U.S. patent application number 10/520091 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for device for dispensing material into a container.
Invention is credited to Bowden, Peter G., Williams-Lucas, Henry James Calvin.
Application Number | 20050279653 10/520091 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30118823 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050279653 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams-Lucas, Henry James Calvin
; et al. |
December 22, 2005 |
Device for dispensing material into a container
Abstract
A dispenser comprising attachment means (844) for attachment to
a container, a reservoir (822) for holding material (820), a
barrier means (895) to prevent the material entering the container,
wherein the barrier means is removable by manipulation of the
dispenser, thereby permitting the material to be selectively
dispensed into the container.
Inventors: |
Williams-Lucas, Henry James
Calvin; (Machynlleth, GB) ; Bowden, Peter G.;
(Blackpool, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C.
400 WEST MAPLE ROAD
SUITE 350
BIRMINGHAM
MI
48009
US
|
Family ID: |
30118823 |
Appl. No.: |
10/520091 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
July 4, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB03/02896 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/2892 20130101;
B65D 51/285 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/219 |
International
Class: |
B65D 025/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 4, 2002 |
GB |
0215442.5 |
Aug 21, 2002 |
GB |
019487.6 |
Jan 10, 2003 |
GB |
0300532.9 |
Claims
1-40. (canceled)
41. A dispenser comprising: an attachment formation for attachment
to a container; a reservoir for holding material; a barrier
formation to prevent the material entering the container, the
barrier formation being openable by manipulation of the dispenser,
thereby permitting the material to be selectively dispensed into
the container; a closure provided in the dispenser to permit
material to be removed from a container to which the dispenser may
be attached via the dispenser without the need to remove the
dispenser from the container; and a conduit extending through the
dispenser to permit the removal of material from the container via
the closure, while bypassing the reservoir.
42. A dispenser according to claim 41, wherein the conduit extends
from the closure to a position at the same level as, or below the
barrier formation.
43. A dispenser according to claim 41, wherein the closure is
arranged such that manipulation thereof further causes the material
to be selectively dispensed.
44. A dispenser according to claim 41, wherein the closure is
reclosable.
45. A dispenser according to claim 44, wherein the closure is a
sports cap.
46. A dispenser according to claim 41, wherein the dispenser
further comprises one of a formation to substantially equalize the
pressure it the reservoir and a formation to supply a positive
pressure relative to a container to which the dispenser is
attachable.
47. A dispenser comprising: a first portion; a second portion; an
attachment formation for attachment to a container; a reservoir for
holding material; a barrier formation to prevent the material
entering the container, the barrier formation being openable by
manipulation of the dispenser, thereby permitting the material to
be selectively dispensed into the container; wherein at least one
of the first portion and the second portion comprises a
manipulation control formation to control manipulation of the
dispenser from a first closed position in which the barrier
formation is in place to a second position in which the barrier
formation is open, the control formation being configured to
provide discrete axial and rotational components to the
manipulation.
48. A dispenser according to claim 47, wherein the first portion
comprises the reservoir.
49. A dispenser according to claim 47, wherein the second portion
comprises the attachment formation.
50. A dispenser according to claim 47, wherein the control
formation is arranged such that the rotational component of the
manipulation must precede the axial component of the
manipulation.
51. A dispenser according to claim 50, wherein the manipulation is
controlled by a cam and a cam follower.
52. A dispenser according to claim 51, wherein the cam comprises an
axial cam portion and a rotational cam portion.
53. A dispenser according to claim 51, wherein the cam comprises
one of a recess and a surface and the cam follower comprises one of
a projection and pin.
54. A dispenser according to claim 47, wherein the axial movement
slidably opens the barrier formation.
55. A dispenser according to claim 54, wherein the axial movement
to pen the barrier formation is a movement of the first portion
towards the second portion.
56. A dispenser according to claim 47, wherein the barrier
formation comprises a plug, the plug being arranged to block a hole
in the first position and to be displaced clear of the hole in the
second position.
57. A dispenser according to claim 47, wherein the first portion is
integrally formed.
58. A dispenser according to claim 47, wherein the reservoir
comprises a scale to enable a predetermined amount of material to
be dispensed.
59. A method of dispensing a material from a reservoir of a
dispenser into a container attached to the dispenser, the method
comprising the steps of: (1) rotating a first portion of the
dispenser relative to a second portion of the dispenser; and (2)
axially displacing the first portion relative to the second
portion.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a dispenser for
selectively dispensing material into a container.
[0002] It is known to sell pre-mixed alcoholic and non-alcoholic
beverages. Examples of such beverages include pre-mixed gin and
tonic, whisky and cola, rum and fruit juice, rum and cola, mineral
water and fruit cordial as well as milkshakes and "smoothies".
However, in some instances the taste of such pre-mixed drinks may
degrade if left on the shelf for an extended period prior to
consumption. In other instances the mixed components may react
together such that the mixture may no longer be drinkable or
effective if not consumed or utilised almost immediately. An
example of such a mixture would be that of water and an
effervescent indigestion or cold remedy.
[0003] Whilst the aforementioned problems may be overcome by
keeping the two components separate until consumption of a mixture
comprising both components is desired, it is often inconvenient to
store and carry both components separately prior to mixing.
Furthermore, the act of mixing the components may lead to spillage,
contamination and additional inconvenience to the consumer.
[0004] The present invention seeks to overcome, or at least
mitigate, the problems of the prior art.
[0005] Accordingly one aspect of the present invention provides a
dispenser comprising attachment means for attachment to a
container, a reservoir for holding material, a barrier means to
prevent the material entering the container, wherein the barrier
means is removable by manipulation of the dispenser, thereby
permitting the material to be selectively dispensed into the
container.
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to one
embodiment of the present invention fitted to a container,
[0008] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 in a closed
condition;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 in an open
condition;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through the dispenser of
FIG. 2 along the axis X-X;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through the dispenser of
FIG. 3 along the axis Y-Y;
[0012] FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view through a dispenser
according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a
closed condition;
[0013] FIG. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view through the
dispenser of FIG. 6 in an open condition;
[0014] FIG. 8 is an axial cross-sectional view through a dispenser
according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a
closed condition;
[0015] FIG. 9 is an axial cross-sectional view through a dispenser
according a fourth embodiment of the present invention in a closed
condition;
[0016] FIG. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view through the
dispenser of FIG. 9 in an open condition;
[0017] FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view through a dispenser
according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention in a
closed condition;
[0018] FIG. 12 is an axial cross-sectional view through the
dispenser of FIG. 11 in an open condition;
[0019] FIG. 13 is an exploded cross-sectional view through a
dispenser according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view through a dispenser
according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view through a dispenser
according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIGS. 16 and 17 are vertical cross-sectional views through a
dispenser according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention
in closed and open condition respectively;
[0023] FIGS. 18 and 19 are cross-sectional views along the axes A-A
and B-B of FIGS. 16 and 17;
[0024] FIGS. 20, 22 and 22 are cross-sectional views through a
dispenser according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention
in the closed, open and sports cap lifted states respectively;
[0025] FIGS. 23 and 24 are vertical cross-sectional views through a
dispenser according to an eleventh embodiment of the present
invention in a closed and open condition respectively;
[0026] FIGS. 25 and 26 are vertical cross-sectional views through a
twelfth embodiment of the present invention in a closed and open
condition respectively,
[0027] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view through a dispenser
according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 27A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of
FIG. 27;
[0029] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a portion of a dispenser
according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0030] FIGS. 28A and 28B are plan and side views of the a portion
of the dispenser of FIG. 28 from the directions indicated by arrows
J and K respectively.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a dispenser indicated generally at 10
according to one embodiment of the present invention is a screw
fitted to a container 12, such as a bottle, jar or the like.
[0032] The dispenser comprises a first upper portion indicated
generally at 14 and a second lower portion indicated generally at
16. It can be seen that both the first and second portions 14 and
16 are generally cylindrical in shape, being mounted about a common
axis 15, with the upper portion being closed off to define a
reservoir 22 containing a liquid 20. It can be seen that in this
embodiment the major part of the first portion 14 is formed from
transparent material 18 (eg transparent plastics) with the
remainder having a textured or knurled first engagement portion 24
to assist a user in gripping the first portion 14. In other classes
of embodiment, the reservoir may be entirely opaque, entirely
transparent, entirely translucent, and/or the engagement portion 14
may be increased in size. A similar textured surface 26 is provided
on the second portion 16. Examples of suitable materials from which
the dispenser may be made include polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
and polypropylene.
[0033] The first and second portions 14 and 16 are arranged so as
to permit relative rotational movement therebetween to occur about
their common axis 15. However, as shown in FIG. 1, a tear-off band
28 frangibly connects the first and second portion 14 and 16 and
preferably acts to both reduce the risk of accidental relative
rotation occurring and to indicate whether the dispenser has been
tampered with or used. The band 28 is provided with a projecting
portion 30 that enables a user of the dispenser to grasp the band
and remove it, as is well known. In other embodiments, the band 28
may be replaced by a direct frangible connection between the
portions 14 and 16. A further frangible connection (not shown) may
be provided between the dispenser 10 and the container 12 for
similar reasons.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4 which respectively illustrate
plan and cross-sectional views through the dispenser 10 when in a
closed condition, it can be seen that the first portion 14
additionally comprises a first wall 32 having, in this embodiment,
two through holes 34 provided therein in an opposed radially
equidistant position relative to the axis 15. The position, number
and size of the hole(s) 34 may be adjusted as required in other
embodiments.
[0035] It can be seen that the first wall 32 is, in this
embodiment, formed integrally with the first engagement portion 24,
and furthermore that the intersection of the lower wall 32 and
engagement portion 24 defines an annular undercut 36 to facilitate
the engagement of the first portion 14 with a cooperating toothed
ring 38 of the second portion 16.
[0036] The second portion 16 comprises a second wall 40 formed
integrally with the second engagement portion 26. A toothed ring 38
extends upwardly from wall 40, the teeth 39 of which are arranged
to engage with undercuts 36 of the first portion. The toothed ring
38 may be continuous or may have gaps therein to allow the teeth to
flex more easily and thereby ease the assembly process. It is
however preferable that at least a leg portion 48 of the ring 38 is
continuous to improve the seal between the first and second
portions 14 and 16.
[0037] The second wall 40 is provided with two through holes 42
radially equidistant from the axis 15 with respect to the through
holes 34 of wall 32. The second wall 40 is in a face contacting
relationship with first wall 32. However, in the position shown in
FIG. 2 holes 42 are circumferentially offset from holes 34 by
approximately 90 degrees. The combination of the face contacting
relationship of walls 32 and 40 and offset of the holes 34 and 42
means that there is no path for the liquid 20 to pass through the
walls, which together define a barrier means.
[0038] It can be seen that the second engagement portion 26 is
provided with threads 44 on its radially inner face to engage with
cooperating threads 46 on the container. It will be appreciated
that in alternative classes of embodiment, the second portion 16
may be provided with any suitable alternative means of engagement
with the container 12 such as a simple frictional push fit, clip
fitting or a frangible connection.
[0039] Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 5 the dispenser 10 is shown in an
open or operative position. A user of the dispenser has removed
band 28 and turned the first portion 14 in a clockwise direction A
through substantially 90 degrees about axis 15 with respect to the
second portion 16. A detent or stop (not shown) may be provided at
a suitable position on either the first or second portions 14 and
16 to limit the extent of rotation possible. In other embodiments,
the first portion 14 may be capable of being turned anticlockwise
only, or both clockwise and anticlockwise.
[0040] It can be seen that this rotation aligns through holes 34 in
wall 32 with the corresponding through holes 42 in wall 40. This
enables the liquid 20 in the reservoir 22 to pass through the holes
34 and 40 in a direction B into the container to which the
dispenser 10 is attached. Thereafter, the user may shake the
container to ensure a thorough mixing of the liquid 20 with liquid
(not shown) held within the container 12 is achieved, before
grasping portion 26 and unscrewing the dispenser 10 to enable the
mixed contents of container 12 to be consumed or used. In some
classes of embodiment, rather than removing the entire dispenser
10, it may be possible to detach the first portion 14 from the
second portion 16 to enable the contents in container 12 to be
poured out through holes 42.
[0041] In other classes of embodiment, rotation of the first
portion with respect to the second portion may allow material to
pass through the barrier means by use of alternative mechanisms to
that described above. For example, a ramp or thread may be provided
on one of the first or second portions with a complementary
formation being provided on the other portion or a separate insert,
so as to translate relative rotation between the portions into a
relative axial motion thereby removing a plug or the like in a wall
constituting the barrier means.
[0042] Turning now to a second embodiment of the present invention
as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, like numerals have, wherever
possible, been used for like parts of the dispenser with the
addition of the prefix "1". Only the differences of the second
embodiment with respect to the first embodiment are discussed in
further detail.
[0043] It can be seen that the dispenser 110 according to the
second embodiment of the present invention again comprises first
and second portions 114 and 116. First and second walls 132 and 140
are again provided on the first and second portions 114 and 116
respectively. Walls 132 and 140 again define a barrier means
between the reservoir 122 and the container. The walls 132 and 140
are inclined to form a frustro-conical or funnel-like shape.
[0044] A hole 134 is provided at the centre of wall 132 and has a
cylindrical extension 150 extending downwardly therefrom
terminating at a pointed circular tip 152. The tip 152 is arranged
so as to contact a correspondingly dimensioned disc 154 positioned
at the centre of wall 140. The periphery of the disc 154 is
preferably weakened (eg by thinning the material at the interface
between the funnel portion and the disc 154). To improve the seal
between the tip 152 and its point of contact with the disc 154,
this region may be provided with suitable sealing material (eg an
elastomeric material such as synthetic rubber).
[0045] The first portion 114 and second portion 116 engage together
by means of a radially outwardly projecting lip or rim 156 of the
second portion co-operating with a radially inwardly directing lip
or rim 158 of the first portion 114. A recessed cylindrical region
160 of the second portion is provided beneath rim 156 to enable the
first portion 114 to slide downwardly with respect to the second
portion 116. The extent of sliding movement is restricted by an
annular stop surface 162 provided at the lower extent of the
recessed region 160.
[0046] To dispense liquid 120 from the reservoir 122 into the
container 112 a user removes band 128 that hitherto substantially
prevented vertical sliding movement, before pushing downwardly on
the first portion 114. This downward pressure causes the tip 152 to
detach the majority of disc 154 from the remainder of wall 140
whilst preferably enabling the disc to remain connected to a part
of the wall (so that it does not fall into the container). Once the
disc 154 is displaced, the liquid 120 flows in a direction C from
reservoir 122 into container 112. The funnel shape of wall 132
ensures that substantially all of the liquid is dispensed into the
container 112. As in the first embodiment the mixture of liquids in
container 112 may then be poured out of the container once the
dispenser 110 has been unscrewed therefrom.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 8 which illustrates a third embodiment of
the present invention, like parts have been indicated by like
numerals with the addition of the prefix "2". It can be seen that
the dispenser 210 of the third embodiment operates using a similar
principle to the dispenser 110 of the second embodiment. However,
in this embodiment the second wail 240 of the second portion 216
merely acts to suspend one or more piercing tip(s) 252 to pierce
the first wall 232 of the first portion 214, the wall 232 in this
embodiment being in the form of a piercable plastics membrane. Wall
240 need not therefore be in the form of an uninterrupted surface
to act as a seal, rather it merely needs to be sufficiently strong
to be able to support the tip 252 during the piercing operation.
Thus, iii this embodiment only wall 232 acts as the barrier means.
Note that extension 250 is not in the form of an uninterrupted
cylinder. Instead, notches 253 are provided therein.
[0048] To dispense the liquid 220, the user removes band 128 and
presses downwardly on the first portion 214 in a similar manner to
the second embodiment, thus bringing wall 232 into contact with the
tip 252 of hole 234. This downward movement causes the wall 232 to
be pierced, thus forming a hole or holes in wall 232 through which
the liquid 220 may be dispensed into the container 212. Notches 253
ensure that substantially all of the liquid 220 may be easily
dispensed and may also act to ease the piercing operation.
[0049] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10 in which like parts are again, wherever possible,
designated by like numerals with the addition of the prefix "3". In
this embodiment, walls 332 and 340 are again provided with two
holes 334 and two holes 342 respectively that are offset with
relation to each other in a similar manner to the arrangement shown
in FIG. 2. As in the first embodiment, when the dispenser is in a
closed condition, wall 332 is in a face contacting relationship
with wall 340, thus preventing liquid 320 flowing from the
reservoir 322 into the container 312.
[0050] To remove the barrier means created by walls 332 and 340, a
user lifts the first portion 314 with respect to the second portion
316. The extent of this movement is limited by engagement of
radially outwardly directed lip or rim 358 of the first portion 314
engaging with a corresponding radially inwardly directed lip or rim
356 of the second portion 316. This axial movement of the first
portion 314 away from the second portion 316 creates a chamber 370
between the first wall 332 and the second wall 340. The liquid 320
is able to flow into chamber 370 through holes 334 and then out of
the chamber through the holes 342 in wall 340, the direction of
flow being shown by arrows D. Once the liquid has been dispensed
into the container 312, the dispenser 310 may be removed by
unscrewing it from the container as in the previous
embodiments.
[0051] In alternative classes of embodiment, a vertical guide
formation may be provided between the first portion 314 and second
portion 316 that only permits axial movement of the first portion
relative to the second portion to occur.
[0052] FIG. 11 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present
invention, which is essentially a variant of the dispenser 310 of
the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Like parts have been
denoted as far as possible by like numerals with the addition of
the prefix "4". Only differences with respect to the dispenser of
the fourth embodiment are described below.
[0053] Material is dispensed from reservoir 422 into container 412
in the same manner as the fourth embodiment (by lifting first
portion 414 with respect to second portion 416). However, the
dispenser 410 is provided with a tubular conduit 475 extending
through the dispenser from top to bottom to enable the contents of
the container 412 to be poured or consumed without the necessity of
removing the dispenser from the container.
[0054] To substantially prevent the contents of the container 412
leaking through the conduit 475, a valve means in the form of a
plug 476 is provided at the base thereof arranged to seal an
aperture 484 in the base of a sleeve-like extension 482 of wall
440. The sleeve-like extension 482 extends into reservoir 422 and
is arranged so as to provide a slidable but sealing fit around
conduit 475.
