Global backflow prevention assembly
First Claim
1. A backflow prevention assembly for use with a dispenser, comprising:
- a housing comprising;
first and second housing members attached to one another, wherein the first and second housing members abut to create a seam along a longitudinal axis; and
first and second quick attach connectors configured to be fluidly coupled to an inlet tube and an outlet tube; and
a flow control fluidly coupled to the housing and configured to prevent the backflow of a liquid into the inlet tube;
wherein the housing defines a flow path substantially parallel to the seam connecting the inlet tube and outlet tube and the flow path comprises a housing cover or a copper tubing having a raised portion extending from the housing cover or the copper tubing such that it is aligned with the flow control and one of the quick attach connectors to aid in preventing movement of the flow control.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
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.
27 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A backflow prevention assembly for use with a dispenser, comprising:
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a housing comprising; first and second housing members attached to one another, wherein the first and second housing members abut to create a seam along a longitudinal axis; and first and second quick attach connectors configured to be fluidly coupled to an inlet tube and an outlet tube; and a flow control fluidly coupled to the housing and configured to prevent the backflow of a liquid into the inlet tube; wherein the housing defines a flow path substantially parallel to the seam connecting the inlet tube and outlet tube and the flow path comprises a housing cover or a copper tubing having a raised portion extending from the housing cover or the copper tubing such that it is aligned with the flow control and one of the quick attach connectors to aid in preventing movement of the flow control. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A backflow prevention assembly, comprising:
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a housing comprising first and second non-threaded quick attach connectors extending therefrom; a substantially u-shaped fluid path from a first quick attach connector to a second quick attach connector configured to allow a fluid to pass therethrough; 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 positioned at a corner of the substantially u-shaped fluid path and configured to divert the fluid within the flow control and to prevent the backflow of a fluid from the direction of the outlet tube to the inlet tube; wherein the first and second quick attach connectors each comprise; a generally round extrusion extending generally downwardly from the housing and having an aperture therethrough to provide access to the housing; non-threaded connection grooves substantially surrounding the extrusions and configured to fluidly connect the inlet and outlet tubes; and sealing members positioned at the connection grooves to fluidly seal the inlet and outlet tubes. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A dispenser for forming a product chemistry between a liquid and a solid product chemistry, comprising:
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a dispenser housing; a cavity at least partially within the housing for holding the solid product chemistry; a liquid source for providing a 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, said backflow prevention device comprising a housing comprising first and second non-threaded quick attach connectors extending therefrom, a substantially u-shaped 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 positioned at a corner of the substantially u-shaped fluid path and configured to divert fluid within the flow control and prevent the backflow of the formed product chemistry into at least the inlet tube; wherein the outlet tube is fluidly connected to the liquid source to provide liquid to contact the solid product chemistry; and wherein said first and second quick attach connectors comprising a threadless connection for the inlet and outlet tubes such that the connection of the tubes is substantially universal. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification