Abstract:
A fluid-dispensing kitchen brush has a body including a fluid reservoir and a handle, the reservoir being closed by an end plate which is ultrasonically welded to the body and is, in turn, latched to a bristle block by means of resilient fingers on the block engaging in notches on the plate. A second embodiment also has a resilient tab on the plate engaging in a recess in the block. Aligned holes through the plate and the block which provide communication between the reservoir and the bristles is openable and closeable by a plug biased closed by a leaf spring and openable by means of a lever having a post receivable in a fluid-filling aperture in the body adjacent to the handle. The aperture is closed by a hollow cap hingedly movable between open and closed positions and having a flexible and resilient dome which, in the closed position, covers the post and is depressible for actuating the lever. A frictional cushioning grip sleeve covers the handle and a portion of the cap hinge to secure the cap to the handle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to fluid-dispensing implements or utensils, and in particular to household cleaning implements or utensils, such as brushes and the like. The invention has particular application to a kitchen brush which is capable of dispensing liquid soap or detergent. 
     Many fluid-dispensing brushes have heretofore been provided. Such brushes typically include a fluid reservoir, a closeable opening for filling the reservoir, and a manually actuated valve mechanism for dispensing fluid from the reservoir to the area of the brush bristles. However, such prior brushes have typically been characterized by either a relatively complex or expensive-to-manufacture construction and have typically provided reservoir filling and valve actuating mechanisms which are independent of each other. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved fluid-dispensing implement which avoids the disadvantages of prior such implements while affording additional structural and operating advantages. 
     An important feature of the invention is the provision of an implement of the type set forth, which combines the functions of valve actuation and opening and closing of a fluid reservoir port in a single-mechanism. 
     Another feature of the invention is the provision of an implement of the type set forth which affords a unique latching engagement between a work-engaging medium holder and an implement housing. 
     Another feature of the invention is the provision of an implement of the type set forth, which provides a valve assembly with a unique biasing mechanism. 
     Still another feature of the invention is the provision of an implement of the type set forth, which is of relatively simple and economical construction. 
     Certain ones of these and other features of the invention may be attained by providing a fluid-dispensing implement comprising: a body defining a fluid reservoir therein and having a handle thereon, a work-engaging medium carried by the body, a valve assembly carried by the body for providing communication between the reservoir and the medium and having an actuating member, the body having a fluid-filling aperture therein adjacent to the handle and receiving a portion of the actuating member, and a flexible and resilient hollow cap carried by the body for movement between open and closed positions relative to the aperture, the cap in its closed position receiving the portion of the actuating member and being manually deflectable to operate the actuating member. 
     Other features of the invention may be attained by providing the medium on a holder which is latchable to an implement housing. 
     Still further features of the invention may be afforded by providing an implement of the type set forth wherein the valve assembly includes a valve member biased by a leaf spring to a closed position. 
     The invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the spirit, or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings a preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a kitchen brush in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the brush of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken generally along the line  3 — 3  in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a further enlarged sectional view of the valve assembly of the brush of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of portions of the brush of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the cap of the brush of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of other portions of the brush of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 8 is a further enlarged top plan view of the assembled end plate and bristle block of the brush of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 9 is a view in vertical section taken along the line  9 — 9  in FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the end plate of the brush of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the end plate of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the end plate of FIG. 11 as viewed from the upper side thereof; 
     FIG. 13 is an end elevational view of the end plate of FIG. 12, as viewed from the left-end thereof; 
     FIG. 14 is a view in vertical section taken generally along the line  14 — 14  in FIG.  11  and inverted; 
     FIG. 15 is a view in vertical section taken generally along the line  15 — 15  in FIG.  11  and inverted; 
     FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the valve plug of the brush of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the plug of FIG. 17; 
     FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the plug of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 10 of an alternative embodiment of the end plate; and 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective, exploded view of the end plate of FIG. 19 and a complementary bristle block. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a fluid-dispensing implement in the nature of a kitchen brush  20 , constructed in accordance with and embodying the features of the present invention. The brush  20  has a housing  21 , which includes a body  22  with a hollow, tubular front portion  23  closed by an end plate  40 , for cooperation therewith to define a fluid reservoir  100 . Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 5, the hollow tubular front portion  23  flares outwardly forwardly, terminating in a wide front end  24 , which is provided with a forwardly and upwardly projecting flange  25 , which can be used as a scraper or the like. The narrow end of the tubular portion  23  is closed by an end wall  26  and is provided at its upper side with an oval aperture  27  adjacent to the end wall  26 , the aperture  27  having an edge  28  and being provided with a shallow countersink  29 . 
     Integral with the end wall  26  and projecting rearwardly therefrom is an elongated handle  30 , generally oval in transverse cross section and provided with pairs of longitudinal slots  31  along the upper and lower sides thereof. Also formed in the upper side of the handle  30  adjacent to the end wall  26  is a rectangular recess  32 . Formed at the junction between the handle  30  and the tubular front portion  23  is a laterally outwardly projecting rib  33 , which extends peripherally about the body  22  except for a gap  34  adjacent to the aperture  27 . The handle  30  is covered by a grip sleeve  35  formed of a suitable frictional and cushioning material. The sleeve  35  has a closed end which extends beyond the distal end of the handle  30  and has a through hole  36  therein to facilitate hanging the brush  20 . The slots  31  in the handle  30  reduce the surface area thereof to facilitate sliding the sleeve  35  onto the handle  30 , the sleeve  35  being secured in place by any suitable means. Formed in the opposite sides of the sleeve  35  are grip sites defined by generally saddle-shaped recesses  37 , each recess  37  being provided with a plurality of laterally outwardly projecting, flexible and resilient ribs  38  to facilitate gripping by a user&#39;s thumb and forefinger, The grip sleeve  35  may be generally of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,194, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Referring now also to FIGS. 7-15, the end plate  40  is preferably of unitary, one-piece construction and includes an oval base wall  41  having a peripheral raised rim  41  of substantially the same size and shape as the wide end  24  of the body  22 . The base wall  41  has a large, generally wedge-shaped opening in one end thereof which extends most of the length thereof and is closed by a depending coupling structure  43 . The coupling structure  43  has a flat bottom wall  44  parallel with the base wall  41  and joined thereto by a pair of converging side walls  45 , a narrow end wall  46  and a wide end wall  47  which is arcuate in shape and generally follows the contour of the base wall oval. Formed generally centrally through the bottom wall  44  is a frustoconical aperture  48  with its wide end disposed at the upper surface of the bottom wall  44 . Each of the side and end walls  45 - 47  has an inner surface which is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall  44 . However, the converging side walls  45  have outer surfaces  49  which slope downwardly and laterally outwardly, as can best be seen in FIGS.  10  and  13 - 15 . Thus, it will be appreciated that the outer surface of the narrow end wall  46  is substantially trapezoidal in shape, as is best shown in FIG.  10 . Respectively formed in the outer surfaces  49  rearwardly of the aperture  48  are notches  50  for a purpose to be explained more fully below. 
     The end plate  40  is also provided with a hood  51  upstanding from the upper surface of the base wall  41  at the narrow end of the coupling structure  43 . The hood  51  has a rectangular top wall  52  substantially parallel to the base wall  41  and spaced thereabove by a rectangular end wall  53  and converging rectangular side walls  54 , the walls  53  and  54  all being substantially perpendicular to the base wall  41 . Upstanding from the upper surface of the bottom wall  44  are a pair of posts  55  which project upwardly above the rim  42  and are joined by a rectangular wall  56  which is shorter than the posts  55  and is provided at its upper end with a forwardly projecting flange  57  having a convex upper surface  58 . In assembly, the rim  42  of the end plate  40  is fixedly secured to the wide end  24  of the body  22 , as by ultrasonic welding, to form a brush housing and for cooperation with the tubular front portion  23  of the body  22  to form the reservoir  100 . 
     The brush  20  has a plurality of bristles  59 , which are preferably arranged in groups respectively mounted in sockets  59   a  (one shown in FIG. 9) in a bristle block  60 , all in a well known manner. The bristle block  60  has an oval shape sized for mating with the end plate  40 . The bristle block  60  has a generally wedge-shaped recess  61  formed in the upper surface thereof sized for mating with the coupling structure  43  of the end plate  40 , and extending from the rear end of the bristle block  60  longitudinally forwardly to a narrow end adjacent to the forward end of the bristle block  60 . The recess  61  has a flat bottom surface  62  in which is formed a frustoconical aperture  63 , which extends to the bottom of the bristle block  60 . 
     The recess  61  has converging, undercut side surfaces  64 , which slope downwardly and laterally outwardly. Respectively formed in the side surfaces  64  rearwardly of the aperture  63  are generally L-shaped notches  65 , each having a relatively wide short leg  66  which communicates with the recess  61  and a forwardly extending, tapered long leg  67  which extends generally parallel to the adjacent side surface  64  and cooperates therewith to define therebetween a finger  68 . Each finger  68  is spaced a slight distance above the bottom surface  62  so as to define a thin, flexible and resilient member which can move laterally into the long leg  67  of the adjacent notch  65 . Each finger  68  is provided at its distal end with a lug  69  which is not undercut, but rather has an inner side wall substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface  62 . 
     In assembly, the wedge-shaped coupling structure  43  of the end plate  40  is slid longitudinally into the wedge-shaped recess  61  of the bristle block  60 , so that the sloping side surfaces  49  of the end plate  40  provide a dovetail fit with the undercut side surfaces  64  of the bristle block  60 . As the end plate  40  approaches its fully inserted position in the recess  61 , the sloping side surfaces  49  are respectively brought into camming engagement with the vertical inner side surfaces of the lugs  69 . The fingers  68  deflect laterally outwardly out of the way to permit continued passage of the coupling structure  43  of the end plate  40 , until the lugs  69  respectively snap back into latching engagement in the notches  50  to firmly latch the end plate  40  and the bristle block  60  together in the latched configuration illustrated in FIGS. 3,  8  and  9 . In this configuration, the apertures  48  and  63  are coaxially aligned with each other, as can best be seen in FIG. 3, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the end plate  40  and the bristle block  60  are substantially continuous with each other. 
     Referring now in particular to FIGS. 3,  4 ,  7  and  16 - 18 , the brush  20  includes a valve assembly, generally designated by the numeral  70  mounted on the end plate  40 . The valve assembly  70  includes a plug  71  having a circular main plate  72 , from which depends a reduced-diameter hub  73 , integral with four wings  74  in a cruciform arrangement. Upstanding from the plate  72  is a short cylindrical stem  75  integral at its upper end with a part-spherical knob  76 . The wings  74  of the plug  71  are dimensioned to fit through the aperture  48  in the end plate  40  and into the upper end of the aperture  63  in the bristle block  60 , as can best be seen in FIG.  3 . 
     The valve assembly  70  also includes an elongated leaf spring  77  having a bowed at-rest configuration and provided with a circular hole  78  therethrough centrally thereof. The hole  78  is dimensioned so that the knob  76  can be snap-fitted therethrough, the leaf spring  77  having flat ends respectively receivable beneath the ledges defined by the hood top wall  52  the flange  57 . An annular gasket  79  is snap-fitted over the wings  74  so as to be trapped around the hub  73  between the wings  74  in the plate  72 . When the parts are thus assembled, the leaf spring  77  resiliently biases the plug  71  into the apertures  48  and  63  to a closed condition, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the gasket  79  seals against the upper surface of the bottom wall  44  around the periphery of the aperture  48 , thereby closing the valve and preventing the flow of fluid through the passage defined by the apertures  48  and  63 . 
     The valve assembly  70  also includes an elongated lever arm  80  having a hook  81  formed at one end thereof and adapted to be snap-fitted around the stem  75  of the plug  71 . The lever arm  80  is provided intermediate its ends with an arcuate bearing surface  82  formed in its lower surface and adapted for mateably receiving therein the arcuate upper surface  58  of the flange  57 , which serves as a fulcrum for the lever. The lever arm  80  is provided at its opposite end with a post  83  which projects from the lever arm  80  generally perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and is in the form of a generally cylindrical body having a plurality of slots  84  formed in the opposite sides thereof (see FIG.  7 ). The lever arm  80  is shaped and dimensioned so that, in the at-rest condition of the valve assembly  70 , illustrated in FIG. 3, the post  83  projects into and through the aperture  27  in the body  22 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 3,  5  and  6 , the brush  20  also includes a cap  90  having a flexible and resilient dome  91  integral along its peripheral edge with a substantially cylindrical side wall  92  which has an annular groove  93  formed in the outer surface thereof. The cap  90  also has a peripheral flange  94  which projects laterally outwardly from the upper end of the side wall  92  adjacent to the dome  91  and is integral at its rear end with a flexible and resilient hinge  95 . The hinge  95  has a leg  96  which extends rearwardly through the gap  34  in the rib  33  and is integral at its rear end with a depending leg  97 , which extends along the rear surface of the end wall  26  and is integral at its lower end with a leg  98 , which extends rearwardly along the upper surface of the handle  30  and is integral at its rear end with a depending leg  99 , which extends downwardly into the recess  32  in the handle  30 . It will be appreciated that when the grip sleeve  35  is fitted in place over the handle  30  it covers the hinge leg  98  and abuts the hinge leg  97  for securely attaching the hinge  95  to the handle  30 . 
     It will be appreciated that, in use, the cap  90  is pivotally movable about the hinge  95  between an upstanding position, shown in phantom in FIG. 3, opening the aperture  27  to permit filling of the reservoir  100 , and a closed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and in solid line in FIG. 3, for closing the aperture  27 . In moving to the closed position, the lower end of the cylindrical side wall  92  snaps past the edge  28  of the aperture  27 , which edge seats in the groove  93 , with the peripheral flange  94  disposed in the aperture countersink  29 . The forward end of the flange  94  provides a tab to facilitate lifting the cap  90  to its open position. 
     In operation, when it is desired to open the valve assembly  70 , the flexible and resilient dome  91  of the cap  90  is depressed by the thumb of a user&#39;s hand wrapped around the handle grip sleeve  35 . The parts are dimensioned so that, in the at rest condition illustrated in FIG. 3, the distal end of the post  83  contacts the inner surface of the dome  91 , so that manual depression of the dome  91  depresses the post  83  and pivots the lever arm  80  about the fulcrum defined by the flange surface  58 , for raising the plug  71 , against the urging of the leaf spring  77 , and opening the valve. When the valve is opened, fluid stored in the reservoir  100  may pass through the passage defined by the apertures  48  and  63  to the bristles  59 . It will be appreciated that it is not necessary for the plug  71  to completely clear the aperture  48 . Rather, as soon as the gasket  79  is unseated, fluid can flow therebeneath through the aperture  48 , around the hub  73  and between the wings  74  of the plug  71 . 
     In assembly, the cap hinge  95  is seated in place with its leg  99  in the handle recess  32 , and then the grip sleeve  35  is installed over the handle  30  to lock the hinge  95  in place. The end plate  40  is latched together with the bristle block  60  in the manner described above and the valve assembly  70  is then assembled on the end plate  40 , as described above. The end plate  40  is then fitted to the body  22 , with the lever arm  80  fitted up inside the tubular portion  23  to the position illustrated in FIG. 3, whereupon the end plate  40  is ultrasonically welded to the body  22  in the manner described above. In this regard, all of the parts of the brush  20 , with the exception of the leaf spring  77 , are preferably formed of suitable moldable plastic materials compatible with liquid soap, although the grip sleeve  35  may be formed of a suitable elastomeric material, the gasket  79  may be formed of a rubber-like material, such as a Buna-N and the cap  90  may be formed of a rubber material such as Alcryn. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the utensil described is a brush, with a work-engaging medium in the form of bristles  59  fixed in a bristle block  60  which serves as a holder. However, it will be appreciated that the principles of the invention are applicable to other types of utensils wherein the work-engaging medium takes other forms, such as sponges or the like, in which case the bristle block  60  would be modified to a suitable type of holder for that medium. Furthermore, the principles of the invention are not limited to household utensils, but rather, the fluid-dispensing aspects of the invention are applicable to other types of implements and utensils. 
     Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20 there is illustrated an alternative arrangement of end plate and mating bristle block. More specifically, there is shown an end plate  140  which is substantially the same as the end plate  40 , described above, wherefore like parts bear the same reference numbers. The end plate  140  differs from the end plate  40  in that it includes a flexible and resilient snap tab  145  unitary with the coupling structure  43  and extending downwardly and rearwardly therefrom at a shallow angle rearwardly of the aperture  48 . Preferably, the snap tab  145  is rectangular in shape. Mateable with the end plate  140  is a bristle block  160 , which is substantially the same as the bristle block  60 , described above, wherefore like parts will bear the same reference numbers. The bristle block  160  differs from the bristle block  60  in that it includes a rectangular recess  165  formed in the bottom surface  62  centrally thereof and rearwardly of the notches  65  and shaped and dimensioned to be complementary to the snap tab  145 . It will be appreciated that, in use, when the coupling structure  43  of the end plate  140  is slid into the recess  61  of the bristle block  160 , when the snap tab  145  engages the rear end of the bristle block it will be folded flat up against the bottom wall  44  until, when the parts reach the fully inserted position, the snap tab  145  will snap down into the recess  165 , so that the rear edge of the snap tab  145  engages the rear edge of the recess  165  to prevent separation of the parts from their latched condition. This embodiment provides a firmer latching engagement of the parts than the embodiment of FIGS. 1-18. 
     From the foregoing, it can be seen that there has been provided an improved fluid-dispensing implement which is of simple and economical construction and is characterized by ease of assembly and operation. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.