CONTACTLESS LIQUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Abstract

A liquid distribution system including a cart, a liquid storage container carried by the cart, and a pump fluidly connected to the liquid storage container. A plurality of arms emanating from the cart, and liquid nozzles are positioned on an end of each of the plurality of arms. A plurality of activators are arranged with one of the activators proximate to each of the ends of the arms with the nozzles. A controller is coupled to the activators and the pump, the controller monitoring input from the activators and when one of the activators sends a signal the controller directs liquid from the liquid storage container to the nozzle proximate the activator that sent the signal. The controller activates the pump to cause the liquid to flow to the nozzle proximate the activator that sent the signal.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/092,174, entitled "HYDRATION CART WITH CONTACTLESS LIQUID DISTRIBUTION", filed Oct. 15, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a liquid distribution system that is activated in a contactless fashion.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Automatic faucets are becoming more common in public restrooms, where they serve to reduce physical contact with controls and will presumably reduce the transmission of germs. Touchless faucets are increasingly an added feature in residential kitchens.

[0004] Automatic faucets are advantageously used by people that have difficulty in operating valves, such as arthritis sufferers. Electronic controls of water flow have come into use in domestic, commercial, medical and industrial areas.

[0005] Another advantage of touchless faucets is water saving. An accurate pre-set control of the water flow rate, temperature and dispensing time allows the flow to be accurately set to provide the correct quantity to effectively meet the need and can be immediately stopped to avoid waste.

[0006] A disadvantage of present touchless faucets is that they are connected to a pressurized water source and to electricity in order to be effective, rendering them stationary.

[0007] What is needed in the art is an efficient mobile liquid distribution system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a hydration cart that can be used to distribute liquids, such as water, to a user without requiring the user to physically contact the cart.

[0009] The invention in one form is directed to a liquid distribution system including a cart, a liquid storage container carried by the cart, and a pump fluidly connected to the liquid storage container. A plurality of arms emanating from the cart, and liquid nozzles are positioned on an end of each of the plurality of arms. A plurality of activators are arranged with one of the activators proximate to each of the ends of the arms with the nozzles. A controller is coupled to the activators and the pump, the controller monitoring input from the activators and when one of the activators sends a signal the controller directs liquid from the liquid storage container to the nozzle proximate the activator that sent the signal. The controller activates the pump to cause the liquid to flow to the nozzle proximate the activator that sent the signal.

[0010] The invention in another form is directed to a method of distributing liquid including the step of moving a liquid distribution system to a location. The liquid distribution system including a liquid storage container, and a pump fluidly connected to the liquid storage container. A plurality of arms emanate from the system, and liquid nozzles are positioned on an end of each of the plurality of arms. A plurality of activators are arranged with one of the activators proximate to each of the ends of the arms with the nozzles. A controller is coupled to the activators and the pump. A controller is coupled to the activators and the pump. The controller carrying out some of the steps of the method including the steps of: monitoring input from the activators; receiving a signal from at least one of the activators; activating the pump when one of the activators sends the signal; and directing liquid from the liquid storage container to the nozzle proximate the activator that sent the signal to cause the liquid to flow to the nozzle proximate the activator that sent the signal.

[0011] Advantageously, the present invention provides a portable, relocatable liquid distribution system.

[0012] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a liquid distribution system of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the liquid0 distribution system of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a top view of the liquid distribution system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a back view of the liquid distribution system of FIGS. 1-3;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a view of a manifold and valves of the liquid distribution system of FIGS. 1-4;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a view of the pump of the liquid distribution system of FIGS. 1-4; and

[0020] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the liquid distribution system of FIGS. 1-4, shown with components of FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0021] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a hydration system 10 in the form of a liquid distribution system 10. Liquid distribution system 10 includes a cart 12 which generally includes a chassis 14 carrying one or more wheels 16, a liquid storage tank 18 carried by the chassis 14, and a distribution assembly 20 fluidly coupled to storage tank 18 and carried by chassis 14. Chassis 14 may include one or more frame members that are coupled together to carry the other components of the hydration cart 10. The one or more wheels 16, are illustrated as a pair of wheels 16, that are coupled to the chassis so hydration cart 10 is mobile and can be conveniently wheeled to a location, where liquid is desired to be distributed, such as a field, athletic arena, etc. The wheels 16 may be any type of wheels that are suitable to help move hydration cart 10 as it is pushed or pulled from one location to another. Chassis 14 may also have a handle 22 coupled thereto that provides an ergonomic grip for a user to hold onto while moving hydration cart 10. It should be appreciated that chassis 14, wheels 16, and handle 22 (if included) can be configured in many different ways to carry the components of hydration cart 10, and the illustrated configuration is exemplary only.

