CA2043444A1 - Universal housing for fluid dispenser - Google Patents
Universal housing for fluid dispenserInfo
- Publication number
- CA2043444A1 CA2043444A1 CA002043444A CA2043444A CA2043444A1 CA 2043444 A1 CA2043444 A1 CA 2043444A1 CA 002043444 A CA002043444 A CA 002043444A CA 2043444 A CA2043444 A CA 2043444A CA 2043444 A1 CA2043444 A1 CA 2043444A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- dispensing apparatus
- fluid dispensing
- fluid
- pair
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/0005—Components or details
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
- B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
- B05B11/1042—Components or details
- B05B11/1052—Actuation means
- B05B11/1056—Actuation means comprising rotatable or articulated levers
- B05B11/1057—Triggers, i.e. actuation means consisting of a single lever having one end rotating or pivoting around an axis or a hinge fixedly attached to the container, and another end directly actuated by the user
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A housing for use with a fluid dispensing apparatus adapted for attachment to a fluid container using a snap-action coupler.
The housing contains a lower portion configured to extend generally downward over the fluid dispensing apparatus and over at least an upper portion of the fluid container when the housing is attached to the fluid dispensing apparatus and the fluid dispensing apparatus is coupled to the fluid container. At least the lower portion of the housing is configured to substantially complement that portion of the fluid container adjacent the lower portion of the housing when the housing is attached to the fluid dispensing apparatus and the fluid dispensing apparatus is coupled to the fluid container. The housing may be attached to the fluid dispensing apparatus, which may in turn be attached to a fluid container.
A housing for use with a fluid dispensing apparatus adapted for attachment to a fluid container using a snap-action coupler.
The housing contains a lower portion configured to extend generally downward over the fluid dispensing apparatus and over at least an upper portion of the fluid container when the housing is attached to the fluid dispensing apparatus and the fluid dispensing apparatus is coupled to the fluid container. At least the lower portion of the housing is configured to substantially complement that portion of the fluid container adjacent the lower portion of the housing when the housing is attached to the fluid dispensing apparatus and the fluid dispensing apparatus is coupled to the fluid container. The housing may be attached to the fluid dispensing apparatus, which may in turn be attached to a fluid container.
Description
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IJN~ERSAL HOIJS~IJID I~ISPE'NSER
3ACXt;l~OlJND OF ~HE INVENTION
1. F~eld~ ~ ntion T~e presPnt invention is directed to a universal ~ousing for use with a ~luid dispenser, such a pump bottle or sprayer bottle.
T~e housing is attachable to ~he fluid dispensing apparatus used to draw ~luid from a container holding the ~luid and expel it, and is configured im such a mannar as to provide the ~luid dispensing apparatus and bottle with a uni~ied appearance.
O ~ore particularly, the present invention is directed to a housing having a lower portion extending o~r the coupler used to attach the ~luid dispensing apparatus to the fluid container and over at least a portion of the container. ~his permi~s the exkerior con~iguratlon o~ the housing to b~! complementary to that ; o~ the container, such that the ~ully asse~led ~luid dispenser presQnts a unl~ied appearance.
2. Description o~ Back~ound ~and Relevant~ rials Fluid dispensers such a~ pump battles, pump spray bottles, and in particular trigger sprayer bottles, are used to dispense a broad ra~ge o~ substances. Those substances include hand, ~ace, and body lotions; and, claaners for materials as diverse as wocd, glass, vinyl, laather, suede, metals (such as aluminum, copper, brass, silver, and chrome), rubber (such as automobile tire brighteners), formica, cera~ics, st~inless steel, ~abrics, painted surfaces, amd the liXe.
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~anufacturers of such substances may desire to package their product differently for dif¢erent marXets. Thus, ~he sa~e cleaner may be packaged wi~h one appearance for the home mar~et, and with a clistinctly differqnt appeaxanc~ for the automotive market. Moreover, certain retailers may wish to carry cleaners ~ -packaged as a "house" or generic brand, requiring a manufacturer to provide the same product with a variety of appearances.
In addition, a manu~acturer introducing an impro~ed version of a product may wish to alter tha pacXaging o~ that product to !O draw a~tention to it~ improvement. ~lternatively, a manu~acturer who has marketed a particular product using a par~icular appearance may wish to chanse that appearance, such as to e~ploy a more contemporary look, or to avoid any undue similarity in appearance to a competing product.
`.5 Although there is accordin~ly a needl ~or an inexpensive moans for custo~izing fluid dispensers, the prior art attempts to ~ill that need su~fer ~rom serious drawbacks. CA~Y et al., U.S.
Patent No. 4,257,539, is directed to a shxoud whic~ may be fitted over a component retaining body. ~owever, ~he interlor ~0 co~struction of ~his shroud which is intended to e~fect its attachment to the cQmponent retaining body is ~Iuite complicated.
This complexity may be expect~d to increase the associated manufac~uring costs. Moreo~er, if this shroud is to be fixedly attached to ~he ~omponent retaining body, it is necessary to .; , ~ -2-. , . ~ :
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employ me~ns suc~ as ultrasonic welding, which adds a further manu~acturing complication and expense.
An important consideration in the design of such a housing is that the fully assembled fluid dispenser should pxesent an integrated appearance such ~hat the fluid container, ~luid dispensing apparatus, and housing seem of a piec~. ~ar~etability is enhanced when a product gives the cons~mer the impression of having been particularly made, in it9 entirety, rather than o~
having been assembled ~rom interchangeable part~. Noreover, the visual impact, and hence sales appe 1, ~f a product can be signi~icantly in~luenced by the appearance o~ its packaging. The ability to ~reely manipulate th~ configuration o~ ~he housing to complemen~ that o~ th~ ~luid container wGuld accordingly be o~
~igni~icant value.
L5 It is therefore an object o~ the presQnt invention to provida a universal housing for a ~luid dispensing apparatus which is simple in construotion, yet which provides for a wide range o~ customization in external appearance.
It is a further ob~ect of the present invention to provide ~o such a housing which, when attached to the ~luid dispensing apparatu~ and ~luid container, provides a unified app2arance.
SUMMARY O ~ INVENTION
There is accordingly pro~id~d hy the presently claImed in~ention a hau~i~g ~or use wi~h a ~luid dispensing apparatus ~5 containi~g a snapaction aouplQr ~or attaching the ~luid .
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dispensing apparatus to a fluid container. The ~ousing includes means for attaching the housing to ~he fluid dispensing apparatus. The housing also includes a lower portion, which is configured to extend generally downwar~ over the ~luid dispensing apparatus and o~er at least an upper portion of the ~luid container, when the housing is attached to the fluid dispensing apparatus and the ~luid dispensing apparatus is coupled to ~he fluid container. At least ~he lower portion of the housing is conligured to substantially complement that por~ion a~ the fluid O container to which the lower portion of the housing is adjacent when the housing i~ attached to the fluid dispPnsing apparatus and tlle ~luid dispensing apparatus is coupled tG the fluid container.
The present invention includes an em~odiment wherein th~
5 housi~g is attached to a suitably configured ~luid dlspenslng apparatus, as well as to an embodiment wherein the attached housing and fluid dispensing apparatus are coupled to a fluid container.
The means for attaching the housing to the ~luid dispensing O apparatus includes at least one projecting me~er extending longitudinally wi~h respect to the housing. The projecting ~ member has a fixed end connecting the projecting mem~er to the ; housing, and a free end adapted to engaye the fluid dispensing apparatus~ The free end of ~he projecting memher may comprise a snap action fitting~ such as a bayonet-typ~ connection. The !
.,' ' ' . ': ' . . .