[0055] The base of conduit 475 tapers inwardly towards plug 476,
and holes 480 are provided in the conduit to permit the contents of
the container 412 to flow therethrough when the plug is removed
from aperture 484.
[0056] At its upper end, conduit 475 extends beyond the top of
reservoir 422 to provide a convenient drinking or pouring spout.
The top of the conduit 475 is preferably closable to minimise the
risk of contaminants entering it. In this embodiment a known
"sports cap" type closure arrangement 485 is provided. The top of
the conduit 475 has a centrally mounted plug 472 standing proud
therefrom, the plug being mounted via arms 479 so as to provide
apertures 478 through which the contents of the container 412 may
pass.
[0057] An axially slidable cap 486 of the arrangement 485 encloses
and seals the end of the conduit 475, with the upward axial motion
being restricted by radially inward facing lip 490 of the cap
contacting radially outward facing lip 474 provided on the conduit.
In the closed position shown in FIG. 11, plug 472 seals a
correspondingly sized hole 488 provided in the cap. In alternative
classes of embodiment any other suitable form of closure for the
conduit 475 may be provided such as a screw or snap-fit cap (not
shown). Alternatively, a non-reclosable seal may be provided, such
as a peel-off or puncturable membrane, or no seal at all may be
provided.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 12, the contents of the reservoir 422 are
dispensed into the container in a similar manner to the fourth
embodiment. The relative axial movement between portions 414 and
416 also removes plug 476 from hole 484, meaning that once the
contents of reservoir 422 have been dispensed into the container,
the mixed material may then be consumed or poured via the conduit
475 once the cap 485 is opened. Both cap 485 and plug 476 may be
reclosed at any time, meaning that a partially full container 412
may be safely stored between uses. Note that conduit 475 prevents
the material 420 in the reservoir 422 being directly poured or
consumed via sports cap arrangement 485; the material must first be
mixed with the contents of container 412.
[0059] FIG. 13 illustrates a variant of the fifth embodiment of the
present invention in which like numerals designate like parts with
the addition of the prefix "5". Only those differences with respect
to the fifth embodiment are discussed in detail. A cap equivalent
to cap 486 is not shown in FIG. 13, but would be provided to close
the top of conduit 575.
[0060] In this sixth embodiment, the entire first portion is
transparent and radially inwardly directed teeth 556 of the second
portion 516 are arranged so as to engage a complementary lip 558 of
the first portion so as to permit relative rotational movement
between portions 514 and 516, but prevent relative axial
movement.
[0061] In addition, an alternative form of valve means is provided
and comprises holes 584b and 584a provided respectively in the
conduit 575 and sleeve-like extension 582. In the closed position,
the holes are offset to prevent the passage of the contents of the
container therethrough, but once rotated into the open position are
aligned to allow the mixed contents of the container to pass
therethrough. To assist a user of the dispenser in turning the
dispenser from a closed to an open position and back, a tooth or
projection 576 is provided on the conduit 575. In the closed
position this engages with hole 584a, and in the open position with
a recess 577 provided on sleeve-like portion 582, which is
180.degree. out of alignment with hole 584a This arrangement
provides the user with a positive indication of when the dispenser
is in the open or closed position. In other embodiments, the
positions of the projection 576 and hole 577 on the conduit and
sleeve-like portion may be reversed.
[0062] FIG. 14 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention
in which like parts are designated by like numerals with the
addition of the prefix "6". Again, only differences with respect to
the preceding embodiments are discussed in detail.
[0063] In this embodiment the plug 676 is directly connected to the
cap 686 by one or more connecting bars 692. The bars extend through
apertures 678 between arms 679 that support plug 688.
[0064] Thus, when cap 686 is lifted to the position shown in broken
lines in FIG. 14, plug 676 is lifted clear of hole 684. A user then
waits until the contents of reservoir 622 are dispensed into
container 612 before then pouring or consuming the mixed contents
of the container via the reservoir and cap 686.
[0065] In a variant of this embodiment of the present invention,
plug 684 may be connected to a user engageable portion of the
dispenser 610 through which the container contents may not be
poured. Instead, the dispenser may be removed from the container as
in embodiments one to four described above to allow pouring.
[0066] FIG. 15 illustrates an eighth embodiment of the present
invention in which like parts have been designated where possible
by like numerals with the addition of the prefix "7". This
embodiment shows a dispenser of the type disclosed in the fourth
embodiment to which a sports cap assembly 785 has been mounted. The
material 720 is dispensed from the reservoir 722 into the container
712 in the same way as in the fourth embodiment. The mixed contents
of the container 712 may then be poured or consumed via the
reservoir 722 and sports cap assembly 785.
[0067] FIGS. 16 and 17 show a ninth embodiment of the present
invention in which like parts have been designated where possible
by like numerals, but with the addition of the prefix "8". Only
differences with respect to the preceding embodiments are discussed
in further detail.
