US20220381022A1

US20220381022A1 - Fluid dispensing system

Info

Publication number: US20220381022A1
Application number: US17/824,976
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeffery Baron Lesperance
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-05-26
Filing date: 2022-05-26
Publication date: 2022-12-01

Abstract

This disclosure is directed to a fluid dispenser. More specifically, the disclosure is also directed to a fluid dispenser for use with a bathroom fixture. The fluid dispenser may include a fluid reservoir, a pump, an activation device, and elements to deliver the fluid from the reservoir to the bathroom fixture. The fluid dispenser may include one or more sensors, programmable functions, user-activated components, and a reservoir with replaceable fluid containers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/193,301 filed on May 26, 2021, the entire contents and disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure is directed to a fluid dispenser. More specifically, the disclosure is also directed to a fluid dispenser system for selectively dispensing a fluid to a fluid receptacle.

2. Description of the Background

Toilets and other sewage disposal devices (urinals, etc.) are commonly used to dispose of human waste products. It should be understood that while the term “toilet” is used in this application, it is intended to represent only one of many types of bathroom fixtures, including sinks, fountains, etc., and is therefore exemplary only. In some situations, toilets for example, a water storage device or tank is used to flush or otherwise evacuate the human waste deposited in the bowl of the toilet. The mechanisms located within the toilet tank are often at least partially submerged in the supply water. Components of these mechanisms may be constructed to materials that are designed to be submerged in water, but not other chemicals.
The use of chemicals in toilet tank water has several purposes. First, the chemicals may treat the water for bacteria and other organisms that may be present in the water or may flourish in the dark and damp environment of the toilet tank. Secondly, the chemicals may be used to treat the quality of the water itself. For example, the supply water may have a high iron content or other attributes that may impact the toilet tank and the toilet bowl or fluid receptacle. High iron content (or high concentrations of other minerals) may cause the surface of the toilet bowl to develop a film which then impacts the ability of the flushing action of the toilet to fully evacuate and clean the toilet bowl. Third, the minerals and/or other contaminants naturally occurring or imparted in the treatment of the tank water may negatively impact the performance and durability of the tank filing equipment. Over time, these minerals and/or contaminants may cause the filling equipment to clog or operate inefficiently, wasting water and resulting in earlier than expected service and repair. Fourth, the chemicals are used to impart a fragrance and/or color to the water which improves the appearance and odor of the toilet water and the surrounding area (the bathroom or lavatory, for example).
However, manufacturers of toilet tank components, including but not limited to the water float and fill mechanism and the toilet stopper or flapper (actuated to activate a flushing sequence) typically do not recommend the use of chemicals in the toilet tank supply water. They issue this recommendation for several reasons. First, the chemicals that an operator of the toilet may add are unknown to the manufacturers. Second, the chemicals may negatively affect the operation of the components of the toilet tank components. Third, the chemicals may damage or cause the premature failure of the toilet tank components. These failures could include incomplete sealing of the stopper, resulting in a continually “running” toilet. The running toilet thus may not fill and shut off, and vast quantities of water may be wasted, often at great expense and impact to the environment. Another possibility is the failure of the sealing washers connecting the toilet tank to the toilet bowl, resulting in a water leak. Other undesired situations are possible.
A fluid dispenser that avoids putting chemicals into the toilet tank and instead into the toilet bowl avoids these problems. What is needed then is a toilet bowl fluid dispenser that allows for fluids to be dispensed directly into the toilet bowl and preserves and protects the components of the toilet tank or fluid receptacle.
The present disclosure overcomes the problems and disadvantages associated with current strategies and designs and provides new tools and methods for a lavatory fluid dispenser.
One embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispenser for a toilet bowl or other human waste disposal apparatus.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispenser that includes a reservoir for storing a fluid.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispenser that includes a pump for moving a fluid into the toilet bowl.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispenser that includes a dispensing hose for dispensing fluid into the toilet bowl.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispenser that includes a control unit that supervises the operation of the fluid dispenser.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispenser that includes a sensor that detects the operation of the toilet.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispenser that includes a control cable.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a lavatory fluid dispenser that includes a foot pedal.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a lavatory fluid dispenser that includes a lever switch.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a lavatory fluid dispenser that includes a toilet seat dispensing apparatus.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a lavatory fluid dispenser that includes a toilet seat.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a lavatory fluid dispenser that includes the toilet assembly.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system Including a reservoir for storing fluid, a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir, a system controller in communication with the pump, an activation controller in communication with at least one of the pump and the system controller for dispensing fluid, and an outlet tube in fluid communication with the pump for delivering fluid to a fluid receptacle.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system further including a housing for at least one of the reservoir, the pump, the system controller, the activation controller, and the outlet tube.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the reservoir further includes at least one replaceable fluid cartridge.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the reservoir includes a fluid level sensor.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the system controller includes a processor and a memory with instructions stored thereon and a power source.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the system controller further includes a wireless communication device to connect to at least one of the Internet, other wireless devices, and wireless network.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system Including a reservoir for storing fluid, a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir, a system controller in communication with the pump, an activation controller in communication with at least one of the pump and the controller for dispensing fluid, a use sensor in communication with the system controller and at least one of the pump and the controller for dispensing fluid, and an outlet tube in fluid communication with the pump for delivering fluid to a fluid receptacle.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system further including a housing for at least one of the reservoir, the pump, the system controller, the activation controller, and the outlet tube.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the reservoir further includes at least one replaceable fluid cartridge.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the reservoir includes a fluid level sensor.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the use sensor further includes at least one of a thermal sensor, a motion sensor, a radar sensor, an image sensor, an acoustic sensor, and a vibration sensor.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the system controller includes a processor and a memory with instructions stored thereon and a power source.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the system controller further includes a wireless communication device to connect to at least one of the Internet, other wireless devices, and a wireless network.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system including a reservoir for storing fluid, a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir, a system controller in communication with the pump, an activation controller for engaging the pump in communication with at least one of the pump and the controller for dispensing fluid, and an outlet tube connected to the pump for communicating fluid from the fluid reservoir to a fluid receptacle.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system further including a housing for at least one of the reservoir, the pump, the system controller, the activation controller, and the outlet tube.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the reservoir further includes at least one replaceable fluid cartridge.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the reservoir includes a fluid level sensor.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the system controller includes a processor and a memory with instructions stored thereon and a power source.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the instructions further include at least one of predetermined operation instructions of the fluid dispensing system, random operation instructions of the fluid dispensing system, and user-selected operation instructions of the fluid dispensing system.
Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing system where the system controller further includes a wireless communication device to connect to at least one of the Internet, other wireless devices, and wireless network.
Other embodiments and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in part in the description, which follows, and in part, may be obvious from this description, or may be learned from the practice of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The disclosure is described in greater detail by way of example only and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

