METHOD OF OPERATING A DISPENSER SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Priority is hereby claimed to U.S. provisional patent application no. 61/358,006 filed on September 21, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Dispenser systems are used in a variety of settings to dispense diluted product for cleaning or other applications. An example of such a system is a detergent dispensing system in which cleaning chemicals (e.g., in concentrate form) are dispensed from a container releasably connected to the dispensing system. In many cases, bottles containing product to be dispensed (e.g., concentrated detergents or other chemicals) are connected to the dispenser systems by inserting portions of the bottles into the systems. Also in many cases, nozzles then spray water or other diluent into the bottles to dilute and/or dissolve the chemicals in the bottles. However, these dispenser systems usually only adequately accommodate one ' ^~ specific size and shape of bottle. As such, if a user wishes to use a different type or brand of product, a different dispenser system must be-purchased. Some dispenser systems do accommodate multiple sizes of bottles. However, these systems typically require a user to adjust the spray pattern of the nozzle and/or the position of the nozzle with respect to the bo ttle whenever a new, different-sized bottle is connected to the dispensing system.

SUMMARY

[0003] Some embodiments of the present invention provide an adaptor for use with a dispenser system including a spray nozzle for spraying fluid into a first bottle and a second bottle, comprising a body positionable adjacent the spray nozzle, the body including a stepped inner periphery defining a cavity for alternately jeceiving the first bottle and the second bottle, the stepped inner periphery supporting the first bottle at a first distance from the spray nozzle and the second bottle at a second distance from the spray nozzle, the second distance being different than the first distance. [0004] In some embodiments, the present invention provides an adaptor for use with a dispenser system that dispenses fluid from a first bottle and a second bottle, comprising a body including a first end portion and a second end portion substantially opposite the first end portion, the body defining a cavity extending from the first end portion to the second end portion for alternately receiving the first bottle and _. the second bottle, the first end portion having a first inner diameter for receiving the first bottle; and a step between the first and second end portions, the step being positioned substantially within the cavity such that at least a portion of the cavity has a second inner diameter for receiving the second bottle, the second inner diameter being smaller than the first inner diameter.

[0005] Some embodiments of the present invention provide an adaptor for use with a dispenser system including a spray nozzle for spraying fluid into a first bottle and a second bottle, comprising a body including a first end portion, a second end portion substantially opposite the first end portion, and an inner periphery defining a cavity for alternately receiving the first bottle and the second bottle, the second end portion positionable adjacent the spray nozzle, the cavity decreasing in diameter from the first end portion to the second end portion such that the adaptor alternately supports the first bottle at a first distance from the spray nozzle and the second bottle at a second distance from the spray nozzle, the first distance being different than the second distance.

[0006] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a dispenser system for dispensing fluid from a first bottle and a second bottle, comprising a spray nozzle for spraying fluid into the first bottle and the second bottle; an adaptor including a body positioned adjacent the spray nozzle, the body including a stepped inner periphery defining a cavity for alternately receiving the first bottle and the second bottle, the stepped inner periphery supporting the first bottle at a first distance from the spray nozzle and the second bottle at a second distance from the spray nozzle, the second distance being different than the first distance; and an outlet in fluid communication with the adaptor to direct fluid from the first and second bottles out of the dispenser system.

[0007] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method of operating a dispenser system, the dispenser system including a spray nozzle and an adaptor positioned adjacent the spray nozzle, the adaptor including a body having a stepped inner periphery defining a cavity, comprising inserting a first bottle into the cavity of the adaptor; supporting the first bottle with the stepped inner periphery of the adaptor at a first distance from the spray nozzle; spraying fluid from the spray nozzle into the first bottle while the first bottle is supported by the adaptor; removing the first bottle from the adaptor; inserting a second bottle into the cavity of the adaptor; supporting the second bottle with the stepped inner periphery of the adaptor at a second distance from the spray nozzle, the second distance being different than the first distance; and spraying fluid from the spray nozzle into the second bottle while the second bottle is supported by the adaptor.

[0008] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser system embodying the invention.

[0010] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser system shown in Fig. 1.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an adaptor for use with the dispenser system of Fig. 1.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a top view of the adaptor shown in Fig. 3.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser system of Fig. 1, taken along section line 5-5 of Fig. 1 and shown supporting a first bottle.