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': ' ' ~ ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 20d.3L14'i housing may include two projectlng members, which are pre~erably molded integrally ~ith the ~ousing.
The project n~ me~bers may be laterally spaced ~rom the lcn~itudinal axis cf the housing, and ln such a con~iguration are praferably symmetrically positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Most pre~erably, the two projec~ing members are located in the interior o~ the hausing, substantially adjacent to the l~pper ~ur~ace o~ ~he housing.
In an alternati~e embodiment, the two proiecting members may ~o co~pris~ a first pair of pro~ecting mem~ers, with the. housing also including a second pair of projecting members. The ~irst and second pair~ of projec~ing members may be both laterally spaced ~ro~, and symmetrically positionecl with respect ta, the longitudinal axis o~ the housing.
.5 No5t praferably, the first pair of projecting members is located in the interior of the housing, s;ubstantially adjacent to the upper sur~ace of the housing, and ~he. second pair of pro~ecting members is located in the interior of ~he housinq ~elow thP l~vel of the ~irst pair o~ projecting me~bers.
O In an alternative e~bodiment, the means ~or attaching : includes at least onQ discontinuity in ~he surface of ~he hausing. ~he discontinuity is adapted to mate with a correspondingly con~igured discontinui~y on ~he fluid dispensing apparatus when the housing is attached to the ~luid dispensing ~ ' ~
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apparatus. Pre~erably, the discontinuity is an apertur~, and maytake the form of an i~dicia, such as an arrow.
The housing may further include means for centering ~he housing on the ~luid dispensing apparatus. These centering means may comprise a horizontal member extending from the interior o~
the housing and having a front-facing surface adapted to con~orm to a rear-facing surface of the fluid dispensing appaxatus. In this ma~ner, the housing is centexed on the ~luid dispe3~sing apparatus by engage~ent of the ~ront-~aciny surfaca with ~he 0 rear-facins surfase upon attachment of the housing to ~he ~luid dispensing app~ratus.
I~ a preferred embodiment, thQ horizontal member comprises a su~3stantlally U-s~aped ~ront-facing end te.rminating in two free ar~s. Each of the two ~ree arms is adapted to engage a corresponding receptacle on the fluid dispensing app ratus in a ~nap action type engagement. ~he harizontal member may be ; int~gral with the housing along at least a portion of its lateral edges, and may also be iAtegral with ~he rear wall of the housing. In addition, the horizontal member may include at least
IJN~ERSAL HOIJS~IJID I~ISPE'NSER
3ACXt;l~OlJND OF ~HE INVENTION
1. F~eld~ ~ ntion T~e presPnt invention is directed to a universal ~ousing for use with a ~luid dispenser, such a pump bottle or sprayer bottle.
T~e housing is attachable to ~he fluid dispensing apparatus used to draw ~luid from a container holding the ~luid and expel it, and is configured im such a mannar as to provide the ~luid dispensing apparatus and bottle with a uni~ied appearance.
O ~ore particularly, the present invention is directed to a housing having a lower portion extending o~r the coupler used to attach the ~luid dispensing apparatus to the fluid container and over at least a portion of the container. ~his permi~s the exkerior con~iguratlon o~ the housing to b~! complementary to that ; o~ the container, such that the ~ully asse~led ~luid dispenser presQnts a unl~ied appearance.
2. Description o~ Back~ound ~and Relevant~ rials Fluid dispensers such a~ pump battles, pump spray bottles, and in particular trigger sprayer bottles, are used to dispense a broad ra~ge o~ substances. Those substances include hand, ~ace, and body lotions; and, claaners for materials as diverse as wocd, glass, vinyl, laather, suede, metals (such as aluminum, copper, brass, silver, and chrome), rubber (such as automobile tire brighteners), formica, cera~ics, st~inless steel, ~abrics, painted surfaces, amd the liXe.
:`
, , -: ` ' .
.
~0~3~
~anufacturers of such substances may desire to package their product differently for dif¢erent marXets. Thus, ~he sa~e cleaner may be packaged wi~h one appearance for the home mar~et, and with a clistinctly differqnt appeaxanc~ for the automotive market. Moreover, certain retailers may wish to carry cleaners ~ -packaged as a "house" or generic brand, requiring a manufacturer to provide the same product with a variety of appearances.
In addition, a manu~acturer introducing an impro~ed version of a product may wish to alter tha pacXaging o~ that product to !O draw a~tention to it~ improvement. ~lternatively, a manu~acturer who has marketed a particular product using a par~icular appearance may wish to chanse that appearance, such as to e~ploy a more contemporary look, or to avoid any undue similarity in appearance to a competing product.
`.5 Although there is accordin~ly a needl ~or an inexpensive moans for custo~izing fluid dispensers, the prior art attempts to ~ill that need su~fer ~rom serious drawbacks. CA~Y et al., U.S.
Patent No. 4,257,539, is directed to a shxoud whic~ may be fitted over a component retaining body. ~owever, ~he interlor ~0 co~struction of ~his shroud which is intended to e~fect its attachment to the cQmponent retaining body is ~Iuite complicated.
This complexity may be expect~d to increase the associated manufac~uring costs. Moreo~er, if this shroud is to be fixedly attached to ~he ~omponent retaining body, it is necessary to .; , ~ -2-. , . ~ :
. . ..
~0~3~
employ me~ns suc~ as ultrasonic welding, which adds a further manu~acturing complication and expense.
An important consideration in the design of such a housing is that the fully assembled fluid dispenser should pxesent an integrated appearance such ~hat the fluid container, ~luid dispensing apparatus, and housing seem of a piec~. ~ar~etability is enhanced when a product gives the cons~mer the impression of having been particularly made, in it9 entirety, rather than o~
having been assembled ~rom interchangeable part~. Noreover, the visual impact, and hence sales appe 1, ~f a product can be signi~icantly in~luenced by the appearance o~ its packaging. The ability to ~reely manipulate th~ configuration o~ ~he housing to complemen~ that o~ th~ ~luid container wGuld accordingly be o~
~igni~icant value.
L5 It is therefore an object o~ the presQnt invention to provida a universal housing for a ~luid dispensing apparatus which is simple in construotion, yet which provides for a wide range o~ customization in external appearance.
It is a further ob~ect of the present invention to provide ~o such a housing which, when attached to the ~luid dispensing apparatu~ and ~luid container, provides a unified app2arance.
SUMMARY O ~ INVENTION
There is accordingly pro~id~d hy the presently claImed in~ention a hau~i~g ~or use wi~h a ~luid dispensing apparatus ~5 containi~g a snapaction aouplQr ~or attaching the ~luid .
,' ' ' ' ':, ` ' ~ ` ' ' - . . ~
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~3L~L~
dispensing apparatus to a fluid container. The ~ousing includes means for attaching the housing to ~he fluid dispensing apparatus. The housing also includes a lower portion, which is configured to extend generally downwar~ over the ~luid dispensing apparatus and o~er at least an upper portion of the ~luid container, when the housing is attached to the fluid dispensing apparatus and the ~luid dispensing apparatus is coupled to ~he fluid container. At least ~he lower portion of the housing is conligured to substantially complement that por~ion a~ the fluid O container to which the lower portion of the housing is adjacent when the housing i~ attached to the fluid dispPnsing apparatus and tlle ~luid dispensing apparatus is coupled tG the fluid container.
The present invention includes an em~odiment wherein th~
5 housi~g is attached to a suitably configured ~luid dlspenslng apparatus, as well as to an embodiment wherein the attached housing and fluid dispensing apparatus are coupled to a fluid container.
The means for attaching the housing to the ~luid dispensing O apparatus includes at least one projecting me~er extending longitudinally wi~h respect to the housing. The projecting ~ member has a fixed end connecting the projecting mem~er to the ; housing, and a free end adapted to engaye the fluid dispensing apparatus~ The free end of ~he projecting memher may comprise a snap action fitting~ such as a bayonet-typ~ connection. The !
.,' ' ' . ': ' . . .
' .' ' ' ' : .
': ' ' ~ ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 20d.3L14'i housing may include two projectlng members, which are pre~erably molded integrally ~ith the ~ousing.
The project n~ me~bers may be laterally spaced ~rom the lcn~itudinal axis cf the housing, and ln such a con~iguration are praferably symmetrically positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Most pre~erably, the two projec~ing members are located in the interior o~ the hausing, substantially adjacent to the l~pper ~ur~ace o~ ~he housing.
In an alternati~e embodiment, the two proiecting members may ~o co~pris~ a first pair of pro~ecting mem~ers, with the. housing also including a second pair of projecting members. The ~irst and second pair~ of projec~ing members may be both laterally spaced ~ro~, and symmetrically positionecl with respect ta, the longitudinal axis o~ the housing.
.5 No5t praferably, the first pair of projecting members is located in the interior of the housing, s;ubstantially adjacent to the upper sur~ace of the housing, and ~he. second pair of pro~ecting members is located in the interior of ~he housinq ~elow thP l~vel of the ~irst pair o~ projecting me~bers.
O In an alternative e~bodiment, the means ~or attaching : includes at least onQ discontinuity in ~he surface of ~he hausing. ~he discontinuity is adapted to mate with a correspondingly con~igured discontinui~y on ~he fluid dispensing apparatus when the housing is attached to the ~luid dispensing ~ ' ~
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apparatus. Pre~erably, the discontinuity is an apertur~, and maytake the form of an i~dicia, such as an arrow.
The housing may further include means for centering ~he housing on the ~luid dispensing apparatus. These centering means may comprise a horizontal member extending from the interior o~
the housing and having a front-facing surface adapted to con~orm to a rear-facing surface of the fluid dispensing appaxatus. In this ma~ner, the housing is centexed on the ~luid dispe3~sing apparatus by engage~ent of the ~ront-~aciny surfaca with ~he 0 rear-facins surfase upon attachment of the housing to ~he ~luid dispensing app~ratus.
I~ a preferred embodiment, thQ horizontal member comprises a su~3stantlally U-s~aped ~ront-facing end te.rminating in two free ar~s. Each of the two ~ree arms is adapted to engage a corresponding receptacle on the fluid dispensing app ratus in a ~nap action type engagement. ~he harizontal member may be ; int~gral with the housing along at least a portion of its lateral edges, and may also be iAtegral with ~he rear wall of the housing. In addition, the horizontal member may include at least
3 one vartical me~ber extending generally downward from the lower surface o~ the horizontal m~ber to a lower portion of the housi~g.
In the e~bodiment wherein the housing of t~e present ~n~ention is attach~d to a suitably configured f luid dispensing apparatus, and the means for attachi~g the housing to the ~luid .t ' .
2~3~l~4 dispensin~ apparatus includes at least one discontl~uity in the housing, the fluid dispensin~ apparatus ma~ include a protrusion con~igured and positioned to mate wi~h the discont~nuity wh~n ~e housing is attached to the fluid dispensing apparatus.
BRIEF DESC~IPTION OF F~ES
Fig. 1. Figure 1 provides an extarior right side view o~
housing 1 and fluid dispensing apparatus 2. The arrow indicates the manner in which housing 1 is associated w th fluid dispensing apparatus 2 in the assembled apparatus.
Fig. Z. In Figure 2, hou~ing 1 is shown associated wi~h ~luid dispensing apparatus 2 a~ter movement o~ the housing onto the :~luid dispensing apparatus as suggested in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3. Figure 3 provides a top vi~w o~ houslng 1, showing discontinuity 5. ~he interior structures of projecting members 4 and 4', connectors 5 and S', and horiæonl_al csntering member 7 arQ indicated by dotted lines.
Fig. 4. Housing 1 is shown from a ]~ottom view, looking up into the interior structure o~ the housing.
Fig. 5. Tha orientation ~ housing 1 as it is attached to fluid dispensing apparatus 2 is shown in Fig. 5. Eousing 1 is associated with tha fluid dispensing apparatus via mcvement towards ~he a~sembly along ~he broken lines.
; Figs. 6A and 6B. Figs. 6A and 6B provide, raspectively, left and xight side views o~ one possi~le embodiment of ~he housing o~ the present invention. In ~hese views the housing is _7_ .. . . ..
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attached to the ~luid dispensin~ apparatus, which has in turn been coupled to a fluid container.
Figs. 7A and 7B. Figs. 7A and 7B provide left and r-ght side views, respectively, of another possible e~bodiment o~ ~he housing of the present invention, in association with bo~h a fluid dispensing apparatus and a fluid conta1~er.
DESCRIPTION OF P~a~ 2_~æ~l DIMENTS
The universal housing o~ the present invention may be readily adapted for use wi~h a wide variety of ~luid dispensers, including pumps and spra~ pumps. For purposes o~ convenience, the housing has been illustrated in the context of a manually operated, trigger~typQ sprayer bottle. Although the following discus~ion will accordingly present the i~vention in this context, and will make refsrence to th~ parts o~ a trigger-type sprayer hottle, it is to be understood that this is ~or illustrative purposes only, and in no respect constitutes any limitation on the scope o~ the present invention.
AS used hexein, the term ~luid dispensing apparatus" re~ers to the apparatus or mechanism used to draw up a ~luid ~rom a ~luid container and expel it in a desired direction and/or con~iguration. Thus, f~r a trigger-type sprayerl the ~luid dispensing apparatus would be the trigger sprayer assembl~ (such as is shown in FIG. 1 as element 2). For a pump-type ~luid dispenser, the fluid dispen~ing apparatus would be the pump mechanism.
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The term 1l ~luld containPr" re~ers to the container used to store fluid as a reservoir to ~e drawn upon by the fluid dispensing apparatus. Generally, this will simply be a bottle, whlch may be, for example, glass or plastic, and which may assume a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors, and con~igurations without departing fro~ ~e scope of the present invention.
The term "~luid dispenser" describes the complete asse~bly of housing, ~luid dispensing apparatus, and fluid container. In other words, ~he fluid dispanser is what the end user would pic~
up and use to dispense fluid.
In general terms, the objects of the present in~ention are ; achi.eved by pro~iding ~he housinq wit~ at least a low~r portion which extQnds ~ownward, ~ver ~the coupling between ~hR ~luid dispensing apparatus and the ~luid contaLin~r and ovex at least the upper part o~ the ~luid container. B~cause ~he housing ext~nds over ~he coupling, the coupling used to connect ~he ~luid dispensing apparatus ~o the ~luid con~alner is pre~erably on~
Which does not require direct manipulati.on to opera~e. It is suitable to use, for exa~ple, a snap-act:ion or bayonet-type coupling, such as described in DUNNING ~t al., U.S. Pa~ent No.
: 4,781,311, or in European Patant Application ~o. 36301997.2 :: (Publication No. 0 208 390). By use of such a coupling, ~he housing/~luid dispensing apparatus assembly may be connected to ~nd disconnected from the ~luid con~ainer by applying a~propriate forcs~ to tha housing, which will trans~it the~ to the coupling.
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The housing may be adapt2d ror attac.~ment to ~he fluid dispensin~ apparatus via snap-typa cennectors. The snap-type connectors may be supplemented with an additional attac.~ment point in ~he form of a discont~nuity in the housing surfac2 which ; mates with an appropriately configured protrusion on the dispenser assembly suxface.
