US20130140331A1 - Liquid dispenser - Google Patents

Liquid dispenser Download PDF

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Publication number
US20130140331A1
US20130140331A1 US13/816,436 US201113816436A US2013140331A1 US 20130140331 A1 US20130140331 A1 US 20130140331A1 US 201113816436 A US201113816436 A US 201113816436A US 2013140331 A1 US2013140331 A1 US 2013140331A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
liquid
outlet
gas
mixing
dispenser
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/816,436
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Andrew Boulton Renfrew
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
RAPITYPES Ltd
Wallgate Ltd
Original Assignee
Wallgate Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wallgate Ltd filed Critical Wallgate Ltd
Assigned to RAPITYPES LIMITED reassignment RAPITYPES LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: RENFREW, ANDREW BOULTON
Assigned to WALLGATE LIMITED reassignment WALLGATE LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: RAPITYPES LIMITED
Publication of US20130140331A1 publication Critical patent/US20130140331A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste or the like
    • A47K5/14—Foam or lather making devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to liquid dispensers.
  • the present invention relates to liquid (especially soap) dispensers that may dispense either foamed or unfoamed liquid.
  • Liquid dispensers may be used to dispense various liquids including soap.
  • Liquid dispensers especially soap dispensers
  • the liquid is mixed with air (or other gas) prior to being dispensed in order to form a foam.
  • Advantages of foam soap dispensers are that relatively less soap is used and also the look and feel of the foam soap are considered, by users, to be better. Additionally, foam soap is considered to lather and mix better with water leading to a perception of improved cleaning.
  • EP-A-1 974 640 relates to a foam soap dispenser for producing foamed soap using a stationary dispensing tube.
  • the present invention accordingly provides a liquid dispenser comprising, an outlet for dispensing liquid, mixing means for mixing liquid and gas, liquid supply means, and gas supply means, wherein the outlet, mixing means, liquid supply means and/or gas supply means are so arranged that in a first condition liquid and gas may be supplied by the liquid supply means and gas supply means respectively through the mixing means to the outlet thereby dispensing foamed liquid from the outlet, or in a second condition liquid may be supplied to the outlet, thereby dispensing unfoamed liquid from the outlet.
  • the dispenser may be used to dispense either foamed or unfoamed liquid at the choice of the user and/or installer of the liquid dispenser.
  • liquid is supplied through the mixing means to the outlet. This is advantageous because the same general path may be used for the liquid in both foam and non-foam conditions, simplifying construction.
  • the liquid will be soap.
  • the liquid may be lotion, cream or another cleaning or personal care liquid.
  • the gas will be air.
  • the gas supply means is so arranged that it may be put in a first condition for supplying gas to the mixing means thereby providing foamed liquid, or in a second condition where gas is not supplied to the mixing means thereby providing unfoamed liquid.
  • a liquid dispenser comprising an outlet for dispensing liquid, mixing means for mixing liquid and gas, liquid supply means for supplying liquid to the mixing means, and gas supply means which may be put in a first condition for supplying gas to the mixing means to form a foam liquid and in a second condition where gas is not supplied to the mixing means thereby providing unfoamed liquid.
  • the way in which the gas/air supply is changed from supply to not being supplied to the mixing means may be achieved in various ways, for example, by disconnecting the air supply either at the nozzle or at the pump which supplies the air and liquid or, alternatively, by diverting (via for example, a diverter valve) the air supply to atmosphere.
  • the liquid continues to pass through the mixing means whether or not air/gas is supplied to the mixing means and whether or not the device dispenses foamed or unfoamed liquid.
  • the liquid may be diverted around the mixing means to a secondary outlet of the nozzle in order to provide unfoamed soap, passing through the mixing means together with the gas supply in order to produce foamed soap.
  • the mixing means is a passive (i.e. with no moving parts) mixing means.
  • the mixing means will comprise one or more shear regions.
  • the nature of the shear regions will depend upon other aspects of the design of the nozzle (and the rest of the dispenser). Examples of suitable shear regions include passageways (preferably with relatively sharp changes of direction) other types of mixing manifold, baffles, gauzes and/or meshes. Orifices providing relatively high shear at the edges may be used.
  • the dispenser further comprises a check valve to prevent liquid being pumped into the gas supply means.
  • the dispenser further comprises a return valve so arranged as to reduce drips after liquid is dispensed from the outlet.
  • the present invention provides a liquid dispenser comprising an outlet for dispensing liquid, liquid supply means and a return valve for reducing liquid drips after liquid is dispensed from the outlet.
  • the return valve comprises a poppet valve, more preferably a sprung poppet value which is assisted to return by a spring (preferably a relatively low rate spring).
  • a spring preferably a relatively low rate spring
  • a liquid/gas pump may be used, preferably a pump which provides both liquid and gas at the same time.
  • the liquid/gas pump may be either mechanically driven (e.g. electromechanically driven) or manually driven depending on the use to which the dispenser is to be put.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a nozzle/liquid dispenser according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a vertical section through the liquid dispenser. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.
