Patent Publication Number: US-11033918-B2

Title: Invertible hand held trigger sprayer

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to hand held spray bottles, and more particularly to spray bottles that have one outlet for spraying a fluid onto a surface, and another outlet for discharging the fluid into an application member such as a cloth or a brush. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Devices such as hand held spray bottles for spraying cleaning fluids onto a surface are known in the art. It is also known to incorporate into the spray device a tool for applying the cleaning fluid to the surface, such as a cloth or a brush. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,682,097 to Knopow et al., issued Mar. 23, 2010, teaches a cleaning device that can selectively dispense a cleaning solution through either a spray nozzle or an applicator pad. The cleaning device includes a manually rotatable valve which is used to select whether the solution is dispensed through the spray nozzle or the pad. 
     A disadvantage of the prior art arises in that selecting where the solution dispenses from requires manual rotation of the valve, which can be inconvenient and time consuming. The solution can also be inadvertently dispensed from the wrong outlet, for example if the user forgets to rotate the valve or accidentally rotates the valve to the wrong position. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To at least partially overcome some of the disadvantages of previously known devices, the present invention provides a fluid dispenser having a first fluid outlet, a second fluid outlet, and an outlet valve mechanism for directing a fluid to the first fluid outlet when the dispenser is in a first orientation, and to the second fluid outlet when the dispenser is in a second orientation. The inventors have appreciated that the outlet valve mechanism allows the fluid to be conveniently dispensed from either the first fluid outlet or the second fluid outlet depending on the orientation of the device, without requiring a user to manually rotate a rotatable valve or the like. For example, the first fluid outlet may dispense the fluid as a stream or a spray when the dispenser is in an upright orientation, and the second fluid outlet may dispense the fluid into an application tool, such as a cloth or a pad, when the dispenser is in an inverted orientation. The application tool is preferably positioned on or near the top of the dispenser, so that the dispenser is inverted to apply the application tool to an upwardly facing surface, such as a counter top or floor. The dispenser thus automatically directs the fluid to the correct fluid outlet depending on whether the dispenser is being held upwardly for spraying or inverted for use of the application tool. 
     The outlet valve mechanism uses the force of gravity to direct the fluid to the correct fluid outlet depending on the orientation of the dispenser. In particular, the outlet valve mechanism includes a movable outlet member, such as a ball, that is located at a first position when the dispenser is in the first orientation, and at a second position when the dispenser is in the second orientation. The first position is lower than the second position when the dispenser is in the first orientation, and the second position is lower than the first position when the dispenser is in the second orientation, such that the movable outlet member moves to either the first position or the second position under the force of gravity, depending on whether the dispenser is in the first orientation or the second orientation. When the movable outlet member is at the first position, the outlet valve mechanism allows the fluid to pass through outlet valve mechanism towards the first fluid outlet, and prevents the fluid from passing through the outlet valve mechanism towards the second fluid outlet. When the movable outlet member is at the second position, the outlet valve mechanism allows the fluid to pass through the outlet valve mechanism towards the second fluid outlet, and prevents the fluid from passing through the outlet valve mechanism towards the first fluid outlet. 
     The fluid dispenser can also include a first inlet valve mechanism for delivering the fluid from a fluid reservoir to a pump mechanism when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, and a second inlet valve mechanism for delivering the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the pump mechanism when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation. Having separate inlet valve mechanisms for delivering the fluid to the pump mechanism when in the first orientation or the second orientation allows the fluid to be drawn from different parts of the fluid reservoir depending on the orientation of the dispenser. For example, the first inlet valve mechanism can be arranged to draw the fluid from a bottom portion of the fluid reservoir, where the fluid pools when the dispenser is upright, and the second inlet valve mechanism can be arranged to draw the fluid from a top portion of the fluid reservoir, where the fluid pools when the dispenser is inverted. This allows the dispenser to continue dispensing in both orientations as the level of fluid within the reservoir gets depleted. 
     Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention resides in a fluid dispenser comprising: 
     a fluid reservoir containing a fluid to be dispensed; 
     a first fluid outlet for dispensing the fluid when the fluid dispenser is in a first orientation; 
     a second fluid outlet for dispensing the fluid when the fluid dispenser is in a second orientation; 
     an outlet valve mechanism for directing the fluid towards the first fluid outlet when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, and towards the second fluid outlet when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation; and 
     a pump mechanism that, when activated, forces an allotment of the fluid through the outlet valve mechanism to be discharged from either the first fluid outlet or the second fluid outlet; 
     wherein the outlet valve mechanism comprises a movable outlet member that is located at a first position when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, and is located at a second position when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation; 
     wherein the movable outlet member moves from the first position to the second position under the force of gravity when the fluid dispenser moves from the first orientation to the second orientation; 
     wherein the movable outlet member moves from the second position to the first position under the force of gravity when the fluid dispenser moves from the second orientation to the first orientation; 
     wherein, when the movable outlet member is at the first position, the outlet valve mechanism allows the fluid to pass through the outlet valve mechanism towards the first fluid outlet, and prevents the fluid from passing through the outlet valve mechanism towards the second fluid outlet; and 
     wherein, when the movable outlet member is at the second position, the outlet valve mechanism allows the fluid to pass through the outlet valve mechanism towards the second fluid outlet, and prevents the fluid from passing through the outlet valve mechanism towards the first fluid outlet. 
     In preferred embodiments, the movable outlet member is movably disposed within an outlet valve chamber, the outlet valve chamber having an inlet opening, a first outlet opening, and a second outlet opening; 
     wherein the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the pump mechanism for receiving the fluid upon activation of the pump mechanism; 
     wherein the first outlet opening is in fluid communication with the first fluid outlet; 
     wherein the second outlet opening is in fluid communication with the second fluid outlet; 
     wherein, when the movable outlet member is at the first position: 
     (i) the movable outlet member engages with the second outlet opening to prevent the fluid from passing through the outlet valve chamber towards the second fluid outlet, and 
     (ii) the movable outlet member is spaced from the inlet opening and the first outlet opening to provide a passageway for the fluid to pass from the inlet opening, through the outlet valve chamber, and into the first outlet opening; and 
     wherein, when the movable outlet member is at the second position: 
     (i) the movable outlet member engages with the first outlet opening to prevent the fluid from passing through the outlet valve chamber towards the first fluid outlet, and 
     (ii) the movable outlet member is spaced from the inlet opening and the second outlet opening to provide a passageway for the fluid to pass from the inlet opening, through the outlet valve chamber, and into the second outlet opening. 
     Optionally, the movable outlet member comprises an outlet ball; 
     wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the outlet ball is at the first position: 
     (i) the outlet ball is located downwardly from the first outlet opening, and 
     (ii) the outlet ball is located upwardly from the second outlet opening; and 
     wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation and the outlet ball is at the second position: 
     (i) the outlet ball is located upwardly from the first outlet opening, and 
     (ii) the outlet ball is located downwardly from the second outlet opening. 
     In some preferred embodiments, the fluid dispenser further comprises: 
     a first inlet valve mechanism for delivering the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the pump mechanism when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation; and 
     a second inlet valve mechanism for delivering the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the pump mechanism when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation; 
     wherein the first inlet valve mechanism comprises a first movable inlet member that is located at a first position when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, and is located at a second position when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation; 
     wherein the first movable inlet member moves from the first position to the second position under the force of gravity when the fluid dispenser moves from the first orientation to the second orientation; 
     wherein the first movable inlet member moves from the second position to the first position under the force of gravity when the fluid dispenser moves from the second orientation to the first orientation; 
     wherein, when the first movable inlet member is at the first position, the first inlet valve mechanism allows fluid to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve mechanism, to the pump mechanism; 
     wherein, when the first movable inlet member is at the second position, the first inlet valve mechanism prevents fluid from passing from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve mechanism, to the pump mechanism; 
     wherein the second inlet valve mechanism comprises a second movable inlet member that is located at a first position when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, and is located at a second position when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation; 
     wherein the second movable inlet member moves from the first position to the second position under the force of gravity when the fluid dispenser moves from the first orientation to the second orientation; 
     wherein the second movable inlet member moves from the second position to the first position under the force of gravity when the fluid dispenser moves from the second orientation to the first orientation; 
     wherein, when the second movable inlet member is at the first position, the second inlet valve mechanism prevents fluid from passing from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve mechanism, to the pump mechanism; and 
     wherein, when the second movable inlet member is at the second position, the second inlet valve mechanism allows fluid to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve mechanism, to the pump mechanism. 
     Preferably, the first movable inlet member is movably disposed within a first inlet valve chamber, the first inlet valve chamber having a first inlet port and a first outlet port; 
     wherein the first inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; 
     wherein the first outlet port is in fluid communication with the pump mechanism; 
     wherein, when the first movable inlet member is at the first position, the first movable inlet member is spaced from the first outlet port and engages with the first inlet port, and allows fluid to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the pump mechanism; 
     wherein, when the first movable inlet member is at the second position, the first movable inlet member is spaced from the first inlet port and engages with the first outlet port to prevent fluid from passing from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the pump mechanism; 
     wherein the second movable inlet member is movably disposed within a second inlet valve chamber, the second inlet valve chamber having a second inlet port and a second outlet port; 
     wherein the second inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; 
     wherein the second outlet port is in fluid communication with the pump mechanism; 
     wherein, when the second movable inlet member is at the first position, the second movable inlet member is spaced from the second inlet port and engages with the second outlet port to prevent fluid from passing from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the pump mechanism; and 
     wherein, when the second movable inlet member is at the second position, the second movable inlet member is spaced from the second outlet port and engages with the second inlet port, and allows fluid to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the pump mechanism. 
     Optionally, the first movable inlet member comprises a first inlet ball; 
     wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the first inlet ball is at the first position: 
     (i) the first inlet ball is located downwardly from the first outlet port, and 
     (ii) the first inlet ball is located upwardly from the first inlet port; 
     wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation and the first inlet ball is at the second position: 
     (i) the first inlet ball is located upwardly from the first outlet port, and 
     (ii) the first inlet ball is located downwardly from the first inlet port; 
     wherein the second movable inlet member comprises a second inlet ball; 
     wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the second inlet ball is at the first position: 
     (i) the second inlet ball is located upwardly from the second outlet port, and 
     (ii) the second inlet ball is located downwardly from the second inlet port; and 
     wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation and the second inlet ball is at the second position: 
     (i) the second inlet ball is located downwardly from the second outlet port, and 
     (ii) the second inlet ball is located upwardly from the second inlet port. 
     In some embodiments, the pump mechanism comprises a variable volume fluid compartment that is in fluid communication with the outlet valve mechanism, the first inlet valve mechanism, and the second inlet valve mechanism; 
     wherein the variable volume fluid compartment has an internal volume that, upon activation of the pump mechanism, cycles between an expanded volume and a reduced volume; 
     wherein the fluid dispenser further comprises a one-way fluid outlet valve that allows fluid to pass from the variable volume fluid compartment, past the one-way fluid outlet valve, to the outlet valve mechanism, and prevents fluid from passing from the outlet valve mechanism, past the one-way fluid outlet valve, to the variable volume fluid compartment; 
     wherein the fluid dispenser further comprises at least one one-way fluid inlet valve that allows fluid to pass from the first inlet valve mechanism and the second inlet valve mechanism to the variable volume fluid compartment, and prevents fluid from passing from the variable volume fluid compartment to the first inlet valve mechanism and the second inlet valve mechanism; 
     wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the internal volume of the variable volume fluid compartment is increased from the reduced volume to the expanded volume: 
     (i) a fluid pressure within the variable volume fluid compartment decreases, generating a negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the fluid reservoir, 
     (ii) the negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the fluid reservoir causes the fluid within the fluid reservoir to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the variable volume fluid compartment, 
     (iii) the engagement of the second inlet ball with the second outlet port prevents fluid from passing from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the variable volume fluid compartment, and 
     (iv) the one-way fluid outlet valve prevents fluid from passing from the outlet valve mechanism, past the one-way fluid outlet valve, to the variable volume fluid compartment; 
     wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the internal volume of the variable volume fluid compartment is decreased from the expanded volume to the reduced volume: 
     (i) the fluid pressure within the variable volume fluid compartment increases, generating a positive pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the atmospheric air surrounding the fluid dispenser, 
     (ii) the positive pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the atmospheric air causes the fluid within the variable volume fluid compartment to pass from the variable volume fluid compartment, past the one-way fluid inlet valve, and through the outlet valve mechanism, to be dispensed from the first fluid outlet, 
     (iii) the at least one one-way fluid inlet valve prevents fluid from passing from the variable volume fluid compartment, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the fluid reservoir, and 
     (iv) the at least one one-way fluid inlet valve prevents fluid from passing from the variable volume fluid compartment, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the fluid reservoir; 
     wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation and the internal volume of the variable volume fluid compartment is increased from the reduced volume to the expanded volume: 
     (i) the fluid pressure within the variable volume fluid compartment decreases, generating a negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the fluid reservoir, 
     (ii) the negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the fluid reservoir causes the fluid within the fluid reservoir to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the variable volume fluid compartment, 
     (iii) the engagement of the first inlet ball with the first outlet port prevents fluid from passing from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the variable volume fluid compartment, and 
     (iv) the one-way fluid outlet valve prevents fluid from passing from the outlet valve mechanism, past the one-way fluid outlet valve, to the variable volume fluid compartment; and 
     wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation and the internal volume of the variable volume fluid compartment is decreased from the expanded volume to the reduced volume: 
     (i) the fluid pressure within the variable volume fluid compartment increases, generating a positive pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the atmospheric air surrounding the fluid dispenser, 
     (ii) the positive pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the atmospheric air causes the fluid within the variable volume fluid compartment to pass from the variable volume fluid compartment, past the one-way fluid inlet valve, and through the outlet valve mechanism, to be dispensed from the second fluid outlet, 
     (iii) the at least one one-way fluid inlet valve prevents fluid from passing from the variable volume fluid compartment, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the fluid reservoir, and 
     (iv) the at least one one-way fluid inlet valve prevents fluid from passing from the variable volume fluid compartment, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the fluid reservoir. 
     Optionally, a weight of the first inlet ball is selected so that, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the internal volume of the variable volume fluid compartment is increased from the reduced volume to the expanded volume, the negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the fluid reservoir is sufficient to lift the first inlet ball away from the first inlet port to allow the fluid to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the variable volume fluid compartment; 
     wherein a weight of the second inlet ball is selected so that, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation and the internal volume of the variable volume fluid compartment is increased from the reduced volume to the expanded volume, the negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the fluid reservoir is sufficient to lift the second inlet ball away from the second inlet port to allow the fluid to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the variable volume fluid compartment. 
     Preferably, the fluid dispenser further comprises: 
     a first inlet passage in fluid communication with the first inlet valve mechanism and the fluid reservoir; and 
     a second inlet passage in fluid communication with the second inlet valve mechanism and the fluid reservoir; 
     wherein the first inlet passage has a first passage opening for receiving the fluid from the fluid reservoir; 
     wherein the second inlet passage has a second passage opening for receiving the fluid from the fluid reservoir; 
     wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, the first passage opening is located below the second passage opening; and 
     wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation, the first passage opening is located above the second passage opening. 
     Optionally, the first orientation is an upright orientation and the second orientation is an inverted orientation; 
     wherein the first passage opening is positioned to receive the fluid from a bottom portion of the fluid reservoir; and 
     wherein the second passage opening is positioned to receive the fluid from a top portion of the fluid reservoir. 
     In some preferred embodiments, the first fluid outlet comprises a nozzle that, upon activation of the pump mechanism while the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, discharges the fluid as a stream or a spray that is directed away from the fluid dispenser. 
     Preferably, the fluid dispenser further comprises an application member for applying the fluid to a surface; 
     wherein the application member is located proximate to the second fluid outlet so that, upon activation of the pump mechanism while the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation, the second fluid outlet discharges the fluid into or adjacent to the application member. 