[0014] Fig. 6 is the cross-sectional view of the dispenser system of Fig. 5, shown supporting a second bottle.

[0015] Fig. 7 is the cross-sectional view of the dispenser system of Figs. 5 and 6, shown supporting a third bottle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Before any embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0017] Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a dispenser system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser system 10 is operable to dispense diluted detergent from a bottle for cleaning applications, although the dispenser system 10 can instead be used to dispense any other type of product desired. In some embodiments (such as the illustrated embodiment), the bottle is partially or entirely supported by the system 10. The system 10 sprays fluid, such as water, into the bottle to dissolve powder, granular, or solid detergent (e.g., in concentrated form) within the bottle. The dissolved detergent may then be dispensed from the system 10 as needed. In other embodiments, the dispenser system 10 may be configured to dispense product stored in the bottle in other forms, such as fluids, semi-fluids (e.g., gels), or granular material for various applications.

[0018] The illustrated dispenser system 10 includes a body 12 shaped to at least partially support the bottle. The body 12 can include a receptacle 14 shaped to receive a portion of the bottle. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 14 is generally bowl-shaped, and is therefore referred to herein simply as bowl 14. However, it will be appreciated that the receptacle 14 can instead have other shapes suitable for perforaiing the receptacle functions described herein. The illustrated dispenser system 10 also has a support ring 18 coupled to the bowl 14. In other embodiments, the support ring 18 can instead be part of (e.g., integrally formed with) the bowl 14. With continued reference to the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser system 10 also includes a spray nozzle 22 (Fig. 2) positioned within the bowl 14, an inlet conduit 26 connected to the spray nozzle 22, and an adaptor 30 positioned within the bowl 14. The bowl 14 defines a chamber 34 formed in an upper surface 38 of the bowl 14, and includes an outlet 42 extending from a lower surface 46. In other embodiments, the outlet 42 can be defined by other elements or structure of the dispenser system 10. The chamber 34 extends downwardly through the bowl 14 toward the outlet 42. The illustrated chamber 34 is generally conically-shaped to receive the adaptor 30 and tapered neck portions of various-sized bottles.

[0019] In some embodiments, the bowl 14 is shaped to at least partially define a recess within which at least a portion of the inlet conduit 26 and/or other fluid delivery elements are received in a recessed fashion. The recess can be located in an inside surface and/or an outside surface of the bowl 14. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a groove 50 is formed in the bowl 14 adjacent the chamber 34, extends radially outward from the chamber 34, and provides clearance for the inlet conduit 26 and a valve 54 (Fig. 2), as further discussed below. [0020] The outlet 42 functions as a drain for the bowl 14, and in the illustrated embodiment is positioned generally below the chamber 34 such that fluid within the chamber 34 collects at and flows out of the bowl 14 through the outlet 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 42 is barbed to facilitate connection of a hose or other conduit to the dispenser system 10 and also includes a threaded portion for connection to threaded fittings, although either of these manners of connection could be used alone. In other embodiments, the outlet 42 may include other types of connectors, such as a quick-connect coupler. In some embodiments, a manually-actuatable valve may additionally or alternatively be coupled to the outlet 42 to selectively dispense fluid from the system 10.

[0021] As shown in Figs. 2 and 5, a mounting plate 58 is coupled to a rear surface 62 of the bowl 14 to facilitate mounting the illustrated dispenser system 10 to a vertical wall or other structure. The illustrated plate 58 is secured to the bowl 14 with threaded fasteners 66, and functions as a hook that engages a corresponding structure on the wall. The illustrated bowl 14 also defines several apertures 70 to facilitate securing the dispenser system 10 to the wall or other structure with, for example, threaded fasteners. In other embodiments, the dispenser system 10 may be mounted to a wall or other structure in any other suitable manner, such as adhesives, hooks, or brackets. In still other embodiments, the dispenser system 10 may be hung from the ceiling or other structure, and in some cases may be freestanding.