As embodied and broadly described herein, the present disclosure is directed to a toilet/lavatory fluid dispensing system (“system”) 10 that includes a dispensing unit 12. The dispensing unit 12 may be disposed in a separate device or enclosure, such as but not limited to housing 22 and may be located proximate to a toilet 40, may be disposed in an existing component of the toilet 40, or may be disposed in another object, for example.
The dispensing unit 12 may include a fluid reservoir 14. The reservoir 14 may contain one or more fluids. The fluids may include cleaners, disinfectants, antibacterial agents, colorants, and/or fragrances, for example. The reservoir 14 may be divided to hold more than one fluid. The reservoir 14 may allow for proportioning of the fluids through internal elements. For example, a first fluid may be released from the reservoir 14 at a different (or same) ratio as a second, third, and subsequent fluid. In embodiments, the reservoir 14 may include a fluid sensor 15 to determine the level of at least one liquid L. For example, and without limitation, fluid sensor 15 may be configured as a float.
In embodiments, reservoir 14 and/or housing 22 may be configured to selectively receive replaceable and/or interchangeable liquid containers. For example, reservoir 14 and/or housing 22 may receive cartridges of one of more liquids. It should be understood that the term liquids as used herein may include solutions and/or suspensions. In embodiments, cartridges may be interchanged when empty or when a new variation is desired. For example, one cartridge may contain a strong disinfectant that one may desire to implement if users of the toilet are sick or very concerned about illness. Another cartridge may contain a seasonal, fragrant liquid such as pine for the holiday season. Other cartridges may be complimentary to each other, or have other properties that contrast with each other. Still other cartridges may have other properties, such as long-lasting properties compared to the contents of other cartridges.
The reservoir 14 may be connected to a feed tube 16. The feed tube 16 may be located at the bottom of the reservoir 14 to allow for the gravity feed of the fluid(s) contained within the reservoir 14. In other embodiments, the feed tube 16 may be omitted or located elsewhere. The feed tube 16 may fluidly connect the reservoir 12 to one or more pumps 18.
The pump 18 may be disposed to draw fluid from the reservoir 14 via the feed tube 16. In other embodiments, the pump 18 may be directly (fluidly) connected to the reservoir 14, such as submerged at least partially within reservoir 14. Pump 18 may be configured to selectively pump, via system controller 20, more than one liquid L. For example, and without limitation, pump 18 may be configured to pump a disinfectant liquid L(1) and a fragrant cleansing liquid L(2), either separately, sequentially, or in some combination thereof. Pump 18 may include an integrated filter and/or a check valve, or other fluid handling devices. The pump 18 may be operated manually, remotely, and/or automatically, or a combination thereof, by a system controller 20.
The system controller 20 may be electrically and/or mechanically connected to the reservoir 14, the feed tube 16, and/or the pump 18. The system controller 20 may, in some embodiments, operate the pump 18 based upon one or more commands communicated by one or more sensors 30 and/or one or more foot pedals 32. In other embodiments, system controller 20 may operate, at least partially, automatically based upon programming contained within system controller 20. In embodiments, system controller 20 may include wireless communication, such as via the Internet and/or Bluetooth™. Using a computerized application, software, and/or hardware, the system controller 20 may be operated and/or programmed to operate in a plurality of modes to dispense one or more liquids L.
The system controller 20 may monitor the level of the fluid(s) contained in the reservoir 14. The system controller 20 may operate a valve located within the feed tube 16 or otherwise govern the flow of fluid from the reservoir 14 to the pump 18. The system controller 20 may operate the pump 18 upon receiving a command to dispense fluid(s) via the sensor 30, the foot pedal 32, and/or through other modes of communication as described herein. The system controller 20 may include an independent power supply to operate, such as a battery or use another power source.
Additionally, and alternatively, the system controller 20 may be powered by the flushing action of the toilet water, such as via a water wheel, or by the filling action of the water in a toilet tank 50 and/or toilet supply plumbing. In embodiments, the system 10 may be connected to (such as in fluid communication with) the toilet 40. Flow of water into and/or out of the toilet 40 may be at least partially used to power the system 10.