  • the present invention accordingly provides a liquid dispenser comprising, an outlet for dispensing liquid, mixing means for mixing liquid and gas, liquid supply means, and gas supply means, wherein the outlet, mixing means, liquid supply means and/or gas supply means are so arranged that in a first condition liquid and gas may be supplied by the liquid supply means and gas supply means respectively through the mixing means to the outlet thereby dispensing foamed liquid from the outlet, or in a second condition liquid may be supplied to the outlet, thereby dispensing unfoamed liquid from the outlet.
  • the dispenser may be used to dispense either foamed or unfoamed liquid at the choice of the user and/or installer of the liquid dispenser.
  • liquid is supplied through the mixing means to the outlet. This is advantageous because the same general path may be used for the liquid in both foam and non-foam conditions, simplifying construction.
  • the liquid will be soap.
  • the liquid may be lotion, cream or another cleaning or personal care liquid.
  • the gas will be air.
  • the gas supply means is so arranged that it may be put in a first condition for supplying gas to the mixing means thereby providing foamed liquid, or in a second condition where gas is not supplied to the mixing means thereby providing unfoamed liquid.
  • a liquid dispenser comprising an outlet for dispensing liquid, mixing means for mixing liquid and gas, liquid supply means for supplying liquid to the mixing means, and gas supply means which may be put in a first condition for supplying gas to the mixing means to form a foam liquid and in a second condition where gas is not supplied to the mixing means thereby providing unfoamed liquid.
  • the way in which the gas/air supply is changed from supply to not being supplied to the mixing means may be achieved in various ways, for example, by disconnecting the air supply either at the nozzle or at the pump which supplies the air and liquid or, alternatively, by diverting (via for example, a diverter valve) the air supply to atmosphere.
  • the liquid continues to pass through the mixing means whether or not air/gas is supplied to the mixing means and whether or not the device dispenses foamed or unfoamed liquid.
  • the liquid may be diverted around the mixing means to a secondary outlet of the nozzle in order to provide unfoamed soap, passing through the mixing means together with the gas supply in order to produce foamed soap.
  • the mixing means is a passive (i.e. with no moving parts) mixing means.
  • the mixing means will comprise one or more shear regions.
  • the nature of the shear regions will depend upon other aspects of the design of the nozzle (and the rest of the dispenser). Examples of suitable shear regions include passageways (preferably with relatively sharp changes of direction) other types of mixing manifold, baffles, gauzes and/or meshes. Orifices providing relatively high shear at the edges may be used.
  • the dispenser further comprises a check valve to prevent liquid being pumped into the gas supply means.
  • the dispenser further comprises a return valve so arranged as to reduce drips after liquid is dispensed from the outlet.
  • the present invention provides a liquid dispenser comprising an outlet for dispensing liquid, liquid supply means and a return valve for reducing liquid drips after liquid is dispensed from the outlet.
  • the return valve comprises a poppet valve, more preferably a sprung poppet value which is assisted to return by a spring (preferably a relatively low rate spring).
  • a spring preferably a relatively low rate spring
  • a liquid/gas pump may be used, preferably a pump which provides both liquid and gas at the same time.
  • the liquid/gas pump may be either mechanically driven (e.g. electromechanically driven) or manually driven depending on the use to which the dispenser is to be put.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a liquid dispenser 14 consisting of a nozzle.
  • Nozzle 14 comprises an inlet 10 for a liquid (preferably a soap) from a soap pump and an inlet 12 for air from an air pump.
  • the soap and/or air pump can be of various sorts including (and preferably) a combined soap and air pump (not shown).
  • soap is pumped from the soap pump and enters the soap inlet 10 and passes through a passageway in the soap inlet cap 2 to poppet valve 6 .
  • the poppet valve 6 opens within the nozzle body 3 allowing passage of the soap through a narrow soap entry passageway 22 (shown in FIG. 2 ).
  • the foam soap passes through mesh member 1 where there is further mixing between air (if pumped in) and soap and the foam soap is dispersed from the outlet 16 in outlet member 7 .
  • the poppet valve 6 closes by action of low rate return spring 8 .
  • the volume displaced by this return of the poppet valve 6 within the body of the nozzle 14 draws any excess soap back into the nozzle body 3 or outlet member 7 thereby preventing soap drips.
  • a check valve (not shown) is situated in the air supply line leading to the air inlet 12 so arranged that if the air supply is removed (for example when unfoamed soap is to be dispensed or otherwise) no soap can be pumped up the air hose.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a section through the assembled nozzle 14 .
  • FIG. 2 shows that soap inlet 10 is connected to soap entry passageway 22 sealed by the poppet valve 6 after and before soap is dispensed.
  • soap is pumped through the soap inlet 10 into the soap entry passageway 22 the poppet valve 6 opens (compressing low rate return spring 8 ) and soap passes through first part 18 of the mixing passageway through the second part 20 of mixing passageway.
  • air is pumped into air inlet 12 and mixes at least at second part 20 of mixing passageway with the soap under shear thereby forming a foam soap.
  • the foam soap passes through orifice 24 (ensuring further mixing) and into mesh tube 1 where still further mixing takes place.
  • Foam soap is dispensed through dispensing outlet 16 .
  • the air supply is disconnected so no air enters the air inlet 12 or, alternatively, diverted away to atmosphere.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
US13/816,436 2010-08-11 2011-08-09 Liquid dispenser Abandoned US20130140331A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1013482.3 2010-08-11
GB201013482A GB201013482D0 (en) 2010-08-11 2010-08-11 Liquid dispenser
PCT/GB2011/051502 WO2012020253A2 (fr) 2010-08-11 2011-08-09 Distributeur de liquide

