Patent ID: 12208408

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters.

Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent relative scale of the drawing.

Like reference numbers used throughout the drawings depict like or similar elements. Unless described or implied as exclusive alternatives, features throughout the drawings and descriptions should be taken as cumulative, such that features expressly associated with some particular embodiments can be combined with other embodiments. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains.

FIG.1is a perspective view of an improved spray bottle assembly100according to at least one embodiment. The spray bottle assembly100includes a bottle110in which a solution is contained in use. The bottle110is shown as having a greater length112than width114and as having an upper neck116(FIG.4) having external threads that engage the internal threads of a collar130.

A spray head assembly140is mounted on the top of the bottle110. The spray head assembly has a base cap142, which caps the bottle110. The base cap142has a lower portion referenced as an insert144(FIG.4) that slips partially into the neck116of the bottle110upon assembly, for example after refilling the bottle with a solution. A flange146around the insert144is captured between the upper end of the neck116and the collar130, and the collar is tightened to securely mount the spray head assembly140on the bottle110. An O-ring138or other gasket may be trapped between the flange144and neck116to assure a seal. The insert144may be shaped as a tapered cylinder with notches148that receive corresponding inwardly directed protrusions134within the neck116of the bottle110as the insert144is positioned. This rotationally locks the base cap142of the spray head assembly140from rotating as the collar130is tightened and thus assures that the hinging action of the spray head assembly140is constrained to the intended plane over the bottle and not laterally directed.

The spray head assembly140has a handle150, a trigger180, and a spray head190mounted on the handle. Upon user action on the trigger180, a pumping mechanism within the spray head190is actuated, which draws solution through a tubular conduit path from the interior of the bottle110and squirts the solution from a forward nozzle192. The trajectory of the dispensed solution varies with the pivot position of the handle150, which is mounted on the base cap142portion of the spray head assembly140by an intermediate hinge160(FIGS.1-2).

InFIG.1, the hinge-mounted handle150is shown rotated partially forward end downward, below a horizontal axis. InFIGS.2and3, the handle150is hinged fully downward with the spray head190locked in a lowest and stowed position. As shown inFIG.1, the spray head assembly140extends centrally from the top of the bottle with respect to the width114. The spray head assembly140extends from the rear end of the top of the bottle110with respect to the length112. By this advantageous arrangement, hinging the spray head assembly140forward toward the bottle110places the handle150and spray head190approximately over the top of the bottle, conserving both vertical and horizontal space. For example, in the configuration ofFIGS.2and3, the spray bottle assembly100requires minimal shelf space and vertical accommodation when not in use.

The lower center of gravity derived from the spray head resting in a much lower position than traditional sprayers, makes it much more stable than traditional sprayers when empty.

The elongated cantilevered form of the bottle causes the bottle to rotate such that the bottom of the fill tube is always located at the lowermost part of the bottle volume, thereby funneling all fluid towards the end of the fill tube no matter the angled orientation of the spray head.

The shorter form factor of the stored configuration is much more space efficient, saving transportation and storage costs.

The forward nozzle192is rotatable to vary the shape of discharged fluid flow from a widely dispersed cone or other pattern to a concentrated stream. The nozzle has multiple outwardly extending security clips194by which the nozzle192engages the forward end of the bottle. In the lowered and locked position of the handle150, a clip194can engage an overhang196(FIG.2) extending forward from the top of bottle110. The multiple clips194of the nozzle192advantageously permit the locking of the spray head assembly140in multiple rotational positions of the nozzle192, as any one of the clips194can be rotated or snapped into the groove198defined below the overhang196, locking the spray head assembly140into its stowed position for carrying or compact storage. Upon rotation of the nozzle, or flexing of the spray head, the engaged clip194exits the groove198and disengages the overhang196, releasing the spray head assembly140to be raised for use. In the stowed position ofFIG.2, the trigger180is inaccessible such that accidental discharge is prevented. As such, the clips194constitute a child lock system preventing use of the spray bottle assembly100by a child when the spray head assembly140is locked into its stowed position.