The snap-type connectors are preferably bayonet-style connectors, which engage corresponding recPptacles on the fluid dispensing apparatus. While the nu~ber of GOnnectors used, and ;:
their positioningr can vary widely wi~hout departing from the scope of the present invention, in its preferred embodiment the housirlg contains two pairs o~ connectors; a first pair pasitioned substantially near th~ upper s~rface o~ the housing, and a second .~ pair positioned below the level o~ ~he ~irst pair and abo~e the level of the coupling connQcting the ~luicl dispensing apparatus to th~ fluid con~ainer. The second pair ~ay be associated wi~h means for improving centering o~ th~ housing on ~he fluid ~; dispensing apparatus.
The ceffl ering means is pre~erably in the form o~ a O horizontal member extendi~g ~rom the walls o~ ~he housing, suc~ :
as tha interior rear and/or side walls. ~he horizontal mem~er is ~`` positioned at a level wi~hin the housing that will enable it to contack a selected portion o~ the ~luid dispansing apparatus whe~
the hou~ing is attached thereto. In particular, the ~ront facing :.5 end o the horizon~al mamber i~ shaped to match ~he corresponding ~: }~ :
L 3 l~ L~ 4 rear facing surfaca of the selected portion of the fluid dispensing apparatus.
~hus, lf the corresponding rear-~acing sur~ace o~ ~he ~luid dispensing apparatus is substantially cylindrical, as in FIG. 1, ~he front facing end of the horizontal member should be substantially U-shaped to properly and fi~mLy engage th~ rear-facing sur~ac~ when the housing is attached to the ~luid dispensing apparatus, thereby enhancing centering of the housing on the asse~bly.
O A portion of ~he front-~acing ~nd of the horizontal member may be a~sQciated with the second pair o~ connectors. For example, where horlzontal member 7 follows the substantially U-shaped configuration shown in FIG. 4, each arm o~ the ~ ~ay be shaped to ter~inate in a snap connector, thar~by ~orming the 5 s~cond pair o~ connectors. Naturally, in such a con~iguration the ex~ent of any connection between the horizontal member and the walls of the housing must be lLmited to leave the terminal arms free to engage corresponding receptacles suitably located on the fluld dispensing apparatus.
~O More particularly, and wi~h re~erence now to FIG5. 1 and 2, there is shown a housing 1 and fluid dispensing apparatus 2 which, when coupled to a fluid container, for~ a manually operated trigger-type sprayer. Housing 1 is adapted to ~it over and attach to ~luid dispensing apparatus 2 in a manner to be S described in great~r detail hereina~ter.
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For practical reascns, the fluid container will generally ~e of a size to contain no less than about 4 fluid ouncP and no more than about 48 fluid ounoPs. Xowever, the housing according to the present invention may be ada~ted to a broad range o~' containers, amd the fluid container may accordin~ly be of any size, shape, and configuration. ~ :
Fluid dispensing apparatus 2 may likewise be selected from a broad range of styles. ~hus, while a triggar-type ~'luid dispensing apparatus ~Las ~e~n illustrated, t~e ~luid ~ispensing O apparatus may be of any known type, including pumps, pu~p-sprayers, and aerosol nozzles.
With re~erence now to FIGS. 4 and 5, housing 1 is attached ~ to ~'luid dispensing apparatus 2 by projec:ting members 4, 4' .; extending longitudinally with respect to housing 1. Projecting .`.5 members 4, 4' are pre~erably molded integrally with housing 1.
The projecting ~e~bers each ha~e a ~ixed end 4A, 4A' coNnected to the body of housing 1. The projecting m~bers terminat~ in kayonet-style ~nap connectors 4B, 4B', which are adapted to e~gage corr~spo~ing receptacles in ~h~ ~.'luid dispensing ;~o apparatus. (It is partic~larly pre~'erred, in the em~cdIment o~' ~he present invention wherein the housing is a~tached to the ~: fluid dispensing apparatus, to use a fluid dispensing apparatus ; substan~ially identical to that shown im FIGS. 1 and 5. ~his type o~ ~luid dispensing appara~us is described in ~urther detail ~:~5 in co-pending application U.S.S.N. 317,568, ~iled ~arch 1, 1989, ~ -12 .
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'' 2~3~
now allowed, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by referenca~) In addition to being connected to housing 1 by ~ixed ends 4A, 4A', the pro~ecting mem~ers may be co~nected to ~ha housing along ~heir longitudinal extent, provided that connectors 4B and 4B' project beyond the extent of any such connection in order to permit their engagement by the correspondi~g receptacles in the fluid dispensing apparatus. In particular, it may be desireable to ~or~ projecting members 4,~4' such ~hat ~hey are each .0 connected to the main body of housing 1 along both th~ horizontal and the vertical axes o~ their longitudi~al ~xtent. ~his will have bene~it in terms not only of mechani.cal strength, but also wi~h regard to the tigh~ness with which t~e housing is held again~t the ~luid dispensing apparatus, thereby enhancing the .5 unitary appearanc~ which is an object o~ th2 pr~sent invention.
In a pre~erred embodiment, projecting members 4, 4' comprise a ~irst pair of connectors, and ~he housing include a s~cond pair o~ connectors 5, 5'. In the partict~lar configuration shown in FI&. 4 r connector~ 5, 5' are integral with a centering means ~0 comprisi~g horiæontal member 7, to be discussed further below.
Kowe~ar, this is not essential, and the second pair of connectors may be provided in any con~enient manner, such as by simply : molding ~hem out from the side walls o~ the housingO
~ ~s shown in ~IGS. 3 and 4, ~ousing 1 m~y be further attached ;25 to fluid dispensing apparatus 2 by ~eans of disconti~uity 6, , . .
.:, .: :
.
~3~
which is adapted to engage a matching pro~rusion on the upper sur~ace of the rluid dispensing apparatus. While the discontinuity is shown here in the ~o~ o~ an aperture in the sur~ace of housing 1, it mày alternatively constitute a raised area of the surface of the housing defining a hollow into which the matching protrusion ~its when the housing is at~ached to the fluid dispensing apparatus.
The disconti.nuity ~ay be o~ any desired shape, and may be an indicia, such as an axrow as shown in FI~5. 3 and 4. While the 10 indicia may be pu rely decorati~e, it may be used to display a trade mark or logo associated with the manufacturer or retailer.
Alkernatively, th~ indicia may convey in*armation to the consumer such a~, in the case of the arrow shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a reln~orcing safety massage reminding the usar of the direction in which the fluid in the fluid container will be directed when the trigger is actuat~d.
While Ilot essential for proper ~tmctioning of the housing according to ~he present invention, it may be desired to further secure ~hQ ~it o~ the housing to the ~luid dispensing apparatus 20 by pro~iding, in the interior confi~uration of the housing, means or ce~tering the housing on ~he fluid dispen~ing apparatus.
This will both increase ~he mecha~ical integrity o~ the ~it betw2en the housing and the fluid di~pensing apparatus, thereby improving ~he ergonomics of the feel of ~he dispenser to the user, and enhance the unitary appearance o~ ~he finished product ~' '~ ' ' :- ~
.. . .
- ' ~
2~3~
by ensuring that the housing is sy~etrically seated with res~ec~
to the fluid dispensing appa:ratus and fluid container.
:~ As shown in dotted lines in the top perspective o~ FIG. 3, and in solid lines in the bottom perspective of FIG. 4, the centerlng means may consist of a horizontal member 7. While the horizontal member may be connected to the side walls o~ ~he housing, to tha rear wall, to a rear bottom surface of the housing, or to any combination khereof, in order to ~aximize the ~: mechanical strength and rigidity of the housing it is preferred : 10 to have tha cannecting m~ans attach~d to all threeO
0~ cour~e, the part~cular con~iguration shown in ~IGS. 3 and
In the e~bodiment wherein the housing of t~e present ~n~ention is attach~d to a suitably configured f luid dispensing apparatus, and the means for attachi~g the housing to the ~luid .t ' .
2~3~l~4 dispensin~ apparatus includes at least one discontl~uity in the housing, the fluid dispensin~ apparatus ma~ include a protrusion con~igured and positioned to mate wi~h the discont~nuity wh~n ~e housing is attached to the fluid dispensing apparatus.
BRIEF DESC~IPTION OF F~ES
Fig. 1. Figure 1 provides an extarior right side view o~
housing 1 and fluid dispensing apparatus 2. The arrow indicates the manner in which housing 1 is associated w th fluid dispensing apparatus 2 in the assembled apparatus.
Fig. Z. In Figure 2, hou~ing 1 is shown associated wi~h ~luid dispensing apparatus 2 a~ter movement o~ the housing onto the :~luid dispensing apparatus as suggested in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3. Figure 3 provides a top vi~w o~ houslng 1, showing discontinuity 5. ~he interior structures of projecting members 4 and 4', connectors 5 and S', and horiæonl_al csntering member 7 arQ indicated by dotted lines.
Fig. 4. Housing 1 is shown from a ]~ottom view, looking up into the interior structure o~ the housing.
Fig. 5. Tha orientation ~ housing 1 as it is attached to fluid dispensing apparatus 2 is shown in Fig. 5. Eousing 1 is associated with tha fluid dispensing apparatus via mcvement towards ~he a~sembly along ~he broken lines.
; Figs. 6A and 6B. Figs. 6A and 6B provide, raspectively, left and xight side views o~ one possi~le embodiment of ~he housing o~ the present invention. In ~hese views the housing is _7_ .. . . ..
~043~
attached to the ~luid dispensin~ apparatus, which has in turn been coupled to a fluid container.
Figs. 7A and 7B. Figs. 7A and 7B provide left and r-ght side views, respectively, of another possible e~bodiment o~ ~he housing of the present invention, in association with bo~h a fluid dispensing apparatus and a fluid conta1~er.
DESCRIPTION OF P~a~ 2_~æ~l DIMENTS
The universal housing o~ the present invention may be readily adapted for use wi~h a wide variety of ~luid dispensers, including pumps and spra~ pumps. For purposes o~ convenience, the housing has been illustrated in the context of a manually operated, trigger~typQ sprayer bottle. Although the following discus~ion will accordingly present the i~vention in this context, and will make refsrence to th~ parts o~ a trigger-type sprayer hottle, it is to be understood that this is ~or illustrative purposes only, and in no respect constitutes any limitation on the scope o~ the present invention.
AS used hexein, the term ~luid dispensing apparatus" re~ers to the apparatus or mechanism used to draw up a ~luid ~rom a ~luid container and expel it in a desired direction and/or con~iguration. Thus, f~r a trigger-type sprayerl the ~luid dispensing apparatus would be the trigger sprayer assembl~ (such as is shown in FIG. 1 as element 2). For a pump-type ~luid dispenser, the fluid dispen~ing apparatus would be the pump mechanism.
- :
.
~ f~
The term 1l ~luld containPr" re~ers to the container used to store fluid as a reservoir to ~e drawn upon by the fluid dispensing apparatus. Generally, this will simply be a bottle, whlch may be, for example, glass or plastic, and which may assume a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors, and con~igurations without departing fro~ ~e scope of the present invention.
The term "~luid dispenser" describes the complete asse~bly of housing, ~luid dispensing apparatus, and fluid container. In other words, ~he fluid dispanser is what the end user would pic~
up and use to dispense fluid.
In general terms, the objects of the present in~ention are ; achi.eved by pro~iding ~he housinq wit~ at least a low~r portion which extQnds ~ownward, ~ver ~the coupling between ~hR ~luid dispensing apparatus and the ~luid contaLin~r and ovex at least the upper part o~ the ~luid container. B~cause ~he housing ext~nds over ~he coupling, the coupling used to connect ~he ~luid dispensing apparatus ~o the ~luid con~alner is pre~erably on~
Which does not require direct manipulati.on to opera~e. It is suitable to use, for exa~ple, a snap-act:ion or bayonet-type coupling, such as described in DUNNING ~t al., U.S. Pa~ent No.
: 4,781,311, or in European Patant Application ~o. 36301997.2 :: (Publication No. 0 208 390). By use of such a coupling, ~he housing/~luid dispensing apparatus assembly may be connected to ~nd disconnected from the ~luid con~ainer by applying a~propriate forcs~ to tha housing, which will trans~it the~ to the coupling.
_g _ ~3~
The housing may be adapt2d ror attac.~ment to ~he fluid dispensin~ apparatus via snap-typa cennectors. The snap-type connectors may be supplemented with an additional attac.~ment point in ~he form of a discont~nuity in the housing surfac2 which ; mates with an appropriately configured protrusion on the dispenser assembly suxface.
The snap-type connectors are preferably bayonet-style connectors, which engage corresponding recPptacles on the fluid dispensing apparatus. While the nu~ber of GOnnectors used, and ;:
their positioningr can vary widely wi~hout departing from the scope of the present invention, in its preferred embodiment the housirlg contains two pairs o~ connectors; a first pair pasitioned substantially near th~ upper s~rface o~ the housing, and a second .~ pair positioned below the level o~ ~he ~irst pair and abo~e the level of the coupling connQcting the ~luicl dispensing apparatus to th~ fluid con~ainer. The second pair ~ay be associated wi~h means for improving centering o~ th~ housing on ~he fluid ~; dispensing apparatus.
The ceffl ering means is pre~erably in the form o~ a O horizontal member extendi~g ~rom the walls o~ ~he housing, suc~ :
as tha interior rear and/or side walls. ~he horizontal mem~er is ~`` positioned at a level wi~hin the housing that will enable it to contack a selected portion o~ the ~luid dispansing apparatus whe~
the hou~ing is attached thereto. In particular, the ~ront facing :.5 end o the horizon~al mamber i~ shaped to match ~he corresponding ~: }~ :
L 3 l~ L~ 4 rear facing surfaca of the selected portion of the fluid dispensing apparatus.
~hus, lf the corresponding rear-~acing sur~ace o~ ~he ~luid dispensing apparatus is substantially cylindrical, as in FIG. 1, ~he front facing end of the horizontal member should be substantially U-shaped to properly and fi~mLy engage th~ rear-facing sur~ac~ when the housing is attached to the ~luid dispensing apparatus, thereby enhancing centering of the housing on the asse~bly.
O A portion of ~he front-~acing ~nd of the horizontal member may be a~sQciated with the second pair o~ connectors. For example, where horlzontal member 7 follows the substantially U-shaped configuration shown in FIG. 4, each arm o~ the ~ ~ay be shaped to ter~inate in a snap connector, thar~by ~orming the 5 s~cond pair o~ connectors. Naturally, in such a con~iguration the ex~ent of any connection between the horizontal member and the walls of the housing must be lLmited to leave the terminal arms free to engage corresponding receptacles suitably located on the fluld dispensing apparatus.
~O More particularly, and wi~h re~erence now to FIG5. 1 and 2, there is shown a housing 1 and fluid dispensing apparatus 2 which, when coupled to a fluid container, for~ a manually operated trigger-type sprayer. Housing 1 is adapted to ~it over and attach to ~luid dispensing apparatus 2 in a manner to be S described in great~r detail hereina~ter.
. .
, .
~9~3~
For practical reascns, the fluid container will generally ~e of a size to contain no less than about 4 fluid ouncP and no more than about 48 fluid ounoPs. Xowever, the housing according to the present invention may be ada~ted to a broad range o~' containers, amd the fluid container may accordin~ly be of any size, shape, and configuration. ~ :
Fluid dispensing apparatus 2 may likewise be selected from a broad range of styles. ~hus, while a triggar-type ~'luid dispensing apparatus ~Las ~e~n illustrated, t~e ~luid ~ispensing O apparatus may be of any known type, including pumps, pu~p-sprayers, and aerosol nozzles.
With re~erence now to FIGS. 4 and 5, housing 1 is attached ~ to ~'luid dispensing apparatus 2 by projec:ting members 4, 4' .; extending longitudinally with respect to housing 1. Projecting .`.5 members 4, 4' are pre~erably molded integrally with housing 1.
The projecting ~e~bers each ha~e a ~ixed end 4A, 4A' coNnected to the body of housing 1. The projecting m~bers terminat~ in kayonet-style ~nap connectors 4B, 4B', which are adapted to e~gage corr~spo~ing receptacles in ~h~ ~.'luid dispensing ;~o apparatus. (It is partic~larly pre~'erred, in the em~cdIment o~' ~he present invention wherein the housing is a~tached to the ~: fluid dispensing apparatus, to use a fluid dispensing apparatus ; substan~ially identical to that shown im FIGS. 1 and 5. ~his type o~ ~luid dispensing appara~us is described in ~urther detail ~:~5 in co-pending application U.S.S.N. 317,568, ~iled ~arch 1, 1989, ~ -12 .
... .. ~ .
,'~ .
'' 2~3~
now allowed, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by referenca~) In addition to being connected to housing 1 by ~ixed ends 4A, 4A', the pro~ecting mem~ers may be co~nected to ~ha housing along ~heir longitudinal extent, provided that connectors 4B and 4B' project beyond the extent of any such connection in order to permit their engagement by the correspondi~g receptacles in the fluid dispensing apparatus. In particular, it may be desireable to ~or~ projecting members 4,~4' such ~hat ~hey are each .0 connected to the main body of housing 1 along both th~ horizontal and the vertical axes o~ their longitudi~al ~xtent. ~his will have bene~it in terms not only of mechani.cal strength, but also wi~h regard to the tigh~ness with which t~e housing is held again~t the ~luid dispensing apparatus, thereby enhancing the .5 unitary appearanc~ which is an object o~ th2 pr~sent invention.
In a pre~erred embodiment, projecting members 4, 4' comprise a ~irst pair of connectors, and ~he housing include a s~cond pair o~ connectors 5, 5'. In the partict~lar configuration shown in FI&. 4 r connector~ 5, 5' are integral with a centering means ~0 comprisi~g horiæontal member 7, to be discussed further below.
Kowe~ar, this is not essential, and the second pair of connectors may be provided in any con~enient manner, such as by simply : molding ~hem out from the side walls o~ the housingO
~ ~s shown in ~IGS. 3 and 4, ~ousing 1 m~y be further attached ;25 to fluid dispensing apparatus 2 by ~eans of disconti~uity 6, , . .
.:, .: :
.
~3~
which is adapted to engage a matching pro~rusion on the upper sur~ace of the rluid dispensing apparatus. While the discontinuity is shown here in the ~o~ o~ an aperture in the sur~ace of housing 1, it mày alternatively constitute a raised area of the surface of the housing defining a hollow into which the matching protrusion ~its when the housing is at~ached to the fluid dispensing apparatus.
The disconti.nuity ~ay be o~ any desired shape, and may be an indicia, such as an axrow as shown in FI~5. 3 and 4. While the 10 indicia may be pu rely decorati~e, it may be used to display a trade mark or logo associated with the manufacturer or retailer.
Alkernatively, th~ indicia may convey in*armation to the consumer such a~, in the case of the arrow shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a reln~orcing safety massage reminding the usar of the direction in which the fluid in the fluid container will be directed when the trigger is actuat~d.
While Ilot essential for proper ~tmctioning of the housing according to ~he present invention, it may be desired to further secure ~hQ ~it o~ the housing to the ~luid dispensing apparatus 20 by pro~iding, in the interior confi~uration of the housing, means or ce~tering the housing on ~he fluid dispen~ing apparatus.
This will both increase ~he mecha~ical integrity o~ the ~it betw2en the housing and the fluid di~pensing apparatus, thereby improving ~he ergonomics of the feel of ~he dispenser to the user, and enhance the unitary appearance o~ ~he finished product ~' '~ ' ' :- ~
.. . .
- ' ~
2~3~
by ensuring that the housing is sy~etrically seated with res~ec~
to the fluid dispensing appa:ratus and fluid container.
:~ As shown in dotted lines in the top perspective o~ FIG. 3, and in solid lines in the bottom perspective of FIG. 4, the centerlng means may consist of a horizontal member 7. While the horizontal member may be connected to the side walls o~ ~he housing, to tha rear wall, to a rear bottom surface of the housing, or to any combination khereof, in order to ~aximize the ~: mechanical strength and rigidity of the housing it is preferred : 10 to have tha cannecting m~ans attach~d to all threeO
0~ cour~e, the part~cular con~iguration shown in ~IGS. 3 and
4 and described herein is merely illustrative o~ the present in~ention, and a wide ~ariety ~i~ con~igurations may be used without departing fro~ the scop~ thereof~.
A~ may be seen more clearly by reference to FIGS. 6 and 7,, by means Or ~he present in~ention th~ housins and fluid container : may be configured s~ as to complement eac:h other. By extending the housing downward over buth the coupli.ng and the upper portion of ~he container, and by selecting the color and con~igurat~on of ~0 the housing to complement that of the flUid containar, a visual matching of housing and container may be achieved. This pre~ents the consumer with an attrac~Lve appearance which enhances the ma~ketability of the product, and which allows the product to ~e easily cus~omiz2d to meet particular needs. At the same time, ~:5 the interior configuration may be kept relatively uniform to ' ` : ' ' ~ ~ ' :
.
: ` :
, ~
2~3~
minlmize manu~acturing expenses and maximize adaptability of ~he housing to a wide range of fluid dispensers.
~his is in contrast to the pr1or art, includinq CARY et al., U.S. Patent N~. 4,257,539, in which the housing ext~nds no S further than the upper surface of the coupling connecting ~he fluid dispensing apparatus to the fluid container. Moreover, whereas CARY et al. require the use of means such as ultrasonic welding to affix ~he housing to the fluid dispensing apparatus, : according to the present invention satis~actory attachment can be obtained simply ky fitting the housing onto the a~se~bly by means of the ~nap action connectors.
~ While FIGS. 4 and 5 show a housing configuration designed to : substantially resemble ~he color and sha~?e of the fluid : container, it is also within ~he scope o~ the prasent inventian to rendQr th~ con~iguration of the hou~ing complemQntary to that of ~he flutd container. For example, ~he hou~ing may complete a pattern, color sche~e, or even drawiny or pict~re started on the container, rather ~han matching it. The housing could ~hus he shaped and~or colored to comprise the head of an anLmal or human ~20 figure, with the fluid container making up ~he body of the ~iyuxe. Alte~natlvely, the housing could complete a shading or : pattern o~ colors started on the container. Numerous such variations and co~binations may be achie~ed without departing from the scope of the present i~vention.
