U.S. patent application number 10/545593 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for dispenser nozzle.
Invention is credited to Keith Laidler, Timothy Rodd.
Application Number | 20060186139 10/545593 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32913418 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060186139 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Laidler; Keith ; et
al. |
August 24, 2006 |
Dispenser nozzle
Abstract
This invention relates to pump-action dispenser nozzle and
methods of making the same. The dispenser nozzles of the invention
comprises a body which defines an internal chamber having an inlet
through which fluid may be drawn into said chamber and an outlet
through which fluid present in the chamber may be expelled from the
nozzle. The inlet comprises an inlet valve and the outlet comprises
an outlet valve. The body of the dispenser nozzle is made entirely
from a rigid or a flexible material. In preferred embodiments it is
made from a single material and comprises a single component part.
Fluid is dispensed from the dispenser nozzles by resiliently
deforming or displacing a portion of the body of the device that
defines the chamber, thereby compressing the chamber and actuating
the dispensing of fluid. The dispenser nozzle may be adapted to be
fitted to a container or integrally formed there with.
Inventors: |
Laidler; Keith; (West
Midlands, GB) ; Rodd; Timothy; (Hants, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEARSON & PEARSON, LLP
10 GEORGIA STREET
LOWELL
MA
01852
US
|
Family ID: |
32913418 |
Appl. No.: |
10/545593 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
February 17, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB04/00617 |
371 Date: |
March 23, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/207 ;
222/380; 222/383.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 11/3032 20130101;
B05B 11/04 20130101; B05B 11/3033 20130101; B65D 83/7535 20130101;
B05B 11/3059 20130101; B65D 83/207 20130101; B05B 11/007 20130101;
B65D 83/753 20130101; B05B 11/3053 20130101; B05B 11/3087 20130101;
B05B 11/3085 20130101; B65D 83/22 20130101; B05B 11/3097 20130101;
B65D 83/56 20130101; B05B 11/0027 20130101; B05B 11/06 20130101;
B05B 11/303 20130101; B05B 11/3011 20130101; B05B 11/0072 20130101;
B05B 11/3084 20130101; B05B 11/3028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/207 ;
222/380; 222/383.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 37/00 20060101
B65D037/00; B67D 5/40 20060101 B67D005/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 18, 2003 |
GB |
0303698.5 |
Mar 12, 2003 |
GB |
0305597.7 |
Apr 17, 2003 |
GB |
0308909.1 |
May 3, 2003 |
GB |
0310244.9 |
Aug 1, 2003 |
GB |
0318022.1 |
Sep 4, 2003 |
GB |
0320720.6 |
Nov 25, 2003 |
GB |
0327423.0 |
Jan 15, 2004 |
GB |
0400858.7 |
Claims
1. A pump-action dispenser nozzle adapted to enable fluid stored in
a fluid source to be dispensed through said nozzle during use, said
nozzle having a body which defines an internal chamber having an
inlet through which fluid may be drawn into said chamber and an
outlet through which fluid present in the chamber may be expelled
from the nozzle, said inlet comprising an inlet valve adapted to
only permit fluid to flow into the chamber through the inlet when
the pressure within the chamber falls below the pressure within the
fluid source by at least a minimum threshold amount and said outlet
comprising an outlet valve configured to only permit fluid to flow
out of the chamber and be expelled from the nozzle when the
pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the outlet by at
least a minimum threshold amount, and wherein at least a portion of
the body which defines said chamber is a resilient non-pleated web
configured to: (a) resiliently deform from an initial resiliently
biased configuration to a deformed configuration in response to the
application of a pressure, whereby the volume of said chamber
defined by said portion of the body is reduced as said portion of
the body is deformed from said initial configuration to said
deformed configuration, said reduction in volume causing the
pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be ejected
through the outlet valve; and (b) subsequently return to its
initial resiliently biased configuration when the applied pressure
is removed, thereby causing the volume of the chamber to increase
and the pressure therein to fall such that fluid is drawn into the
chamber through the inlet valve; characterized in that the body of
the device shaped so as to facilitate operation of said resilient
portion by direct pressure by part of a user's hand and is formed
entirely from one of a rigid material, a flexible material or is a
bi-injection molding.
2. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the resiliently
deformable parts of the body are molded from a resilient plastics
material onto the remainder of the body which is molded from a
rigid plastic material.
3. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the body is
formed of at least two interconnected parts which together define
the chamber, and a sealing means is disposed between the parts to
prevent any fluid leaking from the body.
4. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the body is
composed of two parts which fit together to define the chamber, a
first of said parts being formed entirely from a rigid material,
the second of said parts being formed at least partly from a
flexible/resiliently deformable material over molded onto a rigid
material wherein the rigid portion of the second part is configured
to secure the second part to form the assembled dispenser nozzle
and is connected to the rigid first part by means of a hinge or
foldable connection element.
5. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein said fluid
source is a container.
6. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 5, wherein said nozzle is
adapted to be fitted to an opening of said container so as to
enable fluid stored in said container to be dispensed during
use.
7. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 5, wherein said nozzle is
integrally formed with said container so as to enable fluid stored
in said container to be dispensed during use.
8. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the body of the
dispenser nozzle comprises two or more interconnected parts, which,
when connected together define the chamber.
9. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the chamber of
the dispenser nozzle is defined between two interconnected
parts.
10. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 8, wherein said two or
more interconnected parts that define the chamber also between them
define at least a portion of the outlet of the dispenser nozzle, or
the passageway leading to the outlet from the chamber.
11. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 9, wherein said two parts
of the body of the dispenser nozzle are a base part and an upper
part.
12. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 11, wherein said base
part is adapted to be fitted to the opening of a container.
13. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 11, wherein said base
part also preferably defines the inlet as well as a portion of the
passageway leading from the chamber to the outlet.
14. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 11, wherein the upper
part is adapted to be fitted to the base so that between them they
define the chamber and the passageway leading to the outlet of the
dispenser.
15. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 11, wherein the upper
part forms the resiliently deformable portion of the body defining
the chamber.
16. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein said nozzle
comprises a single part.
17. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 9, wherein the outlet
valve is formed by the component parts of the body of the dispenser
nozzle.
18. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the outlet
valve is any suitable valve.
19. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 17, wherein the valve is
formed by a portion of one of said parts being resiliently biased
against the other of said parts to close the outlet or the
passageway leading thereto, said resiliently biased portion being
configured to deform away from the other of said parts to define an
open outlet or passage leading thereto when the pressure within the
chamber exceeds the external pressure by at least a minimum
threshold amount.
20. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 11, wherein the outlet
comprises a passageway or channel that extends from the chamber to
an outlet orifice.
21. A dispenser nozzle according to claim wherein the passageway,
or at least a portion thereof, is defined between the base and
upper part of the dispenser nozzle.
22. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 21, wherein the
passageway is defined between two abutting surfaces of the base and
the upper part, and at least a portion of one of the abutment
surfaces is resiliently biased against the opposing surface so as
to form the one-way outlet valve in the passageway or at the outlet
orifice.
23. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 22, wherein one of the
abutment surfaces comprises a resiliently deformable valve member
that is resiliently biased against the opposing surface abutment to
close the outlet orifice of the passageway leading thereto and is
configured to deform away from the other of said parts to define an
open outlet or passage leading thereto when the pressure within the
chamber exceeds the external pressure by at least a minimum
threshold amount.
24. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 23, wherein said valve
member is in the form of a flap or a plug.
25. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the inlet
valve is a flap valve consisting of a resiliently deformable flap
positioned over the inlet opening, said flap being adapted to
deform so as to allow fluid to be drawn into the chamber through
the inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below a
predetermined minimum threshold pressure, and subsequent return to
its resiliently biased configuration at all other times.
26. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 25, wherein the
resiliently deformable flap is formed as an integral extension of
the resiliently deformable portion of the body which defines the
chamber.
27. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 25 wherein a second
reinforcing flap or member contacts the opposing surface of the
resiliently deformable flap.
28. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser
device comprises a locking means configured to prevent fluid being
dispensed accidentally.
29. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 28, wherein the lock is
integrally formed with the body.
30. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 28, wherein the locking
means comprise a hinged or slidable rigid cover.
31. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the device
further comprises an air leak valve through which air can flow to
equalize any pressure differential between the interior of the
fluid supply and the external environment, but prevents any fluid
leaking out of the container if it is inverted.
32. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 31, wherein the air leak
valve is integrally formed within the body of the dispenser
nozzle.
33. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 32, wherein the air leak
valve is defined between two component parts of the body of the
dispenser.
34. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 31, wherein the air leak
valve comprises a valve member disposed within a channel that is
defined by the body of the device and connects the interior of the
fluid supply to the external environment.
35. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 34, wherein the valve
member is resiliently biased so as to contact the sides of the
channel and forms a sealing engagement therewith to prevent any
liquid from leaking out of the container, said valve member being
further adapted to either resiliently deform or displace from the
sealing engagement with the sides of the channel to define an
opening through which air can flow into the container when pressure
within the container falls below the external pressure by at least
a minimum threshold amount.
36. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 34, wherein the valve
member is in the form of a plunger that extends into the channel
and comprises an outwardly extending wall that abuts the sides of
the channel to form a seal.
37. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 36 wherein the plunger is
mounted on to a deformable base or flap which is capable of some
movement when pressure is applied to the resiliently deformable
portion of the body to reduce the volume of the chamber so as to
prevent the build up and hardening of any residue in the air leak
valve.
38. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 37, wherein a protective
cover is provided over the opening of the female tube on the
internal surface of the device to prevent liquid present in the
interior of the container from contacting the valve member with a
high or excessive force when the container is inverted or shaken
aggressively.
39. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 34, wherein said air leak
valve is further adapted to permit a gas to flow out of the fluid
supply when the pressure therein exceeds the predetermined
threshold value.
40. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 39, wherein said valve
member is configured to deform when the pressure within the fluid
supply exceeds the predetermined threshold value so as to expose
one or more fine grooves formed in this sides of the channel, said
groove(s) being configured to permit a gas to slowly seep out of
the container.
41. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 3, wherein the at least
two parts are welded to one another.
42. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 3, wherein the at least
two parts are configured to snap fit into a sealing engagement with
the one another.
43. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 3, wherein one of said at
least two parts possesses a flange that fits tightly around the
upper surface of the other part to form a seal therewith.
44. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 3, wherein the seal
comprises a male protrusion formed on the abutment surface of one
of the at least two parts that is received in a sealing engagement
with a corresponding groove formed on the opposing abutment surface
of the other part when the two parts are connected together.
45. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 44, wherein the seal
extends around the entire chamber and also the outlet so that fluid
leaking from any position in the dispenser defined between the at
least two parts is prevented from seeping between the join formed
between the two component parts.
46. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 45, wherein the two parts
of the body define an outlet passageway leading from the chamber to
the outlet orifice and the protrusion member of said seal extends
across the passageway and form the resiliently deformable valve
member of the outlet valve.
47. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the body is
adapted to receive, or is integrally formed with, a dip tube to
enable fluid to be drawn from deep inside the container during
use.
48. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is
selected from the groups consisting of liquids, gases and mixtures
of the same.
49. A container having a pump-action dispenser nozzle according to
claim 1, fitted to an opening thereof so as to enable the fluid
stored in the container to be dispensed from the container through
said dispenser nozzle during use.
50. A container having a pump-action dispenser nozzle according to
claims 1, integrally formed therewith so as to enable the fluid
stored in the container to be dispensed from the container through
said dispenser nozzle during use.
51.-62. (canceled)
63. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 3, wherein the join
between the at least two parts is over molded with a plastics
material.
64. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 3, wherein at least one
of the at least two parts is formed from a plastic material by
injection molding and wherein a blowing agent is incorporated in
the mold together with the plastic material.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a dispenser nozzle and, more
particularly but not exclusively, this invention relates to a
pump-action dispenser nozzle and methods of making the same.
[0002] Pump-action dispenser nozzles are commonly used to provide a
means by which fluids, particularly viscous fluids such as soaps,
shampoos, creams etc., can be dispensed from a non-pressurised
container or other fluid source in response to the operation of the
nozzle device by an operator.
[0003] Conventional pump-action nozzle devices are adapted to be
fitted to an outlet opening of a container and comprise an internal
chamber which is compressed when an actuator of the nozzle device
is operated. The compression of the internal chamber results in an
increase in pressure which forces liquid present in the chamber to
be dispensed through the outlet of the device. Once the desired
volume of liquid has been dispensed, or the chamber has been
compressed to its fullest extent, the actuator is then released by
the operator and the chamber is allowed to re-expand. The
re-expansion of the chamber causes the internal pressure within the
chamber to reduce, which in turn causes more liquid to be drawn
into the chamber from the associated container through an inlet.
One-way valves are provided at the inlet and the outlet to ensure
that fluid can only be expelled from the internal chamber through
the outlet and drawn into the chamber through the inlet.
[0004] The actuator is typically a portion of the body of the
nozzle device that can be depressed and subsequently released by an
operator (generally known as pump nozzle devices), or a trigger
that an operator can pull and then subsequently release (generally
known as trigger-actuated nozzle devices), to cause the chamber to
be compressed and then re-expanded respectively.
[0005] There are a number of drawbacks associated with conventional
pump-action nozzle devices. Firstly, many of the conventional
devices tend to be extremely complex in design and typically
comprise numerous different component parts (usually between 8 and
10 individual components in pump nozzle devices and between 10 and
14 individual components in trigger-actuated nozzle devices). As a
consequence, these devices can be costly to manufacture due to the
amount of material required to form the individual components and
the assembly processes involved. Secondly, many of the conventional
devices tend to be bulky (which again increases the raw material
costs) and a proportion of this bulk is invariably disposed inside
the container to which the device is attached. This creates a
drawback in that the nozzle device takes up a proportion of the
internal volume of the container, which can be a particular problem
in small containers where the available space inside the container
is limited. Finally, the size of the pump-action device is also
dictated to certain extent by the size of the container to which it
is attached. Thus, the size of the device is usually restricted in
small containers, and especially small containers with narrow
necks, and this limits the amount of pressure that can be generated
by the device as well as the volume of fluid that can be dispensed,
and, for this reason, can be detrimental to the performance of the
device.
[0006] Therefore, there is a desire for a pump-action nozzle device
which is:
(i) simpler in design;
(ii) utilises less components; and
(iii) is easy to operate and functions effectively.
[0007] Examples of dispenser nozzles of simpler construction are
disclosed in EP 0 442 858 A2, EP 0 649 684 and U.S. Pat. No.
3,820,689. The dispenser nozzles disclosed in these publications
are essentially formed from two separate component parts that are
fitted together to define an internal chamber having an inlet
equipped with an inlet valve and an outlet equipped with an outlet
valve. One of the parts is a base formed from a rigid material,
whereas the other part is a resiliently deformable portion that is
fitted to the upper surface of the base and, together with the
base, defines the internal chamber, as well as forming the inlet
and outlet valve members. The resiliently deformable portion
provides a means by which the internal chamber can be compressed to
dispense fluid present therein.
[0008] Although the provision of a resiliently deformable upper
part fixed to a rigid base provides some advantages, such as the
provision of a soft touch feel and the ease with which it can be
deformed to facilitate the compression of the chamber, there are
some disadvantages, namely: [0009] (i) it is difficult to hold the
two parts firmly together due to the different properties of the
two materials; [0010] (ii) the pump-action differs substantially
from conventional pump dispensers available on the market (in
particular, the pump action is not the usual on/off action
associated with a conventional pump dispensers); and [0011] (iii)
the two parts need to be assembled together to form the assembled
dispenser nozzle.
[0012] The present invention provides a solution to at least some
of the problems associated with known dispenser nozzles by
providing, in a first aspect, a pump-action dispenser nozzle
adapted to enable fluid stored in a fluid source to be dispensed
through said nozzle during use, said nozzle having a body which
defines an internal chamber having an inlet through which fluid may
be drawn into said chamber and an outlet through which fluid
present in the chamber may be expelled from the nozzle, said inlet
comprising an inlet valve adapted to only permit fluid to flow into
the chamber through the inlet when the pressure within the chamber
falls below the pressure within the fluid source by at least a
minimum threshold amount and said outlet comprising an outlet valve
configured to only permit fluid to flow out of the chamber and be
expelled from the nozzle when the pressure therein exceeds the
external pressure at the outlet by at least a minimum threshold
amount, and wherein at least a portion of the body which defines
said chamber is configured to:
[0013] (i) resiliently deform from an initial resiliently biased
configuration to a distended or deformed configuration in response
to the application of a pressure, whereby the volume of said
chamber defined by said portion of the body is reduced as said
portion of the body is deformed from said initial configuration to
said distended or deformed configuration, said reduction in volume
causing the pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be
ejected through the outlet valve; and
[0014] (ii) subsequently return to its initial resiliently biased
configuration when the applied pressure is removed, thereby causing
the volume of the chamber to increase and the pressure therein to
fall such that fluid is drawn into the chamber through the inlet
valve;
[0015] characterised in that the body of the device is formed
entirely from a rigid material, a flexible material or as a
bi-injection moulding.
[0016] By "bi-injection moulding" we mean that the body of the
nozzle device is formed from two parts, a first of said parts being
moulded in an initial moulding step together with a framework or
base for a second of said parts from a first material, and a second
material, which may be the same or different to said first material
is moulded onto said base to complete the body of the device.
Bi-injection mouldings are well known in the art.
[0017] The term "fluid" is used herein to refer to any material
capable of flow. Therefore, although the fluids pumped through the
dispenser nozzle during use will usually be various liquids, in
some cases the fluid may be a gas or a mixture of gasses, such as
air. As an example, a small pump may be formed in the side of a
food packaging or a bag to provide a means by which air can be
pumped out.
[0018] The dispenser nozzle devices of the present invention solve
the aforementioned problems associated with many conventional
pump-action dispenser nozzles by providing a device which is
extremely simple in design and which will typically comprise no
more than six separate component parts that are fitted together to
form the assembled nozzle device. In preferred embodiments the
device will comprise no more than three component parts or, more
preferably, two separate component parts or, even more preferably,
the device is formed from a single, integrally formed component. By
"separate component parts" we mean that the parts are not linked in
any way, i.e. they are not integrally formed with one another (but
each separate component part may comprise one or more integral
parts or portions).
[0019] In the dispenser nozzle of the present invention, the key to
reducing the number of components lies in the discovery that all
the necessary components can be integrally formed within the body
of the device, even when it is prepared entirely from a rigid or a
flexible material. For instance, the chamber, inlet, inlet valve,
outlet, and outlet valve can all be defined by the body, thereby
reducing the need to include separate components with all the
consequential increases in component and assembly costs.
[0020] The rigid and flexible material may be any suitable material
from which the dispenser nozzle may be formed. For instance, it may
be formed from metallic material such as aluminium foil or a
flexible material such as rubber. Preferably, however, the body of
the device is formed entirely from a rigid plastic material or a
flexible plastic material.
[0021] The pump-action dispenser nozzle is preferably formed from a
single rigid or flexible plastic material.
[0022] The expression "rigid plastic material" is used herein to
refer to a plastic material that possesses a high degree of
rigidity and strength once moulded into the desired form, but which
can also be rendered more flexible or resiliently deformable in
portions by reducing the thickness of the plastic. Thus, a thinned
section of plastic can be provided to form the at least a portion
of the body that defines the chamber and which is configured to
resiliently deform.
[0023] The term "flexible plastic" is used herein to denote
plastics materials which are inherently flexible/resiliently
deformable so as to enable the resilient displacement of at least a
portion of the body to facilitate the compression of the chamber.
The extent of the flexibility of the plastic may be dependent on
the thickness of the plastic in any given area or region. Such
"flexible plastic" materials are used, for example, in the
preparation of shampoo bottles or shower gel containers. In the
fabrication of a dispenser nozzle of the present invention,
portions of the body may be formed from thicker sections of plastic
to provide the required rigidity to the structure, whereas other
portions may be composed of thinner sections of plastic to provide
the necessary deformability characteristics. If necessary, a
framework of thicker sections, generally known as support ribs, may
be present if extra rigidity is required in certain areas.
[0024] The advantage of using a single material is that the entire
dispenser nozzle can be moulded in a single tool and in a single
moulding operation, as discussed further below.
[0025] Preferably the fluid source is a container to which the
dispenser nozzle of the invention is either attached or integrally
formed with.
[0026] The outlet of the dispenser nozzle may be of any suitable
form. Preferably, however, the outlet comprises an outlet
passageway that extends from the chamber to an outlet orifice of
the device.
The Body of the Dispenser Nozzle
[0027] It is preferred that body of the pump-action dispenser
nozzle comprises two or more interconnected parts, which, when
connected together define the chamber. It is especially preferred
that the chamber of the dispenser nozzle is defined between two
interconnected parts.
[0028] It is also preferred that the at least two interconnected
parts that define the chamber also between them define at least a
portion of the outlet of the dispenser nozzle, or a passageway
leading to the outlet from the chamber.
[0029] It is most preferred that the two parts of the body of the
dispenser nozzle that define the chamber are a base part and an
upper part. The base part is preferably adapted to be fitted to the
opening of a container by a suitable means. For example, it may be
in the form of a screw-threaded cap that can be screwed onto a neck
opening of a container. Furthermore, in addition to forming a
portion of the body that defines the chamber, the base part also
preferably defines the inlet as well as a portion of the passageway
leading from the chamber to the outlet.
[0030] The upper part is adapted to be fitted to the base so that
between them they define the chamber and, in preferred embodiments,
an outlet passageway and/or outlet orifice of the dispenser. In
certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the base and upper
part also define the outlet orifice. It is also preferred that the
upper part forms the resiliently deformable portion of the body
defining the chamber.
[0031] The portion of the body configured to resiliently deform
could be a relatively thin section of a rigid plastic material
which elastically deforms to compress the chamber when a pressure
is applied and then subsequently returns to its initial resiliently
biased configuration when the applied pressure is removed.
Alternatively, the portion of the body configured to resiliently
deform may comprise a substantially rigid portion surrounded by a
deformable portion such that pressure applied to the rigid portion
causes the surrounding resiliently deformable portion of deform and
thereby enables the rigid portion to be displaced to compress the
chamber. For example, the surrounding resiliently deformable
portion could resemble a bellows, i.e. a rigid portion is
surrounded by a deformable side wall that comprises a number of
folded segments of rigid plastic which is configured such that
applying a pressure to the rigid portion causes the folds of the
sidewall to resiliently compress together to reduce the volume of
the chamber. Once the applied pressure is removed, the side walls
return to their original configuration.
[0032] It is especially preferred that the at least two parts of
the body are made from the same material and connected to one
another by means of hinge or a foldable connection element. This
enables the two parts to be moulded together in a single moulding
operation and then swung into contact with one another to form the
assembled dispenser nozzle (e.g. the upper part can be swung into
contact with the base).
[0033] The two parts of the body may be permanently fixed together
by, for example, ultrasonically welding or heat welding. If the
base and upper part are to be moulded or welded together, then it
is preferable that they are made from compatible materials. As
previously indicated above, however, it is preferable that the body
is formed from a single material.
[0034] Alternatively, the two parts may be configured to fit
tightly/resistively to one another to form the nozzle (e.g. by the
provision of a snap-fit connection) in the absence of any welding.
For instance, the edges of one part may be configured to fit into a
retaining groove of the other part to form the dispenser
nozzle.
[0035] As a further alternative, a compatible plastic material may
be moulded over the join of the two parts to secure them together.
This can be achieved by moulding the two components simultaneously
in a tool, joining them together in the tool to form the dispenser
nozzle device and then moulding a suitable plastic material around
them to hold the two parts together.
[0036] In certain embodiments, the two parts may remain releasably
attached to one another so that they can be separated during use to
enable the chamber and/or the outlet to be cleaned.
[0037] For most applications the dispenser would need to be made
from a rigid material to provide the necessary strength and enable
the two-parts to be either snap fitted or welded together. In such
cases, the deformable portion of the body tends to deform only when
a certain minimum threshold pressure is applied and this makes the
pump action more like the on/off action associated conventional
pump-action dispenser nozzles. However, in certain applications, a
flexible material may be preferred. Examples of such applications
include embodiments where the dispenser nozzle is integrally formed
with the associated container, which may, for example, be in the
form of a sachet, or where the fluid supply is stored in the device
rather than a separate container.
The Outlet Valve
[0038] In order to function optimally, it is necessary that the
outlet of the chamber is provided with, or is adapted to function
as, a one-way valve. The one-way valve enables product stored in
the chamber to be dispensed through the outlet only when a
predetermined minimum threshold pressure is achieved within the
chamber (as a consequence of the reduction in the volume of the
internal chamber caused by the displacement of the resiliently
deformable wall from its initial resiliently biased configuration),
and closes the outlet at all other times to form an airtight seal.
The closure of the valve when the pressure in the chamber is below
a predetermined minimum threshold pressure prevents air being
sucked back through the outlet into the chamber when the applied
pressure to the resiliently deformable portion of the body is
released and the volume of the chamber increases as the resiliently
deformable wall re-assumes its initial resiliently biased
configuration.
[0039] Any suitable one-way valve assembly that is capable of
forming an airtight seal may be provided in the outlet. It is
preferable that the valve is formed by the component parts of the
body of the dispenser nozzle.
[0040] In preferred embodiments of the invention where the outlet
comprises an outlet passageway extending from the chamber to an
outlet orifice, it is preferred that the outlet passageway, or at
least a portion thereof, and/or the outlet orifice is defined
between the base and upper part of the dispenser nozzle. Most
preferably, the passageway is defined between two abutting surfaces
of the base and the upper part, and at least a portion of one of
the abutment surfaces is resiliently biased against the opposing
surface so as to form the one-way outlet valve in the passageway or
at the outlet orifice. In this regard, the resiliently biased
surfaces form a closure within the outlet passageway and/or outlet
orifice that will only open and permit fluid to be dispensed from
the chamber when the pressure within the chamber is sufficient to
cause the resiliently biased abutment surface to deform away from
the opposing abutment surface and thereby form an open channel
through which fluid from the chamber can flow. Once the pressure
falls below a predetermined minimum threshold value, the
resiliently biased surface will return to its resiliently biased
configuration and close off the passageway.
[0041] It is especially preferred that the at least a portion of
the resiliently deformable abutment surface adapted to deform away
from the opposing surface to open the outlet valve is integrally
formed with the resiliently deformable portion of the body, which
defines the chamber.
[0042] In embodiments where the flexible and resiliently deformable
part of the outlet passageway/valve is made from a thin section of
a rigid plastic material, the resistance may not be sufficient to
provide the required minimum pressure threshold. In such cases, a
thickened rib of plastic, which extends across the passageway, may
be formed to provide the necessary strength and resistance in the
outlet passageway/valve. Alternatively, a rigid reinforcing rib
could be provided above part of the outlet passageway/valve.
[0043] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the outlet valve is
formed by a resiliently deformable member which extends across the
outlet channel to effectively close off and seal the passageway.
The member is mounted to the device along one of its edges and has
another of its edges (preferably the opposing edge) free, the free
end being configured to displace when the pressure within the
chamber exceeds a predetermined minimum threshold value. The free
end abuts a surface of the outlet channel to form a seal therewith
when the pressure is below the predetermined minimum threshold
value. However, when the pressure exceeds the predetermined minimum
threshold value, the free end of the member is displaced from the
abutment surface of the channel to form an opening through which
the fluid present in the chamber can flow to the outlet.
Preferably, the resiliently deformable member is positioned within
a chamber formed along the length of the outlet channel or
passageway. Most preferably, the abutment surface, which forms the
seal with the free end of the member at pressures below the minimum
threshold, is tapered or sloped at the point of contact with the
free end of the member. This provides a point seal contact and
provides a much more efficient seal. It will of course be
appreciated that the slope or taper of the abutment surface must be
arranged so that the free end of the resiliently deformable member
contacts the slope when the pressure within the chamber is below
the predetermined minimum threshold, but distends away from it when
the predetermined minimum threshold is exceeded.
[0044] Alternatively, the valve may be a post or plug formed on the
abutment surface of one of the base or upper parts and which
contacts the opposing abutment surface to close off and seal the
passageway. The post or plug will be mounted to a deformable area
of the base or upper part so that when the pressure within the
chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the post or plug
can be deformed to define an opening through which fluid can flow
through the outlet. The pressure required to displace the post or
plug could be set at any desired level (effectively forming a
pre-compression valve that ensures that fluid is only ejected with
the desired pressure).
[0045] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the
dispenser nozzle is configured so that the fluid is dispensed
substantially horizontally or, more preferably, so that the fluid
may be dispensed in a downward direction. In the latter case, the
outlet orifice is preferably a downward facing opening defined by
the base with an outlet passageway leading thereto from the chamber
being defined by the upper surface of the base and the opposing
under surface of the upper part. In addition to defining the outlet
orifice, the base may also define a downwardly extending portion of
the passageway. It is also preferable that the downward facing
orifice or a downward extending portion of the passageway leading
to a downward facing orifice is formed with a minimal internal
volume (i.e. the passageway is of minimal length so that the volume
is as small as possible, or the plug could fill the entire orifice
volume to displace any fluid that may remain in this area). This
provides a benefit in that outlet orifice is formed vertically and
no side action on the tool is required to form it. For example, a
forward sloping hole could be achieved by sloping the rear wall of
the orifice forwards and keeping the front wall vertical. This
arrangement would come off a tool with no side action. In addition,
the minimised volume reduces problems of fluid retained in the
passageway from dribbling out of the outlet after use and will
minimise blockages caused by the presence of dried fluid. In such
embodiments, the outlet valve is preferably formed by a plug formed
on the under surface of the upper part which extends into the
downwardly extending passage and/or outlet orifice defined by the
base. The plug mounted to a resiliently deformable area and is
configured to be displaced from the downwardly extending passage
and/or outlet orifice when the within the chamber exceeds the
predetermined threshold value and then subsequently return to its
resiliently biased configuration to close the outlet and prevent
air being drawn into the chamber through the outlet.
[0046] The predetermined minimum pressure that is required will
depend on the application concerned and a person skilled in the art
will appreciate how to modify the properties of the resiliently
deformable surface by the selection of an appropriate resiliently
deformable material and varying the manner in which the surface is
fabricated (e.g. by the inclusion of strengthening ridges).
The Inlet valve
[0047] To ensure that fluid is only ejected through outlet when the
chamber is compressed by displacing the resiliently deformable
portion of the body into the chamber from its initial resiliently
biased configuration, it is necessary to provide a one-way inlet
valve disposed at or in the inlet of the nozzle device.
[0048] Any suitable inlet valve may be used.
[0049] The inlet valve may be adapted to only open and permit fluid
to flow into the chamber when the pressure within the chamber falls
below a predetermined minimum threshold pressure (as is the case
when the pressure applied to the resiliently deformable portion of
the chamber to compress the chamber is released and the volume of
the chamber increases as the resiliently deformable portion
reassumes it's initial resiliently biased configuration). In such
cases, the inlet valve may be a flap valve which consists of a
resiliently deformable flap positioned over the inlet opening. The
flap is preferably resiliently biased against the inlet opening and
adapted to deform so as to allow fluid to be drawn into the chamber
through the inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below
a predetermined minimum threshold pressure. At all other times,
however, the inlet will be closed, thereby preventing fluid flowing
back from the chamber into the inlet. It is especially preferred
that the resiliently deformable flap is formed as an integral
extension of the resiliently deformable portion of the body which
defines the chamber. It is also especially preferred that the base
defines the inlet and the resiliently deformable portion of the
body is formed by the upper part. It is therefore the preferred
that the upper part comprises the resiliently deformable flap that
extends within said chamber to cover the inlet opening to the
chamber and form the inlet valve.
[0050] Alternatively, the flap may not be resiliently biased
against the inlet opening and may instead be disposed over the
inlet opening and configured such that it is pressed against the
inlet only when the chamber is compressed and the pressure therein
increases.
[0051] Problems can arise, however, with the simple provision of a
flap valve that is resiliently biased over the inlet opening.
Specifically, over time the elastic limit of the material from
which the flap is formed may be exceeded, which may cause it to not
function properly. This problem applies particularly to embodiments
of the invention in which the flap is formed from a thin section of
a rigid material, although it also applies to a lesser extent to
flexible materials and can occur due to deformation of the flap
when the chamber is compressed, as well as when the flap deforms to
open the valve. As a consequence, fluid could leak from the chamber
back into the container through the inlet.
[0052] For these reasons it is preferable that flap valve comprises
a number of adaptations. In particular, it is preferred that the
inlet has a raised lip extending around the inlet orifice that the
resiliently deformable flap abuts to create a tight seal around the
inlet. The provision of a lip ensures a good contact is obtained
with the flap. In embodiments where the lip is very small it may be
necessary to provide one or more additional support ribs at either
side of the inlet opening to ensure that a proper seal is formed
and to also prevent the lip from damage.
[0053] A further preferred feature is that the flap possesses a
protrusion or plug formed on its surface. The protrusion or plug
extends a short way into the inlet opening and abuts the side edges
to further enhance the seal formed.
[0054] It is also preferred that the inlet opening to the chamber
is disposed at an elevated position within the chamber so that
fluid flows into the chamber through the inlet and drops down into
a holding or reservoir area. This prevents fluid resting on the top
of the inlet valve over prolonged periods by effectively distancing
the inlet opening from the main fluid holding/reservoir area of the
chamber and thereby reduces the likelihood of any leaks occurring
over time.
[0055] It is also preferred that a second reinforcing flap or
member contacts the opposing surface of the resiliently deformable
flap to urge it into tight abutment with the inlet opening. It is
also preferred that the second reinforcing flap contact the
opposing surface of the resiliently deformable flap at or close to
the portion of the opposing surface that covers the inlet orifice
to maximise the vertical pressure of the main flap over the hole.
Again this helps to maintain the integrity of the seal.
Locking Means
[0056] The nozzle device may also be provided with a locking means
to prevent the fluid being dispensed accidentally.
[0057] Preferably the lock is integrally formed with the body. For
instance, the locking means may be hinged bar or member that is
integrally connected to a part of the body (e.g. either the base or
upper part) and which can be swung into a position whereby the
actuator cannot be depressed by an operator (e.g. the actuator
engages the bar or member to prevent it being depressed by an
operator to resiliently deform the portion of the body defining the
chamber).
[0058] The locking means may also comprise a rigid cover that can
be placed over the resiliently deformable portion of the body to
prevent it being compressed. The cover may be connected to the
dispenser nozzle by a hinge to enable it to be folded over when
required. Alternatively, the rigid cover may be a slidable over cap
that can be slid downwards to compress the chamber during use. The
cover can be twisted to lock it and thereby prevent the accidental
actuation of the device.
[0059] Alternatively, the locking means may be in the form of a
plug which is formed on one of the component parts of the body
(e.g. upper part or the base) and which can be pushed into a tight,
resistive engagement with a formation formed on the opposing
component part and thereby form a blockage of the outlet which can
only be removed by an operator removing the plug prior to use. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the plug is formed on the upper
part of the body and is configured to selectively engage within,
and block, the outlet orifice formed in the base. Thus, an operator
can push the plug into the outlet orifice to lock the outlet and
can pull the plug out of engagement with the outlet orifice prior
to use, as described further below in reference to the accompanying
drawings.
Air Release/Leak Valve
[0060] The device may further comprise an air leak through which
air can flow to equalise any pressure differential between the
interior of the container and the external environment. In some
cases, the air leak may simply occur through gaps in the fitting
between the dispenser nozzle and the container, but this is not
preferred because leakage may occur if the container is inverted or
shaken. In preferred embodiments, the dispenser nozzle further
comprises an air leak valve, i.e. a one-way valve that is adapted
to permit air to flow into the container, but prevents any fluid
leaking out of the container if it is inverted. Any suitable
one-way valve system would suffice. It is preferred, however, that
the air leak valve is integrally formed within the body of the
dispenser or, more preferably, between two component parts of the
body of the dispenser.
[0061] Most preferably, the air leak valve is formed between the
upper part and base which define the chamber of the dispenser
nozzle.
[0062] Preferably, the air leak valve comprises a valve member
disposed within a channel that is defined by the body of the device
and connects the interior of the fluid supply to the external
environment. Most preferably, the valve member is resiliently
biased so as to contact the sides of the channel and forms a
sealing engagement therewith to prevent any liquid from leaking out
of the container, the valve member being further adapted to either
resiliently deform or displace from the sealing engagement with the
sides of the channel to define an opening through which air can
flow into the container when pressure within the container falls
below the external pressure by at least a minimum threshold amount.
Once the pressure differential between the interior and the
exterior of the container has been reduced to below the minimum
threshold pressure, the valve member returns to it position in
which the channel is closed.
[0063] Preferably, the valve member is in the form of a plunger
that extends into the channel and comprises an outwardly extending
wall that abuts the sides of the channel to form a seal.
Preferably, the outwardly extending wall is additionally angled
towards the interior of the container. This configuration means
that a high pressure within the container and exerted on the wall
of the valve member will cause the wall to remain in abutment with
the sides of the channel. Thus, the integrity of the seal is
maintained thereby preventing liquid from leaking out through the
valve. Conversely, when pressure within the container falls below
the external pressure by at least a minimum threshold amount, the
wall is deflected away from the sides of the container to permit
air to flow into the container to equalise or reduce the pressure
differential.
[0064] It is especially preferred that the plunger is mounted on to
a deformable base or flap which is capable of some movement when
the dome is pressed to displace any residue that may have
accumulated in the air leak valve. In addition, the provision of a
moveable (e.g. resiliently deformable) element within the air leak
valve is preferred because it helps to prevent the valve becoming
clogged during use.
[0065] In certain embodiments of the invention it is also preferred
that a protective cover is provided over the opening of the female
tube on the internal surface of the device to prevent liquid
present in the interior of the container from contacting the valve
member with a high or excessive force when the container is
inverted or shaken aggressively. The cover will allow air and some
fluid to flow past, but will prevent fluid impacting on the seal
formed by the flared end of the plunger directly, and thus will
prevent the seal being exposed to excessive forces.
[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the channel of the air leak
valve may be resiliently deformable instead of the male part. This
arrangement can be configured so that the side walls of the channel
distort to permit air to flow into the container.
[0067] The valve member and channel could be made from the same
material or different materials. For instance, they may both be
made from a semi-flexible plastic or the female element may be made
from a rigid plastic and the male part made from a resiliently
deformable material.
[0068] With certain products stored in containers over time there
is a problem associated with gas building up inside the bottle over
time. To release the build up of pressure, which can inevitably
occur, a release valve is required. The air leak valve described
above can be modified to additionally perform this function by
providing one or more fine grooves in the side of the channel.
These fine groove(s) will permit gas to slowly seep out of the
container, by-passing the seal formed by the contact of the valve
member with the sides of the channel, but prevent or minimise the
volume of liquid that may seep out. Preferably, the groove or
grooves formed in the side walls of the channel is/are formed on
the external side of the point of contact between the valve member
and the sides of the channel so that it/they are only exposed when
the pressure inside the container increases and acts on the plunger
to cause it to deform outwards (relative to the container). The
plunger will return to its resiliently biased position in which the
grooves are not exposed once any excess gas has been emitted. No
liquid product should be lost during this process.
[0069] Alternatively, the gas pressure within the container could
urge the valve member outwards so that it is displaced from the
channel and defines an opening through which the gas could
flow.
Seal
[0070] In preferred embodiments of the invention comprising at
least two component parts, it is preferred that a seal is disposed
at the join between the at least two interconnected parts to
prevent any fluid leaking out of the dispenser nozzle. Any suitable
seal would suffice. For instance, the two parts could be welded to
one another or one part could be configured to snap fit into a
sealing engagement with the other part or have possess a flange
around its perimeter that fits tightly around the upper surface of
the other part to form a seal therewith.
[0071] Preferably, the seal comprises a male protrusion formed on
the abutment surface of one of the at least two parts that is
received in a sealing engagement with a corresponding groove formed
on the opposing abutment surface of the other part when the two
parts are connected together.
[0072] The seal preferably extends around the entire chamber and
also the outlet so that fluid leaking from any position in the
dispenser is prevented from seeping between the join between the
two component parts.
[0073] In certain embodiments that comprise an outlet passageway
the protrusion member may extend across the passageway and form the
resiliently deformable valve member of the outlet valve. This
portion of the protrusion will usually be thinner to provide the
necessary resilience in the valve member to permit it to perform
its function.
[0074] In certain embodiments of the invention, the male protrusion
may be configured to snap fit into the groove or, alternatively,
the male protrusion may be configured to resistively fit into the
groove in a similar manner to the way in which a plug fits into the
hole of a sink.
Dip Tube
[0075] In most cases, a dip tube may be integrally formed with the
dispenser, or alternatively the body of the dispenser may comprise
a recess into which a separate dip tube can be fitted. The dip tube
enables fluid to be drawn from deep inside the container during use
and thus, will be present in virtually all cases.
[0076] Alternatively, it may be desirable with some containers,
particularly small volume containers, such as glues, perfume
bottles and nasal sprays, to omit the dip tube, because the device
itself could extend into the container to draw the product into the
dispenser nozzle during use, or the container could be inverted to
facilitate the priming of the dispenser with fluid. Alternatively,
the device may further comprise a fluid compartment formed as an
integral part of device from which fluid can be drawn directly into
the inlet of the nozzle without the need for a dip tube.
Internal Chamber
[0077] The chamber of the nozzle device may be of any form and it
shall of course be appreciated that the dimensions and shape of the
dome will be selected to suit the particular device and application
concerned. Similarly, all the fluid in the chamber may be expelled
when the dome is compressed or, alternatively, only a proportion of
the fluid present in the chamber may be dispensed, again depending
on the application concerned.
[0078] In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the
chamber is defined by a generally dome-shaped resiliently
deformable region of the body. Preferably, the dome-shaped region
is formed on the upper surface of the body so that it is accessible
for pressing by an operator. One problem with dome-shaped chambers
can be that a certain amount of dead space exists within the
chamber when it is compressed by an operator, and for some
applications it will be preferable that the dead space is minimised
or virtually negligible. To achieve this property, it has been
found that flattened domes or other shaped chambers whereby the
resiliently deformable wall of chamber can be depressed such that
it contacts an opposing wall of the chamber and thereby expels all
of the contents present therein are generally preferred. For this
reason, a flattened dome is especially preferred because it reduces
the extent with which the dome needs to be pressed inwards in order
to compress the chamber and actuate the dispensing of fluid stored
therein. It also reduces the number of presses required to prime
the chamber ready for the first use.
[0079] In some cases, the resiliently deformable portion of the
body may not be sufficiently resilient to retain its original
resiliently biased configuration following deformation. This may be
the case where the fluid has a high viscosity and hence tends to
resist being drawn into the chamber through the inlet. In such
cases, extra resilience can be provided by the positioning of one
or more resiliently deformable posts within the chamber, which bend
when the chamber is compressed and urge the deformed portion of the
body back to its original resiliently biased configuration when the
applied pressure is removed. Alternatively, one or more thickened
ribs of plastic could extend from the edge of the resiliently
deformable area towards the middle of this portion. These ribs will
increase the resilience of the resiliently deformable area by
effectively functioning as a leaf spring which compresses when a
pressure is applied to the resiliently deformable portion of the
body, and urges this portion back to its initial resiliently biased
configuration when the applied pressure is removed.
[0080] Yet another alternative is that a spring or another form of
resilient means is disposed in the chamber. As above, the spring
will compress when the wall is deformed and, when the applied
pressure is removed, will urge the deformed portion of the body to
return to its original resiliently biased configuration and, in
doing so, urges the compressed chamber back into its original
"non-compressed configuration".
Two or More Chambers
[0081] The nozzle device of the invention may comprise two or more
separate internal chambers.
[0082] Each individual chamber may draw fluid into the nozzle
device through a separate inlet from different fluid sources, e.g.
separate fluid-filled compartments within the same container.
[0083] Alternatively, one or more of the additional chambers may
not comprise an inlet. Instead a reservoir of the second fluid may
be stored in the chamber itself and the additional chamber or its
outlet may be configured to only permit a predetermined amount of
the second fluid to be dispensed with each actuation.
[0084] As a further alternative, one or more chambers of the
additional chambers may draw air in from outside the nozzle device.
Whether the additional chamber or chambers contain air or some
other fluid drawn from a separate compartment within the container,
the contents of the two or more chambers can be ejected
simultaneously through the outlet by simultaneously compressing
both chambers together. The contents of the respective chambers
will then be mixed within the outlet, either on, after or prior to,
ejection from the nozzle device. It shall be appreciated that
varying the relative volumes of the separate chambers and/or the
dimensions of the outlet can be used to influence the relative
proportions of constituents present in the final mixture expelled
through the outlet. Furthermore, the outlet passageway may be
divided into two or more separate channels, each channel extending
from a separate chamber, and each separate channel may feed fluid
into a spray nozzle passageway as discussed above where it is mixed
prior to ejection.
[0085] Where an additional chamber for the expulsion of air is
present, it shall be appreciated that, once the expulsion of air is
complete and the applied pressure is removed thereby allowing the
chamber to deform back to its original expanded configuration, more
air needs to be drawn into the chamber to replenish that expelled.
This can be achieved by either sucking air back in through the
outlet (i.e. not providing this additional chamber with an airtight
outlet valve) or, more preferably, drawing air in though an inlet
hole in the body defining the chamber. In the latter case, the
inlet hole is preferably provided with a one-way valve similar to
the inlet valve discussed above. This valve will only permit air to
be drawn into the chamber and will prevent air being expelled back
through the hole when the chamber is compressed.
[0086] In most cases, it is desirable to co-eject the air and fluid
from the container at approximately the same pressure. This will
require the air chamber to be compressed more (e.g. 3-200 times
more--depending on the application concerned) than the
fluid/liquid-containing chamber. This may be achieved by
positioning the chambers so that, when a pressure is applied, the
compression of the air-containing chamber occurs preferentially,
thereby enabling the air and liquid to be ejected at the same or
substantially the same pressure. For example, the air-containing
chamber may be positioned behind the liquid-containing chamber so
that, when a pressure is applied, the air chamber is compressed
first until a stage is reached when both chambers are compressed
together.
[0087] As an alternative, the nozzle device may also be adapted in
such a way that the air pressure may be higher or lower than the
liquid pressure, which may be beneficial for certain
applications.
[0088] The chambers may be arranged side by side or one chamber may
be on top of another. In a preferred embodiment where one of the
additional chambers contains air, the additional air chamber is
positioned relative to the chamber of the nozzle device so that the
compression of the air chamber causes the resiliently deformable
portion of the body to deform and compress the chamber of the
nozzle device.
[0089] Preferably, the fluid present in each chamber are ejected
simultaneously. However, it shall be appreciated that one chamber
may eject its fluid before or after another chamber in certain
applications.
[0090] In alternative embodiments, air and fluid from the container
may be present in a single chamber, rather than separate chambers.
In such cases, fluid and air is co-ejected and may be mixed as it
flows through the outlet. For example, where the outlet comprises
an expansion chamber, i.e. a widened chamber positioned in the
outlet passageway, the contents ejected from the chamber could be
split into separate branches of the channel and enter the expansion
chamber at different locations to encourage mixing.
Integral Part of a Container
[0091] In most cases it is preferable that the dispenser nozzle is
adapted to be fitted to container by some suitable means, e.g. a
snap fit or a screw thread connection. In certain cases, however,
the dispenser could be incorporated into a container as an integral
part. For instance, the dispenser device could be integrally
moulded with various forms of plastic container, such as rigid
containers or bags. This is possible because the device is
preferably moulded as a single material and, therefore, can be
integrally moulded with containers made from the same or a similar
compatible material.
[0092] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a container having a pump-action dispenser nozzle as
hereinbefore defined fitted to an opening thereof so as to enable
the fluid stored in the container to be dispensed from the
container through said dispenser nozzle during use.
[0093] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a container having a pump-action dispenser nozzle as
hereinbefore defined integrally formed therewith so as to enable
the fluid stored in the container to be dispensed from the
container through said dispenser nozzle during use.
[0094] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a pump-action dispenser nozzle having a body which
defines an internal chamber having an outlet through which fluid
present in the chamber may be expelled from the nozzle, said outlet
comprising an outlet valve configured to only permit fluid to flow
out of the chamber and be expelled from the nozzle when the
pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the outlet by at
least a minimum threshold amount, and wherein at least a portion of
the body which defines said chamber is configured to resiliently
deform from an initial resiliently biased configuration to a
distended or deformed configuration in response to the application
of a pressure, whereby the volume of said chamber defined by said
portion of the body is reduced as said portion of the body is
deformed from said initial configuration to said distended or
deformed configuration, said reduction in volume causing the
pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be ejected
through the outlet valve.
[0095] The nozzle arrangements of the fourth aspect of the
invention are the same as those defined above for the first aspect
of the invention, except that the dispenser does not comprise an
inlet/inlet valve through which fluid can be drawn into the
internal chamber. Instead, the entire fluid supply is stored within
the chamber. The device may be a single use dispenser whereby the
entire contents of the chamber are dispensed when the resiliently
deformable portion of the body is deformed. Alternatively, the
portion of the body may only be partially deformed to eject a
proportion of the contents of the chamber and then deformed further
if more fluid is desired to be dispensed.
[0096] Another difference is that the body will just deform when a
pressure is applied and will not subsequently return to its initial
resiliently biased configuration due to the absence of the
inlet.
[0097] The outlet and outlet valve are preferably as defined above
in relation to the first aspect of the present invention.
[0098] The body of the device may be made from any suitable
material. It may also be made from two or more interconnected
parts, as previously described. Each part may be made from the same
material or a different material.
[0099] In some embodiments of the invention, the entire body
defining the chamber may be resiliently deformable. Alternatively,
only a portion of the body may be configured to resiliently
deform.
[0100] The dispenser may be of any suitable form. For example, the
chamber could resemble a sachet or any similar form of fluid-filled
vessel. In such cases, squeezing the body will cause the pressure
therein to increase and fluid will then be ejected through the
outlet.
[0101] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a pump-action dispenser nozzle adapted to enable fluid
stored in a fluid source to be dispensed through said nozzle during
use, said nozzle having a body which defines an internal chamber
having an inlet through which fluid may be drawn into said chamber
and an outlet through which fluid present in the chamber may be
expelled from the nozzle, said inlet comprising an inlet valve
adapted to only permit fluid to flow into the chamber through the
inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below the pressure
within the fluid source by at least a minimum threshold amount and
said outlet comprising an outlet valve configured to only permit
fluid to flow out of the chamber and be expelled from the nozzle
when the pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the
outlet by at least a minimum threshold amount, and wherein at least
a portion of the body which defines said chamber is configured
to:
[0102] (i) resiliently deform from an initial resiliently biased
configuration to a distended or deformed configuration in response
to the application of a pressure, whereby the volume of said
chamber defined by said portion of the body is reduced as said
portion of the body is deformed from said initial configuration to
said distended or deformed configuration, said reduction in volume
causing the pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be
ejected through the outlet valve; and
[0103] (ii) subsequently return to its initial resiliently biased
configuration when the applied pressure is removed, thereby causing
the volume of the chamber to increase and the pressure therein to
fall such that fluid is drawn into the chamber through the inlet
valve;
[0104] characterised in that the body is composed of two parts that
fit together to define said chamber, a first of said parts being
formed entirely from a rigid material and a second of said parts
being formed from a flexible/resiliently deformable material housed
within a rigid material, wherein the rigid portion of the second
part is configured to secure the second part to the base part to
form the assembled dispenser nozzle and is connected to the rigid
first part by means of a hinge or a foldable connection
element.
[0105] It shall be appreciated that the resiliently deformable
material forms the resiliently deformable portion of the body
defining the chamber.
[0106] Apart from the materials, the dispenser nozzles are
preferably as defined above.
[0107] Preferably, the first part is a base part and the second
part is an upper part, as previously defined above.
[0108] Preferably the rigid material is a plastic material and most
preferably the rigid first part and the second part are formed from
the same material. It is especially preferred that the rigid
plastic portions of the first part are integrally formed with one
another in a single moulding operation. The resiliently deformable
portion may then be incorporated by a bi-injection moulding process
whereby the resiliently deformable portion is moulded onto or into
the second part in a second step prior to folding the second part
over about the hinge or foldable connection and fitting it to the
first part to form the assembled nozzle. Alternatively, the
resiliently deformable material may be an insert which is
positioned within the second part and held in place by securing the
second part to the base.
[0109] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a pump-action dispenser nozzle adapted to enable fluid
stored in a fluid source to be dispensed through said nozzle during
use, said nozzle having a body which defines an internal chamber
having an inlet through which fluid may be drawn into said chamber
and an outlet through which fluid present in the chamber may be
expelled from the nozzle, said inlet comprising an inlet valve
adapted to only permit fluid to flow into the chamber through the
inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below the pressure
within the fluid source by at least a minimum threshold amount and
said outlet comprising an outlet valve configured to only permit
fluid to flow out of the chamber and be expelled from the nozzle
when the pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the
outlet by at least a minimum threshold amount, and wherein at least
a portion of the body which defines said chamber is configured
to:
[0110] (i) be displaceable from an initial resiliently biased
configuration to a distended or deformed configuration in response
to the application of a pressure, whereby the volume of said
chamber defined by said portion of the body is reduced as said
portion of the body is deformed from said initial configuration to
said distended or deformed configuration, said reduction in volume
causing the pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be
ejected through the outlet valve; and
[0111] (ii) subsequently return to its initial resiliently biased
configuration when the applied pressure is removed, thereby causing
the volume of the chamber to increase and the pressure therein to
fall such that fluid is drawn into the chamber through the inlet
valve;
[0112] characterised in that the body of the device is formed
entirely from a rigid material or a flexible material.
[0113] Preferably the dispenser nozzle is as defined above.
[0114] In addition, it is also preferable, the part of the body
that can be displaced inwards to reduce the volume of the chamber
and thereby cause fluid present in said chamber to be ejected
through the outlet is a piston mounted within a piston channel. The
piston channel may form the entire chamber or, alternatively, just
a portion thereof.
[0115] Preferably, the dispenser nozzle comprises a means for
displacing the piston inwards from its initial position and then
subsequently returning it is initial position. This may be achieved
by any suitable means, such as, for example, a trigger or over cap
connected to the piston which can be operated to displace the
piston, when desired. Preferably, the means for displacing the
piston inwards from its initial position is resiliently biased so
that the piston will be returned to its initial position after
use.
Method of Manufacture
[0116] The nozzle devices of the present invention may be made by
any suitable methodology know in the art.
[0117] As previously described, preferred embodiments of the
invention comprise a body having two parts (a base and upper part)
which fit together to define at least the chamber of the device
and, more preferably, the chamber and at least a portion of the
outlet.
[0118] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of manufacturing a nozzle device as
hereinbefore defined, said nozzle device having a body composed of
at least two interconnected parts and said method comprising the
steps of: [0119] (i) moulding said parts of the body; and [0120]
(ii) connecting said parts of the body together to form the body of
the nozzle device.
[0121] Each part of the body may be a separate component part, in
which case the component parts are initially formed and then
assembled together to form the nozzle device.
[0122] Alternatively, and more preferably, the two parts of the
body or one of the parts of the body and the trigger actuator may
be integrally formed with one another and connected by a
bendable/foldable connection element. In such cases, the connected
parts are formed in a single moulding step and then assembled
together with the remaining part to form the nozzle device. For
instance, the base and upper part of the preferred embodiments of
the device may be integrally formed and connected to one another by
a foldable/bendable connection element. Thus, the entire device
will be formed in a single moulding step from a single material.
Once formed, the upper part can be folded over and connected to the
base to form the assembled nozzle device.
[0123] As an alternative, the nozzle device may be formed by a
bi-injection moulding process whereby a first component part the
body is formed and a second part is then moulded onto the first
part. Each part may be moulded from the same or a different
material. As before, the trigger actuator may be a separate
component part that is then fitted to the body of the nozzle
device, or it may be integrally formed with one of the parts of the
body.
[0124] Once the two parts of the body are connected to one another
to form the assembled body of the device, the two parts may be over
moulded with another plastic to hold the two parts together
[0125] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of manufacturing a nozzle device as
hereinbefore defined, said nozzle device having a body composed of
at least two interconnected parts and said method comprising the
steps of: [0126] (i) moulding a first of said parts of the body in
a first processing step; and [0127] (ii) over-moulding the second
of said parts onto the first of said parts in a second processing
step to form the body of the nozzle device.
[0128] The at least two parts are preferably moulded within the
same moulding tool in a bi-injection moulding process. Usually the
first part will be the base part of the nozzle device and the
second part will be the upper part.
[0129] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of manufacturing a nozzle device as
hereinbefore defined, said nozzle device having a body composed of
at least two interconnected parts and said method comprising the
steps of: [0130] (i) moulding a first of said parts of the body in
a first processing step together with a framework or base for a
second of said parts; and [0131] (ii) over-moulding onto the
framework or base to form the second of said parts of the assembled
nozzle device.
[0132] The framework for the second part may be fitted to the base
prior to the over-moulding step.
[0133] Alternatively, the over-moulding may take place before the
framework for the second part is fitted to the first part.
[0134] The over-moulding may be the same material to that of the
first part and the framework of the second part or it may be a
different material.
[0135] It is especially preferred that the base is moulded first
from a rigid plastic material together with the framework support
for the upper part. The framework for the upper part is preferably
connected to the base by a hinged or foldable connection member,
which enables the framework to be folded over and fitted to the
base during the assembly of the final product. The framework is
over moulded with a compatible flexible, resiliently deformable
plastic material which forms the resiliently deformable portion of
the body that defines the chamber. The resiliently deformable
plastic material may also form resiliently deformable valve members
for the outlet valve and the inlet valve. It may also extend over
other parts of the nozzle surface to provide a soft-touch feel to
the device when an operator grips it. The rigid framework of the
upper part may form an outer edge of the upper part, which forms
the point of connection with the base and, in embodiments where a
spray nozzle passageway is present, the framework may also form an
upper abutment surface which contacts a lower abutment surface
formed the base to define the spray passageway and outlet
orifice.
[0136] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of manufacturing a nozzle device as
hereinbefore defined, said nozzle device having a body composed of
at least two interconnected parts and said method comprising the
steps of: [0137] (i) moulding a first of said parts of the body in
a first processing step together with a framework or base for a
second of said parts; and [0138] (ii) positioning an insert portion
of the body such that said insert is retained within the framework
of the second part of the body when said framework is connected to
the first parts of the body, said framework and insert forming the
second part of the body.
[0139] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of manufacturing a nozzle device as
hereinbefore defined, said nozzle device having a body composed of
at least two interconnected parts and wherein said parts are
connected to one another by a connection element such that said
parts are moveable relative to one another, said method comprising
the steps of: [0140] (i) moulding the parts of the body together
with said connection elements in a single moulding step; and [0141]
(ii) moving said parts of the body into engagement with one another
to form the body of the nozzle device.
[0142] The dispenser nozzles of the present invention may be made
by a number of different moulding techniques.
Blowing Agent
[0143] Preferably, a blowing agent is incorporated into the mould
together with the plastic material. The blowing agent produces
bubbles of gas within the moulded plastic that prevent the
occurrence of a phenomenon known as sinkage from occurring. The
problem of sinkage and the use of blowing agents in the manufacture
of blowing agents to address this problem is described further in
the applicant's co-pending International Patent Publication No.
WO03/049916, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
[0144] The pump-action dispenser nozzle of the present invention is
particularly suited to dispensing viscous fluids, such as soaps,
shampoos, etc.
[0145] In contrast to many conventional pump-action dispenser
nozzles, the nozzles according to the present invention provide an
inexpensive, simple, convenient and effective means by which a
product may be dispensed from a non-pressurised container. In
certain embodiments, the nozzles of the present invention require
less effort (typically up to four times less effort) to pump an
equivalent volume of fluid when compared with the conventional pump
and trigger nozzle devices. Furthermore, in preferred embodiments
where the dispenser nozzle is formed from a single material, the
nozzle devices of the present invention possess a number of
advantages over the dispenser nozzles disclosed in EP 0 442 858,
U.S. Pat. No. 3,820,689, and EP 0 649 684 discussed previously.
Specifically, the formation of the dispenser nozzle from a single
material, particularly in preferred embodiments where the two parts
are integrally formed and connected to one another by a foldable
connection element or a hinged joint so that the upper part can be
swung into contact with the base part to form the assembled
dispenser nozzle, avoids the requirement for the assembly of
multiple, separate component parts. Furthermore, forming the
dispenser nozzle from a single material provides the possibility of
possibility of welding the two parts of the body together (e.g. by
heat or ultrasonic welding) or, if the plastic material is a rigid
plastic material, then a snap-fit connection can be formed between
the upper part and the base. The latter option also enables the
upper part and base to be disconnected periodically for cleaning,
as well as enabling the base to possess sufficient strength.
[0146] In contrast, the dispensers disclosed in EP 0 442 858, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,820,689, and EP 0 649 684 require the assembly of the
two component parts together and, if a lock was to be included,
then three component parts would be required. In addition, the join
between the resiliently deformable material and the rigid plastic
material is less than perfect because during use the resiliently
deformable material can creep or even become detached from the
rigid material. Thus, the requirement for a more reliable join
remains.
[0147] How the invention may be put into practice will now be
described by way of example only, in reference to the following
drawings, in which:
[0148] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled dispenser
nozzle of the present invention;
[0149] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base part 401 shown in
FIG. 1, without the upper part 402 present;
[0150] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper part 402 shown in
FIG. 1;
[0151] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser nozzle
shown in FIG. 1;
[0152] FIG. 4B is a further cross-sectional view taken along line
A-A of FIG. 4A;
[0153] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternative dispenser
nozzle of the invention in a dissembled configuration;
[0154] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken through the
embodiment shown in FIG. 5A;
[0155] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a
dispenser nozzle of the invention in a dissembled
configuration;
[0156] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken through the
embodiment shown in FIG. 6A;
[0157] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken through another
alternative embodiment of a dispenser nozzle of the present
invention;
[0158] FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d show various illustrations of
another embodiment of the dispenser nozzle present invention;
[0159] FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c show various views of a further
embodiment of the present invention;
[0160] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a dispenser nozzle
comprising a piston assembly for compressing the chamber;
[0161] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of
the present invention in dissembled form; and
[0162] FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C all show various perspective views of
an embodiment according to the fourth aspect of the present
invention.
[0163] In the following description of the figures, like reference
numerals are used to denote like or corresponding parts in
different figures, where appropriate.
[0164] The embodiment of a dispenser nozzle shown in FIG. 1
comprises a body 400 formed of two parts, namely a base part 401
and an upper part/rigid top 402, which is fitted to the upper
surface of the base part 401. The body 400 is formed from a rigid
plastic material.
[0165] The base part 401 comprises a screw-threaded recess in its
underside to enable the body to be secured to a screw-threaded neck
of a container, effectively forming a screw-threaded cap. The upper
part 402 is fitted to the upper surface base part 401, as shown in
FIG. 1, and forms a substantially dome-shaped protrusion on the
upper surface of the body 400. This dome shaped protrusion is the
resiliently deformable portion of the body, which can be pressed by
an operator to course it to deform inwards to reduce the volume of
the internal chamber. This causes fluid to be ejected from the
chamber through the outlet orifice 403.
[0166] A perspective view of the base part 401 is shown in FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 2, the base part 402 comprises a downwardly
extending portion 501, the under surface of which is provided with
the screw threaded recess previously mentioned. The upper surface
of the base 401 has a perimeter edge 504, which encircles a central
recessed portion 502. The recessed portion 502 consists of a deeper
portion 502a shaped substantially like an inverted dome, which
extends to form the lower part of a generally spout-like outlet
having an edge 505 that defines a portion of the outlet orifice. In
the region of the outlet edge 505 of the base 401, the recessed
portion 502 forms an abutment surface 502b, which, together with
the upper part 402, defines an outlet passage/valve of the
dispenser nozzle leading to the outlet orifice formed by edge 505
and a corresponding edge of the upper portion.
[0167] Positioned within recess 502, and just inside the edge 504,
is a channel 506, the significance of which will be come apparent
in the discussion of FIG. 3 below. Also positioned in the region
502a of the recess 502 is an inlet opening 503, through which fluid
may be drawn into the dispenser nozzle from the associated
container during use. The opening of the inlet 503 is positioned
within a further recess 503a, the significance of which will again
become apparent in the discussion of FIG. 3 below.
[0168] The under surface of the upper part 402 is shown in more
detail in FIG. 3 (for the purpose of illustration, the upper part
shown in FIG. 3 is inverted). The under surface of the upper part
402 is surrounded by lip 601, which, when the upper part 402 is
fitted to the base 401, is received within the channel 506 to form
a tight seal between the base and the upper part, thereby
preventing any fluid leakage occurring at the join between the base
401 and the upper part 402. The under surface of the upper part
extends between the lip 601 and assumes the configuration a
substantially dome-shaped recess at 602a, which aligns with the
recessed portion 502a when the base and upper part are connected
together, and extends to form an abutment surface at region 602b,
which contacts the opposing abutment surface 502b of the base 401
in the assembled dispenser nozzle to define the outlet passageway.
The upper part additionally comprises a flap projection 603 which,
when the upper surface is fitted to the base 401, sits within the
recess 503a and is resiliently biased against the inlet opening
503. The flap projection 603 forms the resiliently deformable valve
member of the inlet valve.
[0169] The internal structure and operation of the dispenser nozzle
400 shown in FIG. 1 will be better understood by referring to the
cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Referring to FIG.
4A, the base 401 comprises recesses 701 and 702 on it's under
surface. The recess 701 comprises a screw-thread (not shown) and is
circular in profile so that it can be fitted to a circular
screw-threaded neck opening of a container. The recess 702 on the
other hand is adapted to receive a dip tube 704 and also extends to
form the inlet opening 503 of the dispenser valve. The portion 502
of the upper surface 502 of the base 401, together with the portion
602a under surface of the upper part 402, defines an internal
chamber 700. The portion 502b of the upper surface, together with
the portion 602b of the under surface of the upper part 402 defines
an outlet passage which leads to an outlet orifice 403 defined by
the edge 505 of the base and edge 605 of the upper part. Thus, the
portion 602a of the upper part 402 is made from a thin section of
rigid plastic capable of undergoing a resilient deformation. This
portion of the body 400 is therefore the resiliently deformable
portion of the body that defines the chamber. The abutment surface
formed by portion 602b of the upper part 402 is also configured to
resiliently deform from the resiliently biased configuration
whereby the outlet passageway is closed, as shown in FIGS. 4A and
4B, to a position in which the passageway is open. Thus, the
resiliently deformable outlet passageway effectively forms the
outlet valve of the device. Furthermore, the flap projection 603 of
the upper part is received within the recess 503a surrounding the
inlet 505 of the chamber to form an inlet flap valve, as previously
discussed.
[0170] Therefore, during use, the resiliently deformable portion of
the upper part 402, in the region 602a can be deformed downwards by
the application of a pressure by, for example, an operator's finger
pressing this region. The application of a pressure causes the
volume of the chamber 700 to reduce and the pressure therein to
increase. When the pressure within the chamber exceeds a
predetermined minimum threshold value, the abutment surface 602b of
the upper part will be caused to deform away from the opposing
surface 502b of the base to define an open outlet passageway
through which the fluid present in the chamber may pass through and
be expelled through the outlet 403 of the dispenser nozzle. It will
be appreciated that fluid is prevented from flowing out of the
chamber through the inlet by the flap 603. As fluid is ejected, the
pressure within the chamber 700 will gradually fall as the fluid
present within the chamber is dispensed and when it falls below the
minimum threshold value the resiliently deformable abutment surface
of the outlet passageway 602b will deform back to position whereby
it abuts the surface 502b and the and the outlet passageway is
closed.
[0171] If the pressure applied to the chamber in the region of 602a
is then removed, the pressure within the chamber will decrease as
the chamber deforms back to the expanded configuration by virtue of
its inherent resilience. This reduction in pressure causes fluid to
be drawn into the chamber through the inlet because the pressure
differential between the inlet 503 and the chamber 700 causes the
flap projection 603 to be deflected away from the inlet orifice.
Once the portion 602a of the upper part of the body assumes its
initial resiliently biased configuration, the flap projection 603
deforms back to the position shown in FIG. 4A whereby the inlet is
closed.
[0172] As an alternative, the body of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
1 to 4 could be manufactured from a flexible plastic material. The
dispenser could be made by any suitable moulding procedure. For
example, the base 401 and upper part 402 could be moulded
separately and then connected together either in the same mould or
in separate moulds or, alternatively, one of the parts could be
moulded first and the other part can be moulded onto the first
part.
[0173] An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.
5A and 5B. This embodiment is virtually identical to the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, as shown by the like reference numerals. The
sole difference between this embodiment and the embodiment of FIGS.
1 to 4 is that the upper part 402 is connected to the base 401 via
a hinge or foldable connection 801, as shown in FIG. 5A, which
enables the upper part 402 to be folded over to engage the base 401
to form the assembled dispenser nozzle as shown in FIG. 5B. In this
embodiment, the upper part is formed entirely from a rigid plastic
material, but, in alternative embodiments, the upper part may
comprise a framework of a rigid plastic (the same as that of the
base) to which a flexible plastic material is over-moulded.
[0174] The main advantage of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and
5B is that the base 401 and the upper part 402 are integrally
formed, which means that the entire body of the dispenser can be
moulded in a single step from a single material, with all the
consequential advantages of reduced costs due to minimal assembly
and processing times. For instance, the dispenser could be moulded
in the open configuration shown in FIG. 5A, and the upper part
could then be folded over about the connection element 801 to form
the assembled nozzle device.
[0175] FIG. 6A shows a further embodiment of the invention, which
is identical to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, apart from the
fact that this embodiment additionally comprises an air leak valve
adapted to permit air to flow into the container from the outside
to equalise any pressure differential between the container and the
external environment that may exist (but prevent fluid flowing the
other way if the container is inverted, for example).
[0176] The air leak valve consists of a resiliently deformable
valve member 1101, which is received within an opening 1102 of the
base when the dispenser nozzle is assembled, as shown in FIG. 6B.
The opening 1102, together with the groove 1103 defines a
passageway through which air may flow into the container from the
outside in the assembled dispenser nozzle. The tip of the
resiliently deformable member 1101 is provided with a flared rim,
the edges of which abut the internal walls of the opening 1102 to
form an airtight seal. If a reduced pressure exists in the
container as a consequence of expelling fluid through the dispenser
nozzle, the pressure differential between the interior of the
container and the external environment causes the flared rim of the
member 1101 to deform inwards, thereby permitting air to flow into
the container from the external environment. Once the pressure
differential has been equalised, the flared rim returns to its
original resiliently biased configuration, as shown in FIG. 6B. It
shall also be appreciated that if the container is inverted, the
product cannot leak past the rim of the resiliently deformable
member 1101 and any pressure that is applied, by squeezing the
container for example, simply pushes the flared rim into tighter
abutment with the walls of the opening 1102.
[0177] In an alternative embodiment, the air leak valve may be a
post or flap positioned within a hole which can resiliently deform
to open the passageway when a pressure differential exists, thereby
allowing air to flow into the container from the external
environment.
[0178] In a further alternative, the resiliently deformable upper
part 402 could comprise a fine slit above an opening similar to
opening 1102. This slit could be configured to open when a pressure
differential exists.
[0179] In yet another alternative, the air release may be
positioned closer to the resiliently deformable upper part 402 and
configured such that, when the upper part is pressed downwards to
expel the contents present in the chamber 700, the resiliently
deformable member deforms in such a way that the air valve is
opened, and air may flow into or out of the chamber to equalise any
pressure differential that may exist.
[0180] A further alternative embodiment of a dispenser nozzle of
the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. The dispensing device
shown in FIG. 7 comprises many features of the embodiments
previously described, as shown by the like referenced numerals.
However, there are also a number of modifications.
[0181] Specifically, the outlet 403 of the device 1401 has been
modified so that the product is dispensed downwards in the
direction of arrow 1405. Of course it shall be appreciated that the
outlet may be configured to dispense the product at any angle (e.g.
at 30-45.degree. to the vertical).
[0182] The outlet passageway has also been further adapted to
incorporate a locking means. The locking means comprises a plug
1406 formed on the upper part 402. The plug extends to form a
button 1407 on the upper surface of the upper part 402, which can
be pressed to urge the plug 1406 into a sealing engagement with the
outlet orifice 403, as shown in FIG. 7. In this configuration, the
plug 1406 seals the outlet 403 and prevents fluid being dispensed
from the chamber. To release the seal and permit fluid to be
dispensed through the outlet 403, an operator must pull the button
1407 upwards to remove the plug 1406 from the outlet. Once
released, the portion 602b of the upper part can resiliently deform
away from the abutment surface of the base 502b to define an open
outlet passageway when the chamber is compressed. This deformation
of portion 602b of the upper part when fluid is flowing towards the
outlet 403 also removes the plug from the vicinity of the outlet
403 to define a passageway that fluid can flow through. As soon as
the contents of the chamber have been dispensed, the portion 602b
and the plug 1406 of the upper part will deform back to close the
outlet passageway. In this regard, the plug 1406 sits over the
outlet 403 to effectively form a non-return valve, which prevents
any air or product being drawn back into the chamber. After use, an
operator can press the button 1407 to plug the outlet and prevent
any accidental actuation of the device.
[0183] A generally L-shaped member 1408 having a lip 1408a hangs
down from the base of the plug 1406 and protrudes through the
outlet 403. When the plug is in a sealing engagement with the
outlet 403, as shown in FIG. 7, the lip 1408a is displaced from the
underside of the base. However, when the button 1407 is pulled to
remove the plug 1407, the lip 1408a of the member 1408 abuts the
underside of the base and prevents the button 1407 being pulled too
far. Any other means of preventing the button 1407 from being
pulled too far can be used.
[0184] The seal formed by the ridge 601 being received within a
corresponding groove 506 has also been modified in two respects.
Firstly, the seal extends around the entire perimeter of the
chamber 700 and additionally, encompasses the outlet passageway
defined between the abutment surfaces of portion 502b of the base
and 602b of the upper part. Therefore, a complete seal is formed to
prevent fluid seeping between the upper part 402 and the base part
401 and leaking out of the nozzle. Secondly, the thickness of the
ridge protrusion tapers towards its base and the width of the
groove 506 tapers correspondingly towards its opening. Hence, the
ridge 601 can be pushed, or snap fitted, into the groove 506 to
form a tight sealing engagement, which also functions to hold the
upper part 402 the base 401 together. The sides of the male
protrusion member and the corresponding sides of the groove that
form the seal can be any shape including straight, upwards taper,
one side straight and other tapered, or one side of the protrusion
may comprise ridge which is received within a further groove formed
in the side wall of the groove etc
[0185] The flap valve member 603 at the inlet has also been
provided with a support arm 603a. The support arm 603a is
configured to resiliently bias the flap 603 over the inlet orifice
and thereby increases the strength of the seal formed there
between, as well as the pressure required to cause the flap 603 to
deform away and open the inlet 503 during use.
[0186] The dispenser nozzle shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 comprise a
generally dome-shaped protrusion on the upper surface, which can be
depressed by an operator to compress the chamber and cause the
contents stored therein to be expelled through the outlet. One
potential problem with such designs is that the operator needs to
press the dome using their finger, which requires the operator to
position their finger in the correct location to ensure that the
chamber is compressed and fluid is ejected through the outlet. It
has also been found that a relatively high pressure is required to
press the dome to a sufficient extent, which can be a further
disadvantage, especially as it is commonplace for people to actuate
conventional pump dispensers by applying pressure with a different
portion of the their hand, such as using their palm, or even using
their elbow or forearm. In these instances, it would be much more
problematical to adequately compress the dome using, for example,
the palm of the hand in order actuate the ejection of fluid from
the device.
[0187] Accordingly, further modified embodiments of the present
invention have been developed that can be actuated by an operator
using any part of their hand or arm, one of which is illustrated in
FIGS. 8A and 8B. These figures show cross-sectional and perspective
views, respectively, of an alternative dispenser nozzle according
to the present invention, which solves the aforementioned problems
associated with device shown in FIGS. 1 to 7. The dispenser nozzle
shown in these Figures is virtually the same as that shown in FIG.
7, except that the dispenser nozzle additionally comprises a handle
or over cap 2001, which is folded over from the front edge of the
upper surface of the base, about a hinged connection 2002 to cover
the base 401 and the upper part 402, as shown in FIG. 8a. The
leading edge 2001a of the handle 2001 extends right over the upper
surface of the upper part and is received on a ledge 2003 formed as
the rear side of the base. The ledge 2003 prevents the cover being
pushed downwards so that protrusions 2004 compress the chamber 700.
Thus the actuation of the device is inhibited. To release the lock,
the sides of the over cap can be squeezed inwards, as shown by
arrows 2005 in FIG. 8C, to displace the edge of the handle 2001
from the ledge. The handle 2001 may then be depressed to compress
the chamber and actuate the dispensing of the fluid stored therein.
The handle 2001 effectively forms a curved surface that the
operator can press to actuate the dispensing of fluid from the
chamber. The handle 2001 may be curved, as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8C
and 8D, or flat.
[0188] The chamber 700 and the protrusion 2004 can be moved further
forward to increase the mechanical advantage/efficiency of the
device (by effectively increasing the leverage when the handle is
pressed.
[0189] FIG. 9A shows a dissembled embodiment of s further modified
embodiment of the invention in which the base 401 and upper part
402 are disconnected from one another. This embodiment is in effect
a simplified version of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8a-d. The
base 401 is connected to the upper part 402 by the
bendable/foldable connection element 2002 and can be moulded from a
single material and extracted from the mould in the configuration
shown in FIG. 9A. As previously described, the upper part can be
swung over and fitted to the upper surface of the base 401 to form
an assembled dispenser nozzle, as shown in FIG. 9B.
[0190] Referring to FIG. 9B, it can be seen that, in the assembled
configuration, the protrusion 601 extending around the perimeter of
the upper surface of the base 401 is received in a sealing
engagement with a groove 506 formed in the upper part 402 to form a
sealed connection between the base 401 and the upper part 402, and
the resiliently deformable flap 603 is received within the recess
formed in the base surrounding the inlet 503 to form the inlet
valve. Both of these arrangements have been previously described
above. In contrast to the previously described embodiments,
however, the upper part 402 also possess two elements 2501 which
comprise indents 2501a adapted to receive the tips of two pivot
protrusions 2502 formed on the upper surface of the base 401. This
arrangement enables the upper part 402 to pivot relative to the
base so that the portion 602a of the upper part can be displaced
towards the portion 502a of the upper surface of the base 401 to
compress the chamber 700, as shown in FIG. 9C. The upper part is
resiliently biased to assume the configuration shown in FIG. 9B
whereby the portions of the base and upper part that define the
chamber 700, namely 502a and 602a respectively, are displaced from
one another so that the chamber 700 assumes its maximum volume. The
resilient bias is provided by the resiliently deformable wall 2504
of the base 401, which can resiliently flex (as shown in FIG. 9C)
when a downward force is applied in the direction of arrow 2505, to
permit the portions 502a and 602a to come closer together and
reduce the volume of the chamber 700. When the downward force is
removed, the wall 2504 returns to its initial configuration, as
shown in FIG. 9B.
[0191] Thus, an operator can apply a downward force by pressing on
the upper part 402 anywhere in the region 2506 to compress the
chamber and cause the contents stored therein to displace the plug
1406 from the outlet aperture 403 and enable fluid to be dispensed
through the outlet 403. The plug 1406 effectively functions as a
pre-compression valve as fluid will only be dispensed from the
chamber 700 when the pressure therein is sufficient to displace the
plug 1406 from the outlet orifice. When the downward pressure is
removed, the chamber 700 re-expands as the wall 2504 returns to its
original configuration and the pressure within the chamber will
then fall causing more fluid to be drawn into the chamber through
the inlet valve.
[0192] The main difference between this embodiment and those
previously described is that the upper part 402 is configured to
remain rigid and the wall 2504 of the base is instead configured to
deform to permit the chamber to be compressed. This provides an
advantage in that the operator can use any part of their hand, or
even arm, to actuate the dispensing of fluid from the container.
This arrangement also provides and increased mechanical efficiency
and enables the operator to keep in contact with the upper part.
The upper part could be made from a flexible material provided the
sides wall 2504 is configured to deform preferentially.
[0193] Any suitable outlet valve described herein may be used
instead of the plug 1406. In addition, the device may optionally
include a locking member 2510 which is integrally formed with the
upper part 402 and can be swung into abutment with the base 401, as
shown in FIG. 9B, to prevent the upper part 402 from being able to
pivot and compress the chamber 700. Hence, the device is locked and
the accidental actuation will be inhibited. The locking member 2510
can be disengaged from the base 401 to enable the device to be
operated in the manner described above.
[0194] In certain embodiments of the invention, a trigger actuator
configured to depress the upper part 402 when the trigger is pulled
by an operator may be provided.
[0195] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 8a-d and 9a-c could be made
from a single, integrally formed component part, as shown, or could
be formed from several separate component parts that are assembled
together to form the device. The device would usually be moulded
from a rigid plastic, but could be moulded entirely from a flexible
plastic for certain applications. The necessary deformability for
certain parts of the structure can be provided by making these
required sections of a reduced thickness, which imparts the
necessary deformability characteristics into the design.
[0196] FIG. 10 shows a further alternative embodiment of the
invention that incorporates a piston cylinder 2301 having a piston
2302 slidably mounted therein. Movement of the piston to compress
the chamber 700, and thereby expel the contents stored therein, is
facilitated by pressing the resiliently deformable portion of the
body 2304, which is connected to the base 401 by a resilient
deformable hinge 2303. Pressing this portion of the body urges the
resiliently mounted piston 2302 inwards to compress the chamber
700. When the applied pressure is released, the hinge 2303 urges
the piston back to its initial resiliently biased position, as
shown in FIG. 10.
[0197] FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a dispenser
nozzle device of the invention in a dissembled configuration.
Instead of comprising a single chamber, the embodiment shown in
FIG. 11 comprises two separate internal chambers formed by the
alignment of portions 502a and 602a, as previously described, and
portion 1150a and 1151a when the upper part and base are connected
together. Each chamber is provided with a separate inlet and
separate outlet so that fluid can be drawn from separate
compartments within the same container into the respective chambers
and dispensed through separate outlets.
[0198] The dispenser nozzle shown in FIG. 11 also comprises two air
leak valves, one for equalising the pressure within each separate
compartment within the container to which the dispenser nozzle is
attached.
[0199] In alternative embodiments, the outlets of each chamber may
merge so that the fluid present in each chamber mix either on or
prior to being dispensed through a common outlet orifice.
[0200] Each chamber may comprise a liquid or the second chamber may
comprise air or another gas instead.
[0201] FIG. 12A to 12C show various perspective views of dispenser
device according to the present invention. The dispenser device as
shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C is a nasal spray device which comprises
an elongate outlet 2401 which is adapted to be inserted into a
user's nose. Fluid is stored in an internal chamber of the device,
which is defined between an upper part 402 and a base 401. Fluid is
dispensed by pressing a resiliently deformable portion of the upper
part 602a to compress chamber and cause fluid to be dispensed
through the outlet 403.
[0202] The device may be a single use device whereby the entire
contents of the chamber are dispensed following a single actuation.
Alternatively, the chamber may be provided with an inlet though
which a further dose of fluid can be drawn into the chamber when
the applied pressure is released and the resiliently deformable
portion of the body returned to its resiliently biased
configuration.
[0203] As a further alternative, the entire body of the device may
be resiliently deformable, rather than just the portion 602a, so
that the device can be squeezed between the fingers of an operator
to trigger the dispensing of fluid.
[0204] It shall be appreciated that the description of the
embodiments of the invention described in reference to the figures
is intended to be by way of example only and should not construed
as limiting the scope of the invention.
* * * * *