Patent Grant
10974265
Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
The present invention is related to mechanisms and methods for delivering variable mixtures of fluids. More specifically, the present invention is related to mechanisms and methods that use replaceable cartridges to deliver mixtures of fluids. In an example embodiment, the spray device uses two removable cartridges, one for a dilute solution and one for a concentrate solution, to deliver the mixture of fluids delivered through a spray pump mechanism.
When it comes to dispensing small amounts of fluids from containers, such as spray bottles for fragrances or hair products, individuals typically rely on a single bottle filled with between 15 mL to 100 mL of perfume or cologne. The current market for fragrances leaves individuals to purchase one singular bottle, which, due to factors such as size and cost, may be sparingly used for months, even years. These aforementioned factors also can lead to a lack of variation in an individual's personal collection of fragrances. The present invention overcomes these deficiencies and allows a consumer to enjoy multiple fragrances, giving them the opportunity to purchase multiple smaller cartridges which they are able to change within the spray device.
The current market also creates a significant amount of waste in that the container components are not refilled or reused. The present invention overcomes this deficiency by creating a container with components that can be reused and refilled.
The following summary is included only to introduce some concepts discussed in the Detailed Description below. This summary is not comprehensive and is not intended to delineate the scope of protectable subject matter, which is set forth by the claims presented at the end.
It is an object of the invention to obviate the disadvantages of the prior art. In some embodiments, a spray device is provided that allows a consumer to enjoy the delivery of varying mixtures of fluids from cartridges within a small spray device, giving them the opportunity to purchase different cartridges which they are able to change within the spray device to vary the mixture of fluids.
In one example embodiment, the spray device uses multiple cartridges (one for a dilute solution, and one for a concentrate solution) and a pump mechanism to deliver the fluid mixture. After the pump mechanism is actuated, the fluid is drawn through tubes from each cartridge in a predefined ratio, is combined in a manifold, and drawn up through the pump mechanism resulting in a customized spray. In some embodiments, the design of the spray device mimics the aesthetics and feel of an antique seltzer bottle.
In one embodiment, a spray device is provided and methods of use allow for the customization of fluid to be delivered from a spray device.
In one example embodiment, a spray device is provided having two interchangeable cartridges, one holding a fluid dilute and the other holding a fluid concentrate. For example only, and not for limitation, one cartridge may contain a scentless base oil as the fluid dilute and the other cartridge may contain a concentrated fragrance as the fluid concentrate. When the pump mechanism is actuated at the top of the device, fluid is drawn up from each cartridge in a predetermined ratio, which is controlled through the ratio of the diameters of each of the delivery conduits coming from each cartridge. The fluids from each cartridge then converge and mix at a manifold in the middle of the spray device, and that combined fluid is drawn up through the cap using a cap pump mechanism, ultimately released in a spray. The cartridges are interchangeable, allowing a user to alternate the fluids in the cartridge and replace the fluids when they are empty. For example, if the concentrate solution is a fragrance and the dilute solution is a scentless oil, the fragrance may be changed when desired by changing the cartridge to one containing a different fragrance.
In one example embodiment, a spray device for delivering a mixture of a fluid concentrate and a fluid dilute is provided comprising a removable fluid concentrate reservoir configured to hold a fluid concentrate. a fluid dilute reservoir configured to hold a fluid dilute, a pump in fluid communication with the removable fluid concentrate reservoir and the fluid dilute reservoir, a top section comprising a manifold and a pump, the manifold configured to mix a portion of a fluid concentrate from the removable fluid concentrate reservoir with a portion of the fluid dilute from the fluid dilute reservoir, and the pump in fluid communication with the manifold whereby the pump can receive the fluid concentrate and the fluid dilute from the manifold and deliver a mixture of the fluid concentrate and the fluid dilute. In some embodiments, the removable fluid concentrate reservoir is defined by a removable fluid concentrate cartridge, and the fluid dilute reservoir is defined by a removable fluid dilute cartridge. In some embodiments, the fluid concentrate comprises a perfume. In some embodiments, the fluid concentrate comprises an essential oil.