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20130140331A1 true US20130140331A1 (en) 2013-06-06

Family

ID=42931486

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/816,436 Abandoned US20130140331A1 (en) 2010-08-11 2011-08-09 Liquid dispenser

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20130140331A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2603127A2 (fr)
AU (1) AU2011288309A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB201013482D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2012020253A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10722080B2 (en) * 2018-04-25 2020-07-28 Gojo Industries, Inc Foam-at-a-distance systems and anti-drip mechanisms for such systems

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109778973B (zh) * 2019-03-20 2023-12-08 河北态及环保科技有限公司 一种多功能智能马桶

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3850346A (en) * 1972-04-10 1974-11-26 Cambridge Res & Dev Group Hand squeezable, plural chambered, liquid dispenser
US20020153389A1 (en) * 2000-05-08 2002-10-24 Creaghan David Michael Ross Squeeze operated foam dispenser
US20060011655A1 (en) * 2004-07-14 2006-01-19 Heiner Ophardt Sink side touchless foam dispenser
US7048153B2 (en) * 2003-09-25 2006-05-23 Unilever Home & Personal Care Usa, Division Of Conopco, Inc. Foam dispensing article

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5238155A (en) * 1991-02-11 1993-08-24 Jack W. Kaufman Foam generating device
EP0722780A3 (fr) * 1995-01-20 1997-06-25 Ryder Int Corp Distributeur d'un liquide moussant
US8544698B2 (en) 2007-03-26 2013-10-01 Gojo Industries, Inc. Foam soap dispenser with stationary dispensing tube

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3850346A (en) * 1972-04-10 1974-11-26 Cambridge Res & Dev Group Hand squeezable, plural chambered, liquid dispenser
US20020153389A1 (en) * 2000-05-08 2002-10-24 Creaghan David Michael Ross Squeeze operated foam dispenser
US7048153B2 (en) * 2003-09-25 2006-05-23 Unilever Home & Personal Care Usa, Division Of Conopco, Inc. Foam dispensing article
US20060011655A1 (en) * 2004-07-14 2006-01-19 Heiner Ophardt Sink side touchless foam dispenser

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10722080B2 (en) * 2018-04-25 2020-07-28 Gojo Industries, Inc Foam-at-a-distance systems and anti-drip mechanisms for such systems
US11304572B2 (en) 2018-04-25 2022-04-19 Gojo Industries, Inc. Foam-at-a-distance systems and anti-drip mechanisms for such systems
AU2019261394B2 (en) * 2018-04-25 2025-01-23 Gojo Industries, Inc. Foam-at-a-distance systems and anti-drip mechanisms for such systems

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2012020253A2 (fr) 2012-02-16
WO2012020253A3 (fr) 2013-10-17
GB201013482D0 (en) 2010-09-22
EP2603127A2 (fr) 2013-06-19
AU2011288309A1 (en) 2013-03-14

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: RAPITYPES LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:RENFREW, ANDREW BOULTON;REEL/FRAME:029791/0912

Effective date: 20110729

Owner name: WALLGATE LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:RAPITYPES LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:029791/0926

Effective date: 20110729

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION