Liquid Dispenser

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to liquid dispensers and more particularly to liquid dispensers that are activated by the rise and fall of a level of water in a reservoir or cup of an apparatus during the spray action of the wash arm of a dishwasher.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Domestic dishwashing machines are typically supplied with a rinse additive by one of two means. The first is through a solid rinse additive that is eroded during a spray cycle of the dishwashing machine, thereby providing a rinse additive solution to the water in the dishwashing machine. Other domestic washing machines, typically the top of the line models, have a built-in liquid rinse additive dispenser. The rinse additive dispenser is wired to a timer in the dishwashing machine to inject a pre-set amount of liquid rinse additive into the final rinse to minimize spotting and enhance drying.

The liquid rinse dispensers may fail after several years of use. In high/hard solids water, the user may notice a deterioration of the washing results immediately, but in softer waters, it may take a number of cycles for the deterioration of results to show up when the dispenser fails. As a result, many rinse additive injectors are neglected, resulting in the rinse additive not being added to the dishwashing machines with the resultant increase in spotting and filming and longer drying. Further, it is costly to have a repairman come into the house to service the malfunctioning dispenser, so often the use of the liquid rinse additive dispensers are discontinued by many users.

To date, applicant is unaware of any suitable liquid dispensers for rinse additive for use with a dishwashing machine which may be readily installed by the user. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,226,096, issued Dec. 24, 1940 to N. W. Halsey, a detergent dispenser for washing machines is disclosed. The detergent dispenser is activated by the water in the washing machine. However, the dispenser is not adapted for repetitive dispensing of detergent without refills after each use.

In a non-related field, that of dispensing a concentrated liquid into a tank of a toilet, dispensers are used to repeatedly dispense a small level of liquid with each flush of the toilet. One example of such a dispenser is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,524, issued Oct. 15, 1974 to Arvard Easter. The automatic liquid dispenser is for an inverted bottle of concentrated liquid. The dispenser has a top seal and a bottom seal, such that when the float is lowered the bottom seal opens, allowing the liquid within a hollow member to be dispensed. At the same time, the top seal is closing, preventing additional liquid from entering into the hollow member.

The present invention is a liquid dispenser for dispensing a liquid from a reservoir to a dispensing location. The dispenser includes a dispenser head member adapted for engaging the reservoir. The head member has a bore having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is proximate the reservoir and the second opening is proximate the dispensing location. A stem member is slideably mounted in the bore of the head member. Also provided is a means for moving the stem member between a filling position and a dispensing position. The stem member has a measuring cavity in fluid communication with the reservoir when in the filling position wherein the liquid enters the measuring cavity. The measuring cavity dispenses a given volume of the liquid from the measuring chamber when in the dispensing position. When in a position intermediate the dispensing and filling positions, the measuring cavity is enclosed by the head member. A first seal is cooperatively connected to the stem member and positioned above the measuring chamber. A second seal is cooperatively connected to the stem member and positioned below the measuring chamber, whereby the first seal is engaged when the stem member is at its lowest position and the second seal is engaged when the stem member is in its uppermost position.

In a preferred embodiment, the means for moving the stem member is activated by the spray of water during a cycle in a dishwasher. In one embodiment, a cup is cooperatively connected to the bottom portion of the stem member. The cup has an open top for receiving water from the spray action of the dishwasher. At the bottom of the cup is a hole to allow water to drain out of the cup. Water enters the opening at the top of the cup faster than water flows out of the hole, thereby accumulating water in the cup, causing the stem to move downward. A return spring is cooperatively connected to the upper portion of the stem member to provide a return force to bring the stem to its upper position after water has drained out of the opening of the cup.

In a second embodiment, the dispensing action is 180.degree. out of phase with that of the first embodiment. That is, the spray action of the dishwasher causes the stem member to move upward and upon the completion of the wash action, the stem member moves downward, to the dispensing position. In the second embodiment, a float is cooperatively connected to the bottom of the stem member. Encompassing the float is a housing for the accumulation of water from the spray action of the dishwasher. Therefore, depending upon at which time in the cycle a person wishes to dispense the product, either the first or second embodiment may be used.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser incorporating my present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the dispenser of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the dispenser in FIG. 3.

