US20210378456A1

US20210378456A1 - Fluid dispensing band apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20210378456A1
Application number: US17/339,406
Authority: US
Inventors: Uri Singer
Original assignee: Freeband LLC
Current assignee: Freeband LLC
Priority date: 2020-06-04
Filing date: 2021-06-04
Publication date: 2021-12-09

Abstract

A fluid dispensing band apparatus include a mounting band defining a central void dimensioned to receive and object with the band mounted therearound. The central void defines an axis. The apparatus includes a container depending from the band and including a hollow chamber configured for containing a fluid. The apparatus includes a valve in fluid communication with the chamber and configured for squirting the fluid therefrom in a stream in response to an elevation of pressure within the container. The valve is positioned to squirt the stream radially in a transverse direction with respect to the axis. The apparatus includes a pump operable by a user to increase pressure within the container to cause the valve to squirt the fluid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/034,819, filed Jun. 4, 2020, entitled BRACELET THAT CAN CARRY AND DISPERSE LIQUID AND GEL, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/056,451, filed Jul. 24, 2020, entitled FLUID DISPENSING BAND APPARATUS, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fluid dispensing band apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a fluid dispensing band apparatus for dispensing a disinfectant in a palm of a hand.

BACKGROUND

A variety of devices are known and used for dispensing a hand sanitizer or other topical solutions, however many of these devices are cumbersome to carry. Various wearable hand sanitizers have been disclosed in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2012/0282011, 2011/0155765, and 2006/0091156, each disclose a hand sanitizer dispenser, wearable as a bracelet. A need exists for portable hand sanitizer dispensers that can more conveniently carry and dispense hand sanitizer.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of various embodiments may include a fluid dispensing band apparatus. In an embodiment, a fluid dispensing band apparatus has a mounting band defining a central void dimensioned to receive and object with the band mounted therearound. A container depends from the band and includes a fluid chamber configured for containing a fluid. A valve is provided in fluid communication with the chamber and configured for squirting the fluid therefrom in a stream in response to an elevation of pressure within the container. An outlet is associated with the valve to aim the stream radially outwardly with respect to the central void, and a pump is provided operable by a user to increase pressure within the container to cause the valve to squirt the fluid.
The band can be a wristband configured and dimensioned for receiving a human wrist in the central void. The band can include a bottom wall defining, and facing inwardly toward, the central void, which bottom wall includes a flattened area configured for locating the flattened area on a top of a wrist, thereby defining a top region of the band that includes the flattened area, a bottom region of the band that is opposite from the top region across the central void, and opposing transverse regions of the band disposed circumferentially between the top and bottom regions. The outlet can be disposed on the top or transverse regions. In some embodiments, the outlet is disposed in an area of the band transitioning the top and transverse regions. In some embodiments, the outlet is disposed in an area diagonally between the top and transverse regions.
In some embodiments, the pump comprises a resilient wall of the fluid chamber that faces outwardly with respect to the central void and is accessible for pressing by a user to squirt the fluid. The resilient wall can be disposed in the top region.
The container is integral with the band in some embodiment. The container can include a plurality of resilient side walls extending generally radially, and a resilient top wall spanning across the side walls to close the top of the fluid chamber. The pump can include the top wall, which top wall can be sufficiently less rigid than the side walls such that pressing on the top wall primarily causes deformation of the top wall, the side walls being sufficiently more rigid than the top wall to pull on the sides of the top wall to draw in air to replace the squirted fluid. The valve can be made of unitary construction with the band.
Some embodiments can include a cartridge that includes the container, and the band can include a cartridge mount that attaches the cartridge thereto in an orientation such that the valve causes the fluid to squirt radially outwardly from the outlet. The cartridge includes the valve in some embodiments, and in others the valve is provided on the band. The pump can include a resilient wall of the fluid chamber that faces outwardly with respect to the central void and is accessible for pressing by a user to squirt the fluid. The resilient wall of the cartridge can be is disposed in the top region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid dispensing band apparatus fastened about a user's wrist according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a rear, right side perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view thereof;

FIG. 4A is a top view of a valve thereof;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view along the plane 4B-4B of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the plane 5-5 of FIG. 2, used with a fluid refilling device;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the valve;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the fluid dispensing band apparatus;

FIG. 7B is a top view thereof;

