Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A liquid dispenser (10), comprising:
an inlet pipe (20) comprising an opening (28);
an elongated tube (30) connecting the inlet pipe (20) at the opening (28);
characterized in that:
the elongated tube (30) comprises a first lever (42) and a second lever (43), wherein the first lever (42) fixedly connects and extends at an angle from the elongated tube (30), wherein the second lever (43) faces the first lever (42) and extends from outside and into the elongated tube (30), wherein the second lever (43) positions against the opening (28) and prevents liquid from entering into the elongated tube (30) from the inlet pipe (20), and wherein the second lever (43) presses towards the first lever (42) such that the second lever (43) moves away from the opening (28) for controllably releasing the liquid from the inlet pipe (20) into the elongated tube (30).

2. The liquid dispenser (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first lever (42) connects to the elongated tube (30) at an angle ranging from 30 to 45 degrees.

3. The liquid dispenser (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated tube (30) comprises a groove (36) for receiving the second lever (43).

4. The liquid dispenser (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second lever (43) comprises a ridge (46) having a cut section (48), wherein the ridge (46) engages the groove (36) and acts as a pivot point for operating the second lever (43).

5. The liquid dispenser (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a first member (50) at the second lever (43), wherein the first member (50) rests against the opening (28) and prevents the liquid from entering the elongated tube (30).

6. The liquid dispenser (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet pipe (20) comprises a threaded portion (22) for connecting to a supply source (14).
7. The liquid dispenser (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated tube (30) connects perpendicularly to the inlet pipe (20).

8. The liquid dispenser (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a stopper (60), wherein the stopper (60) connects to the first lever (42) and prevents the second lever (43) from engaging.

9. A liquid dispenser (10), comprising:
an inlet pipe (20) comprising an opening (28);
an elongated tube (30) connecting the inlet pipe (20) at the opening (28);
characterized in that:
the elongated tube (30) comprises a first lever (42) and a second lever (43), wherein the first lever (42) fixedly connects and extends at an angle from the elongated tube (30), wherein the second lever (43) faces the first lever (42) and extends from outside and into the elongated tube (30), wherein the elongated tube (30) comprises a groove (36) for receiving the second lever (43), wherein the second lever (43) comprises a first member (50) resting against the opening (28) and preventing liquid from entering into the elongated tube (30) from the inlet pipe (20), wherein the second lever (43) comprises a ridge (46) having a cut section (48), wherein the ridge (46) engages the groove (36) and acts as a pivot point for operating the second lever (43), and wherein the second lever (43) presses towards the first lever (42) such that the second lever (43) connecting the first member (50) moves away from the opening (28) for controllably releasing the liquid from the inlet pipe (20) into the elongated tube (30).

10. The liquid dispenser (10) as claimed in claim 9, comprises a stopper (60), wherein the stopper (60) connects to the first lever (42) and prevents operation of the second lever (43). , Description:A LIQUID DISPENSER

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to liquid dispensers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid dispenser with a unique lever mechanism to controllably release or dispense liquid such as water, oil, etc., at a desired flow rate.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[002] Liquid dispensers are commonly used to controllably dispense liquid such as water, oil, etc. A liquid dispenser includes, but not limited to, a tap, faucet, spigot, bibcock, etc. The liquid dispenser typically connects to a supply source such as a storage tank or liquid container or pipeline (e.g., waterline) at one end. The liquid dispenser mounts at the end or hangs down from the liquid supply and allows the liquid to flow out. The liquid dispenser includes a valve. The valve comes in a variety of shapes and operates to control the release of the liquid through the liquid dispenser.

[003] Several liquid dispensers have been disclosed in the past. Once such an example is disclosed in a United States granted patent no. 9,096,995, entitled, “water/soap dispenser”. US9096995 discloses a water/soap dispenser having a housing configured to be mounted to existing faucets. An internal pipe assembly within the housing directs water from the faucet and a cleaning product from a pump assembly coupled to the pipe assembly to the outlet of the dispenser. A valve assembly is also coupled to the pipe assembly to selectively open and close passage of water through the pipe assembly. A universal actuator is pivotally mounted to the valve assembly, and selective operation of the universal actuator facilitates substantially concurrent activation of the valve assembly to open water flow and the pump assembly to dispense a certain amount of cleaning product into the water flow. A dial assembly is rotatably mounted to the housing and includes one or more outlet ports facilitating a different flow character to the liquid being dispensed, as determined by the user.

[004] Another example is disclosed in a United States granted patent no. 4,987,926, entitled, “Faucet using a cistern pump handle and a water mixing valve”. US4987926 discloses a faucet having a cistern-type pump body with a handle mounted on its upper end, and linkage connected to a rotary mixing valve mounted beneath the pump body such that when the handle is raised, a mixture of hot and cold water is delivered through a conduit mounted in the pump spout.

