System and method for automatic dispensing of a liquid

A system for automatic dispensing of a liquid into a toilet bowl includes a dispenser and a liquid refill cartridge. The dispenser mechanically interfaces with the toilet tank and connects with the water supply therein. When the toilet is flushed, fresh water flows from the float valve into the dispenser, and then back into the toilet bowl via the overfill tube. Within the dispenser, the water flow is constricted through an integral venturi before exiting. The venturi yields a pressure differential inside the dispenser that pulls liquid from the refill cartridge and into the outflow of water. A specified volume of liquid is drawn from the liquid refill cartridge and dispersed into the toilet bowl after every flush, without the use of electronics. The liquid may be an odor blocking liquid, a scented liquid, a colorant, enzymes, or a cleaning solution, among others.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and a method for automatic dispensing of a liquid and in particular to a system and a method for automatic dispensing of an odor blocking liquid or a cleaning liquid into a toilet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A new trend in the bathroom fragrance market is the “before you go spray” (BYG). BYGs act on toilets, purportedly preventing unpleasant odors from spreading into a bathroom by blocking particulates from leaving the toilet in the first place. They achieve this by distributing a thin film of oil across the water (or emulsified within the water) in a toilet bowl such that when one uses the toilet, the film wraps around any solid excrement below the water surface, thereby trapping in particulate matter that could otherwise float into the air and cause a smell. Beyond wrapping excrement, the surface tension of the oil layer can also serve as a seal on the top of the water. This provides a second protective layer to trap unwanted, odor-producing particulates and prevent them from rising up and out of the bowl. Many BYGs are formulated with a mild scent, which further helps to mask any odors that arise from the toilet; such scents are especially helpful in combating foul smells associated with gas, whose scents cannot be “trapped” as easily as solid waste.

This functionality is quite different to existing deodorizing sprays and odor-masking systems like candles, matches, and perfumes. Traditional systems function only to mask odors by overpowering them with other scents after they've been created. Sometimes this can be effective, but more often than not this results in an unpleasant medley of good and bad scents. Furthermore, since existing solutions only mask scents after they've been produced, a large amount of perfume may be needed to achieve the goal. This can mean that the “positive” scent needs to be incredibly strong to overcome a particularly odorous bathroom visit, which might be too intense and therefore not enjoyable for the user. It is therefore not surprising that the milder and often more effective BYG category has grown significantly in recent years.

However, BYGs have drawbacks of their own. The largest is the fact that you need to use the spray before visiting the toilet, unlike traditional masking fragrances that can be used before or after. It is common for users to forget to use BYGs before their visit to the toilet, only realizing afterwards that they are in need of an odor remedy. Furthermore, it can be unpleasant for BYG users to bend over and spray the toilet bowl before using the bathroom, both from a physical perspective (for example older or handicapped users), and from a hygienic one (crouching over a toilet, especially if it is not your own).

The present invention provides a novel solution to these issues. It is also a significant improvement to the user experience for other situations when interfacing with a toilet on a repeated basis, like regularly applying a cleaning solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Automatic Dispensing System described herein includes a dispenser body (Dispenser) and a liquid cartridge (Refill). The Dispenser mechanically interfaces with the tank of a toilet and connects with the water supply therein. When the toilet is flushed, fresh water flows from the float valve into the Dispenser, and then back into the bowl of the toilet via the overfill tube located in the toilet tank. Within the dispenser, the water flow constricts (through an integral venturi) before exiting. This venturi yields a pressure differential inside of the Dispenser that pulls liquid from the Refill tank (via a branched inlet to the venturi) into the outflow of water. The result is a system that draws a specified volume of functional liquid (Liquid)—for example a scent blocking fluid—into the toilet bowl after every flush, without the use of electronics.

There are several mechanisms with the Automatic Dispensing System that facilitate the effective dosing of scent blocking liquid. First is the Venturi mechanism that draws the Liquid into the water flow. The second is the mechanism that modulates the flow of Liquid with every flush. Third is the interface between the Refill and the Dispenser that facilitates the effective flow of Liquid between the two, while preventing unwanted leakage, vacuum buildup, and other undesirable factors. Additional features exist as well to facilitate easy and proper functioning of the device.

