixing chamber.

[0018] FIG. 1 depicts an example spray assembly system 100 in accordance with the present invention. The spray assembly system 100 is fed by a cartridge and may also be referred to herein as the cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100 includes a primary liquid bottle 101 having a body 110 and a dual feed spray system 120 removably coupled to the body 110. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100 further includes a cartridge 130 removably coupled to the dual feed spray system 120. In particular, the cartridge 130 may be interchangeable with other suitable cartridges, and hence may be referred to herein as interchangeable cartridge 130.

[0019] The body 110 is generally configured to contain a primary fluid to be sprayed or otherwise expelled from the primary liquid bottle 101. The dual feed spray system 120 is generally configured to house internal components to enable fluid to be sprayed or otherwise expelled from the primary liquid bottle, and accordingly, the dual feed spray system 120 includes a nozzle 122 and a trigger 124. In particular, the dual feed spray system 120 may be coupled to the body 110 in an operative manner to allow the internal components to draw the primary fluid from the body 110 to be expelled via the nozzle 122 upon actuation of the trigger 124. More specifically, the nozzle 122 is coupled to the internal components housed in the dual feed spray system 120 to receive fluid from the internal components and to expel the fluid, for example, in the form of a spray or a stream upon actuation of the trigger 124. In other examples, the dual feed system 120 may be a multi-feed system to receive fluid from multiple sources.

[0020] The interchangeable cartridge 130 is removably coupled to the cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100, and in particular, the dual feed spray system 120 and is generally configured to contain a secondary fluid to be sprayed or otherwise expelled from the cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100. The interchangeable cartridge 130 may be a bottle, container, pouch, or other suitable reservoir to contain the secondary fluid. The interchangeable cartridge 130 is configured to be coupled to the dual feed spray system 120 in an operative manner to allow the internal components housed in the dual feed spray system 120 to draw the secondary fluid from the interchangeable cartridge 130 to be expelled via the nozzle 122 upon actuation of the trigger 124. Thus, actuation of the trigger 124 causes both the primary fluid and the secondary fluid to be drawn from the body 110 and the interchangeable cartridge 130 respectively, and to be expelled simultaneously via the nozzle 122. In some examples, multiple cartridges 130 may be coupled to the dual feed spray system 120. In other examples, the cartridge 130 may be rigidly coupled to the spray unit.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross sectional view of the cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100 is depicted. [0022] In particular, the body 110 of the primary liquid bottle 101 defines a primary reservoir 210 to contain the primary fluid and a neck 212 of the primary reservoir 210 to couple the body 110 to the dual feed spray system 120. For example, the body 110 and the dual feed spray system 120 may be coupled via a screw cap mechanism. Accordingly, the neck 212 may include a threaded neck portion for mating with a corresponding threaded cap portion of the dual feed spray system 120. More generally, the neck 212 may include any suitable connector to couple the body 110 to the dual feed spray system 120 to seal the primary reservoir 210. The body 110 may further include a bottom 214 to allow the primary liquid bottle 101 to be supported on a surface (e.g. a table, floor, or other support surface). The body 110 may comprise any suitable material for providing structural support to the spray bottle 101. For example, the body may include metals, plastics, combinations of metals and plastics, and the like. In particular, the body 110 may be lightweight for allowing the spray bottle 101 to be easily handled.

[0023] The dual feed spray system 120 defines an internal cavity 220 to house the internal components of the cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100, which will be described in further detail below. The dual feed spray system 120 includes the nozzle 122, the trigger 124, a cap 222, and a cartridge reception site 224. The dual feed spray system 120 may comprise any suitable material for providing structural support. For example, the dual feed spray system 120 may include metals, plastics, rubbers, silicones, combinations of the above, and the like. In particular, the dual feed spray system 120 may also be made lightweight for allowing the cartridge-fed spray assembly system to be easily handled. [0024] The nozzle 122 is configured to receive fluid (e.g. the primary fluid, the secondary fluid, or a combination of the primary fluid and the secondary fluid) from the internal components of the dual feed spray system 120 upon actuation of the trigger 124 and to expel the fluid, for example, in the form of a spray or a concentrated stream. In particular, the nozzle 122 may be rotatable to alternate between different applications of expelling the fluid from the spray bottle. In some examples, the nozzle 122 may further prevent fluid from being expelled from the spray bottle. In other examples, the nozzle 122 may have other configurations to expel the fluid (e.g. via aerosolizing the liquid or the like) from the cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. The nozzle 122 may further include a nozzle check valve (not shown) configured to allow fluid to be expelled from the nozzle 122 while preventing air or other fluids from entering via the nozzle 122.

[0025] The trigger 124 is operatively coupled to the internal components of the dual feed spray system to engage the internal components to expel the fluid from the nozzle 122 upon actuation of the trigger 124. For example, the trigger 124 may be a spring-actuated lever which an operator depresses to spray fluid from the cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100. In other examples, the trigger 124 may be a pump-style trigger or other suitable trigger to engage the internal components of the cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

[0026] The cap 222 is configured to couple the dual feed spray system 120 to the body 110. For example, the body 110 and the dual feed spray system 120 may be coupled via a screw cap mechanism, and accordingly, the cap may include a threaded cap portion for mating with a corresponding threaded neck portion of the body 110. More generally, the cap 222 may include any suitable connector to couple the housing 120 to the body 110 to seal the primary reservoir 210 of the body 110. [0027] The cartridge reception site 224 is generally configured to receive the interchangeable cartridge 130 and to allow the interchangeable cartridge 130 to be coupled to the internal components of the cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100. The cartridge reception site 224 may include one or more guide elements to guide and support the interchangeable cartridge 130 in the correct position and orientation to couple to the internal components of the dual feed spray system 120, as will be described further herein. Further, the cartridge reception site 224 may include one or more locking elements to secure the interchangeable cartridge 130 in the correct position and orientation during use, as will be described further herein.

[0028] The interchangeable cartridge 130 is generally configured to contain the secondary fluid and to removably couple to the dual feed spray system 120. In particular, the interchangeable cartridge 130 defines a secondary reservoir 230 to contain the secondary fluid. The interchangeable cartridge 130 further includes a seal 232 to seal the secondary reservoir 230 to prevent the secondary fluid from leaking and to allow the secondary fluid to be drawn through the seal 232 by the internal components in the dual feed spray system 120. That is, the interchangeable cartridge 130 is configured to be coupled to the internal components of the dual feed spray system at the seal 232. For example, the seal 232 may be pierced by an inlet element to allow the secondary fluid to be drawn through the seal 232. Accordingly, the seal 232 may comprise one or more resilient materials such as rubbers, silicones, combinations of the above, and the like, which are configured to reseal the secondary reservoir 230 upon withdrawal of the inlet element. The inlet element may pierce, puncture, push, break the seal 232, to temporarily allow the secondary fluid to flow around or through the seal 232. The interchangeable cartridge 130 may comprise any suitable material for providing structural support to the interchangeable cartridge 130. In particular, the interchangeable cartridge 130 may include metals, plastics, combinations of metals and plastics, and the like. The cartridge 130 may also be made lightweight for allowing the cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100 to be easily handled when the interchangeable cartridge 130 is coupled to the dual feed spray system 120. [0029] In some examples, the interchangeable cartridge 130 may be shaped and sized to interface with the one or more guide elements to be guided into the correct position and orientation relative to the dual feed spray system 120. Further, the interchangeable cartridge 130 may include one or more locking elements to mate with the corresponding locking elements of the dual feed spray system 120 to secure the interchangeable cartridge 130 in the correct position and orientation during use.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS 3A and 3B, the internal components of the dual feed spray system 120 are depicted. The dual feed spray system includes a primary pump 310, a secondary pump 320 and a mixing chamber 330. The dual feed spray system 120 may further include various check valves to control the flow of fluids between the various components of the dual feed spray system 120. The check valves may include, but are not limited to, ball check valves, ball and gasket check valves, silicone, rubber, check valves formed from a combination of materials (e.g. silicone and plastic or rubber and plastic), and the like. In particular, the check valves are configured to allow fluid to pass in one direction only while preventing flow of fluids in the opposite direction.

[0031] The primary pump 310 is disposed in the dual feed spray system 120 and is coupled to the primary reservoir 210, for example via a primary line 312 extending into body 110, to draw the primary fluid from the primary reservoir 210. In particular, the primary pump 310 may operate on the principle of positive displacement. That is, in its resting state, the primary pump 310 is configured to contain a first volume of the primary fluid. When the primary pump 310 is engaged, the primary pump 310 expels the primary fluid into the mixing chamber 330 and when the primary pump 310 is disengaged, a vacuum is created, causing the primary pump 310 to draw in the first volume of the primary fluid from the primary reservoir 210 via the primary line 312.

[0032] The primary pump 310 may further include a bottle check valve (not shown) to allow the flow of the primary fluid from the primary reservoir 210 to the primary pump 310. That is, the bottle check valve prevents the primary fluid from passing back from the primary pump 310 to the primary reservoir 210 when the primary pump 310 is being engaged or disengaged. The primary pump 310 may further include a primary pump check valve (not shown) to allow the flow of the primary fluid from the primary pump 310 to the mixing chamber. That is, the primary pump check valve prevents the flow of primary fluid, secondary fluid, or mixed fluid from the mixing chamber back into the primary pump 310. Together, the bottle check valve and the primary pump check valve cooperate to create a pressure seal inside the primary pump 310.

[0033] The secondary pump 320 is disposed in the dual feed spray system 120 and is coupled to the secondary reservoir 230, for example via a secondary line 322 piercing the seal 232 of the interchangeable cartridge 130 to draw the secondary fluid from the secondary reservoir 230. In particular, the secondary pump 320 may also operate on the principle of positive displacement. That is, in its resting state, the secondary pump 320 is configured to contain a second volume of the secondary fluid. When the secondary pump 320 is engaged, the secondary pump 320 expels the secondary fluid into the mixing chamber 330 and when the secondary pump 320 is disengaged, a vacuum is created, causing the secondary pump 320 to draw in the second volume of the secondary fluid from the secondary reservoir 230 via the secondary line 322.

[0034] The secondary pump 320 may further include a cartridge check valve (not shown) to allow the flow of the secondary fluid from the secondary reservoir 230 to the secondary pump 320. That is, the cartridge check valve prevents the secondary fluid from passing back from the secondary pump 320 to the secondary reservoir 230 when the secondary pump 320 is being engaged or disengaged. The secondary pump 320 may further include a secondary pump check valve (not shown) to allow the flow of the secondary fluid from the secondary pump 320 to the mixing chamber 330. That is, the secondary pump check valve prevents the flow of the secondary fluid, the primary fluid, or the mixed fluid from the mixing chamber 330 back into the secondary pump 320. Together, the cartridge check valve and the secondary pump check valve cooperate to create a pressure seal inside the secondary pump 320.

[0035] In particular, the secondary pump 320 is configured to be coupled with the interchangeable cartridge 130 via the secondary line 322 when the interchangeable cartridge 130 is in position at the cartridge reception site 224 of the dual feed spray system 120. The secondary line 322 may thus include an inlet element 324 configured to pierce the seal 232 of the interchangeable cartridge 130. In particular, the inlet element 324 may comprise a sufficiently hard material or sharp edge, or otherwise be formed to pierce the seal 232. Additionally, the dual feed spray system 120 may further comprise a pressure release valve 326 configured to allow air to flow back into the interchangeable cartridge 130 when secondary fluid is withdrawn to alleviate pressure in the interchangeable cartridge 130. For example, the pressure release valve 326 may also comprise a sufficiently hard material or sharp edge so as to pierce the seal 232. The pressure release valve 326 may thus similarly allow a one-way flow, by allowing air to flow into the interchangeable cartridge 130, while preventing the secondary fluid from flowing out of the interchangeable cartridge 130 via the pressure release valve 326.

[0036] The mixing chamber 330 is disposed in the dual feed spray system 120 and is coupled to the primary pump 310 and the secondary pump 320 to receive, respectively, the primary fluid and the secondary fluid. The mixing chamber 330 may include one or more mixing elements (not shown) configured to facilitate mixing of the primary fluid and the secondary fluid. For example, the mixing element may be a passive mixing element, such as a fixed propeller. Specifically, the propeller may include angled blades configured to redirect the primary fluid and/or the secondary fluid to facilitate mixing. In other examples, the mixing element may be an active mixing element, such as a rotatable propeller. Specifically, the propeller may be rotatable to redirect the primary fluid and/or the secondary fluid to facilitate mixing. The mixing chamber 330 is further coupled to the nozzle 122 via a mixed fluid line 332 to transport the mixed fluid to the nozzle 122 to be expelled from the dual feed spray system 120.

