Portable unit and wall unit dispensers and method of dispensing with timer

Abstract
The invention includes a first dispenser for providing a first dilute concentrate of a use solution in a bottle. This bottle is then used in a portable delivery/dilution device which provides for a second level of concentration of the use solution. The bottles in which the solution is placed has both a vertical and horizontal lockout. The horizontal lockout is useful in making certain the right bottles are utilized with each dispenser and the vertical lockouts are useful in guiding the bottle upwards as the first concentration of liquid is placed in the bottle. The portable delivery/dilution system is easily portable, easily filled with water which can be easily poured from a system after use. The battery is rechargeable and can be used in most any application where spraying is desired. First and second timers activate first and second indicators to notify the user sufficient use solution has been dispensed.
Description




FIELD OF THE INVENTION




The invention relates to a fully integrated dilution station using a unique combination of mechanical, electrical and liquid elements in a station that combines a diluent with a liquid concentrate to form a composition that is sprayed or formed onto a surface. The dilution station can also pump and spray the aqueous diluent as a spray rinse. The dilution station has a container for the aqueous diluent that is designed and configured to be fillable from a tub spout and to be easily emptied without disassembly when cleaning is finished. The integrated unit has one, two or more sources of liquid concentrate and an associated venturi for diluting and spraying each concentrate. The integrated system is powered by a portable power source such as an electric pump and a rechargeable battery having sufficient electrical capacity to enable a custodial or maintenance personnel to complete a substantial number of cleaning tasks between recharging or replacing the batteries. The invention also relates to the use of a two-directional lockout. Further, the invention utilizes a primary dilution apparatus and the portable unit which acts as a secondary dilution apparatus. Further, the invention may utilize one or more timing circuits for use in training operators and optimizing use of the invention.




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




In hospitality, hospital and other residential room maintenance, a substantial amount of time is spent by individual maintenance personnel in cleaning bathroom surfaces such as shower stalls, bathtubs, mirrors, vanities and stools. Bathroom maintenance is commonly conducted on a daily basis if the bathroom is in use. Bathroom maintenance can occupy up to 50% of the time required to complete the daily cleaning of the typical hospitality unit. Cleaning a bathroom is highly labor intensive and involves numerous steps in removing gross soils such as paper products including tissues, spills, shampoo, toothpaste containers, etc. After the initial preparation, maintenance personnel apply cleaners from aerosol or pump sprayers to the surfaces in the bathroom. Cloths, scrubbers, brushes, etc. are then used to apply mechanical action to the surfaces and cleaning materials to remove surface soil. Once the cleaners and soils have been applied by the maintenance personnel, the surfaces are often rinsed and manually dried. Such a procedure is time intensive and, under time pressure, often maintenance personnel reduce attention or can skip one or more steps leaving an incompletely cleaned unit. In bathroom maintenance, cleaning materials are most commonly applied using pressurized aerosol sprays and hand pump sprayers. Rinse water is typically taken from the sink or tub and cleaning cloths, scrub brushes and scrub pads are used to implement soil removal. These maintenance problems are present in maintaining public restrooms in service stations, theaters and other comfort and equivalent locations of public access. Further, institutional and commercial restaurant spaces require at least daily cleaning and maintenance. Further, entryways, windows, food and beverage manufacturing facilities, surgical suites, examining rooms and other locations require cleaning that involve extensive, time-consuming, manual cleaning.




A number of spray systems are known. A large number of systems that can provide a diluted product in a spray form from a concentrate and a diluent have been used in a number of applications. Such systems dispense varied products including adhesives, insecticides, coatings, lubricants and many other varied aqueous and non-aqueous materials. Such products are often blended on site from reactive or non-reactive chemicals and liquid diluents or extenders. In large part, these systems deliver large quantities of materials, have substantially high pressure apparatus that can dispense and are used in painting, agricultural or automotive applications. Such relatively high volume, high pressure pump sprayers are a widely utilized apparatus, for applying a variety of materials, that pose substantial operating problems. The systems are hard to move, difficult to fill, are not applicable to hard surface cleaners or rinse systems, often cannot simply dilute a concentrate, often require a predetermined mix of chemicals, use high pressure pumps, specialized lines and spray apparatus. Levy, U.S. Pat. No. 3,680,786 teaches a mobile cleaning apparatus on a roller frame having an undifferentiated pump and spray portion and a complex system for blending and dispensing liquid materials. Luvisotto, U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,255 discloses a self-contained mobile spraying apparatus for herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers and others including an undifferentiated pump and spray system. Fiegel et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,223 disclose an apparatus for cleaning interior surfaces that is a large ungainly device having an undifferentiated pump and spray portion in a non-refillable source of aqueous diluent. Other spraying devices are disclosed in Park et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,182,491 which discloses a spraying apparatus including a compressed air source, an undifferentiated source of diluent, etc. Horvath, U.S. Pat. No. 3,964,689 discloses a spray apparatus for dispensing a variety of substances. Coleman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,208,013 describes a portable chemical spraying apparatus with a disposable container using compressed air and a preselected chemical composition. Park et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,900,165 disclose a hand carrier spraying apparatus using pressurized air. Phillips, U.S. Pat. No. 3,454,042 discloses a portable car wash machine using an external water source. Hill, U.S. Pat. No. 3,894,690 describes a complex spraying system for mixing water and a variety of chemicals.




Clark et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,454 discloses a self-contained apparatus, that cannot be easily filled and emptied, used for admixing a plurality of liquids. Further, the pumping section does not contain a differentiated wet and dry portion separating the battery pump and wiring from the wet side of the pump tubing and connectors. Clontz, U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,900 discloses a self-contained battery operated spray unit and method for using the same for cleaning air conditioners. The system comprises containers that are not easily fillable and emptiable and further contains an undifferentiated spray and pumping section in which there is no defined wet and dry portion.




A substantial need exists to improve cleaning processes in the hospitality bathroom and other similar locations of daily manual maintenance. A substantial need exists to reduce the time and effort required to complete such a cleaning process. A substantial improvement in the application of cleaners to hard surfaces is needed to ensure that each bathroom is cleaned satisfactorily for the user. Further, any improvement in productivity will be welcomed by the guests and hotel management.




In addition, the concentrate that is used for cleaning or other purposes is diluted, depending upon the application, cleaning standards of the user, hardness of the water, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically adjust the concentration level of the use solution being dispensed from the portable cleaning system. A typical hotel or similar establishment may have up to fifteen to thirty portable units that are being used u simultaneously. If it is necessary to adjust the concentrate level of each portable unit, this is a very time consuming process, expensive, and subject to quality control issues. To make the individual units easily adjustable by the user is not an easy task and leaves open the possibility of having incorrectly adjusted units. Therefore, a system which would adjust for such changes in concentration is needed. The present invention addresses these problems and provides for a two-step dilution method and apparatus for accomplishing this task.




In addition, it is recognized that the invention has applicability to many other areas where the ability to control the concentration of a chemical, or two or more chemicals, through a variety of secondary devices. There are many cleaning and coating product systems which are water dilutable or extendable to which the present application would be applicable. These would include car cleaning and spotting, carpet cleaning and spotting, glass and window cleaning, building exterior applications, airplane cleaning and maintenance, fungicide, disinfectant and insecticide applications, pest elimination spraying, lawn and garden, animal care and application of product for animate surfaces. It is applicable to most spraying applications where portability is helpful.




In addition, there is often a large turnover in the cleaning personnel who utilize any cleaning equipment. In applying any cleaning agents, it is necessary that enough cleaning agents actually be utilized to fully clean bathtub, shower, sink, etc. However, the over application of too much cleaning agents will only result in increased costs with very little added benefit of doing a better cleaning job.




BRIEF DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION




The present invention is a method of dispensing a cleaning solution from a delivery apparatus having first and second timers and first and second indicators. The method includes dispensing a cleaning solution. First and second timers are energized upon the dispensing of the cleaning solution. The cleaning solution is continued to be dispensed at least until the first indicator, operated by the first timer, is activated, thereby indicating sufficient cleaning solution has been dispensed, wherein the second indicator will be operated, after the first indicator is operated, thereby giving another indication that sufficient cleaning solution has been dispensed.




The invention is also a system for dispensing a final concentrate of product dispensed by multiple delivery units. The system includes a first dispenser having an aspirator having a liquid diluent inlet, and inlet for liquid concentrate and an outlet for a first dilute solution. The aspirator is readily modifiable for varying the concentration of the first dilute solution. A valve is operatively connected to the aspirator for controlling flow of the liquid diluent from a source of liquid diluent to the aspirator inlet. A first bottle receives the first dilute solution from the aspirator outlet. A portable self-contained delivery/dilution unit comprises the first bottle of the first dilute solution, a fillable and emptiable reservoir containing liquid diluent, an aspirator having a setting for delivering out its outlet a second dilute solution, a pump to control flow into and out of the aspirator and a spray member in fluid communication with the outlet of the aspirator, wherein the second dilute solution is dispensed by a user. The unit is useable by a respective user and wherein a concentration of second dilute solution in each portable unit is controllable by a concentration of the first dilute solution which is readily modified, thereby allowing different concentrations to be used by the portable units without modifying the portable units. In a preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises first and second timers which activate first and second indicators to notify the user regarding the liquid solution that has been dispensed.




