U.S. patent application number 10/801044 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for dispenser.
Invention is credited to Lussier, Christopher W., Thunberg, Toby.
Application Number | 20050045669 10/801044 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34221468 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050045669 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thunberg, Toby ; et
al. |
March 3, 2005 |
Dispenser
Abstract
The present dispenser tip attaches to a container and may
include a separately formed base, first and second member, and cap.
The base may be threadably attached to the container. The first
member may include a flange, a basal portion and an extension. The
flange may engage an inner surface of the base. The basal portion
and the extension may engage to define a pathway for a flowable
material being dispensed from the container. The second member may
be disposed about the extension and may be connected to the cap by
a hinge. The cap may include a stopper element and a rib or groove
to seal the dispenser when the cap is in a closed position.
Inventors: |
Thunberg, Toby; (New Albany,
OH) ; Lussier, Christopher W.; (Milford, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON, THUENTE, SKAAR & CHRISTENSEN, P.A.
4800 IDS CENTER
80 SOUTH 8TH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-2100
US
|
Family ID: |
34221468 |
Appl. No.: |
10/801044 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10801044 |
Mar 15, 2004 |
|
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|
10686182 |
Oct 15, 2003 |
|
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60497585 |
Aug 25, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/556 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/0842 20130101;
B65D 2251/20 20130101; B65D 2251/105 20130101; B65D 2251/1066
20130101; B65D 2547/066 20130101; B65D 47/0809 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/556 |
International
Class: |
B65D 005/72 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device for dispensing a flowable material from a container,
the device comprising: a base attachable to the container; a first
member operably in contact with the base and including a generally
frustoconical extension with a tapered tip, the tip having a lower
rim radially extending from the extension, the first member
defining a pathway for the flowable material when the flowable
material is urged from the container; a second member disposable
about the first member extension; and a cap hinged to the second
member.
2. The device of claim 1, in which the base is threadably
attachable to the container.
3. The device of claim 1, in which the base includes a plurality of
gripping surfaces.
4. The device of claim 1, in which the first member can be rotated
within the base when said device is assembled.
5. The device of claim 1, in which the second member can be rotated
about the first member, when said device is assembled and attached
to the container.
6. The device of claim 1, the first member comprising a first
member mating structure and the second member comprising a second
member mating structure, the second member mating structure
engaging the first member mating structure to maintain the first
member and second member in a substantially fixed relation.
7. The device of claim 1, the first member further comprising a
basal portion and in which the first member frustoconical extension
extends from the first member basal portion.
8. The device of claim 7, the first member basal portion displaying
a proximal end and a distal end, the flange disposed proximate the
proximal end.
9. The device of claim 1, in which the cap is sealingly disposable
over the tapered tip.
10. The device of claim 1, the cap including a plug sealingly
accommodated in the pathway.
11. A container in combination with the device of claim 1, the
device of claim 1 attached to the container.
12. A container in combination with the device of claim 11, in
which the device of claim 1 is threadably attached to the
container.
13. A method of making a dispenser for a container, the method
comprising: contacting an upper surface of a first member flange to
a lower surface of a base, the base connectable to the container;
fitting a second member about a generally frustoconical extension
of the first member such that the second member and the first
member are frictionally engaged and such that a tip of the
frustoconical extension extends from the second member; and
attaching a cap to the second member.
14. The method of claim 13, in which the cap is attached to the
second member by a hinge.
15. A method of dispensing a material from a container through a
dispenser, the dispenser including a base threaded to the
container, a first member, a second member, and a cap, the first
member sealingly in contact with the container and the base and
including a generally frustoconical extension with a tapered tip,
the tip with a lower rim extending radially beyond the remainder of
the frustoconical extension, the first member defining a generally
coaxial pathway for the flowable material, the second member
disposable about the frustoconical extension and attached to the
cap, the method including: displacing the cap from a closed
position to an open position; and urging the material from the
container, through the pathway, and onto a surface.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising returning the cap to
the closed position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/686,182, filed 15 Oct. 2003, which, in turn, claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/497,585, filed 25 Aug. 2003, each hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to dispensers and, in particular,
this invention relates to devices which are attachable to
containers for dispensing a substantially flowable material urged
from the containers, and which can be resealed between uses.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Containers for many flowable materials, such as glue and
other adhesives, must often be sealed between uses and must further
aid in dispensing the flowable materials onto surfaces in desired
amounts. To this end, these containers often include a resealable
dispenser which is threadably attached to a container. To be
resealed, these dispensers often have a cap attached by a loop or
similar structure to an elongated dispenser neck. Even when in a
closed position, thereby sealing the container, the cap can often
be easily rotated, thereby compromising the seal. These rotatable
caps are also less desirable to consumers because they are not
uniformly oriented in display cases. Moreover, in situations where
persons frequently use these containers, it is more efficient
time-wise when the same manual motions can be used to remove and
replace the caps from the dispensers. Hence, rotatable caps may
also be less desirable functionally because dispensers with
different orientations usually cannot be opened and closed with
repeated similar manual motions. These easily rotatable caps also
usually lack any other structure further promoting an airtight
seal. In certain situations, however, a rotatable dispenser cap may
be desirable. Situations where a rotatable cap is desirable is when
the cap must be rotated to more efficiently dispense the contents
from the container or to more efficiently close the container after
use. However, if the cap is rotatable, the dispenser must
nonetheless provide an air tight seal regardless of the rotational
position of its components.
[0006] Present dispensers also often include structures within the
dispensers, which open and close the pathway for delivering the
flowable materials. While these dispensers have the advantage of
usually not requiring a separate cap, they are subject to clogging
when materials left in the dispenser pathways are partially
dried.
[0007] There is then a need for a dispenser with either a fixed,
non-rotational sealing cap, which is easily resealed between uses
or a dispenser which has components which can be rotated, but
nonetheless provide an air tight seal. There is a particular need
for either of these types of dispensers with a pathway from which
obstructions can be easily cleared.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] This invention substantially fulfills the aforementioned
needs by providing a dispenser with either a fixed, non-rotational
sealing cap or a cap which has components that can be rotated but
which nonetheless will provide an air tight or fluid tight seal.
Both embodiments are easily sealed between uses, and have a pathway
from which obstructions are readily and easily cleared. The instant
invention provides a dispenser and associated methods of use and
manufacture for a flowable product or material urged from a
container. The dispenser may be reversibly attachable to the
container, e.g., by threads. In one embodiment, the present
dispenser includes a base, first and second members, and a cap. The
base may be attachable to the container. The first member may be
attachable to the base and may include a generally frustoconical
extension with a tapered tip. The cap may have a lower edge
radially extending from the extension. The first member may define
a pathway for the flowable material when the flowable material is
urged from the container. The second member may be disposable about
the first member extension. The cap may be hinged to the second
member. The cap may include a mating structure to ensure that an
airtight seal is effected when the cap is in a closed position. One
embodiment of the present dispenser includes one or more other
mating structures, which maintain the instant cap in a defined,
constant non-rotational orientation. Another embodiment includes
rotatable components that can nonetheless provide an air tight or
fluid tight seal.
[0009] It is a feature of the present dispenser to define a pathway
which is easily accessed throughout.
[0010] It is an advantage of the foregoing feature that
obstructions can be easily and quickly cleared from the
pathway.
[0011] It is a feature of a first embodiment of the present
dispenser to include at least one mating structure.
[0012] It is an advantage of the foregoing feature that the present
dispenser sealing cap is uniformly oriented.
[0013] It is another advantage of the foregoing feature that
containers with the instant dispenser present a more desirable
appearance in displays.
[0014] It is yet another advantage of the foregoing feature that
containers are more easily and efficiently opened and closed.
[0015] It is still another advantage of the foregoing feature that
one aspect of the mating structure may enable an airtight seal
between the cap and the remainder of the dispenser.
[0016] It is a feature of a second embodiment of the present
dispenser to include rotatable components.
[0017] It is an advantage of the foregoing feature that the
components provide an air tight seal or a fluid tight seal after
being rotated to a convenient rotational position.
[0018] It is another advantage of the foregoing feature that the
components may be rotated to a convenient rotational position for
dispensing the material from the container.
[0019] It is yet another advantage of the foregoing feature that
the components may be rotated to a convenient rotational position
for opening and closing (sealing) the dispenser.
[0020] These and other objects, features, and advantages of this
invention will become apparent from the description which follows,
when considered in view of the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a side view of an assembled first embodiment of
the present dispenser, the cap thereof in a closed position;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled dispenser of
FIG. 1, the cap thereof in an open position;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the present assembled dispenser
of FIG. 1, the cap thereof in the open position;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base of the dispenser of
FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 4;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first member of the
dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the first member of Figure of
FIG. 6;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a top view of a second member and attached cap of
the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a top view of the second member and cap of FIG.
8;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a side view of an assembled second embodiment of
the present dispenser, the cap thereof in a closed position;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the assembled dispenser of
FIG. 10, the cap thereof in an open position;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the assembled dispenser of FIG.
10, the cap thereof in the open position;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the base of the dispenser
of FIG. 10;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 13;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a first member of the
dispenser of FIG. 10;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the first member of FIG. 15;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a second member and
attached cap of the dispenser of FIG. 10;
[0038] FIG. 18 is a top view of the second member of FIG. 17;
[0039] FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the second member of FIG.
17;
[0040] FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the dispenser of FIG.
10, the cap thereof in the open position; and
[0041] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of the dispenser of FIG.
10, the cap thereof in the closed position.
[0042] It is understood that the above-described figures are only
illustrative of the present invention and are not contemplated to
limit the scope thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Any references to such relative terms as inner and outer,
upper and lower, or the like, are intended for convenience of
description and are not intended to limit the present invention or
its components to any one positional or spatial orientation. All
dimensions of the components in the attached figures may vary with
a potential design and the intended use of an embodiment of the
invention without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0044] Each of the features and methods disclosed herein may be
utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and
methods to provide improved dispensers and methods for making and
using the same. A representative example of the present invention,
which utilizes many of these features and methods, will now be
described in detail with reference to the drawings. This detailed
description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the
art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the present
teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Therefore, combinations of features and methods disclosed in the
following detailed description may not be necessary to practice the
invention in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to
particularly describe a representative and preferred embodiment of
the invention.
[0045] The present dispenser may reversibly attach to a container
and may be advantageously used to dispense a substantially flowable
material, such as glue or another adhesive, from the container. The
dispenser may include mating structures, which help maintain
airtight seals necessary to preserve the material being stored and
dispensed. The mating structures also insure that the caps
functionally present on the dispenser will be uniformly oriented.
Uniform orientation is desirable to consumers viewing displays of
the containers and dispensers. Uniform orientation is also
desirable to persons frequently opening and closing the dispensers
because similar motions and manipulations are required to open and
close the dispensers. Moreover, the instant dispenser provides a
channel for the material which is easily cleaned, thereby curing
clogging problems which would otherwise arise.
[0046] A first assembled embodiment of the present dispenser is
depicted in FIGS. 1-3 generally at 100 and includes a base, such as
a collar 102, a first member, such as a cone 104, a second member,
such as a cover 106, and a sealing member such as a cap 108. The
instant dispenser, and many components thereof, may be described by
an axis 110. It can be seen in FIGS. 1-5 that the base 102, in
turn, includes an upper member 112 unitarily (or otherwise
integrally) joined to a cylindrical element 114. The upper member
112 displays respective upper and lower surfaces 118 and 120,
defines a generally coaxial opening 122 and includes a mating
structure such as a plurality (e.g., a pair) of tabs 124, which are
generally opposed in the embodiment shown. Externally, the upper
member 112 adjoins the cylindrical element 114 at a bevel 126.
[0047] The bevel 126 may be between about 40 degrees and 50 degrees
or about 45 degrees in some aspects of the invention. The
cylindrical element 114 displays an outer surface 128, an inner
surface 130, and a lower rim 132. A plurality of gripping surfaces,
such as ribs 134, may extend from the outer surface 128 and a
connecting structure, such as a plurality of threads 136, may be
defined by the inner surface 120. A person of ordinary skill in the
art will readily recognize that other connecting structures may be
suitable for other embodiments. Moreover, it is contemplated that,
in some embodiments, the present invention may be permanently
attached to the container. In the embodiment shown, the ribs 134
unitarily (or otherwise integrally) and orthogonally adjoin the rim
132.
[0048] As best viewed in FIGS. 1-3 and 6-7, the first member 104
includes a lower flange 146, respective first and second elements
148 and 150, and an upper extension 152. The lower flange 146
includes a mating structure, such as a plurality (e.g., pair) of
slots 154, and displays respective upper and outer surfaces 156 and
158 and an outer rim 160. Obviously, the tabs 124 and slots 154
could be interchanged.
[0049] The generally frustoconical first element 148 unitarily (or
otherwise integrally) adjoins the lower flange 146, displaying an
upper surface 164, and outer surface 166, and an inner surface 168.
The first element outer surface 166 adjoins the lower flange upper
surface 156 at a bevel 170.
[0050] The second generally frustoconical element 150 is disposed
coaxially to the first element 148 and displays respective upper,
lower, outer and inner surfaces 174, 175, 176, and 178. In the
embodiment shown, the second element is stepped inwardly from the
first element 148. A mating structure, such as a plurality (e.g.,
pair) of slots 180, are defined to adjoin the upper surface 174 and
the outer surface 176. The slots 180 are expressed as tabs 182
extending from the inner surface 178 and the lower surface 175. The
inner surfaces 168 and 178 of the first and second elements 148 and
150 and the lower surface 175 of the second element 150 define a
cavity 184.
[0051] A third element, such as a generally frustoconical upper
extension 152 displays an outer surface 186 and an inner surface
188 and includes a tip 190. The tip 190, in turn, displays an upper
surface 192, which adjoins a bevel 194, the bevel 194 terminating
at a lower rim 196. The lower rim 196 may extend generally radially
from adjacent surfaces on the upper extension 152. The inner
surface 188 defines a generally coaxial bore 198. The bore 198
adjoins the cavity 184 and opens to admit a substantially liquid
substance being forced from the cavity 184.
[0052] As best viewed in FIGS. 1-3 and 8-9, the second member
(cover) 106 includes respective first and second elements 200 and
202. The element 200, in turn, displays an upper surface 203, an
outer surface 204, an inner surface 206, and a lower rim 208. A
mating structure, such as a plurality (e.g., pair) of tabs 210
depend from the lower surface 208 in the embodiment depicted.
Obviously the slots 180 and tabs 210 could be interchanged. The
element 202 displays an upper surface 214, which extends radially
from a rim 215. The element 202 further displays an exterior
surface 216, defines another mating structure such as a generally
circumferential groove 218, and includes an inner surface 220. The
inner surface 220 defines a bore 222, the bore 222 dimensioned to
accommodate the upper extension 152 therewithin.
[0053] In the embodiment shown, the cap 108 is attached to the
second member 106 by a flexible hinge 226 and includes a cap
element 128, an extension 130, and a stopper element 132. The hinge
226 may be formed simultaneously with the second member 106 and cap
108, e.g., by injection molding. Still another mating structure
such as a generally circumferential rim 234 is defined proximate a
junction between an interior surface 236 and a lower surface 238.
The cap 108 is dimensioned so that the rib 234 is accommodated
within the second member groove 218 and the lower surface 238
contacts the second member upper surface 203 when the cap 108 is in
a closed position. Obviously, the rib 234 and groove 218 could be
easily interchanged. The stopper element 232 is dimensioned to be
accommodated within the tip bore 198 when the cap 108 is in a
closed position as well.
[0054] Suitable materials for the first embodiment of the present
dispenser include polyethylene, e.g., high density polyethylene,
and polypropylene. However, other suitable materials can be found
in the Handbook of Plastics, Elastomers, and Composites, Third
Edition, Charles A. Harper, Editor-in-Chief, McGraw-Hill, New York
(1996), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference. Individual components of the present dispenser may be
formed by processes such as injection molding utilizing the
foregoing materials.
[0055] The first embodiment of present dispenser is assembled by
extending the first member 104 through the base collar opening 122
until the flange upper surface 156 contacts the base collar lower
surface 120 and the tabs 124 are accommodated in the flange slots
154. The second member 106 is forced into position, wherein the
upper extension 152 is accommodated within the bore 222 and the
second member tabs 210 are accommodated in the first member slots
180. The cap 108 is closed by being pressed against the second
member 106 until the cap rib 234 is disposed within the second
member circumferential groove 218 and until the cap stopper element
232 is disposed within the upper extension bore 198, thereby
effecting a seal to prevent volatile ingredients within the
flowable material from evaporating.
[0056] The instant mating structures help insure that assembled
elements remain in a desired non-rotational orientation and that
assembled elements further maintain the vapor-tight seal necessary
to preserve the flowable material being stored and dispensed from
the container. The fixed non-rotational relation ensures that the
dispenser caps when present on containers will be oriented in
substantially identical positions. The substantially identical
positions are aesthetically desirable to consumers in displays.
These substantially identical positions are also advantageous to
persons frequently opening and closing containers when dispensing
materials therefrom.
[0057] Functionally, the assembled present dispenser is attached to
a container by threading the base 102 onto a container until a
snug, airtight seal is effected by in part by contact between the
base lower surface 120 and the first member flange 146 and between
the first member flange 146 and the container. The airtight seal is
also effected when the cap 108 is in a closed position as described
above. To dispense the material from the container, the cap 108 is
displaced from the closed position to an open position. The cap 108
may be displaced from the closed position to the open position by
an upward force exerted on the extension 230, e.g., by a user's
digit. The upward force displaces the stopper element 232 from the
upper extension bore 198 and also displaces the cap rib 234 from
the second member groove 218. The substantially flowable material
may be then forced from the container through the first member
cavity 184 and the upper extension bore 198 and dispensed on a
surface at a desired location. The flowable material is forced or
urged from the container, for example, by squeezing the sides of
the container or by using a plunger (if present). After use, the
cap is replaced as described above to reseal the container and
prevent the material within the container from deterioration due to
evaporation.
[0058] A second assembled embodiment of the present dispenser is
depicted in FIGS. 10-12 generally at 300 and includes a base such
as a collar 302, a first member such as a cone 304, a second member
such as a cover 306, and a sealing member such as a cap 308. The
instant dispenser, and many components thereof, may be described by
an axis 310. It can be seen in FIGS. 10-14 that the base 302, in
turn, includes an upper member 312 unitarily (or otherwise
integrally) joined to a cylindrical element 314. The upper member
312 displays respective upper and lower surfaces 318 and 320 and
defines a generally coaxial opening 322. In contrast to the first
embodiment, a mating structure such as a plurality (e.g., a pair)
of tabs 124, are not present. Externally, the upper member 312
adjoins the cylindrical element 314 at a bevel 326.
[0059] The bevel 326 may be between about 40 degrees and 50 degrees
or about 45 degrees in some aspects of the invention. The
cylindrical element 314 displays an outer surface 328, an inner
surface 330, and a lower rim 332. A plurality of gripping surfaces,
such as ribs 334, may extend from the outer surface 328 and a
connecting structure, such as a plurality of threads 336, may be
defined by the inner surface 320. A person of ordinary skill in the
art will readily recognize that other connecting structures may be
suitable for other embodiments. Moreover, it is contemplated that,
in some embodiments, the present invention may be permanently
attached to the container.
[0060] As best viewed in FIGS. 10-12 and 15-16, the cone 304
includes a lower flange 346, a basal portion such as respective
first and second elements 348 and 350, and an upper extension 352
and displays respective upper and lower surfaces 356 and 358 and an
outer rim 360. In contrast to the first embodiment, the lower
flange 346 does not include a mating structure, such as the
plurality (e.g., pair) of slots 154.
[0061] The generally frustoconical first element 348 defines a slot
362 and unitarily (or otherwise integrally) adjoins the lower
flange 346, displaying an upper surface 364, and outer surface 366,
and an inner surface 368.
[0062] The second generally frustoconical element 350 is disposed
coaxially to the first element 348 and displays respective upper,
lower, outer and inner surfaces 374, 375, 376, and 378. In the
embodiment shown, the second element is stepped inwardly from the
first element 348. In contrast to the first embodiment, a mating
structure, such as the plurality (e.g., pair) of slots 180, are not
defined. The inner surfaces 368 and 378 of the first and second
elements 348 and 350 and the lower surface 375 of the second
element 350 define a cavity 384. An upper cylindrical element 380
extends from the frustoconical element 350 and displays respective
upper, lower, outer, and inner surfaces, 381, 382, 383, and 384,
the upper and outer surfaces 380 and 383 joined at a bevel 385.
[0063] A third element, such as a generally frustoconical upper
extension 352 extends from the upper cylindrical element 381,
displays an outer surface 386 and an inner surface 388, and
includes a tip 390. The tip 390, in turn, displays an upper surface
392, which adjoins a bevel 394, the bevel 394 terminating at a
lower rim 396. The lower rim 396 may extend generally radially from
adjacent surfaces on the upper extension 352. The inner surface 388
defines a generally coaxial bore 398. The bore 398 adjoins the
cavity 399 and opens to admit a substantially liquid substance
being forced from the cavity 399.
[0064] As best viewed in FIGS. 11-12 and 17-19 the second member
(cover) 306 includes respective first and second elements 400 and
402. The element 400, in turn, displays an upper surface 403, an
outer surface 404, an inner surface 406, and a lower rim 408. In
contrast to the first embodiment, a mating structure, such as a
plurality (e.g., pair) of tabs 210, does not depend from the lower
surface 408 in the embodiment depicted. The element 402 displays an
upper surface 414, which extends radially from a rim 415. The
element 402 further displays an exterior surface 416, defines a
mating structure such as a generally circumferential groove 418,
and includes an inner surface 420. The inner surface 420 defines a
bore 422, the bore 422 dimensioned to accommodate the upper
extension 352 therewithin.
[0065] In the embodiment shown, the cap 308 is attached to the
second member 306 by a flexible hinge 426 and includes a cap
element 428, an extension 430, and a stopper element 432. The hinge
426 may be formed simultaneously with the second member 306 and cap
308, e.g., by injection molding. Still another mating structure
such as a generally circumferential rib 434 is defined proximate a
junction between an interior surface 436 and a lower surface 438.
The cap 308 is dimensioned so that the rib 434 is accommodated
within the second member groove 418 and the lower surface 438
contacts the second member upper surface 403 when the cap 308 is in
a closed position. Obviously, the rib 434 and groove 418 could be
interchanged. The stopper element 432 is dimensioned to be
accommodated within the tip bore 398 when the cap 308 is in a
closed position as well.
[0066] Suitable materials for the second embodiment of the present
dispenser include polyethylene, e.g., high density polyethylene,
and polypropylene. In one situation, the collar 302 is made from
high density polyethylene and the cap 308 and cone 304 are made
from polypropylene. However, other suitable materials can be found
in the Handbook of Plastics, Elastomers, and Composites, Third
Edition, Charles A. Harper, Editor-in-Chief, McGraw-Hill, New York
(1996), previously incorporated by reference. Individual components
of the present dispenser may be formed by processes such as
injection molding utilizing the foregoing materials.
[0067] As best seen in FIGS. 20 and 21, the second embodiment of
present dispenser is assembled by extending the first member 304
through the base collar opening 322 until the flange upper surface
356 contacts the base collar lower surface 320 and until the collar
upper member 312 is disposed in the slot 362. The second member 306
is forced into position, wherein the upper extension 352 is
accommodated within the bore 398. The cap 308 is closed by being
pressed against the second member 306 until the cap rib 434 is
disposed within the second member circumferential groove 418 and
until the cap stopper element 432 is disposed within the upper
extension bore 398, thereby effecting a seal to prevent volatile
ingredients within the flowable material from evaporating. The cap
308 may be removed from the second member by pressing against a
lower surface of the extension 430 in the direction indicated by
the arrow 450, e.g., with between 0.5 and 1.5, or 1 pound of force,
such that the cap rib 434 is displaced from the second member
circumferential groove 418 in the direction of the arrow 452. With
the cap 308 displaced from the sealing position into an open
position, the material inside the container can be dispensed as
desired.
[0068] In contrast to the first embodiment, the components are
frictionally maintained in an assembled disposition by close
tolerances. Also in contrast to the first embodiment, the
components can be rotated when in place, yet maintain a fluid tight
seal. While a fixed relationship is desirable in the first
embodiment, an ability to freely rotate the cover 306 is desirable
in some situations where, e.g., users need to adjust the rotational
position of the cover 306 to more conveniently open and/or close
the dispenser and dispense the contents. For certain uses, the
first and second embodiments are dimensioned such that, when
assembled, between about 8-12, or about 10 pounds of force is
required for disassembly.
[0069] Functionally, the assembled present dispenser is attached to
a container by threading the base 302 onto a container until a
snug, airtight seal is effected by in part by contact between the
base lower surface 320 and the container. The airtight seal is also
effected when the cap 308 is in a closed position as described
above. To dispense the material from the container, the cap 308 is
displaced from the closed position to an open position. The cap 308
may be displaced from the closed position to the open position by
an upward force exerted on the extension 430, e.g., by a user's
digit. The upward force displaces the stopper element 432 from the
upper extension bore 398 and also displaces the cap rib 434 from
the second member groove 418. The substantially flowable material
may be then forced from the container through the first member
cavity 384 and the upper extension bore 398 and dispensed on a
surface at a desired location. The flowable material is forced or
urged from the container, for example, by squeezing the sides of
the container or by using a plunger (if present). After use, the
cap is replaced as described above to reseal the container and
prevent the material within the container from deterioration due to
evaporation.
[0070] A person or ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize
that other equivalents can be utilized in place of the mating
structure embodiments disclosed and described herein. Therefore,
the instant invention is not limited to the specific embodiments of
the mating structures disclosed and described.
[0071] Because numerous modifications of this invention may be made
without departing from the spirit thereof, the scope of the
invention is not to be limited to the embodiments illustrated and
described. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined
by the appended claims and their equivalents.
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