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional side view along the plane 7C-7C of FIG. 7B;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIGS. 7A-C; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view an embodiment of a cartridge that can be used with the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-C used with another a fluid refilling device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is related a fluid dispensing band apparatus. The fluid dispensing band apparatus may be a wrist-worn article or wrist-worn jewelry with a fluid dispensing assembly that is used to dispense an amount of disinfectant or other fluid into a palm of a wearer.
With the recent novel coronavirus sometimes referred to as “COVID-19,” cleaning one's hands after contact with surfaces, money, objects and people, make it all more important to have a convenient method of dispensing hand sanitizer immediately after contact to minimize the risk of contracting viruses and especially the novel coronavirus.
Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a fluid dispensing band apparatus 100 is shown fastened about a user's wrist 10. The wrist 10 includes transverse sides, including a radius-side 12 and an ulna-side 14. The radius-side 12 may sometimes be referred to as a thumb-side. The ulna-side 14 may sometimes be referred to as a pinky-side. The apparatus 100 includes a mounting band 102 defining a central void 317, as best seen in FIG. 3, dimensioned to receive and fasten around an object, which in this embodiment is wrist 10, with the band 102 mounted therearound. In other embodiments, the band 102 is sized to fasten about different types of elongated objects. The central void 317 defines a center axis 301 (FIG. 3).
The fluid dispensing band apparatus 100 includes a valve 145 and outlet through which an amount of fluid 101 may be squirted into the palm of the user's other hand. In the illustration, the fluid dispensing band apparatus 100 is worn on a left wrist 10 and the valve 145 is oriented in a direction to squirt or spray, in a radial direction from the ulna-side 14, an amount of fluid 101 into the palm of the other hand (e.g., right hand 20). In operation, a finger 22 or thumb of the right hand 20 may be used to press on a pump 121 of the fluid dispensing band apparatus 100 to dispense an amount of fluid 101. In some embodiments, the pump 121 is a finger or thumb-actuated pump. The apparatus 100 includes a fluid dispensing assembly which includes a container 104, a pump 121 and a valve 145 oriented to squirt an amount of fluid 101 in a lateral direction opposite a center of the container 104.
The band 102 is a wristband configured for receiving a human wrist 10 (FIG. 1) in the central void 317 (FIG. 3), and the valve 145 is positioned to squirt the stream of fluid 101 radially at a circumferential angle aiming in a direction which is an upward above the wrist 10 and toward the radius-side 12 of the wrist 10, as best seen in FIG. 1, and to a palm of an opposite hand. The “radius-side 12” refers to the side of the wrist 10 corresponding the radius bone of the wrist 10. The “ulna-side 14” refers to the side of the wrist 10 corresponding to the ulna bone.
The band 102 includes a bottom wall 128 defining, and facing inwardly toward, the central void 317, which bottom wall 128 includes a flattened area configured for locating the flattened area on a top of a wrist 10. As the flattened area positions the band 102 on the wrist 10 in a predetermined orientation, the band 102 has various regions based on where they lie on the wrist 10 when the band 102 is mounted thereon. The band 102 thereby has a top region 310 of the band 102 that includes the flattened area. A bottom region 312 of the band 102 is opposite from the top region 310 across the central void 317. Opposing transverse regions 306, 308 of the band 102 disposed circumferentially between the top and bottom regions.
The valve 145 and outlet (i.e., output port) are disposed on the top or transverse regions 306, 308. In some embodiments, the valve 145 and outlet are disposed in an area of the band 102 transitioning the top region 310 and one of the transverse regions 306 or 308. In some embodiments, the valve 145 and outlet (i.e., outlet port) are disposed in an area diagonally between the top region 310 and one of the transverse regions 306 or 308.
The valve 145 is configured to holding fluid 101 in the container 104 based on the characteristics of fluid 101, such as the fluid's viscosity. The valve 145 will resist or prevent fluid 101 from leaking or escaping until a predetermine amount of pressure builds in the hollow chamber 106. The valve 145 releases the fluid 101 as the pressure is built up to effectuate squirting of the fluid 101 to travel a certain distance upwardly or radially outward. The distance may include at least 1 inch, at least 2 inches, 5 inches or not more than 12 inches. In other embodiments, the pressure may cause the fluid to travel a distance of more than one foot from the valve 145.
In another embodiment, the outlet of the valve 145 may be a pin hole to prevent leaking. The size and shape of valve 145 is sufficient to create squirting. In some embodiments, the outlet is a slit which is part of the valve 145. In other embodiments, the valve 145 may deliver fluid to an outlet that redirects the fluid to aim the squirted stream of fluid. Accordingly, the valve 145 and outlet are configured together to squirt a minimum amount of fluid.
In some embodiments, the pump 121 comprises a resilient wall (i.e., external wall 124) of the fluid chamber 106 that faces outwardly with respect to the central void 317 and is accessible for pressing by a user to squirt the fluid. In some embodiments, the resilient wall (i.e., external wall 124) is disposed in the top region 310.
For the sake of a frame of reference, assume that the apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 is secured about a wrist 10 of a user to accommodate the wearer's dominant, or alternatively non-dominant, hand. When, securing the apparatus 100 to the wrist 10, the valve 145 may be angularly oriented in a lateral direction relative to a center of the wrist 10. Accordingly, a user may opt to wear the apparatus 100 backwards or upside down from the direction shown.