The invention is also a portable self-contained dispensing system that contacts surfaces with a first liquid spray followed by a second spray. The system includes a fillable and emtiable container for a volume of aqueous diluent of less than 10 liters. A dilution section has a drive portion and a wet portion. The wet portion includes a venturi and a wet portion of a pump, wherein a pump intake is in liquid communication between the container and a pump inlet. A pump outlet is in liquid communication between the pump and the venturi. The venturi including a concentrate inlet and the venturi in liquid communication with an outlet. The drive portion of the station includes a battery, drive portion of the pump and sufficient wiring to power the pump. A source of concentrate in liquid communication with the concentrate inlet of the venturi is provided. A spray means is in separate liquid communication with the venturi outlet and another outlet, comprising a valve that can select either a first liquid spray or a second liquid spray, wherein the pump has a pumping capacity of up to about 2,000 to 3,000 mL per second and the system, with the container filled with an effective amount of diluent, weighs less than 7 kg. A first timer is energized by activation of the portable system and a first indicator is operatively connected to the first timer, wherein when the first timer has expired, the first indicator will notify the user sufficient second dilute solution has been dispensed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention also includes a second timer energized by activation of the portable system. A second indicator is operatively connected to the second timer, wherein when the second timer has expired, the second indicator will notify the user sufficient second dilute solution has been dispensed.




The invention is also a portable self-contained dispensing system which includes a fillable and emptiable container for holding an aqueous diluent. A dilution section is operatively connected to the container and includes a pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the container and an outlet in fluid communication with first and second aspirators, each aspirator having an inlet and outlet. A power source is operatively connected to the pump. A first source of concentrate is in fluid communication with the inlet of the aspirator and a second source of concentrate is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second aspirator. A spray member is in fluid communication with the first and second aspirator outlets. A first bottle holds the first concentrate and a second bottle holds the second concentrate. A valve controls the fluid flow from the first and second aspirators, wherein the pump pressurizes flow from both aspirators and the valve locks flow through one of the aspirators as the other of the aspirators operates. A first timer is energized by activation of the portable system and a first indicator is operatively connected to the first timer, wherein when the first timer has expired, the first indicator will notify the user sufficient second dilute solution has been dispensed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention also includes a second timer energized by activation of the portable system. A second indicator is operatively connected to the second timer, wherein when the second timer has expired, the second indicator will notify the user sufficient second dilute solution has been dispensed.











BRIEF DISCUSSION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is an isometric view of one embodiment of the apparatus of the invention. The assembled system is shown with the container, the dilution section having a wet and dry portion and the spray head;





FIG. 2

is an exploded isometric view of the components of the dilution system of the invention.

FIG. 2

shows the container for the aqueous diluent, the wet and dry portion of the dilution section and a housing that encloses the dilution section with integral molded handles, locations for switches, a plug for charging the rechargeable batteries, a station for the concentrate container and a holster for the spray head;





FIG. 3

is an electrical diagram of the simple electrical circuit of the system of the invention;





FIG. 4

is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the invention. The assembled apparatus has two sources of concentrate. For each concentrate the apparatus has tandem venturis (energized by one or more pumps), diluent tubes and connections to the spray wand. The wand is valved for spray of the selected diluted concentrate or the aqueous spray. The container or bucket portion has a separate wet and dry portion for the liquid diluent and electrical components;





FIG. 5

is an isometric view of the lower portion of the apparatus of the invention with the electrical components and tubing components in an upper portion, removed. Two areas are shown in

FIG. 5

;





FIG. 6

is a side view of the apparatus of the invention having a lower wet portion and an upper dry portion.

FIG. 6

shows a tandem apparatus for diluting and spraying the liquid concentrate;





FIG. 7

is a perspective view of the wall-mounted liquid dispenser of the present invention shown generally from above and to the right;





FIG. 8

is a perspective view of the liquid dispenser shown in

FIG. 7

, viewed generally from below and the left;





FIG. 9

is a front plan view of the dispenser shown in

FIG. 7

, with the slide removed for clarity purposes;





FIG. 10

is a side elevational view of the liquid dispenser shown in

FIG. 7

;





FIG. 11

is an exploded perspective view of an insert, viewed generally from above, which goes into the bottle;





FIG. 12

is an exploded perspective view of the insert, as shown in

FIG. 11

, generally shown from below;





FIG. 13

is a cross-sectional assembled view of the insert shown in

FIG. 11

;





FIG. 14

is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;





FIG. 15

is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in

FIG. 14

;





FIG. 16

is a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown in

FIG. 14

;





FIG. 17

is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in

FIG. 14

;





FIG. 18

is a partial perspective view of a portion of the embodiment shown in

FIG. 14

;





FIG. 19

is a perspective view showing the lockout feature of the embodiment shown in

FIG. 14

;





FIG. 20

is a front elevational view of the embodiment shown in

FIG. 14

;





FIG. 21

is a perspective view of the fitment used in the embodiment shown in

FIG. 14

;





FIG. 22

is a front elevational view of the fitment shown in

FIG. 21

;





FIG. 23

is a cross section of the fitment shown in

FIG. 22

, taken generally along the lines


23





23


;





FIG. 24

is a schematic drawing for the embodiment shown in

FIG. 14

;





FIG. 25

is a flow chart of the embodiment shown in

FIG. 14

; and





FIG. 26

is a schematic drawing for another embodiment of the present invention.











DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION





FIG. 1

shows a spray head


113


connected to the pump output of the dilution section. Two sources


110


and


111


are shown for the diluted concentrate and the rinse. The spray is energized by compressing handle


109


which permits either rinse or diluted concentrate to exit the spray head in a spray pattern. The rinse or the diluted concentrate is selected using valve


112


. The spray head is typically constructed from conventional metallic and thermoplastic materials. The spray head can be adapted for one, two or more diluted concentrate streams and a rinse stream. The selection of the rinse or diluted concentrate stream can be made at valve


112


in the spray head or in the dilution section


102


by selecting the appropriate concentrate and venturi. The dilution system of the invention includes a container


100


for an aqueous diluent such as service water. The container is typically a molded unit made from a thermoplastic material. Such a unit can be injection molded, vacuum molded or shaped using a variety of conventional thermoplastic processes.




The container


100


is manufactured with an integral base portion


101




a


,


101




b


, etc. to provide a stable positioning of the device in a workplace, in a tub, or in a utility closet. The container has a volume of about 2 to 8 liters, preferably 3 to 6 liters. Such a size permits ease of use, easy transportation from place to place and rapid filling and emptying. Further, the limited capacity of the container limits the weight of the unit to less than 40 lbs (18 kg) preferably less than 25 lbs (10 kg) for easy portability. In normal use to avoid spills, the container can be filled to a fraction of the maximum capacity and can contain an appropriate volume of diluent without filling the container to its maximum depth. The container should have at least 4 and up to 8 centimeters of clearance between the top of the diluent liquid and the upper edge of the container.




When assembled, the dilution system of the invention exposes an open portion of the container. This portion exposes a sufficient area of the upper edge of the container such that water can be easily added to the container from an available source of service water. In use, the apparatus can be placed in a tub, sink, shower, utility closet or other location adjacent to a spout or other source of service water. The service water can be directly added to the container to the desired volume. After the dilution system is used to maintain or clean a single bathroom, the remaining contents of the container can then be emptied to a tub, sink or other disposal location to permit the ease of transport of the system to the next location. In order to permit ease of use of the system of the invention, the container has a portion of the upper edge of the container adapted to pouring or disposing the liquid contents of a container into a tub or sink with minimal spilling, dripping, etc. Preferably, the container can have a lip or spout integrally molded into the container to promote ease of disposal.




In

FIGS. 1 and 2

, the dilution section of the dispenser of the invention is shown with a housing


102


over the active components of the apparatus and specifically the dilution section. The housing, similar in formation to the container, is a single part shell molded of a thermoplastic material. The housing has integrally molded handle


115


,


116


for ease of transportation, integrally molded stations for the electrical switch


106


, the charging plug


127


or docking station for the rechargeable batteries


104


, a molded mounting section


129


for the concentrate solution


119


and, if needed, a mounting location


128


for the spray head.




The liquid concentrate container is typically shaped in a rectangular format that is press fit into the mounting site


129


the housing. The volume of the container is about 250-750 milliliters. The concentrate container is shaped and adapted to be press fit and securely mounted into the housing at location


129


. The container


119


is connected in liquid communication with a pump inlet to draw the concentrate for dilution purposes.




In assembling the dilution apparatus of the invention, the dilution section


124


is typically mounted on or above the container not in contact with the diluent. The dilution section has a partition


123


which separates the dry portion from the wet portion. The partition


123


cooperates with the container


100


walls to form a protective barrier between the wet section and the dry section containing the electrical components protecting the electrical components from water damage. The housing is then fit over the dilution section installed in the container and is fixed in place typically using conventional mounting means. The wet section containing the pump, tubes, venturi, and other components that come into contact with the concentrate, the diluent, or components that move those fluids.