Referring to the drawing, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, there is generally disclosed at 10 a liquid dispenser. The dispenser 10 includes a dispenser head member 11 having a top opening 12. The opening 12 has threaded members 13 adapted to receive the threaded neck 14 of the supply bottle 15. The product 16 to be dispensed is contained in the supply bottle 15. An o-ring 17 is positioned at the bottom of the opening 12 to further create a seal between the head member 11 and bottle 15.

A bore 18 extends through the head member 11. The bore 18 has a first opening 18a proximate the supply bottle/reservoir 15 and a second opening 18b proximate the location where the product 16 is dispensed.

A stem member 19 has a first end 19a and a second end 19b. The stem member 19 has a bore 20 that extends from its first end 19a to a measuring cavity 21. A first seal 22 is cooperatively connected to an indentation 23 above the measuring cavity 21. A second seal 24 is cooperatively connected to a second indentation 25 below the measuring cavity 21. The first seal 22 is identical to the second seal 24, except for its orientation. The first seal 22 has the umbrella portion 22a positioned upward, while the second seal 24 has the umbrella portion 24a positioned downward. The base portions 22b and 24b have an outer diameter that is equal to or slightly less than the inner diameter of the bore 18. The umbrella portion 22a and 24a has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the bore 18, so that the seals 22 and 24 may effect a seal over the openings 18a and 18b. Each seal 22 and 24 has an opening 22c and 24c extending through the seal. The seal is of a structurally flexible material and the openings 22c and 24c are simply expanded to slip over the stem 19 down to the indentations 23 and 25. The seals 22 and 24 are made of a material resistant to the product 16 to be dispensed. The base portions 22b and 24b then are positioned over the indentations 23 and 25. An adjusting rod 26 is slideable inside of the bore 20 and can extend into the measuring cavity 21. The volume of the measuring cavity 21 that is able to be filled with liquid can therefore be adjusted by moving the adjusting rod 26 up and down inside of the bore 20. A knob 27 is attached to the top of the adjusting rod 26 to provide for easy adjustment of the height of the adjusting rod 26. The adjusting rod has a friction fit in the bore 20 so when the adjusting rod is moved up and down, friction will hold the rod 26 in place. A return spring 28 is positioned around the stem 19 and its bottom end 28b is seated in an annular groove 29 in the head member 11. A retaining collar 30 is placed over the stem 19 and secured from further upward movement by snap ring 31. An annular groove 30a is provided on the underneath side of the retaining collar 30 and provides a seat 30a for the top end 28a of the return spring 28.

A venting passageway 32 extends through the head member 11. The first end 32a of the vent passage 32 is open to atmospheric air and the second end 32b terminates at the top opening 12. A vent tube 33 is inserted into the second end 32b to extend the vent passageway to the top of the bottle 15, as viewed in FIG. 2. The vent tube 33 has an inner bore 33a so that atmospheric air is able to enter the first end 32a and enter that portion of the bottom 15 that does not have product 16 in it. The vent tube 33 simply has a friction fit in the vent passageway 32 and does provide a liquid tight seal when it is inserted into the first end 32b.

The head member 11 is cooperatively connected to a mounting bracket 34 by means of two screws 35. The head member 11 is mounted such that the stem member 19 is free to pass up and down through a slot 34a in the mounting bracket 34. A bottom plate 36 is cooperatively connected to the mounting bracket 34 by screws 37 and nuts 38. The mounting plate 38 is adapted to be placed in a dishwasher, such as on the bottom dishwashing rack so that the dispenser 10 is positioned in an upright position, as shown in FIG. 1 in the dishwasher. A cup 39 is cooperatively connected to the bottom of the stem member 19 by means of screw 40 and washer 41. The stem member 19 has a threaded hole in which the screw 40 is inserted. The cup 39 has an open top 39a and a bottom opening 39b.

In a second embodiment liquid dispenser 110 is provided that has a dispensing cycle 180.degree. out of phase as that described in the first embodiment of the liquid dispenser 10. The dispenser 110 includes a dispenser head member 111 having a top opening 112. The opening 112 has threaded members 113 adapted to receive the threaded neck 114 of a supply bottle 115. The product 116 to be dispensed is contained in the supply bottle 115. An o-ring 117 is positioned at the bottom of the opening 112 to further create a seal between the head member 11 and bottle 115.

A bore 118 extends through the head member 111. The bore 118 has a first opening 118a proximate the supply bottle/reservoir 115 and a second opening 118b proximate the location where the product 116 is dispensed.