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a device for automatic dispensing of a liquid including a dispenser body, a container comprising the liquid to be dispensed, and a Venturi tube. The Venturi tube has an inlet, an outlet and a constriction portion located between the inlet and the outlet, and the inlet is fluidly connected to a fluid source. A dispensing line fluidly connects the container to the constriction portion of the Venturi tube. Flowing of fluid from the fluid source through the Venturi tube causes a volume of the liquid to be drawn into the Venturi tube via the dispensing line and the drawn liquid and the fluid are mixed and dispensed via the outlet. The fluid source may be a toilet water tank that provides water to a toilet bowl upon flushing activation and the outlet of the Venturi tube is configured to dispense the drawn liquid into a water tank overfill tube that empties into the toilet bowl after flushing.

Implementations of this aspect of the invention include one or more of the following. The device further includes a liquid release assembly that includes a main body, a through-opening formed in the main body, a spring, and a ball. The ball interfaces with a constriction formed in the through-opening of the main body to form a watertight seal of the through-opening when the spring is extended. The device may further include a release needle assembly that includes a needle that has a first open end that connects to the dispensing line and a second open end that is inserted into the through-opening of the main body. The second open end of the needle is configured to displace the ball in order to release the watertight seal of the through-opening and allow the volume of the liquid to be drawn into the Venturi tube via the dispensing line. The release needle assembly may further include a drip trough configured to collect any unwanted leakage of the liquid. The dispenser body may include a bent portion through which the dispensing line passes. The dispenser body is removably attached to a container of the fluid source via one of mechanical connection, magnetic connection, adhesive connection, a hook or a hook and loop type of connection. The liquid may be an odor shielding liquid that mixes with the water that collects in the toilet bowl after flushing and forms an odor shielding film on a top surface of the water that collects in the toilet bowl after flushing. The liquid may be an odor shielding liquid that mixes with the water that collects in the toilet bowl after flushing and the odor shielding liquid forms an emulsion with the toilet bowl water that encapsulates solid waste. The liquid may be one of an odor shielding liquid, a scented liquid, a colorant, enzymes, or a chemical cleaning solution. The odor shielding liquid may be one of odor shielding oils, emulsifiers, thinners, scents, bubble forming liquids, or coloring agents. The container may be removably attached to the dispenser body or may be integrated with the dispenser. The device may further include a first tube connected to the inlet of the Venturi tube and a second tube connected to the outlet of the Venturi tube and wherein the fluid flows from the fluid source into the Venturi tube via the first tube and subsequently the mixed fluid and drawn liquid exit the Venturi tube via the outlet and are dispensed via the second tube.

In general, in another aspect, the invention features a toilet including a toilet bowl, a toilet water tank fluidly connected to the toilet bowl and configured to provide water to the toilet bowl upon flushing activation, and a device for automatic dispensing of a liquid into the toilet bowl after flushing with water is completed. The device for automatic dispensing of a liquid includes a dispenser body, a container comprising the liquid to be dispensed, and a Venturi tube. The Venturi tube has an inlet, an outlet and a constriction portion located between the inlet and the outlet, and the inlet is fluidly connected to the toilet water tank. A dispensing line fluidly connects the container to the constriction portion of the Venturi tube. Flowing of water from the toilet water tank through the Venturi tube causes a volume of the liquid to be drawn into the Venturi tube via the dispensing line and wherein the drawn liquid and the water are mixed and dispensed via the outlet into a water tank overfill tube that empties into the toilet bowl after flushing with water is completed.

In general, in another aspect, the invention features a method for automatic dispensing of a liquid including the following. Providing a dispenser body and a container comprising the liquid to be dispensed. Next, providing a Venturi tube having an inlet, an outlet and a constriction portion located between the inlet and the outlet, and wherein the inlet fluidly connects to a fluid source. Next, flowing of a fluid from the fluid source through the Venturi tube thereby causing a volume of the liquid to be drawn into the Venturi tube via the dispensing line and wherein the drawn liquid and the fluid are mixed and dispensed via the outlet. The fluid source may be a toilet water tank that provides water to a toilet bowl upon flushing activation and the outlet of the Venturi tube is configured to dispense the drawn liquid into a water tank overfill tube that empties into the toilet bowl after flushing.

The present invention provides an automated liquid dispensing solution, free of electronics, and activated solely by the use of the toilet. While alternate, future embodiments may include ancillary features with electronics, the core invention uses the natural fluid dynamics of a toilet, as well as uniquely applied principles of physics and design to dispense a range of liquids into a toilet bowl after every use. For BYGs, this means that users no longer have to remember to use the spray before every visit to the toilet. Instead, after every flush the toilet is “primed” for use the next time. This same principle can be used for other applications too, such as automatic dispensing of a cleaning solution or even the application of enzymes to aid in the breakdown of excrement for off-grid scenarios.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, the drawings and from the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system and a method for automatic dispensing of an odor blocking liquid or a cleaning liquid into a toilet.

Referring toFIG.1, a device100for automatic dispensing of a liquid into a toilet82is attached to a wall13aof a water tank13that provides water to the toilet82. Device100includes a dispenser body1(Dispenser), a liquid cartridge (Refill)2and a tube5B that feeds a dose of the liquid that is contained in the liquid cartridge2into the water tank overfill tube14, as shown inFIG.2. In one example, the liquid is an odor shielding liquid that mixes with the bowl fill water and forms an odor shielding film200on the top surface of water83that collects in the toilet bowl82after flushing of the toilet. In other examples, the liquid may be a scented liquid, a colorant, enzymes, or a cleaning solution, among others. The liquid cartridge2may be removably attached to the dispenser body1or may be integrated with the dispenser body1.

FIG.2is a front, left, top, perspective view of an embodiment of the Automatic Dispensing System100consistent with the disclosure herein. In it, the dispenser body1receives a liquid cartridge2that contains a functional liquid (Liquid) that is to be dispensed during use. That Liquid is drawn through a dispensing line4into the Venturi system3that connects to a water source such as a toilet float valve by means of an inflow tube5A. During use, the combination of water and Liquid is redirected into its desired location—in this case the bowl of the toilet82by means of the overflow tube14via the outflow tube5B on the other end of the Venturi3. A hook6is built in to the dispenser body1which protects the dispensing line4during use (for instance, from being crushed by the lid of the toilet tank) and also provides for easy attachment of the dispenser to the toilet.

FIG.3is a right side section view of the embodiment inFIG.2and provides clarity on fluid flow and the mechanics of the invention. In it, the liquid cartridge2is notably inverted such that the top of the cartridge interfaces with the dispenser by means of a liquid release mechanism7on the cartridge and a release needle assembly8that connects to or is part of the dispenser body1. Additional detail will explain the functionality of the liquid release mechanism7and the release needle assembly8in subsequent figures. However, the noteworthy feature is that the liquid release mechanism7acts to stop any unwanted fluid flow out of liquid cartridge2while disconnected. When connected to the release needle assembly8, however, the Liquid can flow freely from the liquid cartridge2through the dispensing line4into the Venturi3and out through the outflow tube5B as indicated.

Note that in alternative embodiments, the fluid may enter the dispensing line4through a myriad of methods that may or may not include use of a liquid release mechanism. For instance, in one embodiment, the dispensing line may directly enter the liquid15contained in the refill cartridge2, or may be connected to a straw, tube, or the like that interfaces with the liquid15without a release mechanism. Said release mechanism is particularly useful for the depicted embodiment wherein the refill cartridge is inverted. However, when this is not the case the utilization of the aforementioned components may vary.

FIG.3also illustrates other features of the Automatic Dispensing System. For instance, connected to the liquid release mechanism7is a venting tube10that extends above the surface of the liquid15when the refill cartridge2is inverted. The venting tube10transfers air into the refill cartridge2when liquid is drawn out of the cartridge during use. This normalizes the pressure in the cartridge, preventing a vacuum from building up which would otherwise inhibit the flow of Liquid out of refill cartridge2. Note in the depicted embodiment this venting system is achieved with a venting tube. However, in alternate versions a similar outcome may be achieved with a one way valve, a top inlet, access point, via the inactive Venturi (without a dedicated vent), or the like.

Also visible inFIG.3are details by which the dispensing line4connects with the Venturi3. Specifically, above the venturi system is a flow regulation system9that enables the user to adjust the flow of Liquid during use. This mechanism is important in order to accommodate different types of toilets, as well as other variation across use cases. For instance, with scent blocking liquid it is important to control how much liquid is being dispensed. If too little liquid is released, the Liquid may not effectively block scent. If too much is released, then the refill cartridge may empty too quickly, making the device expensive and inconvenient for long term use and/or creating a scent in the bathroom that is too strong. Here, the flow regulation system9consists of a mechanism that applies pressure to the dispensing line4which in this case is made of a flexible material. When pressure is applied, the dispensing line4deforms and the path through which the Liquid flows is constricted, thereby reducing fluid flow. Other embodiments may employ a similar mechanism or others such as a needle valve, a ball valve, or the like. Additionally, multiple flow regulation or dosing mechanisms may be used in conjunction. For instance, there may be an intermediary reservoir of Liquid that fills upon each use. After flush this reservoir would discharge, permitting only that specific volume of liquid to be dispensed. This dosing system could be used on its own, or could be used with an additional flow regulation system to enable more fine-tuned control by the user. The combination of these two features—the dosing system and flow regulation system—would ensure that the amount of liquid dispensed never exceeds a specific volume, yet that users are able to reduce the liquid dispense to a lesser volume if desired, and are also able to control the pace of Liquid flow throughout a flush cycle.

FIG.3also shows the dispensing line4relative to the dispenser hook6in order to illustrate how the rigid hook body protects the line4for instance from being crushed and deformed by the toilet lid when closed. The thickness of the hook6is equal to or greater than a threshold fraction of the thickness of the dispensing line4such that when pressure is applied across the hook6the line is not deformed enough to prevent or substantively hamper fluid flow. Put simply, the hook6protects the dispensing line4from being crushed, thereby protecting fluid flow. Notably, in some scenarios there may be multiple points of pressure acting on the hook and the line. These pressure points may be planar (i.e. coming from the top) or may act on the line at different heights or positions. For instance, many toilet tank lids feature a ledge that drops down for proper alignment of the lid to the tank. In these cases, the inline positioning of the dispensing line4relative to the hook6is important. As the hook6curves and drops below the its crest (i.e. drops below the edge of the tank) it continues to protect the dispensing line4. This prevents the line4from being crushed or excessively constricted lower in the tank, thereby creating a system that can be used universally across toilets of different makes. In alternative embodiments, different mechanisms may be used to prevent deformation of the dispensing line. For instance, while the depicted hook6is built into the body of the dispenser and serves to both protect the dispensing line4and anchor the dispenser body1to the toilet tank, in other embodiments these two roles may be served by separate features. An independent spacer might protect the line, for instance, while a hook or suction cup anchors the body to the toilet tank. Alternately, the dispenser may be positioned on a stand, or may be situated on the floor or on top of the toilet lid rather than using a hook. In these cases, a separate feature would be used to prevent the line from being crushed. Similarly, the line may be segmented or made of a more rigid material such that it naturally resists crushing. This could take place across the full length of the line or simply at the point where pressure is applied to the line by an outside force like a toilet tank.

FIG.4depicts the embodiment inFIG.2andFIG.3from a front view. Notably, the dispensing line4is positioned inline with the hook6. Additionally, a front window11on the body of the dispenser allows a user to view the refill cartridge2when in use. This is helpful for determining if the refill cartridge2is empty and needs to be replaced.FIG.5illustrates these features in more detail, as well as a bottom access point12by which the dispensing line4connects to the needle release assembly8. It is understood that the front window11could be located on the side of the dispenser body in other embodiments and serve the same purpose, or could change in shape/size.

FIG.6is a detailed cross-sectional view of Venturi system3. Inflow tube5aconnects to the Venturi system via hose barb32, directing fluid flow to the converging cone of the Venturi,33. In this area, as governed by the Bernoulli equations, fluid pressure is reduced as the fluid gathers the velocity necessary to traverse the pinch-point at a constant mass-transfer rate. At point34the fluid is at its lowest pressure; a pressure low enough that a relative vacuum is created relative to atmospheric pressure. Liquid inlet35is connected to liquid cartridge2via dispensing line4, and it is through this connection that the scent blocking Liquid of interest is drawn into the Venturi system and entrained into the fluid flow. The combined fluid (refill water plus scent blocking Liquid) then passes through the diverging cone36of the Venturi, where the fluid flow slows down as local pressure is recovered. Finally, the combined fluid flows out of the Venturi via outflow tube5b, eventually being deposited into the toilet bowl via overflow tube within the toilet tank. It is understood that various Venturi system configurations or other passive means could be used to achieve the same goal.

FIG.7shows in detail view how one embodiment of the flow regulation system works. A threaded hole that is integral to hook6accepts a small thumb screw or handle31(enabling tool-less adjustment). The threaded hole reaches directly to tube4. A rigid ball30(made of steel or other suitable material) is sandwiched between tube4and screw31such that downward pressure exerted by screw31onto tube4is transferred via ball30to the line, ensuring consistent and damage-free constriction of tube4with adjustments. It is important to note that screw31should be of a suitable pitch; that is there must be a reasonable range over which adjustment is carried out for general use (for example 2 full turns to go from fully open to fully closed). In alternative embodiments, screw31could be placed at an angle, thereby decreasing the “gain” of this means of adjustment. For similar purposes, tube4could be doubled back on itself in the adjustment region, such that screw adjustments have a lower gain and are thereby less sensitive to minor or potentially accidental user adjustments. Furthermore, the tube4may vary in diameter such that at the point of contact where the ball30engages the tube4a greater distance must be travelled by the ball30in order to achieve full closure.

FIG.8Aillustrates an embodiment of the dispenser mounted on a separate body such as a toilet tank13. In this depiction, the tank is shown with a cutaway view and the dispenser is mounted to its nearest edge by means of the hook6attached to the dispenser body1. Here, the means by which said hook6prevents crushing of the dispensing line4becomes more apparent. When a lid is mounted to the top of the toilet tank, the pressure bears on the hook6pinching it between the lid and the tank wall13. The rigid body of the dispenser hook6protects the line4from this pressure, thereby ensuring unimpaired fluid flow during use.

FIG.8Aalso illustrates the water flow and discharge of the dispenser. In this figure, the dispenser inflow tube5A is directly connected to a water supply line50A which usually originates from a float valve within the toilet water tank. In most toilets this line is directed into the overflow tube14and is used to replenish the water in a toilet bowl after flushing. Here, the water supply line is directed instead to the inflow tube5A such that after each flush water passes through the dispenser's venturi system3and draws a small volume of scent blocking liquid into the toilet bowl during refill. This outflow is directed by means of the outflow tube5B into the tank's overflow tube14. Of note, the means by which the inflow and outflow tubes interface with the toilet tank can take any myriad of forms including but not limited to use of one or many intermediary hose barbs, coupling components, and/or clips meant to affix to members of the toilet tank. Furthermore, in alternate embodiments the inflow and outflow members may be built directly into the venturi component3such that intermediary hoses and components are omitted.

FIG.8Billustrates the embodiment ofFIG.8Afrom a rear perspective view and depicts fluid flow in the dispenser. Water is drawn from the water supply line50A into the dispenser's inflow tube5A. Here, it passes into the Venturi system3, then flows through the outflow tube5B into the tank's overflow tube. The local change in pressure caused by the Venturi draws Liquid from the refill tank2through the dispensing line4which wraps over the edge of the toilet tank13. Near to where this line meets the Venturi, a flow regulating system9modulates the rate of liquid that passes into the Venturi and enters the primary flow of water, and thereby serves as a way for users to easily adjust the volume of Liquid dispensed during a typical flush. It is important to note that the flow regulating system9could be placed anywhere along line4and successfully perform its purpose of tuning flow rate.

A detailed view of one embodiment of a universal connection between the venturi inflow tube5A and toilet float valve line is shown inFIG.9. Of note is that this “universal” hose barb termination of inflow tube5A would interface with a wide variety of toilet makes and models, by accommodating tubing lines of various sizes such as 3/16″ and ¼″ internal diameter, which represent two of the most common tubing sizes found in toilet tanks. The steps in the outer wall5C,5D corresponds to these diameters to facilitate a tight fitting connection. In alternative embodiments these steps may vary in frequency, size, or shape.

FIG.10shows a left cross-sectional side view of the full assembly ofFIGS.8A and8B. Here, the Liquid level15in the tank is shown, which helps convey the utility of the venting system10and the proximal position of the Venturi3. Specifically, in this embodiment the refill tank2is positioned beneath the Venturi component3. This is important so that liquid does not naturally escape the dispenser at rest via the siphon effect (gravitational force). Similarly, the position of the venting tube10above the Liquid line15guarantees that when Liquid is pulled from the refill tank2, air is able to enter the tank to replace the volume of the liquid that exited. Features on the release needle assembly8such as a lower recess and drip ring keep this venting tube10clear, so that liquid does not accumulate and block the proper venting of the tank. Additional detail about the release needle assembly8, venting system10, and liquid release mechanism7is provided in subsequent figures. Also, of note, in alternative embodiments the means by which this venting action takes place may differ. For instance, the venting system7may not exist by means of an extended tube but rather a hole or access valve on the bottle. In this case the valve or hole may be placed at the bottom of the tank (the top when inverted) to prevent unwanted leaks, or may be integrated into the additional features on the side walls or top of the bottle. The vent functionality could also be achieved by use of a breathable membrane material such as expanded PTFE, which would allow the transfer of air but not Liquid across its boundary. Additionally, in embodiments where the tank is not inverted during use, the venting system may simply be an open end at the top of the tank or a small puncture in a removable seal. In yet other embodiments, depending upon the use case or the dispensed liquid, no dedicated venting system is needed at all and a passive Venturi can act as a vent itself. These venting systems and others fall within the purview of the disclosed embodiment.

FIG.11Ais a cross sectional detail view of the liquid release mechanism7built into the refill tank2. Here, the liquid release mechanism7is an assembly whose dimensions correspond to the open end of the refill tank2. Within the assembly is a primary body16, a constricted neck19, a stopper ball17, spring18, and spring holder20.FIG.11Adepicts the assembly at rest, where the spring18is extended and forces the stopper ball17against the shoulder of the constricted neck19. Here the ball17provides a seal against the edge of this shoulder, thereby preventing fluid from traveling through the constricted neck19. In some embodiments either the ball or features of the shoulder or constricted neck may be made of a deformable material such as rubber, silicone, or the like in order to ensure a proper seal at this interface. Alternatively, additional components like as an O-ring seal or gasket may be used to facilitate this water tight seal. Further embodiments may further reduce the number of components involved using unique material properties to combine the functionality of multiple components into one part. For instance, an alternate embodiment the ball and spring assembly may be merged into a single component, such as a rubber stopper with natural spring forces. Similarly, the constricted neck may be designed such that at rest the unit seals without use of a stopper (for instance by constricting to a small enough opening that liquid cannot pass through) then is stretched open by means of a needle release system8, straw, or the like. Such embodiments fall within the purview of this disclosure.