The dilution system of the invention comprises a container with a base made of molded legs


101




a


,


101




b


. The dilution system has a housing for the dilution section positioned above the container. The dilution section having a wet portion (not shown) and a dry portion containing rechargeable battery, wiring and connections, a switch, pump connections and other electrical components that are typically kept separate from the water contents of the container. The dilution system of the invention also contains a spray wand containing a valve system for initiating spray, a source of diluted cleaner concentrate and a source of aqueous rinse. The choice of rinse or aqueous diluted concentrate is made using valve


112


. The spray wand has a spray head which can provide a variety of spray patterns including a fan pattern, a cone pattern, a direct linear spray. Each spray pattern can be driven in a variety of directions with respect to the position of the spray. The spray can be directed away from the spray head, at a 90° angle from the spray head or any other arbitrary angle in between. The spray can also be directed above, below or to either side of the spray judged from a position of a person holding the spray wand using the molded spray hand hold


114


.




When used by maintenance personnel, the unit is grasped by handle or and moved from place to place within the cleaning locus (i.e.) a hospitality or hospital location. The unit is typically placed in a tub or on the floor and filled through opening with sufficient service water or aqueous diluent to service a single bathroom or other location. The container is adapted with an opening and spout to ensure that the container can be easily filled with water or aqueous diluent without disassembling the dilution system apparatus. The apparatus contains a source of liquid concentrate that is placed in liquid connection with the dilution system through tube. When used, the system having source container filled with concentrate and container filled with aqueous liquid, maintenance personnel energizes switch which drives aqueous liquid through tube into the pump. The aqueous liquid leaves pump


107


is driven through a venturi


126


(see

FIG. 2

) which draws aqueous liquid from source container


119


into the aqueous liquid forming a diluted concentrate. The diluted concentrate is then driven through tube


111


into the spray head


108


. Sufficient diluted concentrate is delivered to clean the target surface and the switch


106


is turned off terminating flow of the aqueous liquid and the dilute material. A valve


112


is then switched to a rinse position, the switch is energized drawing aqueous liquid from the container


100


through tube


121


into the pump through tube


110


and out of the spray head to rinse cleaner and soil from the target surface. Once rinsing is complete, the pump switch


106


is turned off terminating the flow of aqueous liquid from the container. The system can be used repeatedly in a bathroom or other room until maintenance operations are finished. At that time the system can be emptied of the aqueous diluent from container by simply pouring the liquid from the container through spout typically into the tub, stool or sink. When the spray wand is no longer in use, the spray wand can be inserted into the holster bracket.





FIG. 2

is an exploded view of the dilution system of the invention. The view shows three major components; the container, the housing and a partition which separates the housing into a wet portion and a dry portion


103


. The wet portion on the side of the partition proximate to the container contains the wet portion of the pump, the water intake


121


to the pump


107


, the venturi


126


and other portions of the dilution system requiring or permitting contact with water or other aqueous liquids. The dry portion


103


contained within partition comprises the rechargeable battery, the electrical part of the pump, wiring connections


105


to the switch. The housing contains a plug-in


127


for charger apparatus for charging the rechargeable battery. The housing can also contain a holster bracket or a spray wand holder portion in the housing. The bracket or the holder portion can provide storage for the spray wand when the spray wand is not in use. Housing also has a mounting location for the liquid container.





FIG. 3

is an electrical wiring circuit diagram for the dilution system in the invention. The circuit diagram shows the wiring pattern connecting electrically the components of the invention. The charger jack


127


is shown in parallel connection to the rechargeable battery


104


. A removable rechargeable battery can be used to energize the system. The multiposition switch


106


has a low and/or a high pumping speed position. The pump


107


is connected to the rechargeable battery directly for the high speed and through a step down resistor for the low speed setting.




The container


119


can contain from 250-750 milliliters of an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid concentrate that can be diluted with the service water in container


100


to form a functional cleaning material for use on surfaces common in the cleaning environment.





FIG. 4

shows a second embodiment of the invention having two sources of liquid concentrate


419




a


and


419




b


in formed stations


429




a


and


429




b


attached to container


400


. Container


400


is divided into a wet section


431


and a dry section


403


(see FIG.


5


). Container


400


has a base


401


, that can have feet (see feet


101




a



FIG. 1

) that permits fluid flow under the unit, that is flat and maintains a reliable placement. Container


400


also has a spout


418


that permits easy filling and emptying of the aqueous diluent. The apparatus comprises a spray wand


408


having a handle


424


and a spray nozzle


413


. The diluted concentrate is directed to the wand by conduits


430




a


and


430




b


. The spray nozzle


413


is valved with valve


412


to select either concentrate of container


419




a


, concentrate of container


419




b


or the aqueous diluent in the dry section


431


. The electrical components (not shown) are covered by shell


402


that also incorporates a handle


415


and a wand station


422


. Concentrate from containers


419




a


and


419




b


are directed into the diluent station through lines


420




a


and


420




b.







FIG. 5

is an isometric view of the container


400


having wet section


431


and dry section


403


separated by a separation or wall


423


. The concentrate containers


419




a


and


419




b


are shown in their mounting locations


429




a


and


429




b.







FIG. 6

shows the active portion of the portable system showing a dry section


603


and a wet section


624


separated by a separation of wall


623


. Housing


402


is pulled from the dry section


603


to reveal the motor


607


. Not shown in the dry section is the rechargeable battery and wiring. In housing


602


is shown handle


415


and wand holder


622


. In the operation of the device, liquid concentrate is drawn through tubes


420




a


and


420




b


into venturi


621




a


and


621




b


. Water is picked up from pick-up tube


626


, directed through pump


625


, past the venturis


621




a


and


621




b


wherein the water mixes with the concentrate to form the use solution which is directed to the wand


408


through tubes


430




a


and


430




b


. The wet section


624


is separated from the dry section


603


using a separator or partition


623


.




The typical environments include kitchens, bathrooms, and other locations requiring cleaning. Often these surfaces are metallic, ceramic, glass, plastic and other relatively non-porous hard surfaces that can obtain soils from typical human activities within the environment. The liquid concentrates used by the device of the invention are typically formulated to remove soils common in this environment. Soils can include components from hardness components of service water, food soils, human waste, soap scum and film, common grease, dirt and grime, and other conventional common soils. Examples of the types of concentrated cleaning solutions which may be utilized in the dispensing system of the invention include multipurpose cleaners, for example, for walls, windows, tiles and hard surfaces, germicidal detergents for disinfecting and sanitizing floor care products, specialty products for special cleaning needs and others. However, typically these products are formulated with conventional surfactants but may also contain a rinse aid material that, when present in the cleaner, when rinsed, promotes sheeting and complete removal of the rinse composition without spotting or streaking.




The blend ratio or proportions of liquid concentrate to service water is set by the dimensions of the tubes, the venturi and optional metering tips, if used, prior to the venturi pick-up. Metering tips when used, are held within the pick-up tube at some portion between the pick-up and the venturi. Each metering tip or tube installation is sized and configured to correspond to a particular proportioning ratio. The metering tip's internal diameter may be small to promote dilution ratios of 100:1 to 1000:1 or large to permit a dilution ratio of about 5:1 to about 50:1, for example or other intermediate ratios. Highest dilution ratio or flow rate is typically achieved when no metering tip is present in the pick-up tube. The chemical to water ratio for typical janitorial applications typically ranges from about 1:40 to about 1:8 with the ratio dependent on the size of the tubing or metering tip, the viscosity of the chemical concentrate and the operational rate of the pump.




Pumps used in the dilution system of the invention are typically electrically driven gear pumps having a capacity of about 2000 to 4000 milliliters of aqueous diluent per minute (mL-min


−1


). The final output of the dilution system depends on the length of the tubing, the flow rate of the spray head, the viscosity of the concentrate and the condition of the rechargeable battery and pump motor. The pressures developed in the system are about 10 to 15 psig at the spray head and about 20 to 22 psig at the pump outlet. The pressure drop across a venturi is about 6 to 8 psig.




The liquid cleaning compositions of this invention are typically formed from a major proportion of water, an acid or base component, a surfactant package that can contain a nonionic, anionic, etc. surfactant, a sequestrant, a cosolvent, a hydrotrope, and other optional ingredients such as dyes, perfumes, etc.




Neutral cleaners are typically aqueous solutions of surfactant materials that are blended in an aqueous solution to have a pH near neutral. Acidic or basic cleaners have a source of acidity or source of alkalinity in combination with the other detergent components. An acetic cleaner comprises an acetic component in a cleaner composition. Examples of useful acids include phosphoric acid, sulfamic acid, acetic acid, hydroxy acetic acid, critric acid, benzoic acid, tartaric acid and the like. Mixtures of such ingredients can provide advantages depending on use locus and soil type.




Basic cleaners typically comprise a source of alkalinity. Both organic and inorganic sources of alkalinity can be used. Inorganic sources of alkalinity include sodium hydroxide (caustic), sodium silicates (Na


2


O:SiO


2


at 1-100:1), sodium carbonate, potassium hydroxides, carbonate and alkaline salts, etc. Organic sources of alkalinity typically comprise ammonia and organic amines such as mono, di, tri ethanolamine, isopropanalamine, primary and secondary alaphatic amines, hydroxy ethylamine, trihydroxy ethylamine, etc.




