US 9,433,327 B2 · Global backflow prevention assembly

Abstract

A backflow prevention assembly for global use with dispensers requiring a variety of backflow prevention devices based on regulatory standards is provided. The assembly includes a housing comprising first and second housing members and including quick connector attachments extending therefrom. The quick connector attachments are non-threaded members configured to be attached to the various measurement and types of connections found throughout the world. A cover is provided for venting purposes to reduce the backflow siphoning forces or pressure, which causes the backflow of a product chemistry. Furthermore, a backflow prevention device is configured to be fluidly coupled to the housing of the present invention to provide for one way flow and the prevention of backflow of a product chemistry into a water supply. The flow control may be selected based on the regulatory standards of the location used.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A backflow prevention assembly for use with a dispenser, comprising:

a housing comprising first and second members attached to one another;
the first housing member covering at least a portion of the second housing member;
the second housing member comprising first and second quick attach connectors configured to be fluidly coupled to an inlet tube and an outlet tube;
a cover that at least partially surrounds the housing and includes one or more vents, said one or more vents configured to provide an escape for back-siphoning pressure;
and
a flow control fluidly coupled within the housing and configured to prevent the backflow of a liquid into the inlet tube;
wherein the first and second housing members abut to create a seam along a longitudinal axis;
wherein the first and second housing members define a flow path connecting the inlet tube and the outlet tube, said flow path parallel to the seam created by the first and second housing members;
said first and second quick attach connectors comprising a threadless connection for the inlet and outlet tubes such that the connection to the tubes can be substantially universal.

6 more elements

A dispenser for forming a product chemistry between a liquid and a solid product chemistry, comprising:

a dispenser housing;
a cavity at least partially within the housing for holding the solid product chemistry;
a liquid source for providing the liquid to contact the solid product chemistry to form the product chemistry;
and
a backflow prevention device fluidly coupled to the liquid source to prevent the backflow of the formed product chemistry comprising a backflow housing comprising first and second non-threaded quick attach connectors extending therefrom, a fluid path between the quick attach connectors, an inlet tube fluidly connected to the first quick attach connector and an outlet tube fluidly connected to the second quick attach connector, and a flow control fluidly coupled to the backflow housing and configured to prevent the backflow of a fluid into the inlet tube;
a cover that at least partially surrounds the backflow prevention device and said cover includes one or more vents configured to provide an escape for back-siphoning pressure;
wherein the backflow housing comprises a first member and a second member that abut to create a seam along a longitudinal axis;
wherein the first and second backflow housing members define the fluid path from the inlet tube and the outlet tube, said fluid path parallel to the seam created by the first and second housing members;
said first and second quick attach connectors comprising a threadless connection for the inlet and outlet tubes such that the connection to the tubes can be substantially universal;
and
wherein the outlet tube is fluidly connected to the liquid source to provide liquid to contact the solid product chemistry.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Global backflow prevention assembly

Life of this patent

Global backflow prevention assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20