     The application member may, for example, comprise at least one of: a scrubbing tool, a wiping tool, a scraping tool, a polishing tool, a cleaning tool, a natural sponge, a synthetic sponge, a cloth, a brush, a roller applicator, and a wipe pad. 
     Optionally, the fluid dispenser further comprises: 
     a handle portion for manually carrying the fluid dispenser with a user&#39;s hand; and 
     an actuator that is manually operable to activate the pump mechanism; 
     wherein the actuator is located on or proximate to the handle portion so as to be accessible for manual operation by a user&#39;s finger or fingers while gripping the handle portion with the user&#39;s hand in both the first orientation and the second orientation. 
     Preferably, the fluid dispenser further comprises: 
     a one-way air valve that allows atmospheric air to enter the fluid reservoir through the one-way air valve, and prevents fluid from exiting the fluid reservoir through the one-way air valve, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the second orientation. 
     Optionally, the fluid comprises a surface cleaning fluid. 
     In some embodiments, the movable outlet member is movably disposed within an outlet valve chamber, the outlet valve chamber having an inlet opening, a first outlet opening, and a second outlet opening; wherein the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the pump mechanism for receiving the fluid upon activation of the pump mechanism; wherein the first outlet opening is in fluid communication with the first fluid outlet; wherein the second outlet opening is in fluid communication with the second fluid outlet; wherein, when the movable outlet member is at the first position: (i) the movable outlet member engages with the second outlet opening to prevent the fluid from passing through the outlet valve chamber towards the second fluid outlet, and (ii) the movable outlet member is spaced from the inlet opening and the first outlet opening to provide a passageway for the fluid to pass from the inlet opening, through the outlet valve chamber, and into the first outlet opening; and wherein, when the movable outlet member is at the second position: (i) the movable outlet member engages with the first outlet opening to prevent the fluid from passing through the outlet valve chamber towards the first fluid outlet, and (ii) the movable outlet member is spaced from the inlet opening and the second outlet opening to provide a passageway for the fluid to pass from the inlet opening, through the outlet valve chamber, and into the second outlet opening. 
     Optionally, the fluid dispenser further comprises an application member for applying the fluid to a surface; wherein the first fluid outlet comprises a nozzle that, upon activation of the pump mechanism while the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, discharges the fluid as a stream or a spray that is directed away from the fluid dispenser; and wherein the application member is located proximate to the second fluid outlet so that, upon activation of the pump mechanism while the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation, the second fluid outlet discharges the fluid into or adjacent to the application member. 
     The fluid dispenser may, for example, further comprise: a handle portion for manually carrying the fluid dispenser with a user&#39;s hand; and an actuator that is manually operable to activate the pump mechanism; wherein the actuator is located on or proximate to the handle portion so as to be accessible for manual operation by a user&#39;s finger or fingers while gripping the handle portion with the user&#39;s hand in both the first orientation and the second orientation; and wherein the fluid comprises a surface cleaning fluid. 
     In some preferred embodiments, the movable outlet member is movably disposed within an outlet valve chamber, the outlet valve chamber having an inlet opening, a first outlet opening, and a second outlet opening; wherein the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the pump mechanism for receiving the fluid upon activation of the pump mechanism; wherein the first outlet opening is in fluid communication with the first fluid outlet; wherein the second outlet opening is in fluid communication with the second fluid outlet; wherein, when the movable outlet member is at the first position: (i) the movable outlet member engages with the second outlet opening to prevent the fluid from passing through the outlet valve chamber towards the second fluid outlet, and (ii) the movable outlet member is spaced from the inlet opening and the first outlet opening to provide a passageway for the fluid to pass from the inlet opening, through the outlet valve chamber, and into the first outlet opening; wherein, when the movable outlet member is at the second position: (i) the movable outlet member engages with the first outlet opening to prevent the fluid from passing through the outlet valve chamber towards the first fluid outlet, and (ii) the movable outlet member is spaced from the inlet opening and the second outlet opening to provide a passageway for the fluid to pass from the inlet opening, through the outlet valve chamber, and into the second outlet opening; wherein the movable outlet member comprises an outlet ball; wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the outlet ball is at the first position: (i) the outlet ball is located downwardly from the first outlet opening, and (ii) the outlet ball is located upwardly from the second outlet opening; wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation and the outlet ball is at the second position: (i) the outlet ball is located upwardly from the first outlet opening, and (ii) the outlet ball is located downwardly from the second outlet opening; the fluid dispenser further comprising: a first inlet passage in fluid communication with the first inlet valve mechanism and the fluid reservoir; and a second inlet passage in fluid communication with the second inlet valve mechanism and the fluid reservoir; wherein the first inlet passage has a first passage opening for receiving the fluid from the fluid reservoir; wherein the second inlet passage has a second passage opening for receiving the fluid from the fluid reservoir; wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, the first passage opening is located below the second passage opening; wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation, the first passage opening is located above the second passage opening; wherein the first orientation is an upright orientation and the second orientation is an inverted orientation; wherein the first passage opening is positioned to receive the fluid from a bottom portion of the fluid reservoir; wherein the second passage opening is positioned to receive the fluid from a top portion of the fluid reservoir; the fluid dispenser further comprising an application member for applying the fluid to a surface; wherein the first fluid outlet comprises a nozzle that, upon activation of the pump mechanism while the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, discharges the fluid as a stream or a spray that is directed away from the fluid dispenser; wherein the application member is located proximate to the second fluid outlet so that, upon activation of the pump mechanism while the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation, the second fluid outlet discharges the fluid into or adjacent to the application member; the fluid dispenser further comprising: a handle portion for manually carrying the fluid dispenser with a user&#39;s hand; and an actuator that is manually operable to activate the pump mechanism; wherein the actuator is located on or proximate to the handle portion so as to be accessible for manual operation by a user&#39;s finger or fingers while gripping the handle portion with the user&#39;s hand in both the first orientation and the second orientation; and wherein the fluid comprises a surface cleaning fluid. 
     In another aspect, the present invention resides in a fluid dispenser comprising: a fluid reservoir containing a fluid to be dispensed; a first fluid outlet for dispensing the fluid when the fluid dispenser is in a first orientation; a second fluid outlet for dispensing the fluid when the fluid dispenser is in a second orientation; an outlet valve mechanism for directing the fluid towards the first fluid outlet when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, and towards the second fluid outlet when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation; and a pump mechanism that, when activated, forces an allotment of the fluid through the outlet valve mechanism to be discharged from either the first fluid outlet or the second fluid outlet; wherein the outlet valve mechanism comprises a movable outlet member that is located at a first position when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, and is located at a second position when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation; wherein the movable outlet member moves from the first position to the second position under the force of gravity when the fluid dispenser moves from the first orientation to the second orientation; wherein the movable outlet member moves from the second position to the first position under the force of gravity when the fluid dispenser moves from the second orientation to the first orientation; wherein, when the movable outlet member is at the first position, the outlet valve mechanism allows the fluid to pass through the outlet valve mechanism towards the first fluid outlet, and prevents the fluid from passing through the outlet valve mechanism towards the second fluid outlet; and wherein, when the movable outlet member is at the second position, the outlet valve mechanism allows the fluid to pass through the outlet valve mechanism towards the second fluid outlet, and prevents the fluid from passing through the outlet valve mechanism towards the first fluid outlet. 
     Preferably, the movable outlet member is movably disposed within an outlet valve chamber, the outlet valve chamber having an inlet opening, a first outlet opening, and a second outlet opening; wherein the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the pump mechanism for receiving the fluid upon activation of the pump mechanism; wherein the first outlet opening is in fluid communication with the first fluid outlet; wherein the second outlet opening is in fluid communication with the second fluid outlet; wherein, when the movable outlet member is at the first position: (i) the movable outlet member engages with the second outlet opening to prevent the fluid from passing through the outlet valve chamber towards the second fluid outlet, and (ii) the movable outlet member is spaced from the inlet opening and the first outlet opening to provide a passageway for the fluid to pass from the inlet opening, through the outlet valve chamber, and into the first outlet opening; and wherein, when the movable outlet member is at the second position: (i) the movable outlet member engages with the first outlet opening to prevent the fluid from passing through the outlet valve chamber towards the first fluid outlet, and (ii) the movable outlet member is spaced from the inlet opening and the second outlet opening to provide a passageway for the fluid to pass from the inlet opening, through the outlet valve chamber, and into the second outlet opening. 
     In some embodiments, the movable outlet member comprises an outlet ball; wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the outlet ball is at the first position: (i) the outlet ball is located downwardly from the first outlet opening, and (ii) the outlet ball is located upwardly from the second outlet opening; and wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation and the outlet ball is at the second position: (i) the outlet ball is located upwardly from the first outlet opening, and (ii) the outlet ball is located downwardly from the second outlet opening. 
     The fluid dispenser may, for example, further comprise: a first inlet valve mechanism for delivering the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the pump mechanism when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation; and a second inlet valve mechanism for delivering the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the pump mechanism when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation; wherein the first inlet valve mechanism comprises a first movable inlet member that is located at a first position when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, and is located at a second position when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation; wherein the first movable inlet member moves from the first position to the second position under the force of gravity when the fluid dispenser moves from the first orientation to the second orientation; wherein the first movable inlet member moves from the second position to the first position under the force of gravity when the fluid dispenser moves from the second orientation to the first orientation; wherein, when the first movable inlet member is at the first position, the first inlet valve mechanism allows fluid to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve mechanism, to the pump mechanism; wherein, when the first movable inlet member is at the second position, the first inlet valve mechanism prevents fluid from passing from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve mechanism, to the pump mechanism; wherein the second inlet valve mechanism comprises a second movable inlet member that is located at a first position when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, and is located at a second position when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation; wherein the second movable inlet member moves from the first position to the second position under the force of gravity when the fluid dispenser moves from the first orientation to the second orientation; wherein the second movable inlet member moves from the second position to the first position under the force of gravity when the fluid dispenser moves from the second orientation to the first orientation; wherein, when the second movable inlet member is at the first position, the second inlet valve mechanism prevents fluid from passing from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve mechanism, to the pump mechanism; and wherein, when the second movable inlet member is at the second position, the second inlet valve mechanism allows fluid to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve mechanism, to the pump mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, the first movable inlet member is movably disposed within a first inlet valve chamber, the first inlet valve chamber having a first inlet port and a first outlet port; wherein the first inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; wherein the first outlet port is in fluid communication with the pump mechanism; wherein, when the first movable inlet member is at the first position, the first movable inlet member is spaced from the first outlet port and engages with the first inlet port, and allows fluid to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the pump mechanism; wherein, when the first movable inlet member is at the second position, the first movable inlet member is spaced from the first inlet port and engages with the first outlet port to prevent fluid from passing from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the pump mechanism; wherein the second movable inlet member is movably disposed within a second inlet valve chamber, the second inlet valve chamber having a second inlet port and a second outlet port; wherein the second inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; wherein the second outlet port is in fluid communication with the pump mechanism; wherein, when the second movable inlet member is at the first position, the second movable inlet member is spaced from the second inlet port and engages with the second outlet port to prevent fluid from passing from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the pump mechanism; and wherein, when the second movable inlet member is at the second position, the second movable inlet member is spaced from the second outlet port and engages with the second inlet port, and allows fluid to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the pump mechanism. 
     Optionally, the first movable inlet member comprises a first inlet ball; wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the first inlet ball is at the first position: (i) the first inlet ball is located downwardly from the first outlet port, and (ii) the first inlet ball is located upwardly from the first inlet port; wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation and the first inlet ball is at the second position: (i) the first inlet ball is located upwardly from the first outlet port, and (ii) the first inlet ball is located downwardly from the first inlet port; wherein the second movable inlet member comprises a second inlet ball; wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the second inlet ball is at the first position: (i) the second inlet ball is located upwardly from the second outlet port, and (ii) the second inlet ball is located downwardly from the second inlet port; and wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation and the second inlet ball is at the second position: (i) the second inlet ball is located downwardly from the second outlet port, and (ii) the second inlet ball is located upwardly from the second inlet port. 
     Preferably, the pump mechanism comprises a variable volume fluid compartment that is in fluid communication with the outlet valve mechanism, the first inlet valve mechanism, and the second inlet valve mechanism; wherein the variable volume fluid compartment has an internal volume that, upon activation of the pump mechanism, cycles between an expanded volume and a reduced volume; wherein the fluid dispenser further comprises a one-way fluid outlet valve that allows fluid to pass from the variable volume fluid compartment, past the one-way fluid outlet valve, to the outlet valve mechanism, and prevents fluid from passing from the outlet valve mechanism, past the one-way fluid outlet valve, to the variable volume fluid compartment; wherein the fluid dispenser further comprises at least one one-way fluid inlet valve that allows fluid to pass from the first inlet valve mechanism and the second inlet valve mechanism to the variable volume fluid compartment, and prevents fluid from passing from the variable volume fluid compartment to the first inlet valve mechanism and the second inlet valve mechanism; wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the internal volume of the variable volume fluid compartment is increased from the reduced volume to the expanded volume: (i) a fluid pressure within the variable volume fluid compartment decreases, generating a negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the fluid reservoir, (ii) the negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the fluid reservoir causes the fluid within the fluid reservoir to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the variable volume fluid compartment, (iii) the engagement of the second inlet ball with the second outlet port prevents fluid from passing from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the variable volume fluid compartment, and (iv) the one-way fluid outlet valve prevents fluid from passing from the outlet valve mechanism, past the one-way fluid outlet valve, to the variable volume fluid compartment; wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the internal volume of the variable volume fluid compartment is decreased from the expanded volume to the reduced volume: (i) the fluid pressure within the variable volume fluid compartment increases, generating a positive pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the atmospheric air surrounding the fluid dispenser, (ii) the positive pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the atmospheric air causes the fluid within the variable volume fluid compartment to pass from the variable volume fluid compartment, past the at least one one-way fluid inlet valve, and through the outlet valve mechanism, to be dispensed from the first fluid outlet, (iii) the at least one one-way fluid inlet valve prevents fluid from passing from the variable volume fluid compartment, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the fluid reservoir, and (iv) the at least one one-way fluid inlet valve prevents fluid from passing from the variable volume fluid compartment, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the fluid reservoir; wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation and the internal volume of the variable volume fluid compartment is increased from the reduced volume to the expanded volume: (i) the fluid pressure within the variable volume fluid compartment decreases, generating a negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the fluid reservoir, (ii) the negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the fluid reservoir causes the fluid within the fluid reservoir to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the variable volume fluid compartment, (iii) the engagement of the first inlet ball with the first outlet port prevents fluid from passing from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the variable volume fluid compartment, and (iv) the one-way fluid outlet valve prevents fluid from passing from the outlet valve mechanism, past the one-way fluid outlet valve, to the variable volume fluid compartment; and wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation and the internal volume of the variable volume fluid compartment is decreased from the expanded volume to the reduced volume: (i) the fluid pressure within the variable volume fluid compartment increases, generating a positive pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the atmospheric air surrounding the fluid dispenser, (ii) the positive pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the atmospheric air causes the fluid within the variable volume fluid compartment to pass from the variable volume fluid compartment, past the at least one one-way fluid inlet valve, and through the outlet valve mechanism, to be dispensed from the second fluid outlet, (iii) the at least one one-way fluid inlet valve prevents fluid from passing from the variable volume fluid compartment, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the fluid reservoir, and (iv) the at least one one-way fluid inlet valve prevents fluid from passing from the variable volume fluid compartment, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the fluid reservoir. 
     Optionally, a weight of the first inlet ball is selected so that, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the internal volume of the variable volume fluid compartment is increased from the reduced volume to the expanded volume, the negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the fluid reservoir is sufficient to lift the first inlet ball away from the first inlet port to allow the fluid to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the first inlet valve chamber, to the variable volume fluid compartment; wherein a weight of the second inlet ball is selected so that, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation and the internal volume of the variable volume fluid compartment is increased from the reduced volume to the expanded volume, the negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment and the fluid reservoir is sufficient to lift the second inlet ball away from the second inlet port to allow the fluid to pass from the fluid reservoir, through the second inlet valve chamber, to the variable volume fluid compartment. 
     The fluid dispenser may, for example, further comprise: a first inlet passage in fluid communication with the first inlet valve mechanism and the fluid reservoir; and a second inlet passage in fluid communication with the second inlet valve mechanism and the fluid reservoir; wherein the first inlet passage has a first passage opening for receiving the fluid from the fluid reservoir; wherein the second inlet passage has a second passage opening for receiving the fluid from the fluid reservoir; wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, the first passage opening is located below the second passage opening; and wherein, when the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation, the first passage opening is located above the second passage opening. 
     Optionally, the first orientation is an upright orientation and the second orientation is an inverted orientation; wherein the first passage opening is positioned to receive the fluid from a bottom portion of the fluid reservoir; and wherein the second passage opening is positioned to receive the fluid from a top portion of the fluid reservoir. 
     In some embodiments, the first fluid outlet comprises a nozzle that, upon activation of the pump mechanism while the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation, discharges the fluid as a stream or a spray that is directed away from the fluid dispenser. 
     The fluid dispenser may, for example, further comprise an application member for applying the fluid to a surface; wherein the application member is located proximate to the second fluid outlet so that, upon activation of the pump mechanism while the fluid dispenser is in the second orientation, the second fluid outlet discharges the fluid into or adjacent to the application member. 
     The application member may, for example, comprise at least one of: a scrubbing tool, a wiping tool, a scraping tool, a polishing tool, a cleaning tool, a natural sponge, a synthetic sponge, a cloth, a brush, a roller applicator, and a wipe pad. 
     In some embodiments, the fluid dispenser further comprises: a handle portion for manually carrying the fluid dispenser with a user&#39;s hand; and an actuator that is manually operable to activate the pump mechanism; wherein the actuator is located on or proximate to the handle portion so as to be accessible for manual operation by a user&#39;s finger or fingers while gripping the handle portion with the user&#39;s hand in both the first orientation and the second orientation; and wherein the fluid comprises a surface cleaning fluid. 
     Optionally, the fluid dispenser further comprises a one-way air valve that allows atmospheric air to enter the fluid reservoir through the one-way air valve, and prevents fluid from exiting the fluid reservoir through the one-way air valve, when the fluid dispenser is in the first orientation and the second orientation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further aspects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispenser shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line A-A′ in  FIG. 1 , with the fluid dispenser in an upright orientation; 
         FIG. 3A  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a pump mechanism of the fluid dispenser shown in  FIG. 2 , with the fluid dispenser in the upright orientation; 
         FIG. 3B  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an inlet portion of the fluid dispenser shown in  FIG. 2 , with the fluid dispenser in the upright orientation; 
         FIG. 3C  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an outlet portion of the fluid dispenser shown in  FIG. 2 , with the fluid dispenser in the upright orientation; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a spray handle portion of the fluid dispenser shown in  FIG. 2 , with the fluid dispenser in an inverted orientation; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the spray handle portion of the fluid dispenser shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line B-B′ in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-sectional view an inlet portion of a fluid dispenser in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, with the fluid dispenser in the upright orientation; and 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged cross-sectional view an inlet portion of a fluid dispenser in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, with the fluid dispenser in the upright orientation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show a fluid dispenser  10  in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The fluid dispenser  10  is a hand held spray bottle  12 , and includes a spray handle portion  14 , a fluid reservoir  16 , an application member  18 , and a dip tube  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the fluid reservoir  16  is a bottle with an outer wall  22  that defines an internal fluid chamber  24 . The internal fluid chamber  24  contains a cleaning fluid, not shown, that is to be dispensed from the fluid dispenser  10 . The fluid reservoir  16  has a flat bottom surface  26  that can support the dispenser  10  on an upwardly facing support surface, such as a counter top or a floor, in the upright orientation shown in  FIG. 1 . The top or top portion  170  of the fluid reservoir  16  has a neck portion  28  with an upwardly open end  30 . The neck portion  28  sealingly engages with and supports the spray handle portion  14 . 
     The spray handle portion  14  includes a pump mechanism  32 , an inlet portion  34 , and an outlet portion  36 . The pump mechanism  32  is show in  FIG. 3A , and includes a trigger actuator  38 , a piston  40 , a piston chamber  42 , and a spring  44 . The piston chamber  42  is defined by a cylindrical chamber surface  50 , and is open at a front end  58  of the chamber  42  for receiving the piston  40 . The piston  40  is reciprocally slidable relative to the piston chamber  42  along a pump axis  46 , and has a sealing disc  52  that sealingly engages with the cylindrical chamber surface  50 . A variable volume fluid compartment  48  is defined between the sealing disc  52  and the chamber surface  50 . A compartment inlet  62  and a compartment outlet  64  for receiving and expelling fluid from the variable volume fluid compartment  48 , respectively, are provided at a back end  60  of the piston chamber  42 . 
     The trigger  38  extends from an attachment end  54  to a distal end  56 . The attachment end  54  is pivotally mounted to the outlet portion  36  of the spray handle  14 , allowing the trigger  38  to pivot from the unbiased position shown in  FIG. 3A  to a biased position, not shown, in which the distal end  56  of the trigger  38  is pivoted rearwardly towards the piston chamber  42 . The trigger  38  has a rearwardly facing piston engagement recess  160 , and the piston has a trigger engagement pin  162  that is received by and engages with the piston engagement recess  160 , as can be seen in  FIG. 1 . When the trigger  38  is moved from the unbiased position to the biased position, the engagement of the piston engagement recess  160  with the trigger engagement pin  162  slides the piston  40  axially inwardly relative to the piston chamber  42  from the extended position shown in  FIG. 3A  to a retracted position, not shown, in which the sealing disc  52  is moved rearwardly closer to the back end  60  of the piston chamber  42 . Movement of the piston  40  from the extended position to the retracted position reduces the volume of the variable volume fluid compartment  48 , and movement of the piston  40  from the retracted position to the extended position increases the volume of the variable volume fluid compartment  48 . The spring  44  extends between the sealing disc  52  and the back end  60  of the piston chamber  42 , and biases the piston  40  towards the extended position. 
     The inlet portion  34  of the spray handle  14  is shown in  FIG. 3B  and includes a first inlet valve mechanism  66 , a second inlet valve mechanism  68 , a first fluid receiving channel  70 , a second fluid receiving channel  72 , a fluid inlet delivery channel  74 , and a one-way fluid inlet valve  172 . The first inlet valve mechanism  66  includes a first inlet valve chamber  76  having a first inlet port  78  and a first outlet port  80 , and a first inlet ball  82  that is moveably received within the first inlet valve chamber  76 . The first inlet ball  82  is also referred to herein as the first movable inlet member  82 . When in the upright orientation as shown in  FIG. 3B , the first inlet port  78  is positioned downwardly relative to the first outlet port  80 , and the first inlet ball  82  engages with the first inlet port  78  and is spaced from the first outlet port  80 . When in the inverted orientation as shown in  FIG. 4 , the first inlet port  78  is positioned upwardly relative to the first outlet port  80 , and the first inlet ball  82  engages with the first outlet port  80  and is spaced from the first inlet port  78 . The first inlet ball  82  moves from the first position shown in  FIG. 3B  to the second position shown in  FIG. 4  under the force of gravity when the dispenser  10  is inverted, and moves back to the first position under the force of gravity when the dispenser  10  is returned to the upright orientation. 
     The second inlet valve mechanism  68  similarly includes a second inlet valve chamber  84  having a second inlet port  86  and a second outlet port  88 , and a second inlet ball  90  that is moveably received within the second inlet valve chamber  94 . The second inlet ball  90  is also referred to herein as the second movable inlet member  90 . When in the upright orientation as shown in  FIG. 3B , the second inlet port  86  is positioned upwardly relative to the second outlet port  88 , and the second inlet ball  90  engages with the second outlet port  88  and is spaced from the second inlet port  86 . When in the inverted orientation as shown in  FIG. 4 , the second inlet port  86  is positioned downwardly relative to the second outlet port  88 , and the second inlet ball  90  engages with the second inlet port  86  and is spaced from the second outlet port  88 . The second inlet ball  90  moves from the first position shown in  FIG. 3B  to the second position shown in  FIG. 4  under the force of gravity when the dispenser  10  is inverted, and moves back to the first position under the force of gravity when the dispenser  10  is returned to the upright orientation. 
     The first fluid receiving channel  70  extends downwardly from the first inlet port  78 , and has a cylindrical outer wall  92  that defines a dip tube receiving cavity  94 . A top end  96  of the dip tube  20  is received within the dip tube receiving cavity  94 . The dip tube  20  extends downwardly from the top end  96  to a bottom end  98  that is positioned in a bottom part or bottom portion  100  of the fluid reservoir  16  near the bottom surface  26 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The bottom end  98  of the dip tube  20  has a first passage opening  102  for receiving fluid from the bottom part  100  of the fluid reservoir  16 . A first inlet passage  104  for delivering fluid from the first passage opening  102  to the first inlet port  78  is defined by the dip tube  20  and the first fluid receiving channel  70 . 
     The second fluid receiving channel  72  is a generally U-shaped channel that has a first vertical side portion  164  that extends upwardly from the second inlet port  86  to a top portion  106 , and a second vertical side portion  166  that extends downwardly from the top portion  106  to the open end  30  of the fluid reservoir  16 . The second fluid receiving channel  72  has a second passage opening  108  where the second fluid receiving channel  72  meets the open end  30  of the fluid reservoir  16 . The second fluid receiving channel  72  defines a second inlet passage  110  for delivering fluid from the open end  30  of the fluid reservoir  16  to the second inlet port  86 . 
     The fluid inlet delivery channel  74  is a generally U-shaped channel that has a first vertical channel portion  168  that extends downwardly from the second outlet port  88  to a bottom portion  112 , and a second vertical channel portion  186  that extends upwardly from the bottom portion  112  to the compartment inlet  62  of the variable volume fluid compartment  48 . The first outlet port  80  also opens into the bottom portion  112  of the fluid inlet delivery channel  74 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . The fluid inlet delivery channel  74  delivers fluid from both the first inlet valve mechanism  66  and the second inlet valve mechanism  68  to the variable volume fluid compartment  48 . The one-way fluid inlet valve  172  is positioned in the second vertical channel portion  186  of the fluid inlet delivery channel  74 . The one-way fluid inlet valve  172  allows fluid to pass from the fluid inlet delivery channel  74  to the compartment inlet  62  of the variable volume fluid compartment  48 , and prevents fluid from passing from the variable volume fluid compartment  48  into the fluid inlet delivery channel  74 . 
     The outlet portion  36  of the spray handle  14  is shown in  FIG. 3C  and includes an outlet valve mechanism  114 , a first fluid outlet  116 , a second fluid outlet  118 , an outlet fluid receiving channel  120 , a one-way fluid outlet valve  122 , a first outlet delivery channel  124 , and a second outlet delivery channel  126 . The first fluid outlet  116  is also referred to herein as the nozzle  116 . The outlet valve mechanism  114  includes an outlet valve chamber  128  having an inlet opening  130 , a first outlet opening  132 , and a second outlet opening  134 , and an outlet ball  136  that is moveably received within the outlet valve chamber  128 . The outlet ball  136  is also referred to herein as the movable outlet member  136 . When in the upright orientation as shown in  FIG. 3C , the first outlet opening  132  is positioned upwardly relative to the second outlet opening  134 , and the outlet ball  136  engages with the second outlet opening  134 . When in the inverted orientation as shown in  FIG. 4 , the first outlet opening  132  is positioned downwardly relative to the second outlet opening  134 , and the outlet ball  136  engages with the first outlet opening  132 . The outlet ball  136  moves from the first position shown in  FIG. 3C  to the second position shown in  FIG. 4  under the force of gravity when the dispenser  10  is inverted, and moves back to the first position under the force of gravity when the dispenser  10  is returned to the upright orientation. 
     The outlet fluid receiving channel  120  extends from the compartment outlet  64  of the piston chamber  42  to the inlet opening  130  of the outlet valve mechanism  114 . The one-way fluid outlet valve  122  is positioned within the outlet fluid receiving channel  120 , and allows fluid to flow from the compartment outlet  64  through the outlet fluid receiving channel  120  to the inlet opening  130 , and prevents fluid from flowing from the inlet opening  130  through the outlet fluid receiving channel  120  to the compartment outlet  64 . 
     The first outlet delivery channel  124  extends from the first outlet opening  132  to the first fluid outlet  116 . The first fluid outlet  116  is located at a terminal end  138  of an outlet tube  140  of the spray handle  14 . The outlet tube  140  is positioned above the trigger  38 , with the terminal end  138  facing forwardly. The first fluid outlet  116  or nozzle  116  is preferably selected to discharge the fluid received from the first fluid outlet delivery channel  124  as a stream, spray, or mist that is directed forwardly, away from the dispenser  10 . Optionally, the nozzle  116  may be configured to generate a foam spray by mixing the fluid with air as the fluid passes through the nozzle  116 . 
     The second outlet delivery channel  126  extends from the second outlet opening  134  to the second fluid outlet  118 . The second fluid outlet  118  is located at the top of the spray handle  14 , and opens into the application member  18 . The application member  18  is a soft, synthetic sponge formed from an absorbent, porous material such as polyurethane foam. The application member  18  is attached to the top of the spray handle  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the spray handle  14  also include an air vent channel  142  that extends from an air intake opening  144  to an air output opening  146 . The air intake opening  144  is open to the atmosphere, and the air output opening  146  is open to the open end  30  of the fluid reservoir  16 . A one-way air valve  148  is positioned within the air vent channel  142 . The one-way air valve  148  opens when the fluid pressure within the fluid reservoir  16  falls below a threshold vacuum pressure to allow atmospheric air to pass from the air intake opening  146  through the air vent channel  142  and into the fluid reservoir  16  via the air output opening  146 . When the fluid pressure within the fluid reservoir  16  is above the threshold minimum vacuum pressure, the one-way air valve  148  closes to prevent the fluid within the fluid reservoir  16  from passing through the air vent channel  142  and out the air intake opening  146 . 
     The operation of the fluid dispenser  10  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 5 . The fluid dispenser  10  is used to clean or disinfect a surface such as a table top, a counter, or a floor. The fluid reservoir  16  is filled with a cleaning fluid such as a liquid detergent or disinfectant. The cleaning fluid can be dispensed from either the first fluid outlet  116  as a stream, or from the second fluid outlet via the application member  18 . To dispense the cleaning fluid, the dispenser  10  is first picked up with a user&#39;s hand by grasping the spray handle  14 , and is carried to the surface in need of cleaning. To dispense the fluid as a stream from the first fluid outlet  116 , the dispenser  10  is held in the upright orientation as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C , and one or more of the user&#39;s fingers are used to pull the trigger  38  axially inwardly towards the piston chamber  42 . This forces the piston  40  to slide axially inwardly relative to the piston chamber  42  from the extended position to the retracted position, reducing the volume of the variable volume fluid compartment  48 . As the volume of the fluid compartment  48  decreases, the fluid pressure within the variable volume fluid compartment  48  increases, generating a positive pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment  48  and the atmospheric air surrounding the dispenser  10 , which causes the fluid within the variable volume fluid compartment  48  to flow outwardly through the compartment outlet  62 , past the one-way fluid outlet valve  122 , and through the outlet fluid receiving channel  120  to the inlet opening  130  of the outlet valve chamber  128 . 
     If the dispenser  10  is in the upright orientation before the trigger  38  is pulled, under gravity the outlet ball  136  engages with the second outlet opening  134 , as shown in  FIG. 3C . The engagement of the outlet ball  136  with the second outlet opening  134  prevents the fluid received from the inlet opening  130  when the trigger  38  is pulled from passing into the second outlet opening  134  towards the second fluid outlet  118 . The fluid that is received from the inlet opening  130  also increases the fluid pressure within the outlet valve chamber  128 , which further urges the outlet ball  136  into engagement with the second outlet opening  134 . The outlet ball  136  is spaced from the first outlet opening  132 , providing a passageway for the fluid received from the inlet opening  130  to pass through the outlet valve chamber  128  into the first outlet opening  132 . The fluid received by the first outlet opening  132  passes through the first outlet delivery channel  124  to the first fluid outlet  116 , and is discharged from the first fluid outlet  116  as a stream directed forwardly, away from the dispenser  10 . The stream of fluid can, for example, be discharged onto the surface in need of cleaning by directing the terminal end  138  of the outlet tube  140  towards the surface, with the dispenser  10  in the upright orientation, and pulling the trigger  38 . The path the fluid takes from the variable volume fluid compartment  48  to the first fluid outlet  116  is shown in  FIG. 2  by the arrow  150 . 
     When the trigger  38  is pulled while in the upright orientation as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C , the one-way fluid inlet valve  172  prevents the fluid from flowing from the variable volume fluid compartment  48  into the fluid inlet delivery channel  74 . 
     When the trigger  38  is released by the user&#39;s fingers, the spring  44  pushes the piston  40  axially outwardly relative to the piston chamber  42  from the retracted position back to the extended position. This increases the volume of the variable volume fluid compartment  48 , reducing the fluid pressure within the variable volume fluid compartment  48  and generating a negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment  48  and the fluid reservoir  16 . The negative pressure differential causes the relatively higher pressure fluid within the fluid reservoir  16  to pass from the fluid reservoir  16  into the variable volume fluid compartment  48 . In particular, the fluid pooled by the force of gravity in the bottom portion  112  of the fluid reservoir  16  is drawn into the first passage opening  102  at the bottom end  98  of the dip tube  20 , passes through the first inlet passage  104  to the first inlet port  78  of the first inlet valve chamber  76 , the fluid lifting the first inlet ball  82  up and away from the first inlet port  78  as the fluid passes up through the first inlet valve chamber  76 , and into the variable volume fluid compartment  48  through the fluid inlet delivery channel  74 , the one-way fluid inlet valve  172 , and the compartment inlet  62 . This fills the variable volume fluid compartment  48  with the cleaning fluid, so that the cleaning fluid is available to be discharged from the dispenser  10  when the trigger  38  is activated again. The path that the fluid takes from the fluid reservoir  16  to the variable volume fluid compartment  48  is shown in  FIG. 2  by the arrow  152 . 
     The fluid that is drawn from the fluid reservoir  16  into the variable volume fluid compartment  48  is replaced with atmospheric air, which is drawn into the fluid reservoir  16  through the air vent channel  142 . The path that the air takes through the air vent channel  142  to the fluid reservoir  16  is shown in  FIG. 5  by the arrow  154 . As the fluid is depleted, the atmospheric air that has been drawn into the fluid reservoir  16  gathers at the top  170  of the reservoir  16 . The second inlet valve mechanism  68  prevents this air from being drawn into the variable volume fluid compartment  48  when the dispenser  10  is in the upright orientation as shown in  FIG. 3B . In particular, when in the upright orientation, the weight of the second inlet ball  90  keeps it engaged with the second outlet port  88 . When the piston  40  moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment  48  and the fluid reservoir  16  also urges the second inlet ball  90  into engagement with the second outlet port  88 . The engagement of the second inlet ball  90  with the second outlet port  88  prevents the air at the top  170  of the fluid reservoir  16  from passing through the second inlet passage  110 , past the second inlet valve mechanism  68 , and into the variable volume fluid compartment  48  via the fluid inlet delivery channel  74 . 
     To dispense the fluid through the application member  18 , the dispenser  10  is flipped upside down from the upright orientation shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C  to the inverted orientation shown in  FIG. 4 . With the dispenser  10  in the inverted orientation, one or more of the user&#39;s fingers are used to pull the trigger  38  axially inwardly towards the piston chamber  42 . This forces the piston  40  to slide axially inwardly relative to the piston chamber  42  from the extended position to the retracted position, reducing the volume of the variable volume fluid compartment  48 . As the volume of the fluid compartment  48  decreases, the fluid pressure within the variable volume fluid compartment  48  increases, causing the fluid within the variable volume fluid compartment  48  to flow outwardly through the compartment outlet  64 , past the one-way fluid outlet valve  122 , and through the outlet fluid receiving channel  120  to the inlet opening  130  of the outlet valve chamber  128 . 
     If the dispenser  10  is in the inverted orientation before the trigger  38  is pulled, under gravity the outlet ball  136  engages with the first outlet opening  132 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The engagement of the outlet ball  136  with the first outlet opening  132  prevents the fluid received from the inlet opening  130  when the trigger  38  is pulled from passing into the first outlet opening  132  towards the first fluid outlet  116 . The fluid that is received from the inlet opening  130  also increases the fluid pressure within the outlet valve chamber  128 , which further urges the outlet ball  136  into engagement with the first outlet opening  132 . The outlet ball  136  is spaced from the second outlet opening  134 , providing a passageway for the fluid received from the inlet opening  130  to pass through the outlet valve chamber  128  into the second outlet opening  134 . The fluid received by the second outlet opening  134  passes through the second outlet delivery channel  126  to the second fluid outlet  118 , and is discharged from the second fluid outlet  118  into the application member  18 . With the dispenser  10  in the inverted orientation and the application member  18  facing downwardly, the application member  18  can be used to apply the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, while simultaneously scrubbing the surface with the application member  18 . The path that the fluid takes from the variable volume fluid compartment  48  to the second fluid outlet  118  is shown in  FIG. 4  by the arrow  156 . 
     When the trigger  38  is pulled while in the inverted orientation as shown in  FIG. 4 , the one-way fluid inlet valve  172  prevents the fluid from flowing from the variable volume fluid compartment  48  into the fluid inlet delivery channel  74 . 
     When the trigger  38  is released by the user&#39;s fingers, the spring  44  pushes the piston  40  axially outwardly relative to the piston chamber  42  from the retracted position back to the extended position. This increases the volume of the variable volume fluid compartment  48 , reducing the fluid pressure within the variable volume fluid compartment  48  and generating a negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment  48  and the fluid reservoir  16 . The negative pressure differential causes the relatively higher pressure fluid within the fluid reservoir  16  to pass from the fluid reservoir  16  into the variable volume fluid compartment  48 . When in the inverted orientation as shown in  FIG. 4 , the fluid within the fluid reservoir  16  pools at the top  170  of the fluid reservoir  16  under the force of gravity, and is drawn into the second passage opening  108  of the second inlet passage  110 , passes through the second inlet passage  110  to the second inlet port  86  of the second inlet valve chamber  84 , the fluid lifting the second inlet ball  90  up and away from the second inlet port  86  as the fluid passes up through the second inlet valve chamber  84 , and into the variable volume fluid compartment  48  through the fluid inlet delivery channel  74 , the one-way fluid inlet valve  172 , and the compartment inlet  62 . This fills the variable volume fluid compartment  48  with the cleaning fluid, so that the cleaning fluid is available to be discharged from the dispenser  10  when the trigger  38  is activated again. The path that the fluid takes from the fluid reservoir  16  to the variable volume fluid compartment  48  is shown in  FIG. 4  by the arrow  158 . 
     When in the inverted orientation as shown in  FIG. 4 , atmospheric air is drawn into the fluid reservoir  16  through the air vent channel  142  to replace the fluid that is dispensed from the reservoir  16 . The one-way air valve  148  prevents the fluid within the reservoir  16  from leaking out through the air vent channel  142 . Because the dispenser  10  is inverted, the air received from the air vent channel  142  gathers at the bottom  100  of the reservoir  16 . The first inlet valve mechanism  66  prevents this air from being drawn into the variable volume fluid compartment  48 . In particular, when in the inverted orientation, the weight of the first inlet ball  82  keeps it engaged with the first outlet port  80 . When the piston  40  moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the negative pressure differential between the variable volume fluid compartment  48  and the fluid reservoir  16  also urges the first inlet ball  82  into engagement with the first outlet port  80 . The engagement of the first inlet ball  82  with the first outlet port  80  prevents the air at the bottom  100  of the fluid reservoir  16  from passing through the dip tube  20 , past the first inlet valve mechanism  66 , and into the variable volume fluid compartment  48  via the fluid inlet delivery channel  74 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 6 , which shows the inlet portion  34  of a fluid dispenser  10  in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. The fluid dispenser  10  shown in  FIG. 6  is identical to the fluid dispenser  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 5 , with the exception that the fluid inlet delivery channel  74 , which receives fluid from both the first inlet valve mechanism  66  and the second inlet valve mechanism  68  in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 5 , has been replaced by a first inlet delivery channel  174 , which receives fluid from the first inlet valve mechanism  66 , and a second inlet delivery channel  176 , which receives fluid from the second inlet valve mechanism  68 . Like numerals are used to denote like components. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first inlet delivery channel  174  extends from the first fluid outlet port  80  to a first compartment inlet  178  of the variable volume fluid compartment  48 . A first one-way fluid inlet valve  180  is positioned within the first inlet delivery channel  174 , and allows fluid to flow from the first inlet valve mechanism  66  into the first compartment inlet  178  of the variable volume fluid compartment  48 , and prevents fluid from flowing from the variable volume fluid compartment  48  to the first inlet valve mechanism  66 . The second inlet delivery channel  176  extends from the second fluid outlet port  88  of the second inlet valve mechanism  68  to a second compartment inlet  182  of the variable volume fluid compartment  48 . A second one-way fluid inlet valve  184  is positioned within the second inlet delivery channel  176 , and allows fluid to flow from the second inlet valve mechanism  68  into the second compartment inlet  182  of the variable volume fluid compartment  48 , and prevents fluid from flowing from the variable volume fluid compartment  48  to the second inlet valve mechanism  68 . 
     The fluid dispenser  10  shown in  FIG. 6  functions in the same way as the dispenser  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 5 , with the only difference being that the fluid delivered to the variable volume fluid compartment  48  from the first inlet valve mechanism  66  and the second inlet valve mechanism  68  travels through separate first and second inlet delivery channels  174  and  176 , respectively, rather than through a shared fluid inlet delivery channel  74 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 7 , which shows the inlet portion  34  of a fluid dispenser  10  in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. The fluid dispenser  10  shown in  FIG. 7  is identical to the fluid dispenser  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 5 , with the exception that there is no one-way fluid inlet valve  172  positioned within the fluid inlet delivery channel  74 . Like numerals are used to denote like components. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , because there is no one-way fluid inlet valve  172 , the first inlet valve mechanism  66  and the second inlet valve mechanism  68  are used to prevent the fluid within the variable volume fluid compartment  48  from being expelled into the fluid reservoir  16  when the piston  40  is moved from the extended position to the retracted position. In particular, when the fluid dispenser  10  is in the upright orientation as shown in  FIG. 7 , the weight of the first inlet ball  82  keeps it engaged with the first inlet port  78 , which prevents the fluid in the variable volume fluid compartment  48  from passing from the compartment inlet  62 , through the first inlet valve mechanism  66 , and into the fluid reservoir  16  via the dip tube  20 . The second inlet ball  90  furthermore engages with the second outlet port  88 , which prevents the fluid in the variable volume fluid compartment  48  from passing from the compartment inlet  62 , through the second inlet valve mechanism  68 , and into the fluid reservoir  16  via the second inlet passage  110 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the weight of the second inlet ball  90 , and the resistance of the one-way fluid outlet valve  122  to fluid flow therepast from the compartment outlet  64  towards the outlet valve mechanism  114 , are selected so that the fluid pressure within the piston chamber  42  remains below a threshold pressure at which the second inlet ball  90  is lifted away from and out of engagement with the second outlet port  88 , and the fluid in the variable volume fluid compartment  48  thus flows out through the outlet valve mechanism  114  rather than through the second inlet valve mechanism  68  towards the fluid reservoir  16 . 
     When the fluid dispenser  10  shown in  FIG. 7  is in the inverted orientation, the first inlet valve mechanism  66  and the second inlet valve mechanism  68  also prevent the fluid within the variable volume fluid compartment  48  from being expelled into the fluid reservoir  16 . In particular, the weight of the second inlet ball  90  keeps it engaged with the second inlet port  86 , which prevents the fluid in the variable volume fluid compartment  48  from passing from the compartment inlet  62 , through the second inlet valve mechanism  68 , and into the fluid reservoir  16  via the second inlet passage  110 . The first inlet ball  82  furthermore engages with the first outlet port  80 , which prevents the fluid in the variable volume fluid compartment  48  from passing from the compartment inlet  62 , through the first inlet valve mechanism  66 , and into the fluid reservoir  16  via the dip tube  20 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the weight of the first inlet ball  82 , and the resistance of the one-way fluid outlet valve  122  to fluid flow therepast from the compartment outlet  64  towards the outlet valve mechanism  114 , are selected so that the fluid pressure within the piston chamber  42  remains below a threshold pressure at which the first inlet ball  82  is lifted away from and out of engagement with the first outlet port  80 , and the fluid in the variable volume fluid compartment  48  thus flows out through the outlet valve mechanism  114  rather than through the first inlet valve mechanism  66  towards the fluid reservoir  16 . The fluid dispenser  10  shown in  FIG. 7  otherwise operates in an identical manner to the dispenser  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 5 . The fluid dispenser  10  shown in  FIG. 6  could also be modified to eliminate the first one-way fluid inlet valve  180  and the second one-way fluid inlet valve  184 , and function like the fluid dispenser  10  shown in  FIG. 7 , with the first inlet ball  82  and the second inlet ball  90  preventing the fluid within the variable volume fluid compartment  48  from being expelled into the fluid reservoir  16 . 
     It will be understood that, although various features of the invention have been described with respect to one or another of the embodiments of the invention, the various features and embodiments of the invention may be combined or used in conjunction with other features and embodiments of the invention as described and illustrated herein. 
     The fluid dispenser  10  is not limited to the particular construction shown and described herein. Nor are the valve mechanisms  66 ,  68 ,  114  limited to the particular constructions that have been shown. For example, in alternative embodiments the first inlet ball  82 , the second inlet ball  90 , and the outlet ball  136  could be replaced with moveable valve members having a non-spherical shape, such as a cylindrical shape with rounded or cone-shaped ends, that likewise move under the force of gravity to direct the flow of fluid through the valve mechanisms  66 ,  68 ,  114  in dependence on the orientation of the dispenser  10  relative to the gravitational pull of the Earth. 
     The upright orientation and the inverted orientation as described herein are not limited to the precise orientations shown in the drawings. For example, the upright orientation includes any orientation in which the outlet ball  136  engages with the second outlet opening  134  under the force of gravity, and includes orientations in which the dispenser  10  is generally upright but is angled upwardly or downwardly from the orientation shown in  FIG. 3 . The inverted orientation likewise includes any orientation in which the outlet ball  136  engages with the first outlet opening  132  under the force of gravity, and includes orientations in which the dispenser  10  is generally inverted but is angled upwardly or downwardly from the orientation shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Although the fluid is preferably a surface cleaning fluid, such as a liquid detergent or disinfectant, the dispenser  10  could be used to dispense other fluids as well. For example, the dispenser  10  could be used to dispense fluids for personal hygiene, such as hand cleaning fluid, body wash, shampoo, or conditioner. The term “fluid” as used herein includes any flowable substance, including liquids, foams, emulsions, and dispersions. 
     Although the application member  18  has been described as a synthetic sponge, other types of application members  18  could also be used. For example, the application member  18  could include a scrubbing tool, a wiping tool, a scraping tool, a polishing tool, a cleaning tool, a natural sponge, a cloth, a brush, a roller applicator, or a wipe pad. The application member  18  could also be permanently attached to the spray handle  14 , or could be removable and replaceable. In some embodiments of the invention, the second fluid outlet  118  may discharge fluid adjacent to, rather than directly into, the application member  18 . In some embodiments, the dispenser  10  could optionally store and dispense a supply of application members  18 , such as a roll of wipes or the like. 
     Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional or mechanical equivalents of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated herein.