The cleaners can comprise a variety of ingredients including anionic, nonionic or cationic surfactant materials, other ingredients, etc. One anionic surfactant useful for detersive purposes can also be included in the compositions hereof. These can include salts (including, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts) of soap, C


9


-C


20


linear alkylbenzenesulfonates, C


8


-C


22


primary or secondary alkanesulfonates, C


8


-C


24


olefinsulfonates, sulfonated polycarboxylic acids prepared by sulfonation of the pyrolyzed product of alkaline earth metal citrates. C


8


-C


24


alkylpolyglycolethersulfates (containing up to 10 moles of ethylene oxide); alkyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleyl glycerols sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl phosphates, isethionates such as the acyl isethionates, acyl laurates, fatty acid amides of methyl tauride, alkyl succinamates and sulfosuccinates, monoesters of sulfosuccinates (especially saturated and unsaturated C


12


-C


18


monoesters) and diesters of sulfosuccinates (especially saturated and unsaturated C


6


-C


12


diesters), acyl sarcosinates; sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucocide (the nonionic nonsulfated compounds being described below), branched primary alkyl, sulfates, and fatty acids esterified with isethionic acid and neutralized with sodium hydroxide. Resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids are also suitable, such as rosin, hydrogenated rosin, and resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids present in or derived from tall oil.




Another type of anionic surfactant which can be utilized encompasses alkyl ester sulfonates. Alkyl ester sulfonate surfactants hereof include linear esters of C


8


-C


20


carboxylic acids (i.e., fatty acids) which are sulfonated with gaseous SO


3


according to “The Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society.” 52 (1975), pp. 323-329. Suitable starting materials would include natural fatty substances as derived from tallow, palm oil, etc. Alkyl sulfate surfactants hereof are water soluble salts or acids of the formula ROSO


3


M wherein R preferably is a C


10


-C


24


hydrocarbyl, preferably an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl having a C


10


-C


−20


alkyl component, more preferably a C


12


-C


18


alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, and M is H or a cation, e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g., sodium, potassium, lithium), or ammonium or substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations such as tetramethylammonium and dimethyl piperdinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof, and the like). Alkyl alkoxylated sulfate surfactants hereof are water soluble salts or acids of the formula RO(A)


m


SO


3


—M


+


wherein R is an unsubstituted C


10


-C


24


alkyl or hydroxy alkyl group having a C


10


-C


24


alkyl component, preferably C


12


-C


20


alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, more preferably C


12


-C


18


alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, A is an ethoxy or propoxy unit, m is greater than zero, typically between about 0.5 and about 6, more preferably between about 0.5 and about 3, and M is H or a cation which can be, for example, a metal cation (e.g., sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, etc.). ammonium or substituted-ammonium cation. Alkyl ethoxylated sulfates as well as alkyl propoxylated sulfates are contemplated herein. Specific examples of substituted ammonium cations include methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl-ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations such as tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperdinium cations and those derived from alkylamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, mixtures thereof, and the like.




Conventional, nonionic detersive surfactants for purposes of this invention include the polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols. In general, the polyethylene oxide condensates are preferred. These compounds include the condensation products of alkyl phenols having an alkyl group containing from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms in either a straight chain or branched chain configuration with the alkylene oxide. In a preferred embodiment, the ethylene oxide is present in an amount equal to from about 5 to about 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkyl phenol. Commercially available nonionic surfactants of this type include Igepal™ CO-630, marketed by the GAF Corporation; and Triton™ X-45, X-114, X-100, and X-102, all marketed by the Rohm & Haas Company. Nonionic surfactants also include the condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from about 1 to about 25 moles of ethylene oxide. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms with from about 2 to about 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Examples of commercially available nonionic surfactants of this type include Tergitol™ 15.5.9 (the condensation product of C


11


-C


15


linear alcohol with 9 moles ethylene oxide), Tergitol™ 24-L-6 NMW (the condensation product of C


12


-C


14


primary alcohol with 6 moles ethylene oxide with a narrow molecular weight distribution), both marketed by Union Carbide Corporation; Neodol™ 45-9 (the condensation product of C


14


-C


15


linear alcohol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), Neodol™ 23-6.5 (the condensation product of C


12


-C


13


linear alcohol with 6.5 moles of ethylene oxide), Neodol™ 45.7 (the condensation product of C


14


-C


15


linear alcohol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide), Neodol™ 45.4 (the condensation product of C


14


-C


15


linear alcohol with 4 moles of ethylene oxide), marketed by Shell Chemical Company, and Kyro™ EOB (the condensation product of C


13


-C


15


alcohol with 9 moles ethylene oxide), marketed by The Procter & Gamble Company. The condensation products of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol can also be used. The hydrophobic portion of these compounds preferably has a molecular weight of from about 1500 to about 1800 and exhibits water insolubility. The addition of polyoxyethylene moieties to this hydrophobic portion tends to increase the water solubility of the molecule as a whole, and the liquid character of the product is retained up to the point where the polyoxyethylene content is about 50% of the total weight of the condensation product, which corresponds to condensation with up to about 40 moles of ethylene oxide. Examples of compounds of this type include certain of the commercially available Pluronic™ surfactants, marketed by BASF. Cationic detersive surfactants can also be included in detergent compositions of the present invention. Cationic surfactants include the ammonium surfactants such as alkyldimethylammonium halogenides, and those surfactants having the formula: [R


2


(OR


3


)


y


][R


4


(OR


3


)


x


]


3


R


3


N


+


X





; wherein R


2


is an alkyl or alkyl benzyl group having from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, each R


3


is selected from the group consisting of —CH


3


CH


2


—, —CH


2


CH(CH


3


)—, —CHCH(CH


2


OH)—, —CH


2


CH


2


CH


2


—, and mixtures thereof; each R


4


is selected from the group consisting of C


1


-C


4


alkyl, C


1


-C


4


hydroxylalkyl, benzyl ring structures formed by joining the two R


4


groups, —CH


2


CHOH—CHOHCOR


6


CHOHCH


2


OH wherein R


6


is any hexose or hexose polymer having a molecular weight less than about 1000, and hydrogen when y is not O; R


5


is the same as R


4


or is an alkyl chain wherein the total number of carbon atoms of R


2


plus R


5


is not more than about 18; each y is from 0 to about 10 and the sum of the y values is from 0 to about 15; and X is any compatible anion.















Typical Formulations













RAW MATERIAL




WT %




DESCRIPTION














DEGREASER













Water




q.s.




Diluent






Sodium Hydroxide




10-20




Alkalinity






Sodium Metasilicate




2-4




Soft Metal Protection






Tetra Sodium EDTA 40%




1-4




Chelator






Alkyl Poly Glycoside 70%




1-5




Surfactant






Typica1 use concentration






6-12 oz/gal











GLASS CLEANER













Deionized Water




q.s.




Diluent






Ammonia (40% Active)




2-8




Ammonia






Aqueous






Sodium Lauryl Ether




0.5-1.0




Anionic Surfactant






Sulfate 60%






Ethylene Glycol Butyl




5-15




Glycol Ether Solvent






Ether






Sodium Xylene Sulfonate




1-5




Coupler






40% Liquid






Typical use concentration






5-10 oz/gal











ALL PURPOSE CLEANER













Deionized Water




q.s.




Diluent






Linear Alkyl Sulfonate




3-9




Nonionic Surfactant






Sodium Lauryl Ether




2-6




Anionic Surfactant






Sulfate






Tetra Sodium EDTA 40%




1-3




Chelator






Liquid






Potassium Hydroxide




<0.5




pH adjustment







pH 7.5-9.5






Typical use concentration






1-4 oz/gal











HEAVY DUTY CLEANER













Water




q.s.




Diluent






Ethoxylated Nonyl phenols




5-10




Nonionic Surfactant






(9.5 mole to 11 mole)






Tetra Sodium EDTA 40%




5-10




Chelator






Liquid






Sodium Xylene Sulfonic




5-10




Coupler






40%






Sodium Metasilicate




1-4




Alkalinity Source







pH 10.5-12.0






Typical use concentration






1-4 oz/gal











ALTERNATE HEAVY DUTY CLEANER-BIODEGRADABLE













Water




q.s.




Diluent






Ethoxylated A1cohol




5-12




Nonionic Surfactant






Tetra Sodium EDTA




5-10




Chelator






Sodium Xylene Sulfonic




3-8




Coupler






40%






Potassium Hydroxide 45%




0.5-3




Alkalinity Source







pH 9.5-12.0






Typical use concentration






1-4 oz/gal











DISINFECTANT













Soft Water




q.s.




Diluent






BTC 2125M (50%)




6.4




Quaternary Antimicrobial








Active






Sodium Carbonate




3.0




Buffer






Nonylphenol Ethoxylate




2.5




Nonionic Surfactant






(11 mole)






Tetra Sodium EDTA (40%)




2.5




Chelator






Typica1 use concentration






1-4 oz/gal











SANITIZER













Soft Water




q.s.




Diluent






Alkyl Dimethyl






Ammonium Chloride




2.5-10




Active Antimicrobial






(50%)





Agent






Typical use concentration






1-4 oz/gal











ACID CLEANER













Soft Water




q.s.




Diluent






Sulfamic Acid




3.5




Acid






Hydroxyacetic




7.0




Acid






Diethylene Glycol




4.0




Solvent






Monobutyl Ether






Nonyl Phenol (9.5 mole)




1.0




Nonionic






EO














The typical viscosities of these materials is about 0 to 1000 cP, preferably about 10 to 250 cP at 25° C.




The apparatus of the invention for diluting a liquid concentrate to a dilute liquid use solution contains an aspirator. Aspirators contain a venturi device driven by water pressure to draw a concentrate. The venturi device comprises a nozzle opening associated with a body of concentrate solution. The velocity of the diluent through the nozzle causes a reduction in pressure, draws the concentrate into the aspirator, generally causing a mixing of the concentrate and diluent typically at a fixed ratio depending on pressure, tubing sizes and length. Once diluted and mixed, the dilute use solution leaves the aspirator through an outlet for the dilute use solution. The outlet is in liquid communication with the use solution container.




The concentrate materials of the invention include general purpose cleaning and sanitizing materials, coating compositions and other useful institutional or industrial liquid concentrates. Such materials include window cleaners, hand soap, hard surface cleaners, floor cleaners, bathroom cleaners, tile cleaners, drain cleaners and drain openers, glass cleaners, cleaners for food preparation units, sanitizers, disinfectants, animal and personal care products, aqueous coating compositions, water reducible concentrates, water reducible floor finishes, aqueous wax dispersions, air fresheners, odor counteractants, and other similar concentrates that can be formed as an aqueous solution, an aqueous alcoholic solution, an aqueous dispersion, an aqueous reducible solution or dispersion, etc.




The liquid concentrate materials useful for dilution to a dilute use solution typically comprise aqueous solutions, aqueous suspensions, aqueous reducible concentrates, aqueous alcoholic concentrates, etc., of cleaning or sanitizing chemicals. The concentrate can contain about 20 to 90 wt. % of active cleaning materials. The typical viscosity of the liquid concentrates typically ranges from about 1 to 500 cP. The chemical systems can comprise a surfactant based cleaner, an antimicrobial, a floor finish, etc. The cleaner can be a generally neutral system, an acid-based system containing compatible surfactant, cosolvents and other additives or alkaline systems containing a source of alkalinity, compatible surfactants, cosolvents, etc.




The apparatus is typically adapted and configured to dilute a variety of liquid concentrates to useful dilute use solutions. The cross contamination should be avoided. Acid cleaners can render basic cleaners inoperative. Further, the addition of a chlorine source to an acid can release inappropriate toxic fumes. A variety of other inappropriate interactions can occur resulting ultimately in a use solution that is not appropriate for its intended purpose.





FIGS. 14-25

show another embodiment of a portable delivery/dilution apparatus.

FIGS. 7-13

show a primary dilution apparatus that is used with a portable delivery/dilution apparatus to provide for a two-step dilution/delivery system.




Referring to

FIGS. 7-13

, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, there is generally disclosed at


200


an apparatus for diluting a liquid concentrate with a liquid diluent to form a dilute use solution for dispensing into a bottle


201


. The dispensing apparatus


200


includes a base


202


which is mounted on a wall or other mounting surface by means well known in the art. A housing (not shown) may also be used to cover the dispensing apparatus


200


. Any suitable housing or covering may be utilized such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,972. However, it is appreciated that the geometric lockout in the cover as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,832,972 is not necessary for the present invention as will be evident as different lockout provisions are utilized. The base


202


is preferably formed as a single unit and is a molded plastic part. However, the components may be made separately and later assembled. The base


202


has a back wall


203


and upper sides


204


and


205


. Lower sides


206


and


207


are formed as continuations of upper sides


204


and


205


respectively. There is a space between the lower sides


206


and


207


which is sized to accommodate the bottle


201


as will be described more fully hereafter. A bottom member


208


has a bottom section


208




a


and first sides


208




b


and


208




c


. The sides


208




b


and


208




c


have flanges


208




d


and


208




e


respectively which are used to secure the sides


208




b


and


208




c


to the lower side


206


and


207


respectively. Any suitable means such as screws (not shown) may be utilized to secure the bottom member to the base


202


. Optionally, bottom member 208 may be molded as an integral part of sides


206


and


207


. Screw openings are shown in FIG.


9


. The first side


208




b


has an inner radius


208




f


which is of a different geometric shape and is more rounded than the radius


208




g


of the second side


208




c


. As will be described more fully hereafter, the different radiuses form a secondary lockout to prevent the wrong bottle


201


from being inserted into the dispensing apparatus


200


.




The bottom section


208




a


has a depressed area


208




h


which forms a drain and a rain tube


209


is in fluid communication with the depressed area


208




h


to drain any spilled liquid. A suitable tube (not shown) is connected to the drain tube


209


to dispose f any spilled liquid.




A controller or valve


210


is mounted to the base by suitable means, such as crews (not shown). The valve


210


has a right sidewall


211


and a left sidewall


212


. The sidewalls


211


and


212


have flanges which may accept the screws to secure the valve to the base


202


. The valve


210


has a valve body


213


which has an inlet


214


through which a suitable diluent source, such as water, is provided. A pipe plug


215


is located on the opposite side of the valve body as the inlet


214


. The inlet


214


is sized and configured to accept a connector which in turn connects to a diluent inlet hose. Mounted to the valve body


213


is an activation switch


216


. The activation switch


216


includes a body


216




a


and a depressible push button


216




b


. The button


216




b


is mounted in the body


216




a


with a spring which biases the button away from the valve body to an off position. The valve body


210


has a threaded outlet


217


. The valve


50


may be any suitable valve such as Model No. 633B valve assembly made by Dema Engineering of St. Louis, Mo.




The threaded outlet


217


is connected via a pipe


218


to a back flow prevention unit


219


. The back flow prevention unit


219


has an exit


220


which is connected to an inlet


221




a


of an elbow


221


. The elbow


221


has an exit


221




b


which is connected via a hose (not shown) to an aspirator


222


. The aspirator


222


may be any suitable model such as the No. 440220 made by Hydro Systems of Cincinnati, Ohio. The aspirator


222


has an inlet


223


. The inlet


223


is connected to an elbow


224


which has an inlet


224




a


. It is the inlet


224




a


which is connected via the hose to the outlet


221




b


. The aspirator


222


includes a venturi. An inlet to the venturi is provided through opening


225


. Opening


225


is adapted and configured to accept metering tip which is in turn connected to a tube which is in turn in fluid communication with the liquid to be dispensed. The metering tip is readily changeable to change the concentration of the use solution which comes out of the aspirator


222


. The aspirator


222


has an outlet


226


which is in fluid communication with a dispensing nozzle


227


. The nozzle has two flanges through which screws


228


are inserted to connect the nozzle


227


to the base


202


. The nozzle has a tapered tip


229


. The nozzle has a longitudinal bore throughout so as to dispense the use solution.




An activation mechanism, similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,972 is utilized. The liquid dispenser


200


includes a bracket


230


which is secured to the valve body


213


through two screws (not shown) through openings


231


. The bracket


230


has a first side member


232


connected to a second side member


233


by an intermediate member


234


. The first side member


232


has a rectangular slot


232




a


and the second side member


233


has a rectangular slot


233




a


. The intermediate member


234


has an aperture


234




a


through which the switch body


216




a


is inserted. Also provided are access holes


234




b


. The access holes


234




b


allow access in order to tighten the screws which connect the controller


210


to the base


202


. The rectangular slot


232




a


is placed closer to the intermediate member


234


than the rectangular slot


233




a.






A slide actuator


235


has a first portion


235




a


connecting a second portion


235




b


by an angled (or inclined) intermediate portion


235




c


. At the first portion


235




a


, is a downwardly depending member


235




d


. This member


235




d


has a slot


235




e


through which the dispensing nozzle


227


may pass as the slide actuator is moved upward. The first portion


235




a


is inserted through the rectangular slot


232




a


and the second portion


235




b


is inserted into the slot


233




a


. The bracket


230


is typically made of plastic and is therefore deformable to allow the second portion


235


to be inserted into the rectangular slot


233




a


. A bottle


201


is typically 16 ounces and preferably between 8 and 32 ounces. The bottle may be any suitable model such as a blow-molded plastic. The bottle


201


has a right side


236


, left side


237


, back


238


, front


239


, bottom


240


and top


241


all operatively connected to form a bottle having an inner cavity for receiving a dilute use solution. The top


241


has a neck portion


241




a


which has an opening


241




b


. An insert


242


is positioned inside of the opening


241




b


. The bottle


201


, shown in

FIG. 1

, does not have the insert shown. However, the insert, as shown in

FIGS. 11 through 13

, is inserted into the opening


241




a


and secured by suitable means either a force fit, or if non-removability is preferred, it is secured by a suitable method such as spin welding, heat welding or epoxy. The insert


242


has a central portion


242




b


with a bore


242




a


extending therethrough. A central portion


242




b


forms a cylindrical portion in which the nozzle


227


is inserted. An outer cylindrical portion


242




c


is connected to the inner cylindrical portion 242b by a ring


242




d


. One or more vent holes


242




e


are formed in the ring portion


242




d


. Therefore, air is able to vent between the interior of the bottle


201


and the atmosphere. A dip tube


244


is connected to the cylindrical portion


242




b


. As can be seen in

FIG. 13

, the cylindrical portion


242




b


has an upper section that has a diameter which is greater than a lower section. However, the bore


242




a


extends throughout the portion


242




b


. In

FIG. 13

, the dip tube


244


is shown broken away, but preferably the dip tube


244


extends down to the bottom of the bottle


201


.




