Patent Description:
As background, <CIT> describes a cap and method for making a soft drink. The cap comprises an inner cap, an outer cap and a flavor container. The inner cap has external threads and internal threads that match the threads of the mouth of the bottle, and the outer cap has internal threads that match the external threads of the inner cap. The cap comprises a first releaser for opening the flavor container into the bottle when the cap is being screwed onto the mouth of the bottle. The cap further comprises a carbon dioxide container and a second releaser for opening the carbon dioxide container into the bottle when the outer cap and the inner cap are being screwed relative to each other.

In the cleaning industry there is a need to provide various types cleaning mixtures which may depend on the type of surface to be cleaned. For example, different types of surfaces and environments may require different chemicals and/or different concentrations. While it may be possible to supply for each situation a factory-prepared optimal cleaning mixture, this may increase costs of transport and storage. For example, large tanks of cleaning mixtures would have to be supplied. So it is preferable that the user, e.g. cleaning personnel, can prepare their own cleaning mixture. For example, the user can fill a tank with water from the tap, and add an amount of cleaning concentrate to the water. Typically, this preparation may involve the user pouring an amount of the concentrate from a bottle into the tank. However, it may be difficult for the user to control the exact amount of cleaning concentrate. This may also be the case for different types of dispensers. One solution may be to first pour the concentrate in a measuring cup. However, this is still prone to mistakes. Furthermore the chemicals in the cleaning concentrate may be dangerous to handle in concentrated form.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved preparation of cleaning mixtures.

The scope of this patent is defined by the independent claims. Some aspects as described herein can be embodied as a dosage system for delivering a predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate to a solvent inside a fluid tank. A pod holder is configured to form an inner volume for holding a pod containing the cleaning concentrate. A connector is configured to form a fluid connection between the inner volume of the pod holder and the inside of the fluid tank. A piercing means is configured to pierce the pod held by the pod holder. The piercing means comprise at least a bottom piercing means configured to pierce a bottom side of the pod, and a top piercing means configured to pierce a top side of the pod. A push mechanism is configured to pushing the piercing means into the inner volume of the pod holder for piercing the pod. In this way the cleaning concentrate is released from the pod via the fluid connection of the connector into the inside of the fluid tank for mixing with the solvent and forming a cleaning mixture. Other or further aspects can be embodied as an assembly of the dosage system connected to the fluid connection, or a wet cleaning machine comprising such assembly.

Some aspects as described herein can be embodied as a method for delivering a predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate to a solvent inside a fluid tank. A dosage system as described herein can be connected via its connector to the fluid tank with the solvent. The pod holder can be filled with a pod comprising the predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate. The push mechanism can be pushed to pierce the pod with the piercing means.

Some aspects as described herein can be embodied as a method of cleaning a target surface. Such method may e.g. include determining a type of the target surface and selecting a specific pod from a plurality of different pod types. For example, each different pod type comprises a predetermined different amount and/or type of cleaning concentrate optimized for cleaning a different type of surface. Accordingly a type of the selected pod can be optimized for cleaning the target surface. The selected type of pod can be used in the methods described herein for delivering the predetermined amount and/or type of cleaning concentrate a solvent inside a fluid tank of a wet cleaning machine to form a cleaning mixture. For example, the wet cleaning machine can be used to deliver the cleaning mixture onto the target surface for cleaning the target surface.

Advantageously the present systems and methods may be used to select and accurately prepare various cleaning mixtures alleviating issues of erroneous dosing or human contact with the cleaning concentrate. It is noted that for washing machines, there exist pods with cleaning agents, wherein the pod material dissolve during use. However, the inventors find that the materials of these pods are typically unsuitable for use in a wet cleaning machine where the water is not so hot, and the partly dissolved pods can lead to clogging of the machine. By using a piercing means to pierce the pod and release the cleaning concentrate, the container of can remain in the pod holder. By allowing the pod holder to open, e.g. via a hinge mechanism, the pod can be easily placed and removed from its inner volume. By providing the dosage system with a detachable connector, it can be easily taken off the fluid tank to throw away the pod container.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an assembly <NUM> with a dosage system <NUM> connected to a fluid tank <NUM>.

According to the invention, the dosage system <NUM> is configured to deliver a predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate into the fluid tank <NUM>, wherein the cleaning concentrate is contained in a pod (not shown here), which can be placed inside the dosage system <NUM>. In one embodiment, the fluid tank <NUM> is filled with a solvent, such as water, and the cleaning concentrate can be added to the solvent to form a cleaning mixture. Also other solvents and mixtures for cleaning can be envisaged, e.g. alcohol.

Typically, the fluid tank <NUM> is configured to hold a predetermined amount of liquid, e.g. water. In one embodiment, the amount of water is determined by a (near) maximum volume contents of the fluid tank <NUM>. In another or further embodiment, a specific filling level can be used. For example, the tank comprises an indicator for filling up to a specific level, e.g. at least seventy, eighty, or ninety percent full, before adding the cleaning concentrate. It will be appreciated that variations in the much larger amount of solvent may generally be less critical than variations in the much smaller amount of cleaning concentrate. Preferably, when the predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate delivered by the dosage system <NUM> is mixed with the predetermined amount of solvent in the fluid tank <NUM>, a predetermined optimized cleaning mixture is formed. For example, the cleaning mixture has a predetermined concentration optimized for cleaning a specific type of surface or environment.

In some embodiments, the dosage system <NUM> connected to the fluid tank <NUM> is configured to prevent fluid from leaking from the fluid tank <NUM>. For example, the dosage system <NUM> comprises a screw, snap, or other connection for fixedly connecting to the fluid tank <NUM>. Also other types of connections can be envisaged. In one embodiment, the dosage system <NUM> comprises a funnel structure (not shown) for delivering a dose of cleaning concentrate into the fluid tank <NUM>. For example, the funnel structure is configured to fit at least partly into the fluid opening of the fluid tank <NUM> to deliver the cleaning concentrate. In some embodiments, the funnel structure can be used in addition to, or alternatively to, a connection structure.

In some embodiments, the same opening of the fluid tank <NUM> is used for both filling the tank with the solvent, and for connecting the dosage system <NUM>. This can have the advantage of providing a system that is backward compatible with existing tanks. For example, the dosage system <NUM> can have the same, or similar connector as a cap which is normally used to close the fluid tank <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown, the dosage system <NUM> is configured to connect as a cap onto a fluid opening of the fluid tank <NUM>.

In other or further embodiments, the fluid tank <NUM> is specifically adapted to the dosage system <NUM>. For example, the fluid tank <NUM> comprises at least two openings, e.g. including an opening for connecting the dosage system <NUM>, and another opening for filling the tank with water. It can also be envisaged that the dosage system <NUM> is permanently connected to the fluid tank <NUM>, e.g. integrated into the tank design. In some embodiments (not shown), at least one filling opening is provided on a (long) side of an elongate fluid tank. This opening on the side, instead of the top, may be more easy to fill when there is otherwise insufficient space under a water tap.

Typically, the fluid tank <NUM> can also have at least one further opening for extracting the cleaning mixture from the fluid tank <NUM>. For example, the opening for extracting the cleaning mixture may comprise a valve that is opened when the fluid tank is connected to a cleaning device.

In some embodiments, the fluid tank <NUM> forms a separable or integrated part of a (wet) cleaning machine (not shown). Accordingly, some aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied as a wet cleaning machine comprising the assembly <NUM>. For example, the wet cleaning machine is configured to retrieve a cleaning mixture from the fluid tank <NUM> and deliver the cleaning mixture onto a target surface to be cleaned. Generally, the wet cleaning machine may also comprises other or further components such as one or more of at least one pump to deliver and/or retrieve fluids to and from the target surface, a dirty water container for holding any retrieved fluid, one or more brushes to brush the target surface, a motor to actuate, e.g. rotate, the brushes, a squeegee to mop up the fluid, wheels to move the machine, et cetera. In one embodiment, the cleaning mixture is used by a floor treatment device for cleaning surfaces such as floors.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-section view of a the dosage system <NUM>.

According to the invention, the dosage system <NUM> is configured to deliver a predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate C to a solvent S inside 20v a fluid tank <NUM>. The dosage system <NUM> comprises a pod holder <NUM> configured to form an inner volume 11v for holding a pod <NUM> containing the cleaning concentrate C. The dosage system <NUM> comprises a connector <NUM> configured to form a fluid connection 12v between the inner volume 11V of the pod holder <NUM> and the inside 20v of the fluid tank <NUM>. The dosage system <NUM> comprises a piercing means 13t,13b for piercing the pod <NUM> held by the pod holder <NUM>. The dosage system <NUM> comprises a push mechanism <NUM> for pushing the piercing means 13t, 13b into the inner volume 11v of the pod holder <NUM>. In this way the pod <NUM> can be pierced and/or cut open to release the cleaning concentrate C from the pod <NUM> via the fluid connection 12v of the connector <NUM> into the inside 20v of the fluid tank <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the pod holder <NUM> comprises interconnected sections 11t, 11b capable of opening the inner volume 11v for receiving the pod <NUM>, and closing the inner volume 11v for keeping the pod <NUM> inside. In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the pod holder <NUM> comprises at least a top section 11t and a bottom section 11b. Also other or further sections can be envisaged. Preferably, the interconnected sections 11t,11b of the pod holder <NUM> are configured to hermetically seal together when the pod holder <NUM> is closed. For example, the interconnected sections 11t,11b may seal together to prevent the cleaning concentrate C flowing between the sections and/or to exclusively allow the cleaning concentrate C to leave the inner volume 11v via the fluid connection 12v of the connector <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a first section 11t of the pod holder is interconnected to a second section 11b of the pod holder by a hinge mechanism <NUM> there between. In another or further embodiment, interconnected sections 11t, 11b of the pod holder <NUM> comprise respective interlocking parts <NUM> configured to form a snap connection between the interconnected sections 11t,11b. Preferably, the interlocking parts are provided in addition to (e.g. on an opposite side with respect to) the hinge mechanism <NUM>, as shown. Alternatively, it can be envisaged to exclusively use a snap connection to interconnect the sections 11t,11b, e.g. wherein the dosage system <NUM> snaps apart in two or more sections. Also other or further types of interconnections between the sections 11t,11b can be envisaged, e.g. including a locking mechanism (not shown).

In a preferred embodiment, wherein the connector <NUM> is configured to fixedly connect the dosage system <NUM> to the fluid tank <NUM>. For example, the connector <NUM> comprises a screw thread for screwing the dosage system <NUM> onto the fluid tank <NUM> acting as a substitute cap. Also other or further types of reversible or permanent connections can be envisaged such as a (releasable) snap connection between the connector <NUM> of the dosage system <NUM> and a connector of the fluid tank <NUM>. It can also be envisaged to fluidly connect the dosage system to the fluid tank without fixation, e.g. wherein the connector comprises a funnel which can be inserted into a fluid supply connection of the fluid tank <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the piercing means 13t, 13b comprise at least one pin and/or knife to cut into or along a surface of the pod <NUM>. For example, at least one piercing means 13b is disposed at a bottom part of the dosage system <NUM>, i.e. at a side of the connector <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, the piercing means 13t,13b comprise at least two knifes configured to pierce the pod <NUM> from different sides. According to the invention, the piercing means 13t,13b are configured to pierce the pod <NUM> from the top and bottom sides. This may help increase a flow of the cleaning concentrate C from the pod <NUM>, e.g. by preventing vacuum formation inside the pod. For example, the cleaning concentrate C can be relatively viscous. Additionally, or alternatively, a relatively flat knife shape can have the advantage that it may cut a relatively large portion of the pod while being less prone to get stuck when the knife is retrieved.

According to the invention, the piercing means 13t, 13b comprise at least a bottom piercing means 13b. In a further embodiment, the pod holder <NUM> comprises a bottom platform 11p for placement of the pod <NUM> thereon. For example, the bottom platform 11p comprises an opening through which the bottom piercing means 13b can penetrate into the pod <NUM>. According to the invention, the piercing means 13t, 13b further comprises a top piercing means 13t.

In some embodiments, the bottom platform 11p is moveable over a maximum first range Zllp while the top piercing means 13t is moveable over a maximum second range Z14. Preferably, the maximum second range Z14 is larger than the maximum first range Z11p. Accordingly after pushing the bottom platform 11p via the pod <NUM> over its maximum first range Z11p, the top piercing means 13t can move further over its maximum second range Z14 to pierce the pod <NUM> from the top. In one embodiment, an edge of the bottom piercing means 13b can be sharper than that of the top piercing means 13t. In this way the bottom piercing means 13b may pierce the pod <NUM> first while the top piercing means 13t at least initially pushes the pod before piercing. Alternatively, or additionally, it can also be envisaged that the pod itself is structurally weaker at the side of the bottom piercing means 13b than at the side of the top piercing means 13t.

In some embodiments, the pod holder <NUM> comprises a top abutment surface 11a. For example, wherein the top abutment surface 11a comprises an opening through which the top piercing means 13t can push the pod <NUM> towards and into the bottom piercing means 13b. Preferably, the pod holder <NUM> is configured to hold the pod <NUM> between the bottom platform 11p and the top abutment surface 11a. Advantageously, retraction of the piercing means 13t,13b from the inner volume 11v of the interconnected sections 11t, 11b through a respective opening in the bottom platform 11p and/or top abutment surface 11a may help to easily separate the pod <NUM> from the piercing means 13t,13b.

In a preferred embodiment, the push mechanism <NUM> comprises a push button, e.g. on top of the dosage system <NUM>. For example, the push button can be manually actuated (pressed down) by a user to push one or more piercing means 13t,13b into the pod <NUM>. In some embodiments, the dosage system <NUM> comprises a top resilient element 15t biased to restore a position of the push mechanism <NUM> (e.g. from a depressed position after pushing down on the button) and pull the top piercing means 13t from the pod <NUM>. In other or further embodiments, the dosage system <NUM> comprises a bottom resilient element 15t biased to restore a position of the bottom platform 11p and pull the bottom piercing means 13b from the pod <NUM>. For example, the resilient elements comprise one or more spring elements, as shown, or other elements, e.g. resilient rubber (not shown).

<FIG> illustrate cut-away and perspective views of advantageous features in the dosage system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bottom platform 11p comprises an open grate structure <NUM> with passageways for passing the cleaning concentrate there through. Alternatively, or additionally, the concentrate may also pass through the opening 11o in the bottom platform 11p, e.g. after the bottom piercing means have retracted. In a preferred embodiment, the dosage system <NUM> comprises a funnel structure <NUM> between the pod holder <NUM> and the connector <NUM>, wherein the funnel structure <NUM> is configure to direct a stream of the cleaning concentrate C towards a center 12c of the fluid connection 12v. For example, the funnel structure <NUM> comprises one or more funnel surfaces sloped towards and around the center 12c. Advantageously, this may help to guide the cleaning concentrate C clean through an opening of the fluid tank <NUM>, e.g. minimally sticking to the tank opening.

<FIG> illustrate side views of respective top and bottom piercing means 13t,13b. In a preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown, the piercing means 13t,13b comprise a respective (flat top) chisel edge 13e. Advantageously, the chisel edge may provide a relatively large opening while the piercing means can still be easily retracted. Most preferably, the chisel edge 13e is asymmetric forming a sharp protrusion at one side of the chisel edge 13e (not clearly visible here). For example, this may resemble a knife point.

<FIG> illustrate methods of operating the dosage system <NUM>.

Some aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied as a method for delivering a predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate C to a solvent S inside 20v a fluid tank <NUM>. One embodiment comprises connecting "Sc" the dosage system <NUM>, e.g. as described herein or otherwise via its connector <NUM> to the fluid tank <NUM> with the solvent S. Another or further embodiment comprises filling "Sf" the pod holder <NUM> with a pod <NUM> comprising the predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate C. Another or further embodiment comprises pushing "Sp" the push mechanism <NUM> to pierce the pod <NUM> with the piercing means 13t,13b and release the cleaning concentrate C from the pod <NUM> via the fluid connection 12v of the connector <NUM> into the inside 20v of the fluid tank <NUM> for mixing with the solvent and forming a cleaning mixture. In some embodiments, the pod holder <NUM> is opened "So" before the filling "Sf" to place the pod <NUM> inside. Alternatively, the pod holder <NUM> may be permanently open, e.g. with a slot from the top or side to insert a pod <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid tank <NUM> is used by a wet cleaning machine. For example, the cleaning mixture is used by the wet cleaning machine to clean a target surface.

In some embodiments, the pod holder comprises a top section 11t connected to a bottom section 11b via a hinge <NUM>. For example, the hinge rotates in a rotation plane Pr around a rotation vector R transvers to the rotation plane. In one embodiment, the piercing means 13t,13b comprise a top piercing means 13t with a chisel edge 13e oriented in a first knife direction Xc,Xo parallel to the rotation plane Pr. In another or further embodiment, the piercing means 13t,13b comprise a bottom piercing means 13b with a chisel edge 13e oriented in a second knife direction Y parallel to the rotation vector R, transverse to the first knife direction Xc,Xo. Advantageously, the inventors find that a such configuration of transversely oriented chisel edges may allow easy retraction of the piercing means 13t,13b. In particular by having the top edge in plane with the rotation, the top section can be easily removed without inadvertently lifting the pod <NUM> from holder.

Some aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied as a method of cleaning a target surface. One embodiment comprises determining a type of the target surface. Another or further embodiment comprises selecting a specific pod from a plurality of different pod types. For example, each different pod type comprises a predetermined different amount and/or type of cleaning concentrate C optimized for cleaning a different type of surface. Accordingly a type of the pod can be selected so that it is optimized for cleaning the target surface. Some embodiments comprise using the selected type of pod in the methods described herein for delivering the predetermined amount and/or type of cleaning concentrate C a solvent S inside 20v a fluid tank <NUM> of a wet cleaning machine to form a cleaning mixture. Other or further embodiments comprise using the wet cleaning machine to deliver the cleaning mixture onto the target surface for cleaning the target surface.

Some aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied as a pod <NUM> with cleaning concentrate C for use in the dosage system <NUM> or method according to any of the preceding claims. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning concentrate comprises one or more cleaning agents including at least one of a soap, a detergent, and/or a disinfectant. For example, cleaning agents are may generally comprise substances (e.g. liquids, powders, sprays, or granules) suitable for removing dirt, including dust, stains, bad smells, and clutter on surfaces. As described herein, preferably a liquid cleaning concentrate is used. Purposes of cleaning agents may include improving health, beauty, removing offensive odor, and avoiding the spread of dirt and contaminants to oneself and others.

In some embodiments, the pod <NUM> comprises a body of plastic or other pierceable material to safely contain the cleaning concentrate C therein until it is released. In one embodiment, e.g. as shown herein, the pod is shaped as a cup. For example, the cup comprises a foil covering a cup shaped body. In some embodiments, the cup has a rim which can be useful in centering the body of the cup over the piercing means. Of course also other shapes and materials can be envisaged. For example, the pod, e.g. capsule or other container, may have any shape including a cube, cylinder, disc, frustoconical, et cetera For example, the pod may comprises a biodegradable material.

In a preferred embodiment, the pod has a transparent or translucent window (not shown) to view a color of the cleaning concentrate C, wherein the color is determined in accordance a color coding standard such as HACCP for different types of pods. This may have the advantage of positively identifying the desired cleaning concentrate irrespective e.g. of the packing material. Furthermore, when using an at least partially transparent or translucent fluid tank <NUM> it can be easily observed by a user when the cleaning concentrate is released into and/or sufficiently mixed through the solvent. Alternatively, or additionally, the color of packing material can be adapted according to a color coding scheme. As an example of such a coding system, e.g. red may indicate high risk areas/restroom cleaning (toilets, urinals); green may indicate food processing/servicing general food and bar use; blue may indicate general lower risk areas excluding food areas; yellow may indicate washbasins, sinks, cabinets and other washroom surfaces; et cetera.

<FIG> illustrates on the left side an assembly with a preferred embodiment of the fluid tank <NUM> with the dosage system <NUM>; on the right side various views of a preferred embodiment of the dosage system <NUM> is shown.

In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the fluid tank <NUM> has at least two separate openings <NUM>,<NUM>. The openings can be used for delivering fluids into the fluid tank <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least a first opening <NUM> is provided. For example, the first opening <NUM> can be used for connecting the connector of the dosage system <NUM> to the fluid tank <NUM> and/or delivering the predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate to the fluid tank <NUM>. In other or further embodiments, another, second a second opening <NUM> is provided. For example, the second opening <NUM> can be used for filling the fluid tank <NUM> with a solvent such as water via the second opening <NUM>. Advantageously, the tank can be filled while the dosage system <NUM> remains connected to first opening <NUM> of the fluid tank <NUM>.

In another or further embodiment, wherein the fluid tank <NUM> has an elongate shape with a height of the fluid tank being more than a thickness of the fluid tank, e.g. by at least a factor two, three or more. Preferably, the second opening <NUM> is disposed at least partly facing in a direction where the thickness of the fluid tank is less than the height. For example, the second opening at least partially faces away from an elongate (height) axis of the tank. In this way the tank can still hold plenty of solvent while is may be easier to fill, e.g. by holding the tank (tilted) between a faucet and a sink which can be a relative narrow space. Most preferably the first opening <NUM> is disposed on a proximal end of the elongate fluid tank, e.g. facing along the elongate axis or otherwise. In this way, when the dosage system <NUM> is activated, the cleaning concentrate can fall downward from the dosage system <NUM> into the fluid tank <NUM>. In some embodiments, a separate closing means is provided for the first opening <NUM>, preferably also connected to the connector of the first opening <NUM>, e.g. via a flap, so the closing means for the second opening does not get lost.

Claim 1:
A dosage system (<NUM>) for delivering a predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate (C) to a solvent (S) inside (20v) a fluid tank (<NUM>), the dosage system (<NUM>) comprising
- a pod holder (<NUM>) configured to form an inner volume (11v) for holding a pod (<NUM>) containing the cleaning concentrate (C);
- a connector (<NUM>) configured to form a fluid connection (12v) between the inner volume (11V) of the pod holder (<NUM>) and the inside (20v) of the fluid tank (<NUM>);
- a piercing means (13t, 13b) for piercing the pod (<NUM>) held by the pod holder (<NUM>), wherein the piercing means (13t,13b) comprises at least a bottom piercing means (13b) and a top piercing means (13t); and
- a push mechanism (<NUM>) for pushing the piercing means (13t,13b) into the inner volume (11v) of the pod holder (<NUM>) for piercing the pod (<NUM>) from the top and bottom sides to release the cleaning concentrate (C) from the pod (<NUM>) via the fluid connection (12v) of the connector (<NUM>) into the inside (20v) of the fluid tank (<NUM>).