A stem member 119 has a first end 119a and a second end 119b. The stem member 119 has a bore 120 that extends from its first end 119a to a measuring cavity 121. A first seal 122 is cooperatively connected to an indentation 123 above the measuring cavity 121. The first seal 122 is identical to the second seal 124, except for its orientation. The first seal 122 has an umbrella portion 122a positioned upward, while the second seal 124 has the umbrella portion 124a positioned downward. The base portions 122b and 124b have an outer diameter that is equal to or slightly less than the inner diameter of the bore 118. The umbrella portion 122a and 124a has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the bore 118, so that the seals 122 and 124 may effect a seal over the openings 118a and 118b. Each seal 122 and 124 has an opening 122c and 124c extending through the seal. The seal is of a structurally flexible material and the openings 122c and 124c are simply expanded to slip over the stem 119 down to the indentations 123 and 125. The seals 122 and 124 are made of a material resistant to the product 116 to be dispensed. The base portions 122b and 124b are positioned over the indentations 123 and 125. An adjusting rod 126 is slideable inside of the bore 120 and can extend into the measuring cavity 121. The volume of the measuring cavity 121 that is able to be filled with liquid can therefore be adjusted by moving the adjusting rod 126 up and down inside the bore 120. A knob 127 is attached to the top of the adjusting rod 126 to provide for easy adjustment of the height of the adjusting rod 126. The adjusting rod has a friction fit in the bore 120 so when the adjusting rod is moved up and down, friction will hold the rod 126 in place.

A venting passageway 132 extends through the head member 111. The first end 132a of the vent passage 132 is open to atmospheric air and the second end 132b terminates at the top opening 112. A vent tube 133 is inserted into the second end 132b to extend the vent passageway to the top of the bottle 115, as viewed in FIG. 3. The vent tube 133 has an inner bore 133a so that atmospheric air is able to enter the first end 132a and enter that portion of the bottle 115 that does not have product 116 in it. The vent tube 133 simply has a friction fit in the vent passageway 132 and does provide a liquid tight seal when it is inserted into the first end 132b.

A cup 150 having an open top 150b and a threaded collar 150a is provided and is adapted to be placed in a dishwasher, such as the bottom dishwashing rack so that the dispenser 110 is positioned in an upright position, as shown in FIG. 3, in the dishwasher. The cup 150 also has a discharge opening 150c. The head member 111 is cooperatively connected to a cross support bracket 151. The cross support bracket has a flange 150a having threads 151b such that the cross support bracket may be secured to the cup 150 by simply screwing the cross support bracket threads 151b to the collar 150a. The width of the cross support bracket 151 may be any suitable width, as long as it provides proper support for the upper portion of the dispenser 110 and does not completely cover up the open top 150b of the cup 150. The head member 111 is cooperatively connected to the cross support member 151 by any suitable means. The cross support bracket 151 has an opening 151c so that the first end 132a of vent passageway 132 is open to atmospheric air and the stem member 119 is free to move up and down inside of the opening 151c. The stem member 119 is cooperatively connected to a float 152 by means of a screw 153. The float 152 has a top member 152a and downwardly depending sides 152b. The float 152 has an open bottom 152c.

An open top discharge spout 154 is cooperatively connected to the stem member 119. This may be done in any suitable manner, such as having an opening in the spout 154 and simply sliding it around the stem member 119. As will be more fully discussed hereinafter, the spout 154 directs the product 116 that is being dispensed. Two wire members 155 are cooperatively connected to the cup 150. The spout 154 is positioned between the two wire members 155 to direct the discharge of the inclined spout 154. The two wire members 155 may be a one piece unit as shown in FIG. 4 with a cross member connecting them or two separate wires. As shown in FIG. 4, the wire members 155 are simply inserted through holes in the cup 150 and the cross member 155a holds the wires 155 in place.

It can be seen that the upper portion of the dispenser 110, that is that portion above the head member 111, is nearly identical to the upper portion of the dispenser 10, except for the lack of a return spring 28, collar 30, ring 31 and groove 29.

In operation, the dispenser 10 is placed inside of a dishwasher with the dispenser 10 resting on the base plate 38 on a dishwashing rack, or other suitable location. When the dispenser 10 is first placed in the dishwasher, there is no water in the cup 39. Therefore, the force of the spring 28 forces the stem member 19 upward. In this position, the product 16 flows into the measuring cavity 21, at least a portion of which is above the head member 11. The volume of the measuring cavity 21 may be adjusted by the movement up and down of the adjusting rod 26. The rod will take up a varying amount of space, depending upon its position, thereby reducing the volume that may be filled up by the product 16. When in the filling position, the bottom seal 24 seals against the opening 18b, preventing any leakage that may occur due to the dispenser 10 sitting in the filling position for a long period of time. Upon the activation of a spraying cycle in a dishwasher, water from the spraying arm of the dishwasher enters the top 39a of the cup 39. The water accumulates inside of the cup 39 because water is entering the top 39a faster than it exits the bottom opening 39b. After a sufficient amount of water has entered the cup to overcome the force of the spring 28, the cup 39 moves downward, sliding the stem member 19 downward within the bore 18. When the stem 19 is in a position intermediate the dispensing and filling positions, the measuring chamber 21 is enclosed by the head member 11. The tolerance between the outer diameter of the stem 19 around the measuring cavity 21 is very close to the diameter of the bore 18. Therefore, there is no leakage through the bore 18. The tolerance to which the outer diameter of the stem 19 and the bore 18 is typically within 0.002 inch. Due to the viscocity of the product to be dispensed, a rinse additive, the tolerance of 0.002 inch does not allow for leakage around the stem member 19. As the stem member 19 continues downward at least a portion of the measuring cavity 21 exits the head member 11, thereby allowing the product 16 to exit the measuring cavity 21. The product 16 is thereby dispensed into the cup 39 and exits along with the water through the bottom opening 39b. When the spraying cycle stops, the water and product 16 exit the bottom 39b and the force of the spring overcomes the weight of the cup only and the stem member moves upward to its filling position again. The cycle is then ready to be repeated upon the next spray action in the dishwashing machine. In a preferred embodiment, the supply bottle 15 is translucent such that it will be readily ascertainable to the user when it is necessary to add more rinse additive to the dispenser 10. The user will be able to be aware of the proper operation of the dispenser as it is in plain sight in the dishwasher, as opposed to the prior art dispensers that were located in the door of the machine.

The venting system allows for maintaining atmospheric pressure within the bottle 15 while preventing any water from backing up into the reservoir 15 through the venting passageway 32 and bore 33a.

In operation, the dispenser 110 is placed inside of a dishwasher with the dispenser 110 resting on the cup 150 on a dishwashing rack, or other suitable location. When the dispenser 110 is first placed in the dishwasher, there is no water 156 in the cup 150. Therefore, the weight of the cup has the stem member 119 in a downward dispensing position. As the spray action of a dishwashing machine is initiated, the water 156 from the spray arm enters the open top 150b of the cup 50 at a rate faster than the water 156 can exit the discharge opening 150c. Therefore, the water level rises inside of the cup 150. As the water level rises, air is trapped inside of the float 152 and the float rises with the rise of water level in the cup 150. The rise of the float 152 causes the stem member 159 to move upward to a filling position. In the filling position, the product 116 flows into the measuring cavity 121, at least a portion of which is above the head member 111. The volume of the measuring cavity 121 may be adjusted by movement up and down of the adjusting rod 126. When in the filling position, the bottom seal 124 seals against the opening 118b. When the spraying cycle in the dishwasher ceases, water will cease coming in the open top 150b and the water level will descend as the water exits the discharge opening 150c. As the float 152 lowers itself with the lowering of the water level, the stem member 119 is moved downward to a dispensing position. When the stem 119 is in a position intermediate the dispensing and filling position, the measuring chamber 121 is enclosed by the head member 111. The stem member 119 and bore 118 have tolerances similar to those discussed for the dispenser 10. As the stem member 119 continues downward, at least a portion of the measuring cavity 121 exits the head member 111, thereby allowing the product 116 to exit the measuring cavity 121. The product 116 is thereby dispensed onto the open top of the downwardly inclined spout 154. The spout 154 directs the product 116 around the float 152 and the product 116 is dropped into the cup 150. The cycle is then ready to be repeated upon the next spray action in the dishwashing machine. In a preferred embodiment, the supply bottle 115 is translucent.

The venting system allows for maintaining atmospheric pressure within the bottle 115 while preventing any water from backing up into the reservoir 115 through the vending passageway 132 and bore 133a.

Other modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. This description is intended to provide specific examples of individual embodiments which clearly disclose the present invention. Accordingly, the inventions are not limited to these embodiments or the use of elements having specific configurations and shapes as presented herein. All alternative modifications and variations of the present invention which follow in the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims are included.