[0023] It should be noted that for the sake of clarity some of the elements are purposely omitted from some of the drawings so that all of the features can be adequately shown without loss in the understanding of the invention. For example, nozzle conduits 34 are not shown in FIG. 1, nor is the wiring from actuators 40. Only one nozzle conduit 34 is illustrated in FIG. 2, and one wiring connection to one actuator 40. Then in FIG. 3 all of the nozzle conduits 34 are shown as well as all of the wiring connections to actuators 40.

[0024] Liquid storage tank 18 is carried by chassis 14 and can take many forms. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid storage tank 18 is in the form of what is commonly called a "cooler" that has a body defining an interior volume. The interior volume of liquid storage tank 18 may be of varying sizes, such as at least 5 gallons, to hold and distribute large volumes of liquid, which may be hydrating liquid such as water and/or a sports drink. The interior volume may be accessed by pivoting a lid that is hinged to the body. Opening the lid can allow liquid and other substances, such as ice, to be placed in the body for distribution from hydration cart 10. In some embodiments, liquid storage tank 18 is formed from one or more insulating materials that have a low thermal conductivity so that the liquid held in liquid storage tank 18 does not rapidly change temperature within liquid storage tank 18. Exemplary insulating materials include, but are not limited to, various plastics and foams. In some embodiments, liquid storage tank 18 may be wrapped with an insulating material to further insulate the liquid held within liquid storage tank 18. Optionally, liquid storage tank 18 may be reversibly locked to the chassis so that liquid storage tank 18 can be uncoupled from chassis 14 to, for example, clean and/or sanitize liquid storage tank 18. A strap, hooks or other attachment elements can be used to couple liquid storage tank 18 to loops carried by chassis 14. This arrangement allows for the easy coupling and removal of liquid storage tank 18 to/from chassis 14.

[0025] Distribution assembly 20 is carried by chassis 14 and is fluidly coupled to liquid storage tank 18 to distribute liquid from liquid storage tank 18. Referring still to FIG. 1, and referring now to FIGS. 2-6 as well, it is shown that distribution assembly 20 includes a fluid pump 24 that is fluidly coupled to liquid storage tank 18 and configured to supply liquid from liquid storage tank 18 to one or more distribution nozzles 26. Fluid pump 24 may be fluidly coupled to liquid storage tank 18 by a fluid conduit 28, such as plastic tubing. In some embodiments, the fluid conduit 28 is also coupled to a fluid manifold 30 that is coupled to the one or more distribution nozzles 26. It should be appreciated that while the illustrated embodiments show a single fluid pump 24 that is configured to supply liquid from liquid storage tank 18 to all of the distribution nozzles 26, in some embodiments there can be more than one fluid pump 24 that supplies liquid to the distribution nozzles 26. The fluid pump(s) 24 may be coupled to a battery 32 carried by chassis 14 so that hydration cart 10 can be used without needing to be plugged into mains electricity.

[0026] In some embodiments, the fluid pump 24 is configured to provide on-demand pressure so liquid from liquid storage tank 18 is delivered to one or more of the distribution nozzles 26 only when demanded, as will be described further herein. Alternatively, or in addition, each nozzle conduit 34 fluidly coupling one or more of the distribution nozzles 26 to the liquid from liquid storage tank 18 can have an associated valve 36 that opens to allow fluid flow to the respective distribution nozzle 26 and closes to prevent fluid flow to the respective distribution nozzle 26. Having a valve 36 associated with each of the nozzle conduits 34 can, for example, allow for controlled distribution of liquid from liquid storage tank 18 using a fluid pump 24 that maintains constant fluid pressure in the flow system, with the valve(s) opening to allow fluid to be distributed. Each valve 36 may be an electrically actuated valve 36 that is selectively activated by a coupled controller 38, as will be described further herein.