[005] The above disclosures disclose various liquid dispensers having different ways of releasing the liquid with the help of levers or valves. Still there is a need for improvements in the design of the liquid dispensers to controllably release the liquid flowing through them.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved liquid dispenser for controllably dispensing liquid such as water, oil, etc.

[007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid dispenser that connects to a supply source such as a water bottle/container or pipeline, the liquid dispenser that controllably releases/dispenses the liquid from the supply source.

[008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid dispenser that has a fixed lever and moveable lever to controllably release/dispense the liquid from a supply source.

[009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid dispenser that is easy to operate and has minimum components required for operation.

[010] In order to achieve one or more objects, the present invention provides a liquid dispenser. The liquid dispenser takes the shape of a water tap or water pump, for example. The liquid dispenser includes an inlet pipe having an opening. The inlet pipe connects to a supply source such as a water bottle/container or pipeline. The liquid dispenser includes an elongated tube connecting the inlet pipe perpendicularly at the opening. The elongated tube includes a first lever (fixed lever) and a second lever (moveable lever). The first lever fixedly connects and extends at an angle from the elongated tube. The second lever draws through a groove in the elongated tube at the top.

[011] In one aspect of the present invention, the second lever i.e., the moveable lever extends from outside facing the first lever and into the elongated tube. The second lever includes a first member i.e., a bush that rests against the opening and prevents the liquid from entering into the elongated tube from the inlet pipe. The second lever comprises a ridge having a cut section. The ridge engages the groove and acts as a pivot point for operating the second lever upon pressing. The second lever presses towards the first lever such that the second lever and the first member move away from the opening for releasing the liquid from the inlet pipe into the elongated tube. In other words, the second lever operates similar to a seesaw or teeter-totter mechanism in which the ridge at the top of the elongated tube acts as a pivot point.

[012] In another aspect of the present invention, the liquid dispenser presents a stopper. The stopper connects to the first lever and prevents the second lever from engaging. The stopper presents accidental actuation of the second lever when not in use.

[013] In one technical advantageous feature of the present invention, the second lever faces the first lever and extends from outside of the elongated tube and into the elongated tube. The second lever acts as a single piece that stops the flow of the liquid from the opening and actuates the dispensation of the liquid (similar to a valve controlling the flow of the liquid). This mechanism reduces the number of components needed for a typical liquid dispenser. Further, the presently disclosed mechanism avoids the need for a complex interconnection of components to control the flow of the liquid through it. The second lever operates like a valve. The second lever operates with the help of the first member for allowing the liquid to flow from the inlet pipe and into the elongated tube. The liquid dispenses from the end of the elongated tube. The first member acts as a bush and prevents the liquid from entering the elongated tube. The second lever swings at the center upon pressing from one end due to the presence of the ridge and the cut section without the need for additional components such as spring or additional connectors. This ensures a minimum number of components (inlet pipe, elongated tube with first lever and second lever with fist member/bush) are needed to provide the liquid dispenser.

[014] Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGURES. As will be realised, the subject matter disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[015] Further features and advantages of the present subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

[016] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a liquid dispenser implements, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[017] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a top view, a side view and a front view, respectively of the liquid dispenser, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[018] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate operational cross-sectional views of the liquid dispenser, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[019] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a stopper, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[020] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid dispenser connecting the stopper, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[021] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like-reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[022] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed liquid dispenser. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed liquid dispenser.

[023] In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the subject matter preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present subject matter encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

[024] Although the present subject matter describes a liquid dispenser, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the liquid dispenser. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this subject matter.

[025] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter.

[026] It should be understood that the present invention describes a liquid dispenser for controllably dispensing liquid from a supply source. The liquid dispenser comprises an inlet pipe having an opening. The liquid dispenser comprises an elongated tube connecting the inlet pipe at the opening. The elongated tube comprises a first lever and a second lever. The first lever fixedly connects and extends at an angle from the elongated tube. The second lever faces the first lever and extends from outside of the elongated tube and into the elongated tube. The second lever positions against the opening and prevents liquid from entering into the elongated tube from the inlet pipe. The second lever presses towards the first lever such that the second lever moves away from the opening for controllably releasing the liquid from the inlet pipe into the elongated tube.

[027] Various features and embodiments of a liquid dispenser for controllably dispensing liquid from a supply source are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGURES 1-6.

[028] The present invention discloses a liquid dispenser for controllably dispensing liquid from a supply source. FIG. 1 shows an environment 10 in which a liquid dispenser 12 implements, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The liquid dispenser 12 connects to a supply source 14. The supply source 14 includes, but not limited to, a liquid supply line such as a water pipeline, a liquid container such as a water or oil container, etc. In one example, the liquid container includes a water bottle storing drinking water. In another example, the liquid container includes a container storing oil, chemical, beverage and the like. A user 16 operates the liquid dispenser 12 to controllably release or dispense the liquid from the supply source 14 through the liquid dispenser 12. The liquid includes, but not limited to, water, oil, beverage, gasoline, chemical, sanitiser, or any other liquid substance.

