Tamper-proof chemical dispensing device for high security environments

Abstract

The present invention can be characterized as a tamper proof apparatus for dispensing a selected liquid such as a cleaning product in a environment where protection against abuse and vandalism is desired. The tamper proof apparatus includes a cabinet enclosure having an open front for accessing interior components; a hinged faceplate covering the open front of the cabinet enclosure; a mixing unit fastened to an inside surface of the hinged faceplate for dispensing the selected liquid; a filling recess formed in the hinged faceplate for limiting a dimension of a container placed inside the filling recess; a filling nozzle coupled to the mixing unit for dispensing the selected liquid into the container placed inside the filling recess; a pushbutton coupled to the mixing unit through the hinged faceplate for causing the selected liquid to be dispensed through the filling nozzle; and a locking plate that may be detachably coupled to the hinged faceplate for restricting access to the pushbutton individually.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A tamper proof apparatus for dispensing a plurality of diluted liquids comprising: 
 a locked cabinet comprising: 
 a supply line coupled to a solvent supply; and  
 a plurality of containers wherein each container holds a liquid chemical; and  
 a supply line coupled to each container of said plurality of containers; and  
 a mixing unit wherein said mixing unit is coupled to said solvent supply line and said container supply lines.  
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one nozzle coupled to said mixing unit for dispensing a diluted liquid.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said at least one nozzle is protected by a shield.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said at least one nozzle is located in a filling recess.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one pushbutton coupled to said mixing unit for causing said diluted liquid to be dispensed.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said at least one pushbutton is enclosed by a cylindrical wall to prevent tampering.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5  further comprising a locking plate that may be securely fitted over said at least one pushbutton.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one knob coupled to said mixing unit for causing said diluted liquid to be dispensed.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  further comprising a locking plate that may be securely fitted over said at least one knob.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one lever coupled to said mixing unit for causing said diluted liquid to be dispensed.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  further comprising a locking plate that may be securely fitted over said at least one lever.  
     
     
         12 . A method of dispensing a diluted liquid chemical comprising the steps of: 
 drawing a liquid solvent under pressure through a first supply line; and    drawing a liquid chemical from a container through a second supply line; and    mixing selected proportions of said liquid solvent and said liquid chemical; and    dispensing said diluted liquid chemical through at least one nozzle; and    securing said first supply line, said second supply line, and said container in a locked cabinet having a hinged faceplate.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said method is actuated by pressing a pushbutton.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said pushbutton is enclosed by a cylindrical wall to prevent tampering.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said method is actuated by turning a knob.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said method is actuated by pulling a lever.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said diluted liquid is dispensed through at least one nozzle.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said at least one nozzle is protected by a shield.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said at least one nozzle is located in a filling recess.