[0027] Each distribution nozzle 26 has an associated activator 40 or sensor 40 that is configured to output a distribution request signal S, to controller 38 or otherwise, so liquid from liquid storage tank 18 flows out of a nozzle opening of the distribution nozzle 26 into, for example, a cup, sports bottle, or other vessel. Each activator 40 is a touchless activator 40 that is configured to output the distribution request signal S without being physically contacted. For example activators 40 can each be an optical activator 40 that is configured to activate and output the distribution request signal S when an object is placed in front of the activator 40, e.g., in a path of light or other electromagnetic radiation emitted by activator 40. When activator 40 outputs the distribution request signal S to controller 38, controller 38 can output a corresponding fluid pump signal to fluid pump 24, and a valve open signal to a respective valve 36, so liquid from liquid storage tank 18 is delivered out of the distribution nozzle 26 associated with the activator 40 from which the distribution request signal S originated. In some embodiments, each activator 40 is coupled to a respective valve 36 so the distribution request signal S directly causes opening of the valve 36 so liquid can be distributed from the distribution nozzle 26. In some embodiments, each activator 40 is coupled to a respective fluid pump 24 that is fluidly coupled to the activator's associated distribution nozzle 26 so the output distribution request signal S causes fluid pump 24 to supply liquid to the selected distribution nozzle 26.

[0028] Each activator 40 can be configured to activate and output the distribution request signal S in a variety of ways. For example, the activator 40 can be configured so an object placed in the path of light emitted by activator 40 is sufficient to activate activator 40 and cause the distribution request signal S to be output. Alternatively, or in addition, activator 40 can be configured as a transceiver that transmits and receives radio signals and is configured to activate and output the distribution request signal S when a corresponding radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag is placed within close proximity to activator 40. Such a configuration allows, for example, liquid from liquid storage tank 18 to only be distributed to users who have the proper RFID tag, which may be located in a drinking vessel. Thus, it should be appreciated that a variety of activators 40 can be included in hydration cart 10 provided according to the present invention so long as the activators 40 can be activated without being physically touched.

[0029] A nozzle adjustment assembly 42 of hydration cart 10 is also illustrated. Nozzle adjustment assembly 42 may include a rail 44 or arm 44 that is coupled to each distribution nozzle 26 and can be actuated along a track to adjust the position of the respective distribution nozzle 26. The rail 44 may be locked with a handle, or otherwise, to hold distribution nozzle 26 in the desired position.

[0030] Now, additionally referring to FIG. 7, distribution assembly 20 is at least partially illustrated in block diagram form. Pump 24 is fluidly connected to liquid storage container 18 by way of fluid conduit 28. Nozzles 26 are connected to ends of arms 34 that emanate from a top portion of cart 12 in an outwardly generally radial manner, in a generally horizontal plane. Activators 40 are proximate to each of the ends of arms 44 with nozzles 26 associated therewith in close proximity.

[0031] Controller 38 is coupled to activators 40, pump 24, and valves 36. Controller 38 monitors input from activators 40 and when one of the activators 40 sends a signal S, controller 38 directs that liquid from liquid storage container 18 be sent to the nozzle 26 proximate the activator 40 that sent signal. Additionally, controller 38 activates pump 24 to cause the liquid to flow to the nozzle 26 proximate the activator 40 that sent the signal S.

[0032] Arms 44 are adjustably extendable/retractable, and as they extend they cause an increase in distance between the nozzle on the end of the arms relative to the nozzles on adjacent arms. Further, when arms 44 retract they are proximate to the cart, so as to allow easy movement of cart 12.

[0033] Battery 32 serves as a standalone electric power source that powers controller 38, activators 40 and pump 24. There can be more than one battery 32 to provide power to distribution assembly 20.

[0034] Another view of the present invention is as a method of distributing liquid that includes the steps of moving liquid distribution system 10 to a location; monitoring input from activators 40; receiving a signal S from at least one of the activators 40; activating pump 24 when one of the activators 40 sends the signal S; and directing liquid from liquid storage container 18 to the nozzle 26 proximate the activator 40 that sent the signal S to cause the liquid to flow to the nozzle 26 proximate the activator 40 that sent the signal S. The moving step indicating that liquid distribution system 10 is mobile and does not require connections with continuous sources of electrical power or liquid.

[0035] The method further includes the steps of: adjusting the plurality of arms 44 in an extendable/retractable manner; activating at least one of the valves 36, each of the valves 36 being associated with one of the nozzles 26, the plurality of valves 36 being under the control of controller 38, wherein controller 38 activates pump 24 and each of the valves 36 associated with the activator 40 that is sending signal S to thereby distribute the liquid to the nozzle 26 proximate to the activator 40 sending the signal S.