In some embodiments, the spray device further comprises the pump in fluid communication with an internal conduit of the manifold whereby the pump can receive the fluid concentrate and the fluid dilute from the internal conduit, a middle section coupled to the top section and configured to retain the manifold in the top section, the removable fluid concentrate cartridge and the removable fluid dilute cartridge each having a lid with a manifold coupler configured to couple with a cartridge lid engagement area in the manifold, a sealing ring configured to couple and fluidly seal the manifold coupler with the cartridge lid engagement area, the removable fluid concentrate cartridge and the removable fluid dilute cartridge each having a shoulder recess configured to mate with a middle shoulder of the middle section, and the removable fluid concentrate cartridge and the removable fluid dilute cartridge each having a tube configured to mate with a tube coupler and the manifold whereby the internal conduit of the manifold is in fluid communication with the removable fluid concentrate reservoir and the fluid dilute reservoir.
In some embodiments, the coupling of the manifold coupler with the cartridge lid engagement area limits movement of the removable fluid concentrate cartridge in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the spray device, and the mating of the shoulder recess and the middle shoulder limits a movement of the removable fluid concentrate cartridge in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spray device.
In some embodiments, the spray device further comprises a removable bottom section configured to retain the removable fluid concentrate cartridge and the removable fluid dilute cartridge.
In some embodiments, the spray device further comprises the pump in fluid communication with an internal conduit of the manifold whereby the pump can receive the fluid concentrate and the fluid dilute from the internal conduit, the internal conduit comprising a concentrate conduit and a dilute conduit, the concentrate conduit having a constricted concentrate conduit area, the dilute conduit having a constricted dilute conduit area, and a ratio of the constricted concentrate conduit area to the constricted dilute conduit area defining a mixing ratio of the fluid concentrate and the fluid dilute. In some embodiments, the constricted concentrate conduit area is defined by a fluid concentrate tube in the removable fluid concentrate cartridge. In some embodiments, the constricted concentrate conduit area is defined by a fluid concentrate conduit of the internal conduit of the manifold. In some embodiments, the ratio comprises a range of about 5:1 to 10:1.
In some embodiments, a removable fluid cartridge to hold a fluid for use with a spray device, is provide. The cartridge comprising a cartridge body defining a side and a bottom of a cartridge reservoir configured to retain a fluid, a cartridge lid configured to define a top of the cartridge reservoir, a tube coupled to the cartridge lid, the tube extending into the cartridge reservoir and configured to fluidly connect the fluid reservoir to the cartridge lid, the cartridge lid further comprising a lid coupler configured to fluidly connect the tube with the spray device whereby the fluid retained in the cartridge reservoir may be dispense by a pumping mechanism of the spray device, the cartridge body further comprising a recess configured to mate with the spray device, and the recess and the lid coupler configured to couple the cartridge body with the spray device.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the techniques disclosed in this specification will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings:
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to any software and data as described below and in the drawings hereto: Copyright © 2019, Paul Sung Ventresca LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Spray devices and methods of use will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated that, while the following description focuses on a system that can be used to deliver fluids such as fragrances, the systems and methods disclosed herein have wide applicability. For example, the spray device described herein may be readily employed with sprays for skin products, hair care products, fertilizers, essential oils, cooking fluids beverages or chemicals. Notwithstanding the specific example embodiments set forth below, all such variations and modifications that would be envisioned by one of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.
The spray device disclosed addresses the technical problem of how to integrate, into a small handheld form factor like a bottle, components that allow for the simple changing of fluid contents to allow a user to change multiple fluids delivered by a spray device. In particular, the problem presented is how to allow this interchangeable dispensing to include the changing and securing of both a fluid concentrate and a fluid dilute and allow them to be dispensed and mixed at the proper ratio. The problem is particularly evident when the size of the spray device is small such as less than about 10.0 inches or less than about 5.0 inches in overall height.
The disclosed spray device addresses the technical problem presented by providing interchangeable fluid containers into a spray device that has reusable components such as the piston assembly and other device components. The secure coupling of the cartridges with other elements of the spray device allows small amounts of fluid to be easily interchanged by changing cartridges. Furthermore, the spray device ensures a proper mixing ratio of the fluid by having fluid delivery conduits that are dimensioned to automatically deliver the fluids at the proper ratio.
The disclosed spray device addresses shortcomings in the prior art by providing a handheld device configured to allow for easy interchange of different fluid cartridges while also securely coupling these cartridges into the device. For fluids that are typically stored and dispensed in small amounts, the fluid cartridges to hold these fluids may be small. With a small fluid cartridge design, the interchange of cartridges needs to be simple so that they can be properly secured. For example, it may be difficult to interchange small cartridges if the coupling requires a threaded coupler on the cartridge. In some embodiments, the disclosed spray device does not need to couple the fluid cartridges to the manifold with threaded fittings. The small design of the spray device is also beneficial in that it is creates less waste and is light weight for shipping the device and shipping fluid cartridges.