[0022] Referring back to Figs. 1 and 2, the illustrated support ring 18 is coupled to the upper surface 38 of the bowl 14 about a perimeter of the chamber 34, and provides additional support for bottles inserted into the chamber 34 of the bowl 14. The illustrated support ring 18 includes a guide portion 74 for positioning and protecting the inlet conduit 26 and the valve 54 within the groove 50 of the bowl 14. In some embodiments, the support ring 18 may be removable from the bowl 14 without the use of tools to facilitate cleaning or servicing the chamber 34, the spray nozzle 22, and/or the adaptor 30.

[0023] With continued reference to the illustrated embodiment, a plate 78 is captured between the support ring 18 and the bowl 14. The plate 78 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque, and in those embodiments in which the plate 78 is transparent or translucent, the plate 78 can enable a user to identify the remaining level of solid or granular material within a supported bottle. Additionally or alternatively, the plate 78 may include markings to identify the brand of the dispenser system 10 and/or the type of product being dispensed by the system 10,

[0024] As shown in Figs. 2 and 5, the illustrated spray nozzle 22 is in communication with a fluid source, such as a potable water line, via the inlet conduit 26. The spray nozzle 22 sprays fluid from the conduit 26 generally upward away from the outlet 42, although other orientations of the spray nozzle 22 are possible based at least in part upon the orientation of the bottle when connected to the dispenser system for dispense of product. Sprayed fluid is directed into the bottle connected to the dispenser system 10 to generally mix with and/or dissolve the material within the bottle. A vacuum breaker 82 in the illustrated embodiment is connected to the inlet conduit 26 upstream of the spray nozzle 22 to inhibit fluid in the dispenser system 10 from flowing back into the fluid source. In other embodiments, any other type of backflow preventer can instead be used as desired.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the spray nozzle 22 is received within and supported by the adaptor 30. Such an arrangement facilitates positioning the spray nozzle 22 apart from the outlet 42 such that the nozzle 22 does not interfere with fluid flow toward the outlet 42. In other embodiments, the spray nozzle 22 may be connected directly to the bowl 14 or any other structure of the dispenser system 10 for proper positioning with respect to bottles connected to the dispenser system 10. In such embodiments, the adaptor 30 may, for example, be positioned within the chamber 34 generally above and adjacent the nozzle 22.

[0026] The valve 54 of the illustrated embodiment is coupled to the inlet conduit 26 to selectively restrict fluid flow through the conduit 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve 54 is a ball valve, although any other suitable valve may alternatively be employed. The illustrated valve 54 includes an actuator or lever 86 that extends into the chamber 34 of the bowl 14, and is normally biased by a torsion spring (not shown) to an extended position, as shown in Fig. 1. In this position, the valve 54 is closed to inhibit fluid flow into the spray nozzle 22 and, thereby, the chamber 34 when a bottle is not present. When a bottle is inserted into the chamber 34, the bottle moves the lever 86 to a retracted position as shown in Fig. 5. In this position, the lever 86 is pushed into the groove 50 against the bias of the spring to open the valve 54 and allow fluid to flow into the spray nozzle 22. In other embodiments, other valve actuating devices (whether actuated by connection of the bottle to the dispenser system 10 or otherwise) can be used to limit or restrict fluid flow to the nozzle 22 when a bottle is not connected to the dispenser system 10. [0027] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the illustrated adaptor 30 includes a generally conical body 90 having a first or upper end portion 94, a second or lower end portion 98, and a plurality of struts 102 extending between the upper and lower end portions 94, 98. As used herein and in the appended claims, references to orientation (e.g., "upper", "lower", etc.) is only for ease of description, and is not intended to limit the possible orientation of the described and/or illustrated structure in use. In the illustrated embodiment, the end portions 94, 98 and the struts 102 are integrally formed as a single piece. In such an embodiment, the body 90 may be molded, cast, machined or otherwise manufactured as a single integral unit (i.e., from a single body of material). In other embodiments, the body 90 may be composed of separate pieces connected together in any suitable manner to form the adaptor 30.

