MXPA97002302A - Quim solution filling system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for dispensing and handling chemical solutions by means of a dispensing station, said dispensing station having a filling compartment, a concentrate compartment and a funnel, the method comprising the steps of: a) connecting a first concentrate tube with a gun means in fluid communication with a water source, said gun means being associated with an outlet tube, said first concentrate tube having a dilution ratio and being in fluid communication with a chemical solution concentrated in a first container and being in fluid communication with a vacuum cleaner, said first container being placed in said concentrate compartment, b) placing a first bottle of use in said first filling compartment of said dispensing station, said filling compartment including side walls and a splash guard, c) insert said Said tube in such funnel of said dispensing station, so that said outlet tube is substantially vertical and above said first use bottle, d) activate said gun means until said first use bottle is present; joining a pump assembly on said first use bottle and transporting said bottle to a point of u

Description

CHEMICAL SOLUTION FILLING SYSTEM Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a system for dispensing a solution and more particularly to a system for filling spray bottles with a diluted detergent solution. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the cleaning industry which requires significant amounts of specialized cleaning solutions, liquid cleaning products are sold on a concentrated basis, and then diluted to the proper strength for the site where they are to be used. A wide variety of users use this type of general system, eg, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, etc. Several dispensing systems have been developed to mix and dilute concentrated cleaning products. Many dispensing systems require several separate water lines, each water line corresponding to a different type of cleaning concentrate. With these systems, each water line includes a means to prevent backflow, dosing mechanism and flow controls. However, the applicant has developed dispensing and handling systems, in which only a single water line is used. When only one water line is used, costs are reduced since only one means is needed to prevent backflow. With the systems of the applicant, each concentrated duct can be releasably connected to the water line for quick connection and disconnection of different cleaning concentrates. These systems are described and illustrated in the Patents of E.U.A. Nos. 5,033,649; 5,255,820; 5,259,557; and 5,344,074. Several dispensing stations are not easily portable; They are also very large to move to several points of use. Dispensing stations usually characterize at least some of the following components: one or more containers for the concentrated cleaning products, a water supply line for diluting the concentrate, an intermediate size storage container for the diluted cleaning product and a mechanism for dosing the concentrate in the storage container. The small size spray bottles are filled with the storage container and then taken to the point of use by the cleaning staff. The container of intermediate size, is usually three to five gallons in size. This type of a jar is illustrated in the U.S. Patents. Nos. 5,033,649 and 5,259,557. However, the use of these jars increases the storage requirements for the dispensing system and makes the system less portable. Also, cleaning personnel sometimes prefer to have a relatively small amount of fresh diluted cleaning solution, prepared immediately before use.