One Example Embodiment of the Spray Device with Interchangeable Cartridges:
For illustration purposes and not for limitation, one example embodiment of the spray device with interchangeable cartridges is shown in
Referring to
The top section 120 generally provides the fluid mixing components from the cartridge section 160 to the piston section. The cartridge section 160 generally provides the storage compartment or reservoir for the fluid to be dispensed through the piston section 110. The middle section 150 generally provides additional support for other elements of the spray device 100 such as coupling elements to engage with element of the cartridge section 160, the bottom section 180 and the top section 120. The bottom section 180 generally provides a base for the spray device 100. The piston section 110 generally provides the pumping mechanism 112 and coupling tubes 114 to deliver fluids from the middle section 150 to the outside of the spray device. The cap section 105 generally covers the pumping trigger of the pumping mechanism 112.
Referring to
The different section components of the spray device may be made from any material suitable for its purpose. For example only and not for limitation, section components may be made from: plastics such as high temperature plastics (HTP), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonates, polypropylene, nylon and acrylics; metals such as aluminum; and other materials such as milled wood. Example materials for embodiments of section components are also provided in this description.
The different section components of the spray device may be made to any dimension suitable for the purpose of the spray device. Within this description and the accompanying drawings, illustrative dimensions have been provided as example only and not as a limitation. In the drawings, noted dimension are in inches. Some embodiments of the spray device have an overall height dimension of less than about 10.0 inches and some have a height less than about 5.0 inches.
An example embodiment of the top section for a spray device is shown in
As shown in
Referring to
In some embodiments, the ratio of mixing of the fluid concentrate and the fluid dilute within the internal conduit is defined the inside diameter of the fluid concentrate conduit 236B and the fluid dilute conduit 236A. In these embodiments, the inside diameter of the concentrate conduit 236B defines a constricted concentrate conduit area and the inside diameter of the fluid dilute conduit 236A defines a constricted dilute conduit area and the ratio of the two constricted areas defines a ratio of mixing of the fluids. This ability to alter the ratio based on simple dimensions of spray device components such as the internal conduit allows manufacturers to easily make alternative configurations to suit user's needs.
The manifold 230 may also be constructed as separate components. For example, the manifold 230 may be made from a bottom half and a top half. In these embodiments, the components may be coupled together, for example by welding or an adhesive, to make the complete manifold.
As shown in
The manifold may further comprise a tube fitting to couple the manifold and elements of the piston section. Referring to
Referring now to
As shown, the top section may have a top 422 with a recess 424 to receive components from the piston section. The top 422 may also have an externally threaded neck 423 to mate with a correspondingly threaded mating end of the piston section.
As shown in
The top section may also have a coupling means to couple elements from the middle section. For example, and not for limitation, referring to
In one example embodiment, as shown in
The top may be made from any suitable material. In one example embodiment, the top 422 is made from ABS.
In some embodiments, the top section further comprises a top band. Referring to
In some embodiments, the spray device further comprises a middle section. The middle section generally provides additional support for other elements of the spray device such as coupling elements to engage with element of the cartridge section, the bottom section and the top section. An example embodiment of the middle section of a spray device is shown in
The middle section may also include a coupler to couple the middle support 752 to the top section. Referring to
In one example embodiment, as shown in
The middle section and middle support may be made from any suitable material. In one example embodiment, the middle section is made from ABS.
In some embodiments, the spray device further comprises a cartridge section. The cartridge section generally provides the storage compartment to hold the fluid to be dispensed through the spray device. The cartridge section may comprise one or more cartridge body, one or more fluid tubes and one or more cartridge lids. In one embodiment, the cartridge section comprises a cartridge for a fluid concentrate and a cartridge for a fluid dilute.
Referring to
The cartridge body may be made to any dimensions that can retain a suitable amount of fluid and engage the other spray device elements. In one example embodiment, the cartridge body has a width of about 0.79 inches and a height of about 1.74 inches.
The cartridge body may be made from any suitable materials. In one example embodiment, the cartridge body 62 is composed of an acrylic.
The cartridge section may also comprise a cartridge lid. Referring now to
In some embodiments, to reduce the risk of back flow of fluids from the internal conduit 235 into the fluid cartridges, the dimensions of the manifold coupler 1074M are such that when it is coupled with the manifold, the manifold coupler 1074M or the tube extends into the internal conduit enough so that fluid retained in the conduit after the pump is actuated does not flow back through the manifold coupler 1074M and into the fluid reservoir.
In some embodiments, the lid coupler 1074 or either of the manifold coupler 1074M or the tube coupler 1074T may further include a one-way restrictor element to provide the function of a one-way check valve and restrict flow of fluids back into the reservoirs.
The cartridge lid 1070 may have any shape to close the top of the cartridge body. In one example embodiment, cartridge the lid 1070 has a length of about 1.47 inches and a width of about 0.67 inches.
The cartridge lid 1070 may be made from any suitable material. In one example embodiment, the cartridge lid 1070 is made from a clear acrylic.
The cartridge section may also comprise a tube extending into the reservoir formed by the cartridge body and into the retained fluid. The tube couples to the tube coupler to mate the tube to the cartridge lid and generally facilitates the transfer of fluid (e.g., the unscented base or the concentrated fragrance) from the cartridge reservoir through the top section to the piston section an out of the spray device. The tubes may be made from any suitable material. In one embodiment, the tubes are made from Tygon® brand flexible polymer tubing as marketed and sold by the Saint-Gobain Corporation in Malvern Pa.
Referring to
The dimensions of the tube 1164 may be any dimension that allows the tube to reach near the bottom of the cartridge when engaged with the tube coupler of the cartridge lid and allow fluid to flow from the cartridge to the manifold. In one example embodiment, the length of the tube 1164 is about 1.50 inches, the outside diameter is about 0.09 inches and the diameter of the opening 11640 is about 0.03 inches.
Referring to
The dimensions of the tube 1266 may be any dimension that allows the tube to reach near the bottom of the cartridge when engaged with the tube coupler of the cartridge lid and allow fluid to flow from the cartridge to the manifold. In one example embodiment, the tube 1266 has a length of about 1.5 inches, and outside diameter of about 0.22 inches and a diameter of opening 12660 is about 0.16 inches.
In some embodiments, the ratio of mixing of the fluid dilute and the fluid concentrate within the internal conduit is defined by the ratio of the inside diameter of the two tubes. In these embodiments, the inside diameter of the tube communicating the fluid concentrate defines a constricted concentrate conduit area and the inside diameter of the tube communicating the fluid dilute a constricted dilute conduit area and the ratio of the two constricted areas defines the ratio of mixing of the fluids. For example, and not for limitation, if the internal diameter of the tube communicating the fluid dilute is about 0.166 inches and the internal diameter of the tube communicating the fluid concentrate is about 0.031 inches, the ratio of dilute to concentrate is theoretically about 5:1. It is understood that in operation, actual dilution ratios may be affected by fluid friction within the tube and the viscosity of the fluids. In tests with the tube dimensions identified, pumping a propylene glycol dilute fluid and a isopropyl myristate concentrate fluid, resulted in a ratio estimated to be about 8.1:1. This ability to alter the ratio based on simple dimensions of spray device components such as the tube allows manufacturers to easily make alternative configurations to suit user's needs.
The ratio of fluid dilute to fluid concentrate may be of any ratio suitable to provide an acceptable fluid mixture from the spray device. In one example embodiment, the ratio of fluid dilute to fluid concentrate is controlled and defined by the ratio of the internal diameter of the tubes and is in a range of about 1:1 to 15:1, in some embodiments a range of about 4.4:1 to 13:1 and in some embodiments a range of about 5:1 to 10:1. In one embodiment, the ratio is about 8.1:1.
The cartridge lid may further comprise a sealing ring to fluidly seal the coupling of the cartridge to the top section.
The cartridge lid may also have a small venting hole to allow the fluid cartridge to receive air into the cartridge and occupy the volume vacated by the pumped fluid. In some embodiment, a 0.0625 inch diameter hole may be drilled in the top of each cartridge lid. When the fluid cartridges are inserted, this hole is not exposed to open environment, rather it is open to the inner part of the top section thereby minimizing the evaporative effect. Before the fluid cartridge is inserted, small covers such as adhesive foil could be applied over the hole to prevent any evaporation/leakage prior to use.