[029] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show a top view, a side view and a front view, respectively of the liquid dispenser 12, in accordance with the present invention. The liquid dispenser 12 includes an inlet pipe 20. The inlet pipe 20 provides a material made of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The inlet pipe 20 includes a tubular-like structure having a hollow portion for transport or passage of the liquid through it. In one example, the inlet pipe 20 includes a threaded portion 22. The threaded portion 22 helps to connect the inlet pipe 20 to the supply source 14. The inlet pipe 20 includes a ring-like structure 24. The ring-like structure 24 extends perpendicularly from the surface of the inlet pipe 20. In one example, the ring-like structure 24 acts as a stopper and prevents the supply source 14 from extending further into the inlet pipe 20. The inlet pipe 20 includes a first opening 26 at one end and a second opening 28 at another end. The first opening 26 receives the liquid from the supply source 14. The liquid flows through the inlet pipe 20 and dispenses from the second opening 28.

[030] The liquid dispenser 12 further includes an elongated tube 30. The elongated tube 30 provides a material made of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The elongated tube 30 presents a hollow structure. The elongated tube 30 connects perpendicularly to the inlet pipe 20, as can be seen in FIG. 2B. The elongated tube 30 presents a first end 32 and a second end 34. The first end 32 indicates a top end and the second end 34 indicates a bottom end. The first end 32 presents a flat structure. At the first end 32, the elongated tube 30 includes a groove 36 for receiving a movable lever 44. FIG. 3 shows the feature of the elongated tube 30 having a groove 36 for receiving the movable lever 44. The elongated tube 30 further includes a third opening 38. The third opening 38 positions at the side of the elongated tube 30. Specifically, the third opening 38 aligns with the second opening 28 of the inlet pipe 20 such that the liquid flowing through the inlet pipe 20 enters the elongated tube 30 through the third opening 38. The elongated tube 30 further includes a fourth opening 40 at the second end 34 facing the ground. The liquid flowing through the elongated tube 30 flows down through the fourth opening 40.

[031] In accordance with the present invention, the liquid dispenser 12 includes an actuator mechanism for controlling the release of liquid from the inlet pipe 20 into the elongated tube 30. The actuator mechanism includes a first lever or first arm 42. The first lever 20 connects to the elongated tube 30 at the first end 32. Specifically, the first lever 20 connects to the elongated tube 30 at an angle between 30 to 45 degrees. Here, the first lever 20 connects fixedly to the elongated tube 30. The first lever 20 connects in a way that the inclination of the first lever 20 is outwardly from the inlet pipe 20. Further, the actuator mechanism includes a second lever or second arm 43. The second lever 43 draws through the grove 36 in the elongated tube 30. As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the second lever 43 faces the first lever 42 and extends from outside of the elongated tube 30 and into the elongated tube 30. The second lever 43 presents a third end 44 and a fourth end 45. The third end 44 indicates an end that faces the first lever 20 and is outside of the elongated tube 30. The fourth end 45 indicates an end that extends into the elongated tube 30 towards the second end 34. The second lever 43 includes a ridge 46 extending from the surface of the second lever 43 at the substantially center portion of the second lever 43. As can be seen, the ridge 46 extends from the side facing the first lever 42. The ridge 46 presents a cut portion 48 that connects to the first end 32 at the groove 36. The cut portion 48 allows the second lever 43 to swing upon exerting pressure as shown in FIGs. 3 and 4. A person skilled in the art understands that the third end 44 moves at the outside of the elongated tube 30 and the fourth end 45 moves within the elongated tube 30 with the ridge 46 acting as a pivot point (similar to a seesaw or teeter-totter mechanism). The first lever 42 and the second lever 43 present a gap G (FIG. 3) within which the third end 44 of the second lever 43 moves/operates. In accordance with the present invention, the second lever 43 acts as a long lever or beam connected to a pivot/fulcrum i.e., ridge 46 and the cut portion 48 at the groove 36. Upon exerting pressure, the third end 44 of the second lever 43 moves towards the first lever 42 and the force acts on the fourth end 45 causing it to move away from the second opening 28 and the third opening 38.

[032] The liquid dispenser 12 includes a first member 50. The first member 50 provides a material made of a flexible material such as silicone, ceramic, rubber or any other suitable material. The first member 50 comes in a U-shaped structure or hook-like structure. The first member 50 connects at the fourth end 45 of the second lever 43. In default position as shown in FIG. 3, the first member 50 presses against the second opening 28 of the inlet pipe 20. In use, the first member 50 prevents the liquid from entering into elongated tube 30 from the inlet pipe 20. Here, the first member 50 acts as a bush pressing against the second opening 28 and preventing the liquid from entering into elongated tube 30 from the inlet pipe 20. Further, the liquid dispenser 12 includes a second member 52. The second member 52 mounts at the wall of the elongated tube 30 at the opposite side of the third opening 38, as shown in FIG. 3. The first member 50 comes in contact with the second member 52 upon engaging the second lever 43 at the third end 44, as shown in FIG. 4.

[033] In accordance with the present invention, the first lever 42 acts as a fixed lever and the second lever 43 acts as a moveable lever. In other words, the second lever 43 acts as a valve that controls the flow of the liquid from the inlet pipe 20 into the elongated tube 30. In default position, the second lever 43 positions as shown in FIG. 3. Here, the second lever 43 with the help of the first member 50 puts pressure at the second opening 28 such that the liquid from the inlet pipe 20 is stopped/prevented from entering the elongated tube 30. The user 16 holds the first lever 42 and the second lever 43 and presses the second lever 43 towards the first lever 42. Here, the first lever 42 helps to build pressure to press the second lever 43 towards the first lever 42. As presented above, the first lever 42 is mounted at an angle ranging from 30 to 45 degrees from the elongated tube 30. The angled first lever 42 allows the second lever 43 to move freely through the gap G created between the first lever 42 and the second lever 43. As the user 16 presses, the second lever 43 swings at the ridge 46 such that the fourth end 45 of the second lever 43 moves taking away the first member from the second opening 28. This allows the liquid to flow from the inlet pipe 20 into the elongated tube 30. The user 16 controllably engages the second lever 43 to release the liquid at a flow rate depending on the need. In operation, the ridge 46 with the cut portion 48 ensures the second lever 43 remains in place in default position (FIG. 3) and engaged position (FIG. 4). A person skilled in the art understands that it is possible to stop flow of the liquid from the opening 28 with just the second lever 43 directly pressing against the opening 28 (i.e., without the need for first member 50), and such an implementation is within the scope of the present invention.

[034] In one embodiment, the liquid dispenser 12 includes a stopper 60 for preventing the second lever 43 from engaging without actuation by the user 16. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the stopper 60, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The stopper 60 includes a tubular member 62 having an opening 64. The tubular member 62 presents an extending member 66. The extending member 66 presents a rigid material that extends substantially perpendicularly to the tubular member 62. In order to connect the stopper 60 to the liquid dispenser 10, the user 16 places the tubular member 62 (through the opening 64) at the first lever 42 and positions the extending member 66 connecting the ridge 46. The extending member 66 holds the second lever 43 in position such that the user 16 cannot press the second lever 43 towards the first lever 42 to dispense the liquid. Further, the stopper 60 ensures the second lever 43 is not engaged accidently and prevents the liquid from leaking from the inlet pipe 20 when not in use. In other words, the stopper 60 ensures the second lever 43 is in default position (FIG. 3) such that the first member 50 presses against the second opening 28 and prevents leakage of the liquid from the second opening 28 of the inlet pipe 20.

[035] The presently disclosed liquid dispenser presents several advantages. For instance, the liquid dispenser appears like a water tap and presents a unique actuation mechanism comprising a fixed lever (first lever) and moveable lever (second lever). The second lever extends from the outside and into the elongated tube and acts as a valve and actuator. This overcomes the need for multiple components involving complex mechanisms for controlling the liquid dispensing. The second lever operates like a valve with the help of the first member that acts as a bush preventing the liquid from entering the elongated tube. The second lever swings at the center upon pressing from one end due to the presence of the ridge and the cut section without the need for additional components such as spring or additional connectors. This ensures a minimum number of components i.e., 3 to 4 components such as inlet pipe, elongated tube with first lever and second lever having fist member/bush are needed to provide the liquid dispenser.

[036] The presently disclosed liquid dispenser comes in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the need. Further, the liquid dispenser can be manufactured using materials such as metal, plastic, wood or any other suitable material. The liquid dispenser is easy to install to any type of liquid supply. For example, the liquid dispenser attaches to the water pipeline or to a water bottle (water can). Alternatively, the liquid dispenser attaches to the oil or chemical container for control release of the required quantity of oil or chemical from the container.

[037] When compared with the conventional liquid dispensers which utilizes a single lever to engage a valve within the inlet pipe enclosure, the presently disclosed liquid dispenser uses a two-lever mechanism that operates like a clip mechanism (e.g., compliant mechanism or bulldog clip mechanism).

[038] A person skilled in the art appreciates that the liquid dispenser may come in a variety of sizes depending on the need and comfort of the user. Further, different materials in addition to or instead of materials described herein may also be used and such implementations may be construed to be within the scope of the present subject matter. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed liquid dispenser.

[039] In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present subject matter. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject matter.

[040] In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the subject matter, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[041] The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and subject matter disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.