2~3~
The present invention has of necessity been dlscussed herein by reference to certain specific ~ethods, materials, and configurations. I~ is to be understood ~hat th2 discussion of these specific methods, materials, and configurations in no way constitute any lLmitation on the scope o~ the present inventlon, which extends to any and all alternative ~ethods, materials, and configurations suitable ~or accomplishing ~he ends of ~he present L~vent10r.
' .
- ~
:
A~ may be seen more clearly by reference to FIGS. 6 and 7,, by means Or ~he present in~ention th~ housins and fluid container : may be configured s~ as to complement eac:h other. By extending the housing downward over buth the coupli.ng and the upper portion of ~he container, and by selecting the color and con~igurat~on of ~0 the housing to complement that of the flUid containar, a visual matching of housing and container may be achieved. This pre~ents the consumer with an attrac~Lve appearance which enhances the ma~ketability of the product, and which allows the product to ~e easily cus~omiz2d to meet particular needs. At the same time, ~:5 the interior configuration may be kept relatively uniform to ' ` : ' ' ~ ~ ' :
.
: ` :
, ~
2~3~
minlmize manu~acturing expenses and maximize adaptability of ~he housing to a wide range of fluid dispensers.
~his is in contrast to the pr1or art, includinq CARY et al., U.S. Patent N~. 4,257,539, in which the housing ext~nds no S further than the upper surface of the coupling connecting ~he fluid dispensing apparatus to the fluid container. Moreover, whereas CARY et al. require the use of means such as ultrasonic welding to affix ~he housing to the fluid dispensing apparatus, : according to the present invention satis~actory attachment can be obtained simply ky fitting the housing onto the a~se~bly by means of the ~nap action connectors.
~ While FIGS. 4 and 5 show a housing configuration designed to : substantially resemble ~he color and sha~?e of the fluid : container, it is also within ~he scope o~ the prasent inventian to rendQr th~ con~iguration of the hou~ing complemQntary to that of ~he flutd container. For example, ~he hou~ing may complete a pattern, color sche~e, or even drawiny or pict~re started on the container, rather ~han matching it. The housing could ~hus he shaped and~or colored to comprise the head of an anLmal or human ~20 figure, with the fluid container making up ~he body of the ~iyuxe. Alte~natlvely, the housing could complete a shading or : pattern o~ colors started on the container. Numerous such variations and co~binations may be achie~ed without departing from the scope of the present i~vention.
2~3~
The present invention has of necessity been dlscussed herein by reference to certain specific ~ethods, materials, and configurations. I~ is to be understood ~hat th2 discussion of these specific methods, materials, and configurations in no way constitute any lLmitation on the scope o~ the present inventlon, which extends to any and all alternative ~ethods, materials, and configurations suitable ~or accomplishing ~he ends of ~he present L~vent10r.
' .
- ~
:
Claims (24)
1. A housing for use with a fluid dispensing apparatus adapted for attachment to a fluid container using a snap-action coupler, said housing comprising means for attaching said housing to the fluid dispensing apparatus, said housing further comprising a lower portion configured to extend generally downward over the fluid dispensing apparatus and over at least an upper portion of the fluid container when said housing is attached to said fluid dispensing apparatus and said fluid dispensing apparatus is coupled to said fluid container, wherein at least said lower portion of said housing is configured to substantially complement that portion of the fluid container adjacent said lower portion of said housing when said housing is attached to said fluid dispensing apparatus and said fluid dispensing apparatus is coupled to said fluid container.
2. The housing as defined by claim 1, wherein said means for attaching comprise at least one projecting member extending longitudinally with respect to said housing, said at least one projecting member having a fixed end connecting said at least one projecting member to said housing and a free end adapted to engage the fluid dispensing apparatus.
3. The housing as defined by claim 2, wherein said free end of said at least one projecting member comprises a snap action fitting.
4. The housing as defined by claim 3, wherein said snap-action fitting comprises a bayonet-type connection.
5. The housing as defined by claim 2, comprising two projecting members.
6. The housing as defined by claim 5, wherein said two projecting members are laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis of said housing.
7. The housing as defined by claim 6, wherein said two projecting members are symmetrically positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis of said housing.
8. The housing as defined by claim 5, wherein said two projecting members comprise a first pair of projecting members, said housing further comprising a second pair of projecting members.
9. The housing as defined by claim 8, wherein said first pair of projecting member and said second pair of projecting members are laterally spaced from, and symmetrically positioned with respect to, the longitudinal axis of said housing.
10. The housing as defined by claim 9, wherein said second pair of projecting members is located in the interior of said housing beneath the level of said first pair of projecting members.
11. The housing as defined by claim 1, wherein said means for attaching further comprises at least one discontinuity in the surface of said housing, said discontinuity being adapted to mate with a correspondingly configured discontinuity on the fluid dispensing apparatus when said housing is attached to said fluid dispensing apparatus.
12. The housing as defined by claim 11, wherein said discontinuity is an aperture.
13. The housing as defined by claim 11, wherein said discontinuity is formed in the shape of an indicia.
14. The housing as designed by claim 13, wherein said indicia is an arrow.
15. The housing as defined by claim 1, further comprising means for centering said housing on the fluid dispensing apparatus.
16. The housing as defined by claim 15, wherein said means for centering comprise a horizontal member extending from the interior of said housing, said horizontal member having a front-facing surface adapted to conform to a rear-facing surface of the fluid dispensing apparatus, whereby said housing is centered on the fluid dispensing apparatus by engagement of said front-facing surface with the rear-facing surface upon attachment of said housing to the fluid dispensing apparatus.
17. The housing as defined by claim 16, wherein said horizontal member comprises a substantially U-shaped front-facing end terminating in two free arms, the ends of said two free arms comprising said second pair of projecting members.
18. The housing as defined by claim 16, wherein said horizontal member is integral with said housing along at least a portion of its lateral edges.
19. The housing as defined by claim 18, wherein said horizontal member is further integral with the rear wall of said housing.
20. The housing as defined by claim 18, wherein said horizontal member further comprise at least one vertical member extending generally downward from the lower surface of said horizontal member to a lower portion of said housing.
21. A dispensing apparatus comprising the housing as defined by claim 1 attached to 2 fluid dispensing apparatus, said fluid dispensing apparatus being adapted for attachment to a fluid container using a snap-action coupler.
22. The dispenser apparatus as defined by claim 21, wherein said means for attaching comprises at least one discontinuity in said housing, and further wherein said fluid dispensing apparatus comprises a protrusion configured and positioned to mate with said discontinuity when said housing is attached to said fluid dispensing apparatus.
23. A fluid dispenser, comprising the dispenser apparatus as defined by claim 21 coupled to a fluid container.
24. A dispensing apparatus comprising:
a) the housing as defined by claim 10, said housing comprising means for centering said housing on said fluid dispensing apparatus, said means for centering comprising a horizontal member extending from the interior of said housing, said housing being attached by said first and second pair of projecting members to;
b) a trigger-type fluid dispensing apparatus, said fluid dispensing apparatus being adapted for attachment to a fluid container using a snap-action coupler, wherein said horizontal member comprises a substantially U-shaped front-facing end adapted to conform to a rear-facing surface of said fluid dispensing apparatus, whereby said housing is centered on said fluid dispensing apparatus by engagement of said front-facing surface with said rear-facing surfaces when said housing is attached to said fluid dispensing apparatus, and further wherein said front-facing end terminates in two free arms, the ends of said two free arms comprising said second pair of projecting members and being engaged in suitably positioned and configured receptacles on said fluid dispensing apparatus.