In the example embodiment of the cartridge lid 1070 shown in
Referring to
Additionally, when the spray pump is used for fluids such as perfumes, the amount of fluid to be retained is expected to be less than for other applications. Because of this, the size of the cartridge may be small. With a smaller form factor for the cartridge, complicated means of securing the cartridge into the manifold may be impractical. The simple means of coupling with the pressure type fitting provided by the sealing ring together with the shoulder recess and bottom channel mating requires little manipulation and can be done with a small form-factor for the cartridge.
As discussed below, the use of the bottom section to further secure the cartridge section to the middle section also allows the cartridge to be inserted securely into the manifold to minimize the risk of loss of fluid from the reservoir.
Within the concentrate reservoir, various concentrate fluids may be held. For example only and not for limitation, concentrates may include essential oils (naturally-derived oils from plants), perfume oils (can be made from essential oils, or synthetic chemical blends), cannabidiol (CBD), beard oils or hair products. For example only and not for limitation, essential oils may comprise peppermint, lavender, lemon, rosemary, frankincense or lemongrass oils. For example only and not for limitation, perfume oils may comprise bergamot, jasmine, musk, vanilla and perfume oil blends. For example only and not for limitation, CBD oils may comprise hemp seed oil, isolate, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and nano CBD. For example only and not for limitation, hair products may comprise spray hair gel or spray hair conditioner.
Within the dilute reservoir, various dilute fluids may be held. For example only and not for limitation, dilutes may include water, isopropyl myristate, jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, propylene glycol, hair products, liquid cosmetics or pre-mixed blends of perfumes/colognes.
In some embodiments, the spray device further comprises a bottom section. The bottom section generally provides a base for the spray device. In an example embodiment, the bottom section comprises a removable bottom section having a bottom and a bottom coupler. In some embodiments, the bottom section further comprises a bottom band, a retainer ring and a label.
In one example embodiment, referring to
The bottom 1482 may also have a raised mating ring 1483 to mate with other device elements such as the bottom channels of the middle section and the cartridge section.
The bottom may be made any size suitable for use with the other spray device sections. In one embodiment, the bottom has a diameter of about 2.00 inches, and a thickness of about 0.60 inches.
The bottom may be made from any suitable material. In one example embodiment, the bottom 1482 is made from ABS.
Some embodiments of the bottom section further comprise a bottom band. In the example embodiment of
The bottom band 1588 may be made any size suitable for use with the other spray device sections. In one embodiment, the bottom band 1588 has a diameter of about 2.00 inches, a thickness of about 0.018 inches, and a height of about 0.2 inches.
The bottom band 1588 may be made from any suitable material. In one example embodiment, the bottom band 1588 is an adhesive gold foil band which wraps around the exterior bottom section of the device.
Referring to
In some embodiments, the spray device further comprises a piston section. The piston section generally provides the pumping mechanism and coupling elements to deliver fluids from the middle section to the outside of the spray device.
In one example embodiment, referring to
In one example embodiment, the pump 1612 is configured to move in one direction for discharging fluid out a pump chamber to the nozzle and move in a second direction for drawing fluid into the pump chamber. For example, the pump 1612 may be a one-way valve pump configured to pull fluid from the manifold using a one-way valve. The one-way valve pump may be any type such as the type used with common window cleaning spray bottles and cologne bottles. In this embodiment, the pump 1612, powered by a trigger mechanism, forces the fluid through the nozzle 1614 that breaks up the flow of the fluid, turning it into a fine mist or stream. The pump 1612 comprising the trigger mechanism, a piston, a cylinder and a one-way valve. When the user presses the trigger mechanism, it forces the piston into the cylinder (acting as a pump chamber) and by reducing the volume of the pump chamber, the piston forces the fluid through the nozzle 1614 as a concentrated stream of fluid. When the trigger mechanism is released, the piston moves back increasing the cylinder volume, pulling fluid back into the cylinder and the pump chamber. This fluid is forced out of the nozzle 1614 the next time the trigger is pressed. The one-way valve at the bottom of the pump 1612 only allows fluid to flow up the tube into the pump 1612, not back into the fluid reservoirs.