[0028] The upper end portion 94 of the illustrated embodiment includes two radially extending tabs 106, each of which engages a corresponding ledge 110 (Fig. 5) formed on the bowl 14 to position the adaptor 30 within the chamber 34 of the bowl 14. As shown in Fig. 5, the tabs 106 support the adaptor 30 such that a majority of the body 90 is spaced apart from an interior surface 114 of the bowl 14. As an alternative to tabs 106, other elements or features of the adaptor 30 (e.g., a peripheral lip or ledge, radially or axially-extending pins, posts, lugs, or bosses on the adaptor 30, and the like) can be used for supporting the adaptor 30 in place within the bowl 14. Also, threaded fasteners 118 can be used to secure the adaptor 30 in place within the dispenser system 10, such as threaded fasteners 118 extending through the tabs 106 and engaging the ledges 110 to secure the adaptor 30 within the bowl 14 of the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, other suitable fasteners and fastening methods may be employed to secure the adaptor 30 within the bowl 14.

[0029] Referring now to Fig. 5, the illustrated lower end portion 98 of the adaptor defines a first channel 122 and a second channel 126. The first channel 122 includes an opening that receives a portion of the spray nozzle 22 to position the nozzle 22 within the adaptor 30. In some embodiments, the nozzle 22 may be press-fit or glued within the channel 122, although any other manner of securing the nozzle 22 in place with respect to the adaptor 30 can instead be used. The second channel 126 receives a portion of the inlet conduit 26 such that the inlet conduit 26 is connected to and in communication with the nozzle 22 via the first and second channels 122, 126. In other embodiments, the inlet conduit 26 may be connected directly to the spray nozzle 22. [0030] Referring back to Figs. 3 and 4, the illustrated struts 102 are spaced apart around the perimeter of the body 90 in a grill-type arrangement. Apertures between adjacent struts 102 allow fluid to flow out of the adaptor 30 and into the chamber 34 of the bowl 14. Each strut 102 includes an inner surface or periphery 130 that, when taken together, defines a cavity 134 for receiving neck portions of bottles. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 130 of each strut 102 is stepped such that each strut 102 includes a first or uppermost step 138, a second or intermediate step 142, and a third or lowermost step 146. The steps 138, 142, 146 progressively reduce the inner diameter of the cavity 134 from the upper end portion 94 to the lower end portion 98. For example, in some embodiments, the cavity 134 can have an inner diameter Di of at least 74 mm (2.9") at the uppermost step 138. In other embodiments, the inner diameter D _t can be no greater than 76 mm (3.0"). In some embodiments, the cavity 134 can have an inner diameter D ₂ of at least 58 mm (2.3"). In other embodiments, the inner diameter D ₂ can be no greater than 60 mm (2.4"). In some embodiments, the cavity 134 can have an inner diameter D ₃ of at least 44 mm (1.7") at the lowermost step 146. In other embodiments, the inner diameter D ₃ can be no greater than 46 mm (1.8"). In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 134 has an inner diameter Di of approximately 74 mm (2.9") at the uppermost step 138, an inner diameter D ₂ of

approximately 58 mm (2.3") at the intermediate step 142, and an inner diameter D ₃ of approximately 44 mm (1.7") at the lowermost step 146. In other embodiments, each strut 102 may include fewer or more steps and/or the steps 138, 142, 146 may reduce the inner diameter by larger or smaller amounts. In still other embodiments, only some of the struts 102 may include steps.

[0031] The steps 138, 142, 146 of the illustrated embodiment support bottles of different diameters at varying levels or distances from the spray nozzle 22. In the present disclosure, the bottle diameter refers to the diameter of the bottle at the opening or mouth of the bottle. With reference to Fig. 5, by way of example only, the uppermost step 138 in the illustrated embodiment can support bottles (e.g., bottle A) having diameters of at least 77 mm (3.0") and no greater than 96 mm (3.8") at a vertical distance Vi of at least 50 mm (1.9") from the spray nozzle 22. Alternatively, the uppermost step 138 can support the bottles at a vertical distance Vi no greater than 52 mm (2.0") from the spray nozzle 22. As shown in Fig. 6, by way of example only, the intermediate step 142 in the illustrated embodiment can support bottles (e.g., bottle B) having diameters of at least 61 mm (2.4") and no greater than 72 mm (2.8") at a vertical distance V ₂ of at least 38 mm (1.5") from the spray nozzle 22. Alternatively, the intermediate step 142 can support the bottles at a vertical distance D ₂ no greater than 40 mm (1.6") from the spray nozzle 22. As shown in Fig. 7, by way of example only, the lowermost step 146 in the illustrated embodiment can support bottles (e.g., bottle C) having diameters of at least 44 mm (1.7") and no greater than 58 mm (2.3") at a vertical distance V ₃ of at least 28 mm (1.1") from the spray nozzle 22. Alternatively, the lowermost step 146 can support the bottles at a vertical distance D ₃ no greater than 32 mm (1.3") from the spray nozzle 22.

[0032] By supporting different diameter bottles at different distances from the spray nozzle 22, the spray nozzle 22 can remain fixed (e.g., in a stationary position) regardless of what size bottle is connected to the dispenser system 10. That is, the spray pattern or the position of the spray nozzle 22 relative to a bottle opening does not need to be adjusted for each bottle that is inserted into the chamber 34 of the bowl 14.

[0033] In some embodiments, each strut 102 may include a sloped inner surface rather than the illustrated stepped inner surface 130. In such embodiments, the pitch or angle of the slope may be configured such that different diameter bottles are supported at approximately the same distance from the spray nozzle 22 as the adaptor 30 including the steps 138, 142, 146.

[0034] In other embodiments, the adaptor 30 may be part of the bowl 14. That is, the stepped inner surface 130 of the struts 102 may be integrally formed as a single unit on the surface 114 of the bowl 14. Alternatively, the adaptor 30 may permanently fixed to the bowl 14.

[0035] In operation, a first bottle, such as, for example, bottle A shown in Fig. 5, is inserted upside-down into the bowl 14. As the bottle is inserted, the bottle engages the lever 86 of the valve 54, pushing the lever 86 into the groove 50 and opening the valve 54. At least the neck portion of the bottle enters the cavity 134 of the adaptor 30 such that the bottle is supported by the stepped inner surfaces 130 of the struts 102. As shown in Fig. 5, bottle A is supported by the uppermost steps 138 of the struts 102. When the bottle is positioned within the bowl 14, fluid (e.g., water) is directed through the inlet conduit 26 to the spray nozzle 22. The nozzle 22 sprays the fluid into the bottle such that the fluid mixes with and/or dissolves the material in the bottle. Diluted solution (e.g., liquid detergent) then flows out of the bottle and through the gaps between the struts 102 into the chamber 34 of the bowl 14. The solution is then dispensed through the outlet 22 to a hose or other source, as needed. [0036] When it is desired to replace the first bottle (e.g., the bottle is empty or a different type of solution is required), the bottle is removed from the dispenser assembly 10 by lifting the bottle out of the adaptor 30 and the bowl 14. As the bottle is removed, the bottle disengages the lever 86 of the valve 54 such that the torsion spring (not shown) biases the lever back to the extended position (Fig. 1) and closes the valve 54. A second bottle, such as, for example, bottle B shown in Fig. 6 or bottle C shown in Fig. 7, may then be inserted upside-down into the bowl 14 in a manner similar to the first bottle. If bottle B is inserted into the. adaptor 30, the bottle will be supported by the intermediate steps 142 of the struts 102, as shown in Fig. 6. If bottle C is inserted into the adaptor 30, the bottle will be supported by the lowermost steps 146 of the struts 102, as shown in Fig. 7. When either bottle is connected to the dispenser system 10, fluid is directed through the inlet conduit 26 to the spray nozzle 22 to spray the fluid into the bottle.

[0037] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention. For example, although the illustrated adaptor 30 includes a number of struts 102 that are generally parallel an axial direction of the adaptor 30 and that each have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape as shown in the figures, it will be appreciated that the adaptor 30 can have other constructions providing the same or similar bottle-supporting functions described above while still providing the fluid flow through the dispenser system 10 as also described (e.g., fewer or more struts 102, struts having different shapes and sizes, and the like).

[0038] As another example, the illustrated dispenser system 10 has three steps for supporting different bottles having different dimensions and shapes, as described above. In other embodiments different numbers of steps can instead be used for this purpose, such as more than three steps for supporting still more bottles having other shapes and dimensions.

[0039] Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.