US20140223681A1

US20140223681A1 - Fluid Dispenser With A Scrubbing Surface

Info

Publication number: US20140223681A1
Application number: US13/766,224
Authority: US
Inventors: Sherri Coseo Veach
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-13
Filing date: 2013-02-13
Publication date: 2014-08-14

Abstract

A garden hose with a nail brush provides a nozzle that receives a nail brush along a top portion. The nail brush can be permanently or removably connected to the nozzle. The nail brush includes a first surface that connects to the nozzle, as well as a second surface which supports a plurality of bristles. In addition, a loop forms a strap or holder for the nail brush, which can be used to hang the nail brush (and attached nozzle) from a nail or other organizer system. The nozzle can be of a variety of nozzle types, which often include a diffuser and pressure regulator. Ergonomic features, such as a contoured grip on the nozzle handle, can also be included.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a scrubbing surface provided as a component of a fluid dispenser, such as a hose nozzle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water hoses are owned by many people and used for a multitude of purposes. Whether in the garage, in the garden, or just around the house there are many activities or projects that utilize water hoses, such as landscaping, gardening, mechanical work, house maintenance, and car washing. Often times, especially in the garden, these activities entail a large amount of hands-on work. When watering plants, pulling weeds, or digging holes for new plants and trees, a persons' hands have plenty of opportunities to become dirtied. While rinsing with water is usually sufficient to clean the hands, the fingernails prove much more difficult to sanitize.
To clean fingernails, a person generally resorts to a brush. Commonly kept in utility rooms, bathrooms, and sometimes kitchens, the brush is inconveniently located when working outdoors. Ideally, a person should be able to clean their nails before entering their home. In addition, cleaning nails with a brush and spray of water results in a large amount of splatter, which can cause a mess indoors require additional time to be spent on cleaning. An obvious solution is to simply take the brush outdoors, but the small size makes the brush easy to misplace and lose. As a result, the nail brush is nowhere to be found when it is needed most. There exists a need for providing a brush that is readily available when a garden hose is in use.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a brush as part of a hose nozzle. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a brush that is easily located, accessible, and usable. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a brush that can be used outside, providing a water source, and may be used with or without soap. It is a further object of the present invention to allow a person to quickly clean their hands and fingernails in a quick, easy, and effective manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a snap fastener attachment method of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a snap fastener attachment method of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a snap fastener attachment method of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tongue and groove attachment method of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a tongue and groove attachment method of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a tongue and groove attachment method of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a fluid dispenser, like those found on garden hoses, with a scrubbing surface. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention comprises a nozzle 1 and a brush 2. The brush 2 is attached atop the nozzle 1, allowing a person to easily access the brush 2 during use of the hose. There are several possible methods to attach the brush 2 to the nozzle 1, and potentially the brush 2 can be permanently connected to the nozzle 1.
The nozzle 1 comprises a main nozzle body 11, a handle 12, a trigger 13, a diffuser 14, and a pressure regulator 15, like shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The main nozzle body 11 and the handle 12 are connected to each other, providing a flow path for water. At one end of the main nozzle body 11 is the trigger 13, which is used to activate the flow of water through the nozzle 1. Next to the main nozzle body 11 is the pressure regulator 15, which allows a user to adjust the pressure of the water flowing through the nozzle 1. Opposite the trigger 13 and the main nozzle body 11 is the diffuser 14, which controls the dispersion of water flowing out of the nozzle 1. The diffuser 14 allows a user to adjust the ejected water from small dispersion angles to large dispersion angles, as desired.
The main nozzle body 11 servers as an attachment or connection point for several other components, as well as providing part of the flow path for water. The main nozzle body 11 comprises an open end 111 and a closed end 112, which are seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. The open end 111 and the closed end 112 are opposite each other; the closed end 112, serving as a back end of the main nozzle body 11, prevents water from flowing in that direction. The open end 111, serving as a front end of the main nozzle body 11, allows water to flow out in a forward direction. This is a desired trait in a hose, where water flow is directed away from the user. The diffuser 14 is connected to the front of the main nozzle body 11, operatively coupled to the open end 111, such that the diffuser 14 controls the water flow dispersion.
The trigger 13 allows a user to activate water flow through the main nozzle body 11, engaging and disengaging the trigger 13 to control the flow of water. In the preferred embodiment the trigger 13 is a pivotable piece. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the trigger 13 comprises a fulcrum portion 131, a brace portion 132, and a leverage portion 133. The fulcrum portion 131 serves as a central section of the trigger 13, with the brace portion 132 and the leverage portion 133 being adjacent to the fulcrum portion 131. The brace portion 132 and the leverage portion 133 are connected to the fulcrum portion 131, such that the trigger 13 is a single uninterrupted body. The fulcrum portion 131 is pivotably connected to the handle 12 of the nozzle 1. This connection allows a user to engage and disengage the trigger 13 by squeezing it against the handle 12.