The bottle


201


has a first elongate lockout


245


on the right side 236 and a similar lockout


246


formed in the left side


237


. The lockouts


245


and


246


are elongate indentations and are preferably at the same height from the bottom


240


. The lockouts


245


and


246


are generally parallel to each other and extend the length of the side. A vertical elongate lockout


247


is formed in the first side


236


and a second vertical lockout


248


is formed in the other side


237


. The lockouts


247


,


248


are generally elongate and are indentations formed in the sides, similar to the lockouts


245


and


246


. The four lockouts generally have a ¼ radius in defining the size of the indentation. A first inwardly extending protruding lockout member


249


is secured to the lower side


206


and a similarly sized protruding lockout


250


is secured to the interior of the lower side


207


. The protruding lockouts


249


and


250


are sized to be accommodated inside of the elongate lockouts


245


through


248


. The lockouts


249


and


250


are in the shape of hemispheres. The lockouts are at a height from the bottom


208


such that when the bottom


240


of the bottle sits on the bottom section


208


, the protruding lockouts


249


and


250


mate with the elongate lockouts


245


and


246


. While the protrusions are hemispheres and the indentations have corresponding geometric shapes, it is understood that other geometric configurations may be used. However, the hemispheres provide for an easy transition when changing from the horizontal to the vertical direction as will be discussed more fully hereafter. While it is preferable to have two vertical lockouts and two horizontal lockouts, it is understood that one of each would also be operable.




There is also provided another lockout feature which matches the shape and configuration of the bottom section


208


to the shape and configuration of the bottom


240


and sides


236


and


237


of the bottle


201


. In viewing

FIG. 9

, it can be seen that the radius


208




g


is sharper and closer to a 90° angle and the radius


208




f


is more rounded. The radius formed between the right side


236


and bottom


240


, identified as


251


has a radius which matches that of


208




f


. The radius between the left side


237


and bottom


240


, identified as


252


, matches that of the radius


208




g.






It can therefore be seen that the liquid dispenser


200


is designed to accept only a specific bottle


201


, thereby insuring that the liquid concentrate being dispensed from dispenser


200


is always dispensed into the correct bottle


201


. A second liquid concentrate is dispensed from a dispenser similar to dispenser


200


. However, the bottle utilized in the second dispenser would have lockouts


245


and


246


at a different height as would be the corresponding protruding lockouts


249


and


250


. The bottoms of the bottle of the second embodiment would be mirror images of the bottle


201


. The bottom member of the second embodiment of the liquid dispenser would be a mirror image of bottom member


208


. Therefore, the protruding lockouts would prevent the wrong bottle from being inserted as well as would the configuration of the bottom member


208


prevent the wrong bottles from being inserted into the dispenser


200


. Therefore, there would be two lockouts to make certain that the right bottle is always filled with the correct liquid concentrate from the appropriate dispenser.




In use, the bottle


201


, having elongate lockouts


245


and


246


would be slid into the liquid dispensing apparatus


200


. The protruding lockouts


249


and


250


would make certain that the correct bottle


201


is being inserted. Further, the size and configuration of the bottom member


208


also locks out a bottle that does not have the correct bottom shape and configuration. The bottle


201


is slid into the apparatus


200


along the elongate lockouts


245


and


246


. Once the bottle


201


is fully inserted, the user then lifts up on the bottle and the protruding members


249


and


250


then guide the bottle as it is moved upwards and the protruding members


249


and


250


are positioned inside of the vertical elongate lockouts


247


and


248


. The vertical alignment allows for the proper alignment of the bore


242




a


with the nozzle tip


229


.




As the bottle


201


is being raised, it encounters the member


235




d


. When the slide actuator is in a first position (non-use) the switch


216




b


is fully extended and is under the second portion


235




b


. Then, as the slide actuator is moved to the second position (use), the inclined portion


235




c


contacts the button


216




b


and depresses it downward as the slide bracket travels in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal access. The motion of the switch


216




b


is in a direction substantially perpendicular to that of the movement of the bottle


201


. It is important that the nozzle


229


be inside of the bottle when filling occurs. Therefore, it is important to coordinate the amount of travel of the incline section


235




c


necessary to activate the switch


216




b


. In the embodiment shown, the tip


229


is approximately {fraction (3/16)}″ above the member


235




d


. Then, after an upward travel of approximately ½″, the nozzle is inside of the bottle and finally ⅛″ of additional travel activates the switch


216




b


at which time the nozzle tip is further into the bottle. Upon the depressible switch


216




b


being activated, the activation switch


216


allows the valve


210


to allow the diluent to enter the inlet


214


. Water then exits through the outlet and out the tapered tip


229


. As it exits, the diluent flows through the valve body, then draws liquid concentrate which is dispensed through the aspirator into the diluent to form a use solution which exits the nozzle into the bottle


201


.




Referring now to

FIG. 14

, there is shown another embodiment of a portable delivery/dilution apparatus of the present invention, designated generally at


300


. The apparatus


300


includes a reservoir


301


. Preferably, the reservoir is made of plastic and has an inner cavity


301




a


for receiving a diluent, typically water. The reservoir


301


is preferably formed as a single plastic reservoir, but it is understood that other suitable methods of construction may be utilized. The reservoir


301


has a right side


302


, left side


303


, front


304


and rear


305


which define the inner cavity


301




a


. At the bottom of the reservoir


301


is a T-shaped extension


306


which is utilized to support other components of the apparatus


300


, as will be described more fully hereafter. The interior of the T-shaped extension


306


still forms a portion of the inner cavity


301




a


, thereby more effectively providing a larger reservoir in a compact space. The reservoir has an opening


307


at its top to receive the diluent, typically from a faucet in a bathtub. As can be seen in

FIG. 17

, the front


304


has an angled top portion


304




a


and a more vertical portion


304




b


. The reservoir


301


is therefore formed with a funnel shaped top to receive the water. This allows for the apparatus


300


to be placed up next to the edge of the bathtub faucet and more easily receive the water into the inner cavity


301




a


. The vertical portion


34




b


is set back from the angled portion


304




a


so that any hardware on a vertical wall of the bathtub does not interfere with the loading of the water into the reservoir


301


. As can be seen in

FIG. 20

, the bottom of the vertical portion


304




b


has an indentation


308


formed in the general shape of ¼ of a sphere. This provides clearance for bathtubs that have drains which extend upward. Further, the reservoir


301


has two feet


309


to support the reservoir


301


.




A housing


310


is preferably formed as a single plastic component, although it is recognized that other suitable construction may be utilized. The housing


310


has a front wall


311


and a generally rectangular wall structure to define an inner cavity


312


. The inner cavity


312


is defined by right sidewall


313


, left sidewall


314


, bottom


315


, back


329


and a generally rounded top


316


. The front wall


311


does not extend below the top


316


. An L-shaped handle


317


is secured at one end to the top


316


by suitable means such as screws (not shown). At its other end, the handle


317


has a rectangular plate


317




a


which is secured to the front wall


311


. The screws extend through the front wall


311


and into the rear


305


to secure the housing


310


to the reservoir


301


. The top


316


has a slot


316




a


through which hoses extend and a rectangular opening


316




b


through which a rectangular shaped rechargeable battery


318


is inserted.




A pump


319


is secured to the reservoir


301


by screws


320


. The pump


319


has a rectangular housing section


321


for receiving the rechargeable battery


318


. The pump


319


has a pump head


319




a


which has an inlet


319




b


connected via a hose


322


to the reservoir


301


. The outlet of the pump


319




c


is connected to a hose


323


. Connected to the hose


323


is a Y-fitting


324


. A first hose


325


is connected to one of the branches and a second hose


326


is connected to the other branch of the Y-fitting


324


. A first aspirator


327


and second aspirator


328


are mounted on the pump


319


. The aspirators have inlets


327




a


and


328




a


as well as outlets


327




b


and


328




b


. Further, first aspirator


327


has a venturi inlet


327




c


and the second aspirator has a venturi inlet


328




c.






In the preferred embodiment, the pump


319


is a B&D UGP2000 gear pump with a maximum capacity of 0.6 gallons per minute. The rechargeable battery


318


is a Panosonic LCSD 122P sealed lead acid battery with a 2.0 amp capacity. The aspirators


327


and


328


are Dema Model 200C aspirators. The reservoir


301


has a capacity of 0.8 gallons and the weight of the apparatus


300


is 8.5 pounds. While these are the preferred embodiment characteristics, it is understood the ranges applicable to the embodiments shown in

FIGS. 1-6

are also applicable to the embodiment shown in

FIGS. 14-25

.




The back of the housing


329


has two openings


330


and


331


into which bottles


201


and


901


. The bottle


901


is identical to the bottle


201


with the exception that the elongate lockouts


945


and


946


are at an elevation higher than the corresponding lockouts


245


and


246


on bottle


201


. The only additional difference is that the vertical lockout


947


necessarily extends higher in order to intercept the lockout


945


. A lockout assembly


902


has a first lockout section


902




a


and a second lockout section


902




b


connected by a back plate


902




c


. The lockout assembly


902


is suitably connected to the housing


310


by suitable means. As shown, the lockout section


902




a


is secured by adhesive to the right sidewall


313


and this supports the entire lockout assembly


902


. Each lockout section


902




a


and


902




b


has a flat surface and a hemisphere surface to provide matching geometric shapes with the lockout sections


245


and


246


. Another lockout assembly


903


is a mirror image of lockout assembly


902


and is secured to the left sidewall


314


. However, the lockout assembly


903


is secured at a height higher than that of lockout member


902


so that the lockout assembly


903


mates with the horizontal lockouts


945


and


946


of the bottle


901


. Each lockout assembly


902


and


903


has a shorter section


902




b


and


903




b


so as not to interfere with the spring clip


904


. The spring clip


904


is secured by screws


905


to the T-shaped section of the reservoir


301


. The spring clip


904


has a right arm


904




a


and a left arm


904




b


. Both arms deflect inward and form a generally V-shape. The V of each arm


904




a


and


904




b


is sized and configured to form a snap fit inside of the vertical lockouts


947


and


247


.




Two fitments


906


are slidably mounted in the housing


310


and provide for the method of removing concentrate from the bottles


201


and


901


. The fitments


906


have a knob


906




a


attached at one end to allow for moving the fitment


906


up and down. The fitment is shown in more detail in

FIGS. 21 through 23

(without the knob


906




a


attached). The fitment has a cylindrical shaft


907


that slides inside of a bore formed in the housing


310


. The shaft


907


has an enlarged circular head


907




a


that defines an inner cavity


907




b


. The inner cavity


907




b


has an exit port


907




c


. A connector


908


is secured to the exit port


907




c


and provides for a connection with a delivery hose


909


. A sealing head


910


has a central bore


910




a


that has an opening


910




b


. The bore


910




a


is sized to fit around the circular head


907




a


and is secured by suitable means such as an adhesive or heat welding. The bore


910




a


allows for fluid communication between the bore


910




a


and the inner cavity


907




b


. The sealing head


910


has a first circular member


911


which is sized and configured to fit inside of the cylindrical portion


242




c


of the bottle


201


. An O-ring


912


fits inside of the groove


911




a


. The O-ring


912


is shown only in cross section in

FIG. 23

, it being understood that it should also appear in

FIGS. 21 and 22

. The O-ring


912


provides for a seal to seal the fitment


906


inside of the bottle


201


. The sealing head


910


has a circular sealing end


913


, the circular sealing end is sized and configured to fit inside of the cylindrical portion


242




b


of the bottle


201


. A circular indentation


911




b


provides for clearance for the top portion of the cylindrical portion


242




b


to slide into the circular indentation to allow for the sealing end


913


to seat at the bottom of the circular portion


242




d


. A vent hole


911




c


is drilled in the circular indentation


911




b


through the circular member


911


to allow for venting of the bottle


201


as liquid concentrate is being pulled out, as will be described more fully hereafter.




Another fitment


906


is positioned over the opening


331


to allow for withdrawal of product through bottle


901


. A delivery hose


914


connects the fitment


906


to the second aspirator


328


.




A hanging hook


350


is shown in

FIGS. 14 and 15

attached to the handle


317


. The wire hook


350


has two circular members


351


which are positioned around the handle


317


and are sized to allow rotation around the handle


317


. A bar engaging hook


352


is connected to each circular member


351


. The hooks


351


allow the entire apparatus


300


to be hung from a bar on a cart typically used by hotel maids.




A wand


915


has a spray nozzle


916


. The wand


915


includes a valve


917


to which hoses


918


and


919


are connected. The hose


918


has one end in fluid communication with the outlet


327




b


of the first aspirator


327


and its other end connected to the valve


917


. Hose


919


has a first end in fluid communication with the outlet


328




b


of the second aspirator


328


and its other end connected to the valve


917


. The valve


917


is a three-way valve and allows for selection between the two aspirators


327


and


328


. The wand


915


has a trigger switch


915




a


which, as will be described more fully hereafter, activates the pump


319


.





FIG. 24

is a schematic of the wiring for the apparatus


300


. The rechargeable battery


318


provides power for the pump


319


. A relay


920


is utilized to control the operation of the pump


319


. In order for the pump


319


to be activated, the trigger switch


915




b


must be depressed as well as float switch


921


. The float switch is positioned inside of the reservoir


301


towards the bottom of the reservoir. The float switch


921


prevents the running of the pump


319


when there is insufficient water in the reservoir


301


.

FIG. 25

is a flow diagram of the present invention and should be referred to in reading the following description of the operation of the invention. The slot


316




a


provides an opening in the housing through which the hoses


918


,


919


extend as well as wiring from the wand trigger to the pump.




The liquid dispenser apparatus


200


is utilized to fill the bottle


201


with a first concentrate at a first dilution ratio of a use solution. A similar liquid dispensing apparatus is utilized to fill the bottle


901


with a second concentrate of a second concentrate to form a second use solution. As previously mentioned, the other liquid dispensing apparatus has the protruding lockouts


250


at another height so that only the correct bottle is filled with the correct solution as a different type of concentrate would be dispensed into the bottle


901


. Also, as previously discussed, the metering tip that is used in association with the liquid dispensing apparatus


200


is easily replaced and the dilution of the first and second use solutions may be adjusted. The bottles


201


and


901


are then inserted into the portable delivery/dilution apparatus


300


. As viewed in

FIG. 15

, the bottle


201


is inserted into the right portion and the bottle


901


is inserted into the left portion in order to insert the bottles, the fitment


906


is raised and the bottles are slid into the openings


330


and


331


. The lockout assemblies


902


and


903


assure that only the correct bottle is inserted into the openings. Once inserted, the fitment


906


is lowered. In doing so, the vent hole


242




e


is sealed from being operational by the O-ring


912


. The sealing end


913


is inserted into the bottle


201


and makes contact with the bottom of the circular portion


242




b


. The dip tube


244


was utilized in filling the bottle


201


by allowing the use solution to be placed into the bottle


201


from the bottom up. This prevents excess foaming. However, the same dip tube


244


is also utilized to dispense the product, as will be described more fully hereafter.




After the bottle


901


is similarly inserted into the opening


331


, the portable delivery/dilution apparatus is ready to be used by a user. As previously mentioned, a hotel or similar establishment may have fifteen to thirty or more portable delivery/dilution apparatus


300


at one location. The reservoir


301


is first filled with a diluent, such as water, from the faucet of a bathtub. The unit is then ready to be utilized. The first use solution in the bottle


201


may be dispensed by activation of the trigger switch


915




a


. This causes the pump to activate and diluent is taken from the reservoir


301


via hose


322


to the pump


319


. The diluent is supplied to both aspirators


327


and


328


. Depending upon which way the valve


917


is operated by the switch


915




b


, the use solution from either the bottle


201


or


901


will be allowed to flow through their respective aspirators and out the spray nozzle


916


. The use solution that is coming out of the spray nozzle


916


is at a second dilution which is less than the dilution in the bottles


201


or


901


. This allows for one bottle to supply the necessary concentrate for a typical day's work by a maid in a hotel. The use solution is drawn up through the bottles


201


or


901


through its dip tube


244


and out the hose


909


or


914


. The vent hole


911




c


allows for a vacuum to be released as product is withdrawn from the bottles


201


or


901


. If, due to changing water conditions, cleanliness standards or other factors, it is desired to use a different end use concentration, it is not necessary that each of the portable delivery/dilution apparatus


300


be adjusted. It is only necessary that the dispensing apparatus


200


be adjusted. The dilution ratios of the liquid dispensing apparatus


200


and the portable delivery/dilution apparatus


300


are dependent on the use concentrations of the end use solution. The portable delivery/dilution apparatus


300


are not readily adjustable. However, they do have some ability to be changed by the manufacturer or a technician. Generally, the dispenser apparatus


200


may have dilution ratios of from 5 to 40 ounces per gallon.




It is understood the present invention could also be used for dispensing more than two liquids through more than two bottles.




A thermo-chromatic temperature sensor may be incorporated into the reservoir


301


to inform the user if a correct temperature of diluent has been added to the reservoir


301


. Such thermo-chromatic sensors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,385,044 and 5,707,590. The sensor is formed as an integral part of the reservoir and is therefore not seen in the drawings. Alternatively, the sensor could be an added-on sticker. The sensor will change color at a preset temperature. For example, some chemicals work better at 95° F., so a sensor that changes at 95° F. is used. Other chemicals work better at different temperatures and a different or additional sensors may be used for other temperatures.





FIG. 26

is a schematic of the wiring for the apparatus


300


which includes timers


833


and


834


, a horn


835


and a light


836


. The other components of the schematic are identical to that shown and described with respect to FIG.


24


and will not be repeated here. The first timer


833


and second timer


834


are controlled by the activation of the trigger switch


915




b


. The first timer


833


is connected to a light


836


, which is preferably mounted on the spray wand. The second timer


834


is connected to the horn


835


which is also preferably mounted on the spray wand. It is of course understood that other suitable alarms or indicators besides horns or lights may be utilized. Further, two lights or two horns could also be utilized as indicators. When the trigger switch


915


is depressed, as well as the float switch


921


being on, the pump


319


is operational. At that time, both the first timer


833


and second timer


834


are energized when the user starts dispensing from the unit. After a set delay time has expired, the indicator light


836


would be energized by the first timer


833


being timed out. This would indicate to the user that sufficient solution has been dispensed for adequate cleaning. This time period will of course depend upon the type of cleaning agent being used as well as the objects being cleaned. The second timer


834


is also energized at the same time that the solution is initially dispensed but is set for a longer time delay than the first timer


833


. After the longer set delay time has expired, an audible alarm would sound by the second timer


834


being timed out to let the user again know that the recommended product usage has been exceeded. At any time during usage, if the user releases the trigger switch


915


b and the unit stops, the two timers


833


and


834


will reset. The timers


833


and


834


provide for an effective method of training new personnel as well as optimizing use of the invention. The light


836


is utilized to make certain that the user dispenses an adequate amount of cleaning solution. Then, the horn is activated to again indicate that sufficient cleaning solution has been dispensed, thereby avoiding unnecessary costs. As noted, the first indicator is a light


836


providing a more subtle notification to the user that sufficient cleaning solution has been dispensed. Then, if the user continues to dispense additional cleaning solution, a stronger warning, that is a warning by the horn


835


, is utilized.




It is understood that the timers


833


and


834


could also be set for the same time period, so that both would go off at the same time. The length of time for each timer would be dependent on the type of product being dispensed and the items being cleaned.




The above specification, drawings, chemical formulation information and test data provide a basis for understanding the invention. However, since many embodiments of the invention may be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.



Claims
  • 1. A method of dispensing a cleaning solution from a delivery apparatus having first and second timers and first and second indicators, the method comprising:a) dispensing a cleaning solution; b) energizing the first and second timers upon the dispensing of the cleaning solution; c) continuing to dispense the cleaning solution at least until the first indicator operated by the first timer, is activated, thereby indicating sufficient cleaning solution has been dispensed, wherein the second indicator will be operated, after the first indicator is operated, thereby giving another indication that sufficient cleaning solution has been dispensed.
  • 2. A system for dispensing a final concentration of product dispensed by multiple delivery units, comprising:a) a first dispenser, comprising: i) an aspirator having a liquid diluent inlet, an inlet for liquid concentrate and an outlet for a first dilute solution, the aspirator being readily modified for varying the concentration of the first dilute solution; ii) a valve operably connected to the aspirator for controlling flow of liquid diluent from a source of liquid diluent to the aspirator inlet; and iii) a first bottle to receive the first dilute solution from the aspirator outlet; b) a portable self-contained delivery/dilution unit, the unit comprising: i) the first bottle of the first dilute solution; ii) a fillable and emptiable reservoir containing liquid diluent; iii) an aspirator, having a setting for delivering out its outlet a second dilute solution; iv) pump to control flow into and out of the aspirator; v) a spray member in fluid communication with the outlet of the aspirator, wherein the second dilute solution is dispensed by a user; and c) the unit is useable by a respective user and wherein a concentration of the second dilute solution in each portable unit is controllable by a concentration of the first dilute solution which is readily modified, thereby allowing different concentrates to be used by the portable units without modifying the multiple portable units.
  • 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising:a) a first timer energized by activation of the portable unit; and b) a first indicator operatively connected to the first timer, wherein when the first timer has expired, the first indicator will notify the user sufficient second dilute solution has been dispensed.
  • 4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:a) a second timer energized by activation of the portable unit; and b) a second indicator operatively connected to the second timer, wherein when the second timer has expired, the second indicator will again notify the user sufficient second dilute solution has been dispensed.
  • 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the aspirator has a fixed setting.
  • 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the battery is rechargeable.
  • 7. The system of claim 4, further comprising a metering device operatively connected to the inlet of the aspirator of the first dispenser, wherein the metering device is readily replaceable.
  • 8. A portable self-contained dispensing system, that can contact surfaces with a first liquid spray followed by a second spray, the system comprising:a) a fillable and emptiable container, for a volume of an aqueous diluent of less than 10 liters; b) a dilution section, having a dry portion and a wet portion; i) the wet portion comprising a venturi and a wet portion of a pump, wherein a pump intake is in liquid communication between the container and a pump inlet, a pump outlet is in liquid communication between the pump and the venturi, the venturi comprising a concentrate inlet and the venturi in liquid communication with an outlet; and ii) the dry portion of the station comprising a battery, a dry portion of the pump and sufficient wiring to power the pump; c) a source of concentrate in liquid communication with the concentrate inlet of the venturi; d) spray means in separate liquid communication with the venturi outlet and another outlet, comprising a valve that can select either a first liquid spray or a second liquid spray; wherein the pump has a pumping capacity of up to about 2000 to 3000 mL/min and the system, with the container filled with an effective amount of diluent, weighs less than 7 kg; e) a first timer energized by activation of the portable system; and f) a first indicator operatively connected to the first timer, wherein when the first timer has expired, the first indicator will notify the user sufficient second dilution solution has been dispensed.
  • 9. The dispensing system of claim 8, further comprising:a) a second timer energized by activation of the portable system; and b) a second indicator operatively connected to the second timer, wherein when the second timer has expired, the second indicator will notify the user sufficient second dilute solution has been dispensed.
  • 10. The dispensing system of claim 9 wherein the reservoir is in liquid communication with the spray means to provide for a rinse with the aqueous diluent, the aqueous diluent providing the second liquid spray.
  • 11. The dispenser system of claim 9, further comprising a second source of liquid concentrate in liquid communication with a second concentrate inlet of a second venturi; the second source of concentrate providing for the second liquid spray.
  • 12. A portable self-contained dispensing system, comprising:a) a fillable and emptiable container for holding an aqueous diluent; b) a dilution section operatively connected to the container, the dilution section comprising: i) a pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the container and an outlet in fluid communication with first and second aspirators, each aspirator having an inlet and an outlet; ii) a power source operatively connected to the pump; iii) a first source of concentrate in fluid communication with the inlet of the first aspirator; iv) a second source of concentrate in fluid communication with the inlet of the second aspirator; c) a spray member in fluid communication with the first and second aspirator outlets; d) a first bottle for holding the first concentrate and a second bottle for holding the second concentrate; e) a valve to control fluid flow from the first and second aspirators, wherein the pump pressurizes flow from both aspirators and the valve blocks flow through one of the aspirators as the other of the aspirators operates; f) a first timer energized by activation of the portable system; and g) a first indicator operatively connected to the first timer, wherein when the first timer has expired, the first indicator will notify the user sufficient second dilution solution has been dispensed.
  • 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising:a) a second timer energized by activation of the portable system; and b) a second indicator operatively connected to the second timer, wherein when the second timer has expired, the second indicator will notify the user sufficient second dilute solution has been dispensed.
  • 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a dip tube positioned in the bottle, the dip tube in position when the bottle is filled and also used to dispense liquid from the bottle.
  • 15. The system of claim 13, further comprising a float switch positioned in the reservoir, wherein the pump is shut off when the level of diluent in the reservoir is low.
  • 16. The system of claim 13, further comprising a handle to carry the system and a wire hook having a first end attached to the handle and a second end adapted to be hung on an elongate member.
  • 17. The system of claim 13, further comprising a lockout member allowing general horizontal movement of at least one of the bottles into the system.
  • 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a secondary lockout mechanism, the secondary lockout mechanism having a shape matching a shape of at least one of the bottle's lower portion to allow access to only bottles with a correct shape.
  • 19. The system of claim 13, further comprising a fitment for insertion into the bottle for removing liquid from the bottle, the fitment comprising:a) a sealing head for positioning next to an opening in the bottle; b) a sealing head to seal off vent holes in the bottle; and c) a vent hole in the sealing head to allow the bottle to vent during emptying.
Parent Case Info

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/347,694 filed Jul. 2, 1999, entitled “Portable Unit and Wall Unit Dispensers and Method of Dispensing” which is a continuation in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/033,229 filed Mar. 2, 1998; entitled “Portable Wash and Rinse System With Dilution” now U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,907.

US Referenced Citations (22)
Number Name Date Kind
3454042 Phillips Jul 1969
3589614 Linville Jun 1971
3680786 Levy Aug 1972
3894690 Hill Jul 1975
3900165 Parke et al. Aug 1975
3909197 Cremers Sep 1975
3964689 Horvath, Jr. Jun 1976
4182491 Parke et al. Jan 1980
4208013 Coleman et al. Jun 1980
4790454 Clark et al. Dec 1988
4865255 Luvisotto Sep 1989
4967960 Futrell Nov 1990
5029758 Chayer Jul 1991
5100059 Englhard et al. Mar 1992
5207381 Gill May 1993
5259557 Spriggs et al. Nov 1993
5263223 Fiegel et al. Nov 1993
5343591 Clark Sep 1994
5385044 Thomas et al. Jan 1995
5421900 Clontz Jun 1995
5651398 Decker et al. Jul 1997
5707590 Thomas et al. Jan 1998
Non-Patent Literature Citations (4)
Entry
Wipeout™, Model WS1000—Cordless Spot Deep Cleaner/Smooth Surface Washer product literautre, Singer.
Spot Cop™, Model WS750—Hand-Held Spot Deep Cleaner & Wte Vac product literature, Singer.
Soil Sport™, Model WS1500—Versatile, Powerful, Multi-Surface Cleaning Machine product literuate, Singer.
Kärcher, Window Washer 250 product ltterature, Kärcher, Alfred Inc.
Continuation in Parts (2)
Number Date Country
Parent 09/347694 Jul 1999 US
Child 09/576722 US
Parent 09/033229 Mar 1998 US
Child 09/347694 US