FIG.3shows the spray bottle assembly100cross sectioned approximately along a vertical mid plane about which the spray bottle assembly is approximately symmetric.FIG.4is an exploded view of the spray bottle assembly100in which the components of the hinge160(FIGS.1-2) that joins the proximal end152of the handle150with the upper end of the base cap142(FIG.4) are shown. A pair of laterally spaced annuli154extending from the proximal end152of the handle150align with a mount162on the base cap142opposite the insert144. Laterally inserted hinge caps164maintain a hinged engagement of the annuli154and mount162thereby pivotally attaching the handle150to the base cap142.

A tubular conduit path for conveying solution from the bottle to the spray head190is defined by a siphon tube170(FIGS.3-4) carried by and within the bottle110, and an upper tube172carried by the spray head assembly140, which are joined at the base cap142. The junction is maintained as the spray head assembly is pivoted into various in-use positions.

FIG.5is an exploded perspective view of the spray head assembly140according to at least one embodiment. The spray head190is fixedly attached to the distal end of the handle. The trigger180has a lever end182and an opposite proximal end from which posts184extend laterally. The posts184are received by mounting holes186in the forward end of the spray head190to pivotally mount the trigger180to the spray head. The lever end182has beveled edges for comfort when a user presses the trigger, for example by use of an index finger. The trigger has an easy release feature in that the posts184are ramped to ease the mounting of the trigger180on spray head190, and dismounting therefrom, for replacement or servicing of the trigger or other components.

The proximal end of the trigger180has a slot188between the posts184, permitting the proximal end of the trigger to be squeezed laterally, compressed side to side, for example by hand. This narrows the slot and permits the posts184to enter or exit the mounting holes186. The trigger180is shown compressed for example inFIGS.7and11. This permits the trigger180and pumping mechanism200to be removed, to be serviced or replaced in whole or in part, and returned for use. Release of the laterally squeezing force on the sides of the trigger permit the slot188to re-expand and thus pivotally mount the trigger180by way of the posts184in the mounting holes186. The easy removal of the trigger permits access by the user to the piston for easy replacement and refurbishment of worn units.

The pumping mechanism200, in the embodiment ofFIG.5, has a trigger-return spring202, a rigid piston204, a flexible piston seal206, and piston backer208. The piston seal206acts to seal with the surrounding cylindrical inner wall of the housing210. The rigid piston204carries the piston seal206and provides a rigid part to provide rigid stability against the trigger pull. The piston backer208holds the piston seal206against the cylinder wall, particularly when the piston is returning to its resting position, so that it doesn't draw air past the seal. When a user presses the trigger180, the trigger presses the rigid piston204into housing210of the mechanism200, which forces the rigid piston206and piston seal208toward the rear wall of the housing210thereby pumping solution into a conduit212toward the nozzle192.

Within the nozzle192, a spinner230is rotationally driven by the fluid flow and regularizes the flow rate as the solution is expelled. The spinner230, for example, facilitates an angularly even distribution of sprayed solution when a widely dispersed cone or other pattern is selected for fluid spray by user-selected rotational position of the nozzle. The rearward end of the nozzle has internal threads that engage external threads of the forward end of the spray head190. The nozzle192and spinner230can be removed by unscrewing the nozzle from the spray head in the embodiment ofFIG.5. The nozzle192can be easily removed, replaced, or serviced. Multiple nozzle options may be available for various spray pattern options.

The forward end of the spinner230has offset vents through which solution traveling along the conduit passes to reach the nozzle192. The flows through the vents cause the fluid passing through the spinner230to rotate around the axis of travel of the solution within the conduit212. The rearward end of the spinner has a loop236that provides spring force to seal the rearward end of the spinner to an adjacent surface within the receptacle that receives the spinner, thereby sealing the outlet and preventing the intake of air into the system when the trigger is released.

FIGS.6A and6Bshow a spray head260with a pumping mechanism262according to an alternative embodiment. The illustrated embodiment includes a flexible unibody plunger264, shown in a solution-loaded position before actuation inFIG.6AandFIG.6C; and, inFIG.6BandFIG.6D, after pressing of the trigger180and actuation of the mechanism thereby dispensing the solution. The plunger264can be termed as unibody in that it can be formed as a one-piece item of flexible contiguous material, for example as a molded elastomeric item. The unibody plunger264can be described as a pistonless pressure element. The unibody plunger has a rear sleeve section266that variably inverts and overlaps the forward end268thereof thus defining an internal volume that varies with the disposition of the sleeve relative to the forward end. The unibody plunger264is captured within the housing of the spray head by a support cap270. The inversion of the unibody plunger264ensures a consistent resistance force may be applied throughout a full stroke of the trigger. The unibody plunger can be made of, as non-limiting examples, silicone or other polymer.

A one-way ball seal220permits filling of the housing210as the trigger-return spring202returns the trigger to the un-pressed position, readying the pumping mechanism for a next pumping cycle by pressing of the trigger again. The ball seal220prevents back flow of the solution within the housing back toward the bottle. The pumped solution enters the inner spray head conduit212from the rear of the housing210and travels forward toward the nozzle192.

When a user presses the trigger180, transitioning the mechanism262fromFIG.6CtoFIG.6D, the trigger presses the support cap270into the housing of the mechanism, which forces the unibody plunger264to further invert, increasing the overlap of the sleeve section266around the forward end268, decreasing the defined internal volume, thereby pumping solution into the conduit212toward the nozzle192. As the trigger-return spring returns the trigger to the un-pressed position, the overlap of the sleeve section266decreases around the forward end268, increasing the defined internal volume, drawing solution into the housing via the one-way ball seal220and readying the pumping mechanism for a next pumping cycle by pressing of the trigger again as already described with reference to other drawings. This method provides for changing the internal volume without high tolerance fitting of piston to cylinder or risk of wear, material degradation, or deformation of sealing surfaces.

FIGS.7-9illustrate a spray head400, according to another embodiment, having a pivoting assembly402that hinges away from the rearward end of the spray head, carrying the trigger180, spinner carrier404, spinner230and nozzle192. The spinner carrier404receives the spinner230such that it seals. The combination of the spinner230and spinner carrier404, referenced as the spinner carrier assembly406, are housed within the pivoting assembly402that allows the spinner carrier assembly406to be easily removed and replaced. The sealed fit of the spinner230to the spinner carrier404is a precision fit that is critical to spray function. It is advantageous, therefore to replace them as a fitted pair versus precise consumer replacement of a spinner230alone.

The pivoting assembly402hinges open permitting removal, servicing, and/or replacement of the spinner230and spinner carrier404through the breach when the spray head is hinged open as inFIG.8. The nozzle192can be unscrewed from the forward end of the pivoting assembly as inFIG.9. Components of the pump mechanism can be conveniently replaced or serviced with the pivoting assembly hinged open. The pivoting assembly has a base410pivotally connected by a hinge412to the forward end of the spray head400, and a pair of hooks414at lateral sides of the base to snap into engagement into corresponding slots416of the spray head, thereby latching the pivoting assembly in the closed position. An O-ring420in a circular recess in the front face of the spray head400seals with the pivoting assembly when in the closed position.

FIGS.10A and10Bshow elements of a multi-label system for use, as a non-limiting example, with the above described embodiments of spray bottle assemblies and other spray bottles as well. A label strip300, in the illustrated embodiment, has two sides referenced nominally and respectively as a first side300A inFIG.10A, and second side300A (FIG.10B) opposite the first side. In the illustrated embodiments, each side (300A,300B) of the strip300includes four labels302, any one of which can be selected for display by a user. The two sides300A and300B thus provide the user with eight labels from which to choose in the illustrated embodiment. A user can selectively fold the strip300to display a chosen label and mount the folded strip on the neck116of a bottle110. Alternatively, a user can also separate a selected label from a strip and mount just the label on the neck of the bottle. In each strip, adjacent labels are connected by lines280or cusps282. The lines280can be engineered lines of weakness or intended fold or separation lines, which may be perforated or thinned. The cusps282are the junctions of tangentially connected neck rings284.

Each label includes a neck ring284and a presentation flap286. A preformed bend or fold line288is defined between each ring284and flap286to better present the flap when the label is mounted as shown inFIG.1, in which the example label302ais particularly illustrated. Each neck ring has inward extending tabs290that are received by corresponding respective recesses135defined by the exterior of the neck116of the bottle110(seeFIG.4) as the ring is positioned onto the neck. This rotationally locks the label from rotating as the collar130is placed and tightened on the neck, capturing the neck ring284between the top of the bottle110and collar130. This assures that the presentation flap286is maintained at a viewable position, which is rearwardly directed with respect to the general direction of the spray head190, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.1. Each presentation flap286, as some are illustrated, may include respective text and/or graphical indicia for viewing by a user so as to provide information of the current contents of the bottle. Each presentation flap may include a respective QR code, one of which is referenced as QR code292inFIGS.1and10A, for enabling automatic access to information, for example, via the internet, for material safety information, product ordering functions, and other uses. Each presentation flap286, may be color coded with specific colors indicating predetermined types of chemical for casual and instantaneous recognition of the contents. A QR code, bar code or other automated reference marking may be included for the purposes of refilling the bottle using an automated filling station that automatically reads the reference marking and fills the bottle with a volume of chemical solution designated by the reference marking.

Advantageously, as shown inFIG.4, with emphasis toward the neck116of the bottle110, the material portions of the neck that define the recesses135that rotationally lock the neck rings284of the labels are the same as those that define the protrusions134that rotationally lock the insert144and spray head assembly140therewith. Thus, the engineered material feature that defines the exterior recesses135and interior protrusions134is dual purpose, defining both a recess and a protrusion on opposite (exterior and interior) sides of the material of the neck. As shown inFIGS.2-4, a capture feature136, formed as an indentation in the bottle exterior near the upper neck116, receives an edge of the flap286and locks the flap in a vertical plane for optimal visibility.

As non-limiting examples, with emphasis towardFIG.10A, the label302ahas text indicia304of “BATHROOM” indicating suggested use or contents of a spray bottle assembly on which the label300is mounted. The other labels expressly shown inFIGS.10A and10Bprovide further examples, and many others not expressly shown are within the scope of these descriptions and drawings. In one example, with emphasis towardFIG.10Band the example label302b, the presentation flap286thereof is blank. The user can choose from multiple preprinted labels to apply, the preprinted information corresponding to the type of chemical contained in the bottle by user choice. A blank is provided for custom user labeling.

FIG.10C-10Hshow a multi-label strip430in various views without text or graphical indicia to represent, for example, the label strip300before such indicia is applied or to represent a label strip generically with or without indicia.FIG.10Dcan be viewed as either side of the multi-label strip ofFIG.10C. Another side view is not expressly shown in the drawings, but would appear as a mirror image of that shown inFIG.10D, thus having a shape and appearance that would be evident from the one shown. Similarly,FIG.10Ecan be viewed as either end of the multi-label strip ofFIG.10C. Another end view is not expressly shown in the drawings, but would appear as a mirror image of that shown inFIG.10E.

The multi-label strip430can be transitioned from a flat condition as inFIG.10F, to an in use condition, as represented inFIGS.1-3, by a user selecting a particular side and label thereof for presentation, and applying multiple folds accordingly. InFIG.10G, the label strip is folded to present a selected label. InFIG.10H, a final bend is applied to prepare the label strip for mounting, as a non-limiting example, on a spray bottle assembly as inFIGS.1-3or other spray bottles.

FIGS.11,12, and13A-13Bshow a spray head assembly320, according to another embodiment, having a pivoting assembly322that hinges away from the rearward end of the spray head324, carrying the trigger180, spinner carrier326, spinner230and nozzle192. The spinner carrier326receives the spinner230such that it seals. The combination of the spinner230and spinner carrier240, referenced as the spinner carrier assembly330, are housed within the pivoting assembly322that allows the spinner carrier assembly330to be easily removed and replaced. An O-ring332(FIG.11) seals the rearward end of the spinner carrier assembly330against the forward end of the spray head324when the pivoting assembly322is snapped closed (FIG.12), thereby capturing the spinner carrier assembly330. In that position, the threaded forward end of the spinner carrier326extends forward and the nozzle192can be screwed onto it. As inFIG.6, the proximal end of the trigger180inFIG.11is compressed side to side, for example by hand as represented inFIG.11by arrows238, narrowing the slot188and permitting the posts184to enter or exit the mounting holes186. The pivoting of the pivoting assembly322also allows easy access for the removal of the rigid piston204, a flexible piston seal206, piston backer208, and spring202for removal or replacement.

The spray bottle assemblies described above, particularly illustrated, and suggested by same in view of the full scope of these descriptions and drawings, are serviceable, having replaceable components that accessible for cleaning, servicing, and replacement. Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims.