FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a dispenser for dispensing a fluid to permit, for example, the dispensing and applying of a finish to a surface in an efficient manner and which utilizes a minimum number of parts in comparsion with conventional dispensing devices.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND A variety of applicators or dispensers are known for applying a fluid to a surface. For example, U. S. Patent 2,187,671, U. S. Patent 2,990,979, and U. S. Patent 4,863,299 from the disclosure each of which is herein incorporated by reference, provide classic conventional examples of an applicating device, an attachment for a floor treating apparatus, and an applicator for liquid floor treatment preparations, respectively. Each of these inventions are characterized by a complex arrangement of structural elements to provide control of flow of fluid through an applicator head but require the control device for controlling the flow of the fluid to the surface to be exposed outside the handle and thus potentially be easily damaged upon striking, for example, an object when in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser for the purpose of dispensing an applying finish in an efficient process while avoiding the above-noted drawbacks of the prior art. A further object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing apparatus which utilizes the minimum number of parts necessary for operation while providing adequate protection for each portion thereof so as to not be easily damaged when in use, yet also permitting efficient dispensing of fluid for application, for example, on a surface for controlling the dispensing of fluid from a tank.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an efficient method for dispensing of fluid from a tank mounted on a handle while utilizing a minimum number of steps in operation of the device. A further object of the present invention is to provide an effective pinch valve device easily controlled dispensing a fluid from a tank containing such fluid which utilizes a lever operable by hand so as to require less effort to operate and eliminate hand fatigue associated with known methods, while creating an inexpensive dispenser so as to permit either continuous use or selective use of the fluid by controlling dispensing of the fluid from the tank.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser for dispensing a fluid, which comprises a hollow handle member, a pinch valve member movably positioned in the hollow handle member, a tank mounted on the handle for containing the fluid for being applied to a surface, and a conduit for selectively communicating the fluid to the surface, the pinch valve being engageable with an outer surface portion of the conduit for controlling flow of the fluid therethrough.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for dispensing a fluid which comprises movably positioning a pinch valve member within a hollow handle, mounting a tank on a handle for controlling the flow of the fluid being applied to a surface and connecting a conduit to the tank for selectively communicating the fluid from the tank to the surface by actuation of the pinch valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The sole figure shows a dispensing apparatus utilized in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As illustrated in the sole figure of the present invention, the present invention utilizes a dispensing apparatus such as a mop or other applicator which has an extension spring 1, a hand lever 2, a control rod 3, and a mop handle 4 (i. e. valve housing) wherein the extension spring 1 is mounted within the handle 4, the control rod 3 and the hand lever 2 being mounted to the exterior surface of the handle 4. Also shown is a bottle or tank 5 containing fluid to be applied to a surface, for example, via a flexible tubing or conduit 6 that is connected to an outlet portion of the tank 5, the flexible tubing or conduit extending from an opening located in the lower portion of the tank 5 and extending partially within the handle at a position in proximity with a pinch ball 7 which, in a non-operating position of the dispensing apparatus preventing flow of fluid through the conduit, normally closed, is engaged with the conduit 6 so as to prevent flow therethrough. Also shown is a flat mop frame 8, a mop 9, a T-shaped flow member 10, and at least one rigid tube 11 extending therefrom which is provided with dispensing holes 12. A removable cap 13 provided on the tank is for adding fluid thereto when necessary and the hollow mop handle is provided with an engaging member 14 which maintains the spring 1 under compression but releases spring 1 upon operation of hand lever 2 when moved towards the handle 4 so as to permit upward extension of control rod 3.

Control rod 3 is connected to pinch ball 7 such that upward movement of the control rod 3 by extension spring 1 biases engaging member 14 upward so as to disengage pinch ball 7 from conduit 6 and thus opens the conduit 6 for flow therethrough. Also shown in the Figure is a securing member 15 which passes through an opening provided in the hand lever 2 which, when moved in an upward direction by the lever 2, permits the extension spring 1 to no longer be under compression by engaging member 14 being moved in an upward direction and thus moving control rod 3 in the upward direction and releasing pinch ball 7 from engagement with conduit 6.

As can be appreciated from a review of the sole figure, the above-noted arrangement of parts permits the pinch ball 7 to be located within the hollow mop handle which therefore provides pinch control of the conduit 6 in such a way as to not be easily accidentally dislodged by striking an object upon movement of the mop. In addition, since the bottle or tank 5 is removably positioned on the mop handle, such can easily be removed, if necessary, and be replaced by a substitute tank once all the fluid contained therein has been used, or can be refilled upon removal of the cap 13.

