Coating implements with material supply – Concentrated material and liquid carrier – Concentrated material in or adjacent reservoir outlet or feeder
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-11
2001-07-10
Huson, Gregory L. (Department: 3751)
Coating implements with material supply
Concentrated material and liquid carrier
Concentrated material in or adjacent reservoir outlet or feeder
C401S040000, C401S042000, C401S289000, C239S310000, C239S318000, C222S145500, C222S630000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257786
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to automotive cleaning equipment, and more particularly to spray nozzles wherein water is mixed with a detergent concentrate prior to ejection from the nozzle.
Devices for metering the storage, release and mixture of concentrated soap into a water stream are well known in the automotive cleaning accessory industry. These devices are commonly referred to as “sudsers.” Sudsers generally include a connector for operably attaching a hose to one end thereof, a reservoir for storing concentrated soap and through which the water stream must pass to mix the water and soap, and a nozzle for dispensing the water/soap mixture. A cleaning device, such as a brush or squeegee, may be connected in fluid communication to the nozzle, and includes apertures through which the water/soap mixture finally passes.
The prior art sudser technology does effectively mix the soap concentrate and water. However, due to pressure differentials between the soap reservoir and water, the mixture of the two is inefficient and, at times, inconsistent. Thus, the expelled water/soap mixture is over or under saturated at various times of use. Examples of prior art sudsers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,335,481 to Slyaman; U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,401 to Stoyshin; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,154,086 to Barnes.
It is a principal object and advantage of the present invention to provide a sudser device that consistently mixes a soap concentrate with water.
It is a further object and advantage of the present invention to provide a sudser that is easily handled.
It is another object and advantage of the present invention to provide a sudser having an easily refillable soap concentrate reservoir.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will in part be obvious, and in part appear hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention provides a Y-shaped sudser unit, wherein water is introduced into a first chamber via a hose attached to one leg of the unit, and a soap concentrate is positioned in a second chamber which is positioned rearwardly in the unit relative to the first chamber. A valve is operably positioned in the conduit between the first and second chambers. If the valve is closed, the water introduced in the first chamber will be discharged therefrom through an outlet. Due to the outlet being smaller in diameter than the opening through which the water first passes into the first chamber, the pressure differential will force the water through the opening. The velocity of the discharged water may be further enhanced by forming the outlet as a converging nozzle.
When the valve is open, the smaller outlet will create a pressure differential resulting in the flow of water from the first chamber into the second chamber. The pressure in the first and second chambers will ultimately reach an equilibrium causing a cycling effect (e.g., a very weak venturi effect) of the water circulating through the second chamber creating a mixture of the water with the viscous detergent gel concentrate housed in the second chamber. After circulating through the detergent, the thinner water will then exit the second chamber, and be expelled from the unit through the discharge opening.
A cleaning utensil, such as a scrubber brush or squeegee, can be operably attached to and positioned in fluid communication with the discharge opening. Openings formed in the cleaning utensil permit the soap/water (suds) mixture to pass therethrough, thereby permitting effective cleaning of a vehicle or other object.
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Carrand Companies, Inc.
Hancock & Estabrook, LLP
Huson Gregory L.
McGuire George R.
Nguyen Tuan
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