Patent Application
20210061639
The present invention relates generally to a system and method for diluting and distributing multicolor and or multi scented dilution ratios of cleaning concentrate. More so, the present invention relates to a system and method for distributing a concentrated cleaning composition through a plurality of metering devices in a diluted, color and or scent coded arrangement that enables selection between multiple dilution ratios and flow rates of a concentrated cleaning composition; and further includes dyes added into the diluted concentrations to color-code the diluted concentrations a unique scent, color or scented dye for identification; and further includes multiple metering devices having identification markings that enable facilitated identification and selection of a desired dilution ratio and flow rate.
The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
Typically, manufacturers of cleaning liquids, particularly industrial and consumer cleaning fluids for cleaning work areas, floors, washrooms and the like, generally package their liquid cleaning products in a concentrated form to save expense in storage and transportation, and to conserve storage space until use. Often, the liquid cleaning products are purchased on a concentrated basis, and then are diluted to the proper strength at the site where they will be used. This type of general system is employed by a wide variety of users, e.g., hotels, hospitals, restaurants, etc.
It is known in the art that numerous dispensing systems have been developed for diluting a concentrated cleaning product. The dispensers usually feature at least some of the following components: a container for the concentrated cleaning product, an intermediate-sized storage container for the diluted cleaning product, a method to dose concentrate into the storage container, and a water supply line to dilute the concentrate.
Unfortunately, using too much concentrated liquid cleaner is wasteful, unnecessary, and expensive. Over-use of these products also hampers thorough rinsing and leaves messy residues. On the other hand, utilization of too little cleaning concentrate in the use solution will not clean adequately, causing the user to repeat the procedure again, involving yet more costly labor.
Other proposals have involved dispensing a concentrated cleaning composition in diluted form. Also, the dispensing flow rates are not adjustable to need. Even though the above cited cleaning composition dispensing systems meet some of the needs of the market, a system and method for distributing a concentrated cleaning composition through a plurality of metering devices in a diluted, scent, color or scented dye/color coded arrangement that enables selection between multiple dilution ratios and flow rates of a concentrated cleaning composition; further including up to 4 colored dyes added into the diluted concentrations to color-code the diluted concentrations up to 4 unique colors and or up to 4 unique scented colors or up to 4 scents alone for identification; and further includes multiple metering devices having identification markings that enable facilitated identification and selection of a desired dilution ratio and flow rate, was desired until now.
Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a system and method for distributing scented (or unscented), color-coded or scented dye dilution ratios of hard surface, soft surface or skin cleaning concentrates at different dilution ratios and flow rates. The system and method mixes a concentrated cleaning composition with different quantities of water to produce a plurality of diluted concentrates. A plurality of dyes and scents are added to the diluted concentrate, with each color of dye and or scent correlating to a unique diluted concentrate. This provides a visual and or olfactoral indication of the product at the dilution ratio of the diluted concentrate, with each different dilution ratio being defined by a unique dye color, color/scent or scent alone.
A plurality of lines carry concentrate to a plurality of metering devices that selectively dilute the finished, selection strength.
A dyed diluted concentrate at different dilution ratios and at multiple flow rates. The dilution ratio and the flow rate are selected based on the type of cleaning that is required, and the type of dispensing means used for cleaning. A plurality of lines carry the concentrated cleaning composition, water, with 0 up to 4 separate dyes and or 0 and up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scents of the diluted concentrate.
In some embodiments, the concentrated cleaning composition may be stored in a concentrate container. A concentrate outlet line carries the concentrated cleaning composition out of the concentrate container for dilution, color-coding, and possible scent selective distribution. A water inlet line is in fluid communication with the concentrate container and the concentrate outlet lines. The water inlet line is in the dispenser itself, and supplies water in different quantities from a water source. The water from the water inlet line mixes with the concentrated cleaning composition in the concentrate outlet lines. The mixture of concentrated cleaning composition to water is proportioned into a plurality of diluted concentrates having different dilution ratios. The different diluted concentrates are utilized for different cleaning applications. For example, a concentrated dilution ratio cleans an outdoor patio, while a diluted concentrate is used for cleaning a table.