The handle 12 allows a user to hold and utilize the present invention, as well as serves as part of the water flow path. The handle 12 comprises a first end 121, a second end 122, a contoured grip 123, and a hose receptacle 124, parts of which can be seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. The first end 121 of the handle 12 is connected to the main nozzle body 11, from which the handle 12 extends downwards until terminating at the second end 122 of the handle 12. Thus, the first end 121 and the second end 122 form opposite ends, length wise, of the handle 12. A contoured grip 123 is provided for improved ergonomics, making the handle 12 more comfortable to hold. The contoured grip 123 is located on the handle 12, between the first end 121 and the second end 122. The hose receptacle 124 is located at the second end 122 of the handle 12, with the hose receptacle 124 traversing into the handle 12 through the second end 122. The hose receptacle 124, which comprises a threading 125, is intended to receive a hose. The threading 125 forms a spiral patterns along the hose receptacle 124. The hose, with its own thread pattern, engages with the threading 125 on the hose receptacle 124. This allows the hose to be secured to or released from the hose receptacle 124 and thus the nozzle 1 as a whole. The handle 12 is hollow inside, with an input at the second end 122 and an output at the first end 121. In combination with the main nozzle body 11 and the diffuser 14, this forms the full flow path for water from the hose. Water exits a connected hose through the input into the handle 12. The water flows through the handle 12 and the output, into the main nozzle body 11. In the main nozzle body 11, the water is directed towards the open end 111, at which point the water is ejected through the diffuser 14.
The brush 2, visible in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, is attached to the main nozzle body 11, on the top face opposite the handle 12. The brush 2 comprises a brush base 21 a plurality of bristles 22, a holder 23, and a eye 24. The brush base 21 itself comprises a first surface 211 and a second surface 212, which form opposite sides of the brush base 21. The first surface 211 of the brush base 21 attaches to the main nozzle body 11. The second surface 212 serves as a support for the plurality of bristles 22 and the eye 24. The plurality of bristles 22 are evenly spread across the second surface 212, extending vertically so that they are at a 90 degree angle with the first surface 211. Next to the bristles 22 is the eye 24, which is a small rigid structure with a hole. The hole allows the holder 23 to be tied to the eye 24. The holder 23 is a flexible strap that is secured to the eye 24. This allows a person to grasp the brush 2 by the holder 23. The holder 23 also can be suspended from a storage rack, plant stand, knob, or any other convenient structure.
In the preferred embodiment, the brush 2 is removably attached to the main nozzle body 11. A removable brush 2 provides numerous advantages. For example, a person could buy a number of brushes 2 to use with the nozzle 1. This could be purely for aesthetic purposes or for utilitarian purposes. A person who becomes tired of a particular brush 2 design can simply replace the brush 2, one with a more pleasing design. If a person finds the plurality of bristles 22 to be too rough, or finds a different layout of the bristles 22 is more effective, they can simply swap the original brush 2 out for a different brush 2. In essence, the removable nature of the brush 2 adds an element of flexibility to the present invention.
There are various ways of creating this attachment. One possibility is to position a plurality of fasteners 3 on the top surface of the main nozzle body 11, along with a plurality of fastener receptacles 4 on the first surface 211 of the brush 2. The fasteners 3, which could be wing nuts, thumb screws, snap fasteners, or similar easily manipulated items, engage with the fastener receptacles 4 on the main nozzle body 11. The fastener receptacles 4 are cavities that are designed to received the type of fastener 3 selected. An example of this attachment type is seen in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. Another possibility is to provide a tongue 5 and groove 6 type connection. In this variation, a recessed groove 6 is built into the brush 2, along the first surface 211. A corresponding tongue 5 is positioned on the top of the main nozzle body 11. The tongue 5 is designed to engage with the groove 6, such that the tongue 5 can slide into the groove 6, thus securing the brush 2 to the nozzle 1. To prevent unwanted movement of the tongue 5 relative to the groove 6, a first locking mechanism 7 and a second locking mechanism 8 are positioned on opposite ends of the brush 2. Illustrations of the tongue 5 and groove 6 method are provided in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9. These locking mechanisms prevent the tongue 5 and groove 6 from moving, which is important to the functionality of the brush 2. When using the brush 2 to scrub nails, for example, it is desirable that the brush 2 not move. An unsecured brush 2 might be moved by a person's fingers pushing against the brush 2, rather than scrubbing against the moving fingers as intended.
Other methods of attaching the brush 2 to the nozzle 1 are possible. For example, a hook-and-loop fastener could be used, with a hook portion being positioned on top of the nozzle 1 and a loop portion being positioned on the bottom of the brush 2.
Alternatively, magnets could be placed on the nozzle 1 and the brush 2, using magnetic attraction to secure the brush 2 to the nozzle 1. Other possible attachment methods include straps to hold down the brush 2 or latches on the brush 2 that engage with notches on the nozzle 1. Many attachment methods are suitable, although each method has plusses and minuses. For example, using hook-and-loop fasteners will not be as stable as a tongue 5 and groove 6, while magnets may prove too difficult to separate from each other. The best attachment methods will be simple to implement, low cost, and easy to use.
In a simpler embodiment, the brush 2 is permanently connected to the nozzle 1, rather than being attached. While a removable brush 2 has its advantages, a permanently connected brush 2 can be better integrated to the nozzle 1. This is because attachment methods do not have to be provided, some of which are complex or unsightly. A permanently connected brush 2 will also be sturdier and less expensive than a removable brush 2. The brush 2 can be connected by bolts, nails, glue, or even molded as part of the nozzle 1. Many additional connection methods can be employed, as long as the brush 2 is properly secured to the nozzle 1.
In the preferred embodiment, the brush 2 half an inch in height, two and a half inches in length, and half an inch in width. The plurality of bristles 22 are preferably made from nylon and stand three quarters of an inch tall. While the present invention can be constructed from a number of materials, such as metals and plastics, the selected materials are ideally readily available and derived from known technology, light weight, durable, easy to manufacture, cost effective, and sturdy.
The present invention provides several advantages to a user. The present invention, though designed for outdoors use, can also be used indoors. The present invention provides a convenient, secure, and hard to misplace scrubbing surface while using a hose, saving time and money. The present invention allows a personal to easily clean their nails, hands, and other surfaces while using a hose. The present invention is easily cleaned after use, thanks to its detachable nature and easily accessible water source.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface comprises:

a nozzle;

a brush;

the nozzle comprises a main nozzle body, a handle, a trigger, a diffuser, and a pressure regulator;

the brush comprises a brush base, a plurality of bristles, a holder, and an eye, wherein the brush can be stored by suspending the brush by the holder;

the brush base comprises a first surface and a second surface;

the first surface being positioned opposite the second surface on the brush base;

the brush being attached to the main nozzle body at the first surface, wherein the brush can be detached from the nozzle;

the plurality of bristles being connected normal to the second surface;

the plurality of bristles being evenly distributed across the second surface;

the eye being positioned adjacent to the plurality of bristles;

the holder being coupled to the eye; and

the handle being connected to the main nozzle body opposite the brush.

2. The fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the main nozzle body comprises an open end and a closed end;

the open end and the closed end being positioned opposite of each other along the main nozzle body;

the diffuser being operatively coupled to the open end of the main nozzle body;

the trigger being positioned adjacent to the closed end of the main nozzle body;

the trigger comprises a fulcrum portion, a brace portion, and a leverage portion;

the fulcrum portion being centrally positioned between the leverage portion and the brace portion;

the fulcrum portion being connected adjacent to both the leverage portion and the brace portion;

the leverage portion being connected adjacent to the brace portion;

the fulcrum portion being pivotally connected to the handle;

the brace portion being positioned atop the fulcrum portion adjacent to the closed end;

the leverage portion being below the fulcrum portion;

the pressure regulator being operatively coupled between the closed end and the leverage portion; and

the brush being positioned in between the diffuser and the pressure regulator.

3. The fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the handle comprises a first end, a second end, a contoured grip, and a hose receptacle;

the first end and the second end being positioned opposite of each other along the handle;

the first end being connected to the main nozzle body;

the contoured grip being positioned along the handle between the first end and the second end;

the hose receptacle traversing into the handle through the second end; and

the diffuser being in fluid communication with the hose receptacle through the main nozzle body and the handle.

4. The fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

the hose receptacle comprises a threading, wherein the threading engages with a hose; and

the threading being positioned helically along the hose receptacle.

5. The fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a plurality of fasteners;

a plurality of fastener receptacles;

the plurality of fasteners being positioned on the main nozzle body opposite the handle;

the plurality of fastener receptacles being positioned on the first surface of the brush; and

the plurality of fasteners being engaged with the plurality of fastener receptacles.

6. The fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a tongue;

a groove;

a first locking mechanism;

a second locking mechanism;

the tongue being positioned on the main nozzle body opposite the handle;

the groove being positioned on the first surface of the brush;

the tongue being slidably engaged with the groove;

the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism being positioned opposite of each other along the brush;

the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism each being positioned adjacent to the groove; and

the tongue being secured to the groove by the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism.

7. A fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface comprises:

a nozzle;

a brush;

the brush base comprises a first surface and a second surface;

the plurality of bristles being connected normal to the second surface;

the plurality of bristles being evenly distributed across the second surface;

the eye being positioned adjacent to the plurality of bristles;

the holder being coupled to the eye;

the main nozzle body comprises an open end and a closed end;

the diffuser being operatively coupled to the open end of the main nozzle body;

the handle being connected to the main nozzle body opposite the brush;

the hose receptacle traversing into the handle through the second end; and

8. The fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface as claimed in claim 7 comprises:

the leverage portion being connected adjacent to the brace portion;

the fulcrum portion being pivotally connected to the handle;

the leverage portion being below the fulcrum portion;

the brush being positioned in between the diffuser and the pressure regulator.

9. The fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface as claimed in claim 7 comprises:

the first end being connected to the main nozzle body;

the threading being positioned helically along the hose receptacle.

10. The fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface as claimed in claim 7 comprises:

a plurality of fasteners;

a plurality of fastener receptacles;

11. The fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface as claimed in claim 7 comprises:

a tongue;

a groove;

a first locking mechanism;

a second locking mechanism;

the tongue being positioned on the main nozzle body opposite the handle;

the groove being positioned on the first surface of the brush;

the tongue being slidably engaged with the groove;

12. A fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface comprises:

a nozzle;

a brush;

the brush base comprises a first surface and a second surface;

the plurality of bristles being connected normal to the second surface;

the plurality of bristles being evenly distributed across the second surface;

the eye being positioned adjacent to the plurality of bristles;

the holder being coupled to the eye;

the main nozzle body comprises an open end and a closed end;

the diffuser being operatively coupled to the open end of the main nozzle body;

the handle being connected to the main nozzle body opposite the brush;

the first end being connected to the main nozzle body;

the hose receptacle traversing into the handle through the second end;

the diffuser being in fluid communication with the hose receptacle through the main nozzle body and the handle; and

the brush being positioned in between the diffuser and the pressure regulator.

13. The fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

the leverage portion being connected adjacent to the brace portion;

the fulcrum portion being pivotally connected to the handle;

the leverage portion being below the fulcrum portion; and

the pressure regulator being operatively coupled between the closed end and the leverage portion.

14. The fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

the threading being positioned helically along the hose receptacle.

15. The fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

a plurality of fasteners;

a plurality of fastener receptacles;

16. The fluid dispenser with a scrubbing surface as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

a tongue;

a groove;

a first locking mechanism;

a second locking mechanism;

the tongue being positioned on the main nozzle body opposite the handle;

the groove being positioned on the first surface of the brush;

the tongue being slidably engaged with the groove;