a) the housing as defined by claim 10, said housing comprising means for centering said housing on said fluid dispensing apparatus, said means for centering comprising a horizontal member extending from the interior of said housing, said housing being attached by said first and second pair of projecting members to;
b) a trigger-type fluid dispensing apparatus, said fluid dispensing apparatus being adapted for attachment to a fluid container using a snap-action coupler, wherein said horizontal member comprises a substantially U-shaped front-facing end adapted to conform to a rear-facing surface of said fluid dispensing apparatus, whereby said housing is centered on said fluid dispensing apparatus by engagement of said front-facing surface with said rear-facing surfaces when said housing is attached to said fluid dispensing apparatus, and further wherein said front-facing end terminates in two free arms, the ends of said two free arms comprising said second pair of projecting members and being engaged in suitably positioned and configured receptacles on said fluid dispensing apparatus.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US53040990A | 1990-05-30 | 1990-05-30 | |
| US07/530,409 | 1990-05-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2043444A1 true CA2043444A1 (en) | 1991-12-01 |
Family
ID=24113539
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002043444A Abandoned CA2043444A1 (en) | 1990-05-30 | 1991-05-29 | Universal housing for fluid dispenser |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5366121A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH06345114A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU630210B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2043444A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4023401A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2662669B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2244522B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1244826B (en) |
Families Citing this family (21)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5172836A (en) * | 1991-06-07 | 1992-12-22 | The Drackett Company | Ergonomic trigger sprayer and hand positioner therefor |
| US5706984A (en) * | 1994-12-24 | 1998-01-13 | Canyon Corporation | Pump dispenser and a method of assembling the pump dispenser |
| US5752626A (en) * | 1995-09-08 | 1998-05-19 | Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. | Simulataneous pump dispenser |
| CZ65198A3 (en) * | 1995-09-25 | 1999-01-13 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Process of treating surfaces in household |
| US5749501A (en) | 1996-06-10 | 1998-05-12 | Afa Products, Inc. | Shroud and skeletal body for trigger sprayer |
| US5890632A (en) * | 1997-06-25 | 1999-04-06 | Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. | Dispensing pump having universal pump body and readily attachable shroud selected from readily attachable shrouds of different outward shapes |
| US6364172B1 (en) | 1998-12-10 | 2002-04-02 | Afa Polytek, B.V. | Liquid dispenser and assembly methods therefor |
| US5984151A (en) | 1999-02-12 | 1999-11-16 | Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. | Dispensing pump having universal pump body and readily attachable shroud selected from readily attachable shrouds of different outward shapes |
| US6378739B1 (en) | 1999-03-05 | 2002-04-30 | Afa Polytek, B.V. | Precompression system for a liquid dispenser |
| AU5715200A (en) * | 1999-06-16 | 2001-01-02 | Afa Polytek B.V. | Dispenser and dispensing mechanism including label |
| US6216912B1 (en) | 1999-10-25 | 2001-04-17 | Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. | Pump dispenser having shroud locking means |
| US6332562B1 (en) * | 2000-09-12 | 2001-12-25 | Saint-Gobain Calmar Inc. | Ergonomic trigger sprayer having side saddle supports |
| US6286728B1 (en) | 2001-01-05 | 2001-09-11 | Saint-Gobain Calmar Inc. | Shroud cover for trigger sprayer |
| US20040222246A1 (en) * | 2003-05-05 | 2004-11-11 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Sprayer actuator, sprayer, and method of making the same |
| US20080237269A1 (en) * | 2007-03-27 | 2008-10-02 | Harnar Rebecca A | Decorative trigger sprayer shrouds and methods of making the same |
| JP4975562B2 (en) * | 2007-08-31 | 2012-07-11 | 株式会社吉野工業所 | Trigger type liquid ejector |
| JP4975563B2 (en) * | 2007-08-31 | 2012-07-11 | 株式会社吉野工業所 | Trigger type ejector |
| US8016167B2 (en) * | 2008-09-09 | 2011-09-13 | The Clorox Company | Aerosol sprayer |
| KR101887397B1 (en) * | 2016-11-22 | 2018-09-21 | 주식회사 다린 | Spraying apparatus |
| USD1000953S1 (en) | 2021-03-18 | 2023-10-10 | Market Ready, Inc. | Combined trigger sprayer and shroud |
| US11951497B2 (en) | 2021-04-05 | 2024-04-09 | Market Ready, Inc. | Trigger sprayer assembly with improved assembly process |
Family Cites Families (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2170410A5 (en) * | 1971-12-03 | 1973-09-14 | Rosen Karl | |
| US3820721A (en) * | 1973-05-21 | 1974-06-28 | J Hellenkamp | Hand operated sprayer with attached head |
| US4138038A (en) * | 1977-07-21 | 1979-02-06 | Diamond International Corporation | Dispensing pump housing and operating lever assembly |
| US4257539A (en) * | 1978-02-28 | 1981-03-24 | The Apa Corporation | Universal body variable shroud dispenser |
| ZA79280B (en) * | 1978-02-28 | 1980-05-28 | Afa Corp | Universal body variable shroud dispenser |
| US4241853A (en) * | 1978-05-17 | 1980-12-30 | James D. Pauls And J. Claybrook Lewis And Associates, Limited | Dispenser for either continuous or intermittent discharge |
| US4191313A (en) * | 1978-07-24 | 1980-03-04 | James D. Pauls And J. Claybrook Lewis And Associates, Limited | Trigger operated dispenser with means for obtaining continuous or intermittent discharge |
| US4454965A (en) * | 1981-08-27 | 1984-06-19 | Ethyl Products Company | Child-resistant trigger pump dispenser |
| US4538745A (en) * | 1983-05-19 | 1985-09-03 | The Clorox Company | Trigger sprayer |
| US4781311A (en) * | 1984-08-17 | 1988-11-01 | The Clorox Company | Angular positioned trigger sprayer with selective snap-screw container connection |
| EP0208390A1 (en) * | 1985-04-19 | 1987-01-14 | Ecolab Inc. | Spray cap and bottle engagement |
| US5172386A (en) * | 1986-09-30 | 1992-12-15 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Energy | Dye laser amplifier including a specifically designed diffuser assembly |
| US4911361A (en) * | 1987-02-05 | 1990-03-27 | Atsushi Tada | Manually operated trigger type dispenser, method of assembling the same, and a spinner for use in the dispenser |
| EP0347957A3 (en) * | 1988-03-31 | 1990-08-29 | LEEDS, Walter | Dual dispenser |
| US4958754A (en) * | 1989-03-01 | 1990-09-25 | Continental Sprayers, Inc. | Dispenser or sprayer with vent system |
-
1990
- 1990-07-17 GB GB9015652A patent/GB2244522B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-07-17 AU AU59123/90A patent/AU630210B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1990-07-23 DE DE4023401A patent/DE4023401A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1990-07-26 FR FR909009797A patent/FR2662669B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-08-20 IT IT04822990A patent/IT1244826B/en active IP Right Grant
-
1991
- 1991-05-29 CA CA002043444A patent/CA2043444A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-05-30 JP JP3153843A patent/JPH06345114A/en active Pending
-
1992
- 1992-03-04 US US07/844,942 patent/US5366121A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IT1244826B (en) | 1994-09-06 |
| AU5912390A (en) | 1991-12-05 |
| IT9048229A1 (en) | 1992-02-20 |
| US5366121A (en) | 1994-11-22 |
| JPH06345114A (en) | 1994-12-20 |
| GB2244522A (en) | 1991-12-04 |
| DE4023401A1 (en) | 1991-12-05 |
| FR2662669A1 (en) | 1991-12-06 |
| FR2662669B1 (en) | 1993-08-06 |
| IT9048229A0 (en) | 1990-08-20 |
| GB2244522B (en) | 1994-02-23 |
| GB9015652D0 (en) | 1990-09-05 |
| AU630210B2 (en) | 1992-10-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |