U.S. patent application number 10/545590 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-18 for dual chamber dispenser.
Invention is credited to Keith Laidler, Timothy Rodd.
Application Number | 20070012723 10/545590 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32913418 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070012723 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Laidler; Keith ; et
al. |
January 18, 2007 |
Dual chamber dispenser
Abstract
This invention relates to improved dispenser nozzles and methods
of making the same. The dispenser nozzles of the invention
comprises a body which define two or more internal chambers, both
of which have outlets and at least one of which has an inlet. The
inlet comprises an inlet valve and the outlet comprises an outlet
valve. Fluid is dispensed from the dispenser nozzles by applying a
pressure to a resiliently deformable or displacable portion of the
body of the device that defines the chamber, thereby compressing
the chamber and actuating the dispensing of fluid. The additional
chamber(s) may contain further liquids or gaseous substance (e.g.
air). In preferred embodiments, the actuator is an over cap or a
trigger actuator.
Inventors: |
Laidler; Keith; (West
Midlands, GB) ; Rodd; Timothy; (Hants, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEARSON & PEARSON, LLP
10 GEORGE STREET
LOWELL
MA
01852
US
|
Family ID: |
32913418 |
Appl. No.: |
10/545590 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
February 17, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB04/00625 |
371 Date: |
September 21, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/135 ;
222/207 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/207 20130101;
B05B 11/3053 20130101; B05B 11/3084 20130101; B65D 83/22 20130101;
B05B 11/06 20130101; B65D 83/7535 20130101; B05B 11/3032 20130101;
B05B 11/3087 20130101; B05B 11/3085 20130101; B05B 11/0072
20130101; B05B 11/3059 20130101; B65D 83/753 20130101; B05B 11/3033
20130101; B65D 83/56 20130101; B05B 11/3097 20130101; B05B 11/0027
20130101; B05B 11/04 20130101; B05B 11/3028 20130101; B05B 11/3011
20130101; B05B 11/303 20130101; B05B 11/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/135 ;
222/207 |
International
Class: |
B67D 5/52 20060101
B67D005/52; B65D 37/00 20060101 B65D037/00 |
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 a first 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 a second chamber which comprises at least an
outlet and an outlet valve, wherein one or more portions of the
body that define said first and second chambers are 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 volumes of both said
chambers defined by said one or more portions of the body are
reduced as said one or more portions of the body are deformed from
said initial configuration to said deformed configuration, said
reduction in volume causing the pressure within the chambers to
increase and fluid to be ejected through the respective outlet
valves; and (b) subsequently return to the initial resiliently
biased configuration when the applied pressure is removed, thereby
causing the volume of the chambers to increase and the pressure
therein to fall such that further fluid is drawn into at least the
first chamber through the inlet valve, characterized in that the
deformable portion or portions of said body are adapted to be
activated by direct pressure exerted by the user on at least one
part of the body which defines at least one of the chambers and
which forms part of an outer surface of said device.
2. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
said device comprises no more than six separate component
parts.
3. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
said device comprises a maximum of three separate component
parts.
4. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the
said nozzle comprises two separate component parts.
5. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the
said nozzle comprises a single component part.
6. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the
second chamber further comprises an inlet equipped with an inlet
valve through which a fluid from a second fluid source may be drawn
into the second chamber when the pressure within the chamber falls
below the pressure within the second fluid source by at least a
minimum threshold amount.
7. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the
second chamber does not comprise an inlet and contains a reservoir
of a second fluid.
8. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 7, wherein
said second fluid is dispensed in one single actuation.
9. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 7, wherein
said second fluid is dispensed incrementally when the device is
actuated.
10. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
the fluid contained in the second chamber is a liquid, which is
co-dispensed with a liquid present in the first chamber.
11. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
the fluid contained in the second chamber is gas, which is
co-dispensed with a liquid present in the first chamber.
12. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 11, wherein
the gas is air.
13. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 12, wherein
the second chamber comprises an air inlet to draw more air into the
second chamber to replenish that which is dispensed when the
resiliently deformable portion of the body is deformed.
14. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 13 wherein compression of
the air chamber occurs preferentially allowing the air and liquid
to be ejected together.
15. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 13, wherein the air
chamber is above the liquid containing chamber so that the air
chamber will be compressed first.
16. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 15, wherein
said air inlet comprises a one-way air inlet valve adapted to only
permit air to flow into the second chamber when the pressure within
the air chamber falls below the external pressure by at least a
predetermined minimum threshold amount.
17. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein said inlet and
outlet valves are each capable of forming an air tight seal.
18. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 12, wherein
air is drawn back into the second chamber through the outlet when
the second chamber expands.
19. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 18, wherein
the outlet of the second chamber is provided with a two way 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 to only permit air to be drawn back into the chamber
when the external pressure at the outlet exceeds the pressure
within the second chamber by at least a predetermined minimum
threshold amount.
20. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
the outlets of said first and second chambers each comprise an
outlet passageway that extends from the respective chamber to
separate outlet orifices.
21. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
the outlets of said first and second chambers each comprise an
outlet passageway that extends from each said respective chamber to
a single, common outlet orifice, said passageways merging such that
fluid dispensed from each chamber during use mixes within the
outlet passageway prior to being dispensed through said outlet
orifice.
22. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 20, wherein
the outlet passageway comprises one or more internal
spray-modifying features prior to a final swirl chamber and spray
orifice configured to reduce the size of the liquid droplets
dispensed through the outlet orifice of the nozzle device during
use.
23. A pump action dispenser nozzle according to claim 22, wherein
said spray modifying features include one or more expansion
chamber.
24. A pump action dispenser nozzle according to claim 22, wherein
said spray modifying features include two or more expansion
chambers.
25. A pump action dispenser nozzle according to claim 22, wherein
said spray modifying features include one or two swirl
chambers.
26. A pump action dispenser nozzle according to claim 22, wherein
said spray modifying features include three or more swirl
chambers.
27. A pump action dispenser nozzle according to claim 22, wherein
said spray modifying features include two internal spray
orifices.
28. A pump action dispenser nozzle according to claim 22, wherein
said spray modifying features include three or more internal spray
orifices.
29. A pump action dispenser according to claim 22, wherein said
internal spray modifying features include one or more venturis.
30. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 22, wherein
said passageways merge within a spray-modifying feature.
31. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 30, wherein
said spray modifying feature is a swirl chamber, expansion chamber
or both.
32. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein a first
portion of the body defining at least one of said chambers forms a
rigid or substantially rigid actuator surface to which a pressure
can be applied and a second portion of the body that defines said
chamber is configured to: (a) resiliently deform from an initial
resiliently biased configuration to a distended or deformed
configuration in response to the application of a pressure to said
actuator surface, whereby the volume of said chambers defined by
said portion of the body is reduced as said second portions of the
body is deformed from said initial configuration to said distended
or deformed configuration, said reduction in volume causing the
pressure within the chambers 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 chambers to increase
and the pressure therein to fall such that further fluid is at
least drawn into the first chamber through the inlet valve.
33. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 32, wherein
said actuator surface is an upper surface of the device.
34. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 32, wherein the actuator
surface is flat or substantially flat.
35. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 32, wherein the actuator
surface is curved.
36. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 32, wherein the actuator
surface retains its configuration when a pressure is applied.
37. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 32, wherein the second
part of the body defining the chamber is a side wall of the chamber
or a portion of the base.
38. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 32, wherein the actuator
surface is a rigid surface that can be pressed by an operator and
is configured so that it can slide or pivot towards an opposing
portion of the body defining the chamber when a pressure is
applied, thereby causing the volume of the chamber to reduce.
39. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 38, wherein the body
defines a third and fourth chamber.
40. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 39 wherein the chambers
are arranged side by side or one above another.
41. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 38, wherein the actuator
surface is formed from a rigid plastic material.
42. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
said nozzle is adapted to be fitted to an opening of a container so
as to enable fluid stored in said container to be dispensed during
use.
43. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
said nozzle is integrally formed with a container so as to enable
fluid stored in said container to be dispensed during use.
44. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
the body of the nozzle device comprises two or more interconnected
parts, which, when connected together, define said first chamber
and said second chamber.
45. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
the first chamber and the second chamber of the nozzle device are
defined between two interconnected parts.
46. A pump-action dispenser nozzle according to claim 44, wherein
the outlet comprises an outlet valve, an outlet orifice and an
outlet passageway that connects the outlet valve to the outlet
orifice, it is also preferred that the at least two interconnected
parts that define the chambers also define at least a portion of
the outlet passageway.
47. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 45, wherein the two
interconnected parts form the outlet valve between them and also
define the entire outlet passageway and the outlet orifice.
48. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 46, wherein the outlet
passageway is defined between an abutment surface of one of said
parts and an opposing abutment surface of another of said
parts.
49. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 48, wherein one or more
of the abutment surfaces comprises one or more grooves and recesses
formed thereon which define the outlet passageway when the abutment
surfaces are contacted together.
50. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 44, wherein one of said
parts is a base part and other of said parts is an upper part.
51. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 50, wherein said base
part is adapted to be fitted to the opening of a container.
52. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 50, wherein said base
part also defines the inlet as well as a portion of the passageway
leading from the chamber to the outlet.
53. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 50, wherein the upper
part is adapted to be fitted to the base so that they define the
chamber and the outlet passageway leading to the outlet of the
dispenser nozzle between them.
54. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 50, wherein the upper
part forms the resiliently deformable portion of the body defining
the chamber.
55. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 50, wherein the outlet
valve is formed between the component parts of the body of the
dispenser nozzle.
56. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 55, wherein the outlet
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.
57. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claim 56, wherein
the outlet valve is formed between the abutment surfaces of the at
least two parts.
58. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 56, wherein the abutment
surface of one of the parts comprises a resiliently deformable
valve member that is resiliently biased against the other of the
parts to close the outlet orifice or 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.
59. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 58, wherein said valve
member is in the form of a flap or a plug.
60. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 59, wherein a second
reinforcing flap or member contacts the opposing surface of the
resiliently deformable flap.
61. 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.
62. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 61, wherein the
resiliently deformable flap is formed as an integral extension of
the resiliently deformable portion of the body which defines the
chamber.
63. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser
nozzle comprises a locking means configured to prevent fluid being
dispensed accidentally.
64. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 63, wherein the lock
means is integrally formed with the body.
65. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the device
further comprises one or more air leak valves through which air can
flow to equalize any pressure differential between the interior of
a container and the external environment, but prevents any fluid
leaking out of the container if it is inverted.
66. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 44, wherein said
dispenser nozzle comprises a body formed of at least two
interconnected parts that together define the first chamber and the
second chamber and a sealing means is disposed between said at
least two parts to prevent any fluid leaking out of the dispenser
nozzle.
67. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 66, wherein the two parts
of the body are permanently fixed together by ultrasonic or heat
welding, and are of compatible materials.
68. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 67 wherein both parts of
the body are made from a rigid or flexible material.
69. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 67, wherein the parts of
the body are made from the same material.
70. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 66, wherein a seal is
disposed at the join between the interconnected parts to prevent
any fluid leaking out from the nozzle device.
71. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 70, wherein the body
includes a frame work of a rigid material and some or all of the
other parts, including said deformable portion or portions of the
body and the valves are over molded in the frame work with a
flexible material.
72. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 71 wherein the body
includes a suitable plastics material molded around the outside
thereof to seal it and on top of the surface for a soft touch.
73. 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.
74. A container having a pump-action dispenser nozzle according to
claim 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.
75. A pump-action dispenser nozzle having a body which defines two
or more fluid-filled internal chambers, each of said chambers
containing a fluid and 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 within the chamber 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 so as to enable the said portion of the body to
be displaced from an initial resiliently biased configuration in
which said chamber assumes its maximum volume, to a distended or
deformed configuration, in which the volume of said chamber is
reduced, by the application of a pressure, said reduction in volume
causing the pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be
ejected through the outlet valve characterized in that the entire
fluid supply is stored within the chambers and the chambers have no
inlet valves.
76. A pump-action dispenser nozzle dispenser according to claim 75,
wherein 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.
77. A pump-action dispenser nozzle dispenser according to claim 75,
wherein the piston channel forms one of either the entire chamber
or only a portion thereof.
78.-90. (canceled)
91. A pump action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
said nozzle comprises at least two component parts for assembly
with a snap fit.
92. A pump action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
said nozzle comprises at least two component parts for assembly by
welding.
93. A pump action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
said nozzle comprises at least two component parts for assembly by
means of over molding.
94. A pump action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
said nozzle comprises at least one component part formed by
injection molding, and wherein a blowing agent is incorporated into
a mold together with a plastic material.
95. A pump action dispenser nozzle according to claim 1, wherein
said nozzle comprises at least one component part formed from at
least two plastic materials using bi-injection molding.
96. A pump action dispenser nozzle according to claim 95, wherein
the at least one component part of said nozzle comprises a base
portion formed by means of a bi-injection molding process in which
a rigid material is injected into a mold in a first stage and a
second relatively flexible material is over molded onto the rigid
material in a second stage of the process.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to improvements in or relating to
dispenser nozzles and, more particularly but not exclusively, to
improvements in or relating to pump-action dispenser nozzles and
methods of making such devices.
[0002] Pump-action dispenser nozzle devices are commonly used to
provide a means by which fluids can be dispensed from a
non-pressurised container.
[0003] A problem with conventional pump-action nozzles is that they
tend to be extremely complex in design and typically comprise
numerous component parts (usually between 8 and 10 individual
components in dispenser 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. In addition, 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 is a further
drawback because the nozzle can take 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 in 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.
[0004] The present invention provides a solution to the problems
associated with conventional 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 a first 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 a second chamber
which comprises at least an outlet and an outlet valve, wherein one
or more portions of the body that define said first and second
chambers are configured to:
[0005] (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
chambers defined by said one or more portions of the body is
reduced as said one or more portions of the body are deformed from
said initial configuration to said distended or deformed
configuration, said reduction in volume causing the pressure within
the chambers to increase and fluid to be ejected through the outlet
valve; and
[0006] (ii) subsequently return to the initial resiliently biased
configuration when the applied pressure is removed, thereby causing
the volume of the chambers to increase and the pressure therein to
fall such that further fluid is at least drawn into the first
chamber through the inlet valve.
[0007] The dispenser nozzle of the present invention solves the
aforementioned problems associated with many conventional
pump-action spray 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 dispenser nozzle. 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). The key to reducing the number of components
lies in the formation of the necessary features integrally within
the body of the device. 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.
[0008] Furthermore, the nozzle devices of the present invention
additionally provide a means by which two fluids may be dispensed
from the nozzle device simultaneously. The nozzle device may
comprise a third and a fourth additional chamber for certain
applications. Each chamber may comprise a liquid, or one or more of
the additional chamber may comprise air or another gaseous
fluid.
[0009] The second chamber may also comprise an inlet through which
a fluid from a second fluid source, e.g. a separate compartment of
the container to which the device is attached, can be drawn in. In
such cases, the second chamber preferably comprises an inlet
equipped with an inlet valve.
[0010] Alternatively, the second chamber may not comprise an inlet
at all. Instead a reservoir of the second fluid may be stored
within the second chamber which is either dispensed in one single
actuation or, more preferably, the outlet of the second chamber may
be configured to only permit a predetermined amount of the second
fluid to be dispensed with each actuation.
[0011] As a further alternative, the additional fluid contained in
the second chamber may be a gas or a mixture of gasses such as air.
In the latter case it is particularly desirable to co-eject air in
certain application because the mixture of an air stream with
another fluid can be exploited to either break up the spray
droplets dispensed from the device in the case of spray dispenser
nozzle, or modify the properties of the ejected product, e.g. by
causing foaming, in the case of more viscous fluids, such as hair
mousses, creams, shaving foams etc.
[0012] In embodiments 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 resiliently deformable portion of the chamber to
deform back to its initial resiliently biased 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. by making the outlet valve a two way valve) or, more
preferably, by drawing air in from the external environment though
a separate air inlet. In the latter case, the air inlet 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.
[0013] In most cases, it is desirable to co-eject the second fluid
from the second chamber at substantially the same pressure as the
air ejected from the first chamber. If the second fluid is air then
this will typically require the air chamber to be compressed more
(e.g. 3 to 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. Alternatively, the air chamber may positioned on top of
the liquid containing chamber so that pressure is applied directly
to the air chamber and is then transferred from this chamber to the
liquid containing chamber. Thus, the air chamber will be
preferentially compressed first.
[0014] As an alternative, the dispenser nozzle may also be adapted
in such a way that the pressure with which fluid is dispensed from
the second chamber is higher or lower than the liquid pressure,
which may be beneficial for certain applications.
[0015] When two or more separate compartments are present in the
dispenser nozzle, it is problematical getting the outlet valve of
each chamber to open at the same time. For this reason, it may be
preferable that the arrangement is configured so as to enable the
application of a pressure to the resiliently deformable portion of
the body to facilitate the distortion/opening of the outlet valves
at a predetermined point or time.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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, prior to or after,
ejection from the dispenser nozzle. 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.
[0018] 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 dispenser nozzle so that
the compression of the air chamber causes the resiliently
deformable portion of the body to deform and compress the chamber
of the dispenser nozzle.
[0019] In some embodiments of the invention, fluid may be ejected
from one chamber before or after fluid ejected from another
chamber.
[0020] The chambers of the dispenser nozzle may be of any form and
it shall of course be appreciated that the dimensions and shape of
the chambers will be selected to suit the particular device and
application concerned. Similarly, all the fluid in the chambers may
be expelled when the chambers are compressed or, alternatively,
only a proportion of the fluid present in the chambers may be
dispensed, again depending on the application concerned.
[0021] In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the
chambers will be defined by generally dome-shaped regions of the
body, which are resiliently deformable. Preferably, the dome-shaped
regions are formed on the upper surface of the body so that it is
accessible for an operator to apply a pressure to cause these
regions to resiliently deform.
[0022] One problem with dome-shaped chambers can be that a certain
amount of dead space exists within the chamber when an operator
compresses it, 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 portion of
chamber can be depressed such that it contacts an opposing wall
that defines 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.
[0023] In some cases, the resiliently deformable portion of the
body defining said chamber 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.
[0024] 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".
[0025] The resiliently deformable portion of the body may be
pressed directly by an operator in certain embodiments of the
invention. In some cases, this can be a problem because an operator
will need to use their finger in order to depress the resiliently
deformable portion of the body. This requires a certain amount of
co-ordination on the part of the operator as well as a reasonable
amount of pressure, which makes such devices less suitable for
certain individuals. Furthermore, such devices are difficult to
actuate using portions of the body other than a finger, such as the
palm of the hand, wrist or elbow.
[0026] For this reason, it is preferred that certain embodiments of
the invention are adapted in order to provide a rigid actuator
surface that an operator can press more conveniently and using any
suitable portion of their body.
[0027] In such cases, it is preferable that a first portion of the
body defining said chamber forms a rigid or substantially rigid
actuator surface to which a pressure can be applied and a second
portion of the body that defines said chambers is configured to
resiliently deform from its initial resiliently biased
configuration in response to the application of a pressure to said
actuator surface, such that said actuator surface is displaced from
an initial resiliently biased position, in which said chambers
assume their maximum volume, to a distended position, in which the
volume of said chambers is reduced. The reduction in volume causes
the pressure within the chambers to increase and fluid to be
ejected through the outlet valve. When the applied pressure is then
removed, the second portion of the body will then return to its
initial resiliently biased configuration and return the actuator
surface to its initial resiliently biased position, thereby causing
the volume of the chamber to increase and the pressure therein to
fall such that fluid is drawn into at least the first the chamber
through the inlet valve.
[0028] By "substantially rigid" we mean that the actuator surface
has a higher rigidity than the second portion of the body and is
sufficiently rigid such that, when a pressure is applied to the
actuator surface, the second portion of the body deforms while the
deformation of the actuator surface is minimal.
[0029] Preferably, the actuator surface is disposed on the upper
surface of the device. Most preferably, the surface covers
substantially the entire upper surface of the device.
[0030] Preferably the area of the actuator surface is sufficient to
enable an operator to apply a pressure to it using the palm of
their hand, elbow and/or wrist.
[0031] Preferably the actuator surface is flat or substantially
flat, although it may also be curved in certain embodiments. It
also preferred that the actuator surface retains its configuration
when a pressure is applied, although it may be configured to flex
to a limited extent.
[0032] It is also preferred that the second portion of the body
defining the chamber that is capable of undergoing a resilient
deformation when the actuator surface is pressed is a side wall of
the chamber or a portion of the base.
[0033] The actuator surface may be configured to slide or pivot to
compress the chamber when a pressure is applied.
[0034] In certain embodiments of the invention the outlet of the
dispenser nozzle may be adapted to generate a spray of the fluid
ejected from one or more of the chambers of the dispenser nozzle.
The outlet of the dispenser nozzle may be adapted to perform this
function by any suitable means known in the art. For instance, the
outlet orifice of the outlet may be a fine hole configured such
that fluid flowing through it under pressure is caused to break up
into numerous droplets. In such embodiments, however, it is
preferable that the outlet comprises an outlet orifice and an
outlet passageway that connects the chamber(s) to the outlet
orifice. The outlet valve is preferably disposed within the outlet
passageway. It is especially preferred that the outlet passageway
comprises one or more internal spray-modifying features that are
adapted to reduce the size of liquid droplets dispensed through the
outlet orifice of the dispenser nozzle during use. Examples of
internal spray modifying features that may be present in the outlet
passageway include one or more expansion chambers, one or more
swirl chambers, one or more internal spray orifices (adapted to
generate a spray of fluid flowing through within the outlet
passageway), and one or more venturi chambers. The inclusion of one
or more of the aforementioned features is known to affect the size
of the spray droplets produced during use of the device. It is
believed that these features, when present alone or in combination,
contribute to the atomisation of the droplets generated. These
spray-modifying features, and the effect that they impart on the
properties of the spray produced, are known in the art and are
described in, for example, International Patent Publication Number
WO 01/89958, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference. It shall be appreciated that the provision of the
outlet valve upstream from the outlet passageway and the outlet
orifice ensures that the fluid enters the outlet passageway with
sufficient force for the liquid to be broken up into droplets and
form a spray.
[0035] In certain embodiments of the invention, the outlet
passageway and outlet orifice may be in the form of a separate unit
or insert, which can be connected to the outlet of the chamber to
form the outlet of the dispenser nozzle. The unit or insert may
also be connected to the body of the device by a hinge so as to
enable it to be optionally swung into the required position for use
and swing out of position when it is not required.
[0036] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the liquid
present in the chamber(s) may be dispensed as a stream of liquid
which is not broken up into droplets. Examples of such liquids
dispensed in this form include soaps, shampoos, creams and the
like.
[0037] The chambers defined by the body may be defined between two
or more interconnected parts of the body. It is especially
preferred that the chambers of the dispenser nozzle is defined
between two interconnected parts, which may be separately formed
component parts that fit together to define the chamber or, more
preferably, the two parts will be integrally formed with one
another as a single component. In the latter case, it is preferred
that the two parts are connected together by hinge or foldable
connection element which enables the two parts to be moulded
together in the same mould and then brought into contact with one
another to define the chambers.
[0038] In preferred embodiments of the invention in which the
outlet comprises the outlet valve, an outlet orifice and an outlet
passageway that connects the chambers to the outlet orifice, it is
also preferred that the at least two interconnected parts that
define the chambers also define at least a portion of the outlet
passageway. Most preferably, the two interconnected parts form the
outlet valve between them and also define the entire outlet
passageway and the outlet orifice.
[0039] The outlet passageway is preferably defined between an
abutment surface of one of said parts and an opposing abutment
surface of another of said parts. One or more of the abutment
surfaces preferably comprises one or more grooves and/or recesses
formed thereon which define the outlet passageway when the abutment
surfaces are contacted together. Most preferably, each of said
abutment surfaces comprises a groove and/or recesses formed thereon
which align to define the outlet passageway when the abutment
surfaces are contacted together. The grooves and/or recesses
preferably extend from the chamber to an opposing edge of the
abutment surfaces where, when the abutment surfaces are contacted
together, an outlet orifice is defined at the end of the outlet
passageway. In preferred embodiments where one or more spray
modifying features are present in the outlet passageway, the
features may be formed by aligning recesses or other formation
formed on the abutment surfaces, as illustrated and described in
International Patent Publication Number WO 01/89958.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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 and then moulding a suitable plastic material around them to
hold the two parts together.
[0043] 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.
[0044] It is most preferred that the two parts of the body of the
dispenser nozzle that define the chambers 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, such as, for example, a
screw thread or snap fit connection. 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
outlet passageway leading from the chambers to the outlet orifice
in preferred embodiments.
[0045] The upper part is adapted to be fitted to the base so that
between them they define the chambers and, in preferred
embodiments, the outlet valve, outlet passageway and/or outlet
orifice. 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 chambers.
[0046] It is preferred that the upper part comprises the first
portion of the body and the base comprises the second portion of
the body defined above.
[0047] The body of the nozzle arrangement may be made from any
suitable material.
[0048] In certain embodiments of the invention where the body
comprises two interconnected parts which fit together to define the
chambers, the two parts may be made from either the same or
different materials. For instance, one of the parts may be made
from a flexible/resiliently deformable material, such as a
resiliently deformable plastic or rubber material, and the other of
said parts may be made from a rigid material, such as a rigid
plastic. Such embodiments are preferred for some applications
because the flexible/resiliently deformable material forms the
second portion of the body defining the chambers and can readily be
deformed by an operator pressing the actuator surface to actuate
the ejection of fluid present in the chambers. The flexible
material can also provide a soft touch feel for the operator. Such
embodiments can be made by either moulding the two parts separately
and then connecting them together to form the assembled nozzle
arrangement, or moulding the two parts in the same tool using a
bi-injection moulding process. In the latter case, the two parts
could be moulded simultaneously and then fitted together within the
moulding tool or, alternatively, one part could be moulded first
from a first material and the second part made from a second
material could be moulded directly onto the first part.
[0049] Alternatively, the two parts may both be made from either a
rigid or a flexible material. 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, although a flexible plastic material
could be used provided the first portion of the body is if
desired.
[0050] It is preferable that the first portion of the body is
formed from a rigid plastic material. Most preferably, the entire
pump-action dispenser nozzle (i.e. the body and the actuator) is
formed from a single rigid plastic material.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] Forming the entire dispenser nozzle from a single material
enables the body of the device to be moulded in a single moulding
tool and in a single moulding operation, as discussed further
below.
[0054] 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 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.
[0055] For most applications the dispenser nozzle would need to be
made from a rigid material to provide the necessary strength for
the actuator surface 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.
[0056] The second 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.
[0057] In most cases, however, it is preferable that the abutment
surfaces that define the outlet passageway of the outlet are formed
from a rigid plastic material. Although flexible/resiliently
deformable materials could be used for this purpose they are
generally less preferred because any spray-modifying features
present will typically need to be precisely formed from a rigid
material. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, one of the
two parts that defines the outlet and the chamber may be formed
from two materials, namely a rigid material that forms the abutment
surface that defines the outlet passageway and the outlet orifice,
and a resiliently deformable material that defines the chamber.
[0058] In order to function optimally, it is necessary that the
outlet of the first chamber at least is provided with, or is
adapted to function as, a one-way valve. Preferably, both chambers
comprise a one way outlet valve, but in some instances the outlet
valve for the second chamber may be a two way valve (e.g. if the
second chamber is an air chamber--to permit air to be drawn into
the second chamber), as discussed above.
[0059] The provision of one way valves enables fluid stored in each
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 chambers caused by the displacement of the resiliently
deformable portion of the body from its initial resiliently biased
configuration), and close the outlets at all other times. The
closure of the valve when the pressure in the chambers 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.
[0060] Any suitable one-way valve assembly that is capable of
forming an airtight seal may be used. However, it is preferable
that the valves are formed by the component parts of the body of
the dispenser nozzle. Most preferably, the valves are formed
between the abutment surfaces that define outlet passageway.
[0061] In certain embodiments of the invention, the outlet valves
are formed by one of the abutment surfaces defining the outlet
passageway being resiliently biased against the opposing abutment
surface to close off a portion of the length of the outlet
passageway. In this regard, the valves will only open to permit
fluid to be dispensed from the chambers when the pressure within
each 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 each 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.
[0062] In certain embodiments of the invention, it is especially
preferred that the resiliently biased abutment surface is
integrally formed with the resiliently deformable portion of the
body, which defines the chamber.
[0063] In embodiments where the body is made entirely from a rigid
plastic material, the resistance provided by the resiliently biased
surface (which may be a thin section of rigid plastic) may not be
sufficiently resilient to achieve the required minimum pressure
threshold for the optimal functioning of the device. 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/valves. Alternatively, a rigid reinforcing
rib could be provided above part of the outlet
passageway/valves.
[0064] In an alternative preferred embodiment, one or more of the
outlet valves may be formed by a resiliently deformable member
formed on one of said abutment surfaces which extends across the
outlet passageway to 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(s)
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(s) 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.
[0065] 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(s) exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the post or
plug can be deformed to define an opening through which fluid can
flow through the outlet.
[0066] The predetermined minimum pressure that must be achieved
within the chamber(s) in order to open the outlet valve will depend
on the application concerned. A person skilled in the art will
appreciate how to modify the properties of the resiliently
deformable surface by, for example, the selection of an appropriate
resiliently deformable material or varying the manner in which the
surface is fabricated (e.g. by the inclusion of strengthening
ridges).
[0067] To ensure that fluid is only ejected through the 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.
[0068] Any suitable inlet valve may be used.
[0069] 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 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] The dispenser nozzle may also be provided with a locking
means to prevent the fluid being dispensed accidentally.
[0077] In such embodiments the lock will be integral part of the
body and will not be a separate component connected to 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 bar
or member prevents the outlet valves from opening.
[0078] 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 accident
actuation of the device.
[0079] 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.
[0080] Most preferably, the air leak valve is formed between the
upper part and base which define the chamber of the dispenser
nozzle.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] The seal preferably extends around the entire chamber and
the sides of the outlet passageway so that fluid leaking from any
position within the chamber and or outlet passageway is prevented
from seeping between the join between the two component parts. In
certain embodiments where the outlet orifice is not defined between
the two component parts of the body, it is preferred that the seal
extends around the entire chamber and any portion of the outlet
that is defined between the two interconnected parts of the
body.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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.
[0095] In most cases, a dip tube will be integrally formed with the
nozzle, 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.
[0096] In embodiments where the second chamber additionally
comprises an inlet through which fluid is drawn from a fluid
source, then two dip tubes will usually be present.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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 nozzle could be incorporated into a container as an
integral part. For instance, the dispenser nozzle could be
integrally moulded with various forms of plastic container, such as
rigid containers or bags. This is possible because the device can
be moulded as a single material and, therefore, can be integrally
moulded with containers made from the same or a similar compatible
material.
[0099] 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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a pump-action dispenser nozzle having a body which
defines two or more fluid-filled internal chambers, each of said
chambers comprising a fluid and 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 within the chamber 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 so as to enable the said portion of the body to
be displaced from an initial resiliently biased configuration in
which said chamber assumes its maximum volume, to a distended or
deformed configuration, in which the volume of said chamber is
reduced, by the application of a pressure, said reduction in volume
causing the pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be
ejected through the outlet valve.
[0102] 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 to be dispensed.
[0103] 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.
[0104] The outlet and outlet valve are preferably as defined above
in relation to the first aspect of the present invention.
[0105] 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.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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 a first 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 a second chamber which
comprises at least an outlet and an outlet valve, and wherein at
least a portion of the body which defines said chambers is
configured to:
[0108] (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
[0109] (ii) subsequently return to its initial resiliently biased
position when the applied pressure is removed, thereby causing the
volume of the chambers to increase and the pressure therein to fall
such that further fluid is at least drawn into the first chamber
through the inlet valve.
[0110] Preferably the dispenser nozzle is as defined above.
[0111] 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.
[0112] 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.
[0113] The dispenser nozzles of the present invention may be made
by any suitable methodology know in the art.
[0114] 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.
[0115] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of manufacturing a dispenser nozzle as
hereinbefore defined, said dispenser nozzle having a body composed
of at least two interconnected parts and said method comprising the
steps of: [0116] (i) moulding said parts of the body; and [0117]
(ii) connecting said parts of the body together to form the body of
the dispenser nozzle.
[0118] 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 dispenser nozzle.
[0119] 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 dispenser nozzle. 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 dispenser nozzle.
[0120] As an alternative, the dispenser nozzle 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.
[0121] 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
[0122] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of manufacturing a dispenser nozzle as
hereinbefore defined, said dispenser nozzle having a body composed
of at least two interconnected parts and said method comprising the
steps of: [0123] (i) moulding a first of said parts of the body in
a first processing step; and [0124] (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 dispenser nozzle.
[0125] 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 dispenser nozzle and the
second part will be the upper part.
[0126] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of manufacturing a dispenser nozzle as
hereinbefore defined, said dispenser nozzle having a body composed
of at least two interconnected parts and said method comprising the
steps of: [0127] (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 [0128] (ii) over-moulding onto the
framework or base to form the second of said parts of the assembled
dispenser nozzle.
[0129] The framework for the second part may be fitted to the base
prior to the over-moulding step.
[0130] Alternatively, the over-moulding may take place before the
framework for the second part is fitted to the first part.
[0131] 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.
[0132] 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.
[0133] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of manufacturing a dispenser nozzle as
hereinbefore defined, said dispenser nozzle having a body composed
of at least two interconnected parts and said method comprising the
steps of: [0134] (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 [0135] (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.
[0136] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of manufacturing a dispenser nozzle as
hereinbefore defined, said dispenser nozzle 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: [0137] (i) moulding the parts of the body together
with said connection elements in a single moulding step; and [0138]
(ii) moving said parts of the body into engagement with one another
to form the body of the dispenser nozzle.
[0139] The dispenser nozzles of the present invention may be made
by a number of different moulding techniques.
[0140] 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.
[0141] 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:
[0142] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser nozzle of the
present invention with the two component parts of the body
separated;
[0143] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of further embodiment of the
invention with the two component parts of the body separated;
[0144] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of further embodiment of the
invention with the two component parts of the body separated;
[0145] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of further embodiment of the
invention with the two component parts of the body separated A is a
cross-sectional view of the dispenser nozzle shown in FIG. 1;
[0146] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 4A in the assembled configuration;
[0147] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X' of
FIG. 4B; and
[0148] FIG. 4D is a further cross-sectional view taken along line
X-X' of FIG. 4B when the dispenser nozzle has been actuated.
[0149] In the following description of the figures, like reference
numerals are used to denote like or corresponding parts in
different figures, where appropriate.
[0150] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a dispenser nozzle of the
present invention. The device, which is adapted to dispense fluids
in the form of a spray, comprises a body 100 formed of two parts,
namely a base part 101 and an upper part 102. The base 101 and
upper part 102 are connected to one another by a foldable
connection element 103.
[0151] The base 101 is adapted to be fitted to a container (not
shown) to permit fluid stored in said container to be drawn to, and
dispensed from, said device during use.
[0152] In this embodiment, the body 100 is formed from a single
rigid plastic material in a single moulding operation. The device
will be moulded in the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and then the
upper part 102 will be folded over about the connection element 103
and fitted to the upper surface of the base 101 to form the
assembled nozzle arrangement. Once the base 101 and the upper part
102 are fitted together, the portion 102a of the under surface of
the upper part 102 abuts the abutment portion/surface 101a of the
upper surface of the base 101. The recessed portions 101b and 101c
of the upper surface of the base 101 are aligned with corresponding
recessed portions 102b and 102c respectively, that formed in the
under surface of the upper part 102 to define two separate internal
chambers.
[0153] Each chamber comprises an inlet orifice 104a and 104b formed
in the base. Each inlet orifice is disposed within a respective
recess 105a and 105b, as shown in FIG. 1. When the upper part 102
is fitted to the base 101, the resiliently deformable flaps 106a
and 106b are received within the recesses 105a and 105b
respectively. The flaps 106a and 106b are resiliently biased
against the openings of the inlet orifices 104a and 104b
respectively to form inlet valves. Thus, fluid is only drawn into
the two chambers when the pressures within the inlet orifice
exceeds the pressure within the chamber such that said flaps are
displaced away from the openings of the inlet orifices 104a and
104b to permit fluid to flow into chambers. Each inlet orifice 104a
and 104b will be connected to different fluid supplies, such as
separate compartments within the container to which the device is
attached. Alternatively, one of the chambers may draw air (or any
other form of gas) from the container or the external environment.
In the latter case, an air inlet could simply be formed within the
body of the device to permit air to be drawn in form the external
environment.
[0154] The outlet comprises an outlet passageway and outlet orifice
defined by the abutment surfaces 101a and 102a when they are
contacted together. The passageway is formed by the alignment of
grooves 106, 107 and 108 with grooves 109, 110 and 111
respectively, and chambers formed within the outlet passageway are
formed by the alignment of recesses 112 and 113 with recesses 114
and 115 respectively.
[0155] Therefore, fluid dispensed from the chamber formed by
recesses 101b/102b during use travels through the chamber formed by
the alignment of recesses 112/114 and then into the chamber formed
by the alignment of recesses 113/115 before being ejected through
the outlet orifice. Fluid dispensed from the chamber formed by
recesses 101c/102c during use travels through to the chamber formed
by the alignment of recesses 113/115, where it mixes with the fluid
dispensed from the other chamber prior to ejection through the
outlet orifice.
[0156] The provision of the chambers formed within the passageway
has been found to contribute to the break up of liquid droplets
dispensed from the dispenser nozzle, thereby enabling a fine spray
to be produced.
[0157] The outlet passageway leading from each chamber will also
comprise an outlet valve (not shown) positioned up stream from the
chambers so that fluid will only be ejected when the pressure
within the chamber exceeds a predetermined minimum threshold value.
The valve can be formed by the provision of a resiliently
deformable flap or other member in the outlet passageway, which can
deform from an initial resiliently-biased position in which the
passageway is closed to define an opening through which fluid can
flow when the pressure within the chamber is at or exceeds the
predetermined threshold value.
[0158] The device would also preferably comprise sealing means to
ensure that the upper part and base are tightly bound together. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a plastic can be moulded over the
join to create a suitably tight seal. Alternatively, one of the
parts may be provided with a ridge protrusion, which encircles the
recesses and the sides of the grooves/recesses that define the
outlet passageway, and which forms a sealing engagement with a
correspondingly shaped groove formed on the opposing abutment
surface. The ridge protrusion and corresponding groove will fit
tightly together to assist in holding the base 101 and the upper
part 102 in tight abutment with one another. The ridge and groove
also form a seal that prevents any fluid leaking out of the
chambers or outlet passageways and seeping between the upper part
102 and the base 101.
[0159] 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.
[0160] During use, fluid is dispensed from the dispenser nozzle by
depressing the portions 102b and 102c on the upper surface of the
assembled device. These portions form the resiliently deformable
portion of the body. When the applied pressure is removed, the
portion 102b and 102c return to their initially biased
configurations, thereby causing the volume of the chambers to
increase and fluid to be drawn into each chamber through the inlets
104a and 104b.
[0161] In embodiments where one chamber, for instance the chamber
formed by the alignment of recesses 101c/102c, contains air, the
compression of the chambers together causes the air stream ejected
from this chamber to mix with a liquid dispensed from the other
chamber. This mixing will break up the droplets of liquid and
assist in the formation of a fine spray when the liquid is
dispensed through the outlet.
[0162] FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention
adapted to dispense two liquids simultaneously in the form of a
spray. This embodiment is in many respect similar to that shown in
FIG. 1 (as shown by the like reference numerals). However, there
are some differences. Firstly, the upper part 102 is connected to
the base 101 at the front, rather than at the side, as shown in
FIG. 1. The upper part 102 is therefore simply flipped over by
bending/folding the connection element 103 and fitting it to the
base 101 to form the assembled dispenser nozzle.
[0163] The device shown in FIG. 2 is also configured to dispense
two liquids separately so that they only mix outside of the
dispenser nozzle by the merging of the two separate sprays, which
is desirable for certain applications. It shall of course be
appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the outlet passageways
could be configured to merge in a similar manner to the outlet
passageways of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
[0164] The outlet passageways also differ in that a passageway is
formed by the alignment of grooves 201 and 202. The passageway
extends to a swirl chamber formed by the alignment of semi-circular
recesses 203 and 204. Thus, fluid dispensed from each chamber
during use flows along the passageway and into the swirl chamber
whereby rotational flow is induced into the fluid stream prior to
ejection through the outlet orifice. Swirl chambers are known in
the art and are again used to break up fluid droplets prior to
ejection through the outlet.
[0165] A further difference over the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is
that the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 also comprises two air release
valves. The air release valves are formed by valve members 205 and
206 formed on the under surface of the upper part 102 being
received within openings 207 and 208 respectively formed on the
abutment surface 101a of the base when the nozzle arrangement is
assembled. The openings 207 and 208 both define passageways through
which air may flow into the container from the outside in the
assembled nozzle arrangement. The tip of the resiliently deformable
member is provided with a flared rim, the edges of which abut the
internal walls of the opening to form an airtight seal. If a
reduced pressure exists in the container as a consequence of
expelling fluid through the nozzle arrangement, the pressure
differential between the interior of the container and the external
environment causes the flared rim of the member 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 initial resiliently biased configuration
to prevent any further air flow through the opening. It shall also
be appreciated that if the container is inverted, the product
cannot leak past the rim of the resiliently deformable member 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.
[0166] 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.
[0167] In a further alternative, the resiliently deformable upper
part 102 could comprise a fine slit above an opening similar to
openings 207 and 208. This slit could be configured to open when a
pressure differential exists.
[0168] In yet another alternative, the valve member may be a post
or plug formed on the upper part 102 which blocks an opening formed
in the base and is only displaced when the upper part is pressed
downwards to actuate the dispensing of the fluid present in the
chamber.
[0169] Yet another difference is that the upper part comprises
ridge protrusions 209 which encircle each recess (102b and 102c)
and extend either side of the grooves/recesses 201-204 that define
each outlet passageway. These protrusions are received in a sealing
engagement with corresponding grooves 210 formed on the upper
surface of the base 101 when the upper part and base are fitted
together. The seal formed prevents any fluid leaking from the
chamber or the outlet passageway from seeping between the join
between the upper part 102 and the base 101. The ridge protrusion
also extends across the outlet passageway to form an outlet valve
member. This portion of the protrusion can forms a flap valve which
can deform to permit fluid to flow along the each passageway only
when a predetermined minimum threshold pressure is achieved within
each chamber. At all other times the valve member closes off the
passageway.
[0170] FIG. 3 shows a further alternative embodiment of the
invention, which is identical to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2,
except that, instead of being configured to dispense fluid in the
form of a spray, the dispenser nozzle 301 is configured to dispense
a bolus of fluid (such as viscous fluid). Therefore, the device
comprises straight outlet passageway which is wider than those of
previous embodiments and also does not possess any of the
chambers.
[0171] The pump dispensers shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 all comprise two
generally dome-shaped protrusions on the upper surface of the
assembled device, which must be pressed by an operator to compress
the chambers 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 fully compressed. 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.
[0172] Accordingly, a further modified embodiment of the present
invention has been developed that can be actuated by an operator
using any part of their hand or arm by the provision of a rigid or
substantially rigid actuator surface, and this embodiment is
illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D. FIG. 4A shows the embodiment in
dissembled form, i.e. with the base 101 and upper part 102
disconnected from one another. The base 101 is connected to the
upper part 102 by the bendable/foldable connection element 103. The
base comprises two outlet orifices 401a and 401b, i.e. one for each
chamber formed by the alignment of recesses 101b/102b and
101c/102c. Each outlet receives a plug member 402a and 402b
respectively formed on the upper part 102.
[0173] As previously described, the upper part 102 can be swung
over and fitted to the upper surface of the base 101 to form an
assembled nozzle arrangement, as shown in FIG. 4B. Referring to
FIG. 4B, it can be seen that the assembled dispenser nozzle
comprises a large actuator surface as its upper surface, which is
formed by portion 102b and 102c of the upper part.
[0174] Referring to FIG. 4C, which shows a cross-sectional view
taken along line X-X' of FIG. 4B, it can be seen that, in the
assembled configuration, the protrusion 403 extending around the
perimeter of the region 101b of the base 101 is received in a
sealing engagement with a groove 404 formed in the upper part 102
to form a sealed connection between the base 101 and the upper part
102. The resiliently deformable flap 106a is also received within
the recess 105a formed in the base surrounding the inlet 104a to
form the inlet valve.
[0175] The upper part 102 also possess two elements 405 which
comprise indents 405a adapted to receive the tips of two pivot
protrusions 406 formed on the upper surface of the base 101. This
arrangement enables the upper part 102 to pivot relative to the
base so that the portion 102b of the upper part can be displaced
towards the portion 101a of the upper surface of the base 101 to
compress the chamber 410, as shown in FIG. 4D.
[0176] The upper part forms the first portion/actuator surface
102b/c of the body of the device. The second resiliently deformable
portion of the body device is provided by the resiliently
deformable side wall 411 of the base. The wall 411 is resiliently
biased to assume the configuration shown in FIG. 4C, whereby the
actuator surface 102b is displaced from the base 101 and the
chamber 410 assumes its maximum volume.
[0177] When a pressure is applied to the actuator surface 102b in
the direction of arrow 415, the resiliently deformable wall 2504
deforms such that the actuator surface is displaced towards the
portion 101b of the upper surface of the base 101, thereby
compressing the chamber. The increased pressure within the chamber
displaces the plug 402a from the outlet 401a and fluid is dispensed
from the chamber. Any suitable outlet valve described herein may be
used instead of the plug 402a. When the applied pressure is
released, the wall 411 returns to its initial resiliently-biased
configuration, as shown in FIG. 4C, thereby increasing the volume
of the chamber, reducing the pressure therein and causing more
fluid to be drawn into the chamber through the inlet 104a.
[0178] The plug 402a effectively functions as a pre-compression
valve ensuring that fluid is only dispensed from the chamber 410
when the pressure therein is sufficient to displace the plug from
the outlet orifice. In order to enable fluid to pass the plug 402a,
it is preferably hollow so that it can deform to define a channel
or, alternatively, it may be displaceable in which case there must
be sufficient space above the plug to enable it to be displaced
away from the outlet orifice.
[0179] In addition, the device may optionally include a locking
member 420 which is integrally formed with the upper part 102 and
which can be swung into abutment with the base 101, as shown in
FIG. 4C, to prevent the upper part 102 from being able to pivot and
compress the chamber 410. Hence, the device is locked and its
accidental actuation will be inhibited. The locking member 420 can
be disengaged from the base 101 to enable the device to be operated
in the manner described above.
[0180] The main difference between this embodiment and those
previously described is that the actuator surface 102b/c of the
upper part 102 is substantially rigid and does not deform when a
pressure is applied. Instead, the resilient deformation occurs in
the wall 411. This provides an advantage in that the actuator
surface provides a solid point of contact for the operator.
Furthermore, an 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.
[0181] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D is made from a rigid
plastic material, although it could be made from a flexible plastic
material or a combination of a rigid and a flexible material. The
entire dispenser nozzle is formed as a single component part which
is moulded from a single processing step and extracted from the
mould in the configuration shown in FIG. 4A.
[0182] Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-D is a dispenser
nozzle configured to dispense a bolus of liquid, particularly
viscous liquids such as soaps, shampoos, creams etc., it shall be
appreciated that the device could easily be configured to dispense
fluids in the form of a spray by, for example, modifying the outlet
in a similar manner to the dispenser nozzles shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
discussed above.
[0183] It shall also be appreciated that the two fluids dispensed
could be configured to mix prior to dispensing, rather than being
dispensed through two separate outlets. In such cases, one of the
chambers may be an air chamber to provide an air stream when it is
compressed that mixes with fluid dispensed from the other chamber
during use.
[0184] The chambers are shown side by side in all of the Figures.
It will of course be apparent that the chambers could be arranged
one on top of another instead by simple modification of the
designs.
[0185] 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 in anyway.
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