[0068] In this embodiment, the first wall 832 of the dispenser 810
is arranged as a tubular axially extending sleeve provided with two
holes 834 therein at its lower end. The lower end of the sleeve is
closed by a plug 895 that defines the bottom of holes 834 and has
an enlarged lower portion that defines an annular abutment surface
836. Axially intermediate the reservoir 822 and first wall 832 of
the first portion 814 is a downwardly facing annular surface 893
having two pegs 894 circumferentially equidistant from each other
and projecting downwardly therefrom.
[0069] The second portion 814 is provided with a second wall 840 in
the form of an axially extending cylindrical bore 840. An upwardly
facing annular surface 891 is provided in the second portion 816
radially intermediate the bore 840 and the outer face of the
portion. Two downwardly extending circular recesses 892 are
provided in surface 891 and are dimensioned and positioned so as to
be capable of accommodating the pegs 894.
[0070] The dispenser may be assembled as follows:
[0071] The reservoir 822 is filled with liquid 820 whilst inverted,
having had pegs 894 fitted thereto. The reservoir 822 is then
fitted to the second portion 816 such that the first wall 832 fits
inside the second wall 840. The plug 895 is then inserted into the
base of the reservoir 822 to complete the first portion 814. To
ensure it does not become dislodged during storage and
transportation, the plug 895 may be secured to the reservoir 822 by
adhesive, heat fusing, a screw thread or by other suitable means.
Alternatively, the plug 895 may be press fitted to the reservoir
with an interference type connection arrangement (not shown)
between the two components ensuring that they do not become
separated. The dispenser is now in the condition shown in FIG. 16
and may be secured to the neck of a bottle or other container (not
shown) by threads 844. The reservoir may alternatively be filled
once the dispenser has been fully assembled.
[0072] The dispensing operation of the dispenser 810 is as
follows:
[0073] Starting from the position shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 in which
the first portion 814 is in a raised position relative to the
second portion 816, the user rotates the first portion clockwise
relative to the second portion such that pegs 894 that were
previously circumferentially misaligned with recesses 892 become
circumferentially aligned (a first twisting step). Subsequently,
the user may push downwardly on the first portion such that pegs
894 enter their respective recesses 892 as illustrated in FIGS. 17
and 19 (a second depressing step). This depressing action reveals
holes 834 that are provided in the first wall and enables the
liquid 820 to pass from the reservoir 822 into the container to
which dispenser 810 is attached. This flow is illustrated by arrows
E in FIG. 17. The user may permit the entire contents of a
reservoir 822 to be dispensed into the container. Alternatively a
proportion of the liquid 820 may be dispensed and the user may then
lift the first portion 814 to cover holes 834 and stop the flow of
liquid. To ensure that any remaining liquid is not accidentally
dispensed, the user may then twist the first portion 814
anticlockwise or clockwise relative to the second portion back to
the position shown in FIG. 18. To consume the mixed contents of the
container to which the dispenser 810 is attached, the dispenser 810
may be unscrewed therefrom.
[0074] Turning to FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 a tenth embodiment of the
present invention is illustrated in which like parts have been
designated where possible by like numerals with the addition of the
prefix "9".
[0075] The dispenser 910 shown in these Figures is essentially a
variant of the dispenser of the eighth embodiment that is provided
with a through conduit 975 that extends through the reservoir 922
and plug 995 and which is capped by a sports cap 985 in a similar
manner to the dispenser of the fifth embodiment.
[0076] The liquid 920 is dispensed into the container to which the
dispenser is attached in a direction F in a similar manner to the
dispenser of the ninth embodiment. Once dispensing is complete, the
dispenser 910 may then be reclosed and the mixed contents of the
container to which it attached (not shown) discharged via the
conduit 975 and sports cap in a direction G as illustrated in FIG.
22.
[0077] Turning to FIGS. 23 and 24, an eleventh embodiment of the
present invention is shown in which like parts have been designated
by like numerals with the addition of the prefix "10". Only
differences in this embodiment compare to the preceding embodiments
are discussed in detail below.
[0078] This embodiment utilises a similar principle to the ninth
and tenth embodiments but dispenses by a two step twist and lift
mechanism. It can be seen that pegs 894 are inverted in comparison
with embodiment of FIG. 16, and are provided on an extension of
downwardly extending sleeve 1032. Complementary upwardly extending
recesses 1092 are provided on a downwardly facing surface 1091 of
the second portion 1016.
[0079] A plug 1076 extends from the bottom of the first portion and
is arranged, in a sealed state, to plug a hole 1084 in wall
1040.
[0080] In this embodiment, lifting of the first portion 1014
relative to the second portion 1016 is prevented whilst the pegs
1094 are circumferentially offset from the corresponding recesses
1092. Once a user has twisted the first portion 1014 relative to
the second portion 1016 to bring the pegs into circumferential
alignment with the recesses, the first portion may be lifted
relative to the second portion, thus removing plug 1076 from the
hole 1074, thereby allowing the liquid 1020 in reservoir 1022 to
flow via pass-through holes 1096 in a direction H into the
container (not shown), upon which the dispenser is attached.
[0081] As in the ninth and tenth embodiments, the dispensing
operation may be halted by reversing the above procedure.
[0082] FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate a twelfth embodiment of the
present invention in which like parts are again designated by like
numerals but with the addition of the prefix "11". The dispenser
1110 of this embodiment operates under a similar principle to the
dispenser of the eleventh embodiment except that a pass-through
conduit 1175 and sports cap assembly 1185 is provided thereon. It
can be seen that the conduit 1175 is used to mount plug 1176 to the
first portion 1114 of the dispenser, as well as enabling mixed
liquid from the container to which the dispenser is attached to be
discharged from the container via the sports cap whilst the
dispenser is in place on the container.
[0083] FIGS. 27 and 27A show thirteenth embodiment of the present
invention that is a variant of the ninth embodiment and in which
like parts have been designated where possible by like numerals,
but with the addition of the prefix "12". Only differences with
respect to the preceding embodiments are discussed in further
detail.
[0084] It can be seen that the primary difference between this
embodiment and the ninth embodiment is that the first and second
portions 1214 and 1216 are one-piece mouldings. That is to say,
plug 1295 and pegs 1294 of the first portion are integrally formed
with the remainder of the first portion using a suitable moulding
technique.
[0085] In order to permit the fitting of the two portions together,
the fixed abutment surface 836 of the ninth embodiment is replaced
by a resilient lip 1236 that extends around the radially outer
periphery of the plug in an interrupted or uninterrupted
manner.
[0086] During assembly, the lip retracts to enable it to slide
along the second wall 1240, before extending to prevent or inhibit
the removal of the first portion 1214 from the second 1216 when
fully assembled. Although it is envisaged that the face-to-face
relation between the first and second wails 1232 and 1240 primarily
acts as a seal prior to the dispensing operation, lip 1236 may also
perform this function if it is uninterrupted.
[0087] It should further be noted that in this embodiment, a number
of surfaces within the reservoir 1222, such as the edges of holes
1234, are bevelled to assist in the flow of material from the
reservoir 1222 during the dispensing operation.
[0088] The dispensing operation of the dispenser 1210 is similar to
that described in relation to dispenser 810 of the ninth
embodiment.
[0089] Referring to FIGS. 28, 28A and 28B, a further embodiment of
the dispenser is shown that includes a tamper-evident seal. Again,
like parts have been designated where possible by like numerals,
but with the addition of the prefix "13". Only differences with
respect to the preceding embodiments are discussed in further
detail.
[0090] The uppermost edge of second portion 1316 is provided with
one or more moulded or formed L-shaped slots 1397 that open
radially inwardly. The upper face of an undercut portion 1397a of
the slot 1397 is provided with a recess 1398. The recess 1398 is
arranged to engage a complementary projection 1399 on an otherwise
substantially planar wing 1389 formed from a radial outer edge of
the first portion 1314 in a non-releasable manner. The connection
between the wing 1389 and first portion 1314 has a relatively small
cross-sectional area to enable the wing to become detached with a
relatively low force.
[0091] When the dispenser is assembled, wing 1389 is angularly
aligned with an open portion 1397b of slot 1397 so that it may be
lowered into the slot from above, before rotation of the first
portion 1314 anticlockwise relative to the second portion 1316
causes the wing to come to rest in the undercut portion 1397a, the
movement being indicated by arrow L.
[0092] In this position, projection 1399 engages recess 1398 such
that the reverse, clockwise movement is prevented unless the wing
1389 is sheared from the first portion. Similarly, further
anticlockwise rotation of the first portion 1314 causes the wing to
shear. Thus, once the dispenser is assembled, it is evident to
dispenser users if an attempt has been made to disassemble the
dispenser (clockwise rotation) or to dispense the contents of the
reservoir 1322 (anticlockwise rotation), thereby providing a
safeguard for the quality and safety of contents of the
dispenser.
[0093] It will be appreciated that numerous changes may be made to
the ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth
embodiments of the present invention. For example, alternative
means may be provided to control the two step twist and depress or
twist and lift dispensing process. Such means may be a cam and cam
follower arrangement such as slots and corresponding pins provided
in the first and second walls, or in the contacting faces of the
reservoir and the second portion or steps being provided in
surfaces 891, 991, 1091, 1191, 1291 and 893, 993, 1093, 1193, 1293.
In the ninth and tenth embodiments, the enlarged base providing
surface 836, 936 of plug 895, 995 may be omitted, thereby enabling
the first portion to be manufactured as a single piece and inserted
into the second portion, however suitable alternative means may
need to be provided to prevent the first and second parts becoming
separated in use. A detent or stop mechanism may be provided to
limit the extent of relative rotation between the first and second
portions. An alternative form of tamper evident seal or frangible
strip or connection may be provided between the first and second
portions. A ramp may be provided between the first and second
portions such that during the twisting step the portions become
separated (ninth and tenth embodiments) or closer (eleventh and
twelfth embodiments) to a greater degree before depression or
lifting of the first portion is possible. The ramping action may be
resiliently resisted, with the energy stored resiliently being
released to achieve the depressing or lifting step without it being
necessary for a user to depress or lift the first portion 814. The
sealing of the holes in the first wall in the case of twist and
depress versions may be achieved in the closed condition by an
appropriately dimensioned neck of the container. Various parts
shown as separate in FIGS. 16 to 26 (eg the pegs) may be formed
integrally with other components (eg the reservoir) to minimise
assembly costs.
[0094] It will be appreciated that a two step twist and depress or
twist and lift dispenser reduces the risk of accidental dispensing
during transportation and storage, and furthermore provides the end
user with a clear indication of when the dispenser is in the
dispensing position whilst giving freedom to choose how much
material may be dispensed.
[0095] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any
suitable combination of means for dispensing material from the
reservoir into the container may be combined with any suitable
means for then removing the contents of the container without
having to detach the dispenser from the container that either
employ a conduit or not. It will also be appreciated that in those
embodiments that employ a conduit, other types of seals at the base
of the conduit may be used, such as a membrane that may be pierced
by suitable piercing means due to manipulation of the dispenser by
a user. Alternatively, if an appropriate seal (such as a sports
cap) is provided at the top of the conduit, a seal may be omitted
from the bottom of the conduit.
[0096] It will further be appreciated that the dispensers described
above all offer a more convenient way of storing to materials or
substances that require subsequent mixing, and that the dispensers
then enable mixing to be achieved substantially without risk of
contamination or spillage occurring in a user friendly-manner. The
provision of separate material to be dispensed also gives the
consumer confidence that the added material for which they are
paying is present in their product, since the consumer is adding it
themselves.
[0097] It should be appreciated that terms such as "upwardly",
"downwardly", "top" and "bottom" used herein are for ease of
reference only, and that such terms should not be construed to be
limiting.
[0098] It will be further appreciated that numerous changes may be
made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the
second wall may be provided over the mouth of the container rather
than on the second portion. The dispenser may be adapted so as to
provide a positive pressure to the material during dispensing or to
permit the relative pressures of the reservoir and container to be
substantially equalised prior to dispensing eg by having means to
enable pressure in the container to be vented prior to or during
dispensing. A scale may be provided on the reservoir to enable the
amount of material being dispensed to be measured out and the
barrier means reclosed. Any suitable arrangement for piercing the
first or second wall may be used. As an alternative to piercing, a
reclosable valve may be opened or depressed by manipulation of the
dispenser. The dispenser may be non circular in shape and may be
adapted to dispense solids such as powders and tablets (eg by
providing larger and/or a greater number of holes), and gases (by
providing a gas tight seal in the barrier means) into a container
in addition to liquids as described above. It is envisaged that the
third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 would be particularly suited
to this purpose. A tamper evident connection of any suitable known
kind may also be provided between the dispenser and container to
which it is secured. More that one reservoir may be provided in the
dispenser, so that a user may select, for example, a particular
compound or flavour to be added to a drink or other material held
in a container from two or more different compounds or flavours
held in the dispenser. The multiple reservoirs may be arranged such
that the contents thereof can only be dispensed into the container
in a particular sequence to ensure that, for example, a chemical
reaction within the container occurs in a predetermined manner.
[0099] As well as being used in relation to alcoholic and non
alcoholic drinks, the dispenser may be used in numerous other
applications. For example, the dispenser may be used to add herbs,
spices or other flavourings to a "cook-in" sauce or ready meal
provided in the container, dispensing fruits or other flavourings
into yoghurts, as well as in numerous other food and beverage
related applications. The dispenser may also be used for biological
and chemical applications (such as testing kits) in which a
reactive compound could be dispensed from the dispenser into a
container without the risk of spillage or contamination, as well as
for cosmetics and health and beauty products such as shampoos and
conditioners. The dispenser may further have applications in
household and vehicle related products (eg the dispensing of
two-stroke oil into petroleum), and in pharmaceutical or medical
products.
* * * * *