The present invention solves these and many other problems associated with currently available dispensing systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a method for dispensing and handling liquid solutions through the use of a dispensing station. The steps of the method include: connecting a concentrated tube with a dilution gun, the concentrate tube being in fluid communication with concentrated chemical solution that is contained in a container placed in a concentrate compartment; placing a use bottle in a filling compartment of the dispensing station; inserting the tube of the exit of the gun into a funnel of the dispensing station so that the outlet tube is above the bottle of use; and activating the gun means until the use bottle is filled. In the preferred embodiment, different types of concentrate can be dispensed using quick connecting means in the dilution gun. Another aspect of the invention is a dispensing system for dispensing diluted chemical solutions. The dispensing system comprises a cabinet including a filling compartment, at least one concentrate bottle compartment, and an upper wall having funnel means; gun means in fluid communication with a water source and having an outlet tube that fits inside the funnel means; at least one bottle of concentrated chemical solution that is placed in the concentrate bottle compartment; at least one concentrate tube extending from the concentrated chemical solution to the gun means; and a container of use sized and configured to fit inside the filling compartment. In the preferred embodiment, the concentrate container has a plurality of slots that are sized and configured to correspond with a plurality of ribs within the concentrate compartments. Additionally, the lower portion of the concentrate compartment forms a path to accommodate a lower portion of the concentrate container. A primary advantage of the present invention is that it is simple, safe and easy to use. When a small container such as a spray bottle is to be filled, the gun is placed inside the funnel assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the user simply lowers a lever in the dilution gun, which activates a valve in the gun and allows the spray gun to fill. The spray bottle is surrounded by side walls and a splash guard during the filling operation, so that any splashing or spraying of cleaning chemicals is contained in a safe manner. The closed collection pipe of the invention and the self-containment of each collection tube vacuum cleaner also prevents exposure to concentrated chemicals. When a large container such as a mop bucket has to be filled, the gun is removed from the funnel of the dispensing station and placed inside the mop pan. The filling of the container is a one-hand operation, since the user simply lowers the water activation lever of the gun in order to start the flow of water and dispense the use solution. In contrast, the prior art systems are usually two-handed operations, with one hand on the water control device and the other hand controlling the outlet hose. Another advantageous feature of the present invention is that it minimizes space requirements. In the preferred embodiment, the system can be mounted on a wall, thereby releasing the limited space of the floor in the closet of cleaning articles. Since large jars of diluted cleaning products are not necessary, space requirements are further reduced to a minimum. Another advantage of the present invention is that it results in cost savings for the user. Since the system is simple in design, its cost is lower than conventional dispensers. The dispensing system only requires a single line of water and a single preventive counterflow medium, which also reduces the installation cost. The present invention operates on water alone, and does not require electrical connections. The various attachments, tubes, and valves are easily accessible and can be easily repaired with any necessary adjustment, repair or replacement measures. The simplicity of the present invention makes it inexpensive and can still be obtained for domestic operations and small food services.

The present invention also provides considerable flexibility by allowing the user to employ different types of cleaning products. In the preferred embodiment, there are compartments for up to four types of concentrated chemical solutions. The different components of the dispensing system are color coded to correspond to the particular cleaning product that is being used. Preferably, there are appropriate labels on the concentrate containers, which identify the name of the particular product being dispensed. This minimizes the possibility of contamination and minimizes the likelihood that a particular cleaning product will be used at an inappropriate dilution rate. Maintaining the proper dilution ratio also results in cost savings for the user, since the waste of the cleaning products is eliminated and the effectiveness of the cleaning product is maximized. For a better understanding of the invention and the advantage obtained by its use, reference should be made to the appended drawings and descriptive matter, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated and described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, which form part of the present invention and should be read therewith, an optimum embodiment of the invention is shown and in several views similar numbers are used to indicate similar parts.