[0036] From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the hydration cart provided according to the present invention allows liquids from liquid storage tank 18 to be distributed to one or more users without the users needing to physically touch or otherwise contact any components of the hydration cart 10. Eliminating the need for a user to touch hydration cart 10 can reduce the spread of pathogens by reducing the risk of distribution nozzles 26, or other parts of hydration cart 10, acting as fomites. Further, hydration cart 10 is highly mobile so liquid can be transported and distributed in a large variety of locations without needing to be close to the source of the liquid or mains electricity. Thus, hydration cart 10 provided according to the present invention represents a hygienic way to distribute large volumes of water and other hydrating liquids at almost any location.

[0037] While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid distribution system, comprising: a cart; a liquid storage container carried by the cart; a pump fluidly connected to the liquid storage container; a plurality of arms emanating from the cart; a plurality of liquid nozzles, one of the liquid nozzles positioned on an end of each of the plurality of arms; a plurality of activators, one of the activators proximate to each of the ends of the arms with the nozzles; and a controller coupled to the activators and the pump, the controller monitoring input from the activators and when one of the activators sends a signal the controller directs liquid from the liquid storage container to the nozzle proximate the activator that sent the signal, the controller activating the pump to cause the liquid to flow to the nozzle proximate the activator that sent the signal.

2. The liquid distribution system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of arms emanate from a top portion of the cart.

3. The liquid distribution system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of arms emanate in a generally radial manner.

4. The liquid distribution system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of arms are adjustably extendable/retractable.

5. The liquid distribution system of claim 4, wherein the extension of the plurality of arms cause an increase in distance between the nozzle on the end of one of the arms relative to the nozzles on adjacent arms.

6. The liquid distribution system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of arms are arranged in a generally horizontal plane.

7. The liquid distribution system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of arms retract so that they are proximate to the cart.

8. The liquid distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of valves, each of the valves being associated with one of the nozzles, the plurality of valves being fluidically connected to the pump, the plurality of valves being under the control of the controller, wherein the controller activates the pump and each of the valves associated with a activator that is sending a signal to thereby distribute the liquid to the nozzle proximate to the activator sending the signal.

9. The liquid distribution system of claim 8, wherein the valves are connected to a manifold to which the pump supplies the liquid and thereby to the valves.

10. The liquid distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a standalone electric power source that powers the controller, the activators and the pump.

11. A method of distributing liquid, comprising the steps of: moving a liquid distribution system to a location, the liquid distribution system including: a liquid storage container; a pump fluidly connected to the liquid storage container; a plurality of arms emanating from the system; a plurality of liquid nozzles, one of the liquid nozzles positioned on an end of each of the plurality of arms; a plurality of activators, one of the activators proximate to each of the ends of the arms with the nozzles; and a controller coupled to the activators and the pump, the controller carrying out some of the steps of the method including the steps of: monitoring input from the activators; receiving a signal from at least one of the activators; activating the pump when one of the activators sends the signal; and directing liquid from the liquid storage container to the nozzle proximate the activator that sent the signal to cause the liquid to flow to the nozzle proximate the activator that sent the signal.

12. The method of distributing liquid of claim 11, wherein the plurality of arms emanate from a top portion of the system.

13. The method of distributing liquid of claim 12, wherein the plurality of arms emanate in a generally radial manner.

14. The method of distributing liquid of claim 13, further comprising the step of adjusting the plurality of arms in an extendable/retractable manner.

15. The method of distributing liquid of claim 14, wherein the extension of the plurality of arms cause an increase in distance between the nozzle on the end of one of the arms relative to the nozzles on adjacent arms.

16. The method of distributing liquid of claim 14, wherein the plurality of arms are arranged in a generally horizontal plane.

17. The method of distributing liquid of claim 14, wherein the plurality of arms retract so that they are proximate to the system.

18. The method of distributing liquid of claim 11, further comprising the step of activating at least one of a plurality of valves, each of the valves being associated with one of the nozzles, the plurality of valves being fluidically connected to the pump, the plurality of valves being under the control of the controller, wherein the controller activates the pump and each of the valves associated with the activator that is sending a signal to thereby distribute the liquid to the nozzle proximate to the activator sending the signal.

19. The method of distributing liquid of claim 18, wherein the valves are connected to a manifold to which the pump supplies the liquid and thereby to the valves.

20. The method of distributing liquid of claim 11, wherein the system further includes a standalone electric power source that powers the controller, the activators and the pump.