[0037] In other examples, the primary fluid and the secondary fluid may be mixed in a mixing tube, or with the assistance of a mixing element, for example, located in the nozzle 122. More generally, the dual feed spray system 120 includes a mixing element to mix the primary fluid, the secondary fluid, and any additional fluids more thoroughly prior to being expelled from the spray system. [0038] In operation, the trigger 124 is operatively coupled to the primary pump 310 and the secondary pump 320 to simultaneously engage both pumps 310 and 320 upon actuation of the trigger 124. The pumps 310 and 320, in turn, expel the fluids into the mixing chamber to be mixed into a mixed fluid prior to being expelled at the nozzle 122. [0039] For example, in the present example, the dual feed spray system includes a trigger spring 302 coupled to the trigger 124, the primary pump 310 and the secondary pump 320. Upon actuation of the trigger 124 (i.e. via depression of the trigger towards the body 110 of the cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100), the trigger spring 302 is compressed, thereby engaging both the primary pump 310 and the secondary pump 320. Specifically, both the primary pump 310 and the secondary pump 320 are simultaneously engaged upon actuation of the trigger 124. The primary pump 310 then expels the first volume of the primary fluid into the mixing chamber 330. Simultaneously, the secondary pump 320 expels the second volume of the secondary fluid into the mixing chamber 330. The first volume of the primary fluid and the second volume of the secondary fluid are mixed in the mixing chamber 330 to form the mixed fluid. The mixed fluid, in turn, is then expelled at the nozzle 122.

[0040] As will now be appreciated, the cartridge-fed spray assembly system 100 allows two fluids to be mixed and sprayed simultaneously. Further, the ratio of the respective volumes of the primary fluid and the secondary fluid is defined by the first volume and the second volume drawn, respectively, by the primary pump 310 and the secondary pump 320. Thus, the size (e.g. length) of the pumps 310 and 320 may be selected to achieve a specific ratio of the primary fluid to the secondary fluid. In some examples, the size of the pumps 310 and 320 may be preselected and fixed in the housing 120. In other examples, the primary pump 310 and/or the secondary pump 320 may have a selectively adjustable size/length. In such examples, the dual feed spray system 120 may include one or more adjustment mechanisms coupled to the respective pumps 310 and 320 to adjust the size of the pumps 310 and 320, and thereby provide control over the ratio of primary fluid to secondary fluid. More specifically, the dual feed spray system 120 may include a primary adjustment mechanism (e.g. a dial, slider, switch, or the like) coupled to the primary pump 310 to adjust the size of the primary pump 310, and thereby adjust the first volume of the primary fluid drawn by the primary pump 310. Additionally or alternatively, the dual feed spray system 120 may include a secondary adjustment mechanism (e.g. a dial, slider, switch or the like) coupled to the secondary pump 320 to adjust the size of the secondary pump 320, and thereby adjust the second volume of the secondary fluid drawn by the secondary pump 320.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 4, the interaction of the interchangeable cartridge 130 with the cartridge reception site 224 will be described in further detail. The cartridge reception site 224 is configured to receive the interchangeable cartridge 130 and to allow the interchangeable cartridge 130 to be coupled to the internal components of the dual feed spray system 120. More particularly, the interchangeable cartridge 130 couples with the inlet element 324 of the secondary line 322 and may additionally couple with the pressure release valve 326.

[0042] In order to ensure that the interchangeable cartridge 130 is located in the correct position and orientation for coupling with the inlet element 324 and the pressure release valve 326, the cartridge reception site 224 may include a slide 400 extending from the dual feed spray system 120. In particular, the slide 400 is shaped complementary to the exterior shape of the interchangeable cartridge 130 when the interchangeable cartridge 130 is oriented with the seal 232 facing towards the inlet element 324 and the pressure release valve 326. The slide 400 thus guides and supports the interchangeable cartridge 130 in the correct position and orientation relative to the dual feed spray system 120 to be coupled to the dual feed spray system 120. In particular, in the present example, the slide 400 extends from the dual feed spray system 120 at an angle, for example, of about 45°. In such an example, the slide 400 thus allows the interchangeable cartridge 130 to be substantially vertical, with the seal 232 facing substantially downwards when the cartridge-fed spray assembly system is in use and being sprayed by a user at a complementary 45° angle. In other examples, other angles of entry of the interchangeable cartridge 130, such as 30°, 40°, 60° or other suitable angles are contemplated.

[0043] The cartridge reception site 224 may further include locking tabs 410 to secure the interchangeable cartridge 130 to the dual feed spray system 120, and in particular, in the correct position and orientation during use. In particular, the locking tabs 410 may interface with corresponding locking indents 420 of the interchangeable cartridge 130 to secure the interchangeable cartridge 130 to the dual feed spray system 120. Thus, the locking tabs 410 and the locking indents 420 may cooperate to prevent the interchangeable cartridge 130 from inadvertently being released from the dual feed spray system 120 during use. Further, the locking tabs 410 and the locking indents 420 may serve to prevent the interchangeable cartridge 130 from being coupled to the dual feed spray system 120 in the wrong direction (i.e. with the seal 232 facing away from the inlet element 324 and the pressure release valve 326) based on the location and compatibility with the locking indents 420. [0044] In other implementations, other suitable guide elements to guide and support the interchangeable cartridge 130 in the correct position and orientation, and other suitable locking elements to secure the interchangeable cartridge 130 in the correct position and orientation during use are also contemplated.

[0045] FIG. 5 depicts the spray assembly system 100 when the cartridge 130 is removed from the primary liquid bottle 101 , and in particular, the dual-feed spray system 120. [0046] FIG. 6 depicts another example spray assembly system 600, including a primary liquid bottle 601 and a cartridge 630, wherein the cartridge 630 is a pouch.

[0047] FIG. 7 depicts a cross sectional view of another example spray assembly system 700 with a different pump system. The spray assembly system 700 includes a primary bottle 701 to contain the primary fluid, and a cartridge 702 to contain the secondary fluid. The spray assembly system 700 further includes a primary pump 710 to draw primary fluid from the primary bottle 701 and a secondary pump 720 to draw secondary fluid from the cartridge 702. The primary pump 710 and the secondary pump 720 are coupled to a trigger spring 730 in a chamber 732, which is configured to be actuated by a trigger 734. When the trigger 734 engages the trigger spring 730 (i.e. , when the trigger spring 730 is compressed), fluids in the chamber 732 are expelled from a nozzle 740, and the primary pump 710 is engaged to draw primary fluid from the primary bottle 701 into the chamber 732. As the trigger 734 is released, the secondary pump 720 is engaged to draw secondary fluid from the cartridge 702.

[0048] FIG. 7 also depicts an adjustment mechanism 750 to control the ratio of fluid volumes for mixing the primary and secondary fluids. The adjustment mechanism 750 shortens and lengthens the chamber 732, thereby allowing the amount of fluid drawn to be adjusted.

[0049] A cartridge-fed spray assembly system may include a primary liquid bottle, a dual feed spray system and an interchangeable cartridge to allow two fluids to be sprayed together. The primary liquid bottle contains the first fluid to be mixed and the second fluid from the interchangeable. The dual feed spray system includes two pumps configured to be engaged to draw the first fluid from the primary liquid bottle and the second fluid from the interchangeable cartridge. The pumps may be engaged simultaneously upon actuation of a trigger, or sequentially when the trigger is engaged and when the trigger is released. The two fluids are mixed and expelled at a nozzle of the dual feed spray system. The ratio of the first fluid and the second fluid may be controlled by selection of the size of the pumps, or via an adjustable pump or pumps and corresponding adjustment mechanism. Advantageously, the present cartridge-fed spray assembly system allows mixing of a variety of different fluids by interchanging cartridges and/or by changing the fluid in the primary liquid bottle.

[0050] For example, cleaning solutions are often used at a low concentration of active ingredient, with the bulk of the solution being water for dilution. The present spray bottle system thus allows cleaning solution concentrates to be contained in cartridges and diluted to an appropriate concentration by containing water in the spray bottle, and appropriate selection of the size of the pumps of the spray bottle. The concentrates are thus diluted immediately at use, upon actuation of the trigger of the spray bottle. [0051] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the above examples but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. A cartridge-fed spray assembly system comprising: an interchangeable cartridge to contain a secondary fluid; a primary liquid bottle comprising: a body to contain a primary fluid; a dual feed spray system removably coupled to the body, the dual feed spray system including a trigger and a nozzle, wherein the interchangeable cartridge is removably coupled to the dual feed spray system; a primary pump disposed in the dual feed spray system, the primary pump operatively coupled to the body to draw a first volume of the primary fluid from the body; and a secondary pump disposed in the dual feed spray system, the secondary pump configured to couple to the interchangeable cartridge to draw a second volume of the secondary fluid from the interchangeable cartridge; wherein the trigger is coupled to the primary pump and the secondary pump, the trigger configured to simultaneously engage the primary pump and the secondary pump upon actuation of the trigger; and wherein the nozzle is coupled to the primary pump and the secondary pump, the nozzle configured to receive the first volume of the primary fluid from the primary pump and the second volume of the secondary fluid from the secondary pump and expel the first volume of the primary fluid and the second volume of the secondary fluid upon actuation of the trigger.

2. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system of claim 1 , further comprising a mixing chamber coupled to the primary pump, the secondary pump, and the nozzle, the mixing chamber to receive and mix the first volume of the primary fluid from the primary pump and the second volume of the secondary fluid from the secondary pump to form a mixed fluid, and to transmit the mixed fluid to the nozzle to be expelled.

3. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system of claim 2, further comprising a propeller disposed in the mixing chamber to facilitate mixing of the first volume of the primary fluid and the second volume of the secondary fluid.

4. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system of claim 3, wherein the secondary pump is adjustable to adjust the second volume of the secondary fluid drawn by the secondary pump.

5. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system of claim 4, further comprising an adjustment mechanism coupled to the secondary pump to selectively adjust the second volume of the secondary fluid drawn by the secondary pump.

6. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system of claim 1 , further comprising a slide extending from the housing, the slide shaped complementary to an exterior shape of the cartridge to guide and support the cartridge to be coupled to the housing.

7. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system of claim 1 , further comprising locking tabs at the housing, the locking tabs configured to interface with a corresponding locking indents of the interchangeable cartridge to secure the interchangeable cartridge to the housing.

8. An interchangeable cartridge for use with a spray bottle, the interchangeable cartridge comprising: a reservoir to contain a fluid; and an interface to operatively couple the interchangeable cartridge to the spray bottle to allow the spray bottle to draw the fluid from the interchangeable cartridge to be expelled from the spray bottle.

9. The interchangeable cartridge of claim 8, further comprising a seal to seal the reservoir, the seal configured to be pierced by an inlet element of the dual feed spray system to allow the fluid to be drawn through the seal to be expelled from the spray bottle.

10. The interchangeable cartridge of claim 9, wherein the seal comprises a resilient material configured to reseal the reservoir upon withdrawal of the inlet element.

11. The interchangeable cartridge of claim 8, further comprising locking indents configured to interface with corresponding locking tabs of the spray bottle to secure the cartridge to the spray bottle.

12. A cartridge-fed spray assembly system comprising: a primary reservoir to contain a primary fluid; a primary pump operatively coupled to the primary reservoir to draw a first volume of the primary fluid from the primary reservoir; and a cartridge reception site to receive an interchangeable cartridge; a secondary pump configured to couple to the interchangeable cartridge to draw a second volume of the secondary fluid from the interchangeable cartridge; a trigger coupled to the primary pump and the secondary pump, the trigger configured to simultaneously engage the primary pump and the secondary pump upon actuation of the trigger; and a nozzle is coupled to the primary pump and the secondary pump, the nozzle configured to receive the first volume of the primary fluid from the primary pump and the second volume of the secondary fluid from the secondary pump and expel the first volume of the primary fluid and the second volume of the secondary fluid upon actuation of the trigger.

13. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system of claim 12, further comprising a mixing chamber coupled to the primary pump, the secondary pump, and the nozzle, the mixing chamber to receive and mix the first volume of the primary fluid from the primary pump and the second volume of the secondary fluid from the secondary pump to form a mixed fluid, and to transmit the mixed fluid to the nozzle to be expelled.

14. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system of claim 13, further comprising a propeller disposed in the mixing chamber to facilitate mixing of the first volume of the primary fluid and the second volume of the secondary fluid.

15. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system of claim 14, wherein the secondary pump is adjustable to adjust the second volume of the secondary fluid drawn by the secondary pump.

16. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system of claim 15, further comprising an adjustment mechanism coupled to the secondary pump to selectively adjust the second volume of the secondary fluid drawn by the secondary pump.

17. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system of claim 12, wherein the cartridge reception site comprises a slide, the slide shaped complementary to an exterior shape of the cartridge to guide and support the cartridge to be coupled to the cartridge-fed spray assembly system.

18. The cartridge-fed spray assembly system of claim 12, wherein the cartridge reception site comprises locking tabs, the locking tabs configured to interface with corresponding locking indents of the interchangeable cartridge to secure the interchangeable cartridge to the cartridge-fed spray assembly system.

19. A dual feed spray system comprising: a primary reservoir to contain a primary fluid; a secondary reservoir to contain a secondary fluid; a trigger to cause a first volume of the primary fluid and a second volume of the secondary fluid to be drawn from the primary reservoir and the secondary reservoir respectively upon actuation of the trigger; and a nozzle configured to receive the first volume of the primary fluid and the second volume of the secondary fluid and expel the first volume of the primary fluid and the second volume of the secondary fluid upon actuation of the trigger.