US 4,426,362 A · Solid block detergent dispenser

Abstract

A detergent dispenser (20) for efficiently converting one or more solid block detergent compositions into concentrated detergent solutions is disclosed. A housing (12) configured for mounting to a solid surface defines a substantially enclosed inner cavity (30), and access and discharge ports (32) and (34) opening into the inner cavity. Retaining means (40) holds a charge of solid block detergent composition (100-103), which may include a plurality of different and even chemically incompatible detergent composition components, in fixed predetermined position within the inner cavity, exposing at least one broad surface (100a) of the detergent block. Nozzle means (61) projects into the cavity and directs a pressurized liquid spray against substantially the entire exposed detergent surface(s), dissolving a portion thereof, which is collected by the housing (30b) and passes through the discharge port. The nozzle means may be disposed above or below the exposed detergent surface. One embodiment of the retaining means comprises a disposable or rechargable cartridge receptacle member which is removably insertable into the inner cavity through the access port. The cartridge receptacle may include an overlying screen member (50), and may be configured to define a plurality of different receptacles (46, 47). Closure means (44) and safety switching means (70, 72) cooperably prevent hazardous spray from leaving the inner cavity.

Claims25

Dependent claims

A dispenser for safely handling and dispensing solid block detergent compositions, comprising:

(a) a housing configured for fixed mounting to a solid surface, said housing defining a substantially enclosed inner cavity and access and discharge ports opening into said cavity;
(b) detergent containing cartridge means for providing safe operator handling of highly caustic solid block detergents, comprising:
(i) a geometrically shaped solid block of highly caustic detergent;
(ii) means for fixedly containing said detergent block, so as to expose for use at least one broad surface of said block, positioned and dimensioned to enable an operator to readily and safely grasp and move said detergent block in loading and unloading manner without touching said detergent or residue formed therefrom;
and
(iii) said detergent block and container means combination being dimensioned for rapid convenient insertion into said inner cavity;
(c) spray-forming nozzle means mounted to extend into said cavity for directing a pressurized fine spray of liquid;
and
(d) cartridge positioning means in said housing for accepting said cartridge means inserted through said access port and for releasably holding said inserted cartridge means in fixed predetermined position within said cavity in a manner directly and continuously exposing said broad detergent surface to said nozzle spray sufficiently so that the hydraulic action of said nozzle directed spray safely disolves said detergent block through said exposed detergent surface in uniform controlled manner, forming a concentrated detergent solution for passage through said discharge port.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Solid block detergent dispenser

Life of this patent

Solid block detergent dispenser

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25