System controller 20 may also provide power to the pump 18, or power may be provided separately to pump 18 from another power source. In embodiments, the reservoir 14, the feed tube 16, the pump 18, and the system controller 20 of the dispensing unit 12 may be at least partially located within housing 22.
System controller 20 may include a processor and memory, and instructions contained therein to operate the system 10. As disclosed herein, the operation of the system 10 may include monitoring and communication of components of the system 10, the toilet 40, and the surrounding environment. System controller 20 may also include a power supply, such as, but not limited to, a battery, a transformer, or a combination thereof.
One set of instructions may include monitoring and communicating with the sensor 30. As disclosed herein, sensor 30 may include one or more functions and/or capabilities. System controller 20 may use the data obtained from one or more sensor 30 to operate the system 10.
Another set of instructions may include operating the pump 18. The pump 18 may include multiple pumps, or staged pumps, for differing volumes and flow rates of liquid pumped through the system 10. For example, one operation of pump 18 may be for a small volume of liquid to be pumped to toilet 40, such as to freshen the water in the fluid receptacle or toilet bowl 48. Another operation may be after the use of the toilet 40, requiring a larger volume of liquid and/or another liquid to be dispensed into the toilet bowl 48.
Another set of instructions may include monitoring the reservoir 14. The system controller 20 may monitor the level of liquid(s) in the reservoir 14. In other embodiments, system controller 20 may monitor the levels of cartridge(s) stored in the system 10, either within reservoir 14, in addition to reservoir 14, or in place of reservoir 14. System controller 20 may communicate the results of the monitoring to users, operators, the Internet, or other locations.
Another set of instructions may include the operation and use of the foot pedal 32. It should be understood that foot pedal 32 is only one embodiment of a physical switch or activation control for the system 10. Foot pedal 32 may be realized in the form of a button, switch, lever, electro/mechanical device, or some other physically accessible device. In addition, or in conjunction, a computerized “foot pedal” 32 may be also or alternatively realized in the form of a computer application or otherwise utilize the Internet (or other wired/wireless communication) for operation. In either form or together, a user H of the system 10 may cause the dispensing of fluid(s) into the toilet 40. The instructions may include different aspects of operation of the foot pedal 32. For example, one press of the foot pedal 32 may result in one operation (dispensing of fluid), while a second press may cause another operation, and holding the foot pedal 32 down for a period of time may cause yet another operation to occur. These operations may also be programmable to user preferences, such as via a computer application and/or the Internet.
The housing 22 may be configured as a stand-alone unit, to be placed in close proximity to the toilet 40. In other embodiments, the housing 22 may be integrated into one or more components of the toilet 40. For example, and without limitation, the housing 22 may be disposed as a portion of or configured to engage the toilet tank 50, such as adjacent to the toilet tank 50. The housing 22 may be configured to selectively engage one or more portions of the toilet 40. In embodiments, the housing 22 may attach to a side of the toilet tank 40. In other embodiments, the housing 22 may engage the toilet bowl 48. In other embodiments, the housing 22 may engage a portion of another lavatory device, such as a urinal and/or bidet. In other embodiments, the housing 22 may be integrated, at least partially, into the toilet and/or bidet seat 42. The housing 22 may be configured to engage the seating surface of the toilet seat 42. In other embodiments, housing 22 may be incorporated, at least partially, within toilet seat 42. In other embodiments, the housing 22 may be integrated into other objects, such as a toilet paper holder, a toilet brush holder, a storage unit, and/or a magazine rack. Housing 22 may also be configured as a functional and/or decorative object, such as a statue, flower pot, or other ornamental object.
The housing 22 may include a passage or port 21 for one or more outlet tubes 24. The outlet tube 24 may extend from the pump 18 within housing 22 to a bowl 48 of the toilet 40. The outlet tube 24 may carry pressurized fluid(s) from the pump 18 to the bowl 48. The outlet tube 24 may at least partially, be integrated into a component of the toilet 40, such as the toilet seat 42, the toilet seat hinge 44, the bowl 48 and/or the toilet tank 50. In embodiments, the outlet tube 24 may be separately secured to the bowl 48. For example, and without limitation, the outlet tube 24 may be selectively secured using an engagement device such as a clamp to secure the outlet tube 24 to the bowl 48. The port 21 and/or the outlet tube 24 may include a check valve or backflow preventer to reduce the flow back of fluid and ensure that fluid is dispensed promptly when the pump 18 is activated.
In embodiments, the outlet tube 24 may be configured with more than one fluid passage. For example, pump 18 connected to reservoir 14 may include more than one fluid and pump 18 may be configured to pump one or multiple fluids/liquids L in configurable ratios by system controller 20. In one embodiment, two liquids L may be held in reservoir 14. It is contemplated that a first liquid L may be a disinfectant and the second liquid L may be a fragrant cleaning liquid, for example. In other embodiments, disinfectants, cleaners, fragrant liquids of multiple strengths may be used.
In embodiments, the outlet tube 24 may include a nozzle, aerator, or other fluid dispensing tip 25 to distribute liquid L into the bowl 48. Nozzle 25 may include directional elements to spray liquid L about the bowl 48. In embodiments, nozzle 25 may be replaceable and/or adjustable to direct liquid L in areas of the bowl 48 or elsewhere according to the preferences of the operator O.
In embodiments, at least one reservoir filler 26 may be provided to fill the reservoir 14. Reservoir filler 26 may extend through the housing 22. The reservoir filler 26 may include a selectively sealable device, such as a threaded cap. The reservoir filler 26 may be configured with or include fluid measuring device 15, such as a float, to measure the level of the fluid(s) stored in the reservoir 14 that may be communicably connected to system controller 20. In embodiments, reservoir filler 26 may include at least one filling port for multiple liquids L, such as a disinfectant liquid, a fragrant liquid, and/or a cleaning liquid.
In other embodiments, reservoir filler 26 may realized as a cartridge-based device, to accept and/or fluidly connect one or more replaceable and/or refillable cartridges (reservoirs 14) that engage the system 10.
A sensor control cable 28 may be provided to at least partially contribute to the operation the system 10. The sensor control cable 28 may be disposed and in mechanical and/or electrical communication between at least the system controller 20 and one or more sensors 30 of the system 10. Sensor 30 may be configured to detect the presence of an operator O using the toilet 40, for example. Sensor 30 and/or system controller 20 may include programming (software) stored on memory in communication with a processor to determine the activity of operator O. In embodiments, sensor 30 may be configured to detect motion (e.g., a motion sensor, camera). In other embodiments, sensor 30 may be configured to detect heat (e.g., an infrared sensor). In embodiments, sensor 30 may include all or some of the following technologies: radar, image recognition (e.g., camera), acoustic, and/or vibration sensors. Sensor 30 may communicate information to the system controller 20 about the operators O of the system 10. For example, a first operator O may be a small child and so require a lower volume to liquid(s) L to be dispensed. A second operator O may be suffering from an illness, such as COVID-19; therefore. additional disinfectant liquid may be dispensed based at least in part on the sensor 30. The sensor 30 may include, as disclosed herein, an infrared capability and may via programming stored within the system controller 20, detect that a user/operator O may have a fever and automatically dispense a disinfectant liquid, or do so as a precautionary measure.
The sensor control cable 28 transmits inputs resulting from, for example, the movement of a toilet handle 46 via a motion sensing capability of sensor 30. It should be understood that while the illustrated embodiments include physical connections between components of the system 10, some or all of the components of the system 10 may include wireless connections, in addition to or in replacement of. For example, in embodiments, sensor control cable 28 may be substituted by a wireless connection and/or the foot pedal control cable 29 may be substituted by a wireless connection.
Foot pedal control cable 29, in embodiments, may transmit inputs resulting from the pressing of the foot pedal 32 by user O. In other embodiments, the foot pedal control cable 29 may be replaced by or at least partially include wireless communications, such as but not limited to, radio frequency. The sensor 30 and/or the foot pedal 32 may include an activation controller 34.
The activation controller 34 may include a switch or other mechanical and/or electrical device that operates to transmit an input to the system controller 20 operate the system 10. In other embodiments, the system 10 may be operated by other methods, including but not limited to, timed activation, Wi-Fi communication over a computer network, photocells, and/or motion detectors. In embodiments, activation controller 34 of system 10 may be realized as proximity detector or usage detector, such as connected to or incorporated in the toilet 40 (including but not limited to the toilet seat 42 and/or toilet seat hinge 44).
The following examples illustrate embodiments of the disclosure, but should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.
In one embodiment of the disclosure, the operation of the system 10 may be as follows. The system 10 is disposed adjacent to the toilet 40. The sensor 30 may be mounted to the toilet 40 and may detect the movement of the toilet handle 46. It should be understood that while the term “handle” is used, the device operating a toilet or other bathroom fixture, or other device suitable for use with system 10 may include devices other than handles for operation, such as buttons, switches, automatic operation devices, etc. The sensor 30 may be connected to the dispensing unit 12 via the sensor control cable 28 (or a wireless sensor control connection in other embodiments). The outlet tube 24 may extend from the dispensing unit 12 to the toilet bowl 48 and may direct fluid(s) from the reservoir 14 into the water contained within the toilet bowl 48. Upon a flushing activity, the sensor 30 detects the movement of the toilet handle 46. In other embodiments, sensor 30 detects the presence of a user of the toilet 40. A signal may be transmitted to the system controller 20, activating the pump 18. Fluid(s) may be drawn from the reservoir 14 via the feed tube 16 and may be propelled by the pump 18 through the outlet tube 24 into the toilet bowl 48. Fluid(s) then may enter the water of the toilet bowl 48, causing an improvement and/or change to the water, such as its antibacterial properties, color, and/or fragrance. As a result, the water in the toilet bowl 48 may be appealing to the next user of the toilet 40 and improves its surroundings (e.g., a pleasant fragrance is emitted). Due to the external nature of the system 10 and the lack of interaction with the tank water of the toilet 40, the components within the toilet tank 50 are not damaged and/or deteriorated by the fluids(s) as the fluids enter the water after the water has exited the toilet tank 50. In some embodiments, the fluids may enter when a user approaches the toilet 40, when a user uses the toilet 40, and/or according to a predetermined interval (such as to maintain a pleasant fragrance in the vicinity).
In another embodiment of the disclosure, the operation of the system 10 may be as follows. The system 10 may be disposed adjacent to the toilet 40. The foot pedal 32 may be positioned on the floor (or another surface) adjacent to the toilet 40. The foot pedal 32 may be connected to the dispensing unit 12 via the sensor control cable 28 (or a wireless connection). The outlet tube 24 may extend from the dispensing unit 12 to the toilet bowl 48 to direct fluid(s) from the reservoir 14 into the water contained within the toilet bowl 48. Upon a flushing activity, the foot pedal 32 may be depressed by a user. It should be understood that the user may not necessarily be the user of the toilet 40. A signal may be transmitted to the system controller 20, activating the pump 18. Fluid(s) may be drawn from the reservoir 14 via the feed tube 16 and propelled by the pump 18 through the outlet tube 24 into the toilet bowl 48. Fluid(s) may then enter the water of the toilet bowl 48, causing an improvement to the quality of the water, such as its antibacterial properties, color, and/or fragrance. As a result, the water in the toilet bowl 48 may be appealing to the next user of the toilet 40 and improves its surroundings. In addition, the components within the toilet tank 50 are not damaged or deteriorated by the fluids(s) as they enter the water after exiting the toilet tank 50.
In another embodiment of the disclosure, the operation of the system 10 may be as follows. The system 10 may be disposed adjacent to the toilet 40. The system controller 20 may be programmed to operate at set intervals (such as every hour). The outlet tube 24 may extend from the dispensing unit 12 to the toilet bowl 48 to direct fluid(s) from the reservoir 14 into the water contained within the toilet bowl 48. Upon the activation of the program, a signal may be transmitted to the system controller 20, activating the pump 18. Fluid(s) may be drawn from the reservoir 14 via the feed tube 16 and propelled by the pump 18 through the outlet tube 24 into the toilet bowl 48. Fluid(s) may then enter the water of the toilet bowl 48, causing an improvement to the quality of the water, such as its antibacterial properties, color, and/or fragrance. As a result, the water in the toilet bowl 48 may be appealing to the next user of the toilet 40 and improves its surroundings. In addition, the components within the toilet tank 50 are not damaged or deteriorated by the fluids(s) as they enter the water after exiting the toilet tank 50.
In another embodiment of the disclosure, the operation of the system 10 may be as follows. The system 10 may be disposed adjacent to the toilet 40. The system controller 20 may be programmed to operate upon detecting motion near the toilet 40. For example, in the situation where a user may use the toilet 40 but does not manually activate the system 10 and/or if a user may be present near the toilet 40 but does not make a deposit (such as to wash hands, use the mirror, etc.). The outlet tube 24 may be extend from the dispensing unit 12 to the toilet bowl 48 to direct fluid(s) from the reservoir 14 into the water contained within the toilet bowl 48. Upon the activation of the program, a signal may be transmitted to the system controller 20, activating the pump 18. Fluid(s) may be drawn from the reservoir 14 via the feed tube 16 and propelled by the pump 18 through the outlet tube 24 into the toilet bowl 48. Fluid(s) may then enter the water of the toilet bowl 48, causing an improvement to the quality of the water, such as its antibacterial properties, color, and/or fragrance. As a result, the water in the toilet bowl 48 may be appealing to the next user of the toilet 40 and improves its surroundings. In addition, the components within the toilet tank 50 are not damaged or deteriorated by the fluids(s) as they enter the water after exiting the toilet tank 50.
In another embodiment of the disclosure, the operation of the system 10 may be as follows. In this embodiment, sensor 30 and foot pedal 32 are not required for operation, though either or both may be added. The system 10 may be disposed adjacent to the toilet 40. The system controller 20 may be programmed to operate via a network connection (Wi-Fi) or Bluetooth™. An application (such as used via a mobile device) may be used to at least partially control the operation of the system 10. The outlet tube 24 may extend from the dispensing unit 12 to the toilet bowl 48 to direct fluid(s) from the reservoir 14 into the water contained within the toilet bowl 48. Upon the activation of the program, a signal may be transmitted to the system controller 20, activating the pump 18. Fluid(s) may be drawn from the reservoir 14 via the feed tube 16 and propelled by the pump 18 through the outlet tube 24 into the toilet bowl 48. Fluid(s) may then enter the water of the toilet bowl 48, causing an improvement to the quality of the water, such as its antibacterial properties, color, and/or fragrance. As a result, the water in the toilet bowl 48 may be appealing to the next user of the toilet 40 and improves its surroundings. In addition, the components within the toilet tank 50 are not damaged or deteriorated by the fluids(s) as they enter the water after exiting the toilet tank 50.
In another embodiment of the disclosure, system 10 may dispense fluid to other devices and/or products, such as, but not limited to, sinks, water fountains (for drinking and other uses), aquariums, and pet water dishes or bowls. The operation of the system 10 may occur as described herein, to dispense one or more fluids appropriate for the particular application. For example, a disinfectant may be dispensed by the system 10 onto a sink, causing the sink surface to be disinfectant and/or otherwise improved. In another example, the system 10 may dispense disinfectant onto a water fountain. In another example, system 10 may dispense fluid(s) for the care of aquarium fish. In yet another example, system 10 may dispense fluid(s) for the care of pet animals.
Other embodiments and uses of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. All references cited herein, including all publications, U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications, are specifically and entirely incorporated by reference. The term comprising, where ever used, is intended to include the terms consisting and consisting essentially of. Furthermore, the terms comprising, including, and containing are not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A fluid dispensing system comprising:

a reservoir for storing fluid;

a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a system controller in communication with the pump;

an activation controller in communication with at least one of the pump and the system controller for dispensing fluid; and

an outlet tube in fluid communication with the pump for delivering fluid to a bathroom fixture.

2. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising a housing for at least one of the reservoir, the pump, the system controller, the activation controller, and the outlet tube.

3. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, the reservoir further comprising at least one replaceable fluid cartridge.

4. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the reservoir includes a fluid level sensor.

5. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the system controller includes a processor and a memory with instructions stored thereon and a power source.

6. The fluid dispensing system of claim 5, wherein the system controller further includes a wireless communication device to connect to at least one of the Internet, other wireless devices, and wireless network.

7. A fluid dispensing system comprising:

a reservoir for storing fluid;

a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a system controller in communication with the pump;

an activation controller in communication with at least one of the pump and the controller for dispensing fluid;

a use sensor in communication with the system controller and at least one of the pump and the controller for dispensing fluid; and

8. The fluid dispensing system of claim 7, further comprising a housing for at least one of the reservoir, the pump, the system controller, the activation controller, and the outlet tube.

9. The fluid dispensing system of claim 7, the reservoir further comprising at least one replaceable fluid cartridge.

10. The fluid dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the reservoir includes a fluid level sensor.

11. The fluid dispensing system of claim 7, the use sensor further comprising at least one of a thermal sensor, a motion sensor, a radar sensor, an image sensor, an acoustic sensor, and a vibration sensor.

12. The fluid dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the system controller includes a processor and a memory with instructions stored thereon and a power source.

13. The fluid dispensing system of claim 12, wherein the system controller further includes a wireless communication device to connect to at least one of the Internet, other wireless devices, and wireless network.

14. A fluid dispensing system comprising:

a reservoir for storing fluid;

a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir;

a system controller in communication with the pump;

an activation controller for engaging the pump in communication with at least one of the pump and the controller for dispensing fluid; and

an outlet tube connected to the pump for communicating fluid from the fluid reservoir to a bathroom fixture.

15. The fluid dispensing system of claim 14, further comprising a housing for at least one of the reservoir, the pump, the system controller, the activation controller, and the outlet tube.

16. The fluid dispensing system of claim 14, the reservoir further comprising at least one replaceable fluid cartridge.

17. The fluid dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the reservoir includes a fluid level sensor.

18. The fluid dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the system controller includes a processor and a memory with instructions stored thereon and a power source.

19. The fluid dispensing system of claim 18, the instructions further including at least one of predetermined operation instructions of the fluid dispensing system, random operation instructions of the fluid dispensing system, and user-selected operation instructions of the fluid dispensing system.

20. The fluid dispensing system of claim 18, wherein the system controller further includes a wireless communication device to connect to at least one of the Internet, other wireless devices, and wireless network.