The nozzle 1614 is the end of the internal fluid delivery chamber of the piston section and may be made from any suitable material. In some embodiments, it is made of a metal or a plastic. When the air and mixed fluids pass through the nozzle 1614, it causes the fluid to break up into small drops and mixes it with the air. The restriction at the end of the nozzle 1614, called a “venturi,” speeds up the air and fluid mixture causing the fluid to break up and the air to disperse it widely.
In one example embodiment, the pump 1612 is a common aspirating pump configured to pull fluid from the manifold using a squeeze bulb, nozzle, a feeder tube, a top tube and Bernoulli's principle. The fluid is stored in the cartridge reservoir. The feeder tube is fluidly connected to the interior conduit of the manifold and the pump 1612 and the cartridge tube. The pump 1612 also houses a top tube that connects a squeeze bulb and the nozzle. When the squeeze bulb is squeezed, air is forced out of the bulb through the top tube, over the feeder tube and out through the nozzle 1614. This passage of air across the feeder tube creates a vacuum that pulls the fluid up into the feeder tube, into the top tube and pushes it out through the nozzle 1614. When the airflow stops, a small amount of fluid remains in the tube and, because of the cohesion properties of fluids, can act as another mechanism to pull fluid up the tube once the bulb is squeezed again.
In some embodiments, the piston section further comprises a coupling tube. Referring to
In some embodiments, the spray device further comprises a cap section. The cap section generally covers the pumping trigger of the pumping mechanism.
In one example embodiment, referring to
In some embodiments, the spray device further comprises a label. One example embodiment of a bottom label 1989 is shown in
The ornamental design for one embodiment of a spray device with interchangeable cartridges is shown in
The ornamental design for one embodiment of a removable cartridge for a spray device with interchangeable cartridges is shown in
One Embodiment of the Spray Device in Operation:
Methods of use will be described through the operation of an example embodiment of the spray device.
Operation of the spray device generally comprises the steps of selecting the fluid concentrate and fluid dilute, ensuing the cartridge contain the fluids, placing the cartridges in the spray device, activating the trigger mechanism of the piston section so that fluid is pulled from the cartridges, mixing the fluids in the manifold and dispensing them through the nozzle.
For purposes of illustrating the operation of one embodiment of a spray device, and not for limitation, the operation of a spray device consistent with the embodiment shown in
The first step comprises selecting the fluid concentrate and the fluid dilute and ensuring they are in the cartridges. The fluids may be prefilled in sealed cartridges or the cartridges may allow the user to add the fluids. In one example embodiment, the cartridges are pre-filled, the dilute may comprise an alcohol or a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil and the fluid concentrate may comprise an essential oil, a cannabidiol (CBD) oil or a fragrance oil.
The cartridges are then inserted into the spray device. In this embodiment, the bottom of the stray device is removed to allow the top of the cartridge lid to be inserted into the cartridge lid engagement area and the shoulder recess to engage the middle shoulder. With both the fluid dilute cartridge and the fluid concentrate cartridge inserted and secured, the bottom is secured by screwing it in the with the bottom coupler. The hex recess in the bottom helps secure the bottom coupler/screw, while the label over the coupler keeps the coupler head seated in the recess.
With both cartridges inserted, the spray device is ready to dispense the mixture of fluids. The fluids are dispensed by the pressure differential create by activating the pump of the piston section. Until it is primed, when the pump is triggered, air is drawn into the pump which creates a vacuum to be replaced by the fluids in each of the containers. When sufficient activation has been performed, the pump draws fluids from the cartridge reservoirs through the cartridge conduit through the lid and into the manifold. The fluids are mixed in the internal conduit of the manifold and the pump draws the mixed fluid into a pump chamber that disperses the fluid through the nozzle.
After the pump dispenses the fluid, a small amount of mixed fluid may remain within the internal conduit of the manifold. The mixing pool within the internal conduit, (beneath the tube fitting) captures a portion of this remaining fluid (mixed at the predetermined ratio) until the pump is activated again. The internal conduit of the manifold operates as partially full of fluid during operation and also when not in use. Back flow of mixed fluids into the fluid cartridges is minimized by the design of the internal conduit.
As the fluid is used, the cartridges may be replaced by removing the bottom, pulling out the existing cartridge and replacing it with a new cartridge. The cartridges may be made from a clear material so that the user can visually tell the amount of fluid in the reservoir.
Although this invention has been described in the above forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. App. No. 62/764,217, filed on Jul. 22, 2018, entitled “Cartridge-Based interchangeable Infusion Bottle,” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
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