U.S. patent application number 09/344992 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-15 for household liquid dispensing system.
Invention is credited to BERKE, JOSEPH J., MICHAEL, CHARLES T..
Application Number | 20010039678 09/344992 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23352999 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010039678 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BERKE, JOSEPH J. ; et
al. |
November 15, 2001 |
HOUSEHOLD LIQUID DISPENSING SYSTEM
Abstract
A household liquid dispensing system for dispensing a household
liquid, such as soap, shampoo, dish washing detergent and bath oil
through an outlet of a household water system. The liquid
dispensing system comprises a household water system having an
outlet, a storage unit for storing at least one liquid operatively
connected to the household water system, and a control for
connecting and disconnecting the storage unit to the household
water system. In a first aspect of the invention the liquid is
introduced into the household water system by a venturi. In a
second aspect of the invention, the storage unit is positioned
above an outlet of the household water system and is introduced by
gravity. The control is normally biased to an "off" position. This
invention can be utilized for showers, bathtubs, laundry tubs and
sinks.
Inventors: |
BERKE, JOSEPH J.; (WEST
BLOOMFIELD, MI) ; MICHAEL, CHARLES T.; (TROY,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALEX RHODES
30100 TELEGRAPH ROAD
SUITE 460
BINGHAM FARMS
MI
48025
|
Family ID: |
23352999 |
Appl. No.: |
09/344992 |
Filed: |
June 25, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/675 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/046 20130101;
Y10S 4/903 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/675 |
International
Class: |
E03C 001/04 |
Claims
What we claim as new is:
1. A dispensing system for discharging a liquid household product
such as a soap, shampoo, bath oil and dishwashing detergent through
an outlet of a household water system, such as a shower, bath tub,
laundry tub or sink, comprising: a household water system, said
household water system having an outlet; a storage unit for storing
at least one liquid; a household liquid stored in said storage
unit; a means for introducing a portion of said household liquid
into said household water system; and a means for operatively
connecting said storage unit to said household water system.
2. The dispensing system recited in claim 1 wherein said means for
introducing said portion of said household liquid stored in said
storage unit is a venturi.
3. The dispensing system recited in claim 2 wherein said venturi is
located in said household water system.
4. The dispensing system recited in claim 2 wherein said venturi is
located in said storage unit.
5. The dispensing system recited in claim 3 further comprising a
needle valve for regulating the quantity of said household fluid
when introduced into said household water system.
6. The dispensing system recited in claim 1 wherein said storage
unit is positioned above said outlet and said means for introducing
said liquid into said household water system is gravity.
7. The dispensing system recited in claim 1 wherein said household
water system is a shower system.
8. The dispensing system recited in claim 1 wherein said household
water system is a bathtub system.
9. The dispensing system recited in claim 1 wherein said household
water system is a laundry tub system.
10. The dispensing system recited in claim 1 wherein said water
dispensing system is a sink system.
11. The dispensing system recited in claim 1 further comprising a
control for selectively connecting and disconnecting said fluid
storage unit from said household water system.
12. The dispensing system recited in claim 11 wherein said control
further regulates the amount of said household fluid which is
introduced into said household water system.
13. The dispensing system recited in claim 11 wherein said control
is resiliently biased to normally disconnect said flow of said
liquid from said fluid storage unit.
14. The dispensing system recited in claim 1 wherein said storage
unit has at least one pair of containers for storing a pair of
liquids.
15. The dispensing system recited in claim 14 wherein said storage
unit has three containers for storing three liquids.
16. The dispensing system recited in claim 1 further comprising a
means for mounting said storage unit, said means having a bracket,
said bracket having a pair of slender outward extending cylindrical
portions, a pair of apertures in said storage unit for receiving
said outward extending portions of said bracket, and a means for
adhesively attaching said bracket to a shower wall.
17. In combination with a household shower system, a storage unit
for storing at least one liquid, said storage unit operatively
connected to said shower system for spraying a mixture of water and
a liquid, through an outlet of said shower, a household liquid,
such as soap, shampoo, and bath oil stored in said storage unit, a
means for introducing a portion of said household liquid into said
shower system, a means for operatively connecting said storage unit
to said shower system, and a control for connecting and
disconnecting said storage unit from said shower system.