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the dispensing system. Figure 2 is a top plan view of the dispensing system cabinet. Figure 3 is a rear elevational view of the dispensing system. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the concentrate bottle used with the dispensing system. Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the container illustrated in Figure 4. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the dilution gun used with the dispensing system. Figure 7 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the lid structure of the container illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 8 is a side elevational view, in cross-section, of the dilution gun shown in Figure 6. Detailed Description of the Preferred Modality Figure 1 illustrates the dispensing station 10 of the present invention. The dispensing station 10 includes a cabinet 20 having opposite side walls 1 1; upper and lower walls 12, 1 3; and a rear wall 21 (shown in Figures 2 and 3). In the preferred embodiment, the cabinet 20 is made of a suitable plastic material. The cabinet 20 has a plurality of compartments, each compartment being open and accessible from the front side of the dispensing station 10. In the preferred embodiment, there is a central compartment 17, surrounded on each side with a plurality of concentrate compartments 15. The central compartment 17, or filling compartment, is sized and configured to adapt a standard-sized spray bottle 22 of the type used in cleaning operations. The dew bottle 22 has a manually operated pump and a nozzle assembly (not shown) for pumping the solution out of the bottle and onto the surface to be cleaned. This pump assembly is removed before the filling process. The dew bottle 22 can be from about 453.44 to 906.88 grams in size. When the spray bottle is placed in the filling compartment 17 as shown in Figure 1, it is surrounded on three sides by the walls of the compartment 17. On the front of the central filling compartment 17, there is a splash guard 50 The splash guard 50, prevents unwanted exposure of the user to chemical solutions. The splash guard 50 is preferably made of platinized transparent glass, PET or "Plexiglas ™". Splash protection 50, it is suitably attached to the upper part of the filling compartment 17. The splash guard 50 can be releasably joined or hinged to the cabinet 20. Alternatively, the splash guard 50 can be permanently attached so that the container 22 can placed inside the filling station 17 by simply inserting it below the splash guard 50. During the filling of the diluted cleaning chemical solution, the use bottle 22 is placed in the compartment 17. The compartment 17 is also a place convenient to contain a dew bottle 22 that is not being used. The concentrate compartments 15 are approximately at the same height and width as the filling compartment 17. Preferably, the concentrate containers are approximately two liters in size. Although four concentrate compartments are illustrated, it should be understood that the dispensing station may have one or more concentrate compartments 15. Each concentrate compartment 15 is sized and configured to accommodate a concentrate container 14. Preferably, the bottom end of each concentrate compartment 15, has a path 44, for carrying a concentrate container 14, path 44 being defined by a pair of parallel rails 47. Each concentrate container 14, contains a concentrated liquid cleaning solution or other type of chemical solution concentrated The rear wall 21 of each concentrate compartment 15, has an opening 23. In the preferred embodiment, the cabinet 20 is mounted on a wall (not shown). Suitable openings 26, 77, (shown in Figure 2 and 3) in the rear wall 21 and upper wall 12 are provided in order to accommodate suitable wall fasteners. Alternatively, the dispensing station cabinet 20 could be placed on a shelf, shelf or truck. Each concentrate bottle 14 has a dip tube 71 extending to the bottom of the bottle 14. The lower end of the dip tube 71 extends into the liquid concentrate within the bottle 14. Preferably, the lower end of the tube of immersion 71, extends to lowermost portion 75 of bottle 14, shown in Figure 4. Immersion tube 71 within concentrate container 14, may have a foot valve (not shown) to prevent backflow of liquid concentrate in the concentrate container 14. A plurality of collection tubes 16, convey the concentrated solutions of the containers 14 to the dilution gun 18. Each immersion tube 71 is in fluid communication with a collection tube 16. Each collection tube 16, extends from the neck 37 of the bottle and then through the corresponding openings 23, 76 in the rear and upper walls of the cabinet 20, pectively. In Figure 3, two collection tubes 16 are illustrated. At the upper end of the collection tube 16, there is an insert 76 having a quick connection assembly 25. Within the insert 76, there is a vacuum cleaner 81. Consequently, each tube 16 has its own vacuum cleaner 81. The quick connector 25 is releasably connected to a quick connection assembly 32 in the gun 18. As shown in Figures 6 and 8, one end of the insert 76 can be inserted inside the truncated cone portion 34 of the barrel of the gun. The insert 76 has an outer retainer 77. Within the dilution gun 18, there is a movable bolt arm 78, which can be hinged with the detent 77 to close the insert 76 in assembly with the dilution gun 18. The bolt arm 78 is rotatable about a bolt 90. Insert 76 can be removed from dilution gun 18 by depression of a push button 79. Push button 79 rotates bolt arm 78 out of detent coupling 77, so that the insert 76 can be removed. The upper end of the concentrate tube 16 is preferably interconnected to the insert 76 by means of a tine attachment 80. In the preferred embodiment, the collection tube 16 is relatively permanently connected to the insert 76, so that the insert 76 is not easily disconnected from the collection tube 16. The gun means 18, have an outlet tube 84. When the gun 18 is in position to fill a spray bottle, the outlet tube 84 is in a substantially vertical position . The insert 76 preferably has an integrated valve 75. The valve 75 opens automatically when the connectors 25, 32 are engaged. The valve 75 minimizes any spillage of solution when connecting or disconnecting the insert 76 of the gun 18.

The dilution gun 18 is interconnected to a diluent supply conduit 19, which supplies water or any other type of diluent. The water supply line 19 is interconnected to a suitable wrench or quick connect fitting. The gun means 18, contain a valve and a means for preventing backflow 83, such as a siphon break system. Various other flow control devices can also be provided. These types of devices (not shown) are regulated by the requirements of local plumbing codes. Within the gun 18, the water is mixed with the cleaning concentrate, after which the diluted product is dispensed into the spray bottle 22. Preferably, a valve is contained within a handle portion of the gun 18. This valve opens by pressing gun level 31. The level 31 is spring-loaded, so that the valve is driven in a normally closed position. On the barrel of the gun 18, there is a quick-connect fitting 32, which is sized and configured to correspond to the quick-connect device 25 at the end of each collection tube 16. This allows quick connection and disconnection of each collection tube 16 of the gun 18.

The vacuum created by the water line 19 is used to remove the appropriate proportion of concentrated cleaning solution from the container 16 and through the vacuum cleaner. In this way, the water and the concentrate simultaneously enter the gun 19 and the spray bottle 22. The spray bottle 22, or another type of use container, is filled with the diluted cleaning product and is ready to be used. Other different constructions can be used to control the flow of water and to remove the concentrated solution from the container 14, such as an electric or mechanical pump. Alternatively, the gun 18 may have removable proportion means, as described in the US Pat. No. 5,344,074. In the preferred embodiment, the gun housing has a cylindrical portion 33 and a frustoconical portion 34. The outlet end of the frustoconical portion 34 terminates in the insert 76, which has a cylindrical outlet tube 84, as shown in FIG. Figure 8. A longer outlet tube (not shown) can be slidably adapted in the outlet tube 84 to facilitate filling of mop pails, car washers or other large containers. Examples of the concentrated cleaning solution used in the dispensing station are: cleaners for multiple purposes, e.g., for walls, windows, tiles and hard surfaces; germicidal detergents for disinfecting and for sanitary uses; floor care products; and especially products for special cleaning needs. However, it should be understood that the present invention will not be limited to being used only with cleaning products, but may be used to store and dispense any type of solution.

The ratio or mixed ratio of chemical to water is established by means of flow measurement such as interchangeable measuring tips (not shown). The measuring tip is inserted in the collection tube 16, with the size of the orifice of the measuring tip allowing different regimes of concentrate flow. The highest flow rate is achieved when no measuring tip is present in the collection tube 16. Sometimes different dilution rates are needed for different applications, eg, a cleaning application may require a cleaning solution to one percent, while another cleaning application may require a solution to ten percent of the same product. In these situations, two of the concentrate containers 14, may contain the same kind of cleaning concentrate, or two of the collection tubes 16 (each having a measuring tip of different size) could be extended from a single concentrate container. . An alternative method to control the mixed ratio of concentrate, it could be an adjustable measuring screw. Preferably, the walls of the concentrate containers 14 and the spray bottle 22 are translucent or transparent, so that the user can see how much solution is in each container 14. Each collection tube 16 is also preferably translucent or transparent, so that the user can verify when it is full with concentrate, and in such a way that the user can see the measuring tip inside the tube 16.

Another aspect of the dispensing station of the use of identification means in the corresponding components of the system 10. The front face of the cabinet 20 has a plurality of flat surfaces 24, each surface 24 being suitable for the application of an adhesive label. In the preferred embodiment, the label on the surface 24 corresponds to the label (not shown) on the corresponding bottle 14 below the area of the label 24. The spray bottle 22 and collection tube 16 can also be coded with colors or appropriately labeled. In this way, the cleaning personnel is assisted to place the correct bottle 14 in the correct compartment 15. As shown in Figure 2, the cabinet 20 has a funnel assembly 30. In the preferred embodiment, the funnel 30 serves as a clip for the gun 18 when it is not being used to fill large containers. The funnel 30 has a depressed semicircular well 55, which partially surrounds a central, circular 56 filling gate. The fill gate 56 is depressed deeper than the well 55. At the center of the fill gate 56, there is an opening 57 extending through the top wall 12 of the cabinet 20. At the lower end of the opening 57, there is a flexible dispensing tube 58 that extends downward into the filling compartment 17. When the use container 22 is to be filled, the dispensing tube 58 is inserted into the neck of the bottle 22.

If a relatively large amount of the cleaning product is to be dispensed, the cleaning solution can be dispensed directly into a mop bucket or other large container by removing the gun 18 from the funnel 30 and placing the gun 18 so that the cleaning solution is dispensed directly into the mop bucket or other large container. In the preferred embodiment, the diluted cleaning solution is dispensed from the gun 18 at a rate of about two gallons per minute. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the concentrated solution container 14. The container 14 has a rear wall 36, which extends vertically below the neck of the container 37. The container 14 also has opposite side walls, 38, 39. The end upper of the container 14, opposite the neck 37, has a handle 40. At the lower end of the concentrate bottle 14, there is a pair of longitudinal slots 41, 42, between which there is a central lower portion 43. As shown in FIG. Figure 1, the lower portion 43 is slidably engageable with the path 44 in each concentrate compartment 15. Each concentrate compartment 15 has a pair of ribs 45, 46. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the ribs 45 , 46, are oppositely disposed in one of the side walls of the concentrate compartment 15. Adjacent to the top portion of the concentrate container 14, there is a pair of slots 48, 49. The slots 48, 49, are dimensioned and configured so that the rails 45, 46 of the compartment 15 are slidably engaged with the slots 48, 49 of the concentrate bottle 14. The size and position of the slots 48, 49, and corresponding ribs 45, 46, and the size and position of the trajectory 44 and corresponding lower portion. For example, if a certain compartment 15 were dedicated to contain only a certain type of concentrate, then the bottle 14 and the corresponding compartment 15, could be properly "wedged" to adapt to each other. In the embodiment of the dispensing station 10, illustrated in Figure 1, each of the concentrate compartments 15 has the same groove and trajectory design. However, within the scope of the present invention, there are different groove and path designs for different concentrate compartments 15, so that each concentrate compartment 15 is dedicated to a particular type of concentrate. Figure 7, is an exploded cross-sectional view of the lid structure of the concentrate container 14. The neck 37 of the concentrate container has threads 58. Inside the neck 37, there is a bottle attachment 59. The attachment has a cylindrical or frustoconical portion. 62, which ends in a tube connector 63. A dip tube 71 is attached to the tube connector 63 and extends to the bottom of the concentrate container 14. The accessory 59 has a vent hole 64. Before that two halves of the mold of the bottle adhere, the dip tube 71 has been attached to the connector of the tube 63. During the manufacture of the bottle 14, the accessory 59 adheres within the neck 37 of the bottle 14. The lid of the bottle Concentrate vessel 65, has a lid attachment 68. The lid 65 has threads 66 which cooperate with the threads 58 in the neck 37. The lid 65 has a central opening 67 through which a connector 72 extends. The connector 72 pu ede be with spikes. Preferably, the collection tube 16 extends over the connector 72 for a snap fit. The connector 72 may have an annular flange (not shown) to hold the cover fitting 68 in place on the lid 65 with a snap fit. The lid fitting 68 has a circular flange 69, below which there is a male portion 70 which is dimensioned and configured to fit within the hollow portion 62 of the bottle fitting 59. The male portion 70 of the lid fitting 68 , has a circular ring 73 to prevent the concentrate solution from leaking. In operation of the dispensing system, the concentrate containers 14 and the spray bottle 22 are placed within the appropriate compartments 17, 15 of the cabinet 20. The lower end of the appropriate collection tube 16 is attached to the connector 72 of the assembly of cap on the concentrate container 14. The upper end of the collection tube 16 is attached to the dilution gun 18 via the insert of the collection tube 76. The water conduit 19, is attached to the dilution gun 18 and to the water supply and the water flow is started by lowering the lever 31. The diluted chemical solution flows from the gun 18 into the use container 22. When the bottle 22 has been filled to the desired level, the lever of the dilution gun 31 it is released and the collection tube 16 can be disconnected from the dilution gun 18. The use container 22 can be moved to the point of use. The above specification provides a complete description of the use and construction of the invention. Since said embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the following appended claims.