As previously mentioned, the dispenser was developed for the purpose of dispensing and applying a finish in a safe and effective process, but it is understood that such could be used for dispensing fluid for any purpose other than applying to a finish to a floor, for example. Thus, while being initially designed for efficiently and reliably dispensing any liquid solution or fluid to a mop or pad, such also has applicability to the control of fluids flowing through any conduit by utilizing the simple, yet unique dispensing apparatus of the present invention which can be manufactured at a relatively low price.

The tube utilized for the mop handle 4 comprise a hollow tube made of, for example, aluminum which is provided with a one liter plastic blow-molded tank or bottle 5 that is formed to fit around the mop handle 4. Although larger or smaller tanks are possible, fluid stored in the bottle or tank 5 flows from the tank via the external plastic tube or conduit 6 which extends into the hollow mop handle as shown and then exits the handle for communication to the mop 9. Inside the handle 4, the tube 6 is either squeezed by the valve 7 (i. e. the closed position) or is released from contacting the tube, allowing the tube to resume its normal shape (i. e. the open position) so as to permit solution to flow therethrough. Within a short distance from the valve 7, the tube of conduit 6 extends downward to the T-shaped flow member 10 and to the flat mop head assembly. Once fluid enters member 10, it splits into two horizontal legs 11 mounted on frame 8, each of which is provided with several small exit or outlet holes 12. This provides separate streams of the solution that drip directly onto the flat finish mop yams for continuous supply of fluid to the rotor. The hand lever 2 rather than a conventional button thus controls the flow of fluid.

The resulting dispenser thus provides a solution to the need for a continuous flow of fluid and can also provide selective engagement and disengagement of the pinch ball, the operation stopping only to replace the tank or to refill the tank when empty. It is noted that downward movement of securing member 15 and engaging member manually can serve to downwardly move control rod 3 and pinch valve 7 so as to quickly and reliably stop flow of fluid through the flexible tubing or conduit 6. As a result, time traditionally taken to recharge the mop head by use of a bucket of fluid and a ringer is no longer necessary.

The lightweight head assembly being flat and rigid allows for accurate cut-ins and easy maneuverability which is beneficial when working in small areas. Large open areas can also be treated utilizing a"S"stroke for maximum rate of coverage.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the dispenser or finish applicator in accordance with the present invention is unique in that it allows the pinch valve 7 to control fluid flow in a manner different than any used heretofore. Such construction is thus simple and permits a spring-loaded rod with a round ball (or other desired shape) or pinch valve 7 to be attached thereto which are each contained inside the hollow mop handle 4. With the spring 7 normally compressed, it serves to push the pinch ball 7 downward against the contained tubing inside the handle. Thus, pinch ball 7 can be maintained in the normally closed position. When the spring force provided by extension spring 1 under compression is removed or released and the control rod is upwardly biased, the ball 7 is retracted away from the tube and the fluid is allowed to flow to the mop head. Thus, while other applicators have been utilized having a pinch-type valve, none have been incorporated into the mop handle itself and used as an integral part of the valve. The mop handle holds the fluid tubing in a fixed position as it enters the handle hollow interior. Such handle also acts as a seal point needed to effectively close the fluid tube or conduit. At this precise spot, for example, a three-quarters inch diameter ball 7 under spring pressure located inside the handle makes contact with the fluid tube or conduit 6 and pinches it against the interior surface of the handle 4. This resulting combination of components creates an effective pinch valve device.

A further advantage of the present invention is that such a device is enhanced by the handle lever 2 for controlling dispensing. Typically other applicators have had the dispensing controlled by a thumb-operated button or threaded device. However, buttons require excessive force and repetitive motion, thus creating hand fatigue for the operator. The threaded devices have proved to be rather awkward to be operated and do not allow for quick and repeated on/off dispensing, as best suited for an applicator. Cut-off flow, if desired, in accordance with the present invention, can occur by manually pushing the cap member 14 located at the upper end of the rod downward towards the top of the handle 4.

The actuator thus comprises a long lever 2 that can fit in the palm of an operator's hand which is located at the top of the mop handle 4. Since such is in the form of a lever rather than a push button, such requires less effort to operate and eliminates hand fatigue associated with previous methods. Such also creates an upward direction opening of the flexible tubing or conduit 6 as needed for the pinch valve to properly operate.

A further advantage of the present invention is that fluid containing parts that may need cleaning are all exposed and can be removed without tools. These parts are also inexpensive and, if needed, can be discarded rather than being cleaned or refilled.

All the foregoing serves to set forth the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it is understood that other structure may be utilized rather than a ball valve, it being understood that obvious structural equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.