18. In combination with a household bathtub system, a storage unit
for storing at least one liquid, said storage unit operatively
connected to said bathtub system for spraying a liquid, such as
soap, shampoo, and bath oil through an outlet of said bathtub
system, at least one household liquid, such as soap, shampoo and
bath oil stored in said storage unit, a means for introducing a
portion of said household liquid into said bathtub system, a means
for operatively connecting said storage unit to said bathtub
system, and a control for connecting and disconnecting said storage
unit from said bathtub system.
19. In combination with a laundry tub system, a storage unit for
storing at least one liquid, said storage unit operatively
connected to said laundry tub system for spraying a liquid, such as
soap and household detergent through an outlet of said laundry tub
system, at least one household liquid stored in said storage unit,
a means for introducing a portion of said household liquid into
said laundry tub system, a means for operatively connecting said
storage unit to said laundry tub system, and a control for
connecting and disconnecting said storage unit from said laundry
tub system.
20. In combination with a sink system, a storage unit for storing
at least one liquid operatively connected to said sink system for
spraying a liquid, such as soap, shampoo, and dishwashing detergent
through an outlet of said sink tub system, at least one household
liquid, such as soap, shampoo and dishwashing detergent stored in
said storage unit, a means for introducing a portion of said
household liquid into said sink system, a means for operatively
connecting said storage unit to said sink system, and a control for
connecting and disconnecting said storage unit from said sink
system.
21. A method for spraying a mixture of a household liquid, such as,
soap, shampoo, bath oil and dishwashing detergent through an outlet
of a household water system, such as a shower system, bathtub
system, laundry tub system and sink system having an outlet for
spraying water, comprising the steps of storing a household liquid
in a storage unit, operatively connecting said storage unit to said
household water system ahead of said outlet, and introducing a
portion of said household liquid into said household water
system.
22. The method recited in claim 21 wherein said household water
system is a shower system.
23. The method recited in claim 21 wherein said household water
system is a bathtub system.
24. The method recited in claim 21 wherein said household water
system is a laundry tub system.
25. The method recited in claim 21 wherein said household water
system is a sink system.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to liquid dispensing and more
particularly to a storage unit operatively connected to a household
water system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Currently, liquid household products such as soap, shampoo,
bath oil and dishwashing detergent are applied in full strength and
thereafter diluted and rinsed with water. One drawback of the
current practice is that household products are often stored at
random locations, and difficult to find. The products are not well
organized with containers and bottles not easily accessible or
littered in disarray on the floor. Currently much space is wasted.
Another drawback is that the use of household products varies
greatly among individuals. Another drawback is that they are
difficult to apply uniformly. Another drawback is that the current
practice is wasteful with regard to the use of household products
and water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides a number of advantages over
the current practice. One advantage is that liquid household
products are stored at single locations; available for immediate
use. A second advantage is the convenience and utility of
discharging household products through household water system
outlets. By way of illustration, the utility of laundry tubs is
substantially increased by discharging liquid soap through water
outlets of laundry tubs during the bathing of pets, cleaning of
paint brushes, washing of hands, and dying of hair. A third
advantage is a savings with more efficient use of household
products. A fourth advantage is an ability to uniformly apply
liquid household products. A fifth advantage is an ability to
automatically mix solutions of household products and water. A
sixth advantage is less spillage and less accidents due to slipping
and sliding.
[0004] The invention broadly comprises a storage unit for storing
liquid household products, connected to a household water system,
such as a bathtub, shower, laundry tub and kitchen sink and a
control for operatively connecting and disconnecting the storage
unit from the household water system. One feature of the invention
is that the concentrations of the household products in the water
solutions can be selectively controlled. Controlled amounts of the
household products are introduced into the household water systems,
mixed with water and discharged through outlets such as spray
heads. The control between the storage unit and household water
system selects the liquid and amount to be dispensed. The control
is normally biased to an "off" position to prevent inadvertent
discharges of the household products. In a first aspect of the
invention, the liquid household products are introduced into the
household water system by a venturi. In a second aspect, the
storage unit is positioned above an outlet of the household water
system and the household products are introduced into the household
water system by gravity feed.
[0005] In employing the teaching of the present invention, a
plurality of alternate constructions can be adopted to achieve the
desired results and capabilities. In this disclosure, some
alternate constructions are discussed. However, these embodiments
are intended as examples, and should not be considered as
limiting.
[0006] Further objects, benefits and features of the invention will
become apparent from the ensuing detailed description and drawings
which illustrate and describe the invention. The best mode which is
contemplated in practicing the invention together with the manner
of using the invention are disclosed and the property in which
exclusive rights are claimed is set forth in each of a series of
numbered claims at the conclusion of the detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The invention will be better understood and further objects,
characterizing features, details and advantages thereof will appear
more clearly with reference to the diagrammatic drawings
illustrating a presently preferred specific embodiment of the
invention by way of non-limiting example only.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view of a liquid household dispensing
system which embodies the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a right side view of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the
liquid household dispensing system.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a right side view of FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front view of a second alternate embodiment of
the liquid household dispensing system.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a right side view of FIG. 5.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a front view of a third alternate embodiment of
the liquid household dispensing system.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a right side view of FIG. 7.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a liquid storage unit shown in
FIGS. 1 through 8.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a front view of the liquid storage unit.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a right side view of the liquid storage unit.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 12-12 of
FIG. 10.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 13-13 of
FIG. 10.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 14-14 of
FIG. 10.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 15-15 of
FIG. 10.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 16-16 of
FIG. 11.
[0024] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 17-17 of
FIG. 11.
[0025] FIG. 18 is an alternate cross-sectional view taken on the
line 17-17 of FIG. 11.
[0026] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 19-19 of
FIG. 10.
[0027] FIG. 20 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a
liquid storage unit for our household liquid dispensing system.
[0028] FIG. 21 is a front view of the liquid storage unit of FIG.
20.
[0029] FIG. 22 is a right side view of the liquid storage unit of
FIG. 20.
[0030] FIG. 23 is a plan view of a second alternate embodiment of a
liquid storage unit for our household liquid dispensing system.
[0031] FIG. 24 is a front view of the liquid storage unit of FIG.
23.
[0032] FIG. 25 is an alternate embodiment of a household liquid
dispensing system having the liquid storage unit shown in FIGS. 23
and 24.
[0033] FIG. 26 is a plan view of a third alternate embodiment of a
liquid storage unit for our household liquid dispensing system.
[0034] FIG. 27 is a front view of the liquid storage unit of FIG.
26.
[0035] FIG. 28 is an alternate embodiment of a household liquid
dispensing system having the liquid storage unit shown in FIGS. 26
and 27.
[0036] FIG. 29 is a front view of a second aspect of the
invention.
[0037] FIG. 30 is a right side view of FIG. 29.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0038] Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals
designate similar and corresponding parts throughout the several
views, a first aspect of a household liquid dispensing system 31 is
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 9-19 which comprises a storage unit
32 operatively connected to a household water system 33. The
household water system 33 is a shower system 33. The shower system
33 dispenses water solutions of liquid household products, such as
soap, shampoo, and bath oil through a shower head 34.
[0039] The storage unit 32 is mounted on a shower wall 35 below the
shower head 34 and is connected to the shower head 34 by a tube 36.
Inside of the shower head 34 is a venturi 37 which draws a portion
of a household liquid 38 from the containers 39, 40 inside of the
storage unit 32 into the shower head 34. The liquid 38 is mixed
with water and discharged as a spray through an outlet 41 of the
shower head 34. On a side of the shower head 34 is a needle valve
42 which is threadably movable into and out of the venturi 37. The
needle valve 42 is used to adjust the amount of the household
liquid 38 which is withdrawn from the storage unit 32. The tube 36
is covered by a thin decorative cover 43 which is attached to the
tube with a pair of resilient spring clips 44.
[0040] In FIGS. 3 and 4, an alternate embodiment 45 is shown
wherein a liquid storage unit 46 is mounted on a permanent
"built-in" shelf 47 and connected to a separate venturi 48 which is
ahead of a shower head 49. A thin removable cover 50 encloses the
storage unit 46 and tube 36.
[0041] In FIGS. 5 and 6 another embodiment 51 is illustrated
wherein a liquid storage unit 52 is suspended from a wall bracket
53 and connected to a bathtub faucet 55. The venturi 54 is located
within the liquid storage unit 52 and an inlet 56 of the venturi 54
is connected to the bathtub faucet 55 by a flexible tube 57. The
venturi 54 withdraws a portion of a household liquid 38 from the
storage unit 52 and discharges the liquid 38 which is mixed with
water through a spray head 58. A flexible tube 59 and the spray
head 58 are connected to an outlet 60 of the venturi 54 and
discharge a mixture of the household liquid 38 and water through
the spray head 58. In FIGS. 7 and 8 the liquid storage unit 52 of
FIGS. 5 and 6 is connected to a faucet 61 of a laundry tub 62 or
sink faucet with a hose coupling 63.
[0042] The design of the storage unit 32 is best understood by
referring to FIGS. 9 through 19, inclusive. The storage unit 32 is
a generally rectangular unit which comprises a housing 64, the pair
of transparent containers 39, 40 and a control 65. The two
containers 39, 40 are intended to be used for storing household
products such as liquid soap and shampoo.
[0043] In the front of the housing 64 are a pair of narrow windows
66 for displaying the amounts of fluid 38 in the containers 39, 40.
In FIGS. 20 through 22, inclusive, three containers 67, 68, 69 are
provided in a fluid storage unit 70.
[0044] The top portion of the housing 64 is a removable cover 71
for filling the pair of containers 39, 40 with liquids 38. On a top
portion of each of the containers 39, 40 is a vented cap 72 which
is removed when adding a liquid 38. The liquids 38 in the
containers 39, 40 flow through plunger type valves 73 in the
bottoms of the containers 39, 40 into the control 65. The plunger
type valves 73 automatically close when the containers 39, 40 are
withdrawn from the housing 64 for replacement or cleaning. The
plunger valves 73 are an optional feature.
[0045] The construction of the rotary control 65 is illustrated in
FIGS. 12, and 16 through 18, inclusive. The control 65 selects the
fluids 38 and connects and disconnects the flow of fluids 38 from
the storage unit 32 to the shower head 34. The control 65 includes
a housing 74, having a pair of inlet ports 75 and a single outlet
port 76. Inside of the housing 74 is a rotary valve 77. The rotary
valve 77 has a horizontal shaft 78 portion which extends outwardly
through an aperture of the housing 74. A knob 79 is mounted on the
end of the shaft portion 78. With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, a
"U" shaped wire spring 80 biases the control 65 to a normally "off"
position. In an outer portion of the valve 77 are stepped
depressions 81 which direct fluid 38 from containers 39, 40 to the
outlet port 76 when the valve 77 is rotated. The rate of fluid
withdrawal varies with the amount of rotation of the valve 77.
[0046] In FIGS. 15 and 16, the means is shown for mounting the
fluid storage unit 32 of FIGS. 1, 2 on the shower wall 35. A pair
of slender horizontal cylindrical portions 83 of a bracket 82 which
is attached to the shower wall 35 engage a pair of apertures 84 in
the storage unit housing 64. An "O" ring 85 is mounted on an end
portion of each of the cylindrical members 83to eliminate free play
between the cylindrical members 83 and the apertures 84.
[0047] Embodiments 86, 87 are shown in FIGS. 23 to 28 wherein
rotary valves 88, 92 are located on top portions of fluid storage
units 89, 90. In FIGS. 23 through 25, a fluid storage unit 89
consists of a single container 91 without an outer housing. The
container 91 is suspended from the rotary valve 88 which is
attached to the shower wall 35 with an adhesive or some other
suitable means. A bracket 93 which is attached to the wall 35
provides further support for the container 91. The bottom of the
container 91 extends through the bracket 93 to allow the container
to be disconnected from the valve 88 by rotating the container 91.
A pick-up tube 94 extends downwardly from the valve 88 for
extracting fluid from the container 91.
[0048] In FIGS. 26 through 28, the fluid storage unit 90 has a pair
of containers 95, 96 which are connected through the upper rotary
valve 92 to the shower head 34. Fluids from the containers 95, 96
are drawn into the valve 92 by a venturi 37 through a pair of
pickup tubes 98 which extend downwardly into the containers 95,
96.
[0049] A second aspect 99 of the invention is shown in FIGS. 29 and
30 which does not require a venturi. In this aspect, a fluid
storage unit 100 is located above a laundry tub 62 and connected to
an inlet port 101 of a hose coupling 102 and supplies a household
fluid 38 by gravity feed when the control 92 is actuated. The fluid
38 combines with water in the hose fitting and is discharged
through the spray head 58 which is connected to an outlet port 103
of the hose coupling 102.
[0050] From the foregoing it will be understood that our invention
provides an improved means for controlling the use of fluids, such
as soap, shampoo and dishwashing detergent in a household.
[0051] Although only several embodiments are illustrated and
described, it is not our intention to limit the invention to these
embodiments since other embodiments can be derived by such changes
in shape, arrangement of parts and substitution of parts without
departing from the spirit thereof.
* * * * *