Claims (19)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method for dispensing and handling chemical solutions by means of a dispensing station, said dispensing station having a filling compartment, a concentrate compartment and a funnel, the method comprising the steps of: a) connecting a first concentrate tube with a gun means in fluid communication with a water source, said gun means being associated with an outlet tube, said first concentrate tube having a dilution ratio and being in fluid communication with a chemical solution concentrated in a first container and being in fluid communication with a vacuum cleaner, said first container being placed in said concentrate compartment; b) placing a first use bottle in said first filling compartment of said dispensing station, said filling compartment including side walls and a splash guard; c) inserting said outlet tube into said funnel of said dispensing station, so that said outlet tube is substantially vertical and above said first use bottle; d) activating said gun means until said first use bottle is Nene; and e) attaching a pump assembly on said first use bottle and transporting said bottle to a point of use. The method of claim 1, wherein said gun activation step comprises lowering a lever on said gun means. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: a) removing said first concentrate tube from said gun means; b) connecting a second concentrate tube with said gun means; c) placing a second bottle of use in said filling compartment of such dispensing station; and d) activating said gun means until said second use bottle has been filled. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: a) removing said gun means from said funnel and placing said outlet tube next to a large container; and b) activating said gun means until said large container is filled. The method of claim 3, wherein said second concentrate tube is in fluid communication with said first concentrated chemical solution container and said second concentrate tube characterizes a dilution ratio different from the dilution ratio of said first tube. of concentrate. The method of claim 3, wherein said second concentrate tube is in fluid communication with a concentrated chemical solution in a second container. 7. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of placing said first container in said concentrate compartment, wherein said first container and said concentrate compartment have corresponding ribs and grooves. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said chemical solution is a cleaning solution. A dispensing system for dispensing a diluted chemical solution, comprising: a) a cabinet including a filling compartment, at least one concentrate bottle compartment, and an upper wall having funnel means, said funnel means being placed above of said filling compartment; b) gun means in fluid communication with a water source, said gun means being associated with an outlet tube sized and configured to fit within said funnel means in a substantially vertical position; c) at least one bottle containing a concentrated chemical solution, said bottle being placed in said concentrate bottle compartment, said bottle having a handle; d) at least one concentrate tube having a first end and a second opposite end, said first end being interconnected to said bottle and in fluid communication with the concentrated chemical solution, said second end being interconnected to insert means for connecting said Concentrate tube with such gun means; and e) a container sized and configured to fit within said filling compartment. The dispensing system of claim 9, wherein said concentrate compartment has a plurality of ribs. The dispensing system of claim 10, wherein said concentrate bottle has a plurality of slots dimensioned and configured so that said ribs are slidably coupled with said slots. The dispensing system of claim 9, wherein said concentrate compartment includes an upper end and a lower end, said lower end having a pair of parallel rails defining a path. The dispensing system of claim 12, wherein said concentrate bottle has a threaded bottom portion dimensioned and configured such that said bottom is slidably engageable in said path. 14. The dispensing system of claim 9, including four concentrate bottle compartments and four concentrated chemical solution bottles, each bottle having a concentrate tube in fluid communication with the solution concentrated in said bottle. 15. The dispensing system of claim 9, wherein at least one concentrated chemical solution tube includes means for controlling a dilution ratio of the concentrated chemical solution in water. 16. The dispensing system of claim 9, wherein said insert means includes suction means. 17. The dispensing system of claim 16, wherein said insert means and said gun means include fast cooperating connection means. 18. The dispensing system of claim 16, wherein said suction means is unique to said concentrate tube by. a barbed accessory. 19. A dispensing station for dispensing a diluted chemical solution, comprising: a) a cabinet including a filling compartment, at least one concentrate bottle compartment and an upper wall having funnel means, said concentrate bottle compartments having a plurality of slots, b) gun means in fluid communication with a water source, said gun including rapid gun connection means; c) at least one bottle of concentrate chemical solution, each bottle having a plurality of ribs that are dimensioned and configured to be coupled with said slots, each bottle being placed in a concentrate bottle compartment, the concentrated chemical solution in each a bottle being in fluid communication with a concentrate tube having a first end and a second end, said first end being interconnected to said bottle and in fluid communication with said concentrated chemical solution; d) insert means including quick insert attachment means coupled with said quick gun connection means, said insert means being interconnected to said second end of such concentrate tube and including suction means, said insert including an outlet tube, at least a portion of said outlet tube being dimensioned and configured to fit within at least a portion of said funnel means; and e) a container of use sized and configured to fit within said compartment.