A plurality of up to 4 separate dye containers and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scented containers of scents, dye, or scented dye contain and are heretofore noted as “solutions’ These solutions are in fluid communication with the concentrated cleaning composition. Each solution is defined by a unique color and or scent correlating to a dilution ratio of a diluted concentrate. A plurality of solution lines are in fluid communication with the solution lines carrying the specific solutions. The up to 4 separate solution lines dispense multiple up to 4 separate dyes and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scents into the different diluted ready to use products, with each color of up to 4 separate dyes and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scents correlating to a unique diluted ready to use product. For example, a blue dye may correlate to a diluted concentrate; and a green dye may correlate to a more concentrated dilution ratio of diluted concentrate which may or may not add a scent or a color.
A plurality of up to 4 separate dispensing lines are in fluid communication with the up to 4 separate dyes and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scents lines for carrying the dyed diluted concentrates to be dispensed. A plurality of metering devices are in fluid communication with the dispensing lines. The metering devices selectively dispense up to 4 separate dyes and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scents diluted concentrates at the different dilution ratios and at the multiple flow rates. Each flow rate of up to 4 separate dyes and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scents diluted concentrates fills a specific variation and size of dispensing containers, i.e. low flow rate for spray bottles, and high flow rate for mop buckets, or other large cleaning containers. The metering devices comprise alphanumeric or color-coding identification markings as visual indicators for identification and selection of the dilution ratios and flow rates of the up to 4 separate dyes and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scents diluted concentrates.
In another aspect, the concentrated cleaning composition can include at least one of the following: a soap, a detergent, a degreaser, ammonia, citric acid, either potassium and/or sodium hydroxide, a hypochlorite, a quaternary, a solvent, an amine and a surfactant.
In another aspect, the concentrate container comprises a multi-collapsible bladder package that collapses as the concentrated cleaning composition is dispensed.
In another aspect, the concentrate container comprises a sidewall forming an interior volume and a container opening regulating access to the interior volume.
In another aspect, the concentrate container comprises an interior tube being in fluid communication with the interior volume of the concentrate container and the concentrate outlet lines.
In another aspect, the system further comprises a plurality of fittings engineered to join the lines.
In another aspect, the fittings comprise barbed nozzles.
In another aspect, the fittings comprises T-shaped fittings.
In another aspect, the system further comprises a line bracket defined by a plurality of holes disposed in a linear, spaced relationship.
In another aspect, the holes in the line bracket enable passage of the dispensing lines.
In another aspect, the metering devices comprise alphanumeric or color-coding identification markings.
In another aspect, the identification markings form a visual indicator the dilution ratios and the flow rates of the up to 4 separate dyes and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scents diluted concentrate.
In another aspect, the flow rates comprise a high flow rate and a low flow rate.
In another aspect, the system comprises a housing, the housing receiving and segregating the concentrate container and the up to 4 separate dyes and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scents containers.
In another aspect, the system further comprises an aspirator and a vacuum for regulating the amount of water mixing with the concentrated cleaning composition.
In one aspect, a method for distributing color-coded dilution ratios of cleaning concentrates, comprises:
One objective of the present invention is to color code the concentrate being dispensed with variously colored dyes and scents, so as to enable visual identification of the different application dilution ratios during dispensing.
Another objective is to enable selective distribution of the up to 4 separate dyed or scented dye diluted concentrate at a low flow rate and a high flow rate.
Yet another objective is to provide different colors of up to 4 separate dyes and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scents that correlate to different dilution ratios.
Yet another objective is to provide metering devices that enable easy, manual diluting/dispensing of the up to 4 separate dyed and or up to 4 separate scented dyed and or up to 4 separate scented diluted concentrate with water
Yet another objective is to enable facilitated assembling and disassembling of the various lines with barbed fittings.
Yet another objective is to organize the dispensing lines with a line bracket.
Yet another objective is to provide a system for distributing color-coded dilution ratios of cleaning concentrate that is easy to operate.
Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings, including up to 4 different colors and up to 4 different scents and up to 4 different concentrate systems.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
A system 100 and method 200 for distributing color-coded dilution ratios of cleaning concentrates is referenced in
In some embodiments, a plurality of metering devices 122a, 122b selectively dispense the up to 4 separate dyed and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scented diluted concentrate 148a-d at different dilution ratios and at multiple flow rates. Metering devices 122a-b are labeled with identification markings, indicating dilution ratios and flow rates. The dilution ratio and the flow rate are selected based on the type of cleaning that is required (light, heavy duty), and the type of dispensing means used for cleaning (spray bottle, mop bucket).
As referenced in
In some embodiments, at least one backflow protector 150 integrates into the dispensing lines 120a-b. The backflow protector 150 helps maintain flow in one direction, thereby preventing undesirable backflow of water and/or dyes. In one non-limiting embodiment, the backflow protector 150 comprises a simple check valve that allows flow in one direction and automatically prevents back flow (reverse flow) when fluid in the line reverses direction.
In some embodiments, concentrated cleaning composition 138 may be stored in a concentrate container 102. Concentrate container 102 comprises a sidewall 136 forming an interior volume 138 and a container opening 140 regulating access to interior volume 138. In one non-limiting embodiment, concentrate container 102 is a collapsible bladder package that collapses as the concentrated cleaning composition 138 is dispensed. Bladder-type and semi-rigid containers are described; though flexible bags could be substituted. In yet another possible embodiment, concentrate container 102 may be approximately one to five gallons in size; or a 1 pint to 1 gallon consumer version.
In some embodiments, concentrate container 102 dispenses the contained cleaning composition 138 while positioned in an elevated surface, on the floor, or on a moving cart. Though, it is not necessary that concentrate container 102 be placed on an elevated support member for gravity-induced dispensing of concentrated cleaning composition 138. Concentrate container 102 could be supported on a floor.
Examples of the types of concentrated cleaning compositions contained in the concentrate container 102 may include: multi-purpose cleaners, e.g., for walls, windows, tile and hard surfaces; germicidal detergents for disinfecting and sanitizing; floor care products; and specialty products for special cleaning needs. Other concentrated cleaning compositions may include, without limitation, a soap, a detergent, a degreaser, ammonia, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, and or potassium hydroxide. However, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited for use only with cleaning products, but can be utilized to store and dispense any type of solution. Further, liquids other than concentrates may also be utilized consistent with the invention.
A concentrate outlet line 108 carries the concentrated cleaning composition 104 out of the concentrate container 102 for dilution, color-coding, and selective distribution. In one non-limiting embodiment, an interior tube 142 is in fluid communication with the interior volume 138 of the concentrate container 102 and the concentrate outlet line 108. Interior tube 142 is coupled to the concentrate outlet line 108 for carrying concentrated cleaning composition 138 out of the interior volume 138 of concentrate container 102.
Concentrate container 102 and concentrate outlet line 108 receive water in different quantities. Municipal and secondary pressurized water is introduced into each created solution. Water is supplied in different quantities from a water source. The water mixes with the concentrated cleaning composition 138 flowing through concentrate outlet line 108. The mixture of concentrated cleaning composition 138 to water is proportioned into a plurality of diluted concentrates 146a-d having possible different dilution ratios, different colors and possible different scents.
The different diluted concentrates 146a-d are used to address different cleaning applications. For example, one cleaning application might require a 1% solution, whereas another cleaning application may require a 10% solution of the same cleaning composition. Alternatively, an adjustable metering accessory may be utilized to enable the proportion ratio to be adjusted. For example, a concentrated dilution ratio cleans an outdoor patio, while a watered down concentrate is used for cleaning a table.
In another exemplary application, clear or dyed concentrate is diluted with up to 4 scents, covering the plurality of dilutions making up the plurality of applications clear, yet scented. As
For example,
Thus, by color coding the diluted concentrates 146a-d while they are being dispensed with up to 4 separate variously colored dyes or scented dyes or scents 114a-d, visual identification of the different dilution ratios is possible. For example, a blue dye 114a correlates to a watered down diluted concentrate 146a, often used for lighter cleaning tasks; a red dye 114b correlates to a less diluted concentrate 146b; a purple dye 114c correlates to a more concentrated diluted concentrate 146c; and a green dye 114d correlates to a concentrated dilution ratio of diluted concentrate 146d, often used for more heavy duty/industrial cleaning tasks.
In one non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of dispensing lines 120a-b are in fluid communication with the up to 4 separate dyes and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scents lines 118a-d for carrying the up to 4 separate dyes and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scents diluted concentrate 148a-d to be dispensed. Dispensing lines 120a-b are configured to dispense the concentrated cleaning composition so that a mop bucket or spray bottle can be easily filled without requiring activation of a water supply. In one non-limiting embodiment, dispensing lines 120a-b comprise a valve and control handle for activating discharge of the diluted concentrate 146a-d. In one embodiment of high flow rate, the diluted concentrate 146a-d is dispensed at a rate of approximately two gallons per minute.
In one non-limiting embodiment, system 100 provides a line bracket 126 to help organize the dispensing lines 120a-b.
Looking now at
The quick connect lines and barbed fitting assembly requires no plumbing hook-up, and can be used at any sink or faucet. For example, a dye line 118a can be removed and replaced with a longer dye line 118b, or with a dispensing line 120a. In one non-limiting embodiment, fittings 130a-d include barbed nozzles that form a generally tapered configuration. In another non-limiting embodiment, the fitting is a T-shaped fitting 160 that allows any of the above mentioned lines 108, 110, 116a-d, 118a-d, 120a-b to connect simultaneously. In another non-limiting embodiment, the fitting is a cap 160 that fits onto the container opening of the concentrate container 102. A threaded cap nut 154b that has a coupling relationship with cap 154a notably couples and decouples to cap 154a to help in dispensing concentrated cleaning composition 104 from container 102.
In one example of the possible different types of fitting,
In one non-limiting embodiment, system 100 comprises a housing 106 that receives and segregates the concentrate container 102 and the dye containers 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d. Housing 106 may have rigid, or semi-rigid walls that are lightweight, so as to facilitate mobility of system 100. In one non-limiting embodiment, housing 106, containers 102, 112a-d, and lines 108, 116a-d, 118a-d, 120a-b are supported by a transportable cart assembly so that it is readily portable. Housing 106 is portable enough to be set up in various locations. Because the sizes of the various containers inside the housing 106 are relatively small, system 100 is modular, and can be set up close to the point of usage, thereby saving time and effort for janitorial personnel.
As referenced in
The flow rates of dyed added inline concentrate 148a-d dispensing from the dispensing lines 120a, 120b include a high flow rate and a low flow rate. Each flow rate of dyed diluted concentrate 148a-d fills a specific variation and size of dispensing containers, i.e. low flow rate for spray bottles, and high flow rate for buckets. In one non-limiting embodiment, a high flow rate (4 gpm or greater) delivers a ready to use cleaning composition 138, such as when filling a bucket or an auto-scrubber. A low flow rate (2 gpm or less) is used when filling spray bottles. In another non-limiting embodiment, one dispensing line carries sufficient volume for a low flat rate, and two dispensing lines 120a-b carry sufficient volume for a high flow rate.
As illustrated in
In one non-limiting embodiment, dispensing lines 120a-b may also be color-coded to correspond with the particular scented, colored or scented color concentrate 146a-d being utilized. There are also appropriate labels on housing 106, concentrate container 102, and dye containers 112a-d that help in identifying the name of the concentrated cleaning composition 104, the dilution ratio, and the flow rate of dyed diluted concentrates 148a-d that are being dispensed. This minimizes the chance of contamination and minimizes the likelihood that a particular cleaning product will be used at an improper dilution ratio. Identification markings 124a-d also results in a cost savings for the user, in that wastage of the cleaning product is eliminated when the proper dilution ratio is maintained.
Looking at
As illustrated in the flowchart in
In one non-limiting embodiment, a Step 206 comprises mixing different ratios of water with the concentrated cleaning composition, whereby the mixture of concentrated cleaning composition and water produces a plurality of diluted concentrates having a plurality of dilution ratios. Another Step 208 includes carrying the diluted concentrates through a plurality of diluted concentrate lines. Another Step 210 may include providing a plurality of dye containers containing a plurality of dyes, the dyes being in fluid communication with the diluted concentrate lines, each dye having a unique color that correlates to a dilution ratio.
In other embodiments, a Step 212 may include dispensing the up to 4 separate dyes and or up to 4 separate scented dyes and or up to 4 separate scents into the concentrates through a plurality of lines to form a plurality of dyed concentrates. A Step 214 comprises carrying the dyed diluted concentrates through a plurality of dispensing lines for dispensing. In one non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of dispensing lines 120a-b are in fluid communication with the dye lines 118a-d for carrying the dyed concentrate 148a-d to be dispensed. Dispensing lines 120a-b are configured to dispense the concentrated cleaning composition 104 so that a mop bucket or spray bottle can be easily filled without requiring activation of a water supply. Water is introduced into dispensing lines 120a-b at about @ 40 psi minimum.
A final Step 216 includes selectively dispensing the dyed diluted concentrates at the different dilution ratios and at the multiple flow rates with a plurality of metering devices. Metering devices 122a, 122b are in fluid communication with the dispensing lines 120a, 120b. Metering devices 122a-b selectively dispense the dyed diluted concentrates 148a-d at the different dilution ratios and at the multiple flow rates. Metering devices 122a-b comprise alphanumeric or color-coding identification markings 124a-d that serve as visual indicators for identification and selection of both the dilution ratios and the flow rate of dyed diluted concentrate 148a-d.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