FIG.11Bdepicts the liquid release mechanism7in use, where the needle release system8displaces the stopper ball17and prevents it from interfacing with the shoulder of the constricting neck19. As a result, liquid flows through the top of the liquid release mechanism, through holes in the column1911that holds the spring and ball components, and through the displacing needle21which is connected either directly or by means of intermediary components to the dispensing line4. Notably, the displacing needle21need not actuate in this system. Instead, the displacing needle21may be fixed to a stable surface such as the dispenser body1of the Automatic Dispensing System and the liquid release mechanism7may be the system that moves to compress the spring-ball assembly and release liquid into the dispensing line4, thereby making the refill process as simple as possible for end users. Additionally, ancillary components may be introduced to further enhance the seal and utility of the liquid release mechanism. For instance, the displacing needle21may include O-rings, gaskets, or in-molded components around its circumference in order to prevent unwanted leakage around its sides. Conversely, the constricting neck may house similar features, components, or be made from specific materials such as rubber to achieve the same functionality.

FIG.11Cillustrates how a liquid release mechanism consistent withFIGS.11A and11Bmay exist within the context of a greater dispensing assembly. In it, the liquid release mechanism7is mounted into a refill tank2which is inverted and rests upon a release needle assembly8. Here, the release needle assembly8is a single component with a displacing needle protrusion21that forces the stopper ball17up from its sealing position, thereby causing the stopper spring18C to compress and allowing liquid to flow through the release needle assembly8. The dispensing line4then connects directly into the release needle assembly8, receiving the liquid for transferal to the Venturi system3during use. An additional drip trough23receives any unwanted leakage that may result from use or during initial assembly. This drip trough23prevents said leakage from interacting with the venting tube10, thereby ensuring proper venting and that undesirable pressure differentials don't build up during use.

FIG.12Ais a left side cross sectional view of an Automatic Dispensing System consistent with the disclosed embodiment that uses a volume based dosing system24to regulate the outflow of Liquid from the refill tank2. In it a volume based dosing system24is positioned beneath the refill tank2such that at rest the chamber26of the dosing system fills with Liquid. Here, the volume based dosing system24is placed on the rear side of the dispenser body1such that neither the dosing system and the dispensing line4obstruct the planar rear surface of the dispenser body1, however this mechanism could be successfully placed in a variety of locations in alternative embodiments.FIG.12Bfurther illustrates the position of these components in the present embodiment.

FIGS.13-16illustrate in isolation the means by which the volume based dosing system24restricts the volume of liquid dispensed from the refill tank2in use. Due to its positioning beneath the liquid level15of the refill tank2, at rest the dosing chamber is full of Liquid. In this state, the valve ball27(which in this embodiment is made of a material that is denser than the liquid) is at rest at the bottom of the chamber, held in place by a lower ledge28. When a suction force develops in the dispensing line4—due to venturi forces on the far end for instance—that suction draws liquid from the dosing chamber26out through the dispensing line4. This in turn draws additional liquid from the refill tank2. As Liquid moves through the dosing chamber, its flow causes a valve ball27to rise. Eventually, the valve ball27reaches the upper shoulder28B of the dosing chamber, thereby forming a seal against the shoulder and preventing further fluid flow. Since a negligible amount of liquid flows around the valve ball27during use, the system releases a volume of liquid roughly equivalent to the volume of the inner dosing chamber26minus the volume of the valve ball27. In this application residual liquid above the volume based dosing system24is considered negligible relative to the volume of liquid stored in the dosing chamber26.

When suction stops, the vacuum holding the valve ball27in place no longer acts on the ball, permitting it to release and return to rest at the bottom of the dosing chamber26. Since the diameter of the valve ball27is slightly smaller than that of the dosing chamber, any liquid in the chamber can flow around the ball, allowing the ball to reach a resting point at the bottom of the chamber without any additional venting or actuation. The system is thus reset for subsequent use.

In alternative embodiments, the volume based dosing system24may include additional features to facilitate effective and reliable use. The valve ball27, for instance, may be shaped in a cylindrical or other shape to increase volume, alter buoyancy, or introduce physical features such as flutes, channels, or barbs to break surface tension or allow air to escape the channel when in use. Similarly, the geometry of the upper or lower shoulder28A,28B may be optimized to either create a seal or minimally permit fluid or airflow venting during use. The geometry of these components may similarly be optimized to prevent surface tension forces from capturing the ball in a specific position.

The volume based dosing system24may also be used in conjunction with other flow regulating mechanism such as a needle valve or tube constriction system, consistent with the description herein. Such a combination of features may be useful in regulating both the volume and the time it takes to dispense a Liquid. Put together, these dosing systems combine with the unique features of the Automatic Dispensing System to advance the state of the art in fluid dispensers—especially for those focused on residential toilets.

FIG.17depicts an embodiment of the device that is completely internal to the toilet tank; that is refill tank2is placed within the toilet tank and hidden from the users' view. Such an orientation may be favorable to users in the home setting, when they do not wish to alter the aesthetics of their bathroom or advertise the use of a scent blocking product. Placing refill tank2in such an orientation also eliminates the need for crush protection in hook6, as line4is no longer at risk of being crushed by the toilet tank lid. Although this embodiment of the device is shown with rigid hook6as a means of attachment, it is understood that the purpose of said hook (keeping the device in place within the toilet tank and stopping any tendency to float at refill tank2drains during use) could also be accomplished via individual features or a combination of features such as suction cups, weights, and/or a coupling to attach the device to existing features in the toilet tank and thereby constrain its location. In this embodiment, it may be advantageous to insert the liquid refill bottle from the front or side rather than sliding it into place from above. In such instances, retaining members37may be used to hold the bottle2in its desired position.FIG.18shows the same device in-situ within a toilet tank.

FIG.19depicts an alternative embodiment of the device, where refill tank2is placed right-side-up, that is with the fluid exit port on the top face of the bottle as opposed to the bottom face as described earlier. Doing so could potentially reduce the need for fluid release mechanism7described earlier, or simplify its action as the bottle would not need to be inverted by the user during installation. For users who wish to keep the device fully contained within the toilet tank, this orientation of refill tank2is also helpful as it could enable simple venting of refill tank2via the top opening (the bottom of the tank could be submerged in tank water during use, and therefore would not be a good place for a vent hole to let air in as Liquid is drawn out).

FIG.20depicts an alternative embodiment of the device, in which two refill tanks2aand2bare loaded at once into a dual tank dispenser1D. The two tanks could be daisy-chained to a single fluid line that enters the Venturi system3or the Venturi system could be adapted slightly to accommodate two incoming Liquid lines,4aand4b, as is shown inFIG.20. Having two refill tanks could be advantageous, for example, if one refill tank contained a scent blocking fluid, while the other contains a cleaning solution, or a customizable fluid that the user can insert into the secondary tank depending on his or her preferences. This setup can also make possible the combination of solutions that would otherwise not result in a shelf-stable single product, such as a strong oxidizing cleaner (like hydrogen peroxide) and an organic-based scent solution (such as essential oils, which would be quickly oxidized and rendered useless by the hydrogen peroxide). In this dual-bottle embodiment multiple flow regulation methods9A,9B may be used to yield a different Liquid flow rate for each bottle.FIG.21is a side view of the embodiment inFIG.20, which illustrates how a tank connection mechanism38such as a suction cup may be used to further secure the dispenser body1D to the tank. Of note, this mechanism may consist of any variety of mechanical features including but not limited to snaps, hooks, cams, weights, anchors, or the like.FIG.22further illustrates this embodiment with a front view of the Automatic Dispensing System.

Any of the features depicted and described with these additional figures should be recognized as applicable to this device in isolation or combination, for example there could be a variation with two liquid tanks that sits on the outside of the toilet tank.

Other embodiments include one or more of the following. Device100may be attached to the back wall13avia a Velcro hook and loop type attachment94. In other embodiments, device100is attached to the back wall via other mechanical connections, a magnetic connection or via a removable adhesive, among others. The dose of odor shielding liquid is dispensed into the water tank feed line or the toilet bowl directly. The odor shielding liquid may be a bubble forming liquid. The scent tank's shape or location is altered such that it fits better into certain type(s) of toilets. The odor shielding liquid may form an emulsion with bowl water that encapsulates solid waste. The scent tank2may be removably attached to the main body1.