With specific reference to the illustration of FIG. 1, the angle at which the fluid may be aimed may range from between about 30° from a direction normal to the back of the wrist 10 on the ulna-side 14 to about 30° from the radius-side 12.
In some embodiments, the angle is aimed along the upper radius-side 12 of the wrist 10. However, the band 102 and container 104 may be rotated such that the valve 145 is moved to an underside of the ulna-side 14. Still further the band 102 and container 104 may be worn about the wrist 10 of the user such that the valve 145 is positioned on the upper ulna-side 14 of the wrist 10. Still further the band 102 and container 104 may be worn about the wrist 10 of the user such that the valve 145 is positioned on the lower radius-side 12 of the wrist 10. In any of these positions, as the frame of reference, provides an angle from which the fluid is squirted radially outward from the valve 145.
The fluid may be a liquid disinfectant, a hand sanitizer fluid, a liquid antibacterial agent, a liquid antiviral agent, a gel disinfectant, gel antibacterial, a cream, hand cream, liquid or viscous material, or combination thereof.
Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the apparatus 100 includes a band 102 and a container 104. The container 104 may be integral with the band 102. The container 104 includes a hollow chamber 106 defining a volume of space. A pump 121 may be integral with the container 104. The container 104 also includes a longitudinal dimension 195 and a center C. The valve 145 is in fluid communication with the chamber 106 and configured for squirting the fluid therefrom in a stream in response to an elevation of pressure within the container 104. The valve 145 is positioned to squirt the stream of fluid 101 radially in the direction of arrow 190 with respect to the axis of the band 102. The direction of arrow 190 may be in a direction directed toward a transverse region (i.e., transverse region 306), hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “transverse direction.” The pump 121 is operable by a user to increase pressure within the container 104 to cause the valve 145 to squirt the fluid. In some embodiments, the band 102 may include the valve 145. The traverse regions 306,308 have a smaller radius relative to the flattened top region and bottom region.
The circumferential angle 180 may be from about 30°-60° from a direction normal to the back of the wrist 10 on an ulna-side 14 of the wrist 10. In some embodiments, the circumferential angle 180 may be from about 30°-60° from a radius-side 12 of the wrist 10 depending on the position of the valve 145 relative to the radius-side 12 or ulna-side 14 of the wrist 10.
In the illustrated embodiments, the longitudinal dimension 195 orients the longitudinal dimension of the container 104 generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of either the ulna bone and/or the radius bone of the wrist 10 and specifically, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the forearm that extends from the elbow to wrist 10. However, in various embodiments, the longitudinal dimension of the container 104 may be oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the forearm. However, the valve 145 may be shifted such that fluid is expelled radially in a direction above and toward the radius-side 12 of the wrist 10; above and toward the metacarpals; or in a direction above and toward the ulna-side 14 of the wrist 10. If the container 104 is positioned on the underside of the wrist 10, the valve 145 may expelled radially in a direction below and toward the radius-side 12 of the wrist 10; below and toward the metacarpals; or in a direction below and toward the ulna-side 14 of the wrist 10.
In various embodiments, the band 102 may be a wristband made of an elastomeric material. In other embodiments, the band 102 includes a first band member 112 having a plurality of apertures 114 and a first fastener element 118A. The band 102 includes a second band member 116 having a second fastener element 118B configured to fasten to a respective one aperture 114. The first fastener element 118A may include a loop configured to receive through the loop the second band member 116.
The fastener elements 118A and 118B collectively form a fastener 118 (FIG. 3). The fastener 118 may include VELCRO™, hook and loop fasteners, a clasp, a buckle, magnetics, and the like. In some embodiments, the fastener 118 may include elasticity such that the band 102 will stretch and contract to fit a wearer's wrist 10, extremity or other body part. In FIG. 3, band members 112 and 116 are fastened together via fastener 118 to form a central void 317 with a center axis 301. The length of the band members 112 and 116 should accommodate the circumference of the object to be received in the central void 317.
The first band member 112 and a second band member 116 may be made of elastic material, silicone, polymers, elastomers, polyester material, rubber material or plastic material. In various embodiments, the band 102 may be a single band. The apparatus 100 may be jewelry including the band 102. The band 102 is configured to be fastened about a wrist 10 of a user, for example. The band 102 may be any length to accommodate attachment around a particular body part or extremity.
In some embodiments, the band 102 may be a necklace worn about the neck of a wearer. In some embodiments, the band 102 may be a belt configured to be worn about the waist of the wearer. The band 102 may be fed through belt loops of pants or other garments. The band 102 may be worn about an ankle of the user or other extremity. The band 102 may be strapped around a forehead such as a headband.
In some embodiments, the band 102 may be strapped to a bicycle, such as bicycle handle bars. The band 102 may be strapped to other objects.
The container 104 includes a plurality of side walls 126 having a first rigidity. The container 104 includes a bottom wall 128 coupled to the plurality of side walls 126 and has a refill port 136. The container 104 includes a top external wall 124. In some embodiments, the pump 121 defines the top external wall 124 of the container 104. The bottom wall 128 diametrically opposes the top external wall 124. The top external wall 124 is configured to have a second rigidity lower than a first rigidity such that pressing on the external wall 124 deforms the external wall 124 while the first rigidity of the plurality of side walls 126 maintains the side walls 126 upright.
In the illustration of FIG. 3, the bottom wall 128 is shown to be a separate wall removable from the side walls 126. However, the bottom wall 128 may be integrated into the body of container 104. For example, the external wall 124, side walls 126 and the bottom wall 128 may be integrated together to form a unitary body. In some embodiments, the separate bottom wall 128 may be permanently affixed, such as by an adhesive, to form a unitary body. Specifically, the container 104 should include a sealable hollow chamber 106 such that fluid does not leak from the hollow chamber 106.
In some embodiments, the container 104 and band 102 may be made of a unitary piece of elastomeric material such that ends of the first and second band members 112 and 116 are integrated with the container 104. In other embodiments, the first and second band member 112 and 116 may be affixed to sides of the container 104 similar to a watch. Based on the illustration in FIGS. 1 and 3, the band 102 includes a first transverse region 306 (i.e., side of the first band member 112) of apparatus 100 which wraps around the radius-side 12 or a thumb-side of the wrist 10. The band 102 includes a second transverse region 308 (i.e., side of the second band member 116) of apparatus 100 which wraps around the ulna-side 14 or the pinky-side. The first and second transverse regions 306 and 308 are integrated with opposite sides of a flattened top band area (i.e., bottom wall 128), for example. The band 102 with the bottom wall 128 may form a first flattened area. Since the bottom wall 128 is part of the container 104, the first flattened band area may be part of a top region 310 of apparatus 100 which is worn on a top side of the wrist 10. The bottom wall 128 may form a flattened top band area. The band 102 with the fastener 118 may form a second flattened area or bottom region 312 of the apparatus 100 which is worn under a wrist 10. The description of the valve 145 may be with respect to the orientation of apparatus 100 in FIG. 3. However, it should be understood that a user may reverse the apparatus 100 about the wrist 10, for example, such that the first transverse region 306 (i.e., side of the first band member 112) of apparatus 100 which wraps around the ulna-side 14 or a pinky-side of the wrist 10. Likewise, the second transverse region 308 (i.e., side of the second band member 116) of apparatus 100 which wraps around the radius-side 12 or the thumb-side of the wrist 10. Still further, it should be understood, that a user may wear the apparatus 100 such that the band 102 is rotated approximately 180° with respect to the orientation shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the fluid is radially squirted in the direction of arrow 190 which is shown offset from the top external wall 124 by angle 182. The angle 182 is generally less than 90°. The circumferential angle 180 is defined between the center C of the container 104 and a location of the valve 145 which is also less than 90°. The circumferential angle 180 may be between 40° and 60°. The arrow 190 may be offset by angle 184 from radial line 197 originating at the center axis 301. The radial line 197 is displaced from the center C by the angle 180. If the band 102 is rotated for example, approximately 45°-60° clockwise, the valve 145 would still expel fluid radially (downward) from the radius-side 12 or a thumb-side of the wrist 10. Alternately, if the band 102 is rotated, for example, approximately 180° clockwise, the valve 145 would expel fluid radially (downward) from the ulna-side 14 or a pinky-side of the wrist 10. In this orientation, the container 104 a bottom region. Still further, if the band 102 is rotated, for example, approximately 270° clockwise, the valve 145 would expel fluid radially (upward) from the ulna-side 14 or a pinky-side of the wrist 10. It should be understood, the apparatus 100 can be rotated counterclockwise as well. Thus, the valve 145 would expel in different directions radially.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include a simulated valve 143. The simulated valve 143 may include external surface ornamentation similar to valve 145 in appearance but does not function as a valve. In other embodiments, the simulated valve 143 may be an alternate valve which can be selectively used by the user, as will be described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 4A-4B. In some embodiments, a center of simulated valve 143 may be offset from a center of the valve 145 by 90° with respect to a center axis 301.
Referring also to FIGS. 4A-4B, a top view of a valve 145 of the fluid dispensing band apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 and a cross-sectional view along the plane 4B-4B of FIG. 4A are shown. The container 104 may include a valve 145 having a valve chamber 447 (FIG. 4B) that is offset laterally from the center of the apparatus 100 and in fluid communication with the volume of space of the hollow chamber 106 to squirt or expel an amount of fluid through the valve 145. The valve chamber 447 includes a chamber wall 455 having an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal dimension 195 (FIG. 3) of the container 104 to form sloped surfaces oriented in a lateral direction away from and in an opposite direction relative to the center C. In various embodiments, the valve chamber 447 is a channel or generally cylindrical conduit that leads to membrane 435. The chamber wall 455 is integrated into the wall(s) or body of container 104 with the cross-section of the membrane 435 being thinner than the cross-section of the top external wall 124, for example. Accordingly, the membrane 435 has a wall thickness thinner or smaller than the wall thickness of the top external wall 124.
The valve 145 includes an outlet channel 440 having a length with an outlet port or aperture 450 through which an amount of fluid 101 is squirted or expelled. The outlet channel 440 includes the space between the chamber wall 455.
In some embodiments, the valve 145 may be surrounded by a first perimeter wall 446 of a geometric shape and a second perimeter wall 448 of the geometric shape being concentric to the first perimeter wall 446. The geometric shape may be circular. Thus, the first perimeter wall 446 and the second perimeter wall 448 may be concentric circles. The outlet port or aperture 450 of the valve 145 is formed in a membrane 435 located within an interior side of the second perimeter wall 448. The first and second perimeter walls 446 are integrated into a portion of the top external wall 145 which may serve to visually distinguish the valve 145 or the output port or aperture 450 to the user.
In some embodiments, the band 102 may include the valve 145. Accordingly, the outlet channel 440 would be in fluid communication with hollow chamber 106 with the chamber wall 455 formed in a portion of the band 102. The membrane 435 would have a wall thickness which is thinner than the wall thickness of the band 102.
In various embodiments, the output port or aperture 450 may include a slit having a length L1. In some embodiments, the output port or aperture 450 may be a single pin hole or a plurality of pin holes arranged in the membrane 435. In the illustration, the length is denoted as L1 of the membrane 435 having a diameter D1. In some embodiments, the membrane 435 is flushed with or recessed below the height of the first perimeter wall 446. The aperture 450 may be a self-sealing aperture. In some embodiments, the aperture 450 is configured to be normally closed and configured to open upon actuation of the pump.
In some embodiments, the aperture 450 is configured to allow air to fill into the remaining area in the volume of space of the hollow chamber 106. The air will force the exterior wall 124 (i.e., pump 121) to raise up to its original position. In other words, a negative air pressure state in the volume of space may exist after an amount of the fluid is dispensed. The negative air pressure state may cause air to be sucked into the volume of space as the self-sealing aperture seals.
In operation, the top external wall 124 has a non-depressed orientation. When the top external wall 124 has a force applied to it in the direction of arrow 401, the external wall 124 will deform to a depressed orientation denoted by the reference numeral 424. The application of force reduces the volume of space within the hollow chamber 106; and thus, displacing an amount of fluid 101 up into the outlet channel 440 of the valve 145. Applying the force on the external wall 124 (i.e., pump 121) cause a stricture in the space between the external wall 124 and the bottom wall 128.
The sloped surfaces of the chamber wall 455 direct the fluid 101 to the membrane 435 such that the pressure causes the fluid 101 to be expelled with a force to generate a narrow stream of fluid in the form of a squirt out through the aperture 450. The membrane 435 is made of a resilient material which flexes back closed and seals once the amount of fluid 101 is dispensed and/or pressure is removed from the external wall 124.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include two valves 143 and 145 so that the user may select the valve 143,145 to use for dispensing by placing a self-sealing aperture in the membrane of the selected valve 143,145. Thus, the valves 143 and 145 may be the same internally and externally except that the self-sealing aperture is made by the user which still achieves the directional flow of the fluid into the palm of the user's hand, for example. The apparatus 100 may be used to dispense an amount of fluid 101 through the valve 143,145 on the skin of other body parts, as needed.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the plane 5-5 of FIG. 2 and fluid refilling device. The hollow chamber 106 includes a volume of space 513 filled with fluid 101. The apparatus 100 may include a cap 540 for closing the refill port 136. The cap 540 is tethered by a strap 542 to the bottom wall 128 or a side wall 126 of the container 104. In some embodiments, the cap 540 may include a plug 544 dimensioned to fill the hole of the refill port 136. The plug 544 may seal the refill port 136 to prevent leakage of the fluid in the hollow chamber 106. To refill the hollow chamber 106, the cap 540 is opened. In other embodiments, other inlets may be used including valves 143,145 such that a plug and/or cap is not needed or may be refilled via the outlet/valve.
The side walls 126 of the container 104 have a larger thickness than the external wall 124. Thus, the reduced thickness of external wall 124 may allow it to be depressed using a finger or thumb. The reduced thickness of the top external wall 124 reduces the rigidity of wall 124 below the rigidity of the side walls 126. Accordingly, the side walls 126 have a first rigidity and the external wall 124 has a second rigidity less than the first rigidity.
The fluid refilling device 510 includes a container or bottle 512 with additional fluid 101 stored therein. The device 510 includes a dispensing nozzle 518 secured to the bottle 512 via a bottle cap 515. The nozzle 518 include a channel denoted in dashed line through which fluid 101 flows from bottle 512 and into the hollow chamber 106. The bottle 512 may be plastic and can be squeezed to dispense an amount of the fluid 101 from the bottle into the hollow chamber 106 to refill the chamber 106. The aperture of the refill port 136 may be made of elastomeric material. Thus, when the nozzle 518 is inserted into the refill port 126, the elastomeric material may compress to form a (tight) seal around the perimeter surface of nozzle 518 to prevent leaking of the fluid 101 while filling the hollow chamber 106. The elastomeric material flexes to allow the nozzle 518 to be removed.
In various embodiments, the apparatus 100 is part of a kit that includes the apparatus 100 and the fluid refilling device 510.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the valve 645. The valve 645 includes a valve chamber 647. The valve chamber 647 includes a recessed formation integrated into the top external wall 624 extending below a plane of the external wall 624 and an output port 650. The valve chamber 647 includes the chamber wall 655 that forms a conical formation with a vertex 657 of the conical formation being below the external wall 624. The output port 650 includes an aperture formed in a surface of the vertex 657. The center axis 602 of the conical formation is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal dimension 195 (FIG. 3). Applying the force on the external wall 624 (i.e., pump 121) cause a stricture in the volume of space of the hollow chamber 606 between the external wall 624, the bottom wall 628, and side wall (not labeled). The stricture causes the fluid 101 to be displaces so that it is squirted out through the output port 650.
In some embodiments, the aperture may be normally closed. The aperture may be a self-sealing aperture. In some embodiments, the valve 645 may be formed in the band 602 such that the valve chamber 647 is in fluid communication with the hollow chamber 606.
In some embodiments, the conical formation may be reversed such that the vertex 657 is positioned generally in the plane of the top external wall 624 with a base of the valve chamber 647 leading up to the vertex 657 through which the fluid 101 is expelled or squirted.
In some embodiments, a portion of the conical formation may extend above the plane of the top external wall 624 such that the vertex may extend in a plane above the top external wall 624.
An alternate embodiment of the apparatus and kit will now be described in relation to FIGS. 7A-7C, and 8. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the fluid dispensing band apparatus 700. FIG. 7B is a top view of the fluid dispensing band apparatus 700 of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional side view of the fluid dispensing band apparatus 700 along the plane 7C-7C of FIG. 7B. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge 760. In various embodiments, the apparatus 700 includes a band 702 and container 704 where a cartridge 760 includes the container 704. The band 702 includes a cartridge mount 720 that attaches to the cartridge 760 in an orientation such that the valve 745 squirts the fluid 101 in the radial direction.
The transverse regions 306, 308, top region 310 and bottom region 312, described in FIG. 3, also apply to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-7C.
The band 702 may be a wristband made of an elastomeric material. In other embodiments, the band 702 includes a first band member 712 having a plurality of apertures 714 and a first fastener element 718A. The band 702 includes a second band member 716 having a second fastener element 718B configured to fasten to a respective one apertures 714. The first fastener element 718A may include a loop configured to receive through the loop the second band member 716.
In some embodiments, the cartridge 760 is removable. In other embodiments, the cartridge is refillable. In still further embodiments, the cartridge 760 may be both removable and refillable. The cartridge 760 has a hollow chamber 706 with a volume of space that can be filled with a fluid (i.e., fluid 101).
The cartridge mount 720 may include a plurality of side walls 726 being elastomeric. The cartridge mount 720 includes a bottom wall 728 coupled to the plurality of side walls 726. The bottom wall 728 may, in some embodiments, have an aperture 729 formed therein. For example, the aperture 729 may allow a user to apply pressure to an underside of the cartridge 760 to assist in removing the cartridge 760 from the cartridge mount 720.
With specific reference to FIGS. 7A, 7C and 8, the cartridge mount 720 may include lip 734. Between the lip 734 and the bottom wall 728, the side wall 726 is concaved to form a cavity 739 that extends around a perimeter of the cartridge mount 720. The cavity 739 is contoured to receive and secure perimeter edge surface 822 (FIG. 8) of the cartridge 760. The side walls 726 wrap around the perimeter edge surface 822 (FIG. 8) of the cartridge 760. The cartridge mount 720 may include elastomeric material that expands and contracts around the perimeter of the cartridge 760 such that the cartridge 760 is secured in the cartridge mount 720 within the cavity 739.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 700 may include a simulated valve 743. The simulated valve 743 may include external surface ornamentation similar to valve 745 in appearance but does not function as a valve. In other embodiments, the simulated valve 743 may be an alternate valve which can be selectively used by the user. In such an embodiment, the cartridge mount 720 may be symmetrical to include a valve channel 747 on diametrically opposed transverse regions, for example. The valve channel 747 may be a cylindrical conduit or valve chamber.
Referring now to FIG. 7A, the valve 745 includes a valve channel 747 (FIG. 7A) that is offset laterally from the center of the apparatus 700 and in fluid communication with the volume of space of the hollow chamber 706 of cartridge 760 to squirt an amount of fluid 101 through the valve 745 in direction 790. The valve channel 747 includes a chamber wall having an acute angle (e.g., 0°) with respect to the longitudinal dimension 795 to form a channel oriented in a lateral direction away from and in an opposite direction relative to the center C (FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the band 702 may include the valve 745. The valve 745 may have a hole 750 formed therein.
The cartridge 760 includes the container 804 defining the hollow chamber 706 and includes a top external wall 724 that is resilient and flexible which when pressed reduces the volume of space in the hollow chamber 706 and dispenses an amount of fluid 101 out from the container 804. In some embodiments, the container 804 may be made of a heterogeneous material. In other embodiments, the top external wall 724 may be made of the same material with a wall thickness which is thinner than the wall thickness of the perimeter edge surface 822 or a different material that allows the top external wall 724 to be easily depressed by a finger to apply a pump action to squirt the fluid 101. The container 804 may include a bottom wall 828 which is generally flat to provide a flattened area of the band 702.
The top external wall 724 is configured to be pressed by a finger or thumb of the user. The top external wall 724 may define a pump 821 to which a pump action may be applied. The perimeter edge surface 822 of container 804 has a reduced height relative to the top external wall 724. Specifically, the top external wall 724 has a dome shape. In various embodiments, there may be a step 805 elevating the top external wall 724 above the perimeter edge surface 822. By way of non-limiting example, the lip 734 may have a thickness that approximates a height of the step 805 in the container 804 to provide a generally smooth transition between the lip 734 and the perimeter of the top external wall 724. Accordingly, when the cartridge 760 is inserted into the cartridge mount 720, the lip 734 overlaps onto the top the perimeter edge surface 822, as best seen in FIG. 7A.
Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 8, the cartridge 760 includes a nozzle 827 having a length with an outlet port 850 through which the amount of fluid 101 is squirted in the direction of arrow 890 and interfaces with valve 745 and hole 750 through which the fluid 101 exits. In various embodiments, the nozzle 827 may include an annular rib 836. The valve channel 747 may include an annular recess 736 which is mated with the rib 836 so that the rib 836 can to be snapped therein and held in place. The annular recess 736 may be formed in the cartridge mount 720 at a location in the valve channel 747. Thus, the annular rib 836 and annular recess 736 may have a Snap-on connection which may generally seal the valve channel 747 behind the rib 836.
In the illustration of FIG. 8, the nozzle 827 includes a neck with a graded length. The graded length may be configured maintain the nozzle 827 recessed in the valve channel 747. In the illustration, the lower side of the nozzle 827 has a longer length than the upper side of the nozzle 827. Thus, the outlet port 850 in the nozzle 827 may be cause to squirt or expel the fluid 101 in the direction of arrow 890. The outlet port 850 may be a hole or aperture in the end of the nozzle 827 configured to deflect the fluid 101 in the direction of arrow 890 which is in a direction radially away from a center of the container 804.
In some embodiments, the valve 745 may include a self-sealing aperture 450 (FIG. 4A) or an open hole in a valve membrane (i.e., membrane 435 of FIG. 4A). In the self-sealing aperture 450 (FIG. 4A) configuration, the valve channel 747 may include a portion adapted to receive the fluid 101 from the outlet port 850 and expel or squirt the fluid 101 through the self-sealing aperture 450 (FIG. 4A). The mated annular rib 836 and annular recess 736 create a seal between the valve channel 747 and the nozzle 827. In some embodiments, the valve 745 may have a normally open aperture. However, the outlet port 850 may include a self-sealing aperture. In other embodiments, the outlet port 850 may have a normally closed opening.
The cartridge 760 may be removed and discarded once the fluid 101 is depleted. However, in some embodiments, the cartridge 760 may be pre-filled with a fluid 101. Accordingly, the cartridge 760 may include a cap 860 to fit around the neck and seal the fluid 101 in the container 804.
The cap 860 may be snapped onto the neck via the annular rib 836 where the cap 860 and neck provide a Snap-on connection for maintaining the cap 860 in place. In other embodiments, the Snap-on connection may be replaced with a threaded connection. Still further, the cap 860 may be a membrane with is adhesively attached to close the open end of the nozzle 827.
In the illustration, the nozzle 827 may be generally parallel to the horizontal plane or the horizon to squirt the fluid 101 in a radial direction. However, in some embodiments, the nozzle 827 may be angled relative to the horizontal plane such that the fluid 101 is squirted in a direction away from the center of the container 804 and in a radial direction. For example, the nozzle 827 and neck may be tilted upward such as by 1°-45° from the horizon. In such configuration, the direction of fluid 101 exiting in the direction of arrow 890 may follow a different radial path.
The band 702 and cartridge mount 720 may be made of silicone, polymers, elastomers and rubber, by way of non-limiting example. The cartridge 760 may be made of plastic such as without limitation polyethylene terephthalate (PTE), plastic material, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polypropene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyoxymethylene (POM), and Santoprene™.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of cartridge 960 and a fluid refilling device 910 together form part of a kit. The device 910 includes a nozzle 918 with a needle 925 coupled thereto. The fluid refilling device 910 may be a syringe. The device 910 may include a container 912 with fluid 101 filled therein. The needle 925 may fill the cartridge 960 through the nozzle 927 by injecting the needle 925 into the nozzle 927 and filling the cartridge 960 with fluid 101. The bottom wall 928 of the cartridge 960 may have a concaved profile. The bottom wall 928 and top wall 921 are connected via two side walls 922.
Having described several embodiments herein, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used. The various examples and embodiments may be employed separately or they may be mixed and matched in combination to form any iteration of the alternatives. Additionally, a number of well-known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the focus of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presently disclosed embodiments teach by way of example and not by limitation. Therefore, the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid dispensing band apparatus comprising:

a mounting band defining a central void dimensioned to receive and object with the band mounted therearound;

a container depending from the band and including a fluid chamber configured for containing a fluid;

a valve in fluid communication with the chamber and configured for squirting the fluid therefrom in a stream in response to an elevation of pressure within the container;

an outlet associated with the valve to aim the stream radially outwardly with respect to the central void; and

a pump operable by a user to increase pressure within the container to cause the valve to squirt the fluid.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the band is a wristband configured and dimensioned for receiving a human wrist in the central void.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the band includes a bottom wall defining, and facing inwardly toward, the central void, which bottom wall includes a flattened area configured for locating the flattened area on a top of a wrist, thereby defining:

a top region of the band that includes the flattened area;

a bottom region of the band that is opposite from the top region across the central void; and

opposing transverse regions of the band disposed circumferentially between the top and bottom regions.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the outlet is disposed on the top or transverse regions.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the outlet is disposed in an area of the band transitioning the top and transverse regions.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the outlet is disposed in an area diagonally between the top and transverse regions.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pump comprises a resilient wall of the fluid chamber that faces outwardly with respect to the central void and is accessible for pressing by a user to squirt the fluid.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the resilient wall is disposed in the top region.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container is integral with the band.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein:

the container comprises:

a plurality of resilient side walls extending generally radially; and

a resilient top wall spanning across the side walls to close the top of the fluid chamber; and

the pump includes the top wall, which top wall is sufficiently less rigid than the side walls such that pressing on the top wall primarily causes deformation of the top wall, the side walls being sufficiently more rigid than the top wall to pull on the sides of the top wall to draw in air to replace the squirted fluid.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the valve is of unitary construction with the band.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cartridge that includes the container, wherein the band comprises a cartridge mount that attaches the cartridge thereto in an orientation such that the valve squirts the fluid radially outwardly from the outlet.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the cartridge includes the valve.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the pump comprises a resilient wall of the fluid chamber that faces outwardly with respect to the central void and is accessible for pressing by a user to squirt the fluid.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the resilient wall is disposed in the top region.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the container is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PTE) or plastic material.